Clubhouse Blog - December 3, 2009

"OFF-SEASON'S GREETINGS"

It’s that time of year again. No, not preparing for the holidays (well that too!), but to start putting the club together for the upcoming season. I’ve often said the best time to be a manager in Indy baseball is from the middle of September to the end of November. There’s really not much to do except send out option letters. I must admit my first two years as manager, I made myself crazy feeling like I had to have 12 to 15 players signed by January 1. I’ve become much more relaxed and patient when it comes to getting names on contracts this time of year. In fact, I prefer to wait until February and March to do the bulk of my roster building. With that being said, I think at times I drive Andrew crazy with my preference to wait.

The 2010 roster building is off to a pretty good start. I’m very excited about the Eggleston trade. As much as I didn’t want to move Andrew Cruse, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring in a guy like Aharon Eggleston. In my opinion, he has gotten better each year both offensively and defensively. As everyone knows, he covers a lot of ground in the outfield, which should help our pitching. Offensively, I think he will be a great addition as well. I like the fact that he hits with men in scoring position and walks more than he strikes out, two areas we weren’t very good in last year. Aharon also gives the team a very good at-bat against left-handed pitching, which will make for some interesting decisions to be made by opposing managers late in games.

We have re-signed Zach and Ian, who were two of the best left-handed relievers in the league at the end of last year. We have also agreed to terms with four position players (can’t say who) from last year’s squad that were “BIG” (get it?) contributors to last year’s success. My plan is to have three-quarters of my infield, my DH and three outfielders signed by Christmas.

On a personal note, basketball season has started for the Forney family. David is on the 7th grade team and they won their first game last night 47-40. David had his best game ever, scoring 14 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Can you tell I’m a proud papa? I coach Christopher’s 10U team. We have our first game this Saturday and we are looking forward to it.


Andrew and I are signed up for the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon to run the relay on Sunday, May 2. I will run the first leg and the BOSS will close it out. Sounds like a solid strategy for a last place finish. Come join us to support a great cause. Look at it as an opportunity to chase me around the streets of Winnipeg for six miles to discuss the roster, possible trades and the upcoming season. Click here
if you would like to support the Canadian Cancer Society by pledging our run.

Well, I'm off to get Erik ready for school before venturing on to the roof to hang some Christmas lights. Wish me luck!

Happy Holidays!

-- Rick Forney

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From the Desk of the GM - November 24, 2009

“Field of Dreams Foundation Update”

It was another great year for the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation, which means it’s going to be another great year for children’s charities in Manitoba. Goldeyes fans proved again why they are the best in sports, not just for their support of the team, but for their support of the team’s charitable foundation as well. The Foundation has been around since 1995 and has raised and distributed more than $1.2 million to children’s charities and amateur athletics in Manitoba.

Here are some highlights of the 2009 fundraising events and a look forward to the 2010 season:

• The 15th annual golf tournament, held on July 20, 2009 was a great time. The event was sold out for the 11th consecutive year and the weather couldn’t have been better. In a summer filled with cold and rainy days, we were very fortunate to have clear skies and a warm day.
• The 16th annual Golf tournament will be held at Bel Acres on Monday, July 12, 2010. If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, entering a team or entering yourself, give me a call at the office and I’ll send you the information. If you were in the tournament last year, you will be receiving a tax receipt and entry form in early January.
• The K’s for Kids program raised close to $15,000. This amount is almost $5,000 more than last year. A huge thank you to all who donated. Special thank you to Tony Fletcher and the good people at Fillmore Riley for coming on board as the program’s title sponsor and to Steve and Bonnie Heller, the “K couple”, for their support of the program and for putting up the k’s above the visitor’s dugout during every game.
• On Canada Day, the Goldeyes wore replicas of the uniforms worn by the 1999 Pan Am Games bronze medal winning Team Canada. For the remainder of the season, the jerseys were auctioned off and raised close to $4,000.
• Flashback Friday jerseys were auctioned off each Friday and the eight jerseys raised more than $1,700.
• Every home run that was hit at Canwest Park by a Goldeyes player meant $100 was donated to the Foundation by Lawton Partners. A total of 62 homers were hit at home, meaning $6,200 was put in the Foundation’s coffers thanks to the good folks at Lawton Partners. A huge thank you to Mark Mancini and Lawton Partners.
• A very generous couple, who have asked to remain anonymous, donated $10,000 to the Foundation for the fourth year in a row. I have thanked them in person, but if they are reading this, I will take this opportunity to say thank you again. The $40,000 they have donated has made a lot of kids’ dreams come true.
• The annual season ticket and skysuite holder World Series Party held on October 28 was not only a lot of fun, it also raised $1,900 for the Foundation.

Now that we have spent the summer raising the funds, the Foundation would like to spend part of the off-season giving it away. There are a few criteria that the board uses when selecting recipients. Some of the main criteria would be that the requesting charity be located in Manitoba, have a charitable tax number and be focused on the betterment of children’s lives. An on-line form is available by clicking here if you would like to request funding from the Foundation.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - November 5, 2009

"Start spreadin' the news..."

Well, the 2009 World Series is in the books and the Yankees beat the Phillies in six games to claim their 27th title. It was a great series, one that will remembered for many reasons. A-Rod finally produced in the post-season, Andy Pettitte showed that he’s still got it, all the money the Yankees shelled out to get Teixeira, Sabathia, Burnett and Swisher paid huge dividends and Chase Utley was outstanding, tying Reggie Jackson’s 1977 record for home runs in a world series with five.

Game six saw Hideki Matsui blast a two-run shot in the second, a two-run single in the third, a two-run double in the fifth and that was all the Yankees needed behind the impressive pitching of Pettitte. Matsui hit .615 in the series, was named MVP and his six RBI in game six tied a world series record. Pettitte, the winningest pitcher in post-season history (18) left the game in the top of the sixth with a 7-3 lead. The Yankees bullpen locked things down from there with Mariano Rivera, the all-time saves leader in world series history, doing what he does best by recording the final five outs.

History was repeated in some ways in 2009. In 1923, the Yankees opened the original Yankee Stadium and went on to win that year’s world series in six games over the New York Giants. In 2009, the Yankees opened the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium and won the world series in six. Check out USA Today’s Mel Antonen’s article here - for more on the similarities between 1923 and 2009.

So now we wait. We wait through the cold winter until the boys of summer head back to Florida or Arizona to begin another spring training. Shortly after the big leagues get underway our thoughts will turn to another Northern League season and look forward to what is sure to be a great 2010. Everyone around the Goldeyes office is very excited about the upcoming year with the two new teams in Rockford and Lake County joining the league. Judging by the comments I’ve heard from season ticket and mini pack holders, and even some casual observers of the Goldeyes and the league, I think the office’s excitement is shared by others as well.

If you are a current Goldeyes mini pack or season ticket holder, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in the spring. If you are a former ticket holder who was waiting for the league to expand, or if you have thought about picking up a package, now’s the perfect time to do it. There are great seats and great packages available. We’ve got many exciting events planned for the 2010 season including more fireworks nights. Check out the ticket page at goldeyes.com by clicking here. If you see a package you like, and would like to find out what seats are available, give Blake (blake@goldeyes.com) or Dennis (dennis@goldeyes.com) a call in the box office at 982-2273 and they would be happy to pick some out for you.

In the meantime, for all my fellow Yankee fans out there, here's Frank singing New York New York.

Opening day is only a little over six months away, May 20 vs. the Lake County Fielders!

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - October 28, 2009

"Wednesday Mailbag"

Here's a note I received from the PA voice of the Goldeyes, Ron Arnst, with his take on this year's World Series and instant replay in baseball:

I don’t know who to cheer for in the World Series. Cheering for the Yankees and Pay-Roid doesn’t sit well with me. I would cheer for the Phillies but they sent Coste to Houston so they are off the list. Besides they beat Sherrill. Boo on them. So I guess I will cheer for the umpires. It appears they need the help.

On that topic (umpires and replay), I believe it is inevitable. The baseball traditionalist in me is not in favour of it – but you can’t ignore the future. My argument against replay technology and “challenges” is based on watching a few games over my life. How many times have you seen a player complain intensely about a ball-and-strike call and then swing at a pitch 2 feet outside or in the dirt? I think one of the things that keeps baseball apart – and I believe elevates it above other pro sports – is its long history, tradition and unrelenting reliance on the human factor. For better or for worse. Baseball is about stories. Reduce the human element and you will reduce the quantity and the quality of the stories. Let ‘em play, I say.

However, I believe replay will come to baseball sooner rather than later. If it has to come, I agree that a limited number of challenges (one per game is good) sounds like the best way to go. To help offset the time lost while we all wait around for a challenge to be decided, I suggest a couple of other changes. I believe we should also limit the number of times a batter can step out of the box to one per at bat and I believe we should limit the number of visits to the mound by the catcher or other players to one per inning. This would not include visits made by the manager or pitching coach. I see no entertainment value in watching a hitter adjust his gloves, sweatbands, cap, shirt, pants, socks and rebalance his investment portfolio after every pitch. I also don’t get a huge kick out of watching a mound meeting three times per half inning. Call me crazy but I think baseball would be better with less posturing and more playing. - Ron Arnst

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From the Desk of the GM - October 27, 2009

“World Series 2009 and Instant Replay”

The 2009 World Series will feature the Phillies and the Yankees. So, my prognostication wasn’t bang on, only 50% right. The Phillies were just too much for the Dodgers both on the mound and at the plate. The Yankees seem to be firing on all cylinders as well. A-Rod is doing what a guy paid $50 million per year should be doing, and the two huge off-season acquisitions in Sabathia and Burnett are, thus far, making Brian Cashman look like a genius. Andy Pettite hasn’t looked too bad either for an “old” guy.

It should be a great series played out in two places that will have similar weather to Winnipeg in late October/early November. It’s going to be cold and windy so it will be interesting which team is most affected. The Phillies didn’t seem to have any issues with the cold last year and will be looking to be the first team to repeat as champions since the Yankees did it back in 1999 & 2000.

One common theme to this year’s post-season has been incredibly bad umpiring. There haven’t just been a few bang-bang plays missed, there have been more than a few blatant terrible calls, right in front of the ump making the call. In this writer’s humble opinion, it is time for instant replay to be used in major league baseball, and for more than just home run calls. The technology is there, why not use it? Why not get the call right? The NFL uses it, as does the NHL. Mr. Selig needs to embrace technology instead of continuing to stick his head in the sand and pretend it isn’t there, or that it doesn’t belong in the game.

While listening to a sports talk show on the drive home this week, a sports writer was discussing instant replay and his thoughts on what should happen. His idea was to have each team be allowed one challenge per game. One challenge per game by each team is not going to dramatically increase the length of the games. If each team has one challenge, they aren’t going to use it to challenge a close play at first, or whether a guy was tagged out trying to steal second. They will use them on plays similar to the play in the Yankees/Angels game where Nick Swisher was called out on appeal for tagging up too soon on a fly ball. If that play was challenged it would have taken about four seconds for replay to show that he did not tag too early and the run would have stood. That game ended up being a blow out, but what if the Yankees had lost that game by one run?

If you agree with me on instant replay, or not, or if you want to give me your prediction on the outcome of the World Series, send me a note to andrew@goldeyes.com. Also, let me know in your email if I can use it in an upcoming blog.

I’m sticking with my earlier prediction of the Yankees winning it all in 6.

Go Yankees!

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - October 13, 2009

"MLB Playoff update"

The first round of the MLB playoffs are now in the books. The first round provided some very exciting baseball with some great come from behind wins, a few dropped balls, a few blown saves and some great production from some guys that are expected to produce. George Sherrill pitched in all three wins for the Dodgers, picking up his first post-season victory in game one.

In the ALCS it will be the Yankees against the Angels and in the NLCS it will be the Dodgers and Phillies. The Phillies are looking to become the first team to repeat as World Series champs since the Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000.

The two teams I predicted to be in the finals are still alive with the Dodgers and Yankees both advancing. It would be great to see Joe Torre face his former team in the finals.

Here's an email I received from Goldeyes season ticket holder Craig Kuhlman (the Kuhlman's are also a Goldeyes host family), with his predictions. The email was sent to me before the Phillies won Monday's night's game in Colorado to advance.

Just finished reading your latest blog. I'm late here, but I'm going to pick the Phillies to repeat. I was rooting for the Twins, but that didn't work out so well. I've been a lifelong Cubs fan, so I was very happy to see the Cards get swept! Anyway, I'm like you even though I love the Cubs, Reggie was always one of my favorite players growing up. From the time I got into baseball at the age of six in 1977, and when I got the chance to see him live when our family went to the Metrodome in 1985 against the A's, I've always loved Mr. October. - Craig Kuhlman

Feel free to send me your thoughts and picks as the CS's get underway.

Go Yankees!

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - October 8, 2009

"The MLB Playoffs are Here!"

If you are a fan of baseball - which I have always been - the first round of the MLB playoffs is something to look forward to. Ever since they added a wild card team from each league into the playoff mix in 1995, there are usually three games a day for the first week of the playoffs. If you aren’t a huge baseball fan, I can only assume that having your significant other change the channel to the baseball game during each commercial break on the show you are trying to watch can be somewhat annoying.

Having said all that, today’s blog will feature my predictions on the outcome of this year’s playoffs. Before I get to my predictions, a few notes on some of the teams involved:

• What the Twins accomplished just to get into the playoffs is amazing. They were seven games back of the Tigers a month ago; three back with four to play; lost Justin Morneau to a back injury three weeks ago; and needed to win 16 of 20 just to force the one game playoff with the Tigers. And then, to make things even more exciting, they won the 163rd game in the 12th inning.
• If a team features a former Goldeyes player or staff member, I will cheer for them. George Sherrill pitches for the Dodgers and Dong Lien is the strength and conditioning coach for the Phillies, so in the first round of the NL playoffs I will definitely be a Dodgers and Phillies fan. If they both advance to the NLCS, I’ll have to lean towards George’s Dodgers since Dong already got a ring last year.
• The Red Sox have won it all twice in the last five years, and have defeated the Angels in the first round in 2004, 2007 and 2008, so I’ll be cheering for the Angels to get past the Sox.
• The Cards have arguably the best player in baseball in Albert Pujols, along with great starting pitching, so I'm sure many will be picking them to go all the way.

I make no secret that I have been a Yankees fan for as long as I can remember. Reggie Jackson was my favorite player, I loved the way Billy Martin managed with great intensity and Goose Gossage was lights out when he stepped on the mound in the late innings.

Well, that was a roundabout way of getting to my picks for who will be in the World Series, and who will ultimately be drinking champagne on the field sometime during the first week of November.

My pick: Yankees vs. Dodgers in the World Series, with the Yankees winning it all in 6.

Think I’m out of my mind? That’s okay, you’re not alone. Send me your comments and picks to andrew@goldeyes.com and I’ll post some of them in upcoming blogs during the playoffs.

Go Yankees!

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Until next time…

From the desk of the GM - October 2, 2009

“Miscellaneous News and Information”

Now that we are almost a month removed from our final game of the season, I wanted to mention some very exciting happenings around the Goldeyes office. So, here it goes in no particular order.

• CFO Jason McRae-King and his wife Jen welcomed their third child on September 24, a little girl named Poet Liv Ellena. Poet’s sisters Meguire and Piper-Prairie are very excited about the new addition to their home.
• Goldeyes radio guy Paul Edmonds wed his beautiful bride Tanis on September 19. The wedding was a spectacular event held outside at their homestead, appropriately named the “Triple Play Ranch”.
• Former Goldeyes pitcher Matt Davis and his wife Jamie became parents for the first time with the arrival of Matthew Walter Davis on September 27.
• Shane Tucker, who served as the team’s Director of Retail Operations for just shy of two years, is returning to the MTS Centre to work in concert retail operations. Shane did a great job for the Goldeyes including bringing some fantastic new retail items to the Dugout Store at the ballpark. September 30 was Shane’s last day with the Goldeyes. Megan Tucker joined us on October 1 as our new Director of Retail Operations, welcome Megan!
• Bonnie Benson (front desk receptionist) and boyfriend Kevin are expecting a child due on Christmas Eve.
• Communications director Jonathan Green and wife Dayna moved into their brand new home on September 15 and will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day, October 12.
• Box office manager Kevin Arnst and Beth Jackson were engaged on July 2 and will tie the knot on October 9, 2010.

Congratulations and good luck to all!

Finally, while this isn’t regarding a Goldeyes staff member, I would be remiss if I didn’t wish my brother Doug a very happy birthday today. Happy birthday Doug!

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From the Desk of the GM - September 16, 2009

"End of Season Edition"

Another season has come to an end and with it the hopes of winning a championship for the first time since 1994. It would be easy to dwell on the negatives of losing that hard fought battle with Fargo, but I’d rather make this edition of the GM blog about the positives of the season, and there were many. The Goldeyes finished the year with 55 wins, the most since Rick Forney took over as manager and good enough for second place overall, two games back of the RailCats.

Even with one of the worst summers in recorded history for Manitoba, Goldeyes fans proved why they are the best and most supportive in independent baseball. A total of 278,099 fans came through the Canwest Park gates during the regular season for an average of 6,180 which was tops in all of independent baseball. Even more impressive were the great crowds that came out to show their support during the playoffs. Over the three home games in early September, an average of 5,373 cheered on the Goldeyes against the RedHawks.

Juan Diaz

Juan had a fantastic season in his first year in a Goldeyes uniform. He quickly became a fan favourite as was evident every time he came to the plate at Canwest Park, a hush would fall over the crowd in anticipation of what the big guy might do. He hit 15 of his 29 dingers at home and then hit another one at home during the playoffs. It would be great to see #44 back in the lineup next year. Here are some of Juan's stats and honours for the year:

29 home runs (ties franchise record)
90 runs batted in (franchise record)
.598 slugging percentage (1st in the league)
213 total bases (1st in the league)
.981 OPS (1st in the league)
NL all-star DH
Player of the Week - week of July 19 and August 9

Ace Walker

After the great second half that Ace had for us last year, Ace had high hopes for his second year in the Northern League. He started out strong, going 5-1 in his first 10 starts and ended the year with 12 wins to lead the league and was rewarded with the Northern League Pitcher of the Year Award. Here are some of Ace's stats and honours for the year:

Northern League Pitcher of the Year
12 wins (1st in the league)
6 complete games (1st in the league and franchise record)
149 innings pitched (tied franchise record)
NL all-star RHP
Pitcher of the Week - week of June 14 and August 2
Rawlings Pitcher of the Month for June

Josh Asanovich

In his first season with the Goldeyes and first in independent baseball, Josh was solid as he anchored the second base position. In 80 games he committed just 8 errors and turned some spectacular double plays with Wes Long and Adam Frost. Here are some of Josh's stats and honours for the year:
.285 average
22 doubles
3 triples
9 home runs
32 RBI
NL all-star 2B

Adam Frost

After starting the season as the Goldeyes utility player off the bench, Adam was thrust into the starting shortstop position after the season ending injury to Wes Long on June 30. He ended the season hitting .280 and was third in the league in stolen bases with 30. He impressed those around the league so much that he was awarded the Northern League Rookie of the Year award, becoming just the third Goldeyes player to receive that award since 1994. Here are some of Adam's stats and honours for the year:

.280 average
11 doubles
3 triples
5 home runs (including two game winning walk off home runs)
19 RBI
30 stolen bases (3rd in the league)
Northern League Rookie of the Year

Organization of the Year
For the fourth time in seven years, the Goldeyes were selected as the Northern League’s Organization of the Year. This award is one that all Goldeyes staff and fans should feel extremely proud of and a part of. It’s a combination of the hard work put in by the full and part time staff and the fans support of the team year in and year out that results in this award.

K's for Kids Program

Since being formed in 1995, the Field of Dreams Foundation has raised and distributed more than $1.1 million to children's charities in Manitoba. One of the ways the foundation raises funds is through the Fillmore Riley K's for Kids program. The program has been running since 2001 and the highest per strikeout total that has been pledged, prior to this year was in 2004 when $16.54 per strikeout was pledged by fans. By taking a more proactive approach to the program this year, the current total per strikeout pledge sits at $26.71. A huge thank you to everyone who has sent in their pledge forms so far, invoices and receipts will be sent out soon. However, there is still time to get your forms in and who knows, maybe we can get that number up to $30 or $40 per strikeout before all is said and done. There were 318 strikeouts tossed at home by Goldeyes pitchers this year, so a pledge of $0.10 per strikeout will cost you just $31.80 and you will receive a charitable tax receipt for every penny of that donation. Forms are available by clicking here. We will be accepting forms until the end of September, then the final invoices and receipts will be sent out.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support the Winnipeg Goldeyes. We wouldn't still be here after 16 great years if it wasn't for you, the fans. Myself, along with everyone in the front office, the game day staff, the players and the coaching staff, all salute you, you are the best.

Please keep checking back as I will keep you updated on the off-season goings on around the Goldeyes office.

Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - August 31, 2009

"Playoff Edition"

Regardless of the outcome of tonight's fan appreciation game (7 pm at Canwest), the Goldeyes will finish the 2009 regular season in second place. With Fargo finishing third, the Goldeyes will face their arch rivals from North Dakota in the first round which is a best of five series.



Here are some historical facts and stats about the Goldeyes and RedHawks:

- The RedHawks and Goldeyes have not faced each other in the playoffs since 2006. In that series, the Goldeyes took the first two games in Fargo before coming home to Winnipeg. The RedHawks took games 3 and 4 in Winnipeg and then won a very exciting game 5 that was played back at Newman Outdoor Field.
- The Fish have not defeated the Hawks in a playoff series since 2001.
- In 2009, the teams each won 9 games. The Goldeyes were 5-4 in Fargo and the RedHawks were 5-4 in Winnipeg.
- Fargo is currently first in team batting average with a .292 mark and is fourth in team ERA at 4.79.
- Winnipeg is third in team batting average, sitting at .276 and is first in team ERA with 4.24.
- Winnipeg has hit a total of 119 homers compared with Fargo's 113.
- This is the 9th playoff meeting with the RedHawks having the lead at 5-3
- All-time playoff record for Winnipeg vs. Fargo is 14-18; at Winnipeg Stadium 2-3, at Canwest Park 4-6 and at Newman Outdoor Field 8-9.

Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, September 2 - at Newman Outdoor Field - 6 pm
Thursday, September 3 - at Newman Outdoor Field - 6 pm
Friday, September 4 - at Canwest Park - 7 pm
Saturday, September 5 - at Canwest Park - 6 pm (if necessary)
Sunday, September 6 - at Canwest Park - - 7 pm(if necessary)

All games can be heard live on 1290 CFRW AM or at www.cfrw.ca with the voice of the Goldeyes Paul Edmonds calling the play by play.

Tickets for all playoff games can be purchased at the Canwest Park box office, by calling 780-3333 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca or by clicking the links above for each game.

In the other first round matchup, Kansas City (#4 seed) will be looking to defend their Northern League title when they face Gary (#1 seed). That series will start in KC on Wednesday and Thursday before moving back to the Steel Yard for games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary).

Playoff baseball is always exciting, but anytime the Goldeyes and RedHawks get together, the excitement and intensity moves to a whole new level. The players would love to see a full house on Friday night when Fargo comes to town. Hope to see everyone there!

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - August 21, 2009

“Upcoming homestand – August 24-26 & 28-31, 2009”

Only 7 regular season home games left. Here’s what’s going on at Canwest Park next week:

Monday, August 24 vs. Joliet JackHammers – 7 p.m. – Put on those cowboy boots, old blue jeans and Stetson hat and come on down to the ballpark for Country Night sponsored by QX104. Hear some great country tunes by Holly Vee and the Coyotes on the Winnipeg Free Press entertainment stage on the promenade before the game and then listen during the game as Paul Duque dusts off the old slide guitar. Okay, so maybe he’ll be playing pre-recorded music from a computer, but since you can’t see him, how would you know?

Tuesday, August 25 vs. JackHammers – 7 p.m. Magnum Oil and the good folks at Quaker State are the sponsors of this game. The first 5,000 through the gates will each receive a car air freshener courtesy of Magnum Oil.


Wednesday, August 26 vs. JackHammers – 7 p.m. – Field of Dreams Night. We will be recognizing many of the charities who received funding from the Winnipeg Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation during the pre-game. This would be a perfect night to hand in your K’s for Kids form to the Subway Fan Services Booth. Don’t have a form yet? No problem! Download one right here. We will also be handing out $1,000 scholarships to three Baseball Manitoba members.


Friday, August 28 vs. Schaumburg Flyers – 7 p.m. – Flashback Friday #8 – Ryan Robertson
will be here wearing his familiar #24 jersey, throwing out the opening pitch, signing autographs and saying hello to some old and new friends. Don’t forget, that jersey that he will be wearing for the opening pitch will be autographed by Ryan and auctioned off during the game. Goldeyes will be wearing the retro jerseys and hats again for the last time during the 2009 season, unless of course they make an appearance during the playoffs.

Saturday, August 29 vs. Flyers – 6 p.m. - Way back in October, the voice of the Goldeyes, Paul Edmonds was selected as the Broadcaster of the Year by the publishers of Ballparkdigest.com. The editor of the website, Kevin Reichard will be on hand in the pre-game to make a presentation to Paul in recognition of this very well deserved award.

Please note - this presentation will now take place prior to the game on Friday, August 28.

Sunday, August 30 vs. Flyers – 1:30 p.m. – The fun gets underway at 9 a.m. on this second to last day of the regular season. The Goldeyes Fun Run starts and ends at Canwest Park at 9. The route will take runners and walkers through a fantastic downtown route. Following the run/walk there will be great food, prizes and of course, a great ballgame. Download a form here or check out the Running Room website to register.

Pickup a second half team photo on your way into the ballpark then head down to the field to get it signed by all your favourite Goldeyes players and coaches. On-field autograph session takes place from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Monday, August 31 vs. Flyers – 7 p.m. – It’s the last regular season home game of 2009 so that means Fan Appreciation Day! We will be handing out 5,000 sets of player cards and nine lucky fans will win a complete autographed team set, all compliments of the good people at Rogers. After the game, Archangel Fireworks will be putting on what will no doubt be the best show of the season.

The 2009 playoffs are right around the corner. Please keep checking www.goldeyes.com for details about when the Goldeyes will be at home. Tickets are on sale now by calling 780-3333, on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca or by visiting the Canwest Park box office.

Here are the dates of the playoff games which will depend where the Goldeyes finish in the standings (both post-season series are best of five):

1. If the Goldeyes finish 1st or 2nd:
• Game 1 – at seed 3 or 4 – Wednesday, September 2
• Game 2 – at seed 3 or 4 – Thursday, September 3
• Game 3 – at Canwest Park – Friday, September 4 – 7:00 p.m.
• Game 4 – at Canwest Park – Saturday, September 5 – 6:00 p.m. (if necessary)
• Game 5 – at Canwest Park – Sunday, September 6 – 1:30 p.m. (if necessary)

2. If the Goldeyes finish 3rd:
• Game 1 – at Canwest Park – Wednesday, September 2 – 7:00 p.m.
• Game 2 – at Canwest Park – Thursday, September 3 – time TBA
• Game 3 – at seed 2 – Friday, September 4
• Game 4 – at seed 2 – Saturday, September 5 (if necessary)
• Game 5 – at seed 2 – Sunday, September 6 (if necessary)

Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - August 13, 2009

"Upcoming homestand - August 17-19, 2009"

Only 10 regular season home games left. Here’s what’s going on at Canwest Park next week:

Monday, August 17 vs. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks – 7 p.m. – We celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock at the park this night. Woodstock was a music festival that took place on a farm in rural New York state between August 15 and 18, 1969. Who better to sponsor a tribute to Woodstock than the station that brings us all the classic rock hits than 92 CITI FM? If you weren’t around during this time, or were too young to remember it, or were around but don’t remember it for other reasons, read all about it here. Come dressed in your favourite 60’s-era attire and enjoy some classic tunes and a great ball game.

Tuesday, August 18 vs. RedHawks – 6 p.m. – Due to those back to back rainouts we had in June, tonight’s event is a double header starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks after the game provided by our good friends at Archangel Fireworks. Game sponsor for the double header is Canadian Footwear. The good folks at Canadian Footwear are asking fans attending that game to bring along a pair of new or gently used shoes and new socks which will be given to those less fortunate.

Wednesday, August 19 vs. RedHawks – Noon – Our third and final weekday nooner of the season. This is a great day to take an extended lunch break and watch some baseball. Game sponsor for this afternoon game is WalMart.

A few final notes... a very happy 15th wedding anniversary to my brother Doug and his wife Ronda. All the best to you both and best wishes on many more years together.

Congrats to Lorraine Maciboric and the organizers of the Princess Auto and Tallman Foundation golf tournament on August 12. It was a great day and all for a very good cause. Great job!

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - August 5, 2009

"Favourite Goldeyes Memory - Part II"

From Mickey Steen

“The number 1 memory would be that June 1994 evening when under the guidance of Sam Katz, Professional Baseball returned to Winnipeg after way too many years away. Having to call the football stadium a ballpark was a little far fetched but the best at the time.
Number 2 – June of 1999 and walking into an actual ballpark, Canwest Global, seeing construction workers still busy but looking out onto a baseball diamond, what a fantastic feeling.
Number 3 – Goldeyes beating Fargo anytime, but do recall 1997 1st round of the playoffs, Goldeyess losing the first 2 at home and then going into Fargo and winning 3 straight, how sweet it was.
Number 4 – The Goldeyes team of 2001 was probably one of the best Winnipeg fans had the opportunity to watch, Cappuccio, Ortiz, Robertson, Sachs, Myrow, Raffy, "Tiny" Thomas, to name a few.
Number 5 – The Winnipeg Goldeyes Organization, right from the beginning in 1994 to todays 2009 group, an outstanding job and each and every one of you should be proud of a job "done well".

Could keep going but better cut it off here. Well done.

p.s. Also a great memory was former Goldeyes player, Nolan Lane, playing with Gary, coming in to Canwest in 2002, hit a home run, took himself out of the line-up and retired as a player."

From Rocky McLellan

“One of my favorite Goldeyes memories occurred on Friday, June 24, 2005, it was the 33rd game of the season and the Goldeyes were playing the St. Paul Saints, who had decided to have their championship ring ceremony that night, and the Goldeyes came away with a 4-3 victory. I was elated with that particular victory since championship ring ceremonies are usually held during the home opener of the following season.”

Feel free to keep sending me your Goldeyes memories, I will be posting them as the season continues.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - July 30, 2009

“Upcoming homestand – August 4-9, 2009”

It’s hard to believe there are just 16 regular season home games remaining this season. The season has flown by so far. There are some great games coming up with some special guests and some great promotions. Check them out:

Tuesday, August 4 vs. Joliet JackHammers – 7 p.m. – It’s Luau Night at the ballpark with game sponsor and good friend of the Goldeyes, the Manitoba Pork Council. Everyone knows a guy who likes to wear Hawaiian shirts all the time, to pretty much any event, well, here’s your chance to bring that guy to a place where he won’t stick out like a sore thumb. Fortunately for me, I am that guy, so with my wardrobe, I’ll fit right in! The sound and fury experts from Archangel Fireworks will be here to put on their usual spectacular show after the game.

On Tuesday, August 4, several members of the Goldeyes will drop by city libraries to read to children in their annual effort to promote literacy and support the summer reading club. It’s the eleventh year for the promotion and will see players visit the following libraries:
• Fort Garry - 1360 Pembina Highway
• Louis Riel - 1168 Dakota Street
• Sir William Stephenson - 765 Keewatin Avenue
• Westwood - 66 Allard Avenue
• West Kildonan - 365 Jefferson Avenue

Wednesday, August 5 vs. JackHammers – 7 p.m. – Library Night. We will be collecting books this night to be donated to those less fortunate. Quoting a press release from resident communications guru, Jonathan Green, “Donated books can be dropped off next Wednesday (August 5) as fans enter the ballpark. The Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick will have about 60 volunteers collecting and boxing the books, including reps from the Girl Guides of Canada, the Manitoba Book Publishers Association, the Prairie Pathfinders, the Winnipeg Trails Association and the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre.”

Again on Wednesday, August 5, Goldeyes players will be reading to children at Winnipeg libraries. The Goldeyes will visit the following libraries this day:
• Henderson - 1-1050 Henderson Highway
• Millennium - 251 Donald Street
• St. James-Assiniboia - 1910 Portage Avenue
• St. Vital - 6 Fermor Avenue

Thursday, August 6 vs. JackHammers – 7 p.m. – Pajama Party and bed giveaway. Fans are invited to wear their PJ’s to the park this night. One lucky fan will walk away with a Queen Size Serta Perfect Sleeper bed courtesy of our very good friends at Dufresne Furniture & Appliance and Serta Mattress. All you have to do to be eligible to win is be at the game. If we draw your seat location, you win!

Game sponsor is Monart and they will be giving away three beautiful Babe Ruth framed prints and will be auctioning off a third, with proceeds to the Goldeyes Field of Dreams Foundation.


Friday, August 7 vs. Schaumburg Flyers – 7 p.m. – Flashback Friday with Chad Thornhill. Come down to the park and say hi (or hola, he speaks fluent Spanish) to former shortstop and coach Chad Thornhill. Chad will be throwing out the opening pitch, signing autographs and saying hi to old and new friends.

Also on this night, thanks to 3M Automotive and Rondex (Brett MacNeil and Bret Greenwood), Todd Scott (world famous duct tape sculptor) is going to make a sculpture of Goldie using 3M Masking Tape. It will be a departure from what he usually does because masking tape doesn't boast the same colours or pliability as duct tape. So it will be a test for him. It will be interactive. He will already have a finished product at the game and kids will be invited to help with the sculpture and colour it (with markers).

Saturday, August 8 vs. Flyers – 6 p.m. – End of the Roll is the game sponsor this night. Season ticket and corporate sponsors will enjoy a pre-game BBQ with the players and have the opportunity to watch batting practice.

Sunday, August 9 vs. Flyers – 1:30 p.m. – Tin Lunch box giveaway. The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a tin lunchbox courtesy of Pepsi. Anyone who has kids knows how valuable these not only fashionable but also functional items can be.

Coming up soon, more Goldeyes memories submitted by readers of this blog.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - July 29, 2009

"Favourite Goldeyes Memory"

In the last edition of this blog, I talked about Donnie Smith jersey retirement night on July 21 as being one of my favourite Goldeyes memories. I then invited readers to submit their favourites. I picked a few good ones and posted them below.

From Michael Elves -

“Thankfully - and unsurprisingly - I've had a lot of great Goldeyes memories over the years, but if I had to choose it would likely be Demetrius Heath's suicide squeeze last summer to win the game against our biggest rivals, Fargo. Thirteenth inning, clutch play and one that I had never seen before other than on a highlight reel. The game had gone on loooong, some of our friends had left but we stuck it out and I was so glad we had.”
- Goldeyes vs. RedHawks – August 12, 2008 – Goldeyes won 6-5 in 13 innings.

From Josh Buchholz (General Manager – Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks)

“My favorite Goldeyes memory is Game 3 of the 1998 playoffs…Sparks vs. Schmidt…even though we lost…greatest game I’ve ever seen.”







- Goldeyes vs. RedHawks – September 6, 1998 – Fish won 6-5 in 13 innings.
- George Schmidt for Fargo went 6 1/3 in relief giving up one run.
- Jeff Sparks for Winnipeg went 5 1/3 in relief giving up one hit, no runs and 12 strikeouts.

Feel free to keep the memory emails coming to andrew@goldeyes.com, I will be revisiting this theme as the summer goes on.

Next blog will feature the next six game homestand which starts Tuesday, August 4 and ends Sunday, August 9.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - July 24, 2009

"Favourite Goldeyes Memory"

I've been with the Goldeyes almost since day one in 1994. I joined the team about 10 games into the season that year. Using some quick math, I think I've seen over 700 home games during the last 15+ seasons. There have been so many great memories at both Winnipeg Stadium and Canwest Park, it's hard to pick one that would be at the top of the list for my favourite.

This past Tuesday, July 21 would certainly be in the top 5. The jersey retirement ceremony for Donnie Smith was an event I will remember for a long time. This night wasn't just about retiring the number of one of the best pitchers in Goldeyes and Northern League history, it was more than that. It was a night to celebrate what Donnie went through just to be able to walk out on field to take part in the festivities. Many readers of this blog know all about Donnie's health problems and the very scary moments that occurred at St. Boniface Hospital during the spring.

Seeing Donnie, his wife Tara and sons Tyler and Colson on the field that night and the joy on their faces when the curtain dropped uncovering the "SMITH 21" sign in left field, was something I won't soon forget.

Judging by the lineup for autographs, which lasted the entire game, Donnie still has a lot of fans in Winnipeg. Even with five skysuites full of friends and family waiting to visit with him during the game, he not only signed autographs for the first three innings, he came back to the concourse and signed for another three innings after his tv and radio interviews were finished in the sixth.


The entire ceremony went off without a hitch, from the Goldeyes players and baseball buddies all wearing Smith t-shirts, to the presentations of the framed jersey from Scott Neiles and Rick Forney to the presentation of a Goldeyes ring and Community Service award from Sam Katz.


Now that I've shared one of my favourite memories, I'd like to hear yours. Send me a note at andrew@goldeyes.com and I'll post some of them in my next blog. Please let me know if you would like your name posted along with your note.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - July 16, 2009

“Upcoming homestand – July 21-26, 2009”

We've packed a ton of great stuff into these next six games:


Tuesday, July 21 vs. Kansas City T-Bones – 7 p.m. – Donnie Smith Night – This is a game a lot of fans and Goldeyes staff members have been looking forward to since we announced the jersey retirement on January 21. For the past six months, we have been hard at work planning this night and the pre-game ceremony that will honour the local lad for his accomplishments and dedication to the Goldeyes organization on and off the field since 1998. The ceremony should be a fun event and no doubt emotional for Donnie, his wife Tara, their two boys Tyler and Colson, their parents and friends who will be in attendance.

The first 2,500 fans at the park will receive a fantastic canvas print of Donnie Smith, sponsored by Pepsi and the Winnipeg Free Press.

Wednesday, July 22 vs. T-Bones – 7 p.m. – Shirt off our Backs Night – Come on down to the park this night and have a chance to go on field and take a jersey right off a players back. We will be giving these game worn items away using such methods as lucky program and fishlines prizes, seat location draws and some other top secret methods. Cambrian Credit Union has been the sponsor of this fantastic theme game since 1997. It is with their help, we have been able to give away more than 140 Goldeyes players and coaches jerseys over the past 12 years.

Thursday, July 23 vs. T-Bones – 6 p.m. – Turn Back the Clock Night – We turn back the clocks to the 50's and 60's next Thursday. Starting things off will be Free Ride performing as the Beatles on the Winnipeg Free Press entertainment stage on the promenadedue prior to the game. After the game, Free Ride will be back to perform as the Rolling Stones. Due to weather we’ve had this spring and early summer that hasn't been conducive to growing corn, the players won’t be running through a corn field in left field, but they will be driven on field in vintage T-Birds. Goldeyes players will be wearing their 50's uniforms and watch out for the Goldeyes staff who will be doing their best (or worst) "Grease" impressions.


Friday, July 24 vs. Gary SouthShore RailCats – 7 p.m. – Flashback Friday with Rafael Gross. Raffy was not only one of the best pitchers ever to wear a Goldeyes uniform, but was also one of the finest pitchers in Northern League history. A few highlights of Raffy’s career:

• Baseball America All-Independent team in 2001 and 2003
• Three-time Northern League All-Star
• Goldeyes franchise leader in victories with 36
• Northern League Pitcher of the Year in 2003
• Selected to the All-Goldeyes team in 2003

Fireworks after the game! This is the rescheduled fireworks show that was originally scheduled for July 10, however, due to the 15 inning affair that night, noise by-laws prevented us from shooting them off that night. Archangel Fireworks continues to provide shows full of shock and awe.

Saturday, July 25 vs. Gary – 6 p.m. – Christmas in July – with the weather we’ve had for most of the spring and summer, it’s almost felt like Christmas since December, so instead of dwelling on the below normal temperatures, we’re going to celebrate it on July 25! The ballpark will be decorated like it’s December 25th and throughout the game, we will be giving away nine $50 gift certificates for Granny’s so you will have a head start when the real thing rolls around in five months. Watch for the Manitoba Hydro float on the promenade and a display table on the concourse where you can get information about next November’s Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Parade.

Sunday, July 26 vs. Gary – 7 p.m. – Dave the Horn Guy – the fourth and final entertainment act of the summer. Dave has a lot to live up to after Mad Chad, Quick Change and Brian Glow were all spectacular in entertaining the fans.

How do I get tickets to these action packed games you might ask? Simply call 780-3333, visit the Goldeyes box office or click on the following links for each specific game:

Tuesday, July 21 at 7 pm
Wednesday, July 22 at 7 pm
Thursday, July 23 at 6 pm
Friday, July 24 at 7 pm
Saturday, July 25 at 6 pm
Sunday, July 26 at 1:30 pm

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - July 10, 2009

"Upcoming series information, etc."

With the first half in the books, we look forward to the second half of the schedule and hopefully the team can duplicate or better their first half successes.

At the 2009 Northern League All-Star Game in Joliet this past Tuesday, the Goldeyes represented Winnipeg and the Great Plains team very well. Read all about who did what here.
Here are a few photos from the all-star break featuring Chris Browne (GM of KC), Wally Backman (manager of Joliet) and Josh Buchholz (GM of Fargo) golfing, Josh and the JackHammer statue and Juan Diaz taking a mighty swing during the home run derby:


The lineup of promotions for this weekend's series against the RailCats:

Friday, July 10 vs. Gary SouthShore RailCats at 7 pm - Flashback Friday with Dan Guehne and fireworks after the game!

Saturday, July 11 vs. RailCats at 6 pm - Ballgame and a movie. Stick around after the game, stay in your seats or grab a patch of grass in the outfield and watch Kung Fu Panda on the video board. Where else in Winnipeg can you watch Fish and Cats battle it out on the field and then see a giant panda, snake, tiger, praying mantis and a crane battle it out with a crazy snow leopard, kung fu style, on a large video board? I'm guessing nowhere else but Canwest Park.

Sunday, July 12 vs. RailCats at 1:30 pm - Master of Illusion Brian Glow is in the house and will be entertaining from start to finish. I don't want to spoil the surprises he has in store, but I can guarantee that you will leave the ballpark saying "how did he do that?".


On a completely unrelated note...a huge thank you to my wife for putting up with my eclectic taste in music and accompanying me to the Green Day concert last night. It was a fantastic show with the band playing a great selection of new and old songs, ending the two and a half hour show with my personal favorite "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)". Thanks Carleigh!

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - July 3, 2009

“A review of the first half at Canwest Park”

Flashback Fridays – the first four Flashback Friday guests have been fantastic. Not only did the guests themselves and the fans have a great time, in the case of Brian Duva and Carmine Cappuccio, their families did as well. Brian and Carmine brought their wives and two children to see the city they called home while they played for the Goldeyes.

Troy Fortin, Chris Kokinda, Duva and Cappuccio were the first four of eight flashback Friday guests this year, with another four coming in the second half of the home schedule. The lineup in July and August is as follows:

Friday, July 10 – Dan Guehne
Friday, July 24 – Rafael Gross
Friday, August 7 – Chad Thornhill (was originally scheduled to be Jeff Zimmerman, but he is pitching in Seattle’s organization and will be unavailable that date)
Friday, August 28 – Ryan Robertson

Entertainment acts – Mad Chad and Quick Change. To spice up the entertainment aspect of Goldeyes games, we booked four different entertainment acts this summer. The first two, Mad Chad and Quick Change, were very entertaining. People are still asking themselves two questions: 1. How does someone decide they would like to juggle three chainsaws?, and 2. How did they change their clothes so fast without us seeing how they did it?

Home record – The Goldeyes ended the first half with a home record of 15 wins and 7 losses. Being someone who enjoys stats and breaking down the numbers, I’ve broken down our record at home:

Monday – 1-2
Tuesday – 4-0
Wednesday – 2-1
Thursday – 1-0
Friday – 1-2
Saturday – 2-1
Sunday – 4-1

Double headers – 3-1

Weather – The home schedule started out cold, then warmed up a little, then it rained…a lot, then it finally got nice out for our final four games of the first half. We had three rainouts in June, including back to back rainouts on June 26 and 27. It was the first time we had back to back rainouts since May 29 and 30 in 2004.

Attendance – our attendance started slow, which can largely be attributed to the near freezing temperatures and large amount of rain the city endured most of May and early June, but did pick up near the end of June. We ended the first half with an average attendance of 6,001 (120,023 in 20 openings). Even with the slow start, the Goldeyes lead all of independent baseball in average attendance. The next two closest teams are the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League (5,647) and the St. Paul Saints of the American Association (5,167). Goldeyes fans have proven throughout the years that they are the best in baseball. They come out when the temperature is near zero, when the winds are blowing through Canwest at 70 km/hr and they come out even when the heavens have opened up, dropping five inches of rain on the field, with the hope that we will still play the game.

Canada Day – Everything except the final outcome of the game on Canada Day was spectacular. The team looked great in their replica 1999 Team Canada jerseys and hats, the weather was beautiful and the place was packed near capacity with flag-waving, face painted fans. As with just about everything we do, we can always do it better. On this day, it was the fact that we neglected to put up our red and white bunting in honour of Canada Day. It was something we hadn’t thought of because we just purchased the new bunting prior to the 2008 season and we didn’t have a game on Canada Day last year. Prior to 2008, we had the traditional red, white and blue bunting, which was obviously not appropriate to put up on Canada Day. It is something that has been noted and will be fixed for next July 1 game we have.

A brief preview of upcoming promotions in the second half home schedule:

July 10 - Flashback Friday - Dan Guehne & Fireworks after the game
July 11 - Ball game and a movie - stick around after the game and watch a movie on the video board from the field
July 12 - The magic of Brian Glow
July 21 - Donnie Smith jersey retirement night
July 22 - Shirt off our Backs night
July 23 - Special 6 pm start and Turn Back the Clock Night
July 24 - Flashback Friday - Rafael Gross
July 25 - Christmas in July
July 26 - Dave the Horn Guy
August 4 - Luau at the ballpark & Fireworks after the game
August 5 - Bookmark Giveaway Night
August 6 - Pajama Party!
August 7 - Flashback Friday - Chad Thornhill
August 8 - Pre-game BBQ for season ticket holders
August 9 - Tin Lunch Box Giveaway
August 17 - 40th anniversary of Woodstock celebration
August 18 - Double header starting at 6 pm & Fireworks after the game
August 19 - Special mid-week noon game
August 24 - Country Night!
August 28 - Flashback Friday - Ryan Robertson
August 30 - Second half team photo giveaway and on-field autograph session
August 31 - Fan Appreciation Day, Player Card Set giveaway & Fireworks!

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - June 25, 2009

“Upcoming Homestand – June 26 – July 1”

Some highlights of the upcoming homestand at Canwest Park:

Friday, June 26 vs. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks – 7 p.m. – Flashback Friday #4 Brian Duva will be here wearing his familiar #5 jersey (the only number that has been retired by the Goldeyes to date. On July 21 we will be retiring Donnie Smith’s #21), throwing out the opening pitch, signing autographs and saying hello to some old and new friends. Don’t forget, that jersey that he will be wearing for the opening pitch will be autographed by Brian and auctioned off during the game. Goldeyes will be wearing the retro jerseys and hats again.

Saturday, June 27 vs. Fargo – 6 p.m. – Orville Minish will be here to throw out the opening pitch. For those of you who don’t recognize the name, Mr. Minish has twice been inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame and pitched for both the Winnipeg Maroons and the Fargo-Moorhead Twins in the late 40’s and early 50’s. It’s only fitting that prior to a Winnipeg-Fargo matchup, someone who pitched for both teams 50 years ago starts things off by throwing out the opening pitch.


Sunday, June 28 vs. Fargo – 1:30 p.m. – A Sunday afternoon at the ballpark with a jalapeno Bison smokie and a cold pop. Does life get any better than that?

Monday, June 29 vs. Schaumburg Flyers – 7 p.m. – The Flyers make their first visit of the year to Canwest Park. It will also be the first time these two teams meet in 2009. It should be an interesting series. Mike Busch (former manager of the Calgary Vipers) is now at the helm of the Flyers and has put together a good ball club.

Also on Monday we host our first team photo giveaway and on-field autograph session (another one coming later in the season). Bring that newly acquired team photo on-field, get some autographs and meet the 2009 Winnipeg Goldeyes. They are really a bunch of nice guys. If you don’t believe me, come on down, say hello to a few of them and find out for yourself.

Tuesday, June 30 vs. Schaumburg – 7 p.m. – Fireworks after the game! Archangel Fireworks will be here to show everyone why they are the best in the business. And knowing Archangel, they will definitely have a great show in store the day before Canada Day.

Wednesday, July 1 vs. Schaumburg – special 4 p.m. start time – Canada Day – this game should be a lot of fun. The Goldeyes will wear replicas of the jerseys worn 10 years ago by the bronze-medal winning Canadian team at the Pan Am Games. A huge thank you to Greg Hamilton and Baseball Canada for granting us permission to wear the replicas and supplying the caps. The jerseys that are worn this day will be autographed by the players and auctioned off throughout the rest of the season.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - June 23, 2009

"Goldeyes EMS Department"

The EMS department at the Goldeyes is probably a department within the Goldeyes organization that you never want to have interaction with, but are very glad to know they are there if you need them.

In my opinion, Stef Zeuff and his staff don’t get near the recognition and accolades they deserve. At any given game, Stef and his crew could be called on to apply something as simple as a Band-Aid or a bag of ice, and as serious as the application of a defibrillator.

At yesterday’s game, there were two very serious incidents that required the immediate and skillful attention of the EMS department, both occurring at exactly the same time. A lady in Section Q had a foul ball land on her head, cutting her quite seriously. At the same time in Section S, a gentleman’s heart had slowed to a near critical rate which required a defibrillator. Both incidents were attended to and handled very quickly by Stef and the staff. It is amazing how quickly and calmly they handle things considering that people’s lives are at stake.

All of this happening a day after many of the Goldeyes EMS crew volunteered their time at the Manitoba Marathon, something they have done for many years. It was a busy day for them at the marathon with many runners suffering the effects of heat exhaustion and other ailments.

A huge thank you to Stef and his amazing team, we all feel safe knowing you are at the ballpark.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter at either @Wpg_Goldeyes or @GoldeyesGM.

Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

On this beautiful sunny Father's Day, I just wanted to send best wishes to all the Dad's out there. Whether you take in the Goldeyes game today or not, I hope you get to spend some time with people that are special to you.

I am very fortunate not only to be at a baseball game today (the Goldeyes take on the JackHammers at 1:30 this afternoon), but I get to spend time with my Dad and son. After the game, the three of us will take the field with everyone else to play catch in the outfield. Three generations of Collier boys will be tossing the ball around. I know my Dad is very much looking forward to it as much as I am.

To all the Dad's in the Goldeyes office and clubhouse, and to all Dad's everywhere, a very Happy Father's Day from the Goldeyes family!

Picture of "Grandpa" Collier and Donavan engrossed in an intense chess match.


Pictures from Father's Day

From the Desk of the GM - June 16, 2009

“Upcoming home stand – June 19-22”

Here are some highlights of what’s happening at the ballpark the next four games:

Friday, June 19 vs. Joliet JackHammers – 7 p.m. – Flashback Friday #3

Carmine Cappuccio will be here wearing his familiar #7 jersey, throwing out the opening pitch, signing autographs and saying hello to some old and new friends. Don’t forget, that jersey that he will be wearing for the opening pitch will be autographed by Carmine and auctioned off during the game. Goldeyes will be wearing the retro jerseys and hats again.

Also on this night, to make up for the fireworks show that was cancelled on June 8, Archangel Fireworks will be here putting on their usual spectacular show after the game.

The ALS Society of Manitoba will be at the park raising funds throughout the game. During an early between-inning break, batting helmets will be circulated through each section and the Skysuites level to collect monetary donations. This was a great fundraiser for the ALS Society last year and knowing how generous Goldeyes fans are, I’m sure it will be again!

Saturday, June 20 vs. Joliet – 6 p.m. – Forecast is for sunshine and 25 degrees, a great night to be watching baseball at Canwest Park!

Sunday, June 21 vs. Joliet – 1:30 p.m. – Father’s Day! What better giveaway on Father’s Day than nine Caroma toilets? Our good friends at Dynasty Bathrooms have provided us with a toilet to giveaway every inning. After the game, please join us on-field and play catch with your Dad, or sister, brother, uncle, aunt…you get the idea.

Monday, June 22 vs. Joliet – Noon – Our second home weekday matinee game of the season. A great way to spend an afternoon.

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Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - June 10, 2009

“A Salute to the Tarp Crew”

It is something that is not often mentioned during the initial interview process, but it suddenly becomes part of just about everyone’s job description here at the Goldeyes. When it rains, the tarp needs to go on the infield. It’s a necessity. If it’s raining, and we have a game that night, the tarp goes on the field. Then, when it stops raining, the tarp comes off the field. If it is a heavy rain, and there is a lot of water on the tarp, the water needs to be squeegeed off the tarp first.

It’s a job that no one enjoys (well, maybe Blake the new guy enjoys it, but we’re not quite sure about him yet anyway - picture of Blake with his handsome conductors hat to the right),
but one that needs to get done or else we don’t play the game that night. Everyone here understands that fact. If we don’t put the tarp on, we don’t play. If we don’t get a game in, that means we play a double header at some point, usually the next night. Nobody likes double headers. A double header makes for a long night for the staff, Paul Edmonds and the visiting radio person, the players, the fans, everyone.

In the majors, they have a crew of 20 or so people whose sole job it is to be on the “Tarp Crew”. If you are on the tarp crew at a major league park, you don’t have other duties like game day production, media relations, sales, scoreboard or music operator, etc. In the minors, this job usually falls on the shoulders of the full-time staff that assist the grounds crew in getting the job done. When it starts raining during a game, we usually recruit some game day staff as well in order to get it done quickly.

I usually get to be the bearer of bad news when it’s time to put on our rain suits and hit the field. I’ve even tried to spice up my emails by saying there’s going to be a “party” on the field. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize that anytime I send out an email with the subject line saying “party”, that it can only mean one thing, and that the party will not include cake, nachos, pop and possibly and adult beverage or two. I have been told on more than one occasion that my tarp parties, well, they suck.

I think I can speak for minor league baseball teams everywhere when I say to the tarp crew, we salute you!!

With thanks and recognition to Joe Bryksa from the Winnipeg Free Press, below is a photo of the tarp crew hard at work squeegeeing the tarp in preparation to take it off the field prior to Tuesday's game.

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter at either @Wpg_Goldeyes or @GoldeyesGM.

Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - June 8, 2009

“Welcome back Ron”

For those of you who attended the past three games, you would have heard two different voices on the PA, neither of which was our regular PA guy Ron Arnst. Due to a death in the family, Ron was away for the weekend and thus, Jonathan Green and I had to pinch hit on the mic. Jonathan has done this gig a number of times and he does a very good job filling in on those rare occasions when Ron is away. Jonathan did the Friday and Sunday games and I made my debut on the mic Saturday night. Having been with the organization for more than 15 years now, it was something I had never done. Everyone in the office thought it was quite hilarious that my one and only time doing the announcing, I got a 12 inning game.

My personal evaluation of the job I did was “adequate”. I got all the reads in, announced all the players and my voice only cracked a few times. However, as anyone who was at the game on Saturday can attest to, just reading a script and announcing player’s names properly, does not a good PA announcer make.

I have always had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the job Ron does. He doesn’t just do a great job one or two nights a year, he does and has done the job 50 or so games a year for the last 15 years. However, once I was the one announcing 100 batters, multiple prize draws, between inning promos, etc., that level of respect went to a whole new level. Without a doubt, Ron is simply the best at what he does and the Goldeyes organization is very fortunate to have him as our guy. As Ron himself would tell you, he enjoys being here every bit as much as we as an organization, and the fans who attend the games, enjoy having him here.

Whether you are at the games listening to Ron over the loudspeakers or tuning in Paul Edmonds on your radio on 1290 CFRW, you can do so knowing that these two guys have announced close to 1,800 Goldeyes games combined. You can almost hear the experience every time they speak.

So, if you attended your first Goldeyes game ever on Saturday night, I apologize for the amateur act you were subjected to on the mic. Not to fear though, Ron will be back Monday night, and all will be right at the ballpark again.

We missed you Ronnie, see you tonight!

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter at either @Wpg_Goldeyes or @GoldeyesGM.

Until next time…

From the Desk of the GM - June 2, 2009

“Relay for Life, May 29, 2009 – A Recap”

The Canadian Cancer Society held their annual Relay for Life Event at the ballpark last Friday night. It was a fantastic event from start to finish. Everyone involved was great to work with including the organizing committee, volunteers and participants.

Kathy Joshua of the organizing committee told me that the “survivor lap” which starts the evening off was an emotional event and she was right. To start the evening off, a large contingent of cancer survivors all wearing yellow t-shirts (team members and other participants wore white shirts) started the event at 7 p.m. by making one lap around the park as a group. The group was piped around the park by the Khartum Shrine Pipers and Drums group, which included a cancer survivor as you can see in the photo below.

When one stopped to think of what this group of people had gone through, just to make that trip around the warning track, was both humbling and inspirational at the same time. Here's a few photos of the survivors starting their lap.




Just prior to the survivor lap, Cynthia Neudoerffer and Hank and Lydia Venema cut the ribbon to officially start the 2009 Relay for Life. For those of you who don’t know who they are, please read my blog from March 9. They are the parents and sister of a little boy named Harry, or “Prince Harry” to those who knew him. Harry fought valiantly but lost his battle with cancer last August. While fighting the terrible disease, Harry and his family were at last year’s Relay for Life. Just prior to the cutting of the ribbon, Cynthia spoke about Harry and the rare form of cancer that would eventually take him from her and their family. She spoke about the importance of the relay for life event and what the Canadian Cancer Society means to them. It was a very moving speech to open the event.

Not everything went perfectly smooth on Friday night, Mother Nature flexed her muscles at about 6 p.m. when a close to 100 km/hr wind blew through the outfield, launching tents and just about anything else that wasn’t pegged to the field into the air. In the picture below, you can see the two Manitoba Lotteries tents (Manitoba Lotteries was a sponsor of the event). This photo was taken before the wind hit, when the wind did blow through, these tents almost ended up in the stands!

However, when 7 p.m. came along, the sun was shining, the wind calmed down and the first lap got under way.

Here's a picture of the pre-relay warmup that took place in left field, led by the "Chemo Savvy" group of survivors.

The field looked fantastic with all the tents set up.




Congratulations to the organizers, sponsors, survivors and team members. The Goldeyes organization salutes you for your continued efforts to help eradicate this terrible disease. I know the committee is already hard at work making next year's Relay for Life at Canwest Park even bigger and better!

For up to the minute information about the Goldeyes, check us out on Twitter at either http://twitter.com/Wpg_Goldeyes or http://twitter.com/GoldeyesGM.

Until next time…