WINNIPEG GOLDEYES DAILY CLIPPINGS

THURSDAY, JULY 30 th , 2020

- AA Success Noticed by Other Leagues—Winnipeg Free Press (Taylor Allen), 7/30/20 - Canadian Crouse: It’s ‘Pretty Special’ to be Playing—Winnipeg Sun, 7/30/20 - Too Wet to Play—Winnipeg Sun, 7/30/20 - Wednesday’s Game Suspended, Two Contests Thursday—Winnipeg Goldeyes (Steve Schuster), 7/29/20 - Dogs and Goldeyes Suspended Due to Rain—Chicago Dogs (Sam Brief), 7/29/20 - Goldeyes Accept Unusual Circumstances of Season—Winnipeg Sun, 7/29/20 - For One Goldeye, Being at Home on Road an Adjustment—Winnipeg sun, 7/28/20 - Kash Beauchamp Interview (Audio Link)—TSN 1290 (Darin Bauming), 7/27/20 - Goldeyes Dominating Both Sides of Running Game—Winnipeg Sun, 7/26/20

AA SUCCESS NOTICED BY OTHER LEAGUES TAYLOR ALLEN – WINNIPEG FREE PRESS – THURSDAY, JULY 30 th The excitement surrounding Major League ’s opening day last week has quickly vanished.

All it took was four days for a team, the Miami Marlins, to suffer a COVID-19 outbreak and put the remainder of the season in question. It was announced Tuesday afternoon the Marlins have 19 people, players and coaches, who have tested positive for the virus, forcing the MLB to put Miami’s season on pause.

Unlike the NBA and NHL, MLB didn’t go for the bubble approach as teams have been travelling around the country to play games in empty ballparks. The strategy was criticized by many from the start and Miami’s situation has only added fuel to the fire.

But, on the flip side of the coin, there’s the American Association, which may be proving that pro sports can work outside the confines of a bubble.

The AA is nearly a month into its shortened 60-game season and the Winnipeg Goldeyes and the other five teams competing this summer have yet to have a major scare.

The league cut the teams in half and is running with a six-team loop that’s based out of four hub cities: Franklin, Wis. (Milwaukee Milkmen), Sioux Falls, S.D. (Sioux Falls Canaries), Fargo, N.D. (Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks) and Rosemont, Ill. (Chicago Dogs). Fans are allowed at the games but ballparks can only operate at half capacity while ensuring physical distancing.

The Goldeyes aren’t hitting dingers at Shaw Park these days as their home base for the 2020 campaign is Fargo’s Newman Outdoor Field.

"Well, I think we’re proving them wrong so far," said AA commissioner Joshua Schaub on those who doubt pro sports leagues can survive without a bubble. Schaub spoke to the Free Press over the phone on Tuesday.

"And then we keep our fingers crossed because obviously we could have the same situation as ," Schaub said. "The reality is, we’re probably gonna have to live with this virus for a long time and even though you’re in a bubble, it’s clearly not proven to be totally foolproof. We’re doing everything we can to provide safety for our players. The reality is, I just went to a grocery store and I’m not sure that’s not more dangerous than what our players are doing on a day-to-day basis in a lot of respects.

"Now obviously we have some different hiccups because we travel, but we’ve done everything we could regarding that travel to also make it safe and then we’re providing testing which is much more than what many essential workers are getting out there and yet they’re going out on the job every day and performing their duties."

The AA has drastically cut back on travel as teams like the Goldeyes play 42 of their games in their hub with the other 18 coming on the road. While the league has reduced the risk, it doesn’t mean things have been perfect as there were players in training camp as well as a couple during the regular season that have contracted the virus. Players are generally tested once a week. "I think things are going as well as they possibly could at this point," said Schaub.

"We always knew we would have COVID-positive cases and we have, but we’ve managed them. I think we’ve managed them exactly how our protocols dictated and as we anticipated. I think the players have done a fantastic job at following protocol."

Independent baseball has never been known for sell-out crowds, but even considering that, people aren’t exactly coming out of the woodwork to catch games this summer.

The average attendance between the six clubs is 843 fans. When the Goldeyes are the home team at Newman Outdoor Field, they’re averaging a league-worst 303 fans.

The AA might not grab headlines, but other leagues, and sports, have taken notice. Baseball, soccer and hockey leagues have reached out to the AA for some advice during these trying times.

"I’ve had quite a few commissioners give me a call," Schaub said.

"You know, commissioners throughout the country do talk often, but many are calling me asking about protocols, asking about our learning experiences. I’ve even had some brief conversations with Major League Baseball regarding some of the things we went through ahead of them starting their season. They’re fairly inquisitive about our fan experience because ultimately I think Major League Baseball wants to bring fans back."

CANADIAN CROUSE: IT’S ‘PRETTY SPECIAL TO BE PLAYING WINNIPEG SUN – THURSDAY, JULY 30 th During their series this week in Chicago, the Goldeyes are facing one of Canada’s most talented players.

Michael Crouse is his 12th season of , and has been a member of the Canadian National Team since 2008.

The well-traveled Crouse has played games in Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Peru, and has averaged 93 runs scored, 28 doubles, 19 home runs, 79 RBI, and 47 stolen bases per 162 games during his career.

The 2020 season has been fraught with uncertainty, but like many of the Goldeyes’ players, the New Westminster, B.C. native just appreciates the chance to be playing right now.

“Every opening day, I get nervous,” Crouse said. “I’ve got to find my legs again. I’ve got to find my way in the box. It was a little different this year because we only had one week of spring training, and didn’t play any games. It’s been good here in Chicago. The field is gorgeous. We’re all doing our part to keep this league going. Knowing that we’re one of the only teams playing in North America, it’s pretty cool and pretty special.”

Crouse helped Team Canada to their Silver Medal finish at last summer’s Pan-Am Games in Lima, Peru. In 2011, a 20-year-old Crouse was part of the National squad that captured the Pan-Am Gold Medal in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Fellow Canadians Wes Darvill, , Dylan Rheault, and Evan Grills have all played for the Goldeyes this season.

“I’ll see a guy like Wes Darvill in the off-season in Vancouver, but other than that, I really don’t get a chance to see the rest of the guys until we meet up with Team Canada,” said Crouse. “It’s a special bond that we have as teammates, and there’s a respect factor when we play each other on different teams.”

The 2020 Olympics have been pushed back a year, but Canada still has a chance to grab one of the final spots in the baseball competition. And while the COVID-19 situation may have an effect, the 2021 is still scheduled to take place. Crouse has had nothing but positive experiences playing for his country.

“The first time I wore the Maple Leaf, I was 17 years old,” Crouse said. “They really break down the history of the guys (that came before us). The veterans do a good job of continuing that legacy and bringing in the right guys to maintain that positive energy. When you step between the lines, your ego has to go out the window. You’re playing for Canada first.

“It’s such a magical experience,” Crouse added. “I wish that everyone could play for their country at some point. I’m fortunate because we have less players in Canada playing professional baseball, but every time I get the call from or , I have a big smile on my face. They’re big tournaments that mean a lot for our standings, and there are usually medals involved. It’s playoff baseball every single time we strap that thing on.”

Darvill and Crouse grew up just over 30 kilometres apart. The fourth-year Goldeye recalls Crouse’s athletic prowess being evident at a young age. Crouse’s father, Ray, was a running back for both the Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions, and played all 16 games for the 1984 Green Bay Packers.

“He was a phenomenal athlete growing up,” said Darvill, who is from Langley, B.C. “He was a great football player, as well as a great baseball player. He’s doing a lot of great things back in Vancouver right now with a baseball facility, giving back to the community and continuing to grow the game in British Columbia.”

Both Darvill and Crouse have lauded the camaraderie fostered within the Team Canada clubhouse. The roster composition ranges from teenagers like Crouse when he was younger, all the way up to players in their late-30s such as former Major Leaguers and . Crouse says that despite the age gap, there is no locker room hierarchy. Everyone is focused on one thing.

“When you’re dealing with a lot of veteran guys, it’s easy for them to look down upon the younger guys just because they haven’t reached the level that they have gotten to,” Crouse said. “But with Team Canada, it doesn’t come close to that. Our veterans look after the rookies and treat them like it’s their own (team). There’s a big respect factor from the veterans to the rookies and middle-ground guys. We know that we’re all competing for the same thing, so it’s an amazing clubhouse, and everyone knows what they have to do when they strap that jersey on. You’ve got to win.”

TOO WET TO PLAY WINNIPEG SUN – THURSDAY, JULY 30 th The game between the Winnipeg Goldeyes and Chicago Dogs on Wednesday was suspended due to rain.

The game was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning when rain came.

The game resumes tonight at 5:05 p.m. and is scheduled for nine innings. Thursday’s originally scheduled game will follow, and has been shortened to seven innings.

WEDNESDAY’S GAME SUSPENDED, TWO CONTESTS THURSDAY STEVE SCHUSTER – WINNIPEG GOLDEYES – WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 th ROSEMONT, IL – Wednesday night’s game between the Winnipeg Goldeyes and Chicago Dogs was suspended due to rain.

The game was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning when heavy rains forced a delay. Wednesday’s game will resume at 5:05 p.m. Thursday evening and play out a full nine innings. Thursday’s originally scheduled contest will follow, and has been shortened to seven innings.

Kevin Lachance led off the game with a double, took third on a lineout to right from Darnell Sweeney, and scored the game’s first run on a wild pitch.

The Dogs tied the game in the bottom of the first on a two-out, RBI double from KC Hobson.

Thursday’s double header can be heard locally on 93.7 FM CJNU and worldwide at www.cjnu.ca Coverage begins at 4:30 p.m.

For information on Goldeyes’ merchandise and 2021 season tickets, visit the Goldeyes’ official website at www.goldeyes.com

DOGS AND GOLDEYES SUSPENDED DUE TO RAIN SAM BRIEF – CHICAGO DOGS – WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 th ROSEMONT, Ill. — Severe weather suspended Wednesday’s game between the Chicago Dogs and Winnipeg Goldeyes in the bottom of the second inning. With the Dogs and Goldeyes tied at one, the skies opened up, forcing the delay.

The teams will resume with a doubleheader tomorrow evening, starting at 5:05 p.m. CDT. When play picks up, Blake Allemand will be batting for Chicago, with no outs and a 1-1 count in the bottom of the second inning.

GOLDEYES ACCEPT UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF SEASON WINNIPEG SUN – WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 th Locker room cohesiveness is critical in any sport, but enjoying the company of one another is especially important for the Winnipeg Goldeyes who, by the end of the summer, will have spent 70-plus days together without having a true home.

Since the club reported for spring training in late-June, it was evident the 2020 Goldeyes not only accepted, but embraced the unusual circumstances. Much of that positivity stemmed from knowing they were—and still are—one of only six minor professional teams with the opportunity to wear a jersey.

“We’ve got a good group of guys,” manager Rick Forney said. “They’re appreciative of the opportunity to play. You can tell they are career-oriented. They come in here and work every day. They don’t take days off and are working on some things daily. If they’re not comfortable, they’re in there working.

As the weather begins heating up, it’s not uncommon for Forney to make on-field batting practice optional. There are even days where batting practice isn’t scheduled at all as a means of allowing players’ bodies to recover from the rigours of a professional schedule.

That hasn’t stopped the Goldeyes from showing up to the field early to work on their skills.

“They’re wearing (hitting ) Kash (Beauchamp) out in the cage,” said Forney. “Same thing goes for the defensive part of our team. They work hard on their defence every day. Something like that goes unnoticed by a lot of people, but If they feel like they can be doing a better job, then they work at it.”

Last week, Kyle Martin, who is arguably the best defensive first baseman in the American Association, was taking early groundballs at Newman Outdoor Field from Forney while other hitters worked with Beauchamp in the indoor batting cage.

“It’s definitely crazy times, but I’m grateful to be playing,” said Goldeyes infielder Kevin Lachance. “I’m enjoying it so far and it’s been fun. I like this group of guys. We’re very laid back and easy-going, and I think that starts up top with Rick. He’s a pretty laid back guy. I enjoy playing for him.”

Lachance is another student-of-the-game type who will exhaust every minute of his time at the ball park to improve as a player. The Clifton, Va., native is one of the younger players on the Goldeyes’ roster, but his work ethic has fit right in with how his teammates have gone about their business.

“(Rick) lets guys do what they need, what each guy needs individually,” Lachance said. “The group of guys has been awesome. It’s a pretty veteran group. We just show up, get our work in, and do things the right way. It’s been a lot of fun playing with them.”

FOR ONE GOLDEYE, BEING AT HOME ON ROAD AN ADJUSTMENT WINNIPEG SUN – TUESDAY, JULY 28 th The Goldeyes have now played nine “home” games at Newman Outdoor Field, including six against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.

As is the case when the St. Paul Saints are the home team in the Sioux Falls hub, the Goldeyes are treated to additional benefits beyond simply having the final at-bat.

The home team always takes outdoor batting practice first (usually 4 p.m. for a standard 7 p.m. first pitch) and receives early priority in the indoor cages. The PA announcers at both Newman Outdoor Field and Sioux Falls Stadium have provided enthusiasm for the Goldeyes and Saints typically reserved for the hosts. Players also step into the batter’s box or onto the ’s mound to a personally chosen walk-out song.

Having won five games in a row, the Goldeyes are hoping they are beginning to their stride on the field as the 2020 season approaches the halfway point. At least one member of the Fish, though, is still getting used to his temporary home.

“The last two days, I’ve completely forgotten that we were the home team,” Goldeyes infielder Kevin Lachance said over the weekend. “I’m usually one of the first ones here, so it wasn’t a huge deal. I was thinking that our times for batting practice and the cage were messed up. (Friday), I was out there stretching for the game thinking I’m leading off and batting in the top of the first, and then realized in time (Winnipeg was batting second).

RARE SWEEP The Goldeyes served as the home team on the scoreboard this past weekend, but their three-game sweep of the RedHawks still took place at Newman Outdoor Field. The last time the Goldeyes swept the RedHawks in North Dakota was July of 2014.

The ball park formerly known as “The Nest” has not been particularly kind to the Goldeyes over the past quarter century. The RedHawks remain one of independent baseball’s elite franchises, and Winnipeg entered the 2020 season with a 73-97 (.429) all-time record at Newman Outdoor Field.

BACK TO CUMPTON Former major leaguer Brandon Cumpton will make his second start for the Goldeyes on Wednesday night. The 31-year-old held the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to two earned runs over four innings in the nightcap of last Thursday’s doubleheader. Cumpton walked none and struck out three with a power sinker that touched 94 m.p.h.

The Goldeyes scored in each of the first five innings en route to an 8-4 win. Cumpton exited with the lead, but took a no-decision. Starting are still required to pitch at least five innings to qualify for the win, even in the shortened seven-inning contests of doubleheaders.

“I thought he looked really good,” Goldeyes manager Rick Forney said. “The ball came out of his hand well. We had some long half-innings on the offensive side where he had to sit in the dugout a little bit. (Fargo-Moorhead) was also using a bullpen for the seven-inning game, which means they made some pitching changes which also lengthened his stay in the dugout. If it was a normal game with a little more pace between innings, I’m pretty sure he would have gotten through five at least. He threw the ball well.”

Cumpton threw just 70 pitches during his four innings.

Goldeyes starting pitchers have issued two walks or fewer in 16 consecutive games, six of which saw zero free passes.

UP NEXT The Goldeyes open a three-game series against the Chicago Dogs tonight. First pitch from Impact Field is at 7:05 p.m. Mitchell Lambson takes on former major-league right-hander Eddie Butler. The game can be heard live on 93.7 FM.

AUDIO: KASH BEAUCHAMP INTERVIEW DARIN BAUMING – TSN 1290 – MONDAY, JULY 27 th LINK (interview begins at 48:23): https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/the-don-vito-roundtable-july-27th-2020-1.1500455

GOLDEYES DOMINATING BOTH SIDS OF RUNNING GAME WINNIPEG SUN – SUNDAY, JULY 26 th After one-third of the 2020 American Association season, the Winnipeg Goldeyes are dominating both sides of the running game.

The Goldeyes entered Saturday’s game against Fargo-Moorhead leading the American Association in runs scored, and the club’s baserunning has played a major role. The Goldeyes also pace the league with 27 stolen bases, which have come at a 71% success rate.

“It’s important for us as an offence to do some things with our legs,” said Goldeyes’ manager Rick Forney. “It doesn’t always equate to a , but it’s led to some runs. We’ve put some pressure on the pitcher, , and opposing defence.”

During the opener of Thursday’s double header, Wes Darvill took off for second base in a scoreless game. Darvill would have been safe regardless, but his stolen base attempt forced an errant throw by RedHawks catcher Blake Grant-Parks that went into centre field. Such overthrows usually allow the runner one additional base, but Darvill quickly scrambled to his feet and managed his way to home plate in a game the Goldeyes ultimately won 2-1.

“There have been a lot of situations where we’re putting a guy in motion,” Forney said. “We hit a groundball and they record the out at first, but if we don’t have that guy in motion, it’s a double play of a force out at second. Next thing you know, the next guy’s getting a base hit and scoring that runner from second base. We don’t want to be stagnant and playing station-to-station. We want to be active with our legs, and aggressive going first to third on base hits. If you’re a good base running team, then you can score yourself an extra run or two a night.”

Eight different Goldeyes players have at least one stolen base. As one would expect based on their resumes, speedsters like Darnell Sweeney, Kevin Lachance, and Darvill have been a big part of the Goldeyes’ baserunning success. But Winnipeg is also getting contributions from less likely candidates. First baseman Kyle Martin, outfielder Logan Hill, and catcher Roy Morales have accounted for 10 steals using their baseball IQ to identify vulnerable pitcher-catcher combinations.

What’s been equally impressive is the lack of stolen bases against the Goldeyes’ defence.

Entering Saturday, there were just three stolen base attempts against Goldeyes’ batteries all season. Milwaukee’s defence had the next fewest with 12 attempts against, while the remaining four teams were well north of 20.

The opposition’s lack of running is largely attributed to the catching tandem of John Nester and Morales, both of whom were American Association All- Stars in 2019. Nester cut down 44% of base stealers in 2015 while playing for Wichita, which ranks as the fourth-highest mark in league history.

“It’s a respect thing,” Forney said on the reputation of his . “I think there are some pitchers on our staff that you can run against, but the opposition knows that we have two formidable guys behind the plate that, if given the opportunity, they throw really, really well. That’s a respect thing, and both of them are doing a good job for us.”