Play Ball - April 2019 by Fresno Grizzlies

The best experience Central California has to offer!

Nestled minutes from the majestic splendor of Yosemite National Park.

In this Issue Contents Upcoming Promotions......................................... 5 Letter from MiLB and PCL Officials................... 7-8 Growlifornia 2.0 (Cover Story)....................... 10-13

Matchups APRIL 4 - 8 Reno Aces

Arizona Diamondbacks Affiliate

Grizzlies Roster................................................ 15 Grizzlies Coaching Staff............................... 16-17 A Conversation with Kyle McGowin................ 19-21 Stadium Improvements................................ 22-23 2019 Schedule & Promotions....................... 26-27

APRIL 16-18 Salt Lake Bees

Los Angeles Angels Affiliate

Save Mart $25 Drawing..................................... 31 Score card.................................................. 32-33 Community Engagement .............................. 35-37 Grizzlies Broadcast Partners......................... 38-39 Uniforms ........................................................ 43

APRIL 19-22 Las Vegas Aviators Oakland Athletics Affiliate

Parkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prospects............................................ 47 APRIL 29-MAY 2 El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Affiliate

The cover of the first issue of the 2019 Playball series was designed to build excitement for the new on-field look of the Fresno Grizzlies. The new uniform is a uniquely Fresno look that ties into the colors and design of the California and Growlifornia flags. For more, read the Cover Story on Page 8. Playball cover photo: Top Hand Media, Fresno, CA

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Upcoming Promotions APRIL PROMOTIONS 4/4

PRESENTED BY

Opening Night & Post-game Fireworks

Presented by Fresno/Clovis Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Fresno Bee

Magnet Schedule Giveaway (First 2,000 Fans)

Presented by Helena Agri-Enterprises

All-you-can-eat BBQ

4/5

Presented by Golden State Farm Credit

4/6

Presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

4/7

Presented by Root Access Hackerspace & The Fresno Bee

4/19 4/20

Friday Night Fireworks

Alt Gold Replica Jersey Giveaway (First 1,500 Fans) Maker’s Day

My Job Depends on Ag Night & Friday Night Fireworks

Presented by J.D. Heiskell & Company

Post-game Concert: “Love and Theft”

Presented by Helena Agri-Enterprises

Marvel Super Hero Night Save a Life Night

Presented by Central California Blood Center

Monday Madness

Toyota Taco Tuesdays

Presented by The Fresno Bee Two Reserved tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas and two Fresno Chaffee Zoo vouchers... ALL FOR JUST $25!

Presented by Toyota 2-for-1 Field Box, $2 tacos, $2 sodas and $2 churros as the Grizz play as the Fresno Tacos on each Tuesday home game. Specials available through the end of the 5th inning.

Friday Night Fireworks & Farm Grown Fridays Post-game fireworks will continue to follow every Friday home game in 2019, and the farmer’s market on the concourse pre-game and during the game returns for this season as well.

Dos Equis Dos Tacos Thursdays Presented by Dos Equis Buy a 24 oz. Dos Equis and get two free tacos! Happy Hour special from gates open to first pitch on Thursdays: $5 burger, fries and 12-oz. beer (or soda) combo.

Save Mart Sundays Presented by Save Mart Supermarkets Bring your Save Mart receipt or show the “Save Smart” app at the box office to get $5 off each ticket (up to 8 tickets). Grizzlies players autograph session (pregame); Kids Run the Bases (post-game) presented by Producers Dairy; and Family Catch on the Field (pregame; starting June 16.)

Come See the only Bermuda Greens in the Valley!

Belmont Country Club has been teeing up great golf since 1956. Come see why we are one of Fresnoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great golf destinations! Memberships are still available. Contact us at: 559-251-5078, ext.10 or visit us at www.belmontcountryclub.net

Dear Fans: On behalf of Minor League Baseball and the Fresno Grizzlies, I want to welcome you to beautiful Chukchansi Park and another exciting season of Minor League Baseball! The 2019 season will see the opening of beautiful new ballparks in Amarillo, Texas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Las Vegas, Nevada that fans are sure to enjoy for years to come. Returning in 2019 after a successful launch in 2018 will be Minor League Baseball’s Hispanic/Latinx fan engagement initiative, Copa de la Diversión. That program will expand from 33 to 72 teams as our teams expand their efforts to be more representative of their communities. While you may see some new logos and team identities this spring and summer, what remains the same is the quality, affordable family entertainment in a clean and safe environment that is a staple of Minor League Baseball across the country. With 20 leagues and more than 250 teams, Minor League Baseball is where you will find the next generation of baseball’s brightest stars on their way to the big leagues. The next Mike Trout, Jose Altuve or Mookie Betts just might be playing in the game you are watching now!

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Minor League Baseball also remains an integral part of the sports landscape, and of the communities it represents. Last season, Minor League Baseball’s philanthropic endeavors included donating over $41.5 million in cash and value in kind contributions to local and national charities. We are proud to support our National Charity Partners: The ALS Association, the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The BairFind Foundation and Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, as well as other worthy initiatives and causes. In 2018, a remarkable 40.4 MILLION fans attended Minor League Baseball games and I am certain that with your continued support, Minor League Baseball will prosper for many years to come. As stewards and fans of the game, it is our responsibility to build, nurture and protect this great game for the future generations of fans. Thank you again for your passionate support of Minor League Baseball, and most importantly the Fresno Grizzlies. I wish you a healthy and enjoyable season of baseball. Let's play ball!! Sincerely,

Pat O'Conner President & CEO Minor League Baseball

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PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc. One Chisholm Trail, Suite 4200 Round Rock, TX 78681 Baseball Fanatics: A hearty welcome to the 117th season of Pacific Coast League baseball! We are endlessly grateful for your continued support – a level of support unmatched across Minor League Baseball. Our 16 clubs hosted nearly seven million enthusiasts last year with the best family‐friendly entertainment in professional sports; they are determined to entertain even more patrons this year. This season will be marked by two notable advancements, the inaugural year of Triple‐A Baseball in San Antonio and the opening of the new Las Vegas Ballpark. The Missions come from the Double‐A Texas League, where they had a storied history and whose alums are headlined by some of baseball’s most iconic players – National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Pedro Martinez, Brooks Robinson and Ron Santo. San Antonio, featuring nearly two‐and‐a‐half million people, will be Triple‐A Baseball’s second‐largest market. Las Vegas, rebranded as the Aviators and the new affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, will play in a state‐of‐the‐art ballpark that features the Minors largest LED videoboard and is the only facility in sports history with one hundred percent mesh seats. Beyond Las Vegas, three other clubs have welcomed an affiliate change with a rebrand. Fresno (Washington), Nashville (Texas) and Round Rock (Houston) are all excited to take on a different look and start new chapters in their franchises. The PCL will host both of Triple‐A Baseball’s marquee events – the All‐Star and National Championship Games. With both contests being nationally televised, the rest of the country will see El Paso’s Southwest University Park and Memphis’ AutoZone Park take center stage to showcase baseball’s top rising stars. While this season promises to be breathtaking, the 2018 campaign wasn’t without its share of accomplishments. The Memphis Redbirds followed up a franchise‐record 91‐win season in 2017 by claiming a PCL‐best 87 victories and winning their second‐consecutive League Championship. The Redbirds avenged their loss to Durham in the 2017 National Championship Game by beating that same Bulls club in the 2018 contest, showcasing a tremendous display of offense, in a 10‐run win. Stepping aside from the action on the field, Minor League Baseball awarded the Albuquerque ballclub with the Johnson H. Johnson Award, its top annual honor, given to the most complete baseball franchise. Albuquerque was also recognized by Minor League Baseball as the winners of the inaugural Copa de la Diversión event series, the fan engagement initiative established to better connect teams with their Hispanic/Latinx communities. The Isotopes, who took on the moniker Mariachis de Nuevo México for select games, led all 33 participating teams in attendance, including setting the club’s single‐game attendance record of 16,975 on May 5. The industry‐wide initiative expands to 72 teams in 2019, with 15 of the PCL clubs participating – a testament to the diversity of our markets. We thank you for joining us for another season and look forward to seeing you at the ballpark! Sincerely,

Branch B. Rickey President 9

growlifornia 2.0 The Grizzlies’ offseason brand refresh was about a lot more than selling new merchandise; the identity of baseball in the Central Valley might have depended on it. BY PAUL BRAVERMAN This is the part of the state that missed the gold rush… We don’t have beaches, Hollywood, or the Silicon Valley. Everything we have was built or grown from nothing by people who had nothing. We grew this place into the ag capital of the world, because we were hungry. Whether your family came here fleeing the dustbowl of Oklahoma, or were braceros from Mexico looking for work, whether they were escaping the Armenian Genocide or the war-ravaged countries of Southeast Asia, we all came from nothing. And we all ended up under the Bear Flag. In Minor League Baseball, the winds of change are inevitable, but when your roots are deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind. That’s the thing about nothing; when you come from nothing, you have nothing to fear. We are all under this Bear Flag together. Every great moment in history has a flag. Let that Bear Flag fly. And so went the final thing a group of season ticket holders, die-hard fans, and an audience of thousands on social media saw and heard just before the latest era of Fresno Grizzlies baseball began on January 29, 2019. As you’ll hear Fresno marketing staple Sam Hansen remark on occasion, “in 2014 when we lost the Giants, we found ourselves.”

Indeed, a reader of this magazine doesn’t need an explanation as to how lifestyle, culture and priorities differ in the Central Valley, compared to San Francisco. Local allegiance to the Giants aside, a brand built on being the Bay Area’s Triple-A team no longer made sense for this community. “Growlifornia” was born. However, the 2015-2018 affiliation with the Houston Astros was only a long first step in the remaking of a franchise and how it connects to its fans; a completely independent set of logos, language and on-field looks, specifically with Fresno and surrounding communities in mind was always

on the horizon. But the proliferation of the Fresno Tacos alter-ego aside the expansion of Taco Truck Throwdown, now a near cultural phenomenon drawing people state-wide, and the expansion of promotions such as “My Job Depends on Ag Night” and “Tri-Tip Throwdown” swiftly delivered the message that a new style of professional baseball in the Valley was afoot, one by Fresno, for Fresno. That’s not to say there isn’t still pride in MLB affiliation. One could only imagine how original season ticket holders and those who attended games during those first four seasons at Fresno

State (1998-2001) felt when the Grizzlies not only snapped their 17-season playoff drought in 2015, but also captured both the Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championships. Now the Grizzlies enter 2019 on the momentum of four consecutive winning seasons (including another playoff appearance and a Pacific Conference pennant last season), a first in franchise history. On the field, Fresno finally had done it all; contributed to three World Series winners in San Francisco, and finally won themselves. Off the field, there was still one more step. With another affiliation change in the works as the relationship with the Astros was reaching its expected end in 2018, and the Grizzlies’ new ownership group going through their first full season and offseason in operation of the franchise, the time was right to “finish” the journey which began between 2014 and 2015. Over the course of nearly a calendar year, the new look was developed with the guidance of Brandiose, the San Diego-based firm which has helped countless other Minor League Baseball clubs transform their identities for the better. However, needing an identity that properly represented and spoke to Fresno was of the utmost importance, and the development of 12

the new look was a collaboration between Brandiose and Grizzlies graphic designer Dorian Castro,

a local (Huron) that lent the local flair and expertise of the region to the brand refresh, building on the “Farm Grown” and Growlifornia ethos already prevalent in the club’s identity. While a full name change was considered, none on a list of potential new monikers could surpass Grizzlies in capturing the spirit of CenCal, and the franchise decided against a full rebrand, taking “Growlifornia” to yet another level. “It’s been a great four years of seeing people respond positively to the Growlifornia Flag, the “Bear Flag Rebellion,” and really making the Grizzlies a point of local pride - I think you see a lot more Fresno Grizzlies apparel around town, where maybe five years ago that wasn’t the case,” said Hansen. “So we took that framework of what makes our region special, and built an identity with Brandiose that we believe is an accurate depiction and representation of the Central Valley.

Fans will notice a nod to past Grizz logos with the new marks, as well as an homage to the California flag with the home uniform.” That independent streak unique to Fresno – it’s definitely not the Bay and definitely not L.A. either – continues to be central to the franchise’s branding. In addition, the original Sacramento versus Fresno rivalry, which began in 2000 when the clubs were affiliated with the Oakland A’s and Giants respectively, was taken to entirely new heights once Sacramento affiliated with San Francisco prior to 2015; the “Bear Flag Rebellion” was born that season and continues, as to have Fresno fans exclaim “not our capital!” in the spirit of the Central Valley truly being a state within a state. The California Flag is appropriate for the courthouse and post office. But only the “Growlifornia” Flag flies at Chukchansi Park, and at homes and businesses proud enough to be a part of the rebellion. On the field, the powerful and recognizable “F-Slash” logo remains, to be used on the road cap and alternate uniform in 2019, modified to match the new wordmark lettering. The black and gold home alternate jersey is a nod to Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, the incredible naming-rights

partner since the 2007 season for the Grizzlies’ home, Chukchansi Park. The uniform is also a tribute to past Fresno champions, both the four World Series winners in eight seasons that Fresno helped build as Triple-A affiliate (2010, 2012 & 2014 with the Giants, 2017 with the Astros) and the Grizzlies’ own Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championships in 2015. The new primary bear logo is featured on the scarlet home cap, with the Bear Flag adorning the black cap worn with the red jerseys for Wednesday and Sunday home games.

Despite some chatter about red in the new look, the color scheme was not dependent on MLB affiliation; the timing involved in such a change would preclude making such decisions on to-be-determined affiliate relationships. However, in the Washington Nationals, Fresno once again finds itself with the good fortune of being partnered with one of the biggest brands in Major League Baseball, and an organization in perpetual “win now” mode at the big league level, competing for a shot to deliver a potential fifth World Series title with a tangential tie to Fresno.

“We decided on colors we felt best represented Fresno and Central California, and we narrowed that down long before we were fortunate enough to affiliate with the Washington Nationals,” said team president Derek Franks. “Fans can grab their new gear and not stress - these are the Grizzlies’ colors moving forward for a long, long time. These new colors and branding are just a few of the many enhancements fans will see when they come to a game at Chukchansi Park in this new era of baseball downtown.”

Interchangeable

Hat Giveaway (First 1,500 fans)

Saturday, May 18 Presented by

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Roster # NAME

B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE

R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R R/R

Adams, Austin Alvarez, Henderson Barrett, Aaron Cordero, Jimmy Fedde, Erick Hoover, J.J. McGowin, Kyle Pena, Ronald Rainey, Tanner Ross, Joe Voth, Austin Williams, Austen

6-3/225 6-0/205 6-3/230 6-4/222 6-4/195 6-3/240 6-3/189 6-4/200 6-2/235 6-4/220 6-2/201 6-3/220

5/5/91 4/18/90 1/2/88 10/19/91 2/25/93 8/13/87 11/27/91 9/19/91 12/25/92 5/21/93 6/26/92 12/19/92

27 28 31 27 26 31 27 27 26 25 26 26

Tampa, FL Valencia, VZ Evansville, IN San Cristobal, DR Las Vegas, NV Pittsburgh, PA Southampton, NY West Palm Beach, FL Hammond, LA Berkeley, CA Redmond, WA Fort Worth, TX

Catchers # NAME

B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE

R/R R/R

Kieboom, Spencer Read, Raudy

6-0/232 6-0/221

3/16/91 10/29/93

28 25

Mount Pleasant, SC San Jose de Ocoa, DR

Infielders # NAME

B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE

Gonzalex, Bengie Marmolejos, Jose Noll, Jake Reynolds, Matt Sardinas, Luis Ward, Drew Wilson, Jacob

S/R L/L R/R R/R S/R L/R R/R

5-11/160 6-1/225 6-1/200 6-1/200 6-1/180 6-3/231 5-11/205

2/16/90 1/2/93 3/8/94 12/13/90 5/16/93 11/25/94 7/29/90

29 26 24 28 25 24 28

Caguas, PR Perth Amboy, NJ Punta Gorda, FL Tulsa, OK Bolivar, VZ Leedey, OK Bartlett, TN

Outfielders # NAME

Goeddel, Tyler Hernandez, Yadiel Jones, Hunter Taylor, Chuck

B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE R/R L/R R/R S/L

6-4/190 5-9/185 6-2/195 5-9/190

10/20/92 10/9/87 8/17/91 9/22/93

Coaching Staff

26 31 27 25

San Mateo, CA Matanzas, Cuba Seattle, WA Arlington, TX

Affiliate

FresnO GRIZZLIES

Pitchers

Manager: Randy Knoor Pitching Coach: Brad Holman Hitting Coach: Brian Daubach Athletic Trainer: Eric Montague Strength Coach: Mike Warren Roster current as of 3/20/19

Coaching Staff Randy Knorr, Manager Former Major League catcher Randy Knorr is the inaugural Fresno Grizzlies manager during the Washington Nationals affiliation, and is the 11th manager in franchise history. Knorr, 50, has minor league managerial and coaching experience in the Washington organization dating to the 2005 season, and served as Senior Advisor for player development to Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo in 2016 and 2017. A veteran of 11 MLB seasons as a player, Knorr turned pro after being selected in the 10th round of the 1986 First Year Player Draft out of high school in Baldwin Park, California, by the Toronto Blue Jays. After making his Major League debut in 1991 for Toronto, Knorr caught 47 games for a pair of World Series-winning clubs between 1992 and 1993, remaining with the Toronto organization through the 1995 season. He would also appear in the Majors for the Houston Astros (1996-1997, 1999), Florida Marlins (1998), Texas Rangers (2000) and Montreal Expos (2001), prior to his retirement as a player following the 2004 season. Knorr played his final three seasons in Triple-A with Montreal for Ottawa of the International League (2002) and Edmonton (2003-2004) of the Pacific Coast League, before remaining with the organization as a minor league manager as MLB operations shifted from Montreal to Washington, D.C. Knorr appeared in 1,423 games as a 19-year-professional, including 253 games in the big leagues. Guiding Class A Savannah of the South Atlantic League in 2005, Knorr was just 36 during his first season as a manager, before a promotion to A-Advanced Potomac. In 2008, Knorr led the Potomac Nationals to the Carolina League Championship, the franchise’s first domestic minor league ring after relocating to Washington, D.C. In 2009 he served as Washington’s Major League bullpen coach, before taking the reins of the Double-A Harrisburg Senators of the Eastern League in 2010, a pivotal club in developing the Nationals’ Major League squads that would win four of six National League East division titles between 2012 and 2017. Pitchers Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark and Drew Storen were all under Knorr’s tutelage at Harrisburg in 2010, as was infielder Danny Espinosa. Knorr also managed franchise staples Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman in the lower levels. Before moving into a front office role as Senior Advisor for player development in 2016 and 2017, Knorr was the Nationals’ Major League bench coach for four seasons (2012-2015), and was also manager at Triple-A Syracuse in 2011, before re-assuming that post in 2018 during the final year of the clubs’ affiliation. 2019 in Fresno will be Knorr’s first experience in the PCL since playing for Edmonton (current Round Rock Express franchise) in 2004.

Coaching Staff Brian Daubach, Hitting Coach

Entering his ninth season as a coach with the Washington Nationals organization, former Major League first baseman Brian Daubach, 46, will instruct the organization’s Triple-A hitters for a fourth-consecutive season. Daubach played in 661 MLB games over eight seasons for the Florida Marlins (1998), Boston Red Sox (1999-2002, 2004), Chicago White Sox (2003) and New York Mets (2005), and suited up for 1,235 additional minor league games during a 17-year playing career (1990-2006). Daubach was selected in the 17th round of the 1990 First Year Player Draft out of high school in Belleville, Illinois, and makes for a total of three World Series rings on the 2019 Fresno Grizzlies coaching staff. Daubach was a member of the 2004 Red Sox.

Brad Holman, Pitching Coach

A veteran of seven professional seasons as a player, Brad Holman, 50, enters his second season as Washington’s Triple-A pitching coach, after serving as the Texas Rangers’ Major League bullpen coach in 2016 and 2017 and at Triple-A Syracuse (International League) in 2018. After turning pro in 1990, selected in the 35th round of the First Year Player Draft by the Kansas City Royals, Holman made his Major League debut in 1993 for the Seattle Mariners with 19 relief appearances. Holman also pitched in the PCL for Seattle affiliates in Calgary (1993-1994, current Albuquerque Isotopes franchise) and Tacoma (1995).

Eric Montague, Athletic Trainer

Eric Montague enters his second season as head athletic trainer for the Triple-A Nationals, first assuming that post for the 2018 Syracuse club (International League). Montague is in his 21st season in professional baseball, and his seventh with the Washington Nationals, spending the previous four seasons (2014-2017) as head trainer at Double-A Harrisburg (Eastern League). Prior to first joining Washington for the 2013 season at A-Advanced Potomac (Carolina League), Montague spent 10 seasons as a minor league athletic trainer with the Houston Astros, including two seasons with Double-A Corpus Christi (Texas League) in 2011 and 2012. He first worked in baseball for the New York Mets from 1998 through 2001.

Mike Warren, Strength & Conditioning Coach

Mike Warren enters his ninth season with the Washington Nationals organization, and his fifth leading the strength and conditioning program at the Triple-A level. Warren was strength and conditioning coach for Syracuse (International League) from 2015 through 2018, and was with A-Advanced Potomac (Carolina League) for the four prior seasons.

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a conversation with

KYLE McGOWIN Q: You grew up in Southampton, New York and took your talents to Savannah State, a mid-major D-1 program in Georgia, what made you decide to go there? Kyle McGowin: I wanted to play D-1 and to head down south. I unfortunately didn’t have a lot of offers up north, which played into my consideration. I am actually really happy that it happened though. Q: You dominated at Savannah State, especially in your junior year (went 12-2 with a 2.02 ERA in NCAA career-high 120.0 innings (17 games, 15 starts) in final season at Savannah State (2013), striking out 10 batters per nine innings (134 K); walked only 31 (1.10 WHIP)... pitched the Tigers to their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship in 2013 with two winning decisions in the conference tournament, including a 144-pitch shutout with 11 strikeouts in the championship game against Bethune-Cookman). What was a big factor of why you were so successful that year?

KM: I couldn’t thank Coach Carlton Hardy for everything that happened. He gave me a chance to be successful and go do my thing. It was a great being around a group of guys that just worked hard every day. I still keep in touch with a lot of them, especially to this day. I had a fun time playing in college with them especially that junior year. Q: You ended up being taken as the highest drafted player ever out of Savannah State; do you think that puts pressure on you to prove that to your college or yourself? KM: No I don’t think it puts pressure on me but it was an absolute honor to be recognized as a good player. I was fortunate to be one of those guys that still gets to play and stay somewhat healthy. I still get to keep playing so where is the pressure going to be? Q: The Angels were the team that drafted you and you spent your first couple of seasons of your professional career with them. How did you enjoy your time with the Angels?

KM: It was a great time with Los Angeles. Obviously I am very thankful that they gave me an opportunity by drafting me. I had some good years over there, where I met some good people. I had some coaches and teammates that helped me grow and I learned a lot. Q: You were then dealt to the Nationals with Austin Adams, and both of you have spent a lot of time playing together. Do you think it is easier to take this professional journey together? KM: Austin and I see each other everyday and we talk to each other pretty much everyday. Being able to have someone go through similar stages of their career with yours is a lot easier. Adam is a good teammate and friend which helps make me better as a competitor. Q: After a couple of years with the Nationals, you have blossomed into a very strong pitcher and prospect. What are some factors that have been instrumental towards your success? 19

A Conversation With...

KM: My mental side of the game for sure. Until last year, I didn’t really care about the mental side of it or even think much about it. I wanted to put an emphasis of being positive and see the plus for every outing that I go out there. Obviously it helped me turn it around. Q: Last year, you were an All-Star in Double-A, (Harrisburg, Eastern League) you were promoted multiple times within the organization, and you were called up for your MLB debut. What was the biggest factor in having that amount of success at several different levels within one season? KM: Finally, everything clicked for me. As I said my mental side of the game finally was where it needed to be. Everything came together how I wanted with my training and getting my body in the right healthy state. I always felt like my stuff was good enough but everything else got to the area where I wanted it to be. I got that taste of what it means to get to the show and I don’t want to lose that taste. I am hungry for more. Q: Tell us the story of that first big league call-up and how it went down. KM: Well manager Randy Knorr told me. I was pitching on the last day of the regular season and I was through five innings. I had thrown 50 pitches or so and had only allowed one hit. I knew that we weren’t going to pitch a lot as we all wanted to go home. Randy calls

me into his office and says, “Hey I heard you wanted to leave early today to drive home.” I said, “yeah,” in a joking matter. He then tells me “well, you will be driving home, but it won’t be from Syracuse, because you’re going to D.C.” I called my mom and dad right after and then went to D.C. and enjoyed my time at the big leagues. Q: Based off last year’s success, what were your goals during this offseason heading into 2019?

KM: Yeah, I have a familiarity with the environment and the travel. I know how all the fields work with the altitude and depth. I understand the bounces and the weather. It is a big advantage for myself but I can also help my teammates when the time comes. I know that with the IL, the travel and the cities are a little different but obviously you’re still playing baseball and that’s all that matters. I can’t wait to get going. By Stephen Rice, Fresno Grizzlies

KM: I just want to grow off of last year. I don’t want to change too much. Mainly, I want to get my body ready for the season. Working on staying healthy and getting my training into its right form. After last year, I don’t want to change too much especially because I was really happy of how last year turned out. I am healthy for the most part and mentally I am ready to go. Q: What excites you the most about spring training? KM: Just getting back into the grind of baseball. Seeing all the guys again, especially the veterans. It is always a fun time despite the work we do put in. I love getting after it with them. We know when it’s time to work hard, and when it’s time to relax. Q: Do you think your past of playing in Salt Lake and the PCL helps you if you end up playing here in Fresno?

Make a Line Drive to Left New Left Field Social Area Open

As part of a massive round of stadium improvements over the off season, a new left field social area, dubbed “Fresno Social,” is open! The project immediately makes Chukchansi Park a more modern facility similar to other Triple-A ballparks and high-level minor league stadia. Fans now have the opportunity to be more social during Grizzlies games, and the multi-tiered area, complete with bar, food options and six 65-inch high-def TVs to watch the action, is NOT an exclusive area, but

is open to any fan with a ticket, anywhere in the ballpark! “The days of fans sitting in one seat for a twoand-a-half or three-hour baseball game are long over,” said Fresno Grizzlies President Derek Franks. “What we’ve created here is a gathering place for anyone in the ballpark to get a unique vantage point of the game, and the ability to meet up and be social with friends and acquaintances without missing any action.”

KY Farming takes over as presenting partner of “The Kodiak Club” at Chukchansi Park $250K of renovations completed in the off season KY Farming has signed a three-year deal with the Fresno Grizzlies to be the presenting partner of “The Kodiak Club” on the second level of Chukchansi Park. The premium area encompasses the stadium’s main large function room overlooking the first base side of the field, and the “600 Level” seating accessible only by seasonal Club membership or single-game Club tickets. In search of a permanent partner for the last two seasons, the organization is happy to be partnering with a local ag company, considering how great a fit it is with the rest of the “Farm Grown” motif prevalent at any given Fresno Grizzlies baseball game. Not only are the players on the field “Farm Grown,” on the precipice of a career in Major League Baseball, the Grizzlies are known throughout the Central Valley for their commitment to ag, through regular farmer’s markets within the ballpark during Friday home games, and their annual “My Job Depends on Ag” promotional night. In addition to the new partnership, the new Club area just completed an extensive renovation, the first significant

upgrade to the area since Chukchansi Park opened in 2002. The new function room includes a brand new walk-up and sit-down bar, new tables, chairs and barstools, renovated restrooms, new flooring, at least 10 new flat screen TVs and a new all-you-can-eat buffet for each game, with kid-friendly dessert and snack stations, to replace the catered portions of past iterations of “The Club.” All told, the renovations total over $250,000. The project is a part of an overall package of renovations to

Chukchansi Park in advance of the 2019 season, totaling roughly $3.4 million. “Not only are we adding new hospitality areas to Chukchansi Park, we’re vastly improving the existing gathering places around our ballpark,” said Fresno Grizzlies president Derek Franks. “As

our social space in left field and our new ‘kids zone’ in right field take shape for the 2019 season, fans who have always enjoyed patronizing ‘The Club,’ will notice a huge upgrade to that experience as well. We aren’t content at all with the ‘same old thing’ at a Grizzlies game as we enter this new era. To partner with a local company, and an ag-centric one at that, makes this even better. It’s just a good fit.” The new club level opened its doors for the first time on Opening Day. “We are proud to be partners with the Fresno Grizzlies. KY Farming is a local family-owned partnership in Reedley, California that grows world class blueberries and cherries, and also packs cherries for local growers in the Central Valley. It makes sense to partner with the Grizzlies because we are both ‘Farm Grown’ in the Valley,” said Tony Yasuda, Managing Partner of KY Farming. “We want to bring awareness to the importance of growing quality, flavor and the need for consistent water and irrigation needs. This new partnership will allow us to do that.”

Proud Partner of the Fresno Grizzlies and the Farm Grown Program

VISIT US AT: ARIAT BRAND SHOP

Fig Garden Village 714 W Shaw Ave, Fresno (559) 236-3140 @AriatFresno

From Intern to Owner Home Grown in Growlifornia

Fresno Sports and Events LLC, the operator of Fresno Grizzlies Baseball (Triple-A Pacific Coast League, Washington Nationals), has announced that Team President Derek Franks has been added to the franchise’s ownership group. Franks is entering his 16th season with the Grizzlies. The Central Valley native began his tenure with the club in 2004 as an intern and progressed through the sales ranks, eventually becoming Executive Vice President and General Manager of the organization in March 2014. In 2015, Franks was named Pacific Coast League Executive of The Year as general manager, and was promoted to president upon Fresno Sports and Events assuming control in February 2018. With $3.4 million in capital improvements in motion at Chukchansi Park, for just the 2019 season alone Franks and the front office are overseeing the opening of a new left field social space and lounge (a premium area without premium pricing, open to any fan with a ticket), a re-done club level with “The Kodiak Club presented by KY Farming” launching on April 4 (Opening Day), and a new kid’s play area and “splash park” that is currently under construction on the right field side of the stadium. While the seating capacity of the ballpark may have been reduced, the facility under Franks’ leadership continues to be modernized for Minor League Baseball in 2019, where the days of a fan sitting in one seat for the duration of the game have passed. Born in Avenal, Franks attended Kingsburg High School and graduated from Fresno State in 2006. Under his leadership in 2014, the Grizzlies set a single-season merchandise revenue record at the time, and earned the highest grossing single-game ticket and corporate sales marks since 2008. Over five full seasons as the club’s top executive, Franks has overseen a continued bolstering of the Fresno Grizzlies and “Fresno Tacos” brand both in Central California and nationwide; with 2016 setting a new bar thanks to another all-time merchandise sales record for the franchise.

“Derek demonstrates passion, trust and hard work every day, so we are so pleased to welcome him to the ownership group” said Michael Baker, Managing General Partner for Fresno Sports and Events. “The creativity he fosters amongst his front office staff will maintain the Grizzlies as industry leaders on the promotional front, and his professionalism and attention to detail will keep Fresno as a top shelf Triple-A affiliate for our parent club for years to come.”

Under Franks’ leadership, the Fresno Grizzlies have grown from a regional brand to trend-setters in the world of minor league sports, as their giveaways, theme nights and philanthropy continue to garner national attention as each season takes shape. In 2018, the organization made a splash with most beers in Chukchansi Park being reduced in price to only five dollars, easily the lowest beer price in all of Triple-A or Major League Baseball, with a hyper-focus on fan experience for all ages. “This ownership group has treated Sarah and I like family since they bought the team,” said Franks. “This is a proud moment for our family. To be a part owner of the Grizzlies is a dream come true, especially since it’s my hometown club. For this to happen during a time when the long-term vision for the franchise has never been greater makes it all the more exciting.”

Book Your Non-profit Event Here

As part of the community, Chukchansi Park will host your event free In a renewed commitment to our community, our aim is to maximize utilization of Chukchansi Park for an increased number of community events, specifically for nonprofits. In 2018, we played host to more than 125 community events. The Fresno Grizzlies will waive venue costs and provide affordable, at-cost catering for board meetings, trainings, conferences and other events so that your non-profit organization can focus on its mission. We’re here to help your organization - and the Central Valley - thrive! Chukchansi Park can accommodate groups of any size - from a few people to as many as 2,000. You are welcome to bring in outside catering, but we can also provide in-house options for an at-cost price. For more information, please call Madeline Hamada at (559) 320-2542 or email mhamada@ fresnogrizzlies.com.

2019 season schedule

ABQ - Albuquerque Isotopes Colorado Rockies

OKC - Oklahoma City Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

ELP - El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres

OMA - Omaha Storm Chasers Kansas City Royals

FRE - Fresno Grizzlies Washington Nationals

RNO - Reno Aces Arizona Diamondbacks

IOW - Iowa Cubs Chicago Cubs

RR - Round Rock Express Houston Astros

LV - Las Vegas Aviators Oakland Athletics MEM - Memphis Redbirds St. Louis Cardinals NAS - Nashville Sounds Texas Rangers

NO - New Orleans Baby Cakes Miami Marlins

SAC - Sacramento River Cats San Francisco Giants SL - Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SA - San Antonio Missions Milwaukee Brewers

TAC - Tacoma Rainiers Seattle Mariners

FRESNO GROWERS NIGHT FRIDAY, MAY 17

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Remove entry form, fill out back, and turn in before the start of the 8th inning. One winner every night, guaranteed. Fill out the entry form on back completely and legibly to win. Turn in at the Courtesy Booth or The Kodiak Club. The winner will be announced in the middle of the 8th inning. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be present to win. By completing this form, you agree that Save Mart may contact you. You may be required to confirm information you have provided on this form. 31

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Community Engagement

Over One Million Valley Students Reached In 15 Years In its 15th year, the Fresno Grizzlies’ Wild About Reading program is one the largest educational initiatives in all of Minor League Baseball. The program utilizes baseball to promote reading in the classroom. Each student at participating schools that reads 10 books in five weeks earns two free tickets to a Grizzlies game at Chukchansi Park. Each participating school hosts a kickoff assembly featuring Parker, the Grizzlies mascot. Parker and his friends travel to over 175 schools in the 5 surrounding counties (Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa and Merced.) The program reaches about 100,000 students a year and has now hit 1.1 million students since its inception in 2004. Last year, Kit Carson Elementary School in Hanford, CA had the highest redemption rate of students completing their reading challenges and the school was awarded $500 for their success! Top left: Clovis Unified Superintendent Eimear O’Farrell, Ed.D. joined Eddie the Owl from EECU and Parker T. Bear as they encouraged our students tobecome readers at Valley Oak Elementary’s annual “Wild About Reading” assembly.

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Community Engagement

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SCHEDULE Come out and support your Junior Grizzlies!

Junior Grizzlies: Baseball is for Everyone Junior Grizzlies is a co-ed, non-competitive baseball league for athletes, ages 4-60, with mental and physical disabilities. It is the flagship program of the Fresno Grizzlies Community Engagement department and averages about 150 participants every year. The league is celebratings its 14th season this year. Over 1,985 participants since its inception in 2006. With the help of a volunteer coaching staff, ten teams are

coordinated throughout the season. For more information, email mhamada@fresnogrizzlies.com.

Games are played on Saturdays from April 1 - June 3 at the Field of Dreams located at 1550 Herndon Ave., Clovis, CA 93611 (behind Gateway High School) May 4, 2019: Junior Grizzlies All-Star Game May 16, 2019: Junior Grizzlies Night at the Grizzlies game June 2, 2019: Home Run Derby with Grizzlies players at Chukchansi Park

Fresno Grizzlies announce broadcast homes for 2019

New radio home is KRDU 1130 AM, 22 home games to air LIVE in HD on MyCentralValley TV (KAIL) The Fresno Grizzlies, entering their first season as Triple-A Pacific Coast League affiliate of the Washington Nationals, have announced broadcast agreements for both radio and television coverage for the 2019 season. KRDU 1130 AM in Dinuba, an iHeartMedia station, will broadcast all 140 Grizzlies games and any playoff games live. All radio broadcasts can be heard free of charge at FresnoGrizzlies.com and on the MiLB app. 22 home games at Chukchansi Park will also be televised locally in high-definition on KAIL, including Opening Day (April 4) and July 4. Every Grizzlies game, home or road, is available on MiLB.TV and FresnoGrizzlies.com to subscribers (radio simulcast), with most in HD (all 70 home games in HD). Games will be televised live on “MyCentralValley,” over the air station 7.1, Comcast Xfinity 38

channel 713 HD (13 SD), and on channel 53 for local fans with DirecTV, AT&T U-verse and dish Network. Anyone with a television in the Central Valley will be able to see the live broadcasts, most of which are marquee games against west coast-affiliated teams. Doug Greenwald will return to the Grizzlies’ mic as lead play-byplay broadcaster for a 17th season in Fresno. Greenwald will call all home and road games on the radio, aside from most TV games, where Stephen Rice returns to the radio call in Greenwald’s stead while handling television duties. Rice broadcasts baseball and men’s and women’s basketball for Fresno Pacific University. “This is about continuing to grow baseball in Fresno and the Valley, our work in doing that is never complete” said Fresno Grizzlies team president Der-

ek Franks. “Our new broadcast agreements will make Grizzlies baseball easy to follow at home, in the car, nationwide or wherever people may be missing Chukchansi Park. There are plenty of fans out there who would like to be at every game but just can’t, so we need to offer the best alternative for them on a nightly basis.” Beginning last season, the Fresno Grizzlies partnered with CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative), also of Downtown Fresno, to present Grizzlies home games in high definition via MiLB.TV and FresnoGrizzlies.com (subscription-based). Home games not broadcast on KAIL can be seen on “CMAC2,” channel 94 on Comcast Xfinity and 99 on AT&T U-Verse (radio simulcast). CMAC2 is also available in HD on Apple TV and Roku.

From a swimming pool to suites...

BOOK YOUR GROUP OUTING starting at just $350 per group EXPLORE OPTIONS AT FRESNOGRIZZLIES.COM CALL (559) 320-0536 EMAIL INFO@FRESNOGRIZZLIES.COM

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With the Friends & Family Membership, up to six (6) of your friends or family members will get tickets to every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Grizzlies game of the 2019 regular season for just $229! YouĘźll also be invited to exclusive Grizzlies player autograph sessions, VIP stadium tours and get discounted $10 tickets on weekends! Excluding Fourth of July. For more info, call a Grizzlies representative at 559.320.HITS or visit FresnoGrizzlies.com.

The lowest fares on nonstop flights.

EXTRA WINNINGS ENTER FOR A FREE CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS OR SPECIAL PRIZE PACKS! Click on “Fans,” then “Extra Winnings”

Friday, June 14

With post-game fireworks presented by CoBank

FREE KIDS’ CLUB An exclusive Grizzlies fan club for fans ages 12 and under! What’s included in Parker’s Prospects Membership? • • • • • • •

One FREE Reserved ticket voucher for every Grizzlies Sunday home game of the 2019 regular season. Must be redeemed at box office prior to game. Discounted $10 Sunday tickets for parents. 10% discount in the Team Store. Run the bases after every Sunday home game. Grizzlies autograph session on concourse every Sunday home game. Membership card and badge. Wear your badge on Sundays for the chance to be selected to participate in unique Grizzlies experiences.

AT FRESNOGRIZZLIES.COM CLICK ON TICKETS & PROMOTIONS THEN PARKER’S PROSPECTS 47

Chukchansi Outdoor Pavilion

Saturday, May 25 | 8pm Doors open at 7pm

Reserved seats: $55 / $65 Tickets available at chukchansigold.com or by calling 1-800-514-3849. $5 discount at the Gift Basket with a Chukchansi Rewards Card.

MUST BE 21.