In this Issue Contents Upcoming Promotions ........................................ 5 Concessions Map ............................................... 7 The “Kie” to Being Carter (Cover Story)........... 8-12
Matchups APRIL 29-MAY 2 El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Affiliate
Grizzlies Roster................................................ 13 Players to Watch ......................................... 14-15 Coaching Staff............................................ 18-19 A Conversation with Jose Marmelejos ............ 21-23 Grizzlies on Twitter .......................................... 25
MAY 11-14 Albuquerque Isotopes Colorado Rockies Affiliate
Sunnyside High School Photo Feature........... 26-27 Schedule & Promotions ............................... 28-29 Save Mart $25 Drawing..................................... 33 Score card.................................................. 34-35 Broadcast Partners & TV Schedule................ 38-39
MAY 16-20 Sacramento River Cats San Francisco Giants Affiliate
On the Road .................................................... 45 Autograph Page ............................................... 47
MAY 25-28 El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Affiliate
MAY 29-JUNE 2 Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels Affiliate
Carter Kieboom begins the 2019 season with the Fresno Grizzlies. Kieboom is No. 2 on the Washington Nationals’ Top 30 prospects list. Cover story on Page 8. Cover photo by Frankie Leal Photography Cover design by Doran Castro, Fresno Grizzlies Play Ball layout by Jamie Dierking, Director of Marketing Communications, Fresno Grizzlies. 3
The best experience Central California has to offer!
Nestled minutes from the majestic splendor of Yosemite National Park.
Upcoming Promotions MAY PROMOTIONS 5/11
Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans II with Theme Jerseys Bark in the Park
5/12
Mother’s Day Brunch
5/16
Killer Dueling Pianos
5/17
Fresno Growers Night with Ag Theme Jerseys Tri-tip Throwdown
5/18
Presented by J.D. Food
Friday Night Fireworks Interchangeable Hat Giveaway (First 1,500 fans)
Presented by Helena Agri-Enterprises
Outdoors Night
Presented by Toscano RV Center
5/19 Touch-a-Truck Presented by Golden State Peterbilt
PRESENTED BY
5/25
Broadway Night
5/31
Star Wars Night with Theme Jerseys Friday Night Fireworks
Presented by Noble Credit Union
Monday Madness
Toyota Taco Tuesdays
Presented by The Fresno Bee Two Reserved tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas, two Fresno Chaffee Zoo vouchers and two VIP passes to DEFY Clovis... 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.)
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Womens: 107-108, 112-113, 116-117, 125-126 Mens: 107-108, 111-112, 115-116, 126-127 Special Needs: 112-113, 124-125, 214, 224
COURTESY BOOTH 116
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6.
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5. 4.
STANDS 1 & 4 (Flashpoint Grill)
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken, Corndogs, Pizza, Fries, Nachos, Pretzels
STAND 2 (Sweets & Uncle Bear B-Q) Ice Cream, Churrwaffles, Tri-tip, Brisket, Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken
STAND 3 (Flashpoint Grill and Me-n-Ed’s)
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken, Corndogs, Pizza, Fries, Nachos, Pretzels
STAND 5 (Parker’s Sweet Tooth) Snacks, Candy
STAND 6 (The Oppo Taco) Tacos, Ice Cream, Churrwaffles, Nachos, Pretzels
Portable/Cart
Located Near Section
Steakadelphia (Cheesesteaks) Grrrito (Burritos & Burrito Bowls) Beer Dippin’ Dots Bar
108 112 109 110 114
Smokies- Sausage Cart Nachos Popcorn Bar Dippin’ Dots Rita’s Ice
118 120 122 125 127
Fresh Market (Salads, Wraps) Bear Flag Grill (Burgers & Dogs)
116 117
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THE “KIE” TO BEING CARTER
As the top-rated position player prospect in the Washington Nationals’ system, Carter Kieboom’s success is born not only from immense talent, but the company he keeps in both family and on the field. BY PAUL BRAVERMAN If the Washington Nationals’ new Triple-A affiliation in Fresno doesn’t seem typical, then perhaps it’s fitting that the Nats’ top-rated minor league position player prospect (SS/2B), in the early throes of his Triple-A debut, doesn’t talk like a typical first round pick who turned pro out of high school. Absent from Carter Kieboom’s ruminations on baseball and life is the measurable ego of someone who knew he’d be an instant millionaire as a teenager. Being the youngest of three baseball brothers with diverse responsibilities in the game, and 21 years old on a veteran-laden team of at least seven players age 30 or older has a way of helping you grow up fast.
als made it clear that Kiebooms come from good stock. “I got to see Spencer play a couple of times in Richmond, Virginia when he was in Double-A and also in Hickory, North Carolina when he was with the Hagerstown Suns,” remembers Carter. Good memories to be sure, but naturally the two have to wonder what it would be like to play a season together as professionals, an impossibility as youth and amateur players due to the discrepancy in their age. As fate would have it, the two shut-
tled off to separate ends of the country following spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida, Carter slugging his way to his first Triple-A roster after an eye-opening stay in big league camp, hitting .279 in 25 games with three homers and a .911 OPS. After playing most of the last two seasons at Triple-A and in the Majors, Spencer was assigned back to Double-A Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) following spring training. With their Triple-A affiliate now far-flung in Fresno, the Nationals needed to keep a 40-man roster catcher nearby in case a sudden injury befalls either Yan Gomes
Not typical is playing in the same organization as your brother, especially when he’s seven years your senior. A fifth round pick of the Nationals in 2012, catcher Spencer Kieboom turned pro following three seasons at Clemson University, and was considered among the best if not the best defensive catchers available in that year’s draft, awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove by the American Baseball Coaches Association. While you’d figure all 30 MLB organizations would be interested in a talent like Carter, Spencer’s now seven-season career with the Nation9
or Kurt Suzuki, with insufficient time to move a player across the country. While the brothers would love the opportunity to be teammates, they’re each satisfied in waiting for it to happen for the first time at the highest level. “We don’t talk about it much. The thing we always said was, when we play together, we’ll in the big leagues, not the minor leagues. Right now it would be neat and less traveling for our parents and all, but we want to play in the big leagues together. We got to play quite a bit together in spring training this year which was cool but we play completely separate games from each other, our days are just so different playing different positions.” ### Not typical is sharing Thanksgiving dinner with your agent and brother at the same time. But it’s one-stop shopping for Spencer, Trevor and Carter Kieboom, the middle of which represents the eldest and youngest with Vanguard Sports. By making his Major League debut on April 9, Kansas City Royals pitcher Richard Lovelady became Trevor’s first client to reach the big leagues, aside from Spencer who debuted in 2016 with the Nationals. In a way, Trevor has reached the Major Leagues of the agent game, representing an impressive list of clients in just over two and half years in the business, even if a portion of it is family business. Staying in the game was paramount for the middle Kieboom, with the 10
added bonus of working on the behalf of his brothers. “He was a great player,” Carter
readily exclaims. “He went to Clemson originally out of high school. He was a two-way guy who ended up a pitcher. While being a pitcher, he had a tough road, a couple of labrum surgeries ended up having him transfer to Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Alabama for one year. Then he walked on at the University of Georgia before heading back to that same community college to start playing in the field again. Then he went back to Georgia where he finished his degree and finished up his college ball. He was a great player and I feel bad for him because he could have been a professional baseball player as well, but his body didn’t hold for him.” ### Not typical is a player hitting two home runs in a game off Justin Verlander – any player – let alone one still in pursuit of his Major League debut and participating in his first big league spring training. But that’s exactly what Carter Kieboom did on March 13 in West Palm against the
Fresno Grizzlies’ former MLB affiliate and the former American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner.
and Blue Jays.
Grizzlies’ manager Randy Knorr tells a funny story about hitting two home runs in a spring training game – like his protégé, the Fresno skipper once took a preeminent pitcher of his time deep twice in an exhibition game; it was Roger Clemens in a Grapefruit League game between the Red Sox
“I’m rounding third base after the second one, and Clemens yells to me, ‘don’t worry Randy, you won’t be getting that (stuff) during the season!’ So yeah, you don’t put a ton of stock in spring training, guys are getting in shape and getting their work in, but Kieboom will be able to do it against those guys, no question.” Even with all the caveats, the gravity of having success against someone who will be in the Hall-ofFame conversation was not lost on the youngest Kieboom. “It was a fun day. I am not going to sit here and say it’s just another pitcher, I mean, come on he is Justin Verlander for a reason,” said Kieboom. “In spring training I just go out there to swing at strikes and have good at-bats. I was fortunate enough to get two pitches exactly where I wanted them and it was a great moment for me. At the end of the day, I am going to treat the best as I treat any pitcher, the guy we’re facing tonight included. You look for pitches you can hit early in the count, and
with two strikes later on, you fight off tough pitches and try to get the barrel on something. I think your approach has to remain the same, and that’s something Spencer has taught me.” “I have been fortunate to do it well in the minor leagues but it was fun doing it on a bigger stage in front of the big league staff. Hopefully, I showed I have the ability to be consistent at that level. I was really happy with how spring training turned out for me and how much I learned. People who know me know I treat every game the same; one might mean more than another by the end of the season, but what counts most is that I am still playing baseball.” ### Not typical is being surprised when you’re a first round draft pick. For most high school players selected in the early rounds, their respective college baseball commitments are little more than theatre, with the financial security that comes with being a high pick an easy choice to turn pro compared to a minimum three seasons at a four-year college, per joint MLB/NCAA rule. But not so for once prospective Clemson Tiger Car-
ter Kieboom, even upon his selection as the 28th overall pick in the 2016 first year player draft. “At that time, the only thing I was really looking forward to was going to college at Clemson University. I really wanted to go there, it’s in our family at this point. Things happened, and I just kept playing and didn’t change how I played or who I was. It wasn’t the same for me compared to some guys that just know a year in advance that they will be a first round pick. For me it was so late and almost out of the blue that my mindset was always college, college. It got super real, super fast especially on draft day.” “It was a huge surprise. In terms of what the pick was and the money was, yes that plays a role in everybody’s decision if they are going to sign or go get an education. For me, my agents, parents and I did our research on the organizations that can funnel up high school guys to the big leagues. What organizations would be a good fit for infielders like myself. The Nationals fell perfectly in those categories. I went to a pre-draft workout the week of the draft. I thought it went well and they just said ‘nice job’ and that was it. You go home and
then you just wait. During the draft, I would say 10 picks beforehand, we saw the Nationals had back-to-back picks and they gave us a phone call and told us that they were taking me with the 28th pick. At that moment, I knew it was real. It was the first time I knew this could really happen. I didn’t want to get my hopes too far up; don’t count your chickens before they hatch. I went with the flow of everything and did what I was supposed to do. It ended up working out for me.” The correct and inevitable decision to turn pro aside, does Kieboom feel like he may have missed out on the college experience cherished by so many? His answer is plenty honest, and he truly has the best of both worlds. “I don’t ever think about what I missed out on. I think in anything in life, if there is something you really want, you will have to sacrifice some things for it. For me, I had no issue sacrificing some things like college fun in the sense that I get to chase my dream. This is what every young baseball player wants, to have a chance to play in the big leagues. If I can get drafted by the Nationals and get brought into the right oppor-
11
really have to do it. Do what you are really good at and don’t change. Trea Turner and I got to talk about what he likes to do at shortstop; I am not Trea Turner so there are things that he can get away with that I can’t because he’s so fast. So for me, it’s really about positioning. It was good hearing all different angles and the advice on what these guys do; they’ve already had the success and have been on winning teams in the bigs. You don’t have to ask a lot of questions, just ask meaningful questions. Just have open ears.” Immersed in a veteran-laden Grizzlies’ roster, there are plenty more opportunities for tutelage during the regular season among the position-player group, alongside names like Collin Cowgill, Matt Reynolds and Brandon Snyder, a trio that has appeared in 15 combined Major League seasons.
tunity, then I would be silly to turn something like that down. Even in the offseason, I have a lot of buddies in college that I will go visit. I get to go to college football games- the difference is I just don’t have to wake up Monday morning to go to class and study hall. I can go home and get my workouts in on Monday and Tuesday. There are things in life that you are going to have to sacrifice and college was something I was completely willing to sacrifice.”
### Not typical is having teammates in pro ball 12 years older. Weather it’s learning from the veterans now in D.C. during spring, or the ones he hits the road with while with 12
Fresno, Kieboom doesn’t take for granted the chance to pick brains of those who have already done it at the highest level. It’s a good reflection on the Nationals organization that sage veterans are willing to help a 21-year-old top prospect in his first Major League spring training, even if that prospect may soon be in that veteran’s spot. “Guys like (Nationals utility man) Howie Kendrick, he is great. He came up as a shortstop and knows the game well. The other guy is (second baseman) Brian Dozier who talked to me about what he likes and doesn’t like to do. They say just to hone in on your craft and master that. If you aren’t necessarily good at something, then you don’t
“I have picked up a lot of stuff from these guys. These guys have been doing the right thing the right way for a long time. They show up to the field ready to work and with a high level of professionalism. They know what they need to do when they show up to the field. They know what their bodies need to give 100-110% at the field every day and that is what’s cool to see; it reminds you to take nothing for granted. They have fun doing it too even in a long season and if they are struggling, they keep the right attitude no matter if they go 0-for-4 or 4-for-4. It’s not easy to maintain that type of attitude in this game and it’s fun to see and learn from them each day.” “You don’t get to be called a veteran in this game if you don’t do things the right way. That type of longevity, and hopefully have younger players say that about me some day, that’s what you’re ultimately after.”
Roster
Pitchers B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE
18 Alvarez III, Henderson R/R 6-0/205 4/18/90 29 Valencia, VZ 27 Bacus, Dakota R/R 6-2/200 4/2/91 28 Moline, IL 34 Copeland, Scott R/R 6-3/220 12/15/87 31 Longview, TX 40 Cordero, Jimmy R/R 6-4/222 10/19/91 27 San Cristobal, DR 17 Dragmire, Brady R/R 6-1/190 2/5/93 26 Sacramento, CA 32 Espino, Paolo R/R 5-10/215 1/10/87 32 Panama City, Panama 35 Hoover, J.J. R/R 6-3/240 8/13/87 31 Pittsburgh, PA 12 McGowin, Kyle R/R 6-3/189 11/27/91 27 Southampton, NY 45 Nuno, Vidal L/L 5-11/210 7/26/87 31 National City, CA 14 Rainey, Tanner R/R 6-2/235 12/25/92 26 Hammond, LA 11 Self, Derek R/R 6-3/225 1/14/90 29 Louisville, KY 16 Voth, Austin R/R 6-2/201 6/26/92 26 Redmond, WA
Catchers # NAME
B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE
19 Gushue, Taylor 26 Read, Raudy
S/R R/R
6-1/233 6-0/221
12/19/93 10/29/93
25 25
Boca Raton, FL San Jose de Ocoa, DR
Infielders # NAME
B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE
8 Kieboom, Carter R/R 6-2/190 9/3/97 21 Marietta, GA 29 Marmolejos, Jose L/L 6-1/225 1/2/93 26 Perth Amboy, NJ 24 Noll, Jake R/R 6-1/200 3/8/94 25 Punta Gorda, FL 1 Reynolds, Matt R/R 6-1/200 12/13/90 28 Tulsa, OK 10 Snyder, Brandon R/R 6-2/225 11/23/86 32 Las Vegas, NV 4 Wilson, Jacob R/R 5-11/205 7/29/90 28 Bartlett, TN
Outfielders # NAME
B/T HT/WT DOB AGE BIRTHPLACE
7 Cowgill, Collin R/L 5-9/200 5/22/86 32 Lexington, KY 13 Hernandez, Yadiel L/R 5-9/185 10/9/87 31 Matanzas, Cuba 9 Keller, Alec L/R 6-2/200 5/13/92 26 Richmond, VA 20 Stevenson, Andrew L/L 6-0/192 6/1/94 24 Laffayette, LA
Coaching Staff
Affiliate
Manager: Randy Knorr (#53) Pitching Coach: Brad Holman (#38) Hitting Coach: Brian Daubach (#23) Athletic Trainer: Eric Montague Strength Coach: Mike Warren
FresnO GRIZZLIES
# NAME
Roster current as of 4/19/19
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Players to Watch 3B Ty France France enters his fifth season with the Padres organization and his second stint at the Triple-A level. The 24-year old was a 34th round pick by San Diego in 2015 out of San Diego State. France is on the Padres’ 40-man roster but has not spent time at the big league level. He could be well on his way to receiving his first call-up with the numbers he has posted at Triple-A. In 2018, France belted five homers and drove in 19 runs while batting .287 in 25 games.
APRIL 29-MAY 2 MAY 25-28 El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Affiliate
SS Brendan Rodgers Rodgers enters his fifth professional season with the Rockies organization and his second stint at the Triple-A level. The 22-year old was the third overall pick in the 2015 MLB draft and enters as the #1 prospect for the Rockies in 2019. Entering this season, Rodgers has a career .290 average with 57 homers and 224 RBI through 350 games. Despite not being on the 40man roster, Rodgers could be a September call-up for Colorado.
MAY 11-14 Albuquerque Isotopes Colorado Rockies Affiliate
C Aramis Garcia Garcia enters his sixth professional season with the Giants organization and his second stint at Triple-A. Garcia has quickly rose through the organization after being selected by San Francisco in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Despite only playing 19 games last year in the majors, Garcia has proven to be a lethal bat, smashing four homers and batting .286 in that time.
MAY 16-20 Sacramento River Cats San Francisco Giants Affiliate
OF/LHP Jared Walsh Walsh enters his fifth professional season with the Angels organization and his second stint at the Triple-A level. Originally drafted as an outfielder out of the University of Georgia, the Angels have groomed Walsh to also be a pitcher. The 25-year old lefty appeared in 47 games last year as an outfielder and four games as a pitcher with Salt Lake. He batted .270 with eight dingers as a hitter, while not allowing a run as a pitcher. 14
MAY 29-JUNE 2 Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels Affiliate
Players to Watch
Pictured: RHP Austin Voth
OF Alec Keller
RHP Derek Self
RHP Austin Voth
Keller enters his sixth professional season with the Nationals organization and his first stint at the Triple-A level. Keller, a 17th round pick in 2014 out of Princeton University became the third Ivy League player to suit up for the Grizzlies. In 2015, Dartmouth infielder Joe Sclafani batted .300 over 72 games while Penn’s infielder Mark DeRosa appeared on rehab assignments between 20102011. Coming into 2019, Keller has a career .294 average, scoring 208 times in 400 games.
Self enters his eighth professional season with the Nationals organization and his fourth stint at the Triple-A level. The 29-year old was a 9th round draft pick by Washington out of the University of Louisville in 2012. Last year at Double-A Harrisburg, Self posted a 5-2 record over 42 games all out of the ‘pen. He finished with a 3.05 ERA over 56.0 innings. The right hander commands all four of his pitches, including a fastball that can reach the mid-90s.
Voth enters his seventh professional season with the Nationals organization and his fourth stint at the Triple-A level. Voth made his MLB debut in 2018, appearing in four games (two starts), collecting 11 strikeouts over 12.1 innings. The former Pac-12 standout at Washington is apart of the Nationals 40-man roster and is on the fast track to reach the big leagues again. Voth struck out 16 batters over 10 frames in his first two starts of the season, reaching 96 MPH on his fastball. 15
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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.
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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.
19
a conversation with
JOSE MARMELEJOS First baseman and outfielder Jose Marmolejos, now in his ninth professional season with the Washington Nationals organization, is beginning his first season in the PCL with the Grizzlies. The New Jersey native has also spent considerable time in the Dominican Republic both living and playing, and has been twice named Player of The Year in Washington’s minor league system. A non-roster invitee to Major League spring training this season for the second time in as many years, he sat down to speak about his long road that will hopefully land him in D.C. soon. Q: You have a unique story coming to play for the Nationals, can you tell us exactly how that unfolded for you? Jose Marmolejos: It is a very interesting story. I was in high school at South Broward High in Florida. I finished my high school time and was supposed to get drafted. It didn’t happen, so I actually went to play a little community college and then in the Dominican for a while. The
Nationals signed me in June in 2011 as a free agent and it has been a long journey but here we are. Q: Do you think playing in the Dominican gave you an edge when it came to understanding the ropes as a
player, especially of what to expect as a pro? JM: Definitely, you learn the ropes of how to be a player. You learn how to play hard and the professionalism of the game. It was a good mixture of both because when I was signed, I already felt like I was ready to grow even more with Washington. Q: When you first signed with the Nationals, what was your first reaction and who did you tell first? JM: First call was to my dad because he was with me every step of the way. He helped me figure things out from day one. Then I went to one of the agents my uncle had down in the Dominican and made my signing official with the Nationals. I knew that it was the right move for me. Q: You play a lot of winter ball in the Dominican even after the minor league year is over, how is the training and regimen when playing year round? 21
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A Conversation With... JM: Just trying to maintain a work ethic. You really do have to keep working. You can’t just focus on resting, you have to keep playing so your body understands what is going on. It gives me a chance to work on next season’s abilities. You really do have to continue working hard because the moment you stop, then the person behind you will pass you. I want to accomplish a lot. Q: From being the organization’s 26th ranked prospect, a non-roster invitee to MLB spring training and nine years overall with the Nationals nnow, how would you describe your journey so far inside the Washington system? JM: I’ll tell you man, it has been a long run. You have to keep going even with the ups and downs. The main thing I can tell you is to believe in God and keep pushing forward. There are a lot of obstacles that are going to come that you are going to face. There are days you are going to have that are tougher than others and rough on you, but you get up and do your thing. I am just happy that I get to play this game every day, no matter the level. Q: You continue to climb the ranks in the organization, and you put up some great numbers at Triple-A Syracuse in 2018. What are some factors for your success? (Career high games played (130), team-high in RBI (57)). JM: Basically, not trying to do much at the plate. At times you get caught up with trying to do too much. You hit a slump and then you think you need to change everything. I fortunately have gotten to know myself as a hitter and person. I know what I can and can’t handle and I have gone from there. I just want to stay focused and stay positive. Q: Now coming over from Syracuse to Fresno, what are your takes on the ballpark? Plus, what are your thoughts about the PCL being a hitter-friendly league? JM: It is a big difference, the ball flies better here. Last year in Syra-
cuse, the ball didn’t travel very well. You can tell that in batting practice alone. I am excited for that because as a hitter, it can help your numbers, especially home runs. The field is beautiful too and I heard it will get warm so I can’t wait to round the bases this season. Q: You are a versatile player, being able to play outfield and first base, plus you pitched a little bit back in the day. Which do you prefer, but do you think eventually you’ll stick to one position? JM: I am just here to play any position they need me to play. If they want me to pitch or play outfield or first, I will be there. I need to work my way into the lineup so I can get to play more. I am here to play and I will be there for anything Randy Knorr needs. Q: Hitting coach Brian Daubach will get to coach you again here at Triple-A as he did in Syracuse. What does he bring to the table when it comes to coaching and the success you have had? JM: When you get to this level, basically, just try to stay within yourself. You get to this level, you basically know or have ideas of what you already know and what you need to work on. Brian just tries to continue honing our craft so we are ready for that jump. He sees a lot so he will tell you if he knows that you aren’t focusing on something that you need to be focusing on. Q: Another guy that you know a good amount about is manager Randy Knorr. What has he done to help you succeed?
have dreamt about it, I have thought about it, I have worked hard for it. You name it, I have had it cross my mind. I just want to continue going out there and try to have fun. When I get there, I just want to help the team win. It would be an honor for me, but I need to focus here first before I get there. Q: What have you learned or gained in your time with the Nationals? JM: Play with aggressiveness. This organization prides itself with hustle, giving 110% in every facet of the game. We want to outrun and out hustle the other team. We want to be able to put pressure on the other team and let them make the mistake. The coaches and teammates I have had show that day in and day out. I love it.
Q: You are on the verge of the big leagues, what would a call-up mean to you?
Q: What can Fresno and Washington fans expect from you for the 2019 season? JM: Expect a lot of good stuff! Offensively, I want to bring in a lot of runs anyway I can. Expect a lot of crazy and great plays in the outfield and at first. This team in general will be so fun and the fans will love every second of it. We just want the fans to come and support us for every game.
JM: It would mean the world man. I
By Stephen Rice, Fresno Grizzlies
JM: Randy is the man. He will let you go out and have fun but also expect you to be a professional. He is a great guy and mentor. He has taught me a lot when it comes to being a true pro athlete.
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Book your next event with us! Call 559.348.5527
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Featuring Spanish-Style Tapas & Handcrafted Cocktails |Bar Hours| 4:30PM – 10:00PM |Restaurant Hours| 5:00PM - 9:30PM Closed Sundays (off of Shaw & Van Ness Ext.)
Grizzlies on Twitter
Friday, June 14 With post-game fireworks presented by CoBank
Fresno Grizzlies Taylor Gushue Alec Keller Carter Kieboom Jake Noll Tanner Rainey Raudy Read Matt Reynolds Andrew Stevenson Austin Voth Austen Williams
@FresnoGrizzlies @TGush17 @alec_d_keller @carterkieboom @Jake_Noll @THErain_ey @RealRaudyRead @ReyRey_5 @astevenson6 @AustinVoth31 @ADUB_44
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FINDING THE PHOTO Sunnyside High School students gain real-life experience at Grizz games SEE ALL THE PHOTOS AT Click on “Fans” then “Photo Gallery” The Grizzlies have expanded a hands-on learning program with Sunnyside High School, giving five photography students (three pictured above) the opportunity to build their portfolios and gain real-world experience. Led by Photography Instructor Tamela Ryatt, the students will work a number of Grizzlies games throughout the season, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Enjoy the game through their eyes by checking out their photos on FresnoGrizzlies.com. Click on “Fans” then “Photo Gallery.”
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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
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TICKETS START AT JUST $10!!
Bring your Save Mart receipt or show the "Save Smart" app at the ticket office to receive $5 off each ticket (limit eight tickets) Two Grizzlies players will sign autographs pre-game on the Concourse outside the Team Store Kids run the bases post game presented by Producers Dairy Family catch on the field before the game begins on Sunday, June 16
RECEIVE 100 BONUS POINTS! Sign up for
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Rewards
Receive 100 bonus points to use towards FREE rewards like dollars off and more! Sign up at www.savemart.com or with a Team Member at your local Save Mart store.
ENTER TO WIN A $25 SAVE MART GIFT CARD!
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. 33
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Community Engagement
CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY May is National Care Foster Month. The recognition is intended to encourage adoption of children from the foster care system, to show appreciation for social workers and other professionals who work with foster children and families, and to help support and build mentoring programs for foster children who have aged out of the system. In 2018, the Fresno Grizzlies recieved an anonymous private donation of 500 tickets that the team, in turn, matched and donated to 13 local foster care agencies in Fresno County. The donation and tickets allowed hundreds of foster care families to attend a game, building memories that will last a lifetime.
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties has 150 volunteer advocates assisting 300 children. However, there are currently nearly 2,300 foster youth in Fresno and Madera Counties.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a Fresno Grizzlies community partner that provides support to foster children. CASA improves outcomes for children in the foster care system and gives hope to at-risk youth. After a child has been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect, and is placed in foster care, our volunteers work with the court to help judges make informed decisions in the child’s best interests and advocate for the child’s needs, providing ongoing support during their journey through foster care. CASA’s goal is to help every child transition from foster care to a healthy and successful future. 36
CASA Volunteers play a vital role in changing the lives and trajectories of foster youth. They give a voice to our community’s children who need us the most, helping them transition from their experience in foster care to a healthy, successful future. CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties has 150 volunteer advocates assisting 300 children. However, there are currently nearly 2,300 foster youth in Fresno and Madera Counties.
Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to find a permanent, loving home. To learn more about becoming a volunteer or donating to CASA locally, visit casafresnomadera.org or call 559-244-6485.
Community Engagement
A BETTER WAY TO BID Grizzlies Announce LiveSource App as Online Auction Partner
On Opening Night, the Fresno Grizzlies launched a new way for fans to bid on game-worn jersey and memorabilia auctions that benefit our local community partners. The Grizzlies will utilize the LiveSource mobile app for jersey and memorabilia auctions for the 2019 season. With LiveSource, Grizzlies fans will be able to bid and win unique memorabilia and theme jerseys from their seats in the stadium or from home (or work) if they're not able to attend the games. The bidding process is simple and easy: 1. On your phone or tablet, download the LiveSource app from Apple iTunes or Google Play 2. Create an account and the app will automatically find the auction nearest you 3. Bid for your favorite items and get notifications when others outbid you 4. Pay for your items securely via credit card
5. Immediately pick up your item(s) from the stadium that night or arrange for pick up during regular office hours. The Grizzlies will also have iPads available at the Community Engagement table to educate fans how to use the new app and to help fans bid directly from the table. Baseball organizations throughout the country are already experiencing tremendous benefits with the LiveSource instant marketplace. By taking advantage of this technology, the Grizzlies will treat fans to convenience and excitement as they bid on their favorite auctions. Additionally, the platform will provide fans the chance to bid on Grizzlies jerseys and memorabilia regardless of their location. Both of these options will not only add to the fan experience but also help raise additional dollars for our community partners. In 2018, the Grizzlies raised more than $80,000 for our community partners including Marjaree Mason Center, Our Heroes Dreams, and United Cerebral Palsy.
READ PLAY BALL ONLINE Click on “Fans” then “Play Ball Magazine” 37
Broadcast Partners
CAN’T MAKE IT TO CHUKCHANSI PARK? CATCH THE ACTION ON RADIO OR TV!
New radio home for all 140 games is KRDU 1130 AM
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22 home games to air LIVE in HD on MyCentralValley TV (KAIL) See schedule on facing page
Home games not on KAIL-TV
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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! Youʼll 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.
YOUR COMMUTE IS IN ACRES. You are an American farmer and there’s a whole world out there depending on what you do. And we’re here to help you do it.
FarmCreditAlliance.com (855) 611-4110 toll free WE ARE FARM CREDIT — a nationwide network
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ON THE ROAD... Presented by
Q: Who are your favorite artists for road trip songs? IF JAKE NOLL
RHP TANNER RAINEY
RHP PAOLO ESPINO Farruko Ala Jaza Eddy Lover Sech Pedro Capò
IF JACOB WILSON
PITCHING COACH BRAD HOLMAN Willie Nelson Johnny Cash Little Feat Tom Sawyer Bob Seger
Cody Jinks Jason Aldean George Strait Garth Brooks Eric Church
Eric Church
RHP DEREK SELF Alan Jackson IF MATT REYNOLDS George Strait
Chase Rice Garth Brooks Jimmie Allen
OF ANDREW STEVENSON Eric Church Cody Johnson Chris Stapleton
RHP DAKOTA BACUS D.J. Cool Travis Scott
“Not an official carpool. Please don’t attempt!”
SAVE GAS. WIN PRIZES. HELP REDUCE AIR POLLUTION. Do you carpool to work or school at least 2 days a week? Then you’re our kind of Team Player! Be sure to sign up for the Measure C Carpool Incentive Program! You can’t strike out with the great incentives and prizes awarded to Carpool participants. Just log in your weekly carpool miles and you’ll be notified when you’re chosen at random to win!
Get all the details at www.ValleyRides.com or call (559) 441-RIDE (7433) to learn more.
Register your carpool at
www.valleyrides.com
POST-GAME FIREWORKS EVERY FRIDAY
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