Jam-packed July Meeting

Last night's Harrisburg Senators Fan Club meeting offered three rings of fun. No death-defying or animal acts, but lots of dugout chatter, roster moves and show-and-tell with CBS21 Sports Director, Jason Bristol.

As your elected ringleader, I called our meeting to order at 6:30. Following our traditional recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to honor those killed in recent violence around the US, we got down to baseball.

We discussed our planned bus trips through the end of the MLB regular season, recognized our recent Eastern League Pitchers of the Week (Lucas Giolito and Tyler Mapes), and recounted Neftali Soto's huge accomplishments back in May. That's when he was named EL Player of the Week for a pair of 6-RBI games. Larry Kmetz presented Neftali with a Fan Club plaque to remember his achievement.



Tyler Mapes celebrated his 25th birthday earlier this week by twirling a CG 4-hitter, winning 5-1, and allowing just a solo homer in Erie. He could win another league-wide award as we present his plaque for June 13-19 before Thursday's start to the homestand.
We connected the dots on a series of roster moves that ultimately got Reynaldo Lopez onto the Nats' 40-man roster and the Nationals Park mound for his Major League debut last night. The organization also made Senators roster moves, unfortunately sending two pitchers (Greg Ross and Boone Whiting) to the DL.

More celebratory news: Fan Club member and baseball historian, Ted Knorr, received the Fay Vincent MVP Award. Since Ted could be with us last evening, we recognized his accomplishments and dedication to Negro Leagues research.

As our featured guest speaker, Jason Bristol talked about his rubbing elbows with former Expos players in Montreal this spring, minor league baseball salaries, and even his baseball bucket list. (He and I share wanting to attend the Midnight Sun Game during the summer solstice in Alaska!)



Jason is a great advocate for the Fan Club. He and CBS21 tweeted about his appearance, his photographer joined us for a while, and Jason mentioned us on the air both Monday and Tuesday evenings. Thank you, Jason, for always presenting initiating interesting baseball conversation and for your friendship with the members of the Senators Fan Club!

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

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
 

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.

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