A Review - 18-Apr-2008
Rim and Hoop Yearbook--Excellent!!
I ordered the Midwest Sport's Publishing's Indiana Girl's Basketball Rim and Hoop Yearbook and received it immediately. The quality was excellent and the content equally so. I was thoroughly impressed with the editors knowledge of the teams and players of Indiana. If you want to know anything about HS girl's basketball in indiana..this Yearbook is for you! Great job! Better than any I've seen!
openlist - user review - 03/05/2008
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TWO MORE INDIANS PROMOTED TO PITTSBURGH
RHP Marino Salas and C Raul Chavez Receive a Big League Call
INDIANAPOLIS -- Right-hander Marino Salas and catcher Raul Chavez have both been promoted to Pittsburgh in the past 24 hours. This marks the first Major League call up for Salas, while Chavez has over three years of big league service time.
To make room on the 25-man Major League roster, the Pirates have optioned right-hander John Van Benschoten to Indianapolis and placed catcher Ryan Doumit on the disabled list with a fractured left thumb.
Salas went 2-0 with an 0.77 ERA and two saves in 14 Triple-A appearances this season. The 26-year-old was named Indians April Player of the Month after going 2-0 with an 0.51 ERA in 10 outings. He began the campaign with 10.2 scoreless innings out of the Tribe bullpen.
Salas entered the 2008 season with a 27-28 record and 3.59 ERA in 317 Minor League contests. He was acquired from Milwaukee on Dec. 7, 2007, in a trade that sent RHP Salomon Torres to the Brewers.
Chavez hit .306 with three HR and 13 RBI in 26 Triple-A tilts this season. The 35-year-old has played for four different big league clubs -- Montreal (1996-97), Seattle (1998), Houston (2000, 2002-05) and Baltimore (2006).
Chavez entered the 2008 campaign with a .211 BA, four HR and 40 RBI in 170 Major League games. The 19th-year professional signed with the Pirates as a Minor League free agent on Dec. 22, 2007.
Van Benschoten went 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA in four appearances for the Pirates this season. The 28-year-old was 4-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four Triple-A starts this season before his promotion on April 27.
C Carlos Maldonado has been activated from the Indianapolis disabled list to replace Chavez. The 29-year-old is 0-for-11 in five Triple-A games this season.
Maldonado was named the Tribe’s 2006 Most Valuable Player after hitting .283 with six HR and 47 RBI in 103 Triple-A affairs. He registered a .219 BA with one HR and 19 RBI in 46 tilts for the Indians a season ago.
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TRIBE INTRODUCES BUSINESS DAY PARKING SHUTTLE
Fans Can Get a Lift From IUPUI Beginning 90 Minutes Prior to First Pitch
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians are pleased to introduce a new Business Day parking shuttle for each weekday afternoon game at Victory Field.
Beginning this Wednesday, fans may park at IUPUI (lot located at West and Michigan Streets) for just $3 and take advantage of a complimentary shuttle to the ballpark. The shuttle will run continuously from 90 minutes before the game until 30 minutes after the contest.
Additional Business Day parking is available at the Indianapolis Zoo or White River State Park for just $5. The Washington Street Government Center garage is not available during Wednesday afternoon contests.
The Indians have eight weekday afternoon games remaining in 2008 -- May 14 (2 p.m.), May 15 (11 a.m.), May 21 (11 a.m.), June 4 (2 p.m.), June 25 (2 p.m.), July 9 (2 p.m.), July 23 (2 p.m.) and Aug. 13 (2 p.m.). The shuttle will be operating on all of these dates.
Fans can visit www.IndyIndians.com for a map and more information on the parking shuttle.
The Tribe continues its eight-game homestand on Monday with a 6 p.m. doubleheader against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees). Hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack and potato chips will be available for just $1 each as part of the Monday Dollar Menu promotion.
Single-game tickets are available by going online at www.IndyIndians.com, visiting the Victory Field Box Office at 501 West Maryland Street or calling Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.
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KATA'S BAT HELPS INDIANS TO 5-1 WIN OVER YANKEES
The Tribe Second Baseman Collects Four RBI For the First Time Since 2005
INDIANAPOLIS -- Second baseman Matt Kata crushed a three-run triple and tallied four RBI as Indianapolis posted a 5-1 win over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in front of 10,942 Saturday evening at Victory Field.
Kata’s three bagger to right came in the fourth inning after DH Kevin Thompson smashed a double to left, RF Steve Pearce reached on a fielding error and C Michel Hernandez drew a base on balls.
The Indians improve to 19-18 overall and 9-7 at home, while the International League-leading Yankees fall to 26-11 overall and 9-5 on the road.
Indianapolis added two insurance scores in the eighth to build a four-run cushion.
LF Nyjer Morgan reached on a fielding error before Pearce and Hernandez drew back-to-back walks. 3B Neil Walker followed with a single to score Morgan. Kata then added a sacrifice fly to plate Pearce.
Kata, who entered the contest 1-for-12 over the past four games, records his first four-RBI game since July 15, 2005. He has now driven in 17 runs in 33 contests this season.
The Tribe collected just five hits on the night, with no individual tallying more than one.
Yankees C JD Closser (2-for-3), a graduate of Alexandria High School and Indiana’s Mr. Baseball in 1998, turned in the only multi-hit effort for either team.
Scranton/W-B plated its lone run in the first when CF Brett Gardner walked, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on 1B Jason Lane’s base knock through the left side.
Indians RHP Ty Taubenheim (7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO) improved to 3-5 with the win. He is now 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in four starts at home, but 0-4 with a 9.56 ERA in four starts on the road.
Yankees RHP Dan Giese (7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO) fell to 2-2 despite not allowing an earned run. All five of SWB’s runs were unearned as a result of a season-high three miscues.
The teams continue their four-game series on Sunday at 2 p.m. RHP Ian Kennedy is slated to start for Scranton/W-B, while RHP Luis Munoz is expected to get the nod for Indianapolis.
The contest will be carried by WXLW-950 AM and www.IndyIndians.com with Howard Kellman and Scott McCauley. The pre-game show begins at 1:40 p.m.
Several promotions will surround the Mother’s Day Matinee. The first 4,000 fans receive an Indians Picture Frame courtesy of IndyMoms.com, while the first 500 mothers also receive a flower. Gates open at 12:30 p.m.
In addition, the Indians will wear pink jerseys and players will have the option of using pink bats during the game. The jerseys will be auctioned off to raise money for the Young Survivors Coalition.
Members of the Community Health/WISH-TV Knot Hole Club are then invited to run the bases after the game.
Post-game quotes -- INF Matt Kata
(did you make any adjustments during your second at-bat?)
"When you get into that hitter’s count, you look for a fastball and hope to put a good swing on the ball."
(when you hit the ball with the bases loaded, were you immediately thinking three bases?)
"Out of the box, you are thinking three. Once I saw the right fielder fiddle around with it, I took off for three."
(on the performance of RHP Ty Taubenheim)
"Ty (Taubenheim) did an awesome job tonight. He was really aggressive in the strike zone and tried to get swings early in the count. Ty continues to do a great job for us. He’s kept us in the game his last two starts, and has allowed the bullpen to come in and shut the door. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is a good team so it’s important to have starts like this to stay in the game and pick up important wins."
INDIANS RETURN TO VICTORY FIELD ON FRIDAY
The Tribe Will Face Scranton/W-B and Richmond In the Homestand
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians open an eight-game homestand on Friday when Scranton/Wilkes-Barre comes to Victory Field for a 7:15 p.m. contest. The stretch continues through May 16 as the Tribe squares off with the Yankees (May 9-12) and Richmond Braves (May 13-16).
Thurs., May 15 -- Richmond @ 11:00 a.m.
* Baseball in Education Day -- Students can learn at the ballpark by attending the second of three Baseball in Education Days at Victory Field. Lawn and reserved seats are only $4.50 each for school groups, while box seats are just $6.50 apiece. The game is presented by IUPUI and Aquafina.
* NIFS Presentation -- Representatives from the National Institute for Fitness and Sport will conduct a pre-game presentation about having a healthy lifestyle.
Fri., May 16 -- Richmond @ 7:15 p.m.
* Friday Night Fireworks -- Fans will be treated to a post-game fireworks spectacular courtesy of Coors Light.
* Girl Scout Camp Out -- Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to camp out on the Victory Field playing surface after the game.
* Seventh-Inning Stretch -- Purdue Head Football Coach Joe Tiller will be on hand to sing the seventh-inning stretch.
INDIANS ANNOUNCE 2008 TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Ten Regular-Season Games Will Be Shown On WHMB-TV 40 This Season
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians will have 10 regular-season games televised on WHMB-TV 40 in 2008. The schedule, which features seven Friday night affairs, begins May 30 with a contest against Toledo.
"We are very pleased to renew our agreement with WHMB-TV 40," Indians Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson says. "Each of these telecasts will be targeting more than one million Central Indiana households. We will bring Indians Baseball -- as great family entertainment -- into homes on an outstanding family and sports-oriented channel in TV 40."
Howard Kellman, who is in his 33rd year as radio play-by-play "Voice of the Tribe," will lead all seven WHMB home telecasts in addition to having a role with the three road games. Indiana's 2002 Sportscaster of the Year has called IHSAA football and basketball games on TV 40 since 1990-91. He has also served as the lead announcer for ESPN’s coverage of the past two Bricktown Showdowns.
Brian Dorsett, who played for the Indians in 1993 and 1995, will serve as the analyst on home telecasts in 2008. The Indiana State University graduate enjoyed Major League time with the Cleveland Indians (1987), California Angels (1988), New York Yankees (1989-90), San Diego Padres (1991), Cincinnati Reds (1993-94) and Chicago Cubs (1996). He batted .224 with nine home runs and 51 RBI in 163 big league contests.
"Howard is the top baseball play-by-play broadcaster in Indiana, and Brian is network-quality in terms of his color analysis," Burleson adds. "These telecasts will be at the highest level we have achieved during our relationship with WHMB-TV 40."
WHMB-TV 40 is carried by Comcast & Insight on Channel 9 and Bright House on Channel 22. This will be the ninth consecutive season that select Tribe games will be shown on the Central Indiana station.
"WHMB is once again excited about televising Indianapolis Indians games during the 2008 season," TV 40 Sports Director Dennis Kasey says. "The Indians are one of the best family values in Indianapolis and they fit in perfectly with our family-oriented programming. There is no franchise better than the Indianapolis Indians or ballpark better than Victory Field."
Indianapolis enters Thursday night’s game vs. Louisville with a 12-8 overall record. The Tribe’s roster features five first-round picks (LHP Sean Burnett, RHP John Van Benschoten, RHP Bryan Bullington, INF Neil Walker & OF Andrew McCutchen) and Pittsburgh’s top three prospects (McCutchen, Walker & OF Steve Pearce).
| Day |
Date |
Opponent |
Time (EDT) |
| Fri. |
May 30 |
vs. Toledo Mud Hens |
7:15 p.m. |
| Fri. |
June 13 |
@ Toledo Mud Hens |
7:00 p.m. |
| Fri. |
June 20 |
vs. Rochester Red Wings |
7:15 p.m. |
| Thurs. |
June 26 |
vs. Buffalo Bisons |
7:00 p.m. |
| Fri. |
July 4 |
vs. Louisville Bats |
6:00 p.m. |
| Fri. |
July 11 |
vs. Toledo Mud Hens |
7:15 p.m. |
| Fri. |
July 25 |
vs. Syracuse Chiefs |
7:15 p.m. |
| Thurs. |
July 31 |
@ Toledo Mud Hens |
7:00 p.m. |
| Fri. |
Aug. 1 |
vs. Toledo Mud Hens |
7:15 p.m. |
| Wed. |
Aug. 6 |
@ Buffalo Bisons |
7:05 p.m. |
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INDIANS AND PIRATES SIGN FOUR-YEAR PDC EXTENSION
Indianapolis Will Now Work With Pittsburgh Through the 2012 Campaign
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians have signed a four-year extension on their player development contract (PDC) with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The new agreement will run now through the 2012 campaign.
Indianapolis posted a 224-205 regular-season mark during its first three years as Pittsburgh’s Triple-A affiliate. Over 30 Tribe players also received big league promotions during that same time frame.
Pittsburgh’s 2008 Opening Day roster included 11 former Indians -- RHP Matt Capps, LHP Zach Duke, LHP Tom Gorzelanny, LHP Paul Maholm, RHP Franquelis Osoria, RHP Ian Snell, C Ryan Doumit, C Ronny Paulino, INF Jose Bautista, OF Nate McLouth and OF Nyjer Morgan.
The Pirates affiliation, which began in 2005, has been a success both on and off the field. It has helped the Indians produce winning baseball teams, International League playoff clubs and strong attendance numbers.
Indianapolis stayed above .500 for 145 straight days (April 5-Aug. 28) during the 2007 campaign. Since 2005, the Indians have spent 442 of 452 days (98%) at .500 or better. The streak includes 281 consecutive in-season days from April 22, 2006 to Aug. 28, 2007.
Indianapolis also spent 69 straight days (April 16-June 23) atop the IL’s West Division during the 2007 season. In 2006, the Indians spent 119 days in either first place or tied for the top spot.
The Tribe enjoyed the IL’s second-best attendance increase in 2007, jumping 10 percent from an average of 7,608 to 8,383. The Indians hosted 586,785 fans at Victory Field last year -- their best regular-season attendance total since 2001.
The 2006 Indians earned a share of the IL’s West Division crown after going 76-66. The 2005 Tribe went 78-66 and earned a spot in the IL’s Governors’ Cup Finals.
The Indians are guaranteeing warm weather on Opening Night at Victory Field. If Friday’s 7:15 p.m. contest vs. Norfolk starts with a temperature of below 60 degrees, everyone in attendance will receive a FREE ticket to another home game in April.
Season-ticket packages are available by visiting www.IndyIndians.com or calling 317-269-3545. Single-game tickets are available by going on-line, visiting the Victory Field Box Office or calling Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.
PDC EXTENSION QUOTES
Indians President & Chairman of the Board Max Schumacher
"Our relationship with the Pirates has produced strongly competitive teams the last three years. From our discussions with Pittsburgh’s new management team, we are confident that high quality baseball will continue to be presented at Victory Field throughout the length of the new contract.
"Stability and consistency are important hallmarks of the Indians’ operation, and this agreement assures us a quality field operation through 2012. The early decision enables us to avoid the uncertainties of the re-affiliation process that will exist at the end of this season among Major League and Triple-A teams operating under expiring contracts."
Indians Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson
"I am very pleased that we have reached this four-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"The Pirates new leadership team is dedicated to bringing winning baseball back to Pittsburgh, and their focus for achieving that is through a strong player development program. That dedication should bode well for Indians fans as the Pirates utilize Victory Field as an important stage for their top talent that will ultimately be performing at PNC Park."
Pirates Senior Vice President & General Manager Neal Huntington
"We are very pleased that we will be affiliated with the Indianapolis Indians for at least four more years. The city, ballpark, front office and ownership are all first class and we are fortunate to be able to finish off our players’ Minor League development in such a quality environment."
Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark
"We are very excited to be extending our relationship with Indianapolis for four more years. The Indians operate a very well-run franchise and have a Major League caliber facility in a Major League caliber city. We feel like it is an ideal environment to continue the development process and prepare our players for competing at the Major League level in Pittsburgh."
INDIANS ANNOUNCE 2008 TEAM ROSTER
First-Round Draft Picks From 2000, '01, '02, '04 and '05 Will Start In Indy
ROSTER IN PDF FORMAT
INDIANAPOLIS -- Five first-round draft picks highlight a list of 25 players who are en route to Indianapolis for the 2008 Triple-A Baseball season. The Indians' Opening Day roster will also feature 14 returning players and eight members of Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster.
LHP Sean Burnett (2000), RHP John Van Benschoten (2001), RHP Bryan Bullington (2002), INF Neil Walker (2004) and OF Andrew McCutchen (2005) were all selected by the Pirates in the opening round of Major League Baseball’s annual First-Year Player Draft.
Burnett (15 Triple-A starts, 4-5 record, 4.48 ERA), Van Benschoten (19, 10-7, 2.56) and Bullington (26, 11-9, 4.00) all spent significant time with Indianapolis in 2007. Van Benschoten also pitched in 11 games for Pittsburgh, while Bullington saw action in five contests for the Pirates.
Van Benschoten was the Tribe’s 2007 Right-Handed Pitcher of the Year, while Bullington earned Comeback Player of the Year accolades. Bullington, a former Ball State University star who was born in Indianapolis, also earned the Indians' 2005 ERA Award after going 9-5 with a 3.38 ERA in 18 starts.
Walker and McCutchen spent most of 2007 with Double-A Altoona (Pa.) before receiving Aug. 17 promotions to the Tribe. Walker hit .288 with 13 HR and 66 RBI in 117 games for Altoona, while McCutchen batted .258 with 10 HR and 48 RBI in 118 contests for the Curve.
Four of Pittsburgh’s Top-10 prospects will also start the campaign in Indianapolis. McCutchen (No. 1) and Walker (No. 2) are joined by 1B/RF Steve Pearce (No. 3) and INF Brian Bixler (No. 8).
Pearce covered four levels in 2007, starting with High-A Lynchburg (Va.) and finishing with Pittsburgh. Named Minor League Baseball’s Player of the Year by MiLB.com & Topps, he collected 31 HR and 119 RBI while hitting better than .300 at three of the four stops.
Bixler, who was named the Tribe’s 2007 Most Valuable Player, hit .274 with five HR and 51 RBI in 129 Triple-A affairs. He also earned International League Mid-Season and Postseason All-Star honors.
RHP Jonah Bayliss (16 Triple-A appearances, 3-2 record, 7.06 ERA), RHP Jesse Chavez (46, 3-3, 3.92), RHP Luis Munoz (3, 2-1, 3.12), C Carlos Maldonado (46 Triple-A contests, .219 average, 1 HR, 19 RBI), INF Adam Boeve (29, .277, 4, 6), INF Matt Kata (19, .278, 2, 5) and INF Luis Ordaz (102, .302, 3, 36) also return in 2008.
The list of newcomers includes RHP T.J. Beam, RHP Jason Davis, RHP Marino Salas, RHP Romulo Sanchez, RHP Ty Taubenheim, RHP Mike Thompson, C Raul Chavez, C Michel Hernandez, INF Josh Wilson, OF Jorge Cortes and OF Kevin Thompson.
Beam (Scranton/W-B, 29 appearances, 4-3 record, 3.59 ERA), Taubenheim (Syracuse, 19, 4-7, 6.37), R. Chavez (Scranton/W-B, 86 games, .221 average, 4 HR, 31 RBI), Hernandez (Durham, 51, .276, 4, 19) and K. Thompson (Scranton/W-B, 77, .281, 5, 37) all spent significant time in the International League a season ago.
Salas (Nashville, 14, 0-1, 4.94) and M. Thompson (Portland, 23, 4-11, 6.24) come over from the Pacific Coast League, while Davis (Cleveland, 8, 0-0, 4.76 and Seattle, 16, 2-0, 6.31) and Wilson (Washington, 15, .053, 0, 0 and Tampa Bay, 90, .251, 2, 24) join the Indians after spending a good portion of 2007 in the big leagues.
Sanchez has been promoted from Altoona after going 6-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 40 Double-A tilts a year ago, while Cortes hit .293 with two HR and 38 RBI in 112 games for Double-A Tennessee.
Bullington has been designated as the Tribe's Opening Day starter, while Davis, Munoz, Taubenheim and Van Benschoten will also begin the year in the starting rotation. Bayliss, Beam, Burnett, J. Chavez, Salas, Sanchez and M. Thompson will see action out of the bullpen.
Maldonado, Hernandez and R. Chavez will fight for playing time behind the plate, while Boeve (1B), Walker (3B), Bixler (2B/SS), Ordaz (2B/SS), Kata (2B/SS/3B) and Wilson (2B/SS/3B) will compete for innings at the other four infield positions. Cortes, McCutchen, Pearce and K. Thompson will be the club’s four outfield options.
Manager Trent Jewett will lead Indianapolis for a fourth straight year, while Hitting Coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens, Trainer Jose Ministral and Strength & Conditioning Coach Mubarak Malik also return to the Tribe’s 2008 field staff.
The lone newcomer to the Indians’ field staff is Pitching Coach Ray Searage, who spent the past two seasons in the same capacity for Altoona. He replaces Jeff Andrews, who is now pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The regular season begins on Thursday when Indianapolis travels to Pawtucket for a 7:05 p.m. contest.
Opening Night at Victory Field is Friday, April 11, when the Indians entertain Norfolk at 7:15 p.m. The Tribe is guaranteeing warm weather for the home opener. If the game starts with a temperature of below 60 degrees, everyone in attendance will receive a FREE ticket to another home game in April.
THE IL -- 125 YEARS AND GOING STRONG
The International League Turns 125 This Season
Written By Marc D. Allan, At Bat magazine
The International League turns 125 this season, and, in many ways, it's never looked better. OK, the greatest player of all-time isn't in the IL this year (as Babe Ruth was in 1914 when he played for the Providence Grays and Baltimore Orioles), and the color barrier won't be broken (which Jackie Robinson did in 1946 when he played for Montreal Royals).
But as International League President Randy Mobley points out, the league, which drew over 6.7 million fans in 2007, expects to set attendance records during the next three years. This season, Ottawa relocates to Allentown, where the franchise will be called the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Next year, a new ballpark is scheduled to open in Columbus (Ohio) and Richmond will move to Gwinnett County (Ga.). Then, Charlotte will get a new park in 2010.
"We have been looking forward to the 2008 season for a few years now," Mobley says. "In each of our ballparks we will be revisiting special moments in the league's history and in many cases hosting individuals who are part of that history. There's a common thread that we hope to make apparent between everyone who has ever attended, played in or worked at an IL game. It is going to be a season-long celebration."
To celebrate, the league will:
-- Revive its Hall of Fame and induct 27 new members, including Don Buford, a catalyst for the Indianapolis Indians' 1963 championship team.
-- Hold a game in Cooperstown on May 18 between Syracuse and Rochester. Rochester has been in the league for 121 years, and Syracuse for 94.
-- Put the anniversary logo on bases and balls.
-- Hold an on-line photography contest for fans to show their shots from the ballpark.
"Individual clubs will be doing things to emphasize their history and affiliations," says Mobley, the league president since 1990. "We want to make this a historic season in many ways."
In honor of this milestone season, we take a look at the IL's history, highlights, some of the oddities and, of course, the Indianapolis Indians' history in the league.
THE LONGEST GAME
The International League hosted the longest game in professional baseball history, a 33-inning contest between Rochester and Pawtucket, which began on April 18, 1981. The game was suspended after 32 innings and finished June 23. Total playing time: eight hours and 25 minutes.
"They tell the story," Mobley says, "about how at 3 a.m. they were fixing scrambled eggs in the concession stands for approximately 35 people who stayed. There are stories about the home plate umpire who took his nephew to the game and the boy's mom calls around frantically to find out where her son is. After several calls, she finds he's still at the ballpark. Somebody else tells the story about going home and informing his wife he'd been at the ballpark till 4 a.m. He got the 'I bet you were' response."
Some of the players that day included Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Bruce Hurst and Bobby Ojeda, who was the winning pitcher. Dallas Williams, who went on to have great years with the Indianapolis Indians, went 0-for-13 in that game as a member of Rochester.
THE IL HALL OF FAME
The International League Baseball Writers Association created the IL Hall of Fame in 1947 and continued to induct players through 1963. In all, 51 players were honored.
"Then, for some reason," Mobley says, "it just drops off the face of the earth after '63." Mobley guesses the writers association disbanded, "but we have no indication why it happened." For the past 10 years or so, league officials have talked about reviving the hall. "But we weren't even sure who was in it," Mobley says.
"One of my biggest fears was we would start it up again, induct someone and then have some long lost relative come out of the woodwork and say, 'that's nice, but he was originally inducted back in '52.'"
Now, after much research, the league felt comfortable enough to choose 27 new members -- some who you may recognize (Don Buford, Lefty Grove, Tommy Lasorda, Joe Morgan and Jim Rice), and some who you've probably never heard of.
Induction ceremonies will be held in each of the 14 IL ballparks, including June 20 at Victory Field.
WHERE DOES THE "INTERNATIONAL" COME FROM?
The International League has been the home to teams in Canada (Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver), Cuba (Havana) and Puerto Rico (San Juan). That's where the "international" comes from.
THE TRIBE'S IL JOURNEY
From 1887 to 1962, the Indianapolis Indians were in other leagues. But following the 1962 season, the American Association suspended play after 60 years, leaving the Tribe without a league.
The International League team owners had reservations -- mostly about the cost of travel -- but they let Indianapolis and Arkansas into the league in 1963 after the Major Leagues agreed to pay a $94,000 travel subsidy to the other IL teams.
That memorable seesaw season, the Indians fell behind the Atlanta Crackers by eight games on June 16, then went on a tear. By Aug. 4, they were eight games ahead of Atlanta. Over the next 15 days, the Indians lost seven games off their lead, and by Aug. 29, with eight games left in the season, they were 3 1/2 games back heading into back-to-back doubleheaders at Atlanta.
Indianapolis won three of the four games and went into the last day of the season needing a doubleheader sweep of Arkansas to win the division. But the Tribe split and Atlanta won, leaving the teams tied. In a one-game playoff, Fritz Ackley pitched a two-hitter and the Indians won, 1-0.
The Indians went on to win the pennant over Syracuse in five games. Then, on Sept. 13, Indianapolis took the Governors' Cup, beating Atlanta four games to one.
Don Buford led the league in hitting (.336), hits (206), runs (114) and stolen bases (42). He was named IL Most Valuable Player and the Sporting News' Minor League Player of the Year.
The Indians moved to the Pacific Coast League the next year. They rejoined the IL in 1998.
INTRIGUING AND CURIOUS IL FACTS
-- William "Rasty" Wright, believed to be the first Minor Leaguer to amass 2,000 hits, collected hits 65 through 365 for Hamilton in 1886-87. He batted .427 in 1887.
-- Jack Ogden won 27, 31, 24, 17, 19, 28, 24 and 21 games for Baltimore from 1920-27 before he got called to the majors in 1928.
-- Babe Dye, who played for Buffalo from 1922-25 and Toronto and Baltimore in 1926, went on to a Hall of Fame career in the National Hockey League.
-- Rube Parnham won 20 consecutive games for Baltimore in 1923. He ended up winning 33 contests that year but wasn't called to the majors.
-- Bill Kelly hit 100 home runs and drove in 431 runs for Buffalo from 1924-26. His lifetime Major League stats: 0 homers, 5 RBI.
-- Hobart "Rabbit" Whitman struck out only three times in 514 at-bats in 1925, five times in 561 ABs in 1927 and five times in 628 official plate appearances in 1932. He played for seven IL teams from 1923-33 and never made the majors. But this year, he's being inducted into the IL Hall of Fame.
-- Jimmy Walsh led the league with a .388 average in 1926. He was 40 years old.
-- George Quellich had 15 consecutive hits for Reading from Aug. 9-12, 1929. He will be inducted into the IL Hall of Fame this year.
-- Chuck Connors, who later played in the NBA and starred as TV's "The Rifleman," played for Montreal in 1948, '49 and '50.
-- Negro League veteran Sam Jethroe stole 89 bases for Montreal in 1949.
THIS DATE IN IL HISTORY
The IL put together a day-by-day calendar of its greatest moments. The Indians are listed eight times:
-- April 7, 2005: Boston Red Sox ace Curt Schilling opens the season on rehab with Pawtucket. Schilling's first game is at Victory Field, where he is tagged for seven earned runs on 11 hits.
-- April 9, 1998: Indianapolis, Buffalo and Louisville join the IL.
-- May 20, 1998: Pete Rose Jr. crushes the first pitch of the fifth inning over the left-field wall in a game at Pawtucket, starting a rally of historic proportions for the Tribe. The 10-run inning also includes a two-run homer by Guillermo Garcia, a three-run homer by Jason Williams, and a grand slam by Glenn Murray. Historians believe it is the first time in professional baseball history that a team "homered for the cycle" in a single inning.
-- July 11, 2001: Victory Field plays host to the 2001 Triple-A All-Star Game before a sellout crowd of 15,868 and a national television audience on ESPN2. Louisville outfielder Adam Dunn crushes a pair of homers, including one that lands on West Street. Indians first baseman Mike Coolbaugh also hits a two-run blast.
-- July 22, 2000: During the Indians' Governors' Cup-winning season, Victory Field sets its single-game attendance record during a Saturday match-up against the Columbus Clippers.
-- Aug. 6, 2005: Indianapolis takes both ends of a doubleheader from Toledo, 2-1 and 5-4, in an outing that begins at 6 p.m. Saturday and ends at 1:18 a.m. Sunday. The teams play again at 2 p.m. Sunday, and the Indians win, 6-1 -- their third victory over the Mud Hens in a 24-hour span.
-- Aug. 9, 1998: The International League becomes the first National Association League to draw five million fans in a single season, bolstered by the Triple-A realignment and expansion that gave the league 14 clubs. Less than three weeks later, the IL records its six millionth fan.
-- Sept. 2, 1998: Indianapolis first baseman Roberto Petagine is named the International League's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, becoming the first player to be so honored in back-to-back years.
JACKIE ROBINSON
The International League boasts that Jackie Robinson spent 1946 playing for the IL's Montreal Royals before breaking the color barrier in the Major Leagues the next year. It wasn't an easy transition for Robinson.
Writer Roger Kahn reported this story in a 1946 exhibition game between Montreal and Indianapolis in Deland, Fla. In the first inning, right after Robinson slid across home plate, a local police officer ran onto the field. The cop yelled at Robinson: "Get off the field. I'm putting you in jail."
Kahn wrote: Robinson claims his first reaction was to laugh because the situation seemed so ludicrous. But he did not laugh. Robinson had attracted a huge crowd, which was common in the south. And the crowd rose to its feet. The Indianapolis players stood stark still, watching. Then Jackie turned and walked toward the dugout. And Clay Hopper (the Royals' manager) emerged from it.
"What's wrong?" Hopper asked. "Ask the cop." The policeman: "We ain't having Negras and white boys mix in this town. You can't change our way of livin'! Negras and whites, they can't sit together. They can't play together. And you know damn well, they can't get married together!"
On April 18, 1946, Robinson debuted with four hits, including a three-run homer, stole two bases and scored four runs. He went on to lead the IL in hitting (.349) and runs scored (113) as Montreal won the Governors' Cup championship. In 124 games that season, he collected three home runs, 66 RBI, 40 stolen bases, 155 hits, 25 doubles and eight triples.
"That's a historic season for the league," Mobley says, "and one the league takes great pride in."
BABE RUTH
Babe Ruth's 1914 stats with Baltimore and Providence in the International League:
As a pitcher, he appeared in 35 games, posting a 23-8 record, while allowing 210 hits in 245 innings. He walked 101 and struck out 130. His 23 wins were second-most in the IL, one behind teammate Carl Mays.
As a hitter in 46 games, he was 28-for-121 (.231) with one home run and 10 triples.
JEWETT SET FOR FOURTH SEASON IN INDIANAPOLIS
Meulens, Ministral & Malik Also Return to the Tribe's 2008 Field Staff
INDIANAPOLIS -- Manager Trent Jewett will lead the Indianapolis Indians for a fourth consecutive season, while Hitting Coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens, Trainer Jose Ministral and Strength & Conditioning Coach Mubarak Malik also return to the Tribe's 2008 field staff.
"Trent has done a great job of leading us over the past three years, and we are very fortunate to have him back," Indians Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson says. "With Trent, we have registered more wins for our fans than we would have under different leadership. He has the complete respect of the players, and they respond very well to his very aggressive style of managing.
"Hensley is an outstanding hitting coach and a great asset to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. We are also pleased to have Jose back as our trainer and Mubarak back as our strength & conditioning coach."
The lone newcomer to the 2008 field staff is Pitching Coach Ray Searage, who spent the past two seasons in the same capacity for Double-A Altoona (Pa.). Searage replaces Jeff Andrews, who became the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach in late November.
"It’s great to see Jeff receive an opportunity at the Major League level," Burleson adds. "Many of the bright young stars on Pittsburgh’s staff developed under his tutelage, and this will be a great opportunity for Jeff to work with those pitchers once again.
"We are also pleased to have Ray join our field staff in Indianapolis. He has over 30 years of professional baseball experience, and comes highly recommended by Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark."
Over 30 of Jewett's players have received big league promotions during the past three years. Former Indianapolis pitchers Zach Duke, Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and Ian Snell are expected to be in the Pirates' 2008 starting rotation. Former Tribe position players Jose Bautista, Ryan Doumit, Nate McLouth and Ronny Paulino are also expected to make Pittsburgh's Opening Day roster.
Jewett owns a 224-205 regular-season mark in three seasons with the Indians. In 2007, the 43-year-old picked up his 200th victory in Indianapolis on July 1 and his 900th win as a Minor League manager on July 15.
Jewett, who was honored by Baseball America as the International League’s "Best Manager Prospect" in 2007, also became the first Tribe skipper to have his own blog on www.IndyStar.com.
Indianapolis earned a share of the IL's West Division crown under Jewett in 2006, while his leadership helped the Indians to the IL’s Governors' Cup Finals in 2005. Jewett posted a 154-132 record during those first two years, which marked the Tribe's first back-to-back winning seasons since 1999-2000.
Jewett became the 57th manager in franchise history prior to the 2005 campaign. The 2008 season will represent his 11th as a Triple-A manager and his 17th as an instructor in Pittsburgh's organization.
Ministral enters his 11th campaign in the Pirates farm system and his third year in Indianapolis. The 33-year-old previously worked with Rookie-League Bradenton (Fla.), Short-Season Williamsport (Pa.), High-A Lynchburg (Va.) and Triple-A Nashville (Tenn.).
Malik enters his fourth season in the Bucs chain and his third year in Indianapolis. The 25-year-old worked with Low-A Hickory (N.C.) in 2005 after joining the organization from the college ranks.
The 40-year-old Meulens begins his fourth season working with Pittsburgh farmhands. He has tutored eight of 16 position players on the Pirates' 40-man roster -- Bautista, Doumit, McLouth, Morgan, Paulino, Brian Bixler, Chris Duffy and Steven Pearce.
The 52-year-old Searage enters his sixth year as an instructor in the Pirates organization. He has guided nine of 24 pitchers on the Bucs' 40-man roster -- Gorzelanny, Maholm, Olivo Astacio, Ronald Belisario, Matt Capps, Dave Davidson, Yoslan Herrera, Luis Munoz and Romulo Sanchez.
INDIANS ANNOUNCE 2008 PROMOTIONS SCHEDULE
The Tribe Will Have Special Fireworks Shows On Opening Night & July 4
INDIANAPOLIS -- Twelve Friday Night Fireworks shows, nine Souvenir Sundays and eight Spectacular Saturday entertainment acts highlight the 2008 Indianapolis Indians promotional schedule. The slate also features nine Monday Dollar Menu games and eight Business Day affairs.
The first 4,000 fans will receive a special item from the Indians on all Souvenir Sundays during the upcoming campaign. The list includes a Wall Calendar (April 13), Mother’s Day Picture Frame (May 11), Jersey T-Shirt (June 1), Fleece Blanket (June 22), Visor Cap (July 6), Cooler (July 13), Baseball Card Set (July 27), Rowdie Bank (Aug. 3) and Knit Cap (Aug. 17).
After a Mascot Mania on April 12, six entertainment acts are slated to roll through Victory Field on Spectacular Saturdays. Dave the Horn Guy (May 10), the Pirate Parrot (May 31), ZOOperstars (June 21 & Aug. 16), Famous Chicken (July 12), Bucket Boys (July 26) and BirdZerk (Aug. 2) will all be on hand to dazzle fans.
In addition to Opening Night and the Fourth of July, the Tribe will offer 12 Friday Night Fireworks displays (April 18 & 25, May 9, 16 & 30, June 6 & 20, July 11 & 25, Aug. 1, 15 & 29).
The Monday Dollar Menu (April 14, May 12, June 2, 16 & 23, July 7, 21 & 28, Aug. 18) returns for a fifth straight season, while eight Business Day games (April 16 & 23, May 14, June 4 & 25, July 9 & 23, Aug. 13) will feature a special 2 p.m. start time.
The popular Baseball in Education program also continues in 2008 as students will have three opportunities (April 30, May 15 & 21) to apply their classroom curriculum to a baseball setting.
Children 14-and-under can enjoy "Baseball Up Close" all season long by joining the Community Health/WISH-TV Knot Hole Club for just $14. Adults can get in on the action by purchasing a full-season ticket, half-season ticket, mini plan or flex pack.
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INDIANS SIGN THREE-YEAR EXTENSION ON RADIO DEAL
XL 950 Will Carry Play-by-Play of Tribe Games Through the 2010 Season
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Indians and WXLW-950 AM have reached a three-year extension on their existing radio contract. The agreement, which now runs through the 2010 campaign, ensures that every Tribe regular-season and postseason game will be broadcast live on the all-sports station.
Howard Kellman enters his 33rd season as "Voice of the Tribe" in 2008, while Scott McCauley begins his third year as a member of the Indians’ broadcast team.
"We feel it’s important for our fans to know that all of our games will be carried live on a major station," Tribe Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson says. "The sports format of XL 950 fits the Indians very well. Raven Broadcasting has been an excellent partner, and we enjoy our relationship with them. This broadcast relationship plays a significant role in the marketing of Indians Baseball to our fans."
Raven Broadcasting operates XL 950 AM Sports Talk and Freedom 95.9 FM Talk Radio. In addition to carrying the Indianapolis Indians and Chicago Cubs, XL 950 is the home for the Dan Patrick Show, Reggie Wayne Show, Notre Dame men’s basketball, IUPUI men’s basketball, Marian College men’s hoops, Ball State football, Butler football and Cathedral High School football.
"Raven Broadcasting is delighted to take part in this three-year extension," Raven Broadcasting Vice President & General Manager Randy Tipmore says. "We are very proud to be long-term partners with one of the city’s most proud sports traditions -- the Indianapolis Indians."
Kellman joined the Indians in 1974 and has been the club's lead play-by-play announcer every season since with the exception of 1975 and 1980. He has also called games for the Chicago White Sox (1984) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1988-89).
Honored as Indiana's Sportscaster of the Year in 2002, Kellman has called IHSAA football and basketball games on WHMB-TV 40 since 1990-91. He has also served as the lead announcer on Indians telecasts since 2000.
McCauley joined the Tribe in 2006 after spending three years at XL 950 (formerly ESPN 950). McCauley hosted "The Meltdown" on Sunday mornings and "Indy College Gameday/Tip-Off" every Saturday. He also covered NBA, NFL, college and high school events for the station.
McCauley has spent parts of seven seasons as a baseball broadcaster. His previous stops include the South Bend Silver Hawks (2000-01), Akron Aeros (2002) and Dayton Dragons (2004-05).
"Howard is the premier broadcaster in Minor League Baseball, and we feel most fortunate to have him returning for his 33rd year," Burleson adds. "Scott is an outstanding baseball broadcaster in his own right, and teams with Howard to give us the best broadcast team in the Minor Leagues."
The first of 144 regular-season broadcasts will be April 3 when the Indians open the 2008 slate at Pawtucket. For updates on the Tribe during the preseason, visit www.IndyIndians.com.
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Wanna see who is in the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association UNDERCLASS WORKOUT? then click here: http://www.ibcacoaches.com/Clinics_Camps_Showcases/2008_boys_showcase_players.htm
The IBCA/IHSAA Boys Top 100 Underclass Showcase will be held on Saturday April 26, 2008. This will again be held at Ben Davis High School, located at 1200 N. Girls School Road in Indianapolis. The Showcase will start at 2:00 p.m.
This will again feature the Top 100 boys underclass players from all over the state. They will be involved in controlled drills and scrimmage games throughout the day. This is an excellent chance to see and evaluate the top players for the following season.
This is an NCAA sanctioned event and we are expecting 100 Division 1 coaches to be in attendance.
2008 Annual Spring Clinic Information
The annual IBCA Spring Clinic (Click to Register) will be held on Friday, April 25, and Saturday morning, April 26, 2008.
Lawrence North High School will again our host site in 2008.
http://www.ibcacoaches.com/Clinics_Camps_Showcases/2008_clinic_schedule.htm |
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It's that time of year again. We swing out of basketball and into High School baseball. To kick it off here are the covers for this year's 2008 Indiana High School Hit and Run magazine.
We wish to THANK the Indianapolis Indians....GO TRIBE! and the Indiana Baseball Coaches Association and all the GREAT High School Baseball coaches we have in the state of Indiana, the athletic directors and the most important part of any athletic department.....THE SECRETARIES!!
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Here are the 2008 Kentucky Eye Foundation/Anthem Kentucky All-Stars
Butler's Tia Gibbs, a Vanderbilt signee will wear the No. 1 jersey after being named Miss Basketball. She's one of six Louisville-area players who were selected, joining Fern Creek's Monique Reid, Fairdale's Ceira Ricketts, Manual's Brittany Wilson, Shelby County's Raechele Gray and South Oldham's Lauren Jones.
Franklin-Simpson's Kelleshia Cook, Marion County's Tacarra Hayes, Owensboro's Janae Howard, Paul Dunbar's Chantelle Pressley, Montgomery County's Maggie Prewitt and South Laurel's Lauren Wombles were the other selectees.
Injuries cost Lexington Catholic's Natalie Novosel (knee), Mason County's De'Sarae Chambers (foot) and Perry County Central's Heather Sturdivant (knee) to miss the tryouts. Novosel has signed with Notre Dame.
Henry Clay forward Gwen Rucker (Louisville signee) and Manual guard Danielle Woodmore (Ohio) also
Rucker attended Friday's tryout but missed Saturday's because of a volleyball commitment.
Woodmore skipped the tryouts for personal reasons according to reports
Boys team announced:
The Kentucky boys’ All-Stars roster is set. Mason Co.’s Darius Miller, Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball, will lead the boys’All-Stars.
Joining Miller on the Kentucky squad:
Tyler Brown - Apollo (Morehead State)
Arrez Henderson - Covington Holmes (Undecided)
Scotty Hopson - University Heights (Tennessee)
Desmond Johnson – Cumberland (Undecided)
Shelvin Mack - Bryan Station (Butler)
Aaron Morris - Madison Central (Undecided)
Victor Moses - Henry Clay (Undecided)
Landon Slone – Paintsville (UK)
Corey Sorrell - Covington Holy Cross (Northern Kentucky)
Michael Sparks - Tates Creek (VMI)
Taylor Stewart - Lexington Catholic (Air Force)
Head Coach Tim Davis, Campbellsville
Asst Coach Tony Hopper, Apollo
A list of the players invited to tryouts for the Kentucky All-Stars basketball team to be held April 18-19 at Georgetown College.
Boys: Tyler Brown (Apollo); Nick Brumback (Jackson Co.); Rayco Bryant (Franklin-Simpson); Dustin Day (Pineville); Adam Delph (PRP); Tyshwan Edmondson (UHA); Nick Gagel (Jeffersontown); Maurcie Gosa (North Hardin); Arrez Henderson (Holmes); Dexter Heyman (Male); Scotty Hopson (UHA); Lee Hubbard (Barren Co.); Zack Hurt (Cordia); Desmond Johnson (Cumberland); Kalen Kimberland (Adair Co.); Shelvin Mack (Bryan Station); Darius Miller (Mason Co.); Coty Minnis (Shelby Co.); Darnell Moore (Madisonville); Brock Moorman (Owensboro); Aaron Morris (Madison Central); Aaron Morris (Muhlenberg North); Victor Moses (Henry Clay); Jeff Mullaney (DeSales); Nathan Novosel (Lex. Catholic); JaQuan Ransom (Fairdale); Trevor Setty (Mason Co.); Landon Slone (Paintsville); Jordan Smart (Lex. Catholic); Corey Sorrell (Cov. Holy Cross); Michael Sparks (Tates Creek); Travis Spiceland (Marshall Co.); Clark Stepp (June Buchanan); Taylor Stewart (Lex. Catholic); Antonio Sullivan (Iroquois); Josh Terry (Henderson Co.); Matt Thomas (Ashland Blazer); Aaron Williams (Manual); Darrin Williams (Eastern); Ryan Young (Lincoln Co.)
GIRLS
Jade Barber (Ballard); Katie Behrens (Boone Co.); Kyle Brady (Central Hardin); De'Sarae Chambers (Mason Co.); Kelleisha Cook (Franklin-Simpson); Tia Gibbs (Butler); Jenna Goblirsch (Elizabethtown); Raechele Gray (Shelby Co.); Briana Green (Lex. Catholic); Whitney Hanley (Bullitt East); Laurel Hargett (Walton-Verona); Tacarra Hayes (Marion Co.); Stephanie Hodges (Conner); Janae Howard (Owensboro); Lauren Huter (Assumption); Megan Isaacs (Hart Co.); Lauren Jones (South Oldham); Kayle Lowe (Pike Central); Courtney Milam (Anderson Co.); Kayle Moses (Scott Co.); Megan Mosley (Knott Central); Natalie Novosel (Lex. Catholic); Chantelle Pressley (Dunbar); Maggie Prewitt (Montgomery Co.); Monique Reid (Fern Creek); Ceira Ricketts (Fairdale); Sarah Rowe (Rockcastle Co.); Gwen Rucker (Henry Clay); Samantha Sheeran (Central Hardin); Lenae Shouse (Breathitt Co.); Rinesha Soaper (Henderson Co.); Abby Steele (Muhlenberg North); Heather Sturdivant (Perry Central); Pilar Walker (Dunbar); Laisha Ward (Ashland Blazer); Christina Weaver (Holmes); Brittany Wilson (Manual); Lauren Wombles (South Laurel); Danielle Woodmore (Manual); Brittany Young (Graves Co.).
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Fever add player - 11-May-2008
FEVER ADDS FORMER STANFORD CENTER TO SHORT-HANDED TRAINING CAMP ROSTER
INDIANAPOLIS – Former Stanford University center Kristen Newlin has been added to the Indiana Fever training camp roster. A third-round pick (34th overall) by Houston in the 2007 WNBA Draft, the 6-5 Newlin has joined the Indiana team in Seattle where it plays its preseason finale on Saturday night.
Newlin was waived by the Comets last year, and played overseas in Turkey during the 2007-08 winter. She was signed by the Phoenix Mercury for training camp this spring, and was released after one preseason game.
She joins a short-handed Fever club who has four players still overseas and three others who did not travel with the team this weekend. Those not traveling to Seattle include All-Star forward Tamika Catchings who continues her rehabilitation of injuries sustained in 2007, and veteran guard Tully Bevilaqua who played five brief minutes in Wednesday’s preseason loss to Minnesota – only 24 hours after arriving in Indianapolis after two weeks with the Australian National Team in Australia and China. A third inactive player this weekend is rookie forward Khadijah Whittington, who will participate in commencement exercises at North Carolina State University.
The Fever’s 17-player roster includes 10 active players, of which just three are returning players from Indiana’s 2007 Eastern Conference Finals team. Veteran free agent Allison Feaster arrived in Indianapolis on Thursday, and will make her preseason Fever debut this weekend.
Indiana’s regular season opener is May 17 at Conseco Fieldhouse against the Washington Mystics (7:00 p.m.). Led by WNBA All-Stars Catchings, Katie Douglas and Tammy Sutton-Brown, the Fever bids for its first WNBA Finals appearance after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the past three seasons. Season tickets are available at FeverBasketball.com or by calling (3
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Fever TV Schedule - 4-May-2008
FEVER TV SCHEDULE INCLUDES EIGHT GAMES ON FSN INDIANA, PLUS TWO NATIONAL TELECASTS
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever begins its ninth year in the Women’s National Basketball Association, and for the ninth consecutive season, the Fever has completed its local television package with regional sports network FSN Indiana. For the seventh straight year, the tandem of Chris Denari and Debbie Antonelli will call the action on Indiana’s local telecasts.
Nearly one-third (10 of 34) of the Fever’s regular season games will be on television.
Indiana’s opening game of the regular season, May 17 against the Washington Mystics, will be the first of eight home games televised on FSN Indiana. A pair of games against Eastern Conference contender Connecticut highlights the package, featuring a rivalry which produced four overtime periods in a three-game playoff series last summer. The package also includes a pair of dates against Eastern Conference playoff foes Detroit and New York, and Western Conference powerhouse Sacramento.
Last year’s local TV package included a road game for the first time in Fever history, which was produced by FSN Arizona when the Fever battled the Phoenix Mercury. Any road TV games for 2008 are yet to be announced.
In addition, Indiana will appear on a pair national telecasts during the 2008 regular season. Its game on Tuesday, May 27 at Connecticut is part of the league’s ESPN Tuesday package which runs exclusively on ESPN2, with almost every Tuesday night showcasing the WNBA with an East Coast game followed by a West Coast game on ESPN2. A second national game airs on ESPN2 when Indiana is at New York, Thursday, June 26.
The complete TV schedule is as follows:
Date Opponent Time TV
MAY
Sat. 17 Washington 7:00 p.m. FSN Indiana
Tue. 27
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Fever players comings and goings - 23-Apr-2008
HIGGS WAIVED, GEORGE AND JINKS ADDED TO FEVER TRAINING CAMP ROSTER
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever has waived guard Stephanie Higgs and added two rookie guards to its training camp roster. Higgs, a 2007 Georgia Tech graduate, was signed as a free agent by the Fever on April 3.
Former Purdue standout Cherelle George was one of the two players added. George did not play during her senior year at Purdue. During her junior year, she earned the Big Ten’s first ever Sixth-Player of the Year Award while averaging 4.3 points per game for the 2005-06 season.
The Fever also added Constance Jinks who averaged 26.3 ppg with Israel's Maccabi Tel Kabir this past winter. Jinks graduated from UNLV in 2003 and was drafted in the third round of the 2003 WNBA Draft (38th overall) by the Houston Comets. She was in camp with the Phoenix Mercury in 2006, though has never appeared in a WNBA game.
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Practice Schedule - 18-Apr-2008
Indiana Fever Training Camp Schedule, April 20 to May 8
WHEN *
Sunday, April 20
Meeting
Monday, April 21
Practice
1:00-4:00 p.m. [media at 12:45 p.m., plus opening of practice]
Tuesday, April 22
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (post players) and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (full)
Wednesday, April 23
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (perimeter players) and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (full)
Thursday, April 24
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (post players) and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (full)
Friday, April 25
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (perimeter players) and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (full)
Saturday, April 26
OFF
Sunday, April 27
Practice
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, April 28
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30
Practice
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 1
OFF
Friday, May 2
Practice
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Depart to Milwaukee
Saturday, May 3
GAME
Preseason Game vs. Chicago (at Milwaukee, Wisc.)
Sunday, May 4
OFF
Monday, May 5
Practice
2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6
Practice
11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7
GAME
Preseason Game vs. Minnesota (Conseco Fieldhouse)
Thursday, May 8
MEDIA DAY
10:00 a.m. to Noon
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Inferno Team named - 9-Apr-2008
MEMBERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2008 INFERNO DANCE TEAM
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever has announced the members of its 2008 Inferno dance team. The Inferno is the official dance team of the Fever, appearing at all home games throughout its summer season.
This spirited and enthusiastic group of young male and female dancers gets Fever fans energized and on their feet moving to the beat of the music. Their explosive tumbling and high-energy hip-hop dance routines are performed during every Fever home game.
In addition to game performances, the Inferno dance team makes appearances throughout the spring and summer months. The dance team joins Fever players, coaches and front office staff at various community events.
Listed are the members of the 2008 Inferno:
NAME
HOMETOWN
SCHOOL/GRADE
Matt Blevins
Indianapolis
Indian Creek High School, class of 2004
Eric Blythe*
Indianapolis
North Central High School, class of 2007
Alonzo Chester
Indianapolis
Arlington High School junior
Robert Collins
Indianapolis
North Central High School senior
Allie Eibling*
Zionsville
Zionsville High School senior
Leanna Elmore
Crawfordsville
Crawfordsville High School senior
Kelsey Everitt
Carmel
Carmel High School junior
Isaiah Foggs*
Indianapolis
North Central High School senior
Ryan Galloway
New Richmond
North Montgomery High School sophomore
Carly Herring
Indianapolis
Ben Davis High School junior
Rebecca Lomax*
Indianapolis
Southport High School sophomore
Eric Lewis
Indianapolis
Pike High School junior
Precious Little*
Chicago, IL
North Central High School senior
Erin McDowell
Indianapolis
Pike High School senior
Courtney O'Connell
Indianapolis
Roncalli High School sophomore
Daniel Portis*
Indianapolis
Decatur Central High School sophomore
Shelby Reid*
Greenwood
Perry Meridian High Sc
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Season tickets now available - 9-Apr-2008
FEVER TO PARTICIPATE IN FIRST REGULAR SEASON OUTDOOR GAME IN PRO BASKETBALL HISTORY
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association will make its mark on the professional basketball landscape when they play in the first regular season outdoor game in the sport’s history. The Liberty Outdoor Classic, between the Liberty and the Fever, will take place at the home of the US Open -- Arthur Ashe Stadium, located in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens on Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to making professional basketball history, the Liberty Outdoor Classic, sponsored by American Express and The Hallmark Channel, will be the first non-tennis sporting event to take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which is the largest public outdoor tennis facility in the world.
It is not the first time the Liberty and Fever have met in New York City at a venue other than Madison Square Garden. Due to the Republican National Convention in 2004, the Fever and Liberty played at Radio City Music Hall, with New York claiming a 77-71 overtime victory.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer, will serve as the beneficiary of the Liberty Outdoor Classic. A portion of the proceeds from the game’s ticket sales, as well as various fundraising activities throughout the evening, will benefit the BCRF. This will be the second year that the Liberty has partnered with the BCRF for its annual Breast Health Awareness Night.
WNBA training camps open April 20 and the Fever hosts a preseason game on May 7 against the Minnesota Lynx (7:00 p.m.). Its regular season opener is May 17 at Conseco Fieldhouse against the Washington Mystics (7:00 p.m.). Led by WNBA All-Stars Tamika Catchings, Katie Dou
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Spring has arrived and summer is just around the
corner.
Head women's basketball coach Sharon Versyp and her staff will
be conducting eight different girls' basketball camps this summer, five
at Purdue, two team shootouts at off-campus sites and a day camp in
coach Versyp's hometown of Mishawaka, Ind.
This summer marks the third year that Versyp and her staff have provided
camps at Purdue. Using a hands-on approach and an emphasis on teaching
the fundamentals, the camps have grown each year.
"I attended basketball camp at Purdue and it was a very special
experience for me," Versyp said. "I want to make sure it is a great
experience for each of our campers. Each member of the camp staff,
including me, will be very hands on. Kids come here to learn, and we are
here to teach them. We will give them the building blocks to become the
best players they can be."
The first camp of the summer is the Parent/Daughter Camp that offers a
unique experience for both parent and child. The one-day camp is June 7
in Mackey Arena and is open to parents with daughters in first through
eighth grade.
Elite Camp, June 13 to 15, is an overnight, advanced skills camp for
girls who are starters on their varsity high school teams.
The Fundamental Junior Skills Day Camp runs June 15 to 17 from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. and will cover basic basketball skills for first through sixth
graders.
The Player Development Camp also will be held June 15 to 17 and is an
overnight fundamental skills camp for grades six through 12.
The only off-site individual camp will be held June 23 and 24 in
Mishawaka, Ind. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to
fourth graders through high school seniors. Players will be divided into
age groups and the instruction will emphasize developing fundamental
basketball skills.
The women's basketball staff will be running three team events in June.
The primary team camp will be held June 20 to 22 at Purdue and is open
to varsity, junior varsity and AAU teams. Two single-day shootouts will
be held off campus in an effort to take the Purdue experience to
different parts of the state. The first shootout will be held at
Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Ind., on June 15. A second
shootout camp will be held on June 28 at Ben Davis High School in
Indianapolis.
For more information on camps, visit purduesportcamps.com, or e-mail
Terry Kix at tkix@purdue.edu. The camp website gives descriptions of
each camp, allows you to register and pay online and has downloadable
brochures for full details on each event.
Sharon Versyp's Basketball Camps
Camp, Date(s), Grades Eligible
Parent/Daughter Camp, June 7, Grades 1-8
Elite Camp, June 13-15, Grades 9-12
Fundamental Junior Skills Day Camp, June 15-17, Grades 1-6
Player Development Camp, June 15-17, Grades 6-12
Mishawaka Day Camp, June 23-24, Grades 4-12
Team Camp, June 20-22, Varsity, Junior Varsity and AAU
Valparaiso Team Shootout, June 15, Varsity, Junior Varsity and AAU
Ben Davis Team Shootout, June 28, Varsity, Junior Varsity and AAU
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IU Women's Basketball Announces Summer Camp Dates
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana women's basketball staff will hold a series of four camps over the 2008 summer.
The "Little Hoosiers" Day Camp, which will be held June 1-2, is for girls in grades 1-6 and is from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. This camp will focus on fundamentals in individual stations, position development, and offensive and defensive strategy from 1-on-1 to 5-on-5 games. Each day includes personalized instruction with the Hoosier coaching staff and players.
The Elite Camp, which will be held June 10-12 and is for girls in grades 9-12, is a camp dedicated to advanced players who aspire to play basketball at the highest level. Campers will receive position specific skill from IU head coach Felisha Legette-Jack and other collegiate coaches. Drills, instruction and competition at this camp are intense and sure to be challenging.
The Team Shootout Camp is June 13-15 and is for junior high, junior varsity, varsity and AAU teams grades 6-12. Teams from around the country will invade Bloomington to experience the exciting competition of the Team Shootout. Teams are placed in pools according to skill level and then guaranteed at least five games against appropriate opponents as well as an automatic berth in the camp tournament. Teams must consist of at least seven players and one adult coach.
The Fundamental Camp is for girls in grades 4-12 and will take place June 20-22. This camp is designed to develop fundamental basketball skills and teach the dynamics of teamwork and sportsmanship. Camp will be divided into groups based on age and skill level. Campers will receive individual skill instruction in a fun, yet competitive, environment.
Each camp features experience in historical Assembly Hall, individual instruction from Coach Jack and other collegiate basketball coaches and players, low camper-to-coach ratios, team play, guest and motivational speakers, an awards ceremony and on site athletic trainers 24 hour per day.
Each camper in attendance will also receive a camp t-shirt and special camp giveaways.
For more information or to register on-line, visit www.hoosiersportscamps.com.
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Coach Beth Couture from Butler University will be offering the following camps this summer. Call the office at 317-940-9692 for information or visit our website at: www.bcbasketballcamps.com
INDIVIDUAL CAMP
June 9 – 13 9:00am – 4:00 pm
Grades 3 – 8
Fee: $195.00
Instruction in the fundamentals of the game will highlight this camp as well as individual instruction by a highly qualified staff. In addition, each camper will receive a T-shirt and camp ball. Swimming in our new Health & Fitness Center will be offered on special days. Campers will bring their lunch – drinks provided.
TEAM CAMP SHOOTOUTS
Saturday, June 14 9:00am - 6:00pm - FULL
Sunday, June 15 9:00am – 6:00 pm
Junior Varsity, Varsity, AAU
Fee: $250.00
One-day shootouts. Teams will play minimum 3 games with one game guaranteed to be on the Hinkle Fieldhouse main floor. Price includes T-shirts for up to 10 players. Additional shirts (for team members only) can be purchased for $5.00 each. Camp will fill with 15 teams each day.
BASKETBALL / VOLLEYBALL CAMP
July 28 – Aug 1 9:00am – 4:00pm
Grades: Basketball 3-8 Volleyball 5-8
Fee: $185.00 for both sessions
Basketball only: Grades 3-8 $135.00
Camp features skill development instruction on fundamentals, skill drills and team play for both sports. Each camper will receive a T-shirt.
DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00 am – NOON Basketball
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