Results tagged ‘ Milwaukee Brewers ’
Bernie Brewer and the Famous Racing Sausages Visit Local Dunkin’ Donuts
Early this morning, Bernie Brewer and the Famous Racing Sausages treated fans to a free Brewers themed donut and small cup of coffee at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Miller Park Way. The holiday gesture was a surprise to fans, but word got out quickly thanks to the help of local news coverage and social media. The store went through 500 free donuts by 7:30 a.m.
Bernie was dressed in his Santa Claus outfit and the Sausages had their reindeer antlers on throughout the morning. They also handed out candy canes to guests to support the holiday spirit.
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- In line with customers.
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- The Brat texting on his phone!?
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- Reindeer antlers on the Sausages.
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- The Brewers themed donuts.
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- Bernie and his friends.
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- Tyler Barnes addresses the media as the mascots look on.
Bernie Brewer formally announced the visit and free donuts on his twitter account, @Bernie_Brewer.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
MLB “Stand Up To Cancer” Auction Features One of a Kind Items
I don’t know if there is anyone reading this who hasn’t been affected in some way by cancer. Neighbors, friends, family–the terrible disease doesn’t discriminate who it hits. It has also touched many in Major League Baseball, including, recently, a number of my colleagues in the MLB PR ranks.
With cancer hitting so close to home and hitting many of our own, MLB and its 30 Clubs organized a charity auction benefiting Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), featuring a number of priceless baseball experiences that only the MLB Clubs can offer. Inspired by those cases of public relations officials in the sport who with cancer in recent years, Josh Rawitch, Senior VP of Communications for the Arizona Diamondbacks formally announced the initiative today at a press conference in Nashville.
“With so many of our friends and colleagues recently affected by cancer, we felt it was time for us to stand up and the Winter Meetings present the only opportunity each year when all 30 managers, general managers and all of the media come together,” said Rawitch. “With the unique access we are all fortunate to have to some of the game’s greatest treasures, it’s really our responsibility to do our part and we hope this is only the beginning.”
Mike Vassallo and I before the SU2C press conference. He was standing up for his grandmother, I was standing up for my grandfather.
As Rawitch addressed the media, the MLB Club PR staffs surrounded him on and around the stage, showing support for our colleagues and our willingness to “Stand Up To Cancer” ourselves. It was great to be up on stage with 70 of my peers who all held placards with names of people they were standing up for.
The auction is live now on MLB.com and will last through Thursday, at 10:59 p.m. CT. Over 70 experiences–many never offered anywhere ever before and many that will probably never be offered again–were donated by the 30 MLB Clubs and MLB itself. Some of my favorites include the following:
- A Vin Scully meet and greet.
- An opportunity to ride the Orioles’ team bus from a road game in Washington D.C.
- Batting practice opportunities, pitching lessons from MLB coaches or lunch with a general manager.
- A one-day internship in the Yankees media relations department.
- A 2013 MLB All-Star package that is first-class and VIP the entire way.
And, my personal, hometown favorite…
- A visit at your home from the Milwaukee Brewers Famous Racing Sausages and Dave Nelson.
The creativity and uniqueness of these auction experiences are like nothing I have ever seen. The thought my MLB colleagues put into making this a special auction shows how important this issue is to everyone.
My MLB PR colleagues today at the SU2C press conference.
“The PR executives of the 30 clubs have assembled a truly unprecedented collection of auction items,” said Jacqueline Parkes, Major League Baseball’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This auction gives fans the chance to have an unforgettable baseball experience while contributing to the critically important work of Stand Up To Cancer.”
The complete list of auction items can be found here.
Josh Rawitch addresses the media during today’s press conference.
“Major League Baseball has consistently engaged fans in joining our movement, having them literally stand up by the tens of thousands in stadiums across the country to show their unity in fighting cancer,” said Kathleen Lobb, Entertainment Industry Foundation Senior Vice President and Stand Up To Cancer co-founder. “Yet again, the 30 clubs have shown their deep commitment to this cause by creating these unbelievable experiences for the auction.”
Today, I was very proud to be up on that stage, not only to support my colleagues, friends and family who have dealt with cancer, but also those who I don’t know who battle the terrible disease everyday.
–JOHN
john.steinmiller@brewers.com
John and Cait’s 2012 Clubhouse Sale Preview
The Annual John and Cait Clubhouse Sale Preview is one of our favorite blog post to write each year. With the Christmas shopping season beginning a little early this year, the Clubhouse Sale comes early as well. It is the perfect opportunity to stock up on all of your favorite Brewers gear. The sale is Friday (Brewers Black Friday, or “Blue Friday,” if you will) and Saturday, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and fans can expect savings of up to 75%! Shoppers can access the Clubhouse Sale by entering Miller Park at the Hot Corner entrance near the Brewers Team Store by Majestic and following the posted directions to the visiting clubhouse. Cash and credit cards will be accepted (no personal checks). Admission and parking is free.
Also,this year, we have a special opportunity for our blog readers at the bottom of the page, so read on!
This Visiting Clubhouse at Miller Park is stocked up and ready to go for Brewers fans on Friday morning!
As promised, here are a few of our favorite items available at the sale…
Nike Track Jacket, $60
This Nike Track jacket was the most popular jacket sold at the store this year and is certainly a steal at just $60. The royal blue jacket is lightweight and great for late Spring and early Summer tailgates at Miller Park.
Game Worn Hats, $20
As always, there is a great selection of game-used items. Jerseys, hats, bats and balls are all available. Jerseys start at $150. Game-worn jerseys from current Brewers like Chris Narveson and Mike Fiers, former Brewers like Zack Greinke and Mike Cameron, Brewers coaches like Rick Kranitz and Ed Sedar and, one of the most coveted jerseys, the world famous #99 “BAT BOY” jersey! (Cait’s Note: My dad was a recipient of Bat Boy jersey one year and boy was that a hit!)
Game Used Bats, starting at $50
Game-used bats in the basket that are available for purchase include Carlos Gomez, Aramis Ramirez, George Kottaras, Mike Cameron, Logan Schafer, Taylor Green, Randy Wolf and even Ed Sedar’s fungo bat! All were authenticated.
Clubhouse Name Tags, starting at $20
The locker name plates included plates from the Brewers 40th Anniversary season and from the 2011 NLDS and NLCS.
St. Patrick’s Day Jersey, $50
This St. Patrick’s Day jersey would be great for your trip to Spring Training in 2013!
Italian Heritage Day Cap, $20
There were a number of Brewers Italian Heritage Day caps available for sale. Perfect for John, or any fan who wants to appropriately fit in at Milwaukee Bucks games with the proper colors!
Green and Gold jersey, $30
Speaking of some Wisconsin Sports Pride, this jersey is perfect for a Brewers fan who wants to support their favorite football team and ball team at the same time. No need to choose between your Brewers jersey or Packers jersey when you come out to Miller Park on a Sunday in September or October. Wear this instead, people will know you’re rooting for both teams!
90s Retro Shirt, $20
This great t-shirt features one of John and Cait’s favorite Brewers logos. The shirt has a soft feel and a great price.
Patriotic Brewers Caps, $15, $20, $10 (from left to right)
These hats allow fans to show pride for their team and pride for America. A great addition to the hat collection of any Brewers fan.
Nike Milwaukee shirt, $15
This Nike t-shirt is features one of John’s favorite Brewers logos, the Milwaukee script. At only $15, it cannot be beat for value.
Grill Cover, $10
Milwaukee Brewers Fan Brand Grilling Iron (for steak, chicken or pork), $8
This Brewers grill cover and Fan Brands Grilling Iron are perfect special gifts for your favorite grillmaster in your tailgate group!
Milwaukee Brewers Cooperstown Collection purses, $20/$30
For the female fan who has everything, these Brewers purses will help her travel to the game in style!
Brewers retro & current logo Adidas Tracksuits, $25
Cait was on the lookout for the perfect gifts for her goddaughter, Makena. There were many children’s items to choose from, including this adorable tracksuit that she had to snap up!
Cutter & Buck sweatshirt dress, $40
Another option for the female fan, this Cutter & Buck sweatshirt dress is comfy, cozy and stylish!
Rising Stars jerseys, $75
Serious sports memorabilia and jersey collectors will want to check out this Rising Stars jersey!
There are also a lot of specials going on during the sale to make things even more fun!
Every 25th customer to make a purchase during the Clubhouse Sale will receive a free authenticated champagne bottle from a 2011 Brewers Postseason celebration (one per customer while supplies last). Additionally, a more-you-spend-the-more-you-save coupon will be offered. Coupons of 10/20/30% off will be offered to the Brewers Team Store by Majestic for those spending $100/$200/$300 at the Clubhouse Sale.
The Brewers Kids Club is the perfect gift for any little fan on your list!
In addition to the merchandise, you can also purchase Brewers Kids Club packages at the sale (or online here) for just $25; sales reps will also be on hand to take your order for Brewers Holiday 4-Packs–the Brewers Clubhouse Sale truly is your one-stop shop!
The Brewers Team Store by Majestic will also feature a variety of activities during both days of the Clubhouse Sale. Eight prize drawings will be held at the team store on both days. Prizes will include shopping sprees and special Authentic Collection packages at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic. Children can have their photo taken with the Klement’s Famous Racing Sausages™ on November 30 from 10 a.m. – noon and with Santa on December 1 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic. Fans should bring their own cameras and the photos will be free of charge. Note: The Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, contact the team store at (414) 902-4750.
And last but certainly not least….we mentioned earlier in this post that we had a special opportunity for our readers. Here it is: We are offering a special opportunity to gain early entry into the sale! That’s right, the first 100 readers to e-mail us at johnandcait@brewers.com will have the opportunity to come to Miller Park on Thursday from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. We know how a lot of these items are limited and the line is pretty long on Friday morning, so we wanted to show our readers how much we appreciate their support by extending this offer to them. Send your e-mail to us and we will have your name on a list at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park and you and one guest will then be able to visit the Clubhouse Sale on Thursday night. Update: Sorry, friends, this opportunity received overwhelming response and entries are now closed! If you were selected, you’ll receive an email containing instructions by NOON CT today. If you didn’t email us in time, no sweat, you still have all day tomorrow, Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 to shop to your heart’s content!
Thanks for reading and happy shopping!
Cheers!
–JOHN AND CAIT
Brewers Community Foundation Teams Up With Community Groups to Deliver 500 Thanksgiving Meals to Area Families
A Thanksgiving tradition continued this morning in Milwaukee as the Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation partnered with 1290 WMCS-AM, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Feeding America and the Hunger Task Force to make sure 500 area families had everything they needed for Thanksgiving dinner.
Milwaukee Brewers television play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson, Brewers alum Larry Hisle and Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation Cecelia Gore joined 1290 WMCS Operations Manager TJ Jackson, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and representatives from Feeding America and Hunger Task Force for a press conference outside the 1290 WMCS headquarters on Sherman Blvd. and Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee.
Following the press conference, the group traveled with a number of baskets to the Guest House, a Milwaukee homeless shelter for men, and the Meta House, a substance abuse treatment program dedicated to helping women. Later in the morning, the rest of the Thanksgiving food baskets were picked up by families who registered with the radio station to receive the meals.
Photos from today’s event were taken by Michael Goelzer, Milwaukee Brewers Photos.
This is the 18th year that the radio station has held this special holiday meal program and the Milwaukee Brewers and Brewers Community Foundation have teamed up with 1290 WMCS to help solicit funds, food and family recipients. Families are identified through letters and e-mails sent to the radio station. Local community service organizations can also recommend people in need.
In addition to Brewers Community Foundation and 1290 WMCS, Feeding America is donating food boxes which include fixings for the families (dressing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned yams, corn, green beans, fruit, applesauce and cake mixes). The Hunger Task Force is donating turkeys and fresh produce.
For more information on how you can give back to Brewers Community Foundation and other projects BCF does in the community click here.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
What’s New at Miller Park!? A Look Ahead at Ballpark Improvements for 2013
Since I have worked here at Miller Park, it seems every off season, the ballpark becomes somewhat of a construction zone. The team has always done a great job of keeping Miller Park fresh and up to date with features like the Associated Bank Kids Zone or renovations to the suites and the addition of the new HD scoreboard. The Brewers today announced plans for two renovations at Miller Park, both of which will enhance the fan experience for 2013.
“Every year, we formally survey fans to get a better understanding of their changing tastes and preferences,” said Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger. “National surveys of fans and media consistently rate the Miller Park fan experience among the very best in all of sports, but we don’t take that for granted. We are committed to enhancing the facility and experience every year to remain a top destination for fans.”
Projects for 2013 include the following:
Dew Deck Renovations
- The Dew Deck, a seating area above the right field bleachers that dates to Miller Park’s opening year, will be renovated during the off-season. The signature addition to the area will be a 25-foot high rock climbing wall, designed in the shape of a can of Mountain Dew. The wall will be open for approximately three hours every game day, and will be designed to accommodate up to four climbers at a time. Other improvements to the area will include new lighting, new ceilings, installation of flat panel televisions, repainting, and new signage. The Dew Deck accommodates groups of 25 to 260 people (no individual ticket purchases are available). The area features stadium seating, a private bar, and private restrooms. Tickets to this affordable party space include an all-you-can eat pregame tailgate buffet that begins when the Miller Park gates open and ends one hour after the first pitch. Individuals interested in hosting events at the new Dew Deck may call 414-902-GRPS for more information.
Home Plate Lounge Renovations
- Following the addition of a new Brewers Team Store retail location on the Club Level last year, the Home Plate Lounge will be enhanced this winter. The Home Plate Lounge is located on the concourse of the Club Level behind home plate and is open to Club Level Suiteholders and all fans who have Club Level seating. The project includes the removal of an existing concessions stand, storage area and restroom, allowing for the creation of a new fixed “Chef’s Table” counter. Featured upgrades include a new Concierge counter, new carpeting, and new furniture (modular seats, ottomans, bar stools, dining chairs, and tables). In addition, there will be new lighting throughout the space.
Design work for the projects was handled by Uihlein/Wilson. Both these projects will be ready by Opening Day, 2013.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Head to Spring Training In Style With the Brewers Road Crew
Did the release of the Spring Training Schedule earlier this week get you ready for some Brewers baseball in the Arizona sun? If so, the Brewers and Brewers Enterprises today announced plans for the Fourth Annual “Brewers Road Crew” Spring Training Trip. This one-of-a-kind opportunity will again be offered to fans looking to join the Brewers in Spring Training as they prepare for the season in Phoenix. Nearly every facet of the trip will be handled as Brewers Enterprises will arrange all the details for the March 13 – 17 trip.
As part of the experience, fans will enjoy two games at the Brewers Spring Training home, Maryvale Baseball Park, and one Brewers “road” game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The trip will bring travelers face-to-face with members of the Brewers broadcast team, members of the Baseball Operations staff, and even former Brewers players and coaches through special receptions and tailgate parties.
Guests will stay four nights at the Hilton Embassy Suites (Biltmore) which features an outdoor, heated swimming pool, whirlpool, exercise room, on-site restaurant and complimentary shuttle service to Biltmore area attractions. Guest rooms are two-room suites with a wet bar, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and two flat-screen televisions. Complimentary made-to-order breakfasts and late-afternoon cocktail and hors d’oeuvre receptions are offered daily at the hotel. The hotel is located next to the Biltmore Fashion Park on 24th Street and Camelback. It is centrally located and just minutes away to activities at Maryvale Baseball Park, Old Town Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix and Camelback Mountain.
As an added bonus, fans on the trip will receive a ticket to Opening Day at Miller Park on Monday, April 1, 2013 as the Brewers take on the Colorado Rockies.
Space is limited to 80 guests and the travel packages are on sale now. The price for a single traveler is $2,495 and the price for a couple (double occupancy) is $4,295. Each additional guest per room is $2,150. For more information and to reserve your spot, please call 414-902-GOAZ (4629) or visit millerpark.com. The full list of package inclusions follows:
PACKAGE ELEMENTS
-Non-Stop Round Trip Airfare from Milwaukee to Phoenix via Southwest Airlines
-Hotel Accommodations for four nights at Hilton Embassy Suites (Biltmore)
-Transportation to & from the airport, hotel and Spring Training complexes
-Tickets for three Spring Training games
- March 13, 2013 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (Salt River Fields)
- March 15, 2013 vs. Cleveland Indians (Maryvale)
- March 16, 2013 vs. Cincinnati Reds (Maryvale)
-Made-to-order breakfast each morning
-Cocktail & Hors d ‘Oeuvres Reception hosted each night by the hotel
-Tailgate Party before a game, with visits from Brewers alumni, minor league prospects, coaches and broadcasters
-A ticket to Opening Day at Miller Park (April 1, 2013 vs. the Colorado Rockies)
-A customized Brewers gift bag
-Private dinner reception in Scottsdale, Arizona
Additional opportunities available for guests to win on the trip:
-Run the Sausage Race or hold the finish line at a Spring Training game (Maryvale)
-Throw out a 1st pitch for a Spring Training game (Maryvale)
-Pairs of Brewers 2013 regular season game tickets
-Watch the game from the broadcast booth (Maryvale)
-Autographed memorabilia
If you are looking for the ultimate full service trip to Spring Training, this is it. They cover all the basis and let you sit back relax and enjoy Brewers baseball and the Arizona sun.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Our Uniform is Your Canvas: The Brewers Are Putting the “YOU” in “YOUniform”
So I have been pretty excited about this promotion for some time now. It’s really been hard to keep this one a secret. I’m a self-proclaimed sports uniform/jersey/logo nerd. It’s OK, I’m cool with it. If you are like me, or have a knack for creativity and design or just want to put your mark on Brewers baseball, then this contest is for you.
The Brewers are inviting fans to take part in their “Design a YOUniform” contest. That is right. We are looking for fans to design a Brewers uniform and cap that the Brewers will wear during a 2013 Spring Training game.
Where would you begin?
Templates for the contest and complete rules will be available online at Brewers.com/uniform and at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic at Miller Park. The template allows fans to design the jersey top and cap and contestants can create their design digitally or by hand. Design templates will be available beginning Friday at 10 a.m. CT and the deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, December 13. The completed designs can be uploaded to Brewers.com/uniform or dropped off at the Brewers Team Store by Majestic.
The first group of entries will be judged by an internal Brewers committee. That group will narrow the entries down to four finalists. On Tuesday, January 15 at 10 a.m. CT, the four finalists will be announced on Brewers.com. A fan vote will open up on Brewers.com that day and a panel of judges including Brewers pitcher John Axford, Brewers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Doug Melvin, Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger, Brewers Senior Director of Merchandise Branding Jill Aronoff, representatives from Majestic, New Era and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will judge the four finalists (the fan poll will be weighted the same as one judge’s vote).
Have at it!
At Brewers On Deck on Sunday, January 27 at the Delta Center in downtown Milwaukee, the four finalists will be on hand to present their designs. Axford will announce the winner of the contest on the Main Stage at Brewers On Deck. Each of the four finalists will receive a trip to Milwaukee for Brewers On Deck including $250!
The winning uniforms and caps will be worn by Brewers players and coaches during the Brewers vs. Cubs Spring Training game on Friday, March 22 at Maryvale Baseball Park. The winning designer will receive a trip to Spring Training to see that game. The prize package for the winner is packed with goodies:
- Airfare for two people to Phoenix
- Game tickets for the March 22 Brewers vs. Cubs game at Maryvale Baseball Park
- A cash prize for hotel, transportation and other incidentals
- The opportunity to select one player’s jersey and cap from that day
- 10 t-shirts and 10 caps made from the design
Not to mention, the winner can brag about being the fan that won one of the coolest contests in team history.
“People have great ideas for how they would design an alternate uniform for the team, and this is the ultimate opportunity for everyone to have their say,” said Schlesinger in a press release. “Participants can pick their favorite colors, original logos, and script, or they can utilize elements of the Brewers current uniforms with their own unique twist. It’s literally a blank template and a chance for everyone to show off their creative sides.”
Get creative Brewers fans, we cannot wait to see some of your designs.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Brewers Announce 2013 Spring Training Schedule
If you live in Milwaukee, you saw the first couple snowflakes of the winter last night. Don’t let that get you down. Think spring everyone because I am very happy to present you with the Brewers 2013 Spring Training schedule!
With this being a World Baseball Classic year, the report dates and games start even earlier, making everyone’s winter a bit shorter. Pitchers and catchers with zero to three years of Major League service time are scheduled to report to Spring Training on Tuesday, February 12. All position players and pitchers and catchers with three-plus years of Major League service have a report date of Friday, February 15, 2013.
The first game is Saturday, February 23 at Maryvale Baseball Park against Oakland. The Brewers will play a total of 35 Spring Training and exhibition games in 2013, including 17 at Maryvale Baseball Park in Phoenix and two games at Miller Park.
The Brewers will play games at Maryvale against NL Central rivals Cincinnati on Saturday, March 16 and against the Chicago Cubs on Friday, March 22. Other home highlights include a St. Patrick’s Day game (Sunday, March 17) against Los Angeles in Glendale and a game versus Team Canada’s World Baseball Classic entry on Tuesday, March 5.
The team has two split squad games scheduled during the spring. The slate includes Monday, February 25 vs. San Diego (SS) and at Cincinnati, and Sunday, March 24 vs. Colorado and at San Diego.
The last home game at Maryvale Baseball Park for the Brewers is set for Wednesday, March 27 against Kansas City. The Brewers will return home to Miller Park to play two games against the White Sox to round out the exhibition season, scheduled for Friday, March 29 at 7:10 p.m. and Saturday, March 30 at 1:10 p.m.
All Brewers games played in the Cactus League are scheduled for 1:05 pm starts (Arizona Time), except for Wednesday, March 13 at the Diamondbacks (7:10 p.m. local/9:10 p.m. CT start).
Tickets for the Milwaukee Brewers home Spring Training games at Maryvale Baseball Park will go on sale at 9 am CT on Monday, December 3 via the internet at Brewers.com and by phone at 1-800-933-7890. Normal business hours are from 9am – 5pm CST. Sales at the Maryvale Baseball Park Box Office will begin on Monday, February 4, 2013. Tickets are available in four seating areas: Field Box ($22), Infield Reserved ($16), Outfield Reserved ($13) and Lawn Seating ($8). Information on Spring Training Season Tickets can be obtained by calling the Milwaukee Brewers Ticket Office at 414-902-4000. Tickets for the two games at Miller Park against the Chicago White Sox will go on sale at a later date.
We will release a promotional and broadcast schedule later. Please note that games and times are subject to change.
2013 Brewers Spring Training Schedule
Here is the Spring Training Schedule 2013 as a .PDF list.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Josh Prince Commands Attention With Strong Offensive Numbers and Defensive Versatility
Ranking second in the league in hitting with a .403 batting average and recording 31 hits in 21 games is cause for notice at the Arizona Fall League. When combined with playing six different positions in the field, you can make yourself one of the most talked about players in the league.
The Brewers Josh Prince has made the most of his opportunities in the Arizona Fall League in the field and at the plate.
“I’ve played third base, second base, left field, right field and center field ” Prince said of his defensive positions during the Fall League. “I came up through the organization as a shortstop so I know I can play there as well. Being versatile is big. If you look in baseball there are not a lot of players that can play (all those positions). It really helps my chances of getting there (to the big leagues).”
Josh Prince in the batting cage at the Arizona Fall League
The Brewers drafted Prince as a shortstop in the third round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft out of Tulane University. He first worked with Brewers outfield/baserunning instructor Reggie Williams on proper positioning in Spring Training and continued in the outfield at Double-A Huntsville. His extended season in Arizona has also given him many opportunities to work on defense.
“He has had a very good year,” said Darnell Coles, Huntsville Stars manager and Phoenix Desert Dogs hitting coach. “Coming from playing shortstop to the outfield this year is tough. A lot of it was learning on the spot and he is still learning but he has done a very good job as an outfielder. Being able to play these positions adds value to our organization and to him as a player. If a guy gets hurt, you know he can fill in defensively wherever and you don’t have to worry about it. Plus his bat and base running are great.”
Coles has worked with Prince all year in Huntsville and has help develop his swing to a comfortable point as his offensive numbers show.
“I’ve been working with Darnell on flattening out my swing and giving myself better opportunities to get hits when I am a little tardy or a little early,” Prince said. “I just want to be able to stay through the ball. That is the biggest reason why I have had success here.”
Josh Prince sees his ability to run the bases as an important part of his game.
Brewers President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Doug Melvin also likes what he has seen from Prince at the Arizona Fall League and compared his defensive versatility to that of Jerry Hairston.
“His bat has really taken off this fall,” Melvin said. “He is a very aggressive baserunner–a high energy guy. His versatility is going to be his calling card to get to the big leagues.”
Prince hit .251 with seven home runs and 55 RBI during the 2012 regular season at Huntsville with a .346 OBP and .360 slugging percentage. Both his OBP (.489) and slugging percentage (.588) currently rank in the top four in the Arizona Fall League.
“It’s been awesome out here,” Prince said of his Fall League experience. “The weather is great, the baseball talent here is amazing and we are having fun too. The coaches are making this fun and enjoyable for us while at the same time teaching us. I’m happy I am putting up the numbers I am, but I’m constantly working on getting better.”
For Prince that work will continue through the offseason into the winter.
“There is no time for rest,” Prince said. “I’ll get home, hit the gym and start working out. With playing in this league, there is not much time for rest. I have missed some time in the gym and need to make up for that conditioning I have lost to prepare myself for a full season next year.”
Chances are most Brewers fans have not seen the type of game that Prince plays, but he described his play on the field as exciting.
“First and foremost, I want people to know me as a follower of Jesus Christ,” Prince said. “I know that He is the guy I play for and I want people to remember me for that. On the field, I want Brewers fans to know me as a guy who is versatile and a guy that can run. I like to steal bases, I like to try to get on base and score runs for the team. I feel like I can play anywhere and do a good job at any of those positions.”
With the combination of Prince’s ability to run, his defensive versatility and the offensive numbers he has put up during the Arizona Fall League, Brewers fans might be seeing this exciting player at Miller Park very soon.
Josh Prince can be found on Twitter: @JoshPrince17.
–JOHN
johnandcait@brewers.com
Sunday, September 15: Ben Oglivie Bobblehead Day
And last, but certainly not least….. our tenth and final bobblehead of the 2013 season will be a Ben Oglivie bobblehead on Sunday, September 15 as the Crew takes on the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park.
Ben Oglivie was a Brewers outfielder from 1978-1986. Like Gorman Thomas (who was also announced as a 2013 bobblehead yesterday), Ben was a member of the 1982 AL Championship team under Manager Harvey Kuenn (another 2013 bobblemate!) and one of Harvey’s Wallbangers.
This is the first full-size Brewers bobblehead of the three-time Brewers All-Star (1980, 1981 & 1982) that we’ve given out at Miller Park.
Individual tickets go on sale in February, but you can secure yours early! The Ben Oglivie bobblehead is included in the following ticket packages:
4-Pack Double Bobble Plan [Holiday 4-Packs go on sale on Tuesday, November 13! Call (414) 902-HITS (4487) for details!]
And…that’s a wrap! Stay tuned to the blog for more updates—including photos of the bobbleheads–as we get them!
-John and Cait
JohnandCait@brewers.com
John and Cait
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