Category Archives: Lehigh Valley IronPigs

May 1, 2012 · 1:46 pm

Mustachio! A Charity Effort for Those With a Stiff Upper Lip

Photo by Sara Haydt (Full Name)

IRONPIGS STAFF TO RAISE MONEY DURING “OLD SCHOOL MUSTACHE MAY”

From the IronPigs

Support Local Non-Profits by Voting for your Favorite ‘Stache

(Allentown, Pa.) – In an effort to raise funds for local non-profit organizations, IronPigs staff members are putting away their razors during the inaugural “Old School Mustache May” presented by Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews! Fans can help determine a winner by casting their vote online or at an IronPigs home game through June 1.

Male members of the IronPigs Front Office staff have been divided into three teams and each team has selected a different non-profit organization to support. Each dollar raised will equal one vote. In addition to voting online, fans can also vote at Coca-Cola Park by visiting Coordinated Health Fan Services, located behind Section 107 on the Main Concourse. Voting will conclude on Friday, June 1 and individual and team winners will be announced Saturday, June 2 as a part of Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews ‘Old School Night’ and “Mustache May” finale!

‘Like’ the IronPigs on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lhvironpigs) to a view a photo gallery that will be updated weekly with each Staff Member’s ‘stache progress.

A list of the “Old School Mustache May” teams and participating staff members appears below:

Team American Cancer Society: Bill Butler, Paul Tumavich, Jan Giejda, Brock Hartranft, Kurt Landes, Phil Lichman, Anthony Maurella, Alex Rivera, Nick Wootsick.

Team Keystone Wounded Warriors: Matt Hagen, Ryan Hines, Scott Hodge, Chris Julian, Brad Ludwig, Ben Muell, Justin Scariato, Howard Scharf, Kyle Walbert, Don Wilson.

Team IronPigs Charities: Joe DeNitzio, Tim Doohan, Scott Evans, Adam Fondl, Brandon Greene, Morris Morioka, Jon Schaeffer, Steve Pump, Jason Kiesel, Garrett Fahrmann.

About the non-profit organizations:

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 chartered Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,100 communities.

Keystone Wounded Warriors is a Eastern Pennsylvania based 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation that seeks to honor the daily sacrifices made by the brave men and women in all branches of the United States Military, but specifically those wounded on or after September 11, 2001. Keystone Wounded Warriors aids Wounded Warriors by raising public awareness and seeking the public’s support for programs and services that assist Wounded Warriors. Funds donated to Keystone Wounded Warriors are used to support local post-9/11 veterans and their families located in or with ties to Pennsylvania.

IronPigs Charities is a non-profit organization striving to provide educational and recreational opportunities for children in the Greater Lehigh Valley area. Since its inception in 2007, IronPigs Charities has made more than $435,000 in monetary contributions – including more than $110,000 in 2011.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are dedicated to providing family-friendly entertainment and are the only Minor League team to offer bubbles to fans entering the AT&T Plaza and balloons for all children exiting Coca-Cola Park.

2 Comments

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Noise Nation-Dan

May 1, 2012 · 12:06 pm

Sanches Called up to Phillies

Brian Sanches was called up to the Phillies today. No word on who the Pigs will get to fill the roster spot yet.

Leave a comment

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 29, 2012 · 10:01 pm

Pigs chase their tails – Yankees 8 – IronPigs 2

No words – just pictures – SMH…

(click any pic to enlarge)

Lehigh Valley IronPigs Yankees

2 Comments

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 29, 2012 · 10:05 am

Good News! ‘Pigs Lose – Yanks 8 – Pigs 4

So you’re probably asking yourself… “Has DiPro lost his mind? How is losing good news?”

Believe it or not most of my mind is still intact, but the fact is – it can’t get much worse…

And that my friends is the good news!

There was a bit of bad news tonight when reliever Phillippe Aumont left with was reported by Jeff Schuler at mcall.com as “middle back tightness”. Let’s hope he’s ok and returns soon.

International League Batting Rankings (14 teams)

Only two teams (Louisville and Norfolk) rank below Lehigh Valley in batting average in all of AAA Baseball. By the way, the Toledo Mud Hens are in first place in the IL West, followed by the Clippers of Columbus.Interestingly, the IronPigs have the least walks and also the least K's.

With all that it can only go up from here!

The Last 10 (3-7)

First, it’s only April for starters. Second, there is no reason to believe that things won’t warm up once the weather does. Third, it’s only April. There is no reason for panic – Manager Sandberg has been keeping the line-up fresh, staying aggressive and preserving the bull-pen. Finally, did I mention it’s only April?

Off to the pix and Many thanks to Cheryl Pursell for her excellent photographic contributions!

Oldhead rocked the Park and luckily they will be returning!
Friday, May 18 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Saturday, June 16 (Performance Time- 5:15-6:00 PM)
Friday, July 20 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Friday, August 10 (Performance Time- 5:45-6:30 PM)
Check 'em out at oldhead.us
(DiPro)

Another fine entertainment choice by the IronPigs - these guys rock - hard!
(DiPro)

Even FeRROUS was rockin'!
(DiPro)

Domonic Brown is ready!
Brown is 3rd in team BA (.266) and 2nd in RBI's (11) and Hits (21).
(DiPro)

Tough night for starter Pat Misch who was credited with the loss.
3 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 1 K.
(DiPro)

Following a Cody Overbeck fly out, Hector Luna is safe at 3rd after ripping a ball off the AmericanBank sign in left center.
(DiPro)

Erik Kratz who had 6 hits in his last 3 games - "cuuuut on and missed" for the 2nd out on a nasty slider away.
(DiPro)

Mike Fontenot grounds this one back to the pitcher stranding Luna at third and ending the second inning threat.
(DiPro)

In the second, The Yankees Steve Pearce slams one off the top of his foot...
(DiPro)

...and that's gotta hurt! Pearce would later leave the game.
(DiPro)

FeRROUS tossing Channel 69 Koozies.
(DiPro)

Derrick Mitchell smacks this one over the left center wall for his second HR of the year in the third inning.
(DiPro)

Jayson Nix brother of Philly outfielder Laynce Nix began the game 0 for his last 12 and finished up 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's including this double that...
(DiPro)

...scored Russo & Cervelli.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Kratz had a chance to get Cervelli but he just beat the tag. The Yankees would go on to score 6 in the third as they bat around.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

B.J. Rosenberg replaces Misch in the fourth.
2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

LHV would score 3 in the sixth including Erik Kratz who ran around the plate as the ball gets past catcher Cervelli.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Kratzie dives back - SAFE.
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Brian Sanches comes on in relief the 6th.
2 IP, 1H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Phillipe Aumont would come on in the 8th and walk the first two batters. He would then...
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

...leave the game with tightness in his back surrendering the hill to Jeremy Horst.
0 IP, 0 Hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
(DiPro)

Horst would finish up the 8th. Unfortunately, the two walks by Aumont scored. That was the end of the scoring for the Yankees total of 8 vs. the Pigs 4 run effort.
1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
(Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell)

Andres Blanco strikes out to end the game and has made the last out in the last two games.
(DiPro)

Click the play button below to hear Matt Provence tell you the rest.

The Dish

1 Comment

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 28, 2012 · 4:32 pm

Bats on a Plane – Yanks 3 – Pigs 1

IronPigs

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)

Austin Hyatt reverse angle slow-mo instant replay.

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.

Baby you're a firework...

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh" - where are the bats?

The End

The Dish

Leave a comment

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 27, 2012 · 2:33 pm

Everybody Hits! Sometimes… – ‘Pigs 6 – Yankees 4

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!

Go Pigs!

The Dish Lehigh Valley IronPigs Domonic Brown

1 Comment

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 27, 2012 · 12:09 pm

There was a ‘Gnat’ at the Park – Larry Bowa visits CCP

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….

The Dish

Leave a comment

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 26, 2012 · 9:48 am

‘Pigs Schooled by Bisons – 12-1

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!

Let’s Go IronPigs!

DiPro’s Dish

Leave a comment

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 25, 2012 · 9:50 am

Musical Relievers: Stutes, Schwimer, Rosenberg

The Phillies announced early this morning that reliever Mike Stutes was placed on the 15 day disabled list for inflammation of his right shoulder.

Taking his spot in the Phillies’ bullpen is our own Michael “Phear the Phro” Schwimer. Good luck Michael!

Taking Schwimer’s spot in the Pig’s bullpen is BJ Rosenberg.

Rosenberg has appeared in 5 games for the R-Phils this season with a 1-0 record, 1.12 ERA in 8 innings. He walked 2 and struck out 10 so far.

Game is today at 10:35AM, don’t forget to tune in 1230 and 1320AM for the best baseball broadcast in the business.

Leave a comment

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs

April 25, 2012 · 9:14 am

The Podfather – ‘Pigs Prevail 3-2 in 11

Not a Valentino Pascucci or a Vinny Rottino would best The Podfather this night.

Starting pitcher Tom Cochran went 6 strong scoreless innings giving up 4 hits with 2 BB and 4 K.

Scott Podsednik leads off with a grounder to short - just out at first. The Podfather would go on to a 2-5 night with 2 R and the game winning RBI.

Domonic Brown singles to right, steals 2nd and is left stranded when Hector Luna...

...ends the inning - "Called 3rd Strike - Got emmm"

In the 2nd, Raul Reyes attempts a steal and the throw is...

...NOT in time - Safe!

In the 'Pigs half of the 3rd, after walks to Podsednik and Brown, Hector Luna advances both runners into scoring position on a ground out to third for the 2nd out.

Mike Fontenot becomes Mike FontenYES (courtesy of Matt Provence) and with a single to left plates Scott Podsednik for the first run of the game. In two games Fontenot is 3 for 7 (.429) with a 2b an RBI and 2 BB while only striking out once.

During the 4th, following a single, Buffalo's Josh Satin (1B) is OUT at a close (force) out at 2nd. The inning then ends on a 6-4-3 DP.

Bottom 5 - Following a single by Podsednik and a double by Frandsen, Domonic Brown launches a fly to LF. Vinny Rottino readies himself and fires home as The Podfather tags and...

...with a nifty slide, Pods beats the play at the plate to score again!

Bottom of the 6th - Erik Kratz ropes one into the BullPen and the 'Pigs are up 3-0. Buffalo would get 2 in the 8th on a 2-run dinger by Vinny Rottino and 1 more in the 9th to tie the game 3-3 and send the 'Pigs to extra frames.

The IronPigs' Raul Valdes strikes out Buffalo's Raul Reyes in the top of the 11th and would get the win in the bottom half when...

The Podfather singles to right... The play at the plate...

... and Kratzie is SAFE - scoring from second to end the game in the 11th. Pigs 4 - Bisons 3. While stranding 11, the 'Pigs did have 2 hits with runners in scoring position to end the losing streak. Pigs Fly!