Kruk highlights 1st Reception
December 6, 2007 by Jason Guarente
John Kruk will be the featured speaker when the Barnstormers hold their first Hot Stove Reception at the 
Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center on Jan. 9. The event includes a cocktail hour, a dinner and a silent auction of sports memorabilia.
Kruk is a former teammate of manager Von Hayes, who will also be in attendance. Perhaps the two will reminisce about this Phillies team, which included Tom Herr and the fabled Ricky Jordan. Kruk is now an ESPN commentator. Although he has become most known for his outspoken manner, he was a terrific — and extremely underrated — hitter during his playing days.
Proceeds from this event will benefit Lancaster General Cancer Care Program and the Kristen Ann Carr Foundation, which provides grants for cancer research and seeks to improve all aspects of cancer patient life with an emphasis on adolescents and young adults.
For complete details, check out the full press release ….
The Barnstormers are bringing a baseball tradition to Lancaster, and the team’s first-ever Hot Stove Reception will be the most “Macho” baseball event in the nation. Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star and current ESPN baseball analyst John Kruk will be the featured speaker at the Lancaster Barnstormers Hot Stove Reception on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at The Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center.
“Hot Stove Receptions have been an off-season baseball tradition for a long time, and I have participated in many throughout my career,” Barnstormers manager Von Hayes said. “I’m excited my first Hot Stove in Lancaster will feature such a prominent voice of the game in John Kruk. And it will be great to see my former Phillies teammate.”
A member of the Phillies from 1989 to 1994, Kruk (photo attached) appeared in three consecutive Major League All-Star Games (1991, 1992 and 1993) and hit .316 as a leader in the Phils’ famed “Macho Row” lineup that captured the National League Pennant in 1993. Kruk went on to hit .348 in the World Series, which the Phillies eventually lost to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Over his 10-year career, Kruk hit an even .300 with 100 home runs and is among the top players in MLB history with a .397 career on base percentage. Kruk retired in 1995, but returned to the bench in 2001 as a hitting coach with the nearby Reading Phillies.
Always a quotable character of the game, Kruk published a book “I Ain’t an Athlete, Lady” in 1994 and soon found his voice as a broadcaster and commentator. He worked for FOX Sports, “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” and local telecasts in Philadelphia before joining ESPN in 2004 as one of the network’s top analysts on its Emmy Award-winning “Baseball Tonight” program. Kruk also writes a column called “Chewing the Fat” on ESPN.com.
“Our Hot Stove Reception will be the premier baseball event of the year in Lancaster County,” Barnstormers general manager Kevin Cummings said. “We’re anxious to show John Kruk what a great baseball town Lancaster has become.”
The Reception will begin with a cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. WGAL sports personality Pat Principe will serve as emcee for the program.
All proceeds from the dinner and a sports memorabilia silent auction will benefit the Lancaster General Cancer Care Program and the Kristen Ann Carr Foundation, which provides grants for cancer research and seeks to improve all aspects of cancer patient life with an emphasis on adolescents and young adults.
Tickets for the Hot Stove Reception are $75 and can be purchased by calling (717) 509-HITS (4487).
I love The Krucker. Hope he rocks the Hot Stove Reception.
Two words for you: Dickie Thon.
Wasn’t Ricky Jordon a Rivershark?
Kevin Jordan played for the Riversharks. I don’t believe Ricky did because he was finished in 1996. Ricky made quite an intro into the big leagues, smashing 11 homers in 69 games in 1988. It was, dare I say, Bo Hart-esque.
Dickie Thong …..
Isn’t that what the players wear under their Speedo’s?
There’s a good chance Scottie has a Cheetah patterned Dickie Thong. I bet he eats a peanut butter power bar, cranks up the song ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’, ties back his mullet, checks his fake tan and then goes to town.
(How could I not of commented on #4, the temptation was too great)
GO STORMERS!!
Speaking of mullets, here is a quote from all time greatest mullet man. Guess who it is?
“Well, I was born without the top of my skull and I guess a little bit of my brains was showin’ and it was grossin’ everybody out so my mom put this wig on me to cover it up and then the bones grew together and it got all infused and entwined. I mean I don’t mean to get all scientific with you…”
Who is Joe Dirt, Alex.
I’ll take Degenerate Hillbillies for four hundred.
Anyone remember Dwayne Shintzius from Florida and many NBA teams. He had one of the worst mullets EVER.
How can you talk mullets and not think hockey. My favorites:
#1 Barry Melrose, my favorite Red Wing. Games played as a Red Wing 14. PIM 70.
#2 Flyers, Handzus
#3 Jagr, Penquins
#4 Ricci, Flyers
Here, I am going to cost you all a day. You could lose yourself in the “Classifications” alone:
http://www.mulletsgalore.com/
Tough loss for L-S last night. That game was remarkably similar to Township-Governor Mifflin. Tons of big plays, missed opportunities and excitement.
Jason… I was upset to see the practice out in the snow on Wednesday… makes for injuries
When I arrived the score was 13-0, figured the game was in the bag.
Too many costly mistakes, but the guys can hold their heads up.. they made us proud and put LS on the football map !!
It’s been a fun couple of weeks. The drive home felt so long last night compared to weeks past.
What was the Thomas Jeff score ?
I would love to see G.V. beat the pants off them !!!!
Thomas Jefferson won 35-6. I don’t see GV beating those guys.
It’s official. I.M. Fun is coming back. It is posted on the Barnstormers website.
Now that we have Fun and a new coach, I smell CHAMPIONSHIP.
Go STORMERS!
It’s sort of like the Pats-Steelers tomorrow… I will root for anyone who can come close to beating the powerhouse.
Go Steelers… yuck, puck, thuah.. can’t believe those words came out of my mouth !!!
So, Go Garnet Valley !
Welcome home Jeff, we miss you !!!!!
Welcome back Jeff and go Patriots!!!!
Lets not forget the Steelers lost to the Jets a few weeks ago. People are acting like the Steelers have a great chance of winning today. All the Pats have to do is stop the obvious Steelers game plan of running the ball. It’s too bad Parker won’t be wearing those rubber elbow pads again. GO PATS!
The gamblers like the Steelers. The line went from 13 to 10.5 this week and the over/under dropped about five points. That’s just to cover, of course, not to win.
Well, we all know gambling is a loosing proposition. It’s like I said. The Pats had their two bad games. They just muckled the Steelers. Three more to go w/ two at home. Brady is 5 td’s away from having the record for most TD’s in a single season w/ 4 today against the #1 defense in the league. And before you say that the rules in this day and age are in favor for offenses, how about our defense today holding the #3 offense to 13 points. Best NFL team Ever?? Are you at the point now where you think you could at least say it’s a good possibility? (and vague “anything is possible” type comments don’t count). Sure you don’t have to give me the time of day to answer, buuuut I figured you are a sports writer so if you want you probably could really stick it to me. Or at least try
WHOOOO GO PATS!!!
PS. and my comment about gambling is a loosing proposition is directed towards the comment “The gamblers like the Steelers”, Obviously like Jason said, the people picking the line thought that the Steelers would still loose.
And remember kids, Mr. B says don’t gamble!
PPS, ignore comment #20. I’m on beer #8 and just confusing things. Game on……
I’m convinced. Once the Patriots needed a BS holding call to beat the 4-9 Ravens, who were playing with a backup quarterback, I was certain this was the greatest football team ever assembled.
Also, the Cowboys, who are 12-1 for the first time, are clearly the best team in their franchise’s history. It’s not the 92 or 93 teams that had six or seven Hall of Famers and All-Pros serving as backups. It’s this team that gave up nearly 400 yards to the Lions and still won.
The Colts are 11-2 (and a chip shot field goal from behing 12-1) even though half the roster has been injured — including their best WR and their best defensive lineman.
The Packers are 11-2 even though they have a 96-year-old quarterback, a running back that no one heard of until two months ago, and the team’s average age is about 13.
Obviously, the league isn’t down this year. We’re just watching the greatest collection of football teams ever.
One other thing …
Did you notice that Peyton Manning passed John Elway on the all-time TD list? Welcome to the Tecmo Bowl NFL. I think I just got called for defensive holding.
You drive a hard bargain Mr. Guarente, I knew I shouldn’t of taken on a sports writer.
You win this time, but I’ll be back!!
Hey wait a second, who’s to say that in 85′, the rest of the league didn’t suck. Like I said, the 85 Bears played a horrible Patriots team in the superbowl. I can assure you that the 2007 Pats are ridiculously better than the 1985 Pats. All though I do miss Pat the Patriot hiking the ball Helmut Logo.
Ouch! Mr B. No wonder the Barnstormer logo is on fire. But the ‘08 Lions may be the best Lion’s team in 10 years. Ho! Ho! Ho!
If you’re a Detroit fan last weeks Tiger/Marlins trade was great, cause it gave you something other than the Lions to think about.
Here’s another stat for you …
If you take away the games they played against each other, the Patriots, Cowboys, Colts and Packers are a combined 43-2.
You don’t even have to play defense or run the ball any longer. Get a great QB, a couple of good WR, spread the field and chuck it 45 times. You’ll win 90 percent of the time (or more).
I admire Lions fans. I have a good friend who fell in love w/ them when he was a kid and Barry Sanders was doing his amazing feats. Incredibly that friend has stayed a hardcore Lions fan and goes to one or two games a year. I always admired his faithfulness to a team that I would think would of been hard to watch for years, especially since he is not from Detroit. I was definitely rooting for them yesterday. They almost had it!
As far as the old Pats logo goes, I’m a sucker for nostalgic things relating to my youth. Not sure what I’m trying to hold onto. I had a non-effectionat German mom that wasn’t big on hugs which might explain it. But my fun loving Irish dad was the best and went to every game I ever had. He still calls me every day. Not sure where I’m going w/ this. I guess I just wanted to say…
Thanks Dad!
J–I totally agree, you have convinced me that the NFL has changed since 1985. You have also factually enlighten me to the fact that the current league is lopsided, which I do appreciate. Now despite all this lopsidedness and change of rules, is there any way we could feel comfortable saying that the 2007 Pats would still beat the 85′ Bears?
Never! The 85 Bears are the best team I ever saw. If I concede that the Patriots are better, I lose my right to claim the NFL was superior in the good ol’ days. I just can’t allow that to happen.
Sorry to say, but The Fridge is never coming back dude! Let it go! Vince Wilfork is the new Fridge, just 10 times stronger.
Thanks Jason, now that Andy Reid has seen your statement, “You don’t even have to play defense or run the ball any longer. Get a great QB, a couple of good WR, spread the field and chuck it 45 times. You’ll win 90 percent of the time (or more).” We Eagle fans are doomed! I hear he is bringing Freddy Mitchell back for the last 3 games. Since we only throw the ball 41 times a game, another 4 pass attempts per game should get us in the playoffs! Best runner in the league and he refuses to use him as well as refuses to pay him. I don’t think you can say enough about Brian Westbrook’s professionalism.
Phewww!!!!! Thanks for letting me vent. It’s been a long season. The good news is pitchers and catchers report in 2 months!
Reid’s problem is he doesn’t have a great quarterback any longer, but he still calls plays like it’s McNabb circa 2004.
Here is a sneak preview of a number the Kruker and Von will be performing at the Hot Stove Reception. I guess it will be a belated Christmas present for us …..
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1294441454
Jason,
After their complete and total ownership of the Steelers, you have to give the Pats some credit. Also, I would pay good money to just watch Mercury Morris cry for an hour while drowning his sorrows in the “victory champagne”. Do the 72 Dolphins show up to New England to try and jinx the Patriots like they did with the 85 Bears? My money says they may be pretty dumb, but they aren’t that stupid, although I would love to see them publicly humiliated like that.
PS Reid’s problem is McNabb never was and never will be a west coast QB. I have watched him since he played at the ‘Cuse since I am a huge Orange fan. It was never Donovan’s strong point to be accurate and on time with throws. I think it’s officially time for them to turn out the lights in the Casa McNabb in Philadelphia.
Hi Dawes,
I give the Patriots plenty of credit. I said they built the perfect team for this era and have the best team in the NFL this season. I’m not ready to anoint them to best of all-time, no matter what ESPN says. I think the league is pretty lousy this year.
On a lighter note.. have you all bought your tickets to the Hot Stove night?
I think it will be a nice event.
The Phillies have signed 13 minor-league free agents. None of them is named Charlie Weatherby. Newark’s R.J. Swindle will return to their system.
Jason,
No argument there. The league is pretty terrible. If they go 19-0, are they the greatest?
Sydney,
If I wasn’t a poor graduate school student, I would be there tonight. Alas, that is exactly what I am.
Have fun and I wish I was there.
oops…not tonight…I meant the Hot Stove night.
If they go 19-0, everyone will say they’re the best. That’s fine. I don’t agree with it. If the Cowboys go 17-2 with their only two losses against the Patriots, are they the second best of all-time?
I just hope the Colts and Pats play in the AFC title game. That would be great theater.
Jason,
I am a big Pats fan, but I think they have a really hard time against the ‘85 Bears and probably lose, so I am probably with you on this one. I don’t think the Colts/Pats game will be as good as everyone thinks. The Colts without Freeney will have a difficult time controlling the Patriots offense.
Losing Freeney hurts. But Dungy is great at plugging holes with other guys on the roster and the Colts play cover-2 better than anyone. That’s the only defense you can use against the Patriots. I think the Colts can win. I think weather could be a factor and the Colts — with Addai — are actually better suited for poor conditions. More than anything, I just want to see that game.
Again, Even Ditka said that the 2007 Pats would beat the 84′ Bears. To me, that is the most proof we are going to get. No hall of fame coach who coached a team that was labeled the best ever, would ever say to the world, without being 100% positive in his mind, that what he is saying is true.
read em and weep boys!
Did you see the NFL moved the Dolphins - Patriots week 16 game to 4:15 PM so the whole country can see it as part of a doubleheader on CBS? Talk about piling on.
I didn’t see that. Thanks for the info. That’s awesome!
Ditka also traded nine draft picks for Ricky Williams and then posed with the RB wearing a wedding dress on the cover of a magazine. Let’s just say he’s prone to errors in judgment.
For what it’s worth … The 85 Bears were 1st in scoring defense and 2nd in scoring offense. The Patriots are 1st in offense and 6th in defense. The Bears won 15 games in a year when no one else won more than 12. This season four teams will likely win 13 or more.
One last thing: McMahon missed three games in 1985 and he didn’t start in the loss against the Dolphins. If Brady missed one quarter, the Patriots probably couldn’t beat Lampeter-Strasburg.
Dawes… Big Booster club meeting tonight at the Clipp… 7 pm.. come on by. I believe we are ready to accept membership applications.
Your right Jason… Brady IS the Patriots!
Philly needs a quaterback like that… I’m just a little jealous.
Thanks for the L-S mention… love those boys, they gave us a great season.
J–Where are you getting ranked 6th from? ESPN’s website and NFL.com has them ranked 4th. Not that it’s a huge difference, but I just want to make sure mr. facts gots the facts right
OK, I’m really asking for it on this one, and on the outside I really don’t think I’m just trying to start trouble…. but just so I have it strait… you need a membership application to join a booster club? Now is it just a fanclub or do you guys help raise money? Please don’t tell me you raise money for the players? And if they take it, that might be even worse!
Yes syd…please answer this question…ARE you a fan club or a booster club???
At least we know Steve Grogan could take Rex Grossman.
mr. b,
You’re right. Sixth in yardage defense. Fourth in scoring. My mistake. I got the stats mixed up.
on # 51… we are a BOOSTER Club… not a Fan Club !!!!!
I’m still lokkin for a Jutt Hileman contact… need him to sign a BIG picture for my kiddo…. Santa is comin soon so if anyone out there in Lala land has a connection… connect with me!!!
#54, Cool thanks for separating the two, you’re the best! So there must be a lot of Moms of the players in this booster club then.
Jutts sister does my 401K and retirement planning. Super nice person. I’d ask her but then I’d be breaking the 4th wall.
Wow, Jason made a mistake. Next thing you will tell me is that there is no Santa.
Mr. b… where/ what company does your planning??? I’ll be glad to give her a call myself
by the way.. there are a lot of fans that care about the oragnization as a whole … not just Mom’s.
I think the Pats have every potential of going 19-0 and I will be rooting for them all the way!!!!
“John Kruk and I.M. Fun all in one place…wow, how can I go wrong,” said the sarcastic man.
Kruk was a real solid player, but uggh…can’t stand him on ESPN. Should be a great event though, seems like there’s as much buzz around the ‘Stormers as there was when they first entered the league.
WE love our Stormers Mike.. you should come over for the Hot Stove night. Then we can all meet you !
I agree Mike, John Kruk on ESPN doesn’t fit my style of likable annalists either. There is just something about him that irks me. Maybe it’s his hair, or maybe it’s that he acts like he is afflicted with depression….. OR Maybe he is just depressed about his hair? All I know is they need to find him some new product for that dew rag he’s gots going on.
I met Mike and it did not cost me $75.00. Just two embarrassing loses in Somerset. The two games before the famous intentional walk.
Kruk is part of the ESPN culture. He’s forced to make inane predictions about things no one could possibly predict. Apparently, that gets ratings but it also makes “analysts” look like buffoons.
Yeah but the Krucker sure can dance! Check out the link on #33
Yeah, I was surprised. Kruk has rhythm. He really outdances Von Hayes
Since you are talking about reporters. You know what ticks me off.
They were talking to one of the players from the Atlanta Falcons who was upset that their coach “lied” to them and was thinking about himself when he left for Arkansas. This is one of the same players who stands behind Michael Vick. Didn’t Vick lie, think about himself, and let the team down. What a double standard that we live in these days. The reporter did not even jump on that opportunity to question it.
I am so sick of hearing about Vick. There has to be better sports stories (positive ones) out there to talk about. Wow, I am starting to sound like Mr B.
Yeah Stormin, life is filled with conflict. I’m here for ya buddy!
I’ll tell ya why they didn’t report the fact that that the same guy who railed into his own coach for lying also stood behind Vick, it’s because the news has turned into entertainment and always has an agenda. Why would they even show that footage? Because to a lot of people it’s fun to watch a player slam a rich white coach. They don’t care that this guys opinion doesn’t mean jack. They don’t care that thousands of idiots won’t be able to read between the lines and discern the situation like you yourself are able to. The media loves to put on it’s serious face and report the trashy drama. Unfortunately because of there own agendas certain groups have evolved into untouchables and because of this, everything the media feeds us will be predisposed.
At least we have Jason. He won’t turn to the “own agenda” side.
Good Mike & Mike commentaries by Greeny and Wiley this morning regarding Bobby Petrino leaving with just three games left in the season.
I like the pic of Von’s head turned towards Kruk. That elf is certainly behind through most of the elfin dance.
It’s like the hottest holiday site on the net.
“Von, you’ve be Elfed!”
I don’t know, Jason seems a little bias when it comes to the 85′ Bears. He already was busted fudging the numbers with the Pats defensive ranking this year to try and prove a point.
Was Jason even born in 85… he looks kinda young to me
I’ve heard Jason works out regularly. My question is does he work out at home or does he go to the gym?
I bet he drinks Carnation Instant Breakfasts too. That’s probably his secret.
NEWS BREAK:
Sources say that Jason has been know in the past to borrow his wifes Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel face cream.
YESSS!
According to ESPN “The Jets were caught videotaping at Gillette Stadium last season and the Patriots had that New York employee removed from the area”
Looks like Eric Manwienie is not just a filthy scumbag rat, but he’s also a Hypocritical douche bag.
I’m starting to worry. Mr. B knows too much!
Syd, this summer we’ll all go out and celebrate my 21st birthday.
Well Jason, our organization has been watching you for a long time. Your extensive journey has been a predestined one. Truthfully, we knew you would start this blog before you were even born. When the time comes we will reveal our true purpose. But until then, watch for the red door. No matter what the man with the mustache says, do not go inside. When this hour arrives, it will become clear what to do.
Jason.. I’ll be proud to buy you your very first beer
Oh, speaking of beer. I had dinner at the Iron Hill Brewery… Great Beer !!!!!
As great of an event as I’m sure the Hot Stove Reception will be, me standing next to John Kruk would look like the number 10.
Looking forward to meeting Von Hayes next season, though. And I’m sure I’ll be back out to Lancaster at some point, I really enjoyed my trip out there (for the most part…I’ve talked about my thrilling hotel experience here before).