Players to Arrive Sunday

It's that time of year again, folks! The Daredevils will begin to arrive in the Outer Banks on Sunday. THIS SUNDAY. As in 5 days from now! Get ready for another exciting season because it starts in one week!

The Countdown Continues...

Sixteen more days... 

I'm back safely in the Outer Banks helping get some last minute things together. We are still looking for host families... anyone interested? Call general manager Owen Hassell at (252) 441-0600. 

Kolarek makes two appearances in doubleheader versus Clemson

The Maryland head coach Terry Rupp must have heard me hollering for pitcher Adam Kolarek because he made not one, but TWO relief appearances in the doubleheader today versus Clemson.

In game two of the series, Kolarek came in with two outs and runners on first and second in the bottom of the 6^th inning. He allowed one run to score off of a single by Clemson designated hitter Chris Epps before striking out the Tiger second baseman, Mike Freeman, to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 7^th inning, Kolarek retired the side. Then, after giving up a lead off double and a walk in the bottom of the 8^th, Kolarek came out of the game. Maryland fell to Clemson 7-4.

In game three of the series, the future Daredevil came in again to pitch in the bottom of the 6^th inning. This time the game was tied 6-6 with a runner on first. Kolarek picked off the runner to get the second out. Maryland got the third out when Clemson centerfielder Wilson Boyd grounded out to first. Kolarek got the job done, and Maryland went on to win the game 8-6.

I’d say this was a successful road trip because I got to see both Eric Potter and Adam Kolarek pitch. I’m looking forward to another great Daredevils season! 24 more days… 

Future Daredevil makes relief appearance versus Clemson

I thought one last road trip before the season started would get me even more in the baseball spirit – especially if I made it a trip to see some future Daredevils in action!

The Maryland Terrapins are on the road this weekend here in Clemson, SC. Adam Kolarek and Eric Potter, both pitchers for Maryland, have already signed on to play for the Daredevils this summer. I decided to come scope them out.

In game one of the series, sophomore Eric Potter made a relief appearance. Coming in to pitch in the bottom of the 6^th inning down 7-0 with only one out and a runner on first, Potter got the job done. A pop out by Clemson left-fielder Jeff Schaus and a groundout by the first baseman Ben Paulsen left the runner stranded.

Potter came back out to the mound with a sharp performance in the bottom of the 7^th inning. He allowed only one hit while striking out two batters.

The bottom of the 8^th inning started off with a homerun to centerfield by Tiger pinch hitter Richard Mounce. Potter gave up three more hits and a walk in the inning, giving the Tigers an 11-1 lead.

With the exception of one poor inning, Eric Potter looked like he will have a lot to bring to the Daredevils this summer. When he was able to find the strike zone, he looked good.

Stay tuned… I’m hoping I’ll get to see Kolarek pitch tomorrow! 

Homer’s Guide to Baseball Games at First Flight

I’ve had such a good time during off-season galloping up and down the Outer Banks making appearances at fun community events, but I’m really starting to miss baseball season… Did you know that there are only 29 days until the Daredevils opening day? I want you to be prepared, so I’ve put a little something together for you. You can call it “Homer’s Guide to Baseball Games at First Flight.”

There is so much to do at a Daredevils game for kids and adults alike, and you have to make sure you don’t miss any of it! Here is a list of my top ten suggestions:

1.     Get to the park early – You can watch the Daredevils and their opponents take batting practice, listen to some pre-game entertainment, and even get a few autographs signed (don’t forget to bring something to sign!). Which leads me to…

2.     Ask for autographs – The Daredevils love to sign autographs… Trust me! Your best opportunities are directly before and directly after the game. The players always hang around the field for a while to eat after the games, so if you get there late don’t worry… you still have another chance.

3.     Visit the merchandising tent – The Daredevils have a ton of new merchandise this year! They even have some stuff left over from last year that they’re basically giving away. If you’re lucky they might still have some of their Homer (yes, that’s me!) t-shirts left that you can snag. 

4.     Sign up for the on-field promotions – Talk about an entertaining ballpark! The Daredevils have hilarious games on the field in between innings, and they want you to participate! There will always be the famous dizzy bat race and the Outer Banks’ own Flipper Follies race, but get excited for some new ones this year! Sign up to participate at the merchandising tent. You’ll win pretty cool prizes, too.

5.     Try one of our famous tuna sandwiches – Our concession stand, Home Team Grill, is not your average concession stand. Because we are located right by the beach, we get fresh tuna delivered daily. You have to try one of our famous tuna sandwiches… and if you don’t like tuna, I promise you’ll find something yummy.

6.     Buy a Rita’s water ice – Rita’s is one of our sponsors that comes to the field every night to sell these amazing water ices. You can pick from so many delicious flavors that it’s hard to pick just one. If you feel like buying two, come find me!

7.     Go on the field for the National Anthem – Before every home game kids can run out on the field with their favorite Daredevil player for the National Anthem. Sorry parents, you’re not invited!

8.     Sign up for the Daredevils Youth Baseball Camp – If you are going to be around for the entire summer, you should not miss the opportunity to sign your kid up for one of the Daredevils Youth Baseball Camps. Talk about FUN! The kids will actually get one-on-one instruction from the Daredevils players and coaches… Not to mention a free t-shirt and autographs!

9.     Jump on the moon bounce – Aztec Rentals brings a huge moon bounce to the field every night. I’m not allowed to jump on it because I’m too big, but it sure looks fun!

10.  Hang out with my mascot friends – I’m not the only mascot at the Daredevils games. I always invite my friends from Dunkin’ Donuts and Rita’s Water Ice. We love meeting new Daredevil fans, so come find us!

Well, I hope you’re ready for the 2009 Daredevils season because I know I am! Don’t forget – the home opener is May 27, 2009, versus the Edenton Steamers. Be there!