Category Archives: Kram’s Korner – From the Club Level

For now, they’re still called the Yankees.  It’s only a matter of time before they’re the Trolley Frogs.  The franchise hasn’t always done a great job with promotions, IMHO, but here’s what they’ve got on tap for next season on a nightly basis.  They’ll add specific promotions later, but this is what they’re up to.  Some of this looks pretty familiar, and that’s part of why I found it interesting:

Monday:

$1 hot dog Mondays.  I take this to mean that all hot dogs, all game, on Monday, $1.  Nice.

Tuesday:

“2 For Tuesday” is buy-one-get-one for lawn tickets.  Also, Nice.

Wednesday:

“Kids Eat Free”  12 and under get a coupon at the gate for a free kids meal.  Once again, nice!

Thursday:

“Thirsty Thursday” will yield $1 beer and $1 Pepsi.  It’s not clear if it will be only pre-game or throughout, or perhaps only until a certain inning (it was through the first period for the WB-S Penguins when I went).  Also, a live band pre-game. 

Friday:

Pre-game block party with live music.  (not specified what this means, exactly) And post-game fireworks “most incredible professional fireworks..”   No word on if the local hotels will be sponsoring any of these…  😉

Saturday:

“special giveaway” and a live band before the game. 

Sunday:

Family FUNday, with player autographs and clowns.  Also, kids run the bases post-game.  No word on whether the clowns will sign autographs, or if any of the players will be clowns. (kidding) 

So it’s great that our close-by rivals will be doing a better job with promotions compared with previous years.  If you’ve got a band within driving distance of Moosic, you might want to send in a demo–looks like they’ll be hiring a bunch of them this season. 

And a reminder, if you’ve got any ideas for the IronPigs, please add them in the comments to the previous post.  As you can see, decisions that are made now, by the organization, will impact some of the activities at the park next season. 

Up next in Kram’s Korner:  “Inside Information” about the arena (will post when time and circumstances permit)

There were some things that frustrated me this season, of course.  Nothing’s ever perfect, and that’s OK.  This isn’t meant to be a critical post of the IronPigs’ Management per se–I’ve got a “suggestion box” post in the pipeline for that.  This is merely the flip side of the previous post about all  the good stuff…

10. The Phillies

The Phils’ woes impacted the IronPigs in many ways.  I’m not a Phillies fan first, as many are, but I do cheer for them to do well as it probably means that the former ‘Pigs on the roster are doing well.  We’ll get to the roster part of it in a moment, but it always felt like the Phillies’ poor showing was casting a shadow over any chance the IronPigs had to have on-field success this season.

9. Haters

The season began with my piece about not hating on Domonic Brown.  It turned into a treatise on booing, which I didn’t initially intend–only that hating on Dom wouldn’t really help anyone, including him.  Nevertheless, there were many  haters about this season:  Those that hated their seats, Those that hated loud noise (like, yelling and clapping–although Reading wasn’t really happy with the bells, either, but that’s another story,) Those that hated the press box, Those that hated ballpark etiquette, Those that hated on the ushers, Those that hated Dom Brown.  Golly.  Enough already.  This is supposed to be fun.

8. Parking

Parking seemed to be more of a problem this year.  Some of the parking attendants were occasionally more cranky than they needed to be.  Parking was tighter than in years past (the extra 100 tickets?  Yeah, probably: DiPro brought it up preseason.)  Other fans are getting cranky about the parking as well, which will come up again in the “suggestion box.”

7. Hector Luna

OK, he’s just a guy.  I don’t know him.  Maybe there’s other factors.  I never liked him with the PawSox, though.  And part of me thinks it’s funny to pick on a player–but probably it’s not.  But… if that player doesn’t seem to be trying his best.  Or, if he always waits until the last-minute to report after being sent down.  Or if he immediately bolts the organization the first chance he gets, well… maybe I’m not as supportive as I am with some of the other guys.

6. Press Box Whiners (Twitter)

I mentioned this on Twitter, and others echoed my frustration.  I follow some of the Phillies’ beat writers mostly in order to hear about the possibility of pending roster moves which would impact the IronPigs.  My frustration is with the following issues:

-complaining about the length of the games,

-complaining about the fans,

-complaining about a rain delay when you’re in a temperature-controlled press box sitting on a padded chair while the fans are stuck on a concourse,

-making mistakes in reporting and not owning them,

-complaining about the free food,

-complaining about the park when you don’t have to pay for parking or walk up the ramps or suffer any other of the indignities or inconveniences fans do to attend the games…then insulting the fans and referring to them as “you people,” 

So they all get un-followed save one–and I only barely tolerate him.  Some of this crept into the IronPigs press box as well, but hasn’t seemed to totally carry over, which is good.

5. Advertising

It’s a fact of life, and it’s a major revenue stream for minor league baseball (and sports in general).  I know this.  It just feels like it’s getting to be too much.  Advertising in the urinals?  Big giant musical instruments in center field?  A sponsor for eight or ten different things that might happen during a game?  Advertising on the magical bathroom mirrors?  It’s just getting to be overloaded and junky.  It’s noticeably distracting from the quality of the game-day experience.

4. Season Ticket Holder Apathy

This goes two ways.  I think ticket holders could do a better job showing up for games–or giving or selling their tickets.  And, I think there are a few examples of how the IronPigs could be doing more for their most-loyal customers.  Not just because we buy a ton of tickets, but because of the gobs and gobs of cash we spend at the park every night.  As I mentioned, we’ll make a blog-post suggestion box coming up.

3. Departures, volume 1: The Players

As I mentioned in my last column, I’m happy for the players when they get to move on to further their careers.  They play baseball for a living, so anything they can do to increase their earning power or move ahead is something that we ourselves would do in the same situation.  It was sad to see Rich Thompson go, but GREAT that he got back to the bigs.  I liked Dave Bush, but he had the opportunity to make more money in Korea or Japan, so God bless him.  The excessive player turnover did hurt the team, though, and probably cost us a playoff spot.  The poor road record could be attributed to this as well, probably.  It’s the way it goes, though, and I’ll hope for better next year for us, and celebrate the success of the Thompsons, the Frandsens, the Kratz’s, the Browns…

2. Departures, volume 2: Staff

This didn’t impact the season too much–and I don’t think it’s a reflection on “poor working conditions” as others have opined–but it is noticeable.  Just as with the players, I wish continued success to the IronPigs employees who move on to bigger and better things, including Justin Scariato, Scott Hodge, and Brandon Greene–as well as others of the game-day or permanent staff who may not be with us in 2013.  We’ll miss them.

1. Departures, volume 3: Fans

I’m not calling anyone out here.  Baseball is, at its core, entertainment.  Sometimes real life gets in the way and other things need to be moved up on the priority list ahead of entertainment.  It get it.  It’s not something easily fixed, perhaps, and as with players and staff, others will step up.  But missing some of the folks I got to know around the park is indeed one of my least favorite things about 2012.

oinK!

Here are my top ten favorite things about the 2012 IronPigs season, in no particular order.  Likely, I’ve forgotten something.  Please add yours below in the comments. (Coming soon: Least Favorite Things About the 2012 IronPigs.  I try to be a good guy, but I’m not a company shill.  We’ll keep this one positive, though.)

10. The Coffee Mugs

As I sit here typing, I’m drinking coffee from one of my many IronPigs coffee mugs.  As excited and happy as I am to pick up my tickets each year, a little free swag is the icing on the cake.  Thanks IronPigs! 

(note: coffee mugs were the ticket holder gift this season.  Look for my upcoming post “What the IronPigs do for Us” followed quickly by “Suggestions for the 2013 IronPigs”)

9. Autograph Day

There were several “magical” days at the park this year, and mine were probably different from yours.  This is one that I’ll remember, though.  The kids always love it, and we missed it in 2011.  Player turnover rendered the baseball card set near useless, so the kids bought baseballs to have signed by all the players.  They managed to get all of them–and the coaches.  The game was good, and, close.  We stayed into extras despite the school night, as we had the club level to ourselves in the rain.  We watched the raindrops dripping from the railings as we awaited a walk-off.  And so it was.

8. Technology

There were two technological improvements to the IronPigs experience this year that I enjoyed very much:  For the first time, I got involved with the jersey auctions because of the phone bidding.  I know it wasn’t without its glitches, but it had to be better than the clipboard blocking and the pen stealing (you know who you are!) of years past.  We even got a couple of them (Mitchell, Hudson).  I bet IronPigs Charities made more money, too, although I’ve heard nothing official. 

The other technology improvement I enjoyed and appreciated was the Bypass in-seat delivery for the club level (along with the “deal of the day”).  And, no, contrary to the comments from some of the corporate seats behind me–the same people who complained that their seats were too far from the field–it’s not because I’m too lazy to get up and get my food and drink.  It’s because I come to the park chiefly to watch and cheer for baseball, not to stand in line.  Kudos here.  Glitches were minor, and very infrequent.  As far as I could tell, there was no extra charge for the delivery on my bill; however, I did certainly tip the delivery person.

7. Tailgating

I thought we did a pretty good job with our tailgating this year, and I hope to improve on it next year.  Most were small affairs with a few friends and family enjoying a sandwich and a soda pop, but it really added to the experience when we did it.  I’d love it if more folks would stop by, though, even if it’s just to say hello.  Hopefully we can make that happen in 2013.

6. The Day-Night Doubleheader

It was hot, but we sucked the marrow out of that one, didn’t we?  It was probably the pinnacle of the season as far as the team and winning.  We started the day at the park at 10AM with sausage and egg sandwiches on the grill, coffee, and tomato juice (say, Ed).  We “survived” the first game by hiding out in the club to avoid the heat.  Then came the between-game festivities featuring pre-smoked ribs by Dan and pre-pulled pork by Mark.  Some bean bags and some beverages, with many friends and family stopping by.  Then, more baseball!  What a day!

5. Crab Fries

How did it take me three-quarters of the season to find these?  Goodness, I’m slipping.  But I like them, and the food and drink options at the park continue to evolve and multiply.  Good stuff at the PigStop all  season long by Jan.  I hope they continue to add choices and quality.

4. The Tiki Terrace

I didn’t venture out there very often, but all the reviews from about the park were good.  Folks loved the food and drink, and the little tables.  The addition of another hospitality area was a success as well, I learned.  Finally, the fact that they started staying open after the games with music and beverages, created a new “scene” for the park.  It’s one that I didn’t frequent, but reviews from fans, off-duty staff, and even the occasional player, were good.

3. Opening Night

Opening night is always special, but I’ll really remember this one.  My older son and I arrived late as he had a catchers’ camp.  We entered through the main gates, and stopped by the trough to say hello to Dan.  We knew the score from the radio, but of course didn’t hear the most important part because it was never mentioned.  The first thing Dan said was, “Look carefully at the scoreboard and DON’T SAY ANYTHING.”  That’s right, Tyler Cloyd, the last-minute fill-in from AA for scheduled but suspended starter Dave Bush, had a no-hitter going.  With the early season game, of course, he didn’t finish it, and we remember the winning one-hit result.  But it was another one of those great nights, you know?

2. The Players

While the extensive player turnover this season was one of my least favorite things, I do enjoy the variety.  It’s cool to get some new players to watch periodically, even if it does mean saying good-bye to old “friends” like Rich Thompson, Kevin Frandsen, and Erik Kratz.  I enjoyed watching them while they were here, and I feel happy for them having the opportunity to advance their careers in the Major Leagues.  Meeting Kyle Hudson shortly after he joined the team, welcoming him to town and hearing his genuine appreciation for the park and the fans let me know that we’re doing our part to make the IronPigs what they are today.  And it’s probably why the home record was as good as it was this year, as well. 

1. Ryne Sandberg

Years from now, I know we’ll look back on 2011 and 2012 as the “Sandberg Years” and it will be with great fondness.  The brand of baseball we witnessed these past two years was really super.  I loved knowing that we had a chance to win each game.  I loved knowing that we had the chance to come back in a game where we were down.  I loved knowing that his players had his back, and he theirs.  He’d never have it, but I’d be putting a statue out front of the park if it were up to me.  Heck, Emily might even stop by periodically for a picture.  🙂

“It’s not over until WE SAY IT IS!….”  – Animal House

Well, we didn’t do anything to help ourselves last night, but the soon-to-be Trolley Frogs managed to come from behind and hold on against the PawSox to keep us in it.  We need perfection now, both at home and from SWB at McCoy.  You never know, and it’s why they play the games.  (Except Hector Luna.  He doesn’t play in the games.  He goes home.  But I digress.)

So today, we party!  DiPro and I will be grilling up some Brats in the LSI lot.  I’ve invited a number of people personally from about the park, but if you’re reading this in time, please come join us 4:00PM or so.  Have a sandwich and a Diet Coke on me (and DiPro).  I invited the Phanatic via Twitter, but I’m not hopeful.  It would be funny, though.

How will you find us?  Look for the flag!  The young one took out my other flag pole with the van door at the last tailgate, so I got a new, taller one!  It looks like this:

look for this flag, and maybe the NoiseNation one as well, flying in the LSI lot

Oh, yeah.  Baseball.  If all goes well, we’ll make it to the game after the party.  Pettibone on the mound tonight against Zach Wheeler scheduled for the Bison.  I’ve really liked the way Pettibone’s been pitching.  He had a little difficulty the last time out, but he’s young, and fun to watch.  I’m guessing we’ll get to see some of him next season as well.  Wheeler is the top prospect in the Mets’ system, or so I’m told.  If my memory serves, he came over from San Francisco in the Beltran deal last summer.  He’s done well since advancing to AAA in August, but we roughed him up pretty good when we saw him up in Buffalo last month. 

Also, these three games might be the last time to see the Mets’ affiliate for a while, as word has it the Blue Jays will take over as the Major League parent club for Buffalo next year, possibly sending the Mets to Las Vegas.  I put Mets’ fans third behind the Red Sox and Yankees on the obnoxious scale:  you understand it’s not the REAL Red Sox, right?  Perhaps the rise of the Trolley Frogs (still a Yankees affiliate, but easier to differentiate minor league fans from MLB fans) and the Las Vegas Mets will leave me with only Red Sox fans to hate on next season.  But at any rate, if you like the Baby Mets, c’mon out and cheer them on. 

See you in the parking lot,

@Kram209

PS: I don’t know what Dan and DiPro have planned, but it could get a little quiet around here once we’re eliminated.  I’ve got a post-season retrospective planned, as well as a look ahead to what could be an exiting 2013 IronPigs’ roster.  Also, an IronPigs “Suggestion Box” column, and the story about what I decided to do about Phantoms’ tickets.  It’s just a matter of finding the time and motivation to get it all written up.

“So, you’re telling me there’s a chance……YEAH!” – Dumb and Dumber

It doesn’t look good, friends.  The story is the same.  We need to win.  We need Pawtucket to lose.  And, now, we need it to happen every night.  We can withstand one slip-up, either direction, but no more.  Luna’s jumped ship.  Schwimer’s arm is sore.  Nope.  No good at all.

But, there’s four more games.  There are fireworks tonight.  There are wings at the PigStop.  DiPro and I will be tailgating before tomorrow’s game (come and join us, won’t you?  Look for the flags in the LSI lot.)  Many of my Top Ten Reasons still exist.  C’mon out and say “hello” and “good-bye” one more time!

Friday: Fireworks, Wings at the PigStop

Saturday: Tailgating, plus the Phanatic (memo to DiPro:  use your connections to invite the Phanatic to the tailgate.  That would be a riot.)

Sunday: Drawstring Backpack for the kiddos

Monday: Fan Appreciation Day.  Mr. Landes says “no” to my suggestion of free beer and free parking, but I hear there will be contests and games and perhaps a food discount (memo to self: wait until late in the game to eat.)

So, I’ll  see you at the park.  And, hey, I’ve still got a chance to win the Morning Call Triple Play with two more chances.

@Kram209

The IronPigs got a big win last night, over Scranton-Wilkes-Barre ace Ramon Oritz, to remain 1/2 game up in the International League wild card standings, and pull within six games of the IL North lead.

Derrick Mitchell launches a 3-run blast to propel the IronPigs to the lead in the bottom of the third. Photo courtesy Cheryl Pursell.

Yesterday was a long day for the Krammer.  It started at 8AM with a baseball game “Away” in a neighboring community for the older kiddo.  It progressed through four tournament soccer games in the afternoon, then on to the ‘Pigs game.  My young one was the starting goalkeeper for the first soccer game of the day.  Unfortunately–and despite his usually outstanding play–they fell behind 0-2 in the time-shortened tournament game.  They battled back, though, and won a well-earned 3-2 victory.  They don’t always win, but they didn’t give up and it paid off. 

I took time between the games to post a comment over on the excellent Bacon and Biscuits board:  I was fearful of last night’s game because I’m always nervous when the guys come home–that the bus ride will have them flat or that other distractions of life could get in the way of a win.  I was also concerned about the pitching matchup:  Scranton’s best starter–by record, experience, and ERA–versus one of our young, and largely untested guys.  Mario Hollands had one start for us Tuesday night as part of a doubleheader and has started 17 games this year across FOUR LEVELS of minor league baseball, but remains somewhat of an enigma.  He’s not been dominant, really, at any level.  He’s got a pitch–perhaps it’s a cutter–that he sometimes has some difficulty locating, and a reasonable fastball which touched 95 last night.

The 4-1 lead through 2 1/2 innings did little to calm my fears, but we had baserunners and the guys were playing hard.  Up steps DMitch with two on, and already one in, and my young goalkeeper says, “I don’t think we’re ever going to come back in this game.”  Really young Padawan?  What happened when you were down in your soccer game?  Isn’t Mitchell your favorite player since Rich Thompson left?  Yup.  Three-run dinger to left.  ‘Pigs take the lead, never to look back.

Juan Marillo got the win.  He touched 98 on the notoriously slow Coca Cola Park stadium gun, and froze several batters with his big hooking curve.  He’s a dynamic pitcher; stats show he sometimes struggles when asked to pitch more than one inning.  Control is the thing.  My friendly neighborhood usher, who frequents Reading games as well, points out that with him throwing gas like that, the backstop is always in danger of damage.  In short, he’s our new Aumont. But last night he did fine over two innings to earn the win–his first at AAA.

Morillo kicks and fires. And earns the win. Photo courtesy Cheryl Pursell

Today:

OF Nate Schierholtz will start a rehab today with the IronPigs.  Rumor has it, he will remain with us until the rosters expand September 1.  However, reports out of Philadelphia this morning suggest that his rehab may not begin until tomorrow.  Stay tuned to Twitter for the latest on today’s lineup.  The ‘Pigs send the so-far-excellent Jonathan Pettibone (4-0, 1.69) to the mound to face the Future-Frogs’ Justin Thomas (1-1, 3.58, only his sixth start in 33 AAA games this season) in a 1:35PM tilt.  Tomorrow’s a school day; that’s my assumption on the unique August Sunday start time.  Back to 5:35 next Sunday, with the Monday holiday following.

There Once was a Team from Pawtucket…

The PawSox won last night to remain a half game behind us in the wild card chase.  Talk at the bar last night quickly turned to the Boston Red Sox’ massive trade with the Dodgers.  Boston gutted their team to save on salary as money seems to be no problem for the Magic Johnson owned Dodgers.  How does this affect us?  Well, Boston’s going to have to replace those players who were traded.  Here’s a look at a couple of transactions impacting the Pawtucket roster over the past week:

8/25 SS Jose Iglesias, OF Che-Hsuan Lin, and RHP Junichi Tazawa from Pawtucket to Boston

8/25 INF Ivan DeJesus, Jr. in from Los Angeles, assigned to Pawtucket

8/22 3B Danny Valencia from Boston to Pawtucket

8/18 INF Mauro Gomez from Pawtucket to Boston

So, good or bad?  It remains to be seen.  Pawtucket loses a couple good players, but gets a couple back.  They remain in the midst of their 8-game far-southern road swing with two more in Charlotte followed by four in Gwinett.  They will then return to Pawtucket to face Scranton.  IL-record is the tie-breaker for the wild card, and we seem to be on the short end of that.  With IL games remaining, though, we could gain ground.  Aim remains the same:  Win.

The Big Screen

As much as I love Cheryl Pursell’s photography, I’m really a multimedia guy at heart.  So I flipped last night when I saw this; I must have watched it ten times.  I just love this video she put together using her photos, and I’m leading the charge to get it on the big screen when (not “if”) we host our first playoff game this season.  Enjoy, and spread the word.  Let’s go!

See you at the park,

@Kram209

The final installment of my “Top Ten Reasons to Come to the Park in August” series comes to a close.  I hope we can be successful in our final push towards the playoffs. 

The Number One Reason to Come to the Park During This Final Home Stand:  People!

Likely you’ve made some friends at the park.  It’s the folks who sit in your section and your favorite usher and the guy who takes your $3 as you enter the lot.  Not to mention the bartenders and the other folks you meet at the game.  Some of these nice people you won’t see until April.  Perhaps they won’t be back next year.  C’mon out and say “hello” and “good-bye” one final time.  You’re going to miss them.  I know it.  Plus, there might be one or two more tailgate parties in the works.  Stay tuned for news on that.

Last Night:

The good guys lost a Cloyd game.  I’ve been counting on Tyler and John to be rock solid in those two spots in the rotation, but it wasn’t to be last night.  Cloyd did fine, of course, taking a no-hit bid through six, but a couple homers chased him.  A boot by Orr and a couple hits given up by Savery and we let one slip away. 

The IronPhils did well to win last night in extras, with a few of our old friends making contributions:  Mayberry, Kratz, Brownie, Franny–even Phillipe got into the act with a scoreless and wild-pitch-less frame.  A nifty move by Frandsen on a bunt, to avoid the tag of another old IronPig Miguel Cairo, was a highlight:

http://www.the700level.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/news/Video-The-Legend-of-Frandsen-Grows?blockID=762151&feedID=8510&qv=1#bp

Ahead:

One more game in Rochester tonight, then back home for the final 9 games in 10 days.  We might get a player or two back, as Ruiz and Scheirholtz are reportedly doing better, and could be activated sometime next week.  I can only speculate, but I would think maybe Kratz and Martinez would be the ones to come down.  I wouldn’t mind a pitcher, if they could spare Rosenberg.  Our friend Michael Schwimer is back, but is having some difficulty with his arm–so we’ll see how that works out.  We hope for him to be healthy, first, then worry about the rest.  More news on that, as it becomes available. 

See you at the park, tomorrow,

@Kram209

PS: Here’s the PigStop Menu:

Saturday, August 25^th – London’s Burning…Cajun Grilled London Broil Sandwich with Caramelized Onions & Muenster Cheese

Sunday, August 26^th – The Sensation…A Spicy Buttermilk Battered Chicken Breast Sandwich with Fried Banana Peppers, Muenster Cheese & Salsa

Monday, August 27^th – The Mac Down…A Cook to Order Mac & Cheese Bar with Assorted Sauces & Toppings

Wednesday, August 29^th – North vs. South…Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw on Slider Rolls

Thursday, August 30^th – The Quandary Quesadilla…A Monstrous Quesadilla with Carne Asada or Cilantro Lime Chicken, Nacho Chips, Lettuce, Salsa, Sour Cream & Black Beans

Friday, August 31^st – 50-cent Wing Night

Saturday, September 1^st – Patty Melt on Marble Rye

Sunday, September 2^nd – The All American…Grilled Meatloaf with Cheddar Jack Cheese, Bacon & Caramelized Sweet Onions all Served on a Onion Roll

Monday, September 3^rd – Labor Of Love…Pulled BBQ Chicken with Pepperjack Cheese Sauce & Coleslaw Sandwich

This is the latest installment from my “Top Ten Reasons to Come to the Park in August” Series.  I’m more gung-ho this season compared with years past.  Here’s why I think you should be, too:

Reason Number Two: Yankees

At the time of this writing, the IronPigs have 14 games left.  Eleven are at Coca-Cola Park (two are home games for the Yankees).  Five are with the Yankees.  Wins over our nomadic rivals from the north will go a long way towards the division and wildcard standings, as well as the tiebreak process should the PawSox continue to hang around. 

You may have noticed, I’ve already started referring to them as the “Trolley Frogs,” as there’s a very high probability that will be their moniker next season.  So, let’s get out there and SQUISH THOSE FROGS!

Last Night:

Is the game over yet?  The game seemed to last forever, as the IronPigs threw an awful lot of pitches.  The good guys were within a run several innings, twice with the bases loaded late in the game, but just couldn’t convert it.  The home plate umpire was wearing a camera on the top of his helmet for the first two innings or so–not SECTV or IronPigs related Mr. Schuler from the Morning Call tells me; however, I’m not sure we can blame it on him.  Perhaps the balk call was questionable, but balls and strikes seemed reasonable to me.  Phillipe Aumont wasn’t able to hit water from a boat and that did us in.  But hey, today’s another day!

And That Day Is:

It’s Fan Cave Giveaway Day today.  The prize pack seems a bit less extraordinary this year, but the idea is sound.  I’m not involved, but I hear there are going to be some wild entries.  Good luck to all who are participating; I look forward to watching the competitions on the field.  It’s also “football night,” so go ahead and throw on your jersey I guess–support your favorite team.  Plus, I think the Eagles and Patriots are on TV playing a practice game, so you can keep track of those teams on the flat screens about the park.  Jonathan Pettibone’s on the mound tonight; he’s been fun to watch since he came up from Reading.  I’m hopeful for good things tonight–and that includes the weather!

See you at the park–if a little late following baseball practice,

@Kram209

Note the camera on the home-plate umpire’s head. Photo by Kram209.