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

December 18, 2013 · 8:38 pm

Look What Reading’s Doing: More Season Ticket Holder Stuff

I’m on the “mailing” list for several different minor league teams, and I can’t help noticing what some of the others are up to. The Reading stuff really caught my eye, because it’s some of the same things we’ve been asking for around here, for the IronPigs. Here are some of the new and established benefits of Season Tickets in Reading:

Season Ticket Holder Only Player Autograph Session – I’ve been advocating for this for a while. I’m not big on autographs myself, but looking for an opportunity for my kids to get some autographs without battling the crowds on that one day. Fighting the mobs at the front of section 118 and 119 isn’t always an option for the little ones, either.
Access to Reserved Parking – Not such a big deal at Coca Cola Park. I’ve enjoyed the preferred parking the last couple years which comes with my club level ticket package, but more for the fact that it’s free, rather than the location so much. It’s a little closer, but I never minded parking in the LSI (new name coming? I digress.) lot and walking up the stairs. It’s harder to get OUT at the end of the game from the Preferred lot. However, in Reading it is a nice advantage to park in that new “reserved” section right outside the gates. The other lots are significantly farther away, and more in the line of fire from home runs.
Always Receive 20% Off in the Team Store – This is something I’ve been yapping about for years as well. IronPigs Season Ticket holders don’t get any real ticket price advantage over single game tickets. We’re the team’s “best customers,” and we’re there all the time. Why not give us a reason to stop in at the store more often?
Special Season Ticket Holder Entrance – I haven’t been the strongest advocate here, but it’s something we’ve discussed quite a bit over the past couple years. Field Level Ticket Holders feel strongly about this one, and I can’t say I blame them. It’s a good idea, costs are minimal, and it’s something these fans really want. There should be some way to make it happen.

Here’s what the email looked like:

Taking a peak at other nearby teams, I didn’t notice anything exciting or unique up in Moosic–other than their (much smaller) club level is completely sold out–and a three- or five-year plan in the club gets you free sodas!

I did notice something unique in Trenton, though (Thunder, AA Yankees): They have an attendance club. If you use 90% of your tickets you get a special price on your seats for the following year AND a meet and greet with the team. If you use 70% you get a special rate as well. Golly, I made it to 67/72 games last year. I should get a discount!

See you on the interwebs. Upcoming posts reviewing the 2013 season, my annual Xmas roster preview, and some phantoms stuff, too!

@Kram209

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Tagged as minor league teams, Season Ticket Holder

November 10, 2013 · 12:09 pm

IronPigs Suggestion Box 2013-2014

Hey there NoiseNation! Now is the time when Minor League teams start to make plans for the next season. They’re lining up sponsors, renewing season tickets, and starting on the promo schedules and the like. If you’ve got ideas for them, now might be the time to make them known. Maybe not the larger capital construction projects: Larger Scoreboard, full LED ribbon board for the club overhang, upper deck seats above the press box….these are things that will probably need to wait. I’ll share a couple of the ideas that are on my mind this morning, please add yours in the comments section below:

What Could Have Been Night: I’d like to see this come back. I’m sitting here with a Woodchucks hat on. It’s cool. What’s next? Pennsylvanians? I’m ready.
Different Perks for Season Ticket Holders: We had the batting practice parties and most recently they used the picnic patio for some free grub (didn’t work out well for me: It rained.) The All Star “pic nic” has kind of run it’s course, but is kind of fun. Here are some suggestions from Kram’s Korner: A. Second autograph day just for S/T holders. B. A meet-the-players session for full S/T holders prior to the season. C. A discount schedule for the Clubhouse Store based on ticket package. D. Discounts on group seats if S/T holders want to bring a group to the park. E. Alternate ideas for season opening gift: i. exclusive car magnet or license plate ii. exclusive hat (nicer!) iii. exclusive T-Shirt (nicer) iv. exclusive replica jersey design.
Ticket Exchange: We’ve covered this before. It’s doable and would result in better turnstile attendance and per-game revenue. There would be a small take out of the coffers of the Ebay/Craigslist/StubHub sources. It would help sell season tickets. It just would make so much sense. Make it happen.
Keep the Stuff We Like: Keep the Saturday Tiki after-party, the pre-game concert and dollar dog opportunity (maybe expand it to different days and improve it, but…), and more…
New Uniform Designs: Looks like some are coming. See my previous post…
A Push for the Playoffs: I know they’ve got to start selling the packages early. It seemed like a lot of the IronPigs employees were cheering against the team late, because they didn’t want to work the playoff games. Put some perks in for them so that we can get everyone pushing for the playoffs if the opportunity presents.
A SaladWorks-like Stand: It still seems like there aren’t enough healthy options for eating at the park. This might be a nice start.
A Tailgate Opportunity for Groups: A park-like pavilion setup or tent outside the stadium which could be rented for an organized tailgate if groups would like to rent it. Would be available hours before the gates open. Would need additional staff and resources, but would make money. Expands opportunity to sell to corporate groups.
A Better, Longer Radio PreGame: I’ve got some ideas for this. However, they can steal them if they want….
Free WiFi: C’mon. It’s 2014.

OK, that’s what I’ve got at the moment. I’ll think of more and add them below. Won’t you, too! Try to think of stuff they can actually do prior to next season in order to be the most constructive.

See you at the SteelHawks…

@kram209

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Filed under Coca Cola Park, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

October 25, 2013 · 10:25 am

Is It Fall? Or, Are Those the WINDS OF CHANGE?!?

The future’s in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change

–The Scorpions

I noticed something the other day, and perhaps you did, too. I know DiPro did, because we talked about it. Surely, you’re on the IronPigs email list, right? I think I’m on it several times.

The Majestic Clubhouse Store, at Coca Cola Park, is having a sale. We got the email. This is nothing unique in the Minor Leagues. I imagine they’d like to further clean out the Summer ’13 inventory while getting ready for the Holiday Shopping Season and then the ’14 regular season. I got a similar email from the Rail-Porcupines. However, we took notice of some of the items on sale from the IronPigs:

New Era 59FIFTY official AWAY cap $15

New Era 59FIFTY official SATURDAY cap $15

New Era 59FIFTY official SUNDAY cap $15

Here in Kram’s Korner, we’re thinking that means some new gear for 2014. I’d predict the powder blue ‘pig head’ cap, already on sale, as the replacement for Sunday–to match the powder blue jersey. The new away jersey debuted last season. I’d predict a new away cap with just an ‘L’ for “Lehigh” echoing the design of the jersey (big LEHIGH little valley.) (note: I do not like this. Lehigh is a school. The Lehigh Valley is a region.) And, just guessing, but I’d predict some kind of new vest for Saturday. Or, perhaps some kind of red pullover similar to the Sunday jersey–with a completely different red cap design. Perhaps a darker red, like the Phils used to have…. What do I want? Something with pinstripes. It’s unlikely because I know they like to use these alternate outfits on the road to help with laundry management.

Yes, this is all conjecture. I was not able to get confirmation or hints from anyone connected with the IronPigs. But if you need more proof: The replica Saturday, Sunday, and Away caps are on sale as well. As are the youth designs…

I’ll see you at the store, where I’ll be stocking up on the soon-to-be vintage merchandise, while regretting not getting some good Reading gear last year in advance of the Ostrich era,

@Kram209

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Tagged as New Era 59FIFTY, The Majestic Clubhouse Store

September 3, 2013 · 4:13 pm

Next Year’s Bobbles

We’ll have plenty of post-mortem for the 2013 IronPigs yet to come, but for now consider this:

Which four players should be immortalized with an IronPigs bobble head figurine next season? Here’s what I’ve got:

Pettibone
Diekman (bobble side-arm as in Lakewood?)
Ruf
Asche

What say you Noise Nation? Any other ideas for giveaways or promos for next season? I was hoping for a mini-ironrail, but that will have to wait, I guess.

See you at the park (for the National Championship Game),

@Kram209

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August 31, 2013 · 6:18 pm

Vast Valley of Sports: Episode 3 “IronPig’s Last Homestand”

The Noise Nation Staff was out in force yesterday getting some coverage of the end of the IronPig’s season!

The team seemed to have a light day as no batting practice as workouts were held but we found out how they keep themselves busy on the occasional mellow day at Coca Cola Park.

We got to chat with IronPig’s Manager Dave Brundage and General Manager Kurt Landes who gave us a review on the season and what’s to come in the remaining 3 games as well as insight on the deciding game of the IronRail Trophy competition tonight!

To close out we caught up with the guys from DuelingPianos.com who performed at last night’s game.

Enjoy!

Would Ya Take It? I Think I Would…

“So put me on a highway
And show me a sign
And take it to the limit one more time”

-Eagles

…

Frequent comment contributor “der Zuschauer” pointed out the IronPigs success recently. They’ve clinched at least a .500 record. They’ve remained alive in the playoff race into the final weekend of games–and into the final home stand. I have to say, if you had offered me–on April 1–a guarantee that we would be .500 or better and still alive for the playoffs during Labor Day Weekend, with a chance to bring home some IronRail hardware as well….I probably would have taken it. Yes, we had prospects to begin the season. But, we also had a very young AAA team, with a lot of unknowns. Continued competitiveness would have signaled to me that the team was fun to watch and never gave up. Indeed that’s exactly what we got.

…

I with I could say the same about myself. I love walk-offs, and am very sorry to have missed last night. I, too, left around the sixth inning when we were down 4-0 and it seemed the team didn’t have much fire. I didn’t either. Kudos to them–particularly the top half of the lineup and the bull-pen for holding it down and getting it done.

…

So we’re still alive I said! What do we need? Well, first and foremost, of course, we need to win. We need a win to clinch a winning record on the season. We need a win to keep hope alive for the playoffs. And, mostly, we need a win to take home the coveted IronRail trophy! Raul Valdes is on the mound and I like our chances! What else do we need? We also need Norfolk to drop at least one of their games in a doubleheader versus Durham. And, we need Buffalo to beat Rochester.

…

A Photo of the IronRail from the @IronPigs Twitter. Is the trophy in the house? I hope so. Love to see it get passed around at the Tiki Bar tonight!

What else is going on? Wall Calendars tonight for the first 7,000 adults. There’s an Elvis tribute. And, there’s a Tiki Post-Game Party! Sunday is a late start 5:35PM with Lunch Bags for 2,000 kiddos. I may be hosting a small tailgate if you’d like to stop by before the game. Monday is the fan appreciation day, again, and there will be some special giveaways and probably half-price concessions (not beer) after the middle of the game or so. It’s a 1:35PM start, and I’m planning a little post-game tailgate for any who are interested. Stop on by. Look for the flags.

…

Finally, I went on “Piggy Patrol” yesterday with Dan and Cheryl. We got some nice footage and a couple of interviews. Episode III of the Vast Valley of Sports is in the editing room as I type. Look for it soon!

…

See You at the Park!

@kram209

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Filed under Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Uncategorized

Tagged as 2013 Ironpigs, ironrail

August 18, 2013 · 9:02 pm

Vast Valley of Sports: “The Day of Dipro”

We at the Noise Nation have been busy! They say pictures can be worth a 1,000 words and we wondered how many words a video would be worth…?

Enjoy!

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Filed under CherylPursellsPhotos, DiPro's Dish, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation History

August 17, 2013 · 1:48 pm

One Game at a Time

“This is it. (This is it.)
This is life, the one you get so go and have a ball.
This is it. (This is it.)
Straight ahead and rest assured you can’t be sure at all.

So while you’re here enjoy the view.
Keep on doing what you do
So hold on tight we’ll muddle through
One [game] at a time, (One [game] at a time.)

So up on your feet. (Up on your feet)
Somewhere there’s [baseball] playing.
Don’t you worry none we’ll just take it like it comes.
One [game] at a time, (One [game] at a time.)”

–TV Theme, “One Day at a Time”

Hold on tight is right. The IronPigs held on for the series win in yet another one-run game. The total team effort was highlighted by Greg Smith with another quality start, and bull-pen contributions which held the pesky Chiefs down while the ‘Pigs mounted a late come-back. Tyler Henson, belly sated by Black Forest Deli Reuben (#ReubenForRuns) pinch-hit a bunt which led to an error and “run(s) scored.”

It was a crazy day for the NoiseNation Staff. We had a little extra access, the results of which you’ll see dripping in probably through the off season even. Once again, we thank Matt Sutor and Matt Provence for the privilege. Stay tuned.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

The Game in Pictures: Cheryl had photo access throughout the evening, and took full advantage. I’ll post a bunch.
DiPro at the Bat: Yesterday was DiPro’s special day. We have the photos, video, and interviews to prove it.
Remembering Charlie: No, he’s not dead. But everyone else is sharing their memories, and I’ll share mine as well. I’ll always remember where I was when I got the news…
More NoiseNationTV!

Until then, let’s take it one game at a time! The win last night gained us a game in the IL North standings, but our WildCard rank remains the same.

We’ve got two in Moosic against the evil TrolleyRiders, then two more with them here on Monday and Tuesday. Still no word on what will happen in Philly on Tuesday for Lannan’s start. It could be Pettibone. It could be Cloyd. It could be Halladay. Stay tuned for that news as well.

Until then, I’ll see you online (I’m not going to Moosic),

@Kram209

Parting Shot: Here’s a photo of the coveted IronRail Trophy, as seen on Twitter from GM Landes and GM Crain last night. Stare at it. Will the IronPigs to win it!

Ooooh….iron rail….come to Allentown please….

Bonus Content: Here’s the song from above…

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Filed under Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

August 16, 2013 · 11:14 am

Friday Update; IronPigs Playoff Picture; 8/16/2013

“The hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round baseball with a round bat, squarely.”

– Ted Williams

David Buchanan dealing.
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

The IronPigs dropped a very winnable game last night 2-1. They managed only six hits, and despite getting help from 2 Chief errors, were 0-10 with runners in scoring position. It’s a shame, because it was a waste of another nice start from recent call-up David Buchanan. I didn’t get to see much of him pitching, but the numbers speak for themselves: 6 1/3 IP, 6H, 2 R/ER, 3BB, 3K for a 1.77 ERA at this point. Jay Johnson gave up a wounded duck on which scored an inherited runner. JC Ramirez and the now-called-up BJ Rosenberg held things down to give the ‘Pigs a chance. Ruppy and Gillies each had two hits and were on base with two outs at the end. Gillies has been hitting near .300 since his return from Reading and has his average up to .224.

Jay Johnson
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

It was a key play in the game. I thought he was out, too. So did Brundage. Replay discussion continues…
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

Playoff Picture:

The IronPigs are 4.5 games back of the Rochester RedWings for the top spot in the International League North, with 18 games to play. Also ahead of the IronPigs are the recently resurgent Pawtucket RedSox who have won 5 in a row, and are 2.0 games back. The Buffalo Bisons are 3.5 games back.

In the Wild Card race, Pawtucket is in the lead, with the Tides 1.0 games back and the Bisons 1.5 games back. The IronPigs are 2.5 games back.

What to cheer for?

Obviously, for the IronPigs to win. The ‘Cuse has been a bad match-up for the ‘Pigs thus far, but we really need this game tonight. We’ve got to take at least 3 of 4 from the struggling Rail-U-Pines over the home and home upcoming.

We’d like the teams above us to lose, as well. We’ve got the tiebreak against Norfolk, but cheering for them to lose is pretty easy. What about the other IL North teams, though? What if they play each other?

Well, Buffalo worries me the least. We’ve got the most head-to-head against them, and will have the opportunity to knock them out. (And, if we can’t, well, we don’t deserve a spot, then.) We’ve got a couple against Pawtucket, too, and we’ve played them very very well. I’ve been directing my negative cheering mostly towards Rochester.

See the entire standings here

Bonus Picture: I hope Lindsey knows that the strange Phanatic species reproduces by…

Please Practice Safe Phanaticism
Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

See you at the park,

@kram209

Replay

“The [Replay] is in charge of finding treasure in the dark”

-“The Reflex” Duran Duran

One thing I forgot to mention in the previous post: It seems video replays are up on the big board after most significant game plays. It’s really nice. We enjoyed this when we visited Scranton in July.

Does anyone know the genesis of this? Is it our friend Ryan and SECTV? The folks in the booth?

In any case, thanks. I enjoy it and it adds to the big-league feel of the park.

As long as I’m handing out compliments: The field design was nice, too. The grounds crew had a vote on SpaceBook, and the most complex design won. The infield looked great! Kudos!

@Kram209

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