Category: Dailies
Small Ball at AZP
As an intern for the Redbirds, apart from Opening Day, there is isn’t anything more highly-anticipated than the Staff vs. Intern Baseball Game. And it finally came. Thursday.
Though the intern team has only beaten the full-timers once in the game’s nine-year history, the ’09 Interns had high hopes. Calm and collected Manager Wassel placed the interns’ five former baseball players (be-it college, high school or intramural) at the front of the 12-man line-up.
2nd Row (L to R): Jeff Wilen, Courtney Munson, Heather Mills, Joe Rejc, Leigh Eisenberg, Stewart Comer. 1st Row: Ben White, Cory Shedd, Ben Spradling, Nick Cataldi, Phil Simon. Standing: Manager Alex Wassel.
‘Play Ball’ was shouted at around 3:30 P.M. by umpire Ed Collins and the 10th Annual Staff / Intern Game was underway.
The full-timers scored one run in the first inning when Kyle Parkinson (yes, the bloggers’ boss, of course), who reached base on single to center field, was driven in by a sacrifice fly by Harrison Lampley.
Nick Cataldi hit the game’s only triple in the top of the fourth for the interns and scored on center fielder Phil Simon‘s sac fly. The score eliminated any chance of there being an embarrassing shutout loss (honestly, we probably wouldn’t have blogged about that – or I’d let Ben write it, because he is very good at putting our many short-comings into words), and leveled the score 1-1.
This was the first time the interns really believed they might be able to pull off the long-shot victory. However, any dreams of conquering the full-timers were quickly thwarted in the bottom of the fourth, when they put up four more runs to make it 5-1.
Six consecutive hits from the top of the order paved the way for the team’s four-run inning.
The full-timers added one more to their lead in the fifth when intern second baseman Cory Shedd, in an attempt to turn the double-play, committed a throwing error to first that allowed Corey Gillum to score.
The interns’ final push came in the sixth when the team crafted three runs out of five hits. The inning ended with a play at the plate, after Joe Rejc belted a double over left fielder Nelson Padro’s head.
Cataldi safely scored from second on the play, but Phil Simon had to beat the throw to home-plate delivered by cut-off man Valentin.
Some say Simon was safe and scored; others, like umpire Collins, disagree.
“I saw a bang-bang play,” Collins said. “I saw the ball and I saw a tag…I’m real sure.”
The photo is ambiguous, so you can see just how close of a call had to be made in real-time. Also, disregard the ball on the ground, that is from a different pitch.
The inning ended, along with any of the interns’ realistic chances of winning, with hitters six, seven and eight coming up in the seventh. The interns, or ‘Assistants’ as their shirts and business cards read, hadn’t given up just yet.
Everyone has a classic underdog story that they retreat to in times like these for motivation. And I went straight to mine, recalling Buddy, the golden retriever from Air Bud: Seventh-Inning Fetch; who, even without opposable thumbs, comes back to help the Angels win the World Series all-the-while saving his missing puppies from the antagonist Rocky Racoon. Man, that dog could rake.
Anyways…
Possibly agitated that his home-plate slide was ruled an out, intern outfielder Simon made the play of the game in the next inning; a running and diving catch to record the second out.
“I dedicate my catch to Shane Robinson,” said Simon of his center field mentor.
Unfortunately the intern team went 1-2-3 at the plate in the seventh, making it officially a 6-4 loss.
KP dominated almost every stat category, going 3-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs. Simon had a game-high two RBI.
Though they didn’t lead their team in anything except maybe cleanest uniforms, the Communications Interns did their part and went 2-for-5, each with a single.
“They definitely were the surprise of the game,” said proud boss and player of the day Kyle Parkinson.
On the mound, Ben White led all pitchers with two strikeouts to teammate Leigh Eisenberg.
The Redbirds clubbies combined to go 5-for-12 with one RBI, third baseman Celso Callado leading the way with a 1.000 batting average. None of the clubbies were available to interview, except Karasek, but trust me, that would have only been a waste of time.
All in all, everyone had fun; but deep down we all know what would have happened if we had have played nine innings. Youth would have prevailed. Alas. Good luck intern class of 2010.
A very special thank you to our brave photographer Allison Rhoades for taking these photos.
Check out the box score below. Click to make bigger. Print to show your friends.
What To Know About Bobblehead #9
Bats: Right Throws: RightBorn: June 22, 1982 at Port Huron, MI
Selected in the 19th round of the 2003 draft.
In 2004, Motte made his Triple-A debut as a catcher and hit .200 (1×5) in three games for the ‘Birds. In the following seasons, Motte spent time working on his plate discipline at the Single-A and Double-A levels and eventually shifted his focus to pitching in the summer of 2006.
The right-handed reliever made his return to Memphis in 2008 to establish a 4-3-9 record with a 3.24 ERA over 63 appearances. He led all PCL relief pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings, averaging 14.85.
He finished the ’08 season by making his major league debut in St. Louis. The then 26-year-old helped the Cardinals close-out their season by twirling 16 strikeouts over 11 innings for a 0.82 ERA.
Arrive early to Tuesday August 18th’s Redbirds game against the Fresno Grizzlies, because the first 1,500 fans will receive a Jason Motte bobblehead. Gates open at 6:00 P.M.
*Thanks again to Allison Rhoades for digging up that Motte pic in the middle.
What To Know About Bobblehead #8
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Born: July 19, 1979 at Fort Pierce, Florida
Selected in the 2nd round of the 1997 free-agent draft class.
As an outfielder, Rick Ankiel appeared in 102 games for Memphis and hit .267 (104×389) with 32 homers and 89 RBI. In 2007, Ankiel was named to the PCL All-Star game and finished the season with an organization-leading 43 home runs. But Ankiel’s history with the team wasn’t always as a left-handed slugger, but instead the Florida-native spent many nights on the hill as a starting pitcher.
Ankiel was originally drafted in 1997 with the intent of becoming one of St. Louis’ long-time starters. In 1999, the southpaw earned Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors and was ranked as St. Louis’ and MLB’s No. 1 prospect entering the 2000 season.
Year 2000 marked the then 20-year-old’s rookie season, where he went 11-7 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year balloting. The following season, however, began Ankiel’s descent as a pitcher. He went 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA in six starts for the Cards before being optioned to Memphis. Ankiel didn’t touch a baseball in 2002 due to injuries and his need for Tommy John surgery resulted in the lefty pitching in only 31 more games by the end of 2004.
Ankiel began the 2005 season by announcing his retirement as a Major League pitcher on March 9 and turned his eyes to the outfield. He made his debut in Memphis as an outfielder in 2007 as a part of the Redbirds Opening Day roster and got the call to St. Louis on August 9.
Since then, Ankiel is a regular in the St. Louis outfield and is hitting .237 (63×266) in 2009, as his team continues their push for a post-season berth.
The Rick Ankiel bobblehead is the eighth of the All AutoZone Park Series and will be given to the first 1,500 fans at Tuesday night’s Memphis Redbirds game against the Omaha Royals. Gates open at 6:00 P.M. for the 7:05 game.
The thrilla in Memphilla?
Listen, I’ll be the first to tell you this year’s communications interns for the Memphis Redbirds are not fighters. From our affinity for top-notch folk albums to our mutual appreciation of a good cardigan, Alex and I reek of unadulterated pacifism.
If there is a way to sidestep a squabble, believe me, most of the time we are going to do our best to find it.
Most of the time.
When you work in an environment as time intensive as this Redbirds internship is turning out to be, you better enjoy who you are working with because you are going to see a lot of them. We both thought we found each other tolerable at the very least, but the fact of the matter is there has been some bad blood boiling between us for some time now.
As some of you might know, Alex showed his true colors when he chose a failed shot at victory over friendship in the epic Hot Dog race of ’09 and from there it has been a typhoon of animosity.
I’m just going to say it: The man needs to get popped in the mouth.
In following with the long-brewing beef between Alex and me, I have decided that the only sensible method of solving things is through the implementation of a physical altercation.
Sure, the act of fighting someone else sounds relatively easy, but the fact is Alex and I know very little in regard to throwing down fisticuffs, which might serve as the least shocking thing you will read today considering we are in our mid-20s and weigh a combined 200 pounds.\
Our shortcomings as fighters make the Redbirds game on Saturday, August 1, all the more important. At the conclusion of their 6:05 p.m. outing against the Omaha Royals, the ‘Birds welcome Jerry “The King” Lawler and the rest of the gang from Memphis Wrestling as they bring their Redbirds Grand Slam to AutoZonePark.
Alex and I will be taking an educational approach to the talents of “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart, Buff Bagwell and the legendary Hacksaw Jim Duggan when they appear at AZP, and will take what we have learned and use it to refine our own fighting skills, ultimately using them against each other.
I can’t decide whether or not to tell Alex about the upcoming bout. The sneak-attack is one of my bullet points.
Stay tuned to Chirp Chatter to see exactly when and where the tentative battle between Ben “The Texas Serpent” Spradling and Alex “The Blob” Wassel will take place. Don’t let that stop you from placing your preliminary bets. The odds out of Vegas favor neither of us.
Until then, make your way out to AZP for some Saturday night baseball and Memphis Wrestling.
What To Know About Bobblehead #7
Bats: Right Throws:RightBorn: August 30, 1981 at Brunswick, Georgia
Became a Cardinal in December of 2003 as part of a
five-man trade from Atlanta that included J.D. Drew.
Wainwright returned healthy to post big numbers in 2005, setting a Redbirds individual season record of 29 starts, which also led the PCL. He made his major league debut later that year on September 11 against the Yankees. In 43 starts, Wainwright is 14-15 as a Redbird with a 4.76 ERA (132ERx249.1IP) and 214 strikeouts.
Wainwright started 2006 with the Cardinals and has been a regular ever since, dropping down to the minors only once in 2008 for injury rehabilitation. Though he is currently in the five-man rotation, Wainwright was used as a reliever in his unforgettable rookie season. In the St. Louis Cardinals run through the postseason, Wainwright delivered the final out for all three series wins, including the final pitch in the World Series: fanning Detroit’s Brandon Inge in Game 5 to clinch St. Louis’ 10th World Championship.
Wainwright’s shining career in St. Louis gives us more than enough reasons to include the former ‘Bird in 2009’s All AutoZone Park bobblehead series. The Adam Wainwright bobblehead will be given away to the first 1,500 fans to arrive at Tuesday night’s home game against the Round Rock Express. Gates for the game open at 6:00 P.M.
Russwood Park Lore
Thursday night, July 23 is AutoZone Park’s final Nostalgia Night of the season, honoring Russwood Park. The first 1,500 fans will receive a Russwood Park miniature replica. Gates will open at 6:00 P.M. for Nostalgia Night #3, sponsored by Campbell Clinic.
Located at 914 Madison Avenue, Russwood Park was a famous landmark to Memphis natives from 1901-1960. The park was built from 1898-99 and had an original capacity of about 2,800. After several additions the park eventually saw 10,000+ crowds. The park changed its name from Red Elm Park to Russwood in 1915 to honor new owner Russell E. Gardner.
In 1901, Memphis became a charter member in the Southern Association, bringing professional baseball back to Memphis after a brief five year hiatus. Russwood Park hosted its first game on May 5, 1901, where the Memphis Leaguers lost to the Little Rock Travelers.
A new and modern Russwood Park brought a league record 254,725 fans through the gates in 1921 to watch their Chicks go on to win the city’s first title since 1904. The Chicks brought five more titles to Memphis and Russwood Park in 1924, 1930, 1952 (above), 1953 and 1955 before the Southern Association disbanded in 1961.
On Easter Sunday, Russwood Park hosted its final game, a major league exhibition between between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Cleveland won the game before a crowd of 7,269 (above).
Later that night, the park was destroyed by fire believed to have started under the left field grandstand. In 2005, the Memphis Flyer’s Tom Walsh wrote a memorial piece on Russwood, where he recalled the wild events from the fire and the aftermath, saying the night became ‘the stuff of legend’. The Chicks practiced on the field the following day, but the park was never rebuilt.
Nostalgia Night #3 will also honor Memphis’ Southern Association team, the Memphis Turtles, by wearing retro ball caps. The Turtles were Memphis’ team from 1903-1914 and won back-to-back league championships in 1903-4. Hall of Fame first baseman Max Carey was a Turtle from 1907-09. The Turtles team named was dropped prior to the 1915 season, when Memphis adopted the Memphis Chickasaws moniker.
Related links: Elvis Performs at Russwood.
What To Know About Bobblehead #6
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Born: May 29, 1946 at Batesville, Indiana
Began coaching in the St. Louis farm system in 1985 (Arkansas), but left in 1987. He later rejoined the organization in 1995.
Back in his playing days, Miller was first signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies, but didn’t see any major league time until he joined with the Baltimore Orioles. He made his major league debut on June 9, 1975 against the Oakland Athletics, entering the game in the 14th inning. Miller was a career reliever, only starting one major league game.
Miller’s last big league appearance was on September 2, 1981. He finished with a career 23-17 major league record, 22 saves and a 3.23 ERA over 11 combined seasons with the Orioles, Angels, Blue Jays and Mets.
The Dyar Miller bobblehead (above), the sixth of the 2009 collection, will be given away to the first 1,500 fans to arrive at Tuesday’s home game against the division-leading Nashville Sounds. Gates for the game open at 6:00 P.M.
Redbirds Secrets: Brett Wallace
Born: August 26,1986 at Sonoma, California
Resides: Sonoma, California
According to Brett
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Ballplayer Growing Up: Ken Griffey Jr.
Clubhouse Nicknames: ‘Wally’ or ‘B-dub’
Favorite Famous Wallace: Sir William Wallace
Band or Artist You’re Listening to Currently: “I’m a big T.I. guy right now.”
Newest Hobby: “Play on my new iPhone.”
Best Thing to do in Sonoma: Spend time with family, brothers and niece
Recent Broken Bone Story: “I’ve only broken one bone in my entire life and I was six…playing baseball in the backyard, I jumped up and broke my foot trying to rob a home run.”
Lightning Round Responses
- Dogs over Cats
- Summer over Winter
- Fruits over Vegetables
- Movies over Books
- Offense over Defense
- Country Music over Water Sports
Memphis’ Best Kept Secret: “That’s tough because I haven’t been here long…I’d say the Redbirds, because we’re losing right now, but we’ll turn it around. We’re going to do better the second half.”
Brett Wallace’s Best Kept Secret: “I’d say that I’m shy, because people think I’m not. People think I’m really outgoing, but I’m really shy.”
Shane Robinson’s Best Kept Secret: “Shane wears Affliction every day. If you see someone wearing Affliction in Memphis, it’s probably Shane.”
Streak-Staches
The English. The Natural. The Professional. The Chevy. The Dali. The Handlebar. The Fu Manchu. The Horseshoe. The Imperial. The Lampshade. The Walrus. The Finger. The Tapered. The Painter’s Brush. The Pencil. The Zappa. The Selleck. The Chaplin. The Brimley. The Gelatin. The Caterpillar. The Rib-eye. Whatever your style, it makes no difference, we’re all one in the same.
Earlier this week, the communications department professed we were growing mustaches, that same day the Redbirds started winning. Now five days of growth in (yes that’s right, the pictures are actually rather thinning), the Redbirds have four wins and are going for five. Last night the ‘Birds got their first sweep of 2009 behind the arm of major leaguer and fellow facial hair experimentalist, Kyle Lohse. For anyone to say that the sweep wasn’t the direct result of our lip-friends is clearly not for us, but against us.
The Redbirds are on the brink of their longest win streak of the season at five, thus we are still rockin’ the muzzies! Though the team just dropped three straight to the Isotopes one week ago, the ‘Birds now have the power of the ‘staches…the tashes…the dots and dashes…the soup strainers…the cookie dusters…the flavor savor…the lip spinach…the mousers…the face caterpillars…the northern plumage…the brillo pads…the bum-fluffs…the misplaced eyebrows…the shadow puppets… … …
We encourage others fans and departments to join in on the support of the Memphis Redbirds by growing your own mustache. Who knows, maybe in a few weeks we can start to incorporate the twist or the braid, but until then…Happy Winning and Happy Growing!
What To Know About Bobblehead #5
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Born: April 2, 1978 in Stanford, California
Drafted by St. Louis in the 11th round of the 2000 draft
It probably doesn’t happen very often that a player from the visiting team gets honored on a bobblehead…but it will Tuesday July 7 when John Gall of the Round Rock Express takes on his former team to face the Memphis Redbirds.
JohnGall played in the Cardinals organization for seven years and with the Redbirds from 2003-2006. He played an even amount as an outfielder and a third baseman for the ‘Birds, but has played the majority of his ’09 games at first base for the Express.
The California-native played 454 games in Memphis and hit .292 (476×1630) with 57 homers, 231 runs and 255 RBI. He made his major league debut on July 26, 2005 and went 2×4 with one double against the Padres. Gall only played 30 games for the Cardinals before being released from the club in the summer of 2006. Since then, Gall has played for the Marlins and is now in the Astros organization.
Gall has always had good numbers against the ‘Birds and entered 2009 hitting .326 (28×86) against his former team. His AutoZone Park numbers are even better, where he has a .365 (19×52) as a visitor. Six of his seven home runs and 14 of his 20 RBI against the Redbirds have been at AutoZone Park. July 7 being his bobblehead night, who knows what kind of numbers Gall will display. So far in the series, Gall is 3-for-7.
Chirp Chatter 