 |
Zack Parker 4-6, 4.06 ERA |
| Jarrett Grube 4-4, 4.19 ERA |
|---|
Where are they now? A look at how former Barnstormers fared in affiliated ball this summer.
Playoff matchups set
The Barnstormers will conclude their fifth anniversary season with a five-game series against the playoff-bound Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Once it’s over, the focus — if it hasn’t already — will shift toward 2010. This is everyone’s last chance to enjoy baseball at the Clip before the long, cold winter.
I have always enjoyed your “Where are they now segments?” Thanks.
At least we can watch the playoffs when they are at SOMD and LI on IBN.
I missed Lance’s home run>. got sick form the surgery. Nice write up about ross in the paper. hope Aaron is better.I will be at the play offs.
Whats wrong with Aaron Herr?
I heard he got something in his eye last evening and needed to be taken out(?).
GREAT win tonight, Thank you Mr. Watson.
What a game. Glad we stayed till the end.
You gotta BELIEVE!
looking forward to today’s Double Header at the Clipp… It’s gorgeous outside!
Going to have my oldest son with me during the first game… Mom’s a work for the weekend. She’ll be with me for the second game at 6:30 p.m.
This is a nice treat on the last weekend of the season.
We can spoil the Blue Crabs bid for first place in the second half… LET”S DO IT!
Come on Stormers… Be the Spoiler!
dadTB
Attended my last game for the season tonight
Sorry I can’t be there tomorrow but at least the hubby gets to go.
Heading out to the Clipp today once again for our final game of the season. It will be a long fall and winter ahead of us as we try to figure out how the team will shape up for the 2010 season.
I broke down yesterday and purchased a ticket to the Blue Crab Fest out in the picnic area today. I decided that it would be a fitting way to end the Stormer season… “Eating crabs while defeating the Crabs!” (notice the word eat is in the word defeat) hee hee hee
Whoops… Another idea for the organization to use as promotion next season.
Here’s an idea I bounced off of Vince yesterday while he was demoted to selling Rally Roni (LOL!)… My oldest son attended the noon game with me yesterday and as we were walking to the front gate and through the parking lot, we came up with the idea of “tail gating” at the Clipp. Heck, they do it at the football games so why not here?
Vince is checking the current lease to see if there is anything against such an activity in the parking lots… for example, alcoholic beverages could possibly be off limits. I could live with that.
Weekend game days could begin with us all gathered and talking Barnstormer baseball for a hour or so before the gates open… a few burgers, some brats, nachos and dip, and a lot of good friends to shoot the breeze with!
I have a great coach today who has offered to help me learn the intricacies of crab eating. Coach Donnie Witmer has agreed to take me under his wing and instruct me in this fine art. I understand that he is a “Master Cracker of Crab” (dubbed by the ‘Institute of The Blue Crab Conclave’) and can consume his weight in less than the two hour time period allotted for the task.
I started to train as soon as I came in the front door of our home after last night’s game. I got the Old Bay Seasoning out of the cupboard, boiled some water, and added the seasoning. I accustomed my nostrils to this aromatic seasoning for about a two hour period (the allotted eating time today) and I am now prepared!
See you at the Clipp Coach Donnie!
Go Stormers!
dadTB
thanks to the fans and players that made going to the clip fun … I hope to see some of you back next year , those that do not return I wish you the best in what ever you do.
I am hoping to see some changes for next year with in the booster club and other things..
stay warm this winter
dadTB:
I’ll have a burger – no cheese and fries with that! LOL Seriously, great idea.
A HUGE…THANK YOU to Jason for everything he has done for the Fans and for the Team. You are an exceptional human being. Good Luck in whatever path your career takes you.
I will miss you all…..some more than others….but we all have a place in this Teams History.
Peace…..
Jason,
Thanks for keeping the blog going until the end of the season. Wish you all the best where ever your career takes you.
Can’t believe the season is over already. Everybody stay safe and hope see all my baseball friends next year. Bundle up they say its gonna be cold this year, I think they say that every year.
The last game was a blast. The Barnstormer organization out did themselves this year. Not only was the crab fest perfect, but there were so many give-always it was just simply outrageous!
They gave free passes for the ‘Home Run Harbor’ and the play sets! The kids just loved it. When they announcement went out over the loud speaker, there was a mad stampede of children that left the stands and converged on the walkway deck leading to the Harbor… It was rather cool watching the excitement as they passed by us. *thumbs up*
Dancin’ Jerre did his “Find Jerre” and gave away a ton of prices which included bags, visors, Barnstormer Piggy Banks, cow bells, and t-shirts… Thanks for all the fun ideas Dancin’ Jerre (aka Mr. Lemonade).
I want to thank my favorite cook in the picnic area and her entire staff (including her daughter) who prepared today’s feast and once again outdid themselves. It was a delicious meal. It started our day off just right at the Clipp. Here’s hoping you all return in 2010!
I was able to “sneak” a delicious bass… I mean ‘Mr. Bill Crab” down to the bullpen. I handed the gift over the wall to Antonio who gave me one of his signature huge smiles… I know that they most likely tossed the dang thing out, but “it was the thought that counted.”
My dogs attacked me when I got in the door because I was most likely wearing about a third of the crabs I broke into… arf! Thanks to my Crabby Coach, Donnie Witmer and his cousin, Sis, for helping me get reacquainted with these savory crustaceans.
The season was a struggle, but we won the first and the final gamed of the season. There were many, many issues surrounding this 2009 team that prevented success. The Barnstormer organization will need to examine each and every one and make the necessary corrections in order to bring a more competitive unit onto the field in the spring of 2010.
Thank you, Jason! Your efforts in giving us a blog to discuss Barnstormer business is much appreciated!
dadTB
It’s been real, it’s been fun, but it hasn’t been real fun. Bring on 2010! I am off on maybe my last 24 mission. Wish me luck.
Jason, it’s been great having this blog to communicate and know what is going on with the team. It will be missed. Take care.
You might be able to “tailgate” under other circumstances without alcohol. But if you are going to a Barnstormer game, you are going to need some alcohol. At least for 4 out of the last 5 seasons, you will need alcohol.
Interesting comments by Jon Danos in this morning’s paper about the future of the team. The question remains, will those thoughts and realizations be followed through with for next year?
Yea, what does it mean? next year might be better.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PLAYERS OVER THE WINTER.
Jason:
What is the status of the blog? I hope you are planning to keep it going but I’ve seen some posts by a few that this may be it. If you don’t continue with it, is it possible for someone else to take it over or would we have to start a whole new one.
Thanks!
Jason,
Me and Mrs Barney wish you the best in the future. There is no doubt you will be successful where ever your career takes you. Hopefully we will run into each other at a CV game. Thanks again for everything!
Charlie & Roxanne
Pack
Hey Bud, Let’s Party! We can watch Fast Times At Ridgemont High while we tail gate. I’ll bring the Iron City for next years home opener tail gate. Until next season, Aloha Mr Pack!
Funny thing.. A patient was in the dental chair this morning talking about her EAGLES tailgating experience. she spent the day in the parking lot having a blast. I immediately thought of the Stormers and why don’t we tailgate? .. Count me in on that thought dadTB.. I’ll bring Turkey Hill green tea ( My beverage of choice) and of course.. lots of goodies!!!!
Maybe even a batch of Oatmeal Rasin Cookies for
Mr. Lupton
I read this in todays paper written by Burt Wilson. It said “A decision on whether Herr and Bliss will be back is expected soon, possibly this week.”
I hope that is true. I would have a good feeling about the the 2010 season knowing that Tom and Bill would both be back. What will be interesting is the baseball operations side of it.
The only thing missing yesterday was having Lemonade win the Turkey Hill race. Now I have to wait until next year to see if he ever will win or if he is destined to be like Teddy Roosevelt at the National games.
The other intersting thing in the paper was that Bill did a good job since Tom took over. This leads me to believe he didn’t have much say when Von was there. I agree with Jack, let’s sign them both tomorrow for 2010.
Have a great off season everyone.
First order of business – find pitchers with control! A K/BB ratio of 2:1 (I think it may have ended up worse than that) is not going to get it done.
JSM,
Lancaster’s staff had the second best K/BB ratio in the league at 1.79:1. Somerset was the only team better than 2:1.
Barney, great idea…I have a portable DVD player…we can open the cans and wait for Spicoli to show up. Take care, buddy–have a good football season.
dadtb I did see AA with the crab. He said some guy came and gave this to me I no eat crabs. then he was trying to give it away.
I agree yesterday was fun the staff did an outstanding job with all the give aways. I would hope Jason keeps the blog going there has been ups and downs, however the true bloggers stuck it out. Good luck to all the players who do not return next year it was a pleasure to have you around. Hope the winter goes very fast. Stay safe every body and see you all in April.
Better Defense, more timely hitting with runners in scoring position, good relief that can hold onto a lead in the late innings and a good Closer. Then I can talk about the Barnstormers becoming a contender.
See ya next year!
I think Alfonseca really turned it on the last few weeks and looked like the closer we needed. I would love to see him back for another season.
Sorry, I know we can do a lot better for a closer than Alfonseca. He is a nice guy, signs autographs, talks to everyone behind the bullpen, but he is hit or miss. One call doesn’t go his way and he gets fustrated and then blows the save.
A closer needs to keep his composure much better.
Talking with Antonio after the game on Sunday, I got the impression this might be it for him. That’s why he was so pumped when he struck out the last guy. If this it, he finished his career the best way he could. I know he didn’t perform consistantly, but to me he appeared to be the only player that actually had fun each game. This team had too many robots. That may have been the way Von liked it (he never smiled either), but there is something that can be said for someone that can keep the team loose. I don’t know if Antonio did this, but again he was a joy to be around. I am not saying the team should carry a player that can’t perform, but when they look towards next year they need to find some players that know how to relax, have fun and can play the game.
AA is heading to Puerto Rico to play winter ball, I think he is hanging in there for some more time. I also hope he does not come back.
Von still is getting a bad rap on this board but one must remember, the players Von brought to the team were the teams strongest or moved up the fastest.
I will agree with you Maureen about Von getting players but what I feel Tom brings to the team is more aggressive play and better managing skills, especially with the pitching staff, and a “little” more relaxed environment. Von always seemed too high strung when it came to managing.
Maybe that is why Von was successful in affiliated ball and Tom was not and vice-versa for indepentent ball.
Maureen & Jack both good points. That is exactly what I was trying to say. I wasn’t being negative towards Von, just stating an observation on the personality of the team.
Von also brought us Lloyd Turner the 2009 MVP. Just think he was supposed to be a fill in last year and he has turned into our go to guy.
Wow this is great. A healthy discussion with no name calling, so let’s keep it going.
Jack previously posted that he would bring Tom and Bill back next year, and I tend to agree. Maureen I’m just curious on your thoughts on next years manager. If no Tom, what type do you think would work here? A screamer like a Larry Bowa type, or a more laid back Charlie Manual type? Any others, feel to join in.
I personally would not like to see Alfonseca back here next year; it was too stressful with his inconsistency. However, I do agree he was the lively guy on the team. He certainly did know how to interact with the fans!
As far as the managers go, I think Von did have a connection that brought us some good players who were picked up very quickly. However, he also brought us players who did not perform as they were expected to this last season. Some of the players did show glimpses of their projected value to the team later in the season. Was that because the change of the managers and managerial style, I don’t know? I can see the pros and cons of keeping things the way they are with the managers/coaches, it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.
Just speculating…If Rick Wise left because he couldn’t stand Von Hayes (not speculating there) would he come back and work with Tom again???
Rick said he left to be a Grandpa. He missed his Grandkids.
I am sure being away from your family every summer takes a toll.
Thanks Dave, didnt know that – I should have been more specific in that we need a front line pitcher or two. Most teams have a guy(s) whose K/BB is more along the lines of 3:1. A real shutdown guy. A Denny Harringer type.
Denny harriger wasn’t a power pitcher…control…wasn’t a hard thrower either and got hit a lot but he had a knack of keeping his cool and got out of a lot of Jams. That’s a winner.
One of the tricks to this league is to find a #1 pitcher that does not get signed. We certainly had one in Eric Junge, but look how long he stuck around. Somerset had Magrane; that was part of their success. Eight strong innings every five days means a lot.
Beating Long Island and Somerset would have gone a long way to the Playoffs….even playing .500 would have gotten it done.
Nice article on Lloyd today. Good luck with married life Lloyd.
I agree Maureen. Burt Wilson did a fantastic job on the Lloyd Turner write up. Thanks to Burt!
dadTB
I just had one thing to say about the Barnstormers article in today’s paper. They mentioned that the league had sent in an undercover fan to evaluate the fans’ experience and gace a detail report to them (?).
I have no idea why there would be a need to pay someone to “pretend” to be a fan when there are hundreds of great fans who attend almost every home game throughout the season.
Here’s a novel idea… Ask these great fans what they are thinking and it will cost the league/organization absolutely nothing, nada, nil.
I can guarantee that the organization would be able to gather a lot of useful information that could possibly enhance the “fans’ experience” at the Clipp.
dadTB
Hey… How about those Phillies!
Anyone visiting the blog lately? It’s been awful quiet around here… Yea, no games and such, but there’s gotta be something happening.
Who’s attending the LBBBooster Club’s picnic on October 10th? Mom and I are bring her homemade Chicken Pot Pie… Good stuff!
I guess LJ Biernbaum played his last baseball game. Someone told me that he’s retiring… Sad. He always played well against us when he visited the Clipp. To only get his presence for one year, and a shortened year it was at that (injury), is a crying shame. But I guess it’s time for him to move on to start a new career that will put money in the bank. Good luck, LJ!
dadTB
Hi dadTB!
I’ve been visiting. Guess I should have posted something.
Unfortunately, I will be visiting one of our kids at college on the 10th so I can’t make it. Sorry I am going to miss some of that Chicken Pot Pie!
I haven’t heard anything about LJ. Good Luck LJ in whatever you decide.
Well, I guess it is time for us to start playing Fantasy Baseball and start putting together our wish list for the Barnstormers 2010 season!
Southern Maryland vs Somerset for the Championship. I watched the SOMD/LI game on IBN and it was a nail biter.
Go BLUE CRABS!
Hi everyone, Of cousre we’re here. I think we’re just chillin out. I am having a hard time adjusting to not running in to the city day after day…!
Rootin for the Crabs.. go Lance !!!
Go Patriots!!!
Hope they can get their 5th championship!! They are a well deserving team!!!
Check out the Barnstormers website. Under contact us there is a link to front office staff. I see that someone’s name is missing. Did anyone else notice this?
My God, I don’t see him either.
They’ve fired Cylo!
Wow, didn’t realize Cylo was gone too!
Here is a hint ……. JG
I saw that too DaBulls. I went looking a couple of days ago for just that reason. I hope everything works out for the best for him!
Jerry and I are going to see baseball this weekend. Southern Maryland isn’t too far………….
I wonder what the hold up is in deciding on manager/pitching coach etc. This should be a no brainer. Herr has a winning record in 4 of 5 halves with only losing half being the first year first half with expansion team in 05. And Bliss did a great job holdiing this staff together in the second half. My prediction is that Lupton will be removed from player procurement and that Herr and Bliss will be retained and also have charge over procurement.
I agree with you Deuce, keep Herr and Bliss and find another person to take over player procurement.
Maybe the question is what do they want to stay? What roll is von going to play.? lets not forget he is still in this some place..
From the Atlantic League website:
“The best three of five Atlantic League Championship Series will begin in the home of the Atlantic Division Champions Somerset Patriots on Thursday, October 1, 2009.”
I guess there’s a third division in the Atlantic League now…The “Atlantic Division”
It’s this kind of crack-journalism we have to look forward to next season (sans this blog)
*rolls eyes*
Another year like this and we’ll all be turning to crack.
In your case shouldn’t it be “Rolls EYE”
LOL
Lance, Von is not involved. It was a nice way of saying IF they wanted hus opinion they could call him. He’s gone.
Colorado vs. Philadelphia
Go Phillies!
Yanks will be tough to beat at home: 57-24 at home! 70.37%
Phils at home: 45-36 or 55.55% winning percentage at home.
Even Boston was great at home: 56-25 or 69.14%
Looks tough for any team that has to play either of those teams in their home stadiums.
Let’s hear it, bloggers! Who ya’ll cheering for as the Fall Classic approaches?
Would love to see Phillies/Boston World Series…..
By the way, congratulations to the Sommerset Patriots for their Repeat Championship… 1st in the Atlantic League!
Jeff Nettles named Series MVP.
I suspected they would win by watching their team develop throughout the year.
dadTB
Phillies Vs Who Cares
From the Lancaster newspapers 9/21/09:
….. Von (Hayes) resigned. That was unexpected. We were fortuitous that we could insert somebody (Herr), who had not only the skills but the experience to take over. Our interest was to stabilize things, but we want to make sure we get this decision (about next season) right. Tom has a lot going for him, obviously. He’s proven himself. He’s won a championship for us and those things are to his credit.”
A decision on whether Herr and Bliss will be back is expected soon, possibly this week.
“We want to make a decision swiftly, so we can get to work (on next year),” Danos said. …..
I wonder what the definition of swiftly is? Has anyone heard anything as to what is going on?
I haven’t heard anything at all.
Congrats to Somerset Patriots and to Jeff Nettles being MVP!!! That team sure is well deserved of their 5th Championship!!!
i saw jason’s byline in today’s paper…..i guess you have to do a little “slumming” while it is the offseason for the barnstormers….
Read the story on page B2 of today’s paper. It proves that the Barnstormers will “drive” you to drinking.
Very disappointing….
Show human nature, he is a good guy and made a mistake…. sorry that it had to be a whole article in the paper. Hope all is well for him and he knows how to fix his mistake.
While I dont condone the subject of page B2 and believe it is a very serious charge, it really doesnt need to be discussed here………only my opinion.
Agree all, I think Vince has done a great job given what he had to work with. I hope he is back. We all have made mistakes, especially me. I should not of posted it. I apologize. End of discussion.
On to baseball, when are they going to announce the coaches decision?
anyone that is a season ticket holder did you get your notice on next years tickets?
I agree Jack. As I posted on 10/5/09, let’s just get it done. Make an announcement that they are bringing Tom & Bill back or that they are replacing them. Remember on 9/21/09 the statement was that a decision on whether Herr and Bliss will be back is expected soon, possibly this week. “We want to make a decision swiftly, so we can get to work (on next year),” Danos said. …..
On a side note I was just checking out the specials in the team store. They actually are selling Barnstormer Bucks for $1.00! Wow what a deal. You pay $1.00 and get $1.00, that’s what I call a special. A suggestion would be if you buy $100 you get $10 free. That would be an incentive to but these in advance.
Phillies only need 10 more wins. Don’t know if anyone saw Geoff Jenkins being interviewed. He said he wants to give it one more try next year before retiring. If no one picks him up and he is serious about playing next year, I think that left handed bat would look pretty good in our line up.
Mr. Danos ….. please contact Reuben Amaro for his phone number
lance fan…i’m a partial plan holder and i haven’t gotten any notice about renewing next year. i was starting to wonder about it too. are they not sending notices this year? seems odd. anyone have any ideas about when game-worn jerseys are going to go on sale?
Check out on the the video review on the Lancaster Online web site about Barnstormers year in review. Pretty interesting.
Haven’t we all been asking the same questions about how one company can own 4 teams in 1 league? The statement I’m referring to is near the end in about the last 45 seconds.
Can I use my “special Barnstormer Bucks” to buy a game worn jersey?
I heard they are not selling game worn jerseys this year.
that would stink. i was really looking forward to getting another jersey. seems kind of odd that they wouldn’t.
I have not head anything. Tomorrow is the Booster Club’s annual members’ picnic at the park. I’ll see if anyone has heard anything just yet.
dadTB
Okay… this is what I heard today at the Lancaster Barnstormer Baseball Booster Club.
I had received a call on Thursday from Kaye Willis, but I was unable to speak to her. One of the other office personnel was representing the Barnstormers at the LBBBC picnic told me that they are now starting to make contacts, not so much to deal with the sales of season tickets, but just to keep in touch with us… Okay.
That makes no sense. What are they waiting for?
Not sure… That’s what I was told.
Phils… 8:07 p.m. MT and 10:07 p.m. ET (Call home).
Cold, cold, cold! Accuweather is showing 29 degrees with a Real Fell of 20 degrees. Wind gusts of 17 mph. Brrrrrrr!
Come on, Phils!
dadTB
I also think the season ticket thing is odd. I got the feeling at the end of the season that something was up with ownership. The handling of season ticket renewals does nothing to reduce my suspicion.
I checked about plan contracts on Friday and was told that they would be coming in the next couple weeks. They are working on the benefits for each plan. and definitely no game-worn jerseys this year
Go Phillies !!!!
8 more wins
Congratulations to our Phighting Phils! Now, on to the NLCS and the Dodgers.
Win two in La and the rest in Philly! I could handle that… LOL
Go Phillies!
dadTB
FYI Ryan Cullen’s Team won the 2nd Half of their League in Taiwan.
Congrats to Cullen and his team!
Phils tore the Dodgers up last night… Oh yea!
Let’s go Phils! 3 more and we take it back to the “Big Show.”
The Boys in Red can play in all weather conditions… LOL!
dadTB
Bullpenn imploded, Sorry Dad… Lets hope the cold weather riuns the Dodger’s attitude!!!!!!
Utley blew the double play that would have given them two outs in the 8th with no run scoring… He’s second overthrow in the playoffs!
Pitcher did what he was suppose to by getting batter to ground to third… Third baseman easily makes pick-up and throws to second for the front end of the double play. Chase releases too soon and throws the ball high and to the left of Ryan Howard. Luckily it hit the pole at the fencing entrance to the bullpen. Sad!
We’ll get the in Philly and win it all here!
dadTB
Did anyone hear about a manager yet?
sodama24 ~ We might as well start the clock. Remember on 9/21/09 the statement was that a decision on whether Herr and Bliss will be back is expected soon, possibly this week. “We want to make a decision swiftly, so we can get to work (on next year),” Danos said. …..
Barnstormers = 29 (days since the statement was made)
Phillies = 6 (number of wins until they repeat)
Oh one other thing …..
“F” the Yankees!
Barnstormers = 30 (days since the statement was made)
Phillies = 5 (number of wins until they repeat)
Yankees in 7.
Hey Stormin,
Sorry about your man Bradford. Sorry he wasnt around to beat the Horns. You will get “em next year.
The Gators almost lost Tebow for a while. I know how you must have felt. You want to be at your best when you have your toughest game of the year.
Hope he can recover fully from that injury.
Congratulations to the Phightin Phils! What a ride this has been. 4 more wins. Hopefully we can enjoy a moment like this at the Clip next year.
Pack,
It has been a while. Saw your post and thought I would answer. Yep, Bradford gone for the year and we lost to TU. I just hope it does not hurt his NFL future. Loosing three games to a total of 5 points really sucks. In all three games they had chances to win them but could not pull the trigger. Sounds like the Stormers. The wife is however happy.
I saw the blow to Tebow live. When it first happened and he was laying there lifeless, I thought he had broken his neck. Thank God it was only a concusion.
Looks like it could be Florida in Texas in the big game. Soory Pack, I have to go with the Horns. Go Big 12!
The Phils have a return date for “The Big Dance!”
Fantastic week for setting records!
Go Phils!
dadTB
Stormin,
I dont have a problem with you sticking with the Big 12, but Texas??? Come on, they are your villain for the other 12 weeks of the regular season……..ha ha
My daughter went to UF for 2 years of grad school, so I have adopted them as a team to root for every Saturday, and since she has been there it is easy to root for them.
My real team are the Steelers and I could never root for the Ravens in the Super Bowl. But i do realize your wife roots for the Horns so I will give you a pass.
I hope Bradford makes a comeback, but I do think his shoulder injury is a major setback for him. But he seems like a great kid, so I hope the best for him.
It does look like It will be Texas vs Florida (if they can get by Bama.) So hopefully, we can volley back and forth before the national championship game. Have a good rest of the college football season.
Barney (and the rest of the real Phillies fan),
Congratulations on a great postseason so far. Hope your team can put away the Yankees (or Angels.)
GO PHILS!!!!
Thanks Pack, I’m really pumped and ready. Mrs Barney and I were fortunate enough to win the ticket lottery and will be going to Game 4 on Sunday. It might be an omen for the Phils since the last World Series game I was at was Game 6 in 1980 when we won it all. Hope we can do it again!
Barney,
It sounds like the Phils will win it in 4 games this year. And then you should get some of that credit. Enjoy the games.
GO Phils!!!
The stage has been set!
Phils and the Yanks
Let’s Go, Phils! Let’s Go, Phils! Let’s Go Phils!
“We want to make a decision swiftly, so we can get to work (on next year),” Danos said. …..
Barnstormers = 36 (days since the statement was made)
Phillies = 4 (number of wins until they repeat)
Von will be managing the Riversharks next season.
Wow. Von back in the Atlantic League. I knew that Ferguson’s health was an issue at the end of last year. I guess if ODP still owes him a year on his contract, may as well put him to work.
Maybe since he is from that area, it will help them pull more fans. I personally wish him the best of luck.
I guess now that Tony LaRusso announced he will be back with the Cardinals we can take his name off the list as a potential manager for next year. Maybe this will help speed up the selection process.
Remember on 9/21/09 the statement was that a decision on whether Herr and Bliss will be back is expected soon, possibly this week. “We want to make a decision swiftly, so we can get to work (on next year),” Danos said. …..
37 days since the statement was made
Welcome back Von!!! Wish you all the best!
Seriously I wish Von the best. Just getting frustrated on waiting for Lancaster to make an announcement. Hopefully all Von needed was a change of scenery. I guess we will now get the truth (not rumors or speculation) about his relationship with the players. I still think if you do your job you can work for anyone. I wouldn’t be suprised to see Turner & Woods end up in Camden.
Anyone else see the New York Post with the headline… “They’re fans are second rate and so is their city”? It’s an insulting article on the city of Philadelphia and us.. Phillies Fans. After reading it.. I hope the Phills kick the livin CRAP out of the Yankees !!!!!
Very uncalled for. Why are NYer’s so nasty, rude and full of themselves??
Rad: I came from NY then moved to NJ. There are some of us who are o.k. : )
It is with great sadness that I tell you the following. Some of you may recall Pitcher Clayton Andrews from 2007. He spent a few months in the beginning of the season with the Barnstormers before being injured and then retiring. Clayton’s brother was missing since last week. Unfortunately, he was not found alive. He was murdered. Clayton loved the Barnstormers and his time in Lancaster although it was only for a few months and I know many of you loved Clayton too.
The Ducks need a manager yet, think they will have one before us?
I think they will sodaman24.
Did I miss something? What happened to Gary Carter?
As I said before on a buddy’s Facebook wall… I hope Von brings Camden the same success he brought the Barnstormers.
Nuff said!
This is from the Duck’s website:
“2009 Ducks manager Gary Carter was today named manager of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish. The Sailfish compete on the NCAA Division II level, and are a Christian liberal arts college founded in 1968. The move brings the former Ducks skipper, a Palm Beach County resident since 1982, closer to home.”
Thanks Jack. I see a pattern here, I need to go to all the other teams websites to see what’s going on. I guess the Barnstormers didn’t think anyone cared to read about Von or Gary on their website.
Oh well we lost Von and now Gary is out of the picture. Since no announcement has been made on Tom maybe they are talking to Wally Backmen again!
Remember on 9/21/09 the statement was that a decision on whether Herr and Bliss will be back is expected soon, possibly this week. “We want to make a decision swiftly, so we can get to work (on next year),” Danos said. …..
38 days since the statement was made
“F” The Yankees!
It doesn’t seem like they are maintaining their FaceBook site either. Uggh!
i guess they are putting the same effort into postseason activities informing the fan base as they do during the season.
You got that right Packmule. Very disappointing…..
Hey, has anyone heard what Jason is up to these days?
You can still read Jason in the paper since he is free lancing. I usually see his name on one of the football stories on Saturday, and he covered the Girls Volleyball the other night.
If anyone wants the Phillies insert from the Wednesday paper let me know. I am not a fan, but thought someone else may want a copy or an extra copy.
I just read your earlier post about Clayton Andrews.. he is from Dunedin FL. (my H.S.) right? My heart goes out to him and his family. To loose a loved one in that way is something very hard to over come.
Thanks for letting us know… “Once a Stormer, always a friend. “
I agree Syd… What a tragedy!
Yes Syd, he is from Florida. They did figure out almost immediately who did it so that is a good thing. The person also confussed right away and led them to the bodies. So sad.
New Subject:
“Tommy Herr is returning as Manager for the 2010 season”
YAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow, not a whole lot of comments on the manager announcement. i for one am excited. hope this turns things around for this team.
I would have thought they would have announced it on the day after the mayor’s re-election got top billing in the paper. They could have had a bigger headliner.
Congratulations Tommy Herr and the Barnstormers……. hope the marriage lasts longer than the last time.
About time. If anyone is going tonight and gets a chance to talk to Tom see what his thoughts are on Bill Bliss. I thought he did a good job and would like to see what he could do for a full season.
Vote For Pedro – Go Phillies!
Bill Bliss was hired by the Atlanta Braves for their Farmsystem.
Nice to meet you Rad…..
Barney,
Sorry the Series didnt turn out the way you wanted….but at least you got there………ha ha
A Pirates fan
Booby,
Any reports on Bill are premature as far as I know. Unless you have a better source than the rumor mill.
Things are good. I have gone with the Braves and it was painful for me. I promised the man who runs the show there now that I would help him. I wanted to make a strong show with Tommy next year, a better man you will not find. I thank you and I loved my time in Lancaster, I stayed under the radar and was not picked on to much. I have to say, please respect the fact whoever it is, that they are still playing, trying to live a boyhood dream that we all have. I did not care about money, title, or anything, but I made a difference in someone’s life whether it be a player, a kid or a fan.
Tommy wants to play still and I would die to play again, and if you are reading this than you do to. Remember a good time in your life when you go to the field and you will feel something win or lose.
Tom Herr gets it, a hometown hero is not always easy, you have a great one.
Thank you all so much and I hope I made a difference in some way.
Bill
I was not just someone passing thru, I cared who I touched and how I presented the Barnstormers. My pitchers knew someone cared, not about their own selfish future, but about their next pitch, or how they felt that day. Baseball is special and should be treated as such, win lose or whatever, you still feel good about being there. I know this is true because I am writing and you are reading.
Thank you all so much, I can never repay what I was given in Lancaster.
Bill
I am now a Brave, but I will always be a Barnstormer in alot of ways. Again, I thank you and hope to see all of you that gave me your time, a chance to see how things turn out. I gave my time, just as you did, so you all have my respect and admiration. Thank you
My father once told me you can be a “class act or just an act”, the reaction of others will tell you. The fans of Lancaster acted with class to me and understood I wanted something more than to just be some coach whose name would fade away with the rest. A losing season does not mean a season lost.
Thanks Pack. It was a great ride that hopefully we will be able to do again next year. Would love to play the Pirates. Who knows, stranger things have happened!
Booby.. I met you?.. were you sitting next to me and I didn’t even know it???
Syd – “Booby.. I met you?.. were you sitting next to me and I didn’t even know it???”
Now that is funny!
Rad, no didn’t sit next 2 you but we taked several times….lol
OK Boob.. have you been on any bus trips with me???
Booby:
I can’t find anything in the Atlanta Braves transactions regarding Bill Bliss. Do you have a link for that one? Thanks!
Ultimate…I agree. It was something I was told but I also can’t find any documentation.
Syd…sorry, no. No bus trips…lol
Hi Booby:
Thanks for trying to find it.
Amadeo Zazueta was named by Baseball America as one of the top 10 independent league prospects and now has been signed by the Braves organization.
Hey hitone, that’s pretty cool news.
Nicely done, Amadeo-Amadeo
So much for Hayes’s talent evaluation…rofl.
Go Z!!!
Bill Bliss is with the Braves. There are some comments from him above. They were stuck in moderation and I didn’t realize they were there. My apologies for not posting them sooner.
Thanks for the comments, Bill. I, for one, appreciate you sharing your perspective on coaching, baseball, and life in general.
Good luck in the future and with the Atlanta Brave’s organization. I am sure that you will succeed no matter where you go.
Come back and visit on occasion.
dadTB
Bill, I’ve always said this about the players who have moved on and now, about a coach. “Once a Barnstormer, Always a friend”. Thank you for all you did for the pitching staff this past season and best of luck with the Braves
OK Booby.. I’m stumped !!!!!
Anyone have the count down to Spring Training???
No Spring Training countdown yet but I have calculated the magic number to bring the World Championship back to Phila. The number is 106!
95 Regular Season wins + 3 LDS wins + 4 LCS wins + 4 World Series wins = 106 total
Sorry Pack, but I see the Phils over the Pirates in the LCS in 5 games.
Oh thanks Barney… Wonder if we can pick up few stray Yanks in the off season??
Syd…next time I will introduce myself…..well….maybe….
Hey Barney…….I hear ya……There is no way it will be Phils over the Buccos in five…….ha ha !!!!
But we Pirate fans have to have some dreams!!!!
Opening night for 2010 is Thursday April 22, 2010. Lancaster will play at Long Island,Somerset will be at Bridgeport, Southern Maryland will be at York and Camden at Newark. This is from the Atlantic League website.
The first home game for the Barnstormers will be April 30th against York.
I would also like to express my appreciation for the job done by Bill Bliss in 2009. Good luck with the Braves!
O.K. it is time for some chatter here!
Who do you all think will be the first player to sign for 2010? I am going to guess ………………….
drum roll please…………………………….
Jed Morris.
LOL.. I would hope so UBF.. followed by.. ZP ????
I hope Ross returns too!!!
Matt Stairs
Ok seriously I predict Ross Peeples, but wouldn’t you like to see what Matt Stairs could do in whole season with us?
Stairs would be interesting in the Clipp.
Oh no, I don’t recognize the name Matt Stairs! Somebody please refresh my memory!
He was just released from the Phillies.
I wanna see a footrace between the 2 Matt’s. LeCroy and Stairs.
Just put that special sandwich on homeplate and LeCroy wins.. hand down !!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!
Happy Thankksgiving. Hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday
Thanks Booby! I hope you had a nice day as well!
Hiroshima’s final offseason acquisition target is Giancarlo Alvarado, who pitched with the Los Angeles Dodgers AAA team last season with a 13-10 record with a 3.49 ERA. Alvardo was also a member of the Puerto Rico WBC team in the previous tournament. Hiroshima likes Alvardo’s flexibility to both start and relieve.
Matt Stairs Update …..
On Saturday, the free-agent rightfielder, who played for the Phillies the past two seasons, had a street named after him in his hometown of Fredericton in the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
And not just any street.
The road that runs alongside Royal Field Park – the place Stairs first played professionally – has been renamed Matt Stairs Way.
“Royals Field . . . that’s one of the most special ones I’ve ever been in,” Stairs told the Canadian Broadcasting Centre News. “One, it’s in my hometown. Two, it’s where I was scouted, where I was signed. It’s a home inside of a home city. And now, just to have a street named around it is a great honor.”
The 41-year-old Stairs currently lives in Bangor, Maine, but said he plans to move back to Fredericton when he retires.
When that will be, he’s not sure. Stairs said he might play next year if he gets a good offer.
Stairs hit 259 home runs over 17 seasons.
Two stand out more than the others – at least for Phillies fan.
He launched the first postseason home run of his career in Game 4 of the 2008 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That two-run shot, off Jonathan Broxton, helped the Phillies to a 7-5 win.
And on April 12 of this year, his game-winning dinger against Colorado was the last home run called by legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas, who died the following day.
All of Stairs’ home runs hold significance for Ryan Astle, who was one of hundreds who turned out for the street-naming event.
Astle, who traveled more than 60 miles, showed up with a bunch of stuff for Stairs to sign.
“Big fan of Matt’s career,” he said. “It’s always been something for my dad – point of conversation. I know we’ve had at least 259 conversations because he’s got 259 home runs and I wanted to get some stuff signed.
“It makes good Christmas gifts.”