Newsletter - Gameday Baseball

Issue 1, Vol. 1
Newsletter
Gameday Line Up
• Thank You
• Governor’s Conference
• A Strong Comeback
• 2008 Event Schedule
• Healthy Kids
• Coaches Corner
• Spotlight Sponsors
• Pre-Season Workouts
• Gameday Players
Thank You From Gameday
On behalf of all the staff at Gameday Baseball,
I would like to personally thank all of you that
have participated with us this year. 2007 has
been a banner year for our complex. Over
1000 teams played with us in our second year
of operation. We hosted college baseball, a
TSSAA high school regional, five world series
events and 20 regular weekend tournaments.
We have truly been blessed with undoubtedly
one of the finest youth baseball complexes in
the country. We offer covered stands on every
field, stadium seating on four fields, and fans
in every dugout. Throughout the complex we
have T-10 Bermuda on every field and common
area. Every field is meticulously manicured
with sub-surface drainage. We have the only
youth complex in this area with tarpaulins.
While other complexes worry about rain, we
play. Finally, our Grizzlies Den offers fans a
chance to get out of the heat and enjoy a full
Governor’s Conference Awards
The inaugural Great Ideas! Fair was held Sept. 19 – 21, during the
Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Chattanooga. During
the fair, participants from the Tennessee Association of Conventions and
Visitors Bureaus (TACVB), the Tennessee Attractions Association (TTA),
the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association (THLA), and the Tennessee
Restaurants Association (TRA) submitted entries into four categories:
Marketing & Promotions, Festivals & Events, Tourism Leadership, and
Community Awareness.
Gameday Baseball, in partnership with
Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau,
took home the award in the Festivals & Events
Category. Gameday Baseball’s First Tennessee
Fields complex serves teams from the MidSouth, and teams and visitors from across the
country. The 2007 Governor’s Conference was
the first conference in which the complex had
taken part.
“Gameday Baseball will move Memphis to
the forefront over a lot of other cities out there
soliciting events. With these facilities, we
know we can attract events and guests to our
city that will mean millions of dollars to our local economy.”
Malvin Gipson - National Sales Director of the Memphis Sports Council
Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau.
menu while watching their team play on one
of two fields or their favorite MLB game on
TV. We look forward to seeing you again in
2008.
Joe Platt
Director of Operations
A Strong Comeback
After the tremendous set back of losing it’s Developer and President,
Mark Neel, in May of this year, First Tennessee Fields & Gameday
Baseball, have responded in an extraordinary way.
Significant enhancements and financial investments have been made to
the complex including new bullpen and pro-style warm-up areas, sod
repair from the Summer’s extreme heat, an improved and more “user
friendly” website and Gameday Concierge services. The 2008 schedule
will be on the website at www.gamedaybaseball.com when it debuts in
November. Coaches can register their teams ages 7 – 18. Multiple World
Series events will also be held at First Tennnessee Fields to round out an
exciting 2008 season.
Our Gameday Concierge, by Peak Management, provides hospitality
services for our out-of-town teams to better meet their needs while in the
Memphis area. Hotels, attractions, rental cars, team meals and catering
may be booked in advance. Gameday Baseball is delighted to offer the
most cost-effective, conveniently located hotels to our guests.
In July Gameday’s ownership named Leigh Fox as the new President
of Gameday Baseball. Joe Platt continues to serve as the Director of
Operations of the complex with his dedicated team.
The Cordova Development Group is working on Phase II of the Gameday
Sportsplex featuring hotels, restaurants and other sporting venues across
from the baseball complex on Fischer Steel Road. Questions concerning
or interest in the Gameday Sportsplex project should be directed to Frank
Fitzgerald at 901-853-4770.
Page 2
Newsletter
Tentative 2008 Event Schedule
Feb 16 - 17
March 7 - 9
March 14 - 16
March 22
March 28 - 30
April 4 - 6
April 11 - 13
April 18 - 20
April 25 - 27
May 2 - 4
May 9 - 11
May 16 - 18
May 22 - 26
May 29 - June 1
June 6 - 8
June 13 - 15
Gameday Winter Warm-Up
First TN Opening Weekend
St. Patrick’s Shamrock Showdown
Gameday Double Play (One Day)
Sonic Blast I
Rumble on the River
Gameday “Jackpot” I Weekend
Gameday “Jackpot” II Weekend
Sonic Blast II
Cinco de Mayo Weekend
Mother’s Day Spring Swing
Memphis Madness
Back Yard Burger Memorial Day Bash
All Shook Up Summer Slam
Gameday Invitational
Gameday Invitational
June 20 - 22
June 23 - 26
June 27 - 29
June 30 - July 5
June 30 - July 5
July 6 - 12
July 8 - 13
July 13 - 20
July 20 - 27
July 27 - Aug 3
Sept 13 - 14
Sept 27 - 28
Oct 11 - 12
Oct 17 - 19
Gameday Invitational
FCA World Series
TBA
Best Baseball Classic (16U & 18U)
TBA
TBA
Best Baseball 16U World Series
World Series Event
World Series Event
World Series Event
Back to School Battle
Gameday Baseball Fall Fling
“Going Yard” Wood Bat Classic
Gameday Benefit Weekend
Spring League Sign-Ups...Coming Soon...Call Sandy Dean at (901) 531.7410
Healthy Kids Living Healthy Lives
Being healthy as a child has
a great impact on someone
being a healthy adult. The
reverse can also be true.
The goal of the Gameday
Healthy Kids Foundation
is to educate and empower
children to make wise
choices, eat healthy and
be involved in athletic
activities on a regular basis.
We are excited to announce
the next Mark H. Neel Memorial Healthy Kids ‘Home Run’ Clinic
is on Saturday, October 20, 2007, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. These
are free clinics offered to children ages 6-12. Last year, we held
three similar clinics at First Tennessee Fields as part of the Healthy
Memphis Common Table Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Initiative.
Approximately 300 young people were able to attend. These clinics
provide the opportunity to
present nutritional, fitness
and sports instruction
in a high energy and
fun atmosphere. We
offer a “healthy lifestyle
screening” for participants
and family members as
well as printed material
focusing on obesity
prevention and wellness.
Fresh produce and healthy
food and beverage options are available to
participants.
Athletes & coaches from area high
schools and colleges & local businessmen
and women volunteered their time to
ensure a successful event. Among the
dignitaries who were able to attend the
clinics to offer their support were Mayor
A.C. Wharton, Memphis City Council
members Marilynn Loeffel, E.C. Jones
and Scott McCormick, Dr. Marion Levy
of the University of Memphis, Dr. Art
Sutherland of Sutherland Cardiology
Clinic, Denise Bollheimer & Al Wooten
of Healthy Memphis Common Table, and Tom Wong, the Boys &
Girls Club of Memphis.
This year we hope to again
impact more than 300
children to commit to a
healthier lifestyle.
If you are interested
in partnering with the
Gameday - Healthy Kids
Foundation please contact
us at eleighfox@aol.com
Gameday Healthy
Kids Foundation
Page 3
Newsletter
Coaches’ Corner - Off-Season Workout
Although most young baseball players are also playing other sports,
it is very important to spend as much time during the off-season
as possible working on certain aspects of your game. Sometimes it
can be the simple things that will make you more successful in the
upcoming season. In this segment of
Coaches’ Corner we will describe a
few drills that every young baseball
player can work on during the offseason that will help them become better
in the future. Hitters are constantly
told that they need to work on their
swing which is not wrong, however,
specific instructions should be given.
First, before discussing your swing we
should explain that what you do before
you swing is more important than the
swing itself. This is also known as your
“load” or your “one”. How you get
there or your stance is wherever you are
comfortable as long as you have ample plate coverage. You should
get in front of a mirror and practice your “load” or your “one” in
multiple sets of ten, taking your time and trying to repeat the same
approach time after time. We often ask our students, how many
ways do you tie your shoes, and the answer is usually one. That has
become a good habit that can be repeated without thought. That is
Spotlight on the Sponsors
the same thing we are trying to accomplish
with our approach at the plate. When we get
up during the game to hit we should not be
thinking about how we are going to do it but
more about seeing the ball and reacting to
it. Once you have created a constant “load”
or “one” we are then ready to try to become
consistant with our swing. Balance is the
most common word used in all athletics. In
hitting the baseball it’s no different. The ability
to repeat your swing with balance is more
important than seeing how hard you can swing.
The next drill is to take your time and break
your swing into two parts. It is simple as one-two. As we described
earlier your “one” is your stride and load and your, “two” is your
swing. As you begin this part, you are going to get your “one” first
very deliberately and then you will go to “two” which is taking your
swing. You want to swing down with your front foot closed and your
back foot pivoted with your back heel pointed to the sky. Remember
balance is the key both when you start and finish. Work hard during
the off-season to create good habits and you will get results in the
spring.
Good Luck
Tim Dulin
Pre-Season Workouts
2 - 20
hours
$60 / hr
Firestone Complete Auto Care has 15 locations in the
Memphis area and 2 in Jackson TN to fulfill all of your
automotive needs in western TN. We invite you to visit our
new locations at Hacks Cross/Winchester in Memphis and
on Vann Drive in Jackson TN! Our Teammates deliver their
Promise to Care while striving to maintain our #1 status in
the market!
Firestone Complete Auto Care takes pride in supporting local
organizations and is very proud to be a part of the Gameday
Baseball family of sponsors!
Thanks for your continued support and we look forward to
seeing you soon!
Jeff Masse
District Manager
22 - 40
hours
$50 / hr
42+ hrs.
$40 / hr
All practice times are two hour blocks. This
pricing is good for day or night practice.
Call Joe Platt to book your practice time
now. (901) 531-7410 Ext. 2.
Page 4
Why drag a cooler when you can ride a...
C
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Gameday Players
• Ghost River Associates
Web Development & Consulting
www.ghostriver.com
• Starbucks
970 N. Germantown Pkwy or
465 N Germantown Pkwy
Electric 500 Watt
Motorized Cooler
$524.00
24, 12oz. can
capacity + ice
Please call
(901) 277-8627
Check local laws & regulations to see
where you can ride your scooter legally.
T-shirts, Shorts, Wristbands, Key Chains
Bring in this Coupon to our
Gift Shop & Receive 10% Off
Already Reduced Merchandise
Sunglasses, Picture Frames,
Necklaces, Purses
• Serenity Day Spa
(901) 751-4004
761 Walnut Knoll Lane
Cordova, TN 38018
www.serenitydayspaofmemphis.com
Electric 300 Watt
Motorized Cooler
$374.00
Jibbits, Bracelets
• Building Maintenance Specialist
Todd Pope
(901) 679-8318
Thanks to our 07’ Sponsors
Back Yard Burger
Budget Rent A Car
Campbell Clinic
Cellular South
Conway Services
Eclectica
Firestone
First Tennessee
Juice Plus
Lenny’s
Linkous Construction
Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
Outback Steakhouse
Pat Patterson Volvo
Perkins Restaurants
Providential Fabricators
Putt Putt Golf & Games
Saint Francis Healthcare - Memphis/Bartlett
Serenity Day Spa
Sonic
Terminix
Thomas & Betts
TruGreen
Wolfchase Toyota
901.531.7410
7800 Fischer Steel Road
Cordova, TN
Cook Up Cash
Fundraising
Raise money for trips, uniforms,
camp, equipment and more.
You keep 50% of sales!
www.cookupc a s h . c o m
Have a Ball!!
with
home of
First Tennessee Fields
Plan your party in the
Clubhouse or the
Grizzlies Den
Call (901) 277-8627
Printable Coupon Page
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Golf & Games Family Park
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Lighted Golf Range - Concession Area
Special Rates for Groups of 15 or More
901.388.5314
www.golfandgamesmemphis.com
5484 Summer Avenue • Memphis, TN 38134
Does your car smell like the team?!?
Kenny’s
Mobile
Detail
No address needed. We come to you!!!
901.219.8074
With A Little Help From Our Teammates!
Business Cards • Letterheads • Envelopes • Brochures & More
366-PEST
366-7378
P.O. Box 751894
Memphis, TN 38175-1894
1740 N. Germantown Pkwy.
Suite #8 • Cordova, TN
Tennessee
(901) 753-8657
www.tennesseesportszone.com
This certificate entitles
you to enjoy
20% Off
any single item
Great Holiday Gifts for the Sports Fans in the Family!!!
Coupon excludes sale items!
Memphis Children’s Clinic
announces their newest location in
Olive Branch
at 9860 East Goodman Road
and still here for you at
Bartlett, Germantown, Kirby,
Southaven & Whitehaven
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Buy any entree at the regular price,
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Collierville, TN
(901) 854-9940
255 N. Byhalia Rd, Suite 103
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(901) 756-1770
1641 N. Germantown Road
One Coupon Per Order • Limited Delivery Area • Minimum Delivery Required
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PROUDLY SUPPORTS
Healthy Kids Foundation