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Eric Blanton Named Double-A Sports Turf Manager of Year

Manchester, NH- The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, are proud to announce that Head Turf Manager Eric Blanton has been named the 2007 Double-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) and Minor League Baseball. Blanton will receive the honor at the Annual Baseball Winter Meetings Awards Luncheon on Monday, December 3, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. He will also be recognized at the 19th Annual STMA Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, January 18.

"We're incredibly fortunate to have the best playing surface in Double-A baseball, and it's due to the hard work and dedication put forth by Eric and his staff," said Fisher Cats President/General Manager Rick Brenner. "For someone who never looks for publicity or credit for the great job he does, this is a much-deserved honor for Eric, and we couldn't be happier for him."

Blanton, who was named the 2007 Eastern League Sports Turf Manager of the Year in August, has been the Head Turf Manager at Merchantsauto.com Stadium since 2005. Eric, who earned his Associates in Applied Arts and Science Degree in Turfgrass Management from Walla Walla (WA) Community College, has worked in the sports turf industry for the past seven years.

Eric is joined on his staff by Seasonal Assistant Turf Manager Mike Josselyn, who was been with the Fisher Cats since 2006, along with Todd Winton, Glenn Monnelly and Dennis Livoli.

Full-Season and Half-Season Tickets are on sale now. All Season Ticket packages include tickets to the 2008 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Game. For more information, contact the Fisher Cats Ticket Office at (603) 641-2005 or visit New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

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Surf update

THE SCHEDULE'S ALMOST READY...SEASON STARTS MAY 22!

The Canadian-American League has unveiled its 2008 line-up of teams and has outlined its schedule for the upcoming season.

The Atlantic City Surf, Brockton Rox, Grays (traveling team), Nashua Pride, New Jersey Jackals, Quebec Capitales, Sussex Skyhawks and Worcester Tornadoes will all return, making the Can-Am an eight-team loop for 2008. The North Shore Spirit and the New Haven County Cutters will not operate.

The league will again play a 94-game season, starting May 22 and ending September 1. The Surf will have 52 home games. The league will play a split season, with the second half starting on July 14. There will be two best-of-five playoff series starting September 3, with the winners of each half meeting the two teams with the next-best overall records.

BECOME THE SURF'S NEXT MASCOT OR P.A. ANNOUNCER

The Surf are looking for a public address announcer for the 2008 season. The candidate must be energetic, professional, outgoing and have a solid knowledge of baseball.

The club is also looking for individuals who would be interested in representing the Surf in the community as our mascot, "Splash." Events range from birthday parties to parades to grand openings. Events usually last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The right candidate has to be child-friendly, energetic, fun, and must be able to jump and run in a mascot costume. Compensation is $25.00 per event.

For more information on either position, contact Barry Kraus, Community Relations Manager, at (609) 344-8873, or by e-mailing bkraus@acsurf.com.

BERNIE ROBBINS STADIUM HOSTS TOYS FOR TOTS' CORVETTE RUN

On Saturday, November 3, the fourth annual Atlantic City Toys for Tots Corvette Run was held at Bernie Robbins Stadium. Over 650 Corvettes and their owners from around the East Coast met on the Atlantic City Expressway and traveled to the parking lot at the ballpark.

Held in conjunction with the United States Marines' Toys for Tots program and Kerbeck Automotive, over 3,000 toys, including bicycles, games and sports toys, were collected from the crowd of 1,500. The afternoon also featured door prizes, the "World's Coolest Corvette" (a Corvette carved out of ice), and a visit from Miss America, Lauren Nelson.

CATCH SPLASH AT HIS UPCOMING APPEARANCES!

November 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: PNC Bank in Absecon on Route 30

November 24, 2 p.m: Atlantic City Christmas Parade

December 1, 12 p.m.: Ventnor City Christmas Parade

December 8, 10:30 a.m.: Ocean City Christmas Parade

PURCHASE GAME-WORN JERSEYS AT THE TEAM'S ONLINE STORE

The Surf will be wearing new uniforms for the 2008 season! Purchase the game-worn jersey of your favorite player from the 2007 season at the online team shop at Atlantic City Surf Professional Baseball Club - Atlantic City, NJ.

SURF HIRE TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Barry Kraus, an Egg Harbor Township native, comes on board as the team's Community Relations Director. After spending last season as the club's director of emergency medical services, Barry will coordinate the Surf's involvement throughout the Atlantic City area, including mascot and player appearances. To have the Surf on board with your next event, contact Barry at (609) 344-8873, or e-mail him at bkraus@acsurf.com.

Hoffman Wolff has been hired as the team's Director of Operations. He joins the team after being the General Manager of the Little Falls Miners of the New York Collegiate Baseball League last season. Hoffman will be in charge of media relations and stadium operations for the Surf, and served as the Can-Am League's media relations director in 2005.

SURF LOOKING FOR INTERNS FOR 2008 SEASON

The Surf are searching for college interns to help with game-day and front-office operations during the 2008 season. The team will also be appearing at the Philadelphia Flyers' internship fair, held at the Wachovia Center on December 18 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Hoffman Wolff at (609) 344-8873 or by e-mailing hwolff@acsurf.com.

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Northern League Transactions

Joliet JackHammers: Exercised the 2008 option on the contract of RHP Matt Smith.

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Loons announce staff promotions

Seven staff members for the Great Lakes Loons have received promotions within the organization, Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau announced today.

Tammy Brinkman has been promoted to Assistant General Manager of Finance. Brinkman, previously the Director of Accounting, has seen her responsibilities steadily increase with the Loons and the Michigan Baseball Foundation. The Bay City resident will also continue to handle human resources for the organization.

Ann Craig is the team's new Assistant General Manager of Retail and Guest Services following a successful tenure as Director of Retail Operations. Craig's leadership of The Loon Loft team store at Dow Diamond and Loons.com has led to sales ranking amongst the top teams in all of Minor League Baseball. She is also a leader in the Loons' customer service efforts.

Patti Tuma, of Midland, has been promoted from Office Manager to Director of Business Operations. Following a successful career as a teacher with Midland Public Schools, Tuma has become a vital part of the Loons' day-to-day business operations and will continue taking on greater responsibilities.

Saginaw-native Karrie Sells has been promoted to Director of Sponsorships from Sponsorship Manager. In her role, she is responsible for all interaction between the Loons and their corporate partners. Under her leadership, the Loons far exceeded expected revenues for sponsorships in 2007.

Chris Lones will now serve as the Loons' Director of Production after previously holding the title of Video Production Manager. He oversees the Loons' in-game video presentation and will continue to gain greater responsibility for the Loons' overall in-game production. Lones, an Osceola, WI native, resides in Midland.

Keith Winter has been added to the Loons' full-time staff as the Loons' Assistant Groundskeeper and Stadium Operations Manager. Winter previously was a part-time assistant groundskeeper. He will report to both Head Groundskeeper Matt McQuaid and Director of Stadium Operations Greg Kigar for his dual role with the Loons.

Emily Schafer has been hired as a Corporate Account Executive following a successful internship with the Loons' marketing department. The Saginaw native and graduate of Central Michigan University replaces Scott Tenney, who has left the Loons to pursue another opportunity in Minor League ticket sales with the Lexington Legends.

Ben Gurnee of Bay City has been hired as the Loons' Marketing Manager. He will report to Loons Assistant General Manager of Marketing and Promotions Chris Mundhenk and will have additional responsibilities coordinating mascot appearances. The Saginaw Valley State University graduate also served as an intern in the marketing department during the 2007 season.

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CAMDEN, NJ- The Camden Riversharks will host the York Revolution on Friday, April 25 at Campbell's Field to kick off the 2008 season. The Atlantic League released the upcoming season schedule today, with game times to be determined.

The Riversharks season begins with a seven-game homestand in Camden, facing the Revolution for three games and the Somerset Patriots for four games. The Riversharks will visit the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at Regency Furniture Stadium on May 16. The Blue Crabs replace the traveling Road Warriors in an expanded 140-game season, marking the second-straight season an expansion team has joined the league.

"This will be the third year our league has a 140-game schedule, and this season we are poised to break all of our previous single-season attendance records," Atlantic League executive director Joe Klein said. "In 2009, we will already be welcoming our 20-millionth fan."

The defending Atlantic League champion Newark Bears visit Campbell's Field on May 2, while the 2008 league All-Star Game is scheduled for July 16 at Commerce Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots.

The Riversharks home schedule features six games in April, 11 in May, 16 in June, nine in July, 13 in August and 15 in September, with the final game of the season on September 21 against the Blue Crabs.

"The entire staff is really looking forward to the 2008 season and is already in the process of planning exciting theme nights and promotions for all the fans of South Jersey's home team," Riversharks general manager Adam Lorber said. "We hope to have all 11 weekend series at home packed with fireworks, giveaways and the best baseball we've played yet."

Camden will play 20 games against each of the seven other teams in the league: the Newark (N.J.) Bears, York Revolution, Somerset (N.J.) Patriots, Long Island Ducks, Bridgeport (C.T.) Bluefish, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and Lancaster Barnstormers.

Game times, a schedule of promotions and dates for 5, 10, 15, and 20 game ticket plans will be announced at a future date. For more information, please visit Camden Riversharks - riversharks.com.

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Ray Winder Field Yard Sale November 8 - 11

The Arkansas Travelers will be holding a yard sale at Ray Winder Field from Thursday, November 8 through Sunday, November 11. Fans looking to own a piece of Travs history are invited to come out and bid on items at Ray Winder Field ranging from wooden signs and drink-mix machines in the old concessions lobby to turnstiles, wooden benches and folding chairs that used to serve as the ballpark's box seats. All transactions will be made in cash only. No credit cards or checks will be accepted for purchases at the Ray Winder Field Yard Sale. The wooden grandstand chairs and metal box seats will not be available for purchase. Ray Winder Field served as the Home of the Travs from 1932 through 2006.

Hours for the yard sale are 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans can park at the main parking lot at Ray Winder Field in War Memorial Park. The Travs front office staff will be present to assist fans in their purchases.

Some of the items that will be available for purchase are chairs and desks used in the Travs' clubhouse and manager's office; desks, chairs and other equipment in the main office; wooden benches used in the bullpens; metal folding chairs; neon and wooden beer signs, air conditioners, historical Travs banners; TV sets; any clocks excluding scoreboard clock; popcorn warmers; office telephones; freezer compressors; awnings and much more.

"We'll sell just about anything in that ballpark that isn't nailed down," said Travs COO/Executive Vice President Bill Valentine.

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Legends Name Shea As New General Manager

APPLEBEE'S PARK (Lexington, KY) - The Lexington Legends have named Andy Shea as the team's new General Manager. Shea succeeds Kevin Kulp, who stepped down from the same post to pursue other opportunities.

"I am extremely excited and appreciative for the opportunity to represent the Lexington Legends and my family in the Central Kentucky community, Shea said. "I have tremendous people working around me, and I am thoroughly looking forward to my responsibilities as General Manager."

Shea joined the Legends in 2005 as a Ticket Sales Representative prior to being named Assistant General Manager in 2006. Shea graduated from Boston College with a degree in Marketing and Human Resources. Andy played one and a half years of baseball at Boston College before shoulder surgery ended his career. He hails from Philadelphia.

The Legends made three additional front office moves. Luke Kuboushek was promoted to Assistant General Manger; Seth Poteat becomes the new Director of Marketing; and Beth Ann Goldenberg assumes the role of Director of Ticket Operations.

"The education and work experience, particularly in Minor League Baseball, that Luke, Seth, and Beth Ann bring to the Legends is first class," Shea said. "The Legends are very lucky to have these three people in such important roles."

Kuboushek joined the Legends in 2006 as a Group Sales Representative. Luke was Director of Group Sales at the time of his promotion. Poteat joined the Legends in 2004 as a Corporate Sales Executive before assuming his new position. Goldenberg has been with the Legends since 2001. Beth has served as a Group Sales Representative, the Director of Group Sales and most recently the Director of Elite Club Services.

The Lexington Legends open the 2008 home schedule on Monday, April 7 against the Greenville Drive. Season tickets are now on sale with packages perfect for every budget. For more information, go to the Legends website at Lexington Legends: Home or call the box office at Applebee's Park at 859-422-RUNS (7867).

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Ducks Release 2008 Schedule

Long Island Ducks team officials today announced dates and starting times for the club's 140-game 2008 regular season schedule. The Ducks will open the season at home for the second consecutive year, squaring off against the defending league champion Newark Bears on Friday, April 25, in a rematch of last season's North Division playoffs.

"We're excited to open our season at Citibank Park for a second straight year," says Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff. "There's nothing better than opening a new campaign in front of the best fans in baseball. Last year, the home opener set the tone for an incredible season, and with season tickets currently on sale, we look forward to that atmosphere once again in 2008."

The Ducks will host 70 regular season games at Citibank Park in 2008. Following the success of earlier start times in 2007, Monday through Thursday contests will begin at 6:35 p.m. in the months of April, May, June and September. All Friday and Saturday contests will begin at 7:05 p.m., and Sunday games will be played at 1:35 p.m. In July and August, all games will begin at 7:05 p.m., with Sunday contests getting underway at 5:05 p.m.

The Ducks 2008 season begins where last year left off, with the Newark Bears paying a visit to Citibank Park to begin the year. The Bears beat the Ducks in two one-run games in last year's playoffs en route to the league championship. Following the Newark series, the Ducks will wrap up their opening homestand with a three-game series against the 2006 league champs, the Lancaster Barnstormers. Other significant dates in the early part of the schedule include May 8, when the Ducks host the expansion Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in the first ever meeting between the two clubs, and May 16, when the Ducks hop on the ferry for the first meeting of the year against their cross-Sound archrivals, the Bridgeport Bluefish. The Ducks will once again celebrate the Fourth of July holiday at Citibank Park, hosting the Bluefish.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park, and have played eight seasons in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Season ticket packages for 2008 are currently available. For further information, visit Long Island Ducks Official Site, or call (631) 940-3825.

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Vermonticana 2 Calenders Available

Based on the success of his 2007 Vermonticana Calender, longtime Vermont baseball coach Jim Carter has put together Vermonticana 2, a 2008 calender of Vermont baseball fields, that is now available for purchase.

The 2007 calendar sold out with the proceeds of $8,900 going to the United Ways of Vermont. Because of the success of the calendar, Carter has decided to do Vermonticana 2 for the 2008 year. Again all the proceeds will go the the United Way.

The 2008 calendar features action shots during games played by the Senior League, Green Mountain League, Little League, American Legion and the North-South High School All-Star teams.

Some of the venues include the Montpelier Recreation Field, Alumni Field in South Royalton, Barre Recreation Field, Schifilliti Field in Burlington, Collins-Perley Field in St. Albans, Champlain Valley Union High School Field in Hinesburg, Little Fenway in Essex and Harwood Union High School field in Duxbury.

Many Vermont historical events are included in the calendar. Also included is a narrative of each team playing on the field as well as an inserted photo of the teams. The photographs were taken by Jeff Clarke with graphic design by Dan DiPietro. The calendar was printed in Vermont by The Offset House in Essex.

Cost of the calendar remains the same as last year at $12.00 plus $3.00 for shipping.You can view and purchase it on-line at vermonticana.org. The calendar can also be purchased at local gift shops, sporting good stores, including the Vermont Lake Monsters Office at the Champlain Mill in Winooski, or by contacting Jim Carter at jtcarter@uvm.edu.

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Isotopes Park Named Top Field By Sports Turf Managers

The Sports Turf Managers Association has named Isotopes Park the best playing surface in professional baseball, as part of the organization's annual awards announced today. The honor is the latest in a series of accolades garnered this year by the 'Topes and head groundskeeper Jarad Alley, who was named top groundskeeper in the Pacific Coast League in August.

Alley, who has been with the 'Topes since the team's inception in 2003, presided over the field during the Triple-A All-Star Game at Isotopes Park this July as well as maintained the field's pristine condition despite a particularly arduous monsoon season in Albuquerque. Including the Triple-A All-Star Game, an entire Isotopes season, a full slate of New Mexico Lobos baseball games, and numerous other events held at the ballpark, the field played host to 130 separate events in 2007 and 118 baseball or softball games.

"It is an immense honor to be recognized for this prestigious award,&qu