Results tagged ‘ Randy Wolf ’
John and Cait’s Top Ten Brewers Moments of 2011
It’s the time of year where everyone posts and comments on “End of the Year Lists.” From the top movies, music, and books of the year to the top restaurants, people and cars–it seems like there is a list for everything. Well, John and Cait will not let you down, as we have compiled a list of our Top Ten Brewers Moments from what was a very memorable and historic season.
We worked together on this list. Some comments are from Cait and other are from John. Some moments were John’s and others were Cait’s. You might agree with some and disagree with others, as all ten moments will surely be up for debate. You can share with us your top ten Brewers moments from 2011 through the comments section at the bottom of this post.
#10 – Late Night at Miller Park, Brewers vs. Rockies, May 20
Were you one of the 33,361 on hand to witness the Brewers vs. Rockies game as it kicked off at 7:10pm on a warm Friday evening in May at Miller Park? Maybe the better question is: were you still remaining 4 hours and 35 minutes later when Prince Fielder hit his 2-run walk-off blast in the bottom of the 14th? This memorable game featured a volley of scoring. Brewers led 1-0 after 1. Rockies led 2-1 after 3. Brewers tied it 2-2 in the 4th. Colorado took the lead 3-2 in the 5th and tacked on another run in the 6th, before the Brewers brought it back to 4-3 in the bottom of that inning. A homer by Casey McGehee tied the game 4-4 in the 8th. The game went into extras and there was no more scoring until the Rockies took the lead in the 13th, 5-4. The Crew answered with a towering blast by Yuniesky Betancourt and it was back to even. The Rockies scratched their way back on top, 6-5 in the 14th, but then Fielder hit his booming 2-run, 422-footer to right and rewarded those Brewers fans who had stuck it out to the end by sending them home happy.
Prince watches his game winning home run at Miller Park against Colorado on May 20 (photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Mark Hoffman)
#9 – Brewers Fans Rock the Vote; Fielder Blast Rocks the AL in 2011 All-Star Game at Chase Field
For the first time in our 43-year history, three players, a homegrown trio–Ryan Braun (first-round Draft pick in 2005), Prince Fielder (first-round Draft pick in 2002) and Rickie Weeks (first-round Draft pick in 2003)–were elected to start the All-Star Game, making the Crew the only NL team with multiple starters.
Braun was elected for his fourth straight All-Star start, leading NL outfielders in balloting for the fourth straight season, and this time leading all NL players in votes. Fielder, a three-time All-Star, was elected to his second start and Weeks was elected to his very first All-Star Game.
Although Braun did not end up playing in the 2011 All-Star Game due to a calf strain, this was still a memorable achievement for the Crew and the Brewers fans whose voting paid off!
More memories and history were also made at the actual game itself as Fielder’s three-run home run in the fourth inning at Chase Field gave the National League the lead in the game and contributed in a big way to its 5-1 victory over the American League.
With that blast, Fielder became the first player in Brewers history to hit a home run in the All-Star Game and after the game, he was named the Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game, another first for our franchise.
#8 – Crew Turns Triple Play, Brewers vs. Dodgers, August 15
On Monday, August 15, four Brewers defenders combined on the sixth triple play in franchise history, a sensational play that bailed starter Randy Wolf out of a two-on, no-out jam in the second inning and aided in their 3-0 win over the Dodgers at Miller Park. The 4-6-3-2 triple play went like this: With Dodgers at first and second and nobody out in a scoreless game, James Loney hit a grounder up the middle. Josh Wilson ranged to his right, gobbled up the baseball and flipped it with his glove to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt for the first out. Betancourt threw to Prince Fielder at first for out No. 2, and Fielder, seeing Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp trying to sneak home, fired to catcher George Kottaras for the inning-ending tag.
In other news, the Crew also turned four double plays in this defensive clinic of a game.
Yuniesky Betancourt turns a triple play in the 2nd inning on August 15. (Photo courtesy Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Benny Sieu)
#7 – Doug Melvin Named Baseball America’s Executive of the Year
Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin was awarded the Baseball America Executive of the Year award for 2011. Melvin and his staff worked hard to put a winner on the field and the bold moves that were made helped the Brewers to a National League Central Division Championship.
As anyone who works for Melvin would say, he is a treat. Very knowledgeable about the game and its many intricacies, Melvin is also a very kind and caring person. His success is well-deserved!
#6 – Ryan Braun Signs Contract Extension, April 21
On Thursday, April 21, Ryan Braun signed a $105 million, five-year contract extension adding to a seven-year deal he signed in May 2008, meaning that Braun will be a part of the Brewers franchise through 2020.
“I’m proud to be a Milwaukee Brewer, I really am,” Braun said on that historic day. “I’m going to be for the next 10 years. It’s an exciting day for me, my family, the organization. It’s like being part of a family.
“It’s truly special to me to come to work here every day, and I’m excited about being able to do that for the next 10 years. Thanks to the fans – that was the single biggest reason I wanted to stay here. To be in one of the smallest media markets in baseball and to have 3 million people to come watch us every year is incredibly special.
“The more time we spend in other cities, the more we recognize how special it is here. The fans are the single biggest factor. I’m excited, man, truly excited to be able to say I’m a Milwaukee Brewer from this point forward.”
Having Braun want to be the cornerstone of the Brewers franchise is a treat for Brewers fans. He truly enjoys playing here in Milwaukee and the fans will look forward to his play for many years to come.
#5 – Muhammad Ali Visits Brewers Spring Training Camp
This was a very special moment for the team at Spring Training. It was so neat to see the look in the eyes of Brewers players when Muhammad Ali entered the clubhouse. Being in the presence of such a powerful figure was inspiring to many of the players and staff members on hand that day. Although his health isn’t 100%, it was still amazing to see Ali in person, making for one of the most memorable days of 2011.
Ali with the Brewers team at Spring Training.
#4 – John Visits Fenway Park and Cait Presents/Club Wins SAMMY at the 2011 National Sports Forum
Since each fan has his or her own personal memories of 2011, we figured we should pick a moment that was unique to each of us this year, so here you have them: John’s visit to Fenway and Cait bringing home the SAMMY Award.
John: Prior to June, I had never been to Fenway Park in Boston. I made the weekend trip with the team and it definitely lived up to the hype. I enjoyed how they were able to transform a historic ballpark into the modern era while still keeping much of the historical foundation. I have heard many great stories about Fenway and I certainly was not disappointed. I try to visit one park I have never been to each year and was happy to cross this one off this list. I already have my new park picked out for 2012–Citi Field in New York!
John at Fenway Park
The Green Monster
Cait: I knew it was going to be a great year when the winning started in January at the National Sports Forum in Louisville, KY. As a Club, we were a finalist for the SAMMY Award (Sales, Advertising, Marketing or Management Idea of the Year) for a Season Seat Holder renewal campaign that had been particularly successful for us in 2010. Although we had been a finalist for the award for another campaign the previous year but had not won, and although I am not particularly fond of speaking in front of large groups of strangers, I was tasked with presenting our campaign at the conference and this time, we were triumphant. I was very proud to help bring home this award for our talented team.
With the SAMMY Award at the 2011 National Sports Forum (L-R: Senior Director of Marketing, Kathy Schwab; Senior Director of Ticket Sales, Billy Friess; Senior Manager of Advertising & Marketing, Caitlin Moyer)
#3 – Opening Day vs. Atlanta, April 4
Even though the Brewers fell to the Braves on this day, there is always something special about Opening Day. Everyone is excited, optimistic and energetic. Everything around the ballpark is fresh, clean and sparkling. From a working standpoint, there is a lot to get done. The rush up to Opening Day can be quite stressful filling in last minute details, but once the first pitch is thrown, we can relax and enjoy the game!
John with Ken Spindler and Mike Vassallo--the Media Relations crew--for our traditional Opening Day photo.
The Marketing Team on Opening Day (Back Row, L-R: Kathy Schwab, Jeff Harding, Kelly Candotti, Thad McGrew, Jim Bathey; Front Row, L-R: Molly Arndt, Diny Hurwitz, Caitlin Moyer)
#2 – Brewers Clinch the NL Central Division, September 23
The Brewers entered the game against the Marlins with a “Magic Number” of 2, meaning they not only needed to win, but also needed St. Louis to lose in order to clinch the division at Miller Park. The game was tied at 1 for much of the game, until Ryan Braun stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Cait: I was on-hand that night to help with a potential streamer launch if we were to win the game and St. Louis was to lose. I remember loading the cannons with the game still tied and making my way to my post, hoping against all hope that I’d get to shoot them that night. But the score of our game was tied and so was the Cubs-Cardinals game. The air was a little tense, and I will never forget leaning over to one of my co-workers and jokingly stage whispering, “Here’s where he hits the home run,” alluding to Ryan Braun’s heroic home run against the Cubs on the last day of the season in 2008 which sent us to the Postseason for then the first time in 26 years. And then he did it. Chills. I still get chills just thinking about it.
John: There was a special feeling in the ballpark that night. You just felt like it was our time to finish this off. Great crowd, Friday night, Yovani on the mound–it was all aligned for things to go our way. The game itself was kind of a blur. I know everyone remembers Braun’s home run, but remember Braun’s diving catch and laser-perfect throw to get Emilio Bonifacio out at first? To me that was the play of the game. It was a fantastic night and one I will never forget.
Nyjer Morgan, John, Zack Minasian and Cory Melvin after the Brewers clinched the NL Central Division.
The Crew went on to win 4-1 on that go-ahead, 3-run home run. Then, as if Braun’s blast wasn’t enough of a sense of déjà vu for the crowd of 44, 584, fans and players had to wait for the Cubs-Cardinals game to end in order to find out if they would clinch the division that night. In an ironic twist of fate, the packed house cheered loudly for the rival Cubs who had hit their own 3-run home run in the 8th and went on to prevail over the Cardinals 5-1 as confetti and streamers finally rained down from the rafters at Miller Park.
#1 – Game 5 of the NLDS, October 7
For those of you who were at Miller Park that Friday evening, you definitely understand why this would be #1. The excitement in the building was more than electric. The crowd was deafening. The sigh of relief let out by Brewers fans could be felt across the nation as Nyjer Morgan drove in Carlos Gomez for the game-winning run, sending the Crew to its first-ever National League Championship Series.
Here we are celebrating after Game 5 of the NLDS!
And…there you have it, our favorite moments of 2011. What are yours? Please feel free to debate in the comment field below.
Here’s to many more memorable moments in 2012!
- John and Cait
johnandcait@brewers.com
Closer John Axford to Open Film Festival Tonight
Brewers fans, are you looking for something to do on your off day?
Tonight is the Opening Night for the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival, which runs through October 2.
If you check out the event, held at Landmark Oriental Theatre on Milwaukee’s Eastside, you just might spot some familiar faces in the crowd. This year, Brewers closer John Axford has been involved with the festival through Brewers Community Foundation, one of the event’s sponsors.
If you remember my interview with John back in Spring Training when we were busy shooting our TV commercials, you’ll recall that John graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Film in 2005 and is quite the movie buff.
Through his involvement, John has been featured on billboards promoting the event and he also plans to attend the Opening Night party at Discovery World. Make sure to follow John on Twitter @JohnAxford for updates and also check out the Film Festival website, as rumor has it, there will be an interview with John posted shortly.
Catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitchers Randy Wolf and Tim Dillard, are also planning to attend opening night festivities.
As part of their support, Brewers Community Foundation is sponsoring Take One: Milwaukee Children’s Film Festival, presented by PNC. Take One is also sponsored by Marcus Theatres.
“The film festival is so great for the community. The quality of film and exposure to other cultures is a tremendous asset that I think people should take advantage of. In particular, the Children’s Film Festival fits well Brewers Community Foundation’s focused interest in education,” said Executive Director of Brewers Community Foundation, Cecelia Gore.
The Children’s Film Festival is co-directed by Julia Magnasco, Education Director at First Stage Children’s Theater, and Brian Gallagher, the former Executive Coordinator of the Wisconsin International Children’s Film Festival; it features quality children’s cinema from around the world. Each screening includes discussions with filmmakers or educators, hands-on activities and take-home guides.
Take One films will screen on the weekends during the film festival, September 24 and 25 at the Oriental Theatre and the Marcus Ridge Cinema in New Berlin and also on October 1 and 2 at both the Oriental and the Marcus North Shore Cinema in Mequon.
For those of you attending the festival, you might also recognize another name in the program: MLB Commissioner Allan H.(Bud) Selig and his wife, Suzanne, are also major supporters of the film festival and have been since its inception in 2008. In recognition of their support, the Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award is given each year to the overall audience favorite film in the feature and short film categories.
For a complete schedule of all Film Festival events, click here: http://www.milwaukee-film.org.
-Cait
johnandcait@brewers.com
P.S. In speaking with Cecelia, I also discovered that a limited number of passes for Take One will be available at the Brewers Community Foundation 50/50 raffle tables during tomorrow night’s Brewers vs. Marlins game beginning at 7:10pm. Stop by, purchase your raffle tickets and you just might get to go to the festival on us!
An Event of Their Own: Cait’s Brewers Baseball Basics for Women Recap
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of speaking at Brewers Baseball Basics for Women, presented by Associated Bank, an event designed especially for our female fans who are interested in a behind-the-scenes look at Miller Park and the Brewers front office, as well as additional insight into some nuances of America’s Favorite Pastime.
In short, the women taking part in the event put on by Brewers Enterprises had signed up for an entire day of fun at Miller Park, beginning at 9am and lasting through the game that evening.
To start their day, the ladies congregated behind the visitor’s dugout, where they were greeted by Vice President of Brewers Enterprises, Jason Hartlund and Penny Foust, Associated Bank CTP Vice President of Treasury Management.
They then heard from Vice President-Assistant General Manager, Gord Ash and Coordinator, Administration- Amateur Scouting, Amanda Kropp. The session covered information on day-to-day operations and the different tiers within the department–scouting, player development and the Major Leagues. The participants had the chance to ask questions and they took full advantage of the opportunity, inquiring about such baseball intricacies such as the infield fly rule, options and waivers and the draft process.
Gord Ash speaks at Brewers Baseball Basics for Women.
Next, the women were split up into five different “teams” and headed off to different areas of the ballpark for sessions with women in the Brewers front office.
The teams rotated to visit each of the five sessions, traveling on a behind-the-scenes tour of Miller Park along the way, including a visit to the home clubhouse and a walk around the warning track to the home bullpen, where they reviewed different pitches with Bullpen Catcher Marcus Hanel.
Tours of Miller Park usually feature a visit to the visitor’s clubhouse, but the ladies had a rare treat– a special trip through the home clubhouse, where they got to see the lockers, weight room, training room and dining room.
The teams heard about the Brewers philanthropic efforts and community events and programs from Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation and Katina Shaw, Director of Community Relations and Family Liaison.
Over in the Press Box, the teams learned about broadcasting, in-game entertainment and what it takes to pull-off 81 homes games and a major event like Brewers on Deck from Aleta Mercer, Senior Director of Entertainment and Broadcasting. (For more on Aleta, click here.)
The session with Marcie Pasbrig, the Catering and Sales Manager for DNC SportService and Leslie Bishop, the NYCE Stadium Club and Gehl Club Manager for DNC SportService took place in the NYCE Stadium Club where the teams learned about the catering and hospitality. They also had a chance to sample some of the delicious fare offered at Miller Park.
Miranda Bintley, Grounds Manager was supposed to speak about her job overseeing the playing fields in both Miller Park and Helfaer Field, but she was unavailable because she is soon expecting her first child, so her boss, Grounds Director, Gary Vanden Berg, pinch hit for her and “covered that ground”. (For more on Gary and his crew, click here.)
Gary Vanden Berg speaks to a team in the home dugout.
As Senior Manager of Advertising and Marketing, I also had the pleasure of hosting a session about our advertising, ticket promotions, social media efforts and general marketing strategy.
Our session took place in the Media Interview Room, so fans like Julie Hanrahan had fun posing in front of the backdrop.
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I could tell all of the women in attendance were big Brewers fans. In fact, I had been asked to touch on the topic of retail in my sessions and I jokingly said to each group, “Well, I was supposed to talk about retail, but just looking at this group, I see you’re all very familiar with our retail operations!” Almost every woman there was wearing Brewers gear and it was great to see.
Because I was speaking to the different groups as they rotated through this high-powered lineup, unfortunately, I was unable to attend the other speakers’ sessions. However, the feedback I did receive later from both my colleagues and the attendees was very positive across the board.
“I was impressed with the questions the women asked,” Amanda Kropp commented to me. I agreed. All of the women who attended my sessions came prepared with plenty of great questions and also, valuable feedback.
The groups reconvened for a question and answer session with Brewers Manager Ken Macha, outfielder Joe Inglett and his wife, Kelly, emceed by Brewers TV Analyst Bill Schroeder.
Topics covered in that session ranged from what a typical day looks like for a player versus a manager and why the Brewers have been hit by pitches so many times this season to how many games the players’ wives typically attend during a season and what they do while their husbands are traveling on the road.
Joe Inglett, his wife, Kelly and Manager Ken Macha take questions from the fans.
The morning concluded with a drawing for special prizes such as holding the finish line for the Klement’s Sausage Race and throwing out the first pitch at that night’s game. Each woman who attended the event also received a gift bag that included a bobble head, a 2010 Brewers Yearbook, a copy of the book, Down in the Valley by Gregg Hoffmann (a history of Milwaukee County Stadium), and a pink Brewers hat from Associated Bank.
The group was then released for a couple of hours before they returned with a guest to Helfaer Field for a special tailgate which included food and drinks, photo opportunities with the Klement’s Famous Racing Sausages and appearances by John Axford, Randy Wolf, Zach Braddock, Chris Narveson and George Kottaras.
The participants and their guests then attended the Brewers-Pirates game at 6:10 pm, where their day of fun was capped off with an 8-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
I’m thankful for this great opportunity to spread my love of the game (and my job!) to this group of women and I hope that they had as much fun as I did.
I also hope that next year, we get even more women to come out to get a glimpse at the women behind-the-scenes at Miller Park and to learn more about the sport that Milwaukee has embraced for years.
-CAIT
Doug Davis: Throwing Strikes On and Off the Mound
On Sunday, August 8, Brewers pitcher Doug Davis will host a Bowl-a-Thon at Pinstrikes Bowling Center at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, Wisconsin. Davis will be joined by Brewers teammates and coaches at the event, where proceeds will benefit the Miracle League of Milwaukee through the Doug Davis Foundation and the Brewers Community Foundation.
The Doug Davis Foundation, whose motto is, “Helping better the lives of children,” started in 2008 with a golf tournament while Davis was playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He established the Foundation to help assist children with various medical, social and family needs. Over the next couple of years, Davis has held more events such as poker tournaments, meet and greets, and special behind-the scenes ballpark tours in addition to what has now become his annual Celebrity/Charity Golf Invitational. The proceeds from some of those events have gone to the Miracle League of Arizona, helping to build a baseball stadium designed for use by children with special needs.
The Miracle League of Milwaukee is a project that the Club has been supporting in various ways this season, including through the Pepsi Refresh Project. Fifteen teams across Major League Baseball are asking fans to join them in making a difference in America’s communities; each Club has presented a proposed community project for support and here in Milwaukee, the Club has chosen the Miracle League, campaigning for fan votes and an ultimate $200,000 grant to fulfill the project. (Click here to cast your vote up to ten times a day until Tuesday, August 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.)
Because of Davis’ work with the Miracle League of Arizona, the Miracle League is also something that Davis strongly supports and he will donate the proceeds from the Bowl-a-Thon to the Miracle League of Milwaukee.
“Children, you know, like the song says, they are our future. The Miracle League in particular is very special to me because without it, those kids don’t get to play. They want to be just like the big leaguers they see on TV, with the field and the amenities. To know that you’re sharing your love for the game with them and that you’re helping them, it makes you feel really good inside. And when you see them play and realize the sense of achievement that they get out of it, it is very humbling,” Davis said.
There are a number of different ways to participate in the Bowl-a-Thon, which takes place from 6-9 p.m., following the Brewers vs. Houston Astros game.
Lane sponsorship is $1000 and includes bowling for five people plus a Brewers player, five tickets to a Brewers game, free food and drinks at the event, goodie bags including an autographed baseball, additional autograph and photograph opportunities, plus raffle prizes. The high bowler in each lane will also receive an autographed custom bowling pin. Individual spots are available for $200.
While the Doug Davis Foundation has held poker and golf events, Davis has never held his own bowling event, though he has participated in them in the past.
While it is Davis’ first time hosting a Bowl-a-Thon, this is not the first time for the Brewers. Most recently, former Brewers outfielder, Mike Cameron, hosted the Brewers Bowl-a-Thon in 2009.
I did a little homework before our interview. Over the past 6 seasons (2004-2009), Davis has been in the top 25 National League pitchers in strikeouts for five of those seasons, including finishing tied for third in 2005, his personal best. In addition, Doug’s current average strikeouts per nine innings pitched (K/9) is 7.98 in 2010.
It’s okay, though. Davis has an excuse. He will be bowling right-handed in the event to protect his pitching arm, especially as he treats his tendinitis.
So, if Davis isn’t overly confident in his own bowling abilities…who is the best bowler on the team?
Players currently scheduled to appear at the event along with Davis are: John Axford, Zach Braddock, Ryan Braun, Chris Capuano, Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Joe Inglett, Kameron Loe, Casey McGehee, Chris Narveson, Manny Parra, Randy Wolf, and more.
“So, are you picking Ryan Braun to win it all then?” I pressed.
While Davis has made his prediction, it still sounds like it’s anyone’s ballgame. However, one thing is for certain: On Sunday, August 8, the Miracle League of Milwaukee will be the true winner as the team and fans come out to have a fun time and raise money for this worthy cause. We hope to see you there!
To participate in the event or for more information, visit brewers.com/community, or contact Greg Harris with the Doug Davis Foundation at (847) 924-6140 or via e-mail at gharris@dougdavisfoundation.org. For more information on the Miracle League of Milwaukee, please visit www.miracleleaguemilwaukee.org.
John and Cait Preview Brewers On Deck 2010
The Brewers annual fan fest, Brewers On Deck, will take place this Sunday, January 31, but today, John and Cait have a sneak preview of all the fun that is in store for you! We are going to throw a lot at you in this preview and this map will help you plan your afternoon at the event.
First of all, this year’s Brewers On Deck is bigger and better than ever. The event has taken many forms since it first began at Brookfield Square Mall in 2004. Each year, we learn a little more and try to grow the event to make it bigger and better than even before. Brewers Senior Director of Entertainment and Broadcasting, Aleta Mercer has again been in charge of organizing this event that has really turned into something no Brewers fan will want to miss.
Last year was the first year that the event was held at the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee. This year, we’re returning to the same location, but we have two times the space to work with and more attractions to entertain fans once they get in the door.
Brewers On Deck will feature a number of activities for the entire family. There will be autographs and photos from Brewers players and coaches, interactive games and clinics for kids in the Associated Bank Kids Zone, Q&A sessions and game shows with Brewers players, coaches and broadcasters, the latest Brewers merchandise (including 40th Anniversary items), and much, much, more.
First of all, everybody loves autographs and the chance to rub elbows with players and coaches from the 2010 team.
With 30 players scheduled to sign at the event, you’ll have lots of choices. Welcome back some of your favorites, like Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. Get a jumpstart on the 40th Anniversary Season by purchasing some of the new merchandise that will be available at the event and getting it signed by Brewers great and Hall of Famer Robin Yount. Or, take the opportunity to add new Brewers like Randy Wolf, Gregg Zaun, LaTroy Hawkins or Carlos Gomez to your autograph collection.
Autograph sessions will be staggered during the event, and autograph tickets–ranging from free to $25 each–will be available on the day of the event only. There will be 250 autograph coupons available for each player at the event, and coupons will be distributed one hour prior to each autograph session, so make sure you get there early!
Dave Bush signs autographs for fans at Brewers On Deck 2009.
The doors to the Midwest Airlines Center open at 10 a.m. and the first autograph sessions begin at 11 a.m. A good tip would be to buy your On Deck tickets in advance if you want to get in an autograph line early. Brewers coaches will be signing free autographs following their Q&A session with fans and select Brewers alumni will also sign free following clinics in the Little League diamond.
It is important to note that cash will be the only form of payment accepted at the pay stations in the autograph area, so make sure you hit up an ATM on your way downtown (there will also be ATMs inside the Midwest Airlines Center). Proceeds from the autographs will go to Brewers Charities and other charitable causes. A full autograph schedule can be found here.
The photo sessions made available to fans are also a great way to capture a great memory with your favorite Brewer. A group of 33 Brewers players, alumni and coaches will appear at three photo stations scattered throughout the afternoon in half hour segments. The photos are free of charge. We would recommend bringing your own camera to take pictures. The first session will start at 11 a.m. and the last session will start at 3:30 p.m.
Mitch Stetter poses with fans at Brewers On Deck 2009 in the Photo Area.
Three stages will be set up throughout the convention hall, featuring programming and other activities for fans throughout the day.
The Brewers Main Stage will feature various question and answer sessions with top Brewers baseball executives, a pair of game shows featuring players and alumni (“Who Wants to Be A Brewer?” and “Brewers vs. Alumni Feud”), a fashion show showcasing the latest Brewers gear and a roundtable discussion with members of the Milwaukee media who cover the team on a regular basis. The game shows were definitely hits at last year’s “Bob Uecker’s Winter Warm Up” and there are some new surprises in store for 2010.
Fans and local media will be introduced to Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez and reintroduced to newly acquired lefty Doug Davis at a press conference scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on the Main Stage.
The Brewers Interactive Stage will feature the Brewers Anthem Challenge with fans vying for an opportunity to sing the National Anthem at Miller Park, so start practicing hitting those high notes! Also scheduled for the Brewers Interactive Stage is a Q&A session with the Brewers Player Development and Scouting staff as well as a live web chat on brewers.com with Gregg Zaun, Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva.
The Newsradio 620 WTMJ stage will broadcast live from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature interviews with Brewers players and coaches. If you are a Brewers fan who cannot make Sunday’s event, the web chat and radio broadcast are two fantastic ways to interact and participate from home.
All proceeds from the event benefit Brewers Charities and other charitable causes, so make sure you stop by the Brewers Charities area at On Deck. This year, they’re hosting a Treasure Hunt, which will feature some hard to find Brewers items for sale. Additionally, Brewers Charities will be collecting food to be donated to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee. Collection barrels will be set up at the Brewers Charities area in the Midwest Airlines Center, so don’t forget to bring your non-perishable food items with you to On Deck.
Fans will also be able to take part in the Brewers On Deck Scavenger Hunt. If you can locate the four player photos placed strategically around the venue at different attractions, you will uncover a special promotional code that will allow you to purchase tickets online for select Brewers games at a special 50% savings.
To help celebrate the 40th Anniversary season in 2010, fans can visit the Brewers Museum at On Deck to relive some Brewers moments of the past. Watch some of the best plays in team history, check out every team photo in team history, read newspapers from some of the most historic moments in team history and check out some pretty neat artifacts from 1970 through today.
In addition to all of these activities, kids will also have a great time at the batting cages or speed pitch and will be able to stay active in the Home Run Fitness area. Fans can also visit with Brewers sponsors, check out sports memorabilia from collectors in the memorabilia area, purchase a Brewers Kids Club Membership Kit ($25), and pick up Season and Group Ticket information.
There will be so much to do on Sunday, it is hard to list everything. Some other interesting attractions that we want you to check out are displays from four of the Brewers minor league affiliates and the FS Wisconsin stage where fans are offered a chance to be a sports announcer at the FS Wisconsin Sports Desk.
We’re excited that the event is coming up so soon, not only because a great time will be had by all, but also because it means that the start of the baseball season is that much closer. Something comforting to think about on a cold, January day. If you cannot make the event, we will have a full review here and on brewers.com.
-John and Cait
johnandcait@brewers.com
Brewers On Deck will take place on Sunday, January 31 from 10am to 5pm at the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee. Advance tickets are just $15 for adults and $9 for kids.
Tickets purchased at the door on the day of the event will be $20 for adults and $15 for children 14 and under. Cash will be the only form of payment accepted on the day of the event.
Autograph sessions will be staggered throughout the day with autograph tickets ranging from free to $25 (available only at the event).Please note that cash will be the only form of payment accepted at the pay stations in the autograph area. Proceeds from the autographs will go to Brewers Charities and other charitable causes.
There are a variety of parking structures and street lots surrounding the Midwest Airlines Center. For more parking information, please visit www.parkmilwaukee.com.
For an up-to-date schedule of events, or to purchase tickets, click here.
Randy Wolf Set For Introduction to Milwaukee Media Today
The Randy Wolf signing is now official as the lefty passed his physical this morning in Milwaukee. Wolf will be introduced to the Milwaukee media today at a 3 p.m. press conference at Miller Park.
Wolf’s contract is a three-year deal with a club option for the 2013 season.
Here are a few numbers on Wolf:
- The 33-year old went 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA in a career-high 34 starts with the Dodgers in 2009, 24 of those starts were quality starts tying him with Cliff Lee for the most among Major League lefties
- His ERA in 2009 was his best since 2002 (3.20)
- He owns a career record of 101-85 with a 4.13 ERA in 279 games (275 starts) and has spent time with Philadelphia (1999-2006), Los Angeles (2007, ’09), San Diego (2008) and Houston (2008)
- His older brother, Jim, has been a Major League umpire since 1999
In addition, Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin also announced the signing of veteran infielder Craig Counsell to a one-year contract.
Check out brewers.com and Adam McCalvy’s blog for more information on the Wolf signing. I will also post some pictures following today’s press conference.
–John
John and Cait
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