Archive for the ‘Nelson Narrates’ Category
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
By: Becky Nelson
The All-Star break has come and gone, and there are only a couple of weeks left in the season. I don’t know where the time has gone! Well, I guess that’s a lie. I know I just spent the last week traveling the North Division after the All-Star Game. Before that there was baseball…and before that…more baseball…
The All-Star Game and Home Run Derby were a blast, but I have to admit the highlight for me was seeing Lord Stanley’s Cup come into Port Arthur Stadium with Pittsburgh Penguin, Jordan Staal, and MLB Hall of Famer, Ferguson Jenkins. I also learned that you know a trophy was designed by a Canadian if you can drink out of it! Kudos to the Border Cats and their staff for putting on such a fun, successful event!
After making the scenic drive down the North Shore, I stopped in Duluth to spend the first of three nights with one of my best, most patient friends. The next afternoon, I headed to Brainerd to check out their game against the St. Cloud River Bats. After all the talk from some of the Lunker interns, I had high expectations and I wasn’t disappointed. The crowd was loud and energetic despite St. Cloud taking an early lead, and I enjoyed the obvious pride Brainerd feels for their team.
It’s an almost two and a half hour drive from Brainerd to Duluth, but thankfully, I had a comfy bed and warm smile waiting for me. I got to spend the day in Duluth walking in Canal Park and making the most of a warm, albeit windy, day by the lake. After a huge, delicious strawberry cheesecake ice cream cone, I made my way over to historic Wade Stadium.
The Northwoods League Media Guide describes the exterior brick walls of Wade Stadium as “ominous”, and as I drove into the parking lot, I felt an overwhelming sense of history and could only imagine the stories those walls could tell. I found myself taking lots of pictures during Friday’s game and losing myself in thoughts of the past teams that called the stadium home. The Huskies and Beetles did put on an exciting show, however, along with a fantastic rendition of “Footloose” performed by Harley D. Husky.
I imposed one more night on my friend, before edging through weekend traffic down to Alexandria for a Beetles home game. I got to “The Knute” a little after game time after checking into my hotel, and the crowd was already into the game. The view drew my eye first as I walked to my seat. The sun was setting over the water in left field creating a picturesque setting for exciting baseball. Sadly, my camera battery died so not as many pictures as I’d have liked. I also missed out on trying one of the tasty looking, Beetle orange and purple, chocolate chip cookies. I’ll be back for one of those…
I got a chance to stretch travel-weary muscles in the pool at my hotel, which felt great after hours of bleachers and car seats. But only one more game to go. I packed up and hit the road the next morning for a relatively short trip to St. Cloud.
I have to commend the city of St. Cloud, because the playing surface at Joe Faber Field is absolutely gorgeous! It was a little different feel from the older fields I’d been visiting, but no less beautiful. I did feel bad for the left fielders having to contend with the sprinklers from the golf course next door, though!
There was a terrific crowd on hand for “Firefighter Night” and I already changed the battery in my smoke detector – thanks guys! Plus, if the baseball wasn’t enough entertainment in the first inning, watching the bat boys trying to run around in firefighting gear was hilarious. Turned out to be a big game in the North Division, and it was the perfect cap to my week of travel.
Now, I’m back in Madison and waiting anxiously to see where I’ll end up for the South Division playoffs and then the Championship series!
Posted in Current News, Nelson Narrates | Comments Off
Friday, July 10th, 2009
By: Becky Nelson
With the MLB All-Star Game just a few days away (July 14 in St. Louis), I can’t wait to watch Curtis Granderson (Detroit) and Ben Zobrist (Tampa Bay) represent the Northwoods League as part of the American League roster. Then, in another week, our own All-Stars take the field in Thunder Bay for the Northwoods League’s mid-summer showcase. What a week!
Having traveled across the South Division during the first half of the season, the trip to Thunder Bay will be my first game at a North Division ballpark this summer, and my first ever trip out of the country! The Border Cats have lots of great activities planned and it’s always a pleasure to see the NWL’s finest take the field as teammates. I am excited to be a part of the experience and hope to have all sorts of pictures, updates, etc. to put up on Facebook and Twitter in case you can’t make the trip. If you do head up to the game, stop and say “Hi”! The Northwoods League has awesome fans and I love to talk baseball!
If you don’t catch me in Thunder Bay for the All-Star festivities, I’ll be making my way through the North Division after the break to visit four other ballparks. I’ll be stopping in Brainerd, Duluth, Alexandria and St. Cloud before heading back down to Madison. Although I’m looking forward to all the games, some of the Lunkers’ staff members have been talking big, so we’ll have to see if they put on as good a show as they claim.which I have no doubt they will.
Lastly, as I’ve been working out my schedule for the All-Star game, I’ve been scoping out the promotion schedules throughout the league, and have compiled a special treat for our blog readers.
Becky’s Promo Travel Guide
Take some time and travel the Northwoods League for the best-of-the-best promotions before heading up to Thunder Bay for the All-Star Game!
-Friday, July 10: Enjoy “Slapshot” Night in Madison and meet one of the original Hanson Brothers!
-Saturday, July 11: Subway and KDOG 96.7 are giving away MoonDogs Lunch Boxes in Mankato!
-Sunday, July 12: Catch the Finale of Survivor: Intern Island with WKBT TV 8 in La Crosse!
-Monday, July 13: Make the trip to Green Bay and get a Jeremiah bobblehead!
-Tuesday, July 14: Aim the boat toward the Brainerd Lakes Area and reel in a full-sized Lunkers Umbrella!
-Wednesday, July 15: Head over to Battle Creek for the Mascot Olympics!
-Thursday, July 16: Cheer extra hard for the Honkers with Noise Clappers courtesy of UofM-Rochester and Z-Rock 107.7!
-Friday, July 17: Visit Athletic Park in Wausau and grab a Woodchucks Hat before enjoying fireworks!
-Saturday, July 18: Miller Lite Summertime St. Patty’s Day in St. Cloud – enjoy an Irish beverage in your River Bats pint glass!
-Sunday, July 19: On your way up North, stop in Duluth with the family! $25 = 4 hot dogs, 4 drinks, 2 game vouchers! After the game, kids can run the bases and everyone can get Huskies autographs!
That’s all from me! I’ll be back to talk about my All-Star experience soon!
Posted in Current News, Nelson Narrates | Comments Off
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
By: Becky Nelson, Northwoods League Alumni and Affiliate Relations Intern
The season seems to be just flying by! I had the pleasure of standing up in my best friend’s wedding this last Saturday, and after catching my breath, I feel like I’ve missed so much!
As part of my intern duties, I’m in charge of the Northwoods League’s social media and when I checked up on the Facebook and Twitter pages, I was amazed at how busy they’ve been while I was away! Way to go NWL fans! If you aren’t familiar with it, the NWL Facebook fan page has all sorts of ways to keep up with the action going on league-wide. I’ve posted pictures from all of my travels across the South Division, there are poll questions, links to other NWL pages and stories, reminders of upcoming NWL events, updates on alumni, and anything else we in the front office can think of! I have really enjoyed working with the page and seeing all of the interaction among fans and the material I’m posting. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out!
Or, if you want quick updates on league happenings, my thoughts, game reminders, etc. you should follow the NWL on Twitter! “NWLbaseball” provides a quick and easy glimpse into the NWL world. Send us your thoughts and you might just see your name in a blog, story, or message!
Not all of my jobs are so much fun…I do have some work to get done. Nightly reports from home teams have built up in my Inbox while I was gone, so it’s time to get those logged into the database. You might also notice some work being done on the NWL website over the next few days. I don’t know how the front office guys managed without me and Tim!
But, enough about me. How about some baseball action?! I made it to Waterloo on Sunday, June 14th and knocked off the last ballpark on my South Division list. I ran into Curt at the game and it was exciting to learn what he’s looking for at games and get tips and advice on all my different projects. I knew Waterloo would heat up before I got there – they scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back. Wisconsin scored four runs in the top of the fourth to tie the game, but the Bucks returned the favor putting their own four spot on the board in the bottom of the inning. The Bucks ended up beating the Woodchucks 9-5 in front of a great Sunday afternoon crowd at Riverfront Stadium. The energy at the park was fantastic, and I can’t wait to get back!
I think that’s all for now. You’ll have to keep up with me and the NWL on Facebook and/or Twitter until my next blog!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Northwoods-League/8113468482
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NWLbaseball
Northwoods League: http://www.northwoodsleague.com
Posted in Current News, Nelson Narrates | Comments Off
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
By: Becky Nelson, Northwoods League Alumni and Affiliate Relations Intern
Six down, one to go! I took on the extreme trips this past weekend with a five-hour drive to Battle Creek, Michigan on Saturday and a 10-minute drive out to the Duck Pond in Madison, Wisconsin, last Thursday. Also made it to Green Bay on Sunday, so watch out Waterloo – I’ll be coming to visit on Sunday!I’ve been to many Mallards’ games prior to this season, but it was exciting going in with a new perspective on the festivities. Anyone that’s been to the Duck Pond can tell you they put on quite the show, and there’s some baseball going on too! A new family area complete with one of the largest sandboxes I’ve ever seen, greeted me when I followed the duck prints through the arch, and I made sure to check out the new bullpens in the outfield. Walking around the park I couldn’t help but notice there was another field level addition to the “Duck Blind” deck as well, which fans were thoroughly enjoying.
Madison is playing some impressive baseball so after the game got underway, I turned my attention to the field. The Waterloo Bucks were in town on Thursday looking to cool off the Mallard bats, but it was just not meant to be. After giving up a run in the bottom of the second inning, Waterloo tied the game in the third, but couldn’t hold on. The Mallards put up seven runs in their next two tries before capping off an 11-4 victory with three runs in the sixth. I’m sure the Bucks will find their stride before I head to their game in Waterloo on Sunday.
The drive from Madison to Battle Creek was actually a lot faster than I anticipated. I do most of my traveling alone and needless to say, nobody jumped at the opportunity to make the five-hour drive Saturday and then turn around and make a six-hour drive to Green Bay on Sunday (with an additional two hours or so back to Madison that night). Chicago traffic was enough to make the time go by faster, but nothing to give me trouble. Plus it offered great views of the skyline! Weather cooperated and all-in-all, it was a nice drive.
Now, for anyone that doesn’t know me, I tend to over-prepare for any trip I take, and I had left myself plenty of time for the time-change as well as for traffic along the way. I got into Battle Creek and had a few hours to kill before game time so I checked into my hotel and got some work done placing pictures and biographies on the Northwoods League website (which you should go check out!). I had been keeping an eye on the time so I could be at the park early and was just about to freshen up when I had a revelation – my new laptop was not set to change time in a new time zone! After a quick brushing of the teeth, I was out the door.
Luckily, the rest of the evening went extremely smoothly. The threat of rain kept the crowd size down, but the Lunkers and Bombers entertained all who came out. I had the chance to check out the largest outdoor bar in the state of Michigan while I was out on the Bomber’s Fan Deck and it didn’t disappoint either! Everyone up there was having a great time and had a nice view of the action. I also had the opportunity to check out the C.O. Brown Stadium press box which must be a joy for all the media that need to work in it.
The North/South Division match up in Battle Creek proved again how well the South Division is playing. Brainerd did its best to contain the Bombers, but the “Mosquito Men” came out on top in the 3-1 decision.
The next morning I headed off to Green Bay, again with the assumption that I had planned effectively and left myself enough wiggle room to get to the park right at gates open. Another smooth trip was spoiled as I pulled in to Green Bay. I was once again much earlier than I had expected, and was greeted with sheets of rain and cold temperatures. The sky had looked threatening the whole trip, but my check on the radar had showed rain farther South. I found a mall, (what better way to pass the time?) and had some lunch while the rain worked itself out.
Thankfully, the rain stopped by the time I walked back out to my car, but I still changed into pants and a NWL sweatshirt for the game – sadly, I hadn’t brought my winter coat. The field was soaked and the fans were cold as I walked into Joannes Stadium. The staff had pushed the start time back a half hour to give the field some time to dry and the die-hard fans and I were excited to hear the Bullfrogs were now selling hot chocolate at the concession stand!
The extra time did give me a chance to wander around the park and inspect the new deck out in left field which was open for the first time on Sunday! The expansive space will act as a beer garden and is a nice complement to the new food tent along the third base line that will offer fans fare that’s a step above your typical concession stand. I have to admit, the corn on the cob was calling my name…
But, again, I digress from baseball to discuss food. (I warned you in my last blog!) The game looked like it was going to be controlled by the visiting Woodchucks until the Bullfrogs started putting some hits together in the sixth inning. Errors were a problem for both teams, but it was the Bullfrogs pulling out the soggy victory, 4-1. After some hot coffee, I headed back to Madison to find my winter coat so I could put it in my trunk for future games!
There you have it. The extreme trips are out of the way. I may have gotten wet, and I may have been chilly, but I stick to my statement – there is no better place to be in the summer, than at a baseball field.
Posted in Current News, Nelson Narrates | Comments Off
Thursday, June 4th, 2009
By: Becky Nelson, Northwoods League Alumni and Affiliate Relations Intern
What a week! I knew covering the South Division was going to be exciting, but this week was beyond my wildest expectations! Pitching duals, walk-off hits, extra innings, great weather, cold weather…I’ve gotten it all!
I had the pleasure of starting my season off in beautiful Carson Park as the Eau Claire Express opened their season against the Wisconsin Woodchucks last Thursday. Gorgeous weather and the smell of hot dogs invited thousands of fans out to the park and you could feel the excited energy of Opening Day. The crowd showed its support as Express pitcher, Gera Sanchez, took the mound again after a 7-month rehab for a torn ACL, and did he ever give them something to cheer about! Sanchez struck out nine Woodchucks in six innings of work, giving up only two hits and no runs. Wisconsin knocked in two runs, but it wasn’t enough to snag a win; the Express rewarded their fans with an Opening Day, home-opener victory 5-2.
Since I was still in the area, I took the opportunity to catch one more Express game on Saturday when the La Crosse Loggers came into town. I got to the park pretty early, right about the time the gates were opening, and the parking lot was full. The street was also full. The grass was even starting to fill up! (If you’ve never been to Carson Park let me explain. Besides the baseball diamond, there are also tennis courts, hiking trails, a logging camp, a museum and a football field. The football field runs parallel to the left field fence and the press box looks right over the fence toward the baseball diamond.) On this particular evening, the Chippewa Valley Predators and Eau Claire Crush of the Northern Elite Football League were playing out an intense rivalry right next door to the Express, so no matter what the attendance says, you could add another hundred that were keeping an eye on both games!
But, back to baseball! It got a little chilly as the sun set, though the game was just heating up. Trax and the Eau Claire marketing crew provided between-inning fun and another great crowd did what it could, but La Crosse handed the Express what proved to be its only loss in the first week of play. Eau Claire had the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth to keep the Loggers on their toes and couldn’t close the deal. Final score Loggers 4, Express 2. (In case you were wondering, the Predators beat the Crush 20-15.)
The first of June marked my trip up to Athletic Park in Wausau where the ‘Chucks were playing host to La Crosse. After the initial surprise of having the ballpark appear out of nowhere and the fun of finding a parking spot out of foul ball territory, I settled in for “Untuckem – Chucks Win!” night. (Check out the Northwoods League Facebook page for a picture of me wearing my “Untuckem” shirt!) Sitting at the top of the bleachers at first base, I had a fantastic view of the neighborhood, the full grown trees, and the sunset behind the hills surrounding the park. I love the historic ballparks and Athletic Park did not disappoint.
Neither did the fans! Despite cold temperatures, the enthusiastic Woodchuck and Logger fans stuck it out until the bottom of the ninth when Wisconsin’s Jeremy Richter hit a walk off base hit to edge the Loggers 6-5. Kudos to kids PA announcer Rachel for an outstanding display of broadcasting, but my top play(s) goes to La Crosse’s Austin Knight who pulled not only one, but two of the best David Ortiz impressions I’ve seen. Luckily, unlike Ortiz’s bat, Knight’s didn’t end up in the seats.
Last night, I made my first visit to “The Lumberyard” to see, who else, but the Loggers. Seems to be an unintentional trend in the games I go to. The Lumbermen were looking to cut down the Bombers of Battle Creek who were coming into the game with a league-best 5-game win streak. Another warm evening brought lots of baseball fans to the park, but they were quiet as the Bombers took a 1-0 lead. Justin Preckajlo changed that when he made some noise in the sixth with a solo shot that tied the game 1-1.
Now, I am a huge baseball fan, but one of the few things that can top baseball in my world is food. I like food. So believe me when I tell you that my “Logger Corn Dog” last night was the best corn dog I have ever eaten. It was hot and juicy on the inside but golden brown with just a little crunch on the outside batter….delicious! My roommate and guest for the evening said the “Logger Dog” was also extremely tasty so hats off to the concessions at “The Lumberyard”!
Ah, yes, there was a game to be finished. Nine innings wasn’t enough fun, so to extra innings we went. Aaron Gates would be the hero as his hit in the bottom of the tenth was enough to score pinch runner Morgan Mickan from second for a Logger walk off victory 2-1.
As I got in the car to head back to Madison, I counted my blessings that I wasn’t heading any farther – the Loggers welcomed a wedding party from Louisiana last night! Now that’s a drive!
I’m looking forward to a Mallards’ game tonight in Madison, a trek out to Battle Creek on Saturday and a Sunday game in Green Bay to round out my weekend.
This week may have had it all, but I have a feeling we’ve only just begun.
Posted in Current News, Nelson Narrates | Comments Off
|
