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**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:16 PM

Quackerjack Goes To School

On Friday, January 18, the students at Huntington Intermediate School will get an education in fun when QuackerJack and Long Island Ducks first baseman Rob Cafiero pay their school a visit. The most popular kid at the school-wide assembly will be fourth grader Daniel Molitor. That's because Daniel wrote a winning essay on why his community is important to him for the annual Commerce Bank Take a Duck to Class program. The essay earned Daniel a chance to not only bring QJ and Rob to his classroom, but also to the entire school.

The assembly will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. Rob will speak to the children about being a professional ballplayer, as well as what it means to play for his and our hometown team. Kids will have the opportunity to ask Rob and QJ questions on everything from their favorite moments in baseball to their favorite school subjects.

Daniel's essay was one of four winning essays in this year's Take a Duck to Class program, sponsored by Commerce Bank. Daniel wrote on the topic, "Why My Community is Important to Me," and turned in the essay to his local Commerce Bank. By having his composition selected, Daniel won the opportunity to have QuackerJack and a Ducks player visit Mrs. Lauter's fourth grade class, which consists of 26 students. But instead, he'll have the chance to show off in front of the entire student body of 508 children. It's sure to be an unforgettable day for both Daniel, the Long Island Ducks, and the students at Huntington Intermediate.

A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the Commerce philosophy. Commerce Bank's overall Corporate Giving Program has contributed more than $65 million to nonprofit organizations, helping to improve the quality of life of the people living in the communities served by the bank. In 2007 alone, Commerce made 4,800 different contributions and donated a total of $9 million, which equaled 2% of its pre-tax income, to beneficiaries - doubling America's average of 0.7%, according to the Giving USA Foundation. Commerce Bank provides financial and other support to educational, community, human service, arts, and health-related programs, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.

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.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:17 PM

Newark Bears Announce Date For 2008 Open Tryouts

NEWARK, NJ, Jan. 16-The 2007 Atlantic League Champion-Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced today they will hold open tryouts for the upcoming baseball season. Open tryouts will be held at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Saturday, April 5 at 9:00am. For all players participating in the open tryouts, there is a registration fee of $40. All players will receive free Bear tryout tee-shirts for taking part.

Players are to report to the stadium at 8:00am for registration. Participants must be high school graduates and at least 18 years of age. All those in attendance should provide their career statistics, if possible, and must supply their own spikes, gloves, and pants. The Bears will provide the participants with bats and balls throughout the open tryout.

Second year Bears Manager and former major league infielder, Wayne Krenchicki will be on hand, alongside with his coaching staff, to evaluate the players at the ballpark along with Bears General Manager John Brandt.

The Bears most respected signing from the open tryouts was left-handed pitcher Steve Crampton who pitched for the team in 2004, 2005 and part of 2007. In 2004, the Paterson, New Jersey native appeared in a team high 46 games and set career highs with six wins and 68 strikeouts en route to being named Bears Pitcher of the Year. Since joining the Bears in 2004, Crampton is now fifth in Bears all-time history with 87 pitching appearances.

For more information, please contact Shannon Powers, Baseball Operations Coordinator, at: spowers@newarkbears.com, 973-848-1000, ext. 164.

The Newark Bears will begin their tenth season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, April 29 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans attending all home games may park in the spacious parking garage located behind the wall in right field. For more information and up-to-date news on the Bears, log on to the team's official website newarkbears.com: Home or call 1-866-55-4BEAR.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:17 PM

Mahomes To Lead Canaries Pitching Camp

SIOUX FALLS, SD (January 16, 2008) - Former Minnesota Twins Pitcher Pat Mahomes is coming back to Sioux Falls to lead the Canaries Winter Pitching Camp. The Canaries and Mahomes will host two separate one-day camps, with one in Sioux Falls and one in Mitchell. The Sioux Falls camp will take place at Augustana College's Elmen Center on Wednesday, January 30 from 6-10 p.m. The Mitchell camp will take at Dakota Wesleyan University on Saturday, February 2 from 9 a.m. until noon.

"This camp provides a great opportunity for young pitchers to take their game to the next level with the instruction of two former Major Leaguers," said Canaries General Manager Matt Hansen. "Pat was instrumental in helping all of the pitchers on our roster improve last season, and I think that coaching is something that comes very natural to him."

Mahomes will instruct the camp with the Canaries Manager Steve Shirley and Canaries Pitching Coach Mike Meyer. Shirley is in his second year as the Canaries Manager and is also a former Major Leaguer, who spent 15 years pitching professionally. Meyer spent three and a half years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization and a total of seven years as a professional pitcher before moving on to coaching last year.

To ensure maximum one-on-one instruction, the Canaries Winter Pitching Camps have each been limited to 25 spots. To reserve a spot for their child, parents should contact the Sioux Falls Canaries by phone at (605) 333-0179, or by e-mailing info@canariesbaseball.com.

In addition to being in town to lead the Canaries Winter Pitching Camp, Pat Mahomes will also be making an appearance at the Canaries Hot Stove Banquet presented by OrbitCom. The fourth annual Hot Stove Banquet takes place on Tuesday, January 29, and will feature 1991 World Series MVP Jack Morris as the headline speaker. Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased through the Sioux Falls Canaries office.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:19 PM

Explorers Outfield Begins To Take Shape

SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that they have resigned OF Pete Pirman for the 2008 season. Pirman will again be the Explorers everyday right fielder as he was throughout the 2007 season.

"I'm glad to have a strong armed corner outfielder in Pirman," comments manager Les Lancaster. "This gives us another very good defensive outfielder and I will be looking to protect him better this year by putting him in front of a power hitter in the order. This should allow him to see more fastballs and be even more successful."

Pirman, 28, returns to Sioux City after having a very successful second half of the season and was a key component in the Explorers playoff run in the 2nd half. In the 2nd half, he hit .315 with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homeruns, and 28 runs batted in. For the season, Pete hit .273 while recording (100) hits, (20) doubles, and (43) RBIs in 91 games for the X's with 87 of them being in right field. He also saw limited duty at 1st base.

Prior to the 2007 season, Pete enjoyed five very successful seasons in the Frontier League with Evansville, Richmond, and Kalamazoo. He had a .300 batting average with 47 home runs and 247 RBI's coming over the 5-year stretch (35 HR and 146 RBI in 2005 and 2006). His best season came in 2005 when he ranked in the top ten in most Frontier League offensive categories (1st Total Bases (238), 1st Runs Batted In (100), 1st Extra Base Hits (47), 1st At-Bats (409), 2nd Stolen Bases (35), 2nd Runs Scored (82), 2nd Hits (142), 4th Home Runs (23), 6th Batting Average (.347). For his efforts, Pete was named to the Baseball America All-Independent First Team as an outfielder.

Pirman attended college at Eastern Illinois and currently resides in Palatine, IL.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:20 PM

Explorers Baseball Clinic April 12

Former Major League Pitcher with the Chicago Cubs and current Sioux City Explorers Field Manager LES LANCASTER will be holding a (1) day baseball clinic for Baseball Players ages 10 through 18 on Saturday April 12th at Lewis & Clark Park from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Assisting with the clinic will be former Cleveland Indians player/coach and current Sioux City Explorers Hitting Coach, Billy Williams with additional assistance and instruction from current Sioux City Explorer players.

This will be a great way for youth baseball players, team managers or coaches to be exposed to innovative and proven techniques, drills, training routines, coaching philosophies and very useful baseball development information. The first 40 applications received per age group will be accepted.

Instruction Details:

9:00 - 9:45 Registration Begins

9:50 - 10:00 Clinic Instructor Introductions

10:00 - 10:30 Stretch & Throw

10:40 - 11:40 Fielding/Mechanics

1) Infield

2) Outfield

3) Catching

4) Pitching

11:55 - 12:55 Base Running

1) Leads @ 1B & 2B

2) Rounding Bases (turns)

1:00 - 1:30 LUNCH BREAK

(Bring sack lunch, drinks will be provided)

1:35 - 1:45 Stretch

1:45 - 2:45 Hitting Drills

1) Soft Toss

2) Cage Work

3) Tee Work

2:50 - 3:50 Live Batting Practice

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:21 PM

Lincoln Saltdogs Valentine's Packages Available

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and the Saltdogs want to help you celebrate. The Saltdogs are offering two different packages to surprise your sweetheart. Call or stop in the Saltdogs office to get your package reserved today!

The first package is our Saltdogs Lead Off package. This package includes: a personalized Valentine's card, a $25 Saltdogs Gift Card and an Autographed Picture of Homer for only $35.00. You can order your Lead Off package over the phone at 474-2255 or by stopping in the Saltdogs office. This package can be picked up in the office during regular business hours or mailed to your special Valentine.*

*To be received by the recipient on or before February 14th, orders for the Lead Off package must be placed by February 12th.

The second package is our Homer Valentine package. This package includes: A visit to home or work from the Saltdogs loveable mascot Homer, a personalized card, one red rose, a box of chocolates, an autographed picture of Homer and a digital photo of Homer and your sweetheart. Homer will also come bearing a gift of a $25 Saltdogs Gift Card, which is good for tickets and merchandise at Haymarket Park. This Package is only $80 and available to a limited number of deliveries.

Dates of Deliveries: Wednesday February 13th - Friday February 15th

Delivery Times: Between 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Contact Jeanette at 474-2255 or jeanette@saltdogs.com for more information and to arrange your special Valentine's package today!

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:22 PM

Cubs invite former Hawks to spring training

Boise, ID - Former Hawks Jose Ceda, Wellington Castillo, Tyler Colvin and Josh Donaldson are invited to spring training. The former Boise Hawks are among 19 non-roster players invited to camp by the Cubs.

Colvin, Castillo and Ceda spent the summer of 2006 in Boise. Donaldson was the Hawks starting catcher last season.

Colvin was the 13th overall pick by the Cubs in the 2006 draft. He's been rated the Cubs' number three prospect by Baseball America. Minorleagubaseball.com slates him as the number 44 overall prospect.

Donaldson is rated as the Cubs' number 7 prospect by Baseball America. The first-rounder from Auburn finished 2nd in the Northwest League last summer with a .346 batting average. Ceda is a left-handed pitcher and rated by Baseball America as the Cubs' number 4 prospect. Castillo has been given the nod as the best defensive catcher in the Cubs' organization by Baseball America.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on February 13, and position players report to the Cubs' spring training complex in Mesa, AZ on February 18.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:23 PM

Fresh Look Defines Next Era of Cutters Baseball

The Williamsport Crosscutters (Philadelphia Phillies A affiliate) unveiled their new identity program at the Genetti Hotel during the teams Annual Hot Stove Banquet on Thursday night. The new identity is part of an eight-month creative overhaul of the Crosscutters franchise.

"Today marks the next era of Williamsport Crosscutters Baseball," said Gabe Sinicropi, Cutters Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations. "Our new look honors Williamsport's legacy as the original "Lumber Capital of the World," when the city had more millionaires per-capita than anywhere else."

Fans will enjoy a team logo featuring a new lumberjack illustration with crossed log and bat. In addition to the team name, the logo also features "Williamsport" as part of the main identity.

Three new caps are also part of the new identity program. The home cap is red with a W-shaped saw logo. The road cap is navy blue with a "C" on a stump. The third cap is an alternate cap which is red with a navy blue bill and features the new lumberjack illustration taken from the new team logo. A woodpecker and a pine cone mark will also make their way into the Crosscutters identity program, providing additional souvenir opportunities for fans.

Phillies Red, Navy, Gray, Dark Tan and Ivory make up the club's new official colors.

The new look also features new on-field uniforms for the players. The new jerseys feature the nickname CUTTERS across the chest in the form of a crosscut saw. The home jersey is white with red sleeves with the road jersey being gray with red sleeves. Both jerseys feature a special crossed bat and saw sleeve patch.

The Crosscutters makeover is the work of Plan B Branding, a San Diego-grown creative ideas company specializing in storytelling and branding ideas. Partners Casey White & Jason Klein have dreamed up fresh looks for teams and events such as; the World Series, Cincinnati Reds, and Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Reading Phillies and State College Spikes.

Commenting on the Cutters choice of branding partners, Cutters Vice President General Manager Doug Estes said, "Plan B Branding is recognized as the industry leader in team branding, logo development and uniform design. We have admired their work with other minor league baseball teams over the last few years. Jason and Casey have acquired some great knowledge and experience in logo development and merchandising in our business and we jumped at the chance to put that knowledge to work with the Cutters."

The development process began last July when Klein and White met with fans, staff and community members to learn about the stories, history, and personality of the Crosscutters and Williamsport. Plan B developed the logos and uniforms and are currently working with the team to develop mascot ideas and ways to enhance the 2008 fan experience.

"We're excited to help ring in the next era of Crosscutters baseball," said Plan B's Casey White. "While visiting Williamsport, the fans and staff provided us a thorough look at Williamsport's lumber heritage, Millionaire's Row and the city's baseball history. The resulting look is a community collaboration."

The Crosscutters plan to announce their new mascot at a later date.

Fans can purchase the new merchandise at the Sawmill Store at Bowman Field or by phone at (570) 326-3389.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:26 PM

Gary Green Returns as Crawdads Manager

Hickory, NC-The Hickory Crawdads (Class A Pirates) are pleased to announce that Gary Green will return to Hickory as field manager for the Crawdads. He will be back for his second season and will be joined by a new coaching staff. Jeff Johnson is the new pitching coach. Rudy Pena takes over as the club's hitting coach.

"I looking forward to returning to Hickory. I enjoyed my time there last year. The team has strong support and the South Atlantic League is a great league to be in. Hickory is a great place to manage, I look forward to the season," said Green.

Green, 46, enters his third season with the Pittsburgh organization, his second straight with Hickory. Green's squad posted a 43-26 record in the second half last year to capture the division and advance to the post season. The Pittsburgh native previously served as manager in Lynchburg (High-A Pirates), Lakeland (High-A Tigers), and Oneonta (A-rookie Tigers). During his 8 year career as a manager, Green has managed more than 800 games. Green played for the Padres, Rangers, and Reds. His father, Fred, pitched for the Pirates and was a member of the 1960 World Champion team.

Johnson, 41, hails from Durham, NC and currently resides in Charlotte, NC. Johnson played four years of baseball at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The 2008 season marks Johnson's first with the Pittsburgh organization and first as a coach. Johnson went 8-16 with a 6.52 ERA in 38 games (33 starts) from 1991-1993 with the Yankees. Johnson retired as a player in 1995 in the Toronto organization.

Pena, 29, is a former catcher who played 8 seasons of minor league baseball, which includes a brief stint with the Crawdads in 2003. Pena finished his career in 2005 with Lynchburg. This is his first coaching job.

In addition to the coaches, trainer Jared Destro, 25, returns for his second with the Crawdads. Destro is a 2004 graduate of the University of Charleston (WV), where he received a degree in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training.

The Crawdads begin the 2008 season at home against the West Virginia Power on Thursday, April 3rd at 6:30.

Season and group tickets are available by calling (828)-322-3000.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:27 PM

BlueClaws Host Phillies Winter Tour this Friday

The Lakewood BlueClaws will host the annual Phillies Winter Tour this Friday, January 18 at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Lakewood. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel will join former BlueClaws pitcher Kyle Kendrick, catcher Chris Coste, and Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy at the event.

This year, the BlueClaws have partnered with several local charitable organizations for the dinner. A portion of the ticket sales as well as the proceeds from the silent auction will go to help these charities. Benefiting organizations include Ocean County YMCA, Jersey Shore Council of Boy Scouts, American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County, and the United Way of Ocean County.

BlueClaws mascot Buster and his good friend the Philly Phanatic will be entertaining the guests throughout the evening.

Lakewood has been a stop on the Phillies tour for now each of the BlueClaws eight seasons. The event will be part of a sit-down dinner held at Eagle Ridge Golf Course, in Lakewood, starting at 7pm. Tickets are available for $35 per person and seating is limited. To reserve your spot, please call 732-901- 7000 ext. 120 or 192.

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