great ending to Breaking Bad!!

Dave Maroul....

Anyone remember Dave? Like AR, he never really got off the bench in '09. He batted just .218 (12 for 55) in limited playing time with one homer and 6 RBIs. He was sent down to SJ and ended up in Fresno at the end of the year.

• June 1, 1994: Official announcement that Albany-Colonie Yankees will move to Norwich.

• April 17, 1995: Traffic backs up to Interstate 395 as 6,628 fans and VIPs make their way to Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium for Opening Day.

• Aug. 21, 1996: New York Yankees pitcher David Cone makes rehab start before 7,056.

• Aug. 26, 1996: Cone's second appearance before 6,495 fans.

• May 23, 1997: Yankees pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden makes rehab start before 6,575 fans.

• June 20, 1997: Yankees' Japanese pitcher Hideki Irabu makes first U.S. appearance in start for Navigators before then-record 7,328 fans.

• Aug. 25, 2000: Second-highest crowd of 7,429 comes for post-game fireworks.

• Aug. 24, 2001: Record crowd of 7,532 comes for post-game fireworks.

• June 7, 2002: Yankees pitcher Andy Pettite makes rehab start before 6,950.

• July 10, 2002: Dodd Stadium hosts Class AA All-Star game with crowd of 8,009, which doesn't count in official team attendance.

• Aug. 1, 2002: Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens makes rehab start before 7,127 fans.

• Sept. 14, 2002: Norwich Navigators win Eastern League championship.

• Sept. 17, 2002: New York Yankees announce long-rumored move of AA franchise from Norwich to Trenton.

• Sept. 20, 2002: Navigators become San Francisco Giants' affiliate.

• March 21, 2005: Major League Baseball approves sale of Norwich Navigators to group headed by boxing promoter Lou DiBella for $10 million.

• April 1, 2005: New ownership takes over team.

• Oct. 17, 2005: New team name and logo for Connecticut Defenders unveiled at Hard Rock Café at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

• Dec. 30, 2005: City and team officials sign new lease through 2012 season, but with early buyout option starting at end of 2009 season with $140,000 early departure penalty.

• Feb. 13, 2009: Announcement that a Richmond business group planned to buy the Defenders and move the team to that city for the 2010 season.

• May 28, 2009: Deal by Richmond Baseball Club LC to buy Defenders falls apart, but efforts to move the team continue.

• July 25, 2009: Largest crowd of the 2009 season, 7,163, for Military Appreciation Day. Defenders win 1-0 in 13 innings.

• Sept. 7. 2009: Defenders close out the 2009 season in first place with total season attendance at 203,005, average of 3,075 per game.

• Sept. 13, 2009: Defenders win Eastern League Northern Division title, defeating New Britain 3 games to 1.

• Sept. 16, 2009: Final Defenders game at Dodd Stadium, with 4,008 fans watching a playoff loss to Akron.

• Sept. 19, 2009: Akron Aeros win Eastern League championship, defeating the Defenders 3 games to 1.

• Sept. 23, 2009: Official announcement that Defenders will move to Richmond, Va., in 2010.


"Regional"
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bruce

The 3 B's (Brian's) key the victory 4-3 over the Senators

Three Brians are better than one...as the

three Brian's --Buscher, Horwitz and Munhall all keyed the Defenders victory tonight over the Senators 4-3. Horwitz drove in the winning run with a one out base hit in the bottom of the ninth after Harrisburg had tied it in the top of the ninth with a run off Billy Sadler. It was Horwitz's second hit of the game and second RBI and it scored D-Mac who had tripled past a diving Tim Raines, Jr. leading off the ninth. Horwitz had put Connecticut ahead for the first time in the seventh with a RBI single plating Munhall. Brian Buscher went 2 for 4 with a RBI and Brain Munhall 1 for three with two stolen bases and two runs scored.; one on a passed ball.
James Garcia made his 2006 home debut going a solid five innings giving up two earned runs on 4 hits. Oscar Montero and Joe Bateman pitched an inning each and Billy Sadler gets the win after blowing the save in the top of the 9th. The victory snaps a 7 game slide.
Misc Fan notes: Another bobblehead giveaway tonight, this one the "Cutter" mascot. Small crowd only around 1500 which has to be disappointing to the front office.
I messed up and forgot the time change of the games now from 6:35 to 7:05 and got to the park way to early. Gave me time to get some autos and couple from the heros Buscher and Horwitz.

Welcome OF Alex Requena and welcome back

C Eliezer Alfonzo and INF A.J. Labarbera from Tripe A Fresno. Goodbye Clay Timpner, Justin Knoelder and Derin McMains to Fresno

Gators romp over Thunder 10-1 (6-29-02)..

Chris Snusz is the featured player today. I remember this picture for a couple of reasons. First, a fan asked Chris to do a quick sketch of herself, and that's something you don't see every day. The fan knew Chris had an artistic side and the finished product came out pretty well. The second reason I remember this is Chris was released the very next day. He is now in the Pittsburg Pirate system and has bounced between Tripe A Nashville and the Eastern League's Altoona which means we've still seen him the last few seasons at Dodd. As you can tell by Chris's uniform this was another turn back the clock promotional day between Norwich (Yankees) and Trenton (Red Sox). The style of cap Chris is wearing was just scored by yours truly on eBay; a game worn 1998 Donzell MacDonald (who briefly appeared with the Yanks).

Two in a row over Portland 9-4 (6-26-02)

Pitcher Jason Arnold and C David Parrish head into the fray.

Navs beat SeaDogs 3-2 on 6/25/02

First line-up appearances for Aaron Rifkin and John Ford-Griffin. Ford-Griffin was shortly traded after this on 7/5/02 to the A's in a three way team deal that brought Jeff Weaver to the Yankees. John was then traded to the Blue Jays and continued to play against the Navigators in the Eastern League for the New Haven Ravens and then when the Ravens moved to New Hampshire the FisherCats. He was called up by the Blue Jays to big leagues and made his debut 9/5/05. That's Jeff Nettles #30, son of Yankee great Craig Nettles on the dugout steps.

Navs fall to Harrisburg 4-3 on 6/15/02

Current Yankee, then Navigator Andy Philipps signs.

SeaWolves 4 Navs 1 on 6/5/02

That's Navs catcher David Parrish, son of longtime Detriot Tiger catcher Lance Parrish.

Cap History 101, part 6 of an occasional series

I actually bought this one on eBay for some reason for about ten bucks. Used as a batting practice cap by the players. I did see these sold in the gift shop at one point for more. I've never seen this worn by anyone.

Memorial Day victory for the Navs 6-2 over....

Akron on 5-27-02. Andy Phillips went deep. That's him throwing the ball to #55 Micheal Cervenak with an Aero runner caught in a rundown. Andy had a great season going in 2002 and was named as a Double A All-Star for the game hosted in Norwich that year. He was called up to Triple A right before the game but Norwich fan and front office pressure convinced the Yankees to let him return for the Double A All-Star game. Andy has played for the Yankees in parts of a couple of seasons.

Akron 7 Norwich 2 in front of another big...

Friday night fireworks crowd. That's ss Clay Hooper at bat.

Two managers are better than one....

as the Navs beat the BaySox 5-4. Navigator manager Stump Merrill is promoted to take over slumping triple A Columbus and recently retired Yankee Luis Sojo took over the Norwich team the rest of the way. This was Luis first managing position and Stump stuck around a couple of games showing Luis the ropes.

Navs win again 4-1 over the Curve...

on May 10, 2002. Good sized crowd as this was the first Friday night fireworks date. The series of photos show Mike Cervenak at bat and coming around after hiiting a home run. Manager Stump Merrill talked to him as soon as he got to the dugout. I remember this quite well. It seem Stump had something very heart felt to say to Mike. Mike would end up playing four seasons in Norwich; two with the Yanks 2001-2002 and in a twist of fate two more when the affiliation changed hands with the Giants in 2003-2004 and the Giants had signed him as a free agent. He remains the most popular Navigator in team history.

Navs edge Mets 6-3 on May 7, 2002 as the...

lineup features a couple of Navigators not usually seen--Clay Hooper at SS and Nick Leach at 1B. Nice looking day. The 2002 season had a great promo on Mondays--$1 for a reserve seat along with $1 food and drink selections.

RockCats beat the Navigators in a slugfest...

13-8 on April 17, 2002.
I always took a picture of the Navigator lineup. I really don't remember Josh Loggins. Mitch Jones is an outfielder playing third this day. Sam Marsonek did make it to the Yankees. The "Ford" you see on the RockCats line up is Lew Ford now playing with the Minn. Twins.

Navs Beat the Thunder again (4-14-02)

Norwich wins 8-3. As you can see by the visiting ballplayer's uniforn Trenton was a Red Sox farm team in the 2002 season. After this season ended the farm team affiliation went to Portland, ME. And the Navigators Yankee affiliation would end up in Trenton after the end of this season. The Trenton pitcher listed Seung Song would become a Navigator in the 2005 season and would be later promoted to Triple A Frenso

Turn back the clock Day (4-13-02) as the...

Navigators beat he Trenton (Red Sox) Thunder 10-1. Both teams worn vintage uniforms of their parent teams. An early April promo. Navigator Alex Graman made it to the bigs with the Yanks.

Opening Day April 12, 2002

Navigator line up for the first home game of 2002. Kevin Reese, Andy Phillips, Mitch Jones, John Rodriquez, David Parrish and Brett Jodie all made it to the Show in time.

Navs beat Thunder 4-2.

Navigators uniform from the Yankee days

in response to the e-mail I got on the Defenders blog.

Cap History 101, part 5 of an occasional series

Another freebie. This one from the 2002 season for signing up for a mini season plan. I have two of them which are rarely worn. The team had a promo with Burger King that year and gave away the same cap which also included a BK logo on it.

New logo!

The new logo from the Hard Rock Cafe coming out party today. I really do like this logo. New blog site link is at the left!

the cat is out of the bag as the new name is...

the Connecticut Defenders. Two on-line sites are posting the new name. One has the pic of the logo...pretty good. I'll have pics Monday PM posted.

Name change date is Oct. 17

at the Hard Rock cafe @ Foxwoods. I think I'm off that day.

Congrats! Doug Clark was called up..

Sept. 15 and has made his MLBB debut. Doug was with the gators in 03 & 04 and spent this year in Frenso.

Cap History 101, part 4 of an occasional series

one of my favs. This was a frebbie for buying a voucher six pack for the 2004 season. It celebates the 10 year anniversary of the Navs. Worn often; sharp looking cap.

Congrats Angel Chavez...first 2 MLBB hits

last night against the Dodgers! Angel was the starting SS for much of the 2004 season. Dan O. drew a walk in his second ever AB but Jermey takes the loss in extra innings.

2006 season is a day closer already....

as the 2005 edition closed out yesterday. I always try to get to the last home game; the same for Opening Day. It's bittersweet walking out of there after taking a hard last look around. Weather awaits: Indian summer of Sept. & Oct., the dark cold and snow of Nov., Dec. and Jan., the short month of Feb. and finally hints of spring in March with the countdown to a new season days away instead of months away. Holidays and other calendar events are ahead. The future has it's share of unknowns. What will be happening in the world and in your own life seven months from now?
The Navs winning yesterday and getting to the .500 mark for the first time whetted my interest even more. The weather is great today but there is no game up a Dodd. A lot of the guys from the past three seasons are with the big team so I'll watch the box scores and maybe catch a glimpse on TV from time to time. I found a B-Mets fan blog recently that I'll read. The team name will change, the colors will change, there will be new people in the front office and new hats, shirts etc. in the gift shop. There will be new players too with some guys from this year sprinkled in.
The challege is the fill the place. If it is not met, the team can move after 2009 season. A new marketing director and asst. GM are on board. The team needs to replace John Flemming who is leaving Friday. How will they do it? New Britain--same weather and a non-local MLBB team affiliate put 300,000 plus into their place this season. And that's with a reduced fireworks schedule and they charge for parking. It can be done.
The "Navigators" need to hit the ground running today in terms of promotion. There were signs of life in the last six weeks or so from the marketing end. Those efforts need redoubling in the off season. How? I have ideas and that's a post for later on.
I saw 43 games this year going 22-21. The last of 24 vouchers was used yesterday. Markdown Mondays, Big Y Sundays, Pep. Farm Tuesdays, Triple A buy one get ones, save the sub base day and occassional freebies filled the rest of the dates. I took a ton of pictures, met some new people, saw old friends, and watched a lot of baseball. Can't wait to next year.
Misc Fan notes: the Navs worn their rarely seen home cream colored uniforms Sunday. I had to work and missed it.
Posting Notes: this will continue; especially this month. And the cap series has life to it. I'll have thoughts when the new name is revealed and observations as the team website changes during the course of the offseason.

Dan Ortmeier got a hit in his first MLBB at bat ...

tonight against the Dodgers! And I was looking at the Frenso box and Eliezer Alfonzo got his first Triple A HR. Great day for the Navs.

Even Steven... 71-71..The Navs finish @ .500...

with a 5-0 victory over the FisherCats. A.J. knocks in 4 runs, two on a first inning HR and Brian Mazone pitches great in the season finale. Brian finished 11-8 with an ERA just over 3.00--super year. The Navs end up by themselves in third place, a .500 team after 142 games. With the name change coming up this was the last "Norwich Navigators" game. My first Navs game was the second ever game back in 1995, a cold Friday nite against Reading. Chris Curry, a personal fav, got the last Navigator hit. The new name will be revealed in October. The gift shop was at 75% off and thinning out with the exception of game uniforms that are $80-$100 each. The game was typical of a season ender for two teams out of it: fast--in other words swing at the first good pitch and let's get out of here. The pic is my new desktop background. I'll have more thoughts on the season Tues AM.

Congrats Orty!!!!!!!!!!!!...............

Dan Ortmeier jumps straight to the big leagues today! Good guy and well deserved. Navs knocked out of the playoffs tonite losing 9-1 to the FisherCats. Mitch Walk lost it in his first apperance with the team this year, but the bullpen gave up six to put it out of reach. The roster on line got cleaned up.

Another game, another shutout...

as Navigator pitchers notch their third shutout in a row over the FisherCats and keep their slim playoff chances alive. Anthony Moreno goes six innings (his best outing of the year), Billy Salder goes two and Alfredo Simon gets the save. Moreno looked much improved over his last appearance over N.H. Fred Lewis lead off with a first inning double and came around on Dan O.'s single for the only run they needed.
Misc Fan notes: The Red Cross effort continues. The Norwich Bulletin reported that last night's Red Cross contributions were over $1500, Smallish crowd for the last Fireworks Friday of the year--around 3000. Had to park in the aux. parking lot for the first time this year. Another promotion on the fly was announced for Sunday's game: present a gas reciept showing you paid $3.00 a gallon or more for gas and you get a grandstand ticket for $3. Gift shop blowout: most hats are now $5 each.

Welcome to Thunderdome (aka Dodd Stadium)..

as the Navs pound Trenton into the ground 13-0. Pat Misch went 7 innings and Scott Chaission pitched the last two as the Thunder managed only 4 hits. The Navigators bats were the big story--everyone got at least a hit;, seven players with rbi's and two LONG HR's--a solo shot by Carlos V. and the other a 3 run bomb halfway up the batters eye in dead center by Chris Curry who went 4-5 on the game. I'm sure I've seen home runs hit the batters eye before but just can't remember them. It was a shot. Thunder left fielder Micheal Coleman (ex-Yankee/Red Sox) turned every ball hit out to him an adventure. He misplayed at least three balls hit to him and was lifted mid game.
Misc. Fan notes: The Red Cross/Navigators had a table set up for storm relief. $10 got you 4 tickets to Monday's game and 4 tee shirts. Great deal and worthy cause. Free ticket for me yet again! Vouchers left on the ticket box window ledge for the taking so I scopped one up and used it for the game ticket. Saved $5 by doing this and that $5.00 is now worth a gallon and half of gas these days. I still have my last two paid vouchers left; one for Friday and one for Monday. No news on the name change. Gift store at 50% off and is beginning to thin out some. Ballpark superstition--serious fans have them and I'm no exception. I like to wander for section to section during the course of the game and when the Navs score I'll sit in that seat until the other team scores or the Navs don't score. Tonight the Navs got runs in the first five inning and I was stuck in section 12 most of the game. Sent the new asst. GM a welcome aboard e-mail last night and got a thank you reply today. Gas at the 7-11 at the bottom of the hill is $2.99--cheapest I saw today and yes I topped off.
Roster moves: Congrats to Eliezer Alfonzo who goes up to Triple A and welcome back pitcher Mitch Walk.

Congrats Angel Chavez!! Former 'Gator

called up the other day and made his MLBB debut with the Giants yesterday. Another Nav in the bigs!
Mis Fan notes: Navs won yesterday (no rainout). I'll be going Thurs, Friday this week (last two vouchers) and markdown Monday (last game already!) Navs have a new asst. GM who was running the CatFish of the Sally League. Good to see changes in the front office that will hopefully help. Will the name change be revealed Thursday (Sept. 1)?

It's raining....

as I post this. Got to work tonite so I'm rooting for a washout and a double dip Wed/Tues.

The week that was...

since I last posted. My new work assignment has kicked into overdrive and I haven't posted new entries. The Navs split in New Hampshire two games each and have lost the first two games to the RockCats in New Britain. They are in 5th place and forget about the post season. The final homestand is coming up and it looks like I'll be at about four games.
Misc. Fan notes: Congrats to Matt Cain's callup to the Giants and Orty being named to the EL post season All-Star team. I wonder if they will do anything special with the sub base staying open?

12-3-6-2 = 8-3 Navs win....

the 12-3-6-2 line is the combined box score results for all three of the Navigators catchers in today's game. Curry caught, Alfonzo was DH and the immortal one Steve Holm played third! Pat throws a complete game totally in a groove after the third inning. Navs rally from 3-0 with a 7 run inning totally helped along by three errors and they end up with a 3 game sweep of the SeaWolves. Small crowd, hot weather.
Misc Fan notes: they seem to be making promos up on the fly now. Today was a "win-win" game i.e. if the Gators won everyone wins a free ticket to the next home game. Hopefully I can take advantage of that one. The game after that is unused ticket game; another "in-house" promo. Good to see them pushing. The name change contest seems to be off the website now. Merk is on the DL. Got Orty's and the immortal's one's auto's today.

Navs slam SeaWolves 11-1...

tonight at Dodd. Plenty of stars in this game. Brian Mazone with another great outing allowing one run in 7 innings, Carlos goes 4-5, and Alfonzo hits a grand slam for the final 4 runs and ends the night with 5 rbi's to name a few. Threets and Chassion return from the DL and each pitch a scoreless inning.
Misc Fan notes: Small crowd but really into the game. Beach balls going most the the game. I have two vouchers left so my fear of unused tickets is gone.