Edmonton Prospects Season Program 2018

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2 S! IAL DAY 0 C E 1 SP APH R G TO 8 AU ie Scott Gillesp ight: 205 lbs.

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SEASON PROGRAM PROSPECTSBASEBALLCLUB.COM

your cus to designed mteam jersey!

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CONTENTS 5

Player Profiles

24 Where Are They Now?

Catch up with some of your favourite Prospects Alumni

Meet your 2018 Edmonton Prospects

9 Meet the Staff

27 2018 Schedule of Events

11 Baseball in Edmonton

28 Ball Park Map

Then & Now

29 Concession Menu

16 2018 Merchandise

30 The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

17 The Life of a Baseball

The other side of baseball

18 Keeping Score

Home and Away score sheets

“Did You Know?”

On average, 30 baseballs are lost to the stands every game!

20 Weird Baseball Rules 22 Colouring Contest!

Hey Kids, design a jersey for a chance to win great prizes!

23 Baseball Facts

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EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

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Welcome to another successful Baseball Season!

$

5 OFF

$

Any food order over $20.00, with coupon Valid at Edmonton Prospects Panda Hut Express concession booth only. Located on the first base-line side of the stadium on the second floor.

5 OFF

Any food order over $20.00, with coupon Valid at Edmonton Prospects Panda Hut Express concession booth only. Located on the first base-line side of the stadium on the second floor.

pandahutexpress.net Located on the first base-line side of the stadium on the second floor.

See you there!

PLAYER PROFILES Join us on the field after every Sunday game, where kids can run the bases, meet the Edmonton Prospects and get their program signed!

Homer Position: Director of Fun Height: 5’8” Weight: 150 lbs.

Throws R

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

Michael Gahan Throws R

Position: RHP/IF Weight: 205 lbs.

Height: 6’1” Hometown: East Lismore, Australia School: Montana State University

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Scott Gillespie Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Position: RHP Weight: 205 lbs.

Height: 6’3” Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta School: Prairie Baseball Academy

Erik Sabrowski Throws L

Position: LHP/IF Weight: 245 lbs.

Height: 6’4” Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta School: Cloud Community College

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Zaine Foth-Thomas Throws L

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Position: LHP Weight: 215 lbs.

Height: 6’4” Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta School: Highland Community College

Taran Oulton Throws L

Position: LHP Weight: 200 lbs.

Height: 6’ Hometown: Legal, Alberta School: William Woods University

2 0 1 8 Bats L

2 0 1 8 Bats L

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Photo Credit: Tyler Nordman, Highland CC

Derek Shedden Throws S

Position: OF Weight: 170 lbs.

Height: 5’8” Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta School: Northeastern State University

(Yi-Jia) Percy Liu Throws R

Position: OF Weight: 170 lbs.

Height: 5’10” Hometown: Taoyuan City, Taiwan School: Fu Jen Catholic University

Jake Lanferman Throws R

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Position: OF Weight: 190 lbs.

Height: 5’11” Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta School: University of British Columbia

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Liam Fox Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Dylan Emmons Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Position: RHP Weight: 210 lbs.

Height: 6’2” Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta School: Highland Community College

Position: RHP Weight: 185 lbs.

Height: 6’ Hometown: Vernon, British Columbia School: University of the Fraser Valley

Liam Campbell Throws R

Position: RHP Weight: 180 lbs.

Height: 6’1” Hometown: Chilliwack, British Columbia School: University of the Fraser Valley

prospectsbaseballclub.com

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Anthony Cusati Throws R

Position: C/IF Weight: 225 lbs.

Height: 6’3” Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia School: University of British Columbia

2 0 1 8 Connor Burns Bats R

Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Position: RHP Weight: 200 lbs.

Height: 6’2” Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta School: Emporia State University

AJ Nitzschke Throws R

Position: OF Weight: 185 lbs.

Height: 6’ Hometown: Lawton, Iowa School: Northwestern College

2 0 1 8 Bats R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Photo Credit: Tyler Nordman, Highland CC

Chris Procopio Throws R

Position: C Weight: 220 lbs.

Height: 6’1” Hometown: Brampton, Ontario School: Highland Community College

Nick Spillman Throws R

Position: IF Weight: 195 lbs.

Height: 6’2” Hometown: Welland, Ontario School: University of British Columbia

Matt Coutney Throws R

Position: IF Weight: 180 lbs.

Height: 6’ Hometown: Wetaskiwin, Alberta School: Colby Community College

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Marion McLean Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Tony Olson Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats L

Position: OF Weight: 195 lbs.

Height: 6’1” Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona School: South Western Oklahoma State

Position: IF Weight: 195 lbs.

Height: 6’1” Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta School: University of British Columbia

Kobe Hyland Throws R

Position: IF Weight: 195 lbs.

Height: 5’11” Hometown: Spruce Grove, Alberta School: Iowa Western CC

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

2 0 1 8 Bats L

Zane Takhar Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

Aidan Huggins Throws R

2 0 1 8 Bats L

Position: IF Weight: 170 lbs.

Height: 5’10” Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia School: Northeastern State University

Position: IF Weight: 180 lbs.

Height: 6’ Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta School: Cloud Community College

Brenden Wiun Throws R

Position: RHP Weight: 215 lbs.

Height: 6’1” Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta School: Edmonton Collegiate

2 0 1 8 Bats R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

2 0 1 8 Bats R

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Throws L

Throws R

Throws R

Mike Ozga

Evan Barclay

Position: IF/OF Weight: 215 lbs.

Height: 5’11” Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta School: University of Calgary

Position: LHP Weight: 195 lbs.

Height: 5’10” Hometown: Hilo, Hawaii School: University of New Mexico

Bats L

Throws L

Brandon Hill

Jordan Smith

Position: RHP Weight: 180 lbs.

Height: 5’11” Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta School: Edmonton Collegiate

Position: RHP Weight: 170 lbs.

Height: 6’2” Hometown: Calgary, Alberta School: University of Calgary

Bats R

Throws R

Riley Jepson

Mathieu Brisson

Position: IF/OF Weight: 230 lbs.

Height: 6’4” Hometown: Kamloops, British Columbia School: University of the Fraser Valley

Position: RHP/IF Weight: 170 lbs.

Height: 5’10” Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta School: University of Alberta

Bats L

Throws R

Josh Sieglitz Throws R

Position: RHP Weight: 170 lbs.

Height: 6’3” Hometown: Peoria, Arizona School: Gateway Community College

Bats L

“Did You Know?”

The pitcher’s mound is 10” higher than the playing field.

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Bats L

Bats R

Bats R

MEET THE STAFF Patrick Cassidy

Managing Partner

Jordan Blundell

Assistant General Manager

Ryan Jagoe

Director, Partnerships & Ticket Sales

It's always summer at Fat Franks www.fatfranks.ca

Tracy Neumann

Director of Strategic Services

Morgan Graumann Game Day Director & Kids Camp

Shawn Green

COACHING STAFF Ray Brown Head Coach

Orv Franchuk

C J Jayasekera Assistant Coach

Lenny Nay

Assistant Coach

Director of Baseball Development

Facility & Special Events

CAPILANO 5015–101 AVENUE

Wagyu beef burgers, poutine & hand cut fries Rotating draft & international beer

PHASE 3 WEST EDMONTON MALL

Featuring “Dogs of the World” with a new dog every month!

Open late on weekends past 3 A.M.

WHYTE AVENUE

Open late on weekends until 3AM. Look for our mobile street kitchens/carts out and about town!

EDMONTON PROSPECTS Season Program 2018

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ES T. 20 07

A U T H E N T I C M O N T R E A L F L AV O U R S

EDMONTON’S PLACE FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE 10503 - 104 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta The Ice District Area

#102-6002 29 Ave Beaumont, Alberta Our Beaumont

montrealhotdogs.ca

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31 Bow Street Common #9 Cochrane, Alberta The Quarry

Many communities, schools, companies and organizations formed baseball clubs during this era. Games would often take place on organized sports days, alongside cricket, football and rugby matches, as well as horse and foot racing. At first, league play was minimal, with games usually taking place after one club challenged another.

Nonetheless, regular intercity play began among the various communities in central Alberta in the 1890s. Edmonton, Strathcona, Fort Saskatchewan, Wetaskiwin and other local towns all fielded teams, and notable rivalries developed between a few of them—Edmonton and Strathcona especially didn’t care for one another.

A new Canadian Pacific Railway line from Calgary arrived in Strathcona in 1891, bringing our local sports teams into regular contact with those in the south. Some of the first shots in what would become the Battle of Alberta were fired in May 1893, when a team from Calgary travelled north to participate in Edmonton’s Victoria Day sports weekend. Whoever won that first game has been lost to history, but it was the start of a lengthy well-known sports rivalry.

BASEBALL IN EDMONTON

Turning Pro: 1900-1920

Then & Now

F

ew things call up summer vibes like a baseball game. Sitting in the stands under the hot sun with a hot dog and a cold drink, as the players walk out onto the field below—it’s a tradition enjoyed the world over, especially in North America. Indeed, the game known as ‘America’s Pastime’ is very much a Canadian one, too. Here in Edmonton, where hockey and football dominate the sports headlines, many people may not be aware of our city’s long and rich baseball history. But with roots stretching back over 130 years, Edmonton can rightly claim a proud status as a baseball town.

Starting Out: 1884-1900 It’s not known exactly when baseball came to Alberta, but by the 1880s it was being played alongside more established sports like cricket and rugby. The first documented mention of the game comes in a short article dated May 24, 1884, in the Edmonton Bulletin. It reports on a meeting held at Ross Brothers Hardware on Jasper Avenue “for the purpose of organizing a base ball club.” Little else is known about this early team, as newspaper coverage of baseball was sporadic at best. But the growing community was about to catch baseball fever.

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

As a baseball tradition took root in Edmonton, calls were made to develop better facilities for the game. In 1899 Edmonton purchased land from the Hudson’s Bay Company on the Ross Flats, in the modern-day neighbourhood of Rossdale. A new exhibition ground was built there, boasting a race track, baseball diamond and grandstand.

Rossdale has been the beating heart of baseball in Edmonton ever since.

At the same time, local promoters looked for ways to up the level of play. A Chicago native, W. F. “Deacon” White, moved here and helped launch the Western Canada League (WCL) in 1907. A dedicated ballpark was built for the local squad, the Edmonton Legislators. Diamond Park was located just a few blocks north of the exhibition grounds, in the shadow of the Hotel MacDonald (today, a city park there bears the same name). With a capacity

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of 1,500, including a 500-seat grandstand, it was swanky digs for the newly incorporated city. This fact was reflected in its admission prices, with season tickets pegged at 50¢ for the grandstand and 25¢ for the bleachers and standing room.

Edmonton’s first foray into professional baseball was a sometimes bumpy ride as the WCL expanded and contracted over the following seasons. The Legislators, meanwhile, went through several name changes. They were known as the Eskimos when they won the league championship in 1910, before becoming the Gray Birds two years later. In 1914 they reverted to the Eskimos name, but war broke out later that year and the league disbanded. The baseball Eskimos came back in 1920 with a resurrected WCL, but team and league alike would only last until 1922.

RE/MAX FIELD

Location: 10233 96 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta Opened: May 2, 1995 as Telus Field Capacity: 9,200, with 30 executive suites Surface: FieldTurf (infield); Grass (outfield) Fun Fact: The Green Monster is one of the highest in baseball. This big wall in centre field helps the batters to see the ball in flight.

Photo Credit: City of Edmonton Archives EB-23-2

In-between Years: 1922-1980 The city’s senior league dominated the baseball landscape in Edmonton for several decades. An early highlight of this era was the construction of Renfrew Park, which opened on the former exhibition grounds on Victoria Day in 1933. Described by the local press as a “palatial new baseball plant,” the 3,500-seat ballpark helped keep interest in the sport high throughout the grind of the Depression.

During WWII, thousands of American soldiers arrived in Edmonton, as it was the

“Did You Know?”

The outfield wall, of Chicago’s Wrigley field, is covered in ivy.

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AFFILIATES The Edmonton Trappers: Major League Affiliates Chicago White Sox (1981-1982) California Angels (1983-1992) Florida Marlins (1993-1994)

Oakland Athletics (1995-1998) Anaheim Angels (1999-2000)

Minnesota Twins (2001-2002) Montreal Expos (2003-2004)

Both the Trappers and the Expos would move after the 2004 season—the Trappers to Texas and the Expos to Washington, D.C.

major staging point for crews building the Alaska Highway. Unsurprisingly, Edmonton baseball experienced a renaissance during this time. While the ranks of capable players had been depleted by the war effort—only three senior teams had been fielded the year before—the influx of Americans in 1943 led to the formation of a new senior league in the city. The Americans put together a formidable service team called the U.S. Army Yanks that competed against such local teams as the Arrows (1942 senior champs), the Dodgers and the Aircraft Repair Hornets. The Yanks quickly became a fan favourite. Opening day on May 23 saw a crowd of 5,000 pack into Renfrew to watch the Yanks beat the Hornets 9-3. The Yanks would go on to win both the City and Provincial titles that year, as well as the Western Canada senior championship in 1945.

After the war, former first baseman and umpire John Ducey worked to bring professional baseball back to Alberta. He succeeded in 1953 when the Western International League (WIL) expanded to Edmonton and Calgary.

Thanks to a contest, the Eskimos name was revived for the team. After a couple of seasons in the WIL, Ducey helped form the new Western Canada Baseball League, with teams in Alberta EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

and Saskatchewan. The Eskimos won the WCL title in 1957, but the league faltered soon after and the last Eskimos baseball team folded after the 1959 season.

The Triple-A Show:1980-2004 Talk of landing a Pacific Coast League (PCL) franchise began in the 1960s. As a Triple-A league, the PCL represented the highest level of minor professional baseball. In 1980, the PCL dream came true when Oilers owner Peter Pocklington purchased the A’s of Ogden, Utah, and moved them north. The Edmonton Trappers began play in 1981 out of Renfrew Park. Following John Ducey’s death in 1983, the park was renamed after him the following year. In 1995 it would be torn down and replaced with the 9,200-seat Telus Field. Meanwhile, the Trappers found success by winning the PCL title four times—the most of any Canadian Triple-A team—and frequently boasting above-average attendance.

A number of noteworthy players also dressed for the Trappers early in their careers. Among them, slugger Ron Kittle and outfielder Tim Salmon won league MVP honours, in 1982 and 1992 respectively. Kittle’s award came after a 50-home run season, the 50th coming on the last day of the season. Despite these achievements, the franchise was

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purchased in 2004 and moved to the Austin, Texas suburb of Round Rock.

Once again, Edmonton was left with a void to fill.

2005-Today The Edmonton Cracker-Cats and Calgary Vipers were formed in 2005, with both teams reviving old interprovincial rivalries in the independent Northern League. A highlight—or lowlight, depending on your view—was a brawlfilled game between the two on June 13, 2006, that resulted in both teams being sent off the field by the umpires.

The Cracker-Cats refused to return and the game was eventually forfeited, and in the aftermath both managers and a number of players were suspended by the league.

Following the 2007 season, both the Cracker-Cats and Vipers jumped ship and joined the Golden Baseball League (GBL). Daryl Katz bought the team after one season in the GBL, renaming them the Capitals and changing their colours to Oiler blue and orange. Ongoing financial instability led to the Golden and Northern Leagues merging with another independent circuit, United League Baseball, to form the North American Baseball League in 2011. Though the Capitals would win the league’s first championship, the following year they suspended operations indefinitely as the new league collapsed.

Enter the Prospects. Playing in the Western Major Baseball League (WMBL), a summer collegiate league with roots going back to the 1930s, the team was founded in 2005 as the Edmonton Big River Prospects. After bouncing around a bit in their early years, moving from Telus Field to St. Albert to John Fry Park on the south side, the Prospects returned to Rossdale for good in 2012. Though they struggled to win games early on, in recent summers the Prospects have found their footing, making the WMBL playoffs every summer since 2015 and advancing to the finals in 2016 and 2017. Impressively, they’ve found success with a roster that’s largely Canadian—including many local players.

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In the meantime, the team has made the ballpark on the Ross Flats its home.

A four-year leasing contract was signed with the city in 2016, while in 2017 RE/ MAX came on board as the ballpark’s new naming sponsor with a three-year deal. The fanbase continues to grow as well, averaging 1,600 fans a game in the summer of 2017.

that baseball belongs in the river valley long-term by contacting our mayor and city councillors. Even better, take in a few Prospects games this summer— perhaps nothing will spread the word as fast and as far as large crowds of Edmontonians enjoying an exciting ball game in a beautiful, historic location this summer. l

Looking Forward Clearly, baseball has a special place in Edmonton. Yet in 2018, that place is under threat. The city’s River Crossing development looks to transform the western Rossdale neighbourhood, home not only to RE/MAX Field but also to a long history of Edmonton baseball. Later this year the city will release concept plans for this redevelopment, one or more of which may call for the ballpark’s demolition.

This scenario would be a tremendous loss for the entire city. Rossdale is a beautiful place to take in a ball game, something Edmontonians have known for over a century. And RE/MAX Field and its predecessors have long represented baseball’s highest level in this part of the country. It’s not just a field or a team that is threatened by redevelopment, but a big piece of our history and a symbol of what sports mean to this city’s identity and culture.

Losing baseball in Rossdale would be a blow to all of us. Let the city know prospectsbaseballclub.com

WESTERN MAJOR BASEBALL LEAGUE Status: The WMBL is an amateur collegiate summer baseball or “wood bat” league Founded: 1931, as the Southern Baseball League in Saskatchewan Structure: 12 teams in two divisions Format: Teams play seasons of between 46 and 48 games Championship: The Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy has been awarded since 1967

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

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2018 MERCHANDISE Visit our merchandise booth for a great selection of Edmonton Prospects fan apparel and souvenirs.

Bargain Fun

$45

ds Ki zes le si ilab a av

Clothing & Attire

Prices do not include GST.

$30

$90

Jersey

$20

$7

$5

$7

Many more great items available at our Merchandise Booth!

NEW ms ite

$30

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EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

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HOME SCORE SHEET q Visitor: q Home:

Line Up

S U M S

Runs Hits Errors Left on Base

#

Opposing Pitchers

Pitcher #1 Catcher #2 1st Baseman #3

Start Time: End Time:

Weather: Time of Game:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

W/L/S

IP

H

R

ER

BB

SO

HB

BK

TBF

2nd Baseman #4 3rd Baseman #5 Shortstop #6

Left Field #7 Centre Field #8 Right Field #9

SCORING

Pos

#

POSITIONS

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Date: Scorer:

Single (1B) Double (2B) Triple (3B) Home Run (HR)

prospectsbaseballclub.com

Run Batter In (RBI) Strike Out (K) Double Play (DP) Fielders Choice (FC) Error (E) Stolen Base (SB)

AB R H RBI

AWAY SCORE SHEET Line Up

S U M S

Runs Hits Errors Left on Base

#

Opposing Pitchers

SAMPLE SHEET

#

Pos

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

W/L/S

IP

H

R

ER

BB

SO

HB

BK

TBF

K

5-3

F09

F7

G3

L5

2B 3B 1B Single

E

HR Double

Triple

Home Run

Error

BB Base on Balls

Strikeout (Swinging)

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

2

Force Out or Tagged

1

Foul Out (to right)

Season Program 2018

3

Fly Out (to left)

1

Ground Out

2

Line Out (to 3rd)

AB R H RBI

SB 1B Single, then Stolen Base

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n Uniformed stadium security guards stationed on the field are considered to be “in play” if struck by a pitch. In other words, if they get hit, it’s not a foul ball—fielders still have to play it as a fair ball.

WEIRD BASEBALL RULES B

aseball is a fun sport with some necessary structure and rules.

For example, what is an out?

How many balls and strikes? What is a foul?

But all sports, including baseball, have to address the unusual and the downright weird. Here are some of the unlikely, absurd and weird rules that make baseball so interesting!

Deflecting a ball into the stands: n If any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over the fence into foul territory, the batter shall be entitled to advance to second base. n If any fair fly ball is deflected into the stands or over the fence in fair territory, the batter shall be entitled to a home run. However, should such a fair fly be deflected at a point less than 250 feet from home plate, the batter shall be entitled to two bases only. l

n Runners advance one base if a pitched ball “lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or paraphernalia.” n All runners, including the batter, advance three bases if a fielder intentionally touches a fair ball with their cap, mask or part of the uniform “detached from the proper place on his person.” n If a runner, after he has acquired legal possession of a base, runs the bases in reverse order for the purpose of confusing the defense or making a travesty of the game, then the umpire shall immediately call “Time” and declare the runner out.

“Did You Know?”

n Players on a team’s active roster are not allowed to sit in the grandstands.

The left field wall in Fenway Park, Boston, is 37.2 feet tall.

TIME’S UP!

A pitcher technically has 12 seconds to deliver a pitch (if the bases are empty).

This rule is rarely enforced.

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EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

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W ER TO IN !

EN T

CONTEST TIME !

Attention future Prospects! Show us your best baseball uniform design for a chance to WIN weekly draws for an Edmonton Prospects Family Game Pack. One lucky GRAND PRIZE WINNER will have their drawing come to life and be presented with a real team jersey using their entered design. Visit prospectsbaseballclub.com during the last week of the regular season to vote for the Grand Prize Winner.

WEEKLY DRAW FAMILY GAME PACK Includes: 4 tickets to an Edmonton Prospects game + 4 meals from our concession

E Z I R P AND Game

GRludes: Familyey with

Inc jers ! team + esign k d c n Pa w ery o your v

Contest is open to kids 12 years and under. Drop off your completed entry to the information desk during any Edmonton Prospects home game or email a scan or photo of your completed entry to: admin@edmontonprospects.com Weekly draws will be made througout the baseball season. All entries will become property of the Edmonton Prospects.

Child’s Name: Parent’s Phone: 22

Age:

Parent’s Name:

Parent’s Email: prospectsbaseballclub.com

BASEBALL FACTS DID YOU KNOW?

I

n the late 1850s, fans began paying admission to watch live baseball in New York City. The century-anda-half of pro ball since then has had its fair share of odd and interesting moments. Here are just a few:

n On May 1, 1920, the Brooklyn Robins (also known as the Dodgers) and Boston Braves played a 26-inning ball game, the longest in history by innings. n On May 9, 1984, the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox played a 25-inning game that lasted 8 hours and 6 minutes, the longest by duration. n In 1931, shortstop Johnny Jones of the minor-league Chattanooga Lookouts was traded for a 25-lb Thanksgiving turkey. Chattanooga manager Joe Engel is said to have commented that “the turkey was having a better year.” n The M67 grenade, developed by the US military in the late 1960s, is roughly the size and shape of a baseball.

Reputedly, it was designed this way to make it more familiar to recruits, thereby reducing training costs. n At the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler sent English-speaking commandos in U.S. uniforms behind Allied lines to create havoc. As a result, U.S. checkpoint sentries would ask questions about baseball in an attempt to separate friend from foe.

n Also during WWII, Major League Baseball instated a rule that games could be called after five innings if there was an enemy bombing, with the leading team declared the winner.

However, no games ever had to be called for this reason. n On August 17, 1957, Philadelphia Phillies centre fielder Richie Ashburn hit a spectator with a foul ball and broke her nose. As she was taken away on a stretcher, play resumed and Ashburn smacked another foul ball into the stands—and hit the same woman. n The first MLB night game was held on May 24, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the Reds beating the Phillies 2–1. Night games soon became the norm in the Major Leagues. n In 2016, the Chicago Cubs’ World Series championship drought finally ended, 108 years after their last championship in 1908. The Cleveland Indians now hold the longest championship drought. Their last World Series win came 70 years ago, in 1948. n Among all current MLB franchises, only the Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals (formerly the Montreal Expos) have never been to the World Series. The New York Yankees have the most World Series appearances with 40—twice as many as the next franchise on the list, the San Francisco Giants.

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

Three Canadian major leaguers have won Most Valuable Player: Larry Walker (NL), 1997 Justin Morneau (AL), 2006 Joey Votto (NL), 2010

IDIOMS FROM BASEBALL

In the ballpark: close to or approximately; an estimate Keep (one’s) eye on the ball: maintain focus Out in left field: said of a person with an eccentric or unusual idea Play hardball: act aggressively Rain check: a promise to make good on an offer; originally offered to baseball fans when games were rained out Strike against (one): a factor or disadvantage that makes something less acceptable or likely to succeed Swing for the fences: perform with great effort, intensity or ambition Throw (one) a curve: surprise someone with something unexpected Heavy hitter: An important or powerful person; a leader Drop the ball: To make a mistake, especially a massive or embarrassing one Cover (one’s) bases: to ensure one’s safety or success by dealing with potential problems in advance l 23

n Began his pro career in July 2017 with the Blue Jays of Bluefield, West Virginia, playing in the Rookie-class Appalachian League

Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Curtis Taylor, P

O

ver the years, many young and promising players have passed through Edmonton as members of the Prospects. Read on to find out what some of these memorable players have been up to since.

Tanner Kirwer, RF n The Sherwood Park native played for the Prospects from 2014 to 2015 as an infielder n Played NCAA Division I with the Purple Eagles of Niagara University in Lewiston, New York

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n In 2017, his final year with the Purple Eagles, he led the team in hits (65), runs (47), doubles (20) and his specialty, stolen bases (23 of 25 attempts) n Drafted by his favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays, in the 20th round (609th overall) of the 2017 MLB draft prospectsbaseballclub.com

n Joined the Prospects for the Summer 2014 season while playing for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds n Named WMBL Pitcher of the Week for June 13-19, 2014 n At 6’6” and 215 lbs, the Port Coquitlam native was primarily known as a reliever with a hard slider and a fast ball that could reach 96 mph n Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 4th round of the 2016 MLB draft (119th overall) n Signed with D-backs for $496,700 and played two seasons in their minor-league system n Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for 2015 All-Star Brad Boxberger in November 2017 n Likely to start the 2018 season as a starting pitcher in Rays’ farm system

Bryn Redhead, IF n Born in Leduc, Redhead was an infielder for the Prospects from 2013 to 2015 while playing college ball with Graceland University in Iowa

Alex Kreis, P n The Grand Forks, North Dakota native was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 35th round (1057th overall) of the 2011 MLB draft n Played in 2011 for the Nationals’ Auburn Doubledays affiliate n Continued playing pro ball in the independent Can-Am league, first with the Rockland Boulders, later with the Trois-Rivieres Aigles n Released by Trois-Rivieres in 2015 n Now works as a financial representative for the Advocacy Group in Wilton, Connecticut l

Alex Kreis

Photo Credit: Rockland Boulders

n Background was in fastpitch, the most competitive style of softball, and he later returned to fastpitch following his Prospects career n As a member of the Grande Prairie Pirates, played at the 2017 Canadian Men’s championships in Saskatoon n Also in 2017, pitched for the Calahoo Chiefs at the North American Fastpitch Association AA World Series, making it to the final n Named to the 2018 Men’s National Team athlete pool, with a development camp set for June 2018 in Ontario

Sheldon McDonald, P n A southpaw, McDonald played for the Prospects in 2010 n Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 33rd round (999th overall) of the 2011 MLB draft n Played two seasons in the Cubs’ farm system, first for the Peoria Chiefs in 2012, then splitting 2013 with the Kane County Cougars and the Daytona Cubs n While with the Chiefs, received the team’s Ryne Sandberg Award for dedication and work ethic, after pitching 62 innings in relief n From 2014 to 2016, played for Quebec Capitales of the independent Can-Am League n Returned to Spruce Grove in 2017 as a pitching coach for the Parkland Twins Midget AAA team

“Did You Know?”

Clayton Kershaw (LA Dodgers) makes $33 million a year.

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

25

FATHERS’ DAY June 17th

KIDS FUN DAY

June 18th

CANADA DAY July 1st

FAN

APPRECIATION DAY

July 29th

MINOR LEAGUE DAY June 3rd

Join us for our 2018

EVENT DAYS

and enjoy pre- and post-game activities, special ticket pricing and so much more!

26

prospectsbaseballclub.com

2018 SCHEDULE

JUNE 2018

Join us every

Sunday, for Player Autograph Days!

n Pre-game Festivities l Post-game Festivities $ Ticket Specials MAY

HOME OPENER VS.

n MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL DAY Kids run the bases

VS.

OKOTOKS 2:05

OKOTOKS 7:05

JAYS DAYS

BALLPARK: CROWN JEWEL

n$

n

nl$

PRIDE NIGHT VS.

FATHERS’ DAY Kids run the bases

2:05

l$

LETHBRIDGE 7:05

n

KIDS FUN DAY

Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club

n$ POSTSECONDARY DAY

SCHOOL’S OUT

VS.

MELVILLE 7:05

$

JULY 2018

n Pre-game Festivities l Post-game Festivities $ Ticket Specials $2

CANADA DAY Kids run the bases

nl$

TOONIE TUESDAY

$ $2

STAR WARS NIGHT

TOONIE TUESDAY

$ REMAX DAY CHILDREN’S WISH Kids run the bases

MILITARY NIGHT

n

FAITH BUSINESS NIGHT TOONIE TUESDAY & FAMILY In support of MEETS BASEBALL $2

TRAPPERS NOSTALGIA

The Mustard Seed

l

$

$

$2

COUNTRY NIGHT

TOONIE TUESDAY

$ FAN APPRECIATION & SEASON CLOSER Kids run the bases

2:05

l$

EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

27

BALL PARK MAP

1 2

6 3 5

1 River City Cookie Co. 2 Drift Food Truck

3 Merchandise Booth

F

4

E

4 Main Concession: hot dogs, sides, poutine

5 Smoke & Pickles Express

6 Panda Hut Express

Ice Cream Cookies Pop Water Coffee 28

prospectsbaseballclub.com

HOT DOG STATION Stadium Style.............$11.75 (Hotdog Only $4.75)

Vienna bun, premium beef wiener, relish, mustard, ketchup, white onions.

Side of french fries & drink.*

Michigan Classic .........$12.75 (Hotdog Only $5.75)

Vienna bun, premium beef wiener, Michigan meat sauce, white onions.

Side of french fries & drink.*

Brooklyn Classic..........$12.75 (Hotdog Only $5.75)

Vienna bun, premium beef wiener, caramelized onions, brown mustard.

Side of french fries & drink.*

Chicago Style.............$13.75 (Hotdog Only $6.75)

Vienna bun, premium beef wiener, relish, mustard, white onions, sport peppers, tomatoes, pickles & celery seeds. Side of french fries & drink.*

STEP UP TO THE PLATE! Visit our concession for a great selection of food & drinks Prices include GST.

SMOKED MEAT STATION MTL Smoked Meat.......$11.75 (4oz)

4oz Smoked Meat, mustard. Served light rye bagnat bun & pickle on the side.

MTL – 1642 Classic.......$12.75 (6oz)

Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, authentic gravy.

Galvaude Poutine

Regular $10.75 Large $12.75 Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, gravy, green peas & rotisserie chicken.

Junk Yard Poutine

Regular $10.75 Large $12.75 Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, gravy, grilled diced wieners.

Prospects Poutine

Regular $11.75 Large $13.75

MTL – 1642 Pile High.....$14.75 (12oz)

Le Grand Orange Poutine

Vienna bun, premium beef wiener, relish, mustard, white onions, coleslaw.

Side of Golden Cheese Nuggets.

Side of french fries & drink.*

SIDES STATION

Vienna bun, premium beef wiener, mustard, smoked meat & sliced pickles. Side of french fries, coleslaw & drink.*

French Fries.................$5.75 Crispy Tots ..................$5.75 Onion Rings .................$5.75 Corn Dogs (2) ...............$5.75 Mac & Cheese Wedges

*All combo includes a side of french fries and choice of non-alcoholic drink

Golden Cheese Nuggets

(Hotdog Only $7.75)

Regular $9.75 Large $11.75

Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, gravy, deep-fried Golden Cheese Nuggets.

Edmonton Prospects ....$14.75

Montreal Smoked Meat...$14.75

Montreal Poutine

6oz Smoked Meat, mustard. Served light rye bagnat bun, coleslaw & pickle on the side.

12oz Smoked Meat, mustard. Served light rye bagnat bun, coleslaw & pickle on the side.

(Hotdog Only $6.75)

POUTINE STATION

(6) $8.95 (9) $10.95

(4oz) $5.95 (6oz) $8.95 (10oz) $10.95 EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

Regular $12.75 Large $14.75

Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, gravy, meat sauce, white onions, applewood bacon, shredded cheddar cheese.

Sticky Maple Poutine

Regular $12.75 Large $14.75 Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, gravy, maple sausage, applewood bacon & drizzle maple syrup.

Tex-Mex Poutine

Regular $12.75 Large $14.75 Hand-cut french fries, fresh cheese curds, gravy, taco beef, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions & Doritos.

29

The Bad On April 2, 1931, female minor-league pitcher Jackie Mitchell struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig of the Yankees during an exhibition game—only to have people question afterward whether the whole thing was a hoax or publicity stunt. Mitchell argued for the rest of her life that the strikeouts were legit.

On the last day of the 1961 season, Yankees right fielder Roger Maris hit his 61st home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season record of 60.

However, many were not happy that the iconic record had been broken and were even less happy that it had been done by someone who was not a major star, like Mickey Mantle.

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY OF BASEBALL

T

hroughout its rich and nearmythical history, baseball has seen many ups and downs.

Here we look at some of the great—and not-so-great—episodes that colour the sport’s lengthy past.

The Good On April 25, 1976, Chicago Cubs outfielder Rick Monday rescued an American flag from two protesters who were trying to set it on fire in the outfield at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

In 1953, Toni Stone became the first woman to play in a major men’s league when she joined the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. Playing second base, she batted a respectable .243 that year.

30

Pitcher Jim Abbott played 10 seasons in the majors despite being born

without a right hand. He would pitch and catch with his left hand, quickly slipping his glove on or off as needed.

Cal Ripkin Jr. holds the record for most consecutive games played. From 1982 to 1998, he appeared in 2,632 straight games, earning him the nickname “Iron Man.” The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League began play in 1943 and operated for 12 seasons. One of its teams, the Rockford Peaches, was featured in the 1992 movie A League of Their Own. Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in 1947, becoming the first African-American in the majors as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

His number 42 was retired league wide in 1997. prospectsbaseballclub.com

Despite 17 All-Star appearances and three World Series championships, as well as holding MLB records for most career hits and singles, Pete Rose is ineligible to enter the Hall of Fame as he was found to have bet on baseball games. This included games involving the Cincinnati Reds while he was their manager, though he claimed to have bet on the team, not against it.

No World Series was held in 1994, as a players’ strike ended the season prematurely on August 11. Sadly, the Montreal Expos were dominating the National League with a .649 winning percentage when the season was cut short. The team then lost many of its stars to free agency and never recovered, eventually relocating to Washington, D.C. as the Nationals.

The Ugly The 1919 World Series was marred by the Black Sox Scandal, in which members of the Chicago White Sox allegedly conspired with gamblers and the mob to throw games. Eight White Sox players were barred from pro baseball as a result.

The home run chases of the late 1990s and early 2000s saw three players—Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds—surpass Roger Maris’ record of 61 home runs in a season.

However, they and many others (reportedly up to 30% of major leaguers) were suspected to be using performanceenhancing drugs, casting serious doubt on these feats. l

NOW OPEN AT RE/MAX FIELD

Smoke and Pickles Home Plate Lounge

Smoke and Pickles Express on the Concourse

10233-96 Avenue N.W. I info@smokeandpickles.ca I smokeandpickles.ca EDMONTON PROSPECTS

Season Program 2018

31