2008 Infield Player Profiles

2008 Infield Player Profiles

Desmond and LeFave are the prospects in this group. In my opinion the starts look like this: 1B LaFave, 2B Yepez, SS Desmond, 3B Jimenez/Rogers, utility role will go to DeCaster.

SS – Ian Desmond – Born 9/20/1985 – 6’2” – 185 - Bats/Throws: Right
He was selected in the Third round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft by the Montreal Expos. Baseball America (BA) ranks him as the 14 best prospect in the Nationals organization. While only 20 years old Ian was assigned to Double-A Harrisburg to start the 2006 season but struggled hitting only .184 in 38 games. He was reassigned to Potomac to gain confidence and work on his approach at the plate.

In 2007 while playing for Potomac Ian posted career highs in average (.264), OBP, Stolen bases (27) & Home Runs (13).

Ian will return to Harrisburg to start the 2008 season. This time he is better prepared to handle the competition in the Eastern League. Defense: strong arm, good range, above average glove. He makes the difficult plays look easy. He needs to work on making the easy plays.
Offense: Good speed and good gap power. Opened his stance last season and seems to be seeing the ball better. He needs to work on adjusting to off-speed pitches and lowering his strike-outs.

1st base/3rd base/DH/Corner OF - Yurendell DeCaster – Born 9/26/1979 – 6’1” – 200 - Bats/Throws: Right
Yurendell DeCaster is also a 10-year veteran who was originally signed by Tampa Bay and then was signed by Pittsburgh. In 2006 he played a handful of games for the Pirates. Over the years he has played a variety of positions (2nd, 3rd, 1st, outfield and DH).

In 2007 DeCaster played for Indianapolis (AAA) in the Pirates organization. He hit 280, 9 homeruns, 54 RBI’s.

Defense: He will probably serve as a 3rd base/1st base/DH/OF capacity in 2008.
Offense: He has gap-to-gap power but won’t hit many homeruns, and some speed (although he has slowed down in recently). He is not really a threat to steal many bases.

1B - Luis Jimenez – Born 5/7/1982 – 6’4” – 205 - Bats/Throws: Left

Journeyman Luis Jimenez has played for 7 organizations in 8 years. He is also a veteran of the Eastern League (2005 New Britain, 2006 Portland, and 2007 Bowie).

In 2007 he played for Bowie (AA - Baltimore) and Pawtucket (AAA-Boston). He combined to hit .292, 23 homeruns and 86 RBI’s. While with Bowie he earned two Eastern League Player or the Week honors.

Jimenez will play 1st base for the Senators.
Offense: He should hit for average (career .286) and has homerun and gap-to-gap power. Not a threat to steal bases.
Defense: Early in his career he played outfield and 1st base but now he is limited to playing 1st. He should be a good fit until Chris Marrero is called up at some point this season. When Marrero is called up, Jimenez can help teach him the position.

1B - Andrew LeFave – Born 4/16/1984 – 5’10” – 205 - Bats/Throws: Left

LeFave is entering his 3rd professional season. The last two he played in the Brewers organization.

He is a career .347 hitter power hitting 1st baseman. Last season while playing for West Virginia he led the SAL league in hitting .345 and on-base percentage. He clubbed 17 homeruns, 79 RBI’s, and scored 90 runs.

I have not had a chance to see him play or read much about him but solely based on his stats I see him starting at 1st base for the Senators. It should be interesting to see how well he will do verse better pitching in the Eastern League.

Finished third in the Arizona League with a .353 batting average. ... Struck out 17 times in 136 at-bats with 22 RBIs and 27 runs scored in 35 games.

2B/3B - Ed Rogers – Born 8/29/1978 – 6’3” – 188 - Bats/Throws: Right


Ed Rogers is entering his 19th professional season (8 with Baltimore and 1 with Boston). During his career he has played 3B, SS, 2B, DH and OF.

Rogers spent last season with Pawtucket (AAA affiliate with Boston) where he hit .249.

Offense/Defense – He will most likely play 2B/3B. He brings big league experience to the infield. He has a career average of .262 with little home run power.


SS/2B - Marco Yepez – Born 12/29/1981 – 5’10” – 160 – Bats: Switch - Throws: Right

Marcos Yepez was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Marlins in 1999. He was later picked up by the Expos in Rule 5 Minor League Draft in 2002.

Yepez split last season between Potomac (A), Harrisburg (AA), and Columbus (AAA). He had a combined .298 average, 120 hits and 40 RBI’s.

Defense: He will most likely play 2nd base in 2008. He has a solid glove, good arm and always makes the difficult plays look easy. He also makes the easy plays too. He is fun to watch play.
Offense: He has a career .271 average. I think he will bat some where around .280. Not much power, either gap or homerun but always plays hard and makes contact.

coming up next: 2008 Pitchers player profiles

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2008 Outfield Profiles

Outfield

The starting outfield has a tremendous potential. All three of the starters (Bernadina, Maxwell and Daniel) have the potential to steal 30 bases. Padilla, a 10 year veteran, is capable of stepping up and delivering when needed.


OF – Justin Maxwell –Born 11/6/83 – 6’5” – 225 - Bats/Throws: Right
Justin Maxwell was selected by the Nationals in the fourth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. Maxwell, according to Baseball America (BA), ranks as the 9th best prospect in the Nationals organization. BA rates him as the Best Athlete in the system as well.

Maxwell played at three levels in 2007 (A, A+ and MLB). While with Hagerstown (A) and Potomac (A+); he had a combined average of .281, 35 stolen bases, 27 homeruns and 83 RBI’s. He appeared in 15 games for the Nationals at the end of the season hitting .269, 2 homeruns. He was named player of the week once, received two Player of the Month Honors, and was named to the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team. The Nationals name him their organization Player of the Year for 2007.

Maxwell will be Harrisburg’s centerfielder for 2008 (barring a call-up by the Nationals). Defensive: He is capable of playing all three outfield positions, strong arm, great range, above average speed. Offense: Has the potential to 30/30 (homeruns/stolen bases). He needs to work on his approach at the plate and cut down on strike outs (130 total last season).

OF – Roger Bernadina – Born 6/12/1984 – 6’0” – 170 – Bats/Throws: Left

Roger Bernadina has been with the Nationals/Expos organization for 6 seasons. He was signed as a free agent in 2001 and started his pro career in 2002 at the age of 18.

Bernadina played for both Harrisburg (AA) and Columbus in 2007 combing to hit .259, 6 homeruns, 37 RBI’s and 40 stolen bases.

Defense: He is capable of playing all 3 outfield positions. Tremendous speed, good glove, decent arm strength.
Offense: He doesn’t project to be a high average hitter or hit a lot of homeruns but he has gap-to-gap power and with his speed he should get a lot of extra base hits. When on base he poses above average speed which has lead to 24 or more stolen bases in each of the last 4 season.

OF - Mike Daniel – Born 8/17/1984 – 6’3” – 180 – Bats/Left – Throws/Right
Mike Daniel is ranked by Baseball America as the 23rd best prospect in the Nationals organization entering the 2008 season.

Daniel played at two levels during the 2007 season (A & A+). While playing for Hagerstown (A) and Potomac (A+); he had a combined average of .294, 35 doubles, 11 homeruns, 78 RBI’s and 25 stolen bases. In 2007, while playing for Hagerstown, he was named to the SAL Mid-Season All-Star team.

Defense: He is capable of playing all three outfield positions but due to average arm strength he is better suited for a corner outfield spot. He has good speed which helps to cover ground in the field. Offense: hits for average, good gap power (which leads to extra base hits), smart base runner.

OF – Jorge Padilla – Born 8/11/1979 – 6’2” – 200 – Bats/ Throws: Right

Padilla was originally drafted in the third round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft by the Phillies. He is a 10-year veteran who played in the Easter League on 3 occasions (02-03 with Reading, 06 with Binghamton). In 2006 while with Binghamton, Padilla, was named Player of the Week and Mid-Season. He has played a handful of games in the majors for Philadelphia and Kansas City.

2007 saw Padilla playing in for Wichita (AA) and Omaha (AAA) in the Royals organization. He combined to hit .316, 16 homeruns, 69 RBI’s and 19 stolen bases.

He should serve the team in a back up role coming off the bench to give Maxwell, Bernadina or Daniel a rest.

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2008 Catchers Profiles

I'm going to be posting profiles of each player on the opening day roster with in the next day or so. I'll post them in groups by position (catcher, infield, outfield, pitchers). Images of each player will be added by the end of this week (weather permitting). If you have any questions or comments please contact me at hbgsenatorsfans@verizon.net.

Below are my profiles of the two catchers assigned Harrisburg to start the season. In my opinion Luke Montz should get the majority of the starts until Jesus Flores joins the team in two weeks or so.

Luke Montz – Born 7/7/1983 – 6’2” – 205 – Bats/Throws: Right
Montz was selected by the Nationals in the 17th Round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.

He split last season between Potomac (A+) and Harrisburg (AA) where he combined to hit .254 with 12 home runs. He can hit for power; 10 HR’s in 2004 in 62 games, 19 HR’s in 2005 in 100 games, and 16 HR’s in 131 games.

Offense: Montz has home run power but will probably never hit for average (.236 career average in 5 pro seasons). He also has gap power but most gap shots will be long singles due to his average foot speed. Defense: He is a good defender and is very intense behind the plate. His arm is only average. I think he could serve as a backup at first base.

Javier Herrera – Born 10/8/1981 – 6’1” – 200 – Bats/Throws: Right
Herrera was the 48th overall pick in the 2003 draft by the Cleveland Indians.

He was traded to the Nationals on June 9th and assigned to the Harrisburg Senators. In 39 games for the Senators he hit .257 with 4 homeruns, and 17 RBI’s.

Defense: He is a solid catcher, blocks the plate well, strong arm. Offense: Doesn’t hit for power or average.

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Official 2008 Roster

I will be publishing a profile of each player in within the next day or so.

PITCHERS (12)
Brito, Eude
Brownlie, Bobby
Estrada, Marco
Hall, Josh
Hinckley, Mike
Martis, Shairon
Munoz, Arnie
Perez, Beltran
Perrault, Josh
Ramirez, Ismael
Speigner, Levale
Warden, Jim Ed

CATCHERS (2)
Herrera, Javy
Montz, Luke

INFIELDERS (6)
DeCaster, Yurendell
Desmond, Ian
Jimenez, Luis
LeFave, Andrew
Rogers, Ed
Yepez, Marco

OUTFIELDERS (4)
Bernadina, Roger
Daniel, Mike
Maxwell, Justin
Padilla, Jorge

FIELD STAFF
Stearns, John
Tomlin, Rick
Gingrich, Troy
Jarrett, Beth
Jones, Mike

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PA Breast Cancer Coalition

This is a Press Release from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the PennsylvaniaAssociation of Community Bankers team up for a Homerun Derby statewide.

It's time to dust off that old baseball mitt and head out to the ballpark! The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers have joined together to bring a Homerun Derby event to each of the 11 Minor League Baseball Stadiums across the state. These events, all taking place throughout the month of July 2008, will not only raise funds for the PBCC but will raise awareness in communities throughout the state.

Events will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in each of the followingstadiums throughout Pennsylvania:
July 1 - York Revolution
July 2 - State College Spikes
July 8 - Reading Phillies
July 10 - Washington Wildthings
July 11 - Erie Seawolves
July 14 - Williamsport Crosscutters
July 15 - Harrisburg Senators
July 18 - Allentown Iron Pigs
July 20 - Altoona Curve
July 22 - Scranton Yankees
July 26 - Lancaster Barnstormers

Teams of four may participate by making a donation of $1,000 to thePBCC. Each team receives hats, jerseys, commemorative baseballs, and asouvenir team photo. Prizes are awarded for most homeruns per team, mostteam and individual points, overall winners, and more. Team winners will berecognized before the game in the stadium that evening with possible "firstpitch" opportunities! Opportunities to participate, volunteer, sponsor, and attend all 11games are still available.

For more details, or to sign-up please visit theHomerun Derby website at http://www.pahomerunderby.org or contact PBCC Executive Director, Heather Hibshman, at 1-800-377-8828 x102 orheather@pabreastcancer.org.

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2008 Eastern League Preview by MiLB.com

MiLB.com posted their 2008 Eastern League Preview.

Eastern League Preview
Harrisburg Senators2007 Results: 55-86 2008 Manager: John StearnsThings to look forward to: Southpaw Ross Detwiler will begin his first full pro season with Harrisburg. The sixth overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft has three potential plus pitches, including a lively fastball that reaches the upper 90s. ... Justin Maxwell had the brains for Harvard, but he went to Maryland and pursued a baseball career instead. The athletic center fielder projects as a Mike Cameron-type player with a blend of speed, power and defense. ... Manager John Stearns returns to central Pennsylvania after spending 2007 with Triple-A Columbus. The second overall pick in the 1973 draft and former defensive back at the University of Colorado was the Senators' manager in 2006.

10 Names to Know

7. Justin Maxwell, OFHarrisburg Senators (Nationals)
Maxwell made a huge splash in his Major League debut: his first big-league hit was a pinch-hit grand slam against the Florida Marlins. The Nationals' 2007 Minor League Player of the Year will head to Double-A Harrisburg to start his 2008 campaign, which will, believe it or not, mark his Minor League debut above the Class A level -- the Nats called him up straight from Class A Advanced Potomac. The Montgomery County, Md. product is a local boy drafted in the 2005 Draft's fourth round whose preternatural poise should serve him well when he comes up for good. The only player in the Minors to combine for 25 doubles, 25 homers and 25 steals (at Class A Hagerstown and Class A Advanced Potomac), the 24-year-old Maxwell could be back in the Majors at any time.

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Welcome Back Dinner **REMINDER**

The 22nd annual Welcome Back Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2 at the Harrisburg Hilton. The dinner is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Ray Rodgers at (717) 564-2306, or President of the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club Barry Fealtman at (717) 691-1045.

When: Wednesday, April 2
Where: Harrisburg Hilton
Time: Reception at 6 PMDinner at 7PM
Cost: $30 for Adults, $12 for kids 12 and under.

Long time Senators season ticket holders, fan club members and attendees of the Welcome Back Dinner, Jane and Bob Bratz offered the following comments regarding this event:

"We have been attending the Harrisburg Senators Welcome Back Dinner, an annual event, since 1990. A player or coach has sat at our table each year. Some of the most memorable players or coaches to sit at our table included: Blas Minor (1990), Greg Fulton (1991), Brian Schneider (1999), Brad Wilkerson (2000), and Rick Tomlin (2005 and 2007). The Welcome Back Dinner is a GREAT event for meeting the players and getting autographs before and after Dinner, talking to people whom you have not seen since the previous season ended, and eating a good meal. Everyone who attends the Dinner seems to have a GREAT time."

Thank you to Ray Rodgers for providing the details of this event.

A special THANK YOU to Bob and Jane for your comments and continued support.

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Harrisburg Senators Spring Training

Some readers have been looking for Senators spring training scores and game reports, I’ve even had a few people e-mail be about it. I’ve never been to spring training but my initial thought was that there are no game reports or box scores available. I wanted to confirm my thinking before posting something here or replying to e-mails, so I contacted Terry Byrom. He said, “There are no scorebooks kept with the exception of the pitchers keeping track of the pitchers.” He continued by saying its “pretty informal” and “imagine a high school scrimmage game and you have the idea.”

Luckily the season starts in only 16 days!!! Home opener is Thursday, April 3rd at 6:35 PM as Harrisburg plays host to the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indians Double-A affiliate). Tickets are on sale at the Senators box office, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

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Nats Lose Whitesell To Arizona

Sorry I'm so late posting this but I had a family medical issue.

Josh Whitesell, who played the past two seasons for the Harrisburg Senators, was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Nationals tried to send Whitesell through waivers and that is when he was claimed by Arizona.

At this point he has been assigned to Triple-A Tucson but could end up contributing in Arizona at some point this season. He would be a good option as a left-handed bat off the bench.

My Player Profile Josh Whitesell




Source:
Press Release: Arizona Diamondbacks claim infielder Whitesell from Nationals

Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League Report on Josh Whitesell

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My 2008 Roster…..Revised

Due to the cuts made over the last week, I took some time to revise My 2008 Roster. I noted in my original post that I was a few players short (3 to be exact), I will try to fill in those spots too. More cuts are expected at some point after Friday’s final split-squad game. At that time I will revise my roster once again, if needed. When the OFFICIAL rosters are released I will post it.

It appears that the Nationals top pitching prospect, Ross Detwiler, will start the season at Potomac so I added Brad Myers to take his spot in the rotation. There are also reports out that the Nats top hitting prospect, Chris Marrero, will start the season at Potomac too. I’m not sold on Marrero starting at Potomac so I will leave him on my roster for now. If he does end up at Potomac, my guess is Brett McMillan will be assigned to Harrisburg (sharing time at first with Steven Mortimer).

Here is a list of players I added to fill out the 3 remaining roster spots and the reasons why I picked them.

Steven Mortimer – He is capable of playing first base, right field and DH.
Zech Zinicola – I still think Zinicola is a solid prospect and at some point in the near future he will contribute in Washington but he needs to regain control of his fastball. If that happens he won’t be in Harrisburg long.
Beltran Perez, Michael O’Connor or Mike Hinckley – I’m in favor of adding a long relief pitcher. The Nationals could choose to add another infielder or a utility type player but I think a reliever is a smart choice. My reason being, for my roster I already have 4 outfielders and 5 infielders and then we have Mortimer who can play infield and outfield. Castro is a solid defender, has a strong arm and is quick. He could fill in (even start) at 2B/3B/SS.

Catcher
Jesus Flores
Luke Montz

Infield
1B – Christopher Marrero
2B – Leonard Davis
3B – Brandon Powell
SS – Ian Desmond
Utility – Ofilio Castro (2B/3B/SS)

Outfield
CF – Justin Maxwell – R/R
OF – Roger Bernadina (replaced Marvin Lowrance)
OF - Mike Daniel
OF – Edgardo Baez – R/R (Bench)

First Base/Outfield/DH
Steven Mortimer

Pitching Staff (in no particular order)
Shairon Martis – RHP (starter)
Carlos Martinez – RHP (starter
Cory Van Allen – LHP (starter)
Brad Myers (replaced Ross Detwiler) (starter)
Macro Estrada – RHP (starter)
Adam Carr – RHP (closer)
Zech Zinicola – RHP
Clint Everts – RHP
Jack Spardlin – LHP
Eddy Baeza – RHP
David Trahan – RHP
Beltran Perez, Michael O’Connor or Mike Hinckley

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The Cuts Continue

Roger Bernadina (pictured above) was part of the 16 player cuts announced yesterday by the Nationals. This brings the Nationals total roster to 44 players in MLB camp. Additional cuts are expected after the final MLB spilt-squad game which is scheduled for Friday. Minor league games begin later this week (Thursday). Below is a list of former Senators that were reassigned or optioned by the Nationals.

The Washington Nationals reassigned the following former Harrisburg Senators to minor-league camp:

Collin Balester appeared in two spring training games pitching 5.1 innings. His stats were, ERA 5.06, 3 runs (all earned), gave up 2 home runs, while striking out 4. In my opinion, Balester will most likely start the season at Triple-A Columbus.

Adam Carr saw limited action during spring training. He appeared in two games, only pitching 1.2 innings. Carr faced 8 batters, allowing no hits, walking 3 and striking out 1. Carr will most likely start the season as the Senators closer (sharing that duty with Zech Zinicola).

Ian Desmond appeared in 5 games getting 4 at-bats. He logged 1 hit, while striking out 3 times and walking once. He should start the season as Harrisburg’s shortstop.

Javier Herrera experienced some success during spring training. Herrera appeared in 3 games, managed to collect 3 hits in 4 at-bats. He should start the season in Triple-A Columbus, but don’t rule out a return to Harrisburg.

The Nationals also optioned the following former Senators. This does not guarantee the player will start the season at that location.

Roger Bernadina to Double-A Harrisburg - Bernadina appeared in 3 games with the Nationals this spring. He collected 1 hit (double) in 4 at-bats and had 1 RBI.

Justin Maxwell to Double-A Harrisburg – It appears as though the Nationals 2007 Player of the Year will start the season as the Senators starting centerfielder.

Garrett Mock to Triple-A Columbus – Mock registered 6.2 innings in 3 appearances allowing 6 runs (only 3 were earned) while walking 3 and striking out 4. Mock was opted to Triple-A Columbus but don’t rule out him returning to Harrisburg.

Josh Whitesell to Triple-A Columbus – Optioning Whitesell to Columbus was not surprising but his spring training performance was. He appeared in 7 games. In those games he managed only 2 hits in 16 at-bats (.125), one of those hits was a home run. He also stuck out 6 times. I’m sure once the season starts he will be fine.

For a full list of players reassigned or optioned visit the Nationals official press release: Nationals Trim Roster to 44

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Reassigned to Minor League Camp

The following former Senators were reassigned to minor league camp today:

Frank Diaz played well in the Venezuelan Winter League and continued his hot hitting during spring training. He appeared in two games, getting 2 hits in 4 at bats (.500), 1 RBI and 1 run scored. His being reassigned has to do with the overwhelming amount of talent the Nationals have in spring training at the outfield position. Diaz will most likely start the season at Triple-A Columbus.

Roger Bernadina appeared in 4 games this spring and only managed to get 1 hit in 5 at bats. He was reassigned for the same reason as Diaz, to many talented outfielders in spring training. He could return to Harrisburg to start the season.

Despite not pitching in a game during spring training Mike Hinckley was reassigned to minor league camp. Hinckley could return to Harrisburg this season. With the starting pitching talent that is expected to be in Harrisburg this season, Hinckley’s role might change. I would expect him to fit the role of either a long reliever or possibly a 4 or 5 starter.

Devin Ivany only saw action in 1 game this spring; he was hit by a pitch and scored a run. With Estrada, Lo Duca, Javier Herrera and Jesus Flores all in camp Ivany’s reassignment was bound to happen sooner rather than later. Ivany will most likely start the season in Harrisburg possibly as a back up to Jesus Flores.

Also reassigned to minor league camp was Ross Detwiler, he is considered by most to be the Nationals top pitching prospect. He should start the season at either Potomac or Harrisburg.

In addition to the reassignments, there were two promotions, Adam Carr and Ian Desmond have been added to the big league camp. Both players have played for the Senators and are expected to start the 2008 season in Harrisburg (Desmond starting SS and Carr as the closer).


Nationals Press Release

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Welcome Back Dinner

The 22nd annual Welcome Back Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2 at the Harrisburg Hilton. The dinner is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Ray Rodgers at (717) 564-2306, or President of the Harrisburg Senators Fan Club Barry Fealtman at (717) 691-1045.

When: Wednesday, April 2
Where: Harrisburg Hilton
Time: Reception at 6 PM
Dinner at 7PM
Cost: $30 for Adults, $12 for kids 12 and under.

Long time Senators season ticket holders, fan club members and attendees of the Welcome Back Dinner, Jane and Bob Bratz offered the following comments regarding this event:

"We have been attending the Harrisburg Senators Welcome Back Dinner, an annual event, since 1990. A player or coach has sat at our table each year. Some of the most memorable players or coaches to sit at our table included: Blas Minor (1990), Greg Fulton (1991), Brian Schneider (1999), Brad Wilkerson (2000), and Rick Tomlin (2005 and 2007). The Welcome Back Dinner is a GREAT event for meeting the players and getting autographs before and after Dinner, talking to people whom you have not seen since the previous season ended, and eating a good meal. Everyone who attends the Dinner seems to have a GREAT time."

Thank you to Ray Rodgers for providing the details of this event. Also to Bob and Jane for your comments and continued support.

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Fun For the Whole Family

The Harrisburg Senators 2008 FanFest was a success. Fans came out in the hundreds to show their support for the team, audition to be a Klubhouse Kid or sing their rendition of the National Anthem.

The judges should have a tuff time picking the winners as everyone came ready to perform.

Below is a list of some of my favorite performances from FanFest 2008. This is just my favorite performances but the judges and the Harrisburg Senators will determine the actual winners.

Klubhouse Kid Audition
One boy and one girl will be picked, within the next week and a half, to be the first ever Klubhouse Kids.

Luke Dennison (picture above) wore a costume stating “Picture Me the Biggest Senators Fan”. His costume was designed with a little help from his brother Austen, who is studying Graphic Design at Cumberland Perry Votech. Photos on the custom show Luke running the bases during a Senators game, family photo with Rascal and playing tee ball.

Logan Dennison (pictured above), brother of Luke, is also showing his creativity by making a oversized Senators bat. The bat, which took two weeks to make, is constructed of chicken wire and paper mache.

Hank (pictured with his father Tony) delivered a very good rendition of the “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”


National Anthem Auditions

The Earth Tones (pictured above)are a group of state workers from DEP and DCNR. They are seasoned pro’s that have been singing together since Christmas 1999 and have performed the National Anthem at a Senators game a few years ago. You can tell they have been signing together for a while. The judges gave them excellent and superior grades, I would agree with the judges.

Michael Zorger (pictured above), who has been singing for 20 years, delivered a soulful rendition of the National Anthem.



All photos used with the permission from the performer or their parent.

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