The kinda-long awaited release of what the IronPigs have planned for their #SmellTheChange promotion will be revealed at 1:00pm Eastern tomorrow 2/24/2014 and the Noise Nation Staff will be there!
We’ll begin coverage around 12:45pm and carry through the entire announcement followed up by a reaction piece from Noise Nation Podcast Radio and later in the day a thorough account of the day’s activities.
Kram will be there in his Piggy Patrol jacket, we’ll see tomorrow if DiPro can find his jacket and the great Cheryl Pursell will be there cameras in hand recording this event for posterity!
The live coverage will mainly be via our Twitter account, @NoiseNation but also make sure to follow and track @Kram209, @CherylPursell and @JasonDipro for timely updates and maybe even a surprise!
Remember – Coverage begins at 12:45pm tomorrow! Stay tuned!
That’s what our new friends the Section N Hecklers did. A group of about 30 from the Phantoms home in Glens Falls, NY made the trip down to support their team. They already go to all the games. They knew the Phantoms would have support from their nascent home in Philadelphia. The Phantoms provided the tickets as part of their plan, but they had to purchase the transportation. And, endure the bus ride. We were happy to meet up with Matt and Travis from the group, who joined us for some tailgate grub in the parking lot before the game.
Also joining us for the day was an old friend of mine from way back, Jeff. I’ve known him for 27 or so years. He and his wife were season ticket holders for the Phantoms in their first year in Philadelphia in 1996. Ultimately, real life, family, jobs, and a move further to the suburbs got in the way of their season tickets–and by the time they were ready to get back to it, the Spectrum was gone, and with it the Phantoms.
I thought we’d be the only ones crazy enough to tailgate for a minor league hockey game. But I forgot, this is Philadelphia. Soon after we arrived a guy parked across from us in a pickup truck and proceeded to unload a full-sized grill. He soon had a crowd bigger than ours. Yea Hockey!
I thought we’d have plenty of room in the parking lot. But again, Philadelphia. We broke up the party at about 6:45 to head to the arena for the 7:30 start. After the game, we found that the couple extra spaces we had used for our gathering had quickly filled. The parking lot was at capacity. Hockey Town.
Of the live minor-league hockey games I’ve seen over the past three years in Reading, Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia, this one was the chippiest. The Phantoms came in riding a 7-game losing streak and still suffering from the fight suspensions which cost them a few good players for last night. Perhaps they were feeling a bit frustrated. The visiting Bridgeport Sound Tigers weren’t taking it. Several fights erupted during the game, much to the pleasure of the 17,585 rabid hockey fans in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center.
Ultimately, though, the Phantoms had difficulty generating any good offense. There were a couple nice power shots (slap shots, as it were) which I had noticed as lacking in minor league hockey overall; however, the ability to put the puck on someone’s stick in a position to score was lacking. The Phantoms had 10 power play opportunities–some extended given the fights–and were only successful with one. Add to that, they yielded a short-handed goal which was ultimately the winner. The Phantoms lost 3-2 to drop to 22-27 on the season, fourth place in the North East Division only one point ahead of last-place Hartford.
As for the NoiseNation contingent, we were happy to see some live hockey, and happy to hang with new friends and old. DiPro found himself sitting “on the glass” as it were. I think he may be hooked. We invited him to the club level to join us for the third period, and this is the text I got back: “I ain’t never leaving glass lol.”
There was a jersey auction, but like the old days at the IronPigs, it was clipboards. DiPro met up with some folks we know from the IronPigs games who were battling for position near the table. Prices seemed reasonable, by reports, but I just couldn’t get involved with that craziness. Love qtego auctions…
We enjoyed a quick post-game tailgate and headed back to the Lehigh Valley, arriving around Midnight. It was a long day.
Alas, the Section N Hecklers still had five hours or so left in their journey. The Glens Falls Civic Center has hosted AHL hockey for 35 years–though not continuous, it hosted the Adirondack Red Wings when it was built in 1979. It’s neither big nor new, but the fans there are passionate about hockey and deserve a new team when the Phantoms relocate to the Lehigh Valley in the fall. Matt and Travis already have their eye on a potential team. I wish them luck, and perhaps they’ll come visit us either to see the Phantoms play, or to cheer for their new team visiting us. I think the frustration of yet another losing season is getting to them, though. After the loss, “You guys can keep them” came over Twitter.
As for the Lehigh Valley, we’ve got some big shoes to fill as far as fan support, but I think we’re up to the task. Hockey regionally is has strong fan support, and hockey fans are passionate about seeing their sport played live. I often hear, “I don’t know how hockey’s going to work in Allentown.” Hockey fans will come. They’ll come out to see the sport and see potential Flyers at a reasonable price. Caveats about parking and traffic apply, of course.
As an update, here’s a copy of the seating chart for the PPL Arena, and a new video illustration of interior. Following, are photos taken by Kram Jr and DiPro. Enjoy, and get ready for some HOCKEY!
Sections and Pricing from the LV Phantoms web site
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DiPro on the Glass (a new column, perhaps?) – Photo Kram Jr.
Photo: Kram Jr.
Photo: Kram Jr.
Photo: Kram Jr
Wind One Up! Photo Kram Jr.
Chippy — Photo: Kram Jr.
Board Hit! – Photo: Kram Jr.
uh oh – Photo Kram Jr.
Photo Kram Jr.
Photo Kram Jr
Now, from the “On the Glass Experience” by DiPro:
Drop ‘Em Photo-DiPro
Get A Stick On It! Photo DiPro
Light ‘Em Mup Photo: DiPro
Fisticuffs Photo: DiPro
Number 44 You’re Outta Here: Game Misconduct. Photo: DiPro
Face Off Up Close Photo: DiPro
Photo DiPro
Dax the Beaver. Photo: DiPro
Traffic. Photo: DiPro
Well Hello There. Up Close on the Glass. Photo: DiPro
I’m still recovering from hockey day, but I’ve got a couple quick thoughts about the players in MLB camp now who may be IronPigs:
Darrin Ruf: He’s been getting no time with the outfielders and has been working strictly with the infielders as Ryan Howard’s backup. He’s been playing very well at first. But for now, it appears that he’ll have to make the Phillies as Howard’s back-up and RH bat off the bench rather than as a fourth or fifth outfielder. You’d think they would have him working on his outfield defense more if they expect him to come North with the Phillies 25. His perceived competition for a roster spot, John Mayberry, Jr., has been working strictly with the outfielders. Is there a scenario where Cody Overbeck gets squeezed out by Ruf and Jim Murphy? Probably not–and I hope not–but the thought does come to mind.
Cesar Hernandez: Also taking strictly infield, he’s listed on the Spring Training official roster as an infielder as well. The news is, though, he’s been taking reps at Shortstop and Third Base. We’ve heard all along that he doesn’t have the arm to play there, so this is indeed an interesting development.
Reid Brignac: Has been getting plenty of time at third base with Asche, Franco, and Frandsen. I’ve had Brignac pegged as our shortstop for some time, and that still may be the case. They do have a glut of SS guys: Rollins, Galvis, Cedeno, and Blanco–who all need reps.
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It’s easy to read too much into this. Once the minor leaguers report next weekend we may see things shift a bit. Or, it could be a sign that Ryne Sandberg wants excellent defense and is not willing to pound square pegs into round holes vis-a-vis positions.
Stay tuned for more news about IronPigs roster formation,
I suppose we can blame LeBron James for all this. Everyone wants to talk about Mount Rushmore now. Mount Rushmore for broadcasters? Really? OK.
So, Mt. PigMore
We have to chip in. It’s been six full seasons and I’m ready to make a Mt. Rushmore for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Mt PigMore: Tracy, Brown, Sandberg, and Thompson
Andy Tracy
Those early teams were dreadful. But people came to the park and the one player they loved to see was Andy Tracy. He was on first every night and was always a threat to hit a home run. He was always engaging with fans, whether it was easy autographs for the kiddos or tipping one back like a local. Great player. Great guy. And he still visits as the Phillies’ roving hitting instructor.
Domonic Brown
I know what you’re thinking, but we haven’t really developed a ton of talent here in the Lehigh Valley. There are many reasons for this, but Brown is the guy who spent a significant amount of time with the IronPigs and now has gone on to become a starter with the Phillies. I know he was boo’d. (And I still maintain it didn’t help him and made us as fans look bad, but I digress.) I know he made some dreadful plays in the field. But, ultimately, what he did here allowed him to become an integral part of the Phillies. And for that he gets a spot. From everything I’ve heard, he was always forthcoming with the fans and the media, locally, too.
Ryne Sandberg
And not because he is in the Hall of Fame as a player. In a way, in spite of that. He brought winning baseball to a franchise that had never been above .500 for even one day. And it was never about him. You want to sell his autograph on Ebay? Fine, but he signed them for free every single night at Coca Cola Park. He was often the first one signing and the last one done. He and his wife participated in whatever promotions or charity work the IronPigs organization asked. His teams played hard every single night with an attention to detail not previously seen in these parts. By the end of the 2014 season, I predict the Philadelphia Phaithful will be on board as well.
Rich Thompson
He bridged the gap from the early teams that struggled to the playoff threatening teams of the Sandberg era. No matter what he did, he could never earn the call from the Phillies. When he was traded to Tampa, not one person I know was sad to see him go–and that was because we all knew he was going back to the big leagues after so many years. He played hard every night–he wasn’t the home run hitter that Tracy was, but he stole bases and made plays in center every night. He seemed to get better when Mr. Sandberg arrived, as he was unleashed on the base paths. The only time I ever saw him miss a play in center was when the smoke machine malfunctioned. A man of faith, he was active in the community when he had the opportunity. I still miss him.
Other Considerations:
Mike Cervenak – He wasn’t here as long as Thompson. I didn’t want three 2008-9 guys. But, he was always one of my favorites in the early years.
JA Happ – Went on to be an MLB regular. He had the no-hit bid.
John Mayberry, Jr. – He spent a bunch of time here and still has a spot on the Phillies. But he’s never really been an MLB starter. His effort locally was in question at times.
Erik Kratz – I was really close to giving him Brown’s spot. He’s one of my favorites and was always cool with the fans. I love the All-Star story that happened when he was here with the IL team via Indy. Alas, I don’t think he’ll ever be an MLB regular.
Brandon Moss – He’s certainly had the MLB success, as well as the IronPigs performance. But he wasn’t developed here and the Phillies blew the chance to use him that year.
Kyle Kendrick – He was up and down for a while, and never really dominant either here or in Philly.
Freddy Galvis – He was, and is, a joy to watch. His bat started to come alive down the stretch in the 2011 playoff run. Time will tell, if he becomes an MLB regular.
We’re sure having a lot of fun with this #SmellTheChange IronPigs promotion which will culminate in some kind of “Major Announcement” on Monday. Let’s face it, though, we’re going to have fun no matter what. It’s what we do. But,
It appears the IronPigs are serious about this one. Would something as simple as a new bacon-serving concession stand warrant billboards? Goodness, anyone can create an internet “storm” with the amount of followers the IronPigs have on Twitter and FaceBook. But billboards? That’s some cash.
And if they’re willing to pour real cash into this launch–whatever it is–it’s gotta be something rather big. Is a new Saturday Jersey with a bacon theme big enough for this? I kinda doubt it. Like a black jersey with the numbers made out of bacon photos? Maybe cool for one time, but not every Saturday. Please no. That’s probably not a big enough deal to order 10 billboards over, though. And I wouldn’t like it. I don’t think we need to get MORE goofy about things.
But this is the team that brought us uninal gaming. And this has been in the works for some time. Our sources are completely mum so far, but we were able to determine that the smellthechange.com website was registered last fall. That means, whatever this is, it has been in the works for some time.
But at this point, I’m just hoping it’s not something horrible. I’m still a little jaded by the whole Reading Fightins thing from last season. I don’t hate their new name, exactly, but I hate that they’ve all but abandoned the Phillies portion of the moniker. And, I’m not keen on the ostriches or the new logos. Are the IronPigs getting ready to re-brand? Really? Golly, I hope not.
I’m thinking happy thoughts. Here’s the best I could come up with:
This is a random photo I took during the 2012 season because I like bunting. You know, to move the runner over…
In the photo above, do you see the empty girder space below the club level railing? It’s mostly filled with 69News ads and the like. The speakers impinge on it a little, and further down the baselines, there’s a small scoreboard there. What if they filled that whole area with entire STRIP (You know, like a bacon strip? Like THE bacon strip, where the seats are in right field. Hey, we’re running out of puns over here) of LED like the one that appears below the scoreboard right now. That LED could then be used for advertising, stats, scores, advertising, light-show entertainment when there’s a home run, advertising, a picture of bacon, and advertising. It would add a big-league feel to the park. I’ve written about it before. Perhaps they just want to get this announcement in because we’re going to see some evidence at Pig Day anyway. That addition would cost some money, so I’m sure they’d want to crow about it. It would be worth making a big deal over. And, it wouldn’t promote itself like pee-games would.
I’m just guessing, but I’ve got to cling to something good. If it’s something horrible, or dumb, I’m going to be bummed out. I need this season to help me forget this winter..C’mon man.
I’ve been following the Twitter Machine, and here’s some of the stuff I’ve learned today–
AJ Burnett has officially been signed. Ryne Sandberg is happy with the signing. AJ cited proximity to his Maryland home as a prime motivator for signing with Philly. He has a limited no-trade where he can specify 9 teams he’s willing to be traded to. He also has a mutual option with Philly for next season. Roy Halladay has also mentioned to him that he has a house in Philly that is available if AJ would like to move closer…
Jon Pettibone is unable to throw today with shoulder soreness. It’s been tight for a few days, and they’re just “being cautious.” I never like shoulder soreness. This scares the heck out of me and I’m fearful for Jon’s season. Let’s hope it’s nothing… I don’t want to see him mentioned with Adam Morgan and Shane Watson…
The news on Cole Hamels changed a bit as time went on. He’s been able to do fielding drills with the pitchers and is just way behind in his throwing program as he begins to build strength. Reportedly, his shoulder is OK. “Not ready for opening day” has now become “Starts on the D.L.” though. It’s a long season, and they don’t want to rush him. I get that…
In order to make room for AJ Burnett on the 40-man roster (no 25-man until MLB opening day) our old friend Joe Savery was Designated for Assignment (DFA’d). Sources say he has 1 option left, so as long as he passes through waivers (I believe another team can add him to their 40-man) he should be optioned to AAA. I would imagine that he would remain at MLB camp. The danger could be a team who could afford the 40-man spot might like to keep him at AAA as LOOGY (Lefty One-Out GuY) backup for their MLB pen. We’ll see. This must mean that Bastardo, Horst and Diekman are perfectly healthy if they can afford to lose a lefty. Jimenez is in the mix there, too.
Dave Sappelt–a minor-league free-agent OF and non-roster invitee–is not on the official camp roster. He appeared in 31 games for the Cubs last season and can play CF. I have him starting with the IronPigs. He’s no longer listed with the other non-roster invitees on the Phillies site, either. Speculation on the web is that he may not have passed his physical; however, if that was the case then he likely would have been released and an announcement made a la Chad Gaudin (ex-Giants Pitcher released last week). More likely he’s just been shifted to minor league camp which doesn’t open until March 1. Dave’s Twitter account–as well as the MiLB.com site–both list him as Phillies property at this time.
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That’s all I’ve got for right now. Please add any new information in the comments–including any errors I’ve made above. Thanks,
noisenation.mlblogs.com 