Feature Stories |

SLAMMERS ADD ANOTHER FIREWORKS SHOW SET FOR THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

Posted on May 20, 2013

Back-to-back nights with fireworks as Joliet returns home to play the Florence Freedom…

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE or by calling 815-722-2287

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy are excited to announce they have added a fireworks night to their already loaded promotional schedule.

This Saturday’s game against the Florence Freedom starts at 6:05 p.m. and will now feature a fireworks show upon its conclusion.

“We know our fans love fireworks so we’re doubling down with back-to-back fireworks nights to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend!” Assistant General Manager of Promotions Kelli Drechsel said. “Come out to the yard and enjoy the show.”

Friday is Country Night at Silver Cross Field and fireworks are scheduled for after the game. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile Sunday is Hometown Heroes Day. All firefighters, police officers, first responders and current & former military personnel will receive discounted ($8) reserved seat tickets for the game. First pitch on Sunday is at 2:05 p.m. and as always all kids get to run the bases after the game and the Slammers will stay late to sign autographs.

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Click here to download the team’s complete 2013 schedule, click here for the full promotional schedule and click here to buy single game tickets. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

SLAMMERS TAKE ON TRAVERSE CITY IN SEASON OPENING SERIES

Posted on May 15, 2013

Joliet’s 2013 season kicks off with three home games against the Beach Bums this weekend…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, launch their third season in the Frontier League Friday at Silver Cross Field with a three pack of games against the Traverse City Beach Bums.

The 2013 campaign begins with a bang Friday, as fans will enjoy a firework show presented by Pepsi following the game. Also on opening night, one lucky fan will win a refrigerator courtesy of Grant’s Appliances.

Mayor of Joliet, Tom Giarrante will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, with Friday’s game starting at 7:05 p.m. and gates opening at 6:05 p.m.

Fans should dress to the “eights” to the second game in the series on Saturday because it is 80’s night at the ballpark. The gates on Saturday open at 5:05 p.m. with the game’s first pitch at 6:05 p.m.

The final game in the season opening series starts at 2:05 p.m. on Sunday with the gates opening at 1:05 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game because it is “Bark in the Park” on Sunday.

Fans will not be the only ones bringing their furry friends to the ballpark as the Slammers are excited to officially introduce their own dog for a meet and greet during the series finale. Fans had an opportunity to vote on the name of the dog a few weeks ago and the winning name will be announced on Sunday.

Fans should arrive early to every game to take advantage of the “J.L. Early Bird Special, which is available for 30 minutes after the gates open. Arrive early to get a $2.25 Hamburger, a $1.50 Soft Pretzel, a $1.25 16 ounce fountain Pepsi product, a $1.00 Hot Dog and a $1.00 Small popcorn.

The first 1,000 fans to every game this weekend will receive a Joliet Slammer magnet schedule courtesy of Elegant Limo. Kids can also run the bases after the games on Saturday and Sunday.

Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Aaron Morse is returning for his third season as the voice of the Slammers. Dan Spadafora will join Morse in the radio booth this season, with every Slammers contest heard on Will County’s News, Talk, Sports, 1340 WJOL and home games being broadcast on the Slammers Ustream channel, ustream.tv/jolietslammers.

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available by calling 815-722-2287 or stopping by the box office. Stay up to date on the latest news with the Slammers on Facebook and on Twitter.

SLAMMERS RENEW THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH NEXTMEDIA FOR THE 2013 SEASON

Posted on May 6, 2013

All 96 regular season games plus the playoffs to air on AM 1340 WJOL…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy announced Monday they’d renewed their broadcast agreement with NextMedia for the 2013 baseball season.

All 96 regular season games plus the playoffs will be carried live on AM 1340 WJOL and online at wjol.com.

In addition, NextMedia station 100.7 FM WRXQ will be broadcasting live outside Silver Cross Field before every Thursday home game and the Kevin Kollins Show on WJOL will air live outside the park before every Friday home game this season.

“WJOL-AM is pleased to once again be the radio voice of the Joliet Slammers,” NextMedia General Manager Patrick Pendergast said. “We fully support their mission to keep professional baseball as a vibrant attraction in the Greater Joliet and Will County areas.”

Aaron Morse and Dan Spadafora will be broadcasting all the games for the Slammers. Morse returns for his second season as the team’s lead broadcaster and third overall with the organization. Spadafora recently served as the General Manager of WCKS near Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“We are excited to bring our fans the highest quality radio broadcasts every night,” Slammers General Manager Chris Franklin said. “Our partnership with NextMedia is invaluable and we are glad to be working with them once again in 2013.”

Single game tickets, season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Opening Night is Friday, May 17 at 7:05 p.m. as the Slammers take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. Click here to download the team’s complete 2013 schedule, click here for the full promotional schedule and click here to buy single game tickets. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

SLAMMERS UNVEIL BRAND NEW SILVERCROSSFIELD.COM

Posted on April 30, 2013

Website is your one-stop-shop for booking your event at the yard…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy unveiled a brand new website: silvercrossfield.com, on Tuesday.

“This beautiful facility is a place residents of Will County can enjoy year-round,” Special Events Coordinator Lauren Las said. “Our new website makes it easy to check out what’s happening at the yard and to book your own special event as well!”

Silvercrossfield.com features a list of all upcoming events at the park. Notable upcoming events right now include the first annual Slammers Yard Sale on June 15, $1 movie nights at the park on select Fridays this summer when the Slammers are on the road and the second annual Hopstring Fest on August 24.

The new website also has pictures and descriptions of all event spaces and an online contact form where you can submit requests for an event you’d like to host at Silver Cross Field. The Slammers also offer special event packages that are outlined on the site.

Give the Slammers a call at (815) 651-6042 if you want to discuss hosting an event or want more information on upcoming events at Silver Cross Field.

LEVY RESTAURANTS JOB FAIR THIS SATURDAY AT SILVER CROSS FIELD

Posted on April 19, 2013

Levy-Job-Fair
A number of positions available…

(Joliet, IL) – Levy Restaurants, the official restaurant provider of the Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy, is looking for friendly and hardworking people to join the team at Silver Cross Field with a job fair at the park tomorrow, April 20^th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Silver Cross Field is located at One Mayor Art Schultz Drive in Joliet. Job seekers should enter through the Hall of Fame entrance off Jefferson Street.

Positions Available:
Experienced Cooks
Dishwashers
Warehouse
Stand Workers
Cashiers
Runners
Catering Servers

The Levy family culture has nurtured incredible growth from a single delicatessen in Chicago in 1978, to an industry-leading, food organization twenty-five years later. Today, Levy creates great dining experiences at restaurants throughout the country and many of the highest profile sporting and entertainment venues in the world, including right here at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. Levy is proud that thousands of guests have savored their food at some of the most celebrated gatherings in our nation: the Super Bowl, NBA and NHL All-Star Games and the Grammy Awards.

For more information on Levy, visit www.levyrestaurants.com. Levy Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SLAMMERS AND LEVY RESTAURANTS INTRODUCE NEW VALUE TO FANS IN 2013

Posted on April 17, 2013

Slammers get aggressive by lowering 20 menu items and providing every day value menu…

(Joliet, IL) –The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, in conjunction with Levy Restaurants, announced an all-new value-driven concession menu for the 2013 season. The Slammers open Frontier League play on Friday, May 17^th at Silver Cross Field against the Traverse City Beach Bums. Fans will be treated with a post-game fireworks show presented by Pepsi, a magnet schedule giveaway courtesy of Elegant Limo and one lucky fan will walk away with a brand new refrigerator from Grant’s Appliances Electronics and More.

The Slammers, entering their first season under new ownership and management, have reduced the price of 20 total menu items and also have not raised a single price. The always popular “Thirsty Thursday” promotion will now be available in every stand instead of just one. New food and beverage partners include TCBY frozen yogurt and Sbarro pizza.

“We try to listen to what our fans are telling us and now you can see that we’ve listened and responded,” General Manager Chris Franklin said. “In an industry where product costs continue to rise, we’ve held our ground on all menu items in an effort not to pass the buck to our fans. Our restaurant partner, Levy Restaurants, has been fantastic to work with as we balance value with variety and welcome fans with a truly exceptional experience.”

“This year, we are excited to welcome back fans and families with delicious new items throughout the season, from the Cross Roads Grill to the Blue Collar Buffet,” Chef Carmelo Santiago said. “We want everyone to come out and get a taste of our new home stand specials like the Spicy Jailbird Sandwich and the hearty Meatball Mafioso. Slammer fans should bring their appetites!”

The home stand specials are a rotating menu of delicious specialty hot dogs, sandwiches and burgers. Fans can check out The Cross Roads Grill down the third base line and the Steel City Grill down the first base line for these fun and delicious items that change every time the Slammers are in town!

The value doesn’t stop there. Fans that come to Silver Cross Field early on game days can now eat and drink for less than five dollars. The new “J.L. Early Bird Menu” features five menu items for $2.25 or less, available every game for 30 minutes beginning when the gates open. For a 7:05 p.m. game, arrive at 6:05 p.m. and enjoy the best values to be found in professional baseball.

J.L. Early Bird Special – available every day!

$2.25 – Hamburger

$1.50 – Soft Pretzel

$1.25 – 16 ounce fountain Pepsi product

$1.00 – Hot Dog

$1.00 – Small popcorn

“Joliet Community Baseball & Entertainment is about providing value to our fans,” Franklin said. “We encourage everyone to come early this year and take advantage of these tremendous offers.”

In addition to the 20 reduced menu items, fans can indulge in the “Blue Collar Buffet,” another new feature available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday game. The Blue Collar Buffet allows fans to only open their wallet once and enjoy an all-you-can-eat and drink menu served for 90 minutes plus a reserved seat ticket for only $20. The menu includes one entrée, three sides, a dessert and Pepsi products.

Also new for 2013 is an all-you-can-eat and drink menu made available in the Luxury Suites for the first time. Companies and organizations looking to entertain this summer can purchase a climate controlled, indoor / outdoor Luxury Suite loaded with hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, potato salad, baked beans, cookies and Pepsi products for only $40 per ticket. The food and beverage won’t stop for 90 minutes, and the price includes your ticket to the game.

“The Blue Collar Buffet is the most value loaded package we’ve seen in a while,” Franklin said. “For only $10 in addition to their ticket, fans can eat and drink for 90 minutes, which is a tremendous value. We can also attribute the increase in suite sales thus far to our new loaded package. Luxury Suites for Opening Night are already sold out, and we expect that trend to continue.”

With tickets starting at only five dollars and free parking, the value is widespread throughout Silver Cross Field this summer. Loaded ticket plans that include the aforementioned food and beverage options along with Slammers Loot (dollar for dollar ballpark money) and the ability to exchange unused tickets are a few great reasons to catch a game this summer.

“You can grab a ticket for five dollars, eat a meal for less than five dollars, park for free, grab an autograph or two, and watch your kids run the bases afterwards on a professional field all in one night,” Franklin said. “Catch the Slammers on the right night and you could walk away with free buns from Milano Bakery or get treated to one of our post-game fireworks shows. There’s value every night.”

The Joliet Slammers are members of the Frontier League of Professional Baseball. The Frontier League is the oldest continuously operating independent professional league, entering its 21^st season in 2013. For more information about the Frontier League visit www.frontierleague.com.

About Levy Restaurants

Levy Restaurants, founded in Chicago in 1978, is recognized as one of America’s fastest growing and most critically acclaimed restaurant companies, and is the leader in premium sports and entertainment dining. Levy was named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports in the world by Fast Company magazine. The company’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants such as James Beard Award-winning Spiaggia in Chicago, Fulton’s Crab House, Portobello and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café at Walt Disney World Resort, renowned sports and entertainment venues like Churchill Downs in Louisville, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Ohio State University and events including the Super Bowl, World Series, US Open, Kentucky Derby, NASCAR racing, NHL, MLB and NBA All-Star Games and the GRAMMY^® Awards.

For details, visit www.levyrestaurants.com.

SILVER CROSS FIELD TO HOST MLB PITCH, HIT & RUN COMPETITION

Posted on April 15, 2013

Ages 7-14 are eligible to compete…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, will host a free Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for area youth beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 at Silver Cross Field.

The Slammers’ Box Office will be open for the event with single game tickets currently on sale starting at only $5 per game. If you plan on attending the event, please RSVP to Lauren Las at llas@jolietslammers.com.

Those who wish to participate can have their parents fill out the registration form in advance at www.jolietslammers.com/phr. They can also fill out the form the day of the event beginning at 7:00 a.m. All participants will enter at the main gate of Silver Cross Field at the corners of Jefferson St. and Mayor Art Schultz Drive.

Pitch, Hit & Run is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball/softball skills.

Boys and girls are divided into four age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at Major League ballparks and the National Finals at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.

The individual Pitching, Hitting and Running Champions, along with the All-Around Champion in each age and gender group at the Local Competition will be awarded and advance to the Sectional Level of Competition.

All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parent or guardian fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. For questions concerning the competition, please contact your Local Coordinator, Lauren Las at 815-651-2042.

Season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Opening Night is Friday, May 17 at 7:05 p.m. as the Slammers take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. Click here to download the team’s complete 2013 schedule, click here for the full promotional schedule and click here to buy single game tickets. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

SLAMMERS ADD FORMER FOURTH ROUND DRAFT PICK WITH TRIPLE-A EXPERIENCE

Posted on April 12, 2013

Chuck Lofgren. Photo Credit: Mike Strasinger Nashville Sounds

Lefty Chuck Lofgren brings nine years of professional baseball experience to Joliet…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, announced the signing of LHP Chuck Lofgren on Friday.

Lofgren, 27, was a fourth round selection of the Cleveland Indians in the 2004 MLB draft out of Serra High School in San Mateo, California.

“Chuck is a signing that doesn’t happen in this league very often,” manager Mike Breyman said. “His experience and past accomplishments are priceless. He is a stand up human being and will be a very good example for our young pitchers to learn how to do things right in professional baseball. Chuck is a great addition to our starting rotation.”

Lofgren’s decorated professional career includes being named the starting pitcher for the 2006 Carolina League All-Star Game. Lofgren followed that up by being named to the United States team for the 2007 All-Star Futures Game. The United States roster that year also included the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Matt Garza and Justin Upton.

He pitched for the Cleveland organization from 2004-2009, the Milwaukee organization from 2009-2010 and the San Francisco organization from 2010-2011. Last season, Lofgren pitched for the Amarillo Sox of the American Association. Most recently, he was with the Brisbane Bandits of the Australian Baseball League. Lofgren has appeared in a total of 47 games at the Triple-A level during his professional career.

SLAMMERS UNVEIL 2013 PROMO SCHEDULE; SINGLE GAME TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Posted on April 8, 2013

Exciting theme nights, fireworks and of course, free bread…

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE AND CLICK HERE TO BUY SINGLE GAME TICKETS!

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, unveiled their 2013 promotional schedule on Monday and announced that single game tickets are on sale now for all 51 home games.

Tickets can be purchased any time online. Tickets are also available by calling or stopping by the Slammers’ Box Office, which is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The Box Office phone number is 815-722-2287. It is located at Silver Cross Field on Mayor Art Schultz Drive in downtown Joliet to the north of the main gate.

Single game tickets start at only $5 for a spot on the lawn. A reserved seat is $10 and a padded “club” seat is $12. Parking for games is always free at Silver Cross Field and a parking map plus directions can be found here.

Fans who sign up for “Slammers Insider”, the team’s newsletter, will receive a special discount on individual tickets purchased before 5:00 p.m. on April 15.

The Slammers’ promotional schedule is a potpourri of exciting events including mascot appearances every Monday home game, drink specials every Thursday, fireworks every Friday and post-game autographs every Sunday. As always, all kids get to run the bases after every game with the exception of Fireworks nights. Almost all Monday-Friday games begin at 7:05 p.m., every Saturday game gets started at 6:05 p.m. and every Sunday game is a 2:05 p.m. matinee.

Opening weekend (Friday, May 17- Sunday, May 19) features fireworks presented by Pepsi on the 17^th, magnet schedule giveaways every game courtesy of Elegant Limo, 80’s prom night on the 18^th and Bark in the Park, where you can bring your pup to the yard, on the 19^th. On Opening Night, Grant’s Appliances, Electronics and More will be giving away a refrigerator to one lucky fan!

Several of the Slammers’ most popular theme nights will be returning for the 2013 campaign, including Superhero Night on June 11, Disney Night on June 21, Christmas in July with a Toys for Tots drive on July 20, Beatles Night on August 2, Elvis Night with fireworks presented by Miller Lite on August 16 and Military Appreciation Night on August 21 which includes fireworks after the game.

The Slammers pay tribute to the Baseball Movie on July 14 with movie clips throughout the game and a showing of “The Sandlot” on the video board after the game in celebration of the movie’s 20^th anniversary.

Several new theme nights include a salute to our Hometown Heroes on May 26, Hispanic Heritage Night on May 30, Star Wars Night on June 4, Mardi Gras Night on June 6, Memories of Motown on July 12 and College Spirit Night on August 10.

A few other returning events include a Boy Scout sleepover on June 22, Cancer Survivors Day presented by The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital on June 23 and a Girl Scout Sleepover on June 29. Also returning for 2013 is the Spikes Super Students Reading Program presented by the University of St. Francis, where kids can use their reading program vouchers for admission to Tuesday and Wednesday home games.

On Tuesday, July 2, make sure you stay until the end of the game as Milano Bakery will be handing out free bread as fans leave the yard! Stay late on the 3^rd and the 4^th as well for the biggest fireworks shows of the year! The Slammers say “Happy Birthday, America!” with fireworks presented by Pepsi on Independence Day.

Giveaways this season include a Budweiser Pint Glass giveaway on July 13 for the first 1,000 fans 21 and older, another Milano Bakery bread giveaway on August 3, a Miller Lite seat cushion giveaway on August 10 for the first 1,000 fans 21 and older, a team card set giveaway on August 11, a Bud Light Pint Glass giveaway on August 17 for the first 1,000 fans 21 and older and a team photo giveaway courtesy of Signs By Tomorrow Plainfield on August 18.

The Slammers honor YOU with Fan Appreciation Night during the final game of the regular season on August 29^th. There will be giveaways galore and a spectacular fireworks show!

SLAMMERS LAND STARTING PITCHER WITH DOUBLE-A EXPERIENCE

Posted on April 5, 2013

Photo Credit: Dennis Greenblatt/Hawk-Eye Sports Photography

Former fourth round draft pick Evan Anundsen joins Joliet for the 2013 season…

(Joliet, IL) – The Joliet Slammers, presented by ATI Physical Therapy, announced Friday the signing of RHP Evan Anundsen.

The 24-year old from Littleton, Colorado was a fourth round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2006 draft out of Columbine High School. He spent the past seven seasons pitching in the Milwaukee organization and started 24 games for the Double-A Huntsville Stars in 2012.

“We could not be more excited to have Evan as a part of the Slammers rotation,” manager Mike Breyman said. “We have been working on trying to get him here for some time now and he will be a big part of the front end of our rotation. I look forward to watching him pitch every five days.”

Anundsen’s best season as a professional came in 2009 when he posted a 2.69 ERA in 23 starts for the High Single-A Brevard County Manatees.

Season tickets, loaded ticket packages and group outings for the 2013 season are available now by calling 815-722-2287. Opening Night is Friday, May 17 at 7:05 p.m. as the Slammers take on the Traverse City Beach Bums. Click here to download the team’s complete 2013 schedule. To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to like the Slammers on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.