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
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
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
Thursday, March 5, 2015
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
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
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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
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
Monday, February 2, 2015
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"
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"
Thursday, January 1, 2015
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:
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”
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Celebrating the Holidays with the Fan Club
The Fan Club foregoes business meetings in both November and December to focus fully on celebrating the holidays with our membership. Traditionally, we gather the first Sunday in December for holiday cheer.
After last year's snowfall truncated our post-dinner gifting and games, we were relieved to see clear skies and feel a December chill on the 7th. Thankfully, everyone safely returned home last year.
After greeting each other, sharing snacks and finding seats, Dave Prediger offered grace. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner thanks to the hard-working team at the New Cumberland American Legion. Dessert included chocolate and white cake topped with a light baseball-themed icing.
During dessert, Fan Club board members began to call prize winners. Each attendee could choose among the many attractive gifts and poinsettia centerpieces.
Following a full round of gift giving, we donned our thinking caps for a couple of fun holiday-and-baseball-related word games. Our festivities with even more gifts, more skill (such as the ever-popular "Guess the number of pieces of candy in the jar" game), and a special prize generously donated by John Barrick.
Congratulations to Annie Miller, who won both the candy guessing game and the special backpack prize!
Dolly Kmetz donated creative, homemade holiday tissue box covers. One lucky person at each table took one home to add to their decorations.
I want to thank everyone for participating in this year's event. Special thanks to our Fan Club board, (Jeanne Jacobs, Margie and Barry Fealtman, Ruth Patrick and Barb Thomas), who invest a lot of time and effort to make our events special for all of us.
Thank you also to Dave Prediger for his constant support and willingness to offer thoughtful prayers. And a special thanks to the Harrisburg Senators for supporting the Fan Club. Due to the timing of baseball's Winter Meetings in San Diego, we only got to enjoy the company of two front office representatives: my long-time friend, Todd Matthews, and the newest member of the team, Blair Jewell.
I know that all of us want to enjoy this season with family and friends. Please know that your newly elected officers (thank you again for your votes of confidence!) held a recent board meeting and are already working on an aggressive 2015 Fan Club calendar.
We promise to reveal more during our next business meeting Tuesday, January 20th, at the New Cumberland American Legion. Details to come. Meanwhile, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
Brian Williams, President
After last year's snowfall truncated our post-dinner gifting and games, we were relieved to see clear skies and feel a December chill on the 7th. Thankfully, everyone safely returned home last year.
After greeting each other, sharing snacks and finding seats, Dave Prediger offered grace. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner thanks to the hard-working team at the New Cumberland American Legion. Dessert included chocolate and white cake topped with a light baseball-themed icing.During dessert, Fan Club board members began to call prize winners. Each attendee could choose among the many attractive gifts and poinsettia centerpieces.
Congratulations to Annie Miller, who won both the candy guessing game and the special backpack prize!
Dolly Kmetz donated creative, homemade holiday tissue box covers. One lucky person at each table took one home to add to their decorations.
I want to thank everyone for participating in this year's event. Special thanks to our Fan Club board, (Jeanne Jacobs, Margie and Barry Fealtman, Ruth Patrick and Barb Thomas), who invest a lot of time and effort to make our events special for all of us.
Thank you also to Dave Prediger for his constant support and willingness to offer thoughtful prayers. And a special thanks to the Harrisburg Senators for supporting the Fan Club. Due to the timing of baseball's Winter Meetings in San Diego, we only got to enjoy the company of two front office representatives: my long-time friend, Todd Matthews, and the newest member of the team, Blair Jewell.
I know that all of us want to enjoy this season with family and friends. Please know that your newly elected officers (thank you again for your votes of confidence!) held a recent board meeting and are already working on an aggressive 2015 Fan Club calendar.
We promise to reveal more during our next business meeting Tuesday, January 20th, at the New Cumberland American Legion. Details to come. Meanwhile, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
Brian Williams, President
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