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There’s a stat that is tweeted almost daily from Citizen Bank Park… so many consecutive sell outs. It’s up to like 70 something now.

But yesterday it was the Lehigh Valley that was shining! The Pig fans crossed the 500,000 mark for attendance with a large crowd of 9,590!

No other team in AAA baseball has reached this mark yet this year. (Most likely a minor league high also, just didn’t have the time to research)

Season per game average is riding high at 9,192 fans per game. Also first in minor league baseball!

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Today a few of the Noise Nation will be volunteering with the Miracle League game. It starts at 2:00pm in Schnecksville. Really looking forward to a fun day and expect some news tomorrow.

OinK!

I took a break last night and spent the game in the club level. Well, it was more of a forced break. I’ve been sick all week and some friends were concerned about me sitting in the outfield again. I have to admit it was a good time. The atmosphere has its own unique feel to it. The bartenders and staff are super friendly and the daily special last night, fish and chips, was incredible.

While ordering my fish I got to talking with an employee who works in the kitchen and she told me about how they get there at 8:00am on gamedays to start preparing food. Concerned, I asked how long that fish had been in the warming tray and she laughed and assured me it was not too long. The kitchen staff has many duties to include preparing food for all of suites, picnic patios and porches along with preparing food for the teams and staff. I never even contemplated that. We see the vendors and the food stands downstairs and I always enjoy them each and every game but I didn’t think the food operation at The Coke was so extensive. I even hear that food is provided for the press box.. I may have to look into a Media Pass next year 🙂

We were treated to an inside the park home run last night. I still consider that the most exciting play in baseball. The rare combination of a long fly ball, speed and an awkward bounce… along with a 3rd base coach’s willingness to send a runner home is all required for this to happen. Unfortunately it was a Brave that accomplished it last night. Fortunately Rich Thompson was not hurt when running into the wall trying to make a catch. This was the second round tripper not to leave The Coke. In 2008 in front of 10,000 screaming children for an education day game, Javon Moran touched them all for the first in CCP history. Rich Thompson is the only other Ironpig to do this while in a Pig’s uniform during an away game in 2008. (For the trivia buffs out there)

So tonight the Noise Nation will be joining the Ironpig’s broadcast team at Pitcher’s for the Saturday extended pregame show. Always a fun time.

See you there!

OinK!

While Cody Ransom was designated for assignment yesterday he could be claimed by another team, he could clear waivers and accept an assignment and return to the Ironpigs or he could refuse his assignment and become a free agent.

I don’t think Ransom will return to the Ironpigs. Just call it a gut feeling.. I don’t think Ransom enjoyed anything during his time here. His interactions with the fans, or lack thereof… the way he kept to himself in the dugout and seemed to be lonely in his play on the field…

It wasn’t a match made in heaven.

I’ve heard many insults sent his way.. over his play, over his attitude. I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I just don’t think he will return.

We’ll see…

They have lost 9 of the last 10 games. They look drained. The team has lost players and gained players.

Rich Thompson returned to The Coke tonight to many cheers. He acknowledged his fans with a smile and wave. He actually had two nice bunts tonight and scored the Pig’s only run. Must still have a little of the winning attitude that is still strong out in Reading.

Matt Rizzotti made his debut with the Pigs tonight. Made a great play at 1st base and didn’t do much else. I find it very interesting to see what will happen with Andy Tracy the next few weeks. I believe the Phillies made their feelings clear by not calling him up this week with an injury to Howard. That nagging shoulder injury could spell the end for Tracy’s tour in the Lehigh Valley.

Really, if he isn’t called up in September, I don’t think he will stick around even if the Phillies organization asks him to. I heard a rumor he was even asked to try playing 3rd base when Rizzotti was added to the roster. Andy did play third early in his career but I don’t think twisting and diving for ground balls will do anything to help that shoulder heal.

I do feel this team has given up. With 30 some games left.. they are playing to stay out of the basement.

I think I’ve almost given up on them too. Almost. At least we aren’t Rochester.

OinK

He was designated today to make room for newly aquired 1st baseman Mike Sweeney.

With a slew of infielders now on the Ironpigs… I wonder where Ransom would fit. It is expected that he returns but as we found out earlier in the season.. he’s no right-fielder.

We’ll see…

OinK!

Per Kevin Czerwinski of CSN Philly.com…

“The big news, however, came after the game when slugger Matt Rizzotti was informed that he’d be moving up to Lehigh Valley in time for the IronPigs’ game against Gwinnett on Friday night at Coca-Cola Park. Rizzotti went 1-for-4 in his Eastern League swan song and leaves with a league-best .362 average in 76 games. He finished string, hitting .455 [15-for-33] over his final 10 games.

“I’m very, very excited, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Rizzotti told CSNPhilly.com. “I’m surprised because I didn’t have any idea. I was asked earlier if I had been expecting anything and I said no. I try to stay away from what’s going and keep focused on the game I’m in and what I’m going to do.”

Rizzotti said he didn’t know if he would be in the lineup Friday night for Lehigh Valley. ”

Link to full story

The way Rizzotti has been tearing apart AA this was really no surprise. Also with Andy Tracy’s shoulder hurting he has been spending more and more time as a designated hitter with other infielders filling in for him at first base.

Hopefull Rizzotti will bring that same spark to the Lehigh Valley that Domonic Brown did. The Pigs have won 1 game since Brown departed for Philadelphia.

See you tonight.. or this afternoon if you are trying to get a Schneider bobblehead. Great homestand coming up!

OinK!

John Mayberry was promoted to the Phillies today as 1st baseman Ryan Howard was sent to the disabled list.

Tweet rumors are saying Mayberry took some grounders at first today and could fill in there. Probably a more suitable position for him.

OinK!

Not likely. At least from my viewpoint.

Yes, we all love Andy. How could you not.. but his shoulder problems will likely keep him from getting a call up in the case of Ryan Howard hitting the DL.

Another reason is Reading Phillies 1st baseman Matt Rizzotti.

Rizzotti is hitting .362 in 73 games with Reading this season. He has 25 doubles and 16 HR with a .446 on base percentage. He reaches base in almost 50% of his at bats! This guy is on fire now and with September call ups looming.. maybe he is the answer if the Phillies lose Howard for two weeks.

Would I like to see Tracy in a Phil’s uniform again this season. Yes, for many reasons. I just don’t think he will at this point.

OinK!

The Pigs lost their 8th straight game tonight.. I’m not even going to start on how I feel about that so… How about some more transactions?

OF Joey Gathright was released by Baltimore. This guy is amazing.. go to youtube and check out the video of him jumping over a car. (The Pigs have an open OF spot.. hint.. HINT!)

Pawtucket OF Bubba Bell was placed on the 7 day disabled list.

The Reds released Gary Matthews Jr.. (Hint Hint!)

Gary Majewski was sent back to AAA Round Rock.

The Dodgers added Jack Taschner to their 40 man roster.

Per Tommy V’s Twitter post…

RHP John Wayne Ennis has been released by Philadelphia.

The target of our trivia jokes and an original Ironpig… we haven’t seen Ennis all to much lately, but we will be sad to see him go.

Good luck John!