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January 5, 2013 · 1:56 pm

Kram’s 2013 IronPig (read: New Year) Resolutions

As you know, I’ve got no problem telling the IronPigs what I think they ought to do. However, now it’s time for me to take a look in the mirror and decide what I need to do to become a better fan–for myself, and the team.

In 2013, I, Kram, resolve to:

Put the IronPigs license plate back on my car before the Phillies Banquet.

I’ve never been to the Phillies Banquet, which I guess used to be called the “Phillies Caravan.” But, we’re going this year. The whole crew. Plus, dignitaries from the Noise Nation as well. Look for our report some time after January 24. I’m looking forward to seeing Kratzie and Frannie, and meeting and welcoming our new manager.

2. Try not to get caught up in the jersey bidding on my phone.

I never got into the table blocking and pen stealing (you know who you are!) of the previous charity jersey auctions, but last year I found it very compelling to constantly check the prices and put in bids. I “won” two of them. It can get expensive, though. Since I’ve already got two, I’ll try to sit these out the best I can for the good of my wallet.

3. Spend a game in the Bacon Strip, the Hot Corner, the Tiki Terrace, and just maybe, a Dugout Suite.

I love my regular seats, but it is nice to take in a game from another section. It gives another perspective of the game and the park. Last year I sat in 115 twice, 112 once, and 104 once. I also spent a game with a GA ticket, mostly standing in the area of 106. I never got to the Tiki last year other than to walk through. I’ll make a better effort this year to enjoy the park from other locations.

4. Try not to buy any more hats–unless they’re really cool.

This backfired on me a bit in the playoffs. Others in my crew bought nice Reading hats on our trip down there and I passed because “I’ve already got enough hats.” Now, they’re gone because of the name change and I’m having regrets. I should have purchased one when I had the chance. But, still, I’ve got too many hats…

5. Save some of the swag for the holidays.

I was thinking last month it would have been nice to have saved some of the stuff I got to give away for Christmas. Alas, I either already gave it away, or opened it and used it, or let the kids “consume” it… Remind me to stash some of this stuff for the holidays.

6. Tailgate more often.

The tailgates need not be big fancy endeavors, but a chance to relax and get a sandwich and a soda before the game will add to the “relaxation factor” of attending as many games as I do. Plus, it could save me some cash.

7. Buy less food and drink at the park.

The IronPigs will be OK without any more of my money. Plus, “Pigs Fly” will be a reminder that I need to follow my diet, and not “Pig Out” or “Go Hog Wild.” 😉

8. Record more podcasts.

DiPro and I did one last year, and I thought it came out pretty good. If we can do a few more, then perhaps it will be time to expand the guest list: There are plenty knowledgable and interesting IronPigs fans out there. The following folks should get ready for an invite this season: Dan, JimmyT, Jared, Cheryl, Jim, Eric, Joe, Decal, and others!

9. Support the radio show better.

I should listen to the radio post-game even when we lose. My habit is to turn on the radio only following a win. Also, I should call in more often, and bring my portable to the park more often.

10. Try to get to the park on time.

I admit I was a lazy fan last year, often arriving at the park late. And, it’s not because I stopped to eat on the way, either. If I’m on time I’ll have more choices for dinner. I’ve already found a new route from my office to the park which should get me there faster once you factor in traffic. Plus, there’s more chance to tailgate! (see also, #6 and #7).

11. Attempt to subscribe to TV2 for HD IronPigs, pre-game, and for when I’m not at the park.

I’ve already got DirecTV, so I’m not excited about spending a lot more money. However, the MiLB thing just didn’t do it for me last season. Sure, TV2 won’t get me the away games, but it will get me some Reading games. And, HD. It’s beyond me how anyone can watch anything that’s not in HD.

So there it is. What are YOU going to do differently this year?

Twitter: @Kram209

Found a Magic Lamp – Rubbed It – Made IronPigs Wishes

So – like – ya I recently found this old lamp at an abandoned garage sale which was kind of weird.

Anyway once I got it home and started polishing it POOF to my surprise out popped a genie.

True story…

Further weirdness ensued when the genie revealed himself to be Diggity’s twin brother. However, this dog wore his mustard on the opposite side…

In a shocked tone I yelled “Diggity – you’re moonlighting as a genie? No money cheating at Pork Races?” The genie replied angrily, “If you want these wishes don’t ever call me by that wiener’s name! My name is Doggity – that knucklehead’s my cousin – twice fried!”

I figured I better start wishin’ before Doggity went missin’.

So I said “Hey Diggity… Doggity… Genie Wienie whatever your name is… How about some really cool seats and concessions and ‘facilities’ and premium seating in the outfield all in a scaled down version of Wrigley Field’s ‘rooftops’?” Twas my first wish…

Somethin’ like that there

I muttered… construct it somewhere over or near the “batters eye” and name it Thompson Alley. The Noise Nation Bleachers would also be acceptable. The Genie scoffed…

For the next wish and I even showed him a pic so he wouldn’t muck it up – a fancy new LCD video scoreboard.

Full LCD Scoreboard – Daktronics!

To go with that Mr. Doggity genie a “ribbon board” all the way around the concourse.

Tie a Video Ribbon ’round the old concourse

Since we’re redecorating how ’bout throwing in a couple outfield video walls there genie.

Try to change the Lottery numbers on that!

I spoke quickly as the Genie started to fade – “Genie how about some new home uniforms and an Italian food vendor and Yocco’s and a swimming pool and no parking (unintelligible) ……. POOF he was gone…

I Dream of Dishing

(P.S. – have another lamp – haven’t rubbed it – yet…)

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

November 27, 2012 · 1:54 pm

IronPigs Win Award, Celebrate by Adding More Seats

First of all, congratulations to our IronPigs organization on winning the 2012 Triple-A Freitas Award for sustained excellence. This was the first year of eligibility for the ‘Pigs as a team needs to be in operation for at least five years. Here’s more from BaseballAmerica:

“The Freitas Awards, named after longtime minor league baseball ambassador Bob Freitas, are awarded to honor minor league baseball clubs that show sustained excellence in the business of minor league baseball. Franchises must have been in operation for five seasons before they’re eligible to win.”

Yes, it’s a business award–not a baseball award. But it’s nice recognition for the effort that the local organization puts in. And, it should serve as a reminder that we may see other minor league teams emulating some of the things that have been done here in the Lehigh Valley.

Deeper in the article, though, I noted the following passage:

“The group-seating areas are certainly the hottest tickets in town. Landes said the team sold out all of its suites and group-seating options before the start of the 2012 season and has already sold about 75 percent of those seats for 2013. In fact, the ballpark has been such a hit that the team is increasing its capacity with an additional 1,000 fixed seats, bringing the total to 9,200. Some of these will be in a new tabletop area called the Bacon Strip overlooking the bullpen—which in Lehigh Valley, of course, is called the Pig Pen.

“We try to take every available spot in the ballpark and be creative with it,” Landes said.”

Now, that sounds suspiciously like the Red Robin Tiki Terrace. But, I don’t remember it called the Bacon Strip at all. Could there be more seats in 2013? Will we start to see construction at Coca Cola Park once again soon?

I’m not sure, but in 2012, it’s not about being right, it’s about being first. So there you have it. There might be more seats in 2013. I offer the following suggestions:

1. To the IronPigs: Build more ~~parking~~ Porking Spaces. Seriously. It got a little tight at times last year.

2. To the fans (NoiseNation): Don’t be cavalier about arriving at the park. I’m guilty here, as I was often “fashionably” late last year. That’s when the parking’s the toughest. Get there a little early if need be.

More on parking strategies later if it turns out this news item is correct.

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

November 27, 2012 · 1:35 pm

Lehigh Valley Loves Varvara!

It’s that time of the year where us Lehigh Valley sports fans sigh, think about the past summer, think about the upcoming spring, then sigh again. That seemingly endless period of downtown for Lehigh Valley professional sports. The IronPigs season is long over. The Rollergirls wrapped up their season recently. The Steelhawk’s 2013 season is still months away. Some turn to the NFL, but if you’re an Eagles fan you may as well feel the same about this year’s Eagle squad. Those long winter days where even hockey draws interest… but no hockey either.

But then, something catches your eye and you realize there’s a gem of an athlete touring the world who resides in our very own Lehigh Valley!

Currently ranked #21 in the world, the Lehigh Valley’s own Varvara Lepchenko has competed in the 2012 Olympics, the Austrailian Open, French Open and Wimbleton to name a few.

Photo from the Varava Lepchenko Fan Page on Facebook.

The Horn & Bell was recently able to get in touch with Varvara for the Noise Nation’s Inaugural edition of 10 Questions to Get to Know You.

1.When did you first start playing tennis and how did you decide this was your life’s path?

I started when i was 7. My dad got into it, I had a lot of energy and he was worried I would hurt myself ,so he decided to bring in to this sport cause it was passion of his and he also played so he started me there.

2.You recently broke into the Top 20 rankings, how does that feel?

It feels great and it just proves again and again that hard work is always paying off.

3.Describe to us your favorite moment of the Olympics.

Walking at the opening ceremony was one of the greatest moments and hanging out with all the athletes at the village.

4.How many tournaments have you played in this year?

I played in 26 tournaments this year

5.Tell us about your best moment in Tennis all time.

My best moment is yet to come.

6.Tell us about your funniest moment in Tennis.

It was in 2010 at the French Open one of the players took my bag instead of theirs and it was an evening before my match. I panicked and was looking for it all over the place. But then he found me and gave it back.

7.How did you choose the Lehigh Valley as a place to move to?

Just like the weather and the outdoors there.

8.What are your favorite places, things to do for fun in the Lehigh Valley?

I like going to Beltzville lake and just chill out and swim. Lehigh mall is nice place to shop.

9.Do you have or would like any pets?

I adopted kitten from Pets mart near Lehigh mall.

10.Do you enjoy any other sports?

I like different sports,but with my schedule it’s tough to follow them. I like soccer, American football and basketball.

Her best moment is yet to come! I love that! I was able to see Varvara in action during the US Open this season and she is a true example of how hard work and effort pay off!

I also found some great video footage on youtube:

The Noise Nation will be keeping up with her career and cheering her on as loudly as we can. (I’m not sure of Noise and cheering rules for Tennis yet) 🙂

Good Luck Varvara! The Lehigh Valley loves you!!

Phillies Sign 3B Josh Fields to Minor League Deal

If you’ve got Kevin Frandsen penciled in as your opening day starter in Philadelphia, you can probably pencil in Josh Fields for 3B at Coca Cola Park. Of course, injuries and spring training performance could alter things. In case you missed it, from the comments section of the previous post, here’s what our own Decal has on Josh Fields:

Decal:

“Ten years ago Josh Fields was a star third baseman and star quarterback at Oklahoma State University. He was an all Big 12 conference player for the OSU baseball team and was the first QB in school history to pass for over 3,000 yards in a single season for the OSU football team. In 2004, he signed with the Chicago White Sox after being drafted in the 1st round, 18th overall, of the MLB draft. That was 2 picks after Toronto selected former Ironpigs pitcher David Purcey and 3 picks before the Phillies selected Greg Golson. By 2008 Fields was playing 3B for the White Sox where he hit .244 with 23 HR. In 2009 he was at third base when Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game, defeating Tampa Bay 5-0. Four of those 5 runs came in the 2nd inning on a Josh Fields grand slam. After the 2009 season Josh was traded to Kansas City and he bounced around with different organizations since then, including a brief stint in Japan. He played for Albuquerque in the PCL in 2012 and hit .322 with 13 HR and 71 RBI. His OBP was an impressive .392 and his SLG was .488.
The Phillies signed Fields to a minor league contract today with an invitation to spring training. While his goal is obviously to make the Phillies out of spring training, he would be a welcome addition to the Ironpigs for the 2013 season.”

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

November 20, 2012 · 6:42 pm

Join the Club!

The IronPigs have a club for each and for all. Here’s a quick look at what’s available this year:

1. IronHeads (Men > 21)

How Much?: $30.00

What Do You Get?

T-Shirt (OK)

Beer Mug (Cool!)

Viewing Party – on a non-game night (meh)

Beer Tasting Event – non-game night (Very Cool!)

Group Night (whatever)

2. Diamond Divas (Women > 21) (not my word, Emily)

How Much?: $30

What Do You Get?

T-Shirt, Martini Glass, Fantasy Camp, Martini Night (non-game night), Group Night

3. Silver Pigs (Age 60+)

How Much?: $25

What Do You Get?

T-Shirt, Duffle Bag, Ballpark Bingo, Player Q&A/Camp, Group Night

4. IronPiglets (Kids 12/under)

How Much?: $20

What Do You Get?

T-Shirt, Membership Card, Limited Edition Bobblehead, Newsletter, 1 Ticket, 2 Vouchers (M-Th)

OK, so there’s nothing for teens. But, it’s good to see that they’re mixing it up a bit. These are a little different from previous. Join up!

In other news:

Four players were added to the Phillies 40-man roster today. The significance is that these players are now protected from the upcoming “Rule 5” draft where they could be selected by another team. These players are:

Trevor May: I have the one-time top prospect starting the season in Reading again, but you never know. He spent the whole season there last year and a good spring might have him in Allentown this April.

Jon Pettibone: We’ve seen him already. I do expect him to be back with the IronPigs this year right off the bat–and a may have a shot to get some innings in Philly at some point this year.

Ethan Martin: The RH starter came over from the Dodgers in the Victorino deal. He ended 2012 throwing very well for the R-Phils (I’m still gonna call them that for now). I would expect he’d start there again, but that we’ll see him promoted during the season–perhaps when Cloyd gets called up on the Worley-plan.

Zach Collier: The speedy outfielder just finished his stint in the Arizona Fall League and acquitted himself quite well. He spent last season crushing the ball in Clearwater. He’s had his share of difficulties with injuries and suspensions, but the potential is there. I would expect to see him spend the whole season in Reading this year.

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

November 9, 2012 · 2:24 pm

Meet Ray Burris

On Thursday it was announced that Ray Burris will be the new pitching coach for the Triple A Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. He spent the 2012 season in a similar role with the Erie SeaWolves , the Double A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers in the Eastern League. The 62 year old Burris was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1972 and made his big league debut in 1973. He pitched in the major leagues for 15 seasons and finished his career with 108 wins and 134 losses. His best years with the Cubs came from 1975 to 1977. In 1975 he was 15-10 4.12, in 1976 he again won 15 games while losing 13 with an ERA of 3.11 and in 1977 he was 14-16 4.72. He started 39 games that year which was third most in the National League behind only Phil Niekro of the Braves and Steve Rogers of the Expos. The Cubs traded Burris to the Yankees for Dick Tidrow in 1979 and after a short stay with the Yankees he pitched for the Mets, Expos, Athletics, Brewers and Cardinals. He pitched in the postseason in 1981 for Montreal, losing Game 3 of the NLDS to Larry Christenson and the Phillies by a 6-2 score and then started 2 games vs. the Dodgers in the NLCS going 1-0 0.53 in 2 starts. He threw a complete game shutout in Game 2, defeating Fernando Valenzuela by a 3-0 score. In game 5 of the best of 5 series he went 8 innings and allowed just 1 run in a game the Expos eventually lost by a 2-1 score. In his 15 year big league career he threw 10 shutouts, 4 of them coming during the 1976 season.

I’m sure Ray will be a welcome addition to the 2013 Lehigh Valley Ironpigs coaching staff. He should have some good young talent to work with.

In other Phillies minor league news, Andy Tracy has been promoted to the position of Minor League Hitting Coordinator. Sounds like a good opportunity for Andy. It also means the Phillies will be searching for a new manager for the Williamsport Crosscutters.

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November 7, 2012 · 6:53 pm

I Despise Baseball Executives – Reading Phillies Edition

Over the past few days I’ve been reading how the Reading Phillies staff is excited to reveal the name that will replace the Phillies in Reading. It really saddens me. Why would a team do this?

It comes back to one thing. Money.

I once heard an old baseball fan say he loved baseball so much to walk away from it. His exact words were, “Minor League Baseball isn’t baseball anymore… it’s a baseball themed pinball machine.”

It couldn’t be more perfectly said. All the music, the lights, the games. Some add fun, most just add distraction for the percentage of folks in attendance who find baseball boring.

I’ve been a longtime and vocal fan of the Reading Phillies. I could often be heard saying I prefer Reading’s history over our beloved IronPigs.

We could ask why, but we all secretly know the answer. More money. New jerseys, new hats, new pennants, new bumper stickers and new magnets.

Maybe I’m just getting old.

I don’t plan on attending Reading games again. I cherish the memories I had there as a kid and as a teen.

Good luck Reading Phillies and Goodbye.

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October 28, 2012 · 3:45 pm

The Ironpigs Elite

Congratulations to Ryan Vogelsong on a great game for the Giants on Saturday night. I can’t help but wonder if he would be this good with the Phillies if they wouldn’t have released him on July 15, 2010. Afterall, he was just 2-5 with a 4.91 ERA in his half season with the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. Vogelsong was a 32 year old veteran trying to make it back to the big leagues when he passed through the Lehigh Valley. There always seems to be a veteran or two in the Ironpigs starting rotation who are trying to earn one more shot at the show but few ever seem to realize that dream. We’ve seen the likes of Kris Benson, Gustavo Chacin, Rodrigo Lopez, Nate Bump, Brandon Duckworth, Dave Bush, Ryan Feierabend, Aaron Heilman, Tim Redding and others all pass through the gates of Coca-Cola Park, all with varying degrees of success, or failure.

Now, nearly 28 months after being released by the Phillies/Ironpigs, Ryan Vogelsong was the winning pitcher in Game 3 of the 2012 World Series. It made me think,…were there any other pitchers who started a World Series game “after” starting a game for the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. It didn’t take me long to think of one other name. On July 31, 2009, Pedro Martinez started a game for the Ironpigs. He was then called up to the Phillies where he won 5 of 6 decisions the remainder of the season. In the 2009 World Series he made 2 starts for the Phillies, both losses to the New York Yankees. But Pedro may be in a class by himself because he started (and won) a game for the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 World Series. That “could” make him the only pitcher to start a World Series game before and after he started a game for the Ironpigs.

Then I remembered another pitcher who possibly started a game for the Ironpigs before starting a game in the World Series. I knew Brett Myers pitched for the Ironpigs in 2008 and 2009 but did he start a game for the 2008 Ironpigs and also start a game for the Phillies in the 2008 World Series? The answer to both is yes. Brett Myers pitched in 2 games for the 2008 Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, both starts. He then started Game 2 of the 2008 World Series, losing to the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2. When Brett returned to the Ironpigs near the end of the 2009 International League season, he again pitched in 2 games but this time they were both in relief.

I then found 3 other pitchers who started a World Series game BEFORE they started a game for the Ironpigs. The easiest one to think of was Roy Oswalt. Oswalt was a 20 game winner for the 2005 National League Champion Houston Astros. Houston advanced to face the American League champion Chicago White Sox and were swept 4 games to none. Oswalt started Game 3 and went 6 innings, leaving the game with the Astros trailing 5-4, a game they once led 4-0. The White Sox would go on to win that game 7-5 in 14 innings and then sweep the series the next night. Six years later Roy Oswalt pitched in 2 games for the 2011 Lehigh Valley Ironpigs and both of them were starts. Add him to the list.

While looking at the boxscores from the 2005 World Series I noticed that Roger Clemens pitched Game 1 for the Astros. His opponent that night was Jose Contreras who was 15-7 for Chicago that year as a starter, but did he ever start a game for the Ironpigs? On May 24, 2011 Contreras made a rehab appearance with the Ironpigs. Although he was being used exclusively as a reliever in Philadelphia, he started that day at Coca-Cola Park against the Gwinnett Braves and threw 2 scoreless innings.

The final name I found was someone I barely remembered putting on an Ironpigs uniform. In 2006 the Detroit Tigers met the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. The Cardinals and Tigers split the first 2 games in Detroit before moving to St. Louis where the Cardinals won 3 straight to clinch the World Series. Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter started game 3 of that series and threw 8 scoreless innings before Braden Looper came on for a save as the Cardinals shut out the Tigers 5-0. Starting that game for the Tigers was the final pitcher I could find who had once started a World Series game and also started a game for the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. His name was Nate Robertson and he was a 13 game winner for the Tigers that year. Robertson struggled in the majors after the 2006 season and in 2010 he found himself briefly with the Ironpigs. While in Allentown he pitched in 2 games, both starts, and went 1-1 with a 3.39 ERA. He had been signed as a free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals on August 2, 2010 but was released on August 23. The next day he was signed by the Phillies. He was assigned to the Ironpigs where he made his 2 starts before moving up to the Phillies. He made 2 relief appearances with the Phillies on September 6th and 8th. In that second appearance he allowed 6 earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning and two days later he was released. He has bounced around the minors the past 2 years, never again pitching in the big leagues. But, for that one year he was a solid starter for the American League Champions and good enough to start a World Series game.

With my half-hearted research, that puts my list at six: Vogelsong, Martinez, Myers, Oswalt, Contreras, and Robertson. Overall, not too bad. If I missed anyone, please let me know.

Stay dry, and may the Baseball Gods smile down on the Ironpigs in 2013.

Other tidbits:
–Tigers outfielder Quintin Berry was drafted by the Phillies in 2006 and put on waivers in July, 2010. He bounced around with several organizations before finding his way to Detroit. He was promoted to the Tigers this year and never went back to the minors. He hit .258 this year with 2 home runs and stole 21 bases in 21 attempts.

–There are only two Sunday home games with a 5:35 starting time for the Ironpigs in 2013, July 21st and September 1st. July 21st is the only Sunday home game in July and there are no Sunday home games in August. Same with Saturdays. Saturday away games from July 1st to the end of the season outnumber Saturday home games by a 7-2 margin.

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Filed under From the Desk of Decal, Lehigh Valley IronPigs