Latest news with #MatthewLeCroy
Edmonton Journal
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Edmonton's home run draw: Riverhawks baseball flying high with crowds
Article content Record-breaking crowds and a stellar view, the home of the Riverhawks is the site of an Alberta revival of the pleasure of the $3 hotdog — and the third-highest outfield wall in professional baseball. Article content In three short years since its formation by a group of baseball-loving investors, the summer collegiate team based at Remax Field has shattered records to splinters like bats in the hands of Mariano Rivera. Article content Article content Article content Over three summers, the Riverhawks have made a grand slam, besting West Coast League attendance records, Those tallies include a sell-out crowd of 9,200 on Canada Day. Even a Tuesday-night contest of wooden bats can draw 7,000 — wild for a weeknight. Article content The iconic 30-foot-tall 'Green Monster' takes its name from the Red Sox outfield wall. It's the third-tallest in professional baseball, so Riverhawks have to find their homers on the road at the 27 away games. Article content In the field's history, only three players — Matthew LeCroy, Michael Cuddyer, and Todd Sears — have 'knocked one outta the park.' FANS FIRST, FUN FIRST Article content When the Riverhawks club was born three years ago, key organizer and investor — and former Edmonton Oilers defenceman — Dr. Randy Gregg envisioned his own field of dreams wedged into the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Article content Article content With views of the Walterdale and High Level bridges spanning the North Saskatchewan River beyond the outfield walls, it's 'arguably the second-best baseball stadium in all of Canada, behind Rogers Centre in Toronto.' Article content For Gregg, it was critical that when it was time to show him the money, fans didn't have to break the piggy bank to take themselves out to the ball game. Article content That means a $20 general admission grandstand ticket — and a $3 hotdog. Article content The beer is cold — and it's not $15. Article content To engage fans new to the love of the game, unique promotions aim to get butts into stadium seats.
Washington Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Nationals' bat-retrieving dog Bruce gets call up to majors from Triple-A, set for MLB debut Saturday
A ballpark-tested Golden Retriever named Bruce is going to the major leagues to scoop up bats on baseball's biggest stage for the Washington Nationals after the team said he worked his tail off in the minors. Yes, Bruce is the team's 'Top Paw-spect' at 21 months old — in people years. The Nationals shared the wonderful news Tuesday that Bruce the Bat Dog has been called up, set to make his major league debut Saturday at home against the Miami Marlins — his promotion perfectly timed for Pups in the Park day at Nationals Park. Bruce was credited by the organization's front office for 'working your tail off' to earn this opportunity. The Nats said Bruce owns a 1.000 retrieving average in three games for Rochester this year and will make a fourth start in Rochester on Friday before traveling to Washington. The club unveiled an announcement for the dog's special day featuring three photos of Bruce under 'Welcome to The Show Bruce the Bat Dog' — and stated 'no rules that say a dog can't play baseball.' Triple-A manager Matthew LeCroy even brought the pooch into his office to give him the great news, and the Nationals posted video of the moment on their social media. 'Hey, I got some news for you, I think you're going to like it,' LeCroy said. 'You know last year you got called up to Triple-A, did a really nice job but we still thought we needed some work down at the lower levels. ... You did a nice job coming back to Triple-A this year, but I'm excited to tell you the front office, the GM, the president, the owners, they're excited to invite you to Nats Park for your call up to the major leagues on June 14.' More kind wishes poured in, and one fan called the move 'pawsome.' The Nationals have never seen him turn down signing a 'pawtograph.' 'Our fans and front office are always excited to see our players get promoted to the Nationals, but Bruce's promotion is a historic call-up to the big leagues that he richly deserves,' Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said. 'Nobody makes people smile more than Bruce, and I'm sure he'll do a WOOFtastic job for the Nats! He has proven himself to be ready for the show in a very short time and has earned the phenom status that has been bestowed upon him. He'll put on a doggone great show for Nats fans on June 14.' ___ AP MLB:
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Nationals' bat-retrieving dog Bruce gets call up to majors from Triple-A, set for MLB debut Saturday
A ballpark-tested Golden Retriever named Bruce is going to the major leagues to scoop up bats on baseball's biggest stage for the Washington Nationals after the team said he worked his tail off in the minors. Yes, Bruce is the team's 'Top Paw-spect' at 21 months old — in people years. The Nationals shared the wonderful news Tuesday that Bruce the Bat Dog has been called up, set to make his major league debut Saturday at home against the Miami Marlins — his promotion perfectly timed for Pups in the Park day at Nationals Park. Bruce was credited by the organization's front office for 'working your tail off' to earn this opportunity. The Nats said Bruce owns a 1.000 retrieving average in three games for Rochester this year and will make a fourth start in Rochester on Friday before traveling to Washington. The club unveiled an announcement for the dog's special day featuring three photos of Bruce under 'Welcome to The Show Bruce the Bat Dog' — and stated 'no rules that say a dog can't play baseball.' Triple-A manager Matthew LeCroy even brought the pooch into his office to give him the great news, and the Nationals posted video of the moment on their social media. 'Hey, I got some news for you, I think you're going to like it,' LeCroy said. 'You know last year you got called up to Triple-A, did a really nice job but we still thought we needed some work down at the lower levels. ... You did a nice job coming back to Triple-A this year, but I'm excited to tell you the front office, the GM, the president, the owners, they're excited to invite you to Nats Park for your call up to the major leagues on June 14.' More kind wishes poured in, and one fan called the move 'pawsome.' The Nationals have never seen him turn down signing a 'pawtograph.' 'Our fans and front office are always excited to see our players get promoted to the Nationals, but Bruce's promotion is a historic call-up to the big leagues that he richly deserves,' Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said. 'Nobody makes people smile more than Bruce, and I'm sure he'll do a WOOFtastic job for the Nats! He has proven himself to be ready for the show in a very short time and has earned the phenom status that has been bestowed upon him. He'll put on a doggone great show for Nats fans on June 14.' ___ AP MLB:
