18 Dec 2014

BANDITS ANNOUNCE 2015 GAME TIMES, NEW TICKET PLANS

By Marco LaNave

Packages on sale for plans of 12 to 70 home games, group outings at Modern Woodmen Park

DAVENPORT, Iowa (December 17, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits announced on Wednesday their 70 home game times for the 2015 Midwest League season, as well as new ticket plans now available for purchase. The River Bandits will kick off the season Saturday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m. with the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program, and the team's first home game will be at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Modern Woodmen Park.

The quickest, most affordable and flexible way to get River Bandits tickets for the 2015 season is with a ticket plan. After hosting a stadium-record average of 3,885 fans per game and winning the award for the nation's Best Ballpark Improvement from Ballpark Digest for the fourth time in seven seasons, the River Bandits are offering a new set of ticket plans - ranging from 12-game mini-packs to 70-game, full-season plans - that all come with unbeatable savings on tickets, free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaway items and more. The River Bandits will also again offer 10-ticket voucher books, with options for lower box, upper box or general admission seating. All the new packages for 2015 are on sale now by calling the River Bandits front office at Modern Woodmen Park at 563-324-3000.

"Our new ticket plans are just the beginning of the rewards for people across the region who gave their record-setting support to the River Bandits last season," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "With the improvements and promotions we are planning for 2015, our fans will enjoy even more value with the same affordable prices that make the game day experience at Modern Woodmen Park so memorable - along with the most liberal ticket exchange policy around!"

Individual tickets are scheduled to go on sale during spring training and will again range from $6 to $14 on game day, with the option to save $1 per ticket by purchasing online or in advance of the day of the game. For ticket plan holders, the more you buy the more you save. The savings begin at 15 percent off the gate price with a 12-game mini-plan. They save 20 percent with an 18-game, quarter-season plan, 25 percent with a 35-game, half-season plan, and 30 percent with a 70-game, full-season plan.

Ticket plan pricing information, as well as the 2015 River Bandits group outing guide and a full River Bandits game schedule, are available at www.riverbandits.com. Group outing dates and areas - including the new fireplace deck, new birthday room, private luxury suites, Budweiser Champions Club, Pepsi Loge Boxes, backyard deck, right field deck and party plaza - can be reserved for next season by calling 563-324-3000.

"Our fans can again find ticket plans and group outing options that are convenient and flexible for a wide range of individuals, families, friends, businesses, organizations and other groups," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "With our loyal ticket holders and groups already locking in their tickets for next season, Opening Day seems a very short time away."

During the 2015 season, weekday (Monday through Friday) home games will normally begin at 7:00 p.m. Three 11:00 a.m. weekday games will be Tuesday, April 28, Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13 - when the River Bandits host schools participating in the Book Buddies reading program. The Memorial Day game will begin at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, May 25, and games will start at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, and Monday, July 20. All other weekday games are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park.

All Saturday home games will again begin at 6:00 p.m. during the 2015 season. Sunday home games will be at 1:15 p.m., with the exceptions of 5:15 p.m. games on three Sundays - July 12, July 19 and Aug. 2. On game days at Modern Woodmen Park, gates will open 60 minutes before each scheduled start time.

The 2015 River Bandits home schedule includes home games on five holiday weekends - including Mother's Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Father's Day Weekend, Fourth of July Weekend and Labor Day Weekend. The home finale is Friday, Sept. 4, with the Midwest League regular season concluding Monday, Sept. 7. The Midwest League playoffs are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.

UP NEXT: Save money and enjoy exclusive benefits as a ticket plan holder for the 2015 River Bandits season at Modern Woodmen Park. With a ticket plan of 12 to 70 games, receive free parking, merchandise discounts, guaranteed giveaways and more. Call 563-324-3000 to speak with a River Bandits account representative and lock in seats for the upcoming season.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

*****



18 Nov 2014

BANDITS CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS WITH GREAT DEALS

By Marco LaNave
Cyber Monday has amusements and merchandise specials; Stocking Stuffers, ticket packs to go on sale
DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 18, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits will bring the baseball season's greetings to the upcoming holidays, with several ways to spread the joy, including merchandise and amusement special offerings on Cyber Monday, Dec. 1, Holiday Ticket Packs available through Dec. 10, and Holiday Stocking Stuffers on sale through Dec. 19.
Cyber Monday, Dec. 1, includes a one-day special for season-long amusements passes. A pass for unlimited rides - including the award-winning Ferris wheel, zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and Mediacom Drop'N Twist - will be $39 (separate baseball ticket admission required on game days) - savings of more than 40 percent off the regular unlimited-ride pass price.
Also on Monday, Dec. 1, for one day only, the online team store will have special offers at riverbandits.com/banditwear. Customers may choose either free shipping on an order over $100 (using the promo code CYBERSHIP) or choose to receive a 20 percent discount on an order (using the promo code CYBER20).
The Cyber Monday specials will only be available from midnight until 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, Dec. 1.
Now through Dec. 10, fans may also choose from two Holiday Ticket Packs. One package includes four box seats and four Ferris wheel ride tickets for any 2015 River Bandits home game, as well as a Rascal Holiday Gnome and a limited edition River Bandits sweater T-shirt, all for just $49 plus shipping. Another package includes a book of 10 upper box seat vouchers for any 2015 River Bandits home games, a Rascal Holiday Gnome and two River Bandits sweater T-shirts for $99 plus shipping.
The holiday season continues with team store specials through Friday, Dec. 19. A Holiday Stocking Stuffer package is just $40 and includes a River Bandits pennant, a River Bandits logo ball, a stuffed plush of River Bandits mascot Rascal, baseball card sets from the 2012 and 2014 seasons, and a $10 gift card to the River Bandits team store - for a total package value of $50.
Also through Dec. 19, gift cards of a $25 value or more can be purchased with no shipping costs. The gift cards can be redeemed in the ballpark or over the phone for merchandise purchases only.
More information and links to take advantage of the specials are available by visiting riverbandits.com or calling 563-324-3000.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
17 Nov 2014

Kids, show us your talent: Design a new River Bandits baseball!

By Marco LaNave
Now is your chance to submit an idea for a baseball that the River Bandits can sell in the team store! Kids 14 and under can show off their artistic skills in our Design-A-Baseball contest. Five finalists will be chosen and their designs will be voted on by the fans with the winner's design being manufactured into a real ball. The entry form is available here. For any questions, contact Jen Adamczyk. More »
17 Nov 2014

BANDITS FULFILL $50,000 PLEDGE TO GENESIS FOUNDATION

By Marco LaNave
A portion from each of 68,000 amusement rides last season will benefit health initiatives for children
DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 12, 2014) - Fulfilling a pledge made for the inaugural season of the Ferris wheel and other amusements at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits and Main Street Amusements on Wednesday presented a $50,000 donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation. Dave Heller, owner of the River Bandits, presented the check to Ken Croken, Genesis Health System Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Advocacy, during a press conference Wednesday at Modern Woodmen Park.
With a portion from each of 68,000 rides of the new amusements this season at Modern Woodmen Park - including the 105-foot Ferris wheel, the expanded 300-foot zip line, Space Camp gyroscope and the Mediacom Drop'N Twist - the donation will benefit Genesis Health Services Foundation health initiatives for children, including the Flu-Free Quad Cities campaign, Camp Genesis for kids who have someone close to them with cancer and Genesis Neonatal Intensive Care services to help struggling newborn babies.
"The River Bandits belong to the people of the Quad Cities, and a big part of our mission is to make a positive and lasting impact across this great community," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "When both of my sons were born, they had to spend time in the neo-natal intensive care unit. Fortunately, we were able to afford such care. My hope is that, with this donation, needy families throughout our region will be able to come to Genesis and get the care they need when they need it. We are so grateful for all of the support we receive every day from Quad Cities families and we are delighted to be able to give back in a big way to help others in our community."
"By their conduct here, the Quad Cities River Bandits and their owner, Mr. Dave Heller, have helped define corporate social responsibility for our community," said Ken Croken, vice president of corporate communications, Genesis Health System.
On May 24, with an Inaugural Ferris Wheel Ride event and fundraiser, the Quad Cities River Bandits became the first team in Minor League Baseball to open a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. Towering 105 feet above the playing field, the Ferris wheel was part of the debut for a full lineup of amusements that opened every weekend, including non-game days, for the Quad Cities community to enjoy through November 1. The Ferris wheel was named Monday as the Best Ballpark Improvement in all of baseball for the 2014 season by Ballpark Digest. It followed a year in which Modern Woodmen Park drew its largest average attendance - 3,885 per game - in the history of the 83-year-old ballpark.
"The success and recognition the amusements have brought to this community has been exciting, but it is most gratifying when our success makes such a positive difference in the lives of Quad Cities families in need," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "This season's donation to the Genesis Health Services Foundation is another example of the strong partnerships we are blessed to have in the Quad Cities community."
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
11 Sep 2014

HAWKEYES PLAY SUNDAY AT MODERN WOOMEN PARK

By Marco LaNave
Fans can enjoy $2 drinks and $5 tickets; amusements will also operate when gates open at 1 p.m.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 9, 2014) - Baseball season is not yet over at Modern Woodmen Park, as the Iowa Hawkeyes will play a 2 p.m. game Sunday at the Best Minor League Ballpark, where admission will be just $5, and fans can enjoy a combination of Thirst-Day Thursday and Family Sunday promotions - including $2 beers, pops and peanuts, dogs welcome to attend the game for Bark in the Park, and postgame Kids Run the Bases.
Gates open at 1 p.m. Sunday, and amusements will also operate when the Hawkeyes play their first game since 2011 at Modern Woodmen Park and open their fall schedule against the Ontario Blue Jays, one of Canada's top-ranked amateur baseball programs.
"The Quad Cities is proud to be Hawkeye Country, and we are delighted for the people of this great community to be the very first to see the Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team in action this fall," said Quad Cities River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Fans will be able to enjoy a great day at America's best minor league ballpark and watch their favorite college team while enjoying $2 beers and pops all day long!"
All individual tickets for Sundays game are just $5 each, while groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for just $3 each. All seating is first-come, first-served. Suite rentals for Sunday's game are $200 each.  Tickets are available by calling the Modern Woodmen Park box office at 563-324-3000. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Friday and starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday. At Sunday's game, parking in the lots adjacent to Modern Woodmen Park will be free.
Amusements will operate for Sunday's game, as well as the usual September weekend hours on Friday (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
The Hawkeyes finished 30-23 overall last spring, posting a 10-14 record in the Big Ten Conference. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays were 12-6-5 over the 2014 season. The 2013 Ontario Blue Jays team featured 23 players who later committed to play collegiate baseball, including 19 at the NCAA Division I level.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
02 Sep 2014

BANDITS SET NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD IN 2014

By Marco LaNave

Per-game average of 3,885 is highest in 55-year history of the Quad Cities Midwest League franchise

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 31, 2014) - An average of 3,885 fans per game attended Quad Cities River Bandits home games at Modern Woodmen Park this season, setting a new record for the highest per-game average for a season in the 55-year history of the Quad Cities Midwest League franchise.

The 2014 season also saw five of the 11 largest single-game home crowds - all 7,089 or larger - for the Quad Cities franchise since the start of the 2002 season. The new per-game average record was achieved despite weather postponing nine River Bandits home games - the most for any Midwest League team in six years.

"We are thrilled and humbled by the unyielding support of all of the fans who came to Modern Woodmen Park this season," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "This record is even more meaningful because our fans endured record rain and flooding, when entire parking lots and parts of our play area were underwater, and people had to walk as much as a mile to get to the ballpark. That's just one of the many hundreds of reasons why we are so grateful to host the best fans in minor league baseball at the No. 1 minor league ballpark in America!"

Quad Cities' total home attendance of 237,005 this season was the sixth-most since the franchise joined the Midwest League in 1960. For each of the seven seasons under Main Street Baseball, more than 200,000 fans have attended Quad Cities River Bandits games at Modern Woodmen Park - a streak unprecedented in franchise history.

"This season has been special for so many reasons - the opening of the Ferris wheel, unique promotions and events, and exciting baseball games, but the fans have made it truly memorable with overwhelming passion for the River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Park," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "The entire Quad Cities should be proud of a record-setting season at the ballpark!"

The Quad Cities franchise record for single-season attendance is 260,471 - a mark set in 1994 as the Quad City River Bandits, an affiliate of the Houston Astros. That season's per-game average of 3,755 was the highest for the franchise until this season.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

*****

29 Aug 2014

BANDITS-LUMBERKINGS POSTPONED THURSDAY

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities and Clinton to play doubleheader at 5 p.m. Friday to close River Bandits' home schedule

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 28, 2014) - Thursday's game between the Quad Cities River Bandits and Clinton LumberKings at Modern Woodmen Park has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up with a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Friday. Individual tickets for Thursday's game may be exchanged at the box office for tickets to Friday's doubleheader based on availability.

Quad Cities (32-33 second half, 67-67 overall) and Clinton (28-37, 58-75) are scheduled to play a pair of seven-inning games Friday to finish the River Bandits' regular season home schedule. Gates will open at 4 p.m. for the 5 p.m. start to Game 1. The remainder of the River Bandits hats from Thursday's giveaway presented by Modern Woodmen will be given out when the gates open Friday, which is also Fan Appreciation Night presented by Bridgeway Auto Parts with Great Clips Charity Cuts in the sports lounge, and postgame Friday Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD.

The River Bandits remain tied in the second-half Western Division standings with the Peoria Chiefs, who had their home game against Beloit postponed Thursday for a doubleheader Friday. With five games remaining entering Thursday, Wisconsin held a two-game lead over both teams for the final Western Division playoff spot. Entering Thursday, any combination of Wisconsin wins and Quad Cities losses adding to three would eliminate the River Bandits from playoff contention and a chance to defend their 2013 Midwest League title.

Friday will be the River Bandits' 10th doubleheader - their most in a single season since playing 11 in 2003. Quad Cities is also scheduled for its eighth home doubleheader - the most in one season for the franchise since at least 2001. Thursday will be the eighth doubleheader for the LumberKings and their third against the River Bandits, who also played three doubleheaders against Peoria this season.

River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (5-5) is scheduled to start Game 1 Friday, while right-hander Andrew Thurman (6-9) is scheduled to start Game 2.

UP NEXT: Friday is Fan Appreciation Night and a 5 p.m. doubleheader at Modern Woodmen Park with giveaways galore, Great Clips Charity Cuts in the Sport Lounge and postgame Friday Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Regular tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

 

*****

28 Aug 2014

COMER HAS CAREER NIGHT AS BANDITS WIN ROUT

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities moves within two games of Wisconsin for a second-half playoff spot with five to play

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 27, 2014) - Quad Cities right-hander Kevin Comer posted career highs with six innings and 10 strikeouts Wednesday night, and second baseman Marc Wik had three of his team's eight hits, while third baseman J.D. Davis had a three-run home run and four RBIs in the River Bandits' 11-2 win over the Clinton LumberKings in front of 2,291 at Modern Woodmen Park.

With their sixth win in eight games, the River Bandits (32-33 second half, 67-67 overall) put themselves two games behind Wisconsin (34-31) for the final second half playoff spot with five games remaining. Peoria (32-33) also won Wednesday to tie Quad Cities.

After Comer (2-5) worked a perfect first inning, Quad Cities wasted no time against right-hander Carlos Misell (8-11). Wik hit a leadoff infield single. Left fielder Jose Fernandez grounded to third baseman Joe DeCarlo, who overthrew first base, allowing Wik to score and Fernandez to reach second. A wild pitch and throwing error by catcher Christian Carmichael allowed Fernandez to score for a 2-0 lead.

Clinton (28-37, 58-75) came back in the top of the second inning, as first baseman Jeff Zimmerman hit a leadoff double down the first-base line and scored after Carmichael's single and a fielder's choice. In the top of the third inning, LumberKings center fielder Aaron Barbosa hit a leadoff single to right field and went to second base on an error by first baseman Chase McDonald. With Barbosa stealing third base, Comer struck out right fielder Tyler O'Neill, and catcher Brian Holberton threw past third base, allowing Barbosa to score the tying run.

With the third-inning strikeout of O'Neill, Comer began a stretch in which he retired 11 batters in order - including seven on strikeouts. He allowed a two-out walk to DeCarlo in the sixth inning before retiring pinch hitter Martin Peguero on a groundout. In his first career six-inning outing, Comer earned his first home win by allowing two runs - one earned - on three hits that all came in the first three innings and two walks with 10 strikeouts to match the most by a River Bandits pitcher this season.

Meanwhile, the home team took the lead for good in the bottom of the third inning. Misell issued a leadoff walk to shortstop Thomas Lindauer before a Wik put a bunt single between the pitcher's mound and the third-base line. After a wild pitch, Fernandez then lined a double down the first-base line to score both runners and extend his season-high eight-game hitting streak. Designated hitter A.J. Reed extended a five-game hitting streak with a single to right field, and Davis hit a pop fly to left field, but Brett Thomas could not find it, allowing a single to drop safely and Fernandez to score. After Misell's third wild pitch put Reed at third base, center fielder Ryan Bottger hit a sacrifice fly to make it 6-2. In the fifth inning, Misell walked McDonald and Davis, and after a fielder's choice, Holberton hit an RBI single to center field for a 7-2 lead. Misell allowed seven runs - five earned - on six hits and four walks with one strikeout in five innings.

After Misell, left-hander Cruz Pereira allowed a four-run sixth inning. Lindauer drew a leadoff walk, Wik doubled to left field and pinch hitter Brauly Mejia hit an RBI groundout. McDonald walked, and with two outs, Davis drove his fifth Midwest League home run - and foruth in 10 games - to right field for an 11-2 Quad Cities lead. The 11 runs were the team's most since June 29. Clinton went hitless after the third inning, as Comer was followed by left-hander Jordan Mills for two innings and right-hander Frederick Tiburcio for one inning.

Quad Cities continues its final home series with Clinton at 7 p.m. Thursday, when River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (5-5) is scheduled to face LumberKings right-hander Edwin Diaz (5-8). Quad Cities' final regular season home game is Friday.

UP NEXT: Fan Appreciation Week continues Thursday with all regular individual tickets being half-price on Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night with a River Bandits hat giveaway for the first 1,500 fans. Thirst-Day Thursday presented by the River Cities' Reader means $2 drink specials. Friday is Fan Appreciation Night with giveaways galore and postgame Friday Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. Regular tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

 

*****

28 Aug 2014

RIVER BANDITS, ASTROS EXTEND AFFILIATION

By Marco LaNave
Defending Midwest League Champions remain Class-A affiliate in top-rated minor league system
DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 26, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits and Houston Astros have signed a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract through the 2016 season. River Bandits owner Dave Heller and Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday at Modern Woodmen Park.
In their first year of a new affiliation with the Astros in 2013, the River Bandits won the Midwest League Championship and became the first team in Minor League Baseball history to feature consecutive No. 1 overall picks on its roster with shortstop Carlos Correa and pitcher Mark Appel. Entering the 2014 season, those prospects and other current and former River Bandits were among the reasons ESPN.com ranked the Houston Astros minor league system No. 1 in all of baseball.
"The last two seasons have been a special time for Quad Cities baseball - from seeing some of the top rising prospects in baseball and major league talent on the field to a Midwest League Championship," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Houston Astros and one of the best minor league systems in baseball."
"This is a very exciting day for the Houston Astros to be able to extend our relationship with Quad Cities and with Dave Heller," said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan. "What we want to do is have affiliates that are the gold standard of their league, and this facility, the way this community has made our players feel at home, and the extra mile that Dave and the River Bandits have gone - and will continue to go - are what makes this place so special."
River Bandits from the 2013 and 2014 seasons currently make up seven of the top 10, and 10 of the top 18 prospects in the Houston Astros organization, according to MLB.com. Included are Correa (No. 1), Appel (2), pitchers Lance McCullers (6), Michael Feliz (7) and Vincent Velasquez (8), third baseman Rio Ruiz (9), pitcher Josh Hader (10), outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (11), first baseman A.J. Reed (15), and second baseman Tony Kemp (18). In 2013, the Astros drafted Moline, Ill., native Thomas Lindauer, whose time with the River Bandits this season made him the first Quad Cities-native to play with the Midwest League franchise in 26 years.
With Correa in 2013 and Feliz in 2014, the River Bandits were the only team in Class-A baseball to be represented by a player on its roster each of the last two seasons at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game.
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Dave Heller and his Quad Cities River Bandits organization," said Astros Director of Player Development Quinton McCracken. "We are extremely excited to rejoin forces with this exciting and progressive ownership group and look forward to our players developing their baseball skills in the unique and picturesque environment at Modern Woodmen Park for years to come."
In addition to the Astros' minor league talent, four players from the Houston Astros current major league roster - including star rookies in first baseman Jon Singleton and George Springer - have played with Quad Cities in the past two seasons. In addition to Springer, pitchers Josh Fields and Anthony Bass also completed rehab assignments with the River Bandits.
Among the other highlights of the current affiliation with the Astros was a visit to Modern Woodmen Park by Astros Senior Director of Major League Field Operations, Dan Bergstrom - an Ogden, Iowa, native and Iowa State alumnus - to work with the River Bandits grounds crew for three days. The River Bandits this season also gave away bobbleheads to fans of Houston Astros legends Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Roger Clemens and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.
"The Houston Astros have been truly great partners with the River Bandits organization, not only in assembling the team playing in the Quad Cities, but also for their collaboration within their entire organization," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We are excited to continue a special relationship by extending the Player Development Contract."
Prior to the current affiliation, Quad Cities was also a Houston Astros affiliate from 1993 to 1998.
UP NEXT: Fan Appreciation Week continues Thursday is Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night with a River Bandits hat giveaway, and Friday is Fan Appreciation Night with postgame fireworks. Regular tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.
26 Aug 2014

BANDITS FAN 18 KERNELS, HOMER TWICE FOR WIN

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities stays two games behind Wisconsin for a second-half playoff spot with seven games remaining
DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 25, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits overcame a 2-0 deficit with a fourth-inning, game-tying, two-run home run by first baseman A.J. Reed and a go-ahead, solo home run by right fielder James Ramsay in the sixth inning of a 3-2 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels in front of 2,673 at Modern Woodmen Park Monday night.
With its first three-game winning streak since July 29, Quad Cities (31-32 second half, 66-66 overall) stayed two games behind Wisconsin (33-30) for the final second-half playoff spot in the Western Division with seven games remaining. With their fifth win in their last six games, the River Bandits moved one-half game ahead of Peoria (30-32), which will play a doubleheader Tuesday in Clinton.
Quad Cities pitchers struck out 18 batters for the first time since their home opener of April 8, 2011, when they struck out the same number in a 7-4 win over Beloit. The 33 combined strikeouts by Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids (39-24, 70-63) were the most in a River Bandits game since June 28, 2010, when Quad Cities and Wisconsin combined for 33 strikeouts in a 14-inning, 7-6 Quad Cities win.
On Monday, River Bandits right-hander Troy Scribner and Kernels left-hander Stephen Gonsalves each struck out five batters in the first three innings of a scoreless game. In the fourth inning, Cedar Rapids second baseman Tanner Vavra hit a leadoff double and scored on a double by catcher Michael Quesada. Shortstop Ryan Walker singled to center field to drive in Quesada for a 2-0 lead. After Scribner struck out designated hitter Jonatan Hinojosa and third baseman Logan Wade, he walked first baseman Chad Christensen. That ended Scribner's outing after 3 2/3 innings, in which he allowed two earned runs on six hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. Left-hander Jordan Mills began by hitting right fielder Alex Swim with a pitch to load the bases before striking out center fielder Max Murphy to end the inning.
With a 2-0 lead, Gonsalves hit left fielder Ryan Bottger with a pitch to start the bottom of the fourth inning. Gonsalves fanned designated hitter Chase McDonald, before Reed hit his sixth Midwest League home run - and second in three games - to make it 2-2. Gonsalves struck out four of the next five batters to finish five innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts.
Mills struck out three batters in 1 1/3 innings, before left-hander Chris Lee (8-6) began the sixth inning in a 2-2 tie. Lee pitched a perfect frame, but Kernels right-hander Jared Wilson began the bottom of the sixth inning by allowing Ramsay's third home run - all in the last 16 games - just inside the foul pole down the right-field line. Wilson completed two innings, allowing two hits and one walk with four strikeouts, and left-hander Josue Montanez struck out one batter in one inning. Kernels pitchers struck out at least one batter every inning.
Lee held the 3-2 lead despite the Kernels loading the bases in the seventh inning with his own fielding error and two walks. He struck out Walker to end the third different inning Cedar Rapids left the bases loaded. After a perfect eighth inning and getting the first two outs in the ninth, Lee allowed a single by left fielder J.D. Williams, before right-hander Keegan Yuhl struck out Vavra looking to end the game. The Kernels left 14 total runners on base and struck out at least twice in every inning except the second - the only inning they did not strike out.
Quad Cities concludes its series with Cedar Rapids at 7 p.m. Tuesday, when River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz (8-4) is scheduled to face Kernels left-hander Lewis Thorpe (3-2). The River Bandits host Clinton for their final three home games Wednesday through Friday.
UP NEXT: Fan Appreciation Week continues Tuesday with Iowa Fan Appreciation Night, when Iowa residents can get $1 bleacher or berm tickets by showing a valid driver's license at the box office. Regular invidivual tickets are Buy-1-Get-1 Free, Kids Eat Free and fans can bring an old can of Mountain Dew to the gates to receive a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew. Wednesday is Isle Casino Night and Pay Your Bill Wednesday. Thursday is Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night with a River Bandits hat giveaway, and Friday is Fan Appreciation Night with postgame fireworks. Regular tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

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