Celebrating the Holidays with the Fan Club

The Fan Club foregoes business meetings in both November and December to focus fully on celebrating the holidays with our membership. Traditionally, we gather the first Sunday in December for holiday cheer.

After last year's snowfall truncated our post-dinner gifting and games, we were relieved to see clear skies and feel a December chill on the 7th. Thankfully, everyone safely returned home last year.

After greeting each other, sharing snacks and finding seats, Dave Prediger offered grace. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner thanks to the hard-working team at the New Cumberland American Legion. Dessert included chocolate and white cake topped with a light baseball-themed icing.

During dessert, Fan Club board members began to call prize winners. Each attendee could choose among the many attractive gifts and poinsettia centerpieces.

Following a full round of gift giving, we donned our thinking caps for a couple of fun holiday-and-baseball-related word games. Our festivities with even more gifts, more skill (such as the ever-popular "Guess the number of pieces of candy in the jar" game), and a special prize generously donated by John Barrick.

Congratulations to Annie Miller, who won both the candy guessing game and the special backpack prize!


Dolly Kmetz donated creative, homemade holiday tissue box covers. One lucky person at each table took one home to add to their decorations.

I want to thank everyone for participating in this year's event. Special thanks to our Fan Club board, (Jeanne Jacobs, Margie and Barry Fealtman, Ruth Patrick and Barb Thomas), who invest a lot of time and effort to make our events special for all of us.


Thank you also to Dave Prediger for his constant support and willingness to offer thoughtful prayers. And a special thanks to the Harrisburg Senators for supporting the Fan Club. Due to the timing of baseball's Winter Meetings in San Diego, we only got to enjoy the company of two front office representatives: my long-time friend, Todd Matthews, and the newest member of the team, Blair Jewell.

I know that all of us want to enjoy this season with family and friends. Please know that your newly elected officers (thank you again for your votes of confidence!) held a recent board meeting and are already working on an aggressive 2015 Fan Club calendar.

We promise to reveal more during our next business meeting Tuesday, January 20th, at the New Cumberland American Legion. Details to come. Meanwhile, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

Brian Williams, President

Plan Now for Our Fan Club Christmas Party

Greetings!

Is it too early to bid you “Holiday Greetings”? After all, Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away.

The Harrisburg Senators Fan Club dives headlong into the holiday spirit with our annual Christmas Party. If you haven’t already, mark your calendar for Sunday, December 7th.

We’ll begin to gather after 5:30 PM at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street. Our delicious buffet dinner will be served at 6:30. Save room for dessert; and save time after dessert for fun holiday games and gifts for all attendees.

If you plan on some early Christmas shopping, please pick up an additional gift or two to wrap and add to the table. To learn more, please call Fan Club Vice-President, Jeanne Jacobs at 717-774-2730 by November 29th. Reservations are $25 per adult and $12.50, 12 and under.

Since our next business meeting will be after the New Year, we look forward to seeing you December 7th. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Brian Williams

President

Election Day

You may believe that Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th. You would be correct. Please take advantage of your right as an American to vote for our leadership.

You’re also invited to participate in Election Day next Tuesday, October 21st. That’s when the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club will elect its leadership for the upcoming season.

Please join us to exercise your right as a voting member in good standing. We will accept nominations from the floor. Each of the current officers has accepted a nomination as well.

Following the democratic process, we plan to celebrate our affection for the National Pastime with a special classic baseball surprise. In addition, Senators General Manager Randy Whitaker will provide an update of off-season goings-on at Metro Bank Park.

Don’t forget: vote on Election Day before Election Day, Tuesday, October 21st at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street. We’ll come to order at 6:30 PM.

 

Brian Williams
President

No-No History

Sunday, September 28, 2014

The Fan Club's traditional final Sunday home game trip to Nationals Park resulted in an extra-special historical treat this year: the Nats' very first no-hitter! The proof is in the MASN broadcast: during Adeiny Hecchavarria's 3rd inning at-bat, the centerfield camera panned down the left field line. Pause the broadcast and you'll see all of us cheering on Jordan Zimmermann from Section 110.

What a thrill to be on hand for such a historical occasion! Only two of us on the trip had ever experienced a Major League no-hitter prior to this date: Bill Given attended one in the 90s while I was fortunate enough to be invited to witness Roy Halladay's playoff no-hitter versus Cincinnati.

Nats Park was electric as the innings ticked by. Ian Desmond's line drive homer into the Marlins pen accounted for the only scoring, so the game was always in doubt.

Nationals starters would exit to standing ovations as more recent Senators took the field. Ryan Zimmerman, trying to work in some ABs following his DL stint, would be the last to depart as Steven Souza, Jr. trotted out to left field for the 9th inning.

None of us sat through the final two innings as Jordan put away Marlin after Marlin. His only perfect game blemish was a mid-inning walk to rookie Justin Bour.

After 26 outs, Christian Yelich battled and laced what appeared to be a gapper, splitting between Souza and Michael Taylor to snuff the drama. As Steven laid out, he snagged the liner and rolled over to preserve the victory and the team's very first no-hitter.

The aftermath was as much fun as the very efficiently played game. None of the 35,085 left or even wanted to leave. This is the last day of the regular season. Nationals baseball would take on a very different feel from this point forward.

Even the 8-year-old sitting next to me, attending his first ever MLB game, seemed to grasp the magnitude of what we'd just witnessed. Our bus was abuzz the entire way home.

The moral of this story? Don't miss another Senators Fan Club event. You never know what you're going to experience.

Fan Club Meeting Tuesday

The Harrisburg Senators Fan Club gathers this Tuesday at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street. Please join us for this All*Star event featuring some very special guests.

Our meeting begins at 6:30. All are welcome to join our organization. Please enter through the banquet room doors.

We promise you'll be home in plenty of time to enjoy the Major League All*Star Game festivities.

Congratulations, 2014 MOSELF Champions!

As part of our mission to promote baseball in the area, the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club has been sponsoring a little league team for a number of years. Since our affiliation began, the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club team has now won the championship three times.

We tip our caps to this year's squad, who recently brought home that third ring. Congratulations to these young men as 2014 M.O.S.E.L.F. Champs!

We also wish to recognize Aaron Johnson and his colleagues for continuing to teach these young men teamwork, hard work and the finer points of the game. We've been treated to many examples of how they retain these values well past their playing years. We celebrate your dedication, Aaron!

We hope the team and coaches can join us at an upcoming Fan Club meeting. Revel in your success!

Happy Father's Day & Two Fan Club Updates

*** Introduction ***

First, a personal note: in memory of Mindy’s father, who joined us in Section 5 for many Senators games, our daughter Abby, her fiancé Matt, and Adam and Brittany (our nephew and his wife) planned a miniature golf marathon for yesterday. Ten of us (including Adam’s parents and two of Mindy’s other sisters) played three courses. Another niece and her boyfriend joined us for the first leg at Adventure Sports; Mindy’s younger sister and her husband met us for the last one at Water’s Edge in Bird in Hand.

In between, I won a free game at Boulders Miniature Golf in Mountville. However, Adam and his mother tied for best overall score during this first annual event. They will share the new traveling trophy until next year.

Beforehand, all of us were presented with tourney t-shirts, which garnered attention from others much like on my annual baseball trips. We completed our day with a late lunch at Bird in Hand Family Restaurant.

Happy Father’s Day, Pop! We think you may have had a hand in convincing the Creator to provide yesterday’s fantastic weather so your family could enjoy so much fun together.

*** Update #1 ***

 
Our June meeting will be held one week later than usual to accommodate this week’s Senators home game. The Senators have been on quite a roll, haven’t they? We want to be able to support them on their weeklong home stand.

Set your calendar for Tuesday, June 24th for that next meeting, when we can celebrate the Senators’ current win streak and hot June play. Our guest speaker will be Ray Klein, who will share “Tales of a Major League Vendor”.

Join us at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street. We come to order at 6:30 PM.

*** Update #2 ***

Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs has finalized details for a weekend bus trip to see the Senators play in New Britain, CT. We’ll leave from the Radisson Hotel parking lot on Saturday morning, August 16th, enjoy that evening’s game, stay at the Holiday Inn Express, take in Sunday afternoon’s game, and return home Sunday evening.

$175 per person includes your transportation, tickets to both games and your hotel stay. Please call Jeanne at 717-774-2730 if you have any questions.

*** Epilog ***

After church today, Abby and I plan to spend time together; and then, I plan to call my dad. All of us look forward to celebrating his 80th birthday early next month.

He’s taught me so much over the years. I’m thankful for his experience. I’m also grateful to have such a terrific role model. (Did you ever wonder where I get my sense of humor?)

Here’s hoping your Father’s Day will enrich you today, either by spending time with a special male in your life or by recalling special memories. As PA announcer Chris Andree states before every game, “Or both!”

 

Brian Williams
President

 

Lots to Celebrate

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Let's begin by looking backward. This week marks the one-year anniversary of our Ultimate "Ultimate" Baseball Trip. Mitch Mansfield and I trek 2,500 miles to witness nine baseball games (all in different parks) in eight days. If you have a few minutes and care to read about our adventure, start here.

Secondly, we welcomed my friend, fellow baseball aficionado and former umpire, John Ingiosi to Metro Bank Park to last night's Senators game. John worked in this area for many years and is now enjoying retirement with his wife near Hustontown, PA.

I look forward to next time John visits for a game. So should the Senators.

Last night's game began like so many recent games: a 1st inning rally puts our team in an early hole. However, Omar Poveda settles in and holds the Fightins. The Senators battle against the Phils' pen, finally pushing across the eventual game winner on an 8th inning wild pitch with two outs. The Sens relief corps closes the door in the 9th by pounding the strike zone following a couple of bloop singles and an intentional pass.

5-4 final in a steady, light drizzle. It's a crisply played game, too, as the special Wednesday evening fireworks start to light up the cloudy sky before 10 PM.

Rewinding a bit, the evening at the ballpark begins with another celebration. The Fan Club recognized AJ Cole for winning Eastern League Pitcher of the Week a few weeks ago. Long-time Fan Club member Mitch Grafton presented AJ with his award.

Managerial Loss

I usually give managers a pass when it comes to in-game strategy. Most field generals go by the book, but I appreciate those who play on-field chess by gut feeling.

Today, I'm still steamed over last night's 14-inning debacle at Citizens Bank Park. Not because the Phillies are going anywhere this season, but because of a managerial decision that can only be described as nonsensical.

In the bottom of the 13th inning, the Phillies have the winning run at 3rd base with two outs. Granted, they'd already stranded that winning runner at 3rd numerous times during the game.

This time, facing an exhausted pen (from the previous night/morning's extra inning affair), the Phils' manager decides to stick with his only fresh arm -- at least it was fresh before tossing an incredible four innings of 3-up 3-down baseball. (When's the last time we could say that about any Phillies reliever?)

Instead of allowing Jeff Manship to take a seat and bask in the glory of a potential win as a reward for his perfect outing, John Mayberry, Jr. is called back from the on-deck circle. Manship is summoned to take a few cuts. He'd already struck out earlier in the game during a typical Phillies rally: 1-2-3, out-out-out.

This time, he battles. Manship fouls a couple of pitches straight back before grounding a ball up the middle. In his quest for a walk-off infield single, Manship comes up lame as Ruben Tejada rifles a throw to beat him and continue to the 14th inning.

Except Manship can't pitch any longer. In fact, his reward for four perfect innings and a better at-bat than we see from many Phillies who are overpaid to hit, most likely will include a stint on the DL.

With Antonio Bastardo warming in the pen, the rest is purely predictable. A leadoff four-pitch walk to a .200 hitter (Tejada) who never walks. A two-out RBI single from David Wright one pitch after Tom McCarthy mentions how poor he's been in those situations.

Then the Phils leave the tying run in scoring position in the bottom half. Another L. Another reliever asked to go above and beyond, succeed, and then suffer the consequences. Another hitter thinking, "My manager has that little confidence in my abilities?"

A confidence builder? Pfffft.

On a positive note, MLB finally welcomes young Oscar Taveras and he delivers a game-winning homer in his second AB for the Cardinals. Oscar's barely old enough to order a drink and he's already making an impact on a Major League field.

Remember when the Phillies had prospects?

May Fan Club Meeting

Our next Harrisburg Senators Fan Club meeting is fast approaching. After we spend this weekend honoring Mom, and next weekend at Metro Bank Park, we’ll gather on Tuesday, May 20th at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street.

We have a little business to conduct starting at 6:30 PM, and then we’ll turn the floor over to guest speaker, Billy Caldese. You may think of Billy’s name as synonymous with Spot Dogs, but there’s much more to Billy than those legendary treats. Come to the meeting to find out why Billy received the latest Art Mattingly award during January’s Hot Stove banquet.

We hope you can join us. Feel free to bring a friend or co-worker who may enjoy joining our ranks for the rest of 2014. We have a whole season of baseball fun ahead of us!

 

Brian Williams

President

Happy Opening (Yester)Day

I had to change the subject of this message, because I’d run out of time to deliver it on Thursday. Sorry, but the combination of gorgeous spring weather and the return of baseball to Metro Bank Park proved too much for me. As soon as I’d shut down my work laptop, Mindy and I were on our way to City Island and I was downing a pair of Spot Dogs.

We’ve finally reached our destination on the long, long road from last September. Opening Day has become more like a reunion with those we don’t see at off-season Fan Club meetings and events. We enjoyed seeing so many of you last evening!

Four notes of Fan Club business for you to keep in mind:

* 2014 membership is now overdue. Please contact Membership Secretary, Ruth Patrick (anzpearl@aol.com) or see Ruth in Section 112 this home stand to keep your account up-to-date.

* Thank you for your assistance in advancing our May fundraiser. If you can help by taking more tickets, please call Vice-President, Jeanne Jacobs (717-774-2730).

* Our Fan Club picnic with the Senators and staff is scheduled for after the game on Sunday, April 27th. This will be combined with the Senators traditional season ticket holder picnic. More details to come, but be sure to mark the date now.

* Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, May 20th at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street. We’ll come to order at 6:30 PM.

See you at the ballpark this weekend!

 

Brian Williams

President

March Fan Club Meeting

Our March Fan Club meeting proved to be a wonderful success, thanks to our guest speaker, David B. Stinson, the Senators front office staff, and our remaining Fan Club officers. Although I was unable to attend due to a work commitment in Atlanta, David communicated that he "had a great time and truly enjoyed the opportunity to talk baseball with so many knowledgeable fans."

If you were able to attend, thank you for making David feel so welcome and for your participation. If you were not, you're in the same boat as me, wishing you'd been there. Fortunately, David penned an article, complete with a photograph, to record the event.

Our next gathering will be the annual Welcome Back Senators banquet, which is less than two weeks away. If you haven't reserved your seats, please contact Jeanne Jacobs, Fan Club Vice-President, at 717-774-2730.

Jeanne will need to wrap up reservations soon in order to give the West Shore Elks Lodge our final count. We hope to see you there!


Brian,
From Deep Short

Tuesday, March 18th - Upcoming Fan Club Meeting

Be sure to join us this Tuesday at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street. We come to order at 6:30, (although you can “order” dinner and beverages anytime).

This month, we’ll discuss 2014 membership, our annual Welcome Back Senators banquet, and we welcome a very special guest speaker. What a treat it’ll be to have baseball historian and author David B. Stinson with us!

Be prepared to pick up a copy for yourself, because David plans to bring along some fresh copies of his book “Deadball”. (It’d also make a great gift for any baseball fan.)

As we slowly inch closer to getting back to Metro Bank Park, don’t miss this spring training opportunity to enjoy baseball conversation. Bring along any friends who may be interested in joining our ranks.

Brian Williams

President

Welcome Back, Harrisburg Senators!

Our tradition since 1987, the Welcome Back Senators banquet, takes place Wednesday, April 2nd (Opening Day Eve). Get to know this year’s Harrisburg Senators roster, including our new manager and coaching staff, before the season starts. The Senators front office offer prizes and surprises regarding the upcoming season, too.

Bring your camera, because Meet and Greet with the players begins at 6; dinner starts at 7 at the West Shore Elks Lodge, 108 North St. Johns Road, Camp Hill. Reservations go quickly, so call Harrisburg Senators Fan Club Vice-President, Jeanne Jacobs (717-774-2730) to reserve your seats.

Everyone dines with at least one Senators player or coach. Plus, you receive a souvenir Welcome Back program with space for autographs.

The Fan Club sponsors a table of youth ballplayers from the Harrisburg-West Shore area. An anonymous donor sponsors a second team to honor the memory of Al Francavilla, who helped start this traditional event.

Tickets for this 28th annual occasion are just $29.50 per person; 12 and under, only $12.00. Experience this year’s Welcome Back Senators Dinner and Banquet. Please contact Jeanne (717-774-2730) to learn more.


Brian Williams
President

From Deep Short - February, 2014

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Two Weeks ...

… until pitchers and catchers begin to stretch and long toss in the Florida and Arizona sun. But it still feels like forever to me. I’ve been waiting, not so patiently, since the final out of the BoSox title clincher.

Maybe you’re not as fanatical about the diamond as I am. However, you must be ready to see any kind of baseball action after enduring this past month.

Not only did we set record low temperatures, but we also had to cancel our Fan Club meeting. Enough is enough.

“Sayonara, January. Konnichiwa, Tanaka.”

Looking forward, we have a lot of fair territory to cover. Let’s begin with a message from Emily Winslow, Senators Director of Community Relations and Box Office:

“The Harrisburg Senators 4th annual Hot Stove Dinner is quickly approaching and new guests have been added. The Senators had already announced that Cliff Floyd, Mike Ferrin, Sean Nicol and Doug Harris would be on hand and now are excited to announce that 2014 Sens’ manager Brian Daubach and hitting coach Mark Harris will also be guests. This will be Daubach’s first official appearance in Harrisburg as the manager of the Senators.

Brian Daubach is in his fourth season with the Nationals organization. The 42-year-old spent last season as the manager in Potomac. He was the Hagerstown Suns manager in 2011 and 2012, his first two in the Nats system.  He also managed the American Defenders (2009) of the Can-Am League and served as hitting coach for the Nashua Pride in 2008 in the same league. He has an overall record of 241-174 (.581) in his three seasons managing in the Nats organization. He has led his club to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.

Mark Harris joined the Nationals organization in 2011 as the hitting coach for the Potomac Nationals. He was with Hagerstown in 2012 and back with Potomac in 2013. He spent four years with the Kansas City Royals’ organization from 2007-2010; first as a roving coach in 2007 and then as the Minor League Infield Coordinator. He has been a scout and coach in the Rangers and Phillies organizations. He played in the Yankees organization. He was a first round selection (25th overall) in the 1978 January Draft.

The evening begins with a cash bar cocktail hour at 6:00pm, followed by a sit down dinner at 7:00pm, and then the keynote speakers. Throughout the evening there will be a silent auction and, at the conclusion of the program, a raffle is taking place with the proceeds from both benefitting Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania. Autographs will be available from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

The dinner is $60 per person.  Tickets are available online through the Senators website at https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=6385 (use the promotional code SEASON for the $60 price online) or by calling Emily Winslow at 231-4444 ext. 109. No tickets will be sold the day of the event. The deadline to purchase a ticket for this wonderful event is Thursday, February 6th.”

My two cents? Worthy cause. Memorable evening. You’ll make it an annual tradition to attend.

* Next, we want to introduce you to our brand new Senators Fan Club sweatshirts, featuring the same attractive colors and cool new logo displayed on the T-shirts that debuted last summer. Please call Jeanne Jacobs, Fan Club Vice-President, to place your pre-orders with payment.

* We’ve begun organizing our annual Welcome Back Senators dinner and program scheduled for Wednesday, April 2.

* Our next Fan Club meeting – I hate to do this, but “weather permitting” – is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18. We’ll come to order (as well as we can do that) at 6:30 at the New Cumberland American Legion on Market Street.

Meanwhile, keep the faith, fellow seam heads. The days are getting longer; and, the time until we’re seated at Metro Bank Park for the home opener is growing shorter.

 

Brian Williams

President