Mailbag: Know Your Navs

I've gotten a number of questions/comments about "Know Your Navs," mainly pertaining to the fact that we haven't covered everyone yet and the season is almost over. Here is a comment I made in response, which will hopefully clear up some of the confusion:

"The problem with the "Know Your Navs" feature is that we started it a few weeks into the season. If we had known how popular it would become, we would have started it on opening day.

Additionally, since we all have paying jobs and other commitments, sometimes it's not possible for all of us to be at the park every night - and those who are there need to focus on scoring the game, writing the story, updating the blog, etc.

Also, after tough losses, we don't want to go down and bother the players into doing a goofy 5-minute interview when they might be in a hurry to just go home.

That is why we haven't gotten to everyone.

The suggestion that we are playing "favorites" is silly. We have made a concerted effort to cover the Massachusetts guys for our local fans, but beyond that, we've gotten guys from many different schools from all over the country.

I will take this criticism as a positive, since it appears you all like "Know Your Navs" so much!

Hopefully the season still has at least another week to go - if so, we will be able to get even more of the players.

I will be posting two of the interviews today in the run-up to the Keene game."

Thanks, as always, for your support of the team and this site.

-JG

Mailbag

From emailer Jim:

Q: Is the pitchers mound built with red brick clay? How well does the field and pitchers mound hold up to all the rain that you guys are having?

A (Joe Gravellese): That’s a good question. I’m not sure what the pitcher’s mound is made of – I’ll ask next time I’m at the park. The field holds up remarkably well, as the infield is made of synthetic ‘grassy turf’ thanks to the previous tenants at Fraser. The outfield drains remarkably well, and the mound looks good thanks to the efforts of the grounds crew.

Thanks for the support for Navs baseball.

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From an anonymous commenter

Q: Just an FYI that Carey baseball academy is the same week for the same $ and longer hours, as well as, the project learn program. I would sign my son up but already committed to the other programs. If you would consider changing it to last week in July I would do it.

A (Joe Gravellese): I passed your message along to Phil and I will post something here as soon as I hear anything back.

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From an anonymous commenter:

So far you've complained about the fans, attendance and between inning entertainment. And you represent the team. AND, let me guess, you go to B.C.

Response:

Thanks for your comment. The idea behind the 'live in-game thread' is to give you the feeling of actually being there at the game. It's supposed to be fun. I can't speak for the others, but I try not to take myself too seriously here. I like to include snarky/humorous comments on the game blog.

I also am not going to be a propaganda officer - if there is nobody in attendance, I will say so; if the team played poorly, I will say so. This blog is supposed to take you 'inside the team.' If you aren't getting truthful statements here, you're not really getting 'inside' anything. I wasn't 'complaining' about the attendance, I was pointing out how few people there were. It's one of the pieces of information that I feel important to pass along.

Finally, I absolutely will pump up Kowalski and BC, just as I'd expect Steve, Joe J., and Zander to pump up Uconn, Indiana, and Miami respectively. After all, this is the New England COLLEGIATE Baseball League - and school pride is what college sports are all about.

Thanks for supporting the Navs and reading the blog.
-Joe

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Hi,

We used to take our kids to Fraser Field to watch the Spirit play and really enjoyed the atmosphere. What is it like now with the Navigators? Are there events for the kids and can you get food and drinks (non alcohol of course)

Thank you

Bill from Nahant

A (Joe Gravellese):

Hello, and thanks for your question. We’re only a few games into the season, so time will tell what the atmosphere will be like throughout the year. As far as events for the kids, we’re always doing giveaways and on-field between innings games. The mascot Is also always out and about taking pictures. In the last two games, we had a balloon animal expert going through the crowd, making things for kids.

We have a wide selection of food and beverages (with or without alcohol). Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Thanks again,

Joe

Mailbag: June 5, 2008

Here at the Navs blog, we're committed to answering your questions as the season approaches. You can leave your questions in the comments, email any one of us, or IM us at "NSNAVS" on AIM. Here are some recent questions and answers:
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Anonymous: As noted in the media day article, there will be a program book in the Daily Item. When will this be available?? What will be in it?

Joe Gravellese: As far as I know, the Item program book will be available at Opening Day, but I might be wrong on that. I'll post a correction if I'm wrong. The book will contain player biographies, a scorecard, and features on Phil Rosenfield, the NECBL, Fraser Field, Navs' special events, and a few other articles.
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Dave Riley (Lynn): I like the names Navi Gator, Skipper, and (just) Gator better then Chomps...

Joe Gravellese: Too bad. :)
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Dave Riley (Lynn): ok,ok.....how about "Jonathan"?

Joe Gravellese: No.
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David D.: Is it reserved seating or general admission? I can't seem to figure that one out. Thanks.

Joe Jasinski: Good question, Dave. The answer is BOTH. Fraser Field is comprised of both bleacher seats and "seat back" seats. The bleachers are general admission, while the seat backs are reserved seating. The difference in price between these two types of seats is only a couple bucks.

Keep the questions coming, folks! We've got answers!