Results tagged ‘ redbirds ’
Player Spotlight: Relief Pitcher, Josh Kinney
Josh Kinney has had a great season as a Memphis Redbird this year. With 10 saves, three wins and four losses on the season, Kinney has been one of our most relied upon relievers appearing in 48 games.
He was the first Cardinals farmhand from the Springfield (MO) Double-A affiliate to reach the Major Leagues. While with St. Louis in 2006, Kinney played in 21 games giving up nine runs on 17 hits with eight walks and 22 strikeouts. His ERA was 3.24 in 25.0 innings pitched. He also made two appearances in the playoffs that year.
After his spectacular season with the Cards, Kinney missed all of 2007 to undergo “Tommy John” surgery on his right elbow then fractured his arm during rehabilitation.
Making a comeback in 2008, he rehabbed with Double-A Springfield in late September and made his way back to the St. Louis roster where he closed out the season. He began 2009 with the Cardinals before being optioned down to the Memphis Redbirds where he spent most of the year. Kinney still appeared in 17 games as a Cardinal, being recalled twice.
Full Name: Joshua Thomas Kinney
Nicknames: My buddies back home call me ‘the Movie Star’
Hometown: Port Allegany, PA
Favorite baseball player of all time: I don’t really have one…I always liked Bob Gibson, I thought what he did was awesome so if I was going to pick one it would probably be him.
What is your best moment on the diamond? Winning the World Series in 2006
What team did you watch growing up? The St. Louis Cardinals
If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? I’d probably be doing something involved in the outdoors. I spend a lot of time hunting and fishing and I like to get into outdoors television of some sort.
Most embarrassing moment while playing baseball: Knock on wood, I haven’t really had any yet but…to be continued.
Favorite play in a baseball game: In 2006, it was game two of the National League Championship Series against the Mets in the eighth inning, tie game. I think I had bases loaded with one out facing (Carlos) Beltran who’s a Cardinal Killer. I got him to hit into a double play to end the inning, we went onto win and I got the win.
Best prank pulled that you’ve seen or been a part of while in pro ball? I always like the ‘jump out of a locker at somebody.’ You hide in someone’s locker and scare them- we just did it the other day here for the first time to Lance Lynn. The funny part about it is he’s the only person I’ve ever seen not really jump.
What is your favorite off-day activity? My wife and I own a farm back in Springfield, MO and on off-days I usually go home and work on the farm. Just spend time with my wife outside.
What is the most difficult part about playing professional baseball? Being away. No matter where you’re at, in the minor leagues or major leagues, you’re still away from your family.
Where do you see yourself in 25 years? Hopefully I’ve got a whole house full of kids, doing something else I love to do, and my family is healthy and I just hope I have a really big family.
If you were on a reality TV show, which one would it be and why? Oh, that’s a no-brainer. I’d go on the Drury Outdoors: Dream Season.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A baseball player and maybe a professional hunter.
Favorite food: Steak. Deer steak. Deer, Elk or even Moose. Bear is pretty good too.
Favorite movie: Jeremiah Johnson
Song that gets you pumped up: “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Newest Hobby: I’m always outside- I don’t feel right sitting inside watching television but during baseball season there’s only so much you can do! So, I started watching TV shows. My roommate (Matt Scherer) keeps me updated on all the drama and we stay up and have ice cream and watching television.
I’m afraid of…Snakes…and spiders aren’t really a friend of mine either.
Tell us one thing about you the fans don’t already know: I can whistle like any bird and I’m as normal as you can get.
Who is your greatest influence? My dad
Do you have any autographs? Not really, I’ve gotten a few but I give them away to family and friends. I like to give that kind of gift away.
What do you like best about the city of Memphis? The food. They have really good food here.
Any broken bone stories? Yea, I broke my elbow pitching. It was after I had Tommy John surgery and I was rehabbing from that. I made a throw and I cracked my funny bone- it sounded like a carrot snapping in half. Now I have an inch screw holding my bone on, they screwed it back onto my arm and…I’m actually lucky to even be playing again.
Describe yourself in five words or less: Boring and simple.
Three things you can’t live without: Air, food and water.
Lightning Round Responses
Dogs or Cats
Summer or Winter
Fruits or Vegetables (He chose steak)
Movies or Books
Offense or Defense
Ketchup or Mustard
Sunflower Seeds or Bubble Gum (Neither)
Have the ability to fly or read people’s minds
Know it all or have it all
Be able to stop time while you slept or never have to do laundry
Hit a grand slam or turn a triple play to win a game
That’s all for Josh Kinney!
Jordan. Out. 
Player Spotlight: Left Fielder/First Baseman, Allen Craig
After Allen Craig’s outstanding outing as a St. Louis Cardinal yesterday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, I thought it was the perfect time to post his Q & A. But before we get into that, let’s recapitulate last night’s game and Craig’s amazing performance! The Cardinals were down 4-0 in the bottom of the eighth with both Albert Pujols and Colby Rasmus sitting out for the day. Craig hit a two-run double to left field plating Brendan Ryan as well as fellow Memphis Redbird Jon Jay. Shortly after, Randy Winn singled to right field to drive in Craig putting St. Louis down by only one run.
Fast forward to the bottom of the ninth. Allen Craig is up again with Yadier Molina on second, Jon Jay on first and two outs. Craig singles to center field, Molina scores to tie up the game! Matt Holliday up next hits a single to right for the winning run. Cardinals win 5-4!! And all on the former Cal Bear’s birthday!
Not only did Craig receive his first Major League double, but he also had his first multi-hit game with the Cards while collecting three RBI. Allen Craig did an exceptional job and St. Louis posted videos to prove it. Check them out!
Allen Craig’s first Major League double
Allen Craig’s single ties up the game
Q & A with Allen Craig
What is your best moment on the diamond? Getting my first major league hit (this year) in Milwaukee
|
DATE |
OPP |
POS |
AVG |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
|
4/11 |
MIL |
RF |
.167 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Who is your greatest influence? My family in general, mom and dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles
What is your favorite food? Pizza
What is your favorite sports movie? Major League
Favorite Baseball Player: Ken Griffey Jr.
Where do you see yourself in 25 years? Having a family, kids sitting in the front row at the Lakers games with season tickets
What is your favorite TV show? “24″ 
What is your favorite off-day activity? Getting rest
Song that pumps you up: “Imma Do It” by Fabolous
Tell us one thing about you the fans don’t already know. I have a pet tortoise back home.
Do you have any autographs? A bunch! Cal Ripken, A-Rod, Griffey, etc.
What is the most difficult part about playing professional baseball? The grind of the game, playing and staying focused every day and working hard.
What is your favorite part about the city of Memphis? Huey’s
What was your favorite baseball team growing up? The Angels
What was your favorite athlete of all time? Kobe Bryant
Three things you cannot live without: Food, water and family.
Describe yourself in six words or less: Work hard at what I do.
What is your favorite part about being a Redbird? It’s unpredictable.
*All photos by Allison Rhoades
That’s it for Allen Craig, we send our congratulations from Memphis and wish him the best of luck!
Jordan. Out.
Player Spotlight: Outfielder, Jon Jay
Although Jon Jay is currently playing for the Cardinals, and very well I might add, before he left I
had the opportunity to pick his brain and get some insight on who he is as a person, not just as a baseball player.
But before we get to the question and answer part, I’d like to take some time to show you how well Mr. Jay has been doing while with the Cardinals, just in case you haven’t been paying attention as close as you should be.
His last seven games:
|
DATE |
OPP |
AVG |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
|
7/3 |
MIL |
.318 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
7/4 |
MIL |
.319 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
7/6 |
COL |
.327 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
7/7 |
COL |
.352 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
7/8 |
COL |
.368 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
7/9 |
HOU |
.377 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
7/10 |
HOU |
.385 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
His totals after all 33 games:
|
G |
AVG |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
SB |
CS |
|
|
33 |
.385 |
65 |
11 |
25 |
6 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
2 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
And his first Major League hit on 4/30/10 against Cincinnati:
And his first Major League start as right fielder 5/16 against the Reds
Keep it up Jay!
And now for why I wrote this blog in the first place…the interview!
Full Name: Jonathan Henry Jay
Nicknames: Jay and The Bomb
Favorite baseball player of all time: Ken Griffey Jr.
Team you watched growing up: Atlanta Braves
If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? I’d be a businessman.
Where do you see yourself in 25 years? Hopefully I can have a good baseball career and do community work around where I’m living.
Newest Hobby: Dominating World Cup FIFA 
Best prank pulled that you’ve seen or been a part of while in pro ball? In ’06 when we (Quad Cities) won the championship, a guy put on Clyde the Drexler mascot head and ran around the locker room.
Favorite movie: Bad Boys II 
Greatest memory since playing baseball: All the years of hard work, to make my major league debut this year and the relationships I’ve created.
Who is your greatest influence? My mom
Song that gets you pumped up: Anything Jay-Z song
Most embarrassing moment while playing baseball: Dropped a fly ball to lose a game in college against the Florida Gators.
Describe yourself in five words or less: Fun, easy-going and simple
If you were a drink, what kind of drink would you be? Pina Colada because it’s ‘daytime fun’.
Favorite play in a baseball game: Robbing hits from guys in the outfield
Any broken bone stories? No, thank God. Knock on wood.
If you were a kid would you rather be the one in Rookie of the Year, Angels in the Outfield or Little Big League? Rookie of the Year, definitely.
Three things you can’t live without: My phone, any type of ball (basketball, baseball, soccer ball) and my family.
Lightning Round Responses
Dogs or Cats
Summer or Winter
Fruits or Vegetables
Movies or Books
Offense or Defense
Ketchup or Mustard
Have the ability to fly or read people’s minds
Be able to stop time while you slept or never have to do laundry
And that’s a wrap on Jon Jay. We wish him the best in St. Louis!
Woof.
Yesterday the Memphis Redbirds opened their gates at 1:00 p.m. like usual for a Sunday afternoon home game, except this time the fans’ four-legged friends were able to come too! Shade, water and waste removal were provided for the pups and they seemed to have fun while they were here for Bark in the Ballpark.
You had your big dogs, little dogs, hot dogs, crazy dogs (mostly our full-timer Dan’s dog Maizey), some with weird names, others sporting creative outfits and some that I personally wanted to take home with me.
Dollar hot dogs were offered by King Cotton and even more fun was included thanks to Purina, BrownDog Lodge, Invisible Fence and Little Stinkers Pet Waste Removal.
Nationally renowned act Jake the Diamond Dog was also in attendance to take over bat boy duties every few innings. He even made it a point to go #1 on the field after taking water to the first and third base umpires. The crowd roared with laughter after figuring out exactly why Jake had stopped in the middle of right field, although I’m sure grounds crew wasn’t very thrilled about it.
The Memphis Animal Shelter joined in the festivities bringing eight dogs that were up for adoption.
I am delighted to say that all the dogs were welcome into new homes, including one Caesar Jameson Rooney, adopted by intern roommates Kevin Rooney and Shane Berliner. They already have some cute family photos, don’t you think?
I’m not sure these boys know what they’re getting themselves into…but Caesar already seems to know that he is the boss and Kevin and Shane are his pets. 
Throw in a hot dog eating contest, a new addition to our intern class and puppy pools to keep those doggies cool, and I think we had a
pretty successful Bark in the Ballpark! Thanks to all who made their way to AutoZone Park!
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.
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.”
Sunny Tacoma
It’s our last day in Tacoma with the ‘Birds going for a series split with the Rainiers and the weather could not have been better all weekend. The weather has been sunny and in the 70s all four days we’ve been here. All the stories you hear about it raining here all the time have not been true during this visit.
The Cardinals activated Rick Ankiel from the DL today which meant somebody had to come back to Memphis. That somebody was Tyler Greene, who was hitting .257 in 11 games with the Cardinals in his first big league time.In 19 games with the Redbirds Greene was hitting .296 with two homers and nine RBI.
Memphis will travel to Portland after today’s game and open a four-game series with the Beavers tomorrow afternoon at PGE Park. The ‘Birds and Beavers split their four-game set in Memphis last season. The series could be a low scoring one with both teams being the top two pitching teams in the PCL and the worst two hitting teams in the league. The Redbirds pitchers have a 3.54 ERA compared to the Beavers 3.67 team ERA. Memphis is hitting .241 and Portland is hitting .240 on the year. If you like pitcher’s duels this might be the series for you.
After finishing up in Portland the ‘Birds are back home on Friday, May 29 to play six games in four days against Iowa. Memphis and Iowa will play two seven-inning games on Saturday, May 30 with the first game beginning at 4:05 p.m. and fireworks following the second game. On Sunday, May 31 the two teams will pick up the suspended game from May 3 with the I-Cubs already leading 2-0 in the fourth. A seven-inning game will follow the suspended game. No rest for the weary because after the game on June 1 the ‘Birds head back out on the road to Oklahoma City. Memphis is definitely in a tough strech of games over the next couple of weeks with games, opponents and travel.
We took an in-office poll, and last weekend was voted as pretty great.
Last weekend’s exhibition games against the St. Louis Cardinals was significant in that it issued in the Redbirds first taste of baseball in AutoZone Park of 2009, but it was special for other reasons as well. Primarily, it introduced two vulnerable, naive youths named Ben and Alex to the tumultuous, tenacious world of professional baseball.
We did manage to have some fairly great experiences. In a weekend certainly filled with more highs than lows, the two of us are pleased to announce some of our personal highlights and not-so-highlights of the weekend.
Ben
The Best:
1. Getting quotes in the Cardinals clubhouse – My first brush with a major league clubhouse was an absolutely surreal mix of stonewashed denim, tattoos and Rambo. Everyone was extremely personable and answered questions, which was great for a guy who was unbelievably nervous about the whole thing. Awesome.
2. Albert Pujols’ monster performance over the weekend – On Friday night alone, he posted a 3-for-5 outing with a homer and six RBI. He definitely put on the performance everyone wanted to see over the weekend. Super awesome.
3. Jose Oquendo – The Cardinals third-base coach and all-around legend decided to get in an at-bat in Saturday’s exhibition game, earning the walk and eventually making it all the way to third base. Baseball dreams do come true. Undeniably awesome.
Not the best:
Tripping in the Redbirds radio booth – It’s hard to make friends with broadcasters when you misjudge steps and form-tackle trash cans live on-air. I can only assume the sound of clanging aluminum raises more questions than answers from the listeners’ perspective. Embarrassingly awesome.
Alex
The Best:
1. The Cardinals Clubhouse – Finally getting experience interviewing professional athletes. Who better to break me in than Tony La Russa? I was fortunate enough to be in there with a few other interviewers, who knew what they were doing. Pretty cool.
2. Getting stared down by Albert Pujols – I enjoy taking photos and I was granted access to the field during warm-ups. I was really close to Albert Pujols and started taking some photos. A few pictures in he turned his head and stared me down. It was evident he wasn’t going to back down so I turned and took pictures of the player he was throwing to. Really just being able to take photos on the field was a privilege.
3. Action in Press Box – I was finally able to see how it all works. From the FOX Sports truck to the delicious buffet, there were a lot of people running around and getting everything in order, including myself. There was a buzz in the air. I think everyone was ready for professional baseball in the AZP.
The Worst:
Yellow – I never thought I’d be saying this about my favorite color, but wearing a pale yellow game day polo in a Cardinal-red dominated clubhouse certainly didn’t help me blend in. And for a rookie interviewer unsure who to interview, I have trouble believing that I didn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Still, the experience will not forget.
This weekend was unquestionably phenomenal, but it’s only the tip of a giant, diamond-shaped iceberg. The Redbirds officially kick off their season Thursday, April 9, when they take on the Oklahoma City RedHawks, so expect the good times to keep rolling all summer long. All-in-all, we’re pretty pumped about some catching some Redbirds baseball this year.
