tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52831500809591416972010-03-12T20:48:12.191-05:00Harrisburg Sportsthe best sports blog in town!GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-67124904413515707372009-05-13T07:00:00.000-04:002009-05-13T07:00:00.774-04:00Harrisburg Lunatics Playing for Conference Crown<a href="http://www.hbgsports.com/2009/05/professional-roller-hockey-league-in.html">Last week I told you about the Harrisburg Lunatics</a> and their quest for the division title.<br /><br />Well they won the best of 3 series 2 games to none to collect their THIRD consecutive division crown.<br /><br />Now they will welcome the Connecticut Blaze to town this Saturday (and maybe Sunday) for a best of 5 series and the chance to play for the league title in St. Louis.<br /><br />Games 1-3 will be Saturday evening at 6,7, and 8. IF the series requires more they will be played Sunday afternoon at 2 and 3. <br /><br />The season series between the two teams was split 1-1 as Harrisburg won 6-3 and the Blaze won 5-4. <br /><br />I am guessing that tickets are still only $5. If you are looking for a good inexpensive way to spend your Saturday night head on over to the <a href="www.susq-sports.com">Susquehanna Sports Center in Lemoyne</a> and watch some professional roller hockey. $5 gets you 3 games!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-6712490441351570737?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-87656538309319941672009-05-12T16:49:00.002-04:002009-05-12T16:54:51.692-04:00Let's Go Bears!I will be attending tonight's game, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">coincidentally</span> enough as the GM and I will be there side by side rooting for the B-E-A-R-S, Bears, Bears, Bears! I am getting hyped as I talk. I have never been to a game 7 of anything so I hope this lives up to my expectations. I hope I can't even hear myself think tonight in Giant Center. I love this team! I was there opening night and I wouldn't miss this for the world. I don't know where I am sitting but I will be yelling that's for damn sure! I don't really know why I am posting this as I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">could've</span> just left the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GM's</span> post at the top of the page because he is the one that got me into the B-E-A-R-S, Bears, Bears, Bears three years ago but I am now getting hyped so I just wanted to share that with you!<br /><br />It's going to be a great game and I hope all of you can be there to see it!<br /><br />I hope the roof blows off the place and it's so loud we don't hear the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">whistles</span>!<br /><br />Let's Go Bears!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-8765653830931994167?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-34948573259427472722009-05-12T10:01:00.002-04:002009-05-12T10:05:08.456-04:00LET'S GO BEARS!!The Hershey Bears faceoff tonight against their biggest rival in the 2nd round of the Calder Cup playoffs. The Wilkes Barre - Scranton Penguins are in town tonight for game 7. It will only be the Bears 5th game 7 in the last 10 years so they don't happen often.<br /><br />So far the home team has won every game of the series which obviously bodes well for the Bears but in a game 7 situation I don't think anything else comes into play. <br /><br />Both teams have looked good and both teams have looked terrible so this is anyones guess.<br /><br />I will be there...section 104. But if you are looking to go you better get tickets soon. The phones are ringing off the hook and there is a regular stream of people showing up at the box office.<br /><br />Get down there...make some noise...and witness one of the greatest spectacles in sports...a game 7 in a hockey series!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-3494857325942747272?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-26897184105882475112009-05-08T13:20:00.002-04:002009-05-08T13:25:30.436-04:00Good News for Senators Fans...As you read below, the Senators are playing better now that the calendar changed. The GM pointed out they are 4-2 in May and it may be a good sign for this team. I think its a great sign and even though they have built themselves a huge hole in the division, they still have plenty of time to turn it around. <br /><br />I have more great news for Senators fans. I was not at the double-header last night but I did listen to part of game two on the radio. I know the team lost the first game 9-6 and game two was going the same way for 5 innings. Going into the bottom of the sixth Erie was winning 6-0. But in the bottom of the sixth the guys exploded for 6 huge runs and then added another in the bottom of the seventh, which was the final inning since it was a double-header. <br /><br />I definitely think that exploding for 6 runs and completing the comeback last night will be huge for this team. 6 runs is the most they have scored in any inning this year. This could definitely give these guys some momentum going into a big series this weekend against Akron. <br /><br />Let's Go Senators!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-2689718410588247511?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-25808485109965844732009-05-08T11:45:00.000-04:002009-05-08T11:45:00.637-04:00Both Lancaster and York StrugglingThe rain caused some problems for the York Revolution this past week as 3 games between Sunday and Wednesday were postponed due to rain. They are probably somewhat relieved though to have not had to play those games as they are struggling right now.<br /><br />While the Senators are playing well in May (4-2) the Revolution is struggling. They dropped 2 games last weekend to Lancaster (Sunday was rained out) and then dropped 2 of 3 to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. All of those games were at home too. That is a 1-4 record so far this month.<br /><br />Now they head out on the road to face the Somerset Patriots this weekend. That series starts tonight and goes through Sunday. Somerset is only a game better than the 3-9 Revs at this point in the season so maybe York can get a couple wins under their belt.<br /><br /><br />The Lancaster Barnstormers did not have as much of a problem with the rain as none of their games were postponed other than Sunday against York. They played in Long Island against the Ducks. Unfortunately for Lancaster they might have done better with rain outs as they lost all 4 games in Long Island.<br /><br />They return home this weekend for a 3 games series against the Camden Riversharks. Lancaster is 4-9 on the season while the Riversharks are 9-4. <br /><br /><br />It is still early for both teams and there are lots of games yet to be played but the slow starts have to be a concern to fans. The one advantage for both Lancaster and York is that their division has only 1 team above .500 while 3 teams are at 4-8 or worse.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-2580848510996584473?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-3279402746283471462009-05-08T08:39:00.004-04:002009-05-08T08:46:34.380-04:00Senators Have Winning Record.....in May<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/images/senators-new-logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 150px;" src="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/images/senators-new-logo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Hey its a start, right?<br /><br />Since May 1st the Harrisburg Senators have a 4-2 record. That isn't too bad. What makes it even better is that the wins came against the teams in 2nd and 3rd in the division, Reading and Erie.<br /><br />Now can they continue this play. Most people figured that eventually they would turn it around as this team is more talented then their record indicated but can they flip the season just like that?<br /><br />Next up is a 3 game series against Akron that starts tonight. Akron is the best team in the Eastern League with a 19-5 record. They already have a 4 game lead over second place Reading.<br /><br />The Senators....they are 13 games back.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-327940274628347146?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-41303024939553672142009-05-07T09:23:00.004-04:002009-05-07T09:42:14.575-04:00Professional Roller Hockey League in Harrisburg<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hometeamsonline.com/photos/hockey/PIHAA/piha_logo.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 200px;" src="http://hometeamsonline.com/photos/hockey/PIHAA/piha_logo.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />By a show of hands, how many of you know that there is a professional roller hockey league in the Harrisburg area?<br /><br />Any hands?<br /><br />Okay, well there is. They play their home games at the <a href="http://www.susq-sports.com/index.php">Susquehanna Sports Center in Lemoyne</a> and are currently in the playoffs with the Division Championship on the line this Saturday night.<br /><br />Roller hockey is different in a few ways than ice hockey. Obviously it isn't played on ice for starters and they only play 4 on 4 which creates more scoring and more offense. After that the main difference is a lack of contact in roller hockey. It isn't that there isn't any but hitting is not a part of the game although it does happen from time to time. Oh and for those ice hockey fans out there roller hockey does not have icing or offsides either.<br /><br />Everything is meant to open up the ice and allows for more goals.<br /><br />But anyways, the <a href="http://www.lunaticsrollerhockey.com/lunatics.htm">Harrisburg Lunatics</a> are members of the <a href="http://www.thepiha.com/index.php">Professional Inline Hockey League</a> that is a national league with teams in cities like St. Louis, Denver, and Colorado Springs. As well as teams in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Connecticut.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/m_c5f231d0a03d3c7c71f0fda203285dae.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/m_c5f231d0a03d3c7c71f0fda203285dae.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This Saturday night the Lunatics will go up against the Marple Gladiators at the Susquehanna Sports Center for the Mason Dixon division championship. The setup is a 3 games series played in one night. Game 1 is at 6, game 2 at 7, and game 3 (if necessary) at 8.<br /><br />And if you are interested in going it is only $5 to get in (to all 3 games!) and kids 8 and under are free!!<br /><br />I have personally played at the Sports Center and have been playing roller hockey off and on since about 1997 and can say that it is a fun sport to play and watch. If you are looking for something to do on Saturday night head on over to and watch the games! For $5 you can't really go wrong.<br /><br />For directions please click <a href="http://www.susq-sports.com/index.php?topic=directions">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-4130302493955367214?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-73353400673183399952009-05-02T17:37:00.003-04:002009-05-02T17:40:26.854-04:00Luuuuuuuuke!Luke Montz is back! That's awesome for this team because Luke is a great catcher and a great hitter! I hope the guys get a nice boost from Luke coming back. They beat Reading last night and that is also a good sign. The season is still young and this team can work itself back into the race but it will be a long road. <br /><br />Luke Montz, Welcome Back!<br /><br />Let's Go Senators!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-7335340067318339995?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-26418955483999661722009-05-01T14:30:00.001-04:002009-05-02T17:33:29.800-04:00You're Fired!The Harrisburg Stampede are 2-4 in their inaugural season so far. I guess that isn't good enough as the Head Coach of the team was fired yesterday and replaced by the defensive coordinator.<br /><br />First of all, let me start by saying, I have not been to a game and I honestly did not know they had played 8 games already. Arena football is a cool idea but I have never really truly gotten into it. Here is my point though, the guy has been coaching for 8 games. This is the teams first year. The one guy on the team I have heard of, (Woody Dantzler, QB) has been injured for the entire season.<br /><br />Why is the coach being fired already?<br /><br />Is he really doing that bad of a job?<br /><br />Now I obviously don't know any of the behind the scenes stuff but this seems a little fishy to me. They have only given this guy 8 games and he has won 2 of the them. I know that isn't a great record but I feel like this guy deserved more of a shot then this. I can't believe an Arena football coach can be judged after 8 games. Is the front office worried that if the team isn't good, the fans aren't going to come? Well, at the last home game there were 2,500 people. That doesn't seem like a lot to me and if that isn't a lot I doubt it's because the team isn't doing very well. Even if it is, I doubt the team isn't doing well because the head coach. Like I said, I'm not an expert on the team or the sport but it seems to me like this guy got a raw deal!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-2641895548399966172?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-49573826309010338032009-05-01T07:30:00.000-04:002009-05-01T07:30:00.309-04:00City Islanders 1-0-1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.eveningsun.com/sportingword/Harrisburg%20city%20ilsanders.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 272px;" src="http://blogs.eveningsun.com/sportingword/Harrisburg%20city%20ilsanders.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The City Islanders kicked off their season a few weeks ago and had their home opener this past Saturday night and are still undefeated this season.<br /><br />Their season began on April 18th with a 2-2 tie against the Richmond Kickers in Richmond. Mo Oduor and Stephen Fisher had the goals for the Islanders in the opener.<br /><br />The home opener was this past Saturday night against the Western Mass Pioneers and the Islanders won that game 3-1 on goals from Brandon Swartzendruber and 2 from Chad Severs. The Islanders appear to have dominated the game as the Pioneers goalie made 6 saves on top of the 3 goals allowed while the Islanders goalie, Chase Harrison, faced 3 shots on goal.<br /><br />This weekend the Islanders are headed to Bermuda to play against the Bermuda Hogges. That game is Friday night and then Saturday they will play against the Bermuda Football Associations U-23 team.<br /><br />The team will return home next weekend for a game Saturday night at 7:05 against Pittsburgh.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-4957382630901033803?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-12622012313558747082009-04-30T15:47:00.002-04:002009-04-30T15:55:58.112-04:0019 hits but...The Senators had 19 hits last night but they also had 13 guys left on base and 2 errors. Oh, don't forget the base running errors as well that aren't accounted for. You and I would've both thought that when you read 19 hits you expect victory. Well those 19 hits turned into only 6 runs because of untimely strikeouts and mental errors. They lost the game 7-6. <br /><br />This is probably the most frustrating loss of the season so far because this was the breakout game at the plate that the team really needed. They just made too many mental errors that cost them the game. 2 fielding errors and at least one caught stealing will cost you games no matter how many hits you get. I know when you are 2-15 and in the midst of a long losing streak these things, "just happen" but I am beginning to wonder if these things are habits and not accidents. <br /><br />The physical errors and just not being good enough is something the coaches and fans alike should be able to deal with, but Mr. Stearns please do something about the mental errors that are costing this team. It's only April but we are 1o games out of the playoffs and with games like this one and mental mistakes like this, I don't see this getting any better anytime fast.<br /><br />Oh by the way, we lost today 9-3. I don't mean to be so negative and I am honestly not trying to upset anyone, I am just speaking from my point of view. I will be at the games supporting the guys either way but I really hope they can turn this thing around because before this losing streak, I had thought this team had a chance to really compete!<br /><br />Come On Senators!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-1262201231355874708?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-71697755250123306572009-04-30T07:30:00.001-04:002009-04-30T07:30:00.378-04:00Bears in 2nd Round<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://onfrozenblog.com/2009/03/12/Hershey_Bears_Calder_Trophy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 350px;" src="http://onfrozenblog.com/2009/03/12/Hershey_Bears_Calder_Trophy.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />For those of you who haven't heard the Hershey Bears swept the Philadelphia Phantoms in the first round of the AHL playoffs with a 1-0 win last Friday night. It was the last game that the Philadelphia Phantoms will play in the AHL.<br /><br />With Philly tearing the Spectrum down this summer/fall the team had no where to play there games. The franchise was sold to a group in Pittsburgh and will begin play in Glens Falls, New York next season. There are rumors that eventually an arena will be built in Allentown and the franchise will begin play there but as of now there is nothing planned.<br /><br />What was a great rivalry between Philly and Hershey has come to an end and while I was certainly never a fan of the Phantoms the rivalry will be missed.<br /><br />But on to the second round where the Bears face their other big rival, the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins.<br /><br />The Baby Pens handled the Bears for most of the season but many of those games did not include rookie sensation Michal Neuvirth. In the 3 games that featured Neuvy in goal for the Bears Hershey went 1-0-0-2. (which to all non hockey fans is 1 win and 2 shootout losses) The good news in that is there are no shootouts in the playoffs. Many of the games Wilkes Barre won against the Bears featured lesser talents in goal.<br /><br />The series starts Saturday night in Hershey with game 2 coming Sunday at 5. Tickets are surely still available and I encourage everyone to come check out playoff hockey at its best. There is a lot of animosity between these teams and the series will surely be a physical one.<br /><br />For more head on over to <a href="http://hersheybearshockey.blogspot.com">Hershey Bears Hockey</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-7169775525012330657?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-13171856497099730852009-04-29T09:30:00.000-04:002009-04-29T09:30:00.242-04:00Eagles and Steelers Draft AnalysisAs an Eagles fan I will give you my very subjective opinion of what they did in the draft. As a sometimes Steelers fan I will give you more of an objective opinion about the players and their roles.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Let's start on a positive though and look at the Steelers draft</span>.<br /><br />When you win the Super Bowl you obviously don't have too many holes to fill if any. That was the case with the Steelers where their only arguable hole was at corner where they lost McFadden. But there wasn't too much concern for getting a certain player in this draft. It was more about depth and the future.<br /><br />Ziggy Hood will be a good player in a few years and he can definitely give some guys a rest on the defensive front this year. He is a big body that will be tough to move.<br /><br />After that I have only even heard of a couple players. Keenan Lewis at corner will provide depth and could be a solid starter in the future. A.Q. Shipley was the glue on the Penn State line the past couple seasons. He is a high character guy who is also very talented.<br /><br />Other than that I am looking at the <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/team?team=pit&amp;draftyear=2009">Steelers picks</a> and I can't see anything that stands out good or bad. I don't think they did great in the draft only because they didn't get anyone to seriously help anytime soon. But they did what they needed to do so I would say they got about a B for a grade.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">On to the Eagles:</span><br /><br />What is Andy Reid's fascination with small, not fully grown, wide receivers? Most of the best receivers in the NFL are 6'3" or taller. That's not saying a shorter guy can't have tremendous success but having a big receiver is important to most teams as that person presents a matchup problem.<br /><br />The Eagles now have 4 receivers that are 6'0" or shorter as their top 4 WRs. Jason Avant, Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin. None of them are over 6'0".<br /><br />Maclin IS Jackson. Except from what I understand he has worse hands. I agree that you need to have a player like that...but two?? Where do you line them up at? Curtis is only good in the slot which means Jackson or Maclin have to be the 1 or 2 (or both). Wouldn't trading for Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin, or even Braylon Edwards make more sense?<br /><br />I heard somewhere that Boldin was requesting 10 million a year so I can understand not going after him but the other two are options.<br /><br />I really don't think Maclin is worth a first round pick. I think the Eagles should have traded up to 10 to take Crabtree when he fell but oh well.<br /><br />After that there are still questions....LeSean McCoy is obviously a local favorite and I have been following him since his days at McDevitt but is he really a complement to Westbrook?? He seems like a very similar player and that isn't what Philly needed. A guy like Shonn Greene might not be the receiver or as fast as McCoy but he is a bigger back that can get the tough yards.<br /><br />Cornelius Ingram is a decent pick. But he is pretty much the second coming of LJ Smith. An injury risk, pass catching, can't block a lick tight end.<br /><br />Victor "Macho" Harris is going to be good. Getting Ellis Hobbs for a pick was big too considering Sheldon Brown is acting like a spoiled brat. Harris could move over to safety which will make this pick even better.<br /><br />I don't know much about the other players but Brandon Gibson, the WR from Washington State, he is only 6'0" tall. Surprised?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-1317185649709973085?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-29209429724460366422009-04-28T10:30:00.000-04:002009-04-28T10:30:00.269-04:00Revolution and Barnstormer UpdateWell the baseball season in Harrisburg isn't very good. Verb touched on how bad the Senators are yesterday so I won't go into that too much. Let's look instead at how the Barnstormers and Revolution are doing after their opening weekends.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lancaster:</span><br /><br />Things started off good for the Barnstormers as they welcomed over 8,000 fans to opening night against the Newark Bears. It got even better when they won 5-2 in that game. It was the fifth straight opening night that they have won and only allowed 2 runs.<br /><br />Unfortunately for Lancaster the weekend would not finish as nicely as it started. After the opening night win they proceeded to lose the remaining 3 games of the series to fall to 1-3 to start the season. <br /><br />After that first 5-2 victory the Barnstormers failed to score more than 3 in the other 3 games and could not hold Newark to less than 5 as they lost 9-3, 5-3, and 5-3 to finish the weekend.<br /><br />The Long Island Ducks come in for a 3 game set Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before the Barnstormers and Revolution renew their rivalry this weekend in York.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">York:</span><br /><br />The Revolution started the season on the road with a big win opening night over the Bridgeport Bluefish. (what the hell is a bluefish anyway?) It was the first season opener win for York in their history.<br /><br />They won the opener 8-4 but dropped the next two by a combined 17-10 before winning the 4th game of the series 3-2 on Sunday. <br /><br />Their 7 game road trip to start the season continues on Tuesday in Southern Maryland (Waldorf to be exact) where they will play a 3 game series against the Blue Crabs.<br /><br /><br />So while the Senators are doing their best to be mirror images of their parent club, the Washington Nationals who are 4-13, with a 2-13 record the Revolution and Barnstormers are hopefully going to start a little bit better. <br /><br />I have yet to be to a game this season at any of the parks and am not interested in heading over to City Island anytime soon. When the stadium is completely done next season the success of the team possibly won't matter as much but the seats still aren't very good and the team is horrible. <br /><br />I am hoping to get to a Revolution game soon however as I live only 20 minutes from the stadium and it looks great. I walked around the perimeter of the stadium a few weeks ago and I am absolutely looking forward to seeing my first Revolution game this season.<br /><br />Let's hope the Sens can turn their season around and hopefully the first series was just a slip up from Lancaster and not a sign of things to come.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-2920942972446036642?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-42610121362833805112009-04-27T10:23:00.000-04:002009-04-27T10:27:24.277-04:00Ummmm, Really?Ok, so far the Senators are 2-13. That's not good! They have 3 games away until they come home Friday! I don't really know what to say about the team but hopefully manager John Stearns can get the guys going. Ian Desmond was placed on the DL so that hurts but hopefully the guys can get back on track so that when Ian comes back we have a little winning streak and he can help us get back in the fight for the division. <br /><br />I don't really have a solution for the problem right now. I would say we need to hit and pitch better but that would be stupid because I'm not letting you in on anything you don't already know. I hope they figure it out soon or else it will be a long summer over at Metro Bank Park!<br /><br />Let's Go Senators!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-4261012136283380511?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-8896474520076197422009-04-23T10:51:00.000-04:002009-04-23T10:57:09.243-04:00What the Eagles Should Do<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.talkpa.net/gallery/images/1/large/1_eagles-logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 215px;" src="http://www.talkpa.net/gallery/images/1/large/1_eagles-logo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The Eagles recently traded a first round pick for a new left tackle. Good move.<br /><br />Now they have 1 first rounder left and there are trade possibilities for it. The question is, is Anquan Boldin worth a first and a third round pick?<br /><br />ABSO-freaking-LUTELY<br /><br />How can you argue that they would be better off picking in the first round? You can't. What are they going to get there, a backup running back? Yeah that is important but in the first round when there is such a GLARING hole at WR??<br /><br />No I think the Eagles HAVE to trade for Boldin. If they don't go get Boldin and I am McNabb, I want out immediately. Or else they better go get someone else. I would even be happy with Chad Ocho Cinco or Braylon Edwards even though I don't consider them in the same class as Boldin.<br /><br />And as for the third round pick....the Eagles have 4 5th round picks. Trade 2 of them and move up into the third round.<br /><br />Seems like a no brainer:<br /><br />1st Round Pick, 3rd Round Pick, 2 5th Round Picks<br /><br />FOR<br /><br />Anquan Boldin, 3rd Round Pick<br /><br />Really?? Is there any reason not to do it?<br /><br /><br />Any readers out there that are Eagles fans....what do you think Philly should do??<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-889647452007619742?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-80766343523534283862009-04-21T11:43:00.000-04:002009-04-21T11:43:00.625-04:00Here is What I Think So Far...I went to Opening Night at the new Metro Bank Park and overall I was pretty impressed. The seats in left field aren't finished yet but I did notice that some seats in right field are done and I didn't even know they were putting any there. They look a lot like the red box seats that are one the first and third base lines. The boardwalk isn't finished yet so I didn't get a very close look but I know once everything is finished I am going to sit out there for a game because those may turn into my favorite seats in the park.<br /><br />The new scoreboard is awesome! It is so big and with the mobile cameras they now have traveling around the park, the new features are definitely going to be a big hit. The two ribbon boards are pretty awesome too. My only complaint is that on opening night they were barely used for anything functional. They have a very small version of the score but mostly they were used for advertising purposes. I know this will bring in a lot of money for the team but from a fans point of view they are a bit useless. They look nice though!<br /><br />The brand new grand entrance way is pretty nice and provides a much easier and much quicker way in and out of the stadium. I'm not really sure if they are done with it yet but if they are its definitely an upgrade and is ok with me. The wall right now is a chain fence with some billboard poster banner type things hanging on it. From what I remember this was not the plan but right now it looks fine. I hope they upgrade and put padding and stuff on it but I guess if they leave it the way it is, it will be fine. I know the players will be much more reluctant to run straight into it though.<br /><br />They put an Appalachian Brewing Company stand in and that looks nice. I didn't eat there because I usually just get some hot dogs, fries and a drink. This is what I did on opening night and my experience wasn't very good. It took them a long time to get my fries to me and then they only had one stand for condiments. Needless to say, I waited in line for KETCHUP for about 5 minutes and then when I tried to get some onions they had been frozen and I honestly got more ice chunks on my hot dogs then I did onions. Hopefully, this is an isolated incident or else I may be walking out to the boardwalk to get food every time and that will get really old.<br /><br />As for the team, 2-7 is not a very good start. They won opening night and then for the home opener but otherwise we aren't doing so well. They played great the night I went but obviously that was an aberration so far. I did get a nice greeting from my favorite Senator, Ofilio Castro as he threw me a practice ball and then shook my hand and signed it for me. They players seem to be much more outgoing this year. Again, I went to the home opener so I can't base everything off of one experience, but that was really nice of him. I don't see why their record is so bad. They seem to have a lot of good young talent, I just think they are struggling early in the season and if they can string a few wins together I am sure they will get back on the right track.<br /><br />They do have a better record then the big league club. The Nats are 1-10, but I will say this, if the Senators don't get going and struggle all season, I suspect a lot of fans will stop going to games because the team isn't winning. I will let you know what I think of my next experience when I go and let's home the team gets on track and does it soon!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-8076634352353428386?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-51210400220079670622009-04-19T09:18:00.000-04:002009-04-19T09:23:19.920-04:00Madden is Same Age as KalasMaybe it is just me but does anyone else find it interesting that at 73 John Madden is retiring after watching another 73 year old announcer, Harry Kalas, pass away in the booth?<br /><br />I think Madden watched that and decided that he didn't want to finish that way. It makes sense. They were born about a month apart and Madden isn't the healthiest person in the world. He is probably terrified of the same thing happening to him. <br /><br />So instead of waiting he decided that he wasn't going to let that happen to him and he got out.<br /><br /><br />I am one of Madden's biggest haters. I thought he has been one of the worst analysts the past few years.<br /><br />But I will miss hearing him call games too. His voice is so recognizable that it will be weird to not have him calling games ever again.<br /><br />Good for you John Madden. Enjoy your retirement and enjoy the family!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-5121040022007967062?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-1340266431826310572009-04-15T11:16:00.001-04:002009-04-15T11:21:01.020-04:00Bears Headed to the PlayoffsThe Hershey Bears are headed into the Calder Cup Playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately due to scheduling problems that does not mean Hershey will start the playoffs at home. The first 2 games of the first round will be played in Philadelphia this Thursday and Saturday.<br /><br />Next Wednesday, Friday, and (if necessary) Saturday there will be playoff games in Hershey. I urge you to get down there and get your tickets this week. I am heading down tomorrow for mine and hope to be at every game. There is absolutely nothing better than playoff hockey and when you have a team this good it makes it even more exciting.<br /><br />For my <a href="http://hersheybearshockey.blogspot.com/2009/04/bears-vs-phantoms-series-preview.html">series preview go check out Hershey Bears Hockey</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-134026643182631057?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-37602206566749351872009-04-10T10:22:00.000-04:002009-04-10T10:27:20.562-04:00Bears Finish Regular SeasonIf you haven't made it to a Bears game yet this season you might consider going on Sunday. The game is at 6 against Wilkes Barre and could be for the division title. <br /><br />Tonight begins a huge weekend for the Bears as they travel to Philly to finish off the Spectrum. If Hershey can win tonight and tomorrow night, when Philly comes to Hershey, then the Spectrum will more than likely be done hosting hockey games.<br /><br />All Philly needs is to win both their games against the Bears and they are in.<br /><br />Tomorrow night's game against the Phantoms is possibly the last ever game for the Philadelphia Phantoms. The game is probably sold out but you might still be able to find a ticket or two if you wanted to go. <br /><br />Then Sunday the hated Baby Penguins come to town for the regular season finale. It is fan appreciation night and player awards night so this should be a fun time too. And like I said before it could be for all the marbles.<br /><br />Enjoy the weekend....GO BEARS!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-3760220656674935187?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-20583584641732787402009-04-10T08:04:00.001-04:002009-04-10T08:05:31.844-04:00Take a Minute and Read ThisThis site is about the Harrisburg Sports scene and I know there aren't too many readers right now but for the few of you here please take a minute today and click the link below and read the post.<br /><br />And after you are done remember that every decision you make effects other people.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sharapovasthigh.com/2009/04/remembering-best-friend-i-ever-had.html">Remembering the Best Friend I Ever Had</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-2058358464173278740?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-47667374065581167262009-04-09T10:11:00.000-04:002009-04-09T10:20:01.998-04:00Now It's Metro Bank Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://senatorsfansunite.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3224364164_4cc1d745c0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />By a show of hands, How many people want Riverside Stadium back?<br /><br />Personally I am tired of all the corporate names on stadiums. I understand the business behind it but still it gets a little ridiculous.<br /><br />For the past few years the ballpark on City Island was named Commerce Bank Park. But now that Commerce is merging with another bank and becoming Metro Bank they are changing the name to <a href="http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/04/senators_stadium_gets_a_new_na.html">Metro Bank Park</a>.<br /><br />It isn't like the name is too long or doesn't sound right...in my opinion it sounds fine. But I liked Riverside Stadium better.<br /><br />How many of you had their hands up? Let me know in the comments what you think of this.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I borrowed the image above from <a href="http://senatorsfansunite.blogspot.com/">Will Bentzel, please visit his site for more.</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-4766737406558116726?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-34575625511844720172009-04-07T15:14:00.001-04:002009-04-07T15:27:55.628-04:00Lancaster Has 3 Starters in PlaceNews came yesterday that the Lancaster <a href="http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/236012">Barnstormers have brought back Josh Hall</a> to be one of their starting pitchers for 2009.<br /><br />Hall went 6-3 with a 4.10 ERA in 13 starts last season before getting picked up by Colorado Rockies organization.<br /><br />That same organization pretty much sent him back to Lancaster when they released him after spring training. Hall is hoping that another solid season will result in another chance with a major league team.<br /><br />“I know I can pitch,” he said. “I’m 28 and my goal is still to get to the big leagues. The quickest way to the big leagues is through the Atlantic League, if you’re not playing with an affiliated team.”<br /><br /><br />Hall joins Zack Parker and Trey Hodges as the only starting pitchers on the roster to date. Parker has been solid in Lancaster with an 8-1 record and a 2.08 ERA in 12 starts in 2007 and 2008.<br /><br />Hodges spent last season with the Rangers AA affiliate and went 8-8 with a 5.76 ERA in 18 starts and 26 appearances.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-3457562551184472017?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-10926056174054812092009-04-07T09:41:00.000-04:002009-04-07T09:49:44.351-04:00Coming SoonNeither Verb or I have been around much lately but we are hoping to change that. Baseball season just started for MLB and the minor league teams in the area begin play in the coming weeks. The Stampede are 1-2 after splitting their last 2 games, the City Islanders are getting ready to start the regular season, and the Hershey Bears are headed to the playoffs.<br /><br />We will have more consistent updates starting really soon. Please keep checking back.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What to look for in the future:</span><br /><br />We are not going to try and cover these teams day in day out. There is just no way to do that with only 2 of us. We will try and give you weekly updates on how teams are doing though. And any news that we find we will pass along to you.<br /><br />And if you find something please feel free to email us or leave a comment.<br /><br /><br />If you are looking for more on any teams please check out these blog links:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hershey Bears:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://hersheybearshockey.blogspot.com">hershey bears hockey</a><br /><a href="http://johnwaltonhockey.blogspot.com">john walton hockey</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Senators baseball:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://senatorsfansunite.blogspot.com/">Senators Fans Unite</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you know of any blogs for other teams please let us know so we can add them to the site. Thanks.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-1092605617405481209?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>GMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440065486838225307gman2797@hotmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5283150080959141697.post-32032941244449448682009-03-27T09:33:00.000-04:002009-03-27T09:38:59.795-04:00York Revs possible opening day starter is...The York Revolution made 4 signings earlier this week with one of them possibly being the opening night starter. Wayne Franklin is the career leader in wins for the Revs and was the opening night starter in the first game the franchise ever played. I haven't seen a complete roster but I suspect with Franklin's experience and he win total being 12 from last year the team will go with Franklin opening night. <br /><br />The other three signee's were Dan Foli, Mike Smith and Ryan Goleski. Foli and Smith are both pitchers that can add depth to the team while Goleski is a power hitting outfielder that can add some pop in the middle of the order. <br /><br />I don't know the complete roster yet for the Revs if they even have one but when I found out anything else, I will most definitely pass it on.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5283150080959141697-3203294124444944868?l=www.hbgsports.com' alt='' /></div>verbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02396465092844591221noreply@blogger.com1