The 2019 Eastern League held its annual all star game this year in Richmond Virginia and was hosted by the Richmond Flying Squirrels. This was an excellent four day celebration. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Todd “Parney” Parnell and General Manager Ben Rothrock were on hand for the full four day event. The events had a decent turnout and the All Star Game and Home Run Derby were both a lot of fun to attend. I am so glad I went. The All-Star Game was complete by a game ending fireworks show, which enhanced the Western Division win over the Eastern Division 5-0. The game saw a sellout crowd of 9,560 fans, the most in the Eastern League All-Star Game’s recorded history. The fans attending any or all of the events enjoyed themselves immensely, as magic filled the air for our countries national pastime. I am so glad I went. It’s a vacation to remember for a long time. For more information on the Richmond Flying Squirrels: https://www.milb.com/richmond
Autographed poster of The Western Division of The Eastern League from the 2019 Eastern League All-Star Game.The Diamond, as it is called, is being prepared by the grounds crew.Nutzy is entertaining the fans at one of the celebrationsNutasha, posing for the camera at one of the event celebrations.Nutzy is entertaining the fans at one of the celebrationsNutasha, is entertaining the fans at one of the celebrationsNutzy is entertaining the fans at one of the celebrations2019 Eastern League All-Star Game, at The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Richmond VA2019 Eastern League All-Star Game, at The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Richmond VA2019 Eastern League All-Star Game, at The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Richmond VAA quick pose with the Flying Squirrels mascots Nutasha and Nutzy at one of the celebration events.Box score of The Eastern League All Star Game at The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels Richmond Virginia, USA
Summer is in full swing and baseball leagues are almost at the half way point throughout all leagues from coast to coast. This year will be special in Richmond Virginia. The Richmond Flying Squirrels are hosting this years Eastern League All-Star game on July 10, 2019. Throughout the week, the Squirrels will be hosting a series of events. Here is what is going on, straight from the Richmond Flying Squirrels website:
Sunday, July 7 |Mayor Levar Stoney’s All-Star Week Kickoff Mayor Levar Stoney’s All-Star Week Kickoff will feature live performances by renowned musical artists Mighty Joshua and Trongone Band. There will also be a special performance by Ephesus Drumline. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the event runs from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.Summer is in full swing and baseball leagues are almost at the half way point throughout all leagues from coast to coast. Monday, July 8 |All-Star Music Country Jam at Richmond Raceway featuring Big & Rich Join the Flying Squirrels and the All-Star Week entourage for a special night of country music at Virginia Credit Union LIVE! at Richmond Raceway. The Squirrels will be rolling out the red carpet for All-Star Week guests, fans, visiting dignitaries and special musical guests. World-renowned stars Big & Rich will headline the All-Star Country Music Jam, plus special guests Cowboy Troy, DJ Sinisterand Mickie James! Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 |Eastern League Celebrity Home Run Derby & All-Star Pep Rally On Tuesday, July 9, the Flying Squirrels will host the Eastern League Celebrity Home Run Derby, featuring the All-Star players and special guests participating in a series of home run and hitting challenges. The event will feature a star-studded list of participants with ties to the Richmond area from across the sports and entertainment world. The Celebrity Home Run Derby special guests include: – Six-time All-Star and San Francisco Giants great Will Clark – 12-year MLB player, manager of the Flying Squirrels and the Western Division All-Stars Willie Harris – Former Richmond Brave, two-time World Series champion and Eastern Division All-Stars manager Mike Mordecai – NASCAR driver Elliott Sadler – Former VCU and NBA star Eric Maynor – Former Penn State and Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion Michael Robinson – Former UVA and New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks – University of Richmond head men’s basketball coach Chris Mooney – VCU head men’s basketball coach Mike Rhoades – Former University of Richmond and NFL running back Tim Hightower – Former Flying Squirrels standout Mark Minicozzi – Star of the hit TV show Survivor Jonny Fairplay – Former VCU basketball star and current Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox – 12-year professional soccer player and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee Rob Ukrop Gates open at 4 p.m. and the Derby will take place from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The band Three Sheets to the Windwill perform following the Celebrity Home Run Derby. On Tuesday, July 9, there will be an All-Star Pep Rally in downtown Richmond from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in partnership with Venture Richmond at One James Center Plaza, 901 E. Cary Street. Wednesday, July 10 |2019 Eastern League All-Star Game This is it! The best of the best at The Diamond on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, marking the first Eastern League All-Star Game ever hosted in Richmond. This mid-summer classic includes some of Major League Baseball’s brightest stars of tomorrow. The Eastern and Western division rivals will also be led by a celebrity manager in each dugout. Postgame Fireworks Celebrity Managers Future MLB Stars. The game will be broadcast live in primetime throughout the Richmond region on CBS 6 and WCVE! Prior to the game, join us for the Squirrels Way All-Star Block Party from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and enjoy a pregame concert from the band Spiderkelly! Gates for the All-Star Game open at 4 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Before the All-Star Game, fans can meet the stars of the Eastern League during an autograph session, featuring the All-Star players from the Eastern and Western Divisions. The All-Star teams will be comprised of the top players from around the league, with affiliates of the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies.The Eastern Division autograph session will run from 4:15 p.m.-5 p.m. and the Western Division autograph session will run from 5:15 p.m.-6 p.m. [copyright 2019 Richmond Flying Squirrels]
There will be a new team in the Carolina League in 2020. The Potomac Nationals (High A; Carolina League) have announced that site work on their upcoming Fredericksburg, VA ballpark, billed for a 2020 opening, will begin next month. They will be making the move from Woodbridge, VA.
This is an interesting story about the Independent Leagues in North America. It gives an interesting perspective about leagues outside Major League Baseball. Each Independent League is described and given the authors rating. This is not a comparison to Major League Baseball nor does it rate the leagues above or below Major League Baseball, but rather a distinct discussion and an interesting perspective of what the Independent Leagues are about and what they do. Click the link below to read the entire story. Enjoy! https://indyballisland.com/indy-ball-101/
I felt a little creative this morning and created this design of one of my favorite baseball players. I played with some creative techniques. http://www.liducks.com/home/
My list of things to do this summer include work in my profession, yard work and of course baseball. The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (Independent Baseball) and The Eastern League (MiLB) are in full swing. Since the start of the season, I have attended about ten Long Island Duck games. It’s been fun! The team is doing well, despite losing about nine pitchers signing contracts with various Major League baseball teams. I always feel like a kid again. The sunshine, the roar of the crowd and having a baseball thrown to me makes for a wonderful event! My annual visit to the Richmond Virginia this year, takes me again, to see Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball. This year is a little different. They are hosting the Eastern League All-Star Game. This will be only the second one I have ever attended, the first was in 2018 when the Long Island Ducks hosted the Atlantic League All-star Game. The Flying Squirrels are hosting a four day event 2019 All-Star Celebration, from Sunday, July 7 at Browns Island to kick off the big show. A country music event is scheduled for Monday, July 8. The Home Run Derby is on Tuesday, July 9 and the All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 10. In-between activities will include enjoy other sites of Virginia and enjoying the company of a very good friend. While this will be my only vacation this year, I will be enjoying the rest of the baseball season watching Long Island Ducks baseball. Until next time, my friends, enjoy your summer!
While driving home yesterday evening, I was saddened to hear the news that legendary musician, Dr. John had passed. His style and talent went unsurpassed, he was truly a great artist. Prior to a concert I was scheduled to photograph, about 12-13 years ago, I had met him very briefly backstage. He had a genuine, good natured personality, with an immense amount of creativity and musical skill. Rest in peace Dr. John.
It appears that there is a newer article /more information on the making of Richard Brautigans “The Hawkline Monster” into a movie. Please click the link below to read more on it. The story itself is a very interesting read!
Those interested in the writer/poet Richard Brautigan, this article from The Hollywood Reporter about Richard Brautigans story “The Hawkline Monster and what is happening, regarding a potential movie of the same name, based on the story by Richard Brautigan. Having read the story among others of Brautigan, I am interested in how The Hawkline Monster would translate into a movie. For more information click the link below https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-regency-picks-up-rights-hal-ashby-project-hawkline-monster-1215596
