Holiday Greetings!
If you were able to join us last Sunday (December 2nd) at the New Cumberland American Legion, I sincerely hope you enjoyed our celebration as much as I did. Since the banquet room tables were filled, I'm glad so many took time from their holiday schedule to join us.
I wish to personally thank Dave Prediger for offering the blessing prior to our terrific dinner. The Legion staff also performed well as usual!
When it came to Jeanne's reindeer games (word contests), I left my A-game at home. I was impressed with how quickly and completely some of you finished. You certainly deserve the prizes you received! By the end of the evening, everyone seemed to go home a winner.
I want to recognize all that Jeanne and the other officers did so the rest of us could show up and enjoy the experience. Plus, we truly appreciate the incredible support we receive from Senators' staff (even during baseball's winter meetings). Thank you for joining us!
Personally, I have much to be thankful for this holiday season. (We find out next week whether I'm cancer-free for a while or not.) I've learned much while bouncing back from this bout, including how many incredible friends I have.
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be grateful, celebrate safely and dream about all the baseball we'll share in a few short months.
I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting: Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 6:30 PM. Watch your Email about our guest speaker and whether there's a chance the weather won't cooperate.
Brian
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
October Fan Club Meeting and Elections
Fan Club Members,
Here's your opportunity to nominate and vote for your leadership for the next year. We'll meet this Tuesday evening at 6:30 at the New Cumberland American Legion.
Todd Matthews, Senior Corporate Sales Executive for the Senators, will host and give us a peek into the goals for the front office this off-season. I look forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Here's your opportunity to nominate and vote for your leadership for the next year. We'll meet this Tuesday evening at 6:30 at the New Cumberland American Legion.
Todd Matthews, Senior Corporate Sales Executive for the Senators, will host and give us a peek into the goals for the front office this off-season. I look forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Ouch!
The last time I experienced such a heart-breaking, gut-wrenching post-season loss was during the last swing of the 1993 World Series. I turned off the television before Joe Carter's ball landed in the seats. It took more than ten years before I could watch a replay of that swing. It still stings, but I can watch Joe jumping across the basepaths now.
That's the only comparison I have to Friday night's 9th inning meltdown in DC. As one of my best friends from Pittsburgh texted, "Pete Kozma is now to the Nats what Francisco Cabrera is to Pirates fans."
Strictly to refresh your memory, not to inflict pain on Pirates fans, search for ol' Francisco on the Internet. One of the ranked results is titled, "Francisco Cabrera Killed the Pittsburgh Pirates."
Here's the Wikipedia take on it:
"... in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, with Atlanta down 2–1 and the bases loaded, the Braves' Francisco Cabrera cracked a two-run single that scored David Justice and Sid Bream. Bream famously slid to score the Series-winning run, beating the throw by Pirates left fielder Barry Bonds."
Atlanta actually created a bobblehead to commemorate the Bream slide into the plate with the catcher and the umpire signaling safe. Because they knew that Pirates fans would never forgive them, (especially since Bream used to don the Buccos' black and gold), the Braves at least waited two decades before doling out these little treasures.
Now that level of pain has returned with a vengeance. It will continue at least until the games begin again next April, and most likely beyond that time.
The great gift of baseball is that you can be the goat one day; and then, always come back the next to become the hero. During a post-season elimination game, that luxury is no longer valid as Mitch Williams, Doug Drabek, and now Drew Storen know all too well.
That's the only comparison I have to Friday night's 9th inning meltdown in DC. As one of my best friends from Pittsburgh texted, "Pete Kozma is now to the Nats what Francisco Cabrera is to Pirates fans."
Strictly to refresh your memory, not to inflict pain on Pirates fans, search for ol' Francisco on the Internet. One of the ranked results is titled, "Francisco Cabrera Killed the Pittsburgh Pirates."
Here's the Wikipedia take on it:
"... in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, with Atlanta down 2–1 and the bases loaded, the Braves' Francisco Cabrera cracked a two-run single that scored David Justice and Sid Bream. Bream famously slid to score the Series-winning run, beating the throw by Pirates left fielder Barry Bonds."
Atlanta actually created a bobblehead to commemorate the Bream slide into the plate with the catcher and the umpire signaling safe. Because they knew that Pirates fans would never forgive them, (especially since Bream used to don the Buccos' black and gold), the Braves at least waited two decades before doling out these little treasures.
Now that level of pain has returned with a vengeance. It will continue at least until the games begin again next April, and most likely beyond that time.
The great gift of baseball is that you can be the goat one day; and then, always come back the next to become the hero. During a post-season elimination game, that luxury is no longer valid as Mitch Williams, Doug Drabek, and now Drew Storen know all too well.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Random Thoughts from Our DC Trip
The Fan Club has traditionally taken a bus to the Nationals' final home Sunday game each season. Sunday the 23rd matches the Brewers and Nats in pennant race baseball.
Here are some random thoughts from a terrific day with all of you:
Even if he wouldn't care to drive for us at some point, I hope Art Mattingly considers joining us as a fan on our Fan Club excursions ... Wang again? Really? ... What a beautiful, sun-drenched September afternoon for meaningful baseball ... Yovani Gallardo pitches well, but doesn't hang around long enough for the W ... Joan Prediger's blueberry muffins go great with coffee ... We are part of the 33,111 ... Teddy loses the Presidents' Race yet again ... The Red Porch offers a good view of the strike zone ... The BBQ tent behind centerfield grills a tempting, juicy burger over charcoal; reminds me of the irresistable aroma from our old ballpark ... Ian Desmond steals his 19th base; Ian also goes 2-2 coaxing a pair of walks -- all this while Barb Thomas wears Ian's red jersey ... The Nats are out-hit, 15-7, but hit some hard atom balls ... Nice of Susan Perry, usher near the Nats' dugout, to visit with us during the game; she and Barb have become fast friends at Spring Training ... Eury Perez pinch runs a day before he collects his first major league hit ... The buffet between Catoctin and Waynesboro on the way home tops off a satisfying day ... I love this tradition!
From Deep Short
Here are some random thoughts from a terrific day with all of you:
Even if he wouldn't care to drive for us at some point, I hope Art Mattingly considers joining us as a fan on our Fan Club excursions ... Wang again? Really? ... What a beautiful, sun-drenched September afternoon for meaningful baseball ... Yovani Gallardo pitches well, but doesn't hang around long enough for the W ... Joan Prediger's blueberry muffins go great with coffee ... We are part of the 33,111 ... Teddy loses the Presidents' Race yet again ... The Red Porch offers a good view of the strike zone ... The BBQ tent behind centerfield grills a tempting, juicy burger over charcoal; reminds me of the irresistable aroma from our old ballpark ... Ian Desmond steals his 19th base; Ian also goes 2-2 coaxing a pair of walks -- all this while Barb Thomas wears Ian's red jersey ... The Nats are out-hit, 15-7, but hit some hard atom balls ... Nice of Susan Perry, usher near the Nats' dugout, to visit with us during the game; she and Barb have become fast friends at Spring Training ... Eury Perez pinch runs a day before he collects his first major league hit ... The buffet between Catoctin and Waynesboro on the way home tops off a satisfying day ... I love this tradition!
From Deep Short
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wang More Time, Anyone?
Nothing personal against Chien-Ming Wang, but weren't nine starts, a 1-5 record and an ERA north of 6.70 in Harrisburg enough for us to endure this season? I was more than a little disappointed when I read this morning that Davey Johnson plans to start Wang on Sunday, when the Senators Fan Club makes its annual trek to Nationals Park for the final regular season home Sunday game.
On another note, isn't it fun to have to qualify "regular season" for the Nats? Kudos to this team for remaining focused and never giving up as long as there are outs to be recorded.
The Nats have officially been fun to watch in 2012. They'd displayed flashes since their move south of the Canadian border, but this consistency truly makes it fun.
I just hope the miscalculation regarding Mr. Strasburg doesn't haunt them in the post-season. A five-inning pitch limit and extra day of rest following the All-Star Break would have easily allowed Davey to preserve his laser-tossing weapon for October.
The pen is certainly strong enough to have withstood an additional inning here and there. And Craig Stammen deserved to get the ball for an occasional spot start down the stretch.
Overall, I look forward to Sunday in DC and how this weekend develops against a hot Milwaukee club. There's still a division and home field advantage to clinch!
From Deep Short
On another note, isn't it fun to have to qualify "regular season" for the Nats? Kudos to this team for remaining focused and never giving up as long as there are outs to be recorded.
The Nats have officially been fun to watch in 2012. They'd displayed flashes since their move south of the Canadian border, but this consistency truly makes it fun.
I just hope the miscalculation regarding Mr. Strasburg doesn't haunt them in the post-season. A five-inning pitch limit and extra day of rest following the All-Star Break would have easily allowed Davey to preserve his laser-tossing weapon for October.
The pen is certainly strong enough to have withstood an additional inning here and there. And Craig Stammen deserved to get the ball for an occasional spot start down the stretch.
Overall, I look forward to Sunday in DC and how this weekend develops against a hot Milwaukee club. There's still a division and home field advantage to clinch!
From Deep Short
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
August Fan Club Meeting
Our next Fan Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 28 at 6:30 at the New Cumberland American Legion. Guest speaker will be Ted Knorr, who will discuss MLB and Negro League records for consecutive hits. (You're not going to believe how many consecutive ABs set those records!)
Also, Fan Club members should have received their ballots to vote for Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player, Best Pitcher and Favorite Player during the 2012 season. We'll collect those ballots at the meeting, tally the votes, and present plaques to the winning players prior to the curtain falling on this season.
We look forward to seeing you at the August meeting. Remember, Tuesday, August 28, since the Senators are home on the third Tuesday, August 21, which is Negro League Night. In fact, that's when Ted Knorr will be at the ballpark with a display, so you can meet him a week early.
Also, Fan Club members should have received their ballots to vote for Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player, Best Pitcher and Favorite Player during the 2012 season. We'll collect those ballots at the meeting, tally the votes, and present plaques to the winning players prior to the curtain falling on this season.
We look forward to seeing you at the August meeting. Remember, Tuesday, August 28, since the Senators are home on the third Tuesday, August 21, which is Negro League Night. In fact, that's when Ted Knorr will be at the ballpark with a display, so you can meet him a week early.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Clean Sweep? Almost
Don't we need to acknowledge this accomplishment? I mean, before yesterday, when is the last time the Senators, Pirates, Nationals, Phillies and Orioles all won on the same day?
Anyone care to research? Maybe that'd be a good question for Geoff Morrow (@patriotnews_gmo).
It would have been a clean sweep had the Pirates taken Game One of their twin bill against Colorado. As a bonus, the Hershey Bears also won their playoff game at the Giant Center in overtime. What a night!
Anyone care to research? Maybe that'd be a good question for Geoff Morrow (@patriotnews_gmo).
It would have been a clean sweep had the Pirates taken Game One of their twin bill against Colorado. As a bonus, the Hershey Bears also won their playoff game at the Giant Center in overtime. What a night!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
First Homestand in the Books
Danny Rosenbaum spins another stellar pitching performance to close out the season's first homestand. On the heels of Jeff Mandel's blanking of the Altoona lineup over 7 IP one night earlier, Danny one-ups his mound mate with a very compact complete game.
The Sens were running again, making every stretch pitch interesting for Curve pitchers and catching prospect Tony Sanchez. Those situations created a great game-within-the-game during a game that seemed to last mere moments.
That's how precise Rosenbaum was. At one point I counted eight consecutive infield ground outs. It was a pleasure to watch.
Now I'll rely on the magic of radio to keep tabs on the road trip. I wonder if Terry can beam down a draught and some peanuts through those airwaves?
The Sens were running again, making every stretch pitch interesting for Curve pitchers and catching prospect Tony Sanchez. Those situations created a great game-within-the-game during a game that seemed to last mere moments.
That's how precise Rosenbaum was. At one point I counted eight consecutive infield ground outs. It was a pleasure to watch.
Now I'll rely on the magic of radio to keep tabs on the road trip. I wonder if Terry can beam down a draught and some peanuts through those airwaves?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Designated Hacker
Last night's Altoona-Harrisburg tilt represented yet another in a long, long, long string of examples why the designated hitter rule needs to be picked up from the curb in the early morning, never to be seen again. Many thanks to Jeff Mandel for proving my long-standing point that a baseball game is a beautiful, unfolding drama when played by nine players who all must hit, run and field.
In case you weren't among the 1,700+ on the island last night, Jeff not only pitched a shutout through 7, but he also tagged three balls on the button from the nine hole in the lineup. The first one found the Curve rightfielder's glove. The second and third plate appearances resulted in clutch hits to plate 3 of the Sens' 4 runs.
With all due respect to David Ortiz, who can absolutely rake, that's exactly why this game doesn't need a tenth part-time player. If you want David's stick in the lineup, get him a glove, too.
I invite you to weigh in on this topic, pro or con. I've found that the DH is like politics: everyone has an opinion.
After tonight's "real" baseball to close out the homestand, Matt LeCroy must begin filling out more softball lineup cards in Trenton. I wonder if (with the Nats' blessing) he'd consider penciling in "Mandel-DH" once in a while?
From deep short,
Brian
In case you weren't among the 1,700+ on the island last night, Jeff not only pitched a shutout through 7, but he also tagged three balls on the button from the nine hole in the lineup. The first one found the Curve rightfielder's glove. The second and third plate appearances resulted in clutch hits to plate 3 of the Sens' 4 runs.
With all due respect to David Ortiz, who can absolutely rake, that's exactly why this game doesn't need a tenth part-time player. If you want David's stick in the lineup, get him a glove, too.
I invite you to weigh in on this topic, pro or con. I've found that the DH is like politics: everyone has an opinion.
After tonight's "real" baseball to close out the homestand, Matt LeCroy must begin filling out more softball lineup cards in Trenton. I wonder if (with the Nats' blessing) he'd consider penciling in "Mandel-DH" once in a while?
From deep short,
Brian
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
July in April
Before we get started, kudos to Josh Johnson for his blazing start and subsequent well-earned promotion to AAA. Continue to be the same player and teammate in Syracuse, JJ, and another promotion will be in your future. All the best from deep short!
+++
Night games at Metro Bank Park in April can be pleasant, but it'd be tough to beat last night's 80 degree, shorts-and-tee shirt weather. Very comfortable start to the Altoona series.
Speaking of comfort (or "discomfort" for opposing catchers): I bet word is already circulating the Eastern League regarding the Senators' aggressive base running. No matter the score, the number of outs, or who may be at the plate, you can count on Matt's boys taking off.
I especially love the jumps from 2nd. Doesn't concern the skipper even if there's a left handed hitter.
In my opinion, it sure beats station-to-station DH ball. And, with weather like we had last night [Monday, April 16, 2012], nobody should pull a hammy. Bring your track shoes!
From deep short,
Brian
+++
Night games at Metro Bank Park in April can be pleasant, but it'd be tough to beat last night's 80 degree, shorts-and-tee shirt weather. Very comfortable start to the Altoona series.
Speaking of comfort (or "discomfort" for opposing catchers): I bet word is already circulating the Eastern League regarding the Senators' aggressive base running. No matter the score, the number of outs, or who may be at the plate, you can count on Matt's boys taking off.
I especially love the jumps from 2nd. Doesn't concern the skipper even if there's a left handed hitter.
In my opinion, it sure beats station-to-station DH ball. And, with weather like we had last night [Monday, April 16, 2012], nobody should pull a hammy. Bring your track shoes!
From deep short,
Brian
Friday, April 13, 2012
TGIFortyInchFlatscreens
Wasn't last night simply amazing? Tim Foreman, Brandon Forsburg and their team did a fantastic job on the surface. When I attended Fan Fest, I couldn't believe how incredible the field looks. I doff my blue Senators cap to those magicians and their crew.
The home opener didn't result in a victory, but it felt victorious all the same. I know we occasionally see each other during the off-season, but the ballpark made last night's conversations even more special.
Even the weather cooperated. No wind, and just an early spring nip in the air. Not the night chill and cold breeze I'd expected.
May pitched a great game for Reading. At first, he disrupted hitters' timing. Later in the game, the Sens hit a few on the screws, but right at fielders' gloves.
Now we look forward to our first TGIF of the season. Wishing you nine innings of flatscreens luck on Friday the 13th!
Brian
The home opener didn't result in a victory, but it felt victorious all the same. I know we occasionally see each other during the off-season, but the ballpark made last night's conversations even more special.
Even the weather cooperated. No wind, and just an early spring nip in the air. Not the night chill and cold breeze I'd expected.
May pitched a great game for Reading. At first, he disrupted hitters' timing. Later in the game, the Sens hit a few on the screws, but right at fielders' gloves.
Now we look forward to our first TGIF of the season. Wishing you nine innings of flatscreens luck on Friday the 13th!
Brian
Thursday, April 12, 2012
T Love's Countdown is Over
Do you get the same feeling I do? The entire off-season for me becomes a vast, dark, cold baseball vacuum.
Not that I don't attempt to treasure every moment of every day, but when baseball season ends, something happens to me. I no longer have daily radio and TV broadcasts or box scores to follow. Instead of looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark, I face piles (and piles) of dead leaves and prepping the snow blower. (At least that wasn't as necessary this past winter.)
Fan Club meetings and hot stove chatter keep my blood flowing through the long winter wasteland. I talk to Terry Love, whose tenure as a Senators vendor is now also of legal age to enjoy an adult beverage at Metro Bank Park.
"T Love," as he's affectionately, known, will be hawking beer throughout the stands for his 21st year beginning tonight. Throughout the off-season, I can call and ask T Love at any time of day or night, "How long until the home opener?"
Without skipping a beat, no matter what he may have been doing, Terry will respond with the exact number of days, hours and minutes until first pitch. I'm always amazed, but sometimes his answer seems so long and so far away. But not today.
Bundle up. We'll see you at the ballpark in less than 11 hours and 42 minutes!
Brian
Not that I don't attempt to treasure every moment of every day, but when baseball season ends, something happens to me. I no longer have daily radio and TV broadcasts or box scores to follow. Instead of looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark, I face piles (and piles) of dead leaves and prepping the snow blower. (At least that wasn't as necessary this past winter.)
Fan Club meetings and hot stove chatter keep my blood flowing through the long winter wasteland. I talk to Terry Love, whose tenure as a Senators vendor is now also of legal age to enjoy an adult beverage at Metro Bank Park.
"T Love," as he's affectionately, known, will be hawking beer throughout the stands for his 21st year beginning tonight. Throughout the off-season, I can call and ask T Love at any time of day or night, "How long until the home opener?"
Without skipping a beat, no matter what he may have been doing, Terry will respond with the exact number of days, hours and minutes until first pitch. I'm always amazed, but sometimes his answer seems so long and so far away. But not today.
Bundle up. We'll see you at the ballpark in less than 11 hours and 42 minutes!
Brian
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Welcome Back Senators
The opening day roster and coaching staff are set, the field looks amazing for the home opener ... the least we can do is welcome the 2012 edition of the Harrisburg Senators to Central PA. Dinner and program will be held this evening [Wednesday, April 4, 2012] with special guests, the 2012 Harrisburg Senators players and coaches, and the Senators Front Office staff.
Due to security at the New Cumberland Army Depot, no tickets are available at the door. However, make plans to join us prior to the 2013 season for the 27th annual event!
Brian Williams
Fan Club President
Due to security at the New Cumberland Army Depot, no tickets are available at the door. However, make plans to join us prior to the 2013 season for the 27th annual event!
Brian Williams
Fan Club President
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