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

With the ‘Pigs trailing 3-2 tonight in the seventh inning–our ace Tyler Cloyd having been knocked out–I leaned over to Matt and said, “I don’t know why, but I am very confident that we will win this game.” 

His Response?

“What?!?”

Let’s go back to Tuesday:

In a teen-league baseball game (I’m an assistant coach/statistician/agitator) Matt’s team was ahead 4-2 in the 4th inning of a game scheduled to go 7.  The bases were loaded for the other team, with no outs.  The batter hit a soft tapper to the pitcher, who threw home for the easy force.  The catcher (not Matt) stepped forward into the field of play and fired the ball towards first to get the batter.  Somehow, the first baseman missed the ball, and it rolled into right field.  Three runs came around to score, and next thing you know–we’re down 5-4.

Fast forward to tonight:

In the bottom of the eighth, with two outs, still down 3-2:  “Speedy” Pete Orr doubles to right.  Jake Fox then got hit by a pitch.  With runners at first and second, Jason Pridie hit a soft tapper in front of the plate.  Mud Hens starting pitcher Thad Weber fielded the ball and threw high to first, pulling the first baseman off the bag.  Pridie safe.  Speedy Petey came around to score.  Just like that it’s 3-3 and all the momentum shifts to the IronPigs.

Ninth inning: Aumont on to pitch.  He strikes out the first two, while the third batter hits a long drive to right caught by Susdorf up against the wall.  Bottom of the ninth:

Lefty reliever on. 

Mitchell pinch hits for Susdorf and strikes out.  1 out.

Suomi “the money” singles to center.

“Let’s Go” Blanco hit by a pitch.  First and second one out.

Kyle Hudson down 0-2, comes back to walk.  Bases loaded one out. Score tied at 3.

Infield in.  Outfield in. Cesar Hernandez to the plate.  Mud Hens manager to the mound.  Ryno with a word for Cesar.

TALL fly to left.  Fielder has a chance to get back, but NO chance to make a throw (unless his name’s Dave Parker). 

Pigs Fly!

baseball’s funny that way…

Epilogue:

Pigs win in walk-off fashion for the THIRTEENTH time this season.  We figured on the way home that we’ve been present for 12 of the 13, having left early on Blanco’s first walk-off homer.

Pawtucky lost tonight, with a Trolley Frog win, putting the IronPigs 4 games back in the IL North, but tied for the wild card.  Rochester, Columbus, and Norfolk can only await a collapse. 

‘Pigs player of the game?  I go Pridie, with two hits and the crucial game-tying RBI (could have been an error, but…).  Ramirez, Diekman and Aumont all with clean innings out of the ‘pen to give the team a chance.

Tomorrow:

Brummett to start.  He has a 1.06 ERA in four games started this year.  He will face off against lefty Adam Wilk, 5-11 with a 2.96 ERA.  It’s Domonic Brown jersey shirt day for the kids, and pre-game party for the IronHeads.  5:35PM first pitch.

See you at the park,

@Kram209

Our ‘Pigs had to settle for a split up in Buffalo as they fell 4-2 this evening behind Scott Elarton.  I know he’s been atrocious some nights, but other times it seems that he’s just had the bad luck.  The other thing that’s getting him is two-out hits/runs.  It seems something changes (who knows if he relaxes or tightens up?) when there’s two outs, but good things seem to happen for the other team. Scott went 4.1 tonight allowing 6 hits and 3 runs with 3 BB and 5 K.  Morillo pitched 1.2 with only a walk, while Savery allowed the other run on two hits and a walk.  JC Ramirez finished with a clean inning.  “Let’s Go” Blanco hit a solo homer. 

But, we got that out of the way (I’m sorry Scott, but that’s the way I have to think of it at this point), and the ‘Pigs are headed home for four with Toledo.  The Mudhens are traveling from Syracuse where they won 6-2 tonight.  The ‘Hens are 8-2 over their last 10 headed into the “Battle of the Barnyard.”  They should not be taken lightly.  But then, “Say hello to my little Cloyd.” 

The future Trolley Frogs took down Pawtuckey again tonight to open up a three game lead in the IL North.  The baby scarlet sox are three games back, with only a one game margin on the IronPigs.  Columbus, Norfolk and Rochester continue to hang around a couple of games back of us. 

Here’s the Pig Stop Menu for the upcoming series:

Saturday, August 18^th – The Polish Committee…Kielbasa, Pierogi & sauerkraut Sandwich with Spicy Mustard

Sunday, August 19^th – Cuban Panini

Monday, August 20^th – The Mac Down…A Cook to Order Mac & Cheese Bar with Assorted Sauces & Toppings

Tuesday, August 21^st – Patty Melt on Marble Rye

See you at the park,

@Kram209

PS: Nothing fancy, but there’s a chance I’ll be cooking sausage sandwiches in the (LSI) parking lot tomorrow before the game…

I’m more upbeat than usual for August Baseball, and you  should be too.  I’ve come up with ten reasons to come to the park in August.  Here’s the latest installment:

#3 Reason to come to the park in August:  Ballpark Food

I know, I know.  You’re sick of ballpark food as well.  You’ve been eating it all spring and summer.  You swore you’d do better with eating before the game and saving money (See Also:  Saving Money at the Park). But, it gets busy, and you don’t get a chance to eat.  “I’ll just grab something at the game,” you say.  Next thing you know you’ve had it all.  Twice.  Or, more.

But look, it’s going to be a long winter without ballpark food.  So go ahead and have another Aw Shucks Corn, another All Star Sandwich, and a Boss Dog.  You know you need the Nacho Porker again too.  Maybe a Philly Phries late in the game.  Or, a funnel cake if they still have them?  And, I know our own IronPigsChef Jan will have some nice choices for us in the Club Level for these final games.  Eat up.  Food is something your body needs anyway.

The Buffalo Shuffle

The team is 2-1 now in their four game set in Buffalo, with the finale tonight at 7:05.  They’ve won behind a gem from Pettibone and a really solid day-game start from Cochran.  Scott Elarton is on the mound tonight, and I can only hope for him to reach deep and give us a chance.  Hopefully the bats continue to come alive; some run-support might be good for Scott.  Valle’s bat has been awakened as well, and Fox has been hitting nicely.  It’ll be good if we get Luna back when Polanco gets activated either later this weekend or Monday.  I hope Luna can get himself back to town and in the lineup right away.

A Look Ahead

The Toledo Mudhens come to town for a four-game series starting Saturday at 6:35PM.  Fireworks are on tap following the game.  Sunday’s game is at 5:35 featuring Domonic Brown replica jerseys for the kids.  In the past, these replica jerseys (all star game, Scott Mathieson, etc.) have been really nice.  Sunday pre-game is the IronHeads Tailgate Party in the Plaza.  I wonder how many will be there.  Monday is the fan cave finale` and Tuesday is Dog Day with Spongebob and Patrick.  The scheduled starters are:  Saturday Cloyd, Sunday Brummett, Monday Pettibone, Tuesday Cochran.

See you at the park,

@Kram209

I keep posting these reasons, and the ‘Pigs keep losing.  Perhaps I’ll stop.  I’ll do anything to win, you know.  So this could be my last:

Reason Number Four: Tickets

Historically, August tickets are some of the toughest to get.  The IronPigs are able to sell groups better through the summer, and it culminates in this final month before school starts.  This eats up a lot of seats. Plus, the weather’s usually more agreeable.

Don’t be dismayed, though.  Here are some suggestions to make sure you can get your tickets for these August games (hey, we don’t want to turn this into “the restaurant that’s so popular that no one ever eats there anymore.”)

1. Plan ahead.  I know, common sense.  But if there’s a game you want, get online or call the ticket office to get your tickets.
2. Don’t give up.  Don’t wait until the last minute, but calling the day before a game or early the day of, you can sometimes get seats that have been held back for visiting scouts, or the players’ families or whatever.  You may have to call for these as I’m not sure they put them online right away.
3. Consider smaller sets.  It might be tough to get 8 seats together, but maybe a few sets of two would be doable.  At least consider it.
4. There’s nothing wrong with General Admission.  Yes, certainly you can sit on the lawn.  But if you don’t want to, there’s always the bar areas in the outfield.  And, if you don’t mind standing, find a rail behind home plate.  It’s an excellent place to watch the game if, like I said, you don’t mind the standing.
5. Craigslist and Stubhub have tickets available.  You might pay a little more with the fees and whatnot (some people are trying to make a couple bucks, and that’s OK too.) but you won’t be shut out if you really want to go.  Season ticket holders have digital access to tickets, and can forward them via email so you can even buy the day of the game.  Even though the bottom fell out of the market for Phillies’ tickets, it’s still probably cheaper when you consider the time, travel, gas, concession prices, and so on to go to an IronPigs game.  (of note:  I’ve never sold my tickets on one of these sites, but I have purchased through them)

Yesterday:

Two words: Bad Elarton.

Tonight:

I hope we can get the bats going.  Losing Hector Luna to the Phillies likely won’t help (Schierholtz broke a toe).  But on the brighter side, my kids get their wish as Austin Hyatt was sent back to Reading.  Mike Cisco’s back and Tyson Brummett gets the starting spot–he’s done well in that spot, so I’m hopeful for some more wins.

Also tonight: 20% off at the Majestic Clubhouse Store tonight if you check in on Foursquare.

And: You never know when it’s going to be the last chance to see Tyler Cloyd.  He’s going tonight so let’s support him and cheer him on!  Go Pigs,

See you at the park,

@Kram209

In years past, August has brought me baseball apathy.  By August I’ve had enough of the park, enough of the food, enough of the losing, and I’m ready for some football.  Not this year though.  I’m about as pumped for August baseball as I am for April baseball.  Why?  Dunno.  But over the coming days I’ll present ten possible reasons–ten reasons YOU should be pumped about August baseball as well.

Reason Number Five: Weekends!

The schedule for August features a lot of weekend series’ and “wraparounds.”  It’s not just a great opportunity to come to the park, but a great chance to maybe come early, have a sandwich, walk around, and enjoy the atmosphere.  Or, maybe have a tailgate?  Look, it’s the weekend.  Relax.  Have an adult beverage.  Or, two. 

C’mon.  Where would you rather be?

Last Night:

Woodchucks?  I thought it was cool.  But maybe we should just stick to being the IronPigs.

Tonight:

Question of the night:  Good Elarton or Bad Elarton?

In years past, August has brought me baseball apathy.  By August I’ve had enough of the park, enough of the food, enough of the losing, and I’m ready for some football.  Not this year though.  I’m about as pumped for August baseball as I am for April baseball.  Why?  Dunno.  But over the coming days I’ll present ten possible reasons–ten reasons YOU should be pumped about August baseball as well.

Reason Number Six: Reputation

It’s building.  It’s all I really want for us, you know.  But folks are taking notice.  I don’t just mean the IronPigs management bragging about attendance numbers.  I mean the atmosphere.  Take a peek at the Home and Away record for this years’ team.  Notice anything?  That’s right, our team plays better at home and as fans we’re gaining the reputation “the best fans in minor league baseball.”  Check out this article:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/08/01/five-minor-league-baseball-parks-have-to-visit/

I don’t get to meet players very often, but I did meet one who joined our team during this season.  The first thing I said to him was, “Welcome to Allentown.”  Without hesitation, his response was, “This place is great!  You guys are incredible.  I’m going to love playing here.”  I love that we’ve started to develop that reputation.

We can’t let up in this final month.  Don’t get distracted by Musikfest or the Fair or Back to School.  We can do it!  Let’s go!

About Last Night:

Really nice home debut for Pettibone.  Sure, he’d like to have more strikeouts, but he was getting the grounders and not giving up a ton of walks.  He got in a bit of a jam in the first inning, but got out of it nicely. 

Tonight, tonight, tonight:

DiPro peer-pressured me into buying Woodchucks attire, so I’ll be ready when they take the field!  There might be a little tailgating going on as well.  Oh, and a free hat.  Don’t forget the free hat!

Roster moves today include the promotion of Julio Rodriguez from Reading.  Another of the famed “baby aces” for us.  Jake Fox was sent down to make room.  Word also that Derrick Mitchell has been activated from the DL.  A corresponding move has yet to be announced, but I’m thinking perhaps I saw a player stub his Velandia last night.  I can’t remember who…

~ @Kram209

In years past, August has brought me baseball apathy.  By August I’ve had enough of the park, enough of the food, enough of the losing, and I’m ready for some football.  Not this year though.  I’m about as pumped for August baseball as I am for April baseball.  Why?  Dunno.  But over the coming days I’ll present ten possible reasons–ten reasons YOU should be pumped about August baseball as well.

Reason Number Seven: Promos

There are some interesting promos yet to come this last month.  I’m personally looking forward to:

1. My second Batting Practice Party (OK, maybe this is just me, but..)
2. “Woodchucks” What Could Have Been Night II.  Hey a free cap.  And unique. And the jersey auction that goes with it!
3. “IronHeads” party.  Is this still on?  Anyway, could be cool, and it’s paid for.
4. Dom Brown kids’ Shirsey.  Maybe you don’t have kids, but the last couple years they’ve done a really nice job with these:  They are much nicer than just regular T-Shirts.
5. A couple other kiddo giveaways: backpack and flip flops.
6. Magnet Schedule and Wall Calendar: Good to get a jump on next year, lest you schedule a week vacation during a home stand doncha know.
7. Fan Appreciation Day:  I hope they do more with this, this year.

Anyway, still some great promos left.  C’mon out and get them!

About Last Night:

It was just a really weird night.  No, I don’t mean because the good guys lost 10-1.  Nor because of the rain.  It was just a strange vibe.  It started when we pulled in to the access road:  There were no other cars and no traffic control whatsoever.  The parking lots didn’t appear as full as expected, either.

Next, it turned into one of those social nights.  Lots of familiar faces in the park last night and I found myself socializing and watching football more than watching the baseball game. 

On the good side, one of my kids caught a foul ball–out of the air.  Yeah, it ricocheted twice, but he snagged it one-handed or it would have gone to the row behind us.  Great play by him.  Perhaps he’ll have to have “Let’s Go” Blanco sign it for him.

But the game?  *sigh*  It was one of those nights.  Austin Hyatt was having trouble keeping the ball down and the fake Mets were feasting on it.  Reminds me of what they did to Elarton in that day game earlier this year.  Kids were ready to put Austin on a bus back to Reading in the third inning, but I’ll give him another start or two.  He’s looked good enough in the past that he needs more of a chance to prove himself.  Let’s go, Hyatt; we know you can do it.

Looking Forward

Really looking forward to tonight’s game as it’s Pettibone’s Coke debut.  He’s looked good on the road, so I’m hoping for a big game tonight.  But the weather seems to be a problem.  My usual strategy to deal with the rains has been to stay at home until it comes over Twitter: “The tarps are off.”  But, alas, tonight is BP Party, so we’ll be there early with our umbrellas I guess.  Anything for free food, you know.

Then, start your bidding on the Woodchucks Jerseys for Saturday!

@Kram209

In years past, August has brought me baseball apathy.  By August I’ve had enough of the park, enough of the food, enough of the losing, and I’m ready for some football.  Not this year though.  I’m about as pumped for August baseball as I am for April baseball.  Why?  Dunno.  But over the coming days I’ll present ten possible reasons–ten reasons YOU should be pumped about August baseball as well.

Reason Number Eight: Prospects

Even if you don’t care about wins and losses for the IronPigs, some of the top Phillies prospects have found their way to Coca Cola Park for the end of this season.  And as with Freddy Galvis last year, you never know how long we’ll have them, so, come out and see:

1. Sebastian Valle
2. Jon Pettibone
3. Cesar Hernandez
4. Tyler Cloyd
5. Jake Diekman
6. Phillipe Aumont
7. Justin DeFratus
8. Austin Hyatt
9. JC Ramirez

…and we can debate which are actually prospects, but each of the above have at least a shot to be with the Phillies either in September, or next spring, or at some point in the future.  Also keep in mind that any moves Phillies’ brass makes over the winter could involve trading of “prospects.”  This could deplete the list further.

About Last Night:

Sloppy kinda game.  I got there late, and left early.  CJ and I voted to stay for the 12th, but Mrs. Kram voted to go, so…we heard the winning run score on PigsRadio on the way home.  Here are some of my baseball observations:

Evidently, JC Ramirez has been working on a re-tooled delivery.  This may have contributed to some of his recent struggles, but he seems to be coming around.  His stuff was more “electric” last night.  Good pop on his fastball, touching the mid-90s at times.  My criticism of him in the past was that he was “throwing” and not “pitching.”  He seemed to keep the batters off-balance just fine last night.  Good work by him.

I like Justin DeFratus.  He’s getting better all the time coming back from his arm difficulties.

Phillipe Aumont still scares the bejesus out of me. He could strike out the side in nine pitches or he could walk four in a row.  You never know.  He did well last night, got through two innings, but not without some drama with runners in scoring position.  Nice defensive play by him to get out of the inning. 

Cesar Hernandez is a singles hitter I guess.  He hits for average with the occasional triple.  His speed on the base paths is reasonable.  His fielding doesn’t look like anything special.  We’ll continue to watch him to see how he adjusts to the higher level. 

Tough night for Valle.  I guess word is going to get out in AAA that he’s willing to swing at most anything, especially off-speed stuff.  Let’s watch for adjustments at the plate, and perhaps some plate discipline upcoming.  He threw a guy out, though, which was nice. 

On Tap:

I’m really looking forward to the games tonight and tomorrow.  As I write, I just got news that my other commitment for this evening (Thursday) has been cancelled.  I’m interested to see how Austin Hyatt does on his return to AAA.  I’ll be watching how he works, and if there are any changes when runners are on base.

Tomorrow will bring us the Coca Cola Park debut of Jonathan Pettibone.  J-Bone is one of the top prospects and has done pretty well in his first two AAA starts on the road.  Also, I’ll be at the park early for my second Batting Practice Party.  These are always fun, and sometimes the kiddos can get some baseballs out of the deal.

Saturday is Woodchuck day.  Anybody up for a tailgate?

See you at the park,

@Kram209

In years past, August has brought me baseball apathy.  By August I’ve had enough of the park, enough of the food, enough of the losing, and I’m ready for some football.  Not this year though.  I’m about as pumped for August baseball as I am for April baseball.  Why?  Dunno.  But over the coming days I’ll present ten possible reasons–ten reasons YOU should be pumped about August baseball as well.

Reason Number Nine: PLAYOFFS!

“Playoffs?!?  You wanna talk about…PLAYOFFS?!?” – Jim Mora

Yeah, I do.  The ‘Pigs management took some heat for putting tickets on sale so soon, but really, they had to.  I’d skewer them much quicker if they weren’t prepared, or if I couldn’t get my regular seats.  We discussed last year the difficulty minor league teams have filling stadiums for playoffs:  Planning ahead will help assure the same home field advantage we have enjoyed over the regular season.  Now printing it on the magnet schedules before the season started was a bit premature, but whatever.  Hey, why do I even want playoffs?  Well:

1. It’s not like there’s going to be any playoff baseball in Philadelphia, and if the Bucs don’t pick it up, there won’t be any in Pittsburgh either.
2. I like winning, and I sat through a lot of games in 2009 and 2010 where that wasn’t a possibility.  Every single game I saw in 2008 was a loss.  Payback, I say.
3. The atmosphere for those first two playoff games last year was electric.  I look forward to a repeat of that.
4. More time to enjoy having Ryne Sandberg as our manager.  And, one more line on his resume as an MLB job should be forthcoming.  Not that he should need it, though.

News and Notes:

As of this writing, we still have Tyler Cloyd for tonight.  That’s great, and I’m hoping it gets our 8-game home stand started off with a win.  The day off usually ignites the bats, too.

Whether you call the Club Level “home” or whether you’re just visiting, you might want to know what’s for dinner.  Here’s the Pig Stop menu for the upcoming home stand:

Wednesday, August 8^th – Italian Panini

Thursday, August 9^th – The Dirty Dog…All Beef Black Angus Hot Dog Topped with Pulled Pork, Cheese Sauce & Chopped Bacon

Friday, August 10^th – 50-cent Wing Night

Saturday, August 11^th – The Quandary Quesadilla…A Monstrous Quesadilla with Carne Asada or Cilantro Lime Chicken, Nacho Chips, Lettuce, Salsa, Sour Cream & Black Beans

Sunday, August 12^th – The Pig Trough…A Pile of our Famous Kettle Fries Smothered in Chili, Bacon Bits, Shredded Cheese, Beer Cheese Sauce & Topped with Green Onions & Shredded Pepperjack Cheese

Monday, August 13^th – Cheeseburger Quesadilla

@Kram209