Category: Hawks

24 August 201220 May 2013 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Seth Lipstock – Herts Hawks #65

As we count down to the 2012 National Baseball Championships we are running a series of question and answer sessions with members of the Herts Falcons and Herts Hawks teams who will be going for silverware this Bank Holiday weekend.

1. Name: Seth Lipstock

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): USA

3. Age: 33

4. Position(s): 3rd and 2nd Base

5. Height: 6′ 0″

6. Weight: 84 Kg

7. Bats (right/left/switch): right

8. Throws (right/left): right

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.): 0

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Iron Maiden- Run to the Hills

11. Favourite baseball movie: The Sandlot

12. Favourite MLB team: Baltimore Orioles

13. Favourite MLB player: Robert Andino

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: No

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: Dreamers Theater Performance, once a year, in Richmond VA with my brother’s special needs adult theater group.

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: That’s easy, ASPI!!! There’s no team without him..there’s no Herts without him!!!

18. Who is the prankster in the team: Jon Lewys

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: Stretch, stretch, stretch…

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: Protein Cereal

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: ‘Pain’ (Clubber Lang, Rocky III)

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: Fun…we have fun, and never take it too seriously

24 August 201224 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Hawks Co-Managers on the eve of AA Semi-Final vs Nottingham

With just hours remaining before the 2012 National Baseball Championships begin at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead, we had a chat with Herts Hawks co-managers, Andy Cornish (AC) and Greg Bochan (GB) from New York via satellite, as the team prepares for their massive semi-final clash with the Nottingham Rebels.

hertsbaseball.com You have played in several NBCs in your career. This is the first time that your team will play at home. Will that have a positive effect on the team or will that add unnecessary pressure?

AC: Of course it will be positive; to have the fans, the other teams, and most importantly to have actually played on the field before the weekend is a huge boost

GB: I think it will have a positive effect on the team. We’ve always had good support from our fans even at away games but the familiarity of Grovehill will be a bonus.

hertsbaseball.com How much higher is the pressure on you for the finals, bearing in mind that your co-manager will have to listen to the game on the radio?

AC: I think that the pressure will be on Greg, who we are going to miss. I will have to remind the players that this is the same game as every other game we have played throughout the year, and we need to play 100% for 27 outs. If that happens I will be very happy.

GB: Since I’ll be listening on the radio I won’t feel much pressure :). it’s very tough not being there for these post season games. I’m thrilled that the Hawks are playing great and at the same time I am gutted that I couldn’t be a part of the last playoff game and the upcoming finals. I’d love to be able to feel the thrills those guys must be experiencing.

hertsbaseball.com Is the National Baseball Championship the place to try some small-ball?

AC: We have played small ball throughout the year at situational points, and it has worked well. If the situation does come up, I have the faith that we will be able to execute with the accuracy and energy that we have done all year.

GB: I don’t think this should be answered as I don’t want opponents reading about our strategies. But it’s always a good time to play small ball.

hertsbaseball.com We all know that the Hawks are building their success on solid defence and good pitching. What is the element that would need to be added if they are to give a good show against the highly rated Nottingham Rebels on Saturday?

AC: Our pitching has been excellent all year, but there is a whole new game to play. The Rebels look like they have good hitting, we still need to keep them off balance, and I know that our pitchers can do it. I think to be successful this weekend; our pitching and defence have to be on top of their game. With our strongest team out on Saturday and Sunday, I have no worries about the hitting, I am very happy 1 through 9 of the line-up, we have speed, power, and in a few cases both as we have shown over the last few weekends.

GB: I think at this point its confidence. We’ve put up the numbers and now we have to believe we can continue doing so. Confidence goes a long way on the diamond.

hertsbaseball.com In view of the plethora of pitching talent that the Hawks currently enjoy, have you made up your mind about your starting pitcher for the semi-final game on Saturday?

AC: I have a plan on who is going to pitch which day. Both of our elite pitchers are going to get a look in over the weekend

GB: No comment.

hertsbaseball.com What is your standing order to the players for their fitness and dietary regime in the next few days left before the finals?

AC: I think that we need to do what we have been doing. I will be having my usual Friday night of fajitas and relax in front of a film. We need to be hydrated.

GB: Keep doing what you’ve been doing, it’s worked so far. Maybe don’t get too drunk this Friday and Saturday nights.

hertsbaseball.com Many of the fans are dying to know what is the meaning of “Boom”?

AC: Well. To be honest, I have no idea. I like to think that it is that explosion of energy from the players when something magical happens. I am hoping to keep it rolling this weekend.

GB: Booya!

SATURDAY’S GAMES INVOLVING HERTS TEAMS

The Herts Hawks semi-final game with the Nottingham Rebels is at 4pm on Saturday, 25 August, at the old diamond. The Herts Falcons start at 3pm in their opening game versus the Southampton Mustangs at the new diamond. This means that Herts fans will have to choose one or the other, or position themselves strategically so they can see both games, or move from one diamond to another, and back again, depending on which team needs the support the most.

24 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Andrew Slater – Herts Hawks #99

1. Name: Andrew Slater

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): British

3. Age:28

4. Position(s): 1B/3B

5. Height: 6 foot 5 inchs

6. Weight: 13 stone

7. Bats (right/left/switch): Right

8. Throws (right/left): Right

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.): None

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Back in Black (AC/DC)

11. Favourite baseball movie: Field of dreams

12. Favourite MLB team: Boston Red Sox

13. Favourite MLB player: Ken Griffey Jr

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: ?

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: 1994 football youth cup final

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: Tim Elkins (always there when you need him)

18. Who is the prankster in the team: Andy Fulley

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: No

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: Anything i have in the fridge

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: Hawks Champions

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: No stupid Errors

24 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Nick Russell – Herts Hawks #31

1. Name: Nick Russell

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): British/Canadian

3. Age: 32

4. Position(s): Pitcher/Shortstop

5. Height: 5’10”

6. Weight: 11.5st

7. Bats (right/left/switch): Right

8. Throws (right/left): Right

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.): 2010 Eagles AAA

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Beastie Boys, Sabotage

11. Favourite baseball movie:Major League

12. Favourite MLB team: Boston Red Sox

13. Favourite MLB player: Pedro Martinez

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: Yes

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: Regional baseball tournament, Montreal, Canada.

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: Kal

18. Who is the prankster in the team: Louis

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: Stretch and warm up at the gym

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: Bacon sandwich

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship:2012 AA Champions

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: Win!Win!Win!

24 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Andy Cornish – Herts Hawks #7

1. Name: Andy Cornish

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): British

3. Age: 27

4. Position(s): Catcher, 3rd and Centre field

5. Height: 6’2

6. Weight: 85kg

7. Bats (right/left/switch): Right

8. Throws (right/left): Right

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.):

2004: Falcons AA (runner-up)

2007: Falcons AA (runner-up)

2008: Falcons AAA (Champions)

2009: Falcons NBL (4th)

2012: Hawks AA (??!!)

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Bill Conti – Gonna fly now

11. Favourite baseball movie: Bull Durham

12. Favourite MLB team: Dodgers

13. Favourite MLB player: Clayton Kershaw

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For – in some situations

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: Yes, definitely

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: 5

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: Tim

18. Who is the prankster in the team: Louis

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: no routine to speak of, but need long black socks, batting gloves have to be correct

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: breakfast! I usually have Fruit and Fibre

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: Herts Win

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: “Who wants it?!”

24 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Tim Elkins – Herts Hawks #45

1) Name: Tim Elkins

2) Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): British

3) Age: More than my shirt number “45” !!!!! It’s actually 46

4) Position(s): 1B, OF

5) Height:5′ 11”

6) Weight:No idea, but probably a but heavier than I’d like !

7) Bats (right/left/switch):Right

8) Throws (right/left):Right

9) Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.):AAA (the year before the Faclons went up to the NBL for the first time (can’t remember exactly which year)

10) What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: “Don’t stop the party” by The Black Eye Peas

11) Favourite baseball movie: Fever Pitch

12) Favourite MLB team: Boston Red Sox

13) Favourite MLB player: Pedro Martinez

14) For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For

15). Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: Yes

16) What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: Unknown, but was interviewed for and appeared in the introduction to the 2009 Red Sox Fantasy Camp DVD. Used in publicity for 2010 Fantasy Camp on the Red Sox web site ……..

17) Who is the most undervalued player in the team:Slater – more than willing to put the team before his own playing time and happy to do whatever you ask of him

18) Who is the prankster in the team: Hard to pick – this year the Hawk’s have had such a loose attitude in the dug out, but played so hard to win, reminiscent of the 2004 Red Sox – the comraderie and team spirit have been what have defined this year’s team and made it so enjoyable to play for – unfair to pick out anyone

19) What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: For the last two play off games, when going to field at 1st base, for the very first time, I touch my lips, touch the base, then touch the team name on my shirt – it worked so far so I ain’t changing it 🙂 also avoid stepping on baselines whenever running out to field

20) Your favourite pre-game meal: Eggs, bacon, toast, coffee and juice

21) Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: don’t want to tempt fate !!!!!

22). Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: “Keep The Faith” !!!!!

24 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Ralph Bartholomew – Herts Hawks #17

1. Name: Ralph Bartholomew

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): American

3. Age: 42

4. Position(s): Anywhere except pitcher/catcher

5. Height: 5 ft 10

6. Weight: 169 lbs

7. Bats (right/left/switch): right

8. Throws (right/left): right

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.): none

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Silence

11. Favourite baseball movie: none

12. Favourite MLB team: Red Sox unfortunately

13. Favourite MLB player: Cal Ripken

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: Yes

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: High school talent show

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: Kal

18. Who is the prankster in the team: There’s a few…

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: eat and sleep

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: Meat

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: Partly sunny with a chance of Hawks win.

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: Error free ball

24 August 201224 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

The 2012 NBC is a time to tweet

This weekend’s National Baseball Championships will be the first to take full advantage of the capabilities provided by Twitter. Here is some useful Twitter information courtesy of Michael Jones who will be one of the people providing media coverage for the British Baseball Federation this weekend at Grovehill Ballpark:

Official hashtags – #roadtoherts #bbfnbc #britishbaseball

(Note: The more we can get the hashtags trending the better)

Twitter accounts:

BBF Reporters

Michael Jones – @DazzMcGuinness

Oliver – @OliML

Trevor – @tdclissold

Neutrals/hosts

Matt Smith/BaseballGB – @MattBaseballGB

Joe Gray/Project Cobb – @Project_COBB

BBF – @BritishBaseball

GB Baseball teams – @GB_Baseball

Teams:

NBL

@HarlowNationals

@Hertsbaseball

@LondonMets2012

@SotonMustangs

AAA

@oxfordkings

@LiverpoolTrojan

@essexredbacks

@mkbucksbaseball

@NottsRebels

@Hertsbaseball

Single-A

@HoveTuesday

@BlueSoxBaseball

23 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Paul Auchterlounie – Herts Hawks #33

1. Name: Paul Auchterlounie

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): British

3. Age: 38

4. Position(s): Outfield now that Andy F is behind the plate!

5. Height: 6ft

6. Weight: probably too much

7. Bats (right/left/switch): badly

8. Throws (right/left): right (on the money – sometimes!)

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.): 2010 AAA Herts Eagles

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Iron Maiden – Phantom of the Opera

11. Favourite baseball movie: Not sure

12. Favourite MLB team: Phillies

13. Favourite MLB player: Cole Hamels

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: Against

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: No(*)

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: Probably a music concert as a kid – somewhere around 50 people!

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: Tim Elkins

18. Who is the prankster in the team: Slater

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: Don’t have a set routine, but if we win the NBC that may change!

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: Breakfast

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: Hawks!!

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: Hit the ball

23 August 2012 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Q&A: Nic Goetz – Herts Hawks #29

1. Name: Nicolas Goetz

2. Nationality (if dual nationality enter both): German

3. Age: 40

4. Position(s): P, 3B

5. Height: 184cm

6. Weight: 96kg

7. Bats (right/left/switch): right

8. Throws (right/left): right

9. Previous appearances in the NBCs (year and which team and league i.e. NBL, AAA, AA etc.): 2008 Herts Falcons AAA, 2009 Herts Falcons NBL (if I remember correctly)

10. What is your preferred song to go up to bat with: Paint it Black

11. Favourite baseball movie: Moneyball

12. Favourite MLB team: Red Sox

13. Favourite MLB player: Nomar Garciaparra

14. For or against the Designated Hitter rule: For

15. Should Barry Bonds’ home run record have an asterisk next to it: No, except every stats get an asterisk

16. What was the largest audience you have performed to (sports or other), when and what event: around 500, German 2nd Baseball Bundesliga against Heidenheim

17. Who is the most undervalued player in the team: Kal

18. Who is the prankster in the team: Slattttter

19. What is your pre-game routine during the 24 hours before first pitch, any superstitions, etc.: No routine

20. Your favourite pre-game meal: Breakfast

21. Predictions for this weekend’s Championship: Hawks all the way, BOOM!

22. Key to our success this weekend in 3 words: keep the intensity