New Beginnings
July 31, 2007 - Pioneer League (PL)
Casper Ghosts News Release
As most of you know, the first half of the Pioneer League season wasn't very kind to the Casper Rockies. The team finished in 4th place in the South Division a full 13 games behind Idaho Falls. The Rockies record was also bad enough to secure the worst record in the entire Pioneer League.
Fortunately, after every rain storm there is a rainbow.
For the Rockies that rainbow is the Pioneer League's "second half." After 38 games (the halfway point in our season), everyone's record reverts back to 0 wins and 0 losses. You don't have to be Stephen Hawking to figure out the "second half" means the Rockies won't be in last place for the first time since June 20th.
What the "second half" really means is the Rockies are right back in the hunt to make the play-offs this season. A simple reset of records is better than a 10-game winning streak.
Some teams actively "gear up" for the "second half," even resting their starting pitchers so that their "ace" can pitch the first game of the "second half." For the Rockies, their ace on Monday will be Jeff Fischer. Fischer is off to a slow start in his first professional season. He's among the league leaders in losses. But, Fischer is also a good example of why the Rockies are so optimistic about the "second half." Heading into his last start, The right-hander from Farmington , MI had given up just 2 ER in his last 2 starts. But Jeff's resurgence is not the only one on this Rockies team.
Fisher is not alone. A handful of Rockies have turned in quality performances over the last 10 games. Bo Bowman recently came off a stretch where he hit in 7 straight. At one point, Austin Rauch collected 11 RBI in a 5 game period. Heading into Sunday's game Jordan Pacheco had driven in a run in 5of his last 6 starts.
As far as our pitchers, Jhoulys Chacin has been impressive in his last two starts, notching 15 innings of work and just 2 ER given up. Stephen Shao has solidified our middle relief and Parker Frazier has given up just 2 earned runs in his last 5 appearances.
The result of "solid play" is easy to see...
After starting the season with 5 wins and 23 losses, the Rockies won 5 of their last 10 heading into the second half... I know 5 of 10, but... for Casper .500 baseball is an improvement. So here's to the "second half," may we win more and prosper.
Helena's ancient ball park
Can you believe a field/stadium built in 1932 has only been renovated once since 1972?
It's crazy to think in this day and age that Helena's ball park is still suitable for minor league baseball. Sure the attendance in Helena is the lowest in the league, but there are no real imminent plans to re-build Kindrick Legion Field.
The Helena Daily Independent reports the first game was played on August 24, 1932. "The league-leading Eagles defeated the Orange Crush by a 2-1 score in a game that was as good as any fan would care to see."
The Indy said the new park cost around $1,500. The original outfield distances were 300 feet to left and right field ("25 feet greater than the same fences in New York's Polo grounds," the paper noted) and 400 feet to center.
We talked on the radio about the many name changes Kindrick Legion Field has gone through in 73 years. Early on the grounds were known as Memorial Park Field, and then in the mid-1970s the name was changed to Kindrick Legion Field, in honor of longtime Legion supporter Ace Kindrick.
Kindrick's son tells the rest of the story at http://mysite.verizon.net/charliesballparks/stadiums/helena.htm. Trust me it's a good read.
According to www.Charliesballparks.com, from it's completion in 1932 until the mid-1960s, the field was the site of thousands of ballgames for the semi-pro City and Copper League games. It also served as the location for the Helena High football team until Vigilante Stadium was built in 1935, as well as the field for the Helena Cathedral and Central High's football games from 1955-68. Since 1978, with the exception of a couple years, the park has been the home to the Helena Phillies, the Helena Gold Sox and the Helena Brewers.
All in all, quite an interesting history for what next year will be the oldest ball park in the Pioneer League.
Transformers vs. GI Joe
According to www.ImDB.com "The Simpson's Movie" conquered the weekend box office.
Which reminds me, I still have yet to see the movie "Transformers." Heck, it's only made $285 million dollars.
Then again, I haven't seen "Knocked Up" yet either. I apologize to the young fans out there for not keeping up to date on my pop culture, but this season has really dragged me down a bit. I'd rather update my audio page or hang out at the ballpark.
I have wondered, with the success of "Transformers" is a "GI Joe" movie in the works? GI Joe was my favorite childhood toy, cartoon and comic book growing up. The GI Joe franchise has been a solid money maker for years. I believe, if done right a GI Joe trilogy would do well in Hollywood.
The Joe's story would have everything a blockbuster franchise need: Ensemble cast - All those Joe characters could compare to the Lord of the rings Trilogy. Special Effects - COBRA and GI Joe always had some fabulous toys. And Finally, The GI Joe story would be relevant - Who better to win the 'War on Terror' than Duke and the boys?
Who would play Duke? I have heard Mark Wahlberg. I love the former Dirk Diggler, but I don't think he is right. Bleach "The Rock's" hair blond and he's my Duke. The more compelling and complex characters are on the COBRA side anyway. Ryan Reynolds could star as Shipwreck. John Cena as Leatherneck. Ving Rhames or Michael Clark Duncan as Destro. Matthew McConaughey as Zartan. And of course, Steve Buscemi would have to play Cobra Commander.
I think we have something here. Have your people call my people. We'll do lunch.
By the way, what was the last good baseball movie?
Email me at frankmartinsports@yahoo.com
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Pioneer League Stories from July 31, 2007
- New Beginnings - Casper Ghosts
- Utah Valley State Catcher Inks With Owlz - Northern Colorado Owlz
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