This is a photo from spring training in Clearwater, Fla. in 1989. It was taken by Marty Heisey, a New Era photographer who graciously provides art for this site throughout the season.
You’ll notice the photo now has a Barnstormers flavor to it. Manager Von Hayes is on the left and bench coach Tom Herr is on the right. Mike Schmidt is obviously second from the left. I believe the other two players are Chris James (second from right) and Dickie Thon, although someone with a better memory of that Phillies team may correct me on those IDs.
Anyway, just thought it was a neat shot.
Marty’s the best!
Thanks for that little gem jaydog. What a great photo!
Dickie Thon … “Thon” is one letter away from making his name truely an amaizing one.
Will Von ever gain any weight? The lucky rascal!
Do you believe in miracles! The Philadelphia Eagles made the playoffs. Or should I say backed in the playoffs.
Miracles are a tough one for me. I dont believe the probability of all this is by chance which has overcome impossible odds, yet I also think there is a good chance no one has it right.
Ps. That last comment was regarding our exsistence and not Andy Reids saving grace.
PPS. Go Stormers!!
Gotta love baseball before steroids took over.
You almost have to wonder how Schmidt ever hit any homeruns with his regular joe physique in this picture (of course a quick search shows he only hit 6 homers in ‘89 and 12 in ‘88).
And 1989 was the year Schmidt retired too!
Have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve, folks!
dadTB
Happy New Year everyone !!!!!!
Be safe and May All Have a Wonderous New Year
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! I hope this season is a good one. I am missing baseball and the warm weather..
For those with digital Comcast, MLB Television starts at 6pm tonight (Jan 1) at 6pm EST. For anyone with a half decent internet connection, go to http://www.blue-mobile.com and click on “Television”. Scroll down to “Baseball Channel” (it’s in alphabetical order) and click on it (or “Tune In”) to watch. They’ve been playing some good games in their entirety just as seen on TV minus the commercials. Rerun baseball is still better than no baseball at all!
Oh…and just for old time’s sake, I posted a picture I took of the AL standings at the start of the second half of 2008. You remember, when the Barnstormers were winning the division. Check it out at http://phlog.net/entry/1140545
Let us hope we see the Barnstormers are in that same position in the first and second halves in 2009 season.
Than we can take it from there.
Go Stormers!
Come on guys, they shouldn’t have to win the AL championship every year to keep us as fans.
Did you stop liking the Phillies from 1981 to 2008? I don’t think so.
As long as the Stormers are not cellar dwellers [most of the time], I will be happy going to the games enjoying the atmosphere and hanging with all my baseball lovin friends.
You know I agree, Rad. I’ve been a baseball fan since forever. I was so glad when they announced that professional baseball was returning to our hometown, Lancaster.
I know that we will not always agree with management decisions or acquisitions, but that’s life. Each year, if not each week or day, we may see a different group of ballplayers on the field. Similar to the revolving door we saw last season, but we stuck it out with the Barnstormers each and every season.
The disagreements and heated discussions about what is right and wrong with the team is what makes this blog so interesting to visit. I hope it continues.
Here’s hoping for a great 2009 season.
dadTB
“Go Stormers!”
As long as they don’t end the season as the laughingstock of the league again, I’ll be happy. It would also be a nice touch if they didn’t sink to the bottom the moment the season begins. I don’t think either is too much to ask. I couldn’t care less where they end up as long as it’s more entertaining than pathetic.
Rad,I did not write that last comment to down the Barnstormers. I would just like to see them play with some respect like Mark is saying. I wouldn’t be much of a fan if I were satisfied with the Barnstormers playing 12 games under .500 evary year. I don’t think any Barnstormers fan would. I don’t think the Barnstormers get the respect in the Atlantic League as they should. We saw that in 2006 when Tommy Herr didn’t get the manager of the year award in the Atlantic League.. I been a Barnstormer Fan from day one. Stood in line for 3 Hours at the first fanfest in 2004 at F&M to get my seats and would do it again if I had to.
I want my Lancaster Barnstormers to be just as great as the Lancaster Red Roses were.
I was there for both the Red Roses[1955] and the Barnstormers[2006] Championships. I want to see them win it again.
I heard 3 times is a charm. See you at the ballpark!
GO STORMERS!
Wow Mr C. Not too many people can say they’ve been at both Lancaster championships. Pretty impressive!
He’s older than dirt…lol.
I totally agree that the Team doesn’t have to win the Championship every year to be successful. I would like to see a competetive Team every year instead of winning it one year and being in last place for the next 4 or 5 seasons.
If it wasn’t for the people I sit with and the comraderie of Fans in general, it would be tough to sit through the last 2 seasons.
I just enjoy the people I sit with and the atmosphere of being at the Park. It’s a great experience.
GO STORMERS!!
Hey Booby! I didn’t think you liked my company that much…lol.
111 days to go!
GO ‘STORMERS!
111 days for you. I’m going to Clearwater for an early fix.
If we don’t have the revolving door this year and the team gels well things should better then last year. Can’t wait til they start to sign players…
I am with you Kelley I can not wait to see who we sign.
Rulers are swirling that an AL team might sign Canseco.
Getting hit with a ruler sucks!
With that said, teachers should be allowed to hit kids.
If you liked that picture of the three weeks the Barnstormers were in first place last year, check out http://www.phlog.net/entry/1143361. You might recall a few names and faces on that.
Canseco? Yeah thats some rumor…it might have been true about 10 years ago. Oh thats right he did play in the league back then.
Oh sorry…it was 2001.
Is Canseco out of Jail yet? Maybe the Ducks will sign him and let him room with Petie II! Change the Team name to the Jailbirds….:)
Dickie Thon came to my school one year, talked about how drugs were bad and such. I think I was still in elementary school at the time, and recall enjoying his name thoroughly. – MA
Cheer up gang! Today is the official halfway point of the off season.
Dave..you are always a ray of sunshine…thanks for the great news.!!
yea!! I hope the other half goes just as fast.
Phillies Spring training tickets go on sale Thursday the 8th at 9 AM.
Boots Day was named hitting coach at Calgary of the Golden Baseball league..I believe that is where Morgan Burkhart (Lance’s brotherI is manager.