Cunnigham: IronPigs Day This Thursday!

Lehigh County Executive Donald T. Cunningham, Jr., yesterday presented a proclamation to IronPigs officials, encouraging public support as the Triple-A minor league baseball team enters its first-ever championship series.

On Thursday, anyone not wearing a pig nose will be shot on sight.

You've been warned.

Hot But Always Worth It!

Despite the incredible 104-degree temp at game time, my grandson and his friend had a blast, and managed to get a game ball each before the night was over. They were both ready to suit up, too.

LV Iron Pigs Strike Out With Northampton County Council

Last night, Northampton County considered a $10,000 grant request to the LV Iron Pigs for next year's AAA Minor League Baseball All Star Game. The money would come from hotel taxes, and Lehigh County has already committed $25,000 for this event. Council member Lamont McClure initially supported this request, noting our hotels, restaurants and nightlife attractions will benefit.

But Northampton County Bulldog Ron Angle had a different view. "Allentown, Lehigh County always seems to get our money because we're nice people and they just happen to have Allentown. Everybody's supposed to help Allentown while they keep blundering around over there." He also noted that the principals who own the Iron Pigs are multimillionaires. A dubious Jerry Seyfried told Director of Administration John Conklin, "You are looking at the only guy of a nine-member Council that voted against giving any money to Musikfest, so you better have a good sell here." Conklin swung away. "We originally said no, because it's a Lehigh County ball stadium. But the Iron Pigs, I think, have really solidified themselves so they are now set in the entire Valley."

What killed all support for this proposal was a condescending letter from Lehigh County Director of Administration Tom Muller. An irritated Council Prez Ann McHale read it into the record.

"There is $25,000 going toward the All Star game via a competitive tourism fund grant application, submitted by Mike Stershic [LV Convention & Visitors Bureau]. You should have lots to contribute since Northampton has been banking that portion of its extra 1/2% in hotel tax for the stadium for years."

McHale said, "I take offense to that." Joe Capozzolo added, "They ask for money and then they criticize us." Angle was a little more blunt. "That's how they think about us. We're a bunch of jerks, like Wayne [Grube] would always say. We're jerks over here, they're Lehigh County. They're very bright people, so put the bite on us for ten, what the hell, we're idiots."

Even McClure reversed himself. "That snarky reply, that cost them one vote for $10,000. I'm going to withdraw the resolution."

It actually cost nine votes. Nobody else was willing to sponsor this grant request, and the Iron Pigs went down looking, thanks pretty much to Tom Muller.

IronPigs Lead League in Statistic That Matters

I had good intentions. I wanted to give you a full report of Sunday's clash between the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. I watched just two innings of an ugly 14-4 loss, before heading out. Swirling winds and frosty temperatures were too much for me, although I did get to meet one of my readers.

"Are you Michael Molovinsky the blogger?"

"Why yes, I am."

I hightailed it out of Coca Cola Park, but IronPigPen reports that in the one statistic that matters - attendance - the Porkers lead the league.

"After the first weekend, the IronPigs LEAD the league in BOTH total and average attendance

8,028.25 avg - 32,113 total for Lehigh Valley IronPigs

8,020.67 avg - 24,062 total for Louisville Bats

7,529.50 avg - 15,059 total for Rochester Red Wings

7,409.67 avg - 22,229 total for Durham Bulls and star pitcher David Price

7,051.75 avg - 28,207 total for Buffalo Bisons at Coca-Cola Field (original, say)

5,721.00 avg - 11,442 total for Syracuse Chiefs

4,881.00 avg - 19,524 total for Charlotte Knights

4,850.25 avg - 19,401 total for Indianapolis Indians

The IronPigs were collectively stomped 39-13 in losing all four games to open this season in less than hospitable weather for baseball, to be polite.

In case anyone is curious, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs drew 30,037 fans to the first four games EVER at Coca-Cola Park last year.

This year, the IronPigs drew 32,113 fans to the first four ball games."

Who Wants Four IronPigs Tickets?

Seen the IronPigs yet? If you've never been to a game, now's your lucky chance.

IronPigPen is giving away four tickets to Sunday's 1:35 PM game against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. There will be a postgame Easter egg hunt and an appearance by the Easter Bunny, so these tickets are great for kids.

Write to this email address: roeler@goimageworks.com.

IronPig Shortstop Sets Poor Example

When the Lehigh Valley Catz were finished playing on Saturday, my brother called me over to see something unusual. There the players were, raking and grooming the diamond on which they had just finished playing.

It was a lot different during the Iron Pigs game on Sunday, even though the quality of baseball ball is really only a little better. Now I don't expect AAA baseball players to sweep the field between innings, but I don't expect them to throw bats either.

That's exactly what happened. When SS Mike Rouse struck out in the bottom of the third, he threw his bat in obvious frustration and nearly hit Brandon Watson in the on deck circle. The team's lead off hitter had to jump out of the way. In the meantime, Rouse just stood on the field, acting like a little baby. As a career .165 hitter in the majors, he has no room to act like a prima donna.

That's a bad example for the thousands of kids there, including the Forks As.

Three Lehigh Valley Piggies (No Iron in Them)!

By now, most of you must know I'm a baseball bum. So although I roasted, I still thoroughly enjoyed Saturday's sweltering season-opener for the Lehigh Valley Catz, in which exciting college students beat the Hampton Whalers in both games of a double-header. On Sunday, an even hotter day, I was in the stands when the Iron Pigs beat Rochester in extra innings.

For Sunday's game, I was very lucky. My seats, though on the field level, were close enough to the canopy to catch some shade. (Section 108, Row X). Just three or four rows below, you could fry eggs. But nobody, including me, knew that before the game. My grandson stiffed me for Dorney Park. Most women just laughed and hung up when I called and asked them to come.

I was a loner.

But that didn't last long. After a few innings, I noticed a little girl whose face was flushed and looked very, very hot. Her parents let her sit next to me in the space I had because of an extra ticket. A family of six people on my other side decided it was too hot for their kids, and asked me to offer their seats to some other kids.

Then we all met the real Lehigh Valley Pigs. The row in front of us had just opened up, and plenty of kids could have avoided the sun there. But two humongous members of Allentown's Auxiliary Police Department decided to plop their fat asses in that row. Soon, they were on their radios, and before you could say "pork rind," a third uniformed cop joined these tubbies. While they watched the game for three innings, kids below them were melting away.

I was going through a slow burn myself.

I finally asked how these guys could sit in seats they didn't buy when kids below them were pretty hot. I was told to mind my own business. I went back to complain, and kept complaining until an usher was finally sent to get rid of the three not so little piggies.

Now let me be clear. These dudes were uniformed and had Allentown Police-Fire patches, but carried no weapons and were probably just be some auxiliaries who dropped by (without paying) after some traffic control. But it appears that even these guys are using their uniforms to take advantage of others, instead of helping them.

On a dangerously hot day, they should display a little more common sense.

BirdZerk Visits LV IronPigs

BirdZerk entertained the fans Saturday night when the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs hosted and defeated the Charlotte Knights.

I ran into BirdZerk on my way out of the stadium, and told him he was the funniest mascot I ever saw. He hugged me and whispered in my ear, "You're the funniest man I ever saw."

Iron Pigs: The Stat That Matters to an Owner

Frank, a friend of mine, recently suggested that I add a link to the standings for our very own Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. You'll see one on my left sidebar. Despite recent signs of life, the Porkers are resting comfortably in their division basement. The have the league's worst batting average and second worst ERA. But when it comes to attendance, the Pigs are contenders. Drawing an average of 7,135 fans to home games, Lehigh Valley is second only to the Louisville Bats.

Ferrous the Philanderer?

Allentown is Nice is keeping tabs on LV IronPigs mascot Ferrous, who reportedly has been seen with Miss Piggy on more than one occasion. Ferrous has also been spotted with this obvious gold-digger.

Fifi declines comment.

The Bad News Boars

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs are off to a rocky 4-27 start, and baseball enthusiasts like Joe Owens and Bill White have noticed.

So has at least entrepreneur Jeff Crupper, who is looking to turn the team's misfortunes into a cash cow. He left this comment on my blog.

"The Lehigh Valley Iron pigs are off to one of the worst records ever in minor league history click here to order your very own Bad News Boars t-shirt or get a Bad News Boars Teddy Bear or Trucker's Cap."

Can you say trademark infringement?

Where's My Beer??

That's what Iron Piglet and future model Maya wanted from her mom and dad at a game earlier this week. Incidentally, she pitched in the ninth. If you don't see the IronPigs tonight, you'll have to wait until next Saturday.

IronPigs Report: "The cheap seats are the best!"

General Admission ticket, entitling bearer to sit on lawn outside of center field: $6.00

Two game balls caught by lucky fans: Priceless!
"The cheap seats are the best!" That's my grandson's assessment after spending Saturday night in the lawn outside center field. The IronPigs have yet to win a game, but these kids still think baseball is just another way to have fun.

My grandson reports he had more fun Saturday night than he ever did at a major league stadium. He and a few friends even formed an informal fan club for centerfielder Brandon Watson, who made an amazing catch on the warning track, threw from center right to third and started a team rally. Most importantly Watson tossed the kids one of those balls.

Historic First Pitch at Coca Cola Park

On the Lehigh Valley IronPigs website, there's a photo of the historic first pitch ever thrown in Coca Cola Park - a called strike to leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins. Sitting in the DugOut Suites behind Rollins is Northampton County exec John Stoffa. He's wearing the white Phillies hat. The woman on his left? Former Lehigh County exec Jane Ervin. The dude between and in front of them? My brother. I'm next to my brother, but was mercifully blocked out of the shot.

IronPigs & Politics: It Doesn't Get Better Than This!

(Governor Rendell, #26, has a few pointers before the game.)

10,188.

That's the official attendance for Sunday's first game ever at Coca Cola Park, an exhibition match in which defending NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 5 to 3. Leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins gave us an exciting start, proving his skills as an aggressive base runner. He singled and then quickly stole second. Following a pop up to center field, Rollins rounded the bases and slid into home. In a clowd of dust, IronPigs catcher Jason Jaramillo emerged with the ball in his mit.

Out!

Things got even better in the second inning. Geoff Jenkins, a recent $13 million acquisition from Milwaukee Brewers, took one mighty swing and scored the first home run ever hit at Coca Cola Park, a deep two-run homer hit over the right center field wall. That ball landed somewhere in Easton.

The Lehigh Valley has AAA baseball.

When the IronPigs scored their first run, fireworks exploded out of a giant coke bottle on the scoreboard. Little pink piglets danced in the field with Ferrous between innings. T-shirts were tossed into the crowd. But what made this uniquely Lehigh Valley was the resounding rendition of the national anthem by the Bethlehem Bach Choir, perhaps the best I've ever heard.

I tried out different seats during the game, but spent the first five innings in the Dugout Suites, located right behind home plate, where you can feel the breeze from every pitch. My brother and I were sitting in great seats, but our lives were in danger. You see, at least half of the Lehigh Valley's elected officials were sitting there, which is probably a violation of some law. A blogger had to be there to keep an eye on them.

"Someone with a grenade could take us all out," warned Northampton County Exec. John Stoffa, who was there with his wife, Barbara. Damned if he wasn't right.

All these elected officials were jammed into one spot, the Dugout Suites, lured by free tickets and the aroma of fried chicken, hot dogs, ribs, baked beans, assorted cheeses and fancy little pastries. It was an interesting combination of Dems and Republicans, friends for a day. But where was Ron Angle? That had me a little worried because he occasionally talks about launching a coup and naming himself King of the Lehigh Valley.

But I was the only one worried. Everyone else was having a blast.

Funniest? That's a tossup between Joe Brennan and Percy Dougherty, both of whom should consider a second career in stand up.

Nicest? That would have to be Bill Leiner, who instinctively blocked foul balls from Pat Browne's mom, even though she's a Republican. True, the net protected her anyway, but he was taking no chances. That dude should be in the Secret Service.

Most interesting conversationalists? In a world of pols, it's hard to call that one. But Rich Grucela and his lovely wife, who teaches in Nazareth, are always good for some great stories.

Best dad? Doug Reichley. A quiet and unassuming man, I saw him gently put his hands on his daughter's shoulders a few times. He obviously loves her very much.

Most charismatic? Why, Governor Don Cunningham, of course. He mesmorized my brother with a story about his earlier years, when he once picked up author Kurt Vonnegut from a local airport and brought him to my mom's house.

Biggest baseball fan? Stoffa, hands down. He looked like he was glued to his seat, soaking in every swing and pitch, as intently as my 8 year old grandson. When the game was over, I realized John actually had been glued to his seat. Apparently, Charles Dertinger had dropped by earlier that day. John still looked ten years younger and he was going for autographs last time I saw him.

Best dressed? That would have to be Tony Phillips. Even his sunglasses matched his elegant suit, complete with an American flag pin. I don't know how he got a ticket, but I'll bet it didn't come from Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Amazingly, Tony's dad, who must have ESP, called to tell him to quit talking to people and watch the game. "Too late," Tony said.

Most civil guy? Mike Donovan. He kept telling everyone to be "civil and constructive." Rendell eventually decked him, and then he and Ferrous began kicking poor Michael.

Biggest slob? That would be me. Not only did I spill baked beans all over my jacket, I also ate about six helpings. After five innings, the trumpets began. I walked back to find a bathroom but unfortunately, my trombone sounded off right as I was walking by Mayor Pawlowski, who was stuffing his pockets with hot dogs and pastries, instead of watching the damn game. I pointed at him and held my nose.

Most popular guy? Without a doubt, Lehigh County's Frank Kane. He found the beer. Unfortunately, everyone behaved except my brother.

Least popular guy? That would be Joe Long. He had no ticket, but apparently set up a tent out in the parking lot somewhere, trying to sell autographed pictures of Dan Onorato.

Fortunately, my worries about a Ron Angle coup were misplaced. As it happens, he was planning to skydive into the stadium during the Bach Choir's rendition of the national anthem, but he missed and landed in the Lehigh River.

Eat Your Heart Out, Bill White

So Morning Call humorist Bill White was bragging the other day that he's an 18-game season ticket holder with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Big frickin' deal!

As you can see, I have a VIP pass for opening day at the Dugout Suites. My ticket is so damn special it's on a lanyard. I may even pitch a few innings, but Angelina Jolie gets so worried.

Dean Browning: Box Seats to Iron Pigs Baseball for Straight A Students

On Monday, I told you about Linda, a courageous single mother who's struggling financially to send her kids to private schools. She does this because Allentown's public schools are themselves a failure. What I liked about that post were the informative comments that came from several former teachers, including Dottie, Aphrodite's daughter and a gentleman (?) who simply refers to himself as retired ASD teacher.

They care.

Lehigh County Commissioner candidate Dean Browning has an idea that might give Allentown schools a much needed boost. Yesterday, he submitted a proposal to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners today asking them to adopt an innovative plan that would provide an incentive for Lehigh County students to boost their classroom achievement. Browning calls his program the “Lehigh County Straight-A All-Stars.”

“A major plank in my campaign platform is to refocus government’s spending priorities on things that matter most to the residents of Lehigh County. In my conversation with voters, it is clear that they place a very high priority on the education of our county’s children,” said Browning. “My program would reward deserving 7th and 8th graders in Lehigh County who earn straight A’s for the last semester of the school year by giving them two box seat tickets to selected Iron Pigs baseball games starting in 2008.”

Browning estimates the program would cost the County approximately $16,800 per year, and proposes paying for it through eliminating Commissioners' pay increase ($6,000 savings) and transferring $10,800 from the “Other Special Services” line item which serves as a seldom used catchall fund in the Commissioners' portion of Lehigh County’s budget.

“I have been steadfast in my opposition to the Commissioners' decision to increase taxes on local businesses and to use the County’s borrowing capacity to build a $51 million stadium for wealthy team owners. However, the simple fact is that the project was approved and the stadium will soon be completed so we should make the best of it,” said Browning. “I think my Straight-A All-Stars program is a perfect opportunity for the County Commissioners to make lemonade from the lemons they created.”

Browning said he will also seek to partner with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley where he previously worked as Financial Manager and with Gracie Baseball to incorporate free soft drinks and concessions for the young scholars to enjoy while at the game.

“Encouraging scholastic achievement, helping to draw fans to the Iron Pigs, and spending the County’s money more effectively all in one fell swoop,” said Browning. “It’s a triple play for the people of Lehigh County.”

Next week, I'll tell you about a lengthy and tough interview I had with Browning last week. I disagree with some of his positions. I also have a major problem with one of his PAC contributors. I'll spell that out in detail, with my objection and his response.

Notwithstanding our differences, he is a welcome breath of fresh air in Lehigh County. I wish he could run in both counties.