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.