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**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:40 PM

2008 Coaching Staff Announced

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced their minor league coaching staffs for the upcoming 2008 season. Returning to Springfield for his second year as skipper, will be Manager Ron "Pop" Warner. Warner will be joined by Hitting Coach Derrick May, Pitching Coach Bryan Eversgerd and Athletic Trainer Jay Pierson.

Warner led the 2007 edition of the Springfield Cardinals to their first Texas League Championship Series appearance, winning both the First Half and Second Half North Division titles in only his first year as Springfield Manager.

Back for his second year as Hitting Coach will be Derrick May, who begins his fourth year as a coach in the St. Louis minor league system.

Both Eversgerd and Pierson will be new additions to the Springfield staff. Springfield's only Pitching Coach in franchise history, Blaise Ilsley, was promoted to Pitching Coach for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds.

Eversgerd, 39, has served in the same capacity for the Cardinals' Midwest League affiliate for the last four seasons. He began coaching in the Cardinals' system back in 2001, but stepped away from baseball for two years in 2002 and 2003. The Hoffman, Ill. resident originally signed with St. Louis back in 1989 as a nondrafted free agent, making his Major League debut with the Redbirds on April 26th, 1994. He also pitched in the big leagues with Montreal and Texas.

Pierson takes over for Brad LaRosa, who joined the Oakland A's Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento RiverCats. Pierson, 28, has spent the last four seasons as an Athletic Trainer in the Detroit Tigers' system, spending the last two with the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League. The Texas native received a bachelor of science degree in school health, as well as a master's degree in sports physiology from Texas A&M University.

CARDINALS CARAVAN AT WEISER GYM TOMORROW!

Don't forget that the Cardinals Caravan will make its annual trip to Springfield on Friday, January 18th. For the first time, the Caravan will be held at Weiser Gym on the Drury University campus and is slated to kick off at 7pm.

Doors open at 6:30pm with the fun set to begin at 7pm. Admission for the Cardinals Caravan is $5 for adults and $3 for kids (ages 3-12). Autographs are free for kids ages 12 and under. All proceeds will benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

Former Springfield Cardinal Brendan Ryan, along with Ron Flores, Skip Schumaker and Brian Barton will be the four featured Cardinals players on the Caravan this year. St. Louis Cardinals Pitching Coach Dave Duncan has also been added to the list. Former Cardinals Danny Cox, Jack Clark and John Costello will headline the alumni class in attendance. Cardinals' announcer John Rooney will be the emcee for the evening.

For more information on the Cardinals Caravan, please call 417-863-2143 or visit

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:40 PM

SeaWolves Extend Agreements With Tigers and ECCCA Through 2010

The Erie SeaWolves are proud to announce the extension of both their Player Development Contract with the Detroit Tigers and lease agreement with the Erie County Convention Center Authority through 2010. The extension of these agreements insures that the SeaWolves will be Erie's Double-A Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers for at least three more seasons.

"We are very pleased to make this announcement today. It really shows a great commitment to a great community by all parties involved," SeaWolves General Manager John Frey said, "The Tigers have been a big part of the success of the SeaWolves for the past seven seasons and we look forward to continuing that relationship. A big part of the thanks also goes to Casey Wells and the entire ECCCA for their continued improvements to the ballpark and commitment to the club."

"We are very pleased to be entering into this extension with the SeaWolves. Over the years, we have developed an outstanding working relationship with the Erie team management and that is vital to any successful affiliate relationship. We are also delighted with the continued improvements at Jerry Uht Park, especially with the replacement of the playing surface. There are two areas of a critical nature for our players - one is the field and the other is the clubhouse. Playing conditions at any facility can be a crucial element in the development of our young players and we are grateful to the Erie County Convention Center Authority for their investment in the facility and in our players." - Dan Lunetta, Detroit Tigers Director of Minor League Operations.

"We are thrilled that the SeaWolves are committed to Erie through the 2010 season. This is a compliment to our community and ballpark". - Casey Wells, Executive Director, Erie County Convention Center Authority

The 14th season of SeaWolves baseball begins on April 3, 2008 when the team opens at Bowie (Baltimore Orioles). The 'Wolves 2008 home opener is April 10, 2008 against the Binghamton Mets (New York Mets). For season ticket and mini-pack information, contact the SeaWolves at (814) 456-1300.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:41 PM

Trenton To Host Scranton In Unique Exhibition Game On April 1 - No Fooling

The Trenton Thunder, the Class AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the Class AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees, in a special pre-season exhibition game at Waterfront Park in Trenton on April 1 at 7:05 PM.

Tickets to this event will go on sale by phone, 609-394-3300, and online at The Trenton Thunder*Baseball Team starting Monday, January 21 at 9:30 AM. Tickets will be the same as regular season Thunder games with seats in the Club and Pavilion Sections at $10 for adults and $9 for seniors (60+) and children (5-12). Terrace Sections will be $6 for adults and $5 for seniors (60+) and children (5-12). Tickets to all 2008 Thunder games will go on sale January 21 at 9:30 AM. Thunder Season Ticket Holders (Full & Half) will have until March 1 to claim their seats for this event.

This game will give fans the chance to see the top levels of the Yankees Minor League system while reuniting players from last season's Eastern League Championship Thunder team who have moved on to the AAA level. The there will be a pre-game ceremony on the field to honor the members of the 2007 EL Championship Thunder team. The Waterfront Park gates will open at 5:30 PM for season ticket holders and 6:00 PM for the general public.

"This should really be a special night for Thunder and Yankee fans," said Thunder General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Brad Taylor. "Getting the players from last year's team together again for this game will be a thrill. It's not too often we get guys to come back after they've moved on, so this gives fans a chance to see them united in Trenton one more time."

"This game with the Thunder will showcase all the talent in the Yankee farm system," said Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Executive Vice President / COO Jeremy Ruby. "This will really be a memorable night for the baseball fans in New York, Scranton and New Jersey."

"This game will give the Thunder fans a great chance to honor so many of the players that made the 2007 season so memorable. The 2007 Thunder was a special group of very talented young men," said New York Yankee Senior Vice President, Baseball Operations Mark Newman.

The Thunder will start the 2008 season on the road at Binghamton (NY Mets) on April 3. They will open the 2008 Home Season on April 10 against the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals).

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will open the season at home on April 3 as they host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies).

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:43 PM

Screwball to deliver roses this Valentine's Day

Reading, PA - Reading Phillies mascot Screwball has teamed up with Rock Hits Y-102 and Royer's Flowers and Gifts to deliver roses to fans' sweethearts this Valentine's Day.

Fans that purchase the package, which includes two yellow box seats, will have Screwball deliver a box of long-stem roses to their loved one. Roses can be delivered to the residence or workplace of their sweetie. A personalized message can also be included on the card with the roses and tickets.

The $80 package includes:

- Delivery of one dozen, boxed, long-stem roses to sweetheart's residence or work place on February 14 by Screwball.

- Voucher for two yellow box seats, based on availability, for any regular season game during the 2008 season.

- Optional, personalized message included with roses.

Orders can be placed online at readingphillies.com. Quantities are limited and will be fulfilled on a first come, first serve basis. Orders will be delivered between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM on February 14, 2008.

For deliveries outside of Berks County fans should call Curtis Burns at 610-375-8469 x 205 for availability and pricing.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:44 PM

Grizzlies Bolster Front Office Staff

FRESNO, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies are proud to announce the addition of three new employees, in addition to seven internal promotions, to their front office staff in preparation for the 2008 season at Chukchansi Park.

"We could not be more pleased with the additions to our front office in anticipation of the upcoming season at Chukchansi Park," said Grizzlies Executive Vice President Andrew Stuebner. "In both the newcomers and the internal promotions we have a group of people who align well with our overall philosophy of providing affordable family fun to Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley."

Jeff Benton, previously Fresno's Director of Marketing, will take on several new responsibilities as he enters his third season with the Grizzlies. Benton, who earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Texas Tech University, takes over as the club's Director of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships. In this new role he will manage the corporate sales department while continuing to oversee all grassroots marketing initiatives.

Sebastian Biagioni, begins his second season with the Grizzlies in a new role, as Ticket Sales Manager. Biagioni, a Carlsbad, CA native and graduate of Cal State University - Monterey Bay, spent the 2007 season with the Grizzlies as a Group Sales Account Executive. With more than four years of experience in sales at Pebble Beach, he will manage the day-to-day operations of the Chukchansi Park box office.

After spending the 2007 season as the Grizzlies Marketing Manager, Krista Boyd will take on a new challenge as the Director of Entertainment and Publications. Entering her fifth season in baseball, she will handle all in-game entertainment at Chukchansi Park, the production and publication of Play Ball magazine, and all graphic design responsibilities for the club.

New to the Grizzlies, Clovis native Danielle Cabral takes over as the team's Director of Community Relations. A graduate of Cal State University - Long Beach, Cabral will draw on her past experience in event planning and group sales as she operates as the Executive Director of the Grizzlies Community Fund and oversees all community outreach programs on behalf of the ballclub.

Originally from Kingsburg, CA, Derek Franks begins his fifth season with the Grizzlies as the team's new Director of Inside Sales. Having spent the previous four years in various capacities within the ticket office, Franks is now in charge of hiring and training all inside sales representatives, the department focused on attracting new clients for the team.

Jason Hannold begins his third season in baseball, and second in Fresno, as the Grizzlies new Director of Event Operations. A native of Harrisburg, PA and a graduate of Slippery Rock University, Hannold's primary responsibility will be the hiring, training, scheduling, and management of Chukchansi Park's game-day staff of more than 200 people.

Following three seasons east of the Mississippi, Paul Kennedy begins his first season in Fresno as the Grizzlies Director of Media and Public Relations. Originally from Massachusetts and a graduate of The George Washington University, Kennedy spent the 2007 season as the Director of Media Relations for the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League.

A Fresno native, Ray Ortiz brings over eleven years of sales and customer service experience, including a season in the Grizzlies Inside Sales department, to his new position as Account Executive. A parent, coach, and board member of several local baseball and softball leagues, Ortiz will handle ticket sales and the development of Little League programs throughout the region.

Also hailing from Fresno, Karen Thomas takes over as the Grizzlies Finance Manager in her seventh season in professional baseball. Thomas, a graduate of Fresno City College, previously worked as a Ticket Office Assistant and will oversee all accounts receivable for the ticket office and sponsorship sales department.

Finally, Paul Zilm takes over as the Grizzlies Director of Tickets. Approaching his tenth season in baseball, Zilm comes to Fresno after serving as the Assistant General Manager of the Spokane Indians of the Northwest League. In addition to selling Grizzlies' ticket packages and group outings he will oversee all ticket sales and box office operations. A native of Spokane, WA, and a graduate of Eastern Washington University, Zilm has a 5-year old daughter Madelyn.

The Fresno Grizzlies open the 2008 baseball season at Chukchansi Park with an exhibition game versus the San Francisco Giants on March 26th. For information on the 13-game Giants Fan Plan, which includes a ticket to the exhibition tilt, opening day on April 11th, and the Fourth of July, contact the Grizzlies ticket office at 559.320.TIXS.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:44 PM

Redbirds coaches announced

Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis Redbirds will have a few new faces in the dugout for the 2008 season with the St. Louis Cardinals naming Blaise Ilsley and Mark Budaska to the coaching staff.

Ilsley will serve as the Redbirds pitching coach, replacing long-time coach Dyar Miller. With Double-A Springfield the past three seasons Ilsley's pitchers combined for a 209-205 record with seven complete games, 16 shutouts and a 4.33 ERA. The former fourth round pick out of Indiana State will begin his 10th season as a coach in 2008.

Budaska joins the Cardinals organization after spending the past six seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization, including the last four with Triple-A Pawtucket. The former switch hitting outfielder played nine seasons in the Oakland organization, playing in 13 games for the A's. He spent three seasons in Taiwan as the hitting coach and first base coach before joining the Red Sox in 2001.

Manager Chris Maloney and athletic trainer Chris Conroy will both return next season. Maloney will be at the helm for the second straight season while Conroy will begin his fourth season with the 'Birds. Memphis opens Pacific Coast League play April 3 at Oklahoma City and will begin their home schedule on April 11 against Omaha.

The Redbirds will host Cardinals Caravan on Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. on the Cellular South Club Level. Pitchers Anthony Reyes, Brad Thompson and Chris Perez will join catcher Bryan Anderson to answer questions and sign autographs. Admission to the event is free. For ticket information on the 2008 season visit memphisredbirds.com or call (901) 722-6050.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:46 PM

Indians Announce 2008 Promotions Schedule

INDIANAPOLIS -- Twelve Friday Night Fireworks shows, nine Souvenir Sundays and eight Spectacular Saturday entertainment acts highlight the 2008 Indianapolis Indians promotional schedule. The slate also features nine Monday Dollar Menu games and eight Business Day affairs.

The first 4,000 fans will receive a special item from the Indians on all Souvenir Sundays during the upcoming campaign. The list includes a Wall Calendar (April 13), Mother's Day Picture Frame (May 11), Jersey T-Shirt (June 1), Fleece Blanket (June 22), Visor Cap (July 6), Cooler (July 13), Baseball Card Set (July 27), Rowdie Bank (Aug. 3) and Knit Cap (Aug. 17).

After a Mascot Mania on April 12, six entertainment acts are slated to roll through Victory Field on Spectacular Saturdays. Dave the Horn Guy (May 10), the Pirate Parrot (May 31), ZOOperstars (June 21 & Aug. 16), Famous Chicken (July 12), Bucket Boys (July 26) and BirdZerk (Aug. 2) will all be on hand to dazzle fans.

In addition to Opening Night and the Fourth of July, the Tribe will offer 12 Friday Night Fireworks displays (April 18 & 25, May 9, 16 & 30, June 6 & 20, July 11 & 25, Aug. 1, 15 & 29).

The Monday Dollar Menu (April 14, May 12, June 2, 16 & 23, July 7, 21 & 28, Aug. 18) returns for a fifth straight season, while eight Business Day games (April 16 & 23, May 14, June 4 & 25, July 9 & 23, Aug. 13) will feature a special 2 p.m. start time.

The popular Baseball in Education program also continues in 2008 as students will have three opportunities (April 30, May 15 & 21) to apply their classroom curriculum to a baseball setting.

Children 14-and-under can enjoy "Baseball Up Close" all season long by joining the Community Health/WISH-TV Knot Hole Club for just $14. Adults can get in on the action by purchasing a full-season ticket, half-season ticket, mini plan or flex pack.

Season ticket packages are currently on sale through the Victory Field Box Office (317-269-3542 ext. 258) and Indianapolis Indians: Home. Individual game tickets go on sale March 4 and can be purchased through the web site, any Ticketmaster outlet or by visiting the ballpark at 501 W. Maryland Street.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:47 PM

Trenton to host SWB Yanks in exhibition

The Trenton Thunder, the Class AA affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the class Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, in a special pre-season exhibition game at Waterfront Park in Trenton on April 1 at 7:05 PM.

This game will give fans the chance to see the top levels of the Yankees Minor League system while reuniting players from last season's Eastern League Championship Thunder team who have moved on to the Triple-A level. There will be a pre-game ceremony on the field to honor the members of the 2007 EL Championship Thunder team. The Waterfront Park gates will open at 5:30 PM for season ticket holders and 6:00 PM for the general public.

"This should really be a special night for Thunder and Yankee fans," said Thunder General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Brad Taylor. "Getting the players from last year's team together again for this game will be a thrill. It's not too often we get guys to come back after they've moved on, so this gives fans a chance to see them united in Trenton one more time."

"This game with the Thunder will showcase all the talent in the Yankee farm system," said Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Executive Vice President / COO Jeremy Ruby. "This will really be a memorable night for the baseball fans in New York, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and New Jersey."

"This game will give the Thunder fans a great chance to honor so many of the players that made the 2007 season so memorable. The 2007 Thunder was a special group of very talented young men," said New York Yankee Senior Vice President, Baseball Operations Mark Newman.

The Thunder will start the 2008 season on the road at Binghamton (NY Mets) on April 3. They will open the 2008 Home Season on April 10 against the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals).

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will open the season at home on April 3 as they host the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies). For season and group ticket information, call 570-969-2255 or visit Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees: Home.

**truebluefan** · 01-17-2008, 08:48 PM

Bombard Set to Return as Knights Manager

FORT MILL, S.C. - January 17, 2008 - Charlotte Knights fans will see a familiar face in 2008, as Marc Bombard returns for his second season as manager. Bombard went 63-80 in his first campaign with the Knights. He still sits atop all active minor league baseball managers in career wins with 1,618.

He had previously been in the Philadelphia Phillies organization for 10 seasons. The last two he served as the Phillies first base coach. Bombard will have two new additions to his staff in 2008.

Richard Dotson joins the Knights as pitching coach after spending the previous three seasons at Class AA Birmingham. The Barons pitching staff ranked second in wins (82) and saves (45) in the Southern League in 2005.

Fans will likely remember Dotson best for his playing career. Dotson played 12 major league seasons with the White Sox, New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals. He went 22-7 with a 3.23 ERA in helping the "winning ugly" White Sox team of 1983, win the American League West. Dotson finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 1983, and was also named to the 1984 AL All-Star team.

Joe McEwing will begin his coaching career in Charlotte this season. McEwing enters the coaching ranks fresh off a 15 year professional career including 9 years at the major league level. McEwing played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros. He spent 2007 playing for the Class AAA Pawtucket Red Sox of the International League

McEwing was a utility player who played every position except for pitcher during his nine year major league career. He had his best season in 1999, while a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. In that season, he had 141 hits and 9 home runs, both career highs, as well as a 25-game hitting streak, the fifth longest at that time by a rookie.

The Knights also announced that trainer Scott Johnson will return for his 9th season in Charlotte and his 20th in the White Sox organization. Johnson has twice been named International League trainer of the year. He also was the head trainer for the Taiwanese National Team at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, and selected as trainer for the 2003 Triple-A All-Star game.

Returning to the Knights training staff will also be strength and conditioning coach Chad Efron. This will be Efron's third season in Charlotte and his fifth in the White Sox organization. Efron had previously worked at Class AA Birmingham and at Class A Winston-Salem.

The Charlotte Knights are the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket or event information, please contact the Knights front office at (704) 357-8071 or (803) 548-8050 or visit our website at Welcome to charlotteknights.com for more information.

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