GOLDEYES Notebook

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/05/2015 (3270 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Babies on deck

WHILE the Goldeyes could well be making a playoff push come August, a couple of Goldeyes’ partners might be making a winning push of their own.

August is set to be a mini baby boom, with slugger C.J. Ziegler and pitcher Nick Hernandez each expecting the birth of their first child. Get this: Ziegler’s girlfriend and Hernandez’ wife are due just four days apart.

“I met C.J. when I got here a couple of days ago, and he told me his news,” Hernandez said. “I was like, ‘Really?’ It’s going to be fun, it’s exciting, but you never know. The baby could come at any point, I guess. I’m just hoping my wife makes it through everything OK.”

Before Hernandez headed up to Winnipeg from his home in Tennessee, the pitcher and his wife worked overtime to get everything prepared for their son’s arrival. They’ve even picked out a name: Jase Nicholas, which Hernandez swears was not inspired by Duck Dynasty star Jase Robertson.

Here’s hoping Jase decides to, ahem, stay in the dugout until a day his daddy isn’t slated to start. Just in case, Hernandez has already deputized Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilyea to keep watch over his phone.

“I said… ‘If a 615 number is calling, I need you to answer that and make sure everything’s OK, if I’m out there pitching,’ ” Hernandez said with a grin. “It’s one of those things you think you can prepare for, but it could happen at any time.”

 

New tastes on concourse

SHAW Park concourse concessions went through a roster shuffle of their own in the off-season. Chicken Delight struck out, and in its place the Goldeyes are bringing in some promising new recruits, including a sushi stall from Mooshiro and a new Clay Oven concourse location.

The Goldeyes had a sushi restaurant about five years ago, and staff said they’ve fielded regular inquiries about getting another one up and running.

Another swap sees Tim Hortons replacing Robin’s, and Tim’s products will be sold at every concourse bar and Goldie’s Grill. Bodegoes, a popular spot for Thai-inspired noodle boxes, is also expanding to add a fish ‘n’ chips option.

Meanwhile, the Fish levelled and paved the old grass berm along the first base line. In its place, they’re opening a new, 100-seat patio to host larger groups. Goldeyes staff said bookings for the new patio have already been brisk at $1,200 a game. When it isn’t booked, it will be open for anyone to use.

 

More replay options for fans

FANS in the stands will have an easier time reliving the thrill of the play this season, as the Goldeyes overhaul their big screen capabilities.

After the team hits the road later this week for their annual southern swing, crews will begin installing a new digital switching system in the press-box production office. The new system will let staff switch more quickly between camera views, including a new outfield camera.

The best part, assistant GM Regan Katz said, is they’ll be able to show more replays on the screen behind centre field — something fans have been vocal about wanting. In monetary terms? The investment is “significant,” Katz said after a long pause and a laugh. “It’s been something we’ve been trying to do for quite some time, and it was one we decided this is the year to take on.”