Update On Mini HopperFan: Adeline Stowe
Hey HoppersFans! Jordan here with an update on the newest addition to the HopperFan community. Some of you might have noticed I’ve been a little MIA lately on the blog. My wife and I were expecting a baby girl to arrive middle of June. All Star weekend to be exact. Adeline, had other plans. In fact, she was welcomed into the world, May 1st, 2013. Because she was born so early she had to spend some time in the NICU to prepare her for life on the outside. The nurses in the NICU were incredible, and after 3.5 weeks I’m happy to report SHE’S HOME! This was a very difficult time for my wife and I and because of your thoughts and prayers, our baby girl is home.
It has been several weeks since Greg or I have been able to make it to the ballpark. We are both planning on being there for Thursday nights game. Please come by and talk to Greg and myself. Before the game you are likely to find us at the Papa Johns K Zone. It will be odd being back at the ballpark, but we are looking forward to the sounds of bats cracking, the smell of hot dogs sizzling at “THE DOG POUND”, and watching the best baseball team in the minor leagues with great friends! So from the first pitch to the final out, IT’S STILL A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
Hoppers Get Squashed: 10-3
I was a little late arriving to the ballpark, but I was in attendance at tonights game. As you can see from the image above, so was about half of Greensboro. Huge turn out at tonights game. I was in the restroom, and heard the start of “The Harlem Shake.” I thought to myself what in the world am I about to miss!? I walked out to the top of section 112, and low and behold, the bat boy and one of the pitchers is down on the field having a dance off! The bat boy would continue to entertain all night. He is known for his break dancing skills and performs at sporting events and venues. He goes by the handle, BBOY McCOY. Check his website out and look for him on YouTube at some of his amazing dance moves. The Hoppers started out the night HOTT! Starting with a 3-2 first inning lead. Again, we had three by the end of one. Lakewood would then claw their way to another 8 runs to finish the game 10-3. Click here for a full recap and box score of the game. Also don’t forget to check out Bill Hass’ blog at “BILL ON BASEBALL.” If you are unable to be at a game tune in to greensborosports.com and listen to the live audio feed there.
Fireworks Friday!
107.5 KZL was in the stadium tonight giving away t-shirts and prizes
It was great to be in the ballpark again, after being away for a couple weeks. It was nice to talk to Don Moore from Greensborosports.com, Derek Hart the Warehouse Manager at the Stadium, Bryan Jones and Robert Stutts from the K -Zone, and Murray White of the Grasshoppers. It is always great to see you guys. Thanks for all you do, rather it’s selling tickets, stocking hot dog buns, or just sitting in the stands cheering on my beloved Grasshoppers. Everything you guys do, adds to the experience at the ballpark. You guys make this A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
Hoppers Steam The Blueclaws
Thursday nights at the ballpark are known for what is known as “thirsty thursdays”. Thirsty thursdays means all sodas and beer is only a dollar anywhere in the ballpark. With an on feild temperature of 82 degrees and partly sunny, and with the Thursday night crowd, it made for a busy night at the ballpark. The attendance figure for the night was 7,681 tickets sold. As some of you know, my newborn daughter is in the NICU and so I’m not able to make it to many games for a little while. Greg and I are really wanting you guys to reach back out to us. Anytime you are at a game, send us a snippet of your experience. Take a photo, post it on our facebook page, we’ll use it in the blog. You guys rocked with all the photos from Brian McCann!
Now back to last nights game. Mason Hope started out on the mound for the Hoppers. He pitched five innings, allowed three hits, and one strikeout. Jheyson Manzueta would relieve him pitching two innings, allowed two hits, three strikeouts. The Hoppers would end up sending in five pitchers for a combined nine strikeouts on the night. Which means two things…. Don and the crew were busy last night dropping k’s and 50% OFF PAPA JOHNS today! Just enter promo code: HOPPERS available at all locations.
Hoppers did their part in tightening the lid on the kettle to steam those blueclaws. The final score was 5-4 . I might try to make it out to the game tonight. Will I see you there? Once again, if there is anything you wanna send us, please feel free to do so, because its fans like you, that make this a GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!!
-jordan
INTRODUCING MINI HOPPERFAN #2!
HopperFan Corespondent Jordan with Baby Addie
Some of you I’m sure have noticed the absence of score updates, blogs, photos, etc. The reason that is because my wife and I welcomed a sweet beautiful baby girl into the world. Adeline Marie Stowe was born Wednesday night at 7:43pm. She weighed 3 lbs and 12 oz. She was 14 inches long. For those of you that have a hard time with measurements, as do I, thats a tad bigger than a foot long hot dog at the stadium. This came as a complete and udder surprise to my wife and I, as she was 6 weeks early. Shanna was have some blood pressure issues and the doctor performed an emergency C-Section. Addie will be having to stay in the NICU for a while, while she grows and better develops. It is as a friend that I ask for your sincerest thoughts and prayers for my family during this time. I have no idea the struggle to come, but I know it will not be an easy one. Some of you may remember, HoppersFan Greg ushered in a beautiful baby girl named Rorie, last baseball season. She also had to stay in the NICU for a while. Greg has been a tremendous friend and brother through all this. He has helped me through a lot these last couple days. I would not have met Greg, had it not been for the Grasshoppers. It is because of that, that I believe that God can use anything, even baseball.
I will try to keep you guys up to date on all your Hoppers News, scores, and updates. Please fill free to also check out Bill Hass’ “BILL ON BASEBALL” and our friends over at GREENSBOROSPORTS.COM. During this time of transition, we are really calling on the “HOPPERSFAN ARMY”. Please send us stories, photos, call and we’ll do fan interviews. Let us know what you are thinking. We are reaching out to you guys the fans.
When I was holding Addie earlier I thought I could already hear her saying, WOO WOO daddy, WOO WOO! Life is much more than baseball, but IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER! Thank you guys for your prayers and continued support!
-jordan
More McCann Pictures From Patrick Abbott
As I write this blog entry during my lunch break, the Greensboro Grasshoppers are battling the Rome Braves in the first of two 7-inning games scheduled for today. (It’s currently the top of the 8th, with the score tied at zero, so the first game of the double-header gets extra innings today….) Why a double-header? Because yesterday’s game was called on account of rain. So while the boys are playing today’s game, I’m happy to bring you a few pictures of Brian McCann from Friday’s game. The Hoppers fell to the Braves Friday night (box | recap), due in large part to an RBI double from Brian McCann in the 9th.
These pictures come courtesy, once again, of Patrick Abbott. Patrick was enjoying the game from Suite 210. Patrick reports that “McCann was very gracious when it came to autographs…. He even delivered a bunch of baseballs to fans eager to get an autograph or photo by the player entrance/exit immediately after the game.” Sounds like a great time, and I’m glad so many baseball fans in Greensboro got a chance to see a first-rate big-league player in our ballpark.
Brian McCann on deck.
Photo Credit: Pattrick Abbott
Brian McCann hits an RBI double to tie the game in the 9th. Look at that ball head towards right field!
Photo Credit: Patrick Abbott
Brian McCann receives congratulations after being replaced by a pinch runner following his RBI double.
Photo credit: Pattrick Abbott
Thanks again for that great pictures, Patrick!
Remember, you can click on any of the pictures in the post to embiggen them. Join the conversation by leaving a comment — what are you thinking?
-greg
See ya at the ballpark!
Email: hoppersfan@gmail.com
Twitter: @HoppersFan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoppersFan
Brian McCann Photos From Dano Keeney
Brian McCann is currently rehabbing with the Rome Braves, playing against the Greensboro Grasshoppers this weekend. The Hoppers Fan blog is thrilled to be able to share photos from his rehab stint taken by Dano Keeney, the Hoppers’ Team Photographer. Dano is in his 8th season with the Hoppers and has captured several memorable moments such as Christian Yelich jumping on home plate after the 15th inning walk-off in 2011 and the five first round pitchers in front of the “Greensboro” sign in 2006. Dano has also done most of the team cards since 2006. In addition to serving as the official photographer for the Hoppers, Dano does weddings, family photos, kids sports games, baby photos, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Visit the Dano Keeney Photography website to see his portfolio and get in touch with him if you want to have your event photographed.
Dano sent the following photos from Friday’s game, which was Brian McCann’s first rehab assignment.
Thanks again for that great pictures, Dano!
Remember, you can click on any of the pictures in the post to embiggen them. Send us your pictures and/or stories from Brian McCann’s visit to hoppersfan@gmail.com, and we’ll try to feature them on the blog. Join the conversation by leaving a comment — what are you thinking?
-greg
See ya at the ballpark!
Email: hoppersfan@gmail.com
Twitter: @HoppersFan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoppersFan
Brian McCann Photos From Patrick Abbott and Debbie Rodriguez
Brian McCann is rehabbing with the Rome Braves, who are playing the Greensboro Grasshoppers here in town this weekend. I talked a little about that in my last post. Several folks have responded to our call and sent some photos of McCann to share on the Hoppers Fan blog. The next several blog posts will feature those pictures. This installment comes to us thanks to Patrick Abbott and Debbie Rodriguez. I’ve known Patrick for several years — he and his son Eli can often be found at the ballpark taking pictures, collecting autographs, and just enjoying the game. Patrick sent this pictures from Friday’s game, which include both McCann swings that resulted in home runs. Debbie’s been a loyal Hoppers Fan fan for several years, too, and she sent us a picture of McCann signing autographs at the tunnel.
As for tonight’s game (box | recap), the Hoppers took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd and held it until Brian McCann brought in the tying run in the 9th with a double and Levi Hyams drove in the winning run. The Hoppers were unable to respond and went down 1-2-3. Check out the Bill on Baseball blog for more details, including reactions to the loss from the Hoppers manager and pitching coach.
The Hoppers are scheduled to play the Braves again tomorrow afternoon at 4:00. Weather might be an issue, with the forecast calling for rain. Let’s hope the rain stays in check and the field stays dry and it’s a great day to be at the ballpark. Show up early for a chance to get McCann’s autograph. Reports from both yesterday and today are that McCann is being generous, signing lots of autographs for the fans. Hoppers Fan Debbie Rodriguez sent in this picture of McCann signing autographs at tonight’s game.
Thanks for that great pictures, Patrick and Debbie!
Remember, you can click on any of the pictures in the post to embiggen them. Send us your pictures and/or stories from Brian McCann’s visit to hoppersfan@gmail.com, and we’ll try to feature them on the blog. Tune in to the blog tomorrow for some pictures from the Hoppers’ Team Photographer, Dano Keeney.
Join the conversation by leaving a comment — what are you thinking?
-greg
See ya at the ballpark!
Email: hoppersfan@gmail.com
Twitter: @HoppersFan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoppersFan
Brian McCann Rehabs In Greensboro
It’s not often that a Major League player gets a rehab assignment that brings him to Greensboro. I can’t remember the last time a Marlins player ended up on the Hoppers roster. A couple of years ago, first baseman Ryan Howard was rehabbing for for Philadelphia with the Lakewood Blueclaws. In one of his games in Greensboro, he stopped a potential no-no with an RBI double in the sixth. I can’t remember seeing anyone rehabbing in Greensboro since then.
Well, starting this weekend, Brian McCann, the catcher for the Atlanta Braves, is rehabbing with the Rome Braves. McCann has been on the DL with a shoulder injury. As luck would have it, Rome is playing Greensboro this weekend, so this is an opportunity for the Hoppers fans to see a great major league player in action.
OK, McCann’s not a Hopper, but his brother Brad McCann played in Greensboro in 2005, so we can consider him family, right?
In Friday night’s game, the Braves toppled the Hoppers 10-6 (box | recap), and McCann did his part by launching 2 homers out of the park. Bill on Baseball has the low-down:
“It felt good,” he said. ”I got some pitches to hit and luckily I didn’t miss them.”
He was most pleased about the way his shoulder felt behind the plate and how fast he got the ball out of his glove and on the way to second base. The Hoppers tested McCann on the basepaths, stealing four bases, and he made two throwing errors. But accuracy is something he said he can iron out.
Neither Jordan nor I were able to make last night’s game, and we’ll probably miss all of the games against Rome. (Yes, it’s very sad. McCann is my favorite Brave, and I’d love to see him in our small park (I’ve seen him in Atlanta many times!) and have a chance to get his autograph, but other obligations trump baseball this weekend.) So this is the perfect time to enlist the Hoppers Fan Army! If you were at last night’s game, or make it out to any of the games when McCann is playing, we’d love to hear from you! Send us your pictures and/or stories from the game to hoppersfan@gmail.com, and we’ll try to feature them on the blog. We’ve already received a handful of photos from a few fans, so look for those coming up in the next few blog entries.
Join the conversation by leaving a comment — what are you thinking?
-greg
See ya at the ballpark!
Email: hoppersfan@gmail.com
Twitter: @HoppersFan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoppersFan
Jack McKeon night at the ballpark!
Jack McKeon Bobblehead I received tonight…
Tonight was Jack McKeon/Steve Bartman night at the ballpark. For those that don’t know who Jack McKeon is… He’s a legend around these parts. Jack was nicknamed “Trader Jack“. He is a former Major League Baseball manager. McKeon played baseball for the College of the Holy Cross. In 2003, he won a World Series with the Florida Marlins. When he took over as manager of the Marlins in 2011 at age 80, he became the second oldest manager in major league history. McKeon previously managed the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1975, the Oakland Athletics in 1977 and 1978, the San Diego Padres from 1988 to 1990, and the Cincinnati Reds from 1997 to 2000. From 1981 to 1990, he served as general manager of the Padres, forming the team which won the 1984 National League pennant. McKeon was named National League Manager of the year in 1999 and 2003. The latter award was a result of leading the Marlins, who had a record below .500 when he took the job as their manager during the season, to a World Series victory. With that victory, he became, at 72, the oldest manager to win the World Series, winning against the New York Yankees.On October 2, 2005, just after the Marlins won the last game of the 2005 season, McKeon announced that he would not be returning the following season. McKeon led the Marlins to three of the six winning seasons in franchise history.
Again, even to say he’s a legend, might even be an understatement.
What tonight was about, was something that occurred ten years ago. Tonight was “Have any of you ever heard of Steve Bartman?” Yeah, me either… He apparently is a fan, beloved by the Florida Marlins organization. I have searched the internet, talked to staff at the ballpark, and did some research of my own, on this Steve Bartman guy. And furthermore, why would the Hoppers have a night shared for a Legend, and someone no one has ever heard of?
So, I went to Wikipedia, and here’s what I found…
The Steve Bartman incident occurred during a Major League Baseball playoff game between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins on October 14, 2003, atWrigley Field in Chicago. In the eighth inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, with Chicago ahead 3–0 and holding a 3 games to 2 lead in the best of 7 series, several spectators attempted to catch a foul ball off the bat of Marlins’ second baseman Luis Castillo. One of the fans, Steve Bartman, reached for the ball, deflecting it and disrupting a potential catch by Cubs outfielder Moisés Alou. If Alou had caught the ball, it would have been the second out in the inning, and the Cubs would have been just four outs away from winning the National League pennant. Instead, the Cubs ended up surrendering eight runs in the inning, giving up the lead. They went on to lose the game, 8-3. When they were eliminated in the seventh game the next day, the “Steve Bartman incident” was seen as the “first domino” in the turning point of the series.
In the aftermath of the incident, Bartman, a lifelong Cubs fan, had to be escorted from the stadium by security guards, and received police protection for a time when his name and address were made public on MLB message boards. The next night, back at Wrigley Field, Florida overcame Kerry Wood and a 5–3 deficit to win 9–6, and win the pennant. The Marlins would go on to win the 2003 World Series, beating the New York Yankees four games to two.
The Cubs have not won a playoff game since the incident. They did not reach the playoffs in the three subsequent seasons, were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2007 NLDS, were swept again by the NL West champions LA Dodgers in the 2008 NLDS, and missed the playoffs from 2009 on.
News footage of the game showed him surrounded by security as passersby pelted him with drinks and other debris. Bartman’s name, as well as personal information about him, appeared on Major League Baseball’s online message boards minutes after the game ended. As many as six police cars gathered outside his home to protect Bartman and his family following the incident.Afterwards, then-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich suggested that Bartman join a witness protection program, while then-Florida Governor Jeb Bush offered Bartman asylum.
So… the connection? Jack Mckeon was the Manager of the Marlins that night. To the baseball community, it’s because of Steve Bartman, that Jack McKeon shows off that beautiful thing we like to call the World Series Championship ring.
Since it was Jack Mckeon/Steve Bartman night the games were likewise themed. In the between inning promotions, you would have someone dressed as Steve Bartman run on the field and disrupt or interfere with the game. It was rather humorous. During the sausage race, a look-a-like came on the field and distracted the hot sausage so that sage could claim its first win of the season!
Also, happening tonight was the HoppersFan baseball giveaway. Josh Royster was our winner, along with Chris Johnson, from High Point. Josh Royster won a Christian Yelich autographed baseball and Chris took home a Jose Fernandez autographed baseball. Both of these balls were game used balls. Please stay tuned for our next promotion and giveaway!
The Hoppers lost tonight by the score of 5-2 to the Hickory Crawdads… Check out the official box score, recap, and as always, don’t forget to check out our friends at Greensborosports.com
Even though tonight was a loss, it is because of men like Jack McKeon and because we have the best fans in all of baseball… It just makes it A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
(Photo Credits: Wikipedia (Steve Bartman Incident) and Jordan Stowe)
(Resources: Wikipedia: Steve Bartman Incident)
Heart Attack Hoppers Strike Again!
Newbridge Bank Park (Hoppers Home Stadium)
Wow! What a night at the ballpark! I don’t know where to begin… So I’ll start from the beginning of my night out there. As I walked up to the K zone tonight, where I was mostly hanging out, I saw a familiar face of my friend and Greensborosports.com radio host, Andy Durham. Andy wanted to take some time and interview Don Moore and myself. Don about the Hoppers and the Papa John’s K Zone and myself about the blog. So if you caught any of the pregame on the radio, you heard yours truly! That was a great start to the night to say the least. I love going out to the ballpark and seeing friends, and now, i guess family. After three years at the ballpark, I call it my second home. Which would make all of you, the fans, family.
As I was sitting up at the K Zone I witnessed only my second ever GRAND SLAM out of the park. Too bad it was for the opposing team. I decided then, it was a good time to move to the brighter pastures. So to speak. I’m rather superstitious about that. Thats why it doesn’t matter what my seat is, I generally am not going to sit in it. I walk around and mingle with people, talk to fans, players, coaches, families, friends, and most importantly, the vendors. And I love the Dog Pound this year at the park! If you haven’t had a Chicago Dog or a Milwaukee Brat you are missing out! Tonights special dog was the grasshopper dog. It consisted of a hot dog, slaw, baked beans, stadium sauce, and spicy mustard. I definitely miss Pat with the Taylor Made Kettle Corn. With offerings like the steak and Cheese from Pita Delite and the scrumptious pizza from Hungry Howie’s, I think we will be okay!
Onto the game… Ramon Del Orbe would start the night on the mound for the Hoppers. He pitched 4 innings, allowed 7 hits, and slung 4 strikeouts. Sadly though, one of the 7 hits allowed was the Grand Slam home run. He was quickly replaced by Jheyson Manzueta. He pitched 3 innings, allowed 2 hits, and no strikeouts.
The excitement for this game came in the bottom of the 8th inning. Here’s the scenario, Hoppers down by 1. The score is 5-4 Sand Gnats lead the game. Jesus Solorzano steps up and smashes a solo home run tying the game at 5 apiece. Cody Keefer would then triple on a fly ball to center fielder Brandon Nimmo causing Matt Juengel to score. This would make the Hoppers up by one. And you know the saying, it’s not over till it’s over… well the Hoppers were not ready for it to be over tonight! In the top of the 9th, the Sand Gnats were just like the bugs they are, and just would not go away. They would score 3 more times in the 9th inning. Putting them ahead 8-6 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. We have called them this several times on this blog, but the HEART ATTACK HOPPERS have struck again. With one out, down by 2, Viosergy Rosa would belt a three run walk off home run to win the game! That made the final score 9-8. HOPPERS WIN! HOPPERS WIN! HOPPERS WIN!
This was definitely an amazing night at the ballpark. Please don’t forget in order to listen by way of radio you must go through our friends at greensborosports.com.
Walk off Home runs, grand slams, hot dogs, and friends… thats what makes tonight… A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
Recent Comments