(nearly) Wordless Thursday

From Rapids official photog, John Bradley.

THE RAPS WANT YOU!!!!

Blog exclusive

Hey, sometimes it pays to read the Unofficial Ottawa Rapids blog!  I received this invite by email today:

Hey Ottawa Baseball Fans!

We’re going to be at Brewer Park on Saturday May 10^th filming an episode of Road Grill, the traveling BBQ television show.  Our host, 2-time Grey Cup Champion, Matt Dunigan, and his Grill Team will be cooking up delicious food for our audience to sample. 

Come and be a part of our audience and you’ll have the chance to win some great Baseball prize packs.  The Parkwood Hills Softball Association Heart & Stroke Charity Tournament will be taking place so they’ll be some ball to watch, a great cause to support, and free food and prizes. 

We are there from 9-6 but we currently have a slot for readers of the Unofficial Ottawa Rapids Blog from 10AM – 1PM. 

Email: mwhitehead@knight-tv.com to reserve your spot in the audience. 

BBQ & Baseball!  Nothing is better then that!

You can read a little more about the Road Grill show here. Don’t forget to RSVP at the above email address.

“Something Ottawa’s never seen before.”

For someone who is by his own admission, not comfortable in front of the media, Rapids GM Don Charrette seems to be finding his rhythm. Here’s the interview he gave to the Carleton School of Journalism a few weeks back.  Don does a very nice job, and gives us a good idea of what’s coming up and what to expect from the Raps in 2008.

Filling out the roster

Just a quick note for this afternoon/evening - from the Can-AM League’s official website, Ottawa’s claimed infielder Abner Arroyo from the Sioux Falls Canaries of the American Association (Indy).  More on Arroyo to come.  And speaking of “filling out” - Sussex has acquired FLP, Walter Young.  Walter reportedly tips the Toledos at 320+ lbs and is quite possibly the heaviest player in all of professional baseball.  Atlantic City was rumored to be in the running for Young’s services, until Surf stadium and league officials became concerned about the structural integrity of a clubhouse that also included Cecil Fielder. 

More later.

Shooting the Rapids? - UPDATED

Just a quick post today on a rumor that won’t go away.  There is growing speculation that uber-photographer, John Bradley will be joining the Raps as their official photographer.  This would be an absolutely stellar addition to the roster.  Mr. Bradley was kind enough to send over a timely photo that was missing from my collection - FLP and current member of the Raps roster, Napoleon Calzado:

Napoleon Calzado, 2006 Ottawa Lynx (Photo courtesy John G. Bradley)

*** UPDATE ***

GM, Don Charrette has confirmed the rumor:  John Bradley will “shoot the Rapids” in 2008!

Vacancy?

I confess that I don’t check the Rapids website as often as I probably should. I did look today, just to see how things have changed and updated and this caught my eye:

The Ottawa Rapids Baseball Club is in need of housing for our players arriving in early May.

The Ottawa Rapids are looking for people in the community who have, or know of anyone in Ottawa who has an apartment to rent or sublet or a room available for the summer. The Rapids players arrive in early May and will be looking for places to live during the season. Finding housing in Ottawa is a difficult task, and for our players who are renting for only four months, it can be even tougher. The Rapids are looking for housing leads that we can pass on to the players as they arrive. If you have any leads or information on housing, please e-mail me at the address below. Thank you for your help, and we look forward to our inaugural season of Rapids baseball in 2008!

François Marchand

Director of Media & Public Relations

Ottawa Rapids Baseball Club

(613) 747-5969 Ext. 242

fmarchand@baseballottawa.com

Couple of things to note here. First up, I believe that some of the younger players (e.g. rookie age) may want to billet with families for the season. I expect that Francois would be able to confirm that if anyone is interested in that option. Second, I note that Mr. Marchand’s job title has changed to Director of Media & Public Relations. Good move on the Rapids part.

Congratulations Francois!

 

 

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              

                                                                                         (Photo credit: Rebekah Kiiffner)