2015 Gems Program

Page 1


WHAT’S INSIDE

05 owners greeting

19 gems schedule

2015

07 front office

21 GEMS 2015

09 coaching staff

promotional schedule

22 HARRY MAUCH:

local legend

11 west coast league map

24 SCORECARD

13 west coast league teams 14 east west 15 south 17

26 VOICES OF

the gems


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2014 WCL ALL-STAR GAME WASHED OUT

TICKET

information

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HOST A GEMS

player

2015 ALL-STAR

game information

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MASCOT

LET THE GEMS

madness

36 2015 GEMS

summer camp

help you

Program designed by : Saffron Owen, Ad designs by : J.D. Zack Photography by : Michelle Cuello


After the game, keep the fun going!

Open late at two convenient Klamath Falls locations! 3370 Washburn Way (near Walmart)

5327 South 6th Street (at 6th & Homedale)


OWNERS GREETING Greetings Klamath Falls Gems Fans! It is with great honor and excitement that we welcome our son Mickey to this year’s team roster. We are understandably proud of Mickey’s accomplishments and just as proud to have him on the Gems ! We look forward to seeing many games this summer and enjoying the warm hospitality of the Klamath Basin.

JERRY, LISA & MICKEY WALKER

Please join us in welcoming all our new team members, including Head Coach, Justin Barchus and our Gems’ players from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Justin and his staff, along with the players, will have their families and friends visiting Klamath Falls and patronizing our sponsors and local businesses. Let’s extend them all a warm welcome. We would like to offer special thanks to Chuck Brandness, our very hard working host family coordinator, Kathy Hewitt and Jessica Howell with A2Z Bookkeeping/Accounting and Bryce Mallory our team marketing specialist for all their efforts in preparation for this, the Gems’ 5th Season! Historic Kiger Stadium, home to the Gems, offers a special atmosphere and we thank the Kiger Association for the opportunity to play here. Please be sure to attend the Babe Ruth World Series being held at Kiger Stadium, August 7-14, what an honor for Klamath Falls to host this prestigious event!! Go Gems! Jerry and Lisa Walker

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Official sponsor of Wednesday’s $1 Family Feast Night! 4333 South 6th Street Klamath Falls, OR 97603-4863 (541) 884-0622 www.GroceryOutlet.com


FRONT OFFICE Lisa Walker

GENERAL MANAGER

Lisa Walker began her career in baseball over 20 years ago with the Bellingham Mariners, Class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and subsequently the Bellingham Giants, Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Both clubs were members of the Northwest League of Professional Baseball in Bellingham, Washington. In 1997, she was instrumental in the relocation of the team to Salem-Keizer, Oregon, the building and design of Volcanoes Stadium, and the creation of the Volcanoes franchise. Lisa assumed the role of Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the Volcanoes and worked actively for the team through their early years helping them to become an established and respected member of the community. As a result of her efforts for Cancer Awareness, and her countless charitable and civic activities, in 2005, Lisa was named National Woman of the Year in Sports by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company.

Bryce Mallory

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Bryce graduated from the University of Saint Mary (Kansas) in 2012, with a degree in Sports Management. He played two years of baseball at Shasta College in Redding, CA and he earned a baseball scholarship to play at the University of Saint Mary. Bryce is an avid fan of the game. He’s coached at the high school level and has played baseball since he was 4. Bryce grew up in Weed, CA and moved to Klamath Falls in January. He will be getting married to his fiancé Lily Garcia in early June. “I am excited to be part of the Gems front office,” said Mallory - “Let’s go Gems!”

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COACHING STAFF Justin Barchus

HEAD COACH

Coach Justin Barchus, a native Oregonian, has been the Head Coach for Capital City Select, one of the premier College Prep travel teams in the country, for the past seven seasons. Under his tenure the team posted an incredible overall record of 206-83-5 (.718 winning percentage), and completed seasons with USSSA national rankings of 6th, 18th, 1st and 4th respectively through 2010-2014. Barchus said, “Our goal for the Gems will be to build and maintain character, integrity, and community through our actions on and off the baseball field. ”

Michael Pena

ASSISTANT COACH Coach Michael Pena , a native of Fall River Mills, California, has joined the Klamath Falls Gems for the upcoming 2015 Season. Coach Pena is in his second season with the Butte College baseball team as an assistant coach. His primary duties with the Gems will be to work with the infielders, hitters, and coach first-base. He will also assist in all other aspects of the program. Pena played for Butte College during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. After Butte, he attended CulverStockton College on scholarship. Michael helped lead the Wildcats to a National Ranking, a Heart of America Conference Championship, and a NAIA Super Regional appearance while winning Second Team All-Conference honors his junior year. As a senior he took home First Team All Heart of America Athletic Conference honors. Michael went on to play independent professional baseball for the Las Vegas Train Robbers and the Vallejo Admirals of the Pacific Association.

CAMERON SELIK

PITCHING COACH Coach Cameron Selik is the Gems’ Pitching Coach and will enter his first season with the team this summer. Selik comes to the Gems from Grossmont College in San Diego, CA. where he is an Assistant Pitching Coach under Head Coach Randy Abshier. Cameron started his college career playing at Grossmont in 2006-07 before Tommy John Surgery ended his sophomore season early. After a year of rehab from surgery, Cameron earned a Scholarship to the University of Kansas where he was selected in the 22nd round in the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft by the Washington Nationals.In 2014, Cameron was released by the Nationals after shoulder surgery ended his playing career. Cameron now looks forward to bringing his knowledge and experience of the game to coaching young players.

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NORTH DIVISION

BELLINGHAM BELLS KELOWNA FALCONS VICTORIA HARBOURCATS WALLA WALLA SWEETS WENATCHEE APPLESOX

SOUTH DIVISION

BEND ELKS CORVALLIS KNIGHTS COWLITZ BLACK BEARS KITSAP BLUEJACKETS KLAMATH FALLS GEMS MEDFORD ROGUES

Bellingham, Washington Kelowna, British Columbia Victoria, British Columbia Walla Walla, Washington Wenatchee, Washington

Bend, Oregon Corvallis, Oregon Kelso/Longview, Washington Bremerton, Washington Klamath Falls, Oregon Medford, Oregon

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Your Local Pepsi Bottler


WCL EAST TEAMS Kelowna Falcons (est. 2000) 201-1014 Glenmore Drive Kelowna, BC, CA V1Y 4P2 (250) 763-4100 www.KelownaFalcons.com Owner: Dan Nonis General Manager: Mark Nonis Head Coach: Billy Clontz Ballpark: Elks Stadium (1,250 capacity) Walla Walla Sweets (est. 2010) 109 E. Main Street, Suite C Walla Walla, WA 99362 (509) 522-BALL (2255) www.WallaWallaSweets.com Owner: Pacific Baseball Ventures, LLC President/COO: Zachary Fraser General Manager: Katie Biagi Head Coach: Frank Mutz Ballpark: Borleske Stadium (2,378 capacity) Wenatchee AppleSox (est. 2000) 610 N. Mission St. #204 Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 665-6900 www.AppleSox.com Owner/General Manager: Jim Corcoran Owner/Asst. General Manager: Ken Osborne Head Coach: AJ Proszek Ballpark: Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium (1,200 capacity) Yakima Valley Pippins (est. 2014) 1301 S. Fair Avenue Shattuck Building Yakima, WA 98901 (509)-575-HITS (4487) www.PippinsBaseball.com Owner: Pacific Baseball Ventures, LLC COO: Zachary Fraser General Manager: Zachary Fraser Head Coach: Marcus McKimmy Ballpark: Yakima County Stadium (2,700 capacity)

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OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF

MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT at every Friday Gems home game.

A NEW RECLIN E GIVEAW R AY EVERY FRIDAY FROM LEGACY !

Legacy Furniture will give away a brand new recliner at every Friday Military Appreciation Night home game, honoring those who have served and those who continue to serve our country. Only one entry per game. Must be present to enter and win. BEDROOM | DINING ROOM | LIVING ROOM

FAMILY ROOM | OFFICE | SOFAS | SECTIONALS | TABLES CHAIRS | KITCHEN | FORMAL | EVERY DAY LIVING

3250 Washburn Way • Klamath Falls Photo for illustration only. Style may vary.

(541) 882-3217 •

www.LegacyFurnitureUSA.com

John 3:16


WCL WEST TEAMS Bellingham Bells (est. 1999) 1229 Potter Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 527-1035 www.BellinghamBells.com Owner: Bellingham Bells Baseball Club, LLC Managing Member: Eddie Poplawski General Manager: Nick Caples Head Coach: Jeff James Ballpark: Joe Martin Feild (2,100 capacity)

Kitsap BlueJackets (est. 2005) PO Box 68 Silverdale, WA. 98383 (360) 692-5566 www.BlueJacketBaseball.com Owner: Mack Athletics, Inc. General Manager: Matt Acker Head Coach: Matt Cartwright Ballpark: Kitsap County Fairgrounds (1,200 capacity)

Cowlitz Black Bears (est. 2010) PO Box 1255 Longview, WA 98622 (360) 703-1395 www.CowlitzBlackBears.com Owner: Tony Bonacci General Manager: Jim Appleby Head Coach: Grady Tweit Ballpark: Story Field (1,230 capacity)

Victoria HarbourCats (est. 2013) 1814 Vancouver Street, Suite 103 Victoria, BC V8T 5E3 778-265-0327 www.HarbourCats.com Owner: Shwing Batter Investment Group Inc. General Manager: Jim Swanson Head Coach: Graig Merritt Ballpark: Royal Athletic Park (3,500 capacity)

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WCL SOUTH TEAMS Bend Elks (est. 2000) PO Box 9009 Bend, Oregon 97702 (541) 312-9259 www.BendElks.com Owner: John & Tami Marick General Manager: Casey Powell Head Coach: Trey Watt Ballpark: Vince Genna Stadium (3,000 capacity)

Klamath Falls Gems (est. 2010) 2001 Crest Street Klamath Falls, OR 97603 (541) 883-4367 www.KlamathFallsGems.com Owners: Jerry & Lisa Walker General Manager: Lisa Walker Director of Marketing: Bryce Mallory Head Coach: Justin Barchus Ballpark: Kiger Stadium (2,878 capacity)

Corvallis Knights (est. 1990) PO Box 1356 Corvallis, OR 97339 (541) 752-5656 www.CorvallisKnights.com Sponsor: Penny Knight President: Dan Segel General Manager: Bre Miller Head Coach: Brooke Knight Ballpark: Goss Stadium at Coleman Field (2,930 capacity)

Medford Rogues (est. 2013) P.O. Box 699 Medford, OR 97501 (541) 973-2883 www.MedfordRogues.com Owner: CSH International, Inc. General Manager: Ian Church Head Coach: Josh Hogan Ballpark: Harry & David Field (2,700 capacity)

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Listen to the Gems on

Unmatched Local & Regional Coverage on the Radio

Stream the Gems games at

/ESPN960

/KLADFM

/995therock

/big98.5fm


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HOME AWAY

HOME GAME FIRST PITCH (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

MONDAY-SATURDAY 6:35PM SUNDAYS 5:05PM

BEN - Bend Elks • BEL-Bellingham Bells • COR-Corvallis Knights • COW-Cowlitz Black Bears KEL-Kelowna Falcons • KIT-Kitsap Bluejackets • MED-Medford Rogues • VIC-Victoria Harbourcats WEN-Wenatchee Applesox • WW-Walla Walla Sweets • YAK-Yakima Valley Pippins

2015 GEMS SCHEDULE

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THE BASIN’S

HEAVY HITTER


GEMS 2015 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

MONDAY | No Home Games TUESDAY | Kids Get In Free! Each Tuesday night game during the 2015 Gems season will be Kid’s Night. All kids ages 12 and under can e-mail Bryce Mallory at bryce@klamathfallsgems.com for a FREE general admission ticket voucher for any Tuesday Night Gems home game. Compliments of Taco Bell.

WEDNESDAY | $1 Family Feast Night. $1 hot dogs, $1 Soda, $1 Popcorn, $1 Ice Cream. Sponsored by Grocery Outlet

THURSDAY | $2 Beverages . $2 domestic beer on the Aftershock Sports Bar Deck. Sponsored by Aftershock Sports Bar

FRIDAY | Military Appreciation Friday’s. $5.00 Grandstand Reserved Seat for all military personnel with ID. Sponsored by Legacy Furniture

SATURDAY | Souvenir Saturday! Different giveaway item at each Saturday Gems’ home game. Come early, quantities limited

SUNDAY | Senior Sunday’s – $5 Grandstand Reserved tickets for Seniors. Compliments of Quail Park. ALSO - All kids get to run the bases after each Sunday home game! Compliments of Fisher Nicholson Realty LLC

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Harry Mauch : A LOCAL LEGEND

By Bob Webster, West Coast League Contributing Writer

arry Mauch, Founder and Owner of Power H PaC Rentals, lives in Klamath Falls with his wife, Carol. As one of the most knowledgeable people in the construction industry in Southern Oregon, Harry is also very involved with giving back to the community.

The Mauch’s have three sons; Jeff, Trevor, and Kyle. Jeff helps with running the family’s business. Trevor is a Real Estate Investor in Roseburg and founder of InvestorCarrot. Kyle, of Scottsdale, is Founder and CEO of Athletes Brand, Inc. I asked Harry about his love of baseball from the very beginning. Like many of us in this generation, Harry’s neighborhood had makeshift ball diamonds in every backyard. Lifelong strategic and problem solving skills were developed early on as each yard had its special ground rules pertaining to bushes, fences, and everything else contained in a back yard.

Harry Mauch was drafted by the Seattle Mariners and is the owner of Power PaC Rentals

Harry’s grandfather was a great inspiration to Harry’s fondness of baseball. He never missed a game. Gramps later revealed that he regretted not teaching Harry how to pitch. A turning point in Harry’s love of baseball as a child came when he was 12 years old and he didn’t make the all-star team. Harry said that “it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I found an inner fuel that stayed with me.” At that point he knew the game was special. He said “As a kid your dreams were the passion that pushed the talent that you were given to a much higher level”. He figured out that the only difference in those who do or don’t is the passion. Harry made the all-star team every year after that. Harry’s idols in baseball were Brooks Robinson and Pete Rose, both players who left it all on the field. Harry played baseball at Sacred Heart High School in Klamath Falls. As a freshman in 1972 his team took first in the state. In 1974 and ‘75 his teams took second in the state. In 1976-77 Harry played for Scottsdale Community College, where he was named to the All-League Team. He then played for Southern Oregon State University, where he was named All Conference, All State, USA Team, & All-American. In 1978, Harry was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 15th round, which made him the first professional athlete from Sacred Heart High School. He was assigned to Butte, Montana of the Pioneer (Rookie) League.

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Later that season he was promoted to Bellingham of the Northwest league. This is the team that was later owned by current Gems owners, Jerry and Lisa Walker. This is the same Bellingham team that Ken Griffey, Jr. and Edgar Martinez got their start. In 1980, Harry played for the Medford A’s of the Northwest League. Harry blew out his arm at SOU prior to being drafted by the Mariners, curtailing his baseball career. Harry returned to Klamath Falls where he began his career in the construction equipment rental business. Harry’s Uncle, MLB player and manager Gene Mauch

Harry comes from family with a deep history of baseball. His son Kyle played for Mazama High School, Centenary College, and with the San Diego Padres during Spring Training 2013. Kyle also played for the Bend Elks of the West Coast league in 2011. Trevor played four years for Oregon Tech and Jeff played football in Australia.

When Harry was growing up his Uncle Gene was in the middle of his major league managerial career, limiting how much time there was to talk baseball between the two.

Gene Mauch, Harry’s uncle played Major League Baseball as second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers (1944, 1948), Pittsburg Pirates (1947), Chicago Cubs (1948-49), Boston Braves (1951), St Louis Cardinals (1952), and Boston Red Sox (1956-57).

I asked Harry about his involvement in the community with baseball and other things. Having a soft spot for kids, Harry has been involved with scouts, youth groups, little league, Babe Ruth league, legion, travel teams, the Gems, Special Olympics, along with every ballpark and school in the area.

Gene is most famous for his Managerial career. He is known as the winningest manager to have never won a pennant. He managed from 27 years for the Philadelphia Phillies (1960-68), Montreal Expos (1969-75), Minnesota Twins (197680), and California Angels (1981-87). He managed the National League in the 1965 All-Star game and was third in voting for AL Manager of the Year in 1986 and 87. He had a reputation for managing “small ball”, which emphasizes defense, speed, and moving from base to base instead of waiting for a three run homer.

Harry and Carol are blessed and proud to be able to give back to the community. They currently assist with the preservation of Kiger Stadium, Chamber of Commerce, Klamath Home Builders, and others. His efforts and contributions have earned him the honor of Mazama High School naming their baseball field “Power PaC Stadium”. Perhaps Harry injuring his arm curtailed his baseball career, but it returned him to Klamath Falls where he has given back to the community immensely.

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VISITORS Visitors:

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By STEVE MATTHIES, Herald & News Sports Editor

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Voices of the gems Ryne Buchanan Ryne was born and raised in Gladstone, Oregon. He is a 2014 graduate of Western Oregon University, with a degree in communications. While at WOU, he broadcasted numerous sporting events for WOU TV, and KWOU, the school radio station. He also served as the station manager of KWOU, and hosted a weekly sports talk show on the station. Prior to transferring to WOU, Ryne attended Portland State University, where he got his start in radio for the school radio station, KPSU, hosting a weekly sports talk show. Ryne is excited to be one of the “Voices of the Gems” for the 2015 season.

ZACH BIGLEY Zach Bigley comes into Klamath Falls for his first season as one of the Gems’ play-by-play broadcasters. Along with the on-air duties, he also does occasional Stadium PA and keeps the official scorebook. Bigley, has called Eugene, OR home for most of life. That lead him to attend the University of Oregon where he majors in broadcast journalism and minors in history. At the U of O, he spends the majority of his free time working for the campus radio station (KWVA 88.1 FM). He is very excited for what this summer has in store.

Anthony Rifenburg Anthony, a native of Yreka, California is the current baseball play by play broadcaster for Division 1 college Sacramento State, majoring in Communications to pursue a career as a sports broadcaster. Anthony not only has 5 years of broadcasting experience but also playing, umpiring, and coaching experience at both Babe Ruth and college levels. This gives Anthony an unique all-around perspective of the game which he applies when calling games. Anthony is grateful for the opportunity to join the Gems this summer.

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GEMS TICKET INFO

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General Pavilion Grandstand: $7 per game Party Deck Call for special group rates 541-883-GEMS

Save $1 per ticket when you purchase in advance of game day

Ask about group discounts for 20 or more in any section!

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KLAMATH FALLS GEMS

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It’s not just the games that entertain in the West Coast League, it’s also our beloved mascots. From onions to french fries, royalty to rogues, stinging bluejackets to dinging hamster, cats and coyotes and bears, oh my, an elusive elk and the Scott T. Pippin; there’s a mascot for everyone!

Rowdy MEDFORD ROGUES 34

Coyote WENATCHEE APPLESOX

Dinger BELLINGHAM BELLS

Scott T. Pippin YAKIMA VALLEY PIPPINS


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Mack & Lil’ King CORVALLIS KNIGHTS

Corby

Harvey VICTORIA HARBOURCATS

COWLITZ BLACK BEARS Photo courtesy of John Markon of The Daily News

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GEMS Summer Camp

LEARN FROM THE BEST!

This summer, the Gems again offer personal, professional instruction to teach your young ballplayer how to play the game the right way. The entire Gems coaching staff and Gems players will take the time to evaluate your player and make the adjustments needed to help their game.

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE: FUNDAMENTALS CAMP Fee $45/camper • Ages 5 – 16 @ Kiger stadium June 16-18 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 30-July 2 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Purpose: To help develop solid fundamentals in the game of baseball for all the youth of Klamath County and its surrounding area. Campers will learn batting, throwing, base running, and defensive skills valued at the next level and gather a clear understanding of the proper way to play this great game.

To register for a camp, please call the Gems at 541-883-GEMS or register online at www.KlamathFallsGemsBaseballCamps.com

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2014 WCL All-Star Game Washed Out By Bob Webster, West Coast League Contributing Writer

A dissapointed crowd waits for good news.

Photo courtesy fo the Herald and News

ven though rain canceled the All-Star Game, the 2014 West Coast E League All-Star Game Festivities in Klamath Falls was a huge success. The festivities began on Sunday, July 20 with a Welcome Party, followed by a Luncheon and Home Run Derby before the rain washed out the All-Star game Monday evening.

The festivities started with a Welcome Party at the Aftershock Sports Bar & Grill hosted by the Klamath Falls Gems Owners Jerry and Lisa Walker along with the front office staff. Team Owners, General Managers, Managers, Coaches and members of the WCL All-Stars met to meet and greet and have some fun that the rigors of the regular season inhibit. On Monday afternoon a luncheon was held at Reames Country Club. The Emcee was Erik Oas, Media Relations Director and Voice of the Gems. After short speeches by Chip Massie, Executive Director of Klamath County Chamber of Commerce and Dennis Koho, President of the West Coast League, Gems General Manager Lisa Walker gave a touching speech, thanking her husband Jerry and the rest of the staff and fellow speakers for the time and effort they put into the All-Star festivities. Next, the players introduced themselves to a thunderous applause for each and every one of them.

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Next was featured speaker Bobby Evans of the San Francisco Giants. Evans assists Senior Vice-President and General Manager Brian Sabean in all Major League and amateur contract negotiations, along with player acquisitions via trade or free agency and all areas of Major League operations. Bobby talked about the importance of behavior on and off the field. “It’s not a private life anymore with social media”, said Evans. He also said that “baseball is a marathon; you can’t get too low or high”. He also mentioned being thoughtful about balancing a new spouse and Minor League baseball. Bobby gave a touching and meaningful talk to the players in the room on what to expect and how to handle going up the ranks of professional baseball and the challenges that will appear. Team Owner Jerry Walker ended the program with a nice speech about being in the Giants 2012 World Series Parade in San Francisco. He owns the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Short Season Single-A affiliate of the Giants. He also thanked all of the people who helped put the program on. The activity shifted to the ballpark beginning with the Scouting Combine, which was run by the coaches. Activities included running 60’s for time and the

Players sign baseballs for fans while waiting for game to begin.

fielders exhibiting their fielding and throwing abilities under scrutiny of coaches and scouts. The Home Run Derby followed and included one player from each of the twelve teams in the league. At times hitting in a downpour, after three rounds Gabe Clark of the Victoria HarborCats was victorious, out slugging Corey VanDomelen of the Cowlitz Black Bears 4-1. Katie Harman (Miss America 2002) was on hand to sing both the Canadian and American national anthems, but persistent rains and a very wet field made playing conditions unsafe and the game was postponed by League President Dennis Koho and Gems Owner Jerry Walker. After the game was called I spoke with Don Ambers, Chairman of the Kiger Association, about the frequency of rainouts and he replied “In 31 years associated with the ballpark, this is the first game postponed because of rain. There have been a few rain delays, but never a postponement”. Even with the game being rained out, it was a very nice All-Star weekend in Klamath Falls. Too bad for the players who were here to showcase their skills in front of many scouts and to take part in the AllStar game.

Photo courtesy fo the Herald and News

39


HOST A GEMS PLAYER GEMS HOST FAMILY BENEFITS!

During the summer, more than 30 players from all over the United States come to Klamath Falls to play for the Gems. With the short time they are in Oregon, they are in need of housing during the 35-40 days they are not on the road with the team. That’s where you come in! Allowing a player or two to stay in your extra bedroom during the summer benefits you, and our players, in many ways. Living with a host family gives the players a safe place to come home to, a family atmosphere and a feeling of home while they are in a new town. With the team on the road half of the season, your host player will be in your home for about 35 days over the course of 2 ½ months during the summer. When they are at home they spend most of their time at the ballpark, so they really just need a place to sleep at night after the game. For you, the host family, you’ll find that close, long-lasting relationships develop with your players. Also, you’ll receive benefits from the Gems as well. You’ll receive grandstand

40

season tickets (two tickets for each player you take in), you’ll be invited to attend host family-exclusive events, receive on-field recognition, receive a discount on certain items in the Gems Team Shop, plus your child gets to attend one Gems Summer Camp for FREE, plus many other benefits as we move through the season. We’ll match you with a player or two that will fit in to your home and lifestyle, through interviews and personal contact with the players before they arrive in June. For more information on how to become a Gems host family, contact Lisa Walker by email lisa@klamathfallsgems.com or Chuck Brandsness by email at klamathchuck@gmail.com you may also call the Gems’ office 541-883-GEMS (4367). Or you can simply fill out the Host Family Questionnaire on the drop down box and email to Chuck or Lisa, turn it into the office, or mail it in. You’ll be glad you did!


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LET THE GEMS

HELP YOU Is your sports team looking to purchase new uniforms? Does your church group have a trip planned? The Gems can help nearly any group in need of raising funds, with one of the simplest fundraising formats that you are likely to find. Essentially the group sells Gems tickets and keeps a part of the proceeds – it’s as simple as that! Over the past four seasons, the Gems has helped groups in the area raise over $60,000 in funds for different causes. Here’s how it works: Your group can consign Gems tickets to sell for a specific Gems home game. The Gems will pay you a percentage based on the number you sell! If you sell 50 tickets or less you get 20% If you sell 51-99 tickets you get 30% If you sell 100-199 tickets you get 40% If you sell 200 or more tickets you get 50% Any unsold tickets are returned to the Gems. Your group then comes to that Gems game and has a great time! If you sell 200 tickets or more we’ll give you plenty of love at the games – a ceremonial first pitch, participation in Gems on-field contests, a chance to set up an informational booth, even a chance to join our broadcaster for half an inning! We will also allow you to setup a table on the concourse to promote your cause (not to fund raise) on your game night. The only thing we ask is that tickets are not sold at, or near, Kiger Stadium. There is no limit, sell as much as you like! The first step is to select a date and since fundraising opportunities are limited please contact the Gems right away to request your night. To find out how to raise funds using the power of the Gems, or book your night, contact us at 541-883-GEMS or email Bryce Mallory at bryce@klamathfallsgems.com

To find out more information about fundraising with the Gems, please contact Dustin Howell at 541-883-4367 or email him at dustin@klamathfallsgems.com

44


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