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The park was buzzing tonight! Ryne Sandberg came out to a rousing ovation and the usual Opening Day activities commenced. Fans showed up as early as 3:00pm to get in line and they all got quite a show!

The first inning started out well for the Pigs. Frandsen got it started by taking a pitch in the side. Cory Sullivan then singled and Delwyn Young grounded out driving in the first run of the 2011 season. Belliard and Moss both had RBI singles before the inning came to an end.

Something I noticed, even in the first inning, was Sandberg baseball. With a 3-2 count and 1 out, the hit and run was successfully executed. In 3 years I may have seen Dave Huppert call for a hit and run maybe twice. More on that later.

In the fifth, the Pigs tacked on 3 more runs with a Delwyn Young home run, a Belliard double and a Jeff Larish home run.

The Yankees came close to a rally in the 7th when Jason Grilli loaded the bases, but Stutes came in to shut them down and end the inning with a strikeout. They would add another run with a walk and triple in the 9th off of Scott Mathieson.

Overall the pitching looked good for the Ironpigs. Worley came out with the win and Stutes with a hold. Mathieson ended the game effectively but was not elligible for a save given the lead opening the bottom of the 9th. All four pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts and kept us busy at the K corner.

This was a welcome start to the season for us Pig fans. We needed this. The win puts the Ironpigs above .500 for the first time in franchise history and thus begins the Ryne Sandberg era in Allentown. My thoughts… Sandberg ran this game to win not develop pitchers. Dave Huppert is a great development oriented coach. When Grilli got into a bind, Sandberg pulled him for Stutes. This would have been a situation where (while developing a player’s abilities) a minor league coach would leave the pitcher in to see how he reacts and performs in a tough situation. One thing for sure… the Pigs were playing to win tonight and win they did.

One thing I did notice was some open seats. While a paid attendance of 9,225 is really good… I was expecting a sell out capacity crowd for Opening day. The weather and it being a school night can easily be the reason. Let’s get out there and support this team! It’s well worth it and you’re going to get a show on the field as well as between innings!

Haven’t gotten any photos in yet… will post when I do.

OinK!

The countdown is over and the day is here. Some fun facts and more notes about today’s game at Coca Cola Park.

Righty Vance Worley will get the start for the Ironpigs and will face David Phelps of the SWB Yankees. Phelps was drafted in the 14th round of the 2008 draft by the Yankees. He was the 2010 Yankees minor league pitcher of the year and also named to the 2010 Eastern League All Star team. He finished with a 10-2 win/loss record between AA and AAA last season, with a 2.50 ERA and 141 Strike outs. This will not be an easy game for the Ironpigs hitters. I would expect a pitcher’s duel if Worley shows his good side as well.

The Pigs have not won an opening day game in its 3 year history. Just winning this game once, would allow them to say “Yes, we are over .500” A win today would be great. In fact, it has been 11 years since the Phillies AAA team has won an opening day game.

Hopefully the technical difficulties at the gyro stand will allow me to try one tonight. I have my coupon from the season ticket coupon book ready and I’m sure I will be hungry enough.

Temperature for game time is supposed to be 53 degrees with a 20% chance of rain. The temp will drop slightly when the sun goes down but the wind we had on Tuesday isn’t expected to return tonight. My advice is to dress as warmly and water protected as you can. If you don’t, it will surely rain and if you do, you can always take it off and carry it. I’d rather carry a small bag along then get soaking wet in 40 degree weather.

I wonder if there will be a flyover and/or paratroopers this year. Hoping whoever was selected for the National Anthem remembers they are there to honor our nation and not try out for American Idol… although I believe local American Idol finalist and Lehigh Valley native Tyler Grady will be singing for us one night this weekend.

That’s me signing off from off-season mode.. now to the 2011 Season!

OinK!

Opening Day! It’s only… a day awaaaaaaay!

Yeah, when I was 5 I was forced into watching the movie/musical “Annie”. I wasn’t too fond of it then. Things haven’t changed for me since.

So tomorrow is the big day. Seeing reports of a Hot Air balloon ride raffle. That would be cool, unless we have the same winds we had last night.

The first 3,000 fans will get the Service Electric Stadium replica. (Get there early!)

Also, there will be 2 Ironpigs signing autographs pregame on the concourse. Not sure who or where but have your sharpie close by.

I’m ready for the season to begin. This is what we’ve been waiting for since the end of last season.

That’s all I have tonight.

OinK!

Don’t forget to log in tonight at 7:00pm for the Live Ironpig’s chat with Express-Times sports beat writer Michael Lore’!

More info here

or just copy/paste this link into your web browser:
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/ironpigs/index.ssf/2011/03/many_new_faces_storylines_for.html

OinK!

The R-Phils bats were as cold as the weather tonight as the Ironpig’s took a commanding 4 run lead in the first and held on to win with a final score of 6 to 1.

We got to see a nice selection of the organization’s prospects tonight. Two of the pitchers involved in last offseason’s Cliff Lee trade got into the game and J.C. Ramirez didn’t fare very well. He started the game and got roughed up by what appears to be an invigorated Ironpigs offense. We also saw Phillipe Aumont on the mound for the R-Phils.

Other than being bitter cold with the wind, the game was rather quiet. I would guess there was about 1,000 fans in attendance. Got word that players were signing autographs before game to include manager Ryne Sandberg. Had to chuckle when radio broadcaster Matt Provence called the game as Vance Worley pitching for about 3 batters before he realized it was Bass on the mound. 🙂

Andy who? I have a feeling that Jeff Larish will soon become a fan favorite. The 3rd baseman hit the ball hard tonight and I have a feeling he will keep Scott and Annemarie on their toes out in the Trough area this season.

Did I mention it was cold?

There were a few things that stood out for me tonight. I stopped to get a Gyro and they were having equipment issues. Settled for a burger. Found out that there is a new burger on the menu, as much an All Star sandwich sub the pastrami for a burger patty. Looked pretty good. Also a bacon cheeseburger and the option to have bacon cheese fries as well. The pierogies I got looked worse than any other pierogies I’ve ever had… Mrs. T’s might not be in the game this season.

If this post seems rambling, it’s probably because it is. My face is wind burnt and I haven’t regained feeling in my feet yet. Other than watching a few father/sons playing catch on the outfield lawn area.. there wasn’t too much going on.

Glad to have the baseball season here. Even more happy to see my summer friends and ready for the season to begin.

Some nice photos submitted by Noise Nation member Cheryl Pursell below… enjoy!

From the Steelhawks:

Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks announced today a special offer for all fans interested in seeing the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks take on the Bloomington Extreme this Saturday in the first ever March of Dimes Night. For one day, and one day only, the Steelhawks are slashing individual ticket prices for the game by 25%. Fans interested in taking part in this special offer will need to call the Steelhawks ticket director Rob Wynn at 610-282-3100 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6th.
In addition, the team will offer a 10% discounted rate on any fan wishing to purchase flex plan season tickets for the remaining six home regular season games on the season. Season ticket holder benefits include:
· Discounted Ticket Rates
· Discounts on all Steelhawks Merchandise
· Special Invitations to Pre and Post Season Parties
· Opportunities to Meet and Get Autographs from the players following EVERY Home Game
· First Right to Renew or Upgrade Plan for Next Season
· Playoff Ticket Priority

To ensure your seats and take advantage of this fantastic offer, please call the Steelhawks ticket department at 610-282-3100.

The team returns home for three straight weeks, starting next Saturday against the Bloomington Extreme for MARCH OF DIMES NIGHT. Special events throughout the night will go towards this great organization who together with the Steelhawks are working towards stronger, healthier babies. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Stabler Arena.
For more information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks visit http://www.LVSteelhawks.com or call the team’s office at 610-282-3100.

Just checked the weather report for tonight’s R-Phils/Ironpigs exhibition game.

6:00pm – Mostly cloudy, 41 degrees, 20% chance of rain, winds up to 18 mph.

7:00pm – Mostly cloudy, 40 degrees, 10% chance of rain, winds up to 17 mph.

8:00pm – Mostly cloudy, 38 degrees, 10% chance of rain, winds up to 17 mph.

9:00pm – Mostly cloudy, 35 degrees, 10% chance of rain, winds up to 17 mph.

Dress warmly and be prepared for a night of wind.

Looks like Brian Bass on the mound for the Pigs and J.C. Ramirez for the R-Phils. This will be our first look at J.C. who came over as part of the Cliff Lee trade to Seattle. Might also get a glimpse at Phillipe Aumont as well.

Is everyone else as excited as I am?!!

OinK!

I have to say I was honored to be included in this year’s media day at Coca Cola Park and the opportunity to meet the 2011 Ironpig’s team. All this is still pretty new to me and I was a little reserved when I arrived at The Coke this afternoon. I do have a day job ending at 2:00pm each week day so it was a nice treat to have this planned for the afternoon.

The ballpark was like a beehive when I arrived. The overcast 62 degree day gave me a nice feeling of the summer ahead. Cleaning crews were wiping down seats, artists were painting new signs. All over were construction workers hanging or removing, building and refreshing. Ironpig employees were urgently moving about the concourse in preparation for tomorrow night’s exhibition game with the AA R-Phils. Also noticed that the old style clock, which disappeared during the 2010 season, has found renewed life in the place of the former All Star game countdown sign.

Moving into the conference room there was a nice set up of media guides, International League scorebooks and refreshments for those in attendance. I was immediately greeted by Keith Groller of the Morning Call who invited me to his radio show on Saturday from 9:00am to 11:00. The show airs on 1470 AM and I encourage you to listen! I should be calling in around 10:00am. After taking in the ballpark atmosphere we were herded down into the clubhouse to mingle among the players. I have to say, I was a little overwhelmed. There were TV crews filming interviews and beat writers everywhere. I saw one player sitting alone in a corner playing a game on his phone and I wandered over. Turned out to be recent signing Ryan Feierabend. Nice guy. Looking forward to playing here in the Lehigh Valley and was happier to be closer to his Ohio home than he was playing in the Pacific Coast League.

Also got to personally thank Scott Mathieson, Jeff Larish and Michael Schwimer for their recipe submissions to our cookbook. I turned to leave and saw none other than manager Ryne Sandberg walking the hallway ready to get the season started. Got to chat with him for a moment and shared a little of Noise Nation history before I retreated for the relative slower pace of the field level concourse.

Got to meet some good folks today as well. Some familiar names and got to put faces and handshakes together for the first time. Mike Keller of DiscoverLehighValley.com and Mike LoRe’ of the Express Times. Don’t forget to join in the Ironpig Chat session Wednesday night at 7:00pm. I’ll be there.. will you?

So altogether is was a great day. Many thanks go out to the Ironpig’s media department for including me in this fine day! Opening day is Thursday!!!

OinK!

I saw the news posted recently about a new smartphone app called “Bypass Lane” that will be available here at our Coca Cola Park this season.

The frenzy of excited fans created a buzz online and amongst each other about this new, tech saavy option to purchase concessions at the ball game.

A few things I noticed…

It’s called the Bypass Lane. Lane, that sounds like a line. The Turnpike has an Easy Pass lane, but you still have to go through the lane. A Bypass Lane… sounds like you are bypassing something. Are you bypassing the line? Bypassing the walk to the food stand?

This is how the announcement reads, from the Ironpig’s email sent out:

Fans now have the ability to purchase food and beverages straight from their Smartphones with Bypass Lane. Bypass is a convenient solution that affords all IronPigs fans the unique opportunity of ordering food and beverages straight from their seat.

Ah.. there we have it. We can purchase food with our smartphones. We can order food and beverages from our seats!

I did download the Bypass App into my iPhone. I looked to register and found that General Admission fans were out of luck. Only folks with a section and seat number could “Order food from their seats.” I opted not to proceed, partly because it’s not available to me as an outfield season ticket holder, but mostly because it asked me to enter a credit card number to register. (I don’t care to save my CC info on anything online unless it’s an immediate purchase)

So I wondered why the outfield wasn’t included. It’s pretty obvious why… try finding one person sitting on the lawn out of a few hundred. “I’m the one wearing the Ironpig’s hat and shirt… on the blanket.. with kids…” I completely understand.

Ok, so everyone is abuzz about having food delivered to their seats. I’ve heard it all going around and I thought to myself.. but it doesn’t SAY food will be delivered to your seat… it only says you can ORDER food from your seat. I suppose it would take an additional 50-60 full time game day employees to meet the demand of lazy fans. Also would imagine what we would pay for that privilege. As if the ballpark prices aren’t enough, we can add a few more dollars on for a novelty-like delivery of our food.

So you will be able to order food from your seat. What happens then? I suppose you would be notified via a response? Email? Text message? A push notification (That’s the fancy name for message from an app), a phone call? What happens if you don’t notice your food is ready? What happens if 200 people order via the bypass lane at the same time? I could imagine getting cold food and flat beer, but my questions remain unanswered for now. If anyone out there would like to share their experience using this service.. please share with us!

Personally, I think it is a cool idea. I wouldn’t use it as I do enjoy getting up and taking a walk now and then. The beautiful 360 degree concourse is ideal for taking a stroll on a warm summer night. Really, the best conversations I’ve had at the park have been waiting in the concessions lines. Met a lot of new friends there too. Granted, I usually don’t eat too much at the park. I am on the over side of my ideal weight and have been trying to cut back. It’s easier on the wallet as well. But when I do get a hankerin for a cheeseburger or Philly Pretzel, I don’t mind missing a little of the game. Most of the food stands have TV’s within viewing distance anyway.

So for my official stance on the ByPass lane… It’s not really for me, it may not last… but it’s a step in the right direction.

At this time in 2008 I made a decision. I chose to further delay a much needed vacation to enjoy some baseball…

For those of you who don’t know me well, I haven’t been on a real vacation since.. well I was about 13 years old. That was quite some time ago. I’m not saying I haven’t traveled. When they say, “Join the Marines and see the world!” Well they mean it. Add in some travel for work in recent years and I can’t claim to have cabin fever.

What I do have is baseball fever! It’s opening day week for our beloved Ironpigs!! The first week of baseball is always the most exciting for me. Yes, 4 years ago I was a casual fan. Still bitter about the 1994 MLB strike. But then our town got a team! Our town! Our Team! I went out and got myself an 18 game package. Yes, only 18 games… but I had a plan. Throughout the 2008 season (I only missed 3 games) I sat in each and every section on the field level. I wanted to find the spot where I could most enjoy the game. That turned out to be in the outfield with the 2nd row of section 120 coming in a close second.

Baseball Week! That same year I also bought a bunch of tickets for the Phillies, Reading Phillies and took in a game in the final years of Yankee Stadium. I wanted to go just once before they tore down that irreplaceable part of history.

One week, that I am referring to, was a great week. I started off with an Ironpigs homestand. Added in a Businessman’s special at Citizen’s bank park on a Thursday followed by a direct to Coca Cola Park drive on the PA turnpike arriving just in time for the first pitch at the Coke! 7 days, 8 games. The following week I got to see the Red Sox play the Yankees at Yankee stadium. I have to say this was one of my best baseball experiences ever…

I bought the tickets on ebay. Was hoping to get cheap tickets, just to see one game at Yankee Stadium. That’s all I wanted. The first pair of tickets popped up and they were Red Sox/Yankees, Upper level between home plate and 3rd. Buy it now price of $85. I smiled and I bought. The seller sent me the tickets with a letter. He accidentally set this to Buy it now when he wanted to set it up for bidding. He normall gets $400-500 a seat for these tickets. First stroke of luck. Along with a Red Sox fan we set off to the game. I also wore a Red Sox hat to give some moral support for my pal. The drive there was quick, no traffic and arriving about 45 minutes before the first pitch, a parking spot opened up 1/2 block from the Stadium gate. We sat in disbelief for about 10 minutes and headed to the field. The ticket takers saw our Boston hats and happily welcomed us to their home. (Isn’t there a rivalry?) Went to our seats and began chatting with fans around us. Had some laughs, shared some memories… had a great time until one of them turned around and said.. “You guyz iz Sox fans?” I thought to myself.. uh oh, here it comes.. The guy shook his head and said, “You guyz is good guyz.. glad to have ya here!” Here are two Red Sox fans sitting in a sea of Yankee season ticket holders having the time of our lives. Throughout the night a few drunks would stagger by and try to start trouble with us only to be shut down by our protective group of new friends. I will forever remember this game, even if the final score wasn’t 15 to 9 the Yankees coming out on top. There was a total of 30 hits and 9 pitchers between both teams. The icing on the day was a 45 minute return trip home.

That was my first baseball week. I had another in 2009 and 2010… this week is 2011’s. While I won’t be going too far this year, I will be attending the Exhibition game at The Coke on Tuesday, Opening weekend at the Ironpigs, the Steelhawks on Saturday and the Reading Phillies home opener next week.

While baseball has been my “vacation” for so many years, it is nothing in comparison to what Tug Haines is doing this summer. He is traveling the country attending as many different ball games as he can. Check out his blog here.

Also of note, The Reading Phillies opening day raffle includes a life sized 500 lbs Ryan Howard Garden Gnome. If I should happen to win… any suggestions where I should have it delivered? 🙂

OinK!