Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Go Frogs!!!
Third Annual NBUA Night at the Aquasox

By Brian Gooch

The Northwest Baseball Umpires have had a very great relationship with the Aquasox baseball team since its inception. In appreciation, the Aquasox is inviting each NBUA member and a guest to the Aug. 3 game vs. Vancouver free of charge.

The team was formerly an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and we enjoyed the same relationship then. NBUA has supplied backup umpires for them during illness, vacations, and other various situations. As you all know minor league baseball at this level is the start for players to showcase their talent. The Aquasox have been a premier part of this for many years.  

The Aquasox recognize the fact that the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association has been the premier umpire group in the Northwest, and in fact Washington, for the past 40 years or more. The Northwest has produced dozens of pro players through the years, many of which played for the Aquasox. We also produced hundreds of Division 1 college players. Therefore, they have decided to honor us for the part we have played in this development. Sure, umpires are to walk on the field and off unnoticed, but make no mistake about it. You are a very important part of the game and are usually appreciated.

Brian Sloan, the General Manager of the Aquasox, has dedicated an entire section of the stadium for the NBUA. He will be holding up to FOUR HUNDRED seats in our name at absolutely no cost to you. They will have a roster of ours at the entrance of the stadium.   Each umpire and one guest will be admitted free. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR PHOTO ID. We have a few umpires in the Northwest League, perhaps one will be working this series. I'm sure they will send us their schedule.

The game is Sunday, August 3, 4:05 p.m. vs. Vancouver. The gates open at 3 p.m. and Dan Wilson will be there to sign autographs for 45 minutes. You can buy extra tickets if you wish to bring family and friends. Please put this date aside so we can have a super party of our own at the ball park. The stadium fills up quickly so let us know if you are going to be able to attend.   Last year we had about 80-90 attend, let's try and double it this year! You can look up the website at www.aquasox.com and preview the team. They have a great concession stand and a great team store as well. Looking forward to seeing you at the ball Park on August 3.

Please RSVP by emailing me at moverguy100@msn.com