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Valley Cats Season Preview
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ell, another summer is coming up at it is fun time at the Joe. The Valley Cats got all the way to the New York Penn League final but lost. Returning to the Cats this year is Dan Gulbransen, Juri Perez and Juan Minaya. The TriCity Valley Cats are the minor single A short season of the Houston Astros. I had an interview via email with Chris Dawson, the Account Executive for the Valley Cats.
“All signs show that we’re on pace to break our attendance record for the 10th consecutive season.”
ME: What promotions are coming up at the Joe this season? CHRIS: Our big hit this summer is going to be the Mariano Rivera Bobblehead in an Albany-Colonie Yankees uniform. Another popular promotion has been our Bark in the Park event as well as all 14 of our Fireworks Nights. ME: What are the bobblehead nights at
One of the spring sports that Guilderland has is track. For track, you don’t only have to be a runner! There are a bunch of events, like hurdles, long distance, sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), and there are also relays (4x1, 4x2, 4x4, 4x8). If you don’t want to run, you can also choose long jump, high jump, pole vaulting, or discus. Track is also a great way to socialize with friends, and make new friends. Practice is every day right after school until 5:30 (except Fridays, they are 4:45). There are invitationals on Saturdays, that you need to get invited to, and meets are usually on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays, usually two a week. If you’re looking for a way to pull your mile time down, there is track in the spring, indoor track in the winter and cross country in the fall. We just ended a successful season, but you can sign
By Michael Neal
the Joe this year? CHRIS: Mariano Rivera and Greg Floyd (CBS 6) ME: Can you give me some info on the new coach, Ed Romero? CHRIS: I am still getting to know Ed myself; one thing that I do know is that he has a super cool mustache. Ed Romero was a member of the 1986 Boston Red Sox team that last the World Series to the New York Mets. He played in the Major Leagues from 1977 to 1990 for four teams (Red Sox, Tigers, Brewers and Braves). Last year he coached in the Gulf Coast Rookie Ball League for the Greenville Astros. Me: What do you think we can expect from the Cats this year? CHRIS: I can only control off the field. With that being said, I expect
Guilderland Track
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that all fans who attend a Valley Cats game this summer will have a good time. All signs show that we’re on pace to break our attendance record for the 10th consecutive season. Fingers crossed for beautiful weather this summer and a competitive team on the field. ME: Where is Stubby Clap now? CHRIS: Stubby is currently the Hitting Coach for the Long Season Class A Dubien Blue Jays, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. With Stubby being a Canadian icon this was a great move for him and I wish him the best of luck. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the Big Leagues at some point with the Blue Jays organization. I thank Chris for his time and I hope you all head out to the Joe this season.
By Skyler Spanbauer up for next year. I thought the track team was really fun, but because everyone was doing different events, we weren’t as much as a family as cross country, but it was still a good way to bond with some of your friends, and make new friends. It has made me a stronger runner, and opened my social life more. “Track is a great experience. When they say you meet new friends and have a lot of fun they weren’t lying. I made a lot of new friends and it was a great experience run-
ning with older and faster girls. I really improved as a runner,” said Mallory Trainor. Track was overall a great experience. I recommend everyone join!