When I logged on to this site today, it said that my last blog entry was way back on June 8th. The first thing that came to my mind was, “How the heck do I even begin to write about all that’s happened around here in one little blurb?” Well, the truth is that there will some amazing things that I’ll forget to include, and truthfully, that’s unfortunate. I really have valued every day of this internship, and there has been something each and every day of every month that I’d like to write about. But for your sake, so you don’t get too bored, I’ll focus on a few big highlights that have come and gone here in Baseballtown.

I’ve got to start with the most recent big news, and perhaps the story that will impact the play on the field most directly all season – Domonic Brown’s call up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Yes, he’s now a former R-Phil, and a current Iron Pig – weird. But you can’t keep someone who’s that talented and naturally gifted in Double-A forever, and the Phillies decided it was time to move the Florida native up a level.

First of all, I have little doubt that he’ll find great success with the Iron Pigs. As fans got to see here in Reading, Dom is a 5-tool player, and can awe you with his bat and his glove. It’s still amazing to watch guys like this, who are still so young in life, but can accomplish so much on the diamond. Here in Baseballtown, I got to witness him hit home run after home run, two triples in one game (first time since 1999), and other amazing offensive feats. His average “dipped” slightly below .300 for maybe a game or two, before rising back to around .320 when he left. He hits the ball to all areas of the outfield, runs extremely well, and was a true spark in this lineup.

Second, I will admit it’s a bit disappointing to lose a player like Domonic Brown – and not solely for the reason you’re thinking of. Yes, watching him abuse opposing pitchers was a treat, but the way in which he handled himself with the media, fans, and myself too – now that was impressive. It could have been very easy to get a huge ego and start blowing people off, knowing that you’re the top prospect in an organization. Not Dom. He did every interview that was asked of him, every appearance, signed every autograph, and never ignored anybody that I saw in his path. This particular talent, along with his amazing baseball skills, will make him a star wherever he goes in the future.

The next memory that comes to mind has to be Dennis Haskins, er, Mr. Belding. Now, for those of you who don’t know who this is, go rent ‘Saved by the Bell’ and get a television education. A classic show from my youth, with one of the most memorable characters in Mr. Belding, and he came here…to Reading. Amazing! This kind of promotion or excitement, along with about a million other things, is what makes the Minor Leagues so much more appealing to fans.

Speaking of the fans…they went crazy for Mr. Belding, and the love was certainly a two-way street. He got a very loud ovation when he first came out, dressed in R-Phils gear, to sing karaoke (look for his CD on Amazon, seriously), and continuously invited fans onto the stage to sing along with him. I watched in awe, as Mr. Belding, a mere few feet away, sang his heart out in the Classic Cafe. What a night.

June was a crazy month in terms of the teams schedule, with a three-game set, a seven-gamer (including the annual morning game), and a six-gamer to wrap things up. The R-Phils lit up the sky so many times with some great fireworks shows, much to the enjoyment of very large hometown crowds. But most importantly, the team started to really string some wins together. At one point in June, they put together a six-game win streak to pull themselves farther up the standings. Although they remain in fifth place in the Eastern Division of the EL, they’re beginning to close gaps, and judging by last night’s victory over first-place New Hampshire, they know they can beat anyone.

Well, if you haven’t closed the window already, I commend you. It’s pretty tough to convey all the excitement that happened since my last posting into a word document or blog, but I tried. Hopefully it won’t be as long between posts for next time, and the R-Phils only have three four-game series in July. That should leave me some decent time to get back on here and write some more. Until next time…