WARNING: The following post is considered highly sappy and very stream of conscious. 

Wow.  I can't believe this summer has ended.  To be perfectly honest, I think I could do this all year-round and be perfectly content.  And I know a lot of my coworkers are reading this and thinking: She is absolutely insane to want to do this year-round.  What about the lack of sleep, the long hours?

Well, I say it all evens out when you are allowed to work in a business you are so passionate about.  And, yes, maybe it's because this is my first season, but this summer has truly been on of the best experiences I've had.  I've held a lot of internships, but nothing compares to my summer with the Hawks.  The staff was great, Casey Kopitzke and the coaches were awesome, and the guys, although there were times when I would get frustrated, couldn't be any nicer or more helpful.

The best part of my position is getting to know the coaches and players beyond the baseball field.  The general public always puts athletes on these pedestals because of their physical abilities, but we forget that they are people too--and do normal things like cook, read, dance, etc.

I wish I could write something about each and every player and still have readership to this blog, but I'm pretty sure that it would be the longest blog post ever, so I will refrain.

Moving on from the Hawks, I know I will never forget my time here, how much fun I had, and how many friends I made.

Thank you to everyone...the front office, the field staff, the team, the fans...everyone!

DON'T FORGET: check out Manager Casey Kopitzke's reflection of the season here.

With the end of the season now behind us, it's only fitting to do one final sweep of the droppings.  So without hesitation...

• The Idaho Statesman recaps the Hawks final game of the season (a win!) and Chris Langrill sits down with the coaching staff in reflection of the season.
• The Idaho Press-Tribune notes the season's positive ending.
• Troy Oppie with KBCI Channel 2 talks with GM Todd Rahr about the hopes for stadium renovations or a new facility in the future.
• Zach Wolken with KTVB Channel 7 looks at the Hawks' last game of the season.
• Don't forget to check out the most recent video footage by our HAM Insiders...specifiically SS Hak-Ju Lee serenading the crowd at the Booster Club/Host Family Farewell picnic on Sunday.  Priceless!

Personally, I'm still in shock that the season is over.  I have yet to collect all of my thoughts and emotions and put them into one final blog post about this fabulous summer.  Stay tuned!

Did you know Danny Keefe was a fantastic cook?  Want to know his signature dish?

Hawks Advanced Media presents Boise Hawks Top Chef Grill-Out Challenge. Watch Hawks pitcher Danny Keefe go head-to-head with front office member Greg Marconi to see who is the master chef.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kBzRYNJtzc

Well, tonight is the last game of the season--and boy, what a summer it has been.  I can't wait to sit down and actually reflect on the season...of course tying it in with a blog post as well.

But before I get ahead of myself, let's get to the droppings I need to catch up on:

• The Idaho Statesman recaps Thursday's win over Spokane and last night's loss to Tri-City.
• The Idaho Press-Tribune looks at the Wagner-led win over Spokane, and Friday's and Saturday's losses to the Dust Devils.
• Check out my most recent article about Richard Jones and his response to the Hawks Military Appreciation Night.

Blogs to come...

• Danny Keefe Top Chef Video
• Reaction to the End of the Season

The Hawks were able to pull out a win last night in 9th inning, saving fans from extra innings.  Runey Davis hit the game-winning single, leading the Hawks to a 4-3 victory over the Spokane Indians.

Now to the droppings:

• The Idaho-Press Tribune recaps last night's close game.
• The Idaho Statesman notes last night's end to the Hawks' six-game losing streak.
• Matt Swain with WrigleyBound has a bit about former Hawk Tyler Colvin.

DON'T FORGET: The Hawks game starts at 3 p.m. today.  Anybody wearing blue and orange or BSU gear will get a $2 discount on their tickets.

Also, the Hawks are sponsoring a FREE shuttle to Bronco stadium for the first 47 people that have a Hawks ticket for the September 3rd game.  You must RSVP in advance with the Hawks office at 322-5000 to get on the shuttle.  The service will take fans to and from Bronco Stadium, and you can park in the Hawks lot that night.

And if you can't catch the game in person, stay after the Hawks game for the big football post-game party in the Hawks Nest starting at 7 p.m.  Drink specials and appetizer specials will be available for everyone, there will be three large televisions broadcasting the game and you don't even need a Hawks ticket to get into the party!!

Hope to see you there! 

Today RHP Danny Keefe and Boise Hawks Group Operations Assistant Greg Marconi went head-to-head in the Boise Hawks Top Chef Grill Out Challenge.  Given basic ingredients to make an awesome steak dinner, the guys put their own spin on their dishes in order to impress our panel of judges.

Here are some pics from today...but in order to find out today's Top Chef you will have to wait for the video....

The first night back in Boise didn't turn out as the Hawks had hoped, losing to Spokane 5-1.  The Hawks were only able to record four hits, and scored their run at the very end of the 9th inning. 

As Greg Rohan said in his post-game interview, "That roadtrip was hard on us...that long sleeping in hotels and out of a suitcase, it wears on you.  We're definitely glad to be back."  So maybe it just took last night to get them back on their feet.

On to the droppings:

• The Idaho-Press Tribune recaps last night's game against Spokane
• The Idaho Statesman takes a look at last night's loss and also previews tonight's appearance by Governor Butch Otter and MLB Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew.
• Anthony Caruso with the Capital Sports Report sat down with Danny Keefe (right), check out the Q&A.
  

Not much to say today, so let's get right to the droppings:

• The Idaho Statesman recaps last night's loss to the Tri-City Dust Devils.
• The Idaho Press-Tribune looks at last night's close game--the Hawks fell in the 10th.
• Check out the quick Q&A with former Hawk Ryan Flaherty over at WrigleyBound.

The Hawks begin their last homestand of the season tonight and will be in town through Sunday.  So don't forget to bid farewell to your Boise Hawks!  Call 322-5000 or visit www.boisehawks.com for tickets!

Well, technically I haven't seen their faces yet, but the five newest Hawks are joining us just in the nick of time.  Because of the recent influx of new players, I thought it would be interesting to profile these newbies before they get in tomorrow.  Of course, my info is limited because I have yet to even meet them, but I'll see what I can dig up.

#3 OF Francisco Guzman
Bats: Left          Throws: Left
Height: 6-1        Weight: 160
DOB: 4/12/88
Hometown: Santo Domingo, DR
Acquired: NDFA 2007

After jumping from team to team this season (started with the Daytona Cubs, went to Peoria and then back to the AZL Cubs), Guzman is now making a stop in Boise.  All of 2008, Guzman played in the Dominican Summer League.  He made the jump to Daytona to take the place of former Hawks Tyler Colvin when Colvin went on the DL .  Guzman hit .263 with one RBI and one stolen base before being sent to Peoria.  There he only went 2-21 with a .095 AVG and three stolen bases.  Most recently in Mesa, Guzman has been showing off his speed with 32 stolen bases.  He also hit .264 with three doubles and two triples.

#36 RHP Dae-Eun Rhee
Bats: Left          Throws: Right
Height: 6-2        Weight: 190
DOB: 3/23/89
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Acquired: NDFA 2008

Rhee is joining Boise as he rehabs his way back up to Peoria.  After being signed, Rhee received a lot of hype but proved it to be legit when he started 10 games for the Chiefs in 2008 with 4-1 record, 1.80 ERA and 33 strikeouts.  All season, Rhee managed to allow 13 runs and 28 hits, also walking 16.  He was placed on the disabled list April of this year and has been with the AZL Cubs all season.  There he's pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and four runs with a 7.71 ERA.  He has also walked five and struck out three.

#18 LHP Austin Kirk
Bats: Left          Throws: Left
Height: 6-1        Weight: 200
DOB: 5/22/90
Hometown, Owasso, OK
Acquired: 3rd Round 2009 Draft

As this year's 3rd Round pick, Kirk was the first pitcher selected by the Cubs and was selected out of Owasso HS.  His numbers have been good so far with a 1-0 record and 3.12 ERA, allowing eight hits and three runs.  He walked four and struck out 10.  In high school Kirk led the Owasso Rams with a 9-1 record and 0.45 ERA in his final prep season.  He collected 111 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings, helping is team to State 6A Championship.

#31 LHP Brooks Raley
Bats: Left          Throws: Left
Height: 6-3         Weight: 180
DOB: 6/29/88
Hometown: Uvalde, TX
Acquired: 6th Round 2009 Draft

Raley was selected in the 6th round of this year's draft out of Texas A&M. So far with the AZL Cubs, Raley has come out with an 0-1 record and 4.15 ERA in 4.1 innings.  He allowed two hits and four hits while walking two and striking out three.




#2 RHP Steve Grife
Bats: Right          Throws: Right
Height: 6-0           Weight: 177
DOB 11/4/86
Hometown: Sheffield Lake, OH
Acquired: 26th Round 2009 Draft

Grife joins the Cubs organization from Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania where he led the Lakers with six wins and a 2.50 ERA in 11 starts this past season.  He struck out 78 and walked 19 in 68 1/3 innings.  In Mesa, Grife was 1.1 with a 6.61 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched.  He allowed 19 hits and 13 runs while walking 15 and striking out 22.



DON'T FORGET: The Hawks are playing their LAST homestand of the season starting Tuesday and going through Sunday.  Don't miss your chance to see these five brand new players and root on your old favorites!!  Call 322-5000 for tickets or visit www.boisehawks.com.

A quick weekend recap to get to, but first I need to go over some new players.  Four pitchers and outfielder Francisco Guzman joined the team on Saturday in Yakima.  Three of the pitchers, Steve Grife (26th Round), Austin Kirk (3rd Round) and Brooks Raley (6th Round) are all out of this year's draft class while fourth pitcher South Korean Dae-Eun Rhee is rehabbing from the Peoria Chiefs.

On to the droppings:

• The Idaho Press-Tribune recaps the Hawks past three games, Friday's loss to Spokane, Saturday's loss to Tri-City and Sunday's win over the Dust Devils.  Additionally, they gave us some love for our shuttle service for the upcoming BSU/UofO game on Thursday.
• The Idaho Statesman looks at the Hawks' elimination from the post season, their six-game losing streak and last night's win.