Suspensions and fines
Though the Frontier League does not release such information to the media, here is what I've been able to come up with concerning the fallout from Tuesday night's ejection-filled game between the Wild Things and Rockford Riverhawks:
Washington:
Manager Greg Jelks - Suspended for two games. Jelks received an auotmatic three-game suspension based on the number of ejections of Wild Things players and coaches (6) this season. The three-game suspension was reduced to two games by the league office.
Pitcher Dan Horvath - Suspended for one game.
Rockford:
Manager Bob Koopmann - Suspended for six games.
Outfielder Jason James - Suspended for three games.
Pitcher Kyle Dempsey - Suspended for two games.
Pitcher Kyle Pawelczyk - Suspended for one game.
Coach Sam Knaack - Fined.
Also, if you are planning to listen to WJPA Radio's broadcast of tonight's game, make sure you listen to the pregame show. I've been told there is an interesting interview.
Washington:
Manager Greg Jelks - Suspended for two games. Jelks received an auotmatic three-game suspension based on the number of ejections of Wild Things players and coaches (6) this season. The three-game suspension was reduced to two games by the league office.
Pitcher Dan Horvath - Suspended for one game.
Rockford:
Manager Bob Koopmann - Suspended for six games.
Outfielder Jason James - Suspended for three games.
Pitcher Kyle Dempsey - Suspended for two games.
Pitcher Kyle Pawelczyk - Suspended for one game.
Coach Sam Knaack - Fined.
Also, if you are planning to listen to WJPA Radio's broadcast of tonight's game, make sure you listen to the pregame show. I've been told there is an interesting interview.
posted by Chris Dugan at
3:04 PM
69 Comments:
According to the O-R, the Wild Things are on Fox Sports Pittsburgh Thursday evening.
Looks like a good night to stay home and watch on TV.
Beside saving on admissions and concessions, I will also save the $3.00 parking fee.
wow!! 3 whole dollars your going to save. Instead of watching the wild things go work at Mcdonalds that night and you can make 10 bucks instead that is a 13 dollar savings.
too bad the umpiring isn't looked at more closely. rumor around the park is that self-loving umpire jim shaley called a riverhawks player a mo*&er-fu#@er. the player didn't appreciate the name and was ejected and later suspended 3 days for asking the ump to take back his statement.
later in the game, horvath was ejected just for throwing a ball close to a batter's foot. anyone who has seen him pitch all season knows his control is not that great. shaley starts throwing him out of the game and no throw is made to second to get the runner advancing from first. it seems that as soon as shaley starts tossing people, the ball should be a dead ball and noone can advance on the bases. first, the batter is sent to first even though he has not been hit, then brought back to bat. the runner was allowed to remain at second.
After watching the actions of Nathan Messner it is very easy to see why it is time for him to get a real job.
After striking out with the bases loaded in the seventh inning he displayed his complete lack of personal discipline and his even more obvious lack of professionalism. His stupid actions could have seriously injured one of his team members. No matter how anyone tries to defend him there is simply NO excuse for that type of behavior. He acted as if somebody took his rattle from him.
This years edition of the WT has shown a lot of frustration with bat, helmet, and other equipment throwing. No WT team in the past has acted like this bunch of losers. Can hardly wait to see what the WT management will roll out for us next year – it’s sure got to be better than this group.
I’ll tell you one thing guys. For me it is almost impossible to stay “connected” with the 2008 Wild Things. So many roster changes that it makes ones head swim. I know a lot of it has to do with injuries but there is also a lack of “chemistry”. This team has had a different “feel” since the opening game and it has never changed – a sort of ‘something is not right here’ feeling. Most of the regulars at CEP tell me they have the same take as I. I don’t know if it’s Jelks or something else but it just seems almost boring to watch a game now with all the no-names coming and going all season.
It is hard to feel connected these days. I've been a Wild Thing fan for a while now, but when Aaron Ledbetter admitted on the radio that Knapp "showed them up" at Rockford, I was embarrassed for the WT. What was even more embarrassing was that he would hit Knapp with a pitch because Knapp did well. Why would Ledbetter pitch at Knapp when he knows that Knapp still has a broken bone in his face? Ledbetter is not much of a Wild Thing. He's more like a Wild Thug.
Bush League.
Anyone that would call Ledbetter a "thug" clearly knows nothing about him. For Ledbetter to say what he did on the radio and feel the way he does, I would bet he has good reason. He is a man with great character, and he does nothing without careful consideration . He's proven that throughout his Frontier League career. No disrespect at all, I just had to put in my two cents.
Geez, anyone that says Ledbetter is a person of character doesn't have much character himself. You are sure a poor judge of character if you really think he is anything but a MAJOR league jerk play in a VERY minor league.. If he has so much character he wouldn't need to throw at anyone especially a person that has shown that HE is the better man.
This entire WT team is an embarrassment to our city. I hope the WT front office personal are smart enough to dump the entire lot of them including Jelks next season. Heard even more profanities spew from the WT players again last night. Why would any parent want to take their children to see this bunch of idiots play ball? I don’t understand why Ross doesn’t do something about this stuff. It sure doesn’t do the “family entertainment” thing much good.
Throwing equipment, swearing so loud even a deaf person can hear it, etc. None of this stuff happened at CEP until Mr. Jelks brought his classless act into town. I saw Mr., (I use the term loosely), Messner embassies the entire team, and the WT organization last night. I doubt if he is even smart enough to realize it nor do I think he would even care. My 6 year old grandson doesn’t act that why. Just another WT jerk. They have lot of ‘em. Sure sorry I bought a season ticket this year, but NEVER AGAIN! I can watch kids whine and throw a juvenile fit at any kindergarten playground.
I said no disrespect, and I was just speaking my mind, which I stand by. So, must you disrespect me? We are all entitled to read this blog and comment. I don't believe the blog is intended for personal attack. Shows something about your character, don't you think?
I am not happy with hearing swearing and seeing the way some of these guys act - I never said I agree with that at all. I am ashamed of the way some of them behave and their immaturity is disturbing, but that's the world these days, unfortunately. I am, however, proud to be from a town that is represented by Ledbetter. Period.
Ledbetter, you should be ashamed of yourself. You were the instigator of that whole ugly mess the other night, and you got off with the least penalty. You certainly "showed everybody up", including the Frontier League Commissioner. You could spend a week going around paying the apologies you owe.
So, just what character is it that makes a pitcher throw at someone who's still healing from broken facial bones? "That's just baseball" and "Well, nobody really likes Robbie" are the lamest of excuses.
If you want to begin a new career then why don't you hang up your spikes and leave baseball out of it? Professional sports already has enough criminals.
the point isn't that robbie has or hasn't been hit before. What robbie did on the field deserves a response in the baseball world -- that's how the game works. It happened last year with Messner and other players -- it is just a bigger deal because knapp used to play for washington. Leadbetter did what his teamates expected, the fact that Knapp is generally disliked around the league has nothing to do with it.
I've interacted with Leadbetter on numerous occasions and he is nothing but classy. Always conversational and pleasant... Robbie is also usually outgoing and pleasant.
lets not forget, when players cross the lines onto the field they are adversaries, its part of the game... that doesn't make them bad people. Or maybe you'd prefer Leadbetter to just serve up fastballs down the middle and kindly allow knapp to get hits, because he's such a nice guy. Come on.
What Robbie "did on the field" was go 6 for 14. Oh by all means, hit him. He has made Jelks and WT look like idiots for trading him.
"when players cross the lines onto the field they are adversaries, its part of the game... that doesn't make them bad people". Well said.
So much for honesty. I'm not sure what prompted Ledbetter to be so candid, but I am getting a laugh out of the fact that people are so upset about it. He said what he and his team were thinking, and he had the guts to say it - and now he gets criticized. I guess everyone wants a "PC" interview amounting to "BS", which is usually the case. Truth or BS? I pick truth every time.
I'm hoping to see a clean game tonight and a WT's win.
I'm hoping to see another WT loss tonight.
When you are willing to do a "truth" interview, it should at the very least be truthful. Knapp was not disliked in Washington. Ledbetter sounded stupid saying that.
I'm hoping for a good game minus the candid or petty interviews.
Knapp wasn't disliked in Washington? By fans or players? Obviously he performed on the field, but there also must have been a reason he was traded (besides his glove). Obviously fans reacted well to his hitting -- and the argument could be made its tough to keep to "DH" type players in the lineup, let alone the field (Dempsey and Knapp)...but why the trade? Obviously we are not privy to the players clubhouse interactions but if Leadbetter is saying he was disliked, or not the best guy in the world, how would we know different?
Gerard Haran comes to the Wild Things with all the “tools” a player needs here. A uniform and a foul mouth. I know that because my ears were singed by his filthy mouth last night. What a great addition to Jelks Jerks – a perfect fit for this group of fine young men the Wild Things assembled to represent our city. Just wonderful!
This season will just have to be one of shame for the team we have come to love since 2002. This is truly a miserable turn of events from seasons past. This teams demeanor is an absolute disgrace.
Knapp was hated here, maybe not by the fans, but by the players, he was a distraction in the clubhouse and had no respect for his fellow players, coaches, or employees, ask anyone with the team they will tell you the same thing
Anonymous said “He (Ledbetter) is a man with great character, and he does nothing without careful consideration .
Well, let’s try to figure this out. Ledbetter is a really great guy; he always thinks things through. Then he
goes out on the mound and has already determined to plunk a certain batter because he feels somehow offended by something.. Of course he has taken into consideration that this batter is recovering from multiple facial fractures. So this man of “great character” feels it is a good idea to throw an object as hard as a rock at this person to, I’m guessing here, get even. Well crap now, I think this person of “great character” must not only be a rocket scientist but a worthy candidate for Man of the Year combined with some sort of humanitarian award.
Actually, he is just a classless jerk that had pre-mediated intentions of inflicting possible further injuries to an already injured person. Can you believe this year’s Wild Things team? There is only one word I can think of to describe this team, and it is a dirty word - J-E-L-K-S!!! Don’t try to tell me he didn’t know it was going to happen. He probably ordered it!
I actually find myself cheering for the other teams more this year that I do the Wild Things. What a terrible year this has been!
"Actually, he is just a classless jerk that had pre-mediated intentions of inflicting possible further injuries to an already injured person."
Do you know him? Have you ever had an interaction with him? My guess is no. He is now being judged based on a couple of days that were filled with heightened emotions on both sides. I assure you, he is not only a good ball player, but an amazing person. Anyone that knows him would tell you the same.
How many guys slide into bases or home plate with the intent of knocking the ball loose? How many pitchers throw inside to someone crowding the plate or someone that can't hit an inside pitch? It's baseball.
While I am not crazy about some decisions or all of the players/coaches, I do know that the whole team cannot be stereotyped this way. Judgments shouldn't be made until you have all of the facts.
Reading this we can find out why Wild Things fans are quickly becoming the biggest jokes in the FL. Why would anybody want to play in Washington?
I know what I see and what I see is a bunch of jerks. No self control and NO pride. I'm sure you don't know the 'facts' - your probably just one of those 'homers' that cannot stand to think their team can be such a screwed up mess.
Their problems are all brought on by themselves. Most of them act as if they are 14 years old. The rest of them act like their manager. Nuff' said.
Bill, have you ever interacted with Knapp? Plenty of people have and think he's an alright person too. He just happens to be on a different team. From what I've been reading Knapp should thank Jelks for trading him.
As I said in my post (if you read it) I have interacted with him and he always seemed pleasant and outgoing around me... But there's obviously a reason he got traded and players in Washington's clubhouse have a strong dislike for him. I personally have no problem with him, I was just observing that there must have been something going on behind the scenes that we are not privy to.
As for leadbetter...His intent was not to HURT knapp. If it had been then he would have thrown intentionally at his head. He sent a message....Just like Knapp thought it was ok to "pimp" a HR and show-up his old team etc. Leadbetter and his teamates responded by showing knapp you can't do those things without repurcussions.
Same thing happened in the Gateway series last year and no one complained. Except in that case it got escalated to the point that players were seriously injured.
This was much more controlled and handled in a professional manner. If you don't understand what leadbetter did, or think it was wrong...Maybe you don't really understand the history and traditions, and ethics of the game of baseball.
What really amazes me is how so many people get caught up in the emotions of the events the other night and want to blow it all out of whack and want to attack people and question their "CHARACTER". It really amazes me that someone would even attempt to make statements about someone's character based on their emotions and not on the facts at hand, much less on an isolated incident and not even own up to their remarks by stating who they are.
Anyway, let's get down to the real issues at hand and put it all out on the table. First, as Aaron's father I have already spoke with him he regrets his poor choice in stating personal issues or dislikes towards Robbie as a person during an interview. I feel that it was some built up frustration that flowed over into an explanation of the events that took place and should have never been spoken unless he wanted to do that face to face with Robbie, and he knows that he shouldn't have brought that up because personal issues are just that, they should have been dealt with personally.
With that issue behind us now, I feel that it is only fair to bring out a few obvious points. In the game of baseball, as well as in life, humans don't take kindly to "being shown up" when their is nothing to gain except wanting to "stick" it to someone. With that being said this whole ordeal started when Aaron hung a curve ball, made a bad pitch, and Robbie was able to take advantage of that mistake to the tune of a 2-run homer. I tip my hat to Robbie for that, nice hit. But when anybody, and I repeat anybody, especially in professional baseball, makes a pitcher and/or his team look bad because they "show them up" with extra antics while circling the bases, then they have drawn the line for the battle grounds. Robbie won the battle against Aaron on that at bat by hitting the homer and that should have been enough for him, however it wasn't.
Was Robbie upset from being traded, I'm sure he was, but the time to show that frustration is not while circling around the bases. However Robbie is as human as all of us and sometimes we get caught up in the moment and do things that offend others before we really think about them. None the less, we are all responsible for our actions and what repercussions they might cause later on. I don't recall anybody stating that Aaron was pointing fingers and making fun of Robbie when he grounded out or popped up on the infield, because he didn't. So make sure it is very clear as to EXACTLY WHAT STARTED THIS WHOLE THING, a poor choice by Robbie.
In the game of baseball, that poor choice was carried over until Aaron and Robbie met again on the playing field. As it has been done since the beginning of time in this game, players make statements to each other. You strike me out, I am trying to get a big hit my next at bat. You get a big hit against me, I'm trying to strike you out the next at bat. In this case, it was a little more than that because of the "extras" that Robbie chose to display the last game. A pitcher's recourse of action to this type of situation is to throw the ball high and tight to send a message, nothing more, nothing less, ask Hall of Famer Bob Gibson for goodness sake. If a batter is standing away from the plate and a pitcher hits him with a pitch no where close to the plate, then that is not so good. If a batter wants to crowd the plate, then a pitcher has to stay inside so the batter has a choice.
Point number 2. The last time I checked the batter has the option to get out of the way if he doesn't want to be hit. Either get out of the way or turn your back to it, that is all there is to it. It is no secret how Robbie crowds the plate, therefore he is going to get a lot of pitches inside. Make a choice, get out of the way or get hit, and if you chose the latter, then take it and jog down to first base.
Point number 3. The problem the other night started when Robbie started mouthing on the way to first base, getting a desired response from Aaron, which led to getting everyone involved. Should have been simple. Don't get out of the way, then take your base and let's just play ball.
To finish, I don't want this to be taken as any disrespect to Robbie or his family. It is what it is and should be left there on the field. For the someone who thinks Aaron is a "thug" for throwing at a player with broken bones in their face, I can only respond with this. If the injury is of a serious nature that could cause further harm, then they need to decide if the risks are worth the playing time. Aaron throwing at Robbie to hurt him because of his facial injury is absurd. Besides I can guarantee that if his intention was to hit him in the cheek bone, then he could have. That is why when he threw a pitch inside (that has the chance to run in too much and hit the batter), that it is not above the shoulder, but below the neck.
Anyway, for what it is worth, both young men made their points and it's time to move on. I'm sure the same people that want to take pot shots at Aaron will want to do the same to me. It is unfortunate that it all played out this way by allowing other emotions into the equation. I wish Robbie the best of luck in his future, where ever it takes him, and as a parent, a special thanks to those of you who support and and/or are associated with the Wild Things that have made my son's stay there in Washington one that he will always remember.
Mr. Ledbetter,
I read your post with great interest and agree with some of what you say and disagree with portions of it. I was NOT there when this all started at Rockford but I think Robbie probably was probably much more upset with the Wild Things then he was trying to “show up” Aaron. I also feel the Aaron definitely overreacted to the entire thing. Now, that is my personal feeling based on what I know and what I have heard. I also respect the fact that since your son was involved so closely in the situation that is probably more difficult for you to be objective.
I don’t judge a man’s character on what he says as much as what he does. The fact is that Aaron did throw at Robbie for some reason – I’m not sure why and actually I don’t care. The fact remains he did it! He threw at an already injured player. Nothing can change that. I am VERY well aware of baseball traditions as I am 71 years old and have been involved as a fan and player since I was 10 years of age. I love the ‘good ol’ days’ and have stated so on this blog before. As much as I don’t like it baseball just isn’t played they it was back in the day and more than one of the younger fans have made that fact clear to me. I have been told I need to “get over it”. I used to love the days when Bob Gibson and Don Drysdale could ‘take care’ of business. However, those days are gone. What I see now is a bunch of guys that just don’t want to play that way now. I guess older fans just have to accept the way things are and settle for sissy ball. One great throwback player is Chris Sidick. Can you imagine how great it would be to see two opposing teams loaded with Sidick type players?
Anyway, I admire the fact that you defend Aaron, and I think you should. I just don’t think that in today’s world of Obama and “Kumbaya”, “can’t we just all get along” and sickening display’s of player fraternization every day at ballparks everywhere, that we will ever see real hard-nosed baseball again. So, we, you and I, Aaron and others that feel the same way, just need to forget about it and move on.
Ron Wilson
Illegitimati non carborundum!
What goes around comes around. Management needs to look at what they have allowed to slither into the dugout in Washington. Last year we went to many of the games and not once was I offended by the players actions or conversation. This year it has been stated many times about the filthy language you hear from our WT. This was family entertainment in the beginning. Now the parents have to be careful not to sit to close to the dugout because of what their kids may here. Ross, are you listening or do you stay back away also. It is disgusting and I for one will not be back until they clean up their act and remember that the little kids and families are what have made WT and CEP a success. Maybe they need to look for guys that care about the little kids instead of guys that act like spoiled brats.
Ron, I appreciate your insight and I couldn't agree with you more. It is how it should be, let them take care of it on the field and be done with it. It is all the "extras" that people want to get personal with that is so hard to understand. However I don't see where Aaron is throwing at an already injured player. He seems well enough to play, and doing quite well I might add, and well enough to start the whole thing, plus what Aaron did wasn't taking advantage of his injury nor was he trying to. That is the same with anybody doing what he did. That is why I don't understand why the personal side of it all comes into play. Anyway, like you said, we just need to forget about, what is done is done and those truly understanding the game can see it for what it really was.
Let's be realistic...Ledbetter and Knapp were teammates. The kid isn't throwing at Robbie's head trying to end his career. He just sent him a message by hitting him for what he did in Rockford. It's part of baseball...it's been part of baseball a long time. Ledbetter's not a thug...you people don't all understand how baseball works apparently. Hey, and if you don't like Jelks or any of the team, just stay at home. Im sure they can find fans to fill seats who actually care and don't write crap on this wall every night about something wrong with the Wild Things. The guys give it everything they have every night, even if they don't always win.
Any single person on this blog who thinks that Aaron Ledbetter was out of line for throwing at Knapp is 1. wrong 2. has never been around baseball 3. needs to quit being such a pansy.
There is a long standing tradition in baseball, a gentleman's agreement if you will, that says you do not show up the other team or players. If you do, expect some sort of retribution.
It happens all the time at every level of baseball. You pimp a home run, you get plunked the next time you're up. If the pitcher who was shown up is not able to do it, then it rests in the hands of another pitcher to do stick up for his teammate and do it. However, Aaron had to do it himself here because the WT bullpen is so bad, they all probably would have missed if they tried to hit him!
Those of you calling Aaron's character into question for, "throwing at an already injured player" are mounting an argument that is both absurd and asinine. Yes, he threw at him. Yes, it was intentional. BUT HE HIT HIM IN THE BACK. At no point was he looking to hit Robbie anywhere near his face mask-guarded face. He hit him in the square of the back where of course it would sting, but it was not going to injure him.
I could see everyone getting all OMG AARON LEDBETTER IS THE DEVIL had he thrown anywhere near the head/face of Robbie Knapp, where it would seem like he was trying to injure him. That would be wrong. He simply sent Robbie a message. That's it, it's done and over.
The CHARACTER that you people should be questioning is that of the Rockford Manager who told his players to INTENTIONALLY throw at the Wild Things' two best hitters, with the intent to injure. I have it on good source that the first pitcher who was ejected, who hit Dempsey, was told by his manager that he HAD to hit him (for fear of some sort of punishment). He wanted to get the guy out, but was told otherwise by his manager who then brings in another former Wild Thing, the other less talented Dempsey, who, if you were there and didn't know 100% he was going to throw at Messner, you are either not the brightest person in the world or completely out of it.
The CHARACTER that should be questioned here is Rockford's joke of a manager, not Aaron Ledbetter who was simply adhering to a longstanding code of conduct for baseball players.
First, and possibly most importantly, Aaron Ledbetter doesn't throw hard enough to hurt anyone. So the fact that he stood up for himself and his team in a relatively safe manner should not be a problem for anyone who actually knows baseball.
Second, Robbie Knapp had it coming, simply because he is Robbie Knapp. He is and always has been a one-upper, and though he seems to be a fan favorite, he certainly was not a team favorite. He was a constant brown-noser and someone that single handedly divided the team. While he always meant well (i hope), he has always had a knack (or knapp, ha) for being a dbag.
Third, the WT are not a team full of thugs. They are a team that is experiencing some tremendous adversity due to the shaky climate their manager has forced them to be a part of. It is extremely hard to play when you never know what day could be your last. He has continued to release some of the best clubhouse guys a team could ask for. This team should have been the best team in the league, they just haven't adjusted to Jelks yet, and it looks like they won't.
I can promise you that there are some moves Jelks has made that he regrets, not just for the lack of performance from the new players, but from the loss in clubhouse chemistry from the departure of former players. There are some great guys on this team (Phil Butch, Dan Horvath, Matt Maradeo), it just takes a true fan who can see the whole picture to truly appreciate them.
Everyone wanted Mazz and his staff out, now look at you...Can't please you people with any move. You got what you wanted because supposedly Mazz couldn't win, well doesn't look like you're winning too much now does it? Live with what you asked for
"experiencing some tremendous adversity due to the shaky climate" - Wow, I teared up on that one. What is this? U-14 soccer? Give me a break. These "guys" are getting paid to play baseball on a nightly basis. They are not being forced to.
"team should have been the best team in the league, they just haven't adjusted" - Yep, they haven't adjusted is the reason they have lost 4 of 5. But, when they win 6 of 7, the manager must have stayed out of the way?
The people bashing Jelks reminds me of people who bashed Tom Coughlin. We know how that worked out. Oh wait, people on here probably only watch FL game replays in the winter. Coughlin is the coach of the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants.
It's a good thing this is an independent ball club.... In the majors people constantly 'show you up' and 'pimp homeruns.' Even after bench clearing brawls the ESPN analysts eventually lose interest. I guess the WT fans are in a class of their own.
This board is a riot. Why anyone would want to be the manager of the Wild Things and put up with this is beyond me.
Anonymous said" Why anyone would want to be the manager of the Wild Things and put up with this is beyond me."
Good, I hope Jelks gets the message a scoots right out of town! Can't be too soon for me!
Reading some of the post on this board REALLY confuses me. I have many times expressed my feelings about the way baseball is played in this day and age. I have also been put down by many of you for my opinion with sarcastic remarks about me personally. I don’t mind the ‘give and take’ part but I wish some of you would be consistent. You seem to want it both ways just so long as it’s your way.
When A Wild Things player does something that is considered, at least by your standards, out of line, you seem to always say “that’s just the way the game is played” When a player from another team does exactly the same thing a lot of you change your view to “the sixties are gone and baseball isn’t played that way now” Which way is it? Hard nosed or sissy ball? It seems most of you feel it just depends who commits the so-called infraction of baseball etiquette. Wild Things – OK. Any other team – Not OK! Make up your mind for God’s sake.
When someone says Ledbetter doesn’t throw hard enough to hurt a person why the hell don’t you let him throw at you sometime? Also, when a pitcher throws not even he can guarantee where the ball is going to go. Have you ever heard of a wild pitch? I’m NOT saying Aaron was right, or wrong, I’m just saying you never really know where a pitch is going to go for sure. So the element of ‘unintended consequences’ certainly exits doesn’t it? Just a thought, I not taking sides in this issue because I missed the game in question.
To the person that said he has a “good source’ that the Rockford manager ordered an action be taken by his pitcher – either name the “sourse” or I’ll consider it to be that stuff that falls out of a bull’s rear end. Anybody can make a accusation! Prove it!
Also, a gutless poster named Anonymous (there are sure a lot of guy’s named anonymous) said “Hey, and if you don't like Jelks or any of the team, just stay at home. I’m sure they can find fans to fill seats who actually care” Who are you to tell anybody to stay home? Whether I like or dislike Mr. Jelks, or a Wild Things player has no bearing on if I should stay home. I’ve held season tickets for over 5 years and have a lot more reason than you to show up.. BTW: Have you even noticed that they CAN’T fill the seats at CEP this year?
Returning to the pay back issue. If the River Hawks did not retaliate over the showboating that Mr.
Haran did after his home run last night (they did not) then I guess we are back to sissy ball. NO, I DID NOT LIKE HIS ACT! I’ve seen enough of Barry Bonds crap act for a lifetime.
Ron Wilson
Illegitimati non carborundum!
Anonymous said “Coaching at first base.Bring back Roy!!!!!”
They will probably have to wait for Roy to get out of prison before that can happen! Just another Wild Things mistake from the past. That is if he is found guilty!
Haran wasn't to first base yet last night when I turned to the people around me and said "He better be loose next time up."
Now, because of the game situations when Haran batted, Rockford chose NOT to deal with the issue.
However, I have no doubt, had the score been out of hand light the other night, Haran's uniform would have gotten dirty. And, despite being a Wild Things fan, I have absolutely no problem with that.
He crossed the line. He pays the fine!
I agree. had the score not been 3-2 everytime Haran batted after the home run, things could have gotten very interesting.
people want to bring up don drysdale and bob gibson as a comparison to today's pitchers.
it ain't the same.
drysdale and gibson had to bat too.
this is one reason why the designated hitter rule ruined baseball.
Riverhawks chose to take the high road I guess. Probably disappointed a lot of the WT players. As far as I see it the WT are having trouble with their fan base. But I don't really think they care because past blogs have expressed the same feelings.
The biggest change in baseball over the last 40 years was the designated hitter rule. With the pitchers no longer batting, players can't police the game themselves.
The players can be ridiculed, the fans can fight among themselves, Ross can be vilified, the ushers can be thrown to the wolves, the concessions can be boycotted, the parking attendants can be given stares, the Wildthing can be ignored, the peanut guy can be hidden from, the base coaches can be blamed, the host parents can be grumbled about...but there is only one problem with this year's WT edition.
The Jelks meltdown continues.
The Jelks meltdown continues....
When you play down with Jelks the whole team gets up with fleas.
This is the 49th post. Lets keep it going and beat the 2007 year end melt down when there were over 100 posts.
There is nothing cheap about this blog!
To make it short and sweet - the DH crap sucks.
Period.
Ron Wilson
Illegitimati non carborundum!
Mr. Haran you wise ass - I hope you choke on that bubble gum. You look like a perfect view for a team managed by Greg Jelks. Already I hope you are outa' here in about 2 weeks! We don't need another wise guy with an attitude here.
I told my husband the first night that Haran was with the Wild Things that he looked like trouble. I see that I was not alone with my impression of him. He sure acts like the Wild Things just are soooo darn lucky to have him. This season, and the player roster just keeps getting worse and worse. What ever became of the Wild Things teams of the past? You know what I mean – no swearing, throwing bats, and on and on. I miss the family element of a night at CEP. The only thing missing is gang signs for heavens sake.
A question that I haven’t seen addressed by the Wild Things is; What are you, the management, going to do about it? I’d like some answers. This is a most pathetic season.
If you get rid of Haran, this team might not score again the rest of the year. He's a keeper.
He is also a jerk. Well, maybe you have a point - Jerk, Jelks that would seem appropriate wouldn't it?
NO, I'd rather see the team go scoreless the rest of the season than put up with his sort of crap.
Gerard Haran brings a big bat, a big cocky attitude, a big mouth, and an even bigger ego to the Wild Things. Not a real good fit in Washington. This guy walks around like a gorilla with his fist pounding his chest. Hey man, I bet you think you’re the toughest guy in the Frontier League. I’ll bet you haven’t noticed that the Frontier League is by far the easiest minor league to play in and, that YOU, Mr. Wonderful, play in it! You couldn’t catch up to a real pitcher’s fastball if your life depended on it. So take your big attitude and stuff it!
Watch out Mr Haran, it sounds like Mr. Ledbetter should fire several fast balls at you. I never saw Knapp act like you do. Of course you are probably "liked in the clubhouse". You look like you fit in fine with the Wild Thugs. Sounds like the fans hate you, so management will keep you. Oh yeah that's just baseball.
Has anyone here criticizing Mr. Haran ("wise ass" "cocky attitude" "jerk" "looks like trouble" "big mouth" "wise guy with an attitude" "gorilla with his fist pounding his chest" "not a real good fit in Washington" "I hope you choke on that bubble gum" "couldn’t catch up to a real pitcher’s fastball if your life depended on it" "hope you're out of here in two weeks") ever spoken to the guy? I doubt it. Yet people sitting in Row ZZ of Section 212 can judge a player's character without ever interacting with the person, huh? I'm convinced that half the comments on this board are from either the dumbest people you can find in Washington or a group of former players who were released by the Wild Things and have an axe to grind against the players who have taken their job and the coaches. Mr. Haran has shown an ability to hit and that's something that has been lacking all year for this team. Welcome Mr. Haran to Washington, if you haven't already noticed its the home of the worst fans in the FL.
Anonymous said "Welcome Mr. Haran to Washington".
One idiot in Washington likes likes you - must be the same sort of smart ass as you. Welcome to Washington, now pack your bags and get out of here because you have already worn out your "welcome!" Don't forget to take your lone Washington supporter with you back to New Jersey. Wise-guy might play well in NJ but we don't like it here. Don't let the door hit you in the butt! Good riddance.
How stupid and desperate must Ross be to bring a jerk like Haran onto the Wild Things roster.
This town is already disgusted with the Jelks act, many of the players are not well thought of due to all the bad language, throwing tantrums on the field,. Let’s not forget to mention throwing bats, helmets, and other equipment. Let’s not even mention the poor play and lack of “class” displayed by this Jelks lead team. Now this smart-aleck jerk. GREAT MOVE Ross! This just HAS to be the dumbest move in the short history of the Wild Things.
What the hell is going on here? Do the fans have to put up with such a jerk as this guy now? We’ve all had enough antics from this bunch.
As for the one fan that likes his act – yeah, there is always one that will defend an Adam Henry such as Haran. Gerard just plain reeks of being a super egoist and it’s just disgusting to watch. It’s too late to tone it down now Gerard. You had a chance to make a ‘first impression’ and the one you made won’t cut it here. It doesn’t matter how many home runs you hit off of the inferior FL pitching because your attitude just stinks!
May I help you pack your bags? Ross, you should really try to use you head when it comes to giving a person like this a job. You should know by now that sort of stuff doesn’t play well here – you should be more ‘tuned’ into what plays here and what doesn’t. Sure hope you can do better next year. Actually, you sure couldn’t do much worse. What a bunch of clowns! I’ve attended my last Wild Things game for this season. I hope others will join be in letting Mr. Haran play to an empty house. He would probably enjoy watching himself on the message board.
Having not been to a game this week, could somebody explain what this Haran kid did to deserve being called a jerk (several times), cocky, a gorilla and someone who looks like trouble? And what does somebody who looks like trouble look like?
Anonymous said "Having not been to a game this week, could somebody explain what this Haran kid"
First, he is NOT a kid. Second, if you haven't observed his cocky actions it's a bit hard to describe. Suffice it to say he has made a negative impression on a LOT of the fans. He has a swagger that just turns one off.
He was very lucky that the River Hawks decided to ignore his actions after he hit a home run. Does the name Barry Bonds ring a bell? About the same sort of stuff. Don't waste your money to watch his antics.
We have to remember that this Mr. Haran jerk is from New Jersy the home of wise asses. You know New Jersey - the only state that can make Pennsylvania look really good!
It's been a lousy season, complete with lousy behavior both on and off the field. Here it is the middle of August and the WT seem to be stuck playing .500 ball. How can this be, when last year's team almost won it all? Some say these guys deserve this. That may be. But it's more likely that most of this has been forced upon them.
Baseball at CEP hasn't been any fun this season. Last year's chemistry is gone. This team is disconnected and uninspired. Loyalty has gone over the hill beyond the parking lot. You can feel it from the top row in the uncrowded stands. The players seem be just going through the motions, waiting for this "thing" to end so they can go back to their off-season pursuits.
But it's not just the players' fault. It's hard to play better than .500 when you play for a one-tool coach, when your coach is more of a tyrant than a mentor, when criticism is his only suit. It's hard to trust in your future when you know the player next to you WAS GOOD but he got "dumped" before he had a chance to prove it. For a grown, accomplished ballplayer worthy of a certain amount of respect, knowing you're only two bad plays away from being the designated scapegoat is a lousy way to spend a summer.
But, September will be here, so this torment will soon subside. WT players will have the whole off-season to hope for better summers, to hope for baseball to be fun again, and to hope this current coach won't end up being the period at the end of their baseball careers.
Now THAT would be a memory lousier than just a lousy season.
Who in the world was this good grown and accomplished ballplayer that was dumped by the WTs before they had a chance to prove it? Can't think of one.
If you can't think of one - than you just can't think at all!
Don't let anyone kid you - they read it. They don't get the message but they DO read it.
If they don't get it after tonights game they never will!
Perhaps Jelks should stay out of Ernie's Bar and tend to his ball club instead of nursing the booze.
owww...give me a beer with that shot
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