Muttnik's Meditations

Being a MoonDog. . .

2010-07-27T09:58:00.006-05:00

Everyone thinks I've got it sooo BARKeasy being a dog. All I have to do is lie around all day and wait for baseball games to start. Well that part is true, and I do love baseball and being around all the fans, especially the kids!

But have you thought about how hard it is to get myself dressed? I don't even have opposable thumbs! Do you have any idea BARKhow hard it is to button up my jersey or put on my collar? Now that you've thought about that, remember I still have to tie my shoes too!

I'm not complaining, life as a dog is great. Life as a MoonDog is even better! I get to watch all the baseball I want, kids ALWAYS want to play, and I can occasionally sneak some food off the table in the dog pound or loft!

I'm sad to say the season is starting to wind down and there are only a handful of games left. So please be sure to come see me at The Frank real soon, before I head off for school at K9 TLC in North Mankato for the fall.

Here's a list of our remaining games and the promotions for each one! Be sure to give me a hug and take a picture when you come out!

JULY

29th

Minnesota Twins Night presented by KTOE. Appearances by Twins mascot TC Bear, Wally "The Beerman", Sue Nelson, the Twins organist and a Minnesota Twins player.

31st

Star Wars Night presented by KXLP! Special appearances from all your favorite Star Wars characters.

AUGUST

1st

MoonDogs Baseball Card Night presented by Sport Pix and Z99. The first 500 kids receive a free pack of MoonDogs trading cards.

2nd

Pioneer Bank Hat Giveaway. The first 500 fans receive a MoonDogs hat courtesy of Pioneer Bank.

9th

Back to School Night presented by Capstone Publishing and Hot 96.7. First 400 kids receive a free book.

10th

Vikings Night! Come celebrate Vikings Training camp. Hopefully we will know who is playing quarterback by that time! Presented by KXLP.

12th

MinnStar Bank Baseball Giveaway. The first 400 kids receive a free MoonDogs glow in the dark logo baseball.

13th

State Farm Night - First 200 kids get baseball hackie sacks, first 200 adults get can koozies and all fans receive thunder sticks.

14th

MoonDogs Jersey Giveaway presented by Crystal Valley Co-op and 105.5 The River. First 500 fans get a replica MoonDogs jersey.

15th

Mystery Promotion Night. Not even we know what's going to happen.

16th

Fan Appreciation Night Presented by Charter Communications and Three Eagles Communications. First 1,000 fans get MoonDogs hand clappers courtesy of Charter. Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza.

I'll leave you with this: I, like all dogs, can't stand it if someone blows in my face, but I love sticking my head out of the window on car rides!

Player Interviews

2010-07-06T14:33:00.004-05:00

Hey MoonDog fans, I'm back and soon enough we'll be on a winning streak! Our friends stay busy playing ball but I managed to wrangle (like the Cowboy Monkey, Whiplash!) a few up to BARKinterview!

It turns out that they've never been interviewed by a dog before, and although none of them said it was their favorite experience of the summer, I know it was. Troy Larson (Minnesota) said his favorite baseball memory came earlier this year with the University of Minnesota when "we made it to regionals by winning the Big 10 conference and the Big 10 tournament." Sounds like a great time!

Danny Miller (Minnesota State) said that his favorite MoonDogs BARKmemory was "When Tim Griffin (Pulaski Mariners) threw his no-hitter." The near unanimous answer when asked who is the funniest MoonDog was Chase Joiner (Memphis).

Another unanimous answer? When asked what their favorite pet's name was, all the players said - MUTTNIK!! Maybe the weBARKirdest or funniest thing any MoonDog does. . . Jim Stokes (Elon) listens to Justin Bieber and the Jonas Brothers on his iPod!

Tonight at 5:30 we'll resume our suspended game with the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, and after a 20 minute break between games to get the fieBARKld ready, we'll start a second game which will be seven innings. Be sure to stick around after the game as Whiplash, the Cowboy Monkey will be herding sheep while riding a dog! - Could you spend $6 any better than that?

After the game the guys will head to Willmar to play two games before returning home on July 9th for the MoonDogs Team Poster presented by Northstar Aviation. The first 750 fans will receive a free MoonDogs team poster! Starting the 9th the MoonDogs will have nine home games in 10 days, for all the information on the games and your favorite MoonDogs check out our web page at: www.mankatomoondogs.com

We'll see you at The Frank!

Who Wants to Play?

2010-06-24T10:12:00.005-05:00

I hate road trips! Not only did they kick me off the bus, apparently they didn't like me keeping the window down for the entire ride, but I don't have anyone left to play with!

The MoonDogs have been on the road a ton this month, 17 away games in fact, and when they're gone, I can't stand it! I mean sure, I know how to feed myself, read, watch TV, type, and I watch all of our games streamed on the computer, but I still want someone here to play with me!

But I've got some good news! We're at home for two more games this month, and 16 more home games in July!!! Yipeeeeeeeeee!!! I can't wait for those MoonDogs to get home and scratch my ears and belly and head, then we'll play a game of catch. . . They always say fetch though. . .

Once we get our boys back home, I know we'll start winning again. All this time on the road, away from their best friend (that's me!) just isn't good for any of us, so come back home fellas! We'll play games, sing songs, and then you can play baseball and I'll run around the crowd!

They'll be back in just a few days, Saturday in fact! It's Dora 'The Explorer' night too! I won't be the only mascot, and there will be tons of kids too! YES!! Remember gates open at 6:05 and the MoonDogs start their game at 7:05, Dora is even going to throw out the first pitch! And Sunday is Think Pink Night! I hope I get a pink jersey and hat too, just like the players!

Tom Kelly, Ryan Demmin, and a MoonDogs Victory!

2010-06-03T10:53:00.008-05:00

Well MoonDogs fans, WEEEEEE'RRRRRRREEEEEEEE BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCKKKKK!!!

Finally! After what feels like BARK forever (9 months for humans = 5.5 Dog years), the MoonDogs were back in action! A little rain in the morning just helped to prepare the field for the great Twins BARK manager, Tom Kelly.

Before the game, everyone got to hear Owner and President Joe Schwei speak before, Front Office Executive of the Year, BARK Kyle Mrozek spoke and introduced the great Tom Kelly. Affectionately called T.K., the World Series Champion Manager threw a perfect strike, on the perfect night, for the perfect team, in front of perfect fans (2011 of them to be exact)!!!

The game was great! MoonBARKDogs starter, Ryan Demmin pitched 7.1 innings, allowed three hits, and gave up two free passes, while he struck out 12! Demmin picked up the win, Chase Joiner came in and slammed the door closed striking out two, while picking up the save.

Up next, the Dogs will head to Rochester for two games BARK, Alexandria for two more, and finally Duluth on June 7th and 8th. After that the Dogs return home for a three game homestand against Thunder Bay, the Border Cats BARK GRRR BARK (cats do this to me). Wednesday, June 9th, we'll giveaway 1,000 magnet schedules, thanks to TCF and The Fan. On BARK June 10th, the first 500 youth fans will receive a MoonDogs mini-bat courtesy of Subway, and on June 11th, with thanks to Nicollet County & Blue Earth County Pork Producers, the MN Pork Board, and Minnesota 93, the first 400 youth fans will get a freeBARK Pig Webkinz, while those 18 and older will be enter to win a flat screen TV!

Can't stand to miss a game? Go to Rochester and root us on! BARK!

Can't make it to Rochester? Log onto www.mankatomoondogs.com and click on the LISTEN LIVE link on the right, and follow that by click on MANKATO MOONDOGS link on the left, lastly click VIEW LIVE EVENT!

Let's go MoonDogs! BARK!

Start the season already!!!

2010-05-20T09:59:00.003-05:00

Welcome to another Meditation MoonDogs fans! I've been looking over our roster and cannot help but feel excited for the upcoming season, I want them to start playing now! This year we've got three players from MSU, Ryan Demmin who is the single season ERA holder for the MoonDogs, after posting an ERA of 1.36 in 2009. Blake Schwartz who carried the MSU pitching staff with 3.79 ERA, while posting 10 victories, and Danny Miller who hit .338 and stole 14 bases with the Mavericks and set the MoonDogs record for walks in a season in 2009. MSU is currently on it's way to the Division 2 College World Series, to play Southern Indiana, in Cary, North Carolina. GOOD LUCK MOONDOGS!

On top of the Mavericks on their way we also have a Gopher! A gopher as a Dog? That's right! Two year MoonDogs star Troy Larson. Larson, after spending last season in the infield, will spend a considerable amount of time in the outfield, all the while trying to lead the MoonDogs to their THIRD CONSECUTIVE PLAYOFF APPEARANCE!

Also joining the Dogs for the summer includes returnee Jacob Petricka. Petricka, who was coming off an injury while with the club last season, is throwing in the upper 90s (98 mph) this season and is a potential first round draft pick. Also returning is 5'11 Lefty, Alex Burgos. Burgos has dominated in his two years of juco ball at the State College of Florida, and was a more than valuable asset for our Dogs last season.

Among our MANY standout hitters during the regular season were two catchers. Jeremy Rodriguez hit over .400 with Cal-State Bakersfield, while Ben Heath from Penn State his over .370 with 15 doubles and 18 bombs, while knocking in 55 runs. Along with Heath and Rodriguez, six other MoonDogs hit over .350 this season, including; Cody Fick of Evansville (.352), Mike McQuillan of Iowa(.355), Brian Barnett from Nevada (.362), Cole Kraft from UW-Milwaukee (.354), Robby Ort of Idiana State (.360), and Nick Bartelone from Chatbot College (.369).

HALF (8) of the MoonDogs 16 position players hit over .350 this year, needless to say. . .
LET'S START THE SEASON ALREADY!!

For a look at all the MoonDogs, head over to

www.mankatomoondogs.com

Best MoonDogs Promotional Schedule EVER

2010-05-19T09:34:00.002-05:00

(Mankato, MN) – The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League is proud to announce the 2010 promotional schedule. The MoonDogs home opener, which is Wednesday, June 2nd at 7:05 PM, will be presented by Wealth Enhancement and highlighted with an appearance by Tom Kelly and a post-game fireworks show!

The 2010 promotional schedule is packed with giveaways, entertainment acts and fireworks! Fans will see many of their favorite promotional events and many new ones that are not to be missed.

The month of June is full of great events that are sure to pack the Frank. One of the newest and most exciting events is the Pig Webkinz giveaway on June 11th. The night is presented by the Pork Producers of Nicollet County and Blue Earth, along with the Minnesota Pork Board. First 400 youth fans will receive their very own Pig Webkinz to take home. Also, all adult fans 18 and older get the chance to win a flat screen TV.

The fun continues in June with many other great promotions. Other June promos include: a TCF Bank magnet schedule, Subway mini-bat giveaway, Girls Night Out, Dora, and Think Pink Night. The second annual Think Pink night will be on June 27th and is presented by Liv Aveda Salon and Spa, Mankato Clinic, and Denco Lighting. All the players will wear pink uniforms that will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

July’s promotions will pack the Frank all month long! We start off the month by celebrating America’s Independence a few days early with a post-game fireworks show on July 2nd. The fun continues with two special appearances at The Frank. The first must-see event is on July 5th, when Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey makes his debut appearance in Mankato. He will take pictures with fans and herd sheep on the field after the game. The second July appearance is sure to be the talk of the town! On July 15th, the MoonDogs and Buster’s Bar welcome the tiniest division of the KISS Army, Mini-KISS! They will make an appearance at the Frank and the fun will continue with a post-game concert at Buster’s.

Other July events include Bark in the Park, North Star Aviation team poster, HickoryTech shirt giveaway, ZOOperstars, Twins Night and Star Wars night.

The MoonDogs finish off the 2010 promotional schedule with an exciting August lineup. August is the month of giveaways! August giveaway events include: Sport Pix trading card giveaway, Pioneer Bank Hat giveaway, MinnStar Baseball giveaway and Crystal Valley Co-op jersey giveaway. The regular season ends with Charter Fan Appreciation Night on August 16th, which is highlighted with a post-game fireworks show. The full lineup of promotions is listed below.

The Mankato MoonDogs 2010 Season and Home Opener is set for Wednesday, June 2 at 7:05 PM against the defending Northwoods League Champion Rochester Honkers. Single-game tickets are on sale now so fans can purchase tickets for any promotional night on the schedule. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mankatomoondogs.com, at the MoonDogs new office which is located at 1221 Caledonia Street or by phone at 507-625-7047.

2010 MoonDogs Promotional Schedule

June

2nd Opening Night presented by Wealth Enhancement Group featuring World Champion Twins Manager Tom Kelly and special appearance by Wally “The Beer Man”. Post-game Fireworks Extravaganza.

9th Magnet Schedule Night presented by TCF Bank and The Fan. The first 1,000 fans receive a free 2010 MoonDogs magnet schedule. Waseca Night.

10th Subway Mini-Bat Giveaway. The first 500 youth fans get a MoonDogs mini-bat courtesy of Subway. New Ulm Night.

11th Pig Webkinz giveaway presented by Nicollet County & Blue Earth Pork Producers, the MN Pork Board and Minnesota 93. First 400 youth fans. All adults 18 and over have a chance to win a flat screen TV.

18th MAYBA/MAGFA NIGHT. All kids wearing their MAYBA or MAGFA jerseys get in free!

19th Girls’ Night Out presented by Z99. First 250 female fans get a coupon book filled with great offers from local businesses! Flowers, massages, and more for that lucky lady in your life! All ladies 18 and older get in free!

20th Father’s Day Celebration. The park will open early for dads and their kids to play catch on the field. Faith Night #1. All faith groups of 20 or more get a discounted ticket rate.

21st Dollar Dog Night presented by Hormel.

26th Dora “The Explorer” presented by Charter Communications. Nickelodeon character Dora “The Explorer” makes an appearance at The Frank to pose for photographs.

27th Think Pink Night presented by Liv Aveda Salon & Spa, Mankato Clinic, Denco Lighting & Country 103.5. MoonDogs help raise breast cancer awareness by wearing pink jerseys and hats that will be auctioned off throughout the night with proceeds going to a local Susan G Komen team.

JULY

2nd Fireworks Extravaganza! Come celebrate Independence Day early at The Frank.

5th Bark in the Park presented by Country 103.5. Any fan that brings their dog to the game gets in free. BENCHS fundraising.

6th Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey sponsored by Hot 96! Whiplash the Dog Riding Cowboy will be on hand to take pictures with fans and herd sheep after the game. Le Sueur Night.

9th MoonDogs Team Poster presented by Northstar Aviation. The first 750 fans receive a free MoonDogs team poster

10th Mascot Olympics. Come watch local mascots compete against Muttnik to be the best mascot in Mankato.

12th Salute to the Disco Demolition presented by PrintWear Graphics! A groovy 70’s celebration with tie dye jerseys. Wear your tie dye get in for free. St. Peter Night.

13th HickoryTech T-shirt Giveaway. The first 500 fans receive a free MoonDogs T-shirt courtesy of HickoryTech and Minnesota 93.

14th Daycare Day! Senior Day! All seniors get in for just $1

15th Buster’s and The Blaze presents Mini-KISS. Appearance at the Frank and post game concert at Buster’s featuring the tiniest division of the KISS Army, Mini-KISS!

16th Angie’s Kettle Corn presents Salute to Popcorn. First 300 fans get a bag of Angie’s Kettle Corn. Come celebrate Orville Redenbacher’s birthday at The Frank.

17th Summer St. Patty’s Day! Green beer, green bases and green jerseys. MoonDogs Go Bragh!
Boy Scouts Night.

18th Baseball Bat Giveaway presented by the US Army and KXLP. The first 400 kids receive a full size MoonDogs baseball bat. Faith Night #2.

23rd Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union and KEYC present The ZOOperstars National Entertainment Act. Minor League baseball’s #1 entertainment act!

25th Farm Bureau Night. First 400 fans get a Farm Bureau reusable shopping bag.

29th Minnesota Twins Night presented by KTOE. Appearances by Twins mascot TC Bear, Wally “The Beerman”, Sue Nelson, the Twins organist and a Minnesota Twins player.

31st Star Wars Night presented by KXLP! Special appearances from all your favorite Star Wars characters.

AUGUST

1st MoonDogs Baseball Card Night presented by Sport Pix and Z99. The first 500 kids receive a free pack of MoonDogs trading cards.

2nd Pioneer Bank Hat Giveaway. The first 500 fans receive a MoonDogs hat courtesy of Pioneer Bank.

9th Back to School Night presented by Capstone Publishing and Hot 96.7. First 400 kids receive a free book.

10th Vikings Night! Come celebrate Vikings Training camp. Hopefully we will know who is playing quarterback by that time!

12th MinnStar Bank Baseball Giveaway. The first 400 kids receive a free MoonDogs glow in the dark logo baseball.

13th State Farm Night – First 200 kids get baseball hackie sacks, first 200 adults get can koozies and all fans receive thunder sticks.

14th MoonDogs Jersey Giveaway presented by Crystal Valley Co-op and 105.5 The River. First 500 fans get a replica MoonDogs jersey.

15th Mystery Promotion Night. Not even we know what’s going to happen.

16th Fan Appreciation Night presented by Charter Communications and Three Eagles Communications. First 1000 fans get MoonDogs hand clappers courtesy of Charter. Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza.

CAN"T WAIT!

2010-04-27T16:38:00.002-05:00

Hey MoonDogs Fans!

I can't wait to get the season started! Single game tickets go on sale Saturday, May, 1st!!

The reason for the blog this time though is to let you all know that we'll be trying something different with my blog this summer. . .

But they put a muzzle on me, so stay tuned for an update soon!

-Muttnik

My How The Time Flies!

2009-07-07T13:30:00.002-05:00

Your favorite mascot Muttnik has decided to drop by and write about his birthday, the season thus far and other musings!

~ ~ ~

Hey MoonDogs fans! Muttnik here, checking in for the first time on my very own blog, woohoo!
First off, I would like to say RrrUFff (edit: dog for thank you) for everybody that came out on my fourth birthday 0n July 3rd. While four years may not seem that long to all you humans that read this blog, im actually around 30 in Doggie years....grrRR yiiPP iiRk (edit: dog for: Man I'm old!). But don't think that age is getting to me fans, I'm not slowing down at all! I'll continue to be out at the Frank cheering on the MoonDogs, playing with kids, getting into trouble and of course, dancing to the YMCA!

I have to say that my favorite part of the night was the dance-off. My mascot buddies sure brought some good moves out to the park. That darn Wiley the Y guy (Edit: the owl mascot) sure was a hoot, showing off with the splits...Even though I could've won easily, I felt that my buddies needed their spirits boosted a bit by letting them believe they are the best dancers in town. We all know Muttnik breaks it down like none other! Sign me up for Dancing with the Stars!!! First canine winner ever, guranteed!

Oh, and for all you haters out there 'doggin' me for my first pitch, I got one word for ya...bAArrK (edit: dog talk for: PAWS!)! You try throwing strikes consistently without opposable thumbs, IT CAN'T BE DONE!!!!

But most importantly how about the real show on the field, your MoonDogs! I can't remember (edit: literally he can't remember because dogs lack the ability to remember or anticipate events) when the MoonDogs have played better! This team can pitch, hit, field, play fetch with me, rub my belly better than any MoonDog team ever (edit: he literally cannot remember any other MoonDog team because of his canine-impaired memory).

Right now I'm missing the boys as I'm told they are on the road...GET BACK HOME SOON, MUTTNIK NEEDS HIS MOONDOGS!

Until the next home game, grrRowr rrt Yiip ror BARRK (Edit: See you at the Frank!)

Muttnik, #K9

~~~

Editor's note:
The MoonDogs will be back at home Friday thru MonDay for two-games with first half South Division champion Eau Claire and one game with Rochester. Friday is trading card night, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Saturday is the Lunch Box giveaway, sponsored by KDOG and Sunday is Faith Night #2! The whole staff looks forward to seeing everybody out at The Frank. Muttnik would to, but as we have established, he has no ability to think into the future

Demmin Reflects on MoonDogs' Experience

2009-06-10T14:01:00.008-05:00

Second year starting pitcher Ryan Demmin recently took some time out of his busy schedule to write a blog entry looking back on his first year with the team and the changes he's noticed in himself from then to now. The Wisconsin-Oshkosh star also notes his newfound leadership role.

- - - - - - - -

My second season with the MoonDogs has come with a lot of challenges, but also good times with the new coaching staff and players.

My experiences last year were amazing. Getting the chance to play with D-1 players at such a high level of competition was a total 180 from what I was use to at the college level. Playing at this level really boosted my confidence as a baseball player and made me realize that the coaches and MoonDogs staff saw my potential both as a baseball player and as a person. Without knowing what to expect last year, I came into the season with the mentality of whatever happens, happens. When I had the opportunity to throw I just had to prove myself against better competition. With all the intelligent players and coaches I encountered, I made sure to take notes and learn from everyone who was teaching me the skills that were needed to succeed.

Now with my second season, I feel like I have to help the first year players along so they know what to do and how to act in front of the fans on the road. I feel that there is a responsibility amongst the returning players to lead the team and teach the rookie players how to approach the game as individuals and as a team.

Tonight's Game 6/8/2009

2009-06-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

As of right now, tonight's game is on as scheduled. Check our website www.mankatomoondogs.com for any updates throughout the day.

2 for 1 Tonight at The Frank

2009-06-03T09:25:00.002-05:00

Friday's suspended game will begin at 6:05 PM (Gates open at 5:05), with tonight's regularly scheduled game to begin approximately 20-30 mins later. Tickets will be good for both games, and if you still have your ticket stubs from Friday, they can be exchanged for tickets to tonight's game. Good seats still remain for tonight's game, hope to see everyone at The Frank tonight!!

GO MOONDOGS!!

Home Opener 2009!!

2009-05-29T08:55:00.002-05:00

The Home Opener is finally here!! Your Mankato MoonDogs take on the Rochester Honkers at 7:05 PM at Franklin Rogers Park. Get your tickets, and come out to the Frank to enjoy some MoonDogs baseball, and an awesome fireworks display after the game.

Go MoonDogs!!

Opening Day 2009!!

2009-05-28T10:53:00.001-05:00

Opening Day of the 2009 Northwoods League season is finally here...MoonDogs at Rochester 7:05 PM!!

GO MOONDOGS!!

Welcome!!

2009-05-01T16:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Official Blog of the Mankato MoonDogs...