@SIUECougars/@SIUSalukis Continue Rivalry Monday Night

The SIUE Cougars battle in-state rival SIUC Monday night at SIU Arena in Carbondale.  The two teams meet for the third straight season with the Cougars looking for their first-ever win against the Salukis
(0-5 all-time).

It's safe to say this matchup is the most-anticipated game each season for Cougar fans who are looking for braggin' rights with their rivals two hours to the south.  On paper, the matchup looks close to even, but the Cougars have struggled in the past against the Salukis, especially on the road @ SIU Arena.  Two seasons ago SIUC comfortably beat SIUE 80-57 in Carbondale and last season it was a 71-55 Salukis win in front of a sold-out crowd @ Vadalabene Center.

The biggest key to a Cougar win Monday night is defense.  Opponents are averaging 81 ppg against the
Cougars this season while shooting 51% from the field and 41% from three.  If the Cougars are going to win the game they will need to keep the Salukis in the 60-70 point range.  SIUC averages 69 ppg, but outside of star players Desmar Jackson (21ppg) & Anthony Beane Jr. (12ppg), their options are limited on offense.  In my opinion the Cougars doing enough offensively to win games right now.

Notes
  *SIUE has lost three straight games and are currently 0-5 on the road.
  *This is SIUE's third straight road game.
  *The Cougars have allowed 80 points or more in their last two games.
  *SIUC star forward Desmar Jackson has 20+ points in 6/11 games
  *The Salukis avg only 9 assists p/game, which is 340th/351 teams in the nation.

Looking forward to being on the call with Joe Pott Monday night @ SIU Arena.  Tune into the broadcast on the Cougar Radio Network starting with the pregame show @ 6:50. 

Sportscasting Advice: Part III

College basketball season is underway & basketball broadcasters across the country are trying to knock off the rust and get in rhythm as they call their first couple of games.

This is the time of the year when I listen to my games (and others) the most, trying to improve and sharpen my call.  I get a good number of emails from young broadcasters asking me "how can I get better
on the air and what do I need to improve on."  The best answer is get reps..the more you do it, the better you will be.  But the deeper answer is to focus on certain areas.  Below is a sample of my play-by-play from the SIUE/Missouri WBB game yesterday @ Mizzou Arena.  Also below are a few things I always keep in mind when I'm doing a broadcast and listen for when I listen back on my calls.
  
PLAY-BY-PLAY

TIME AND SCORE:  It sounds elementary, but time and score is what the listener needs.  This is the point of emphasis in every sport, not just basketball.  When I'm calling a basketball game, my goal is to give time and score every change of possession (doesn't always happen, but that's what I shoot for).  The key is, don't say it the same way every time..mix it up and keep it fresh for the listener.  For example, one
possession you may say, "Jones brings it across midcourt with the Tigers ahead by 13."  Next possession you can say, "Williams sets up the Tigers offense between the circles..Tigers 37 Hawks 21 with under 4 to go in the opening half."  Keep in mind you don't have to give time and score at the same time.  If the offense is moving and you don't have time, mix it up and give one of them later in the possession if you get a chance.  Just keep in mind, your listener NEEDS this.  It's the most important thing in the broadcast.  Also, ALWAYS give time AND score when heading into a break and coming out of a break.  Don't leave the listener hanging.

WHICH TEAM HAS THE BALL?:  Many of your listeners aren't familiar with all of the players on the floor, so do them a favor, and try to mention as often as possible which team has the ball.  For example, "Evans from three..no good front of the rim..Duke's Randolph leaps high for the defensive rebound."  Key words on a rebound are 'offensive/defensive'..lets the listener know if there is change of possession by saying defensive/offensive as often as possible.  Also, NEVER just say "Williams gets the rebound".  They 'snag, corral, leap high, weak side, front side, back side, ball side, strong side, right of the glass, in the lane, at the elbow, on the baseline.'  How did they get the rebound and where did they get it?

TAKE DESCRIPTION TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL:  What separates the good broadcasters from the great ones is description.  Try to describe the action the best you can.  The best descriptive basketball play-by-play guy I listen to is Randy Lee, the Radio Voice of Western Kentucky University.  I started listening to Randy when I was in college, reached out to him then and now he's one of my mentors and we
stay in touch often.  He sends me audio of his, I save it and listen to it to try and get better.  The best way to become a more descriptive broadcaster is to listen to guys like Randy and also study descriptive terms.  To the right is a sheet I put together that I study often, which helps me during my broadcasts.

STORYLINES:  Something I started to do during the 2012 baseball season is write down 'storylines' on a note card prior to the game and reference that during the game.  What's at stake?  Why is this game important?  Let the listeners know consistently during the game.  For me, having that written down prior to the game is helpful.  I use this during basketball season now as well.
 
WHERE IS THE ACTION AT?  Remember, the listener CAN'T see what's going on.  Therefore, help the listener visualize by giving indicators, relative to where you are sitting and seeing the action..how big is the arena, what color are the uniforms, where is the team's bench relative to where you are sitting, where are the home team fans sitting, is the conferences logo in the lane?  Refer to it if so.  "For example, Missouri is moving left to right."  "Davis will shoot one more free throw to our right."  "Pepperdine head coach Mike Jone screams out the orders from the far right bench."  "Michaels zig-zags across midcourt in his home white uniform trimmed in red."

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE?  Finally, the key to everything is being prepared.  Be ready to go when you head on the air.  Don't ever head into a broadcast not ready to go.  Spend hours on your spotting boards putting them together and studying them.  You should head into the arena on gameday ready to go.  The more comfortable you are, the better your call will be.  I always know what the players look like before heading to the arena on gameday.  Therefore, when the action begins I don't need to continuously look down at my spotting board to see who #12 is or who #20 is.  By looking at them, I should be able to tell immediately who they are.  In order to sound prepared, you need to be prepared.

Hope this is helpful.  Feel free to email me for questions/advice (youngpbp@gmail.com).  Have a great call!

   -Adam Young

Grizzlies Release 2014 Schedule/Sign former N.C. State Star

Hello all!  The 2014 schedule is out for the Gateway Grizzlies, highlighted by the league all-star game coming to GCS Ballpark on July 14th.

Can't wait for the all-star week festivities with the Grizzlies hosting for the first time since 2003.  A lot of great things are planned with details coming out as the season gets closer.

Gateway opens up the regular season with their first six games at home.  The Traverse City Beach Bums will be the first opponent for the Grizzlies, coming in for a three-game series May 16-18.  Opening night is on a Friday night again and Sunday the 18th will be the always well-attended American Heart Association Day game.  GREAT crowds should be @ GCS Ballpark for the opening weekend.

Travel is rather light in the first half of the season.  The Grizzlies will make the Traverse City, MI, Avon,
OH and Washington, PA trips all in the second half.  Gateway heads to Traverse City to open the second half and the series' @ Lake Erie & Washington will be late in the year in August.

Gateway will have every Monday off in June and only three off days in August.  It appears that the schedule favors a good start to the season for the Grizzlies because of the amount of home games and little travel in the first half.  Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Gateway will also have four EXH games, including one on Saturday, May 10th against the Wichita Wingnuts from the American Association.  Wichita's 2013 team featured former Grizzlies Ryan Khoury & Nick Walters.  They also had former St. Louis Cardinal, John Rodriguez.

SIGNING NEWS:
The Grizzlies recently signed former North Carolina State outfielder Brett Williams to a contract for
the 2014 season.

Williams had a solid career offensively with the Wolfpack, but is more well-known for his spectacular defense.

He batted .268 with 9 HR & 67 RBI during his 2 years @ N.C. State (122 games).

Williams was drafted in the 25th round by the DBacks in 2011 but decided not to go.  He was a 2013 Gold Glove recipient by the American Baseball Coaches Association & Rawlings.  He only committed 4 errors in college & is known for this amazing catch in a 2013 game that became a Sportscenter Top Play & generated 4.4 million views on youtube.

Welcome to Gateway, Brett!

   -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

First Post of the Offseason: Here Comes College Basketball

Hello all!  This is my first blog post of the 2013-14 offseason.  My fall broadcast schedule is wrapping up in the next couple of weeks and college basketball officially gets underway this coming week.  Great time of the year!

Can't wait for college basketball to get into full swing.  My college bball broadcast schedule started a couple weeks ago when I called the McKendree MBB EXH game @ Illinois.  Always neat to call a game at a great venue like State Farm Center (formerly Assembly Hall) and catch up with a guy who has helped me out in my career & is always available for advice, U of I Voice Brian Barnhart.

McKendree battled hard the entire game and actually had a double-digit first half lead.  I came away very impressed with the Bearcats and am looking forward to another year as McKendree Men's Basketball's PA Voice.  Harry Statham begins his 48th year as the 'Cats Head Coach starting this Friday night.  The all-time winningest coach in NCAA MBB history at the four year level.  LEGEND.

SIUE MBB starts their EXH season Mon night at Vadalabene Center.  Looking forward to working
alongside Cougar Voice Joe Pott for another year on radio.  Unfortunately, I haven't been able to see the Cougars yet this preseason (was @ U of I on the night of their Cougar Madness evening), but I LOVE their backcourt depth.  A lot of transfers this year for HC Lennox Forrester, who enters his 7th season.  They open up their season @ Arkansas Friday night.

By the way, the all-time leading scorer @ McKendree is Matt Laur, and he was promoted to Associate Head Coach @ SIUE in the offseason.  MUCH DESERVED.  I've seen Coach Laur work the last couple of years and his work ethic, passion and knowledge are impressive.  Future head coach at a high-level.  No question my favorite assistant to watch work.

SIUE WBB gets EXH play going on Tuesday night.  I'm entering my 3rd year as the Voice of SIUE WBB this season.  A lot of expectations for Paula Buscher's team with a talented group of FR coming in.  Paula will have her team ready to go starting with the opener @ Mizzou this coming SUN.

I'll also continue doing work @ SLU in the winter.  I've been doing SLU Volleyball in the fall & will fill-in doing WBB PA Friday night in their opener @ Chaifetz against Mizzou.  I have some games at Washington U. in STL and will be adding some more work in the next couple of weeks to my schedule.

Here's an example of my schedule from this Saturday through next Sunday.

Saturday: McKendree Football vs. Quincy
Sunday: McKendree Volleyball vs. Missouri S & T
Monday: SIUE MBB vs. Greenville (EXH)
Tuesday: SIUE WBB vs. Lindenwood (EXH)
Wednesday: Doing the Maryville U. coaches show w/ Jim Powers @ Mike Duffy's in Chesterfield
Thursday: OFF
Friday: SLU WBB vs. Mizzou @ 4:30 & then SLU Volleyball vs. Rhode Island @ 7 (tight squeeze)
Saturday: SLU Volleyball vs. VCU
Sunday: SIUE WBB @ Mizzou

Go Cougars, Bearcats, Billikens & Bears!

   -Adam Young

2013: A Season In Review Part I

Hello all!  Tonight is the final game of the 2013 season.  Despite the Grizzlies win last night at Southern Illinois, a Florence Freedom victory over Windy City eliminated the Grizzlies from the playoff race.  Gateway looks for a win tonight to finish their season 53-43.  The Grizzlies are looking for their third straight series win tonight.

There were some great moments this season..here's a few of them:

• Tim Brown throws the third no-hitter in Grizzlies history July 20th in a game at GCS Ballpark against the Lake Erie Crushers.

It was a phenomenal pitching performance by the ace right-hander from St. Louis who pitched the Grizzlies to a 9-0 win and put his name into the Grizzlies record book.  It was the first Grizzlies no-hitter
since 2008 and just the second ever at hitter-friendly GCS Ballpark.  Brown walked two batters, struck out four, threw 122 pitches and had to work around two ninth inning errors to notch the historic feat.

RADIO CALL TIM BROWN NO HITTER FINAL OUT

RADIO CALL TIM BROWN NO HITTER FINAL INNING

• Landon Hernandez picks up 3 HR and drives in 8 runs in a 14-4 August 3rd win at home against River City.

Hernandez tied the franchise and league record with 3 HR's while breaking the team record for RBI with 8.  Hernandez did all of that in the first four innings of the game.  He grounded out to the pitcher in his final two at-bats in the game.       

RADIO CALLS OF THE HERNANDEZ HOME RUNS

• Grizzlies send team-record nine players to the 2013 Frontier League All-Star game.

 The Grizzlies bombarded the All-Star game with 9 players.  Landon Hernandez, Chris McClendon, Jose Flores, Ja'Vaun West, Tim Brown, Zac Treece, Richard Barrett, Jon Myers and Antone DeJesus were all named to the team.  Of the 27 players on the West Division roster, 9 were Grizzlies.  With a 32-19 first half record, the Grizzlies coaching staff directed the West Division because of the division's best record.

• Jonathan Johnson plays in a team-record 96 games

Assuming he plays in tonight's series finale, Jonathan Johnson will break the team-record for games played with 96.  Ironically, 'JJ' breaks the record that Jon Myers and him set in '12 (95).  Johnson has only missed one game in his two years with the Grizzlies.  Impressive stuff.

In the coming weeks I'll have an extensive season review.  Let's get a W tonight!  Go Grizzlies!

   Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Tim Brown Pitches No-Hitter; A Night To Remember

Saturday night @ GCS Ballpark was a night I will never forget.  At a hitter-friendly ballpark just outside of St. Louis, one of St. Louis' own fired the third no-hitter in Gateway Grizzlies franchise history.

Tim Brown will forever be remembered after his performance last night.  He had to work
around three errors (including two in the 9th inning) to finish off a whacky, crazy no-hitter.  By the way, solid work by official scorer Scott Cummings who was spot on for all three calls.

I've thought about it before..I think every broadcaster has at some point.  But I never thought I would actually get to call a no-hitter.  To be honest, I've never even been that close and I sure as heck didn't think I'd be calling one @ hitter-friendly GCS Ballpark.

I'm not going to say this is why I do this for a living, because that's not the case.  But I will say this is why I work my hardest to be at my best every night.  Just like the players, I refuse to take a night off.  Just like

Brown was trying to make every pitch perfect down the stretch, I was trying to describe the action as perfect as I could.

After Brown finished off the seventh inning, it really started to sink in that we could be experiencing something special.  He was six outs away and while no one in the pressbox came out and said anything, you could see the look in their eyes.  I've only been nervous on the airwaves a few times in my life and tonight was one of them, but it was a good nervous.  I don't think I've ever been as locked in as I was in the final two innings with Tim pitching.  I couldn't take my eyes off the right-hander from St. Louis.
  
The saying is true..you never know what you're going to see when you arrive to the ballpark that day.  Tonight I got to be a part of something special.  No, I wasn't on the field, but I got to describe the action to all the fans listening and hanging on every word.  Below is the call of the final out and the entire ninth inning audio.

FINAL OUT AS HEARD ON THE RADIO NETWORK

FINAL INNING AS HEARD ON THE RADIO NETWORK

Saturday, July 20th is a night I'll never forget.  Baseball is a grind..long days and nights with games every day.  Travel can get tiring and the season can drag on at times.  Moments like this we'll remember forever.  Watching Tim embrace his catcher Landon Hernandez gave me chills.  Two guys who have worked countless games together got to share that special moment together.  This team this year is something special.  It's a TEAM..no individual play..they are all out for the same goal - Championship.     

Just like the players and coaches, I'll wake up tomorrow with a pep in my step wondering what I will experience that day.  Who knows, maybe we'll see another no-no.

Blessed to do this for a living.

   -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young  

Grizzlies Rolling Along; 15-7 Record To Start Season

Hello all!  Thanks for checking out the blog.  How about those Gateway Grizzlies?? A 15-7 start to the season & and the Grizzlies are currently rolling along with a season-high six game win streak.

Pitching & defense has been the key for Gateway so far this season.  Gateway's team ERA is 3.27
(franchise record is 3.57/set last season) and the starting pitching has been outstanding.  Among the Grizzlies five starters, four have an ERA of 3.10 or better.  Right-hander Ja'Vaun West is off to a 4-0 start and 23-year-old Tucker Jensen appears to be a consistent, front line starter.  Tim Brown continues to shine and Gregg Downing struck out 11 batters in a superb start today.

Gateway's defense has only committed 15 errors in 22 games and they only have two errors in the last eight games.  The Gateway infield is as good as you will see..

The Grizzlies offense has been up and down so far.  The team average is just over .250, but the Grizzlies have certainly had some strong games offensively, including a 15-run outburst Tuesday night.

Jon Myers is pacing the Grizzlies offense with a .350 average that includes 5 HR's and 15 RBI.  Landon Hernandez has been turning it on as of late.  Lando drove in two of the three runs today and now has 4 HR's and 14 RBI.

Overall, not much to complain about if you're Phil Warren.  After today's win, the Grizzlies were only a half game back of Normal in the West Division..and guess what???  The Cornbelters come to GCS Ballpark for a three-game series this weekend.

Yes, it's early..but a great start to the season for the Grizzlies nonetheless.  Go Grizzlies!

   -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Grizzlies Begin 2013 Season Friday Night In Ohio

Hello all!  After months of waiting, it is finally here.  Opening Day is upon us and the Gateway Grizzlies are in Avon, OH this weekend as they take on the Lake Erie Crushers.  Can't wait to get things

Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging

started Friday night!

The Opening Day roster is set of course.  Grizzlies manager Phil Warren put together a competitive spring training and the skipper feels like he has a great group of 24 players ready for battle Friday.  12 pitchers and 12 position players make up the roster.  Here's the rotation..

  RHP Tim Brown
  RHP Tucker Jensen
  RHP Ja'Vaun West
  RHP Chris Enourato
  LHP Gregg Downing

The position players consist of numerous guys who can play different positions..there are also a handful of switch hitters.  While the Opening Day lineup isn't set yet, Warren stuck with a consistent lineup during the preseason and I think it's safe to say we will see Johnson, Frias, McClendon, Flores, Hernandez, Butler, DeJesus, Myers and Guthrie in the starting lineup Friday..in no particular order.

The closer job belongs to veteran RHP Richard Barrett to start the season.  Richard closed 17 games in 2012.

Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging

Friday night is the night.  Tim Brown will get the start for the Grizzlies in the season opener.  The St. Louis native went 12-2 last season and is poised for another great year.

I'll have the call Friday and all season long on the Grizzlies Radio Network and online at www.gatewaygrizzlies.com.  Talk to you Friday on the radio.  Go Grizzlies!

   -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Baseball 'Offseason' Complete; Grizzlies Season Begins

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging

Professional baseball season is here!  It was a long offseason for Grizzlies players/coaches/fans after a heartbreaking Divisional Series loss to the Florence Freedom in 2012.  Tuesday marks the beginning of the games as the Grizzlies travel to Marion to take on the Southern Illinois Miners in the first of four EXH games leading up to the regular season.  I'll have full coverage on here and on the Grizzlies social media pages (facebook/twitter).  I'm ready to get started!

Here's hoping I'll be calling playoff baseball once again in 2013.  Last season was an unbelievable ride and I can honestly say I had more fun calling baseball in August/September last year than I've ever had.  I still listen to this broadcast open (below) I did before Game 5 of the Divisional Series last season whenever I get a chance..here's hoping we are talking playoffs in September of 2013.

GRIZZLIES BROADCAST OPEN (GAME 5 2012 DIVISIONAL SERIES)

If you know me, you are aware of my love for the game of basketball.  I've been in love with the game since I played and it has carried over to the microphone.  I thoroughly enjoyed the offseason, which

involved a lot of basketball games for me.  With that said, I've always told people whichever sport I'm calling I'm locked into.  My full attention has turned to baseball and the upcoming Grizzlies season.  I can't wait to hit the air for the first time next Saturday when the Grizzlies wrap up EXH play @ home.  You can hear that game on 590 AM KFNS and 1400 AM KJFF..also online @ gatewaygrizzlies.com and on the KFNS app.

It was a long, busy offseason for me.  Tomorrow (Sunday) wraps up my 'offseason' broadcast schedule.  It was my busiest offseason yet, calling 112 games.  I called Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer and Volleyball in the offseason.  I received calls from new companies and was given the chance to announce/broadcast over 100 games.  I love this business and continue to say yes to every

opportunity presented my way.  You never know who will be listening and you never know which job will be your last.  I'm blessed to get to do this for a living and will never take it for granted.

If some of you are Grizzlies fans and first time readers of my blog, keep close tabs here throughout the season.  I will be posting consistently throughout the season and will include my thoughts, highlight clips, etc.  Feel free to email me @ ayoung@gatewaygrizzlies.com anytime during the season.  I will be happy to talk/exchange emails about the Grizzlies and the season. 

Tuesday and Wednesday's EXH games will not be broadcast on radio, but I'll have blog posts and pregame/postgame audio interviews posted here, on the Grizzlies facebook/twitter (@gatewaygrizzlie) pages and on my personal twitter (@youngpbp) page.  Every single regular season/playoff game will be broadcast on the Grizzlies Radio Network. Talk to you this week.  Go Grizzlies!

    -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Phil Warren Talks About Grizzlies Roster

Paul Baillargeon Photo

Hello all!  Opening Day is getting closer and closer.  Gateway opens up EXH play on May 7th @ Southern Illinois against the Miners.  The season opener is May 17th in Avon, OH @ Lake Erie.  Can't wait!

I had my monthly Manager's Chat with Phil Warren this morning @ GCS Ballpark.  Below is the link to
the full interview with the Grizzlies skipper.

Manager's Chat with Phil Warren

Great stuff from Phil, as usual.  As he mentioned there is A LOT of pitching on the roster heading into Spring Training, which should make for some excellent competition.  There is roughly 10 guys who will be competing for 5 rotation spots.  With that said, some of the guys competing for rotation spots have bullpen experience and could end up being placed there.

Speaking of pitching, right-hander Jason Sullivan has been at the ballpark the last couple of weeks working out and getting ready for the season.  Sullivan was acquired in the Alex Kaminsky trade earlier this offseason.  Richard Barrett (who is also an instructor at the Grizzlies Baseball Academy) and Jason have been at the ballpark every day throwing and working out in preparation for the season.  I love to see that...guys who report to camp early, show dedication and a strong desire to succeed, are always guys I pull for.

Phil had an intriguing signing recently.  He brought in Mt. Zion, IL native Ryan Hartman, who is only 20 years old.  Hartman has been in professional baseball since 2010 after getting drafted in the 16th round by the Chicago Cubs out of High School.

He's a 6-3 lanky right-hander with three years of professional experience.  Hartman is by far the youngest player on the Grizzlies roster.  In High School he was one of the top pitchers in the state and averaged over two strikeouts per inning during his JR year.  Reports I have read say he has an outstanding curveball and a heater in the low 90's.  I'm interested to see how he performs in Spring Training.  

For more Grizzlies news follow me on twitter, @youngpbp.  Go Grizzlies!

     -Voice of the Gateway Grizzlies, Adam Young

Grizzlies Build Roster; Opening Day Approaches

Hello all!  Opening Day is only 48 days away and we are exactly one month away from the start of Spring Training at GCS Ballpark..baseball will be back shortly Grizzlies fans!

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon

Grizzlies manager Phil Warren has been extremely busy filling up his roster.  Numerous acquisions lately with the biggest one being the return of pitcher Logan Mahon.  Logan spent the entire '12
season with the Grizzlies before getting picked up by the Baltimore Orioles following the season.  He was released last week and now returns.

Logan was an integral part of the stellar Gateway bullpen from a season ago.  The 24-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.54 ERA in 33 relief appearances.  Logan is a former SEMO Redhawk who was drafted by the Rockies in the 22nd round of the 2011 draft.  One of the interesting things Phil Warren told me the either day is "Logan could be used as a starter or reliever for us..he's versatile enough to do both."  So we'll see how he is used.  Either way this is a great addition a month before the team gets going.

Phil also signed pitchers Tucker Jensen and Danny Martony.  Jensen went to Embry-Riddle University
(same college as Grizzlies reliever Phil Reamy) and spent the last two seasons in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, reaching High-A Dunedin.  He went 5-6 with a 4.31 ERA in 26 appearances (22 starts) over the two seasons.  His strikeout/walk ratio was excellent and the Grizzlies skipper has high expectations for this 23-year-old right-hander from State College, PA.  Don't be surprised if he is a front of the rotation starter out of the gate.

Martony enters pro ball after a nice college career at Division I Oral Roberts University (Summit League) where he went 9-1 in his three seasons @ ORU.  He only had one start in college so expect him to come in as a bullpen guy.

Don't forget fans, single game tickets are on sale NOW.  Call 618.337.3000.

   Go Grizzlies!

     -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Grizzlies Make Moves; Infield Looks Strong

Hello all!  Opening Day will be here before you know it!  Only 54 days away from the Grizzlies preseason opener.  While some moves will certainly still be made, it's getting to be the time when we have a good idea of what the Grizzlies Spring Training roster will look like.

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com

Overall, the current roster looks outstanding.  What jumps out to me is the Grizzlies infield experience.  Chris McClendon is penciled in as the starter at third, Vlad Frias at shortstop and Jonathan Johnson at second.  Landon Hernandez, who manager Phil Warren says can be the best player in the league, returns as the catcher.  The only question mark right now is who will start at first base after the Jerod Yakubik trade?  The natural first baseman would be rookie Trey Holmes who had a stellar collegiate career at Appalachian State, but he will certainly have to earn that spot.  Two other options could be experienced guys Jet Butler OR Jon Myers.  Warren has said he might flirt with Myers at first base.  Whether he's at first or in the outfield, we know his bat will be in the lineup.  The starting infield for the Grizzlies projects to be strong.

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com

Rogelio Noris was traded recently to the Washington Wild Things for their first round pick in 2013 and a player to be named later.  Rogelio was a fan favorite and a big part of the Gateway surge in the second half of the 2012 season.  He smashed 18 home runs in just 58 games for the Grizzlies and recorded a three home run game in Traverse City in the final week of the regular season when the team needed a win.  Phil Warren has said this is a financial move that needed to be made.  While Phil would love to keep him, the bottom line is you can't keep everyone, especially experienced players.  Rogelio will be missed on and off the field.

Minor League veteran Jose Flores was acquired by the Grizzlies in late February.  He will serve as a utility infielder/outfielder and Warren says he can truly play anywhere on the field.  The 25-year-old Venezuela native has seven years of MILB experience, all coming with the Giants from 2006-2012.  He appeared in a combined 81 games @ Double-A Richmond in 2011 & 2012.

Be on the lookout for Mananger's Chat with Phil Warren for the month of March.  It will be posted on Friday.

Here's the audio I have for today.  Below is the broadcast open on radio for Game 5 of the Divisional Series last season.  Hope it helps you get ready for baseball season.  Go Grizzlies!

   Grizzlies Broadcast Open Game 5 Divisional Series
   
    -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

 

Grizzlies Bring Back Hernandez, DeJesus & Brown

Hello all!  The Grizzlies and manager Phil Warren have been busy the last couple of weeks re-signing a trio of players who were key members of the 57-win team in 2012.  Landon Hernandez, Antone DeJesus and Tim Brown are all returning to the Grizzlies for the upcoming season.  Below is my interview with the Grizzlies skipper, regarding the signings.

Adam Young Chats With Grizzlies Manager Phil Warren

2013 will mark the fourth season @ Gateway for Hernandez, who was an all-star last season.  Hernandez has hit 36 home runs and driven in 107 runs in 206 career games over three seasons with the Grizzlies.  Last season he put .247/16/49 in 75 games while dealing with an injury midway through the season.  Known for his defense as well, Hernandez has thrown out 36% of attempted base stealers in 3 seasons.  The veteran catcher has had a steady career, but Warren is challenging Hernandez to be even better in 2013.  He thinks 'Lando' can be the best player in the league.

DeJesus returns for his second season.  He was a solid player for the team playing in 93 games and batting .270 with 5 home runs and 46 RBI, which is right at his career averages.  DeJesus has hit .271 in his six-year career with 98 extra base hits and 66 stolen bases in 481 games.  He was drafted in the 16th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by St. Louis, reaching Double-A Springfield in 2010. 

Brown was arguable the leagues top pitcher in 2012, going 12-2 with a 2.27 ERA in 20 starts, finishing second in the Frontier League Pitcher of the Year voting.  He led the league in wins and ERA while finishing second in innings pitched and complete games (4).

How about these numbers on Tim Brown.  He went 8-1 in his last 11 starts and didn't lose at hitter-friendly GCS Ballpark during the regular season.  Tim suffered his last regular season loss on June 6th and pitched into the seventh inning in 19 of his 20 regular season starts.  Brown was named the Grizzlies Pitcher of the Year.  He is currently pitching in Australia during the offseason. 

More news coming soon.  Go Grizzlies!

    -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Sportscasting Advice to College Students: Part II

Picture of me calling a game in Fayetteville, N.C. right after college

Hello all!  Nearly everything I write on here is regarding places I broadcast for..mainly Gateway Grizzlies related.  But every once in a while I'll throw in something else.  About a month ago I had a post that featured advice to college sportscasting students.  It received a lot more attention than I expected (mainly through twitter) and I love talking about the business so I thought why not issue a follow up?  So here it goes...just how competitive is this business? 

This week I finished up judging play-by-play entries for the Broadcaster's Education Association.  They have a broadcast competition for college students and I began as a judge last year and continued this year.  I enjoy it..one of my favorites things to do is to take a listen to a college students demo and try to help them improve through critique.  This competition is one of many available to college students now a days.

I'm one of 10 or so broadcast professionals critiquing the demos..they were solid last year..and this year, I was amazed at the talent in this competition.  There were about 5 demos in particular that I really enjoyed, but nearly every entry was solid.   Many of the students were from Marshall, Ball State and Rowan University..three Universities that are known for their outstanding broadcasting students.  The future in this business is extremely bright. 

Next week I'm heading back to SIUE to speak to one of their radio classes that is taught by my former boss in college at the campus radio station.  Question is, how do you talk to them, without completely scaring them away?  As many know, I'm passionate about the business.  I've seen many college students throw away their broadcasting careers before they even begin, because they don't do anything or do just enough to get by.  If you are just doing the bare minimum to get by, you aren't going to have success..period.  In order to be at the industry standard, you better be going above and beyond.  In order to be one of the people that makes it, you better have an unbelievable drive and desire 'to make it.' 

It seems like this business gets more competitive/better every year because of the resources available to these students in college and the amount of on-air time they 'should' be getting.  This certainly doesn't mean they are all taking advantage of it (far from it), but nearly every University has a campus radio station in which students can get their feet wet and make their mistakes before they venture out into the 'real world.'

I hate seeing people throw away a great opportunity.  If you're an aspiring sportscaster in college, you better be busting your tail to get better every day and take advantage of all the resources available to you.  Wear out the teleprompter in the production studio, wear out the tape recorder at the local high school/college gyms and look to make contacts with every possible person you can think of in the business.  If you don't???  Well, good luck.  If you go to Northwestern, get to know their Voice Dave Eanet..if you go to SIUE, pick the brain and have the Voice of the Cougars Joe Pott listen to your tapes.  If you're a student at Mizzou, then you sure as heck better introduce yourself to Tigers Voice Mike Kelley and see if he will help you in your career.  Making connections and networking is vital in this business.

Joe was one of the guys who took me under his wing and taught me the art of play-by-play when I was in college.  I've also reached out to an insane amount of College/NBA/MLB/NFL play-by-play voices to see if they will listen to my tapes and give me a critique.  Through this, I've been able to garner a lot of contacts in this business and I have a large amount of guys who I stay in contact with on a monthly basis.  Sure it takes time, but it's certainly worth it!

The talent around the nation is phenomenal at the college broadcasting level...remember, THESE are the people that you will be competing with when you enter the job market.  Syracuse, Northwestern and Fordham are renowned for churning out talented sportscasters every year, but that doesn't mean you can't be successful if you don't go to one of those schools.  If there are resources available to you, if you have the drive/dedication to be successful, then you can be just that.

Doing all of these things right doesn't guarantee success, but at least you can say you gave it your all.  If you don't go after it hard in college, talent won't bail you out after college.  Do you really want to be successful?  Do you have the motiviation/drive/dedication to make it?

Once again, just my thoughts on how to get it done in this business when you are in college.  After all, I was in that position just two years ago.  

    -Adam Young

Updated Gateway Grizzlies Player Signings

It's only mid-January, but the Gateway Grizzlies and manager Phil Warren have already been active with player transactions.  Some key players have been re-signed in recent weeks and the Grizzlies made a big trade with the Joliet Slammers and their new manager Mike Breyman (former Grizzlies hitting coach) yesterday. 

The current Grizzlies roster has 8 position players and 9 pitchers, more than many of the teams around the league at this point.  Nearly all of the names are familiar to Grizzlies fans with a few newcomers trickled in.  Warren is making an attempt to bring back many of the players from the 57-win team of 2012.  I'm assuming there will be roughly 35 players in camp again this spring training, making for an exciting preseason.

Paul Baillargeon Photo

Recent signings include Landon Hernandez, Vladimir Frias (pictured right), Richard Barrett, Jon Myers, Chris McClendon, Chris Enourato, Jonathan Johnson and Zac Treece.

The return of Frias is exciting.  He had a 15-game stint with High-A Daytona in the Cubs organization after playing in 32 games with the Grizzlies last year.  He's one of the best defensive infielders the Grizzlies have ever had and his offense started to come around as well.  The Dominican Republic native should be a star in 2013.

Hernandez returns as the Grizzlies starting backstop.  Warren told me earlier today, he thinks Hernandez could AND should be a 20+ HR guy..he hasn't played a full, consistent season yet.  If he does, he could be one of the top players in the league.

Barrett and Enourato are experienced right-handed pitchers who are proven in the league.  Both are great clubhouse guys.  Barrett collected a team-high 17 saves last season while Enourato went back and forth between the 'pen & rotation.  He made a big playoff start and delivered in Florence, KY..

Paul Baillargeon Photo

Myers, McClendon and Johnson (pictured left) were three of the most important pieces to the Grizzlies offense last season.  Myers had a monster second half and in my opinion is as talented as they come.  McClendon returns for his fifth season in the league and has the chance to be one of the leagues best again year.  Meanwhile, Johnson was the team MVP a season ago and many fans would say no player is more fun to watch than JJ.  He's Gateway's anchor on offense and a dynamite defensive infielder.

Paul Baillargeon Photo

Finally, Treece (pictured right) returns for his second season after dominating the league in his rookie campaign.  Known for his devastating slider, Treece is a star in the making.

Gateway has also made two trades.  They sent right-handed starter Alex Kaminsky to the Lake Erie Crushers for right-handed reliever, Jason Sullivan.

That move brings Kaminsky closer to his hometown of Fostoria, OH.  He will play his games only about an hour and a half away from Fostoria in Avon, OH.  Best of luck to Kaminsky, who won 10 games for the Grizzlies in 2012.

Courtesy of Joliet Slammers

Gateway also sent infielders Jerod Yakubik and Nate Wilder and pitcher Brett Zawacki to the Joliet Slammers yesterday for right-handed reliever Rey Cotilla, a 2013 first round draft pick and future considerations.

Cotilla (pictured left) is an exciting young pitcher.  He was drafted three times, most recently in 2009.  In fact, he was drafted 15th round in 2007 out of High School.  The Grizzlies manager is excited to have a healthy Cotilla for the 2013 season.  

Go Grizzlies!

     -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young

Zach Borowiak New Gateway Grizzlies Hitting Coach

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon

Hello all!  It didn't take long for the Gateway Grizzlies to name their new hitting coach.  Nearly one week after it was announced that Mike Breyman was leaving the Grizzlies to become the new manager of the Joliet Slammers, Nashville, IL native Zach Borowiak has taken his spot and is the new hitting coach of the Grizzlies.

I had a chance to sit down and talk to Zach earlier today about his new position.  Below is my interview with the man who now has the controls of the Grizzlies offense.

Zach Borowiak Interview

Borowiak is no stranger to the Grizzlies.  He spent 2011 as the bench/defense coach and helped bring star shortstop Ryan Khoury to the organization.  After being away from the game in 2012, he has picked up his best job yet.  Borowiak is close with Grizzlies manager Phil Warren and the there is no doubt the two guys will work great together, along with longtime pitching coach, Randy Martz.

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon

Here's some background on Borowiak.  He was a star three-sport athlete at Nashville Community High School (baseball, basketball and football), a town that is roughly 40 minutes from GCS Ballpark.  In a where basketball is religion, the 31-year-old earned a baseball scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) after high school and enjoyed a stellar career for the Red Hawks from 2000-2003.  Borowiak was a teammate of Warren's @ SEMO in 2000.

Borowiak was drafted in the 14th round of the 2003 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox & played his entire career in their system (2003-2009).  As a player, he compiled a .231 career batting average with 25 home runs and 205 RBI in 604 games.  Borowiak spent the majority of his career at shortstop and second base.

Grizzlies fans should be thrilled about this hire.  Borowiak is a local guy with high level playing experience and previous coaching experience.  I saw him interact with players in 2011..when he talks, they listen.  He knows how to teach, how to coach and how to get the players to perform at a high level.  With Warren, Borowiak and Martz the Grizzlies have one of the best coaching staffs in the league.  Congrats to Zach and congrats to the Grizzlies for getting a great guy/coach to fill this role.  Go Grizzlies!

        -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young 

Mike Breyman Named Joliet Slammers Manager

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon/ActionImaging.com

After spending seven seasons with the Gateway Grizzlies as a player or a coach, Mike Breyman is off to to the Joliet Slammers for his first managerial gig.   Congrats to Mike..well deserved!

Breyman thought he would be at Gateway for at least a couple more years before getting his first shot as the head man of a ball club..he told me that in this audio interview I recorded with him recently.  The decision to leave couldn't have been all that tough.  Opportunities like this don't come open often.  When a manager job comes open, you have to jump at the opportunity, and Mike did.  Always fun catching up with the Attica, OH native..here's my interview with him..

Mike Breyman Interview

Breyman played for the Grizzlies for five seasons..he was the face of the organization.  If you know the Grizzlies, you most likely know Mike Breyman.  #33 served as the Rascals hitting coach for two seasons after a one year stint with the Grizzlies as bench coach in 2009.  The move back to Gateway made sense..after all, Breyman has said he will always call Gateway home.  The fans know him..and they love him.  He's an entertaining, passionate, hard-working guy who knows the game of baseball as well as anyone.  Here's a few stories I have on Mike from the 2012 season..

Photo courtesy of Paul Baillargeon

Mike has some great traits, but to me his best trait is he's a hard worker.  Few people care as much as Mike.  In fact, some around him could argue that he cares too much!  As a coach, he prepared like he did as a player, and I know he'll do the same in a manager role.  His video camera was his best friend in 2012.  He had a little flip cam that he took everywhere.  He recorded players at bats during games and then went back and re-watched the tape, often with particular players alongside.  I can recall many encounters on the bus (I sat across from Mike on the bus) where Mike sat with Chris McClendon, John Shelby and others, trying to help them get better.  It was entertaining to watch him break down a guys swing..he does it as good as anyone.

The players love him.  He isn't much older than many of the others (31) so like manager Phil Warren, he has a great relationship with the players.  He can relate to many of them.  Breyman, like many of the players, was a star player at a big college (Kentucky) but for some reason he never got a shot in affiliated ball.  When Mike talks, players listen.  They value what he has to say and you can't say that about all player/coach relationships.  Breyman admitted to me that the player/coach relationship might change a little bit now that he's the manager and not a coach.  Either way, he develops a solid relationship with his players.  That won't change.  The Joliet Slammers player's will enjoy playing for Mike Breyman.

Congrats to Mike on the advancement.  Well deserved for a guy who I call a friend.  It will be neat seeing him call the shots in 2013 and beyond!

       -Voice of the Grizzlies, Adam Young