Based on a Nashua City Council meeting last night, the Nashua Pride will be back, but might be renamed. Mr. Stabile did list the team for sale, and a new ownership group, with Dan Duquette (Pittsfield Dukes) and some other guys from the NECBL, will buy the team.
The last hurdle, renegotiating the lease with Nashua to let the owners put in some additional games with a military all-stars team ($1000 a pop) and up to 4 concerts ($2500 to the city). The new owners want the name to be the American Defenders, to stress the military tie-in--and have reportedly also signed for 3 years.
To follow this soap opera, go to nashuatelegraph.com, then click on Sports, and lastly click on Pride.
Showing posts with label Nashua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nashua. Show all posts
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Manny To LA.....thoughts?
Me,Eric,and my family went up to Nashua for a game tonight. It was against Brockton and went into the 10th inning. Old friend Jamie Baker came in for Brockton for a couple of innings and held the Pride down....but they eventually played fundamental baseball and won the game on a walkoff single. It was fun up there,and me and Eric both enjoyed ourselves--I'd like to try to go to one more Can-Am game this summer before the season ends. Who's in? =]
Now......for some good discussion: What does everyone think of the Manny Ramirez trade?
Keep in mind that the Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay from the Pirates and sent Manny to the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen to the Pirates in a three-team deal. While I think we should've got more then a decent outfielder out of all we gave up.......I'm pretty content with the trade.
It was evident he didn't want to play here the past few weeks and the mood in the clubhouse was definitly affected--and if the clubhouse is in a funk sometimes it carries over onto the field of play (wednesday night anyone?). Bay is a pretty good outfielder, and he is a decent hitter. He won't make up for Manny's bat in the order and won't make others fear him as bad-but at least he getds on base. At .282 Bay's hitting better then like half of the Sox,and has 64 RBI-making him 2nd on the team in that category. So he's a pretty good hitter,but like I said can't make up for what Manny brought.
Don't get me wrong,I love Manny. If it wasn't for him we wouldn't have those trophys.......but now he was just another distraction the team didn't need,and it festered. I appreciate what he did and am happy he'll eventually go intot he hall of fame (anyone wanna disagree?) but this deal is good not only for the team,but for him too.
So when it's all said and done I'm happy we got the trade done and think Bay will do pretty good. So what do you guys think?
Now......for some good discussion: What does everyone think of the Manny Ramirez trade?
Keep in mind that the Red Sox acquired outfielder Jason Bay from the Pirates and sent Manny to the Dodgers and outfielder Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen to the Pirates in a three-team deal. While I think we should've got more then a decent outfielder out of all we gave up.......I'm pretty content with the trade.
It was evident he didn't want to play here the past few weeks and the mood in the clubhouse was definitly affected--and if the clubhouse is in a funk sometimes it carries over onto the field of play (wednesday night anyone?). Bay is a pretty good outfielder, and he is a decent hitter. He won't make up for Manny's bat in the order and won't make others fear him as bad-but at least he getds on base. At .282 Bay's hitting better then like half of the Sox,and has 64 RBI-making him 2nd on the team in that category. So he's a pretty good hitter,but like I said can't make up for what Manny brought.
Don't get me wrong,I love Manny. If it wasn't for him we wouldn't have those trophys.......but now he was just another distraction the team didn't need,and it festered. I appreciate what he did and am happy he'll eventually go intot he hall of fame (anyone wanna disagree?) but this deal is good not only for the team,but for him too.
So when it's all said and done I'm happy we got the trade done and think Bay will do pretty good. So what do you guys think?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Can-Am League Update: Nashua Finds New Manager
I just saw this article on the Can-Am league's front page and thought I'd share......
RICK MILLER NAMED NEW NASHUA PRIDE MANAGER
Former Red Sox Outfielder to lead the 2007 Can-Am League Champions in 2008
NASHUA, NH - After an extensive search, Nashua Pride officials today announced that former Red Sox outfielder, Rick Miller (pictured), has been hired to manage the 2007 Can-Am League Champions. Miller will be formally introduced at the third annual Nashua Pride Winterfest on Thursday, December 13th, beginning at 6 PM at Historic Holman Stadium. Rick Miller spent 12 of his 15 years in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox. He was a member of the 1975 team that won the American League Pennant, but lost to the “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds in the World Series.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to manage in a city with such a rich baseball history as Nashua and in one of the best baseball markets in the world, the greater Boston area,” said Miller. “I want to thank Mr. Stabile for giving me the chance to get back into coaching, especially at the professional level. It is great to be back in New Hampshire, and to manage for a championship caliber organization.”
Since his playing career ended in 1985, the 1978 Gold Glover has kept busy within baseball circles. In 1992, Miller took the hitting, outfield, and first base coaching positions for the San Jose Giants, the High-A Class Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Shortly after, he started the Rick Miller XSOX Baseball School in the New England area. From 1996-2006 Miller served as the assistant baseball coach for Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. Miller was a 2nd round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 1969 amateur draft. Miller made his big league debut with the Red Sox in 1971 and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 1973 when he hit .261 with 6 HR and 43 RBI in 143 games. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native spent the other 3 years in the majors with the then California Angels.
=========================================
Congrats to Nashua on getting a new manager. He doesn't seem to have any managerial expereicne, but his experiences and input should be invaluable to some of Nashua's players.
What do you guys think about this?
RICK MILLER NAMED NEW NASHUA PRIDE MANAGER
Former Red Sox Outfielder to lead the 2007 Can-Am League Champions in 2008
NASHUA, NH - After an extensive search, Nashua Pride officials today announced that former Red Sox outfielder, Rick Miller (pictured), has been hired to manage the 2007 Can-Am League Champions. Miller will be formally introduced at the third annual Nashua Pride Winterfest on Thursday, December 13th, beginning at 6 PM at Historic Holman Stadium. Rick Miller spent 12 of his 15 years in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox. He was a member of the 1975 team that won the American League Pennant, but lost to the “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds in the World Series.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to manage in a city with such a rich baseball history as Nashua and in one of the best baseball markets in the world, the greater Boston area,” said Miller. “I want to thank Mr. Stabile for giving me the chance to get back into coaching, especially at the professional level. It is great to be back in New Hampshire, and to manage for a championship caliber organization.”
Since his playing career ended in 1985, the 1978 Gold Glover has kept busy within baseball circles. In 1992, Miller took the hitting, outfield, and first base coaching positions for the San Jose Giants, the High-A Class Affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Shortly after, he started the Rick Miller XSOX Baseball School in the New England area. From 1996-2006 Miller served as the assistant baseball coach for Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. Miller was a 2nd round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 1969 amateur draft. Miller made his big league debut with the Red Sox in 1971 and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 1973 when he hit .261 with 6 HR and 43 RBI in 143 games. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native spent the other 3 years in the majors with the then California Angels.
=========================================
Congrats to Nashua on getting a new manager. He doesn't seem to have any managerial expereicne, but his experiences and input should be invaluable to some of Nashua's players.
What do you guys think about this?
Thursday, November 01, 2007
After eight seasons, face of franchise leaving Pride managerial post
FROM THE NASHUA TELEGRAPH:
NASHUA – The Nashua Pride are certainly coming back for the 2008 season, but Butch won't be. Speaking from his Bakersfield, Calif., home on Wednesday, longtime Pride manager Butch Hobson acknowledged that he will not be back for his ninth season in Nashua. Instead he will be taking over as manager of an undisclosed team in the Atlantic League, a league the Pride played in before joining the Can-Am League in 2006.
Despite all his success here – Hobson has an overall record of 514-458 (.529) with two championships, six playoff appearances and four finals appearances in eight years – his status has always been in doubt for various reasons. He had officially resigned following the 2003 season before changing his mind and returning after a few weeks later.
He had to reach an agreement with new ownership groups in both 2005 and 2006. When the Pride announced they were joining the young player-oriented Can-Am League two years ago, Hobson initially balked before signing a three-year deal. But this time, it's for real. The 56-year-old Hobson, 63 days shy of attaining a full major-league pension, feels managing in the Atlantic League will get him back on a major league coaching staff someday. Because of the previous uncertain future of the franchise after it swept the now-defunct North Shore Spirit for the Can-Am crown in mid-September, Pride owner John Stabile allowed Hobson to field offers from other or organizations despite having a year remaining on his contract.
Teams came calling, and Hobson is being offered a package that Stabile – who is trying to make the Pride fiscally viable after announcing last week the franchise would return – can't match. But that may not matter.
"It's time to move on," Hobson said. "I've decided that (getting back to the majors) is what I want. I've been dickering here and there, but (managing) is all I know, it's what I do and I think I'm pretty good at it. I think I'm going to have to go back to the Atlantic League to get back with an (affiliated) organization in some capacity."
The Pride have held off on any official announcement in deference to Hobson's negotiations with his new team. "Butch and I are working out the details of the final year remaining on his contract," Stabile said. "There are some details to be ironed out, and we're hoping to announce something in the near future."
Hobson said the move was bittersweet. As a former Red Sox third baseman and manager, he immediately became the face of the franchise when hired by then-Pride owner Chris English in December 1999. After living in Vermont, he eventually moved to Nashua, where he lived until his family moved to California in July 2006. A few days ago he sat down to write a good-bye to the fans of Nashua, something the Pride are expected to include in a release or newspaper advertisement.
"It's very, very tough," Hobson said of his expected job change. "When I sat down to write what I wanted to say, it was real tough." The team had conversations with Hobson about putting together a day in his honor and for him to officially say good-bye to Pride fans, but nothing's been worked out.
"I hope I could do that, but I really don't know," Hobson said. When he took the steps of City Hall in celebration of his second championship earlier in the fall, Hobson seemed to sense the end was near. He said he didn't know what to expect when he first took the job, but he also didn't expect to be here through eight seasons. "No, I didn't," he said. "But it was a wonderful eight years."
You gotta admit,as crazy as he was he was a damn good manager. Nashua could possibly have a hard time finding a manger as good & dedicated as Butch. As we read this let's remember the good times we had with Butch....
NASHUA – The Nashua Pride are certainly coming back for the 2008 season, but Butch won't be. Speaking from his Bakersfield, Calif., home on Wednesday, longtime Pride manager Butch Hobson acknowledged that he will not be back for his ninth season in Nashua. Instead he will be taking over as manager of an undisclosed team in the Atlantic League, a league the Pride played in before joining the Can-Am League in 2006.
Despite all his success here – Hobson has an overall record of 514-458 (.529) with two championships, six playoff appearances and four finals appearances in eight years – his status has always been in doubt for various reasons. He had officially resigned following the 2003 season before changing his mind and returning after a few weeks later.
He had to reach an agreement with new ownership groups in both 2005 and 2006. When the Pride announced they were joining the young player-oriented Can-Am League two years ago, Hobson initially balked before signing a three-year deal. But this time, it's for real. The 56-year-old Hobson, 63 days shy of attaining a full major-league pension, feels managing in the Atlantic League will get him back on a major league coaching staff someday. Because of the previous uncertain future of the franchise after it swept the now-defunct North Shore Spirit for the Can-Am crown in mid-September, Pride owner John Stabile allowed Hobson to field offers from other or organizations despite having a year remaining on his contract.
Teams came calling, and Hobson is being offered a package that Stabile – who is trying to make the Pride fiscally viable after announcing last week the franchise would return – can't match. But that may not matter.
"It's time to move on," Hobson said. "I've decided that (getting back to the majors) is what I want. I've been dickering here and there, but (managing) is all I know, it's what I do and I think I'm pretty good at it. I think I'm going to have to go back to the Atlantic League to get back with an (affiliated) organization in some capacity."
The Pride have held off on any official announcement in deference to Hobson's negotiations with his new team. "Butch and I are working out the details of the final year remaining on his contract," Stabile said. "There are some details to be ironed out, and we're hoping to announce something in the near future."
Hobson said the move was bittersweet. As a former Red Sox third baseman and manager, he immediately became the face of the franchise when hired by then-Pride owner Chris English in December 1999. After living in Vermont, he eventually moved to Nashua, where he lived until his family moved to California in July 2006. A few days ago he sat down to write a good-bye to the fans of Nashua, something the Pride are expected to include in a release or newspaper advertisement.
"It's very, very tough," Hobson said of his expected job change. "When I sat down to write what I wanted to say, it was real tough." The team had conversations with Hobson about putting together a day in his honor and for him to officially say good-bye to Pride fans, but nothing's been worked out.
"I hope I could do that, but I really don't know," Hobson said. When he took the steps of City Hall in celebration of his second championship earlier in the fall, Hobson seemed to sense the end was near. He said he didn't know what to expect when he first took the job, but he also didn't expect to be here through eight seasons. "No, I didn't," he said. "But it was a wonderful eight years."
You gotta admit,as crazy as he was he was a damn good manager. Nashua could possibly have a hard time finding a manger as good & dedicated as Butch. As we read this let's remember the good times we had with Butch....
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
State of Fraser / Pride Updates
As I said,I went to Fraser yesterday after work. It was a sad sight.....
all of the outfield padding/ads are gone as is the big video/scoreboard. It looks pretty barren right now cause of those things missing.
Bobby K was able to get some pictures of them taking that stuff down. Here they are,althugh they dont show the fence as it is currently from the parking lot area lookign in........
.JPG)
And now for the Pride Update let's turn to our New Hampshire correspondent,Spike:
Further to the Pride's survival--nashuatelegraph.com has two articles. The Can-Am League has given the Pride extension--until way after the league meeting next week--to decide whether it is in; the owner says it's more than 50/50, but has abandoned selling part-ownerships in favor of a new push to sell season tickets; but Butch Hobson has been given permission to talk to other teams just in case. Whew!
--Spike
Thank you Spike. It looks like the Pride are still clinging to life,but barely. This is decision by ownership/management that looks like it may come down to a last-day choice.
I hope they stay,as do others--but there's no good or bad signs in my opinion (they kind of balance out). Anyone wanna weigh in on this?
IN OTHER NEWS: "North Shore: Sold the contracts of INF Gilbert Gil, INF Gary Roche and OF Joe Hough to Edinburg (United League). OF BJ Weed played out his option in 2007 and is now a free agent."--I think now we have no players left,or 1.....
='[
ALSO: FROM WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030.....
all of the outfield padding/ads are gone as is the big video/scoreboard. It looks pretty barren right now cause of those things missing.
Bobby K was able to get some pictures of them taking that stuff down. Here they are,althugh they dont show the fence as it is currently from the parking lot area lookign in........
.JPG)
And now for the Pride Update let's turn to our New Hampshire correspondent,Spike:
Further to the Pride's survival--nashuatelegraph.com has two articles. The Can-Am League has given the Pride extension--until way after the league meeting next week--to decide whether it is in; the owner says it's more than 50/50, but has abandoned selling part-ownerships in favor of a new push to sell season tickets; but Butch Hobson has been given permission to talk to other teams just in case. Whew!
--Spike
Thank you Spike. It looks like the Pride are still clinging to life,but barely. This is decision by ownership/management that looks like it may come down to a last-day choice.
I hope they stay,as do others--but there's no good or bad signs in my opinion (they kind of balance out). Anyone wanna weigh in on this?
IN OTHER NEWS: "North Shore: Sold the contracts of INF Gilbert Gil, INF Gary Roche and OF Joe Hough to Edinburg (United League). OF BJ Weed played out his option in 2007 and is now a free agent."--I think now we have no players left,or 1.....
='[
ALSO: FROM WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030.....
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Videos and Pics from the Last Game.
Warning, this will take a minute to load, lots of pictures.
:(
Jonathan's last post-game wrapup
Prepare to be sick - the last out
Chairs for some of our biggest fans :)
Vic's final at bat
Trezza's last at bat
The end.
Goodbyes in the parking lot
One last Dominican Hop.
:(
Jonathan's last post-game wrapup
Prepare to be sick - the last out
Chairs for some of our biggest fans :)
Vic's final at bat
Trezza's last at bat
The end.
Goodbyes in the parking lot
One last Dominican Hop.
Good night... and good luck
Shades of Yuri Sanchez. Trailing by 2 with 2 on and 2 out in the bottom of the franchise, Nilson Teilon hit a long drive to deep center-field that at first looked like it might have had the legs to get out for a walk-off home run. Sadly, it died in centerfield and the Nashua Pride walked away with a sweep in the 2007 CanAm Championship Series. It was a fitting end for the franchise which led the league in regular season wins over its 5 seasons, but never won the championship.
We were never able to overcome a 5-run 1st inning by the Nashua Pride off of Luis Arroyo, sparked by a 2-run Olmo Rosario homer. Hideki Nagasaka was brilliant in earning the victory. El Guapo got a shaky save in the 9th, giving up a run.
There were lots of tearful goodbyes at the ballyard tonight.
Tomorrow, I’ll post more videos and pictures than you can shake a stick at, including video of the last out.
Until then, I have to sleep… badly.
For the record: I had a lot of fun.
We were never able to overcome a 5-run 1st inning by the Nashua Pride off of Luis Arroyo, sparked by a 2-run Olmo Rosario homer. Hideki Nagasaka was brilliant in earning the victory. El Guapo got a shaky save in the 9th, giving up a run.
There were lots of tearful goodbyes at the ballyard tonight.
Tomorrow, I’ll post more videos and pictures than you can shake a stick at, including video of the last out.
Until then, I have to sleep… badly.
For the record: I had a lot of fun.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Need inspiration?
How many times have we seen the Spirit sweep a 3-game series at home?
(Hint: lots of times)
Need more inspiration?
From Joy of Sox:
GAME FOUR
GAME FIVE
GAME SEVEN
(Hint: lots of times)
Need more inspiration?
From Joy of Sox:
"10.17.2004
One. One game. One win. That's all.
Not four, not three, not two.
One.
Tonight."
GAME FOUR
GAME FIVE
GAME SEVEN
Thursday, September 13, 2007
See you tomorrow.
Game 3 at Fraser. It could be the last one. Let's hope not.
It might help out a little if we can get some f***in home field advantage tomorrow from the church patrons at St. Fraser. Did you hear Holman tonight? Those people are showing support for their dying franchise. Where's your spirit?
It might help out a little if we can get some f***in home field advantage tomorrow from the church patrons at St. Fraser. Did you hear Holman tonight? Those people are showing support for their dying franchise. Where's your spirit?
Second Game Of Championship Tonight
Come one,come all was the theme last night-as the Pride sold tickets for only $1 and had creazy sales in their pro shop. Even though at the end of the night the Pride had a 1-0 series lead....it was a fun trip,and I wanna go again tonight--but can't because I have class from 4-6:30. ='[
Tonight is game two of the championship series pitting the Spirit against the Pride. Tonight Matt Bishop will face off against the Pride's Joe Gannon.
Let's take a look at both pitchers last playoff outings really quick,shall we?
Matt Bishop pitched against Atlantic City in Game 2 of the Semis. He went 6.1 innings. In that time he gave up 2 runs (both earned) on 10 hits while walking none and striking out 2. He walked away with a 1.50 ERA.
Joe Gannon faced off against New Jersey in the Semis in Game 4. He went 6 innings,giving up 3 runs (only one earned) on 5 hits giving him a 1.50 EAR,and the win. He also sturck out 6 while walking just 2.
I think we have a strong chance at winning tonight. While Matt's last outing wasn't the best,I think he'll pick things up this game and give us 5-6 strong innings. But the Spirit just need to remember two things.......stirke early,but also take baby steps (SEE: runs every now and then....no big amount unless REALLY needed)
To anyone goign up,have a great time! And if you see the Pride Booster Club members that were at Fraser go over and say hi,they are incredibly friendly people =]
To those of you listening on the radio.....I'll,most likely, join ya here in an in-game post around 7:30ish.
GO SPIRIT!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In-game post: Game 1
CAN AM LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES - GAME ONE
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Game One TONIGHT!
Tonight is game one of the Can-Am Championship series! Tonight at historic "come-in-for-a-buck" Holman Stadium Ryan Bicondoa & the Spirit will face off against The Nashua Pride,led by A-Ok.
I'll be heading up with Sparky......so I'll have some pics and,maybe, a video or two in a day or two (classes will make things hectic).
So,everyone enjoy the game live on the radio and internet at 7 and....
GO SPIRIT!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Game 1 (or not)
Bic is scheduled to face A-OK tonight in Game 1 @ Nashua, but rain is making it look highly unlikely:
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USNH0156?from=36hr_fcst_undeclared
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USNH0156?from=36hr_fcst_undeclared
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Pride Vs Jackals: Game 5
This is it. Whoever wins this game goes to the championship to face YOUR North Shore Spirit.
It's game 5 of the Can-Am League Semi-finals: the Nashua Pride Vs The New Jersey Jackals!
I'll try to update the score every now and then......as this game is a game of interest.
I perosnally woud like to face Nashua.....and would also like to go up there for a playoff game on Wednesday (since I have school tuesday night)......
5:34 PM: In the bottom of the 2nd it's 2-0 Nashua.
GO PRIDE! ^_^
5:41 PM: Apparently the Jackals scraped together 3 hits in the 2nd,matching the Pride's output......but couldn't do anything with them! =] Still 2-0 Pride as they go to the 3rd.
6:21 PM: Bottom of the 4th.......The Pride added two more in the top of the 4th to make it 4-0 Pride! The Jackals have 2 hits while the Pride have 7.
6:43 PM: Still 4-0 Pride,heading into the 6th
7:17 PM: After 7 it's still 4-0 Pride. The Pride have 8 hit while the Jackals have half that. Neither team has pulled a Sussex (Error).
7:44 PM: It's still 4-0 Pride going into the Top of the 9th! GO PRIDE!!!! =]
7:57 PM: FINAL SCORE: PRIDE 4, JACKALS 0
Ok,the playoff fianls are now set!
It's the Nashua Pride Vs YOUR North Shore Spirit.
The fianls begin this Tuesday in Nashua where games 1 and 2 will be played.
Game 3 and any others,if needed,will be played here in Lynn at good ol' Fraser field starting Thursday!
LET'S GO SPIRIT!!!!
PS: We should definitly plan a road trip to Nashua....for Wednesday if possible ( cause i got classes Tuesday) :-p
It's game 5 of the Can-Am League Semi-finals: the Nashua Pride Vs The New Jersey Jackals!
I'll try to update the score every now and then......as this game is a game of interest.
I perosnally woud like to face Nashua.....and would also like to go up there for a playoff game on Wednesday (since I have school tuesday night)......
5:34 PM: In the bottom of the 2nd it's 2-0 Nashua.
GO PRIDE! ^_^
5:41 PM: Apparently the Jackals scraped together 3 hits in the 2nd,matching the Pride's output......but couldn't do anything with them! =] Still 2-0 Pride as they go to the 3rd.
6:21 PM: Bottom of the 4th.......The Pride added two more in the top of the 4th to make it 4-0 Pride! The Jackals have 2 hits while the Pride have 7.
6:43 PM: Still 4-0 Pride,heading into the 6th
7:17 PM: After 7 it's still 4-0 Pride. The Pride have 8 hit while the Jackals have half that. Neither team has pulled a Sussex (Error).
7:44 PM: It's still 4-0 Pride going into the Top of the 9th! GO PRIDE!!!! =]
7:57 PM: FINAL SCORE: PRIDE 4, JACKALS 0
Ok,the playoff fianls are now set!
It's the Nashua Pride Vs YOUR North Shore Spirit.
The fianls begin this Tuesday in Nashua where games 1 and 2 will be played.
Game 3 and any others,if needed,will be played here in Lynn at good ol' Fraser field starting Thursday!
LET'S GO SPIRIT!!!!
PS: We should definitly plan a road trip to Nashua....for Wednesday if possible ( cause i got classes Tuesday) :-p
Saturday, July 28, 2007
It's pouring...
Which is really bad news because
1) Tonight's game was supposed to have a sellout crowd
and
2) It's supposed to rain all weekend, and this is the last time we play Nashua... I do not want to be jipped of two potentially crucial games, AGAIN
1) Tonight's game was supposed to have a sellout crowd
and
2) It's supposed to rain all weekend, and this is the last time we play Nashua... I do not want to be jipped of two potentially crucial games, AGAIN
Great performance overshadowed by bad, bad news
Tonight's game was great in every respect: It was played at a crisp 2.5 hour pace, Joey Siak pitched a complete game, Butch "Drunken old fart" Hobson had a hilarious blowup that ranks among some of the best I've ever seen, I actually won a jersey auction for once, and the Spirit scored a 5-2 victory to maintain their lead in the 2nd half standings.
But all of that kind of took a backseat to the devastating news that Vic Davilla's wrist injury is worse than we thought - he requires surgery which will be performed some time next week and will keep him out of the lineup for 4-6 weeks. What that basically means is that if he comes back at all, he'll be coming back just in time for the playoffs --- the Spirit will have to hang on to a playoff spot without him in the meantime.
Aside from that news taking the wind out of our sails, we were treated to a great game tonight. BJ Weed scored the first run of the ballgame without the benefit of a hit in the first inning. He walked to start the game, reached 2nd on a groundout, tagged up to reach 3rd on a flyout, and scored on a wild pitch by Nashua starter [and losing pitcher] Lance Stevens.
In the 3rd, the Spirit added 2 more to make it 3-0, but the real story in the 3rd was what happened to crazy old fart Butch Hobson. Namely, he blew a gasket over a COMPLETELY CORRECT CALL.
Now, I know that I am a Spirit homer.
But trust me - there is video evidence to back this up - the call in question was COMPLETELY CORRECT.
Allen Mottram grounded the ball to short and used his blazing wheels (AKA De Vries esque hustle) down the line. The throw from short barely got there before Mottram did, and it clearly pulled Nashua's first baseman off the bag by a good 2, 3 feet. Mottram was obviously safe despite moving down the first base line at Willy Tenney speed.
But the first base umpire, in an obvious mistake, called Mottram out. Vic Davilla came out to argue the call and asked the first base ump to consult with the home plate ump, who apparently had a better angle on the play because he overturned the call and ruled Mottram safe.
Out from the dugout came Hobson - no surprise, I figured he'd want an explanation.
But he went BATSHIT INSANE, screaming at the ump over the correct call. Finally, after holding up the game needlessly for a good 5 minutes, he was tossed by the ump, who was sick of his crap.
Then he really went haywire, pointing to the bag multiple times before picking it up. Then he did something I've never seen before. He picked up first base and just started walking with it, walking straight into Section A. He nonchalantly made his way up the stairs and gave the base to a young child in the stands. Then he stomped back down the steps, in to the dugout, and out toward the clubhouse. It was truly astounding and extremely unprofessional.
The game was needlessly held up even longer while the staff went out to retrieve first base from the excited young fan, who got a team signed bat and hat for his troubles.
I'm guessing "NEVER GO INTO THE CROWD" isn't just an unwritten rule - it's probably a WRITTEN rule.
If Hobson doesn't get suspended over this, it's probably because he's a ~*celebrity*~ name who brings people to the ballpark because of his Red Sox ties. Of course, just like Oil Can, people neglect to point out the fact that he was shunned from the big boys because he was a raging cokehead. But that's OK, because he used to be on the Red Sox! So he's obviously amazing! All hail! It was pretty sickening to hear people cheering so loudly for an opponent.
Hobson not only ran into the stands, he bumped the first base umpire. He's probably due for at least a 5 game suspension, easily.
Later in the game, another Pride player and coach were chucked for arguing a call at first. I didn't see this incident because I was down in the concourse protecting my bid on my beloved #16 Jon de Vries memorial Allen Mottram camoflauge jersey.
Meanwhile, Joey Siak was cruising on the mound. He pitched a solid complete game, yielding 2 runs in total - one in the 4th and one in the 9th. He never appeared to be in deep trouble at any point during the game.
BJ Weed added to his stellar night with an RBI single in the bottom of the 4th. He was a force at the top of the lineup tonight.
The Spirit will need guys like Weed, Roche, Lopez, Lopez, Lopez, Lopez, Lopez, and Jerson Perez to step it up if they are going to keep producing in Vic's absence.
The team is strong with or without Vic, but we all saw the first half, and the dramatic difference Vic has made in the lineup.
Cross your fingers, folks.
But all of that kind of took a backseat to the devastating news that Vic Davilla's wrist injury is worse than we thought - he requires surgery which will be performed some time next week and will keep him out of the lineup for 4-6 weeks. What that basically means is that if he comes back at all, he'll be coming back just in time for the playoffs --- the Spirit will have to hang on to a playoff spot without him in the meantime.
Aside from that news taking the wind out of our sails, we were treated to a great game tonight. BJ Weed scored the first run of the ballgame without the benefit of a hit in the first inning. He walked to start the game, reached 2nd on a groundout, tagged up to reach 3rd on a flyout, and scored on a wild pitch by Nashua starter [and losing pitcher] Lance Stevens.
In the 3rd, the Spirit added 2 more to make it 3-0, but the real story in the 3rd was what happened to crazy old fart Butch Hobson. Namely, he blew a gasket over a COMPLETELY CORRECT CALL.
Now, I know that I am a Spirit homer.
But trust me - there is video evidence to back this up - the call in question was COMPLETELY CORRECT.
Allen Mottram grounded the ball to short and used his blazing wheels (AKA De Vries esque hustle) down the line. The throw from short barely got there before Mottram did, and it clearly pulled Nashua's first baseman off the bag by a good 2, 3 feet. Mottram was obviously safe despite moving down the first base line at Willy Tenney speed.
But the first base umpire, in an obvious mistake, called Mottram out. Vic Davilla came out to argue the call and asked the first base ump to consult with the home plate ump, who apparently had a better angle on the play because he overturned the call and ruled Mottram safe.
Out from the dugout came Hobson - no surprise, I figured he'd want an explanation.
But he went BATSHIT INSANE, screaming at the ump over the correct call. Finally, after holding up the game needlessly for a good 5 minutes, he was tossed by the ump, who was sick of his crap.
Then he really went haywire, pointing to the bag multiple times before picking it up. Then he did something I've never seen before. He picked up first base and just started walking with it, walking straight into Section A. He nonchalantly made his way up the stairs and gave the base to a young child in the stands. Then he stomped back down the steps, in to the dugout, and out toward the clubhouse. It was truly astounding and extremely unprofessional.
The game was needlessly held up even longer while the staff went out to retrieve first base from the excited young fan, who got a team signed bat and hat for his troubles.
I'm guessing "NEVER GO INTO THE CROWD" isn't just an unwritten rule - it's probably a WRITTEN rule.
If Hobson doesn't get suspended over this, it's probably because he's a ~*celebrity*~ name who brings people to the ballpark because of his Red Sox ties. Of course, just like Oil Can, people neglect to point out the fact that he was shunned from the big boys because he was a raging cokehead. But that's OK, because he used to be on the Red Sox! So he's obviously amazing! All hail! It was pretty sickening to hear people cheering so loudly for an opponent.
Hobson not only ran into the stands, he bumped the first base umpire. He's probably due for at least a 5 game suspension, easily.
Later in the game, another Pride player and coach were chucked for arguing a call at first. I didn't see this incident because I was down in the concourse protecting my bid on my beloved #16 Jon de Vries memorial Allen Mottram camoflauge jersey.
Meanwhile, Joey Siak was cruising on the mound. He pitched a solid complete game, yielding 2 runs in total - one in the 4th and one in the 9th. He never appeared to be in deep trouble at any point during the game.
BJ Weed added to his stellar night with an RBI single in the bottom of the 4th. He was a force at the top of the lineup tonight.
The Spirit will need guys like Weed, Roche, Lopez, Lopez, Lopez, Lopez, Lopez, and Jerson Perez to step it up if they are going to keep producing in Vic's absence.
The team is strong with or without Vic, but we all saw the first half, and the dramatic difference Vic has made in the lineup.
Cross your fingers, folks.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Yeah, son!
Spirit win 5 in a row!!! And sweep a darn good team in the Nashua Pride. Time to please NOT drop the ball against New Haven and Sussex. Let's go, boys. Crank it up!
Josue Lopez actually hit a home run, so I'll give him the "player of the game award."
I wasn't there (I was at Redneck Paradise in Loudon, NH) so I'll copy paste Sen~or Leahy's recap.
FROM NORTHSHORESPIRIT.COM
Josue Lopez actually hit a home run, so I'll give him the "player of the game award."
I wasn't there (I was at Redneck Paradise in Loudon, NH) so I'll copy paste Sen~or Leahy's recap.
FROM NORTHSHORESPIRIT.COM
Mike Torres slapped a game winning two run single up the middle in the bottom of the fifth and Josue Lopez homered, his first as a Spirit, to lead the Spirit to a 6-4 win over the Nashua Pride and a sweep of their three game series at Fraser Field.
Nashua staked themselves to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. With two outs Jermy Acey doubled to right, and after Bryan Duplissie was hit by a pitch, Luis Rodriguez singled to left off of Spirit starter Joey Siak (3-2) to drive home Acey and give the Pride a 1-0 lead.
The Pride followed suit in the second, adding another marker to make it a 2-0 game. Siak retired the first two hitters in the inning and then allowed a double to Richard Giannotti. John Ramistella then singled the runner to third, and Olmo Rosario singled to right for the RBI. Ramistella was trapped off of third and was caught in a rundown to end the inning.
In the third, Nashua again touched up Siak for a run after the first two hitters were retired. Matt Creighton doubled home Luis Rodriguez, who had singled for a 3-0 Pride advantage.
The lead then was extended to 4-0 in the fourth, as again after two were out, John Ramistella and Olmo Rosario laced back to back doubles to give the Pride a 4-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Spirit got on the scoreboard in a big way against Pride starter Lance Stevens. Mike Torres singled with one out, and one out later Carlos Rodriguez singled to left. Josue Lopez then homered deep over the right field wall to cut the lead to 4-3.
The winning rally occurred in the fifth. With one out, Gilbert Gil ripped a ground rule double into the left field corner. Gary Roche then drew a walk to put runners at first and second. Vic Davilla's RBI single knotted the score at 4-4, and then Mike Torres ripped a single up the middle to give the Spirit a 6-4 lead, a lead they would not relinquish.
Joey Siak ( 3-2) picked up the victory, his third, going five innings, walking noone and striking out three. Dennis Robinson, Jamie Baker, Donny Langdon, and Derek Drage finished up for the Spirit, with the bullpen providing superb relief work to secure the victory.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
FUN IS GOOD: SPIRIT STUN PRIDE 7-5 IN 10 INNINGS
With 2 outs in the 9th and the Spirit down 5-4, Darren Blakely hit a pop up to left, and it appeared to be over. I got up and started to walk out. The Pride were about to win in come-from-behind fashion.
But not on this night - on a night when the sellout crowd of 3,341 bought into the 'fun is good' mantra and created a tremendous atmosphere, a night when Vic Davilla came out of retirement for the 80000th time, and a night when the Spirit continued to finally show some pop.
There were a million story lines going into the bottom of the 9th: Vic's return, Josue Lopez's Golden Sombrero (0-4, 4 Ks), Torres's continued offensive excellence, the solid pitching of Josue Matos, and the not-so-solid pitching of Jamie Baker, who served up a 2-run, game tying homer in the 8th to Jermy Acey.
But the real storyline was about to unfold.
Jerod Edmondson, Nashua's left fielder, dropped Blakely's easy pop to left. Blakely reached 2nd.
Enter BJ Weed. He smokes a game tying single to lift, prompting some serious jubilation in the Fraser stands the likes of which I don't think I've ever seen, except maybe in playoff games.
In the top of the 10th, Nashua put runners on 1st and 2nd w/ 1 out. Matt Creighton smashed a line drive to right which Carlos Rodriguez handled. The runner on 2nd attempted to tag up and reach 3rd.... big mistake. Carlos Rodriguez GUNNED him out and ended the inning, prompting another standing ovation from the Fraser faithful.
Alex Trezza started the bottom of the 10th by reaching 2nd--- 2ND!!! --- on a dropped third strike. (In the many baseball games I've seen, I don't recall EVER seeing that happen. EVER!) Then Carlos Rodriguez sent everyone home happy with an absolute no-doubt screaming blast over the left field fence and into Jimmy Hurst territory near the trailers. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
I didn't even go nuts when he hit the HR (I used up all of THAT energy when Weed tied the game) I just kind of sat there amazed and a little overwhelmed --- this probably rivals the Tony C night walkoff win over Brockton for the title of 'best ever Spirit regular-season home game.'
The Pride looked absolutely stunned and the Spirit were hopping around jubilantly. It was a great celebration and a deserving one for Rodriguez who was already a hero for his top-of-the-frame heroics. They were clearly pumped and could feel some serious momentum.
The Spirit now have 4 wins in a row - their longest streak of the season. Maybe the fight and getting smoked by Quebec brought them together. Or maybe their big bats are just starting to hit up to their potential. Either way, the offense is turning it around, and the pitching has been there all year (league leading 2.94 ERA going into tonight). With an easy part of the schedule coming up, this might just be the turning point we've been anticipating since day two of the season.
Vic Davilla hit a home run in his third-ever 'first game back', a solo dinger to dead center. Darren Blakely also had a smashed HR of his own early on. In addition, Mike Torres ripped an RBI single, adding up to an early Spirit 4-0 lead.
But the Pride chipped away at Spirit starter Josue Matos, who did pretty well in his debut appearance but was chased after narrowly escaping further trouble in the sixth.
The man/ninja/myth/hero/Lantigua-slaying legend Dennis Robinson made his return in the 7th and retired the Pride in order.
In the 8th, Jamie Baker struggled mightily. He walked the leadoff man (never a good sign) and gave up a 2-run opposite field blast to Jermy Acey to tie it. Then in the top of the 9th Billy "Simple Simon" fared no better. He also walked the leadoff man, Luis Rodriguez. With runners on 2nd & 3rd and 2 out, Simon threw an awful wild pitch that skipped past Trezza and let Rodriguez in the back door, stunning the Spirit and giving Nashua a 5-4 lead.
It appeared to be a lost cause, then --- the Spirit had complete control of the game and let it go to waste. They were going to fall back to .500 and lose a game they should have won.
But it was not to be. Hooray drama!
What an awesome night at the ballpark.
It's nights like these that make all the rest of them worth it... this was the Spirit experience at its best. Here's hoping it's not the last time we get that magical feeling this year.
Post script: QUEBEC LOSES TO NEW HAVEN, 7-3! Perfect. AND Atlantic City's 3-1 win over Worcester means the Spirit are a half game back of the magic #4 spot in the league table.
But not on this night - on a night when the sellout crowd of 3,341 bought into the 'fun is good' mantra and created a tremendous atmosphere, a night when Vic Davilla came out of retirement for the 80000th time, and a night when the Spirit continued to finally show some pop.
There were a million story lines going into the bottom of the 9th: Vic's return, Josue Lopez's Golden Sombrero (0-4, 4 Ks), Torres's continued offensive excellence, the solid pitching of Josue Matos, and the not-so-solid pitching of Jamie Baker, who served up a 2-run, game tying homer in the 8th to Jermy Acey.
But the real storyline was about to unfold.
Jerod Edmondson, Nashua's left fielder, dropped Blakely's easy pop to left. Blakely reached 2nd.
Enter BJ Weed. He smokes a game tying single to lift, prompting some serious jubilation in the Fraser stands the likes of which I don't think I've ever seen, except maybe in playoff games.
In the top of the 10th, Nashua put runners on 1st and 2nd w/ 1 out. Matt Creighton smashed a line drive to right which Carlos Rodriguez handled. The runner on 2nd attempted to tag up and reach 3rd.... big mistake. Carlos Rodriguez GUNNED him out and ended the inning, prompting another standing ovation from the Fraser faithful.
Alex Trezza started the bottom of the 10th by reaching 2nd--- 2ND!!! --- on a dropped third strike. (In the many baseball games I've seen, I don't recall EVER seeing that happen. EVER!) Then Carlos Rodriguez sent everyone home happy with an absolute no-doubt screaming blast over the left field fence and into Jimmy Hurst territory near the trailers. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
I didn't even go nuts when he hit the HR (I used up all of THAT energy when Weed tied the game) I just kind of sat there amazed and a little overwhelmed --- this probably rivals the Tony C night walkoff win over Brockton for the title of 'best ever Spirit regular-season home game.'
The Pride looked absolutely stunned and the Spirit were hopping around jubilantly. It was a great celebration and a deserving one for Rodriguez who was already a hero for his top-of-the-frame heroics. They were clearly pumped and could feel some serious momentum.
The Spirit now have 4 wins in a row - their longest streak of the season. Maybe the fight and getting smoked by Quebec brought them together. Or maybe their big bats are just starting to hit up to their potential. Either way, the offense is turning it around, and the pitching has been there all year (league leading 2.94 ERA going into tonight). With an easy part of the schedule coming up, this might just be the turning point we've been anticipating since day two of the season.
Vic Davilla hit a home run in his third-ever 'first game back', a solo dinger to dead center. Darren Blakely also had a smashed HR of his own early on. In addition, Mike Torres ripped an RBI single, adding up to an early Spirit 4-0 lead.
But the Pride chipped away at Spirit starter Josue Matos, who did pretty well in his debut appearance but was chased after narrowly escaping further trouble in the sixth.
The man/ninja/myth/hero/Lantigua-slaying legend Dennis Robinson made his return in the 7th and retired the Pride in order.
In the 8th, Jamie Baker struggled mightily. He walked the leadoff man (never a good sign) and gave up a 2-run opposite field blast to Jermy Acey to tie it. Then in the top of the 9th Billy "Simple Simon" fared no better. He also walked the leadoff man, Luis Rodriguez. With runners on 2nd & 3rd and 2 out, Simon threw an awful wild pitch that skipped past Trezza and let Rodriguez in the back door, stunning the Spirit and giving Nashua a 5-4 lead.
It appeared to be a lost cause, then --- the Spirit had complete control of the game and let it go to waste. They were going to fall back to .500 and lose a game they should have won.
But it was not to be. Hooray drama!
What an awesome night at the ballpark.
It's nights like these that make all the rest of them worth it... this was the Spirit experience at its best. Here's hoping it's not the last time we get that magical feeling this year.
Post script: QUEBEC LOSES TO NEW HAVEN, 7-3! Perfect. AND Atlantic City's 3-1 win over Worcester means the Spirit are a half game back of the magic #4 spot in the league table.
Coming home
The Spirit's next 9 games:
vs. Nashua (6/30)
vs. Nashua (7/1)
@ New Haven (7/3)
@ New Haven (7/4)
@ New Haven (7/5)
vs. Sussex (7/6)
vs. Sussex (7/7)
vs. Sussex (7/8)
vs. Sussex (7/9)
If this team really is going to turn it around, this would be a fine place to get on a run. It's wholly conceivable to go something like 7-2 in this next 9 game stretch. Anything less than domination against New Haven and Sussex would be a bad sign.
This is exactly what we need to get firmly over .500, into the top half of the table, and into contention for a playoff spot. Forget about the first half (-6 games w/ 13 remaining), let's just put together some wins.
****
Tonight is the first of two at home against the Pride. Rumor has it that Bryan Morse will come off the DL for one of these two games, but I'm not sure if that's true.
The CanAm site lists the matchup as Hideki Nagasaka vs. TBA, and Leahy mentioned that Josue Mateos would be pitching for the Spirit tonight.
Gametime is 6:05 PM, followed by a "fireworks extravaganza." Hooray!
vs. Nashua (6/30)
vs. Nashua (7/1)
@ New Haven (7/3)
@ New Haven (7/4)
@ New Haven (7/5)
vs. Sussex (7/6)
vs. Sussex (7/7)
vs. Sussex (7/8)
vs. Sussex (7/9)
If this team really is going to turn it around, this would be a fine place to get on a run. It's wholly conceivable to go something like 7-2 in this next 9 game stretch. Anything less than domination against New Haven and Sussex would be a bad sign.
This is exactly what we need to get firmly over .500, into the top half of the table, and into contention for a playoff spot. Forget about the first half (-6 games w/ 13 remaining), let's just put together some wins.
****
Tonight is the first of two at home against the Pride. Rumor has it that Bryan Morse will come off the DL for one of these two games, but I'm not sure if that's true.
The CanAm site lists the matchup as Hideki Nagasaka vs. TBA, and Leahy mentioned that Josue Mateos would be pitching for the Spirit tonight.
Gametime is 6:05 PM, followed by a "fireworks extravaganza." Hooray!
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