Results tagged ‘ greensboro ’
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
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
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
Where Are Your Favorite Players Heading?
Jose Fernandez
Many of you remember Jose Fernandez as the guy that showed up from Cuba to sling fastballs at the upwards of 100 mph. Jose also holds the distinction of providing the SAL League with their first no hitter of the season. And first ever in Greensboro’s history. You may also remember him from earlier in Spring Training he slung a 101mph fastball at Giancarlo Stanton’s helmet. Stanton was treated and later returned to swing another day. Jose is the number one prospect for the Miami Marlins Organization and was expected to start the 2013 season with the Marlins. He was sent down to the Minors Camp March 13. He is expected to start for the Jacksonville Suns.
“He was impressive,” manager Mike Redmond said. “He was exactly how everybody described him. Everybody said that I’d be impressed, and I was impressed with everything — the way he handled himself, the way he pitched, his command, his presence. His mound presence is great. You can tell he’s a competitor. He wants it. And that’s what you want. Those are the type of guys you want in the organization. His day will come.”
“I’m 20 years old,” Fernandez said. “I just can’t be upset. I pitched six innings, didn’t give up a run. I knew, I was going to get sent down, I was ready for it. … They told me, ‘Hopefully this is the last time.’”
Christian Yelich
Spotlight of a Super Fan: Lee Clark
Our second installment of this super fan segment finds me talking to one of our Thursday night and Monday night regulars, Lee Clark. Lee is a super guy as well. He is currently working at Ruby Tuesday and he lives in Kernersville, NC. To our far away fans, Kernersville is about 30 minutes outside of Greensboro. You may ask, why is he a fan on Monday and Thursday nights. I’ll tell you why, one dollar beer and hot dogs! I first met Lee back in 2011, up on Natty’s Hill through a then mutual friend of ours, Jonathon Flournoy. I had the opportunity to chat with him a bit recently, and he had this to say…
HoppersFan: How long have you been coming to the ballpark?
Clark: I’ve been coming to the ballpark since it opened.
HoppersFan: What has been your favorite giveaway?
Clark: My favorite giveaway was the replica championship rings
HoppersFan: What was your favorite in between inning game?
Clark: The burger build that I won after falling flat on my face at the very beginning (which I have video of…)
HoppersFan: Do you have a favorite Grasshopper player?
Clark: Has to be woooooosterrrr lol or marcell ozuna
HoppersFan: Is there a particular person on staff or fan in the stands you want to give a shout out to?
Clark: Of course i’d love to give a shout out to my Thirsty Thursday crew. We sit at the same spot on the hill every Thursday zack, lauren, flournoy, and alex.
This concludes this segment highlighting our super fans. If you would like to be included in our Super Fan spotlight please contact me via our facebook page. Our Next installment will be Monday evening when we highlight Debbie Rodriguez. She is a Texas Ranger by birth, Miami Marlin by choice. She is a season ticket holder as well. You can usually find her with a sign or at the tunnel ready to throw an encouraging word at our Grasshoppers. She is a super fan for sure. Till Monday… WOOT WOO! IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
Mini HopperFan #2 on the way!!!
As you may remember last season, the reason I started writing these blogs was partly due to the fact that Greg and his wife were expecting a baby (#1). Sweet little Rorie was born during the baseball season last year. And this offseason, I have some news of my own… My wife and I are EXPECTING!!! Shanna is 9 weeks and 3 days. We are very excited and are claiming this as God’s miracle to our little family. I’ve talked to many people in and around the stadium and of all the questions or comments they could make, the one I hear the most is “HE/SHE IS GONNA BE A HOPPERS FAN, RIGHT?” Of course, my answer is yes! We went for our first ultrasound about two weeks ago, and to see the heartbeat for the first time and just knowing that a new creation is being formed inside my wife is just simply beautiful! I am already loving every second of it, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this offseason holds for us. According to the ultrasound, baby weighs about a gram, and is 3 cm long. If you guys want I will do a gender reveal on the blog so you guys can enjoy and follow this with us! Baby is due on June 12th, and according to the 2013 schedule we will be playing away at Lakewood against the blue claws… And the week after is the All Star Break, so who knows… looks like it might be an ALL STAR BABY! Either way I’m happy and excited and am hopeful that this will be a fantastic offseason full of wonder and cheer.
Now, Greg and I were talking the other night and something came up… 2 years ago, Greg started writing the blog, last year had a baby. Last Season I wrote the blog, this year we are having a baby. If you are seeing the pattern… Do we have any takers for next season? HaHa!
Until next update this offseason, remember to always go WOO WOO at the end of every National Anthem this offseason, and who can forget… ITS A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
It “SHORE” Was Rally Time Against The Birds Today!
Delmarva Shorebirds were in town today for the last day game of the season. It was also Money off monday which meant one dollar beer, sodas, and hot dogs. We talk about all the time about the Grasshoppers being “the HEART ATTACK HOPPERS”. Well today’s rally proved that. They were down but definitely not out. Greensboro would strike first in the third inning on Wilfredo’s second homer of the season. Austin Barnes would later cross the plate for the Hoppers in that inning. And just when everyone started getting comfortable, Kevin Cravey would allow four runs to come in. Which made the score 4-2 in the bottom of the 5th inning with the shorebirds on top. After a pitching change for the Hoppers, the Shorebirds would stay scoreless the rest of the game.
IT’S RALLY TIME!!! Eriq and Josh sporting their Rally Caps
And just like many times before this season, It was RALLY TIME! We love the Rally dance at the ballpark. And today was nothing short of that. In the Seventh inning Aaron Senne would rob Mike Planeta of a home run. In the bottom of the seventh, Brent Keys would single sending Matt Smith home to make the score 4-3. The very next batter, Ryan Goetz, would send a sacrifice fly out sending Ryan McIntyre across the plate tying the game 4-4. And on to extras we go… Greensboro is at bat in the bottom of the 11th, Ryan McIntyre flies out to left fielder Mike Planeta. ONE OUT. Wilfredo Gimenez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Mike Planeta. Brent Keys would single on a line drive to center fielder Roderick Bernadina. Wilfredo Gimenez would advance to 2nd. Ryan Goetz singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brenden Webb. Wilfredo Gimenez to 3rd. Brent Keys to 2nd. BASES LOADED. ONE OUT. Austin Barnes strikes out swinging. TWO OUTS, BASES STILL LOADED. Aaron Senne “SENNE IN THE CITY” singles on a ground ball to center fielder Roderick Bernadina. Wilfredo Gimenez scores. HOPPERS WIN! HOPPERS WIN! HOPPERS WIN! The final score was 5-4 in 11 innings.
The Hoppers Shot down the Birds tonight to advance to 21-24 in the second half and 4 games behind the first place West Virginia Power. The Hoppers can be seen next in ROME, GA against the Rome Braves. First Pitch is at 7pm Wednesday night. Be sure to tune in to Greensborosports.com for all game audio and video of all home games. Greensborosports.com is the place to go for all your grasshopper and greensboro sports needs.
Click here for the full recap and box score from today’s game and as always… WOOT WOO! ITS A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
West Virginia’s Power Surge was a bit much for the Hoppers
Tonight was a very rainy and dreary night for baseball. It was spitting drizzling rain all afternoon and into the evening. In the past, statistics would show that the Hoppers generally do good and come away with a win on days that it rains, or has rained that day. Tonight, the West Virginia Power just couldn’t let the Hoppers flip their circuit. 
Right out the gate tonight, West Virginia comes surging out to put two men on base, first and second. Then Gregory Polanco shocked a three run homer to give the Power the early 3-0 lead. That homer would barely roll over the fence for Polanco. That would be his 13th home run of the season for the Power. Josh Adams would then answer in the bottom of the second with a homer of his own. Which by the way, I now possess!!! I’ll be getting him to sign his home run ball later in the week. Josh is one of my favorite players so to get his home run ball is rather exciting! This was Josh Adams 13th home run of the season as well. This would be one of the Hoppers only three hits of the night. With the Power surging tonight, Greensboro had their hands full!
Starting pitcher on the night was Josh Hodges. He threw 7 innings, allowed 8 hits and 4 strikeouts. He would be relieved by James Nygren who would sling the final two innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 strikeout. Click for a Full Recap and Box Score of tonights game. West Virginia pitchers would have a combined 7 strikeouts and would only allow 3 hits on the night. The Hoppers put forth a valiant effort, but West Virginia would cut the power to Greensboro winning by a score of 5-1. This would drop the Hoppers to 60-41 on the year and 14-17 in the second half.
I dodged the rain quite a bit tonight but I did manage to take advantage of Money Off Monday, purchasing dollar sodas and dollar hot dogs! The Hoppers do a great job with the promotional nights and between inning games. Tonight the crowd was a little thin, but to those of us that waited out the rain, it was worth it. Because win or lose, THERE IS NO QUIT in our boys. That is what makes me proud to be a Hopper, and that’s also why IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
(Note: Don’t forget to click here for ALL pictures taken at tonights game)
Wilfredo Gimenez Walk Off Single As Hoppers Win It In Extras!
Tonight was very fan friendly. There was a corn hole tournament up on Natty’s Hill, there was the between inning games that are always a blast, and post game we had The Band Of Oz performing in the grandstand. It was an incredible day at the ballpark. A friend of mine and me signed up for the corn hole tournament, but I guess everyone was scared of our mad skills because no one else signed up. We still played anyway. And having a good time with a good friend with baseball in the background is definitely a recipe for fun!
Miss Babe RuthThe above picture is a pretty common scene At the ballpark. is a black lab and has been trained to retrieve bats and balls for the players. The game was exciting to watch as well. I took a ton of pictures today and you can view all pictures on the HoppersFan page on Facebook.
So, on to the game…
Kannapolis would strike first in the first inning making it 1-0. The very next inning the Hoppers would score on a solo HOME RUN by Matt Smith. Tying the ballgame at 1-1. Neither team would score again till the 5th inning when Kannapolis would have 3 players cross the plate for a score of 4-1. But as we all know by now, our Hoppers may be down but they are never out! The hoppers would answer with two more runs in the 6th. Making the score 4-3. Kannapolis nor greensboro would score till the bottom of the ninth. Matt Smith would score the tying run on a single by Rand Smith. And like so many games this year, the heart attack hoppers went to extras. It remained 4-4 through the bottom of the 11th.
Here’s the scene: Hoppers tied 4-4. Bottom of the 11th. Matt Smith would single, putting him at first. James Wooster hit a sacrifice bunt advancing Smith to second. Terrence Dayleg would ground out, advancing Smith to 3rd. up walks Wilfredo Gimenez. For those that know me, know that Wilfredo at the beginning of the season, was not one of one my favorite players by far. But he has come a LONG way, and I must say I’m a fan. But, back to today’s game… Wilfredo walks up, 2 outs, Matt Smith on Third. Wilfredo steps up and blast a single just barely over the first baseman’s glove! Matt Smith Scores!!!! HOPPERS WIN! HOPPERS WIN! HOPPERS WIN!
The team rushing the field in celebration!
Be sure to check out the Full Game Recap and Box Score as well as remember to look us up on Facebook for all 45 pictures from tonight. And as always, IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A HOPPER!
-jordan
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