INDEX ZEPHYRS 8 Manager Greg Norton 9 Coaches and Staff 10 Players

Transcription

1 INDEX STAFF DIRECTORY Owner/President Don Beaver Executive Director/COO Ron Maestri General Manager Mike Schline Vice President/General Counsel Walter Leger VP of Sales, Marketing, Comm. Relations Jeff Booker Director, Finance/Accounting Donna Light Director, Broadcasting/Team Travel Tim Grubbs Color Analyst/Speakers Bureau Ron Swoboda Director, Media Relations Dave Sachs Director, Promotions/Merchandise Jack Craig Director, Ticket Operations Kathy Kaleta Assistant, Ticket Operations Hillary Dazzo Director, Community Relations Brandon Puls Director, Stadium Operations Chris Taylor Assistant, Stadium Operations Nathan McNair Manager, Stadium Operations Craig Shaffer Director, Home Clubhouse Brett Herbert Director, Visitors Clubhouse Johnny Frazier Director, Group Sales Trey Shields Group Sales Representatives Katie Bonaccorso Jordan Price Marketing Leigh Pechon Head Groundskeeper Thomas Marks Assistant Groundskeeper Corey Cazaubon Receptionist Susan Hihar GENERAL INFORMATION 2 Zephyrs Media Information 3 Zephyr Field Information Pre Game Schedule 4 Zephyr Field: Shrine on Airline 5 New Orleans Zephyrs Attendance Top 20 Zephyr Field Crowds 6 Zephyrs on the Air 7 Executive Bios 2011 ZEPHYRS 8 Manager Greg Norton 9 Coaches and Staff 10 Players PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE INFO 66 Pacific Coast League Directory 67 PCL Champions Year By Year 68 Albuquerque Isotopes 70 Colorado Springs Sky Sox 72 Fresno Grizzlies 74 Iowa Cubs 76 Las Vegas 51 s 78 Memphis Redbirds 80 Nashville Sounds 82 Oklahoma City RedHawks 84 Omaha Storm Chasers 86 Reno Aces 88 Round Rock Express 90 Sacramento River Cats 92 Salt Lake Bees 94 Tacoma Rainiers 96 Tucson Padres PCL Standings/Attendance PCL League Leaders PCL Team Stats 2010 ZEPHYR SEASON REVIEW 101 Overall Stats 102 Situational Stats 104 vs. Right-handers 105 vs. Left-handers 106 Home Stats 107 Road Stats 108 April Stats 109 May Stats 110 June Stats 111 July Stats 112 August Stats 113 September Stats 114 Defensive Stats 115 Game Highs and Lows 116 Transactions 118 Day By Day Results ZEPHYRS HISTORY 120 The Last Time A Zephyr Had New Orleans Baseball History 122 New Orleans Zephyrs History 126 Zephyrs Logo History 127 Zephyrs Affiliation History 128 All-Stars 129 Team Records 130 Individual Records 131 Opening Day Starters 132 Single Season Batting Records 133 Career Batting Records 134 Single Season Pitching Records 135 Career Pitching Records 136 Yearly Batting Leaders 137 Yearly Pitching Leaders 138 All-Time Batting Stats 146 All-Time Pitching Stats 154 Yearly Team Stats 155 Win-Loss Breakdown: All-Time vs. Opponents Home vs. Road Monthly ZEPHYRS YEARLY RESULTS Playoff Results: 1994, All-Time Franchise Record 170 Notes Back Cover: 2011 Zephyrs Schedule 2011 Zephyrs Media Guide Edited by: Zephyrs Media Relations Dept MEDIA GUIDE 1

2 MEDIA INFORMATION New Orleans Zephyrs Media Relations Department 6000 Airline Drive Metairie, LA Phone: (504) Fax: (504) Director of Broadcasting - Tim Grubbs Phone: Ext. 215 timg@zephyrsbaseball.com Director of Media Relations - Dave Sachs Phone: Ext. 219 daves@zephyrsbaseball.com Media Credentials: Accredited members of the working media may obtain a press pass to cover the New Orleans Zephyrs by contacting Dave Sachs. All requests should be submitted in writing on company letterhead and be received at least 24 hours prior to the game you wish to cover. Credentials must be worn at all times. Members of the media may pick up their credentials at the will call window located at the main ticket office. Acceptance of this credential constitutes agreement by the bearer to abide by the following conditions: 1) No autographs. 2) This badge is not transferable and may be revoked at any time without cause. 3) No cheering in media areas. Violation of these stated conditions will prompt revocation of all credentials for the remainder of the season. The New Orleans Zephyrs reserve the right to request proper media affiliation identification. Only those Media Members with a legitimate working function are allowed in Media Areas. Press Box: The press box is located on the third floor of Zephyr Field. Media members may take the elevator in the main lobby of the administrative offices to reach the third floor. Game Notes: Game notes, rosters and daily statistical packets will be available three hours prior to game time in the press box. Interviews: Any special requests for interviews with players, coaches or New Orleans Zephyrs personnel need to be made in advance of the game you wish to cover. Interview requests should be made to Dave Sachs. Photographers: Photographers will have access to the field level camera wells at the outfield end of both dugouts and on the concourse behind home plate. Press Dining: A meal will be provided for working media approximately one hour prior to game time in the press box. 2

3 STADIUM/GAME INFORMATION Stadium: Zephyr Field Built: 1997 Capacity: 10,000 Dimensions: LF- 333 CF- 405 RF- 332 Press Box Phone Number (504) ext. 273 Directions to Stadium From Downtown: Take I-10 West toward Baton Rouge. Exit at Clearview Parkway (exit 226) and head South. Turn right on Airline Drive (US 61 North). Travel down Airline approximately 2-3 stop lights. Zephyr Field is on the left. From Armstrong International Airport: Take Airline Drive (US 61) East for approximately 3-4 miles. The stadium is on the right. BROADCAST INFORMATION Announcers: Tim Grubbs Ron Swoboda Station: WMTI FM - Radio Cox Sports Television VISITING TEAM HOTEL Best Western - St. Christopher 114 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) Fax: (504) ZEPHYR FIELD PRE-GAME SCHEDULE 11:30 AM Game until - 9:55 AM Zephyrs BP and Infi eld 9:55 AM - 10:35 AM Visitors BP 10:45 AM - 10:55 AM Visitors Infi eld 2:00 PM Game until - 12:25 PM Zephyrs BP and Infi eld 12:25 PM - 1:05 PM Visitors BP 1:15 PM - 1:25 PM Visitors Infi eld 6:00 PM Game until - 4:25 PM Zephyrs BP 4:25 PM - 5:05 PM Visitors BP 5:15 PM - 5:25 PM Visitors Infi eld 12:00 PM Game until - 10:25 AM Zephyrs BP and infi eld 10:25 AM - 11:05 AM Visitors BP 11:15 AM - 11:25 AM Visitors Infi eld 5:00 PM Game until - 3:25 PM Zephyrs BP and Infi eld 3:25 PM - 4:05 PM Visitors BP 4:15 PM - 4:25 PM Visitors Infi eld 7:00 PM Game until - 5:25 PM Zephyrs BP and Infi eld 5:25 PM - 6:05 PM Visitors BP 6:15 PM - 6:25 PM Visitors Infi eld *If inclement weather forces BP inside, the same times will apply for the indoor batting cage MEDIA GUIDE 3

4 ZEPHYR FIELD: THE SHRINE ON AIRLINE Entering its 15th season in 2011, Zephyr Field the Shrine on Airline has become the focal point for family entertainment in the Greater New Orleans area since it first opened April 11, 1997, and is expected to welcome its 6 millionth visitor this season. Zephyr Field features 10,000 chair-backed seats with cup-holders, plus seating for nearly 1,000 on The Levee in center field. The Zephyrs have drawn more than 320,000 fans in each of their 14 seasons on Airline after drawing fewer than 200,000 in each of their four seasons at Privateer Park. Prior to the start of the 2004 season several major improvements were made to Zephyr Field. The Zephyrs partnered with the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (L.S.E.D.) and Jefferson Parish on moving in the outfield fence, improving handicap seating in the outfield, increased outfield drainage and creating a maintenance area and platform for staging events. After the stadium sustained multimillion dollar wind damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a new scoreboard and sound system was installed in time for the 2006 season, as well as construction done to fix the roof, field lights and Coors Light Party Shack in right field. During the 2008 offseason, the playing surface at Zephyr Field was entirely replaced as part of a $1.27 million bond commission from the State of Louisiana that also upgraded the drainage system and outfield retention wall. In October 2009, the Zephyrs signed an agreement with L.S.E.D. that will keep the club at the Shrine through the 2016 season. A historic visit was made in 2001 as President George W. Bush made an appearance at the stadium to talk about his Tax Relief plan for the United States. President Bush visited the field on April 25th before the University of New Orleans and Tulane University baseball game. Bush spoke to an enthusiastic crowd about his tax relief for the citizens of the United States. Zephyr Field has also played host to numerous college baseball games, including the Super Regional between LSU and Tulane in The park was also the site of the Conference USA Tournament in 2001 and 1998 and the 1999 Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Numerous prep games have been played at Zephyr Field since the doors opened in 1997, including the New Orleans Zephyrs High School Invitational Tournment. Zephyr Field hosted the Class 5A Louisiana High School Athletic Association Baseball Tournament in 2005 after hosting it in 2004 and setting an attendance record for a state high school tournament. In 1999, Zephyr Field hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game, which was nationally televised by ESPN. The field has also shown its versatility by hosting many events besides baseball. The College Football All-Star Challenge took place at Zephyr Field featuring a skills competition between future NFL stars. The event was aired nationally by Fox. On March 8th, 2002 Zephyr Field made the Guiness World Book of Records as the largest academic pep rally in the world took place with over 7,000 students from 36 East Bank Jefferson Parish Public Schools attended. Zephyr Field has also hosted some soccer games as the New Orleans Storm of the A-League played it s home games at the facility in 1998 and 99. A U.S. Open Cup game between the Storm and the Dallas Burn, the Storm s Major League Soccer affiliate, took place here in 1997, drawing more than 7,000 fans. Recently, Hollywood has also taken notice of Zephyr Field, as the ballpark is featured in the 2004 feature Mr and the 2006 film Failure To Launch. In 2008, Zephyr Field was used for competition on Spike TV s reality game show Pros vs. Joes, and in 2011, TBS used the facility as the backdrop for the pilot of Hound Dog, a comedy series centered around a minor league baseball team. The state of Louisiana paid $21 million to build Zephyr Field as part of a capital outlay bill that also included the New Orleans Saints state-of-the-art practice facility, located behind Zephyr Field on Airline Drive, as well the New Orleans Arena, which is adjacent to the Superdome. The ownership also paid an extra $5 million for amenities, such as 16 VIP luxury suites, a swimming pool, two hot tubs in right field, the Coors Light Party Shack, located in the right field corner, and the Metairie Bank Home Run Porch beyond the left field wall. President George W. Bush addresses the crowd at a 2001 rally. 4

5 ATTENDANCE HISTORY NEW ORLEANS ATTENDANCE YEAR-BY-YEAR Year Venue Attendance Openings Average League Rank 1993 Privateer Park 161, ,490 8th (of 8) 1994 Privateer Park 187, ,922 8th 1995 Privateer Park 159, ,446 8th 1996 Privateer Park 180, ,500 8th 1997 Zephyr Field 517, ,183 2nd 1998 Zephyr Field 519, ,530 2nd (of 16) 1999 Zephyr Field 498, ,919 3rd 2000 Zephyr Field 447, ,301 5th 2001 Zephyr Field 385, ,438 7th 2002 Zephyr Field 410, ,777 8th 2003 Zephyr Field 379, ,426 11th 2004 Zephyr Field 324, ,769 10th 2005 Zephyr Field 330, ,084 11th 2006 Zephyr Field 361, ,164 11th 2007 Zephyr Field 368, ,260 11th 2008 Zephyr Field 355, ,226 13th 2009 Zephyr Field 362, ,258 12th 2010 Zephyr Field 380, ,596 10th Total 6,329,028 1,240 5,104 Zephyr Field Total 5,641, ,792 Yearly Average 351,613 Zephyr Field Yearly Average 402,938 TOP 20 ZEPHYR FIELD CROWDS Rank Date Teams Result Attendance 1. 4/19/05 Tulane vs. LSU TU , /3/03 Zephyrs vs. Nashville NVL , /3/01 Tulane vs. LSU TU , /1/01 Tulane vs. LSU LSU 4-3 (13) 11, /2/01 Tulane vs. LSU TU , /11/01 Tulane vs. LSU TU , /6/08 Zephyrs vs. Oklahoma City NO , /3/08 Zephyrs vs. Oklahoma City OKC , /10/08 Zephyrs vs. Memphis NO , /31/02 Zephyrs vs. Nashville NO , /16/98 Zephyrs vs. Memphis NO , /6/06 Zephyrs vs. Round Rock RR , /19/00 Tulane vs. LSU LSU , /1/03 Zephyrs vs. Nashville NO 3-2 / NVL , /25/02 Zephyrs vs. Tacoma NO , /2/04 Tulane vs. LSU LSU , /11/03 Tulane vs. LSU TU , /14/99 Tulane vs. LSU TU , /17/98 Zephyrs vs. Tucson NO , /19/98 Zephyrs vs. Las Vegas NO , MEDIA GUIDE 5

6 BROADCAST INFORMATION THE ZEPHYRS ON WMTI FM Catch all of the action of New Orleans Zephyrs Baseball in 2011! The only way to catch the Zephyrs battle their Pacifi c Coast League rivals each night is to listen to all 144 games live on the Zephyrs Radio Network! Fans can tune into WMTI FM True Oldies to hear all 144 home and away games. The live commentary will be provided by Tim Grubbs and former Major League outfi elder Ron Swoboda all season long. Tim begins his 10th season with the Z s and 17th in professional baseball. He broadcasted his 2,000th career game in 2008, and his 1,000th Zephyrs game. In 2006 he was involved in a milestone broadcast, calling the longest game in Pacifi c Coast League history. The 26-inning game between the Zephyrs and Nashville Sounds spanned two days and was more than eight hours long. Before coming to New Orleans, he spent three years as the broadcaster for the Class AA Tennessee Smokies, where he was named the Southern League s Broadcaster of the Year in Prior to joining the Smokies, he spent three years with the Winston-Salem Warthogs and a year with the Hickory Crawdads. He also spent four years working in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Joining Tim in the booth will be former World Series hero Ron Swoboda. After completing nine years in Major League Baseball with the Mets (playing an integral role with the 1969 World Champions), Yankees and Expos, Ron spent 20 years as an anchor and reporter in local television news, starting in New York with stops along the way in Milwaukee and Phoenix, and winding up in New Orleans. He is involved in community relations and also is a freelance writer in his spare time. Each broadcast begins with a 15-minute pregame show and will conclude with a comprehensive post game wrap-up from around the Major Leagues and the Pacifi c Coast League. All broadcasts are also available at: and THE ZEPHYRS ON COX SPORTS TELEVISION In 2003, Cox Sports Television became the Exclusive Regional Sports Network of the Zephyrs, the fi rst time the Zephyrs had ever signed a regional television contract. Cox Sports Television will broadcast eight home games in 2011, beginning with the April 28th contest against Oklahoma City. CST is also home to Inside Zephyrs Baseball, a weekly look at the team featuring interviews with the players, coaches, and much more. Inside Zephyrs Baseball airs Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. on CST. Thursday, April 28th vs. Oklahoma City (7 PM) Friday, June 10th vs. Memphis (7 PM) Friday, June 24th vs. Round Rock (7 PM) Monday, July 4th vs. Omaha (6 PM) 2011 GAMES ON CST Friday, July 8th vs. Iowa (7 PM) Friday, July 29th vs. Iowa (7 PM) Friday, August 12th vs. Reno (7 PM) Friday, August 19th vs. Omaha (7 PM) 6

7 DON BEAVER FRONT OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER/PRESIDENT Donald C. Beaver is Owner/President of the New Orleans Zephyrs, as well as the owner and President of the Class A South Atlantic League Hickory Crawdads and owner of the Class AAA International League Charlotte Knights. He also has ownership in the Pittsburgh Pirates and is on their Board of Directors. Don Beaver received his Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University in 1962 and followed it up with a Masters of Business Administration in He embarked on a career as a hospital administrator and in 1975 he founded the Brian Center Corporation, where he served as CEO until While he achieved success as a nursing home pioneer, Beaver never forgot his love of baseball. He was thrust into the spotlight at an early age as a pitcher in the 1952 Little League World Series. Forty years later he purchased the Gastonia Rangers and relocated the franchise to Hickory. In 2000, he was inducted into the Little League World Series Hall of Fame. RON MAESTRI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/COO Maestri, a member of the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, has been involved in the New Orleans community since the 1970s after moving here from Illinois. After working as the head baseball coach at the University of New Orleans for 14 years, Maestri was named Athletic Director at UNO, a position he held for 21 years until stepping down in Since then he has worked with the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, where he has served as Executive Director of the 2000 New Orleans Bowl, 2002 Women s Volleyball Final Four, 2003 NCAA Men s Final Four and the 2004 NCAA Women s Final Four. Maestri has also chaired numerous NCAA boards over the years. MIKE SCHLINE GENERAL MANAGER Schline begins his ninth season with the Zephyrs, and sixth as General Manager will be Schline s 14th season overall in professional baseball. In 2006, Schline was named the Executive of the Year by both the Pacifi c Coast League and The Sporting News. Before coming to New Orleans, he previously worked for three seasons for the Charlotte Knights, most recently as Group Sales Director. Prior to Charlotte, Schline was a group sales assistant for the Winston-Salem Warthogs of the Carolina League. Schline is originally from Winston-Salem, NC and attended Appalachian State University where he studied Public Relations and Marketing. He is active in the United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Schline resides in New Orleans. WALTER LEGER VP/GENERAL COUNSEL Leger is a partner at the law fi rm of Leger & Mestayer. In 1993, he was the original Voice of the New Orleans Zephyrs, the fi rst public address announcer for the team. In 1999, he served as President of the Zephyrs. Leger is also proud of his years coaching youth basketball, baseball and football in St. Bernard Parish. A graduate of Chalmette High School, Louisiana State University and Tulane School of Law, Leger is known for his involvement in major litigation all over the United States and is a frequent lecturer at law schools, including Harvard, Tulane, LSU and Loyola. He is past Chairman of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce and past Co-Chairman of the MetroVision Economic Development Partnership MEDIA GUIDE 7