Tagged: fun
Memorial Day Baseball
Louisville Bats vs. Durham Bulls (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: A glorious day is Memorial Day, as we celebrate the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. It is because of them that Brian and I are able to enjoy a day at the ballgame together! It was another nice day, and the Chicago Boys were on hand to entertain us, also.
Leading the charge for the Bats was D.J. Peterson, who went 3-4 with an RBI. Both Mason Williams and Dilson Herrera went 2-4 with an RBI, also. Gabrial Guerrerro pitched in with a base hit and two runs scored. On the bump, Jose Lopez earned the win by throwing six solid innings, only giving up four hits and striking out three. Final: Bats 5, Bulls 0.
After the game, we enjoyed more fun from the Chicago Boys as well as some Memorial Day fireworks!
Video and Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Jurassic (Ball)Park
Louisville Bats vs. Toledo Mud Hens (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Back in Kentucky, this is a game Brian suggested we attend when the schedule first came out. With both of us being a huge fan of the Jurassic Park/World franchise, I could hardly ague with him. The Bats were playing the Mud Hens, and with us being Tiger fans, we sat down the first base side. In fact, we were directly in front of the Mud Hens bullpen, and were able to watch starting pitcher Artie Lewicki warm up. When Lewicki’s arm was ready to go, Toledo pitching coach Jeff Pico gave Brian the ball.
This game was definitely a pitchers’ duel. For the Bats, Robert Stephenson threw six innings, only giving up one run and striking out six. As for Lewicki, he pitched 6.1 innings, giving up just the two runs while racking up eight K’s.
Throughout the night, the Bats were having fun with the Jurassic Night concept, having a dinosaur roam the ballpark, as well as graphics up on the big screen.
Back to the game, Louisville received all of their offense from Mason Williams and Brandon Dixon, both of whom went 2-4 on the night with an RBI.
This was a fun night at the ballpark, with all of the dinosaur things going on and some great baseball. Brian and I ended the night by sitting way up in the right field cheap seats.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Back to the Bats
Louisville Bats vs. Columbus Clippers (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: After the long drive back from Michigan, you’d think we’d take it easy for a bit, but no, not while the Bats are in town. We took the weekend to recover and unpack, however, and then took in a Monday night game. Despite the weather actually being pretty nice, there was a pretty sparse crowd at Slugger Field. That would come into play later, as Brian was lucky enough to take home a couple of game balls.
The first ball he got was thrown to him by right fielder Rosell Herrera. After the third out, he tossed the ball to Brian as he was coming off the field. We were really surprised that this was a Major League ball in play here in the minors, but I’ll explain that momentarily.
As for Herrera, he went 1-3 on the night, driving in the lone Bats run. Louisville didn’t have much in the way of offense this game. Oh, and the reason why the game ball was a Major League one was because the Reds’ Brandon Finnegan was on the bump in a rehab stint, and that’s what the rehabbing pitchers use (thanks to Jeff Perro/@MiLBClubbie for that info off Twitter).
Ok, and speaking of Finnegan, he took the loss for the Bats, throwing five innings while giving up eight hits, four runs, and striking out two. On a lighter note, Brian got another game ball, this time just a normal International League one, from the Clippers relief pitcher Jeff Beliveau, who threw him a foul ball that came his way while warming up. As I said, there wasn’t much of a crowd, and there was a group of kids who got way more than Brian! Final: Bats 1, Clippers 7.
A rough outing for our first Bats game of the season, but we’re still looking forward to more to come. The weather turned a little cool once that sun went down, but I’m sure we’ll have some hot days at the ballpark this summer. Don’t forget to follow me on Snapchat: @MinorBaseball for live game action!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
25th Opening Day in West Michigan
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. South Bend Cubs (Midwest League)
Fifth Third Ballpark-Comstock Park, MI: Opening Day for the Minor League season also meant the West Michigan Whitecaps were entering their 25th year as a ball club. With so many games there throughout the years, it seemed only fitting that this is where we should start our 2018 journey as well. We were lucky there was even a game, as the Michigan weather punished us with harsh snow and wind while visiting for ‘Spring’ Break. We dressed warm, staying in the sun, and enjoyed Opening Day like so many other fans across the country.
We were able to get free replica jerseys upon entering the ballpark, and then Brian decided he wanted some autographs and to meet some of the players. The thrill of the day was meeting former World Champion Detroit Tiger, and the current Whitecaps manager, Lance Parrish. He was more than happy to sign Brian’s ball and get a photo with him. Brian was still able to meet some of Lance’s players and get his ball signed by them as well.
We can’t forget our favorite mascots, Crash and Frankie! Brian got both to sign his ball, as well as Roxy, but we couldn’t get a photo with her.
The game was a good one for the home team. Jordan Pearce lead the way offensively, going 1-3 with three RBI. Also pitching is was Alexis Garcia and Joey Morgan, each going 2-4 with Garcia adding an RBI.
On the hill, Dane Myers got the start throwing four innings, giving up one run and striking out five. Burris Warner earned the win, only giving up one hit and one run in his three innings of work. Final: Whitecaps 6, Cubs 2.
This was a fun game, and we were actually pretty comfortable until the sun went down. Then that cold Michigan air came creeping in, but we’re a tough group. This was a great way to kick off the Minor League season, especially since we weren’t able to make it up for a game last season. The next few months should be fun, as we have some more games planned and Brian starts Little League.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Bats Open House 2018
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: The Minor League season is almost upon us, and to kick things off here in the ‘Ville, the Bats invited their season ticket holders to a little open house to pick up their tickets and view the ballpark. We picked up our ticket package, then secured some seats to some special games like Jurassic Park Night and the throwback weekend when they’ll play as the Louisville Colonels. The team then treated us to a free meal of a hot dog, popcorn, and drink, some traditional ballpark eats.
Brian looks game ready! Go Bats!
Brian was then excited to go check out the Bats’ locker room and clubhouse. He liked to pretend he was getting ready for a game, and who knows, he could be a future Bat! We were also lucky enough to run into Buddy Bat, and then went to check out the dugout.
We ended the day up hanging out in some of the suites and getting some good eats. I play the Powerball every week, and the first thing I will do after finally winning is rent of these for life! All of my friends will be welcome to come enjoy the games with us. Brian really liked the suites, and decided this is the life for him! He also enjoyed seeing the press box and talking with some of the Louisville staff. It’s just fun to see every inch of this ballpark.
This was a fun day for us, and it really got me excited for the Bats’ season to start. We’ll actually be up in Michigan in early April, so here’s hoping the weather is decent and we can catch a game or two up that way. I’ll leave off with a video of Brian leading you onto the field:
Video and Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Cards take on Catamounts
Louisville Cardinals vs. Western Carolina Catamounts (NCAA)
Jim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY: It’s that time of year again, when college baseball fans can rejoice because baseball for us starts so much sooner than the pros. This can make for some rough game weather wise in February and March, but for us we had a perfect day in the ‘Ville for our first game of the season.
The Cards were hosting the Western Carolina Catamounts for a non-conference series, and were looking to stay undefeated. Leading the charge offensively for Louisville was second baseman Devin Mann, who went 1-3 with an RBI and a run, and Danny Oriente who also went 1-3 with an RBI. On the mound, Liam Jenkins started the game, throwing three innings while giving up one run on one hit, and striking out six. Reid Detmers earned the win in relief, throwing three scoreless innings and striking out seven. Final: Cardinals 3, Catamounts 2.
The weather has turned cold and nasty again, so we haven’t been to any more games. We have lots to look forward to this summer, though, and Brian has already started his Little League practices, so more to come.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Bats Christmas Party
Brian and Buddy Bat
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: It’s the most wonderful time of the year that’s not baseball season, but we were still able to work some into this festive month thanks to the Louisville Bats. Last week the team held their Christmas Party for season ticket holders, and it was a good time. They had plenty of sweet treats on hand, like Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. I really liked the kettle chips and the chocolate cranberry kettle corn. Good stuff. Brian was then able to make his own ginger bread man cookie at a station the Bats had set up there. Brian also did well at a throwing game they had set up. He won two hats and a shirt, so he was really in good spirits.
The highlight was either seeing Buddy Bat again, or, of course, seeing Santa Claus before the big day. Brian had a long list of Legos, Transformers, and toy cars for St. Nick. This was a fun night out that kept us both in the Christmas and baseball spirit. Merry Christmas to everyone from my family to yours and God Bless!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Movie Night
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: The Louisville Bats had a great idea to wrap up the 2017 for their fans, hosting a movie night at the ballpark. Sitting in the stands or laying out on a blanket on the field with a movie up on the video boards is definitely a promotions most fans were excited about. The only thing that wasn’t exciting, was the movie selection the Bats posted on Facebook that fans could vote on. I honestly can’t even remember every movie listed, but I voted for the ‘Lego Batman Movie’, while the new ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was the big winner out of the four. I was a little confused why no baseball related movie was listed, especially ‘The Sandlot’, which I thought would be a runaway winner as far as family baseball flicks go. In fact, there was so much outcry to show ‘The Sandlot’ by myself and other fans, the Bats replied on Facebook stating that wasn’t a movie that they had the rights to show.
In all honesty, however, it really didn’t matter what movie they showed. Brian was able to bring a friend to the event, and we laid some blankets and pillows out to enjoy the show. For me, I was just happy to be on the field, and was more intrigued by how perfect the grass was than anything else. I went to buy the kids some popcorn and pop, and was really pleasantly surprised at the great turnout for the event.
The kids also had a chance to play on the park and ride the carousel.
This turned out to be a really fun event, and the movie wasn’t all that bad, I guess, but the kids enjoyed it and that’s what counts. I think in all there was a lot of positive feedback from the fans, so I’m confident the Bats will hold more of these events. Maybe ‘The Sandlot’ next time, though…. What family baseball movie would you all like to see on the big screen at a ballpark? Poll is below!
Promotion courtesy of the Louisville Bats
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
2017 Frontier League Championship
Florence Freedom vs. Schaumburg Boomers (Frontier League)
UC Health Stadium-Florence, KY: I sat at my desk at work last Friday night, keeping an eye on the score on the computer, hoping the Florence Freedom would pull it off. Already down two games to none, another loss would mean the series would be over, and the Schaumburg Boomers would be champs of the Frontier League. Worse for me, it would mean no baseball game to attend the next day. Lucky for me, and the Freedom, I guess, Florence prevailed in 12 innings to keep the series going. So Saturday night, Brian and I made the trip up to see what could be a championship for the Boomers, or another game for the Freedom. I was a little shocked to see the game tickets at $20 a piece, even for a championship series. You’d think the home team would really want the local fan base to fill the park (not a huge crowd for such a big game…). At least Brian was able to get a photo op with Y’All Star as soon as we entered the stadium.
We sat down the third base side by the Schaumburg dugout, and the Boomers soon became one of Brian’s favorite teams, as I still rooted for the Freedom. The Boomers took the lead in the second inning, however, on a solo home run. Taylor Oldham tied the game for Florence with an RBI double in the third. In the fourth inning, Rock Shoulders hit a monster home run to put the Boomers up 2-1, quickly followed by another Schaumburg dinger. An RBI double put the Boomers up 4-1. Rock Shoulders is an awesome name. Like this guy wasn’t destined to be a professional athlete…
About this time we needed a treat, so Brian landed on the Funnel Cake Deluxe. This was served in a helmet, and consisted of a funnel cake, a crap load of ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and Oreo pieces. It was amazing, and both of us together couldn’t even finish it!
The sixth inning added more runs for Schaumburg. They hit another home run, and a sacrifice fly scored another to take a commanding 6-1 lead in the game. Florence came back with a two-out run in the bottom of the inning, to cut the lead to 6-2. Andrew Godbold paced the offence for the Freedom, going 2-3 with a run scored.
Between innings, Brian was supposed to participate in an on-field race, but back out once he learned he would be wearing over-sized underwear… Oh well, at least he did run across the field during the seventh inning stretch.
On the mound for Florence, Cody Gray got the start and took the loss. He tossed four innings, giving up four runs on seven hits, while striking out six. He would be replaced by Tony Vocca, who gave up two runs on two hits in 1.1 innings of work. Kit Fowler started for the Boomers, pitching three innings and giving up a run. Michael Wood would earn the win, tossing 4.2 inning, giving up one run and striking out four. FINAL: Freedom 2, Boomers 6.
After the final out, it was time for celebration for the Boomers. I don’t care what age you are or what level of ball you play, when you win a championship it is a big deal. Congratulations to Schaumburg, they definitely deserve it. And congratulations to the Florence Freedom on a great season also. We’ll be back at UC Health Stadium next season.
And of course they got to pass around the Frontier Cup and hold the Frontier League Championship banner:
As Brian likes to celebrate with winners, I found him out on the field celebrating with the Boomers! A few of the players were nice enough to take a photo with him.
I’ll leave off with a very short video of Brian getting a game ball from his new favorite player Kyle Ruchim of Schaumburg. This is what makes the sport we love so great…
Video and photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Color Labor Day Red
Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers (National League)
Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: Oh, Labor Day. When most people are smart enough to take a day off and relax, we decided to head up to the Queen City for some Reds baseball. As usual, we parked in Newport and took the boat over to the ballpark. Since the boat always drops us off at the back of the park (duh, like, it can’t travel down the street and around the corner…), Trevor and I decided to walk around and check out the façade. I took a photo of some of the statues featured out front, such as the greatest catcher ever Johnny Bench and ‘Charlie Hustle’ himself, Pete Rose. The Rose statue is new to the ballpark this season.
I thought we had great seats again, in the bleachers, but the front row which gave us a great view of the field.
The game started a little slow, and the Reds finally took a 1-0 when Joey Votto took a walk in the third inning to drive in a run. Not very exciting, I know, but a run is a run.
Trevor wasn’t happy in the hot sun, so we found some seats with some shade, and a little closer to the action. The Reds scored another run in the 6th, when Eugenio Suarez earned a walk. Yeah, I know. Yawn. But then Tucker Barnhart hit a double that plated two, so business was picking up. The Reds were up 4-0, and I was feeling pretty good about the game.
The Brewers came storming back top of the seventh, however. Homer Bailey got the start for the Reds, and he pitched a solid six innings, giving up three runs and striking out four. A pair of home runs tied the game at four going into the late innings.
Still tied at four bottom nine, it was hero time for Billy Hamilton. He hit his first right-handed home run of the season to set off the fireworks and give the Reds the win! Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias got the win for Cincy. This was a great way to spend Labor Day, even though I only got a half-hour nap in before working all night. It was worth it for a fun day of baseball with Trevor. FINAL: Reds 5, Brewers 4.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
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