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.

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

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