Minoring In Baseball

Learning from the Pros

Minoring In Baseball — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:43:27 +0000

Carpenter Field-Charleviox, MI: This weekend the boys and I headed south to Charlevoix so Trevor could participate in a baseball clinic hosted by the MLBPAA Alumni and Little League Baseball. A good number of former Major Leaguers were on hand to teach kids ages 6-16. Some of the players on hand were Doug Mirabelli (Red Sox), Roger Mason (Tigers, Mets, Giants), Dennis Rasmussen (Yankees), Bruce Look (Twins), and Rob Ellis (Brewers). The alumni did a great job of giving the kids instruction in a positive manner, and they were all very patient with the younger kids. Trevor had a great time, and really learned from it. They were also talked to about respect and hard work, whether you’re playing baseball or doing anything else in life. My only regret, actually, is not fudging Brian’s age and letting him join the fun. He would have done very well, also. After the clinic the kids were given hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips for lunch, and the MLB Alumni signed autographs for them. The weather was beautiful, and it was a great day for us all around! I highly recommend it for anyone who wants their child to succeed.

MLB Alumni Rob Ellis helps Trevor with his throwing mechanics

Pitcher Roger Mason talking to the kids

Doug Mirabelli signs some baseballs for the kids

Promotion courtesy of the MLBPAA

Photos property of Minoring In Baseball

8 Mill

Minoring In Baseball — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:32:51 +0000

Most kids like to spend the day at the ballpark. Some games are better than others, though, and this weekend for young Alex Alder it was one of the best. After his ticket was scanned and he walked through the turnstile at Fifth Third Ballpark, Alex was named as the West Michigan Whitecaps‘ eight millionth fan! Most kids would also be happy to walk away from a game with a foul ball, but look what Alex was awarded:

Men’s or Ladies Seiko watch from Talsma Jewelers
• $100 gift card from Bob Evans
• Eight – 9-hole rounds of golf from Maple Hill Golf
• Tree tops midweek round of golf for two
• Whitecaps 4Topps table package with $88 gift card
• Tigers Tickets
• Whitecaps jersey & other apparel
• Rock the Rapids Concert Tickets
• Xbox
• Balloons
• Giant stuffed animal
• iPod

The Whitecaps had promotions going on all weekend, too, and all season to celebrate the 20th year of baseball in the Grand Rapids area.

Alex Alder was the 8 millionth Whitecaps fan to enter Fifth Third Ballpark!

Photos courtesy of the West Michigan Whitecaps/Facebook

‘Caps shuck Kernels

Minoring In Baseball — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:57:58 +0000

The West Michigan Whitecaps took two of three games from the Cedar Rapids Kernels in their latest home-stand. The Kernels rolled into Comstock Park with pretty impressive record of 18-6, good enough to lead the Midwest League. In game one, the Whitecaps won 7-2. Austin Schotts and Jake Stewart homered twice in ending the Kernels nine game winning streak. Hudson Randell pitched well and kept the Cedar Rapids offense in check. Brennan Smith would earn the win, though, in relief.

Austin Schotts hit two homers against the Kernels

In game two, the ‘Caps needed 10 innings to down the Kernels, with Danry Vasquez pounding a single up the middle to score Devon Travis. West Michigan was down twice in the game, but came back to force the extra inning. Jeff Holm went 3-4 on the day, with two RBI’s. Jose Valdez earned the win on the hill, coming in relief of Jordan John.

The Whitecaps had a chance for the sweep, but the Kernels avoided that with the 8-6 win. A tough loss for West Michigan, but the high-powered Cedar Rapids offense finally showed up. Devon Travis went 2-5 with a home run and an RBI. Zach Kirksey also rocked a home run, going 2-4 with two RBI’s. Endrys Bicendo took the loss on the mound for the ‘Caps.

Photos courtesy of MLive.com

T-Ball season begins for Brian

Minoring In Baseball — Wed, 01 May 2013 00:34:33 +0000

Brian has to wake up early for his baseball clinics. Hopefully we’ll be able to play outside soon…

It’s that time of year again, up north, for baseball season to begin. As the weather has been brutal this spring, the kids have having indoor clinics for their practices. Once the weather breaks, and decides to shed a little sun and warmth on our lovely peninsula, we’ll be able to practice outside and get some games in. Brian will be participating in T-Ball again this season, as he played at that level in his first year in 2012. He’s very excited, and has been doing well in the clinics. It still amazes me how well he hits the ball. Trevor’s age group is having clinics, too, but he doesn’t really care for those until we get outside. He’s signed up for a day clinic hosted by the MLB Players Alumni next weekend downstate. Look for pics of that event next week! Brian looks pretty tired in his photo, as they have the little guys going first thing at 8:00 a.m. in the morning. Sorry I can’t get any action shots, but since I’m helping run the clinics, it’s hard for me to do.

Photo property of Minoring In Baseball

Whitecaps sink Captains

Minoring In Baseball — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:24:39 +0000

Devon Travis knocked home two home runs against the Captains

After we watched the Lake County Captains drop a double-header at the Great Lakes Loons, they headed over to western Michigan to take on our Whitecaps. The Whitecaps won the first game of the series by the score of 8-4. West Michigan was led offensively by second baseman Devon Travis, who went 4-5 on the day, with two home runs, and five RBI’s. Travis’ first home run was a bomb over the old-fashioned green scoreboard, but his second one took a little more effort on the base path. He drove the ball to the centerfield wall, and after a missed attempt by the center fielder, he just kept going. Manager Larry Parrish gave him the go-ahead, and he slid safely into home with a ‘in the park’ homer.

“I was running to third base assuming it was a triple,” Travis told MLive.com. “I was hoping that LP (Parrish) wouldn’t send me home. I was too tired. It’s one of those games that you won’t have very often, that’s for sure. I don’t try to hit the ball out, it just happens sometimes.”

Travis leads the Whitecaps with four home runs and 14 RBI’s, and is hitting .362 in 15 games. Parrish has been in pro baseball for 41 years, and stated he’s never seen a player knock a traditional home run and inside-the-park home run in the same game. On the mound, Yorfrank Lopez earned the win for the ‘Caps, striking out three batters in five innings, and giving up three runs. In relief, Brennan Smith worked three innings, allowing no runs and striking out four. The next day was another first for Travis, though, as he witnessed a little thing called snow, that we see way too much of here in Michigan.

“The guys were giving me a hard time because I was really excited. I was walking out of the gym, and I saw snow, and I started jumping around because I was excited my first time seeing it ever come down. I was definitely happy to see it, but I’m glad we didn’t have to play in it.”

Danry Vasquez had a great against Lake County, too!

The snow wasn’t all that kind to the ‘Caps, however, as they lost the second game of the series 8-5 to Lake County. They would bounce back in the rubber match in a big way, though. They won 10-1, on the back of Danry Vasquez and his four hits, four RBI’s, and two stolen bases. And he has country music to thank for it…. Manager Larry Parrish convinced him to listen to country instead of latin music in the locker room, and the rest is history.

“I think I will do it again,” Vasquez told MLive.com. “I will be superstitious.”

Vasquez played in West Michigan last season, before being moved to the Connecticut Tigers of the NY-Penn League, but is batting .302 with 11 RBI’s this year.

“I’m just much different than last year.” He stated. “I feel more comfortable, and I feel much stronger.”

Also pitching in offensively, Jeff Holm contributed two hits, with a triple and two RBI’s. Relief pitcher Josh Turley earned the win, with three strike outs in two innings. Julio Felix also pitched two innings with only one hit, and Jose Valdez took care of the ninth. In all, a pretty good way to end a home stand.

Photos courtesy of Sally Finneran/MLive.com

Loons Cash In

Minoring In Baseball — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:50:57 +0000

Great Lakes Loons vs. Lake County Captains

Dow Diamond-Midland, Michigan: The second game of our double-header was a little chillier, but we toughed it out anyway. The kids stayed warm on the playground, and trying to get a game ball, which Brian finally did! He also gave the ball to Trevor, which I thought was pretty nice. Lily stayed warm by visiting the Loons’ Loft gift shop and Trevor hung out by the fire pit to get some heat. After all that, the kids were still up for some cold ice cream…go figure. After the game Brian was able to run the bases at Dow Diamond, and he got a kick out of that, and being on the field with the mascots Lou E. Loon and Rall E. Camel.

The game itself was yet another low scoring pitching duel, with Ralston Cash taking the rock for Great Lakes. The Loons took an early lead this game, however, as Corey Seager singled in the second inning, than advanced to third on a Pat Stover single and a Captains’ error. Dashenko Richardo drove in the run with a sacrifice fly. In the fifth inning, James Baldwin got a bunt single, but advanced to third on another Captain throwing error. A Malcolm Holland singled scored the winning run. Cash earned the 2-1 victory for his team, going five and a half innings, giving up one run on one hit, and striking out eight. Luis Meza and Scott Griggs finished the game on the mound for the Loons. Final Score: Loons 2, Lake County Captains 1.

Loons pitcher Ralston Cash

Brian and I enjoying the ballgame!

The boys got a game ball!

And Brian got to run the bases:

Rounding third and heading for home!

Photos property of Minoring In Baseball

No rain, is our gain!

Minoring In Baseball — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:13:50 +0000

Great Lakes Loons vs. Lake County Captains
Dow Diamond-Midland, Michigan: Despite having plans to attempt another Lugnuts game in Lansing, the weather report prompted the kids and I to head south over the weekend a little early to avoid the storms. Our journey took us to Midland, Michigan to attend a pair of Great Lakes Loons games, and I’m pretty sure we made the right choice! The weather was a little cool, but with not rain and sunny skies, it was fine for us. After the rain-outs earlier this month, is was just nice to watch baseball and get these first games in. The kids were happy that their Papa was able to make it over to the game, too. Brian headed right for Lou E. Lookout (playground) and the mascots Rall E. Camel and Lou E. Loon entertained the kids throughout the game. It was a fun game to watch, and good to get the first one in for the kids and I.

Brian with Rall E. Camel

The game itself was a solid pitchers duel, with the score 0-0 going into the seventh inning, with Jharel Cotton getting the start for the Loons against the Lake County Captains. The seventh inning started off good for Great Lakes, as top prospect Corey Seager shot a single to right field. He then advanced to second on a nice bunt by Pat Stover. Outfielder Jeremy Rathjen then scorched a single to score Seager and give the Loons the walk-off victory! A great way to start the season for us, and a nice win for the home team.

Dodgers #3 prospect Corey Seager

Lou E. Loon!!!

Final Score: Loons 1, Lake County Captains 0

Photos property of Minoring In Baseball

Hens fan goes nuts for Inge

Minoring In Baseball — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:21:25 +0000

It was just another day at the ballpark for this Mud Hens fan. Sit back, have a few beers, throw peanuts at former Tiger Brandon Inge…wait, what? Yes, fans do heckle players at the games, especially at the minor league games where the fans are so close to the action. Last night, however, one fan took things a little too far and began belittling Inge, and even started throwing peanuts at him. Inge, who signed with the Pirates this spring, was playing for the Indianapolis Indians on a rehab assignment against the Mud Hens in Toledo.

“It was just an agitate fan that took it a little too far”, Inge told The Toledo Blade. “That stuff is unfortunate. You can’t avoid it. There’s always going to be a couple of idiots at every game. There’s nothing you can do about it. You can handle it the best you can, and I think we did.”

When the fans assaults became unbearable, Inge’s teammates were quick to defend him. Pirate prospect Jerry Sands and Felix Pie had to be restrained from going after the unruly fan. Sands actually cleared the fence between the stands and dugout, an action that brought a one game suspension from the International League. The fan was escorted out of the ballpark, but still tried throwing beer at the players on their way out (alcohol abuse?). Inge did his best to continue the game, and make it enjoyable for the remaining fans, especially the kids in attendance. He handed out more than a half-dozen baseball to kids.

“Everything was handled very professionally,” Inge stated. “The Mud Hens handled it professionally and I think we handled it as professionally as we could.” Uh, except for Sands, though, Brandon? He did take care of the kids, though: “I know the face of a kid that’s scared. And that man was definitely scaring those kids around the area. I actually saw a couple of kids sitting by themselves, I’m sure their parents were nearby, and I saw them actually get up and move a couple of seats back. They were just like, ‘Wow, we need to move,’. I didn’t want them to feel like that. So I pulled them over and gave them some baseballs. It turned to be, I think, ok.”

None of the Mud Hens players were involved. The Detroit fans have always had a love/hate relationship with Inge, though. Personally I’ve never had a problem with him. He always worked hard and wanted to contribute the best he could. He’s also recently stated he’d like to come back to the Tigers organization when his playing days are done. This is prediction I’ve made many times, however.

“I’d probably, one day, like to stay part of that organization in some way,” Inge stated to the Detroit News. “ One thing I learned through the years in this game is reading people. It’s why I respect Al Kaline so much. He’s still helping the Tigers in so many ways. But what impresses me is that he’s such a great personality reader.” He also stated to the News, “Detroit is home for me. It’s not something you experience for as long as I did and not call it home. In my mind, I’ll always be a Tiger.”

There you have it, folks…. Any way you slice it, though, the fan was in the wrong, and I’m glad he got tossed without anyone getting hurt. Best of luck in your rehab, Brandon.

Photo courtesy of the Detroit News

Vote for the Whitecaps 20th Anniversary Team

Minoring In Baseball — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:45:50 +0000

The West Michigan Whitecaps are competing in their 20th season in the Midwest League. To celebrate this event, the team is having the fans vote on the best players they’ve seen in each position for the last two decades. Even three managers are up for the vote, in Bruce Fields, Matt Walbeck, and Tom Brookens. All three won the Midwest League Championship in West Michigan. Catchers such as Brandon Inge, current Tiger Alex Avila, and Miami Marlin Rob Brantley are all up for the best behind the plate. At first base, I think that Robert Fick has the inside edge. He was voted into the first Whitecaps Hall of Fame, and has the honor of hitting the last home run in Tiger Stadium. That’s just my vote, though. Second base is my favorite position, so I’ve followed the players there pretty closely. It will be tough for me to choose only one of my favorites such as Scott Sizemore, Justin Henry, and Brandon Douglas. At short stop, in my opinion, the vote might come down to current Tiger Ramon Santiago, or last’s years MiLB Gold Glove winner Eugenio Suarez, which is a tough call. At the hot corner, top prospect Nick Castellanos may be the favorite despite being moved to the outfield last season with Lakeland and Erie. He may get a push from guys like Wade Gaynor and Wilkin Ramirez, though. Fans are allowed three choices for outfielders, and there are plenty. While players like Matt Joyce, Cameron Maybin, Cody Ross, and Brent Clevlen have all seen action at the MLB level, Gorkys Hernandez had a great season in West Michigan in 2007. He was also named the Tigers Minor League Player of the Year that year. Fans are also allowed to vote for three pitchers. Players like Andy Van Hekken, Casey Crosby, Duane Below, and Joel Zumaya all found success on the hill in West Michigan. Rounding out the relief pitchers, fans can vote for two, including Michael Torrealba and Anthony Claggett. This is another great way the Whitecaps are celebrating so much success the last 20 years. VOTE NOW!

Photo courtesy of the West Michigan Whitecaps

Crosstown Showdown Letdown

Minoring In Baseball — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:57:04 +0000

Cooley Law School Stadium-Lansing, MI: Last Thursday we gambled…and lost. As mother nature continued to punish us in Michigan with freezing rain, sleet, and snow, the 7th Annual Crosstown Showdown, pitting the Lansing Lugnuts against the Michigan State Spartans, has been postponed. The Lugnuts announced that the game will be made up on May 1st, as a seven inning game. We won’t be able to make it to that one, but the Lansing ticket office staff was more than helpful in helping us exchange our tickets for a game that we will be able to make it back down for…weather permitting. The kids and I still had a fun day together, though. We took a tour of the State Capitol building that was very enjoyable and informative. Lily and Trevor have been studying government in school, and it’s good for them to actually see where and how it’s applied. Our love of cars also took us to see the R.E. Olds transportation museum. We love to see the old cars and memorabilia. So much pride and workmanship went into the classic vehicles. The most fun the kids had was at the Impression 5 Science Center. This is a hands on play area for kids to build, do experiments, and encounter science and nature first hand. They could have spent all day there, and we’ll probably visit this again after the Lugnuts game here in a couple of weeks. It does get you down a bit, waiting for the weather to clear up to see some baseball games, but we still had fun, and the kids were able to spend some quality time with their Papa for his birthday. We also had dinner at one of my favorite sports bars, the Nuthouse Sports Grill!

Photos property of Minoring In Baseball