During a report by Jim Vaughn of WFMZ, Coach Chris Thompson looks forward to this Sunday’s game by mentioning the Noise Nation! We’re ready Coach and we know you are too! It’s gonna be LOUD!
Monthly Archives: March 2013
Let’s Go Blanco! The Return!
Yesterday our good friend Kram209 tweeted (which I re-tweeted) the re-signing of recently released righty RBI guy Andres Blanco aka Andy White. (and no he had never heard of the hidden ball trick until last year when Kratzie gingerly placed it in his mitt – true story).
So it seems the “Let’s Go Blanco” chant, which come to think of it… generally emanates from somewhere behind home plate will return in 2013 – nightly at Coca-Cola Park!
IronPigs that is. Set a spell. Yell your head off. Y’all chant along now, y’hear?
Let’s Go Blanco!! The Return!
Minor Moves: Blanco, Hawkins, Tanner, Smith
By Mark Polishuk [March 14, 2013 at 9:01pm CST]
mlbtraderumors.comHere are today’s minor transactions, with the latest moves at the top of the page…
The Phillies re-signed infielder Andres Blanco to a minor league contract, Baseball America’s Matt Eddy reports. The club released Blanco a few weeks ago. Blanco last played in the majors in 2011 and he has a career .634 OPS in 654 PA over six seasons with the Rangers, Cubs and Royals. He spent last year with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate.
Let’s Go Blanco Dishing
Filed under DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
IronPig Spring Training Results 3-13-2013
From Matt Provence, IronPig’s Media:
Phils’ Triple-A Falls, 2-1, to Pirates on Wednesday
Reliever Brendan Lafferty allowed a game-winning run to the Pirates in the final inning, as the Phillies’ Triple-A Spring Training squad fell, 3-1, on Wednesday in Bradenton.
The Pirates pitching limited the offense to just three hits while dropping the team to 1-1 overall.
CF Leandro Castro had the Phillies’ lone RBI on a double which plated OF Steve Susdorf. 2B Matt Tolbert had the only other two hits, both singles.
IronPigs LHP Tom Cochran was effective in the start (3 ip, 2 h, r, er, bb, k). RHP Brandon Erbe and RHP Austin Hyatt each tossed two scoreless innings of relieve. Erbe fanned four batters while allowing two hits and a walk in an impressive outing. RHP Hector Norris followed with a perfect inning before Lafferty finished out the game with one inning pitched.
Castro, a 2012 Eastern League All-Star, spent the entire 2012 season in Double-A Reading. He posted a stat line of .287-10-71 in 133 games and finished tied for second in the EL in doubles (35) while ranking tied for eighth in RBIs and 10th in hits (137). Following the season, the 23-year-old played for Estrellas de Oriente of the Venezuelan Winter League and batted .313-0-4 in 32 contests.
The Phillies’ Triple-A squad will have a camp day tomorrow before taking on the Blue Jays in Dunedin on Friday. First-pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
UNOFFICIAL BOX SCORE
Teams R H E LOB
TEAM 1 3 0 1
PIT 2 6 0 6
Lineup AB R H RBI
1. TOLBERT, MATT-2B 2 0 2 0
2. HANZAWA, TROY-2B 3 0 0 0
3. SUOMI, JOHN-C 2 0 0 0
STUMPO, BOB-C 1 0 0 0
4. HENSON, TYLER-3B 3 0 0 0
5. SUSDORF, STEPHEN-LF 2 1 0 0
6. CASTRO, LEANDRO-CF 3 0 1 1
7. HEWITT, ANTHONY-RF 3 0 0 0
8. OVERBECK, CODY-1B 3 0 0 0
9. MITCHELL, DERRICK-DH 2 0 0 0
2B- CASTRO (1). CS- TOLBERT (1).
Pitchers IP H R ER BB KO
1. COCHRAN , THOMAS 3.0 2 1 1 1 1
2. ERBE , BRANDON 2.0 2 0 0 1 4
3. HYATT , AUSTIN 2.0 1 0 0 0 0
4. NERIS , HECTOR 1.0 0 0 0 0 1
5. LAFFERTY , BRENDAN 1.0 1 1 1 1 1
For up-to-the-minute updates, follow @PigsRadio in Twitter.
Filed under Uncategorized
Sunday Steelhawks Sunday!
The Steelhawk’s Home Opener is this Sunday!
Some great things to look forward to include:
– The Noise Nation tailgate party starting at 1:00pm!
– The first 1000 fans get a Tshirt!
– $1 hot dogs at the game!
– Fun filled activities!
– Team autographed game used Jersey Raffle!
– Exciting arena football!
– Some of my home smoked barbeque (If you’re nice to me)
– A great fun time
Come on out!
From the Steelhawks
Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks will be bringing all the fun and excitement that is indoor football back to the Valley when they play their first home game of the 2013 season this Sunday, March 17th at 4:00pm. This will be the first meeting between the two teams as the Steelhawks open and close their home games against Knoxville.
Knoxville (0-1) is led by their star WR DeAndre Brown (2 tds), a highly recruited player that played at Southern Mississippi. Look for QB Josh McGregor (247 yds, 3 tds) to target Brown throughout the game. Defensively they are led by LB Stanley Clark (5 tackles, 1 sack).
Lehigh Valley (0-1) looks to get in the win column coming off a tough lost last week in Alabama. Last week QB Adam Bednarik (199 yds, 3 tds) spread the ball around – WR Jeff Willis (7 catches for 74 yds, 2 tds), WR Torieal Gibson (4 catches for 71 yds, 1 td), and WR Tom Gilson (8 catches for 49 yds). The return of WR Troy Pascley from injury gives Bednarik more weapons to target. Defensively the team is led by DBs Clarence Curry (4 tackles, including one for a loss) and David Castillo (3tackles, 1 int), along with LB Brandon Roundtree (1.5 tackles, 1 int returned for a td).
The Steelhawks Home Opener is presented by Wilson Elser and PSDA Insurance. The first 1,000 fans in the door will get a FREE 2013 schedule T-Shirt. Also for one night only, fans will be able to take advantage of $1 hot dogs courtesy of Sodhexo and Lehigh University. Fans can expect more giveaways as well as all the fun activities associated with Steelhawk games on this St. Patrick’s Day afternoon game.
Kickoff is slated for 4:05 (EST). Steelhawk 2013 home games will be broadcast on Service Electric TV2 Sports.
The Steelhawks will be on the road in Louisiana on March 23rd and wont return home again until April 20th for Team X Eastern Lehigh Valley Youth Sports Night against the Alabama Hammers. Fans are reminded that there will be a fan bus trip on April 13th to see the Steelhawks take on the Richmond Raiders but seats are filling up fast! Registration is available at the home opener on the 17th or by calling the Steelhawk office (610-282-3100).
The Steelhawks have been working hard, both on and off the field, filling their roster with a ton of talent and adding great partners to the Steelhawk family. The Steelhawks’ 2013 PIFL schedule is now available online and individual and season tickets are available. Get your season tickets now and you will get a FREE Steelhawk 9th Man jersey, and be entered to win a FREE vacation from Boscov’s Travel! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at http://www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news!
Fans are reminded that 2013 season ticket deposits are being accepted now to reserve your seats for the 2013 PIFL season. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100. Ticket packages start as low as $48!
The Steelhawks are a PROFESSIONAL Arena Football team that plays in The Professional Indoor Football League. The PIFL (www.proifl.com) is a seven team league with franchises in six states. The league holds a 12-game regular season schedule that runs March through June. The PIFL’s playoffs culminate in late June with the PIFL Championship Cup. Season ticket packages start as low as $8 per game (or $48 for the full season) and games are an exciting event for people of the Lehigh Valley to attend on weekend nights.
Filed under Steel Hawks
Phantoms Open Practice in Lehigh Valley!
The Phantoms are showing some Lehigh Valley love and are stopping by for an autograph session and practice viewing! Awesome!!!
From the Phantoms:
The team is making a stop in the Lehigh Valley on their way to the game vs. the Hershey Bears and we are opening the team practice to the public!
WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 16
WHERE: The Steel Ice Center
(320 E. 1st Street Bethlehem, PA 18015)ADMISSION IS FREE!
AUTOGRAPH SESSION From 12:00pm- 12:45pm
Collect autographs on specially provided player photos from your favorite Phantoms!TEAM PRACTICE From 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Watch as the Phantoms prepare to take on rivals the Hershey Bears
The Excitement is Building
SPACE IS LIMITED PLEASE COME EARLY
We will make every effort to make sure as many fans participate in the autograph session as possible, but will be taken on a first come first serve basis and will end promptly at 12:45pm in order to meet the practice schedule. Taking pictures with the players will not be allowed in order to make sure as many fans can participate as possible, however, pictures can be taken of the players while they are practicing. We will provide player photos for autographs, please feel free to bring your own cards or jerseys. No hockey equipment please!
The Steel Ice Center has limited bleacher seating and standing room in the rink where the Phantoms will practice, again, this will be taken on a first come first serve basis.
Please also be aware that the Steel Ice Center has an open public skate in their second rink at the same time as the practice. Please look for signage directing fans which doors to enter for the Phantoms event.
Call us at 610-224-GOAL [4625]
See you there!
Filed under Phantoms Hockey
Too Much Swag: Season Tickets 2013
I stopped by the park on my way to the office this morning to pick up my season ticket packages. There was no line, and I walked right up. This probably reinforces my supposition that I’m the only one champing at the bit to pick up my tickets.
No matter, though. The ticket staff was happy to see me and found my tickets quickly. Then it came time to load me up with swag. As in the past, the IronPigs have some gifts for the season ticket holders on pick-up. I’m not sure which level of season tickets you need to receive the gifts, but I don’t think it’s a secret either. In fact, if you don’t qualify, this could be the impetus to increase your ticket level for next year. Or, there could be different swag for different levels. At any rate, there was so much swag this year they couldn’t even fit it through the little window at the ticket counter. They had to walk it out to me.
The swag was contained in a nice bag labeled “Ticket Plan Holder:”
Hats:
They’re not fancy, but they are kind of nice. They are cotton/canvas and have a Velcro closure. They are made in China and have four stitch rows on the brim. They are blue and white, with the Sunday logo, and have “Season Ticket Holder” stitched on the side.
Glasses:
No, not that kind of glasses. They were labeled “pint glasses” on the dispense slip, but they’re more of a small highball glass–a bit smaller than a standard pint beer glass, with a heavy base. They’re etched with “Iron Pigs Lehigh Valley Est 2008.” Perfect for a rum and Coke:
IronClipper Rewards Booklet:
These are small coupon books that are usually given out to the plan holders and group leaders. They contain coupons from the major game and stadium sponsors–of various levels of usefulness. New this year are coupons for concessions. Nice. But also noted are some limits on some of the coupons for which month they can be used. Read your coupons carefully and take advantage of them if you can.
Details with the tickets:
Once again, the ticket holders are invited to an “Appreciation Night” on Tuesday, July 16 for the showing of the All Star Game. We’ve talked about this before, and it’s a nice time–even better last year when we were able to throw the ball on the field. Also noted with the tickets is that in-seat service via the bypass lane app will be available again this year in the Club Level.
Unless I’m missing it, there is no information about batting practice viewing for this year. We never get those dates right away anyway, so could be they are yet to come. Or, could be they’ve discontinued it. We shall see, and I’ll post here when I find out as some folks didn’t receive them last year.
__________
Finally, here’s another view: If frequent comment contributor Lefty33 is still around, I’d expect he’d probably agree with this–and I can’t say I totally disagree either:
While I feel appreciated when I receive this swag, there is another thing they could do: a discount. How about $1.00: $1.00 per seat times 72 games times 4 seats equals $288.00. You can buy a lot of hats and drinking glasses for $288. Or, maybe a discount on advertising for those of us who own businesses? Nope, they don’t do that either.
What do other organizations do? Over the weekend I was perusing the web site for Autozone Park, home of the AAA Memphis Redbirds, affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. I was drawn to it as it was referred to as the “Taj Mahal” of minor league baseball. It’s not. But, I noticed that Club Level tickets are $20.00 in advance, or $23.00 on game day. This is much more than the $15 the IronPigs charge. BUT, purchase a full season plan in the Autozone Club Level and pay only $950/seat. That’s $13.19/game–less than the $14 I pay having locked in my seat price with a multi-year extension.
So I ask you, should the IronPigs do that? Raise single-game and same-day ticket prices while providing a healthy discount for season ticket holders? I’m not sure, myself. I think we should watch and find out how much difficulty they have selling those $20 Hot Corner tickets this year for our answer. Probably, the poor press they’d receive for raising ticket prices to Memphis-level would out-weigh any benefit from the season ticket holders. And, to think of it this way, since we support this team so well here in the Lehigh Valley, it’s like a subscription: We purchase so many tickets that it allows the everyday price to remain low. Just my thoughts. What are yours?
@Kram209
Catching Up 3-11-13
Spring training is in full swing but I’m going to let Decal, Kram and Dipro handle that for now. Really interesting comment from Decal regarding the bench clearing incident when Canada faced Mexico recently:
Maybe we could also arrange a Canada/Mexico rematch at Coca-Cola Park. There were no less than 10 past, present or future Ironpigs involved in the big brawl at the World Baseball Classic on Saturday. Pete Orr and 2012 Reading LHP Jay Johnson were ejected. Others on the Canadian roster were Phillippe Aumont, Scott Mathieson, R.J. Swindle, John Suomi, &Tyson Gillies while team Mexico was represented by Rodrigo Lopez, Oscar Villarreal and Sebastian Valle who was behind the plate for Mexico when the bean ball incident took place.
Also included was some video:
***
With that said Friday was the Steelhawk’s first game of the 2013 season as well their first game in the new league. (PIFL) I have to say I am disappointed in the results. These guys have been working hard, I know this. I’ve seen it. Great folks in a great organization. They ended up losing on a last minute trick play to the Alabama Hammers. Despite the incredibly poor video (without audio) and the radio station play by play announcers on a separate web link calling our team the SteelDogs for the first three quarters (I gave him a break as he sounded like Charlie Manuel) I have to say I feel let down. Almost, almost upset about this loss. The Steelhawks dominated in this game only to have multiple penalties, mistakes and missed kicks to deflate their efforts. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to put down my team, but I don’t want it to be known that I was happy. If I don’t care about a team and its players I usually shake off a loss and give out compliments regardless. If I love the team, the players and staff… I care. I care a lot. I want them to succeed. The Steelhawk’s home opener is at Stabler Arena this coming Sunday and I will be there with beer and bbq tailgating. If you haven’t had my bbq, show up and try some. Come on out and help us Bring the Noise!
***
Come Saturday I found myself at the Independence Family Fun Center in Schnecksville to see our Lehigh Valley Rollergirls take on the Ithaca Suffer Jets. While pre-bout league estimates gave our Hissy Fits a 10% chance of victory, the gals fought hard after a “rink malfunction” delayed the game almost an hour. I nearly had super bowl flashbacks revisiting repeat after repeat of commercials but my attention (as were many others) was focused on the woman who was remarking the floor in a tight dress and high heels. I’ll let you use your imagination as the photo’s were deemed a bit too provocative for this blog.
Anyways, The Hissy Fits ended up falling to the Suffer Jets and all headed out to Grumpy’s BBQ for food and festivity.
How much do I love the Roller Derby, Let me count the ways….
1. Beautiful, athletic women in tight clothes.
2. Great roller derby names like Helen DeRink, Daisy Destructo, Vanilla Creamher and Levelin Levi.
3. BYO everything. How many sporting events allow you to bring your own beer. (No glass) Cash Money $$$$ savings there!
4. You get to party with them all afterwards at a BBQ place! Free food!
5. An exciting sporting event. Cheers, hard hits, fast action.
What’s not to love?!
That’s all I got for now.
OinK! Screech! Roll On!
Filed under LV Roller Girls, Steel Hawks
Who I’d Like to See at a Ballgame – Wish List
Saw this video on Twitter:
The State College Spikes have apparently inked a deal for a member of the Duck Dynasty crew to make an appearance.
The face is a mystery but the voice gives a hint that Duck Dynasty fans would recognize as Mountain Man.
For those in the dark, this is Mountain Man:
I once met Max Patkin at the Reading Phillies.. a few year later Mr. Belding of Saved by the Bell fame
Reading Phillies a few years back.
Also met The King Jerry Lawler at Coca Cola Park.
I guess what I’m saying is I like meeting these people.
*********************************************************
My top ten list of people I’d like to meet at the ballpark!
Number 10 – Anyone from Duck Dynasty.
It’s still in my head from seeing that video but this show is great. Also could probably upgrade my duck call at the same time.
Number 9 – Chunk from the Goonies
Who didn’t love the Goonies? He’s been seen at other ballparks in the area.. why not ours?
Number 8 – Jennifer Lawrence
Who DOESN’T want to meet Jennifer Lawrence? (Note – Jennifer, I can be reached personally at editor@LVNoiseNation.com if you would like to come to a game with the Noise Nation! Junk food and Budweiser included!)
Number 7 – Old Phillies
How about an Old Timers night? We had Ryne Sandberg for 2 full seasons but how about a Lenny Dykstra or Darren Daulton night? Pete Rose and Mike Schmidt secretly visited the Park but only for those who dropped a chunk of change into the bucket. The thought process was if you hadn’t heard they were coming, you can’t afford to attend. Let’s bring out some old Phillies!
Number 6 – Henry Winkler
aaaaayyyyyyyyy!
I know, I know.. but I still want to meet the Fonz! I still have my hot chocolate mug I need to get autographed.
Number 5 – Micro Championship Wrestling
I know I made a few pleas to invite them to the park in the past. This crew looks like a lot of fun! Let’s bring them in!
Number 4 – Emilio Estevez
So I can yell, “Emmmeeeiiiliiooo!”
Number 3 – Hulk Hogan
Because I know you took your vitamins and said your prayers while watching Wrestling Superstars!
Number 2 – Alabama to sing “Cheap Seats”
Number 1 – All of you.
The friends we’ve made these past few years are priceless. A few have come and a few have gone. I can’t say enough how these friendships have impacted my life. Come out to a game!
**** Let’s get together and come up with 100 reasons why Jennifer Lawrence should join us for a ball game! Send all submissions to editor@LVNoiseNation.com!
OinK! Screech! Roll On!
Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs
IronPigs – Top Secret Information – Eyes Only
This information is so secret it cannot be published.
Click the e-mail link below or send a blank e-mail to:
Agent.Dewan@gmail.com
You will automatically receive further instructions.
Filed under Coca Cola Park, Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Checking the Weather
While we’re thankful here in Kram’s Korner that we didn’t just get 10 inches of snow, fact is, it’s not baseball weather yet. Mother Nature’s not ready. In fact, she’s not provided Clearwater, Florida with a ton of nice weather, either. That’s where our guys are battling for jobs to see who breaks camp with the AAA IronPigs. Here’s a roster update on which way the wind is blowing right now–what I’m hearing and what to watch for:
Catcher:
Young Tommy Joseph is impressing all around. He’s hitting the ball, calling good games for the MLB pitchers, and throwing guys out. Right now, I have him as a lock to break camp with the IronPigs. Get ready to chant: TOE! JOE! TOE! JOE!
As for the other, who knows? Valle could go back to Reading or back up Tommy, or he could be on the DL as he battles a broken finger. Or he could get traded. He’s with the Mexican WBC team right now, so we’ll see what happens when he gets back, as well as who gets sent to minor league camp first. It is assumed that Humberto Quintero–older and more experienced–will back up Kratz in Philadelphia. Remember that Lerud had MLB time last year as well. Also recall, the IronPigs started with three catchers last year. Cameron Rupp should be “the guy” in Reading, as he’s been getting some time in MLB camp too, of late. Finally, there was a rumor that the Phillies were scanning the market for another veteran back-up type. Don’t be surprised to see a last minute addition to this derby.
Infield:
It looks like it’s coming down to three guys for two back-up spots in Philly: Frandsen, Galvis, and Betancourt. Yuni has a 3/24 out clause, so the Phillies will have to make a decision by then if they want to keep him. Given that kind of clause, I really doubt he’ll accept an assignment to Lehigh Valley; he’ll have a whole week to hook on with another MLB team who needs a shortstop (St Louis?). But, if they keep him, they could option Galvis to the IronPigs to play every day. This is what I’m hoping for, but I’m not holding my breath. Charlie Manuel has already counted up all the at-bats he can give Galvis, and he’s got him at 3B now, too, to boot (poor choice of words..). You can count on Michael Martinez and Pete Orr for the IronPigs at this juncture.
Josh Fields has been getting time at 1B with the big club thus far. I think this is because Michael Young is the starter at 3B, Kevin Frandsen (or, Galvis) is the backup, and they want a long look at young Cody Asche. While I still kind of expect to see Fields at 3B with the ‘Pigs, Ache has–like Joseph–been impressing on both sides of the ball. I didn’t think they’d start him at LHV, but it is possible. I wonder if another Cody–Overbeck–could be the odd guy out. Or, perhaps, Fields gets the DH. Let’s see what the minor league camp looks like when they start playing games.
Outfield:
Dom Brown has a strangle-hold on one corner spot, and Delmon Young will definitely start the season on the DL. In fact, they’re saying Young could be ready mid-April or so. I wonder, if the weather’s warm enough, if he’ll get a rehab assignment in Allentown during the Bison series April 19-22?
But I digress. Mayberry and Nix should hold down the other corner outfield spot, leaving Darrin Ruf to battle Rule 5 guy Ender Inciarte for the last spot. Young Ender has impressed me as I’ve watched him in the MLB spring training games. He’s been patient at the plate, stolen a couple bases, and played an energetic CF as Ben Revere’s backup. If they want to keep him, he has to stay on the 25-man. Plus, Ruf’s not done well at the plate or in LF. Right now, I think Ruf comes to Allentown as they delay the decision on Inciarte. They can offer him back at any time, and it gives them a chance to see if Tyson Gillies (currently playing for Canada in the WBC) can arrive in Allentown healthy and ready to play.
Pitchers:
I haven’t heard much in the wind about the spots. Predictions kind of remain the same. The only note is young lefty Adam Morgan. I had him slotted to start the season in Reading, and come up mid-season with Asche and perhaps Joseph. Like the two former, he’s been impressing and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him break with the ‘Pigs. I’m not predicting it; it just wouldn’t blow me away.
So that’s what I’m hearing in the wind. I’ve also heard that some exciting announcements are forthcoming from the IronPigs about new additions to Coca Cola Park. Mr. Landes wasn’t kidding on Pig Day when he said he had other secrets. Please stay tuned, and we’ll keep you informed right here at the Horn and Bell.
@Kram209 (Twitter)
PS: Go SteelHawks!
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