Category: Dailies
Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity
Growing up, I always dreamed of actually playing baseball–I was completely obsessed with the Silver Bullets, the short-lived all-female professional baseball team. After a while, I realized that my dream of the big leagues could never happen the way I had envisioned it. I would have to take a different path–a path that works through the business side of baseball. However, as I start my career in baseball, I feel an odd connection to the players on the field who are also just starting their careers in baseball.
Let me elaborate.
On the most obvious level, many of the Hawks players are my age–or even younger–and are embarking on the career of their dreams. Secondly, the Hawks are a short-season Single-A team–we are the beginning. I, along with the players, are starting at the beginning and trying to work our ways all the way to the top.
In real estate, it’s all about “Location, Location, Location.” Similarly, at the Hawks–both as a player and as an intern–it’s all about “Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity.”
While I can’t speak for the 28 guys on our roster, I know “opportunity” is definitely a word being thrown around the clubhouse. After speaking to pitcher Ryan Sontag’s wife, the word she kept repeating over and over was “opportunity.” Catcher Matt Williams said the same thing–“opportunity.”
Maybe the players I work with everyday feel the same way I do–it’s all about opportunity.
Here in Boise, the players are encountering so many opportunities that could potentially further their baseball careers. And if they jump on those opportunities–every single at bat, every pitch thrown–and give it their all, it will pay off in the long run.
I can say more than ever before in my previous internships I am grateful for every single opportunity given to me by the Hawks.
I’m not sure what exactly has sparked this reflection. Maybe the fact that we (all of the interns) received our very own business cards the other day…or maybe because I found out I will be the new on-field correspondent, doing post-game interviews…or maybe it is the diagram that GM Todd Rahr put on the whiteboard in yesterday’s meeting, showing how important every single person is to the company, interns included.
Whatever the spark, it’s nice to be an intern that doesn’t feel like an intern. Instead, I feel like an intern that is one step closer to the career of her dreams. I hope the guys feel the same way on the field–I hope they feel that they aren’t just Single-A ballplayers, but are one step closer to stepping onto that big league diamond.
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Droppings from the Nest, July 9th
Last night was a big night for the Hawks as they left for Vancouver with a win under their belts and two-less guys boarding the bus.
The Hawks managed to pull out a 6-3 win over Eugene–their first win with more than a one-run lead. Additionally, the Cubs made some roster moves–RHP Mike Perconte (right) was promoted to the Daytona Cubs (High-A) of the Florida State League; and outfielder Cliff Anderesen was released. Why do I all the sudden have “Changes” by David Bowie in my head…Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!
On to the droppings:
- Will Love of the Idaho Press-Tribune recaps last night’s win, plus “An Inning With…Jon Nagel.”
- Along with a quick recap, Jordan Rodriguez of the Idaho Statesman looks at the Hawks’ lack of home runs this season–only two overall, none at home.
- J. Bates with KBCI Channel 2 has video from last night’s win in front of a sell-out crowd.
- Also, even though Cliff Andersen is no longer a Hawks, check out the story I wrote about his and Matt Williams’ tattoos.
Note: Expect a guest blog by fellow intern Greg Marconi as he says goodbye to his buddy Cliff in “Farewell to a Friend.”
Droppings from the Nest, July 8th
Not too much to preface this entry with…let’s dive straight into the droppings.
- Chris Langrill of the Idaho Statesman recaps last night’s 6-0 shutout be the Emeralds, but also focuses on Mike Perconte’s positive performance in the Hawks’ bullpen.
- Will Love of the Idaho Press-Tribune looks at the Ems’ pitchers’ stellar performance against the Hawks last night.
- While the Press-Tribune writes about the Ems’ pitching, KBCI Channel 2 has the highlights to back it up.
- KTVB Channel 7’s Zach Wolken recaps last night’s loss.
- Marketing/Media Relations Manager Kristen Nimmo and Client Relations Assistant Nicole Smith were on the morning show at Fox 12 this morning promoting this Friday’s BSU Charity Softball tournament; check out their interview!
The Hawks take on the Ems for the series finale tonight at 7:15. Robert Whitenack will take the mound and face the Eugene’s Chris Fetter. Additionally, tonight is the first Wednesday Family Feast Night of the season. Come out to the ballpark and enjoy $1 hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream sandwiches and sno cones! Visit www.boisehawks.com or call 322-5000 for tickets!
Droppings from the Nest, July 7th
Hawks secured another win last night, and, just hours from now, look to make their first 3-game winning streak of the season. Tarlandus Mitchell will be on the mound for the Hawks–he will go head to head against Eugene’s Matt Jackson.
But before we look forward, we must look at the “droppings” collected today.
- Even though the Hawks pulled a second-straight win last night, Chris Langrill of the Idaho Statesman decided to take the focus off the players for a day and instead looked at one of the Hawks’ “superfan,” Carl Krueger.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune looks at Brett Jackson’s two-out, two-run triple that drove the Hawks over the Emeralds in last night’s comeback.
- Zach Wolken of KTVB Channel 7 recaps last night’s win, 5th overall win for the Hawks.
- Check out J. Bates highlights from last night’s 5-4 win over Eugene.
DON’T FORGET: Check out www.BoiseHawks.com for exclusive articles by the HAM Insiders…three fresh ones posted this afternoon.
- Social Networking Links One Hawks Family Millions of Miles Apart
- Baseball Is Spoken Here
- Back at Square One for Converted Pitcher Joe Simokaitis

ONE MORE THING: Get the players’ perspective and check out Hawks 3B Jordan Petraitis’ blog, Living the Dream, Not the Life
Droppings from the Nest, July 5th-6th
Saturday night we saw a packed house at Memorial Stadium–about 100 more people than we saw on Opening Night. As usual, the fireworks were amazing! Additionally, we had an awesome response to 4ALS Awareness, with three local ALS groups (ALS TDI, ALSA and MDA) there for support. Cliff Williams, who is currently battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), very movingly read Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech in the 7th inning. Check out the video here.
Sunday night might not have had the attendance of the night before, but the game was one for the ages. The Hawks had the lead for the majority of the game–but gave up five runs to Eugene in the 9th only to come back and win it 9-8 in the 10th. I’m afraid I’m going to start producing stomach ulcers if we keep having games like that.
On to the droppings:
- Chris Langrill from the Idaho Statesman takes a look at the time-honored connection between baseball and the 4th of July; recaps Saturday night’ s loss to Eugene.; chats with Hawks newbie Brett Jackson and covers last night’s crazy win.
- Will Love with the Idaho Press-Tribune highlights the arrival of Cubs No. 1 draft pick Brett Jackson. and notes the end of the Hawks’ five-game losing streak.
- Channel 2 has video highlights from Saturday’s 4th of July game; and last night’s game.
Hawks looking for another win against Eugene tonight! It’s Kids Eat Free/Economy Night–kids receive a hot dog and soft drink for FREE just for coming to a game and the Hawks are making 400 1B Res tickets available at no cost to unemployed workers (up to four tickets per person). Call 322-5000 for more info. First pitch at 7:15. Go Hawks!
Droppings from the Nest, July 4th
Happy Fourth of July, everybody! Although…today feels more like Christmas in July than the Fourth. Why, you ask?
Cubs No. 1 draft pick Brett Jackson has been added to the Hawks roster and is expected to join the team at tonight’s game!! I hope Jackson will be able to give the guys a boost–especially after last night’s 12-0 loss to the Dust Devils.
On to the droppings:
- The Idaho Press-Tribune recaps last night’s 12-0 massacre by Tri-City.
- The Idaho Statesman offers a quick snippet on last night’s loss.
- Channel 6 looks at the Hawks’ continual slide.
4th of July, a Twist on Tradition
This past Easter, my sister made an interesting observation; turning to my parents, she whined, “Why do we always have to spend holidays watching baseball?” Of course, I quickly snapped back at her that we didn’t spend every holiday watching baseball. “You can’t watch baseball on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or Valentine’s Day, and you’re lucky my birthday is in December,” I said.
For the past four years straight (and numerous times off and on before that), I have spent the Fourth of July at the ballpark. As with the rest of the holidays during baseball season, watching baseball seems to be the proper way to celebrate the Fourth. But even more so than catching a game with dad on Father’s Day, the Fourth of July and baseball seem to naturally fit together–the combination of America’s favorite pastime and the celebration of the country’s existence. I can’t imagine spending my Fourth any other way.
Well, make this year number five–with a twist. I will be spending my Fourth of July at Memorial Stadium with the packed house of fans and the rest of the Hawks staff.
I think I have chosen the right career path. After all, what other job would allow me to spend my Fourth of July the same way I would if I wasn’t even working?!
Ok, so I won’t get to see the fireworks the same way as I would if I were a fan in the stands, but the view from the press box isn’t too bad. And, yes, I might be a tad more stressed than I typically would at a Fourth of July baseball game…but in the end it’s all the same.
I get to spend my Fourth of July at my favorite place to spend Fourth of July–the ballpark!
And, boy, are we preparing for quite the celebration! Memorial Stadium will see a full house and a game featuring post-game fireworks, a Memorial Stadium t-shirt giveaway at the gates and 4ALS Awareness Night. 4ALS Awareness commemorates the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech at Yankee Stadium and is designed to bring awareness and raise funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Additionally, the Hawks will wear their Main Street Mile replica 1978 Chicago Cubs jerseys that night as they take on the Eugene Emeralds.
Tomorrow will definitely be one of the more memorable Fourth of July’s I have spent at the ballpark…simply for the fact that, for the first time I won’t be one of the fans taking in the celebration from my seat in the stands, but, instead, I will be part of the team responsible for bringing the celebration to the stands. No doubt, however, I will enjoy it just the same.
Droppings from the Nest, July 3rd
Let’s keep it short and sweet:
- The Idaho Statesman reports that they Hawks lost it in the 9th last night in game 3 of the series against Tri-City.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune also has a recap of last night’s blown lead against the Dust Devils.
- The Yadkin Ripple of Yadkinville, North Carolina has a story on Hawks new pitcher Corey Martin who was picked by the Cubs in the 26th round of this year’s draft out of Western Carolina.
The Hawks take on the Dust Devils tonight for the final game of the series before heading home for tomorrow’s 4th of July game (featuring fireworks!) against the Eugene Emeralds.
Droppings from the Nest, July 2nd
Let’s cut to the chase:
- The Idaho Statesman has a quick recap of last night’s loss to Tri-City, plus a tidbit on Cubs#1 draft pick Brett Jackson.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune once again credits the Hawks’ bullpen for the team’s loss against the Dust Devils.
- Game recap and highlights from Channel 2.
- Channel 7 has an interview with Manager Casey Kopitzke and his “tragedy to triumph.”
- Baseball Daily Digest features Hak-Ju Lee (right) in their Asian prospect update.
- Local couple Lee and Ashley go to their first Hawks game–the potato race was a hit!
Droppings from the Nest, July 1st
It’s hard to believe that we now have two full homestands under our belts and that the 4th is right around the corner! The guys left early this morning for Tri-City for a three-day road trip and will be back in time for our big 4th of July celebration. But enough about scheduling, on to the droppings!
- The Idaho Press-Tribune knows the Hawks’ bats weren’t the problem in last night’s loss, but instead the pitchers’ inability to control Yakima’s bats kept them from the sweep.
- The Idaho Statesman also looks at Hawk’s near-sweep of the Yakima Bears, but Chris Langrill also chatted with new Hawk Joe Simokaitis, yet another converted pitcher.
- Per usual, Channel 2 has a game recap and highlights.
- Zach Wolken with Channel 7 has the details on last night’s game.
- Not necessarily team-related, but Fox 12 does have video from yesterday’s American Legion All-Star game held at Memorial Stadium. Check it out.