2011: A Year In Review

Hello all!  Thanks for checking in for the final time in 2011.  At this time of the year, most people like to look back at the year that was, and I'm no different.  Here are some of my thoughts from 2011.

   *Tough year for the Gateway Grizzlies, but an exciting year for me as the lead broadcaster for the first time.  I was given the chance to take over for the great Joe Pott, and it was an unbelievable experience.  After spending an entire summer traveling and watching baseball every night of the week, as crazy as it seems, that's how I want to spend every summer the rest of my life.  There is nothing like it.

   *The return of Saint Louis University Men's Basketball.  If you know me at all, you know that I'm a huge SLU basketball fan..always have been.  Billikens basketball is back and on a whole new level..can't wait to see what 2012 brings.

   *St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series.  With the Grizzlies season taking place @ the same time as the Cardinals season, I'll be the first to admit that I don't get to follow the Cardinals as much as I used to.  Therefore, I'm not as big of a fan as I used to be, but I will always bleed Cardinals red.  What a run 2011 was for Tony La Russa's club.  It was fun to watch.

   *Getting the chance to call Division I follow College Basketball for a full season has been a real thrill in 2011.  Joe Pott and SIUE gave me the opportunity to join the broadcast team and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  Basketball is my passion and the sport that I feel is my best play-by-play wise.  Not to mention, I get to work with Joe every broadcast, which is a true joy.  Here's hoping SIUE Men's and Women's Basketball have a great 2012. 

   *2011 was a big year for me @ McKendree University.  Early in the year I began calling Hockey and Baseball for the first time and late in the year I called my first football game (McKendree win on homecoming against Trinity International University..I'll never forget that game) and became the PA Voice of McKendree Men's Basketball under legendary head coach Harry Statham.  I also was asked to be the PA Voice of McKendree Football in 2012.  It has been a great ride already with a great University.  I'm Announcing Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey and Baseball.  As long as they keep on giving me the microphone, I will continue to represent the University in a positive manner.  They have made me feel welcome and I know 2012 will be a great year to be a Bearcat.

That's my list..not very long, but I got to some points I wanted to cover.  As far as 2012 you ask?  I want a lot of things to happen.  I want to continue to improve every broadcast, add more content to my personal website (www.AdamYoungOnTheAir.com), call even more sporting events and catch that 'big break' as they say, but one thing has been on my mind ever since the 2011 Grizzlies season ended on September 4th.  I'm hungry, greedy and anxious..I want to see a GREAT 2012 season for the Grizzlies.  The fans deserve it, the coaching staff deserves it and the players deserve it.  I want to see a Frontier League Championship for the Gateway Grizzlies in 2012. I hope that isn't too much to ask. Enjoy the rest of 2011 and make 2012 a great one.  I know I will try my best to do so.  Happy New Year!

    -Adam Young

Merry Christmas

Hello all!  First off, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I hope everyone had a great Christmas with family and friends.  With the end of the year approaching, I've started to think a lot about 2012 and what it has to offer. 

For the Gateway Grizzlies, it's going to be a different year, but in a good way.  Players and fans will have to adjust to a new playing surface.  I've written about it often on this blog and will thoroughly enjoy watching the progress over the next couple of weeks.  The turf installation process has begun (picture during the first day is above) and it should be completed around mid-January or so. 

I'll be posting updates throughout the process.  Once again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Here's to 2012 being a GREAT year!

Field Turf/Boling & Hart Returning

Many Grizzlies fans have been stopping by GCS Ballpark to check on the progress of the new field...I'm happy to report that starting next week, the process of laying down the field turf is expected to begin (barring weather issues).  The new field should be ready to go by mid-January.  I will post pictures consistently once they start laying down the turf..should be an exciting time here @ GCS Ballpark.  Feel free to come by the ballpark and check out the progress during the holiday season!

GWY Manager Phil Warren re-signed two more players this week..JR Boling (Pictured:  Courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com) and Jett Hart are coming back for another season.  Boling is a right-handed hurler who had an injury plagued 2011 season, but still managed to appear 20 times out of the Grizzlies bullpen.  He compiled a 4.40 ERA.  Hart was a late season addition, via trade from Joliet.  He showed promise batting out of the Grizzlies leadoff spot and playing in centerfield.  Both should be contributors come 2012. 

Weather permitting, turf will begin to cover the playing surface @ GCS Ballpark next week..I'll have pictures for you.  Check back for that.  Happy Holidays!

    -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Grizzlies 2012 Schedule Breakdown

Hello all!  158 days until opening day!  Yes, I know that is far away, but I'm still in the baseball mood and with the recent release of the schedule, I thought it would be a good time to break down the Grizzlies 2012 schedule.

While there could still be some minor changes, the schedule is pretty much set (even game times).  The Grizzlies open up the exhibition season May 9th @ home vs. the Southern Illinois Miners.  GWY will play six EXH games before opening up for good on Friday, May 18th against the reigning Frontier League Champion, Joliet Slammers. 

The first half of the season figures to be a tough one.  Gateway will spend the majority of the first half on the road, especially in June, when they play 18 of their 28 games away from GCS Ballpark.  The Grizzlies first road trip of the season is also a tough one, taking them through Washington AND London, Ontario, Canada May 22-27. 

It appears if the Grizzlies can stay in the hunt until August, the schedule is favorable down the stretch.  GWY spends 11 of their first 14 games in August @ home, with an off day mixed in.  Also, six of the final nine games of the season are @ GCS Ballpark.  One of the biggest differences IMO is the fact that the Grizzlies will only get three days off during the All-Star Break.  GWY will play on the Thursday of All-Star week vs. Florence (only game in the league that day) and get that Sunday off instead. 

We could get into it much more, but those are some of the things that jumped out at me.  Schedule is finished, roster is shaping up and the field turf is about to be installed @ GCS Ballpark..now all we need is some games.  Once again, 158 days until Opening Day on May 18th vs. the Joliet Slammers. 

I'll be checking back in this week with field turf progress..Go Grizzlies!

      -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Gateway Catcher Landon Hernandez Returns

Hello all!  As promised, I'm back with some Grizzlies news.  Grizzlies catcher Landon Hernandez is returning for a third season (All photos courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com).  Hernandez was one of the top hitters for the Grizzlies during the 2011 season.  Below is a link to one of my 18 Landon Hernandez home run calls from 2011!

HERNANDEZ HOMERS IN EVANSVILLE

Hernandez, 24, enjoyed a breakout 2011 season.  He batted .250 with 18 homers and 46 RBI, while being named the Gateway Grizzlies Fan Favorite.  In 2010, Hernandez homered just two times in limited action as the team’s backup catcher.  The 6-1 230-pound backstop took over starting duties in 2011 and played in 86 of the team’s 95 games.  Hernandez got off to a blistering start to the season, ran into a mid-season funk, but finished strong.   

“Landon had an outstanding year for us both offensively and defensively,” Grizzlies Manager Phil Warren said.  “With that said, I still think we haven’t seen the best of Landon Hernandez.  I think he has even more to offer in 2012.” 

Despite his great offensive numbers, Hernandez could be considered more of a defensive catcher.  A Palm Desert, CA native, Hernandez was the top defensive catcher in the Frontier League, throwing out over 40 percent of attempted base stealers. 

“Not only does he throw out runners at a high rate, but he also handles the pitchers very well,” Warren commented.  “Our pitchers enjoy throwing to him and he has great instincts behind the plate.”

Hernandez is currently playing winter baseball in Australia and excelling.  He was named to the South Australian All-Star team.  Hernandez returns in 2012 as one of the team’s top offensive threats.  With the trade of Charlie Lisk to River City, Hernandez has the most returning home runs.  Hernandez will also be searching for his first All-Star appearance when the 2012 Frontier League All-Star game takes place in Normal, IL in early July. 

“Landon is an All-Star caliber player,” Warren remarked.  “When healthy and performing at the top of his game, he is the best catcher in the Frontier League.  He’s still young, but is considered a veteran to us because he has so much experience.  He’s a mature player and person.  We are thrilled to be bringing him back for another season.”

Can't wait to see what Lando brings to the table in 2012.  He's a special talent.  I can't wait for the 2012 season!

   Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Hello all!  It was a busy week for me behind the microphone with seven college basketball games during the week, including four games over a two-day span (Friday and Saturday).  Early in the week I was @ McKendree and SIUE for Men's Basketball..Friday and Saturday I had four games @ three different Universities (Washington University-St. Louis, McKendree and an SIUE road game @ SIU Carbondale).  I was also battling a horrible cold, which luckily I've been able to get rid of for the most part..I'd say I'm back to about 85 percent! 

With all of that said, Saturday was the highlight as the SIUE Women's Basketball team continued their hot start to the season w/ an overtime thriller against sister school, SIUC.  Cougars won 70-60 in OT..a BIG win for the program AND the University.  Thanks to a Raven Berry 10-footer that beat the horn in regulation, I got to call a buzzer-beater that sent us to OT.  I'm extremely excited for the week ahead..should be a great one.  Tuesday night it's SIUE Women vs. Bradley followed by SIUE Men vs. Ball State.  The weekend could be a busy one as well on the road...I will most likely be on the call of SIUE Women @ Depaul Friday and then @ IPFW on Sunday.  It's either that or alongside Joe Pott for SIUE Men @ Home on Saturday.  Either way, more and more college basketball.  I might also try to make it over to Chaifetz on Wednesday to check out the SLU Billikens in person for the first time this season..anyone who knows me is aware that I'm a HUGE SLU fan..always have been!  The Billikens have Vermont on Wednesday.

I'll be checking back in this week with some Grizzlies news most likely.  Take care!