Tagged: Tampa Bay Rays
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!
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Our turn at Bats
Louisville Bats vs Durham Bulls (International League)
Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Well, it only took us a few days in town to hit our first Bats game. Trevor has been here before, back in 2009, but this was Brian’s first experience here. Due to the weather, though, the pre-game kids clinic was postponed, so I’ll have to wait until June to see Brian take the field here. He had fun playing on the playground, however, and the caro carous caris merry-go-round. Trevor and I took a selfie with the MiLB app, and reminisced about our game here seven years ago.
We sat over by the Durham Bulls bullpen, or Bull-pen, and had a great view of the game. Brian was hoping to meet mascot Buddy Bat, but he was busy on field pretty much the whole game, and never made it into the crowd. One of the ballpark staff members mentioned that he’s more active in the crowd during weekday games.
We did get to see Jake the Diamond Dog, however, as his doghouse was right in front of us. He brought flowers to a fan in the front row, brought some water to the umpires, and served as a batboy, er, batdog, for an inning.
As for the game, I don’t think we were much luck for the home team, as they had a six game winning streak snapped. Right-handed pitcher A.J. Morris started the game for the Bats, throwing three scoreless innings, striking out one batter and allowing only two hits. Relief pitcher Tim Melville took the loss, giving up two runs on two hits, including a home run.
At the plate, DH Jesse Winkler lead Louisville’s limited offense going 1-4 with an RBI. No Bats player had more than one hit in the game, but Hernan Iribbaren was 1-2 with two walks. FINAL: Bats 1, Bulls 3.
The started a little about the fifth or sixth inning, but nothing that could ruin our evening at the ballpark. It was a fun game with the boys, and I look forward to so many more here as they keeping growing. We’ll try to drag Lily to a game or two if we can also! With the rain, I forgot to take a quick video, but I will for next game.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Going ‘Nuts in Lansing
Lansing Lugnuts vs Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)
Cooley Law School Stadium-Lansing, MI: After Brian finished his seminar, we got a bite to eat at the Nuthouse, then went back to see the Lugnuts host the Hot Rods.
One cool new aspect of Cooley Law School Stadium is the Michigan Baseball Hall Of Fame. Some of the best players who are from Michigan or played in the state are honored. Some of my childhood favorites like Alan Trammell and Jim Abbott are honored, as well as some classic Tigers like Al Kaline, Charlie Gehringer, and broadcaster Earnie Harwell.
The game was a fun one for us to watch, and a good one for the home team. This game was special also, as it was the first one all three kids attended. I’m glad Lily finally made it to a game with us this season. Trevor took a good pic with his phone of himself, my dad, and I. I also took one using the MiLB In The Park app. Apparently, Trevor’s phone does a little better job.
As for the game action, the Lugnuts scored in the early, middle, and late innings. Midwest League Player of the Year Ryan McBroom had a big night offensively. He went 2-3 with a booming home run, a double, and plates five RBI’s. Center fielder D.J. Davis also contributed two RBI’s on the night, going 2-4. Alex Maldonado and Christian Vazquez each had a pair of hits, also.
On the hill for the ‘Nuts, spot starter Tim Mayza threw five shut-out innings, giving up one hit and striking out five. In relief, Dusty Isaacs gave up one run, and Phil Kish two before shutting the door.
In the late innings, I strolled a little to some other shots of the ballpark.
This was a great day all around, and I’m very blessed and lucky to have this time with my kids and dad. Brian and I were a little disappointed that the mascot Big Lug didn’t walk the concourse or interact with fans at all. We have some more baseball fun planned soon! Final: Lugnuts 11, Hot Rods 3.
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
More Whitecaps Alumni dealt
The Detroit Tigers were a busy bunch at the Winter Meetings in San Diego. Tigers’ GM Dave Dombrowski traded away a few more West Michigan Whitecaps alumni, trying to build a team to win the World Series in 2015. The price was steep, and we fans had to say goodbye to some solid young ballplayers. Before the meetings even began, the Tigers traded away middle-infielder Domingo Leyba, along with pitcher Robbie Ray, to the Arizona Diamondbacks in three-way deal that brought starting pitcher Shane Greene from the New York Yankees. The 19-year-old prospect hit .397 in 30 games for the Whitecaps this season, after being promoted from Class-A SS Connecticut Tigers when short-stop Willy Adames was traded late last season to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The second trade involving some West Michigan alumni, had another middle-infielder in Eugenio Suarez and starting pitcher Jonathan Crawford shipped to the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Alfredo Simon. As a rookie, Suarez hit .242 with four home runs, and 23 RBI’s last season in 85 games with Detroit. In 2012 with the Whitecaps, Suarez batted .288 with 34 doubles and 67 RBI’s. His .947 fielding percentage helped him win a Minor League Baseball Gold Glove at short-stop (.971 at short, and his fielding percentage was 1.000 at second base). Crawford was a first round draft pick by Detroit in 2013. He pitched for the ‘Caps this season, going 8-3 with a 2.85 ERA, and was the starting pitcher for the East at the Midwest League All-Star Classic played at Fifth Third Ballpark.
The Tigers also lost former Whitecaps pitcher Alex Burgos in the Triple-A/Double-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft. The 24-year-old hurler saw action in Lakeland, Erie, and Toledo, but mostly with the Flying Tigers earning a 4.26 ERA. He suited up for the ‘Caps in 2011, pitching to a 6-5 record and a 2.19 ERA. We were able to see him pitch on Star Wars night that season. Two other former ‘Cap pitchers, Edgar De La Rosa and Montreal Robertson were spared in the Major League portion of the draft. We wish the best of luck to all of the players we were lucky enough to watch in West Michigan.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Rough waters at Great Lakes
Great Lakes Loons vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)
Dow Diamond-Midland, MI: I’ll start out by saying for some reason I just didn’t get very good photos from this game. It could have been due to the weather, but none of that stopped us from having a great night at Dow Diamond. We knew there was some rain, so we really didn’t have to get to the ballpark all that early to fight for tickets. Our seats were great, though, in the last row behind the third base dugout. First of all, there are no bad seats at this stadium, and second the last row kept dry! Something new to Dow Diamond this season, is the Midland Sports Hall of Fame, so we took time to check that out before the getting our food and checking out the Loons shop.
There was only a 45 minute delay, but we kept busy and had our dinner there. It was just Brian with me this time, so we walked around and explored the ballpark a bit. The playground wasn’t open yet, but we went to the gift shop and he got a plush Lou E. Loon, so he was happy.
The delay went by quick, and he finally had some baseball! Unfortunately for Loons fans, the Hot Rods knocked in six runs in the first inning, to take what was the home crowd out of it. They also opened the playground, so Brian and I headed out that way. At least at Dow Diamond you can still see the field and follow the game from there. I tried to get some pics from out that way, too.
We finally caught up with the real Lou E. Loon, and he was ecstatic that Brian had a little loon with him. He even picked Brian up and carried him a bit. Sorry about the blurry pics.
The fun kept up for my Bri-guy, too, as he also got a couple of game balls from the Hot Rod players.
The Hot Rods didn’t let starting pitcher Zachary Bird out of the first inning, as he surrendered all six runs. Kyle Hooper came into the game in relief, but gave up three more runs, while striking out five. We were able to see Jordan Hershiser (Orel’s son) pitch a few innings also, he gave up three runs, also, but struck out three. Third baseman Brandon Trinkwon led the offense for the Loons, going 3-4 with three RBI’s. Jesmuel Valentin, Joey Curletta, and Spencer Navin each had two hits on the night, also. We were able to see Willy Adames play again, also, who was traded from the Whitecaps to the Rays organization in the David Price deal, and assigned to Bowling Green. Despite the Loons loss and a little rain, we had a great time. I really need to get us down to Dow Diamond more during the season, as it’s such a great venue and fun for the kids. I’m not sure if this will be our last game of the season or not, but if it is I’m glad we made it a good one. Final score: Loons 6, Hot Rods 12.
#40 Jordan Hershiser
Former West Michigan Whitecap Willy Adames
Here’s some video:
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Wil Myers wins AL ROY
Congrats to Wil Myers of the Tampa Bay Rays on winning the 2013 American League Rookie of the Year award. I was lucky enough to see him play back in May while he was still a member of the Durham Bulls of the International League and even back in 2010 when he was playing for the Burlington Bees of the Midwest League. Wil posted a .293 average, with 13 home runs, and 53 RBI’s this season with the Rays. Just another example to get out to the Minor League ballparks when you get a chance. You never know what future award winners you’ll be witnessing.
Photo property of Minoring In Baseball
2013 Baseball Trip-Game 11: The home field advantage
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)
Fifth-Third Ballpark–Comstock Park, MI: As much as I loved my time in North Carolina, it was good to be back in Michigan, and have the home field advantage. It felt comfortable to be back in my own ballpark, and to see the Whitecaps play for the first time this season. After riding in airplanes most of the day, it was nice to be in the fresh air and wandering around Fifth-Third Ballpark. We were also one of the lucky ones to get an Avisail Garcia bobble head at the gate. It was good to see the best mascot in the minors, Crash the River Rascal, hamming it up on the concourse with the kids. I wandered down and watched the Whitecaps warm up, and got some good pics of the team. I was excited to see guys like Devin Travis and Danry Vasquez in action. It was also cool to see new pitching coach Mike Henneman, who was one of my favorite Tigers when I was younger. Henneman seemed to be joking around with his staff a little, and keeping his pitchers loose. It was good to see some familiar faces and be back home, and this will go down as one of the best baseball trips ever.
We were early enough to see the Hot Rods take some batting practice
Jeff Holm signs some autographs for Whitecaps fans
Tigers’ prospect Austin Schotts
Former Tiger pitcher Mike Henneman
The game did not go our way, and the Whitecaps home field advantage did them little good as the Hot Rods shut them right down. Starting pitcher Charlie Gillies took the loss, but had no run support. He gave up three runs and struck out three, in just over five innings of work. Both second baseman Jared Reaves and third baseman Mario Martinez went 2-4, but could not help get a run across the plate. Win or lose, however, there’s still no place that I’d rather be. Final score: Whitecaps 0, Hot Rods 4.
Devon Travis leads the Midwest League in hits
Outfielder Danry Vasquez
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
2013 Baseball Trip-Game 5: The greatest show on dirt!
Durham Bulls vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (International League)
Durham Bulls Athletic Park–Durham, NC: This is one that have been on my bucket list for some time…the Durham Bulls. And what a better time than the 25th anniversary of the hit movie Bull Durham? The new ballpark is located right downtown, so parking can be a nightmare. Throw in all the construction, and it’s a pain if you don’t get to the ballpark early. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park was simply the gem of our trip. It’s an amazing ballpark with no bad seat in the house. It’s easily one of the best minor league parks we’ve ever been to. It was a beautiful sunny day, and luckily we were able to catch some shade. It was a little ironic, too, that we were sitting next to someone from my hometown, Grand Rapids, MI. I enjoyed the game immensely, and the Bulls really do put on a great show for their fans. Triple-A is also a good chance to see the young stars on the rise, and former major leaguers in action as well. If you’re a baseball fan, you need to see a Durham Bulls game. It’s as simple as that.
Unfortunately, no one hit the bull to win a free steak
The game itself saw the Bulls defending their home turf against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. The Bulls took care of business early, and never looked back. Lead-off hitter Jason Bourgeois led the way offensively, going 3-4 with an RBI. Third-baseman Vince Belome contributed a pair of hits and an RBI, also. Alex Colome earned the win on the mound for the home team, throwing seven complete innings. Our Durham experience lived up to the hype, and couldn’t have gone better (well, maybe it would have been nice to see a player win a steak, and the mascot hit by a pitch). Final score: Bulls 8, Iron Pigs 2.
Former Tiger great Zack Minor now in the Phillies system
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
2012 Baseball Trip-Game 3: Bull Durham, Damn Yankees
Empire State Yankees vs. Durham Bulls
Frontier Field-Rochester, NY: While the Red Wings are away, the Yankees will play…in Frontier Field, that is. Due to a new stadium being built, the Scratnon/Wilkes Barre Yankees will be taking on the moniker of ‘Empire State’ for the season, and playing ‘home games’ in places such as Rochester and Syracuse while the home teams are out-of-town. This gave us a great opportunity to catch a game, and see two more teams, that we probably would not have seen otherwise. I found Frontier Field a very nice venue, and our seats could not have been better, front row on the third base side. The kids had a lot of fun watching this game on MiLB.TV, as they could see their daddy and papa quite a bit. The game itself flew by, as the Durham Bulls shut out the Yankees 1-0. Alex Cobb got the win on the mound for Durham, and I was surprised to see him pitching for the Rays when I turned the game on last night versus the Red Sox. We had a lot of fun here, and were excited about the fact we would be coming back in a few days to watch the Red Wings. I went right to bed after the game, though, as the next morning we would get up bright and early to get on the road to Cooperstown…Final: Bulls 1, Yankees 0.
The old ballpark in Rochester was named ‘Silver Stadium‘ after the man who saved baseball in Rochester.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
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