Just before the game the bats took off on this plane whose vapor trail is light by the setting sun. The bats that didn't make the flight only manged 3 hits. Enough is ENOUGH! I have had it with these .... snakes on this .... plane!
Sunny Day - Sweeping the clouds away. Coca-Cola Park is bathed in sunlight.
Field artist Bill Butler readies the chalk.
Despite coming into the game with 0-2 with an 8.83 ERA, Yankees prospect starting pitcher Dellin Betances surrendered only 1 hit and the single run the 'Pigs would garner this evening.
The wind blew...
Right fielder Derrick Mitchell.
Center fielder Rich Thompson.
Starting pitcher Austin Hyatt only surrendered 4 hits but allowed 3 runs to cross the plate to give the Yankees the 3-1 victory. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Scott Podsednik scores the lone LHV run off a Kevin Frandsen double who would have the only hit with runners in scoring position.
Reliever Raul Valdes was the highlight of the night going 3 1/3 and only surrendering 1 hit, no runs and 3 K without a walk. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
On this chilly, windy evening those who left in the 3rd inning really didn't miss much after that.
Ferrous entertains the crowd.
The 'Pigs would load the bases in the 4th but leave all the ducks stranded on their way to a 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and leaving a total of 8 stranded on the pond. (Shouldn't this be 'Pigs on the Pond?)
The fireworks bathe the Park in fiery delight - to bad the bats left on that plane and missed them.
Every IronPig to take a swing got a hit! Domonic Brown went 2 for 5, 2 RBI and brought his hitting streak to 6 games. Cody Overbeck 3 for 5 and Erik Kratz 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs including a two-run monster shot to deep center in the 7th.
IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes honors Ryne Sandberg with the presentation of his bronze statue promotional give-away. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Larry Bowa tosses out the first pitch. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Starting pitcher Dave Bush gets the win going 6 innings while surrendering 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB and 4 K including a solo job by former IronPig Dewayne Wise. (DiPro)
Domonic Brown makes a "star-worthy play" in the first to rob Francisco Cervelli. (DiPro) (click to enlarge)
Former IronPig Dewayne Wise goes over Dewall and SWB scores the first run of the game. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Hector Luna is clearly safe at first on a blown call by first-base umpire Jeff Gosney. Gosney had a tough night having a later missed call reversed after consulting with the crew. (DiPro)
Lindsey looks on as a young fan pies Ben after he was unable to finish is "hot dog sundae" in the allotted time. (DiPro)
Derrick Mitchell reaches first when Yankess SS Ramiro Pena watches as the ball goes under his glove. (DiPro)
Tuffy Gosewisch follows Mithchell to first after the ball just brushes his jersey. (DiPro)
Andres Blanco was 1 for 16 before singling to left and scoring Mitchell for the first LHV run in the top of the 3rd. (DiPro)
Mike Fontenot doubles to right scoring Gosewisch.
Domonic Brown smashes his bat and the ball to left for a back-to-back, two RBI double to score Blanco and Fontenot. Brown would get thrown out stealing third and the 'Pigs would garner a 4 run third inning. Domonic is currently riding a 6 game hitting streak and certainly atoned for his 2 errors in the previous game. (DiPro)
Top 4 - Following a double by Mitchell, a single by Gosewisch, Andres Blanco lays down a perfect bunt that stays just fair to load the bases with nobody out. But LHV would leave 'em all stranded after Mitchell is forced out at home and Fontenot grounds into a 6-4-3 double-play. (DiPro)
The pitch... (DiPro)
...Holy Kratz "Forget About It"! it's launched over the 400' mark for a 2 run homer to score Overbeck (who doubled) for the insurance the 'Pigs needed. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Lefty David Purcey comes on in the 7th and in 1 and a 3rd gives up 3 hits and is credited with 2 earned runs. One run is scored when Kevin Russo doubles to left... (DiPro)
Phillippe Aumont in the 8th, 'Wheels and Deals" and the other run that was credited to Purcey is plated on a single by Doug Bernier. Luckily, it didn't matter due to Kratzie's two run blast in the 7th. (DiPro)
Jake Diekman on to close in the 9th and does so earning the save but not without some excitement. After a single by Wise and a double by Steve Pearce, Diekman strikes out former IronPig Jack Cust then Brandon Laird and finally gets Kevin Russo on a grounder to Overbeck. Game over! (DiPro)
Pigs Fly on their way to the team's best start ever! (DiPro)
Friday fireworks tonight as LHV engages the Yankess (as the home team) for game 2 of the 4 game series. Austin Hyatt (2-1, 2.53) takes the hill for the ‘Pigs and Dellin Betances (0-2, 8.83) for the Yanks. More hitting with RISP tonight!
Larry Bowa spent a few moments with the media before the game.
Former Philly and Cub Larry Bowa was on hand this evening to honor Ryne Sandberg and sign some autographs.
Larry reminisced about his playing days and joked that originally in the Dejesus trade, Sandberg was the “throw in”. As we know it didn’t quite turn out that way.
Career info AFTER the trade
Ryne Sandberg
2,385 hits in Cub uniform and 282 homers – 1,061 RBI’s – 344 stolen bases – 9 time Gold Glove winner – 10 time All Star – 1 MVP Award
Larry Bowa
Played 3+ years for Cubbies, part of 1984 NL East division title team, #1 for shortstops in fielding percentage in 1983.
Ivan DeJesus
Bats .249 in 3 seasons with Phillies. Traded 3 more times before his career quietly ends in 1988.
Larry spoke of his often emotional play.
“I wasn’t afraid to show my emotions,” Bowa said. “I played hard and had fun. That’s basically the way I was raised. I didn’t have great ability. I had to work hard.” “Getting 2,000 hits is probably the thing I’m most proud of. People said I couldn’t hit at this level. If you work hard you can achieve anything.”
Being well-traveled I was curious to know what Larry thought of Coca-Cola Park and the fans in LHV. Bowa was at the Park previously to watch his nephew Nick Johnson who was with the Columbus Clippers then.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “I was here last year. I sat right behind home plate. I wish we had these facilities when I played.”
“I think Philly is doing a great job with their minor league system. “Nobody wants to stay in the minor leagues, but if I had to stay, I’d want to play here.”
Larry mentioned that even players who know they most likely aren’t going to reach the Major League level would continue to play just to call The Coke their home.
Bowa said he would return to Major League coaching if the right offer came along and he stated that working for the MLB network is a lot of work/research.
Maybe, just maybe Larry will someday return to Coca-Cola Park, this time as a Manager. We can only hope….
On the first Education Day of 2012 the IronPigs where schooled by the Bisons. "Oy Vey"
Starting pitcher Scott Elarton didn't fare well in this first week-day (morning) game of the season.
After advancing to second on a passed ball, Bobby Scales is doubled off on a strong throw from right fielder Lou Montanez while Mike Fontenot looks on.
Domonic Brown - "Cut on and missed" to end the first and it pretty much went down hill from there. The 'Pigs had a tough day all-around and D. Brown had a couple mis-cues in left. Regardless of all that Brown still has a higher AVG (.269) to John Mayberry, Jr.'s (.200). Dom will shake it off and return strong!
Buffalo's third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo hits a sac fly to right that begins the scoring tirade plating Josh Satin (1B).
Omar Quintanilla (SS) is congratulated after hitting the first of 4 home runs on the day including the 2nd homer buy a Buffalo pitcher in the last two games!
Vote for FeFe!
IronPigs Manager Ryne Sandberg surveys the scene.
Catcher Tuffy Gosewisch with a big cut and a strike out on a foul tip held on by catcher Lucas May. The 'Pigs only managed 5 hits and were sent down on strikes 7 times.
Scott Podsednik readies for his at bat. The Podfather did not fare as well as last game going 0-4 with 1 K. In fact only 4 of 12 batters during day managed hits and Cody Overbeck managed the only multiple hit outing with the sole RBI.
IronPigs radio broadcaster Jon Schaeffer discusses lunch with Matt Provence. These two were on fire today! Quote of the day: "I had a cat that I named Kitty" (Matt) "That's like having a kid and naming it human! (Schaeff) (click to enlarge)
After this "cut on and miss", Bobby Scales draws a walk and...
...Vinny Rottino doubles on a drive to center and...
...Scales scores.
Tuffy Gosewisch comforts Elarton after he surrendered 9 runs (8 earned) on 10 hits, 1 BB, 1 K and two - 2 run homers to Quintanilla and Satin. Elarton is still on his comeback tour after recovering from numerous injuries. Surely Scott will shake it off and return strong in his next start.
Scott Elarton wonders what is wrong with this blasted baseball - Uncle Marty some assistance please!?!
"Gimme the new Guy"
B.J. Rosenberg fresh from the R-Phils (to take the place of Michael Schwimer who got the call up to the Phils) makes his IronPigs debut.
Despite the amazing follow-through, Rosenberg gave up the 3rd home-run of the day, a two-run shot to Bison's pitcher Matt Harvey.
In the 6th Rosenberg gets Matt Tuiasosopo to ground into a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning and his debut. He would be replaced by Jeremy Horst.
Rich Thompson (PH) for pitcher Rosenberg leads off the 6th with a single and ends up on 3rd after a Domonic Brown double. There was no sense in sending Richie with the score 11-0. Hector Luna would pop-out to SS to end the inning.
Lindsey Knupp, Director of Promotions/Entertainment always makes sure the kids have fun on Education Day. In fact, the kids sure can bring the NOISE and it's often some of the loudest moments throughout the season at Coca-Cola Park.
Jeremy Horst comes on to finish the afternoon and surrenders the fourth home-run of the day. This time of the solo variety to catcher Lucas May.
After a Kevin Frandsen ground-out, Hector Luna walks to begin the rally!
Fontenot is not and flies out to CF for out number 2.
Cody Overbeck launches a double to CF scoring Luna. Then in a brilliant managerial move, Wally Backman completes a pitching change in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs and the score 12-1. (Perhaps there was a pinch count - we'll give Wally the benefit of the doubt.) Regardless, new pitcher Jeff Stevens would get Lou Montanez to go down swinging to end the misery.
Click the play button below to hear Matt Provence tell you the rest.
Tonight the IronPigs will begin a 4 game home (away) stand as the SWB Yankees come to town. SWB has been the home team previously at CCP when their field flooded – it should be interesting. Game time is 7:05 pm and tickets are still available for Ryne Sandberg bronze statue give-away night!
The Tiki Terrace has been well reported here since its inception and I had the recent opportunity to sit in the front row of the overhanging seats and as expected the view is one of the most unique in baseball. There are still single game, individual tickets available. Click here to get ’em before they are gone. Got a group of 48-64? This is the place to be – click here for group inquiries.
Coca-Cola - Tiki Terrace Style
View from the front row - Tiki Terrace
The Pig Stop
If you find yourself on the club level be sure to explore The Pig Stop and see what Executive Chef Jan Giejda has cooked up.
Please consider my application for taste tester!
IronPigs staff member Jace expertly crafts "The Charged Chicken" sandwich.
As Good as it Looks - Don't Miss The Pig Stop - It's the best $10 you'll spend!
Phillies product and former IronPig Matt Rizzotti poses for pix before Saturday's game. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
IronPigs Manager Ryne Sandberg and Red Wings Manager Gene Glynn exchange line up cards. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Starting pitcher Scott Elarton narrowly missed the W but pitched well. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Hector Luna began the scoring in the 1st after doubling to left scoring Domonic Brown who previously singled and stole second. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Hector "the" Luna "tic" "you're lookin' for" launches a solo blast to the grass in center field in the 3rd - 'Pigs 2-0. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Scott Podsednik misplays a fly ball to right scoring Darin Mastroianni and tying the score 2-2 in the top of the 7th. Rochester scored their first run (top 4) after a single by Joe Benson, a wild pitch by Elarton and a single by Aaron Bates. In the end it would cause no real damage. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Andres Blanco starts the 7th inning rally with a 1 out single deflected off pitcher Esmerling Vasquez. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Richie T doubles down the RF line to score Blanco which turns out to be the game winning hit. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Richie T takes off from 2nd before the pitch is even tossed, steals 3rd and almost scores on the subsequent wild pitch - instead he puts on the brakes after good hustle by catcher Rene Rivera. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Domonic Brown triples to right center, the ball lands under the wall and scores Thompson from 3rd and Podsednik who previously walked for 2 insurance runs. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Jeremy Horst earns the win. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Jake Diekman came on in the 9th and surrendered two singles, no runs and earned his 2nd save. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Sunday was the first Bring your Dog to The Park day of 2012 and according ironpigsbaseball.com, 247 dogs were in attendance. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
The Capital BlueCross Puppy Lawn. (Photo by DiPro)
Julie with Blitzen's Uncle Max and Noise Nation's own Dan Kehl andwith Blitzen. (Photo by DiPro)
Cory and Dan with Blitzen's new friend Mackenzie. (Photo courtesy of Cory)
Mckenzie Pigging Out. (Photo courtesy of Cory)
Starting pitcher Dave Bush earned the W going 5 and giving up 7 hits, 1 earned run, 1 BB and 3 SO. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Former IronPig Matt Rizzotti realizing how much he loves playing at Coca-Cola Park... (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
...and proceeds to single in Joe Benson (who previously tripled) for the first run of the game. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
After lining a single Rich Thompson rounds 2nd on his way home when Andres Blanco blasts a triple off the Copperhead Grill sign in right center. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Richie T slides to avoid the tag - video replay shows he may have caught the black with his fingertip, regardless.... (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
....Rich dives back to grab the plate - SAFE! 'Pigs tie it up 1-1 (Amazing Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Domonic Brown doubles to right on a high chopper off first baseman Aaron Bates' glove to score Blanco from 3rd for what was the game winner. Domonic went 2 for 4 on the day with an RBI and a Run scored. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
After singling through the left side of the infield Kevin Frandsen hustles from 1st to 3rd following a single by Cody Overbeck that scored D. Brown. That would be all the 'Pigs would need as the 'pen came on to finish up. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
The San-Fran Connection. Manager Ryne Sandberg and Kevin Frandsen (2B) - Winning is Fun! (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Raul Valdes pitches a scoreless 6th and 7th giving up 2 hits and striking out 1. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Phillippe "Lights Out" Aumont earns his 4th save in as many tries pitching a hit-less 8th and 9th, striking out 4 of the 6 he faced. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)
Scott Elarton who did not pitch in 2011 due to various injuries made his IronPigs debut against RHP Doug Mathis (0-5, 4.27 in AAA with Sacramento and Fresno in the PCL) in sunny Pawtucket in game 3 of the series this afternoon.
Bottom 3 (Cuutt on and Missed)
Che-Hsuan Lin (CF) leads off with a walk.
Josh Kroeger (RF) and Alex Hassan (LF) fly out.
Nate Spears (2B) singles to bring runners to 2nd and 3rd with two outs.
Starting pitcher Elarton gets Jose Iglesias (SS) on a swinging strike for the third out.
Top 4(Brown RBI – Brown Picked)
After a lead-off golf shot just over Rae’s Creek for a Hector Luna (3B) double, Dom Brown adds his 3rd RBI in as many at bats. Pigs 1-0.
Cody Overbeck lined out for the first out and after a few throws to 2nd, Dom Brown is picked off in a not so close play – two outs.
Derrick Mitchell just misses a jack but it’s held up by blustering winds up to 25 MPH – inning over.
Top 5(LOB + RISP = O)
Rich Thompson (single) and Kevin Frandsen (HPB) both reach base but the ‘Pigs are unable capitalize. Pigs 1-0
Bottom 5 (Elarton loads ’em and stowes ’em)
After a single to Will Middlebrooks (3B), Lin flies out on a deep shot to Rich Thompson, Kroeger does the same – 2 outs.
Middlebrook steals second on a strong throw by Erik Kratz (C) to the wrong side of the bag.
Alex Hassan (LF) and Spears both drew walks to load the bases with two outs bringing Jose Igesias to the plate who Colorado born 6’8″ Elarton blows Iglesias away with 3 straight pitches (1 foul, 2 swinging strikes). Still 1 – nothing ‘Pigs
Top 6 (Sanches puts ’em trances)
Elarton leaves with 5 strong innings surrendering 2 hits, no runs, 3 BB and 4 SO and is replaced by Major League veteran, rightie Brian Sanches.
Maura Gomez (DH) leads off with a single.
Andres Blanco (SS) knocked over by a smashed line drive throws Gomez out at 2nd from his backside and Frandsen completes the double play.
Lars Anderson (1B) grounds out to Frandsen to end the inning. Pigs 1 – PawSox 0
Top 7(Cannonball Kratz)
Following a pop-up and a OinK, Josh Kroeger (RF) reaches on a walk then is caught stealing on a BB by catcher Erik Kratz to end the inning. ‘Pigs 1-0
Top 8 (Can you hear me Major DOM?)
Kevin Frandsen (2B) lines out 2nd and Lou Montanez (DH) files out to center for two quick outs.
Hector Luna then gets his 2nd hit of the game for his first multi-hit game of the year bringing Dom Brown for his first multi-hit game of the year. Brown began the year 0-7 with 5 K’s to start but has been strong since. Stay strong Dom!
Cody Overbeck came to the plate with 2 on 2 out and whiffed to end the inning. Pigs 1-0
Bottom 8 (Phear the Phro)
Brian Sanches goes 2 innings, 1 BB, 1 SO and is replaced by Michael Schwimer.
Hassan led off with a 5 pitch walk but is erased on a sac bunt try by Nate Spears.
Frandsen ranges far to his left to snag the popped up foul ball for a 2nd quick out.
Mauro Gomez (DH) bloops a single to right moving Spears to third.
The dreaded Ryan Lavarnway (C) grounds out to short to end the inning. ‘Pigs 1 – PawSox 0
Top 9(Insurance – no)
Derrick Mitchell gets and infield single off a tough play by third-baseman Nate Spears.
Kratz rocks one off pitcher Junichi Tazawa that caroms to short and he’s thrown out at first – Mitchell advances to 2nd. Out 1
Andres Blanco grounds out to pitcher Tazawa for the 2nd out – Mitchell still at 2nd.
Rich Thompson flies out to right to end the inning.
Bottom 9 (Diekman got ’em with the skidooch)
Jake Diekman replaces Schwimer who gets the hold.
Lars Anderson is sent down looking – 1 down
Middlebrooks goes down swinging – 2 out
Che-Hsuan Lin singles down the first base line followed by another single by Kroeger. 2 on – 2 out
Diekman throwing hard (upper 90’s) takes the count 0-2 to Hassan (LF) and STRIKES HIM OUT looking.
Pigs Fly! (again)
Elarton with the win, Sanches and Schwimer with holds and Diekman with a strong save.
To borrow a phrase from IronPigs broadcaster Matt Provence, John Suomi The Money (DH) rocked a home run to right field for what turned out to be the game winner. The rest of the ‘Pigs plated 6 runs on 8 hits to beat the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 6-5 at a frigid Coca-Cola Park.
DH John Suomi following his blast (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell) (click to enlarge)
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees began the scoring early with a double to left by Steve Pearce (1B) followed up by an RBI single by former IronPig DH Jack Cust.
SWB took a 3 zip lead in the top of the third with a throwing error by Kevin Frandsen plating two again off the bat of Jack Cust.
The ‘Pigs would finally get on the board in the bottom of the third when Andres Blanco (SS) plated Tuffy Gosewisch (C) who reached on a fielders choice. Blanco would plate two on the evening and add some stellar field play. The wide ranging Blanco snared a ball behind 2nd base and snapped a throw to snare Brandon Laird (3B) who strayed a bit too far from 3rd base that surely saved a run and ended a SWB scoring rally.
The IronPigs would score 3 more in the bottom of the 6th when a double by Cody Overbeck (1B) scored Lou Montanez (RF) and Hector Luna (3B) who reached on back to back singles. The scoring rally ended early however on a base running error by Overbeck who while it appeared had an easy chance to make it back to 2nd was called out in a run-down.
SWB would score two more in the game but it was John Suomi’s 0-1 blast to the Bud Light Trough in right field that scored the last run of the evening and led to the 2nd victory in as many nights.
Craig and Annemarie Ritter of Whitehall pose with the first HR ball of 2012 (click to enlarge)
In fact, Suomi’s shot landed right into our own Noise Nation founder Dan Kehl’s seat in the Bud Light Trough while he was away. Craig and Annemarie Ritter of Whitehall were the lucky recipients of the first Home Run Ball at Coca-Cola Park in 2012.
The Pigs start 2-0 for the first time in their history and the last time a Philly AAA team began the season 2-0 was 20 years ago, ironically it was the SWB Red-Barons.
The spectacular week at Coca-Cola Park began with Monday’s Media Day, then Reading on Tuesday, Wednesday’s Red Carpet Premier of IronPigs Fan-tastic to Thursday’s opening day shut-out victory and ended loudly with the best Friday fireworks show yet.
Thursday’s perfect through 6 winner Tyler Cloyd may be in the running for IL Pitcher of the week and still end up back at AA Reading. How do you like that? So far there is great depth in the Minor League pen and the Phils should have no problem calling up some fine tossers – let’s just hope they don’t need to.
The ‘Pigs are on the bus North to Pawtucket for a 4 game series commencing with a double-header tomorrow at 4:05 pm.
Action returns to Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday the 11th at 7:05 pm when the Nationals 19 year old phenom Bryce Harper (.375) arrives with the Syracuse Chiefs for a 3 game series – it should be fun to watch!
The anticipation – the countdown – the long winter – media day – it was all done – opening day 2012 had finally arrived. The sky was clear, the Spring air was crisp and the wind wafted that familiar ball park scent that is so fondly remembered from seasons past.
The gates opened at 5:00pm to start the festivities and the queue arrived early in anticipation of the 5th Anniversary
The crowd anticipates opening day festivities. (click to enlarge)
Print sponsored by Service Electric. Larry Holmes and the Lehigh University’s (Duke) upset Basketball Team were also on hand. And of course the IronPigs were playing!
After the always pleasant and courteous service from the ticket office folks, I moved on to the Administrative Offices to spend a few moments with Receptionist Pat Golden. I’ve seen Pat throughout the fall/winter and each time we discussed the upcoming season. I wanted to know her thoughts now that opening day had arrived and Pat was kind enough to oblige.
“I wait 6 months for this and I’m estatic right now especially that it’s so beautiful out. I think this is our best week ever for opening week weather wise – it can’t get any better than this!” Pat’s score prediction was “Pigs all the way! We gotta beat those Yankees! Score 4-2”
-Receptionist Extraordinaire Pat Golden
Strolling to the East Gate I recognized a familiar face, one that I’ve actually know for over 30 years. I called out – Marty! And there he was, the infamous umpire’s attendant and IronPigs documentary star ‘Uncle’ Marty Ondrovic.
As many 40 somethings who fondly remember Marty umpiring our Summer and High-School leagues, I said to him
Uncle Marty Ondrovic - LHV Sports Legend (photo courtesy of Jim Laubach) (click to enlarge)
“You used to umpire our games back in the day.” Uncle Marty replied: “I still do!” Next, I mention recalling Marty writing the score in the dirt between innings and in his signature bellowing voice he again said: “I still do!” That’s the Marty Ondrovic I remember and now in his 80’s you’ll find his enthusiasm and knowledge of Lehigh Valley Sports unsurpassed.
We chatted a bit more about Dean & Denton Lakatosh both fixtures in Lehigh Valley Sports for many years who also played some minor league ball back in the mid 1950’s.
Marty has been in the game for countless years and I was curious what he was feeling on this particular opening day which he’s been a part of so many times in one way or another.
“Well the weather was real nice in March, but now if you see I have a hoodie on and a coat – it sure got colder. Oh yeah, all excited about a new season starting – I’m way ahead of the game as far as rubbing baseballs. I usually do 10 dozen balls a game and believe or not we go through 8 or 9 dozen baseballs in a game and I must have at least 40 cases or 40 dozen ready to go.”
-Umpire Attendant Marty Ondrovic
I can bet that if Baseball Scuffer Magazine created a top 100 list – Uncle Marty would win the Golden Scuffer Award!
As I made my to the Club Level I ran into Nick Wootsick, Manager, Events & Catering. I’ve also seen Nick a few times during the Winter and while on the subject of opening day let’s see what Nick had to say.
“First thought is getting back to the playoffs and hopefully wining the Championship”. Upon listening to my recording I believe I interrupted Nick’s next thought with with my request for his score prediction – sorry about that Nick and thanks for giving me a few moments during a busy opening day. Nick’s score prediction 7-3 ‘Pigs.
Roaming the concourse I encountered Kesha Patterson who put the deuce on the back of my latest Jersey while working in the Majestic Clubhouse Store. Her concession stand is just in front of the section where my season ticket is located. I know Kesha is a big sports fan so let’s see what she had to say about the arrival of opening day.
“I’m very very excited I can’t wait to get the game started. All day I was just thinking about it – they have a lot of new changes even from the small things like the cool decorations. Sandberg is back and I think it’s really going to be a great year! Kesha’s score prediction 5-2 IronPigs”.
-Concessions and Majestic Clubhouse Jersey iron-on Expert, Kesha Patterson
I must have seen Jan Giejda nearly 15 times all around CCP including the Tiki Terrace. Jan is always kind to stop and chat about his menu fare and the food we all enjoy on a nightly basis. Jan was very busy so we’ll get a chance to catch
Another fine Jan Giejda creation (click to enlarge)
up with him in the future.
Later in the evening as the weather grew colder the logical place to gain some warmth was back up to the club level although a bit chili to sit in my seat .
The food lines were long – even Bypass Lane had a longer then normal wait so I worked my over to the Pig Stop to see what Jan had cooked up this evening. The Life Saver looked delicious and the item was so popular they needed to re-stock.
The Life Saver certainly didn’t disappoint and as I was concentrating on taking photos of the menu sign, I heard a voice jokingly say “I’m sorry, I’m going to have decline any photos”. Sure enough wasn’t it Chef Jan! Jan has got to be the hardest working Chef in Baseball and that sandwich was amazing and I’m looking forward to tonight’s.
Since the end of my trip Around the Park was nearly complete I had one further place to visit – The Press Box. All of the media boys were in there toiling away on their laptops using Tweetdeck, opening web pages , and tallying their
The best seat in the house? (click to enlarge)
score books.
When they had a moment I paid a quick visit to the Radio Broadcast room, it’s always entertaining to listen to Matt and Jon but to hear them in person is an interesting experience. There really should be a live webcam broadcasting those guys even without audio as their interaction is at times quite comical.
That was about it for the Around the Park opening night tour and it’s always a pleasure to visit with the IronPigs staff.
Wednesday evening brought the excitement of opening day to Coca-Cola Park. The air was brisk, Bill Butler had the field looking prime and the carpet was basted in plush IronPig red.
Tonight, PBS 39 in conjunction with the IronPigs Charities debuted the IronPigs Fan-tastic documentary on the big screen. Producer/Writer Laura McHugh and Executive Producer Amy Burkett of PBS 39 were on hand.
IronPigs GM Kurt Landes (click to enlarge)
IronPigs GM Kurt Landes who was instrumental in the creation of the documentary and the partnership with PBS 39 was up first on the mic. Landes also urged folks to buy the DVD (or) Blu-Ray. Kurt was delighted to announce the team workout, the first on-field sighting of Coach Ryne Sandberg in 2012 and “the 2012 playoff bound IronPigs”. We’ll be sure to bring the Noise Kurt!
PPProducer/Writer Laura McHugh and the now famous Jimmy T (click to enlarge)
.
The first celebrity sighting of the evening was up – live with co-host Laura McHugh. The Noise Nation’s own Jimmy T whois the Fan in Fan-tastic clearly illustrated his contagious enthusiasm, knowledge and love of all things IronPigs. The Nation is fortunate to have Jimmy T as a member and proud to have shared the ‘magic carpet ride’ of 2011 right along with him.
Guests continued to arrive on the red carpet, most notably the Morning Call’s Keith Groller, Jeff Schuler, and Bill White, The Express Times Michael LoRe, and The Voice of the documentary Mike Zambelli who all appear in the film.
Next up was The Voice of the IronPigs, Director of Media Relations Matt Provence. Matt discussed the impact
The Voice of the IronPigs Matt Provence (click to enlarge)
of Ryne Sandberg on both the team and the community. He also discussed the returning players including Rich Thompson, Dom Brown, Erik Kratz, and Michael Schwimer. Provence offered a look forward to the newly minted Pigs and mentioned Austin Hyatt who went 12-6 with a 3.85 ERA in 28 starts with Reading last year. In addition, Matt mentioned Hector Luna (311 MLB games) and Joe Thurston (184 MLB games) obviously with many years of MLB service in their mitts.
The final celebrity of the evening was our own Nation founder Dan Kehl. Dan and Laura discussed the origination of the OinK board and he was relieved to learn any nose to digit contact will remain on the “cutting-room floor”. Dan proudly discussed the history of the Noise
Noise Nation Founder Dan Kehl and Laura McHugh Live (click to enlarge)
Nation and memories of CCP over the years. The Flower Patch and Gift Shoppe in Walnutport was kind enough to provide the Yellow Roses.
While enjoying the view from the Oasis’ four seat tables, the Nation spent a few moments with Kurt Landes discussing the now complete Red Robin Tiki Terrace where just a few minor touches are yet to come including a wind screen and surf boards. The 4 chair tables offer a great view with wait service. The Tiki Terrace has been well covered on The Horn & Bell and to see it ready for action was the culmination of months of anticipation.
There are actually (limited) single game tickets available for the Tiki Terrace. Click here to experience the most unique seating in all of sports for just $10! Get ’em quick!
The debut began to a die hard group of wind blown fans. Despite the blustery conditions the doucementary was sensinational! If you are reading this and you have not seen the piece, be sure to catch it on April 9th at 9:00pm – check your local listings. Better still, support Public Television and point your browserhere.
Sincerest thanks to Laura McHugh, PBS 39, and the IronPigs for the tremendous job chronicling the organization and for including the Noise Nation in the production. The Nation was fortunate to play a small part in the whole thing and it has already set this season’s tone and we are ready to Bring the Noise!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 