Celebrate the Holidays at Parkview Field
By Chad Gramling | November 20, 2009
The Fort Wayne TinCaps have announced that a Christmas tree will take centerfield on the Parkview Field concourse during the holidays.
“The TinCaps are always looking for ways that Parkview Field can be more involved in the downtown community,” said TinCaps Vice President, Michael Limmer. “The long tradition of ‘Night of Lights’ and HolidayFest was something that we wanted to be a part of and being able to decorate a tree for the holidays was a perfect fit for the facility.”
On Wednesday night, November 25th – the same night that Santa’s sleigh, the wreath, the Wells Fargo display, and many other holiday-themed decorations are illuminated downtown, the join the decor. “We encourage people to swing by the ballpark that night,” said Limmer. “
Parkview Field will see extended hours during the holidays on select nights.
“We wanted to give families the chance to come down to the ballpark and see the tree as it was intended at night,” said Limmer.
The ballpark will be open on Wednesday, November 25th until 8:30pm and then each Saturday until Christmas we will be open until 7:00pm. Each Saturday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, there will be special holiday programming, music, and videoboard displays at the ballpark. Details of each Saturday event are still being finalized but they will be available on the TinCaps website the week proceeding the event.
Topics: Parkview Field | No Comments »
Brewers Claim Former Wizard, George Kottaras
By Chad Gramling | November 18, 2009
According to Anthony Witrado of the Journal Sentinel, the Milwakee Brewers have claimed (hat tipe to MLBTradeRumors) former Fort Wayne Wizard, George Kottaras from the Boston Red Sox off release waivers. Brewers GM, Doug Melvin has indcated that the Kottaras claim was to add depth to the catching corps and give them more depth come spring.
Related BBIFW George Kottaras Posts:
- Kottaras Shooting for BoSox Spot
- With Varitek, Ross and Cash Out, is Kottaras In?
- George Kottaras’ MLB Debut
- Kottaras Added to Red Sox 40-Man Roster
- Wizards Where R They? – George Kottaras
- Half Way There: A Mid-Season Look at Estranged Friars
Topics: Alumni | No Comments »
Buy Signed Copy of Baseball in Fort Wayne – New Low Price $10.99
By Chad Gramling | November 17, 2009
As Christmas approaches, I know you are thinking of what to get that hard-to-buy-for baseball fan or local history buff. Well, not only do I have a great suggestion, I have an amazing deal for you!
For a limited time, I am making a small supply of my book, Baseball in Fort Wayne, available for purchase for just $10.99 plus shipping (unless we arrange other methods). That’s not a classic Chad Gramling typ-o. Indeed, you can buy a signed copy for nearly half the cover price!
So what are you waiting for?
Topics: Books | No Comments »
Former Fort Wayne Wizard, Todd Donovan Ends Playing Career
By Chad Gramling | November 8, 2009
After playing more than a decade in Minor League Baseball without so much as a cup of coffee in the Majors, former Fort Wayne Wizard Todd Donovan, is calling an end to his baseball playing career. Donovan’s extra innings will now ba as a scout with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In his scouting role, he’ll be monitoring the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays on the major league level, and Pawtucket, Rochester, New Britain and New Hampshire as part of his minor league assignment.
Donovan played in more than 800 professional games, collecting 800+ hits and a whopping 346 stolen bases. In 2005, the aggressive and speedy Donovan swiped 62 bags while with the Jacksonville Suns of the (AA) Southern League.
The eighth round selection (number 292 overall) of the San Diego Padres in the 1999 Amateur Draft, Donavoan appeared in 53 games with Fort Wayne in 2000. He hit .284 with 58 hits, 12 doubles and runs batted in. He also walked 25 times in 204 at-bats and compiled a .370 on base percentage. He swiped 18 bases and was caught stealing 9 times.
Related Posts:
- Todd Donovan Signs with Blue Jays
- Former Wizards Likely to Debut in 2009 – Part III
- Fort Fragments (Wizards): Donovan, Hunter, Condrey, Pierzynski, Soria, Perez
Topics: Alumni | No Comments »
RIP: Howie Schultz Loses Battle With Cancer
By Chad Gramling | November 1, 2009
Howie Schultz was one of the first national two sport athletes, one of the few individuals to have played enough in both basketball and baseball to earn pensions from both has passed away after a long cancer battle.
Schultz’s contract was purchased by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943, and became the Dodgers’ starting first baseman. He was a regular with them until the start of the 1947 season, when his contract was sold to the Philadelphia Phillies to make room for Jackie Robinson.
“His first year, Jackie played first base,” Schultz said in a 2004 interview with the Star Tribune. “I’m a footnote in history — the guy who was benched to allow baseball to be integrated.”
His baseball career, which lasted until 1948, also saw him spend time on the Cincinnati Reds roster. But his Fort Wayne connections are due to his second professional sports career in basketball. He played with the Anderson (Indiana) Packers of the National Basketball League from 1946 to 1949. When the NBL was absorbed by the National Basketball Association he became a member of the Fort Wayne Pistons.
Topics: Local Facts | No Comments »
Tune to WOWO on Saturday for Talkin Sports with Jim Shovlin
By Chad Gramling | October 23, 2009
Join us Saturday morning at 9:20 for Talkin’ Sports, immediately following Fighting Irish Preview. This week we’ll recap the Komets opening night game aginst Bloomington at Memorial Coliseum with Komet president Michael Franke, check in with Phil Houk to find out a little more about the USF Cougars Saturday opponent, Missouri University of Science and Technology and we’ll talk with travel hockey coach David Ray of the Ft. Wayne Vipers about the financial responsibilities of travel sports.
We will have 1st round sectional highlights and recaps from high school football games around the area and preview collegiate football games of local interest.
We’ll be naming our PSI/One Eleven Design Athlete of the Week in the 4th Quarter of the show.
Any athlete (youth, adult, high school, collegiate, neighbor) can be a PSI/One Eleven Design Athlete of the Week. Nominations for the PSI/One Eleven Design Athlete of the Week can be submitted to this e-mail address or: jim@wowo.com.
TALKIN SPORTS IS NOW ON FACE BOOK. SIMPLY SEARCH TALKIN SPORTS TO BECOME A FAN. WE’LL BE UPDATING LOCAL SPORTS NEWS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK ON THE PAGE AND IF YOU HAVE SPORTS NEWS, LET US KNOW HERE AS WELL.
Tune in Saturday mornings at 9:20 for Talkin’ Sports on WKJG-ESPN Radio 1380. Phone lines are always open at 260-447-8500.
Talkin’ Sports is brought to you each week by: INdigital Telecom, Perfection Bakeries/Aunt Millie’s, Wise Insurance, PSI/One Eleven Design and Kraft Foods.
Topics: Talkin' Sports | No Comments »
Former Fort Wayne Skipper, Randy Ready to Interview with Astros
By Chad Gramling | October 14, 2009
Until this season, Randy Ready was the winningest manager in the Fort Wayne franchise’s history. Since that time, he’s managed at all levels in the Sand Diego Padres system except for the Major Leagues. During the offseason last year, he interviewed with the Seattle Mariners after being named by Baseball America as the minor league manager who is most ready to take on a big league gig.
During the 2009 season, the Padres promoted Ready to hitting coach, but I am sure they knew it is only a matter of time before Ready is managing a Major League club – either in San Deigo or elsewhere. So it comes as no surpise that Randy Ready is one of 10 candidates on the Houston Astros’ list.
It has been confirmed that they have asked for and were granted permission to talk to Ready. He’ll interview with the Astros on Thursday.
“It’s nice to be wanted,” Ready said. “The last two months with the Padres were great. I think the veteran hitters —- Adrian (Gonzalez) and Kouz (Kevin Kouzmanoff) established themselves. And the young kids stepped up. I think the Padres are in a great position heading into 2010.
“But I have to pursue this opportunity. I’ve been grooming myself for a major-league job, and this is a great chance.
The Astros are replacing Cecil Cooper, who was fired on September 21. good luck Randy
Topics: Alumni | No Comments »
Wedge is Out in Cleveland
By Chad Gramling | September 30, 2009
Although he will finish out the season, the Cleveland Indians have removed Eric Wedge as the manager of the club.
Two years ago, Cleveland was one win away from a World Series trip. The Indians fell to 81-81 in 2008, but were expected to bounce back and contend this season. However, a slow start snowballed . . .
The 41-year-old Wedge was the AL Manager of the Year in 2007, when the Indians won 96 games — tied for most in the majors — and held a 3-1 lead in the AL Championship Series over Boston before the Red Sox rallied and won three straight.
Topics: Local Ties | 1 Comment »
Ernesto Frieri is 87th Fort Wayne Alum to Make MLB Debut
By Chad Gramling | September 27, 2009
Former Fort Wayne Wizard, Ernesto Frieri becamse the 87th former Fort Wayne Wizare/TinCap to make his Major League Baseball debut last night when he entered the eight in place of San Diego Padres starter, Luke Gregerson.
He faced the minimum for the inning by striking out the Diamondbacks’ Gerardo Parra and then getting Chris Young to line out to third baseman and fellow former Wizard, Chase Headley. He then struck out Stephen Drew to end the inning and his outing.
Frieri appeared in one game with the Wizarads in 2006. He returned in 2007, where he appeared in 40 games, compiling a 1-2 record with a 2.64 ERA and striking out 65 while walking 23 over 64.2 innings piched.
Photograph (Daryl Jones #28 and Ernesto Frieri #19) by Chad Gramling taken at Memorial Stadium during the 2007 season. Autographs are authentic and obtained in person.
Topics: Alumni | No Comments »
TinCaps are MidWest League Champions
By Chad Gramling | September 17, 2009
The Fort Wayne TinCpas have captured thier first MidWest League championship in the franchise’s history. Congrats on an amazing season.
Topics: TinCaps | 1 Comment »