Traverse City Beach Bums pitcher Jared Locke has been signed by the Philadelphia Phillies. Locke joined the Beach Bums last summer and appeared in 21 games out of the bullpen and finished with a 1-1 record, a 3.42 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. He also recorded 2 saves.

“We are very excited for Jared to have this opportunity,” said Jason Wuerfel, the Beach Bums’ Director of Baseball Operations. “He is a 6′6″ lefty, throws in the low 90s with great movement, and he is only 23 years old. The sky is the limit for Jared and I believe he will be successful anywhere the Phillies put him.”

Locke was originally signed out of college by the Texas Rangers.

Read Phillies sign Beach Bums lefty Jared Locke at TCBeachBums.com

The Traverse City Beach Bums have agreed to home and home exhibition games versus the Gary RailCats, champions of the Northern League in 2005 and 2007. The Beach Bums will travel to Gary, Indiana on Tuesday, May 13th for a 3:00 PM exhibition game at the U.S. Steel Yard. The RailCats will make the trip to Traverse City in 2009.

“This is a great opportunity and challenge for our 2008 team,” said Jason Wuerfel, the Beach Bums’ Director of Baseball Operations. “Gary has set the standard for good baseball in the Northern League and it will be a great test for our players and evaluation tool for our coaching staff.”

Former Beach Bum Mike Reese is on the RailCats roster. For more information on the RailCats and their very nice stadium, the U.S. Steel Yard, go to www.railcatsbaseball.com.

Read Beach Bums to play Northern League Champions at TCBeachBums.com

Photo The Steelyard by Z for Zano

Traverse City Beach Bums Vice President and Director of Baseball Operations Jason Wuerfel is gaining one title but losing another. Wuerfel is the Beach Bums new hitting coach but will give up his duties as “DJ Jazzy Jay”.

“I really enjoyed being DJ Jazzy Jay,” said Wuerfel, “but I’m a baseball guy. Baseball is my passion and if I can’t play anymore, I want to be coaching. I need to be coaching.”

Read Wuerfel joins Beach Bums coaching staff at TCBeachBums.com

New Beach Bums Blog!
You can now follow the latest news from the Beach Bums at their new blog www.tcbeachbums.blogspot.com.

Jonathon Cahill will return for his second season leading the Traverse City Beach Bums as he was given a 1-year contract extension for 2008. Cahill’s first season ended with a 46-50 record, as the team showed improved play over the second half of the season. Cahill was the Beach Bums hitting coach in 2006.

The Beach Bums also announced that pitching coach John Sexton will return in 2008.

Read Manager Cahill back with the Bums in the Record Eagle*
Read Bums’ Skipper Cahill signs on for 2008 at TCBeachBums.com*

*I don’t condone calling them the “Bums”.

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

I’m not including it in the five, but my overall Beach Bums record with me in attendance is now 6-1 as I attended the season finale, a 8-5 loss in 11 innings to the Windy City Thunderbolts. I thought I was going to keep my perfect record as the Beach Bums rallied for a 5-4 lead after 8 innings, but they couldn’t hold on. Congrats on another fun season in Traverse City!

1. Wolverines upset by Mountaineers - If you say it that way it doesn’t sound as bad because I could be referring to West Virginia. I am still in shock of this outcome, but I can’t say I’m disappointed, and as a State fan I loved this…

In East Lansing, after plowing for four touchdowns in Michigan State’s 55-18 beatdown of Alabama-Birmingham, Spartans running back Jeehu Caulcrick said, “It felt like we won two games today.”

Here’s a great article on the game from Michigan Football Saturdays.

2. Spartans look good in Dantonio’s debut - Mike Dantonio has some big plans for Michigan State and his Spartans got off to a good start with a 55-18 win over UAB. Lots of power football and great passing from Brian Hoyer led the way to victory. The Spartans will struggle to finish .500 this season, but Dantonio should lay the foundation for a nice turnaround in East Lansing.

3. Tigers continue to struggle - It’s looking more and more like 2007 isn’t going to be the Tigers year. They can’t seem to get a winning streak going. Inconsistent pitching, injuries, and the lack of clutch hitting have all played a big part. Rogers returns tonight and Sheffield tomorrow to hopefully give the Tigers a spark for one last run at the Indians.

4. Norsemen vs. Lakers - The Leelanau County rivals go head to head this Friday for bragging rights for the following year. Suttons Bay is off to a 2-0 start including a big win over Traverse City St. Francis. Glen Lake is 1-1 and coming off a loss. Kickoff is Friday at 7:00 in Suttons Bay.

5. Michigan In Play Magazine - Check out their latest issue featuring 2007 Roberto Clemente Award Winner Curtis Granderson on the cover. I just emailed Jack Rosenberg and told him to keep up the great work. This magazine is a great source for Detroit and Michigan sports fans!

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

Well, not really, but after going to the game tonight the Traverse City Beach Bums are now 2-0 this season with me in attendance. Combined with the perfect 4-0 when I attended during the inaugural season, that’s 6-0 all-time. What’s this mean? Well ultimately it means I need season tickets and to attend as many games as possible. Hmm, maybe if I send this to the Wuerfel’s…

Seriously though, I have been neglecting the Beach Bums in person and on my blog. So this post is just to remind everyone, that you can find Beach Bums news, links and info here.

Now granted when I attend the games with my entire family, I don’t get to concentrate 100% on the game, as I have to spend a minimum of 2 innings in the play room, make sure the cotton candy is stocked up, and to protect everyone from the dreaded foul ball, we had a couple of pretty close ones tonight.

In tonight’s victory the Beach Bums jumped out early and held on for a 7-5 win. Aaron Garza continued his hot streak as he went 2 for 4 with two doubles to lead the offense. Ryan Gehring picked up his 5th win of the season by going 8 strong innings. He really only had the one tough inning and looked solid and made many good pitches throughout.

Once again, the atmosphere is alot of fun and the kids had a blast. The fireworks were great, and some funny fans made it very enjoyable. At this point in time, I only have tickets for one more game this year, but hopefully I can find a way to sneak to a couple of more and help the Beach Bums try to get to .500!

The Traverse City Beach Bums have made a couple changes to the roster as they return home to Wuerfel Park for 2 games before heading back out on the road.

Catcher/Third Baseman Takeshi Yamamoto was activated from the IR and rookie outfielder R.C. Dickerson was resigned after being cut in spring training. To make room on the roster the Beach Bums released former MSU pitcher Craig Brookes and outfielder LaFringe Hayes. Brookes asked to be released as he prepares for workouts for affiliated teams.

Opinions on five current sports topics from yours truly…

1. Marissa Treece - The Glen Lake senior captured 3 more state titles on Saturday, giving her 10 in her track/cross-country career. She heads to Notre Dame this fall and we will follow along as she looks to star at the NCAA level.

Read Ten titles for Treece in the Record Eagle

2. What’s next for Pistons? - Lots of ideas are being talked about by fans including: Firing Flip, Trading Sheed, trying to trade for Kevin Garnett or Zack Randolph, and on and on. Not sure what Joe D is going to do, but I would definitely call Minnesota and see what they want for Garnett.

3. Beach Bums - A slow start to the season has the Bums in last place in the Central Division, 5.5 games back. It’s not going to get easier with 4 games against Kalamazoo looming, but the Bums are playing better and have lost a couple of close games.

4. Lions Scouting Reports - I don’t know if you have been following Killer Kowalski’s scouting reports as he is scouting a different Lion player every day, but I have and it’s been some great info. Kevin Jones is today, go check it out!

5a. Tigers finally beat Indians - Now everyone can relax a bit as the Tigers took the final two games in Cleveland to get within 2 1/2 games of Cleveland in the A.L. Central. The Tigers are showing what they are made of as they battle with injuries and keep getting big performances from Maggs and Sheffield.

5b. Two Near The Dugout, Please - Great article by Gren Eno looking back at some run-ins with Eric the ticket taker on his trips to Tiger Stadium.

If you want to let the me know what you think, you can always send me an email at leelanausportsguy@sportspig.com or post a comment!

The Traverse City Beach Bums have had a rough beginning to the 2007 season, starting 0-2, but look to change their fortune tonight as they ready for the home opener with the visiting Kalamazoo Kings. The Kings have had the Bums number so far, but a packed house at Wuerfel Park could be just what the home team needs!

Read 2007 Season Preview at the Record Eagle

The NFL Draft - I am in a NFL Draft contest again this year (last year I got 1 right) and I have absolutely no idea who is going where. The Lions have many options and they have to wait to see what the Raiders are going to do before they can get really serious about the draft. I like the Lions to trade down to #4 and then get Gaines Adams. It’s the position they need the most and Adams appears to be an impact player. Read Dan Wetzel’s column The misadventures of Millen if you want to laugh and be scared at the same time!

Maggs - Is it me, or is Magglio Ordonez quietly having a great start to 2007. He’s first on the Tigers in RBI’s, 2B’s, Runs, OBP, SLG & OPS, and he’s second in HR’s and BA, but no one’s talking about him. This is the Maggs that people weren’t sure we would ever see again, but he appears to be healthy and back to normal. I now it’s early, but Maggs playing like this is huge as Sheffield and the bottom of the order struggle.

Wings vs. Sharks - The Wings are in for a tough series, that should go seven games, and I like there chances with home-ice. They struggled against the Sharks during the regular season, losing 3 of 4, but they played two very solid games to finish off Calgary and will hopefully carry that momentum into tonight’s game. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost tonight either. It’s just going to be that kind of series.

Pistons vs. Magic - If Detroit is going to lose one, tonight’s the night. I just don’t see it happening. I think they will sweep the Magic and get some rest for the Bulls. Chicago is going to be the toughest team (and series) in the Eastern Conference.

High School Baseball - If you aren’t busy on Saturday, head over to Wuerfel Park to watch Lake Leelanau St. Mary take part in the inaugural Beach Bums Division 3 & 4 Invitational Tournament. The Eagles face Traverse City St. Francis at 10 AM, followed by Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart and Gaylord St. Mary’s at noon. A consolation and championship game will follow. Tickets are $5 for the entire day, and let me tell you Wuerfel Park is not a bad place to watch a game!

Random Stuff - Could less people be excited that Barry Bonds is now at 741 home runs? Seriously, no one cares outside of San Francisco. There’s not much better than Fantasy Baseball. Winning or losing, it’s just fun! I can’t wait for the Beach Bums season to start, it was exciting (and well played) baseball to watch last summer, and I look for more of the same as the Bums have added some good talent along with their “new” coach! Lots of people have Drew Stanton going very high in the draft, and I think be a good pick and could be a legitimate starter in the NFL!

Traverse City Beach Bums broadcaster Chad Cooper is moving to affiliated baseball after accepting a position with the Vero Beach Devil Rays of the Florida State League. Cooper was the Frontier League Broadcaster of the Year in 2005. This will be his eighth season in professional broadcasting.

“When people ask me what my ultimate career goals are, I would tell them that I was no different from the players in the Frontier League,” said Cooper. “I want to be a Major League broadcaster and this is a large step in trying to achieve that goal.”

Read Cooper moves to affiliated broadcasting at TCBeachBums.com
Read A Letter to the fans, from Chad Cooper at TCBeachBums.com
Visit the Vero Beach Devil Rays Official Site at VBDRays.com

Beach Bums begin search for new manager

Photo by John L. Russell

Jeff Isom turned the the Traverse City Beach Bums first season success into a shot in the big leagues. Isom is the new manager of the Helena Brewers in the Pioneer League. Helana is an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Isom led the Beach Bums to a 57-39 record in their first season.

The Beach Bums will hold interviews over the next few weeks and hope to have a new manager in place by the end of March.

Read Jeff Isom moves on to affiliated baseball at TCBeachBums.com

Northern Michigan baseball fans will get the chance to enjoy the Beach Bums at home or on the road as The Fox has once again signed on as the official home of Beach Bums radio broadcasts. I know I found myself listening to quite a few games and Chad Cooper, voice of the Beach Bums, does a great job at play-by-play. It didn’t hurt that the Beach Bums were also very competitive either! Here’s the details…

Providing the Beach Bums with over 120,000 watts of coverage between their simulcast feeds on 94.3 in Traverse City; 92.5 in Atlanta, Alpena and Petoskey; and 95.5 on the beach in Petoskey, The Fox gives the Beach Bums the 11th largest coverage area in all of minor league baseball.

“We’re excited to work with The Fox again in 2007,” said Beach Bums CEO and Managing Partner John Wuerfel, “We felt that being on The Fox last season really helped to enhance our radius for a fan base last season and we want to keep that growing to make sure that the Beach Bums are truly Northern Michigan’s team.”

I was blown away that the Beach Bums have the 11th largest coverage area in all of minor league baseball. That’s very impressive! The Wuerfel family has delivered on their promise of baseball in Traverse City and make it enjoyable for the entire family. If you haven’t been to a game yet, go in 2007 and see what you ‘ve been missing.

Read Beach Bums & The Fox partner up again in 2007 at TCBeachBums.com

For the latest Beach Bums news, visit their official site at www.TCBeachBums.com.

Photo courtesy of the Beach Bums

The Traverse City Beach Bums Baseball Academy is set to host two Northern Michigan Baseball Showcases at Wuerfel Park on Friday, June 22nd, 2007 and Saturday, June 23rd, 2007.

Here’s what the showcases are all about…

The Showcases will be an opportunity for the best high school baseball players in all of Northern Michigan to get in front of college coaches and professional scouts, who will be invited to the event from throughout the Midwest.

For more information Academy or Showcases, contact Director Jason Wuerfel at jason@tcbeachbums.com.

Read Northern Michigan Showcases Announced at the Beach Bums Academy’s Official Website

Lots of fun was had at the last Traverse City Beach Bums game of the season as the Bums scored six runs in the first inning and held off the Windy City Thunderbolts 8-4. In the process the Beach Bums set a first-year record for victories with 57 and passed the 200,000 mark for attendance, finishing with 203,574. Another great fireworks display was put on after the game as well!

“Actually, it was pretty emotional out there tonight,” said Bums infielder Nick Batkoski, who had two hits. “From the very first day, Ice (manager Jeff Isom) set the tone and said we’re going to be one of the best teams in the league. We didn’t make the playoffs, but we certainly were one of the best teams.

“To break the record for the most wins by a first-year franchise and be able to play in front of these fans — breaking 200,000 — what more can you say?”

The Beach Bums also were named East Division Organization of the year and Tony Casoli was named Pitcher of the Year.

Thanks for a wonderful (and fun) season!

Read A banner year for Bums in the Record Eagle