Father’s Day…
Taking in a baseball game with dad is special.
Taking in a game with dad on Father’s Day is even more special. Today, I sit here at Knights Stadium thinking about some of the best fathers that I know — wishing they were here with me on this beautiful day for baseball.
I think of my two grandfathers, who were the absolute best. They were the original baseball fans in my family… Mets fans of course. Brooklyn Dodger fans first though.
I’ll never forget my time with them talking baseball and just listening to all of their great advice. I miss it. I really miss it.
I think about some of my best friends who have had the chance to become dads over the years. Happy Father’s Day to Tim, Petro, Ernie, Denis, Matt P & Matt S, and all of the other great dads that I know. Uncle Gary too!
And then, I think about my dad. I think about our first baseball game together and I think about all of the sacrifices he’s made over the years…
Our first baseball game was at Shea Stadium and I still remember the drive from Brooklyn to Flushing. I remember that on our way there we stopped by the local store to pick up some food and drinks before the game (no, not those kind of drinks). We didn’t know we were unable to bring food in and had them taken away from us at the gates…
I remember having amazing seats right behind home plate (5 or 6 rows back I believe) and I remember we had a parking pass and drove right in. It felt really awesome.
Before getting there however, I remember that we got lost. It’s funny, I could still remember asking someone for directions to Shea. We did get there though — and when we did, it was heaven. I was in awe. My first baseball game.
I was a huge Gary Carter fan. I was born on the 8th of a month — like Gary. I wore #8 all through my baseball career (Little League through college) and I may have tried to curl my hair like Gary. I immediately noticed “The Kid” when we got to the game and later I got him to sign my program.
The game was the first of many that my dad and I enjoyed. We went to numerous Mets games over the years — even when we moved to the Poconos. Although it wasn’t as close as it used to be, we still made it there together.
While the Mets games were the most fun with my dad, we also enjoyed going to a lot of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons games. Over the years in SWB, we saw Derek Jeter, Darryl Strawberry, Bernie Williams, and many future stars (and rehabbing stars). I have so many fond memories of baseball games with my dad — too many more to name.
One that sticks out is the Triple-A All-Star Game in 1995 when Jason Isringhausen was pitching. Izzy was warming up and we were in the first row of the bleachers. Izzy let one fly and my dad caught it. He of course, did not want to give it back unless Izzy signed the ball. He of course signed it for us…
Those were the days.
It seems like baseball and dads go hand-and-hand. Even now, while we don’t get to go to games like we once did, we still are able to chat about the “game” over the phone. “How about those Mets… they stink!”
There’s nothing like talking baseball with my dad.
Thank you dad for being the best. For moving the family to a better place, for all of the baseball games, for being there for me during Little League and all of my games that I played in, for the advice, for all of the sacrifices, and for still driving back-and-forth to work all of these years. I hope that someday I can be a great dad just like you.
Happy Father’s Day…
Knights Face ‘Pigs In Game Two (6-9-13)…
CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS (26-37– 2013) (83-61, 1st South – 2012)
@ Lehigh Valley IronPigs (31-31– 2013) (75-68, 3rd North – 2012)
Allentown, PA ~ Coca-Cola Park – 1:35 PM (Game 2 of 4) (Game 64 of 143)
SUN: CHA RHP Zach Stewart (3-7, 5.22) @ LHV LHP Raul Valdes (0-1, 4.26)
KNIGHT LIGHTS: The Charlotte Knights will play a Sunday afternoon game in Allentown, PA today at 1:35 p.m. – a day after dropping the opening game of the four-game series by a score of 8-5. With a win today, the Knights will be back at the .500 mark in June (4-4) and would improve their Sunday record to 6-3. A win would also make Sunday their most successful day of
the week. Their five Sunday wins are tied with Saturday’s mark.
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO: The Charlotte Knights and IronPigs will continue their first four-game series of the season and will do so in Allentown, PA today. The Knights and IronPigs began play in 2008 – Lehigh Valley’s first year in the IL. Since play, the Knights hold a 21-20record against the ‘Pigs. At Coca-Cola Park, where they will play this four-game series, the ‘Pigs lead the series 13-8. At Knights Stadium, the Knights hold the advantage 13-7.
2012 VS. LEHIGH VALLEY: In eight games against the IronPigs a season ago, Charlotte went 5-3. Knights’ hitters posted a .270 batting average (70-259) with seven doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 35 RBIs. Dan Johnson and Jordan Danks each had two home runs. There are only two hitters currently on the Knights that faced the ‘Pigs last season — Jim Gallagher and Josh Phegley. Gallagher hit .238 (5-21) while Phegley hit .167 (4-24). As for the pitching, the Knights posted a team ERA of 3.52. LHP Charlie Leesman, who will face the ‘Pigs in the four-game finale on Tuesday, allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings.
LAST KNIGHTS GAME: The Lehigh Valley IronPigs scored eight runs on 14 hits on Saturday and went on to beat the Charlotte Knights 8-5 in the opening game of their four-game series from Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA. Saturday’s game was the first for the Knights since their 10-5 win on Thursday. Charlotte’s game in Pawtucket on Friday was canceled due to rain.
PERFECT 10: Mike McDade continued his hit streak on Saturday and extended it to a season-high 10 games. McDade, who was claimed off waivers from Cleveland when the Knights were in Columbus (all he had to do was switch clubhouses), has now bumped his average up to .289 during the steak. He began the streak on May 28 at Toledo and was hitting just .242 at the time. Since then, he has 14 hits over that 10 game span (.368) – including three-straight games with two hits. He has five doubles and three home runs over the 10-game streak.
ALL ABOUT STEVE: Infielder Steve Tolleson has enjoyed a spectacular three-game stretch. The South Carolina native has seven hits over his last three games with a home run (grand slam) and five RBIs. Over that stretch, Tolleson is hitting .538 (7-13). He has also scored a run in all three games. He has hit safely in 11 of his last 13 games.
REHABBING: LHP Leyson Septimo made his seventh rehab appearance last night and was sharp over a scoreless inning. Septimo struck-out two batters and has now gone back-to-back games with a shutout appearance. Before that, Septimo allowed a run in each of his first five appearances. He allowed nine runs over his first 3.1 IP (24.30 ERA). Septimo is the fifth White Sox player to rehab with the Knights this season. Gordon Beckham, John Danks, Angel Sanchez, and Dayan Viciedo were the others.
MOREL OF THE GAME STORY: 3B Brent Morel has seen his batting average rise significantly over the past month. Morel enters today’s game with a .282 mark. He’s hitting .471 (8-17) over his last four games with two runs scored and two RBIs.
INTER-NATIONAL LEAGUE BLUES: Saturday’s 8-5 loss to LHV was the 11th loss in 15 games against an NL affiliate this season. Last year the Knights went 37-27 vs. NL affiliates.
Knights Meet the ‘Pigs Tonight (6/8/13)…
CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS (26-36– 2013) (83-61, 1st South – 2012)
@ Lehigh Valley IronPigs (30-31– 2013) (75-68, 3rd North – 2012)
Allentown, PA ~ Coca-Cola Park – 6:35 PM (Game 1 of 4) (Game 63 of 144)
TODAY’S PROBABLES
CHA RHP Jason Berken (4-5, 3.49) @ LHV RHP B. J. Rosenberg (1-5, 5.17)
KNIGHT LIGHTS: A night after rain canceled their finale in Pawtucket, RI, the Charlotte
Knights will open a four-game series with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs from Allentown, PA tonight at 6:35 p.m. The Knights are fresh off their first series win since May 2-5 at Toledo. The Knights took three of four from the Mud Hens. Since then, Charlotte split seven straight series, before winning two of three against the PawSox in Pawtucket.
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO: The Charlotte Knights and IronPigs will open up their first four-game series of the season and will do so in Allentown, PA tonight. The Knights and IronPigs began play in 2008 – Lehigh Valley’s first year in the IL. Since play, the Knights hold a 21-19 record against the ‘Pigs. At Coca-Cola Park, where they will play this four-game series, the ‘Pigs lead the series 12-8. At Knights Stadium, the Knights hold the advantage 13-7.
2012 VS. LEHIGH VALLEY: In eight games against the IronPigs a season ago, Charlotte went 5-3. Knights’ hitters posted a .270 batting average (70-259) with seven doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 35 RBIs. Dan Johnson and Jordan Danks each had two home runs. There are only two hitters currently on the Knights that faced the ‘Pigs last season — Jim Gallagher and Josh Phegley. Gallagher hit .238 (5-21) while Phegley hit .167 (4-24). As for the pitching, the Knights posted a team ERA of 3.52. LHP Charlie Leesman, who will face the ‘Pigs in the four-game finale on Tuesday, allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings.
KNIGHT MOVES: Over the past two days (6/6-6/7), the Knights have made seven roster moves. On 6/6, Ramon Troncoso, who posted a 1-1 record with a 2.19 ERA in 21 games for the Knights this season, had his contract purchased by the White Sox. Joining Troncoso on the White Sox roster on 6/6 was Charlotte RHP Deunte Heath, who was recalled to Chicago on Thursday for the third time this season. Both relievers enjoyed success with the Knights this season. Infielder Tyler Greene and RHP Brian Omogrosso both returned to the Knights on 6/6. Greene was reassigned to Charlotte on Thursday, while Omogrosso was optioned to the Knights. Also on Thursday, Charlotte RHP Jhan Carlos Marinez was placed on the disabled list. A day later, the roster shakeup continued. Slugger Seth Loman was traded to the Baltimore organization and RHP Michael Nix was signed by Chicago and assigned to Charlotte.
MIKE’S ON… HE’S READY TO GO: Mike McDade continued his hot-hitting on Thursday in game three. McDade went 2-5 with a home run and extended his hit-streak to a season-high nine games (5/28-pres.) — tying Brent Morel for the longest streak by a Knight this season. McDade has seen his batting average go up from .242 to .280 during the streak. He has three home runs over his last five games and 12 hits over the nine-game hit streak. He’s hitting .306 (15-49) on the road this season over 20 games.
AIN’T IT GRAND: The Charlotte Knights went the entire first month of the season without a grand slam. They almost went the entire second month (May) without a grand slam as well. On May 30, however, Jim Gallagher launched Charlotte’s first grand salami of the season. Seven days later, the Knights got another grand slam. On Thursday, Steve Tolleson launched a grand slam off Allen Webster in the second inning of Charlotte’s 10-5 win over Pawtucket. Tolleson led the game with five RBIs. The Knights had just one grand slam last year (Dan Johnson) and now have two on the season (tied for the most in the IL by a team).
PHEGLEY PHEELING IT: Catcher Josh Phegley continued his impressive 2013 campaign on Thursday. The Indiana native launched his team-high 12th home run of the season (single-season high) and finished the game with three runs scored and three RBIs. He’s hitting a home run once every 14.67 at-bats – the fifth-best success rate in the IL. He’s currently hitting .324. on the year.
May 25, 2013 — Knights @ Red Wings
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO: The Charlotte Knights continue their series with the Rochester Red Wings tonight from Frontier Field in Rochester, NY for game three of the four-game series. The Knights are coming off of a four-game series split with the Buffalo Bisons and continue their trek through the Upstate NY region. Charlotte has posted a 97-95 record against the Red Wings all-time. At Frontier Field, the Red Wings hold a 55-41 record over the Knights. Charlotte has been solid at Knights Stadium however, possessing a 56-40 mark over Rochester.
LAST KNIGHTS GAME: RHP Zach Stewart (3-5, 4.31) tossed eight impressive innings, Brent Morel homered, and the Charlotte Knights beat the Rochester Red Wings 4-2 on Friday in game two
of their four-game series from Frontier Field in Rochester, NY. The win was Charlotte’s first of the series after dropping the opener on Thursday 4-3.
ZACH ATTACK IS BACK: RHP Zach Stewart had his best start of the season on Friday. The Knights hurler allowed just two runs on five hits over a season-high eight innings for the win. His last start of 8 IP or more was on 9/5/11 with the Chicago White Sox in Minnesota. Stewart tossed a complete game, one-hit shutout for the win that day.
MOREL OF THE GAME: Brent Morel launched his third home run of the season and also hit a game-winning double in the seventh inning to pace the Knights offense on Friday. Morel had a game-high three RBIs and was responsible for all of Charlotte’s runs in the 4-2 win. Morel has reached base in 20 of 21 games since 4/30.
MIKE’S ON, HE’S READY TO GO: Mike McDade had a two-hit game on Friday for the Knights. McDade extended his hit-streak to six games with the nice day at the dish in game two. He has nine hits over the six-game span and raised his Knights average to .277 on the season (13 G).
SAVE THE LAST INNING FOR RAMON: RHP Ramon Troncoso continued his solid play in the ninth inning after tossing a scoreless frame on Friday night for his team-high seventh save of the season. Troncoso is now 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA on the season (17 G). He has a 0.87 ERA in the ninth inning this year (10.1 IP, 1 ER).
DANKS RANKS: Jordan Danks walked in the first inning of last Sunday’s game and moved into sole possession of first place on the Knights All-Time career list – passing Joe Borchard’s mark of 156. He now has 159 walks. Danks is also among the Knights all-time career leaders in a number of other categories. He is second in hits (328), tied for first in triples (11), third in doubles (71), third in runs scored (183), second in at-bats (1,224), third in games played (342), and fifth in RBIs (151). He needs four more RBIs to move up in that category (he would tie Josh Fields with 155). He needs six more runs scored to move into second place (Chris Clapinski – 189).
ROAD TRIP: The Knights are currently 3-3 on their eight-game road trip through Upstate NY. They have scored 20 runs in their three wins as opposed to just 10 runs in their three losses.
Game 1 of 4: Knights @ Red Wings (5/23/13)
Charlotte Knights (18-29) @ Rochester Red Wings (18-28)
Game 1 of 4-Game Series
GM 1 Starters:
CHA RHP Jason Berken (3-3, 3.26)
ROC LHP Andrew Albers (1-2, 2.34)
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO:
After an off-day on Wednesday, the Charlotte Knights return to the diamond tonight to take on the Rochester Red Wings from Frontier Field in Rochester, NY. The Knights are coming off of a four-game series split with the Buffalo Bisons and will continue their trek through the Upstate NY region. Charlotte has posted a 96-93 record against the Red Wings all-time. At Frontier Field, the Red Wings hold a 53-40 record over the Knights. Charlotte has been solid at Knights Stadium however, possessing a 56-40 mark over Rochester.
2012 SERIES INFO: Last season, the Knights posted a 1-3 mark at Frontier Field against the Red Wings. Charlotte went 2-2 at home and finished the series 3-5 against the ‘Wings. Dan Johnson enjoyed a solid eight games against the Red Wings last year. Johnson posted a .346 batting average (9-26) with two home runs and six RBIs. Brent Morel went 4-8 (.500) in two games against the ‘Wings and Jordan Danks also was sharp in limited action (hit .429 in four games). Jhan Carlos Marinez, Terry Doyle, and Matt Zaleski each posted a win in the eight-game season series.
Vs. Rochester: Jordan Danks has appeared in 18 games against the Red Wings in his career (2010-12) and has excelled at the plate. Danks has a .375 batting average with one home run, nine doubles, nine RBIs, and 13 runs scored. Brent Morel has faced the Red Wins in both the 2010 and 2012 seasons and has a career batting average of .444 (16-36) with one home run, two doubles, eight runs scored, and six RBIs over 10 games.
LAST TIME OUT: The Buffalo Bisons walked-off with an 8-7 win after an Andy LaRoche game-winning single in the 10th inning of Tuesday’s game from Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, NY. With the win, the Bisons earned a four-game series split with the Knights. It was Charlotte’s first loss in extra innings this season (four games).
DANKS RANKS: Jordan Danks walked in the first inning of Sunday’s game and moved into sole possession of first place on the Knights All-Time career list – passing Joe Borchard’s mark of 156. He now has 158 walks. Danks is also among the Knights all-time career leaders in a number of other categories. He is second in hits (327), tied for first in triples (11), third in doubles (70), third in runs scored (183), second in at-bats (1,217), third in games played (340), and fifth in RBIs (151). He needs four more RBIs to move up in that category (he would tie Josh Fields with 155). He needs six more runs scored to move into second place (Chris Clapinski – 189).
REHABBING: Gordon Beckham continued his Major League rehab assignment on Tuesday and went 0-5 with a run and a walk. He started his second-straight game at shortstop. In four rehab games for the Knights, Beckham has six hits in 18 at-bats (.333 batting average). Angel Sanchez, also on Major League rehab, went 3-5 with three RBIs. He has appeared in seven games with the Knights and is hitting .304 with six RBIs.
LEADERBOARD: Josh Phegley is batting .333 on the season – good for fifth place in the IL in that category. He is also third in home runs (10), second in slugging percentage (.651), and fifth in extra-base hits (21). Phegley has a home run every 12.90 at-bats – tops in the IL.
SAVE THE LAST INNING FOR RAMON: RHP Ramon Troncoso continued his solid play in the ninth inning after tossing a scoreless frame on Monday night in a non-save opportunity. In his last appearance, he earned his team-high sixth save of the season on Friday after a scoreless ninth inning. He is now 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA on the season. He has a 0.96 ERA in the ninth inning this year (9.1 IP, 1 ER).
Knights at Bisons – May 19, 2013
TODAY’S PROBABLES
CHA RHP Zach Stewart (2-4, 3.81) @ BUF RHP Todd Redmond (0-0, 0.00)
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO: The Charlotte Knights will continue their eight-game
road trip through the Upstate New York region and play game two of a four-game series with the Buffalo Bisons today at 1:05 p.m. from Coca-Field in Buffalo, NY. Charlotte leads the all-time series against the Bisons with a 66-55 mark. At Coca-Cola Field, the Knights are 32-29 all-time. They are 34-26 against the Bisons in Fort Mill. The Knights enjoyed a solid 2012 campaign against the Bisons – especially in Buffalo. They went 4-0 in Buffalo and 6-2 in the eight-game overall series.
2012 SERIES INFO: The Knights dominated the Bisons in Buffalo and split a series at home. As a team, Charlotte hit .270 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs over the eight-game stretch in 2012. Hector Gimenez led the Knights with three home runs, while Dan Johnson and Dallas McPherson had two each. The Knights had a 3.21 ERA in 2012. Simon Castro, who is scheduled to start on Tuesday, won his only start against the Bisons last season.
LAST NIGHT OUT: Bryan Anderson launched two home runs, Jordan Danks and Carlos Sanchez each had two hits, and the Charlotte Knights beat the Buffalo Bisons 11-6 on Saturday at Coca-Cola Field. The win was Charlotte’s third in-a-row. Both of Anderson’s home runs were two-run shots giving him four RBIs on the night. His last two home run game (the only other one of his career) came on August 5, 2012 as a member of the Memphis Redbirds. He had five RBIs in that game. Sanchez had his seventh multi-hit game of the season.
REHABBING: LHP John Danks continued his Major League Rehab assignment and started for the Knights on Saturday. Danks, who is recovering from left shoulder surgery, made his third rehab start with Charlotte this season. He allowed two hits and two earned runs (three runs) over 4.2 innings. He walked four and struck-out five and threw 95 pitches, 51 for strikes. Gordon Beckham and Angel Sanchez were also on Major League Rehab assignments from Chicago. In his first rehab appearance of the season, Beckham went 2-4 with three runs scored and a walk. Sanchez, who was in his fourth appearance with the Knights this season, went 1-3 with two runs scored, one RBI, and one walk.
DANKS RANKS: Jordan Danks moved into first place on the Knights All-Time career list in walks last night – tying Joe Borchard. Danks and Borchard each have 156 walks. Danks is also among the Knights all-time career leaders in a number of other categories. He is second in hits (322), tied for first in triples (11), third in doubles (70), third in runs scored (178), second in at-bats (1,206), third in games played (337), and fifth in RBIs (148). He needs seven more RBIs to move up in that category (he would tie Josh Fields with 155).
MORE MOREL: Brent Morel enters today’s game with a 16-straight game on-base streak. Morel went 1-4 with a run scored in Friday’s game. He did not play in yesterday’s game.
SAVE THE LAST INNING FOR RAMON: RHP Ramon Troncoso earned his team-high sixth save of the season on Friday after another scoreless ninth inning. He is now 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA on the season. He has a 1.08 ERA in the ninth inning this year (8.1, 1 ER). Right-handers are hitting just .146 against him.
PHEGLEY IS ON PHIRE: Josh Phegley had a day off on Saturday and his backup Bryan Anderson put on a show with two home runs. Phegley is batting .347 on the season – good for fifth place in the IL in that category. He is also second in home runs (10), first in slugging percentage (.686), and fifth in extra-base hits (20). Phegley has a home run every 11.80 at-bats. The Indiana native currently has a six-game hit-streak and has 11 hits over that span. He is hitting .426 in road games this season (20-47).
Rain Pushes Viciedo Rehab Back One Day…
Dayan Viciedo, the former Knights hard-hitting outfielder who has become a staple in the Chicago White Sox lineup, was scheduled to begin a Major League Rehab assignment for the Charlotte Knights on Monday in Columbus, OH. Viciedo was in the lineup for Charlotte and ready to be the team’s designated hitter. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.
Monday’s game between the Charlotte Knights and Columbus Clippers from Huntington Park in Columbus, OH, was postponed due to inclement weather. The two teams will now play a doubleheader on Tuesday with first pitch of game one scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Tuesday’s doubleheader will feature two seven-inning games.
Viciedo, who is currently on the Chicago White Sox disabled list with a left oblique strain, will now have to begin a Major League rehab assignment with the Charlotte Knights one day later.
He was originally placed on the 15-day disabled list by Chicago on April 20 (retroactive to April 19). At the time, the Cuban native was hitting .229 with two home runs and five RBIs over 13 games. Last season, Viciedo hit .255 with 25 home runs and 78 RBIs over 147 games for the White Sox.
During his two seasons in Fort Mill (2010-11), Viciedo posted back-to-back 20 home run seasons for the Knights. The Cuban native hit .274 with 20 long balls and 47 RBIs for the Knights over 86 games in 2010. The next year he compiled a .296 batting average with 20 home runs and 96 RBIs. His 40 home runs (over two seasons) rank seventh all-time in franchise history.
During this past offseason, Viciedo was recognized as one of the best players in Knights Stadium history. The 24-year-old was nominated as the utility player on the All Knights Stadium Team. On April 11, 2013 during a pre-game on-field ceremony, Viciedo was announced as the winner. Over his two years, he played third base, first base, DH, and right field for the Knights.
An April to Remember (Part 1)…
The baseball season is by far my favorite time of year. It’s better than the Christmas season, way better than football season, and it’s the reason I enjoy summer. When I was a kid, summer meant a month down the Jersey Shore at Seaside Heights. That was a lot of fun! The 1980′s were a lot of fun too! Long live the 80′s.
Now, many years later, summer means seven days a week filled with baseball. I eat, sleep, and breathe baseball. And, it’s still not enough baseball. I can’t imagine working any other job.
It’s not easy, but it’s well worth it!
With that, let’s take a look back at the month of April. The first month featured a number of days that truly stick out to me. First, Opening Day was historic. The 24th and final Opening Day in Knights Stadium history featured three All Knights Stadium Team members — Jordan Danks, Josh Phegley, and Ross Gload. The entire team was announced for the first time during a pre-game on-field ceremony.
Some players sent in a video message. It was great to hear from Charlie Manuel, who was named as the manager. He submitted a video and it was played on our video board.
Jason Bourgeois — the All Knights Stadium Team’s second baseman, also sent in a video. The current Durham Bulls star was humbled by his appearance on the team. It was great to hear from Jason.
Just two days later, Jason was on-hand to accept his award during an on-field ceremony. Jason and the Durham Bulls were in town to face the Knights. He was off to a hot-start to begin the season. I spoke to Jason before the game and we later showed the interview on the video board before he accepted his award. You can view that video:
He later accepted his plaque in front of the fans from Knights General Manager of Baseball Operations Scotty Brown (pictured, right). I hope to be able to have other All Knights Stadium Team members at Knights Stadium this season. Stay tuned for more updates about that throughout the year.
On Friday, April 12, the Knights welcomed Country Music Superstar and 8-Time Women’s Wrestling champion Mickie James to Knights Stadium for a fun evening at the ballpark. Mickie was on-hand to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and sign her new song “Somebody’s Gonna Pay”. Mickie was a lot of fun and even throw out a ceremonial first pitch. She did a good job with the pitch!
She later made her way around Knights Stadium and appeared on the Charlotte Knights radio network to talk about her album and more. She even tried her hand at play-by-play with Knights radio broadcaster Mike Pacheco.
It was great to have Mickie at Knights Stadium as she becomes a household name in the music business. Thanks again Mickie! Good luck with the album and good luck with your push for another championship in TNA Impact Wrestling!
The same night that we welcomed Mickie to Knights Stadium (April 12), MiLB President Pat O’Conner was on-hand to present Knights catcher Josh Phegley with his 2012 Rawlings MiLB Gold Glove Award. Phegley became the second Knights player in as many seasons to earn the award. In 2011, Knights OF Jordan Danks won the award.
Before the game, Phegley was presented the award during an on-field ceremony. Knights Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski was there to present the award to Josh, along with Pat O’Conner. It was a nice moment for Josh. He had a remarkable 2012 season and he was honored for his hard work. Last September, Josh also received the Knights Community Service Award. He was even an International League All-Star a season ago! Good job Josh! 
Perhaps one of the coolest ideas of the season was the Knights wearing throwback jerseys during all Friday games this season. Each Friday, the Knights are having a special “Flashback Fridays” series. All Knights players will wear the jerseys that the 1990 Charlotte Knights wore — the first Knights team to play at Knights Stadium (the stadium opened in 1990). So far, the jerseys have been a huge hit with fans! They have really added an extra element to our games on Friday nights!
Stay tuned for the first throwback hat giveaway on Friday, May 10 as part of the series.
Wow, I started this blog to take a look back at the first month, but I am still just on the first three home games! April 11 and April 12 were jam-packed full of fun. On April 13, the Jason Bourgeois ceremony was fun as well.
I also want to make sure I mention our lovely Dance Team — the KnightinGals, who originally debuted at Knights Fest on March 30. Their first appearance during a game, however, came on Opening Day, April 11. On that day we revealed their new name and gave the fans a chance to see them in action before the game!
So far, the girls have performed at two games (should have been three, although there was a postponement due to rain on April 27) and they have been AWESOME! There have been so many fans coming up to them to take a photo with them. They have already become a staple at Knights Stadium!
There will be more with the Dance Team as the season goes on. Stay tuned for that!
I’m going to leave this blog with a look back at the fireworks. All Saturday home games this season feature post-game fireworks and the first Saturday of the year had an amazing show. Check it out (pictured, right).
I’ll be back with Part 2 of April soon!
In the meantime, I hope to see you at Knights Stadium in May. We return home on May 10 for a fun “Flashback Fridays” game.
On Saturday, we’ll host our 8th Annual Pink Knights, thanks to Charlotte Radiology & Belk. There will also be post-game fireworks, thanks to BB&T Ballpark and News Talk 1110 WBT. On Sunday, we’ll treat moms to a great Mother’s Day at Knights Stadium.
Knights Open Series in Toledo Thursday…
Knights @ Mud Hens ~ May 2, 2013
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO: The Charlotte Knights will open up their first non-division road 
series tonight as they face the Toledo Mud Hens in Toledo, OH for game one of a four-game series. The Knights lead the overall series with the Mud Hens 142-115. Charlotte began play in the International League in 1993 and since then have a solid home and road record against the Mud Hens. At Knights Stadium, the Knights are 75-50 all-time, and at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Charlotte leads 67-65. The Knights have 25 wins over Toledo over the past five seasons – averaging five wins a year against the club for the five-year span. The Knights went 3-5 in 2008, then 6-2 in 2009, 5-3 in 2010 and 2011 and 6-2 against the ‘Hens in 2012.
THREE-HEADER: The Knights completed their third doubleheader of the season on Tuesday and fell to 0-6 this year in twin bills after dropping both games on Tuesday – a day after losing both games on Monday. The Knights lost four games in two days to SWB. Charlotte will face Toledo tonight – both teams have an identical record with an IL low 7 wins and 20 losses.
RAMON ROLLING: RHP Ramon Troncoso has been lights-out since allowing two runs in his first appearance of the season. Troncoso has strung together eight consecutive outings of scoreless ball, totaling nine innings. During those nine innings, he has allowed just three hits and two walks – entering play Thursday with a 0.80 WHIP. The Dominican Republic native is also three-for-three in save opportunities and earned a win on April 11th against Gwinnett.
STREAKS: The Knights are currently in the midst of a six-game losing streak – the longest of the season. In 2012, Charlotte’s longest losing streak was four games. Toledo also enters the game needing a win, compiling five losses in a row and eight of their last nine.
SEVENTH INNING STRETCH: Six of Charlotte’s seven wins this season have come when they had a lead after the seventh inning. When leading after the seventh frame, the Knights are 6-2. When trailing after the seventh, they are 1-17.
ROAD WARRIORS: Despite Charlotte’s 2-9 record on the road this year, the team has some players performing well away from home. Catcher Josh Phegley is hitting .440 (11-25) on the road over seven games. The Indiana native has five runs scored, three doubles, two home runs and five RBIs on the road this year. Jim Gallagher has enjoyed a solid season for the Knights and has been good for Charlotte on the road this year. Gallagher is hitting .389 (7-18) with one home run, three runs scored and five RBIs in five road games. Luis Durango has a .314 (11-35) batting average over nine road games.
NEXT SERIES: The Knights will play four in Toledo and then make their way over to Columbus to face the Clippers for four at Huntington Park where Charlotte went 2-2 in 2012.
Monday’s Doubleheader…
April 29, 2013
ALL-TIME SERIES INFO: The Charlotte Knights and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre first began play in 1993
when the Knights entered the International League for the first time in their history. Before that, the Knights were the Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. In 1993 however, the Knights were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was known as the Red Barons – the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2007, the Red Barons became the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees – Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, which they still are today. On November 14, 2012, they became known as the RailRiders. Over the course of the history of the Knights and SWB team, SWB leads the All-Time series with a 102-86 record. At Knights Stadium, SWB is 49-45, while at PNC Field (formerly known as Lackawanna County Stadium), the SWB team is 53-41 against the Knights.
DEJA-VU ALL OVER AGAIN: The Charlotte Knights and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders were set to play the first game of their 2013 series on Saturday, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Saturday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather and was supposed to be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday at 1:15 PM. That didn’t happen as rain washed away Sunday’s doubleheader. In 2009, the Knights had a series scheduled with the Columbus Clippers at Knights Stadium ruined by rain. After playing the opener on June 2 and game two on June 3, the Knights and Clippers were postponed due to rain on June 4. They then had a doubleheader scheduled for June 5, but they only got one game in and had to cancel a game due to more bad weather.
TEKOTTE RETURNS: OF Blake Tekotte was optioned back to the Knights after Sunday’s White Sox game. Tekotte, who appeared in one game with the Knights this season, appeared in three games with the Sox – mostly as a pinch runner. On 4/24 with the Sox, he went 0-2 with a walk and two strikeouts.
THE HEATH IS UP…AGAIN: RHP Deunte Heath became the first Knights pitcher to earn a second promotion to the White Sox in 2013. Heath was promoted back on April 12 and again on Sunday (April 28). He was 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA over 9.0 IP this season with Charlotte.
REHABBING: LHP Leyson Septimo began a Major League rehab assignment on Friday with the Charlotte Knights. Septimo, who is recovering from a left shoulder strain, which has kept his sidelined this season, allowed three runs (three-run home run) on one hit and two walks over 0.1 innings pitched. Septimo was ejected from the game after hitting Travis Ishikawa. He threw 18 pitches in all. He is expected to continue his rehab assignment today for the Knights.
TOUCH OF GRAY: On Friday, RHP Jeff Gray continued his solid play at home. Gray allowed just one hit over 0.2 scoreless innings in relief of starter Andre Rienzo on Friday and now has not allowed a run at Knights Stadium this year (5 G). In all, Gray has allowed just four hits and three walks, while fanning seven batters over 6.1 shutout innings at home.
