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!

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

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"



 

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

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.

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

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

From Deep Short - February, 2014

201402News-SFC-2

Parallel Thirdbasemen

I'm thrilled for Anthony Rendon and his first taste of the bigs. What little time I've spent around the young man results in a very high opinion - and I'm not just talking baseball skills.

At our annual Senators Welcome Back dinner, Anthony and Sean Nicol were seated with one of our Little League teams. Both took the experience in stride and even enjoyed conversing with the young ballplayers, who were thrilled to interact with professionals. A fun, memorable time was had by all.

Although I'm not quite finished enjoying his on-field skills at Metro Bank Park, I wish Anthony the very best. Of course, I wasn't ready to let go of Ryan Zimmerman when he left City Island after a few short weeks either, but that's the way of it. That's also why we need to truly appreciate the time we have while these players demonstrate why the club thinks so highly of them.

In fact, both thirdbasemen have followed a similar path when it comes to the DL. Both have the skills to project high ceilings at the top level. (Ryan has already proven he's worthy; Anthony showed his mettle during spring training.)

Both are also outstanding young men. Here's to their health, so we can continue to enjoy both players' talents at any level.


"From Deep Short"

Easy as 1, 2, 3

Three short months from this very night, we'll settle into our seats at Metro Bank Park. Another memorable Welcome Back dinner will have commenced 24 hours earlier, signaling that the team, the coaching staff and the Senators front office are all excited to begin a new season.

We'll glance up at the giant video board to see Brian Goodwin at the top of the Senators' lineup. Anthony Rendon will settle into the three hole and man the hot corner as the Nats' #1 prospect. (Goodwin's #2 on that list.)

We look forward to cheering for a healthy Destin Hood. Could Michael Taylor, fresh off celebrating his 22nd birthday near the end of Spring Training, be promoted to the Senators outfield, too?

I believe we'll enjoy watching the talents of a younger team full of potential major leaguers this season. That may be why the Nationals didn't hesitate to part with some prospects to shore up the roster in DC.

We need only get through three cold months. 1, 2, 3. But the days are getting longer. And soon, the migration to Florida and all points of the World Baseball Classic will begin.

Can't get here soon enough for me.


Brian

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

T Love's Countdown is Over

Do you get the same feeling I do? The entire off-season for me becomes a vast, dark, cold baseball vacuum.

Not that I don't attempt to treasure every moment of every day, but when baseball season ends, something happens to me. I no longer have daily radio and TV broadcasts or box scores to follow. Instead of looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark, I face piles (and piles) of dead leaves and prepping the snow blower. (At least that wasn't as necessary this past winter.)

Fan Club meetings and hot stove chatter keep my blood flowing through the long winter wasteland. I talk to Terry Love, whose tenure as a Senators vendor is now also of legal age to enjoy an adult beverage at Metro Bank Park.

"T Love," as he's affectionately, known, will be hawking beer throughout the stands for his 21st year beginning tonight. Throughout the off-season, I can call and ask T Love at any time of day or night, "How long until the home opener?"

Without skipping a beat, no matter what he may have been doing, Terry will respond with the exact number of days, hours and minutes until first pitch. I'm always amazed, but sometimes his answer seems so long and so far away. But not today.

Bundle up. We'll see you at the ballpark in less than 11 hours and 42 minutes!


Brian