This Day in New York Yankees History 4/12: Pope on a Rope Soap

On this day in 2008 the Yankees Low A affiliate, the Charleston Riverdogs, commemorate the first visit of Benedict XVI to the United States with a Pope on a Rope Night promotion. The first 1,000 fans received a soap figurine which looked like the Holy Father.

Also on this day in 1953 Mickey Mantle was informed via the public address announcer that Mickey Mantle had just became a father. Mickey Mantle Jr. was the first of four sons by Mickey and Merlyn. Here is the Brooklyn Dodgers announcement at Ebbets Field: "Mickey doesn't know it yet but he has just become the father of an eight-pounds, twelve ounce baby boy."

Also on this day in 1935 the Yankees named Lou Gehrig the fifth captain in their history. The then 33 year old first baseman joined Hal Chase(1912), Roger Peckinpaugh (1914-1921), Babe Ruth( six days in 1922), and Everett Scott(1922-1925).

Finally on this day in 1931 former Chicago Cubs Joe McCarthy made his managerial debut for the New York Yankees. The future Hall of Fame manager, who has the most wins of any manager in Yankees history with 1,460, saw eight pennants and seven World Series titles during his 16 years in the Bronx.

This Day in New York Yankees History 4/12: Pope on a Rope Soap

On this day in 2008 the Yankees Low A affiliate, the Charleston Riverdogs, commemorate the first visit of Benedict XVI to the United States with a Pope on a Rope Night promotion. The first 1,000 fans received a soap figurine which looked like the Holy Father.

Also on this day in 1953 Mickey Mantle was informed via the public address announcer that Mickey Mantle had just became a father. Mickey Mantle Jr. was the first of four sons by Mickey and Merlyn. Here is the Brooklyn Dodgers announcement at Ebbets Field: "Mickey doesn't know it yet but he has just become the father of an eight-pounds, twelve ounce baby boy."

Also on this day in 1935 the Yankees named Lou Gehrig the fifth captain in their history. The then 33 year old first baseman joined Hal Chase(1912), Roger Peckinpaugh (1914-1921), Babe Ruth( six days in 1922), and Everett Scott(1922-1925).

Finally on this day in 1931 former Chicago Cubs Joe McCarthy made his managerial debut for the New York Yankees. The future Hall of Fame manager, who has the most wins of any manager in Yankees history with 1,460, saw eight pennants and seven World Series titles during his 16 years in the Bronx.

“Curacao Kid” Andruw Jones Signs on for RiverDogs Hot Stove Banquet

“Curacao Kid” Andruw Jones Signs on for RiverDogs Hot Stove Banquet

Braves slugger and ten-time gold glover will be the featured guest at the 14^th annual event

CHARLESTON, S.C. – One of the great all-around players of his generation, a winner of ten consecutive gold gloves, ten straight 20-homer seasons, and a 2005 Silver Slugger Award, former Braves great Andruw Jones will be the featured guest at the Charleston RiverDogs’ 14^th Annual Hot Stove Banquet & Auction presented by Tom McQueeney State Farm on Friday, February 2 at the Charleston Marriott Crystal Ballroom.

The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, welcome a former member of the Braves for the eighth time and a former Yankee, also for an eighth instance in the annual event’s history. The Hot Stove Banquet has become one of the most highly anticipated occasions by RiverDogs fans each season.  Past speakers include Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, and Goose Gossage in an event that brings baseball fans together to celebrate the magic of America’s pastime.

Jones, a five-time All-Star, will share behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions, and pose for pictures. The event will open with a cocktail hour and silent auction that includes baseball memorabilia from past Hot Stove speakers, collectibles from RiverDogs Director of Fun Bill Murray, vacation packages, and more, beginning at 6pm.

Tom McQueeney State Farm Insurance is the presenting sponsor for the 11th consecutive year. Proceeds from the Hot Stove Banquet benefit The Citadel, College of Charleston and Charleston Southern baseball scholarship funds.

Over an accomplished 17-year big league career, Jones collected over 1,900 hits and slugged 434 home runs while batting .254/.337/.486 with 152 stolen bases. He spent 12 years with Atlanta after signing as an international free agent at age 16 with the Braves out of Willemstad, Curacao in 1993, and finished his career in pinstripes over two seasons with the Yankees.

Inserted as a regular his rookie year in 1996, Jones made his Major League debut as just a 19-year-old, and helped the Braves win a second consecutive NL pennant in his first of ten years in which he both won a gold glove and produced at least 20 homers from 1998-2007. Jones broke out as arguably the game’s biggest young star during his rookie season after Braves GM Mark Schuerholz dealt away Mark Whitten to the Mariners following a World Series title in 1995, confident in the 19-year-old’s ability. Jones was named the top prospect in the South Atlantic League the year prior after leading the Class A circuit in runs scored (104) and stolen bases (56) while batting .277, and being named the Braves’ Minor League Player of the Year.

The “Curacao Kid” played a crucial role in Atlanta’s 1996 run that just fell short, including becoming the youngest player to hit a home run in the October Classic, taking Andy Pettitte deep in his first at-bat of Game One before adding a second inning dinger off Brian Boehringer to etch his name into history as the first player since 1972 to hit home runs in their first two World Series at-bats.

Jones had his best season as a pro in 2005 when he hit .263 with 51 homers that led all of baseball and 128 RBI to earn the Hank Aaron Award as the National League’s top hitter, Silver Slugger accolades, and a second-place finish in the NL MVP race behind Albert Pujols. The 6’1” slugger’s age-28 season was the peak of an impressive tenure in the Majors that included a pair of 40-homer seasons (seven 30 HR seasons), five 100-RBI campaigns, and four years in which he scored at least 100 runs. His ten career gold glove awards in the outfield are bested only by Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente who hold 12 each.

Individual tickets to the Hot Stove Banquet are $75 and can be purchased online at riverdogs.com and rileyparkevents.com. Groups can reserve a table of eight for $600 and a table for ten at $750 by contacting the RiverDogs Special Event Department at (843) 577-DOGS (3647).

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages, and flex plans, including options to the Riley Park Club, are now available for the 2018 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 12 when they host the Kannapolis Intimidators at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, preceded by a weeklong road trip to open the year and an exhibition opener at The Joe on April 3 against Myrtle Beach. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com/tickets.

--RIVERDOGS--

Previous Hot Stove Speakers

2017 – Tom Glavine

2016 – Ryne Sandberg

2015 – Goose Gossage & Brett Gardner

2014 – Phil Niekro & Javy Lopez

2013 – Wade Boggs

2012 – John Smoltz

2011 – Bobby Cox

2010 – Dale Murphy

2009 – Gaylord Perry

2008 – Jeff Francoeur

2007 – Tommy John

2006 – Jim Bouton

2005 – Bobby Richardson

As Charlie Sheen would say, "Winning!"...

Life is good on the Farm...

Before I begin, please let me apologize for busting out a Charlie Sheen quote.  But it did seem appropriate under the circumstances.  I knew that the Yankees' minor league teams were doing well, but I have to credit Sports Millennial for pointing out that the Yankees are the only team to have every minor league team, from Single A up to Triple A, in first place.

Triple A:  Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders

Double A:  Trenton Thunder

Single A (Advanced):  Tampa Yankees

Single A:  Charleston RiverDogs

Single A (Short Season):  Staten Island Yankees

The Rookie League teams are not faring as well, but it is still a very impressive feat to have every minor league team from Class A to Triple A leading its respective division.  

Excellent work, Future Baby Bombers!  

Yankees Send Two to All-Star Futures Game in 2017

The All-Star Game and their festivities in Major League Baseball is one of, if not the greatest All-Star Game set in all of the four major sports. Sure everyone gets hyped over the slam dunk contest in the NBA and many people enjoy the Pro Bowl in the NFL but no one puts on a show quite like Major League Baseball. You have the Home Run Derby, you have the actual All-Star Game itself and you also have the XM Futures Game which showcases top prospects from around the league representing not only their team but their countries as well. It has become quite an honor to represent your team and country in the XM Futures Game over the years and two members of the New York Yankees will be representing the team and Team World here in 2017, Domingo Acevedo and Estevan Florial.

Acevedo is currently pitching with the Double-A Trenton Thunder while Florial is an outfielder with the Charleston Riverdogs. Florial was born in Port Au Prince, Haiti while Acevedo was born in Villa los Almacigos in the Dominican Republic.

It’s also worth mentioning that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays Class-A team and Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox Triple-A team will be teammates of both Acevedo and Florial in the game.

Yankees Affiliate Mocks Tim Tebow, Then Apologizes

The Charleston Riverdogs, a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees, got into a bit of unintended hot water recently when the team “mocked” Tim Tebow before a game. The Riverdogs mascot had “John 3:16” written in eye black under his eyes, something that Tebow had under his eyes before every game while at Florida State, in a photo that was captioned “I’ve caught Tebow fever.” Apparently some fans and people didn’t take too well to this impersonation and the affiliate issued an apology.

The Riverdogs state that they were merely poking fun at Tebow’s fame, not his religion like some thought, when the mascot “Tebowed” getting down on one knee and issued the following statement:

“Our intent was not to offend anyone and for the fact that we did offend, we are sorry.” Dave Echols said, the team’s general manager.

I am sorry, and maybe I am being a bit insensitive here, but if Tebow were not so open about his religion I don’t think this would be that big of a deal. Not to downplay harassment or anything like that but there is a fine line between malicious intent and playful banter. Minor League Baseball is full of playful banter and I truly don’t think, and maybe I’m bias, there was any malcontent intended here. Maybe I’m wrong. I don’t know. Leave your thoughts below in the comments section?

Estevan Florial & Like the Yankees Need ANOTHER Great Outfielder Prospect

The New York Yankees farm system is absolutely stacked, let’s not mince words and let’s not equivocate or down play that fact. Some publications have the Yankees with the best farm system in all of Major League Baseball while others have New York listed no lower than second giving the team a true embarrassment of riches in my opinion. The last thing the team needs, and please see the sarcasm in that statement from the owner of the GREEDY Pinstripes, is another stud outfield prospect but it seems as though they have found one in Estevan Florial.

Florial was signed by the Yankees as an international free agent back on March 19, 2015 out of the Dominican Republic with a $200,000 signing bonus. Florial has enjoyed a great start to his professional career but in 2017 the outfielder is beginning the process of separating himself from the rest of the pack with a strong start to the season. In Florial’s first 52 games with the Single-A Charleston Riverdogs the outfielder has slashed .289/.364/.473 with 13 doubles, three triples and six home runs. All this at just 19-years old.

Florial has pop to all fields, speed to take extra bases with that pop and a patience at the plate that you just don’t see very often in 19-year old prospects. I could go on all day about his offense but his offense is just a slice of the pie, the Yankees are truly in love with his talents because of the defensive side of the baseball. Florial is a center fielder by trade but has played all three outfield positions without making a single error. Not one in 397.1 innings at the time of this writing.

Florial is in Low-A Ball so before we start printing his baseball cards and pre-ordering his jersey’s I know there is a lot of work to be done and a lot of time between now and the time he reaches the Major Leagues but you will have to excuse me if I’m not just a little bit excited right now. 

This Day in New York Yankees History 4/12: Pope on a Rope Soap

On this day in 2008 the Yankees Low A affiliate, the Charleston Riverdogs, commemorate the first visit of Benedict XVI to the United States with a Pope on a Rope Night promotion. The first 1,000 fans received a soap figurine which looked like the Holy Father.

Also on this day in 1953 Mickey Mantle was informed via the public address announcer that Mickey Mantle had just became a father. Mickey Mantle Jr. was the first of four sons by Mickey and Merlyn. Here is the Brooklyn Dodgers announcement at Ebbets Field: "Mickey doesn't know it yet but he has just become the father of an eight-pounds, twelve ounce baby boy."

Also on this day in 1935 the Yankees named Lou Gehrig the fifth captain in their history. The then 33 year old first baseman joined Hal Chase(1912), Roger Peckinpaugh (1914-1921), Babe Ruth( six days in 1922), and Everett Scott(1922-1925).

Finally on this day in 1931 former Chicago Cubs Joe McCarthy made his managerial debut for the New York Yankees. The future Hall of Fame manager, who has the most wins of any manager in Yankees history with 1,460, saw eight pennants and seven World Series titles during his 16 years in the Bronx.

Meet a Prospect: Jorge Mateo

The New York Yankees went out and signed a relatively unknown international free agent back in 2012 for a mere $250,000 and boy was that one of the greatest decisions the team and organization ever made. Mateo has grown from an international free agent that the Yankees signed out of the Dominican Republic to the top prospect in the entire organization according to many prospects lists released last winter before becoming the underdog here as we inch towards the 2017 season.

Mateo makes he way on the basepaths as the Yankees top shortstop prospect stole 82 bases in 2015 in 99 attempts. While Mateo is described as having "nervous feet" at shortstop he has the ability, the arm strength and the range to play either short, third base or second base in the future. New York even had Mateo work out at second base in the Instructional League as the team decides where Mateo will play in the future. At the moment Didi Gregorius is the shortstop of the present and the future in the Bronx so Mateo will either have to force at bats with the organization, move positions or become trade bait.

Jorge Mateo
6'0" - 188 lbs. - shortstop and DH

Year	Tm	G	PA	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2012	Yankees 2	14	69	15	14	2	1	1	8	4	12	11	.255	.382	.382	.764
2013	Yankees 1	64	299	50	74	9	6	7	26	49	34	52	.287	.378	.450	.828
2014	Yankees 1	15	65	14	16	5	1	0	1	11	7	17	.276	.354	.397	.750
2015	2 Teams	117	500	66	125	23	11	2	40	82	43	98	.278	.345	.392	.737
2015	Charleston	96	409	51	98	18	8	2	33	71	36	80	.268	.338	.378	.716
2015	Tampa	21	91	15	27	5	3	0	7	11	7	18	.321	.374	.452	.826
All Levels (4 Seasons)		210	933	145	229	39	19	10	75	146	96	178	.279	.359	.410	.769
FRk (2 seasons)		78	368	65	88	11	7	8	34	53	46	63	.281	.379	.438	.816

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Mateo broke out in 2015 which caused him to have all the eyes of the organization on him in 2016. For some that's a good thing, some players thrive off the pressure and attention, while for some they can be their own worst enemies. Unfortunately for Mateo it seems like he was the latter as he struggled for much of last season but in 2017 Mateo will be back to being that kid that can just have fun again, and that may be the best thing not only for Mateo but for the Yankees as well.

RiverDogs Announce Game Times for the 2017 Season

RiverDogs Announce Game Times for the 2017 Season

Solar eclipse start among four day games on schedule

CHARLESTON, SC – With pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training in only a matter of days, the Charleston RiverDogs are aiming high for another record-breaking season. Following a year in which the club welcomed over 293,000 fans for the first time in their history, the RiverDogs have announced their game times for the 2017 season, the 21st in the history of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

“RiverDogs baseball is always an integral part of the summer in Charleston, and our schedule taking shape means the first pitch of the season will be here before we know it,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “Throughout the years, we have adjusted our game times from fan feedback, and our schedule’s development showcases another way in which we take pride in providing an exciting, family-friendly atmosphere for our fans at The Joe.”

As in years past, RiverDogs home games will feature a standard 7:05pm first pitch on Monday-Fridays, a 6:05pm start on Saturdays, and 5:05pm open on Sunday home games. The RiverDogs also have several special days in which the normal start time will be slightly adjusted including:

· Wednesday, May 3- Education Day at 11:05am

· Wednesday, May 31- Education Day at 11:05am

· Sunday, June 18- Father’s Day Brunch at 1:05pm

· Monday, July 3- Independence Day Celebration at 6:35pm

· Tuesday, July 25- Big Splash Day at 12:05pm

· Monday, August 21- Day of Eclipse at 4:05pm

· Thursday, August 31- Fan Appreciation Night at 6:35pm

The RiverDogs begin their season on Thursday April 6, taking on the Lexington Legends in the first of 11 Thirsty Thursday dates over the course of the season. The RiverDogs will also host 11 home games each on Fridays and Saturdays during the 2017 campaign.

The club will offer RiverDogs fans 13 home games featuring a postgame fireworks spectacular including all Friday home dates along with the July 3 Independence Day celebration and Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, August 31 at Charleston’s final home game.

The 2017 schedule also features nine Citadel doubleheaders with The Military College of South Carolina overlapping with the RiverDogs schedule on the following dates at The Joe:

· April 21-23

· May 5-7

· May 18-20

For the fourth consecutive season, WTMA 1250 AM will serve as the radio home of the RiverDogs in the Lowcountry. For all regularly scheduled games home and road, Matt Dean will have the play-by-play duties on “The Big Talker.” Every pitch of the RiverDogs season, including mid-week day games and specialty start times, can be heard online at riverdogs.com and via the TuneIn radio app.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs, the Class-A affiliate of the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Single-game tickets and the full promotional schedule will become available in March. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Group Tickets for Riley Park Club Now Available

Group Tickets for Riley Park Club Now Available

Ultra-premium area now available to secure for groups of 10 of more

CHARLESTON, SC – A night at The Joe has been a favorite for groups of all sizes in the twenty year history of Charleston’s storied venue. With the addition of the Riley Park Club, the group experience at the ballpark will be elevated to new heights with breathtaking views of the scenic wetlands, an all-inclusive food and beverage experience, luxury furnishings, and an entirely new way to experience RiverDogs baseball.

Aided by the most significant building update in the history of Riley Park, the Charleston RiverDogs have announced that group tickets for parties of ten or more are now available for the Riley Park Club for the 2017 season.

“We’ve received a great response from the community and local businesses on the Club already,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “People around the Charleston community recognize the space as a one-of-a-kind entertainment option, and we expect group tickets to be a popular option at The Joe this year that our fans will really enjoy.”

Group tickets to the Riley Park Club include complimentary beer and wine and a first class food experience from a number of The Indigo Road’s restaurants, catered directly by Mercantile & Mash, including Oak Steakhouse and O-Ku sushi branded specialties. This all-inclusive ticket package is available for $90 with a minimum group size of ten. In addition to groups, fans can experience the Club this year with season ticket and flex voucher options also available.

Featuring a menu on par with the finest Charleston has to offer, the club’s convenient parking options and location right on the banks of the Ashley River make it a venue unique to anything available in the Lowcountry.

Designed by Charleston-based architectural firm LS3P in collaboration with BallparkDesignAssociates, the Club Level is being built by Mashburn Construction on the first base side of The Joe. The Club's interior will feature lounge seating steeped in Lowcountry elegance, a drink rail overlooking the field of play, and padded, stadium-style seats on the exterior. Patrons will enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the Ashley River wetlands through floor-to-ceiling glass encompassing the Club, which will extend over the marsh to accentuate one of the best vistas in Minor League Baseball.

Construction of the Club is expected to be completed by early March, in time to host open houses and inaugural events prior to the RiverDogs 2017 baseball season.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

RiverDogs, MiLB Make Contribution to SC Based Warrior Surf Foundation

RiverDogs, MiLB Make Contribution to SC Based Warrior Surf Foundation

Local charity that aids veterans to receive donation in honor of the RiverDogs

CHARLESTON, SC –Military families and baseball go hand-in-hand. For their continued efforts to support the local military community, the Charleston RiverDogs will have a contribution to the Warrior Surf Foundation donated on their behalf from Minor League Baseball after receiving the inaugural Chuck Murphy Patriot Award at the Baseball Winter Meetings.

“On behalf of Minor League Baseball Charities, it is an honor to present this donation on behalf of the Charleston RiverDogs to the Warrior Surf Foundation,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “The Warrior Surf Foundation was created by veterans for veterans and provides some of America’s true heroes the opportunity to reintegrate themselves back into life after serving our country. They are a worthy organization and I commend them on their efforts to better the lives of Armed Forces veterans.”

As part of their recognition for the newly minted award, MiLB will contribute $2,500 in the RiverDogs’ name to the South Carolina-based nonprofit that serves veterans dealing with post-combat mental health issues.

“On behalf of the Warrior Surf Foundation we would like to thank the Charleston RiverDogs and Minor League Baseball for their donation. Our program can only succeed with the help of our community. We are honored to have been chosen and feel great joy that RiverDogs entrusted us with the donation and truly support our cause,” said Andy Manzi, President and Co-Founder of the Warrior Surf Foundation “We are a small organization and every dollar counts. Warrior Surf will invest the received donation on our surf program which includes surf boards, wet suits, rash guards, and safety equipment. All of which is costly but necessary for our veterans and their families to succeed in the water.”

Founded in Folly Beach in May 2015, the Warrior Surf Foundation is committed to bringing warriors and their families together to promote mental and physical well-being by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. In just their first year, the WSF provided services to more than 90 veterans and active duty service members through their weekend surf camps.

“We’re thrilled to have a contribution made in our name to this worthy cause,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “The fact that this donation comes as part of our recognition of the Patriot Award is a testament to Minor League Baseball’s commitment to serving veterans.”

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the Patriot Award, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family in 2016. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season, continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military, and honored a military family of the game each night at The Joe. Also in 2016, the RiverDogs hired five homeless military veterans for their stadium clean-up crew in the wake of the dissolution of Charleston's Tent City, and hired a current Air Force reservist as a member of the sales staff. The RiverDogs employ more than 30 military veterans on their gameday operation.

The Patriot Award is named in honor of the longtime Florida State League president and U.S. Army veteran who passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at the age of 83. Murphy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army, broke into professional baseball in 1975 and led the Florida State League from 1990 until his passing. He received the Warren Giles Award for outstanding service as a league president in both 2011 and 1991, and the Friends of Baseball Chapel Award in 1994.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Gittens, Estrada Named Yankees Organization All-Stars

Gittens, Estrada Named Yankees 

Organization All-Stars

Pair of Pinstriped Prospects that spent time in the Lowcountry Stand out in talented system 

CHARLESTON, SC – In a season of broken records and the first playoff appearance in over a decade, it was hard to stand out on what will go down as one of the best on-field displays in Charleston’s history. Shining brightly among one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, RiverDogs first baseman/DH Chris Gittens and infielder Thairo Estrada were each named Yankees Organization All-Stars as announced by Minor League Baseball on Monday.

Including two from the historic 2016 RiverDogs squad, 11 of the 12 members of this year’s Yankees Organizational All-Star team all have spent time in Charleston in their career. All five of the Yankees’ top affiliates (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Trenton, Tampa, Charleston, and Staten Island) each made the playoffs in their respective leagues while front office moves at the trade deadline impressed analysts at the MLB Pipeline enough to rate the Yankees farm system as the second best in all of baseball.

Collecting the organizational accolades at the designated hitter position, Gittens flashed his power and was the heartbeat of the Charleston lineup starting right from Opening Day. The Sherman, Texas native hit .253/.359/.478 with 21 homers that ranked second in the South Atlantic League and tied Kyle Higashioka for the Yankees’ organizational lead. The former 12th rounder out of Grayson College drove in a team-high 70 runs and came four home runs shy of Charleston’s single-season franchise record. His 2016 long ball total is tied with Ben Jones’ 2006 season for the sixth most in franchise history.

The impressive season brought plenty of previous hardware for the hard hitting infielder as Gittens was voted the RiverDogs Player of the Year by the Charleston fan base and he was named to the Postseason All-Star Team by a vote of the league’s management and media.

Gittens’ most impressive game came on the road in West Virginia on June 16 when the 22-year-old smashed three home runs, one of just two hitters in the league to complete the trifecta, while going 3-for-5 with a career-high six RBI. Along with his eye-popping power, the Yankees farmhand showed solid plate discipline, reaching base safely in a league-high 33 straight from April 21-June 2 while drawing 56 walks on the season that ranked tied-sixth in the league.

Estrada’s time in a RiverDogs uniform was brief, but the Venezuelan native would make an impression and earn an early promotion to Tampa before capturing organizational accolades at second base. Coming off an All-Star 2015 campaign, the 20-year-old hit .290 with eight homers, 49 RBIs and 18 stolen bases in 118 games across two levels in his first full season. He struck out just 67 times in 455 at-bats and owned a .346 OBP on the season.

With the RiverDogs, Estrada hit to the tune of a .286 average while slugging five home runs that included a power surge of three in two days from May 14-15.

Led by third-year skipper Luis Dorante, the RiverDogs captured the Southern Division first half title to clinch the first RiverDogs playoff appearance since 2005 while going 76-63 on the season, their highest win total since 2012. Off the field, the RiverDogs enjoyed equal success, welcoming over 293,000 fans through the turnstiles at The Joe for the first time in their history.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com

RiverDogs Honored with Inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award by MiLB

RiverDogs Honored with Inaugural 

Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award by MiLB

Club honored for their continued efforts to support Armed Forces

CHARLESTON, SC – With a vibrant military community right in their backyard, the Charleston RiverDogs have consistently expressed their gratitude to the service men and women in the Lowcountry. Through their continued efforts, the RiverDogs have been awarded the inaugural Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award recognizing an individual or club for its outstanding support of the military branches and engagement with veterans as announced by the Minor League Baseball office.

As the South Atlantic League’s nominee for the newly minted award, the RiverDogs continued to go beyond paying their respects to the Lowcountry’s strong military family in 2016. The club hosted three Military Appreciation nights during the season where all active and retired service members enjoyed complementary tickets. The club also continued their support of the Wounded Warrior Corps on “Red Shirt Fridays” where fans wore red in their support of the military along with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefitting the nonprofit.

“With the strong military community that we have in Charleston, recognizing both veterans and active service members has always been a focal point for us as an organization,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “This award is as much recognition of our efforts as it is to the fantastic support we have had from the Charleston community to show solidarity with our men and women in uniform.”

In addition to hosting several Military Appreciation Nights, the RiverDogs also honored a Military Family of the Game with the featured veteran at each home game receiving complimentary tickets, food, and merchandise along with an in-game recognition of their service.

The RiverDogs were also an instrumental part in the founding of the Palmetto Military Support Group, a civilian organization focused on the backing of the extended military family in the Lowcountry. Echols currently serves as the Vice President on the PMSG board.

“It is exciting to see the RiverDogs nationally recognized for their outstanding support to our military. It comes as no surprise to those of us who serve at Joint Base Charleston who have been the focus of their support. I'm glad to see it recognized by others,” said Colonel Robert Lyman, Commanding Officer of Joint Base Charleston and the 628th Air Base Wing. “The RiverDogs have continuously supported our Joint Base Charleston active duty, reservists, retirees and their families. We are grateful, and excited to see them recognized.”

Service men and were also frequent performers of the National Anthem at The Joe and the club had honorary commander participation to the annual “Citadel Night” where the famed Summerall Guards perform and the Cadet Chorale sings “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Additionally in 2016, the RiverDogs strengthened their ties with the local military community through the hiring of Alfonso Rogers, a recent sport management graduate of The Citadel who previously earned an associate’s degree in Aviation / Airway Management and Operations from the Community College of the Air Force in 2014, as a sales executive. Rogers also served as president of the Student Veterans of America while at the Military College of South Carolina.

The Patriot Award is named in honor of the longtime Florida State League president and U.S. Army veteran who passed away Feb. 21, 2015, at the age of 83. Murphy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years in the U.S. Army, broke into professional baseball in 1975 and led the Florida State League from 1990 until his passing. He received the Warren Giles Award for outstanding service as a league president in both 2011 and 1991, and the Friends of Baseball Chapel Award in 1994.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com

RiverDogs Spread Holiday Cheer with Specialty Ticket Packages Now Available

RiverDogs Spread Holiday Cheer with Specialty Ticket Packages Now Available

RiverDogs holiday packages now available for the 2017 season

CHARLESTON, SC – With a countdown until Opening Day already beginning, it’s not surprising the Charleston RiverDogs are already dreaming of happy holidays this year. In the spirit of giving, the RiverDogs have announced specialty holiday ticket packages as the perfect gift for a baseball fan in the Lowcountry this year.

“It’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays, and certainly not too early to get excited about the upcoming season at The Joe,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “What better way to spread a little cheer than with a trip to the ballpark?”

A RiverDogs holiday pack includes everything a starving baseball fan with visions of summer dancing in their heads could hope for. Fans have the option of a five-game flex package with a RiverDogs knit cap to stay warm during the Hot Stove season or coffee mug for a sip of steaming hot chocolate. Vouchers are redeemable for any of the 70 RiverDogs home games excluding Opening Night on April 6 or the Independence Day Celebration on July 3.

Knit cap packages range from a five game flex package in the grandstand sections costing $50, $90 for the field view sections, and $100 for diamond view. The prices for the coffee mug packs are $45, $85, and $95, respectively.

Fans that find their very own RiverDogs holiday pack nestled under their tree on Christmas morning can stay in the giving spirit and redeem all five vouchers at once or savor the gift that keeps on giving throughout the 2017 season.

RiverDogs season tickets, half-season ticket packages and mini plans are now available for the 2017 campaign. The RiverDogs begin the season on April 6 when they host the Lexington Legends at Joseph P Riley, Jr. Park. Ticket information can be secured by contacting the box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Arizona Fall League Weekly Check In: Brody Koerner

Who is Brody Koerner and why is he down in the Arizona Fall League for the New York Yankees? Koerner is a college reliever who the Yankees drafted that they transitioned into a starting pitcher like they have become known to do in recent years. Koerner was a 17th round pick in 2015 out of Clemson. That's the who, the why is because Koerner missed a lot of time in 2016 due to injury. All told Koerner only pitched in five games and in 34 innings total with the Charleston Riverdogs and the Tampa Yankees.

One of my good friends from prior to us both entering the blogger game Greg Corcoran of Bronx Baseball Daily has a nice write up about Koerner after picking him to be the breakout candidate for the Yankees system in 2016. You can read that here. 

Koerner has only been in two games thus far this winter posting a 24.30 ERA with nine runs allowed. Sample sizes and health are key, not the stats.

Yankees Rank Four in Baseball America’s Top 20 A-Ball Prospects

As many of you probably already know the Class A Ball of Minor League Baseball is broken down into Low-A, for example the Charleston Riverdogs, and High-A Ball, the Tampa Yankees, but for the sake of the Top 20 prospects from Class-A Ball from Baseball America we have combined the two leagues into one. Despite the pool being twice the size as the pool in Double-A and Triple-A the Yankees still managed to send a whopping four prospects onto the list. We will showcase all seven for you here today as they represent both the Florida State League and the Carolina League respectively.

Gleyber Torres had just one prospect in front of him in the Florida State League rankings making him number two overall. Torres was also ranked 4^th in the Carolina League behind top prospects in all of MLB like Yoan Moncada, Andrew Benintendi and Victor Robles. Torres came over from the Chicago Cubs in the Aroldis Chapman deal and is currently representing the Yankees down in Arizona with the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League.

The man that Torres displaced at the top of the Yankees prospects list, at least temporarily, was 5^th in the Florida State League. His name is Jorge Mateo, maybe you’ve heard of him? Mateo’s prospect stock took a bit of a nose dive after failing to live up to great stolen base numbers and numbers overall from 2015 while the Yankees shortstop prospect also had a two week suspension for violating team rules. Mateo is a young kid and he needs to mature, that’s all. I can remember when the same questions about maturity were surrounding Gary Sanchez’s career as a minor leaguer and he turned out to be okay, I think.

Chance Adams made a second list when he ranked 18^th overall on the Florida State League top prospects list. Adams has a ton of talent in that right arm so don’t be surprised to see him on the Double-A and Triple-A list next year as well.

Finally we have the 11^th best prospect on the Carolina League prospects list, left-handed pitcher Justus Sheffield. Sheffield is just 20-years old and was last seen dominating Double-A pitching in the playoffs for the Trenton Thunder after a spectacular season with the Tampa Yankees and the High-A Ball affiliate in Cleveland. Sheffield looks to be the real deal and may start the season in Double-A in 2017. 

Minor League Baseball Attendance Records for 2016

Minor League Baseball Attendance Tops 41.3 Million in 2016 

54 teams post average attendance increases over 2015  

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A total of 41,377,202 fans passed through the gates at Minor League Baseball games in 2016, marking the 12th consecutive year the organization drew over 41 million fans.   The 2016 season saw eight teams set single-season franchise attendance records and seven set franchise records for largest single-game attendance. The 176 Minor League Baseball clubs across 15 leagues combined to record the ninthlargest attendance total in Minor League Baseball history.

“In cities large and small, our teams continue to offer their communities the very best in affordable, family-friendly entertainment in a clean and safe environment,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Minor League Baseball continues to offer what I believe is the best entertainment value in sports, and we are very appreciative of the tremendous fan support received again this year.”

The Triple-A Indianapolis Indians led all teams in total attendance, as 636,888 fans visited Victory Field this season. The Triple-A Charlotte Knights recorded the largest average attendance at 8,974, edging Indianapolis by four fans per game.

The Columbia Fireflies drew over 260,000 fans in the inaugural season at Spirit Communications Park, the only new ballpark to open in Minor League Baseball in 2016. Since 2000, Minor League Baseball clubs have opened 62 new ballparks, with new, or significantly renovated, stadiums scheduled to open in Hartford, Kinston, Lakeland and Tampa for the 2017 season.

The attendance leaders in each classification of Minor League Baseball and their overall numbers were: Triple-A — Indianapolis Indians (636,888), Double-A — Frisco RoughRiders (463,564), Class A — Dayton Dragons (548,574), Short Season-A and Rookie — Vancouver Canadians (222,363).