SL1 Jackson Generals

Diamond Jaxx update

Published on April 5, 2006 under Southern League (SL1)
Jackson Generals News Release


*Lambuth Eagles Baseball Team to Face the Diamond Jaxx Tonight*

Jackson's own Lambuth University Eagles will be pitting their baseball team against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Double-A Chicago Cubs) during an Exhibition game tonight, Wednesday, April 5th, at Pringles Park. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:05 PM with gates opening to the public at 5:00 PM. Both Diamond Jaxx and Lambuth Eagles baseball fans should come out to root for both teams, kicking off the Diamond Jaxx 2006 season. "We look forward to seeing as many Lambuth supporters, as well as Jackson sports fans, at the game. It is a good event for Lambuth as well as the Jackson community," said Eagles Assistant Coach Johnny Lyell.

When asked what strategy the Lambuth Eagles will use against the Diamond Jaxx, Eagles Assistant Coach Eric Fruechtemeyer responded that, "our strategy is to play our best, and play the way we know how. While doing this, we expect to enjoy the challenge." This is not the first time the Lambuth Eagles have faced tough teams from larger organizations. According to Eagles Head Coach John Massey, "playing Division I schools like the University of Tennessee and Murray State are great for our team because we face such top notch competition. I believe the Diamond Jaxx will be even better for us. We view this game as a challenge and a learning opportunity." Coach Massey knows the competition of professional sports since he played for the Tucson Sidewinders, the Triple-A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

No advance ticket sales will be available for the Lambuth exhibition game; special ticket vouchers will only be available at the box office the day of the event on Wednesday, April 5, 2006. The Diamond Jaxx front office staff are suggesting a $1 admission donation which will go to further support the fine tradition of Lambuth Athletics. Diamond Jaxx season ticket holders and Lambuth University students presenting their valid college ID cards to the Diamond Jaxx box office will receive free admission.

The official Opening Night for the upcoming 2006 season will take place at Pringles Park on Monday, April 17th against the Mississippi Braves. Diamond Jaxx fans will have 70 opportunities during the regular season to see the future stars of the Chicago Cubs in action at Pringles Park. To purchase tickets, access the complete schedule, or to inquire about promotional opportunities, call the Diamond Jaxx box office at (731) 988-5299 or log onto www.diamondjaxx.com.

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*Diamond Jaxx Announce 2006 Opening Day Roster*

The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx announced their 2006 Opening Day roster today. The Diamond Jaxx will go with twelve pitchers, two catchers, seven infielders and three outfielders. Twelve of the twenty-four players on the Diamond Jaxx roster took part in part or all of the 2005 Northern Division championship season.

Pitchers Thomas Atlee, Federico Baez, Rocky Cherry, Carlos Marmol, Carmen Pignatiello and Randy Wells make a return trip to West Tenn where they will be joined by newcomers Lincoln Holdzkom, Juan Mateo, J.R. Mathes, Clay Rapada, Paul Schappert and former Jaxx hurler David Cash, who missed the entire 2005 season due to an injury.

Former Southern League MVP Richard Lewis returns to West Tenn along with former Jaxx 1B Micah Hoffpauir and Eric Patterson. They will join newcomers Gary Cates, Brian Dopirak, Scott Moore and Carlos Rojas.

Adam Greenberg and Luis Montanez return to the outfield this summer. Joining Greenberg and Montanez will be Chris Walker.

Opening night for the upcoming 2006 season will take place at Pringles Park on Monday, April 17th against the Mississippi Braves. Diamond Jaxx fans will have 70 opportunities during the regular season to see the future stars of the Chicago Cubs in action at Pringles Park. To purchase tickets, access the complete schedule, or to inquire about promotional opportunities, call the Diamond Jaxx box office at (731) 988-5299 or log onto www.diamondjaxx.com. The West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Diamond Jaxx play in 6,000 seat Pringles Park, built in 1998, conveniently located off exit 85 from I-40 in Jackson, TN.

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*Diamond Jaxx Announce Promotional Highlights for 2006 Season*

The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx have been working tirelessly during the off-season to make sure that the 2006 season will be fun and memorable for all who come to Pringles Park. While there will be numerous additions to the 2006 Promotional Calendar as the season progresses, there are already several Fireworks spectaculars, Faith Night concerts, and giveaways planned!

The Diamond Jaxx will start of the 2006 season with Fireworks on Opening Night, Monday, April 17th (sponsored by WBBJ-TV ABC 7). Other dates with post-game Fireworks include Friday, May 5th (presented by NewsTalk 101.5), Friday, May 19th (sponsored by WBBJ-TV ABC 7), Saturday, June 3rd (presented by The Jackson Parent Magazine), Tuesday, July 4th, and Friday, August 18th (sponsored by WBBJ-TV ABC 7).

In addition there will be three Faith Night's at Pringles Park. On Friday, June 9, there will be a special appearance by the VeggieTales and a pre-game concert by rock band, Mainstay. The band whose music is described as "sweet, melodic vocals paired with dynamic modern rock" just released an album named "Well Meaning Fiction" and samples of their music can be heard at www.mainstayrock.com. The Friday, July 21 Faith Night will feature a concert by Matthew West. West was nominated in five categories at the 2005 GMA Music Awards, including New Artist of the Year and a number of the songs he has written have been recorded by many artists including Rascal Flatts. You can get a sneak preview of Matthew West's songs at www.matthewwest.com. The final Faith Night on Saturday, August 19 will feature a performance by Warren Barfield. Barfield, whose style is "grounded in blue-eyed soul and rich melodicism," had two top ten songs on the CCM charts from his self-titled 2003 debut album.

Other promotional highlights include a Shirt Off Our Back Cubs Scout Jersey Auction on Friday, April 28, a Shirt Off Our Back Motorcycle Jersey Auction in Tribute to Chyanne Scott on Saturday, May 20, a performance by The Spitball Gang (www.spitballgang.com) on Friday, May 26, a Wilson Diamond Jaxx Golf Ball giveaway for the first 500 fans on Saturday, May 27, and a Tennessee Army National Guard Camouflage Cap giveaway for the first 1,000 fans on Saturday, July 29th.

A fun promotion stretching through the season is Rhodes Phillips 66 Free Gas Fridays. During the games on April 28, May 26, June 23, July 21, and August 18, ten (10) lucky fans will receive a $100 gift certificate towards gas at Rhodes Phillips 66.

In addition to the Free Gas Fridays, there are other weekly promotions throughout the summer at Pringles Park. Every Sunday, you can bring your church bulletin to the Diamond Jaxx Box Office and receive one (1) FREE General Admission ticket. Every Tuesday is "Two for Tuesday." Diamond Jaxx fans will receive two (2) tickets, popcorns, or hot dogs for the price of one (1). Every Wednesday is "Wrigley Wednesday," where anybody wearing Chicago Cubs apparel can receive one (1) FREE General Admission ticket at the Diamond Jaxx Box Office. Thursday's are "Thirsty Thursday" at Pringles Park, where 20oz. fountain drinks and 16oz. draft beers are two (2) for the price of one (1). Also from Friday-Sunday, kids can run the bases after the game.

To purchase tickets, access the complete schedule, or to inquire about promotional opportunities, call the Diamond Jaxx box office at (731) 988-5299 or log onto www.diamondjaxx.com.

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*Diamond Jaxx Spring Training Recap*

Before making the trip to West Tennessee, the 2006 Diamond Jaxx squad competed in several Spring Training games in Arizona. They opened up the exhibition season on March 21st with a 5-0 loss to the Huntsville Stars. Left-hander Jon Connolly started the game for the Diamond Jaxx, allowing one run in his three innings of work. Jemel Spearman led the offense with two hits. Jake Fox, Chris Walker and Scott Moore had a hit each in the loss.

The following day, the Diamond Jaxx dropped their second straight exhibition game to the Stars, losing 5-3. Left-hander Clint Brannon, who was acquired over the winter from the Texas Rangers for former Diamond Jaxx pitcher Jon Leicester, pitched two perfect innings of relief striking out one. Carlos Perez gave up an un-earned run on two hits in his two innings of relief. Infielders Gary Cates and Scott Moore led the Diamond Jaxx seven hit attack with two hits each.

On March 23rd, the Diamond Jaxx were beaten by the Norwich Navigators, the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, 13-6. Left-hander Chris Shaver made his first start of the spring, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits in two innings. Lefty Clay Rapada pitched two perfect innings out of the bullpen, striking out two. Former Diamond Jaxx pitchers Russ Rohlicek and Carmen Pignatiello combined to give up nine runs on eleven hits in two innings of work. Offensively, the Diamond Jaxx were led by SS Carlos Rojas who went 4-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Catcher Jon Mark Sprowl chipped in with three hits and two RBI's as the Diamond Jaxx banged out fourteen hits in the loss.

The Diamond Jaxx finished Saturday, March 25th's game in a 4-4 tie with the Arkansas Travelers, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In the game, Thomas Atlee and Clay Rapada combined to throw three shutout innings out of the bullpen. Offensively, the Diamond Jaxx were led by Gary Cates and Eric Patterson who had two hits each. Olin Wick's two run single tied the game in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Diamond Jaxx were defeated on March 26th by the Stars 3-1. In the Sunday loss to Huntsville pitcher Juan Mateo made his spring training debut with the Diamond Jaxx, allowing a run on four hits in his two innings of work. Mateo was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft this off-season but was sent back to the Cubs when the Cardinals had no room for Mateo on their major league roster. Lefty Chris Shaver looked very impressive as he allowed just one hit in his three innings of relief. Offensively the Diamond Jaxx were led by Danny Gonzalez who had two of the three Diamond Jaxx hits. Brian Dopirak had the other hit.

The following day, the Diamond Jaxx picked up their first win of the spring, knocking off the Wichita Wranglers, the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, 7-6. Dopirak led the Jaxx to their first win with three hits and three RBI's. Adam Greenberg, Eric Patterson, Micah Hoffpauir and Tony Richie chipped in with two hits each. Angelo Burrows got the start for the Diamond Jaxx, allowing a run on four hits with four strikeouts in three innings of work.

On March 28th, the Diamond Jaxx won their second straight spring training game by defeating the Mobile BayBears 9-3. The Diamond Jaxx got a pair of home runs from Richard Lewis and Brian Dopirak in the win. Lewis finished the day 3-4 with two homers and four RBI's while Dopirak went 2-3 with two dingers and three RBI's. Right-hander Carlos Marmol started the game for the Diamond Jaxx, allowing three runs on four hits with five strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings of work. Federico Baez, Rocky Cherry and Thomas Atlee combined to pitch 5 1/3 innings of three hit, shutout ball out of the bullpen.

The Diamond Jaxx had their two game winning streak snapped by the BayBears, in a loss to Mobile 7-4 on March 30th. Left-hander J.R. Mathes started the game for the Diamond Jaxx. He allowed two runs on two hits in four innings of work. David Cash allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits in his three innings of relief. Thomas Atlee pitched the final inning, retiring the three batters he faced. Offensively, Chris Walker, Brian Dopirak, Luis Montanez and Jose Reyes had two hits each while Eric Patterson homered and drove in two runs.

On March 31st, the final Spring Training game, the Diamond Jaxx and Huntsville Stars played to a 9-9 nine inning tie. Left-hander Carmen Pignatiello started the game for the Diamond Jaxx. He allowed five runs on six hits in two innings of work. Rocky Cherry pitched three innings of one hit ball while Paul Schappert allowed four runs on five hits in two innings of work. Lincoln Holdzkom and Jose Pina each pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Brian Dopirak and Scott Moore homered while Micah Hoffpauir had three hits to pace the Diamond Jaxx offense. Adam Greenberg and Chris Walker also contributed two hits each.

Opening night for the upcoming 2006 season will take place at Pringles Park on Monday, April 17th against the Mississippi Braves. Diamond Jaxx fans will have 70 opportunities during the regular season to see the future stars of the Chicago Cubs in action at Pringles Park. To purchase tickets, access the complete schedule, or to inquire about promotional opportunities, call the Diamond Jaxx box office at (731) 988-5299 or log onto www.diamondjaxx.com. The West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx are the Double-A Southern League Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Diamond Jaxx play in 6,000 seat Pringles Park, built in 1998, conveniently located off exit 85 from I-40 in Jackson, TN.

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Southern League Stories from April 5, 2006


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