VIDEO REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: 053009 - "Wiffeball Highlights"

Highlights from the Memorial Day wiffleball game. Enjoy.

http://gettysburgtimes.com/video/#vmix_media_id=4312072

On the O's

The Baltimore Orioles completed a 3 game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays with a come-from-behind (twice) 12-10 victory yesterday at Camden Yards. It is the O's first sweep of the Blue Jays since 1994.

Nolan Reimold hit a walk-off 3 run homer in the 11th to cap the final comeback. It is the recently called up rookie's 4th home run in 49 ML AB's.

Luke Scott homered on the first pitch offered to him in his return from the DL.

Rich Hill got roughed up in his 3rd start of the season, lasting only 3 1/3 innings and surrendering 7 runs (6 earned). The bullpen combined for 7 1/3 innings allowing 3 runs and keeping the O's in the game long enough for Jays starter Roy Halladay to depart and the Jays bullpen to take over, setting the stage for the O's 5 run 8th inning to tie the game and 4 run 11th inning to win it after falling behind in the top of the 11th.

The Tigers come to town today for a 4 game set. David Hernandez (3-1, 2.91 ERA at AAA Norfolk) has been called up to take the start for Koji Uehara, who was placed on the DL yesterday. Hernandez has 60K in 43 1/3 IP including a 14K performance in his last outing in the minors.

On the O's

The Orioles most recent turn through the rotation was the best of the year by far and resulted in 4 victories for the Birds.

The wins came against the lowly Nationals and the slumping Blue Jays.

It is , nonetheless, encouraging because Baltimore has often been the destination for ailing teams to get well.

Date	Starter	IP	Hits	Runs	Result
5/26/09	Jason Berken	5	7	2	Win 7-2
5/25/09	Jeremy Guthrie	7	7	1	Win 4-2
5/24/09	Brad Bergesen	5 2/3	8	4	Lose 8-5
5/23/09	Koji Uehara	3	3	0	Win 2-1
5/22/09	Rich Hill	5 2/3	3	2	Win 4-2

Jason Berken pitched as well as could be hoped for in his ML debut. Jeremy Guthrie finally put together a start without throwing a bunch of fat pitches. Brad Bergesen pitched well enough to win and left with a lead, however, the bullpen could not hold it. Not too discouraging considering the bullpen had thrown 12 1/3 innings in the previous two days in nailing down tight victories. Uehara pitched 3 scoreless innings before leaving with a tweaked hamstring and Rich Hill posted a 2nd consecutive good start which the bullpen finished up in a 12 inning affair.

Uehara is expected to miss his next start with the hamstring problem, which means the next turn through the rotation will have only Guthrie remaining from the Opening Day rotation. Both Berken and Bergesen are O's minor league products and a 3rd is expected to be called up to take Uehara's next start.

The O's also announced that catcher Matt Weiters will be called up to make his ML debut in Baltimore against the Tigers on Friday night.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: 052309 - "Wiffleball Rivalry Resumes Monday"

A long off-season comes to an end Monday, when the Nieces & Nephews Team battles the Aunts & Uncles in the annual Memorial Day Wiffleball Tournament. Thousands are expected to attend the contest, held at Mentzer Field in the rolling hills of Hallam, Pa.
“It’s going to be a game for the ages,” says Uncle Stan, spokesman for the Aunts & Uncles Team.
This year’s clash features intriguing story-lines, as the Aunts & Uncles look to extend their winning streak — to two games — while the Nieces & Nephews hope to regain their dominance.
“We’re not gonna’ take it, no we aint gonna’ take it,” says first basewoman Meagan Sterner. “We’re not gonna’ take it anymore.”
Big games are expected from Aunt Vicki Mentzer aunt Aunt Connie Sterner, as the veteran ballplayers aspire to carry their aging team to victory.
“We just want it more this year,” says Aunt Connie. “That’s for sure.”
Ace hurler Jamie Lynn Pitzer is expected to make her third consecutive start on the hill for the Nieces & Nephews. The opponents mastered Pitzer in last year’s contest, tagging her for seven runs in the first two innings, before she settled down.
“They got lucky,” Pitzer said in an exclusive interview.
Grandma Mentzer doesn’t know what to anticipate, other than a big crowd and good food.
“The kids seem to be really focused this year, but Uncle Jeff said his team is hungry — in more ways than one,” laughs Grandma.
For highlights of Monday’s bash, watch the Video Reporters Notebook in the May 30 edition of the Gettysburg Times.
It’s action you won’t want to miss.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On Treading Water

The O's have managed a 7-6 record in the 13 games since a season high 6 game losing streak to end April and start the month of May.

Pitching woes continue to plague the Orioles, whose starters have the highest ERA and the lowest IP per Start in the AL. Only the Oakland A's starters have fewer Wins than O's starters.

The O's bullpen has started to round into form with merely the 10th highest ERA in the AL. If the starters don't soon start pitching deeper, this trend will not last for long.

Defensively, the O's have tightened up over the last 13 games. They now have only the 10th highest number of errors in the AL, but still have surrendered the most Unearned Runs.

The O's offense is playing respectable baseball, ranking 6th in Batting Average, 7th in Slugging and 8th in Runs in the AL. The offense has been carried by Roberts, Jones, Markakis and Huff. If the rest of the roster gets "off the schnide", there is still hope for a potent offense.

The highlight of the last 13 games is this.

Golf

You know what golf is, don't you? It's basketball for people who can't jump, and chess for people who can't think.
-- Tom Robbins,
from B is for Beer

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: 051609 - "School District Consolidation"

Pa. Governor Ed Rendell has come up with a lot of bogus ideas over the years, but his school district consolidation proposal is really mind-boggling.
Big Ed thinks that the Commonwealth could save money by compacting the state’s 500 school districts down to about 100 or so.
I just don’t see it happening, especially around here.
If it was put to referendum in Upper Adams, for example, it’d be rejected — probably by 100 percent.
Why?
Because, it would mean that Bermudian and Biglerville would likely have to merge.
Uhmm, no.
There’s no way we’re going to send our kids to school with those heathens!
(At least they have decent water up there.)
Good luck Ed, trying to push this one through the State Legislature.
It’ll never work in Apple Town.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

Worst Owner in Baseball

Guess who is number one. Two winning seasons out of 15 years of ownership, and the sad thing is that he doesn't care.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/05/08/mlb.owners/index.html?eref=T1

Year of Purchase: 1993

Purchase Price: $173m
Current Value: $400m
W-L: 1,128-1,179
Winning Percentage: .486
Playoffs: two
Championships: zero

When the Baltimore lawyer took control of the team in 1993, it was a year removed from its Camden Yards debut with a stacked roster Angelos allowed former GM Pat Gillick to build. The O's went on to make the first of two consecutive ALCS appearances just three years later. Then Angelos began his notorious meddling, firing popular manager Davey Johnson, burning through another five managers, killing trades proposed by his GMs and stripping down one of baseball's proudest franchises. The O's haven't finished above .500 in 11 seasons since their last playoff appearance.

On the Stimulus Plan

The Obama Administration Unemployment projection if the Stimulus Plan were to be passed is represented by the Dark Blue Line.  

The Obama Administration Unemployment projection if Congress failed to pass the Stimulus Plan is represented by the Light Blue Line.

Actual Unemployment (with the Stimulus Plan in effect) is represented by the Red Triangles.

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK: 050909 - "Bike Week Fund Update"

Everyone involved with the Scot Pitzer Bike Week Committee is pleased to announce that our fundraising drive for 2009 is off to a flying start.
I was getting my morning cup of coffee mid-week at Kennie’s Market in Gettysburg when a gorgeous senior citizen handed me $10.
“Ma’am,” I said, “that is very generous.”
She planted a smooch on my left cheek.
“Keep your mouth shut,” she said. Then she winked at me.
I am also pleased to announce that I have a new sponsor: Season’s Bakery on Chambersburg Street. We are placing a jar at the front counter.
As of mid-week, we have raised $143.83. That is truly an accomplishment, given these tough economic times.
If you can sponsor me, send your donation (made out to Adams Co. Arts Council) to Gettysburg Signs, 100-B Buford Ave, Gettysburg, 17325. Or just mail to the newsroom, or the Arts Council.
If I win, I get to ride with Jennifer LeVan during the Bike Week Parade of Chrome in 2009. (No cats allowed at the parade.) All proceeds benefit the Adams County Arts Council.
Honestly, even I have opened up my heart to these charitable causes.
Last weekend, for example, I donated the $40 that I won during a poker game to the Scot Pitzer Bike Week Fund.
My sister has even pledged to give me $5.
And I also donated the $1 check that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mailed me as a tax rebate. Thank you, Gov. Rendell.
(Big Ed donated $20 million to the new GNMP Visitor Center. I expect nothing less. Only $19,999,999 more to go.)
I might be alright, though. We have enough support up in Bermudian Springs to carry us to victory.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

O's Demote Sherrill, Bullpen Holds "Relievers Only" Mtg

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.osnotes05may05,0,6624018.story

O's relievers close door - - - Bullpen meeting called after pronouncement on Sherrill

By Jeff Zrebiec jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com
May 5, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - With their roles no longer certain, Orioles relievers held a "bullpen only" meeting in the visiting clubhouse at Tropicana Field before Monday's series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
They were mum on what was discussed, though Orioles manager Dave Trembley made it clear that the meeting was planned by the relievers, not the coaching staff, who held their own meeting in Trembley's office before the game.
"That was an impromptu get-together on their part," Trembley said.
The bullpen is in flux after Trembley's pronouncement Sunday that George Sherrill, who has blown two saves in six chances this season, is no longer the full-time closer and that the role will be decided on a "day-to-day" basis.
Trembley elaborated on the decision before Monday's game, and acknowledged that it is slightly out-of-character for him not to have relievers in established roles.
"It probably is different, but sometimes you have to do some things a little different to try and win a game," Trembley said. "I'll have to wait and see. I think sometimes it depends on the score and also depends on who's available and who is pitching well. And I also think sometimes you have to go away from the norm a little when things aren't going well for you, and right now things aren't going well for us."
Trembley pointed to Sherrill's struggles getting right-handed batters out - they are hitting .394 against him with three homers in 33 at-bats - as a reason for the change. He said right-handers Jim Johnson and Chris Ray could get save chances but that Danys Baez will stay in his current role and be used as a bridge to get to the back end of the bullpen.
"I'm not excluding George, but I think everybody that has followed the club understands the difference in the right and left situations," Trembley said. "I'm certainly not trying to be disrespectful at all. I'm very much appreciative of what George has done, but I also think there are other things to consider."
*&*@&$*@&#*$&@*#$&

On the O's Week Four

The O's took on "Oh-fer" in Week 4 losing 6 straight to complete the month of April at 9-13 and currently stand at 9-16.

The highlight of the week was Jamie Walker's post-game comments disparaging MLB Umpire Angel Hernandez after Tuesday's loss to the Angels. Walker's comments were apt, for which the AL fined him.

O's hitting ranked 13th in the AL for the week. The offense is currently broken. No one on the team can lay down a sacrifice bunt, hit to the right side w/a runner on 2nd and no outs, steal a base, etc.... Late in the week, the hitters seem to have lost their patience at the plate as well. Everyone is in a hurry to make an out.

The defense continues its' poor play, although they no longer lead the AL in errors.

Starting pitching logged a 5.45 ERA and did average a smidge over 6 IP per start.

The bullpen logged a 5.71 ERA and blew 2 save opportunities.

So, the O's are in Tampa Bay for 2 games then back home for the Twins and Yankees in Week 5.

Ugh.

On Headlines

Here's a good one.

On the President

 "I did not authorize attacks on the pirates! I ordered a tax on the pirates."

Reporters Notebook: 050209 - "Bike Week 2k9: Raising Money for Charity"

As most of you know, last year I had the privilege of riding with Battlefield Harley Davidson owner Jennifer LeVan during the Parade of Chrome in Bike Week 2008.
It was an awesome time, and an unforgettable experience.
For most of the ride, I waved to my vocal fan-base, like Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wertz along Steinwehr Avenue, “Scottie’s Hotties” on the steps of the County Courthouse, or Borough Council Vice President Holliday Giles on Lincoln Square.
And from what I hear, not too many cats puked during the event.
But to do it again this year, I need your help.
Apparently, the back of Jen’s bike is popular — so popular that there’s a competition to sit there during this year’s parade.
I’m one of two contestants competing in a fundraiser.
Whoever raises the most money gets to ride with Jen in Bike Week 2009.
Every single cent that’s raised is being donated to charity: the Adams County Arts Council.
It’s going to take a lot of money to win, though. According to unconfirmed reports, my competition has already generated $500.
I’m pleased to announce that I have the endorsement of Gettysburg Signs Express.
I also have the support of Whitzer Gas — “We’ve Got Gas. Do You?”
And from what I hear, Mummasburg Borough Council and the Guernsey Borough Board of Supervisors are close to finalizing favorable resolutions.
So things are looking good.
If you’re interested in donating money to help me win, and more importantly to benefit charity, write a check payable to Adams County Arts Council, and mail to Gettysburg Signs, 100-B Buford Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325. Or just send a donation to the newsroom.
I’ll even accept donations from Bermudian fans.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On the O's Week 3

The O's went 3-4 on the week. Highlights of the week were Brad Bergeson's victory over the White Sox in his Major League debut, Adam Eaton's victory over same and the continued bashing at the top of the order.

Bergesen went 5 2/3 IP allowing 1 Earned Run in a 10-3 victory and Eaton pitched 7 1/3 IP allowing 2 Earned Runs in a 6-2 win. Koji Uehara also had an excellent start (6 2/3 IP, 2 Earned Runs) this week but the bullpen was unable to make it stand up.

Brian Roberts, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis are hitting .372, .348 and .389 respectively at the top of the order. The rest of the batting order cooled this week.

Through 3 weeks, Orioles pitching has walked fewer batters than all but 3 AL teams.

Lowlights were the blown save by George Sherrill on Saturday and the defense.

Accept the blown save and move on, as no closer can be expected to succeed in every opportunity. It remains disappointing because Uehara had such a good start and the blown save turned out to be the difference between a winning and losing Week 3.

The defense continued its' sloppy play. In the AL, only Seattle has committed more errors than Baltimore.

Reporters Notebook: 042509 - "Gano's Award is No Surprise"

After leading the Biglerville Canner wrestling team to a league title and one-loss season this year, Bob Gano was recently named the Gettysburg Times coach of the year.
It’s no surprise to me. I mean, in his 12 years at Biglerville, he’s never had a losing season.
Ever. That’s remarkable.
Every year when the BHS Booster Club gives out its Coach of the Year award, I wonder: why bother? Bob Gano’s the best, in my humble opinion. Show me another coach that’s never had a losing season.
When he came to Apple Town in 1997-98, he resuscitated a program that was mired in a deep slump. Coach Gano somehow managed to convince a team that had won four matches the previous year that we were good enough to compete with the best. And for some reason, we listened.
He inherited a roster of just 14 wrestlers at a time when there were 13 weight classes. We forfeited up to three bouts on any given night, yet were somehow one of the top dual meet teams in the district.
Fans came back to the Canner Dome, and rocked the walls like the days of old.
The new coach instilled a new attitude in Canner Country. We wore camouflage, because our undermanned squad was “going to war” for the new coach.
A new era was born in the town where wrestling is everything. And even 12 years later, the “Camo Kids” are still going to war for Coach Gano.
Congratulations on a well-deserved honor.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On Senator Charles Grassley

Who would've thought someone was listening?

It still stings

King of Jordan Visits Gettysburg

POSTED DATE: 04/21/09

BY SCOT ANDREW PITZER

Times Staff Writer

The King of Jordan rides a Harley.

King Abdullah II of Jordan was an unexpected guest Saturday at Battlefield Harley Davidson and The Dobbin House Restaurant in Gettysburg.

He was joined by about 20 other foreign diplomats and bodyguards during his unannounced visit.

“It was cool,” says Battlefield Harley Davidson owner Jennifer LeVan. “He loves to ride his motorcycle.”

King Abdullah rode a Harley Davidson to the Gettysburg motorcycle dealership, and bought several tee-shirts.

"With all the pressure that he's under being the leader of a country in the Middle East, it's neat that he can go out and ride a Harley, relax and be a normal person,” says LeVan.

King Abdullah is meeting with President Barack Obama today to discuss peace. According to published reports, he participated in a motorcycle trip over the weekend through West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

The monarch’s visit was kept a secret, even from high ranking Gettysburg officials.“

I hope he had a good time,” says Mayor William E. Troxell, “and I hope he comes again.”

He made an unscheduled shopping stop at Battlefield Harley Davidson, at the intersection of Routes 15 and 30 near Gettysburg, after seeing a billboard advertising the business along U.S 15.

A group of Secret Service agents entered the building and took strategic positions, prompting LeVan to introduce herself.

“I just asked them if there was anything I could do to help, and they said the King of Jordan was here,” says LeVan. “I said, oh my goodness, wow.”

The King’s command of the English language, according to LeVan, is “pretty good.”

He shopped at the dealership for about 15 minutes, and left with Battlefield Harley Davidson merchandise.

That same day, the entourage of royal visitors dined at the Dobbin House tavern along Steinwehr Avenue. Employees reported that King Abdullah ate with about 20 other people. According to a spokesperson at the Dobbin House, “we knew that someone was coming, but didn’t know it would be the King.” The lunch was set up by the Embassy.

Earlier on Saturday, the King had breakfast at the Country Cafe in Harper’s Ferry.

The King is meeting with President Obama in Washington D.C. today to discuss Middle East peace talks. He is accompanied by Prince Feisal Bin Al Hussein, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi, Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair Al Ali.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Charles Schulz was an O's fan

On the O's Week 2

The O's went 2-4 in Week 2 taking 2 of 3 from Texas and losing 3 straight to Boston, all on the road.

The offense continued to bash while in Texas but immediately cooled once reaching Boston. No big surprise there, however, Adam Jones left Sunday's game in the 2nd inning with right (ugh) hamstring soreness. Melvin Mora is on the DL already with a hamstring problem.

The starters were awful in Week 2, completing only 25 2/3 innings of the 51 pitched and logging a 9.81 ERA. Alfredo Simon went on the DL after completing 1 1/3 innings in his start at Texas. Brad Bergesen (1-1, 2.45 ERA at Norfolk) is expected to take Simons' start on Tuesday. At least there is that to look forward to.

The bullpen showed signs of rounding into form while posting a 5.68 ERA in 25 1/3 innings. 10 runs in 4 1/3 innings in Game 3 against Texas was the only sore spot for the week.

The defense was shabby and currently ranks 10th in the AL.

So, game 4 in Boston today and then back home to face the White Sox and Rangers.

A weakened batting order, poor starting pitching and a shaky defense does not bode well for Week 3.

Cael Sanderson...

... is Penn State's new head wrestling coach! Woah!

Reporters Notebook: 041809 - "Call Me Mr. Pitzer"

One of my cousins brought her new boyfriend to Grandma Mentzer’s house for Easter dinner last weekend.
It’s a tradition that dates back to the Uncle Jeff era, when he brought over the smoking young lass that he was dating at the time.
From what I was told (I was not born at the time), Aunt Sharon underwent questioning. After all, she is from Bermudian Springs, so she was subject to heavy scrutiny.
Sharon made it through alive, and I’m happy to report that she has been happily married to Uncle Jeff for about 15 years.
So here we are last weekend, around the kitchen table, and Pappy Mentzer introduced my cousin’s new boyfriend.
Pappy named all of us aloud, before Uncle Stan walked into the room with an outstretched hand.
“I’m Uncle Stan,” he said to the young lad.
Laughter ensued.
“Are you going to make him call you that?” I asked.
Stan replied: “No, he can call me Mr. Mentzer.”
I think he was joking.
But I’m not sure.
~ Mr. Scot A. Pitzer

On History

A gripping recount.

Drunk History vol. 3 - Featuring Danny McBride from Danny McBride

On Appearances

Not seen since 1973, the O's unveil the new (old) road uniforms last night in Texas.

On the O's Week One

The O's bashed their way thru Week 1 taking 2 of 3 from both the Yankees and the Rays to complete the opening homestand at 4-2.

The O's hit .289 and scored 6.5 runs/game. Kudos to hitting coach Terry Crowley for having the lumber ready for Opening Day.

O's pitching had a 5.67 ERA for the week. The starting pitching performed surprisingly well, posting a 3.73 ERA. The bullpen was alternately great and awful in posting an 8.34 ERA. Danys Baez and Jamie Walker were untouched. George Sherril, Dennis Sarfate, Matt Albers and Jim Johnson pitched so-so. Chris Ray struggled and Brian Bass was outright awful.

To the pitching staff's credit, only the Kansas City Royals issued fewer walks in Week 1 than O's pitching.

It's off to Texas and then Boston in Week 2. Hopefully, the bullpen rounds into form and it remains too early for hitters to expose the O's starting pitching weakness. That and continued hot bats will make for another fun week to be an O's fan.

On Commercials

My favorite.

Reporters Notebook: 041109 - "Easter Memories"

Every year at Easter, I reflect upon my favorite memories from past holidays.
Like the time Pappy Pitzer nailed the plastic egg to a backyard tree, fooling everyone during the annual hunt.
Or when Mike and Jamie and I were growing up, we’d set a bowl of Trix cereal out for the Easter Bunny at night.
There was the year when Jamie was running in a track tournament on Saturday, and I caught some sort of allergic ailment. The next morning, on Easter Sunday in Church, my eyes were so swollen that everyone thought I had been out partying all night long. Dad took me to the emergency room at Gettysburg Hospital.
And who could forget the year when Grandma Mentzer promised her older grandchildren that there were four large plastic eggs, all containing money, hidden in the backward. We hunted for 60 minutes, but to no avail. When we went indoors, Uncle Stan informed us that they never actually hid our eggs — it was all just a big trick. We didn’t think it was funny. Meanwhile, our aunts and uncles laughed all afternoon.
What will this year bring? It’s tough to say.
I just hope there aren’t any rabbit pellets in my Easter Basket this year.
~ Scot A. Pitzer

President Obama Hosts Seder Dinner

"By hosting the first presidential seder in America's history, President Barack Obama shows the personal and deep relationship he has with the Jewish community," said Alexis C. Rice, the group's deputy executive director.

WHAAAAT? I wonder what the Rev. Jeremiah Wright has to say about the Jews?