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#Twinterview with @jonjayU


Our second #Twinterview is in the books and was quite a success! Thanks to @jonjayU for helping us out! If anyone missed it, here’s what went down:

@memphisredbirds: Alright everyone, let’s get this #Twinterview started! @jonjayU, are you ready for this?

@jonjayU: let’s do it!

@memphisredbirds: Great! In 140 characters describe your World Series experience. #Twinterview

@jonjayU: it was incredible especially the series we had. I remember watching World Series in the past and dreaming of playing in one.

@memphisredbirds: Do you consider winning the World Series the most exciting thing you have done in life thus far? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: in the sports aspect of my life it is definitely number one

@memphisredbirds: How did you feel once that last out had been made in game 7 of the World Series? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: it was crazy I remember running over to Craig and just yelling because we were so fired up

@memphisredbirds: When did it hit you that you were a major leaguer? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: the day I got called up from Memphis I got to pinch hit for Carp against Hudson when I was standing on deck it hit me

@memphisredbirds: What are you looking forward to in the 2012 season? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I can’t wait to be around my teammates and trying to do the same exact thing we did last year, win!

@memphisredbirds: What made you want to become a baseball player? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: since I can remember I always loved baseball it’s always been the one sport I have always enjoyed the most

@memphisredbirds: Which minor leaguers do you think fans should keep their eye out for in the #StLCards farm system? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I think Ryan Jackson is a sleeper

@memphisredbirds: What’s one thing you learned in the minors that has helped you in the majors? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’ve learned how to deal with different circumstances and still be able to perform: long bus rides, 5am flights, eating bad

@memphisredbirds: Also, what adjustments did you have to make going from the Redbirds to the Cardinals? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: every level in the minors Ieagues I had to make an adjustment from Memphis to St Louis the speed of the game is faster.

@memphisredbirds: And what do you miss most about Memphis? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I miss the good Memphis barbecue And my Huey’s burgers

@memphisredbirds: What were your parting words for Tony La Russa? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: It was a shocker. I thanked him for helping me in my career, he is an incredible manager.

@memphisredbirds: Thoughts on Matheny taking over for TLR? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’m excited, I think he is going to a great job we have a good group of core guys

@memphisredbirds: Ok, so we’re all wondering: what’s the status of your fro right now? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: haha I tweeted a pic last week but here’s another one lockerz.com/s/161158736

@memphisredbirds: It’s all gone! Will it make another appearance next season? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: maybe we’ll see how I’m feeling

@memphisredbirds: Haha, ok. You always seem to be chewing on gum during games… do you have a favorite flavor? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: haha I just stick with the original flavor I like the big league chew grape

@memphisredbirds: Ah, ‘Ground Ball’ Grape, nice choice. Who have people said you look like? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’m not really sure I say I look like a young fresh prince of Bel Aire Will Smith haha

@memphisredbirds: Yea, we’ll give it to you! If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: involved in some Type of Business probably be an entrepreneur

@memphisredbirds: Now, you are known for your large shoe collection. What’s your favorite pair? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: I’m not sure prob my lebron 8’s South Beaches and All the 11 Jordans

@memphisredbirds: We see that you, @DanielDescalso and @dfreese23 all say #ouef on twitter, are you allowed to tell us what that means? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: sorry thats secret society

@memphisredbirds: I guess we’ll have to respect that. What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Cardinals organization? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: The Tradition

@memphisredbirds: Which Cardinals player have you learned the most from? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: it’s funny because I think everyone has helped me at some time that’s the great thing about our team we are all close

@memphisredbirds: Tell us one thing about you that the fans don’t already know. #Twintervie

@jonjayU: that if i didn’t play baseball all year in high school I would have played soccer

@memphisredbirds:  Wow, very interesting. What are your words to live by? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: trust in God

@memphisredbirds: You’ve made it to the majors, played in the WS, what’s your ultimate goal now as a baseball player? #Twinterview

@jonjayU: be fortunate enough to win another ring

@memphisredbirds: Always good. That’s all from us in Memphis, thanks 4 participating in our 2nd #Twinterview. Good luck in StL, we’re rooting for ya!

@jonjayU: thanks you and everyone for your questions

So it looks like #oeuf will remain a mystery to fans, but you can’t blame us for trying to find out!

Because both #Twinterviews went as well as they did, a few more are in the works to be scheduled soon. Leave us a comment here about who you think our next #Twinterview should be with! And of course, follow us! @memphisredbirds

#Twinterview with @DanielDescalso


As the Media Relations Manager, I realized that this blog is in serious need of some attention and what better day to start back up then when something good happened?! So today we held our very first interview via Twitter aka a Twinterview. Let me tell you right now, you can definitely expect more of these to come- everything went really well. Daniel Descalso was the perfect player to help us test this concept out. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay is next on our list, his Twinterview is scheduled for Thursday, December 1st at 2:00 p.m. CST.

If you missed our Twinterview with Daniel Descalso, you’re in luck. I kept tabs on every question and answer exchanged and here’s what we came up with:

@memphisredbirds: Let’s get this twinterview started! In 140 characters describe your World Series experience. #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso : It was a dream come true. I can remember being a little kid hoping to be a big leaguer and to win a WS is amazing.

@memphisredbirds: When did it finally hit you that you were a major leaguer? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: It sunk in when I got my first hit. A double in Pittsburgh.

@memphisredbirds: What are you looking forward to in the 2012 season? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I’m excited to play for Mike Matheny and to get Wainwright back. I smell a repeat.

@memphisredbirds: What made you want to become a baseball player? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: That is all I ever wanted to be. From the moment my dad put a whifflebat in my hands I knew I want to be a baseball player.

@memphisredbirds: What were your parting words for Manager Tony La Russa? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I thanked him for the opportunity he gave me and I wished him luck in the future. I was lucky to play for him.

@memphisredbirds: What are your thoughts on Mike Matheny taking over for La Russa? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Great player. Great leader. Even better guy. Tough to follow TLR but I’m exited about what he brings to the table.

@memphisredbirds: Which players do you think fans should keep their eye out for in the #StLCards farm system? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: There are lots of good players in the system. 1B Matt Adams and SS Ryan Jackson are just a couple.

@memphisredbirds: Which #StLCards player have you learned the most from? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I’ve tried to learn from them all. With the veterans we have it’s hard to point out just one cuz I’ve learned from them all

@memphisredbirds: Alright, we have to ask…what do you miss most about Memphis? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Rendezvous and the Kooky Canuck. Two of my favorite spots. And all the great people of course.

@memphisredbirds: Memphis misses you too! So do you know who tweets for @TortyCraig? Is it Wainwright? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: No comment haha. I will say that it’s not Wainwright or any other member of the team.

@memphisredbirds: Haha, fair enough! Here’s a tough one: @BuschSquirrel or @TortyCraig? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Definitely Torty. He was with us the whole year (we kept him quiet) and the squirrel only showed up in the playoffs

@memphisredbirds: Nice! What’s one thing you learned in the minors that has helped you the most in the majors? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: You gotta ride the wave. There are lots of ups and downs in baseball but you cant get too high or too low.

@memphisredbirds: Who is your favorite athlete and why? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I’m a huge 49ers fan and I always loved watching Steve Young play quarterback. Great competitor.

@memphisredbirds: What activities keep you busy in the off-season? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Right now it’s getting a coffee and walking around in the Marina in San Francisco. I’m simple haha

@memphisredbirds: Sounds like a very relaxing off-season for you! Who have people said you look like? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I did have one fan tell me I looked like a cross between Matt Morris and John Mabry. Haha I dunno.

 @memphisredbirds: Hmm…there’s somewhat of a resemblance…If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Great question…I like to cook so maybe an executive chef or own my own restaurant.

@memphisredbirds: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the St. Louis Cardinals organization? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: The tradition. It’s an honor to wear the same jersey that so many legends have worn over the years.

@memphisredbirds: Good choice, very true. Tell us one thing about you that the fans don’t already know. #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Hmmm…my last name literally means “no shoes” in Italian and Spanish.

@memphisredbirds: Haha, that is pretty awesome. What are your words to live by? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: Only worry about the things that you can control and forget the rest. That’s my motto.

@memphisredbirds: As of right now, who do you think will be the #StLCards biggest competition next year? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: The NL Central will be tough again. The Reds and Brewers are going to be good. We can’t underestimate anybody though.

@memphisredbirds: What are your expectations for the Cardinals next season? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I think the sky is the limit. We have a great team coming back and after winning this year we are all hungry for a repeat.

@memphisredbirds: You made it to the majors and was a part of the 2011 WS team, what’s your ultimate goal now as a player? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: The goal is to play as long as I can and win a lot of World Series’. The first one was great but I want more.

@memphisredbirds: How do you prepare for the next season? What does your off-season workout include? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: I do my strength and conditioning with a trainer in the Bay Area. I also hit and throw with other local baseball players.

@memphisredbirds: One last question to wrap this up! How many ways can a batter reach first base? #Twinterview

@DanielDescalso: 7…Hit, Error, Walk, Hit by pitch, Dropped 3rd strike, Catcher’s interference, and Fielder’s Choice. Nailed it haha.

@memphisredbirds: Nicely done! That’s all from us in Memphis. Thanks for participating in our 1st #Twinterview! Good luck with everything, we’ll be rooting for ya!

@DanielDescalso: Anytime…Go Cardinals and Go Redbirds!! #Twinterview

New Rib Race Promotion


The Redbirds introduced a new in-game promotion on Friday, July 1,  the  Rendezvous Rib Race.

The promotion will continue it’s Independence Day weekend debut tonight and Sunday at AutoZone Park as the four characters race for the win.

Come out and cheer on your favorite Rendezvous character.  Characters include  the pulled pork sandwich, a bottle of BBQ sauce, a rib and a container of Rendezvous’ famous dry rub seasoning .

The rib brought home the victory last night, let’s see if he can defend his title in tonight’s Rendezvous Rib Race!

Photos By: Allison Rhoades

Memorial Day Matinee/Homestand Highlights


The Redbirds look to take 3-of-4 from the Omaha Storm Chasers in the final game of the four games series on Memorial Day at 1:0.

Memphis took Sunday night’s game 9-4 in front of a season-high crowd of 12,270.

The ‘Birds will be hosting the Albuquerque Isotopes (Los Angeles Dodgers) from Tuesday-Friday. Come out and take advantage of the ticket specials and promotions this week.

GO REDBIRDS!

Monday, May 30, 2011 – Redbirds vs. Omaha Storm Chasers (1:05 p.m.)

  • Memorial Day Picnic: For only $32.00, fans can get a club level ticket and two hour all-you-can-eat buffet of classic ballpark fare.
  • Tickets for Peanuts: Every Monday fans can bring a receipt to the box office from Kroger for Jimbo Jumbo’s peanuts and receive half off game day ticket prices.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011 – Redbirds vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (Los Angeles Dodgers) (7:05 p.m.)

  • KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets: Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Redbirds game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply.
  • Kids Run a Single on KRAFT Tuesday: Kids will be allowed to run a single after the game.

 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 – Redbirds vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (7:05 p.m.)

  • FedEx Racing Night: Denny Hamlin’s #11 FedEx Racing Toyota Camry will be used to deliver the game ball. The car will be parked in the plaza during the game, giving fans a chance to take pictures with it.
  • Wet Your Whistle Wednesday: For only $10.00, fans will receive an outfield box ticket, 16oz Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and a PBR koozie.

 

Thursday, June 2, 2011 – Redbirds vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (7:05 p.m.)

  • Game sponsor: The game will be presented by Community Coffee
  • ‘AYCE’ Seats: Any Thursday throughout the season, there will be an all-you-can-eat buffet and outfield box ticket available now for only $18.00 brought to you by T-Mobile. The buffet begins once gates open and lasts for two hours.
  • Subway Eat Fresh Thursday: Fans can receive half off game day ticket prices with a receipt from Subway, limit four. There will be a $25 Subway gift certificate given away during the game and if the Redbirds win, Subway coupons will be distributed upon exit.

 

Friday, June 3, 2011 – Redbirds vs. Albuquerque Isotopes (7:05 p.m.)

  • Scottish Heritage Night: From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Scottish bagpipe and drum bands will be performing in the front plaza as well as a group singing Scottish songs. A dance teacher will also be teaching a Scottish dance to any fans that would like to join in. For more information and group ticket discounts call Jason at 901.722.0251.
  • FRITOS Friday: This summer, at the first Friday home games in June, July and August, FRITOS® brand is giving special baseball experiences to select lucky families.  Attend a FRITOS® Family Friday game where randomly selected families will participate in ballpark activities such as: perform PA announcer duties, be a co-radio broadcaster, or even get to toss out a ceremonial first pitch.
  • Backstop Baseball Emporium Discount: Fans that present a FRITOS chip bag at the box office will receive a 10% discount at the Redbirds team store, the Backstop Baseball Emporium.
  • Beale Street Flippers: The Beale Street Flippers will be performing on-field following the game.
  • Fireworks Night: Fans are encouraged to stay for post-game fireworks presented by Coors Light

Upcoming Redbird Homestand


The ‘Birds are coming back from and eight game road trip and will play host to Iowa  Saturday at 6:05. The beginning of an eight game home stand with four game against Iowa and four against Round Rock. The second Fireworks show of the year is set to go off immediately following the game on Saturday.

Photo by Allison Rhoades

Be sure to come out on Sunday as there will be an Easter Egg hunt at 1:00 for all Kids and the Easter Bunny will be on hand to take photos. And like every Sunday all Kids are invited to Run the Bases after the game!

Also, the first 500 Kids will receive FREE Silly Bandz!

Photo by Allison Rhoades

Join us this weekend for some Redbirds Baseball while taking advantage of all the fun filled events and activities at AutoZone Park.

The ‘Birds are Back in Town


Today marked the second year of another successful ‘Bird Watching event as fans gathered at AutoZone Park to watch the Redbirds practice in preparation for Opening Day April 7 at 7:05 against the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

Fans were able to get autographs from players while enjoying complimentary nachos, hot dogs, and soda as they watched the team take batting practice and infield.

“Thank you to all the fans who came out today for our 2nd annual ‘Bird Watching event.  We hope this event got everyone as excited as we are to open the 2011 season on Thursday.” said Ben Weiss, General Manager of the Memphis Redbirds.

Ticketing Intern: Cody Dunn


The Interns were invited by John Pontius, Memphis Redbirds club director, to the “Party Suite” at the FedEx Forum.

From L to R: Cody Dunn, Jon Brooks, Myself (Dan White), Corey Green

Name: Cody Dunn

Hometown: Memphis

College and major/degree(s): Christian Brothers University: Business with a concentration in Sport Management

Likes: Any sport; favorite is baseball, going to the lake, the ocean, coaching baseball

Dislikes: Chinese food

What’s playing in your iPod?: Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z

What’s on TV: Baseball Tonight!!

Hobbies: coaching, running

Favorite Baseball Team: Chicago Cubs

Favorite Baseball Player of all-time: Ryan Sandberg

Favorite Sports Movie of all-time: Field of Dreams

Favorite Sports Quote: “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.”- Muhammad Ali

Best sports moment as a fan or a player: hitting a triple in my last collegiate at bat

Thing you like most about sports: the athletic competition

Why do you want to work in sports?: Growing up I was always around sports. Everyday I was watching or playing some kind of sport; always trying to  learn and get better. A day without sports is a day I want no part of.

What does your specific internship entail?: Ticket Operations, the behind the scene details on suite, season, and single game tickets as well as the managing of the day to day box office operations.

Dream job: To be a GM for a major league baseball team.

Update from Jupiter!


Hello all, as Dan mentioned- radio broadcaster, Steve Selby and I (Jordan Johnson, Media Relations Manager) have traveled down to Jupiter, FL for the weekend to check out the possible 2011 Memphis Redbirds and get things organized before the season starts.

Being my first time attending spring training, I was pleasantly surprised when we got here and were immediately engulfed in baseball…boy, have I missed it. We arrived around 1:00 pm on Wednesday just in time to catch the last few at-bats of the Redbirds’ game before going over to the main field at Roger Dean Stadium to watch the St. Louis Cardinals go up against the New York Mets. My first day at spring training and I already got to see a full big league game, not bad, eh?

Well, after the Mets won 3-2 that night, we got acclimated to our hotel rooms, found a place to grab some dinner before heading to bed and waking up to do (almost) the same thing we had done the day before.

Bright and early Thursday morning we headed to the back fields and were greeted by our field staff for the 2011 season, manager Chris ‘Hammer’ Maloney, pitching coach Blaise Ilsley, hitting coach Mark Budaska and athletic trainer Christophe Conroy, as well as a new addition to our team, strength and conditioning coach Sean Johnson. They got down to business pretty quickly after a full minor league camp meeting, dispersing the players into different groups to begin their stretches and drills for the day.

Steve and I jumped in the car around 11:00 am, making our way to Port St. Lucie, the spring training home of the New York Mets to watch the Memphis Redbirds take on the triple-A affiliate to the Mets, the Buffalo Bisons. Although the game ended in a tie, the Redbirds looked sharp and if this was a preview of our 2011 season- let me tell you, we are in store for an exciting one!

Friday morning, we had the pleasure of listening to Tony La Russa address the entire minor league camp. He spoke for roughly an hour, inspiring and encouraging the players to always do their best. I was lucky enough to be in attendance for this momentous occasion and am grateful for it.

Later that afternoon we were finally joined by colleague Mark Anderson, Director of Operations. We threw him right into the baseball groove as we visited the Marlins’ side of Roger Dean stadium and watched the Memphis Redbirds take on the New Orleans Zephyrs. The Redbirds kept the lead up until the ninth inning when Jason Buursma gave up two runs and suffered the loss.

On another note, I was able to watch our number one prospect in the Cardinals organization, Shelby Miller, pitch while there. Miller is a player that is full of talent and clearly knows how to utilize it. He will be a great asset to this farm system and I’m excited to see him in Memphis- hopefully soon!

Funny thing is- today I was convinced it was actually Friday again for some reason…I even called the office to check in and was seriously confused when no one answered. Whoops! Once I realized it was Saturday, morning drills, stretching, BP and hitting had already taken place and intersquad play had began. The Memphis Redbirds faced the Springfield Cardinals as the Palm Beach Cardinals played against the Batavia Muckdogs. I made my way between both fields to observe each part of the developing farm system the Cardinals possess.

Unbelievable is the only word that comes to my mind, seriously. I watched Maikel Cleto, a pitcher we obtained through the Brendan Ryan trade this winter, throw 96-98 mph while topping out at 100 mph…I also caught a glimpse of Zack Cox, third baseman in the Cardinals organization, only to make it back in time to watch Mark Hamilton complete a triple play during the Memphis/Springfield game. Like I said- unbelievable.

Maikel Cleto >>                                                                                                           Zack Cox>>

                                

We were able to see the Cardinals play the Marlins this afternoon- Albert Pujols is ready for the season. He said this when he went 2-for-3 with back-to-back home runs and three RBI in the game. There’s nothing like watching a legend in action.

                                    

There’s also something about getting to see guys play in the big leagues that you’ve watched climb through the farm system, working with them when they stop in Memphis and cheering for them when it’s their turn to suit up for a St. Louis Cardinals jersey with their last name sewn to the back of it.

                  

Only two more glorious days of spring training are left for Steve, Mark and I (sad face)…I’ll continue to soak in every second of it until I board the plane to head back to Memphis.

Check out ALL the pictures I took while being in Jupiter on our facebook page, and don’t forget to ‘like’ us while you’re scoping them out! (http://www.facebook.com/MemphisRedbirds)