Tagged: Logan Watkins
Boise Hawks Yearbook Madness
To commemorate the soon-to-be-over 2009 season I am resorting back to my high school days and sharing a little Boise Hawks Yearbook Madness with you. I asked the guys to nominate each other for the Boise Hawks Who’s Who and also vote on the Boise Hawks Top 5 Faves. Check it out below.
And don’t forget to check out our Boise Hawks Yearbook Madness photo album here!
With his sharp duds and outgoing personality it is hard not to picture Hernandez in front of a camera. He even gave the front office a taste of his future reality show when he taught us a few a few salsa moves last homestand.
Most likely to break out in song…#7 SS Hak-Ju Lee and #8 OF Jae-Hoon Ha
Known for their stellar rendition of Ruben Studdard’s “Superstar,” Lee and Ha are the karaoke favorites of this year’s squad. Both guys are big fans of American music and often use their Ipods to learn the lyrics to their favorite songs–and more English. I think the word “angelic” has even been used to describe their voices.
Most likely to pull off the biggest clubhouse prank…#21 RHP Josh Lansford
Maybe it’s the fact that he is a “vet” so to speak or maybe it’s that Cubs hoodie he always wears (I mean you could hide a lot of prankster stuff in there), but there is no surprise that Lansford would be responsible for pulling off the biggest clubhouse prank. He’s so stealthy…I haven’t even heard what his “big prank” is.
Most likely to read on the bus…#19 RHP Danny Keefe and #14 2B Logan Watkins
When you walk into the clubhouse, these guys’ lockers look more like library shelves than lockers. Keefe and Watkins can often be caught reading on the bus or in the clubhouse before the game. Their favorite books? Happens to be the same thing–the Harry Potter series.
Most likely to start their own charity…#9 C Matt Williams
Williams has always been drawn to helping those less fortunate and has displayed that sort of attitude several times this year while participating in the Kids Club Baseball Camp and other community events. If he wasn’t a professional baseball player, Williams has said that he would like to be a youth pastor.
Most likely to offer a pep talk…#24 IF George Matheus
Also coming in second in the “Most likely to talk your ear off” category, it seems that all of Matheus’ chatter is encouraging. On the field, he combines the right amount of light-heartedness and focus to uplift his teammates. And as one of the bilingual players on the team, no one misses out on Matheus’ pep talks.
Most likely to learn the steps from a music video…#28 OF DJ Fitzgerald and Pitching Coach David Rosario
Fitzgerald isn’t really a surprise for this title; he constantly has his headphones in before and after games and carries a certain swag that could be busted into some full on dance moves at any minute. But Coach Rosario? Most wouldn’t suspect him as a dancer–but–I hear he’s a pretty mean salsa dancer.
Most likely to be caught taking a nap…#27 RHP Dionis Nunez
If there was an award for quietest Hawk, I’m pretty sure Nunez would win that one also…and probably because he would be napping. Pitchers typically have a lot of time on their hands and the grind of minor league ball can be tough. I don’t blame the guy for catching Z’s while he can.
Most likely to be lost in la-la land…#8 OF Jae-Hoon Ha
Maybe Ha should consider switching from right field as most of his teammates would describe him as “out in left field.” The high-energy outfielder often causes quizzical expressions, either from his bunny hops in the batter’s box or his unconventional paths to a fly ball.
Most likely to stare at themselves in the mirror…#43 RHP Jon Nagel and #27 RHP Dionis Nunez
Once again, pitchers have A LOT of time on their hands, and it just so happens that Nagel and Nunez (when he’s not sleeping) spend that time in front of the mirror. It’s healthy to be conscious of one’s appearance, but, guys, please don’t become Narcissus. You know how the myth goes…
Most likely to talk your ear off…#6 RHP Tarlandus Mitchell
This title is particularly funny to me because Mitchell was one of the first players I took on an appearance…and it was like pulling teeth to get him to answer my questions. However, I remember him telling me, “Once I’m out of my shell, I talk a lot.” Apparently, he’s a man of his word because he still nabbed this award without even being in Boise.
Most likely to get married first…#28 LHP Ryan Sontag
By a unanimous vote, the only married player on the team gets this title. (Somehow I think they misunderstood my question). However, Sontag not only holds “Most likely to get married” but should also covet the “Most likely to start a family” title after welcoming his new baby girl Emily in July.
Most likely to laugh at a joke/crack a joke…#30 1B Justin Bour
Whenever you walk into the clubhouse it is easy to spot Bour’s hearty laugh…probably because he is either laughing or making other people laugh all the time. The good-natured first baseman easily breaks any tension with a little bit of humor…and his cool helmet-spinning trick!
Favorite Supermodel…Heidi Klum and Beyonce (I’ll count her even though she’s not really a “supermodel”)
Favorite MLB Team…The Chicago Cubs
Favorite Sport to Watch…baseball (from little league world series to major league)
Favorite Movie Shown on the Bus…Talento de barrio and Bad Boys 2
Droppings from the Nest, August 28th
Once again, the Hawks just couldn’t pull it together to scoot by Spokane; three Boise errors allowed for three unearned runs for the Indians and a 4-2 outcome. And while Logan Watkins saw his hitting streak end with 17 games, several other Hawks kept their bats alive. Bobby Wagner extended his to 13 games, Hak-Ju Lee to 10 and Greg Rohan to nine games. The Hawks are now just one loss away from the disappearance of post-season hopes.
On to the droppings:
- The Idaho Press-Tribune notes that last night’s loss to the Spokane Indians is the Hawks’ fourth straight loss.
- The Idaho Statesman recaps last night’s game and notes that Hak-Ju Lee and Jose Valdez were both chosen for the NWL post-season all-star team.
- KTVB Channel 7 gives props to Lee and Valdez for being named to the post-season all-star team.
After Valdez was named to the post-season all-star team he was promoted to the Peoria Chiefs (Low-A). Valdez hit .302 with 17 stolen bases in Boise. Known for his speed, Valdez is tied at second in the NWL with stolen bases, only second to teammate Hak-Ju Lee (22).
Droppings from the Nest, August 25th
While some Hawks bats stayed hot, ultimately Boise fell to Spokane 14-5 last night. Bobby Wagner extended his hitting streak to 10, going 2-4 with two RBI. And Boise’s resident hot hitter Logan Watkins (right) extended his hitting streak to 15–for the second time this season. Watkins is the only player in short-season to have two 15-game hitting streaks.
Now let’s get to those droppings:
- The Idaho Statesman points out former Timberline pitcher Braden Tullis’ success against the Hawks last night.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune recaps last night’s loss to the Indians.
Droppings from the Nest, August 20th
Even with a pitchers duel between Hawks Robert Hernandez and Spokane’s Braden Tullis, the Hawks pulled out the win 1-0 thanks to an RBI single by Logan Watkins.
And on an interesting note, all three pitchers for the Hawks last night (Hernandez, Eduardo Figueroa and Dionis Nunez) happen to live with the same host family. I’m sure they went home and had a big celebration.
But now the guys hit the road for a week and a half, making visits to Yakima, Spokane and Tri City. It will be a nice break for us in the front office, and I have some pretty exciting plans in the works. Tonight I head to the Caldwell Night Rodeo, Saturday I’m planning on floating the Boise river for the second time this summer and then going salsa dancing. I’m also hoping to fit in another camping trip while the guys are gone. Oh, and lots and lots of sleep!
But before I get carried away thinking about my upcoming plans, let’s get to those droppings:
- Jordan Rodriguez with the Idaho Statesman take a look at Greg Rohan’s battle with HBP this season who has been hit seven times this season; the Statesman also has a recap of last night’s game.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune looks at the Hawks’ series win over Spokane.
Droppings from the Nest, July 28th
Driving by the stadium on my way to work this morning, I noticed all of the guys piling off the bus. I can only imagine that bus ride–brutal. But, they have the day off and I am sure while some will be catching up on the sleep they didn’t get on the bus last night, others will be out enjoying Boise.
Now, to the (limited) droppings:
- The Idaho Statesman recaps last night’s 10-2 loss in Eugene.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune also recaps last night’s game
Bromance extras: You can check out my article on the Hak-Ju Lee-Logan Watkins “bromance” on www.boisehawks.com, but also be sure to look at the photo album of all Boise Hawks “bromances”. And as an extra little tidbit, here is my interview with Hak-Ju Lee about his “bromance” with Logan Watkins (with Watkins serving as the translator); it’s pretty raw, but funny nonetheless.
Lee on Watkins Bromance.wav
And to clarify, a “bromance” is a close, non-sexual relationship between two men–essentially, they are best friends.
Droppings from the Nest, July 24th
It’s funny how my body is trained. When 5:00 rolls around I have to literally tell myself I can go home and not to the stadium.
Oddly enough, I ended up going to the stadium anyways. We were hosting a company picnic there, and even though I wasn’t scheduled to work the event, I thought I would stop by just to say hi anyway.
I guess it’s just hard for me to get out of the routine of going to the stadium every night.
Anyway, on to the droppings:
- The Idaho Statesman recaps last night’s 6-2 win over Eugene.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune also recaps last night’s game, noting Andres Quezada’s first win of the season.
- Outside the Press Box, the sports blog of Wichita State University’s student newspaper The Sunflower Times takes a look at Wichita native Logan Watkins and his recent hitting streak (which he extended to 15 games last night!)
- Also, check out my newest article “Fast Food Culture in the Clubhouse” on www.boisehawks.com.
Additionally, I just got word that the Hawks have added LHP Chris Rusin to the roster. He will join the team in Eugene tonight.
Rusin was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 4th round (140th overall)
of the 2009 draft out of the University of Kentucky. At UK, the
southpaw recorded a 7-4 season with 108 strikeouts. Rusin is coming to
Boise from Mesa where he’s pitched five innings for the AZL Cubs,
allowing one hit, walking three and strking out two.
Droppings from the Nest, July 23rd
Last night was another brutal loss for the Hawks as they fell to the S-K Volcanoes 10-8. The guys immediately loaded the bus for Eugene and will start their series with the Emeralds tonight at 8:05 pm (Boise time).
Well enough logistics, I know we have some cool droppings to collect:
- Chris Langrill of the Idaho Statesman recaps last night’s game, but also takes a look at some Hawks players’ habit of sliding into first in a pinch.
- Trent Looten from the Idaho Press-Tribune takes a look at how the Hawks loss their big lead last night.
- On kind a side note, one of our groundskeepers, Dan Mills a.k.a. Cowboy, was chosen as the focus for one of the Statesman’s “That’s My Job” photo series. So awesome!!
Boise Hawks Baseball Camp: Bringing It Back to the Kids
This week, the Boise Hawks hosted their annual baseball camp directed towards children ages 7-14. The camp is two half-day sessions jam-packed with drills. The kids had the chance to learn from Hawks players and Manager Casey Kopitzke (who is actually the first manager to take part in the yearly camp) while rotating from station to station, covering everything from base running to pitching.
Check out the montage of clips from the first day of camp here.
Besides the manager getting involved, there was also something new to the way the camp was run–on the baseball side. Manager Casey Kopitzke did not assign guys to the camp but instead hung up a sign-up sheet so the guys could volunteer on their own.
“I think it’s best if the guys decide they want to do something like this on their own,” said Kopitzke. “I want to make sure everyone has a good time…I don’t want to give a kid a bad experience because maybe the player didn’t want to be there.”
However, there was no shortage of interested players testing out their coaching skills. On the first day of camp pitcher Corey Martin manned the station on throwing basics, pitcher Yohan Gonzalez and catcher Richard Jones worked with the kids in the batting cages, first baseman Justin Bour taught the kids some ground ball skills, pitcher Danny Keefe worked on fly balls and Kopitzke took over base running. On the second day, outfielders Jose Valdez and Runey Davis worked in the cage, pitcher Ryan Sontag took over fly balls, infielder Logan Watkins and Tarlandus Mitchell taught the kids double plays, Kopitzke taught a little bit of catching, and pitchers Jon Nagel and Yohan Gonzalez taught the kids a little bit of pitching.
After the sessions, the kids were able to eat lunch with the guys and get a few autographs.
By far, it has been one of my favorite events this season–it is so cool to see these guys work with the youngsters, and you know these kids are just in awe because they were able to play with professional baseball players. So awesome!
Droppings from the Nest, July 19th-21st
Playing some catch up. Since my last post, we’ve opened our homestand against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes winning two of the three games. I’ve got a lot of droppings to collect.
- The Idaho Statesman has recaps of the Saturday’s win, Sunday’s loss and last night’s win against S-K, features on the improving pitching staff, Salem-Keizer’s manager Tom Trebelhorn, the Hawks’ recent turn-around, and Humphrey the Hawk’s presence at the games.
- The Idaho Press-Tribune has game stories on the Hawks’ Saturday extra-inning victory and last night’s win. Also, Will Love has a story on Hawks catchers Matt Williams and Richard Jones and the extra help they’re receiving from Manager Casey Kopitzke.
- KBCI Channel 2 has recaps and highlights of Saturday’s and last night’s wins.
- KTVB Channel 7 recaps Sunday’s and Monday’s games and also checks in to Hawks’ second baseman Logan Watkins’ player of the week nod.
- Check out the Q&A with Hawks CF Brett Jackson over at Wrigley Bound.
- Also, even though Mike Perconte has been promoted, check out his interview over at Capital Sports Report.
Phew! I hope I got everything!
Be on the lookout for video from the Hawks Baseball Camp…and a lovely surprise I got after the game last night.
Droppings from the Nest, July 18th
Three in a row–the guys notched their third win, sweeping Yakima–the first time there has been three wins in a row or a sweep for the Hawks all season! Greg Rohan also hit a homer last night, making it two in a row for the Hawks on the long-awaited long ball. I really think this team is picking up momentum and is coming into their own. And I think it has a lot to do with attitude–the guys are having fun together, on the field and off, and when you are having fun you perform much much better.
I joked in my post yesterday about the player of the game getting a shaving cream pie for the past two games (and poor Greg Rohan got one last night as well), but it really shows the camaraderie of the team. Another example is the group of about five guys who came out and lay on the grass to watch the fireworks after the game. They are having fun with each other–and only good things can come of that.
Now to the droppings:
- The Idaho Statesman recaps last night’s 6-0 win over Yakima and Chris Langrill chats with Logan Watkins about his growing hitting streak.
- Will Love of the Idaho Press-Tribune looks at the Hawks’ win streak at home.
- KBCI Channel 2’s J. Bates has highlights from last night’s win.
- Joe Aiello with View from the Bleachers has a quick look at the Cubs farm system, featuring special notes on Logan Watkins and a Top Prospect Tracker.
Don’t forget to check out the post-game party at Applebee’s tonight after the game. Players will be there to mingle with fans! Check it out–Applebee’s at the corner of Glenwood and Chinden. I’ll see you there!
A Bird's Eye View 