The Ironpigs now stand with 35 wins and 21 losses. First in the International League North Division but still 1/2 game behind the Columbus Clippers who hold a 36 – 21 record.

Just how good is this record, with 56 games down and only 16 games to reach the midpoint of the 2011 season? (Yes, almost halfway already)

In the Pacific Coast League, only Sacramento hold a better record at 38-20.

Even more striking is that the Ironpigs have a better record than the Phillies who sit at 35-24. Wait, better than the Phillies?

Yes, even though the Phillies have the best record in Major League Baseball (.593 winning percentage)… the Pigs hold a better record.

Better than those Yankees, better than the Red Sox… just better. Who thought we’d ever hear that?

I know, I know.. different leagues, different levels of play.. I know I can’t hit a 95mph fastball myself.. but after 3 terrible seasons this is something that makes the die hard fan smile. After years of taunting from self appointed “Real Phillies Fans” about our minor league team. (Minor always stressed) we now have something to say in return.

This is our Team! This is our Town! We Triumph no matter what… and now, Our Team is Triumphing as well!

Great job team! We’re proud of you!

“He who Oinks last, Oinks the best”

Jeff Larish was named the batter of the week for the International League for the week of May 30th through June 5th.

Larish hit .478 for the week with 11 hits, 3 doubles, 1 triple and 4 home runs.

Of note, this entire achievement was on the road.

Good job Jeff! Keep up the great work!

The story of the Steelhawks season… injuries. I’m not sure of the total for the season but it seemed our beloved Hawks got hurt more often than not this season. I just read the notes on their game out in Green Bay last night.. a rough loss and 4 players went down early and the team played with a short squad. To their heart though, they ended up scoring over 20 points with the short squad and looking at this team over the long run they played on a lot of pride and effort. Several of their losses were overtime heartbreakers and injuries took their toll.

I have to say I quickly fell in love with this team and their organization. Can’t wait for next year’s season!

***

Last night, with encouragement from my friend at the Corner Seat Blog, I attended the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls roller derby match. Not sure if it’s called a match or not but it was a good time. A big crowd of people filed into the Family Fun Center on Independence Road in Schnecksville and it took me a while to grasp the rules but I enjoyed the excitement of it all. They have a few home home “matches” throughout the rest of the year so stay tuned and stop out and support this sport.

The Ironpigs avenged last night’s loss with a 4 to 2 victory over the Charlotte Knights this afternoon in Ft. Mill, SC. (Yes, Charlotte plays in Ft. Mill)

For the Pigs, Posednik and Larish collected 2 hits apiece. Tagg Bozied hit a solo home run and John Suomi had his first triple of the season with 2 RBI.

The Pigs pitching came to play today with Bass going 6.1 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. Perez and Mathieson came on to finish the game out and Mathieson picked up his 4th save of the season.

I missed the game broadcast today. Completely forgot it was an afternoon game and was out on the road selling cookbooks for our National Brain Tumor Society fundraiser. I am happy to let you know that we have already sold 30 books since yesterday and they are going fast! We printed 200 so get one while they are still available.

Hope to see you out at the Park this week when the Ironpigs come home on Tuesday.

John Mayberry was sent back to the Phillies, we knew that yesterday and Rich Thompson is stuck with the flu for 7 more days on the DL.

Announced this morning is that Zagurski is coming back to the Pigs and Herndon back to the Phillies.

From my viewpoint they should be switching out and testing some hitters rather than playing musical chairs with pitchers…

..and only one me.

Today I woke up late, I feel lazy and am contemplating what I’m going to accomplish.

First off there is a Microbrew Festival at Coca Cola Park this afternoon from 2:00-5:00pm. Tickets for a 4 oz. mug are $35. I suppose you get to sample a lot. At 4 oz. I’d hope the lines aren’t as long as they are on game days. I’m not much of a beer drinker these days. It’s a rarity that I drink at all anymore but this doesn’t seem like my thing today, but if it is yours…. well I mentioned it. Have fun.

Then, if you are feeling a little adventurous.. there is World War 2 weekend out in Reading. This event lasts all weekend long and features all kinds of memorabelia from the 1940’s including many old weapons and even restored aircraft. I am a huge history buff and love this event… but not really feeling the drive today. Located out in Reading… yeah, I’m feeling lazy. For more info click here http://www.maam.org/maamwwii.html

Lastly, if you feel VERY adventurous you can check out the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls tonight at the Independance Family Fun Center in Schnecksville! The gates open at 5:00 and the game starts at 6:00pm. I will be in attendance.

More details on the Rollergirls – http://www.lehighvalleyrollergirls.com/index.asp?tl=1&ev=67

Also will venture out on the town this afternoon to sell some cookbooks for our National Brain Tumor Society fundraiser. If you want one, please let me know.

Have fun and hope to see you out there!

It was a boring game for about 8 innings. The Ironpigs went up 1-0 in the 2nd inning on a solo HR by Belliard and it stayed that way until the ninth. Both Larish and Kratz homered in the top of the 9th inning giving the Pigs a 5-0 lead.

Les Walrond came in to close the ninth out and couldn’t finish the game. He allowed 2 hits and one run before being yanked for Michael Schwimer who ended the game giving the Pigs a 5 to 1 win.

Got news today that Mayberry will be returning and upon hearing it, Rich Thompson promptly came down with the flu making room for John on the Ironpig roster. It’s a shame for Rich and I hope John comes back prepared to play and not sulk about the demotion. We will see.

Per the Hog Blog, the Phillies optioned John Mayberry to the Ironpigs. He has 72 hours to report.

No word on who goes down, but pending anyone hitting the injured Valendia list… I’d say our pal Rich Thompson may get a trip to Reading again.

Keep voting Jimmy! 🙂

Voting has begun for the AAA All Star game in Salt Lake City!

From the IL website:

For the sixth consecutive season, fans will once again play a role in choosing the up-and-coming players to start in the Triple-A All-Star Game. The fan vote will count one-third (33%) of a player’s total and will be added to the votes of media (33%) and Triple-A Field/General Managers (33%) to select the starting players. Players on the ballot were active as of May 31, 2011. If your favorite player is not listed, please use the write in space at the bottom of the ballot.

You can vote 25 times! Make sure to vote for your favorite Ironpigs!

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/asg/y2011/ballot/ballot_reg.html

The Noise Nation Charity Cookbooks are in! Books are $20 each (many great coupons defray that cost) and can be mailed to you for $5 shipping.

For more details on the cookbook, click here.

Books will be sold by myself and the cookbook committee, we will have some with us at all times so don’t be afraid to stop us and ask.

Also, several businesses in the area will have them available as well. A list will be added to this post when books are delivered to them.

If you live in the Lehigh Valley, I can make arrangements to meet you for delivery.

Please fill out the below form and we will get back to you as soon as we can with more details on payment and delivery.

Our fundraiser will benefit the National Brain Tumor Society. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors (See links to the right) we were able to cover the print costs and all revenue from this cookbook sale will go directly to the charity!

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is a leader in the brain tumor community, bringing together the best of research and patient services to be a comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals. We have a national presence, with offices on both coasts and activities and influence around the United States.

We invest wisely and strategically across the research spectrum, seeking new therapeutic targets and improving existing treatments, which will ultimately lead to a cure. Our staff and advisory team encourage research that connects directly to patient care and enhances quality of life for all brain tumor patients.

National Brain Tumor Society offers top-notch resources and caring support for everyone affected by brain tumors. We provide education and information to help patients, families, and caregivers make informed decisions and develop strong support systems during every stage of the journey.

If you’d like to get involved, receive help, volunteer, or make a gift, contact us at 800.770.8287 or visit http://www.braintumor.org. National Brain Tumor Society is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Many many thanks to all who have assisted in this fundraiser and thank you for your support!