Christmas Spirit, with a Side of Baseball

The Harrisburg Senators Fan Club isn't just about baseball. Every December, we forego our monthly business meeting to gather in the spirit of the season.

The 2015 Fan Club Christmas Party begins as any other. Members arriving, adding neatly wrapped presents of all sizes and shapes to our gift table. Decorative poinsettias positioned as centerpieces. Drinks and snacks act as precursors to our annual Christmas dinner.

Following grace, the first table begins to gather from the feast before us. Dinner conversation is light and festive.

Before all tables are served, there arose such a clatter. The room turned toward the entrance to see what was the matter.

Two late-arriving guests appear: Santa and Mrs. Claus, (but no tiny reindeer)!

 

Not surprisingly, they came bearing gifts. The brightly dressed couple visited with every guest.

After our satisfying dinner and cake for dessert, the reindeer games began. Through bursts of laughter, we awarded prizes for the winners of the Christmas-themed crossword, Christmas movie trivia and a challenging Christmas song title-lyric match.

Our gift exchange allowed everyone to select a present from the table. Members also had the option to choose a known gift: one of the vibrant poinsettia plants. Many of the wrapped gifts (surprisingly) possess a baseball theme, which is perfectly fine for this group.

Finally, our special guests offer photos by the Christmas tree. Many attendees accept the invitation and even sit on Santa's lap.

 

I'd like to thank the Clauses for taking time to join us. We all know how busy they must be this time of year.

I also want to thank the Fan Club board for their efforts to make this event special for all of us. I tip my Senators cap to the front office attendees, Blair Jewel and Todd Matthews, while several of their workmates were traveling to the Winter Meetings.

Although we all pine for baseball to return, gathering together like this in the spirit of Christmas provides a huge booster shot in getting us through the off-season. Thanks to all who attended.

Enjoy a safe, peaceful Christmas season!

Brian Williams

President

Erie Homecoming

When Christopher Bostick was drafted by Oakland, his family's opportunity to see the Rochester, NY native play immediately became limited. A few years, two trades and an Eastern League stadium less than 2.5 hours from home later, Christopher's uncle and grandmother enjoy a sun-soaked game with Christopher playing 2nd for the Harrisburg Senators at Erie's Jerry Uht Park over the weekend, August 7-9.

Fan Club Membership Secretary, Ruth Patrick reports that Christopher and his grandmother exchanged hugs both pre- and post-game. "Truly a nice and loving family. She was so excited to see her grandson playing ball."

Christopher's parents, sister and brother also made the trek for all of last weekend's games against the SeaWolves.


Of course, this was to be our Fan Club trip to Erie weekend, but we couldn't generate enough members with open schedules to commit. That's why we're trying again.

The Senators visit Erie one more time at the end of the month. If we can make this trip work, we'll cheer on the Senators Saturday, August 29th at 7:05, stay overnight at the same hotel as the team. After a $5 hot breakfast at the hotel, we'll check out and head for Sunday's 1:35 series-ending game.We'll leave from the ballpark to return home late Sunday, August 30th.

This time, we have different folks with weekend conflicts; however, Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs will accept your reservations to join us through Saturday, August 15th. The $125 cost covers your Wolf's Bus Lines transportation and tickets to attend both games.

The Fan Club will reserve your room at the Clarion Hotel Lake Erie, yet you can pay upon checkout. We will receive a discounted rate of $152 (plus tax and fees).

To learn more, please call Jeanne this week (717-774-2730). If we can make it work this time, we'd love for you to join us!

Brian Williams
President

Special Guests

Not only did the Senators prevent Top-10 prospect Tyler Glasnow from earning a win at Metro Bank Park last night, they squeezed the most of their seven hits, three walks and an errant throw. That concoction mustered just enough offense to support fine pitching against a powerful lineup to sweep 2nd place Altoona.

As Glasnow tossed 70 pitches and then handed the ball to Tom Prince, he received much more than the polite applause visiting performances usually receive on City Island. In fact, many fans in Section 106 stood and cheered their prized Pirates pitching prospect, showing their appreciation for his 2-hit, 7-K performance.

About 40 of those baseball fans are members of the Altoona Curve Booster Club. They chose to visit Metro Bank Park on a beautiful late June evening to enjoy cheering their Curve and the Pirates #1 prospect on the road.

Between innings, I welcomed the group and spoke briefly with Carol Henrie. She and her husband visit Metro Bank Park annually to support the Curve. This time, they were able to hitch a ride with the booster club, which was formed in 2010.

In our brief conversation, she mentioned multiple times how much they enjoy our renovated ballpark. I countered that I believe both Altoona and Harrisburg are fortunate in that regard.

Although the Altoona fans didn't receive the results they wanted, they seemed to enjoy their stay during an entertaining game. They even cheered our now-famous (and very talented) all-male dance revue!

Fan Club Hits the Road Again

Although we missed a second consecutive no-hitter at Nationals Park by less than 24 hours, Fan Club attendees (even the Pirates' fans) enjoyed a convincing victory Father's Day to sweep the Bucs. We followed our usual route, stopping for breakfast on the way, getting to the ballpark just before the gates opened, and enjoying a leisurely dinner on the way home.

Section 133 could not have been more convenient. We sat straight across the concourse from the 1st base gate. Our seats remained in the shade until the 7th inning, when the sun began to creep onto our laps.

Matt LeCroy appeared on the field before the game to toss several baseballs into the crowd and sign a few autographs. Ian Desmond also signed for a few fans after loosening up just before the National Anthem.

Two new members from Lebanon came along for the first time. We also had a father-son duo celebrate Father's Day on this trip, as Abby and I did.

Our next road trip will cheer on the Senators in their away greys. We're arranging a weekend in Erie against the SeaWolves, Saturday and Sunday, August 8th & 9th. Because of the distance, a single game wouldn't be practical, so we may as well back our team twice (Saturday at 7:05 and Sunday at 1:35) with an overnight stay.

As always, we're looking at creative ways we can keep the cost to a minimum and still enjoy a fun weekend series. If interested in learning more, please call Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs at 717-774-2730.


Brian Williams
President

Fan Club Update

We tip our Senators’ caps one more time to Chad McConnell, guest speaker at our June meeting last week. We enjoyed meeting both Amanda and Chad; and hope they plan to join us again soon.

How about that Senators sweep of Trenton last weekend? Good pitching, highlight-reel defensive plays and clutch hitting make for an exciting combination against an always-talented Eastern Division rival.

Trea Turner finally has become the “official” player to be named later in the three-team deal that shipped Steven Souza, Jr. to Tampa Bay. We welcome Trea to the Nats’ organization and the Senators’ lineup tomorrow night against Richmond. The 21-year-old shortstop was hitting .322 at AA San Antonio with 21 extra base hits and 11 stolen bases.

If you’re traveling with us to DC for our Father’s Day Pirates-Nats game, we plan to leave the Radisson/Perkins parking lot in Camp Hill at 8:30 AM. We usually make a quick breakfast stop on the way and a full dinner stop on the return trip.

At last week’s meeting, I suggested we attempt a weekend trip to Erie to support the Senators on the road. If you’d be interested in Saturday/Sunday games August 8th and 9th at Jerry Uht Park (with an overnight stay), please call Jeanne Jacobs, Vice-President, at 717-774-2730.

We scheduled our next meeting for Tuesday, July 14th (MLB All*Star Game night) at the American Legion Post #143, 214 Market Street, New Cumberland. We’ll once again meet earlier in the month due to the Senators’ home game on July 21st. Guest speaker to be announced.

Sad News

We learned today that we've lost another long-time Harrisburg Senators Fan Club member. Joanne Winters passed away this morning at 5:30.

Joanne was a fixture at Senators games halfway between the home dugout and the new press box. No matter the weather, you could see Joanne keeping her scorecard for every home game. She faithfully listened to away games on her radio, even while we enjoyed dinner following Fan Club meetings.

Joanne was a very active member of the Fan Club. She attended every meeting, (including our most recent gathering on May 5th at Shugar's Philly Deli). She generally sat in the front seat on all of our road trips, but sadly couldn't join us for our May 3rd trip to see the Nationals at Citi Field.

Service details will most likely follow in Tuesday's newspaper and on PennLive.com. Please keep Joanne's sons, their families and the rest of her loving family in your prayers.


Brian Williams
Fan Club President

 

Next Fan Club Road Trip on Deck

Our next Fan Club Road Trip will take us back to Nationals Park. This will be a Father’s Day special, Sunday, June 21st, to see the Pirates and Nationals at 1:35 PM.

Our seats will be in Section 134, the mirror image of the vantage point we had for Jordan Zimmermann’s no-hitter last September. (If you weren’t with us for that traditional final Sunday home game, we were at field level between third base and the left field foul pole. On Father’s Day, we’ll be between first base and the right field foul pole). Mouse over Section 134 for a 3D view:

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/seats_3d.jsp

Tickets and Wolf’s Bus Lines transportation will be $110 per member; ($115 per non-member includes 2015 Fan Club membership). Please contact Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs at 717-774-2730 to make your reservations.

Brian Williams, President

1-0 Lightning Strikes Twice

Following Saturday evening's 1-0 nail biter at Citi Field, what would be in store for the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club's first 2015 road trip on Sunday? The Nats had been blanked for eight straight innings; the Mets for nine consecutive. Plus the Mets shut out the Nationals 4-0 Friday night.

Very little scoring, but big time baseball drama this week in Queens. And that's what we saw by the time we arrived at the ballpark.

We weren't the only ones arriving late due to the NYC traffic snarls. That meant the game was starting yet security lines were lengthy. Fortunately, folks with children and anyone without a bag could jump the line. However, it didn't take long for the security line to shrink for the others. (I tip my Senators cap to those burdened by this huge responsibility. They took it in stride and remained pleasant throughout their encounters with fans.)

Once inside I peered onto the field from the open concourse. From the time I settled into my seat, I felt a more intimate ballpark than I'd expected.

Sure, it's big. But Citi Field is mostly tall. I expected the huge video boards to appear farther back from the outfield fence. The field played smaller than a big stadium should.

From Section 125 the action easily unfolded before us and 41,000 others. The Shea Bridge provides uniqueness to the outfield backdrop.

The large Citi Field logo is visible both inside and out. Mindy appreciated that the batting team lineup and stats always remain on the left video board; the defense and pitching stats on the right.

On the heels of our last Fan Club trip (Jordan Zimmermann's no-hitter to close the curtain on the Nats' 2014 regular season, we witnessed no runs at Citi Field. Ryan Zimmerman's 1st inning broken bat flare scored the only run of the game.

Not that we minded. Every pitch was meaningful. Both teams had opportunities, pitched extremely well and played good defense. The Nats stranded both 1st & 3rd one inning and bases loaded in another -- both with no outs -- yet Mets' pitching miraculously worked out of those jams.

It was good to see the Mets faithful respond to the team's early 1st place effort. The atmosphere nearly felt like playoffs to me, which added to the excitement.

Of course many former Senators saw action, including three relievers that Matt Williams paraded from the pen following Doug Fister's stellar 6.1 IP. Tanner Roark got two key outs; Aaron Barrett K'ed the only Met he faced to end the 8th; and, Drew Storen closed the door with a perfect 9th.

A Washington team hadn't won two straight 1-0 games since "Senators" displayed across their jerseys. However this game had turned, it was bound to be a classic, especially on the heels of the previous night's 1-0 contest.

Runs? Overrated

Since the DH debate has been boiling over yet again, let me start by saying that no one will ever convince me that baseball is a 9-and-a-half player game. That DH game may be called something, but it isn't "baseball" to me.

One of the main reasons why we must suffer this aberration of the game was lack of offense. Well, guess what? In many games, there's still a lack of offense. And guess what again? I'm perfectly fine with that.

I'm a big fan of crisply played, well-pitched 1-0 games. (Hey MLB, you want to trim time from games? Not many fans will be riveted to a 3.5 hour, 12-5 mopping with nine walks when pitchers can be replaced (or not) at will.

I don't care how long a 1-0 game takes to play. Baseball allows me to forget about the clock for a spell. Every pitch can change the outcome. Base running, moving runners and bunts matter. Every play in the field is magnified.

That's the game the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club enjoyed yesterday on our first ever trip to Citi Field. Due to the five-borough bike race street closures, we missed the only score in the top of the 1st. MLB Network provided the highlight(?) late last night as Ryan Zimmerman's broken bat blooper over 1st scored Jayson Werth.

Good teams seem to score runs this way more often than lesser teams. The Mets have been doing it this year. So have the Astros and Cards. In fact, St. Louis swept the Pirates this weekend in tight, low-scoring affairs on hundred hoppers, infield hits, bloop doubles kicking up chalk, and then finally a power display walk-off by Kolten Wong.

This time, it was the Nats' turn. Two consecutive 1-0 classics, Saturday evening and Sunday, both where the only run scored in the 1st inning. The rest of the games developed with all on the edge of their seats, many standing in key situations, including us yesterday.

More to come on our trip and why the DH would have ruined this game, but remember: if you ever feel the need to convince me that the DH belongs in baseball, you can save your writing/debating prowess for another topic. Because in my math, when it comes to baseball, 9 never equals 9.5.    

Double Reminders

Tough loss at Metro Bank Park last night, but there were some positives: Great outing by Tim Alderson and more offensive/defensive highlights from Pedro Severino. I'm eager to see how Brian Daubach's team responds in today's quick turnaround matinee. Oh, and I have another positive takeaway that we'll get to in a moment.

Here's the first of our reminders: if you're joining us for Sunday's bus trip to Citi Field, please remember that we're leaving the Radisson/Perkins parking lot along Routes 11 & 15 (West Walnut Street, Camp Hill) at 8:30 AM. Thanks to your tremendous response to this trip, we'll be traveling in a big Wolf's bus. Hopefully, the Nats can carry the excitement from last night's historical comeback along to New York this weekend.

Secondly, we'll hold our next Harrisburg Senators Fan Club meeting this Tuesday, May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) at Shugar's Philly Deli, 316 Bridge Street, New Cumberland. The Senators have home games both May 12th and May 19th, so we opted for an earlier meeting, even though the American Legion has a scheduling conflict.

Our guest speaker will be baseball historian, Ted Knorr. Members still discuss Ted's terrific reenactment of the 1960 World Series at a Fan Club meeting a couple of years ago.

This Tuesday, Ted tackles a controversial subject: the greatest year in Pennsylvania baseball history. Ted hopes to make his presentation interactive, so come prepared to offer your suggestions. Could it be 1960 (Pirates championship)? 1980 (Phillies long-awaited championship)? 1929-1931 when the Philadelphia A's dominated? How about 1999 when the Senators most dramatically sealed their unprecedented fourth consecutive Eastern League championship? We're eager to hear your opinions and Ted's take.

You can order from Shugar's menu on Tuesday. They also offer bottled wine. If you prefer beer, you may bring your own as they offered to provide refrigeration. Should be a great time!

Now, one more tidbit about last night's Senators' game. You may or may not be aware that this is Harrisburg Beer Week to benefit Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services. One of the many daily events was held in the Giant Picnic Pavilion during last evening's game. An interesting four-course food/beer pairing more than satisfied this baseball fan.

I've never before enjoyed such tasty cuisine, real utensils and glass plates at any ballgame! I raise my glass to Chef Paul, Ashley Grotte and the Senators front office for participating in this cause. I look forward to more unique events like this at the ballpark.


Brian Williams, President

Cinco de Mayo

If you don’t speak Spanish, we aren’t talking about a whipped condiment. We’re talking about the next meeting of the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club.

Following our Sunday, May 3rd trip to Citi Field to see the Nationals and Mets wrap up their weekend series, we’ll gather Tuesday, May 5th for our first in-season meeting.

I don’t mean to throw you a curve (I never really could!), but we’ll start at 6:30 PM at Shugar’s Philly Deli, 316 Bridge Street, New Cumberland. Our usual spot has a scheduling conflict so the folks at Shugar’s were kind enough to invite us to try their new meeting room.

Our guest speaker will be baseball historian Ted Knorr, who will make a case for the best year in Pennsylvania baseball history. Order from Shugar’s menu if you please.

Oh, and you’re welcome to BYOB. Shugar’s offers bottled wine and refrigeration if you’d like to bring along your own bottled or canned beer.

One more note: please complete sales of your May Daily Number fundraiser tickets and send your stubs and payment before the end of April. This is very important for our accountability of all sold and unsold tickets.

We look forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with you and the Senators Fan Club! Bring an amigo or two to join our ranks.

Brian Williams

President

Better Than Opening Night

While Game One was exciting, Matt Skole made sure that Game Two had a better result for Senators fans. Leading off the bottom of the 11th, Matt launched a drive the opposite way. My only hesitation was whether the ball would reach the corner of Ollie's Cheap Seats or bang off the wall beside them at the 335 mark.

Matt took a walk-off stroll around the bases, Paul Demny racked up the Senators' first W after 2 IP, and the home crowd enjoyed the game-ending fireworks as much as the post-game version. Even the weather cooperated and remained a good ten degrees warmer than Thursday night.

For the second straight game, the one-run difference featured our first MLB rehab participant, Pirates catcher Chris Stewart. Although Chris went 0-2 in the opener, he notched a pair of singles (2-4) in Game Two as he nurses a right hamstring injury.

Newcomer Joe Ross pitched the first 4 innings. Derek Self and Robert Benincasa followed with 5 scoreless frames to set up Demny and Skole's dramatic finish.

Oh, and the dancers returned, receiving a healthy round of applause following their between-inning performance. This is a must-see.

Paolo Espino, who held Eastern League hitters to a .229 average through 29 appearances (16 starts) with the Senators last year, takes the hill tonight. His mound opponent will be the Pirates' #1 prospect (according to MLB and Baseball America), Tyler Glasnow. This will be his first game at the AA level.

Finally ... Opening Night

As much as we celebrated the return of baseball Tuesday, April 7th at Welcome Back Senators Night, last evening proved it's really here. Honest. The Senators and Altoona Curve crossed the white lines on a misty, raw 41-degree evening; however, I only witnessed smiles as baseball is truly back.

My observations:

The teams played a crisp, pitching-dominated opener ... Only one error per side. Both had to be scored on tough plays to third ... Catcher Pedro Severino opened a lot of eyes by quickly releasing lasers to catch four Curve runners running the bases ... Austin Voth's 6 scoreless IP shouldn't go unnoticed ... Kudos to Aaron Margolis and his team for the scoreboard and ribbon board updates. Everything is much easier to read at a glance. I'm really impressed ... The front office and fellow fans were downright giddy that we were actually watching a baseball game take place. It didn't have anything to do with shivering from the dampness or even $2 beer night. I guess this off-season and winter really were that depressing! (I'll never understand why those in charge of calendars steal days and weeks from a baseball season, multiply them, and indiscriminately stick them into the off-season. It just isn't fair.)

Each team managed just five hits, not unusual considering the weather ... Five of the six combined walks didn't hurt, although each team had scoring threats ... A lead-off walk, however, still does hurt. (I'm still amazed by how many lead-off walks score in MLB.) Nothing against Abel, who battled through his first hitter of the season in less than stellar conditions. You know it's cold when Bob Hauer's wearing long pants and long sleeves!

I look forward to Game 2 tonight. The temperature should be higher, but it'll be tough to beat a tight 1-0 Opening Night final.

One final note: If the weather scared you away last night, be sure you don't miss the new synchronized dancers between innings tonight.

Opening Day Eve

Welcome Back Senators Night reunited the team, front office, media and Fan Club members last night (Tuesday, April 7th) at the West Shore Elks Lodge. We also greeted new Senators players and some new attendees that we look forward to seeing at Metro Bank Park this season.

What I most enjoyed from last evening's event:

Just seeing my "baseball family" again ... dinner with Matt Skole ... all the smiles as we celebrated the return of the game we love ... words of wisdom and "Harrisburg hospitality" from Mayor Reed ... words of excitement from the Senators' new principal owner, Mark Butler ... the beaming faces of youth from CD Rec Softball at Linglestown and New Cumberland Minor Athletics as they interacted with Senators players ... my beaming face as I welcomed back manager Brian Daubauch, Ricky Hague, hitting coach Mark Harris, Bryan Harper, new first base coach Devin Ivany, et al. ... Randy Whitaker's "all-time alphabetical modern Senators" ... the fact that Devin Ivany made that list! ... President Kevin Kulp announcing the 2015 front office roster ...more youth attendees ....

The Elks' fantastic spread of hors d'oeuvres, dinner and dessert ... the "home run trot" of each prize winner (I really wanted to win those Spot Dogs! The Spot makes baseball season on City Island doubly awesome.) ... Baseball historian and author Andrew Linker getting snubbed for an autograph of his first pair of books prize ... After winning the second set that Andy donated as prizes, Ricky Hague accepting Andy's autographs. (Now Ricky can enjoy some fine road trip reading.) ... Meeting new Senators players ... Brian Daubach introducing the coaches and players ... Kevin Kulp leading us in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" to honor the memory of long-time Fan Club member Nancy Tacchi.


Just as it had 28 times before, the 29th annual Welcome Back Senators Night has now ushered in the new 2015 season. As Mayor Reed reminded us, this traditional celebration began in Harrisburg and is now celebrated by minor league teams everywhere.

We can be proud of this and all of our Harrisburg baseball traditions. I certainly delight in those traditions today.

And tomorrow? The latest Senators team takes the field.


Brian Williams, President
"From Deep Short"



 

Road Trip!

During our March meeting, we generated a lot of interest for an early-season trip to the see the Nationals. That trip is now a reality.

Put on your travelin’ shoes and board the bus for Citi Field on Sunday, May 3rd. The Harrisburg Senators Fan Club invites you to join us to see the Nationals play the Mets in New York.

We’ll depart the Radisson/Perkins parking lot in Camp Hill at 8:30 AM. That will give us plenty of time to be part of the first 15,000 fans to receive a free MLB Network/Mets tote bag.

We’ll be seated in Section 125, which is just behind the outfield corner of the Nats’ dugout on the lower level. From here, we’ll enjoy the 1:10 start as the Nats and Mets complete their three-game series.

Following the game, we’ll head back to town with more baseball memories. (Another no-hitter, perhaps?)

We have limited space, so please call Jeanne Jacobs at 717-774-2730 as soon as you can commit to the $110 per person reservation. ($115 for non-members includes your 2015 Fan Club membership.) That includes your Wolf's Bus transportation and ticket to the game. We’ll also provide refreshments for the ride.


Brian Williams
President

Renewed Energy

There was something special about last evening's Harrisburg Senators Fan Club meeting. Beyond our green attire and the sold-out corned beef and cabbage dinner special (must have really been tasty!), I sensed a renewed energy throughout the room.

Random reasons for this unknown force have been passing through my mind on this day after:

First and foremost, I believe our loyal and always cheerful friend, Nancy Tacchi, was watching over us. I noticed that Mary, Ida, the Bobs and their entire table honored Nancy’s memory with one empty chair and a St. Patrick’s Day hat. We celebrated Nancy’s time with us with a moment of silence and a unanimous decision to donate to the cause of preventing and curing diabetes in her name.

I believe the Fan Club is excited over local ownership taking majority control of the Harrisburg Senators and the leadership of Mark Butler.

I believe the continued dedication of Past-President Barry Fealtman moves our organization forward on many fronts.

I believe Jon Boles’ Senators’ promotional season preview spoke to each of us as fans eager to hurry through this final blustery stretch toward Opening Night. The Director of Ticket Sales had us almost tasting the new baseball season that lies before us.

I believe our ability to talk about actual baseball events, like former Senator Tyler Moore’s torrid spring at the plate, added to the energy.

I believe the overwhelming interest in an early-season bus trip to see the Nationals contributed. (More on this in a separate message to follow.)

I believe that even the silly, over-sized green hat that Carl Fritz bestowed on me at the start of the meeting added to our celebration of baseball’s return. (All photos of this crowning have been destroyed.)

If you were unable to attend our fun evening, you’re welcome to attend our next gathering. Make reservations for our annual Welcome Back Senators Night on Tuesday, April 7th. Please call Fan Club Vice-President Jeanne Jacobs (717-774-2730) for details. Everyone has dinner with a Senators player or coach at the same table and gets to welcome the entire team to our area as Manager Brian Daubach formally introduces each one.

Also, mark your calendar for our next business meeting Tuesday, May 5th at the New Cumberland American Legion Post #143 on Market Street. Our guest speaker will be baseball historian, Ted Knorr. Ted will make a case for Pennsylvania’s best ever year of baseball.

The energy is quite evident to me. Can you feel it?

Brian Williams, President

From Deep Short

Love for Baseball

Well, it's snowing again in Central PA. This isn't the usual March way of signaling spring. That's the quick, fluffy dusting some of us refer to as "onion snow". It disappears quickly, ushering in a new season of rebirth.

No, this is the real thing, which seemingly hasn't stopped since Thanksgiving week. The insult added to this latest injury is yet another temperature dive tonight, perhaps into single digits.

Meanwhile, professional baseball has migrated to sun-soaked Arizona and Florida. Seeing games on TV this week has a dual effect on me: for one, baseball is returning; but secondly, looking out the window reminds me that it isn't returning nearly soon enough.

I've been fortunate to join the escape to Spring Training only once. Within 48 hours, that trip will have been 27 years ago.

It's easy for me to recall details of that migration, because 27 years ago today Mindy and I said "I do" at a church altar in Middletown. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature soared to near 70.

It was a perfect day to share with our Creator, family and friends. What followed was a perfect week on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Mexico.

Not only could we walk on the beach every morning, but we could enjoy our love for baseball each afternoon. I remember wooden bleachers in Dunedin, where friendly Canadians (who also migrated for obvious reasons) shared conversation and snacks. In Clearwater, Harry Kalas, Rich Ashburn and several players were not only accessible, but cordial.

Plant City offered a terrific strawberry festival and a Rose. Pete was getting out of his car right in front of us as we were walking toward the gate.

At St. Pete, we spoke with Steve Lake in the parking lot. In my haste to take a picture of Mindy and Steve without delaying him, I covered the lens with my thumb. So we have a great snapshot of a smiling Mindy with my thumbprint! (For those born more recently, film cameras were highly unforgiving.)

We've grown a lot since that amazing adventure. We've promised ourselves that we need to return.

We understand that access isn't quite the same as in 1988. But at least the weather will be a lot closer to the sunny blessing we received on our wedding day than to the snow piling up on our driveway today.


Brian Williams
From Deep Short   

Welcome Back Senators Night

This annual event hasn't taken a break since the inception of the modern Harrisburg Senators in 1987. Organized by what is now officially the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club non-profit corporation, Welcome Back Senators Night literally introduces the newly formed team fresh from Viera, Florida.

This is where the team is formally introduced for the very first time -- the precursor to a brand new season of Eastern League baseball on City Island.

This is where local baseball fans enjoy dining with a professional baseball player or coach.

This is where (in recent years), Anthony Rendon laughed and answered questions from members of a local Little League team.

This is where Stephen Strasburg's entrance forced an orderly strategy for attendees to meet the young San Diego State star pitcher up close.

This is where autographs, photos, handshakes and hugs are graciously given and accepted. 

This is where 28 years of memories are made, whether with returning Senators coaches and players or newly assigned talent visiting their new home for the first time.

Ah, "home". As former Harrisburg mayor Stephen R. Reed aptly reminds the team each year, this is where those new to this assignment learn that they are not only welcome here now, but whenever they may return to the Harrisburg area.

And he means it. And the hospitable attendees and Senators front office staff mean it.

If you enjoy following young folks as they refine their craft toward a lofty goal such as a career as Major League Baseball players, this is where you can become involved in that process and even become a part of their support system.

This is where you'll want to be Tuesday, April 7th: Welcome Back Senators Night. Meet-and-greet with hors d'oeuvres begins at 6 PM at the West Shore Elks Lodge #2257 at 108 North Saint Johns Church Road, Camp Hill. Dinner at 7 with a player or coach at every table. The program follows, including Manager Brian Daubach introducing the 2015 Harrisburg Senators.

Reservations for this special evening are just $29.50 each; children 12-and-under, only $12.50. Please contact Fan Club VP, Jeanne Jacobs to learn more: 717-774-2730 or email senatorsfanclub@comcast.net.


Brian Williams, President
 

Six More Weeks

You may be thinking, "That kind of headline gets tired on February 2nd." But my thoughts are nowhere close to a prognosticating rodent from Punxsutawney.

We're now less than five full weeks away from actual MLB spring training games. Six weeks from now, those games will begin to take shape as pitchers and position players gradually ramp up their performances to regular-season readiness.

For the second consecutive year, I've been fortunate enough to attend Orioles Fan Fest. I'm so thankful that the weather cooperated Saturday.

Among other activities, I enjoyed two early Q&A forums, Adam Jones' family, Chris Davis scurrying by me to an autograph table (for the second year), and another tour of the ballpark. Climbing the dugout steps onto a baseball field never gets old even in brisk January winds.

 

I can be shy in large crowds, but talking baseball with a complete stranger for 20 minutes comes so naturally. And the conversation ends well before either of us runs out of baseball-related material.

Finally ... finally, there's light at the end of this long, cold, dark off-season. We're getting closer. But until I hear a ball sizzle into a glove with an echoing thud, I'll remain curled up in this winter blanket.


"From Deep Short"

One Step Closer ...

Happy 2015!

As I recycle the 2014 New Britain Rock Cats calendar in my office and exchange it for a fresh 2015 series of months, I feel anticipation growing. That means we’re one hurdle closer to a new baseball season.

Even as a youth, I anticipated the first day of practice as much as Christmas. We didn’t play many organized games in those days, but I savored every one.

I still feel most alive when I’m at the ballpark. The expanse of green. The span of the base paths. The crisp sound of wood meeting ball.

So how do I spend New Year’s morning? Posting the Fan Club calendar to our blog site:

http://harrisburgsenatorsfanclub.blogspot.com/p/events.html

Please check back often since our schedule is fluid and subject to change. Better yet, join us for our first Fan Club meeting of the new year. (You’ll find details at the link above.) Bring a friend. And don’t forget to bring your annual dues – still just $5 per person and $15 per family.

I also want to thank you for your vote of confidence during October’s elections. Thank you for your patience when my business travel interferes with our scheduled events, as it did for that meeting. One of my resolutions is to continue to grow into the role as your elected president.

As you'll notice on our updated Events page, only 97 days until our traditional Welcome Back Senators evening! That alone makes 2015 look brighter already.

 

Brian Williams

"From Deep Short”