#GoCubsGoJohn Rodgers - Account ExecutiveJohn joins the Iowa Cubs sales team after spending the past two years as the Director of Revenue Development for the University of Evansville (Ind.) Al Carr is 77 years old. pic.twitter.com/feAiYQNS2n. Led by majority owner and chairman Michael Gartner and the Iowa Cubs front office, the organization didn't lay off or furlough a single full-time staffer during the pandemic. Browns other plus pitch is a nasty hammer curve that comes in at the mid-80s. During games at Principal Park, front office members such as Gartner, Bernabe and Wehofer can often be spotted walking around the concourse and interacting with fans. Heres Wesneskis immaculate inning against the Pirates last September. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 515-243-6111. The Iowa State Capitol Building, as it looked prior to the installation of a new batter's eye. . Iowa Cubs ownership, front office tackle pandemic-related challenges as fans return to Principal Park. Who knows how strong Amayas arm will be when hes ready to catch again? The State Capitol building is less prominent than it once was from within the stadium, thanks to the addition of an expanded batter's eye that protects hitters from the glare of the dome. She carried on her love to Principal Park, where shes worked the same spot off the third-base line since her arrival. He also has a changeup and that needs some work. If its not safe and its not clean, then we dont have to worry about fun because no ones coming anyway.. The closest hotels are just a couple blocks from the ballpark, and there are plenty of others within a walk or short drive. Gartners commitment to his workers last year may have hurt the franchises finances at the time, but the decision paid off when the 2021 season rolled around. He used to work all the Cubs games, but now he says hes at Principal Park for about half of them. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm Office: (515) 564-8550 Fax: (515) 564-8551 Mailing Address: Iowa Wolves 730 Third Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 FRONT OFFICE STAFF Ryan Grant. Pitchers loved working with him. Brown reported to Tennessee instead. Instead, inside were checks worth $2,000 for every year each employee had worked for the team $600,000 in total for the 23 full-time workers. SS. Ive got all these great people who work here.. To adhere to Major League Baseballs COVID-19 protocols, Bernabe and his co-workers zip-tied seats to limit capacity, spread out lockers in locker rooms and implemented more outdoor dining areas, buffer zones and quarantine rooms in Principal Park. Scott Sailor, 63, who received $46,000 for his 23 years working for the team in media relations, sales, marketing and other areas, said the checks were not out of character for Mr. Gartner, a businessman, lawyer and third-generation Iowa newspaperman. While other minor-league organizations scrambled to rehire and find new workers, the Cubs were fully staffed and ready to take on the challenges associated with preparing for a season amid a continuing pandemic. He has also called baseball games globally for the Australian Baseball League as well as in Taiwan for the Premier 12 tournament in 2015. Amaya likes to hit the ball from gap-to-gap, so there could be a good number of doubles to go with those home runs. The Des Moines skyline looms beyond the ballpark, with most of the buildings concentrated in the left-field corner. Hell be in competition for the fifth starter job out of Spring Training if Kyle Hendricks isnt ready to go, as looks likely. Stream Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs on Watch ESPN. Like Carr and Prange, hes happy to be reunited with fans as well as with his fellow ushers. They currently sit at $145.2M ($22M of which is Heyward's dead money), which is . I cant imagine what the last two weeks would have been like if we had been like every other minor-league team or ownership that furloughed or laid off half, if not most, of the staff, Wehofer said. Two years later, he bought the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and became a fixture in the front office and in his usual seat behind home plate. Some more guesses as to who will be on the field at Wrigley on March 30. striking out nine Trash Pandas in his Cubs organizational debut, sixth-best left-handed pitching prospect in baseball. 6. Iowa Cubs return to Principal Park, announced the cancellation of the 2020 season, 'Its definitely been a challenge': How the Chicago Cubs pieced together MiLB rosters in 2021, Bars, restaurants near Principal Park relieved to have Iowa Cubs baseball again, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The teams sale to a global sports and entertainment company had closed that day, and Mr. Gartner, 83, said he wanted to give the employees their new business cards. Principal Park is picturesque from the outside as well. Subscribe Today for Great Content, Community, and Giveaways! Wicks should start the 2023 season back in Tennessee, but a mid-season (or even early-season) promotion to Iowa is likely assuming nothing goes wrong. Four large parking lots flank the ballpark, behind it and on the third-base side, but those staying in downtown Des Moines may find it easier to walk. Everyone in the stadium is wearing masks, only 35% of seats are allowed to be filled right now and the rest are zip-tied. How About That! He had soft hands and was good at blocking balls in the dirt. Three days after Christmas, Michael Gartner summoned the employees of the Iowa Cubs minor league baseball team to a staff meeting at Principal Park, the teams stadium in Des Moines. Welcome to Principal Park in Des Moines, home of the Iowa Cubs. All the #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB news you can use, four days a week. A trip back to the minors will only happen if theres a serious roster crunch. To get ready for (Opening Day), I didnt really have to do anything. A lot of them still have mortgages and car payments and college payments.. If you're torn between dessert and an alcoholic drink, split the difference with an order of Sweet N Boozy ice cream. Gambling problem? The May 4 season opener represented a culmination of the Cubs staffs efforts this offseason to ensure a safe return to the stadium for fans. Ballpark Location (via Google Maps)Iowa Cubs ScheduleIowa Cubs Roster, 1 Line DriveDes Moines, IA 50309515-243-6111, Capacity: 11,500Dimensions: left field, 335 feet; center field, 400 feet; right field, 335 feet. Part of Joe Maddons World Series-winning staff, Mallee was replaced by Chili Davis in 2018 for just one season before Anthony Iapoce took over and lasted three years in the role. Chicago is trying to build a lineup with a wide array of options for manager David Ross to consider, and Ros boasts the type of . C. DOB: 3/09/99. If you buy something through these links you wont pay a penny more, but you will help us keep the lights on. Few international prospects in the Cubs system have been hyped as much as Cristian Hernandez. This year as of right now is 130. The I-Cubs are the only Chicago Cubs farm team who play west of Chicago. There are games his control abandons him, but thats why hes in Double-A and not the majors. But Gartner, 82, tried to keep things in perspective and look to the future. A piece of their life has come back.. At the time, he was just a raw arm with a good fastball. And you want to make sure theyre not tempted to go do something else.. He may just be fine again next year. It would help if Wicks could get the curve up to at least fringe-average. Its an industry where you work really hard, and sometimes you dont get compensated like that.. Mr. Cohen described the checks as a life-changing gesture for some longtime staff members. Manufacturer: ProCards. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. He says that he relishes the spontaneity of the job, namely running into governors, pro athletes and college coaches. Though fans everywhere were upset when Kris Bryant was traded to the Giants last July, it's now safe to say it was the . DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Florida Gov. Except you only see em once a year.. Cubs Insider is supported in part by affiliate advertising programs and links. This year the region repeats its feat of the No. The Cubs hope. If possible, combine a trip to Principal Park with a visit to the aforementioned Iowa State Fair. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Wesneskis stuff grades out to be more of a number 4 starter, but his command is good enough that it could play a little above that. Marty. The team competes in the Triple-A East league and plays their home games at Principal Park in Des Moines. Andy Backstrom is a graduate student in the sports specialization Masters program at Northwesterns Medill School of Journalism. It is now visible from the 10th row of seating and above. Two recent pitching acquisitions, a first-round draft pick and two heralded international players are featured today. From there, it's a comparatively short drive to a trio of other MWL entities: the Quad Cities River Bandits, Peoria Chiefs and Beloit Sky Carp. In any case, hes got a wealth of experience and a great deal of familiarity with the organization. Another retail destination is Raygun, located in Des Moines' East Village. Representative, Season Ticket Service - Karry KernessSeason Ticket Holder Service Representative Ariel ConejoSeason Ticket Holder Service Representative - Regina NicholsonManager, Service Center & Tour Experiences - Evan Hill, Public Address Announcer - Jeremiah PaprockiUmpires Room Attendant - Ken CorsoBroadcaster - Ron CoomerBroadcaster - Jim DeshaiesBroadcaster - Pat HughesBroadcaster - Jon Sciambi, Senior Vice President, Marquee 360 - Cale VennumVice President, Partnership Development - Andy BlackburnVice President, Corporate Partnerships - Alex SeyferthDirector, Ticket Sales Steve Brauer, Director, Account Management - Ryan BaloghDirector, Corporate Partnership Development - Ashley FacchiniAssistant Director, Corporate Partnership Strategy - Gina SiemplenskiManager, Corporate Partnership Operations - Nick SimanSenior Account Manager, Corporate Partnerships - Andrea BurkeAccount Manager Shannon BennettAccount Manager - Jessica MalinconicoAccount Executive, Corporate Partnerships - Cody SharkoAccount Executive, Corporate Partnerships - Jake DanforthSpecialist, Partnership Development - Ben KeizerActivation Specialist, Corporate Partnerships Marisa FerraraCoordinator, Corporate Partnerships Harrison PlazaCoordinator, Corporate Partnerships Activation John Gibson, Manager, Inside Sales - Aaron KleinManager, Business Development - Katie OttolinAccount Executive, Business Development Anna FisherAccount Executive, Business Development Daniel LynchAccount Executive, Business Development Samuel MitroAccount Executive, Business Development Mark TurelliAccount Executive, Business Development Callyn VoaseGroup Sales Representative - Blake WilshireTicket Sales Representative - Megh BabikianTicket Sales Representative - Myles CephasTicket Sales Representative - Pedro InfanteTicket Sales Representative - Rebecca LekatsosTicket Sales Representative - Ariel MedinaTicket Sales Representative - Esmeralda NatividadTicket Sales Representative - Angela Veverka, Account Executive, Premier Sales Diego ChahdaAccount Executive Premier Sales - Tom FitzgeraldAccount Executive, Premier Sales - James TuckAccount Executive, Premier Sales - Mike SullivanAccount Executive, Premier Sales - Jason Aubert. Our store hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Thats always been his way, as long as Ive been part of the organization.. Ben Brown is a very impressive looking pitcher. Miguel Amaya. He returned to the mound after the COVID shutdown, but he only got 16 innings in 2021 because of another arm injury and then a bout of COVID. Marcus Stroman, 2. Law passed time during the pandemic playing a lot of pool and fishing. 22, and estimated the teams value at $30 million. More:'Everybody is happy to be back at the park.' These qualities can be rare among professional sports owners in an era where short-term results and bottom-line considerations dominate. MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs off the field during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Amayas going to start the year in Triple-A Iowa, but hes also one of just three catchers on the Cubs 40-man roster at the moment. When its on, Brown can either drop the pitch into the zone for a strike or into the dirt in an attempt at getting the hitter to chase. Its a plus pitch and it flashes plus-plus at times. The Cubs hurlers continued their spring dominance. Hernandez was a raw, athletic kid last year who was adjusting both to higher quality pitching, but to a new country as well. With room for 11,500 fans, Principal Park boasts one of the largest capacities in Minor League Baseball. The team was founded in 1969 as the Iowa Oaks and originally played in the American Association. SECN+ NCAA Softball. 1. 3 recent trades the Cubs won: #3 - Trading Kris Bryant to the Giants. It is a feeling like family, she said. Preparing the stadium for Cubs baseball was difficult, but support from the top of the organization helped make it possible. 63, 210. Browns results were uneven in Double-A, but when he was on, Brown showed some very impressive stuff. Wherever Brown starts the season, he should see significant time with Triple-A Iowa this year. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. When Brown is on, he has two plus pitches at his disposal. Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball . Some people think Im nuts, but I tell em Im lucky, Prange said. Seven Cubs pitchers combined on this gem against the Padres. If you like T-shirts emblazoned with all manner of snarky, self-aware pop culture, sports and politics-related slogans, then perhaps you'll agree with Raygun's humble self-assessment: "The greatest store in the universe.". "We work. Jimmy Lynn is a graduate student in the sports specialization Masters program at Northwesterns Medill School of Journalism. If not, you have a utility player you can move around, giving the Cubs and David Ross plenty of unique lineups. Iowa Cubs Schedule Iowa Cubs Roster 1 Line Drive Des Moines, IA 50309 515-243-6111 Capacity: 11,500 Dimensions: left field, 335 feet; center field, 400 feet; right field, 335 feet More Ballpark Guides >> Photo: Paul Gierhart Principal Park opened in 1992, built on the same site where its predecessor, Sec Taylor Stadium, had stood. Passionate regulars like Elsberry are the reason for the Iowa Cubs dedication to the fan experience. Another early look at the Cubs 2023 Opening Day roster. Stephen A. gives props to Knicks front office for recent success. If its not safe and its not clean, then we dont have to worry about fun because no ones coming anyway.. Is it concerning that Amaya hasnt caught a game since May 2021 and that hes only caught 12 games since 2019? The Iowa State Capitol building, topped off with a gleaming spire-topped dome, is located past center field. My jaw dropped, one worker said. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Prange said she was overjoyed on Opening Day on May 4, knowing she was going to watch a game again in person. I would not say that Amaya was out-of-shape before he got injured, but he had a catchers body. 9. More: Iowa Cubs ownership, front office tackle pandemic-related challenges as fans return to Principal Park, Shes friendly, and she keeps an eye on their seats, Bernabe said. "Being here is a passion and an affinity for them, Wehofer said. But he played in just 23 games for Tennessee in 2021 after suffering from right forearm tightness. Prior to his time with the Hot Rods, Alex also worked for the Idaho Falls Chukars (Rookie/Royals) and the Huntsville Stars (Double-A/Brewers). The new facility retained the Sec Taylor name through 2003, continuing to honor the longtime sports editor of the Des Moines Register. Cubbie may hibernate during the winter, at least when he's not doing community appearances, but during the baseball season he's a constant and much sought-after presence at Principal Park. Year: 1988. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump are each headed to Iowa in the coming weeks, making their first trips of the year to the leadoff Republican voting state as the 2024 campaign ramps up. He served just one year in that role before being asked to accept a reassignment and it was believed hed leave for a different opportunity, but that either didnt materialize or the Cubs sweetened the offer. The Cubs front office is changing, so what happens now? But Gartner, 82, tried to keep things in perspective and look to the future. Positioned on the first-base line, Jeff Law also makes it a priority to enrich the fan experience, particularly that of the children. Skip to main content.us. His speed was more above average than plus.. The I-Cubs could arguably claim this spot for their proximity to the Iowa State Capitol building (which is visible from the park and can be toured) or the State Historical Museum of Iowa, but. 66, 210. Browns fastball comes in at 95-to-97 miles per hour and he locates it well. As befits a downtown facility, there are plenty of places to eat and drink before and after a game. A slew of budding baseball minds will be joining the Cubs this off-season, filling new roles opened by the front office to increase the . They may be socially distanced from other fans and masked when out of their seats, but experiencing Cubs baseball at Principal Park again represents an important step in returning to a more normal life for fans. When last season was canceled, though, he was left with nothing. . Wicks entire arsenal revolves around his low-80s changeup that dives down and in to right-handed hitters. One of them has even. Hes got that same je ne sais quoi (thats totally a scouting term) that Kyle Hendricks uses to attack hitters. We lost $4 million, but they needed the money more than I did, Gartner said. And after recovering from melanoma and waiting out the pandemic, hes back for his 14th season as an Iowa Cubs usher. Jordan Wicks. The Chicago Cubs' front office will have some tough decisions to make as the July 30 trade deadline approaches, and the current state of their farm system won't make that process any easier. In 2015, Jessica Mendoza was the first female analyst for a Major League Baseball game in the history of ESPN, and Margaret Donahue (1892-1978) was the first non-owner female front office executive in Major League Baseball, starting as a stenographer for the Chicago Cubs in 1919 before becoming the team's corporate secretary in 1926 and team . Although he's likely to start in Iowa, Kilian could force his way into the conversation with a strong start in 2023. Jason Heyward's time in Chicago was full of ups and downs. Iowa Cubs outfielder Ian Miller preparing for a life after baseball, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. By July 22, he was back in Tennessee doing DH duties for the Smokies. San Jose, California. In here, you can see hes still thin and lanky, but theres room on his frame to grow. But Amaya hasnt played much since then. But he knows how to mix his pitches up, attack the corners of the zone and induce weak contact. We kept everybody on full pay and benefits the whole time. 2023 www.desmoinesregister.com. Kim Reynolds (R), according to The Des Moines Register, citing an . Brown was Cubs MLB hitting coach last season and Mallee from 2015-2017 Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) December 22, 2022 1 ranking by total projects and No. The external concourse, running behind the ballpark, is home to myriad concession stands, restrooms and the team store. He couldnt drive the ball in the ACL as well as some projected he would. After 76 games with the minor league Iowa Cubs, Murton was released on November 7, 2016. As long as he can hit his spots, his stuff is good enough to get outs. Hayden Wesneski. Fans take in an I-Cubs' game at Principal Park with the Des Moines skyline in the distance. The Iowa Cubs aren't the only Minor League team in Iowa, but they are based in the state's most populous city (Des Moines) and compete at the highest level of play (Triple-A). RHP. He sets the tone for that.. Theyre just fantastic people., Mr. Gartner, who had owned the team with his son and three other partners, added: They need the money more than we do. B:R, T:R. 62, 230. International free agent (2015), Panama. Its notable that Mallee came aboard when the team had a good deal of prospects coming up to Chicago, so the Cubs may believe he, like Brown, is best suited to work with young hitters. 8. They are located in Des Moines, Iowa, and are named for their Major League Baseball (MLB) affiliate. After seeing the Iowa State Capitol building from a distance during an I-Cubs game, why not schedule a tour to see it up close? Jimmy Lynn is a sports reporter at Medill. Left field is home to the Betfred Sports Lounge, a climate-controlled bar and restaurant. Wesneski was a sixth-round pick by the Yankees out of Sam Houston State in 2019. Trump's campaign announced on Thursday that he would be making a speech on his "America First Education Policy" in Davenport on March 13. His performance in 2022 was a good sign that Amaya was starting to live up to his potential at the plate. Based on numbers from Spotrac, which is a great source of salary data in all the major sports, the Cubs were $178.6M against the CBT (luxury tax) last year, which was 13th in baseball. 1 overall pick and it appears to be for the taking if a team offers the right . Weekend edition! Hello Select your address Collectibles & Fine Art Hello, sign in. Sport: Baseball. In 28 games in Double-A, Amaya hit .278/.379/.485 with six doubles, one triple and four home runs. Thats how the whole thing kind of works.. Drafted 1st round (2021), Kansas State. Anyone can read what you share. Carr became an usher following a 40-year career in education, which culminated in a tenure as a school superintendent in Lu Verne. It seems his new body has untapped at least some of that potential. He went 6-7 with a 3.51 ERA for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre over 19 starts in 2022 before he was traded to the Cubs on August 1. Brown has more trouble throwing the slider consistently than he does the fastball or the curve, but it grades out to at least an average major league pitch. Account & Lists Returns & Orders. Classic Frozen Custard, on the Southside, is less prominent in the Des Moines dessert scene. The Iowa Cubs Front Office helped pack nearly 10,000 pounds of food at Food Bank of Iowa today! So it is that Im just getting to the Cubs reunion with former hitting coaches Greg Brown and John Mallee. Before making it to Des Moines, the system includes stops in South Carolina, Indiana and Tennessee. The seating bowl, bisected by a concourse walkway, runs from foul pole to foul pole. Craig Mish details the latest sports news. He continued to show an impressive control of the strike zone with 44 strikeouts and just 13 walks. In 2020, when the minor league baseball season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Gartner kept every full-time employee on the payroll, with benefits, Mr. MEDILL SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM, MEDIA,INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS1845 Sheridan RoadEvanston, IL 60208-2101, Many minor league baseball organizations, such as the, (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), the, (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) and the. Hernandezs strikeout rate was a bit concerning at 30 percent, but its not a red flag yet. That. While other minor league organizations scrambled to rehire and find new workers, the Cubs were fully staffed and ready to take on the challenges associated with preparing for a season amid a continuing pandemic. Cubs front office/coaching tidbit: Greg Brown will return as special assistant to the president and GM/hitting (he'll work closely with minor-leaguers) and John Mallee will be a hitting coach at Triple-A Iowa. To get ready for (opening day), I didnt really have to do anything. The Oaks/Cubs played in the American Association from 1969-97, switching to the Pacific Coast League in 1998 following the AA's dissolution. And for that we thank you! Hernandez has one of the Catch Up videos from the Cubs, which is probably the best introduction to him. If it wasnt, hed be ranked higher. Ben Brown. Many minor league baseball organizations, such as the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), the Memphis Redbirds (Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) and the Nashville Sounds (Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers), furloughed or laid off full-time staff members in 2020 due to pandemic-related financial struggles. 1 ranking by total projects per capita among Tier-3 metros (those with populations between 50,000 and 200,000). Yes. Baseball America ranked the catcher as the Cubs number 2 prospect before the 2019 season and their number 4 prospect before the 2020 season. translating for Kevin Alcntara at the Cubs Convention, BCB 2023 Cubs Top 25 Prospects List: The Top 5, BCB 2023 Cubs Top 25 Prospects List: 11 through 15, More praise for Cubs minor league prospects, Three Cubs make The Athletics Top 100 prospects list, Pete Crow-Armstrong named 28th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, BCB 2023 Cubs Top 25 Prospects List: 16 to 20.

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