Last night we welcomed the riders from Rolling Thunder, Chapter 2.  Based out of Sanford, this group is committed to keeping the memories of POW and MIA soldiers in the hearts, thoughts and prayers of the American people.  They were a TREMENDOUS group to work with and their presence at the ballpark was heart warming.  Over 40 motorcycles rode around the warning track to start the game.   It was impressive, loud and awesome all at the same time.

Rolling Thunder’s honor guard also joined us for the pre-game ceremonies, which included a moment of silence, the National Anthem performed by the Maine Games winner and Maine National Guard Member Crystal Ryder and an official first pitch by Leon Tanguay.  Leon is a World War II Veteran, former Prisoner of War and has a truly amazing story.  Here is a snippet of that story, that we read as his bio for his first pitch:

“Walking out to our mound we have our honorary first pitch, Mr. Leon Tanguay.  Leon is a lifelong resident of Sanford,  is the father of five children, a grandfather and a great grandfather.  He served in the US Army during WWII where he was a member of the 28th Infantry Division.  Corporal Tanguay was captured in France in August of 1944.  He was transported to Germany where he remained a POW for nine months.  As a prisoner he worked on repairing the bombed out railroad tracks and worked at clearing the streets of Munich after the bombing of that city.  He was put to work on a farm in Austria picking up potatoes, and he also worked digging  holes so that the women Polish prisoners could replant trees.  Leon was liberated from the POW camp in Austria at the end of WWII.  He was awarded the State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal.  Please join us in thanking Corporal Leon Tanguay, Former POW, WWII Veteran and native Mainer.”

Here’s a guy that has lived a 1,000 lifetimes and helped countless people.  He could not have been more sweet and the crowd loved him.  Why wouldn’t they?  In addition to his life’s work, LOOK AT HIS FORM!

Tonight’s game promises to be very fun as well.  Everyone knows it’s Tax Day, so we have found some levity in the situation.  Thanks to Jones, Rich & Hutchins, we will be giving away a beautiful granite memorial to a “lucky” fan during the game. Uncle Sam will be with me to draw the winner during the game.  Take a break from crunching numbers, have a laugh and a hot dog and spend a nine inning vacation with us!

Then you missed an amazing dance performance, a beautifully sung version of God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch and the ever popular Running of the Children.  It’s like Running of the Bulls, only adorable and with bases.  It happens after every Sunday home game and is the staff’s favorite promotion.

There is still more Sea Dogs baseball to be had:   we are home tomorrow at 6pm.  The gates open to the park at 4:30pm.  Tomorrow night will be a blast beacuse we will be kicking off the game with a motorcycle parade around the warning track.  Chapter 2 of Rolling Thunder seen here:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/203682049693273/  will be on hand in force to ride around the warning track.  They will read their mission statement, so you’ll learn a little bit about what makes them so awesome.

If you can’t be here on Monday, be sure to get here Tuesday.  We realize it’s tax day and will be celebrating with Uncle Sam and a Tombstone giveaway.  Get it, Death & Taxes?  One lucky fan will be drawn (you  have to enter) to win a tombstone thanks to the hard working people at Jones, Rich & Hutchins.  It’s going to be awesome.

We wrap up the homestand on Wednesday with a noontime game.  Before the Sea Dogs head to Binghamton, be sure to bring the kids to the park for some day baseball.  Thanks to 99.9 The Wolf, there is an awesome family deal that includes Four Tickets, Four Hot Dogs, Four Sodas and a Game Day Program for $44.00.  You can order this by going here:  https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1174844-W96uE9I51O.

I will try to get some photos of the motorcycle parade to post if you miss all of the fun.

The gates of Hadlock Field are open for another beautiful April afternoon game.  We’re saving you a seat for our 1pm conest where the Dogs look to make it three straight wins.  On tap we have a pre-game dance performance by kids from The Dance Studio of Maine as well as our Hood Kids Club member parade around the warning track.  Become a member of our Kids Club here:  http://www.milb.com/team2/page.jsp?ymd=20090115&content_id=496124&vkey=team2_t546&fext=.jsp&sid=t546

During the game we’ll have our usual between innings games and contests.  After the game don’t forget, we have our Sunday tradition of all kids running the bases (ages 16 and under) thanks to Prime Motor Group.  Any kid at the game today can participate, just head to the left field gate immediately after the last out!

If you can’t make it today, we have another stellar forecast ordered for Monday’s 6pm game.  Chapter 2 of Rolling Thunder will be here pre-game with a motorcycle parade around the warning track.  More info to come on that soon!

Back at Hadlock Field, the Sea Dogs’ very own band, The Kastaways!

 

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The Portland Sea Dogs welcomed “The Kastaways” back to Portland Saturday as the mascot band made their Hadlock Field debut.  The Sea Dogs have contracted with “The Kastaways” to perform at every Saturday home game in 2012.

“The Kastaways” were formed in 1993 following the official name the team contest for Portland’s new professional baseball team. It was during the grueling contest that Herman the Power Hog, Sir Nigel Rathbone the Wharf Rat, Spike the Porcupine, Clarence the Clam, and Pete the Puffin formed a strong friendship and discovered they shared a love of music. Ultimately the five lost out to the popular Slugger the Sea Dog but up from the ashes of the disappointment rose a truly unique band; “The Kastaways” Mascot Band.

After nearly 20 years of touring the country “The Kastaways” are thrilled to be back in Portland for the summer of 2012 to perform together on the front plaza prior to every Saturday home game at Hadlock Field. The popular quintet is known for their high energy performances combining their magnificent music with zany ad libs. There is no slight of hand in their performances just great music and a lot of fun!

“We are thrilled to bring The Kastaways back to their roots in Portland,” Sea Dogs General Manager Geoff Iacuessa said.  “Their performances are sure to delight Sea Dog fans all season.”

The band will feature Clarence the Clam on drums, Pete the Puffin on keyboard, Herman the Power Hog on bass guitar and vocals, Spike the Porcupine on guitar and vocals, and Sir Nigel Rathbone the Wharf Rat on guitar and vocals.

The band wanting to embrace their Maine roots will wear L.L. Bean Boots at all of their performances.

“It has been a long time since we have performed in Portland and we are excited to finally get the chance to showcase our skills at Hadlock Field,” Kastaways guitarist Herman Dean said. “Portland really created us many years ago and we are happy to return home where we belong.”

The Kastaways will perform their eclectic array of music in the front plaza at Hadlock Field beginning approximately one hour and 45 minutes prior to the scheduled game time and finish up about 15 minutes after the scheduled start of each Saturday game. Their unique shows are sure to entertain kids and adults alike.

The band is available for bookings.  Contact the Sea Dogs at 207-874-9300 for more information.

In coming back to Maine the band set up a new Facebook page where they will post updates about the band throughout the season.  The link to their page is www.facebook.com/thekastaways.

Band Schedule:

April 14                 11:15 AM- 1:15 PM

April 28                 11:15 AM -1:15 PM

May 19                 11:15 AM- 1:15 PM

May 26                 11:15 AM- 1:15 PM

June 9                   4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

June 30                 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

July 14                   4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

August 4              4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

August 18            4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

Book your nine inning vacation!  Tickets for all 2012 Sea Dogs’ home games are available and can be ordered by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

 

Ever get that feeling like you’re forgetting something?  I feel like there is something big happening tomorrow and I can’t remember what…I’m sure it will come to me.  Hope it’s not a dentist appointment.

It’s round two in the Minor League Madness promotion that is being put on by 47 Brand.  Be sure to vote for the Sea Dog’s hat today!  Go to this link:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/47Brand and add “Sea Dogs” as your vote to the comment section beneath this graphic:

It’s really important that you put your comment on 47 Brand’s facebook page under this graphic.  (Just follow the link).  That is how they count their votes.  Commenting our OUR facebook page, which we always encourage, will not get your vote counted for their contest.

While biscuits are normally delicious and I’m sure the Biscuits as a team are perfectly nice people, this is a competition!  Pledge to a no carb diet today at least in your hat selection.

Sorry to all if I flooded your in boxes with a “new post”.  I have no idea what happened and am feeling like my mom does with her cell phone.  Let’s blame wordpress and try this again:

I played sports in college so at one time I was fairly competitive, once even described by a teammate as “cut throat”, which I took as a compliment.  Now, in the twilight of my athletic career I’ve swapped my competitive nature for a more loving, caring personality.

However…

47 Band is putting on a little competition they call “Minor League Madness”.  They have pitted us up against a Triple-A Team, the Durham Bulls.  It is a true David vs. Goliath match up, with us being David.  EVERYONE knows Durham from the movie Bull Durham, and while I too harbor feelings for Kevin Coster and his smoldering stare, I refuse to loose in this match up.

You must vote for us today.  To do so, go to the 47 Brand Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/47Brand.  Just coment underneath the graphic and say “Sea Dogs” or “Portland” or “Portland.  Obviously”.  The graphic that you are commenting on looks like the one below:

We aren’t really sure when it ends, but vote as soon as you can.  They will post the results in the morning.  Spread the word to your friends.  Vote for David in this David and Goliath match up.

Kevin says “Hey ladies, I’ll vote for Portland, as soon as I get out of this pool”.

My desk planner tells me that today is the first day of Spring, so, in honor of this day, I thought I would highlight the first homestand and some of the activities that we have planned.  That and the weather should make everyone think of baseball this week.

Thursday April 5^th

The Portland Sea Dogs open on the road in Reading, PA at 4:05pm.  Get a jump start on the rest of the Sea Dogs fans and hear Mike Antonellis on WPEI 95.9 and 95.9, our new flagship station.  You can also follow Mike and his travel tweets @seadogsradio.  Where the team goes, Mike goes, so he is a great resource for up to date information regarding the team.

Thursday April 12^th 6pm Game Time, Gates open at 4:00pm

Opening Day!  Talk about a command performance.  We have a 71 home game schedule that lasts through Labor Day, yet Opening Day is the most nerve-wracking day of all, at least for me.  Our winter of hard work is put to the test and we open our doors to the public.  Thanks to U.S. Cellular, we are giving away a fleece blanket to the first 1,000 fans that enter the park.  In addition to the adorable giveaway, this day has special meaning because it is the start of something new, which is always exciting.  We do a full introduction of both teams in the pre-game, and you get your first glimpse of the team you will root for through Labor Day and beyond.

Friday April 13th 6:00pm Game Time, Gates open at 4:30pm

This is a college night at the park, and Courtney and everyone in Group Sales has been hard at work contacting local colleges, universities and specifically Sport Management programs to attend the game and see how we put on our show.  Sport Management as a major in college has seen an enormous jump in popularity amongst undergrads and grads in recent years, and we are fortunate to have a strong base of schools in Maine and New England from which to draw talent.  Additionally, we know that we are an excellent classroom for these future students (and let’s be serious, probably my future bosses), so it only works out for us to endear ourselves to them from the start.

We have reached out to college championship sports teams and are going to recognize them before this game.  So, if your team won a championship, start harassing your Athletic Director for more information about this game.

Saturday April 14^th 1:00pm Game Time, Gates open at 11:30am

Come out to Hadlock Field for some day baseball and pay tribute to your local “Hometown Heroes”.  These are the men and women of your local Fire, EMS and Police Departments that help keep our cities and towns safe throughout the year.  They will be honored on the field before the game.  If you know someone who needs to be recognized in this, contact your local Fire, Police or Emergency Responder Department, as they already have the letters calling for nominees.  Also, the first 1,000 fans through the park that day will also receive a Sea Dogs magnet schedule thanks to Paul G. White.  The magnet schedule is clutch for people who can never refold the pocket schedules properly.  Have you tried? It’s like putting shoes back into the shoe box.

Sunday April 15^th 1:00pm Game Time, Gates Open at 11:30am

New for 2012, we are doing a special Faith & Family Day at Hadlock Field.  I know, isn’t everyday family day here?  Well, technically, yes, but we are working to make this day extra special.   Brayton has been contacting churches and youth groups to join in a special a pre-game chat about how our players and coaches balance their busy travel schedules with their own personal faiths, family lives and goals, as their loved ones are usually thousands of miles away.  If you have a church or a youth group interested, contact Brayton at bchase@seadogs.com.

This is also our first Hoods Kids Club day of the season.  The activity for the Kids Club members on this day is a pre-game parade around the warning track starting at 12:15pm.  Click the Hood Kids Club link in this paragraph to sign up your kiddo if you’d like to participate in this and the other fun events throughout the season.

Also, as with every Sunday game, kids 16 and under are welcome to run the bases after the game thanks to Prime Motor Group.  Running the bases is obviously weather permitting, but we keep you posted throughout the game as to the status of the event.

Monday April 16^th, 6:00pm Game Time, Gates Open at 4:30pm

This is our special Military Monday kick off.  Military Monday is a special ticket deal available to military members and their families for Monday games throughout the season sponsored by 106.3 The Bone. Military members, weather you are active, retired or the spouse of a deployed member, can print the coupon here:  http://www.boneradio.com/.  Show the coupon and your military ID at the box office to redeem your tickets to our special Monday Games.

Additionally on this day I am happy to report that we have a motorcycle parade scheduled pre-game by the Maine Chapter of Rolling Thunder.  Rolling Thunder is a wonderful organization dedicated to keeping the memory alive of the men and women who are prisoners of war or missing in action.  This group will be at Hadlock Field in force on Monday, making a dramatic entrance onto the field via the centerfield entrance, riding around the warning track and leading the stadium in a moment of silence.  I’m a professional civilian, who could be described “soft” or “wimpy”, and know nothing of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, so please join us on this special day and thank the people who allow us to continue our cushy existence.

Tuesday April 17^th, 6:00pm Game Time, Gates Open at 4:30pm

This day is known to most Americans as tax day, a day when we are reminded of the wonders of democracy.  To commemorate this day that reminds us that only two things in life are guaranteed, Death and Taxes, we have partnered with Jones, Rich & Hutchins to give away a Tombstone to one lucky fan.  Obviously you must enter at a special sign up location in the concourse because I refuse to draw a “lucky” fan for this, and you must be present to win.  Yes, a Tombstone, why not?

April 18th, NOON Time game, Gates open at 10:30am

Who does not love day baseball?  Seriously, it is the greatest invention since electricity ruined it.  Even people who have 9-5 jobs can swing by Hadlock for “lunch”.  So what if “lunch” lasts approximately three hours?  This is also our Wolf Wednesday Ticket Deal where for $44.00 you get Four Hot Dogs, Four Sodas and a Game Day Program for $44.00.  Dave and Michelle from the Wolf will be pushing this as well, but click on this funky link to purchase:

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This homestand is always a blast because, well, baseball season is a blast.  We hope to see you at any one of the games that we highlight throughout the year.  If you have any questions about the promotions that we are doing, please feel free to reach out to me at lriley@seadogs.com.