Minor (baseball) details..............

Dave Maroul....

2009-09-24T12:31:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-09-24T09:44:00.001-04:00

• 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

2008-10-12T17:51:00.001-04:00

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

2006-06-27T23:03:00.000-04:00

Three Brians are better than one...as the

2006-06-27T22:40:00.000-04:00

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

2006-05-09T08:41:00.000-04:00

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)..

2006-02-08T18:12:00.000-05:00

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)

2006-02-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

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

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

2006-02-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

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

2006-02-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

Current Yankee, then Navigator Andy Philipps signs.

SeaWolves 4 Navs 1 on 6/5/02

2006-01-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

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

Cap History 101, part 6 of an occasional series

2005-12-12T23:42:00.000-05:00

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....

2005-12-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

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...

2005-12-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

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

Two managers are better than one....

2005-12-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

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...

2005-12-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

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...

2005-12-01T10:11:00.000-05:00

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...

2005-11-30T22:30:00.000-05:00

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)

2005-11-29T22:27:00.000-05:00

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...

2005-11-28T10:59:00.000-05:00

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

2005-11-27T23:19:00.000-05:00

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

2005-11-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

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

Cap History 101, part 5 of an occasional series

2005-11-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

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!

2005-10-17T15:50:00.000-04:00

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...

2005-10-16T23:42:00.000-04:00

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

2005-10-04T23:31:00.000-04:00

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

Congrats! Doug Clark was called up..

2005-09-18T23:41:00.000-04:00

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

2005-09-09T23:46:00.000-04:00

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

2005-09-07T09:57:00.000-04:00

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....

2005-09-06T10:26:00.000-04:00

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 ...

2005-09-05T23:08:00.000-04:00

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...

2005-09-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!...............

2005-09-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

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...

2005-09-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

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)..

2005-09-01T23:13:00.000-04:00

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

2005-08-31T20:01:00.000-04:00

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....

2005-08-30T11:44:00.000-04:00

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...

2005-08-28T00:21:00.000-04:00

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....

2005-08-21T23:07:00.000-04:00

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...

2005-08-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

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.

Chris Beggs hurls a gem....

2005-08-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

retiring 16 in a row tonight as the Navs beat the Erie SeaWolves 2-1. Chris out outdueled former 2002 Norwich Navigator (Yankees) Matt Beech who was equally sharp as well. Brad V.'s bloop single was the difference as the Navs snap a 4 game losing steak.
Misc Fan notes: Nice weather + Friday night Fireworks = a good sized crowd of 5500. I saw the crowd do the wave for the first time this year. A group of about 30 SeaWolves Booster club members were on hand behind the visiting dugout. Gators had a fan/booster club the first couple of years and then it seem to die out. And on a personal note with the Wolves at Dodd for their only visit of the season I've seen all of the EL teams this year. Despite all the games I see, work/family takes me away from seeing a Southern Division team some seasons.

Don King Nite at Dodd....

2005-08-18T22:11:00.000-04:00

as the first 1000 fans got Don King wigs and the great man himself was in attendance along with Navs owner and fellow boxing promoter Lou DiBella. OK crowd but under 3000. Brian Burres pitched great but New Hampshire pitched better. FisherCats sweep the Navs four straight and stick a in fork in them but Sept.playoff baseball is not in my future this year. Navs manager Dave Mac got tossed last night in Game 2 of the DH and it's about time the frustration finally got to him. Tyler Von Schell got called out on a close play at first tonight and screamed "WRONG!" into the ump's ear which was about two inches away. He didn't get tossed but was really looking for it as a chance to vent. You could just see it especially after last night where he was on the south side of a couple of close calls.
Misc fan fans: Matt Palmer went on the DL and RP Arnoldo Mercado was called up and in his Navs debut tonight pitched a scoreless 9th with 2Ks.

(Sky) View to a kill......

2005-08-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

Well a mixed bag tonite sports fans as I don't know where to start. Let's start with the good stuff. I'm sitting out in right field and my buddy Strat finds me and he's got free skybox tickets! I've been up there only once in 11 seasons and have been trying to win the contest to upgrade up there all season. It's nice up there--free programs/scorecard, TV, access to "Lou's Lounge", waitress sevice, etc, etc. Also on a clear Wednesday night you can see the weekly fireworks show from Mohegan Sun. Doubleheader with the FisherCats tonite (games 35 & 36 for me--and I go over the halfway point for home games which total 71 in a season). Game one starts out great as the Navs get four runs in the bottom of the second; the first two on a Tyler Von Schell HR and two more on a Carlos V. rbi single. But the FisherCats come storming back and score 10 runs over the next two innings and win 10-5. Navs starter Anthony Moreno suffered some shaky D behind him and it got in his head I think. He gave up a three run HR in a 7 run fourth and it quickly turned into BP for the FisherCats out there. RP Oscar Montero came in with a couple of runners on and I swear does what a Navs middle relievers always do; gives up a big hit to the first batter he faces which in this case was another 3 run HR bomb and THEN he settles down a pitches great the rest of the way. In Game Two James Garcia gave up a first inning HR down the left field line that we had a great view of up in skybox land but the Navs have since tied it up. They need the split.

Misc Fan nots: Congrats to 2B Kevin Frandsen and closer Brian Wilson on their promotions to Frenso--they'll be missed in the stretch run. The gift store is now 25% off everything as they look to clean out Navigator stuff in front of the name change. The Infield grass looked great; much improved over the last time I saw it. Some brown spots in the outfield but given the brutal hot weather the grass is in good shape. Thanks again Strat!!!!!!

Navs losing 4-1 going into the 9th...

2005-08-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

didn't go tonite. Will be there for the DH Wednesday. If this score holds up, not a great way for this homestand to start.

Mazone's gem leads Navs......

2005-08-15T10:19:00.000-04:00

over the SeaDogs 2-0 yesterday in Portland. The 8 inning 3 hitter was probably the best pitching effort of the season. Brian Wilson got another save and the Gators are two games out of a playoff spot. FisherCats in town staring Tuesday for 4 games in three days.

Carlos gets a SI shout-out.....

2005-08-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

and the Navs roll over the SeaDogs yesterday 12-1. Navs got HR's from Lewis, Alfonzo and Hutting and Begg gets the win. Carlos get a mention from SI's Steve Rushin in the 8/15/05 issue. Steve was in the stands in New Britain the game Carlos hit a grand slam.
Misc Fan notes: Well I might be wrong about the immortal one being shipped back to A ball. Steve got in the game in later innings last night and singled in his only AB. Just looked at the Gators' on-line roster and it is still showing three active catchers. Hartford Courant in it's weekly Eastern League write-up reports the RockCats are packing them in and a pushing toward another great season in attendance--300,000+. The team is reworking it's lease with the city and is thinking about a parking garage! Nice problems to have.

Cap History 101...part 3 of an occasional series

2005-08-13T15:08:00.000-04:00

This one came my way in 2003, the first year of the Giants affiliation, hence the brown color. This was given to fans who had purchased a season ticket package of some nature. I buy six pack ticket vouchers. You just exchange them at the ticket office. Cheaper than buying them at the game. This year I bought 4 of those six paks for a total investment of $144. Still have vouchers left for this year despite being to about 34 games so far, thanks to free tickets (can't believe the number of times I'm walking up the box office and someone offers a free ticket!), Big Y Sundays ($4 to get in) and Markdown Mondays ($5 to get in). This Tuesday is the Luk Oil promotion where if you buy 8 gallons of gas you get two free tickets for the game that night. I think I'm going to end the season with unused vouchers.

Navs win 6-4.......

2005-08-12T22:33:00.000-04:00

Alfonzo is back and I guess the immortal one is back in Single A. Wilson gets his 7th save, Sadler gets the win in relief of Brian. Bomber hits a three run HR early and Navs get two runs in the top of the 9th to win it. CONGRATS to 2003 Navigator Alejandro Freire who made his MLBB debut with the Orioles recently. Micheal C. and him were the only offense in 2003.

Two more on the DL but....

2005-08-10T20:59:00.000-04:00

Navs win yesterday 8-5. P Scott Chiasson and INF Brad Vericker went on the DL. Too bad for Scott trying to get back the the bigs. Brad was been little used since being called up. Mets and Navs currently tied 5-5. Chris Curry with a HR.

Frandsen comes alive...

2005-08-09T21:27:00.000-04:00

I have a feeling that Kevin is going to be one of those Navigators that hits lights out on the road and not so much at Dodd. Both of his HRs have been away games including the winning 3 run blast last night against the Mets. He's got to be about a .350 hitter away and .250 at home. Dodd will do that to some guys. They moved in the fences after the first year so many guys complained. And I'm not sure the number on the fences are accurate; look at D.C. Stadium last week when they took a tape measure out to the field and found out the power alleys were 10 feet further then signed.
Anyway just checked out the on line box score and see pitcher Brian Mazone went yard becoming the second Navigator hutler ever the it one out. Mazone also hit a SF. Joe Bateman hit the first HR by a pitcher last year.

Navs win 5-3 and take two out of three...

2005-08-07T22:38:00.000-04:00

I was visiting with friends at Dodd and the game was secondary to my attention. Solid effort from Brian, Merk looked great in relief, Wilson slammed the door in the 9th. Holm got his first Navigator hit, a double and scored, and the Senators defense was shaky leading to some unearned runs.

Dead at Dodd....

2005-08-06T22:56:00.000-04:00

tonight as the Navs blow a 6-3 lead late and come up short 8-6 to the Senators. Thought the Navs were going to pull this one out. They fell behind in the fourth as Anthony Moreno gave up lead off HR and then a couple more for a 3-0 Senator lead. The Navs scorced the next 6 runs, a single run in the 4th and batted around for 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th for a 6-3 lead. Bomber and Orty with big RBI hits in the rally; Fred Lewis gets 3 hits on the day. Simon came in for Moreno and shut down the Senators. Chaisson came in the 7th and had his second bad outing giving up a lead off walk (hate 'em!) a 2R HR and a triple. Salder comes in and so does the tying run and it's 6-6. Then the thing I hated most was with the score tied Salder in the bottom of the 8th hits for himself after Curry was HBP. Salder is a K and that's that. They have plenty of bats on the bench but no one was warming in the Navs pen. Don't understand it. Pitching coach Bob Stanley had been tossed by the home plate ump earlier. So Sadler goes out in the top of the 9th for his 3nd inning of work and gives up a 2 out RBI triple and that guy scores on WP for a 8-6 loss.
Misc Fan notes: Steamer got tosed after Julio Cordido stuck out and complained to the home plate ump. There was some chatter coming from the Navs dugout and the ump nailed Steamer. I was sitting on the 3nd base side and man Bob Stanley was out of that dugout and in the ump's face in about two seconds. He probably hasn't moved that fast in years.
Grateful Dead Night at Dodd is my favorite promo if only for the fact the players wear tie dye uniforms. This is the 3nd year for this promo since the band is from S.F. There is always a Dead tribute band playing pre-game. A little live music is nice. A lot of fans wear tie dye and it's a festive night. It's also one of those games I take a ton of pictures at because they are in different uniforms. The game worn uniforms are bid on and fans contibute to charity. Chris Curry's had the highest bid I saw at $250! I liked this year's uniforms best over the prior two years; very colorful (see example in my photo blog-link is on the right). Crowd was 3500; should have been more.
All Gator stuff in the store is 15% off because of the pending name change.

Transactions.....

2005-08-05T09:58:00.000-04:00

Interesting reading under baseball transactions this morning. The frequent flier miles continue to add up for sometime Navigator C Justin Knoelder as his stay with the Giants lasted one day and he is back with the Frenso team. Looks like the Yankees are serious about Trenton making the playoffs as they sent three players down from Columbus including Melky Cabrera who played a little with the Yanks this season. And the indy Atlantic League team the Long Island Ducks signed one time Navigator 3B Donny Leon. Navs home for a short 3 game homestand against the Senators--should be at Sat. and Sunday's games!

Former Navigators manager Lee Mazzilli fired today as.....

2005-08-04T17:36:00.000-04:00

Baltimore Orioles manager. Tough week for the O's with Rafy getting suspended and now this. Baltimore fading fast in the AL East and something had to give. Always easiest firing the manager than the players.

Two the wrong way......

2005-08-04T16:45:00.000-04:00

Navs lose last night 3-1. Begg gave up all three runs on a couple of HR's. Orty provides the only Norwich run with his 19th HR but it was only one of 5 Gator hits. THE IMMORTAL Steve Holm started and went 0-2 with a pair of walks. This afternoon they lose again 5-3. Mazone takes the loss, Walter with a 2 run HR. They need to turn this around quickly if they want to get to the playoffs.

If it's Wednesday it must be S.F. for Justin....

2005-08-03T17:22:00.000-04:00

In the last days ten or so C Justin Knoelder has gone from Triple A to Double A and then up to the Giants (sad deal however as regular Giants catcher Mike Matheny is on bereavement leave). Justin's second tour of duty with the Giants. He got called up last year in Sept. I spent every day reading the Giants boxscore to see if he played and made his MLBB debut. He finally got in the last game or second to last game and flied out in his only AB. Hope he gets back in Sept. or sooner; he's a good guy.

Curry goes yard twice and .....

2005-08-02T23:36:00.000-04:00

my favorie backup catcher also hits a 2B as the Navs roll to 9-3 victory over the BaySox. The immortal one Steve Holm will be wearing #39 as the Gators on line roster been updated.

The return of the immortal one!!!!........

2005-08-01T23:05:00.001-04:00

C Steve Holm returns to the Gators as foreseen (see below) . Let's hope he can get some ABs. Navs get blown out tonite in Bowie 12-5 as Simon takes the loss.

2005-08-01T11:13:00.000-04:00

New companion blog...................

2005-07-31T14:46:00.000-04:00

click on the link "my photo blog" to the right.

Giants trade C Yorvit Torrealba to Seattle so...

2005-07-30T23:52:00.000-04:00

Yamid Haad from Triple A goes to the big team to replace him. What does this do to Justin Knoedler's stay with Norwich? He's probably out of here to go back to Frenso to replace Haad and the Navs need another catcher. Will it be the immortal Steve Holm? Stay tuned. Any other trades before the MLBB deadline hits Sunday afternoon?

Carlos slams, Navs win 8-2..........

2005-07-30T23:37:00.000-04:00

over the RockCats. Just read a great article on Mike Veeck, Bill's son in SI. Mike like his late great Dad is a big time baseball promoter; especially minor bb. Story interlaces his personal struggles coming up along with his now teenage daughter's battle with blindness. Great piece--read it.

My record so far...........

2005-07-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

in the 32 games I've attended so far this year is 15-17. I take pics of every game. It keeps my head in the game along with listening to Shawn & Jeremy on the radio call the game. Navs lose in N.B. 5-1. Can never beat those guys. Last weekend at home it was four in row.

Navs win 5-4 on walk off triple..........

2005-07-28T22:55:00.000-04:00

in 10 innings. Randy Walter with the game winner as Navs score three in bottom of the 10th after FisherCats got two in the top half of the frame. Navs take three in a row from N.H. Justin K goes 2 for 3 and does all kinds of damage in his 2005 Navs return. I had to work today and missed the action.

The immortal Steve Holm.........

2005-07-27T23:02:00.000-04:00

Steve has had the briefest Navigator career ever; a half inning.. He appeared in the top of the 9th Opening Day to spell Trey and was then sent back to the GreenJackets when Chris Curry returned to the team. With the addition of Justin the Navigators will have had six catchers so far this season. Maybe he'll be back in 2006.

Frenso East...............

2005-07-27T16:58:00.000-04:00

as C Justin Knoelder is back, joining Misch and Athas, from the Triple A team. Justin is back because C E. Alfonzo is suspended for two week for substance violation. 50/50 I'm going tonite.

Beginnings...............

2005-07-26T22:06:00.000-04:00

of a grass roots Navigator marketing campaign written about in today's Norwich Bulletin. Basically Tater and GM Keith Hallal knocking on doors of lapsed season ticket holders and signing them up for the 2006 season. Folks who sign up get free tickets to remaining 2005 games and a name plate on their seat plus some other goodies. Great idea by someone and exactly the beginning of what they need to do; intrude on people, remind them, let them know you're there, don't just drop off a bunch of pocket schedules at Xtra Mart and call it a day. Til the field and work it!
Misc Fan notes: Didn't go tonite. Pleased to see the victory. Chris Begg off the DL and back on the mound in relief picks up the win in a 3-2 victory. Saw OF Dan Trumble was dropped from the roster; he had been on the DL for a while. Box score attendance 1400.

Bombs(er) Away....................

2005-07-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

Navigators first baseman Tyler (Bomber) Von Schell knocks in five runs with a two run double, a RBI single and a pair of SF's as the Navs roll behind the Pat Misch's 3 hit seven inning pitching performance for a 6-0 victory over the N.H. FisherCats. Both Bomber and Pat pictured above. Alfonzo goes 3-4 and Carlos breaks out a little with a 2 for 4. Brian Wilson gets the last five outs and the Navs break their 5 game losing streak.
Misc. Fan notes: Scott Chaisson was hit by a line drive but walked off under his own power in the top of the 8th. Markdown Monday--$5 to get in and $1 snacks--where was everyone?? GM Keith Hallal on the radio for the first time in a long time doing a little promoting.

Another day, another loss........

2005-07-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

as the Navs fall to the RockCats again 5-3 and are swept in a three game home series by New Britain and have now lost five straight overall. RockCats jump on Maz for five quick runs in the first two innings and made it hold up. Chris Curry and 1B (see pic) Tyler (Bomber) Von Schell go yard late for the Norwich runs.
Misc Fan notes: Frandsen after being HBP yesterday didn't start but pinch ran in the 9th. Montville Day at Dodd as the mayor sang "Take me out to the ballgame" and was pretty good. Small crowd on a beautiful day. Misch goes Monday.

They don't call it a game of inches for nothing...

2005-07-23T22:49:00.000-04:00

The Navs fall 9-8 tonight to the RockCats, their fourth loss in a row. Navs jump out to a quick 4-0 lead after two innings but New Britain scorces 9 unanswered runs before a Navs rally falls short. Fred Lewis was the story in alot of ways for the Navs going 4 for 5, 3RBIs and a SB as he continues his hot pace of late. Fred lead off the first with a single, stole second (see pic), went to third on a groundout and scored on a SF just what your leadoff guy is supposed to do. In the second he lines a based loaded clearing double into the gap but gets thrown out at third. In the bottom of the 8th he starts a 4 run rally with a single. In the 9th well..he misses a game tying solo HR by a few inches and again is thrown out on a wierd play at third. He had the double and with the play in front of him stops about 15 or so feet in front of third and is tagged for the final out.
Merkin Valdez cruised thru the first two inings and headed in the top of the third with a 4-0 lead but does what I swear is a trend for this pitching staff and that is after the team scores in the preceding inning they give up runs starting with the thing I hate most: a leadoff walk and give instant life to the other team. Now again about those inches--all the hits Merk gave up were dinks and dunks just in there by inches and the one hard hit ball Orty missed by inches and before you know it a 4-0 lead turns into a 5-4 score the other way. Malzone on the mound Sunday and I'm wearing an old school Navs hat as a steak breaker.

Misc. Fan notes: I haven't seen anything in terms of signage/promotion about the name change in the park. The Eliezer Alfonzo HR was a big time blast over everything. I was out in the Gator Garden when he hit it and took about 2 seconds to get out. Carlos' slump continues. Frandsen doesn't have a hit on the homestand yet and left the game after a HBP in the 8th. Walter with a start at DH.
Great night weather wise for baseball but a disappointing crowd with 3200 announced. Bat night for the kids helped the number. Nice looking bats too--real Louisville sluggers. There's always a bunch of RockCats fans at Dodd. I wonder how many Navs fans go to New Britain?

The good, the bad and the ugly..............

2005-07-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

The good: Friday night ballgame! Fireworks Friday. A big crowd, most likely the biggest of the year. Full parking lots, cops directing traffic, a buzz as people were walking up. Plently of stuff going on: a live band, frisbee chasing dogs, a lot of civic groups present, tons of kids being entertained by Tater, the Gator Garden packed, exactly what the the place should look like on a regular basis.
The bad: Mother Nature put on her own fireworks show with a big thunderstorm in the top of the ninth and rained out the fireworks.
The ugly: the outcome of the game as Burres had nothing and was gone by the second inning. Navs manage only two hits and get blown out 11-0 by the last place RockCats.
Misc notes: Athas has some sort of hand injury. Dan Ortmeier totally busted it in a blow out game diving after two balls in right field, one foul that he just missed and caught the other one fair. Palmer pitched the 8th; I thought he was a starter?

Cap History 101......part two of an occasional series

2005-07-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

This one came to me on 7/9/05 provided from the good folks at Foxwoods. The bill color makes no sense since it is not a Navigator color either pre-2003 or post-2003 (the year the team went from a Yankee to Giants farm team). Never worn, it currently resides in the rear window area of my car.

2005-07-22T00:02:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to the game tonight. It's been 11 days and I need a Navs fix. Curious to see how they promote the name change contest. Nice article in the Bulletin about it.

That hurts..

2005-07-21T12:53:00.000-04:00

Navs lost in extra innings despite a 15 hit attack. Three errors, a wild pitch, a couple of DPs and a runner out at the plate tend to bring things down. Pat gave up 9 hits in 5+ innings 3R, 2Er. Simon loses again and the road trip stands at 4 and 4. Only good news is the teams in front of them lost too. Navs 4.5 games out of first. Website scoreboard now provided by Foxwoods, a new deal. Off day today, Navs back in action Friday night against the RockCats. Note: Song roughed up in his triple A debut with Frenso but doesn't get tagged with the loss and the Grizzlies rallied and won 16-8; Micheal C. with 5 RBIs!

Navs split....................

2005-07-20T10:55:00.000-04:00

They lose the second game 2-1 in extra innings. Anthony Moreno got the spot start; Simon lose the game in relief, Navs manage only four hits. Big game today; if the Navs win they split with the BaySox and end up the road trip 5 and 3, a loss would be a split on the trip and a downer after taking three of four against Erie. Pat Misch goes tonite against a BaySox with MLBB time so it'll be interesting to see the outcome. Pat put up some tough numbers in Tripe A this year; let's hope he re-groups. Where is Jamie Athas these days? Prediction: Julio Cordido will catch an inning before the season is out and will have played every position this year. I'm trying to figure out the Navs rotation: Song, Palmer, Burres, Mazone, Valdez, AND Misch? Will if you're reading please talk to the Steamer.

2005-07-19T21:45:00.000-04:00

15 pitchers !?!>......

2005-07-19T20:54:00.000-04:00

I know if I listened to the games on radio Shawn would have explained this all to me but I don't listen. Just went on-line to check the score of game one of the doubleheader, (Navs win 3-2; Brian rebounds, Wilson closes, Fred Lewis 3-4 2B, 3B, 4 BaySox errors) checked the roster and see that Pat Misch has been sent down from Triple A. Navs now have 15 pitchers on roster including 2 on DL. Threets hasn't been seen in weeks, Simon has been reshuffled back to the bullpen, Montes and Begg have been on the DL forever, and now Pat is back. Will...where are you? Can someone explain to me the number of players a team can have on their roster in the EL? Meanwhile Wilson has settled nicely into the closer role and Billy and Scott are doing great as the setup guys and I'm feeling good about the bullpen again.

Only three and a half out of first....

2005-07-18T13:41:00.000-04:00

with three teams above them. Sept. playoffs here we come!

The name game....let's do Shirley.......

2005-07-17T23:29:00.000-04:00

You have to know the song. Anyway I was away for the better part of three days. Navs take 3 out of 4 against the SeaWolves! Orty has a big day, the bats come alive and all's good in Gator land. Bonus--Yanks take 3 out of four against the BoSox! Gotta love that but how long can the MASH unit the Yanks call a pitching staff hold up?
The title of the post refers of course to the name change contest posted by the Navigators for the 2006. The team needs to get this in to the powers that be by Sept. 1. The team is looking for a regional name with attitude and you can submit suggestions on-line, as many as possible. There will be a new logo too (there goes half the stuff in my closet!). Suggestions???

Mazone lit up.....

2005-07-15T09:52:00.000-04:00

for three HRs last night. Game suspended with Navs down 7-0 to Erie. Brian's been their best pitcher of late so let's hope he gets back next start.

random promotional tie-in thought....

2005-07-14T12:23:00.000-04:00

Went to see the movie remake of "War of the Worlds" yesterday at the new theaters in Lisbon (very nice) and before the movie they're showing random local ads ( pizza house, insurance, etc. ). It would be pretty easy for the Navs to have one of those shown on the screen. Maybe a couple a dollars off a ticket with your movie stub?

Minor League All-Star shout-outs

2005-07-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

Congrats to former Gators John-Ford Griffin, Mike Vento, Mitch Jones, and Micheal Cervenak for their Triple A All-Star selections. Watched the first hour of the Double A game from Portland ME. on NESN. Carlos went 2-3 with a single and triple both hits could have been played but yeah a hit is a is hit, Orty stuck out twice, Merkin gave up a bomb in his inning of work and Brian Burres (in for the injured Chris Begg) pitched a scoreless inning. Seemed like every other player on the North squad was a SeaDog. President Bush I in attendance. For box scores and game summaries go to http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com

The Mick tonight on HBO

2005-07-13T08:55:00.000-04:00

The tale of the rise and fall is well known now. I'll watch because Mantle is the reason I'm a Yankee fan. At some point in time in the early 60's I asked my Dad who the best baseball player was and he said Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees. I was wed to the team from that moment on. As a kid I always expected him to hit a home run. I mean just look at the short right field porch back then! I felt I could hit it out it seemed so close (296 ft. down the line). Biggest Mantle moment for me was when it hit Barney Schultz's first pitch out of the park in the bottom of the ninth for a 2-1 Yankee victory in Game 3 of the '64 World Series. That was Mantle's last big year: 35 HR, 111 RBI, .303 avg. Jim Bouton has some great Mantle stories in his book "Ball Four."

MLBB All-Star Game blues

2005-07-12T21:16:00.000-04:00

Well I tried. I turned on Fox at 8PM and I'm greeted by Billy Bob Thorton selling his latest movie and God knows what else. I flipped and came back to Fox and something else was going on. I just don't care about it anymore. Yeah I know it counts toward home field in the World Series and as a hopeful (this season) Yankee fan I should care but I don't. Why? Sign of the times I guess. I'm 50 this year, and when I was coming up you had the game of the week Saturdays on NBC and maybe if you were lucky a Yankee or Red Sox game on once in a while. Today if you have the means you can watch every game; AL or NL and that's great. But back in pre-cable TV days this was my only shot to see certain players play and come alive off my Topps baseball cards and it was a treat; especially the pitcher/batter matchups. It was also a chance to see certain parks for the first time like the AstroDome. Interleague play, which I love, cuts down my interest. Now the All-Star Game is a prime time made for TV event; yes Virginia it used to be played in the afternoon. Anyway I'm re-reading the Joe D. book "The Hero's Life" by Richard Cramer which holds my attention far better. I'll probably check out the Eastern League All-Star game Wed. night.

Cap History 101, part 1 of an occasional series

2005-07-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

It's the All-Star break and after that the Navs hit the road and don't return to Dodd until July 22. Since there's no game and I feel the need to post so from time to time we're going to take a journey into my closet.
My wife will be the first to tell you I'm a pack rat. I've been going to Navigators games since Game 2, 1995 and a lot of freebie stuff has come my way; just go into any closet or drawer in the house! I have no idea how many Navs caps I have so we're using the LIFO (last in, first out) method of describing the various caps that have come my way. The pictured hat is the latest and was this year's birthday present from my stepdaughter. It's quickly become my favorite and is one of the sharper hats in the collection. That all the posting for today. Tomorrow will feature an All-Star rant.

2005-07-11T23:46:00.000-04:00

Navs complete a four game sweep of the Mets Monday 3-2. Brian Burres picked up the seventh victory with relief help from Scott Chaisson and a save from Brian Wilson. Navigators return home July 22th.

2005-07-10T19:56:00.000-04:00

Pitching AND hitting star of Game 2's doubleheader Seung Song. Song went 2 for 2 at the plate including a two run rbi double as the Navs swept the twinbill with a 4-1 voctory over the Mets. Song evened his record to 2-2 on the season.

2005-07-10T19:44:00.000-04:00

Navs GM Keith Hallal takes his turn in the dunk tank during Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader. Navs won Game 1 2-1 on PH Eliezer Alfonzo's 2 run HR in the fifth. James Garcia earned the victory in relief of Alfredo Simon. Billy Sadler pitched the last two innings for the save.

2005-07-09T18:25:00.000-04:00

Pitcher Matt Palmer, left, and Infielder Tim Hutting sign for fans during the rain delay. While rain lasted only a short while the field needed a lot of work. This scene is what draws me to minor league baseball; the easy access of fan to player. Palmer went in to pitch once the field was recovered and picked up the save.

2005-07-09T18:22:00.000-04:00

2005-07-09T18:15:00.000-04:00

2005-07-08T22:42:00.000-04:00

What will this be all about....

2005-07-08T13:59:00.000-04:00

thoughts, opinons, musings and observation about my "hometown" team the Norwich (CT) Navigators--Double A Eastern League baseball team, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The team is currently struggling in attendance and in fifth place fighting for a playoff spot as we head into the All-Star break. It's raining right now--bad news from an attendance point of view as it is Fireworks Friday which is always a big drawing card. The Binghamton Mets are in town for a 4 game set. The Mets are directly above the Navs, 5 games ahead in the loss column so this shapes up as an important series for the Navs. More later....