Syracuse Hot Stove Jan. 21

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | 1/20/2011 01:24:00 AM | , , , , | 1 comments »

**Updated info: New Syracuse Chiefs Manager Randy Knorr and Washington Nationals minor league pitcher Ryan Tatusko have been added to the Hot Stove guest list.

The 2011 campaign won’t be Knorr’s first in a Chiefs uniform, however, as the former 10th round draft choice of the Toronto Blue Jays played in 182 games for Syracuse in 1991, 1992, 1995, and 1996.

“We are very excited to welcome Randy Knorr back to Syracuse,” said Chiefs General Manager John Simone. “I’m sure our fans will appreciate hearing from him at the Hot Stove as we all prepare for the upcoming season.”

Tatusko was acquired by the Nationals at the trade deadline last season in a deal that sent Cristian Guzman to the Texas Rangers. The right-hander was 9-2 with a 2.97 ERA for AA-Frisco prior to the trade then went 3-1 with a 1.72 ERA in six starts for Harrisburg. Tatusko, 25, was named to both the Texas League mid- and post-season All-Star teams.

“We are pleased that Ryan Tatusko will be among the featured guests at our Hot Stove,” Simone added. “We hope he will follow in a long line of players who have attended our event as Minor Leaguers and then gone on to successful Major League careers.”



Press Release:

GOVERNORS’ CUP TROPHIES TO BE ON DISPLAY AT HOT STOVE
Hall of Fame President Idelson, International League President Mobley on guest list

Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce that both the original and current Governors’ Cup trophies will be on display at the team’s 50th Annual Hot Stove Dinner and Silent Auction next Friday, January 21.The original Governors’ Cup was created in 1933 to be given annually to the International League’s playoff champion. It was retired following the 1987 season and given a permanent home in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The version of the Governors’ Cup that is currently in circulation was first awarded in 1988 and has been presented to the League champion in every season since. The trophy presently resides in Columbus, Ohio as a result of the Clippers’ championship series victory over the Durham Bulls this past season.

The original cup will be personally escorted to Syracuse by Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson, who has been added to the list of dignitaries at the Hot Stove’s head table. International League President Randy Mobley has also been added to a guest list that already included Washington Nationals Executive VP and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Jim Riggleman.

“We are grateful to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Columbus Clippers for allowing us to borrow the original and current Governors’ Cups for our Hot Stove,” said Chiefs President Ron Gersbacher. “Our theme for this year’s dinner is ‘The Quest Begins Now’ and there is no better way to signify the beginning of that quest than with the presence of the trophy our team will be chasing this season. We know our fans will appreciate seeing the trophies up close and we are also very excited to add such distinguished guests as Jeff Idelson and Randy Mobley to our event.”

The Syracuse franchise has captured the second-most Governors’ Cups in the history of the IL, taking home the trophy following the 1935, 1942, 1943, 1947, 1954, 1969, 1970, and 1976 seasons.

The Hot Stove will take place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool. The silent auction and cocktail hour will get underway at 5:30pm with the dinner program set to start at 7:00pm.

Tickets for the event are $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and younger or $500 for a table of ten. Fans may purchase tickets in person at the Chiefs ticket office at Alliance Bank Stadium or by calling 315-474-7833 during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.

2011 NatPack Tryouts

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | 1/20/2011 12:18:00 AM | , , , | 1 comments »


The Nationals are looking for outgoing, energic, talented, enthusiastic, dependable and generally fun people to be around?  Does that describe you? 

The Nat Pack throws out t-shirts to fans, rally the crowd, help with the President's Race, and serve as the Nationals Fan Ambassadors.  Send photo, resume and letter to entertainment@nationals.com or call 202-640-7628 for more information.  Also, see website. 

Apply by January 31, 2011 and Tryouts will be held on February 4-5, 2011.





Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/
Nats News Network. All Rights Reserved.

Press Release:

The Potomac Nationals will host their annual Hot Stove Banquet and Silent Auction Sunday, January 30 at the Hilton Springfield. For just $40, fans can enjoy a cocktail hour beginning at 5:30, a plated dinner and a full program with a keynote speaker that will be announced shortly. The evening will also feature a Silent Auction benefiting S.P.A.R.K. (Supporting Partnerships and Resources for Kids), formerly known as the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation.

Past keynote speakers have included Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, Nats president Stan Kasten, and Washington Senators great Frank Howard. The P-Nats are also proud to host a prominent player from the 2010 Carolina League Champions; they will announce the Fan of the Year and the High School baseball and softball players of the year.

As part of their ongoing efforts to support education and the local community, the Nationals will contribute all proceeds from the silent auction to S.P.A.R.K. The auction will feature memorabilia from all sports and professional teams around the country, as well as signed Nationals memorabilia. The auction will also include vacation packages, the opportunity to be GM for a day at a P-Nats home game in 2011, and much more. The silent auction will run from 5:30 until 7:45, while the Dinner and Program get underway at 6:30.

"We are so pleased to be working with Sharon Henry and S.P.A.R.K again this year," said Nationals Team President and COO Lani Silber Weiss. "S.P.A.R.K. provides funding through grants which enhance not only the classroom experience, but other initiatives including programs that increase parental involvement and provide support for families for whom English is not their first language. S.P.A.R.K. has an extremely active Board of Directors made up of representatives from area businesses and is dedicated to furthering these initiatives through their innovative grants program. Supporting our public schools is a main focus of our team's community involvement."

Tickets can only be purchased prior to the event; no payments will be taken at the door. The deadline to reserve your seat at this annual tradition is January 19th, so call 703-590-2311, extension 212 or email shooke@potomacnationals.com to sign up for one of the great days on the Potomac Nationals' 2011 calendar!

The P-Nats open their 2011 season Friday, April 8 against the Lynchburg Hillcats. Season ticket and mini plans are on sale now; act now and get your hands on a host of great Holiday Deals. The Potomac Nationals are the perfect present this holiday season, so visit us online at www.potomacnationals.com or call 703-590-2311. Let the P-Nats help you spread some holiday cheer to your friends and family!




Press Release:

GOVERNORS’ CUP TROPHIES TO BE ON DISPLAY AT HOT STOVE
Hall of Fame President Idelson, International League President Mobley on guest list

Syracuse, NY—The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce that both the original and current Governors’ Cup trophies will be on display at the team’s 50th Annual Hot Stove Dinner and Silent Auction next Friday, January 21.The original Governors’ Cup was created in 1933 to be given annually to the International League’s playoff champion. It was retired following the 1987 season and given a permanent home in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The version of the Governors’ Cup that is currently in circulation was first awarded in 1988 and has been presented to the League champion in every season since. The trophy presently resides in Columbus, Ohio as a result of the Clippers’ championship series victory over the Durham Bulls this past season.

The original cup will be personally escorted to Syracuse by Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson, who has been added to the list of dignitaries at the Hot Stove’s head table. International League President Randy Mobley has also been added to a guest list that already included Washington Nationals Executive VP and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Jim Riggleman.

“We are grateful to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Columbus Clippers for allowing us to borrow the original and current Governors’ Cups for our Hot Stove,” said Chiefs President Ron Gersbacher. “Our theme for this year’s dinner is ‘The Quest Begins Now’ and there is no better way to signify the beginning of that quest than with the presence of the trophy our team will be chasing this season. We know our fans will appreciate seeing the trophies up close and we are also very excited to add such distinguished guests as Jeff Idelson and Randy Mobley to our event.”

The Syracuse franchise has captured the second-most Governors’ Cups in the history of the IL, taking home the trophy following the 1935, 1942, 1943, 1947, 1954, 1969, 1970, and 1976 seasons.

The Hot Stove will take place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool. The silent auction and cocktail hour will get underway at 5:30pm with the dinner program set to start at 7:00pm.

Tickets for the event are $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and younger or $500 for a table of ten. Fans may purchase tickets in person at the Chiefs ticket office at Alliance Bank Stadium or by calling 315-474-7833 during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Maxwells Are Expecting!

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | 1/13/2011 01:03:00 AM | , , | 0 comments »

Congratulations to Nationals OF Justin Maxwell and wife Loren who are expecting on August 17, 2011.  Baby number three will join brother Jaidon and sister Liana.

We wish them happiness and health in this special time of their lives.  Such a beautiful family.  Thank you to Loren for sharing these wonderful family photos.


Photos Courtesy of Loren Maxwell


Photo 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/
Nats News Network. All Rights Reserved.


The Harrisburg Senators’ are hosting their First Annual Hot Stove Dinner to discuss the upcoming 2011 season on Saturday, January 22, at the National Civil War Museum.  The Senators are the Double-A Affiliate for the Washington Nationals.

Several special guest speakers are committed to attend. New Senators manager Tony Beasley will be present, as well as Washington Nationals skipper Jim Riggleman. Also attending are Nationals’ Director of Player Development, Doug Harris, and David James from MLB, representing the RBI program. Former Sens players Erik Arnesen, Adam Fox and Steve Lombardozzi will also be on hand. Fans have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session with both Beasley and Riggleman.

The event starts with a cocktail hour at 6:00 pm, and dinner following at 7:00pm. Beasley, Riggleman, Harris, and James will address the fans following dinner.

Fans can participate in a live and silent auction, as well as a raffle to benefit the RBI program, featuring several sports memorabilia items including:
  • Autographed sports items signed by Hall-of-Famers Cal Ripken Jr., Bob Feller, Brooks Robinson, and Gaylord Perry
  • Autographed baseball by former Senators, and current Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg
  • Autographed scale stock cars by Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, and Kyle Busch
  • Autographed photo of Pittsburgh Steelers Troy Polamalu
Tickets for the event are $55 per person, or $500 for a table of ten. The price includes a buffet-style dinner with chicken, pork, and vegetarian pasta, along with the question and answer session. Fans can purchase tickets through the Senators website at http://www.senatorsbaseball.com/, or by contacting Emily Winslow at (717) 231-4444 ext. 109. The last day to purchase tickets is Monday, January 17th, as no tickets will be sold at the door.

All proceeds benefit the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. The RBI Program gives boys and girls a chance to participate in baseball and softball, while increasing interest in the game and encouraging academic participation and achievement. The organization teaches the value of teamwork and encourages academic participation and achievement. Beginning in 1989, RBI has helped over 100,000 children, in over 200 cities worldwide. Through 2009, MLB clubs have drafted 170 of those RBI participants.

Hot Stove Dinner presented by KPMG and home run sponsor Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.

Happy Birthday JD Martin!

Posted by Cheryl Nichols | 1/02/2011 05:13:00 AM | , , | 1 comments »

HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY JOHN DALE MARTIN!






Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography/
Nats News Network. All Rights Reserved.