Tagged: Star Wars Night
STAR WARS NIGHT-Episode VI: Return of the Bats
Louisville Bats vs Columbus Clippers (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: It’s that time of the year again, and a change in venue couldn’t keep me from taking my scruffy-looking nerf-herders to Star Wars night. This year is our first here in Louisville, and they put on a pretty good show for the kids. Due to an accident on the freeway, we got to the game about a half hour late, so Brian missed out on his free light-saber (not that he doesn’t have an arsenal of them at home..). But, the weather was perfect, and my friend Darryl visiting from Ohio got us great seats behind the first base dugout. They had the Star Wars characters on the field before the game, and throwing out some first pitches.
We watched a few innings of the game, which turned out to be a pitchers duel, sort of… Chad Rogers got the start for the Bats, and he ended up pitching four shut-out innings. He gave up only five hits on the night, while walking two, and striking out three.
When the Star Wars characters started making their way to the concourse, the boys and I decided to join them. First of all, Brian was really happy just to finally meet the Bat’s mascot, Buddy Bat!
Brian and Buddy Bat
We then were able to see some of the Star Wars guys, with Brian getting in with an Imperial Speeder Bike Trooper, and Trevor and I were happy to see Boba Fett, who is our favorite and we missed him last year.
Back to the game. A 0-0 tie doesn’t sound all that exciting, but this was a great game to watch. Both teams had runners in scoring position multiple times without being able to push a run home. Louisville actually had the bases loaded with no outs in the sixth, and were unable to score. Pair that with a gorgeous night for baseball, and we didn’t mind at all going into extra innings! The game finally came to an end in the 11th, when Seth Mejias-Brean smacked a two-run homer to win the game and send the crowd home happy. Relief pitcher Wandy Peralta picked up his first win of the season, and Kyle Waldrop added a pair of doubles in the game. FINAL: Louisville 2, Clippers 0, 11 innings.
This game was as much fun at a ballgame that I’ve had in some time. It was a great time spent with the boys and my best friend, and it’s always good to be surrounded by other knowledgeable baseball fans. If the weather could be like this every game, I would be more than happy. I’m sure we’ll be making another trip to Louisville Slugger Field, too, and to some other teams in the area. I did remember to take a quick video, too, hoping the Bats would win it in the ninth.
Video and photos property of Minoring in Baseball
STAR WARS NIGHT-Episode V: The Umpire Strikes Out
West Michigan Whitecaps vs Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)
Fifth Third Ballpark-Comstock Park, MI: Oh, it’s that time of the year, again, when my little Nerf-Herders and I head down to Fifth Third Ballpark for Star Wars Night. We got to meet old favorites like the Stormtroopers and Darth Vader, as well as a newbie like Sabine Wren from Star Wars Rebels. The one thing I was disappointed with was that there was no Boba Fett!! How could the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy not make an appearance?
These aren’t the droids you’re looking for
After we mingled with members of the Galactic Empire and Rebellion, we were able to take a stroll around the warning track of Fifth Third Ballpark. Personally, I never turn down an opportunity to walk around on a professional baseball field. Jedi Franky welcomed us onto the field, and was able to get a few good pics of the boys.
Jedi Franky welcomes us onto the field
With everything going on, we almost forgot we had a ballgame to watch. This was a pitcher’s duel for certain. On the mound for the ‘Caps, A.J. Ladwig gave up an early solo home run, but settle in and pitched a nice game. He went 6.1 innings, only giving up two earned runs, and striking out two. Gage Smith would come in and earn the save.
Offensively, West Michigan was led by catcher Arvicent Perez, who went 3-3 on the night, including an RBI. Both Rashad Brown and Michael Gerber went 2-4, respectively, with Gerber earning an RBI. Garrett Mattlage scored on a wild pitch, and Zach Shepherd walked and scored on a throwing error. Final: Whitecaps 3, Hot Rods 2.
Brian with Jedi Crash
After the game we were treated to some fireworks, which capped off a fantastic night. Just one more game where I feel lucky and blessed to be able to spend time with my kids and dad. We’re not sure when our next game will be, but we’ll be sure to make it’s a good one.
And one more photo we bought from MI Unlimited Photography. For some reason all three of us look like we were just captured and are about to be brought before the Emperor. I guess we’re just tired from travel and fun.
A YouTube video:
Photos and video property of Minoring In Baseball
May the 4th be with you!
Lansing Lugnuts vs. West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League)
Cooley Law School Stadium-Lansing, MI: It’s that time of the year again, when my scruffy-looking nerf-herders and I headed down state for Star Wars Day! This season we decided to check out the Lansing Lugnuts at Cooley Law School Stadium. Lucky for us, though, they were hosting the West Michigan Whitecaps. This was Lily and Brian’s first time in this ballpark, too, as Trevor was with me in 2009, and we were rained out here last year. Battling the rain for over a week straight up north, we were happy to head south for a few days. We were very lucky that it was such a beautiful day in Lansing and it was good to finally see the sun again. We got to the ballpark a little early, so we were able to hang out outside the park for a little bit and get some pics of its façade.
When we entered the ballpark, the Imperial Forces were waiting for us…it’s a trap! We got some pics with some stormtroopers and the like, but Brian was very impressed with the purple astrodroid. I’m sure he wanted to take the droid home with us, and how cool would that be? We then found our seats, and noticed more Star Wars characters down on the field, as well as some other fans playing catch. We didn’t waste any time grabbing our gloves and joining them.
We made our way down onto the field, right field to be exact, and made a beeline for Boba Fett! Easily the favorite of the boys and myself, they had to get a pic with him. Brian was a little weary of the Lugnuts’ mascot Big Lug, but reluctantly took a picture with him anyway. Trevor played catch with his Papa, and I with Brian, while Lily was nice enough to take some pictures. We were able to toss the ball around for a good 15-20 minutes before being rounded up like droids by the Jawas, and left the field so the teams could warm up.
On our way back to our seats, the boys were able to get an autograph by a couple of the Lugnuts’ players. One of them was #16 Phil Kish, but the other player was wearing a jacket and we couldn’t see who he was.
The Star Wars characters also had a little parade around the infield to show themselves off a bit, and members of the Galactic Empire threw out the first pitch of the game.
The game itself was a good one, well, during the ninth inning anyway. Pitching for Lansing, both Chase De Jong and Alonzo Gonzalez shut out the Whitecaps for five and three innings each, respectively. The ‘Caps refused to go out without a fight, however. In the final inning, Harold Castro singled and was moved to third by another hit by Tyler Gibson. Ben Verlander would then step into the box as a pinch hitter, and drove the ball over the wall, but just left of the left field foul pole. Down to two outs and two strikes, Verlander hit the next pitch just over the infield to score Castro as the tying run, and advancing Gibson to third. Jose Zambrano followed that up with a base hit to give West Michigan the 2-1 lead. On the mound, Julio Felix earned the win by shutting down the Lugnuts in the eight and ninth innings. Chad Green pitched well also, just giving up the one run and striking out six in seven innings of work. Castro and Willy Adames were both 2-4 for the ‘Caps. D.J. Davis and L.B. Dantzler led the way offensively for Lansing, going 2-4 each, also. This game went by too quickly, but a fun one to watch to the end. Final Score: Lugnuts 1, Whitecaps 2.
Imperial Sniper at the ready
Ben Verlander hit the game-tying RBI
The only thing that was disappointing about this game was a lack of a crowd. It was a beautiful day, and Cooley Law School Stadium is a great venue to watch a game. I can’t imagine living in a town with such a nice baseball experience and not attending! Trevor took advantage of the small crowd, and moved up by the dugout to get a game ball. It took him the whole game, but he finally got the ball from the final out.
A young Padawan must learn patience…
Although the game was over, the fun was not. Being the best big sister in the world, Lily took Brian over to run the bases. Brian has become a master at this, and can now add another stadium to his list. It was hard to catch up to him with the camera he is so fast. This is just another day that I feel lucky and blessed to have spent the day at the ballpark with my dad and kids. I can’t wait for our big baseball trip next month.
This first video from my YouTube channel of us on the field:
This second video from my YouTube channel is of the game:
All photos and videos property of Minoring In Baseball
Promotion courtesy of the Lansing Lugnuts
Star Wars Night-Episode IV: A Hope for no Rain
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)
Fifth-Third Ballpark–Comstock Park, MI: It’s that time of year again, when myself and the little nerf-hearders head down to Star Wars Night. This year, we were back at the Fifth-Third Ballpark, with the Whitecaps as our host. Despite the weather report calling for rain, it all held off and it was a beautiful night. The kids were able to meet all of their favorite Star Wars characters, and some of the guys in the suits were pretty darn funny. They kept the sold out crowd entertained until the game started, and were more than happy to pose for pictures for the kids. This was one of the best Star Wars nights we’ve been too so far. We tried for some Whitecaps autographs, but got very few as the players didn’t walk by the fans due to the Star Wars guys.
The most feared Bounty Hunters in the Galaxy…
The Force is strong with these two!
Uh…caption this:
As for the game itself, it was another dismal one for the Whitecaps. They’ve had a tough time offensively ever since Devon Travis was promoted. DH Lance Durham did go 2-4 on the day, however, but short stop David Gonzalez was the only one able to strum up an RBI. Chad Smith took the loss on the hill for West Michigan, giving up only two earned runs, though, and striking out three. Corey Knebel came in for the ninth inning, and stayed perfect so far since joining the ‘Caps. Final score: Whitecaps 1, Hot Rods 3.
Brian with our favorite mascot-Crash the River Rascal!
Brian found some fellow Jedi to duel with!
An Imperial Guard doing the YMCA!
Lightsabers!!!!!
We also got this picture taken by MI Unlimited Photography:
Here’s a video the Whitecaps released on their YouTube channel featuring Lily and Trevor:
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
STAR WARS NIGHT-Episode III: Revenge of Da Bums
Traverse City Beach Bums vs. Southern Illinois Miners
Wuerfel Park–Traverse City, MI: Well, it was that time of the summer again, when I packed up my scruffy lookin’ nerf-herders and headed downstate for our annual ‘Star Wars Night’ trip. This year we decided to check out our favorite characters from a ‘galaxy far, far, away’ at the Traverse City Beach Bums instead of in Grand Rapids at the Whitecaps. The kids were excited, and had fun meeting the characters. There weren’t nearly as many as we’ve seen in the past at the ‘Caps, but we had a good time regardless. They had Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers, an Imperial Officer, and the lovely Princess Leia on hand. I would have liked to have seen Boba Fett and maybe some droids, but maybe next year. It was pretty hot and there was an impending storm, so it could be that limited some of the costumes and attendance. Lucky for us we made it through the game without a drop on us! In the game itself, the Bums were taking on the Southern Illinois Miners. TC was leading up until the 5th inning, when the Miners stormed back to take the lead. Scott Dunn took the loss on the mound for the Bums, giving up two runs, and striking out three in 4 2/3 innings. Final: Miners 5, Beach Bums 1. May the Force be with you…
The Bums were sporting their special Star Wars jerseys
Brian and Lily with Beach Bums mascot Sunburn!
Believe it or not, this is the first ball we’ve gotten at a Beach Bums game, and our first Frontier League ball. Trevor was lucky to get this foul ball.
A trip to Traverse City wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Pirate’s Cove. It was a beautiful day out, and the kids and I were lucky enough to spend it doing the zip line, bumper boats, go-karting, and the water coaster. I had to fudge Brian’s age a little so he could drive his own kiddie kart, but he did a great job, and is actually a better driver than his mom… Anyway, this was a great day, a day spent with family (we met Papa and Nana at the ballgame) and fun, and one you feel very lucky to have had. I feel lucky to be able to do this for my kids, and hope we can take in at least one more game before school starts.
Promotion courtesy of the Traverse City Beach Bums
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Star Wars Night-Episode II: Attack of the Kids
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods: Fifth Third Ballpark-Comstock Park, MI
Our favorite game of the year is Star Wars night for sure. This time we brought Brian down for the fun, too. It was a beautifull night for baseball, but the real thrill for the kids was seeing all of their favorite movie characters. Me being a Star Wars freak since I was like, five, they’ve been exposed to the movies (original trilogy) for a number of years. We were able to get pics with most of the characters on hand, especially Darth Vader and Boba Fett, who is simply the greatest. There were some Jedi and X-Wing pilots hanging around, but the kids, especially Trevor, favor the Empire and thier legions of Stormtroopers, Snowtroopers, and pilots. Brian wanted no part of Darth Vader, either, as you’ll see he’s not in the picture with him. Darth Vader also threw out the first pitch, and had a little duel with Crash, the mascot. The night ended with a fireworks display with Star Wars theme music. The Whitecaps also wore special Star Wars jerseys. Of all the game I’ve been to so far, I think we’ve only seen the regular ‘Caps jersey’s once! There was a huge crowd again this year, season high 10,528, but we still got to see who we wanted and had time to play in the park there, too. I’m not sure what our next game will be, but it will be hard to beat this night.
Starting pitcher #20 Alex Burgos
In the game, the Whitecaps had a solid offensive effort, beating the Hot Rods 11-3. Top prospect Nick Constellanos had two home runs the game, and went 3-4. He was recently named the Detroit Tigers Minor Player of the Month for hitting .375 with 20 RBI’s in June. He now leads the Midwest League with 94 hits, leads the ‘Caps with 52 RBI’s, and is one of the MWL leaders in batting average with .306 and doubles with 23. Castellanos is a good bet for next seasons Furtures Game if he keeps this pace up. On the mound, Alex Burgos was solid in the win. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six, to up his record to 4-1. Three of the hits he gave up were infield singles.
Aren’t they a little short for Stormtroopers?
“If Trevor won’t turn to the Dark Side, then perhaps his sister will…”
The most feared Bounty Hunters in the Galaxy…
I need to win this…for the kids, that is
Lead off hitter #16 Luis Castillo
At 85 degrees, it was more like Tatooine than Hoth…
Photos property of M.I.B.
Star Wars Night-Episode I: No Phantom, just fun!!!
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Beloit Snappers: As we were rained out last night, the weather was on our side tonight. A beautifull night in Grand Rapids, to enjoy some baseaball. Of course, Star Wars night brought out over 10,000 fans to Fifth Third Ballpark for the game and to see their favorite characters. Yes, the two loves of my childhood colided in one special night with my kids. Baseball fans and Star Wars nerds fans alike were cheering in unison. The Whitecaps even wore special Star Wars jerseys with the likeness of Darth Vader on them. I think that Lily and Trevor were more excited over meeting the characters than the game, but at least they got to see everyone they wanted. Trevor’s favoites are the Stormtroopers and Lily liked meeting Chewbacca. The kids also got autographs from some of the Whitecaps players like third baseman Wade Gaynor and hitting coach Louis Quinnones who played with the Giants, Reds, and Cubs. The game was capped off with a fireworks display. Of course the kids had to watch the Star Wars movies on the way home (no prequals), and are now hounding me to play with my 30 year old toys. Oh well, they can’t last forever, but the memories of this ballgame can. Final: Whitecaps 4, Snappers 6.
Photos property of M.I.B.
Minoring In Baseball 