Topeka Golden Giants Baseball

No blogging this season

2011-06-03T08:40:00.001-05:00

Just a note to let anyone who might be checking here know that I won't be posting this season. It looks like I won't be able to make it out to the ballpark nearly as often as in years past.

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El Dorado at Topeka

2010-06-30T18:48:00.001-05:00

Brandon Faulkner is warming up in the Giants' bullpen.

Broncos go down 1-2-3 in the top of the first.

Bottom of the first. Boyer singles. Moves to second on a sac bunt by Stroth. Two fly outs by Haslett and Cyr end the inning.

Broncos go down 1-2-3 in the top of the second.

Bottom of the second. Rea singles, steals second, goes to third on a wild pitch. Williamson walks. Rea is thrown out at home on an attempted double steal. Carlson singles. Ricketts strikes out. Witt doubles, scoring two runs. Boyer singles, allowing Witt to score. Stroth grounds into a fielder's choice. It's 3-0 Topeka after two.

Broncos go down 1-2-3 in the top of the third.

Bottom of the third. Haslett walks, moves to second on a passed ball. Josh Cyr hits a two-run home run to left-center. Rea grounds out. Williamson strikes out. Carlson flys out. 5-0 Topeka.

Top of the fourth. Frey singles. Bates singles. Noonan grounds out. Smith singles, driving in two runs. Smith is thrown out at second. Giller strikes out. 5-2 Topeka.

Bottom of the fourth. Ricketts flies out. Witt grounds out. Boyer flies out.

No runs, no hits for the Broncos on the top of the fifth.

Bottom of the fifth. Stroth grounds out. Haslett strikes out. Cyr grounds out.

Top of the sixth. Mangione is hit by a pitch, moves to second on a sac bunt by Frey. Bates reaches first on an error, Mangione moves to third on the play. Noonan reaches on an error, allowing Mangione to score. Smith singles, another run scores. Giller grounds out, but another run scores on the play. Fisher flys out. It's tied up after 5 1/2. Score is 5-5.

Bottom of the sixth. Aaron Rea flies out to deep left. Williamson strikes out. Carlson walks. Ricketts grounds out. Still tied 5-5.

Ryan Seidel is warming up in the Giants pen.

Top of the seventh. Robbie Rea strikes out. Covyeau is hit by a pitch. Mangione grounds out moving Covyeau to second. Frey grounds out. Still 5-5 at the stretch.

Bottom of the seventh. New pitcher for El Dorado, Joel Brockmann. Witt singles. Boyer bunts Witt over to second, and was nearly safe at first himself. Stroth strikes out. Broncos go to the bullpen again, replacing lefty Brockmann with the right-handed Matt Croft. Haslett walks. Cyr walks. Bases are loaded, with 2 outs. Aaron Rea is at bat. Witt scores from third on a wild pitch. Rea flies out to deep left-center. Giants up 6-5 after seven.

Top of the eighth. Bates grounds out. Noonan strikes out. Smith flies out. Still 6-5 Topeka.

Bottom of the eighth. Kivett pinch hits for Williamson, he flies out. Carlson walks. Ricketts grounds out, Carlson moves to second on the play, then to third on a wild pitch. Witt singles, driving in Carlson. Pitching change. Tyler Stephen comes in to pitch for El Dorado. Witt steals second. Witt attempts to steal third, but is thrown out. 7-5 Topeka. Three outs to go.

Righthander Jake Moore comes in to close out the game for the Giants.

Top of the ninth. Giller walks. Giller moves to second on a passed ball. Fisher singles, Giller stays at third. Runners at the corners, no outs. Robbie Rea bunts, he's out at first, runner on third doesn't advance. Seidel comes in to pitch for Topeka. Broncos send in a pinch hitter for Conyeau. Didn't catch his name but he hits a sac fly to center. It's 7-6 Topeka with two outs. Mangione comes to the plate. Runner on second. Mangione flies out. Game ends.

Giants had 7 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors. Broncos had 6 runs, 5 hits , no errors.

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Live from Sedalia

2010-06-29T18:42:00.001-05:00

Finally made it to a road game. The internet's pretty slow out here, so updates won't be as frequent. I'll mostly stick to giving the score. (Update: Nevermind. Found wi-fi.)

Beautiful old ballpark. Wooden grandstand, lots of foul territory. Short dimensions though. 290 to right, 375 to center, 310 to left.

3 up, 3 down for the Giants in the top of the first.

Keith Picht will be the starting pitcher for Topeka.

Bombers go down 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the first.

No runs, no hits for Topeka in the top of the second.

Bottom of the second. Bombers get a hit, followed by a inning ending double play. Nice play by Tanner Witt at third base.

Top of the third. Drew Wilkinson reaches base via a leadoff walk, but a double play and a ground out end the inning. Still 0-0.

Bottom of the third. The Bombers score two runs via a walk, a single, and a Giants' error. 2-0 Sedalia.

Top of the fourth. Giants get a leadoff single from Quinn Boyer but leave him stranded. Still 2-0.

Bottom of the fourth. A series of Giant errors leads to two more Bomber runs. 4-0 Sedalia.

Top of the fifth. Giants get a baserunner when Aaron Rea is hit by a pitch, but leave him stranded. Still 4-0.

Bottom of the fifth. Bombers get a run off an RBI double by Patton. Casey Pierce is warming up in the Giants' bullpen. 1 out. ...but Picht gets out of the inning without further damage.

No hits, no runs for the Giants in the top of the sixth. Still 5-0 Sedalia. Picht goes back in to pitch the bottom half of the inning.

Bottom of the sixth. Bombers get an RBI double by Matty Johnson, followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Travis McComack. It's 8-0 Sedalia.

No runs, no hits in the top of the seventh. 8-0 at the stretch. Casey Pierce goes in to pitch the bottom of the seventh.

Bombers go down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the seventh.

Top of the eighth. Stroth reaches base via a walk, as does Boyer. Stroth advances to third on a wild pitch. But the inning ends on a groundout at that point. Still 8-0.

Bottom of the eighth. Bombers get runners via a single and a hit batsman. Inning ends on a unassisted double play by Cyr.

Top of the ninth. Haslett strikes out. Cyr walks. Rea walks. Kivett grounds into a fielder's choice. Rea out at second, Cyr moves to third. Cyr scores on a passed ball. Kivett moves to second. Wilkenson goes down swinging. That's the game.

Giants had one run on one hit and four errors. Sedalia had eight runs on eight hits.

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Location:W Broadway Blvd,Sedalia,United States

Topeka vs. Air Capital

2010-06-26T18:51:00.001-05:00

It's Star Wars night at Jerry Robertson Field. One Imperial Stormtrooper spotted so far. Also spotted: Cory Faulkner warming up in the bullpen.

We're underway.

Astros go down 1-2-3 in the top of the first.

Ground rule double by Haslett moves Witt to third base. A pop up by Cyr lands right on the right field line, falling between three Astros and scoring two runs. A single by Nick Parent moves Cyr to third. One out. Carlson strikes out. Kivett grounds out to second, close play. Giants are up 2-0 after one complete.

Top of the second: Astros get a hit but leave the runner stranded. Still 2-0 Topeka.

Bottom of the second. Walks by

Whoa...technical difficulties I guess. Not sure where the third inning (or most of the second) went. Giants scored 7 runs in the third. It's 9-0 Topeka going into the fourth.

Astros go down 1-2-3 in the top of the fourth.

Bottom of the fourth. Parent grounds out. Carlson doubles to right. Carlson steals third. Carlson scores on a single by Kibbet. Pitching change for the Astros. Longmore singles. Williamson grounds out to second. Kibbett scores on the play. Boyer grounds out. 11-0 Topeka after four.

No runs, not hits for the Astros in the top of the fifth.

Bottom of the fifth. Witt walks. Witt steals second. Witt moves to third on passed ball. Haslett grounds out, Witt stays at third. RBI triple by Cyr off the centerfield walk. Parent grounds out. Cyr scores on the play. Carlson walks. Kibbet pops out into foul territory. 13-0 Topeka.
Dale Ricketts turns the hose on his teammates between innings.

Three groundouts for Air Capital in the top of the sixth. New pitcher comes out for the Astros in the bottom of the sixth.

Bottom of the sixth. Longmore singles to right. Williamson hits a ground ball up the middle, Astros second baseman and shortstop collide on the play. Nobody hurt. Nobody out. Boyer walks. Bases are loaded. No outs. Witt doubles off the wall. Two runs score. Haslett doubles to center. Another run scores. Tobi Cowdin pinch hits for Cyr. He reaches on a fielders choice. Parent flies out to right. Single by Carlson. Two runs score. Kibbett grounds out. 18-0 Topeka.

Astros go down 1-2-3. Game ends after seven innings. Giants had 18 runs on 14 hits. No errors. Astros had no runs on one hit with 2 errors. Faulkner gets a one hit shutout in the truncated game.

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Denver @ Topeka game 1

2010-06-18T19:53:00.001-05:00

It's a later than usual 8 o'clock start tonight. Keith Picht is warming up in the Giants' pen.

We're under way.

One Cougar reached base on a Giants' error, but no hits or runs in the top of the first.

Cougars starter is throwing sidearm, almost submarine. According to the roster on the Denver site he's Kyle Cremers.

No runs, no hits for Topeka in the bottom half of the first.

No hits, no runs for Denver in the second. One Cougar reached base via a walk.

In the bottom of the second, a marathon at-bat ends in a leadoff single by Josh Cyr. A single by Nick Parent moves Cyr to second and a sac bunt by Kivett moves both runners into scoring position. A walk by Longmore loads the bases. One out. What would have been a fielder's choice off the bat of Wilkenson scores the Giants first run. An error at first scores the second. Another error off the bat of Williamson scores the Giants third run. Throwing error by the Cougar catcher scores another run. Stroth walks on the next pitch. Error at first allows Tanner Whitt to reach base. Still one out. Bases are loaded. Ground out by Cervantes scored a run. (My mistake. Haslett is wearing #1 tonight. Not Cerventes.) Cyr is at the plate. Giants have batted around. Cyr single scores two more. A Parent strikeout ends the inning. It's 7-0 Topeka after 2 complete.

Top of the third. Cougars score two off the bat of J. L. Buchanan after the Giants fail to turn a double play. 7-2 Topeka after 2 1/2.

Kivett, Longmore and Wilkenson hit back to back to back singles. Kivett is called out trying to get home. Williamson reaches on a fielder's choice. Stroth grounds out to end the inning. No runs on two hits with two stranded. Still 7-2 Topeka.

Cougars get a single from Zewe, but nothing else in the top of the fourth.

No runs, no hits for Topeka in the fourth.

No hits, no runs for Denver in the top of the fifth. Nice diving play by Cyr nabs the second out.

In the bottom of the fifth, Wilkenson doubles off the left field fence scoring two runs. The two Giant baserunners reached base via walks. Singles by Williamson and Stroth allow Wilkerson to score. Denver manager gets thrown out for arguing balls and strikes. Still just one out. Witt grounds into a double play, ending the inning. It's 10-2 Topeka going into the 6th.

Cougars get an unearned run in the top of the sixth. A wind-blown pop up on shallow right field managed to elude three Giant fielders. Casey Pierce begins to warm up in the Giants pen, but Picht gets out of the inning. Now 10-3 Topeka.

Giants score their eleventh run in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI fielder's choice off the bat of Parent. 11-3 Topeka with six complete. Casey Pierce goes in to pitch the top of the seventh.

Cougars go down 1-2-3. Stretchtime.

Giants get two baserunners via walks but leave them stranded. 11-3 Topeka after seven.

Still 11-3 after 7 1/2.

Double by Haslett leads off the Giants' half of the eighth. Haslett moves to third on a 2-out single by Kivett. Haslett scores on a error off the bat of David Longmore. 12-3 Topeka. Three outs to go. Casey Pierce is still on the mound for Topeka.

Groundout to third baseman. One away.

Hit batsman. Denver gets a baserunner.

Strikeout. Two away.

Single. Runners on first and second.

Runners move to second and third on passed ball. A walk loads the bases.

Flyout to center. That's the game.

Topeka had 12 runs on 13 hits, 2 errors. Denver had three runs on four hits with four errors.

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Next Live Blog--Friday vs. Denver

2010-06-15T21:59:00.005-05:00

The next live blog of a Topeka Golden Giants game will be Friday night's game versus the Denver Cougars.

Junction City @Topeka

2010-06-12T19:02:00.001-05:00

Were underway...

A hit batsman, a few stolen bases, and a fielder's choice led to Junction City scoring a run in the top of the first. A later Generals runner is thrown out at second by Giants catcher Dale Ricketts.

In the bottom of the first, the Giants get a hit from Aaron Rea but leave him stranded. 1-0 Generals after one.

A Generals runner scores from third on a throwing error on a play at first. Another runner scores on a fielder's choice. A third run scores on a sac fly. It's 4-0 Generals after 1 1/2.

No runs, no hits for the Giants in the bottom of the second.

Generals score again in top of the third. Ryan Seidel goes into the bullpen to warm up, but starter Kevin Sweeney gets out of the inning without further damage. 5-0 Generals in the middle of the 3rd.

Dale Ricketts scores from 3rd on a double by Blake Stroth. Giants are on the board. 5-1 Generals going into the 4th.

Generals score in the 4th on a series of errors. Ryan Seidel replaces Kevin Sweeney on the mound for the Giants. One out in the top of the 4th. ...and Seidel quickly gets two more outs. 6-1 Generals.

Giants get a single hit (from Ross Kivett) but no runs in the 4th.

No scoring by either team in the 5th. Still 6-1 Generals going into the sixth.

No additional runs in either half of the 6th, either.

Andy Urban warming up in the Giants' bullpen, one out to go in the top of the 7th.

Stretch-time. Still 6-1 Generals.

Bottom of the 7th, Giants' second run comes off the bat of David Longmore. 6-2 Generals going into the 8th.

Andy Urban goes in to pitch the top of the 8th for Topeka.

Generals score after a Giants miscue on an attempt to throw out a runner at third base. Now 7-2 Generals going into the bottom of the eighth.

Bottom of the eighth. Giants score on a 2-out single by Aaron Rea. And then Rea scores on a double by Josh Cyr. 7-4 Generals going into the 9th.

Casey Pierce goes in to pitch the top of the ninth for Topeka.

No runs, no hits for the Generals in the 9th. Giants need 3 runs to tie things up. Colin Murphy goes in to pitch for Junction City.

Ross Kivett reaches first on an error. David Longmore strikes out. Kivett scores on a triple by Dale Ricketts! Strikeout by Nigel Williamson. Boyer reaches on an err, Ricketts scores. Giants within one...but a strikeout by Stroth ends the rally and the game.

Generals had 7 runs on 7 hits with 2 errors. Giants ended up with 6 runs on 8 hits and 4 errors.

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Webcast tonight

2010-06-11T17:19:00.002-05:00

Just a quick heads up. You can listen to the Giants game at Junction City via the General's website: http://www.junctioncitygenerals.com/

If the weather cooperates, I'll do a live blog of Saturday night's game when the Generals travel to Topeka.

Blues @ Giants

2010-06-09T18:58:00.001-05:00

Starting pitchers for tonight will be Raul Guevara for the Giants and Silkwood for the Blues. I'm working without a roster tonight so my apologies in advance for any mispelled names.

By the way, the Topeka Golden Giants are 5-0 going into tonight's game.

No hits, no runs for the KC Blues in the top of the first.

Blake Stroth hits a 1-out double but is left stranded. No score after 1 inning.

Blues score their first run on a line drive that was nearly caught by Giants second baseman Quinn Boyer. Blues are up 1 after 1 1/2.

In the bottom of the 2nd, the Giants fail to capitalize on a leadoff walk by Zach Carlson. Still 1-0 Blues after 2 complete.

Blues threaten, but don't score in the top of the 3rd. Still 1-0

Giants go down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 3rd.

Blues score 3 more in the top of the 4th. Guevara is replaced by Ryan Seidel one third of the way through the top of the fourth.

Seidel quickly gives up 2 more. Followed by the Giants getting another out in a rundown. Final out comes on a throw home by Giants centerfielder Aaron Rea with allows Dale Ricketts to tag the second runner before he crosses the plate. It's now 7-0 KC over Topeka. KC has 9 hits to the Giants' one.

Rea follows up a great throw with a hit in the bottom of the 4th, followed by a stolen base. Unfortunately he remained on second when the inning ended. Still 7-0 after four complete.

Blues go down 1-2-3 in the top of the 5th.

In the bottom of the fifth, Drew Wilkenson reachs first on an error, he is later caught stealing for the third out. Still 7-0 Blues over Giants.

No score for KC in the top of the 6th.

Leadoff hit by Blaine Matthews, followed by Quinn Boyer reaching on an error. Giants has runners on first an second with no outs...

Double by Blake Stroth knocks in the Giants first run! Still no outs.

Runner scores from third on a sac fly by Aaron Rea. Josh Cyr flies out for the second out. Zach Carlson flies out on a great play by the Blues centerfielder. 7-2 KC going into the 7th.

Still 7-2 at stretch-time.

Leadoff hit by Wilkenson to start the bottom of the 7th. Ricketts flys out on a well hit ball to deep center. Ross Kivett reachs first on a close play, followed by a Blaine Matthews walk. Bases loaded with one out. Ouch. Quinn Boyer grounds into a double play. Giants leave the bases loaded. Still 7-2.

Amazing play by Stroth ends the top of the 8th. Makes a catch on a foul ball while sliding toward the visitors dugout.

Bottom of the 8th, Giants get 2 hits from Stroth and Cyr but fail to score. Still 7-2 going into the ninth.

Seidel goes in to pitch the 9th. He seemed to struggle with control in the 8th, but was still getting outs.

Two runners on in the top of the ninth. No outs.

First out comes on a broken bat grounder to short. Runners on 2nd an 3rd for the Blues. 2nd out on a chopper back to the mound. Runners don't advance on the play. KC's 8th run scores when the ball gets away from Seidel on a throw back to the mound. 3rd out comes on a ground out to second. Now 8-2 Blues.

Bottom of the ninth...Giants go down 1-2-3, two Ks and a ground out to short. Final is 8-2. Giants had 8 hits to the Blues 11. Giants had 2 errors, while KC had 3.

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Next Live Updates will be Wednesday

2010-06-07T16:56:00.003-05:00

Youth baseball commitments will force me to miss the 2 game series tonight and Tuesday versus the Kansas City Barnstormers. Live blogging will resume Wednesday night when the Golden Giants face the Kansas City Blues.

In the meantime, you can check the Giants' official site and the "Golden Giants in the News" feed on the right side of this page.

No live updates tomorrow

2010-06-05T22:04:00.001-05:00

I won't be able to make it to game three between the Giants and Foresters tomorrow. So there will not be any live updates.

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Game 2

2010-06-05T19:05:00.001-05:00

Kevin Sweeney is starting on the mound for the Topeka Golden Giants.

Foresters strand a runner in the top of the 1st. No score.

Giants score two in the bottom of the first. RBIs by Carlson and Ricketts.

Still 2-0 Topeka in the middle of the 2nd.

Still 2-0 going into the 3rd.

Still 2-0 Topeka with 3 complete.

In the bottom of the 4th, back to back doubles by Matthews and Boyer lead to the Giants third run of the evening. Now 3-0 Topeka after 4 complete.

Back-to-back-to-back RBI singles by Ricketts, Williamson and Matthews in the bottom of the 5th. Currently 6-0 Topeka going into the 6th.

Rockford threatening in the top of the sixth. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. Ryan Seidel warming up in the Topeka bullpen.

Two runs score for Rockford on a 2 out single by Vanderwall. Now 6-2 Topeka.

Topeka starter Sweeney gets out of the inning with no further damage. Still 6-2 going into the bottom half of the 6th.

Seidel goes in to pitch the top of the 7th for Topeka. Still 6-2, Topeka over Rockford.

Still 6-2 Topeka going into the 8th.

Still 6-2 after 7 1/2.

Still 6-2 going into the top of the ninth. Giants just need three more outs to put this one in the books.

Seidel still on the mound for Topeka.

Rockford's first batter is Vanderwall, he reachs first via a leadoff walk.

Godinez hits a liner to Cyr at first base. Unassisted double play! Two away.

Next Rockford batter Delgado walks.

Winkler strikes out. Giants win

Giants have 6 runs on 9 hits. Rockford had 2 runs on 5 hits with an error.

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Opening Night

2010-06-04T18:46:00.002-05:00

I've set up camp in the new bleachers on the RF side. Directly between 1st base and the Giant's bullpen. Great addition for 2010. Looks like
Brandon Faulkner from KSU will be the Topeka starting pitcher.

And were underway...

Foresters go down 1-2-3 in the top of the first. A bit of controversy when the first out came from an interference call at 1st base.

Bottom of the first-Giants score first run off a single by Josh Cyr.

Second run scores when Dale Ricketts is HBP with the bases loaded. 2-0 Giants with 2 outs in the 1st.

2-0 Giants with one inning complete.

Still 2-0 Giants after top of the second.

Giants score 2 more on another Rea single in the bottom of the 2nd. 4-0 Giants with one out.

Another run off a Josh Cyr double. Cyr was tagged out between 2nd and 3rd. It's now 5-0 Giants after two complete.

Rockford gets first hit with a single to RF by Jorge Garza. Next batter grounds into double play. Still 5-0 Topeka after 2 1/2.

Double play ends promising bottom of the 3rd for Giants. Still 5-0 after three. Giants have 6 hits to Rockford's one.

Still 5-0 after 3 1/2.

Rockford scores on a single by Licon in the top of the fifth. 5-1 Topeka after 4 1/2.

Battery's a bit weak. Updates will be a little less frequent the remainder of the game.

5-2 after 5 1/2. Rockford scored on a wild pitch.

Giants go down 1-2-3 in bottom of 6th. Still 5-2.

Cody Schumacher is warming up for Topeka. Looks like he'll take over in the 8th. It's 5-2 Topeka with 2 outs in the top of the 7th.

Schumacher comes in after Rockford scores in top of the 7th. Now 5-3 Topeka. Still one out to go until stretch-time.

Schumacher gets the K. 5-3 Topeka in the middle of the 7th.

RBI groundout by Zach Carlson in the bottom of the 7th. 6-3 Topeka.

Another Topeka run scores on a 2-out single by Drew Wilkerson. 7-3 Topeka going into the 8th.

Still 7-3 Topeka with 8 in the books. Just three outs to go!

We just went final. 7-3 Topeka over Rockford.

Giants had 7 runs on 9 hits with an error. Rockford had 3 runs on 5 hits with no miscues in the field.

The Golden Giants are 1-0! These same two teams face off again tomorrow night at 7:00.

Just enough juice left for this photo.

Location:SE Croco Rd,Topeka,United States

Opening Day 2010

2010-06-03T22:10:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is Opening Night for the Topeka Golden Giants. Game one of a three game series with the Rockford Foresters (2-1) will start at 7:05 p.m. Single-game tickets are just $5 and there are multiple multi-game packages available as well. Opening Night is also St. Francis Night, so expect a big crowd at the newly named Jerry Robertson Field. Fireworks after the game as well.

If you can't make it, check back here as I'll attempt some live updates from the game. Otherwise, see you at the ballpark!

Pre-Season game on Wednesday Night!

2010-06-01T23:03:00.001-05:00

The 1st Annual Jerry Robertson Classic is Wednesday June 2nd!

The Topeka Golden Giants are proud to announce a special exhibition game to be held on Wednesday June 2nd at 7:10 pm at Lake Shawnee. This event will be the first annual Jerry Robertson Classic, as the Topeka Golden Giants will take on the Washburn University All-Star Alumni team.

Before the game at 6 PM there will be a ceremony to dedicate the big diamond at Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex, Jerry Robertson Field. The Shawnee County Parks and Rec Foundation is honoring Jerry and family with the naming with plans to fund a $250,000 endowment to help maintain the field as a first class baseball facility for high school and college age players.

A suggested donation of $5 will be welcome at the gate. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. Proceeds will be shared equally with the Jerry Robertson endowment fund to preserve the facility for future generations and the Golden Giants Baseball Club.

Opening weekend starts next Friday June 4th!
The Topeka Golden Giants open their 6th season with a bang, as we welcome in the Rockford (Ill.) Foresters from the new Great Plains Baseball League. The night will be sponsored by St. Francis Medical Center and will feature a post-game fireworks show. Be sure to show up early to get the best seats.

Saturday night is Parrish Hotels night at 7:05 pm versus Rockford.

Sunday afternoon at 1:05 pm is Topeka Owls Retro Day, brought to you by Capitol Federal. The Golden Giants will wear Topeka Owls themed uniforms that will be auctioned off after the game. The Golden Giants will finish up their three game set with the Foresters and close a great opening weekend in style.

Season tickets are now on-sale!
Now you can buy a full season pass online, which includes all home games and the National Collegiate Summer Classic in July. We also have 5-Game and 10-Game pass options if you can't make it to all the games. You can order your tickets now via our e-store, along with hats, jerseys and soon new t-shirts!

http://topekagoldengiants.ecrater.com/

Also, don't forget to visit our website, http://www.topekagoldengiants.com for all the latest info on Topeka's baseball team.

Golden Giants to host two Kansas City T-Bones exhibitions

2010-05-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

Topeka, Kansas - The Kansas City T-Bones will be playing the Grand Prairie Texas Air Hogs in an exhibition game at Lake Shawnee on Wednesday night, May 5th at 7:05 PM. A Thursday matinee game 1:05 PM will follow, May 6th.

This is the first professional baseball game played in Topeka since 1961 when the Topeka Reds played their final game in Topeka. The Reds were a farm club affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds baseball organization and played at the old Community Ballpark in North Topeka.

The Topeka Golden Giants and Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation are promoting the event to Topeka baseball enthusiasts, young and old, as a prelude to expanded summer baseball at Lake Shawnee. A modern new sports complex at Lake Shawnee will be officially dedicated in June of 2010. The Topeka Golden Giants will play their 23 game home schedule and post season tournament play at Lake Shawnee.

Visit http://www.topekagoldengiants.com for more on this event!

Giants sign four more players

2010-03-09T18:45:00.000-06:00

With summer fast approaching the Topeka Golden Giants are please to announce the next batch of player signings for the upcoming 2010 season.

The Golden Giants welcome two former Topeka area high school players and two more from high schools nearby. Joining the team this season are pitcher Jake Moore (Ottawa), pitcher Cody Schumacher (Topeka), fielder Aaron Rea (Lawrence) and fielder Blaine Matthews (Topeka).

The Golden Giants are committed to not only fielding a very competitive team but also aim to showcase the phenomenal talent that exists in high schools and colleges around Northeast Kansas.

We are proud to welcome these four players to the Golden Giants family and look forward to seeing them shine this summer.

Jake Moore - Johnson County CC
RHP 6-4 225, Ottawa, Kansas
The Lawrence Journal-World named Jake to the Class 4A All-State 2009 squad and the 2009 All-Area first team. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Moore finished the season with a 8-0 record on the mound and was among the league leaders in several pitching categories. In addition, he tossed 43.1 innings, recorded 71 strikeouts - against just 14 walks - and surrendered 20 hits and 13 earned runs. Moore will spend the spring with Johnson County Community College before heading to Topeka this summer.

Cody Schumacher - Johnson County CC
RHP 6-0 175, Topeka, Kansas
Johnson County Community College and former Hayden High School standout Cody Schumacher joins the Giants on the mound this season. Schumacher was named to the 2009 Class 6A All-state team and was a 2008 and 2009 All-city selection. Cody looks to step up this summer with the Golden Giants and showcase his outstanding fastball and curveball.

Aaron Rea - Cowley County CC
OF/MI 6-1 190, Lawrence, Kansas
Aaron was a member of the 2009 Class 6A State Champion Lawrence high school baseball team and was named the 2009 Sunflower League player of the year, All-Sunflower League first team selection, selected to the Class 6A All-state team and named to the 2009 All-Area first team by the Lawrence Journal-World. In addition to leading the Lawrence High in average (.433), hits (29), runs scored (28) and stolen bases (17), he was tied for the lead in home runs, with four, and finished with a .553 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .650. Rea will join the Golden Giants after playing for Cowley County Community College this spring.

Blaine Mathews - Cloud County CC
MI 5-11 Topeka, Kansas
The former Washburn Rural standout will play for Cloudy County this spring. Matthews stole 10 bases during the 2008 season for Washburn Rural, 2 shy of tying the school record. He was named to the 2008 All-Centennial League team and the 2008 All-city team as a senior. Last season with Cloud County he was selected All-Conference 2nd Team and ranks 10th all time in hits in one season with 64. Blaine will head back home to help bolster the Golden Giants infield this summer.

Google Golden Giants

2010-03-07T19:14:00.004-06:00

Google, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants baseball team, in a show of solidarity, will change their name for the month of March to the Google Golden Giants.

Google, Ks Mayor Bill Bunten announced Monday a proclamation that Topeka would change it's name to Google, Kansas for the month of March. The goal was to persuade the internet giant to choose Topeka as a test site for it's new fiber optic network, it would provide internet speeds 100 times faster than those elsewhere, with data transfer rates faster than 1 gigabit per second.

Landing the Google Fiber Project could be a big boost to the local economy and help put Topeka on the map globally.

"The Golden Giants are firmly behind this effort to help bring Google's Fiber Project to Topeka," said Golden Giants President Brett Cowdin. "We are more than happy to change our name to reflect our community - Google, Kansas."

The Golden Giants have also altered the look of their website to reflect the Google theme for March.

The Google Golden Giants are a summer collegiate wood bat baseball team that will open their season on June 4, 2010 at the beautiful Lake Shawnee baseball complex.

For more information on the Golden Giants, please visit:
http://www.topekagoldengiants.com

For more information on the efforts to bring Google's Fiber Project to Topeka visit:
http://thinkbigtopeka.com/

2010 Schedule!

2010-02-23T18:13:00.000-06:00

The Topeka Golden Giants independent summer collegiate baseball team is proud to announce its 2010 schedule.

The 2010 season kicks off with a bang, as the Golden Giants will play host to the Rockford Foresters of the new Great Plains Baseball League - June 4, 5, 6th.

Topeka will also play host to a variety of local and regional teams, many with very good track records of success in the National Baseball Congress tournament. The most notable is the defending NBC champion El Dorado Broncos, who come to Topeka on June 30th.

The Golden Giants wanted to have a schedule this year which featured teams from around Kansas to show how strong Summer Collegiate baseball is in the state. Topeka will play host to the Dodge City A’s, Valley Center Diamond Dawgs, Salina Blue Jays, Midwest (Wichita) Wolverines, Kansas City Barnstormers, Clearwater Cowboys and their friendly rivals to the west - the Junction City Generals. In fact, the Golden Giants and Generals will face each other five times throughout the season.

Rockford isn't the only out of state team the Golden Giants will face this year, Topeka will welcome in the Denver Cougars, Kansas City Blues and former MINK League foe - the Sedalia Bombers.

After the regular season is complete, the Golden Giants will host the National Collegiate Summer Classic beginning on July 12th. The Summer Classic is an open tournament for any summer collegiate baseball team in the country. Interest in the tournament ranges from New York, Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Participants will be announced at a later date, but the Summer Classic promises to be great collection of baseball talent.

2010 Topeka Golden Giants Schedule (home games in bold)

Rockford Foresters@ Topeka June 4th 7:05 pm
Rockford Foresters @ Topeka June 5th 7:05 pm
Rockford Foresters @ Topeka June 6th 1:05 pm
Kansas City Barnstormers @ Topeka June 7th 7:05 pm
Kansas City Barnstormers @ Topeka June 8th 7:05 pm
Kansas City Blues @ Topeka June 9th 7:05 pm
Valley Center Diamond Dawgs @ Topeka June 10th 7:05 pm
Topeka @ Junction City Generals June 11th 7:05 pm
Junction City Generals @ Topeka June 12th 7:05 pm
Salina Blue Jays@ Topeka June 13th 1:05 pm
Salina Blue Jays @ Topeka June 13th 4:05 pm
Sedalia Bombers @ Topeka June 15th 7:05 pm
Kansas City Blues @ Topeka June 16th 7:05 pm
Denver Cougars @ Topeka June 18th 8:05 pm
Denver Cougars @ Topeka June 19th 1:05 pm
Denver Cougars @ Topeka June 19th 4:05 pm
TBA @ Topeka June 20th
Midwest Wolverines @ Topeka June 22nd 7:05 pm
Clearwater Cowboys @ Topeka June 23rd 7:05 pm
Topeka @ Dodge City A's June 24th 7:05 pm
Topeka @ El Dorado Broncos June 25th 7:05 pm
TBA @ Topeka June 26th
Junction City Generals @ Topeka June 27th 1:05 pm
Topeka @ Sedalia Bombers June 29th 7:05 pm
El Dorado Broncos @ Topeka June 30th 7:05 pm
Topeka @ Junction City Generals July 1st 7:05 pm
Dodge City A's @ Topeka July 2nd 7:05 pm
Dodge City A's @ Topeka July 3rd 7:05 pm
Junction City Generals @ Topeka July 4th 6:05 pm
Topeka @ Rockford Foresters June 7th 7:05 pm
Topeka @ Rockford Foresters June 8th 11:05 am
Topeka @ Rockford Foresters June 8th 7:05 pm
Topeka @ Rockford Foresters June 9th 7:05 pm
Topeka @ Rockford Foresters June 10th 7:05 pm
National Collegiate Summer Classic July 12th
National Collegiate Summer Classic July 13th
National Collegiate Summer Classic July 14th
National Collegiate Summer Classic July 15th
National Collegiate Summer Classic July 16th
National Collegiate Summer Classic July 17th

Golden Giants sign four from Hutchinson CC

2010-02-23T18:11:00.000-06:00

The Topeka Golden Giants are proud to announce the next batch of player signings for the 2010 summer collegiate season. This group of four players will play baseball collegiately this spring at Hutchinson Community College. We are happy to welcome in the following Blue Dragons; Jamell Cervantez, David Longmore, Joey Goodwin and Andy Urban.

These four players now push the Golden Giants roster to 14 players signed so far.

Jamell Cervantez – Hutchinson Community College (OF)
6-0 / 185lbs from Topeka, Kan.

Cervantez returns to the Golden Giants after playing for the Newton Rebels of the Walter Johnson league in 2009. In 2008, Jamell played for the Golden Giants and led the team in stolen bases. Last year at Hutchinson Community College the speedy Cervantez batted .100 in 3 games with 1 run and 1 hit. Jamell collected 3 put outs with no errors and carried a 1.000 Fielding Percentage. Cervantez earned third team All-Centennial League honors and All-City honors in 2007 with Topeka West High School.

David Longmore – Hutchinson Community College (OF)
6-3 / 180lbs from Liberty, Mo.

In 2008 he was an All-Suburban Big Seven second team selection for Liberty High School and played for the Wichita Sluggers of the Walter Johnson League last summer. With Hutchinson Community College in 2009, he batted .263 in 13 games collecting 8 runs, 5 hits, 2 doubles and 7 RBI. He had a .368 slugging percentage and a .440 on base percentage for a .808 OPS. Longmore drew 2 Walks, stole 5 bases, had 6 put outs and had an .875 fielding percentage.

Joey Goodwin – Hutchinson Community College (C/U)
From Stillwell, Kansas

Goodwin broke his foot in the third game of the season as a junior at Blue Valley High School. Last season, as a senior, he lead the team in batting with a .435 average and a .545 on-base percentage (.980 OPS). Joey had 27 hits, seven doubles and 19 runs batted in during the 2009 season. Goodwin was a second team all-state selection in Class 6A and first-team All-East Kansas League pick, Goodwin threw out an impressive 8 of the 17 base runners who attempted to steal on him.

Andy Urban – Hutchinson Community College (P)
From Lawrence, Kansas

Urban struck out nine while tossing a no-hitter during Lawrence High’s 10-0, five-inning thumping of Shawnee Mission North last spring. Urban — who possesses a fastball that has been clocked around 86 mph, overcame a case of “the yips” in 2008 and earned a spot as a 2009 All-Sunflower League second team selection. Urban was the winning pitcher for Lawrence High as they beat Shawnee Mission West to win the 2009 Class 6A state title.

Four more 2010 signings

2010-02-09T21:47:00.007-06:00

TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants are proud to announce four more signees for the 2010 summer collegiate baseball season. The addition of these four players will increase the signed roster to 10 players for the upcoming season. Already committed for 2010 are Robbie Rea, Tobi Cowdin, Andrew Melanson, Blake Stroth, Dale Ricketts and Cory Deedrick.

The Golden Giants welcome these players to the family and are excited to see them on the field at Lake Shawnee this summer.

Nick Parent - University of California Santa Barbara (C)
6-2 / 200lbs from Palo Cedro, CA

Parent, a three-time letter winner at Foothill High school in California had five home runs, 30 RBI, 15 runs scored and stole three bases in his senior year. He was an all-league selection, all-section pick and was named Best Defensive Third Baseman. Against Red Bluff in the CIF semifinals his senior season, he went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two walks, helping the Cougars win in the bottom of the 11th. In 2008 he helped his team win the league championship and CIF section title. Last year he posted a 3.4 GPA. Nick is the son of former Major League catcher Mark Parent, who played for San Diego, Texas, Baltimore, Chicago (NL), Pittsburgh, Detroit and Philadelphia.

John Vaccaro - University of California Santa Barbara (IF)
6-2 / 195lbs from Berkeley, CA

A well-decorated athlete at Miramonte High, John earned six total varsity letters in baseball and football. In his senior season, he batted .512 with 35 RBI, four home runs, 38 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. He was also an effective pitcher, posting a 9-1 record and 2.30 ERA, as he struck out 40 batters in 60 innings. As a freshman Vaccaro tossed a three-hit shutout against Piedmont in the Spring Break Tournament championship game. He also hit a pair of home runs vs. Campolindo in a North Coast Section playoff game. Vaccaro was named the Diablo Foothill Athletic League MVP in 2009 and was a three-time all-league selection. John was named a First Team All-State pick courtesy of calhisports.com and led his team to NCS title as a senior. He made it to the North Coast Section playoffs all four years of his baseball career. In 2007, as a member of the Matadors football team, helped squad to the North Coast Section championship and earned Athletic Academic Honors, posting a GPA over the 3.50 requirement.

Kevin Sweeney - Drury University (P)
6-4 / 200lbs Overland Park, Kansas

Kevin was a first team All-State and All-Eastern Kansas League selection for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. He earned second team all-metro honors and was a first team All-Sun pick. He was named the 2009 MVP for St. Thomas Aquinas and helped Aquinas to a third place finish in 2008 and 2009. Kevin was named to the Jim Draper All-Tournament team and was an honorable mention All-Eastern Kansas League selection in basketball. He helped the Aquinas basketball team to a third place state finish, was on the Principal's Honor Roll and was a first team All-Eastern Kansas League Scholar Athlete.

Josh Cyr - University of North Alabama (IF)
6-1 / 240lbs Huntsville, AL

Cyr played first base, third base, and catcher at Westminster Christian Academy under head coach John Honea. He helped lead the Wildcats to the state playoffs every year from 2006-2009. Cyr was named all-state in 2008 and 2009 and holds the school record for most home runs in a season. He had a slugging percentage of .695 and a batting average of .579 and drew 31 walks in 2009.

Giants announce the signing of 6 returning players

2010-02-02T19:36:00.002-06:00

TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants are proud to announce the first group of signees for the 2010 season. Anchoring the team for the Giants are returning standouts Robbie Rea, Cory Deedrick, Tobi Cowdin, Andrew Melanson, Blake Stroth and Dale Ricketts.

With many changes in store for the team this year the returning players are more excited than ever to play in the capital city. “It shows that the team is not content just being the same program, “ said Pitcher Robbie Rea. “You want the right atmosphere and people but most of all winning.”

While collegiate summer baseball provides an entertainment option for fans it’s also a stepping-stone for each players career in baseball.

“Playing summer ball with the Golden Giants gives the player an insight into how an organization similar to a professional team runs,” said Catcher Dale Ricketts. “The lifestyle of playing everyday and the over all environment of working under coaches like the Golden Giants have.”

The Golden Giants are excited to have each one of these young men back in the fold for 2010. We will be announcing more signees in the coming weeks in preparation for an exciting summer of baseball.

Robbie Rea - Seaman/Cowley CC (RHP)

Topeka native and Seamen High School standout Robbie Rea will look to boost the Giants as a threat on the mound. The two-sport athlete, who excelled in football and baseball, went 3-0 pitching this past season and was 5A player of the year and was named first team All-State in 2008. Rea took the field with the Golden Giants last summer and is excited to be playing for the team again. “It’s helped me see the talent that is out across the country and opened my eyes to see how much work its going to take for me to be successful,” says Rea. He will suit up for Cowley Community College as a freshman this spring before joining the Giants again in June.

Cory Deedrick - University Of Central Missouri (IF)

Former Seaman High School standout Cory Deedrick looks to bring the Golden Giants success in the infield. Last spring at the University of Central Missouri, Deedrick started 25 of 31 games played in and averaged .333 at bat. The 5-foot-8 infielder added 18 runs and 11 RBI on 27 hits. Equally as strong in the field he finished the season with a .974 fielding percentage. Cory is back this summer to provide depth in the infield for the Golden Giants once again.

Tobi Cowdin - Southeastern Community College (RHP)

Southeastern Community College Right Handed Pitcher Tobi Cowdin aims to bring power to the Golden Giants pitching staff. Cowdin, who starred for both Topeka West and Silver Lake during his high school career, is a power hitter with a drive to succeed. The 6-foot-2 freshmen that once struck out 17 while pitching with a broken foot, now he's fully healed and ready to show what he's got on the mound.

Andrew Melanson - University Of Central Missouri (U)

Andrew Melanson, a 6-foot-2 infielder from Blue Springs, MO, comes back to the Golden Giants for his second season this summer. The first baseman ended his sophomore season with the University of Central Missouri with a .048 batting average in 14 games and 21 at bats. He had 1 hit, 4 walks and was hit by a pitch twice scoring 3 runs and 3 RBI. Defensively Melanson shined with 48 put outs, 3 Assists, and only 1 Error finishing the season with a .981 fielding percentage.

Dale Ricketts - Kansas City Kansas Community College (C)

Back for his second summer on the team is Dale Ricketts, a 6-foot-4 catcher from Lara, Australia. Ricketts took a few years off before following his brother to the states to play for Kansas City Community College. In his freshman season Dale played in 8 games for KCCC gathering 6 hits in his 17 at bats. Ricketts drove in 6 runs and ended the season with a stellar .353 batting average. While Ricketts can provide leadership behind the plate he most looks forward to the atmosphere and learning experience playing summer baseball provides. “Being able to play at Lake Shawnees facilities is a thrill in its self,” Ricketts said, “and having the fans being behind you brings the atmosphere as you would experience at any ball stadium.”

Blake Stroth - University of North Alabama (IF)

Providing needed depth for the Golden Giants this season is infielder Blake Stroth. A Topeka native, Stroth played last season for Kansas City Community College at the shortstop position. In 43 games he hammered 44 hits, 9 doubles and 33 RBI with a collective .328 batting average. Always strong defensively, Stroth will strive to improve his game at the plate this season. “I can help the Golden Giants out with my defense, and smart at bats at the plate; not so many strikeouts and working the count,” Blake said. Stroth is slated to suit up for North Alabama this spring and will make his return to Topeka this summer to play for his hometown team.

Opening Weekend Announcement

2010-01-15T20:45:00.002-06:00

For immediate release:

TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants are pleased to announce their opponent for opening weekend 2010.

The Golden Giants will begin their sixth season of play on Friday night June 4th as they welcome in the Rockford (IL) Foresters of the new Great Plains Baseball League. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

The Golden Giants will face the Foresters all three games that weekend to start the 2010 season off with a bang.

Friday night, June 4th will be St. Francis night, with a post-game fireworks display that the whole family will want to see.

Saturday night, June 5th is Parrish Hotels night. Join us as the Golden Giants look to knock out Rockford beginning at 7:05 pm.

Sunday afternoon, June 6th will be Capitol Federal Retro Day at the Ballpark. The Golden Giants will wear 1950's Topeka Owls throwback jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind jersey that will surely be a collector's item for years to come.

You can reserve your tickets now by calling Brett Cowdin at 785-249-8770. Individual tickets are only $2, making it the best entertainment value in Topeka! We also have group rates available, making it an affordable option for any sized group.

The suds will be flowing in 2010, as the Golden Giants will open up their brand new Beer Garden. Stay tuned for price information on access to the Beer Garden as it promises to be THE spot to be on game day.

This is just a slice of what the Golden Giants plan to offer this summer, as we are currently working hard to make your outing to a Giants game a memorable experience.

Topeka Golden Giants - Legends in the making!

Giants announce National Tourney

2009-11-12T12:56:00.005-06:00

For immediate release:

The Topeka Golden Giants are excited to announce plans for the first annual National Collegiate Summer Classic to be held July 12th - 17th at the Lake Shawnee Baseball complex in Topeka, Kansas.

With a great location, outstanding playing surfaces and top competition, the Summer Classic looks to be one of the top summer league tournaments in North America. The tournament will be open to all Summer Collegiate teams and will feature a double elimination schedule with the winner taking home the title of Summer Collegiate National Champions.

Topeka, a city of over 123,000; is the capital of Kansas and sits smack dab in the middle of the Continental United States. Topeka's proximity to Kansas City's International Airport makes it an excellent location for a National Tournament of Summer Collegiate baseball.

Making the Classic shine is the outstanding site at Lake Shawnee. The baseball complex features two beautiful baseball stadiums with artificial turf infields and all the modern amenities to make your teams experience a memorable one. The complex, currently under renovation, looks to be one of the premier facilities in the U.S. and will be completely brand new this coming spring. The Golden Giants will begin their second season of play at the complex in 2010 and along with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, look to add fan-friendly amenities such as a beer garden, expanded seating, closer restrooms and new concessions.

The National Collegiate Summer Classic is not affiliated with the National Baseball Congress or the NBC World Series held annually in Wichita. We respect the NBC and it's member teams. We choose to hold our tournament before the NBC World Series, therefore giving teams a chance to play in both tournaments if they see fit.

If your team is interested in participating in the National Collegiate Summer Classic, please click the following link, fill out the form and submit it to the Topeka Golden Giants.

http://www.topekagoldengiants.com/ncsc.html

Golden Giants: Trail of Terror!!!

2009-10-21T22:07:00.002-05:00

TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants are stepping into the dark realm of Halloween as they ask daring citizens to take part in The Trail of Terror on October 29, 30 and 31st.

The Trail is a fundraising effort for the Golden Giants baseball team, who are preparing for their 6th year of operation in 2010. The team is comprised of former high school players and current college players looking to hone their skills in summer wood bat competition.

Regarded as top prospects by Major League scouts, the Golden Giants will feature outstanding talent from NCAA Division I universities including Kansas State, Wichita State and other Big 12 and national programs.

The Trail of Terror will be open from 6:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. for an admission price of $8. A children's trail for ghouls and goblins under 8 will be open for $2.

The team will also have concessions and merchandise available for sale at the Trail making for a frighteningly good time for all!

The Trail of Terror will be located 1 block east of NW 50th and Topeka Boulevard. There will be signs pointing the way from 50th and Topeka.

A video preview of the Trail of Terror is availiable at the new Giants website.

Giants leave MINK

2009-10-21T22:03:00.003-05:00

TOPEKA, KS - The Topeka Golden Giants are announcing plans to leave the Missouri Iowa Nebraska Kansas League (M.I.N.K. League) for the upcoming 2010 season. The Golden Giants will instead play an independent schedule and will fill 25 home dates this summer.

The Golden Giants have enjoyed their relationship with the M.I.N.K. League and it's member franchises throughout their first five years of existence, but feel the time is right to move in another direction.

Team President Brett Cowdin issued the following statement to the members of the M.I.N.K. League on Monday:

Dear M.I.N.K. League Directors, Members and staff,

Before anything else, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude for allowing us to be a part of the M.I.N.K League the last 5 years.

We have been happy and thankful to be a member of the league and am proud of where our team is today because of this. With your help and support the Topeka Golden Giants have helped many players gain the experience they needed to prosper in Collegiate baseball and provided outstanding entertainment for the Topeka area. For these, I am forever grateful to the M.I.N.K. League and it's members. I have always considered it an honor and privilege to be a part of the M.I.N.K. "family".

Unfortunately, the Topeka Golden Giants organization will resign our membership effective October 10, 2009. After much thought and discussion we have decided for the long-term growth of our team that this is the right time to move on. Our organization is very much looking forward to the professional challenge of playing as an Independent team and continuing the growth of Colligate summer league play in the Midwest.

Leaving friends and colleagues is never an easy decision nor one we took lightly. The Golden Giants will continue to play in Topeka, KS and hope to continue their relationships with the M.I.N.K. members as an independent team.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the member teams of the M.I.N.K league, as well as to many friends and colleagues who have competed against us over the past 5 years. I have truly enjoyed being a part of the league and am grateful for the many learning and growth opportunities being a member of the M.I.N.K. has provided us over the years.

We wish all of the M.I.N.K. member teams continued success and hope to meet on the diamond in the future.

- Thomas Brett Cowdin, President, Topeka Golden Giants

Topeka will join the ranks of the Junction City Generals, who also operate as an independent team and are not affiliated with any league. The Giants are currently negotiating to host an NBC Regional Tournament that will provide the winner an automatic berth in the World Series tournament.

Related article:
St. Joseph News Press: MINK meeting sees 2 teams leave, 2 take their place

Golden Giants announce Tetuan as Head Coach

2009-09-15T17:56:00.002-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants are pleased to announce that former Hayden High School standout John Tetuan will be the team's new field manager for the 2010 season.

Tetuan has been an assistant coach with the Golden Giants since 2005 and will step into the role being vacated by Kent Becker.

"We are excited to name John Tetuan as our new head baseball coach for the Topeka Golden Giants," Team President Brett Cowdin said. "My familiarity with John, his experience and his view of where our organization is headed was pivotal in his appointment to our head position. John helped Kent Becker in every aspect of coaching the Giants the last two seasons, we have been blessed."

"The Giants are lucky to have a guy like John Tetuan as our head Coach."

Tetuan, a former three-sport star at Hayden, pitched for Wichita State University from 2000-2002. In 2002, he posted a 10-1 record, earning Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-American honors.

Following his break-out season for the Shockers, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 9th round of the 2002 June Amateur Draft. After signing with Colorado, he was assigned to the Tri-City Dust Devils of the Single-A Northwest League. There he played during the 2002 and 2004 seasons before retiring for pro baseball.

"I am excited and eager to get to work on the upcoming season, it is an honor to work in this organization. The Giants have great future plans and I am fortunate to be a part of them," Tetuan said.

"It is time to get rolling on putting together our roster."

The Golden Giants are currently working on their 2010 schedule and are looking at June 4th, 2010 as their opening night.

For more information please visit http://www.topekagoldengiants.com/

New Official Website

2009-09-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

The official home of the Golden Giants on the web is now at http://www.topekagoldengiants.com/.

Wrapping things up

2009-07-19T11:55:00.003-05:00

The Giants won their final game of the 2009 season 2-1 over the visiting Clarinda A's after losing 9-4 to the Beatrice Bruins on Wednesday night. The Golden Giants final record for 2009 is 18-15 in the MINK and 19-16 overall.

This would normally mark the start of the post-season for the Giants, but the team will forego playing in an NBC Regional this year due to player injuries and some other roster departures.

Thanks to all the players, coaches, staff and fans for making this season possible. See you next year!

Topeka Capital-Journal: Giants end season with win

Clarinda @ Topeka updates

2009-07-18T19:02:00.002-05:00

We're underway. Ryan Frevert is the starting pitcher for the Giants.

1-0 Giants after one inning. Leadoff batter Jake Brown scored on an RBI single by Nick Martini.

Still 1-0 Giants after 1 1/2.

Still 1-0 Giants after two complete.

Still 1-0 Giants after 3 1/2.

Still 1-0 after four complete.

Still 1-0 Giants after five. Tobi Cowdin comes in to pitch the top of the sixth for the Giants. Frevert pitches 5 innings giving up only 2 hits.

1-1 tie after 5 1/2. Clarinda scores on an RBI double by their leftfielder (#23).

Still 1-1 after six. Brett Mize comes in to pitch the top of the 7th.

Still 1-1 at the stretch.

Giants go ahead in the bottom of the 7th on an RBI single by Martini. Kurt Spomer comes on to pitch the top of the 8th. 2-1 Giants after seven.

Still 2-1 Giants after 7 1/2. Stephen Thompson comes in to pitch the bottom of the 8th for the A's.

It's a fun atmosphere at Lake Shawnee tonight. Joel Ricketts is currently "pinch hitting" for the PA announcer. Fans love the accent.

Evan Marshall comes in to pitch the top of the 9th. 2-1 Giants.

1-2-3. Giants win 2 to 1.

-- Post From My iPhone

One more game in 2009

2009-07-17T19:49:00.002-05:00

From the team president:

Dear Friends and Family,

The Giants season is coming to a rapid close. The 2009 season will be ending on Saturday night, July 18th, against the Clarinda A's. Many of us that follow the Giants team know, the season has not ended like we had hoped: injuries and player situations beyond our control have taken their toll on the team's success. This outcome has been disappointing to all that root for the Giants. Our last game this season will be Saturday night against Clarinda, I want to invite every one out to enjoy the ball game and say goodbye to the 2009 edition of the Topeka Golden Giants.

This season has not ended like we wanted, but, we had a fun battle for first for several weeks and saw some really exciting high level baseball this summer. Some positive highlights this summer were...

1. We have found a home, The Shawnee County Baseball Complex is our home, we love it. It will be ready for big time next year.
2. We have started using promotions in-game and will only get better.
3. Word is getting out,our attendance has been increasing.
4. Our talent level has increased and will only get better.
5. Fourth of July
6. Saint Francis Night (June 4th 2010 Opening Night next year)

Things that will improve next season.
1. Facilities, rest rooms, concessions closer, covered bleachers.
2. More home games.
3. More between innings action.
4. More corporate nights (like St. Francis)
5. Play teams from farther away

If you have positive suggestions please let me or one of our staff know and we will take that in consideration for next season. I want to give a heartfelt thanks to those that want good baseball in Topeka, we are improving every year, soon we will have what we want.

Warm Regards;

Brett Cowdin

Giants fall 10-0 to Mudcats

2009-07-15T10:16:00.002-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants fell another game behind the divison leading Chillicothe Mudcats last night. Final score was 10-0, Mudcats over Giants.

The Giants will face the Beatrice Bruins at 7:00 tonight at Lake Shawnee.

Topeka Capital-Journal: Mudcats whip reeling Giants

Big game tonight

2009-07-14T11:31:00.002-05:00

Topeka host the first place Chillicothe Mudcats in a 7:00 game at Lake Shawnee tonight. With only three games left this will be the Giants' only remaining chance to pick up a full game on the division leaders.

Unfortunately, youth baseball will again take priority for me, so there will be no live updates to the blog. Hopefully a webcast will be available via the Chillicothe website.

Topeka @ Beatrice scores?

2009-07-12T12:40:00.001-05:00

Anyone out there have the results of last night's games in Beatrice?

If so, please leave a comment below.

Catching up

2009-07-11T10:27:00.004-05:00

The Giants defeated the Mustangs 5-4 on Thursday night in Topeka and then lost to the Mustangs in a 13 inning marathon in St. Joseph. I believe the Mustangs and the Giants are tied for second in the division with 17-11 MINK records. (The St. Joe paper has Topeka in third at 17-11 overall and 17-12 in the league, but that isn't mathematically possible. You can't have more league games than overall games.) Chillicothe won two against the Ozark Generals, giving them sole possession of first place in the North.

The Giants play in Beatrice tonight, then finish the regular season with a three game homestand on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. Tuesday night's game against Chillicothe could be key in deciding the divsion.

Topeka Capital-Journal: Giants win one in the 9th
St. Joseph News-Press: Mustangs drop anopther to Topeka
St. Joseph News-Press: Coy gives Mustangs walkoff win

Topeka @ St. Joe updates

2009-07-10T19:23:00.002-05:00

3-0 Mustangs after one complete.

4-0 Mustangs after three complete.

So far in the 4th, the Giants have scored 5 runs. Still no outs. Mustangs just pulled starting pitcher Austin Anderson in favor of Dominic Marchesi.

Giants bat around! It's 7-4 Giants after 3 1/2. RBIs by Boudreaux, Melanson, Urban, Williams, Marshall and a 2-run homer by Martini. Brett Mize comes in to pitch the bottom of the 4th, replacing McGreevey.

Mustangs pick up a run in the bottom of the 5th on a Houston Slemp fielder's choice. 7-5 Giants after 5.

Mustangs pick up two runs so far in the bottom of the 6th. Giants pull Mize in favor of Spomer. Still no outs. 7 all.

Mustangs pick up two additional runs as the bottom of the sixth drags on. 9-7 Mustangs after six complete.

Giants strand three in the top of the 8th, but do score two runs and tie the game. RBIs from Tuttle and Brown. 9-all after 7 1/2.

Still 9-all after 8 complete. Great stretch at first by defensive replacement Josh Cryer saved a run.

Giants fail to score in the top of the 9th. Still tied at 9.
Frevert comes in to pitch the bottom of the 9th.

Frevert works out of a bases loaded jam, getting three consecutive outs. 9-all going into the 10th.

Giants strand 2 in the top of the 10th. Still tied at 9.

Still 9-9 going into the 11th.

Still 9-9 going into the 12th.

Giants leave the bases loaded in the top of the 13th. Still knotted at 9.

Mustangs win with an RBI double in the bottom of the 13th, 10-9.

-- Post From My iPhone

Thursday Preview

2009-07-08T22:04:00.003-05:00

A message from the Team President:

With Topeka, St. Joe and Chillicothe in a virtual tie for first, Tanner Poppe will take the mound for the Giants to try and get a game lead on St. Joe in the standings. It will all come down to the next 2 weeks of the season for the berth to the National Championship in Wichita, come out and support the Giants. Tomorrow night is also St. Francis Night so lots of give aways and fun on the field.

See you there!

Giants win 7-1 in Sedalia

2009-07-08T21:16:00.001-05:00

Just caught the end of the webcast. Final score was 7-1, Giants over Bombers.

Giants rally past St. Joe

2009-07-08T07:16:00.002-05:00

From the Topeka Capital Journal:

The MINK League baseball race has hit the home stretch.

With two weeks left in the season, Topeka is in third place but nipping at the heels of first-place St. Joseph, and the Golden Giants drew closer with a 9-8 win over the Mustangs on Tuesday at Lake Shawnee.

The Golden Giants (16-11, 15-10 MINK) came back from a 5-0 deficit, scoring nine runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh to edge the Mustangs (20-11, 16-10 MINK).

From the St. Joseph News-Press:

This was the first of a stretch of three crucial games this week against the Golden Giants, who will host St. Joseph again on Thursday, then come to St. Joseph for a Friday night clash. The Mustangs have held a thin lead over Chillicothe in the MIAA’s North Division, with Topeka a close third.

Tuesday night’s victory gives the Mustangs their second straight loss, following a road setback Sunday at Chillicothe.

Topeka has won four of its last five, after having its three-game winning streak halted on Sunday in Clarinda, 12-4.

So it looks like both Topeka and Chillicothe are within a half game of St. Joseph, and the Giants have a real opportunity to make up some ground this week.

Upcoming Games

2009-07-07T22:00:00.003-05:00

Giants play the Bombers in Sedalia, Missouri at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night. A webcast may be availiable.

The next home game will be Thursday night against the St. Joe Mustangs, also a 7:00 p.m. start. There is a possibility of a webcast of that game as well. (However there will be no live blog updates, as I have a youth baseball committment that evening.)

Topeka and St. Joe then face off again, Friday night at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph.

And the Giants' final road game of the year will be Saturday night (the 11th) in Beatrice.

They will then close out the regular season with a three game homestand facing Chillicothe on Tuesday the 14th, Beatrice on Wednesday the 15th, and Clarinda on Saturday the 18th.

St. Joe @ Topeka updates

2009-07-07T19:06:00.002-05:00

Joel Ricketts is the starting pitcher for Topeka.
According to the St. Joe fans Ben Baker is starting for the Mustangs.

0-0 after one inning.

Both teams strand a couple of baserunners in the second. Still no score after two complete.

5 runs for St. Joe in the top of the third. 5-0 Mustangs after 2 1/2.

Still 5-0 Mustangs after three innings.

Still 5-0 after four complete.

5-5 tie game after five innings! Giants pick up 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth. Runs scored on a triple by Martini, a single by Cryer, a double by Melanson and a two-run homerun by Stephon Williams.

Pitching change for St. Joe going into the bottom of the 6th: new pitcher is Dominic Marchesi. Still tied at 5.

Adam Davey scores on a 2-out single by Nick Martini. 6-5 Giants going into the 7th.

Mustangs retake the lead on the top of the 7th. A 2 RBI triple by Houston Slemp followed by an RBI single by Johnny Coy makes it 8-6 Mustangs at stretch-time.

Pitching change with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th. New Mustang pitcher is Jordan McLaughlin. Still 8-6.

Another pitching change at 7 2/3 innings. Mustang pitcher is now Drew Garwood. Bases loaded for the Giants but score is still 8-6.

Two runs score on a Chance Tuttle single. Tied at 8. Another run scores on an error. 9-8 Topeka after 7 complete.

Curtis Hamilton comes in to pitch the top of the 8th for the Giants.

No runs for St. Joe in the top of the 8th.

Still 9-8 going into the top of the 9th. Hamilton still on the hill for Topeka.

Ryan Frevert comes in to pitch with one out and a Mustang runner on first base...and gets a ground ball for a double play. Giants win!

-- Post From My iPhone

St. Joe @ Topeka Tonight

2009-07-07T18:25:00.001-05:00

A webcast may be availiable from 105.5 in St. Joe.

Giants fall in Clarinda

2009-07-06T12:25:00.001-05:00

From the Topeka Capital-Journal:

The Topeka Golden Giants had a three-game winning streak halted with a 12-4 loss Sunday at Clarinda, Iowa.

The Giants, who are off Monday, are 14-10 in the MINK League and play North Division leader St. Joseph Mustangs on Tuesday at Lake Shawnee.

Game in Clairnda tonight

2009-07-05T21:50:00.001-05:00

No webcast. If you have a score for it, please leave a comment below.

Giants win big in Chillicothe, win close one at home

2009-07-04T22:14:00.002-05:00

Was able to find out at tonight's game that the Giants won 10-0 in Chillicothe last night. Tanner Poppe apparently threw a 1 hit shutout for the Giants.

Tonight's game was a back and forth affair with Sedalia, but the Giants managed to defeat the south division leaders in the bottom of the 10th. (See below for details.)

Sedalia @ Topeka updates

2009-07-04T17:58:00.002-05:00

1-0 Topeka after one inning. Nick Martini hit a solo homerun to right center.

Still 1-0 Topeka after two complete.

Tied at 2 with three complete. Bombers score on an RBI single by McCormack and a walk with the bases loaded by Knight. Giants answered in the bottom half with an RBI single by Stroth.

Bombers up 3-2 after 3 1/2. They score on a broken bat single by Paxton.

Still 3-2 with four complete.

Still 3-2 Bombers with five complete.

Still 3-2 after six.

Tied 3-all after seven. Giants score on an RBI fielder's choice by Josh Cryer. Bases were loaded and the Bombers attempted to get a force out at first then home. Since the out at first took away the force out, the runner was safe at home. This led to an usual scene where the Bombers manager appeared to argue that his own first baseman had not had his foot on the bag.

Giants up 5-3 after a 2 RBI triple by Chance Tuttle in the bottom of the 8th.

Giants closer Kurt Spomer replaces starter T. J. McGreevey after the first two Bomber batters reach base. Still 5-3.

Bombers tie it up on a 2 Rbi single by Reed. They go ahead on a single by Wegener. 6-5 Sedalia after 8 1/2.

We're in extra innings. Stroth scores on a pinch hit sac fly by Stephon Williams. Tied at 6 going into the 10th.

Spomer shuts down the Bombers in the top of the 10th. Still 6-all.

Giants win it on a walkoff RBI double by Martini.
7-6 Giants over Bombers.
-- Post From My iPhone

Pennant Race

2009-07-02T22:48:00.002-05:00

From the Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune:

With a 13-7 loss last night at tonight’s Chillicothe opponent, the Clarinda A’s, Topeka’s Golden Giants are a game back of the Mudcats. The ultra-tight North race now sees Clarinda only 1 1⁄2 games off Chillicothe’s and St. Joe’s pace and last-place Beatrice (Neb.) only two out of the lead.

Upcoming games

2009-07-02T22:28:00.003-05:00

The Giants play in Chillicothe again tomorrow night at 7:00. A webcast should be availaible. They then return home for the a 4th of July showdown with the Sedalia Bombers on Saturday. Saturday's game will start at 6:00 p.m., so that it will likely conclude before the "Spirit of Kansas" fireworks display at Lake Shawnee begins. T.J. McGreevey is the announced starter for Saturday's game. On Sunday the 5th the Giants have another road game scheduled in Clarinda.

The Giants' league record was announced as being 12-9 at the game tonight. With tonight's win they are 1-1 in non-league games, which would mean 13-10 overall.

Junction City @ Topeka updates

2009-07-02T19:16:00.002-05:00

Defensive struggles lead to a long top of the 1st for the Giants. 2-0 Generals.

Giants answer with a Nick Martini solo shot to right. 2-1 Generals after 1 complete.

Still 2-1 after 2 complete.

Giants tie the game on an RBI single by Adam Davey. 2 all going into the top of the 4th.

Jake Brown scores in the bottom of the 4th on a Nick Martini sacrifice fly. (After advancing on a sac bunt by Justin Boudreaux.) 3-2 Giants going into the 5th.

Generals answer in the top of the 5th. It's tied at 3 after 4 1/2.

Still 3 all after 6 innings.

Big inning for Topeka in the bottom of the 7th. 5 runs on 3 hits. RBI by Davey, Brown (2), Tuttle and Boudreaux. Golden Giants are up 8-3 going into the 8th.

Still 8-3 at the middle of the 8th.

Giants add a run in the bottom of the 8th on an Adam Davey sac fly. 9-3 Topeka.

It's gone final. Topeka's 9 runs came on 13 hits. Giants also had 3 errors in the field. Junction City scored 3 runs on 10 hits, no errors.

-- Post From My iPhone

Game in Clarinda tongiht

2009-07-01T18:23:00.002-05:00

Looks like the Giants lost two games in Chillicothe last night. Tonight they travel to Clarinda to face the A's. There's no webcast availaible, so if you know the results, please pass them along to your fellow fans by leaving a comment below.

Correction: 5:00 p.m. doubleheader in Chillicothe tonight

2009-06-30T11:46:00.004-05:00

I had posted yesterday that the game in Chillicothe would begin at 7:00 tonight, but it's actually going to be a doubleheader to make up for the June 15th rainout. Game one starts at 5:00 p.m.

Update: The Chillicothe paper has the DH starting at 6 p.m. No results known at this time. Please leave a comment below if you know the scores.

Giants defeat Mudcats, 3-2

2009-06-29T20:50:00.008-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants won tonight's game against the visiting Chillicothe Mudcats. The Giants led throughtout, thanks in part to a 2-run home run by Adam Davey, but the Mudcats managed to load the bases in the top of the 9th. At that point Kurt Spomer came out of the bullpen for the Giants and got the final two outs without allowing the tying run. Final score was Giants 3- Mudcats 2.

By my count, the Giants are now 12-5 in the MINK and 12-6 overall. Their next game is tomorrow night in Chillicothe, again facing the Mudcats. (Webcast should be available, with the ~~game~~ doubleheader starting at ~~7:00~~ 5:00.) They then travel to Clarinda to face the A's on Wednesday night, then return home for a non-league matchup with Junction City.

On Saturday July 4th the Giants will face the Sedalia Bombers starting a 6:00 p.m. This game was previously scheduled for 7 p.m. but moved up to insure it would end before the Lake Shawnee fireworks display that night.

Update:
Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune: Giants squash last gasp comeback
Topeka Capital-Journal: New closer saves one for Giants

Mudcats visit Topeka tonight

2009-06-29T07:11:00.002-05:00

The Chillicothe Mudcats travel to the Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex to face the Topeka Golden Giants tonight at 7:00 p.m. A Chillicothe webcast should be available if you can't make it to the ballpark.

Joplin @ Topeka game 2 updates

2009-06-28T14:15:00.002-05:00

Giants up 2-0 after the first. Nick Martini hit a 2-run shot to right field that actually bounced across Croco Road.

Still 2-0 Giants after 3 1/2.

4-0 Giants after 4. Kent Urban sent another ball bouncing across Croco for another 2-run homer.

Still 4-0 Topeka after 5.

No Joplin runs in the top of the 6th, but Outlaws batter Chase Barnes does manage to break up Joel Ricketts' no-hitter.

5-0 Topeka after 6 complete. Chance Tuttle drew a walk with the bases loaded.

Still 5-0 at stretchtime. Ricketts puts up another zero in the top of the 7th.

Ricketts 1-hit shutout continues, still 5-0 Topeka after 7 1/2.

Giants win 5-1. Ricketts throws a complete game giving up only 2 hits. Giants had 9 hits and an error.

Ricketts is on the mound for the top of the 9th. Still 5-0 Topeka.

Joplin's Shane Hoke hits a ground rule double, scoring a runner from 2nd base. 5-1 Topeka with 2 outs in the top of the 9th.

-- Post From My iPhone

Late Update: Not sure what happened to my last post. Giants won the game 5-1 and Ricketts ended up with a 2-hit complete game.

Joplin @ Topeka updates

2009-06-27T19:31:00.003-05:00

3-0 Topeka after 1 inning.

5-0 Topeka after 4 complete.

Joplin scores 3 in the top of the 5th. Now 5-3 Topeka after 4 1/2.

Giants answer with 2 more runs in the bottom of the 5th. Now 7-3 Topeka.

8-3 Topeka after 6 complete. Rainclouds are hovering over the field but so far they've only produced a few sprinkles and a double rainbow behind right field.

Cole Armitage comes out of the bullpen at the beginning of th 7th after an excellent outing by Giants starter Tanner Poppe.

Still 8-3 with 7 in the books.

Still 8-3 going into the top of the 9th.

Outlaws make it interesting, but it just went final. Final score 8-6. Giants' 8 runs came off 9 hits with 1 error. Outlaws had 6 runs on 7 hits with an error.

-- Post From My iPhone

Open thread

2009-06-25T17:02:00.001-05:00

For game results. Please leave a comment if you know a game outcome.

-- Post From My iPhone

Giants fall to St. Joe Rally, 9-5

2009-06-21T07:45:00.002-05:00

St Joseph News-Press: Mustangs rally past Topeka

Giants lose to Mudcats, 4-1, light posting next week

2009-06-19T22:18:00.004-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants lost to the visiting Chillicothe Mudcats tonight. Final score was 4 to 1, Chillicothe.

The Giants are now 8-4 in the MINK and 8-5 overall. Next game is in St. Joseph, Missouri facing the same St. Joe Mustangs the Giants were able to defeat last night. In fact the next two games are both road games in St. Joseph, with the second game being played on Thursday night (the 25th). Webcasts should be available for fans who can't travel to St. Joe.

I'll be out of town for the next week. I'm not entirely sure what my internet situation will be, so posting may be light or nonexistant. I'll create an open thread before I leave, so that anyone with news about next weeks games can share results. The Facebook group is a great place to share Golden Giants info as well.

Update:

TCJ: Giants fall 4-1

Giants-Mudcats updates

2009-06-19T19:28:00.002-05:00

1-0 Mudcats after 2. Mudcats DH Schultz scored on a throwing error.

2-0 Mudcats after 3 1/2. Mudcat LF Nicks hits a solo homerun in the top of the 4th.

Now 2-1 Mudcats going into the 5th. Cryer scores from 2nd on an RBI single by Urban.

Still 2-1 Mudcats after 6 complete.

4-1 Mudcats at stretch time. RBIs by Mudcats Acosta and Skidrich in the top of the 7th.

Still 4-1 Mudcats after 7 1/2. Mize comes out of the bullpen to replace Giants starter Maddox.

Still 4-1 going into the top of the 9th.

Still 4-1 going into the bottom of the 9th. Top of the 9th ends on a great defensive play by Giants 2B Stroth.

That's the ballgame. Mudcats win 4-1.

--Post From My iPhone

Mudcats come to town tonight

2009-06-19T07:21:00.002-05:00

7:00 p.m. start time. A webcast may be available if you can't make it to the ballpark.

Giants win close one at home, 5-3.

2009-06-18T21:59:00.005-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants won a close game at home tonight against division rival St. Joseph, ending the night with five runs to the Mustangs three. The Giants combined some great defensive plays, aggressive baserunning, timely hitting, and solid pitching performances by both starter Evan Marshall (8 innings) and closer Kurt Spomer.

It was announced at the end of the game that the Giants have a half-game lead in the MINK League Northern division. Chillicothe comes to town to face the Giants in another divional matchup tomorrow (Friday) night at 7 p.m. Every game is critical at this point, so come on out to Lake Shawnee to support your Topeka Golden Giants.

The Giants are now 8-3 in the MINK (8-4 overall).

Update:
St. Joe News-Press: Mustangs Fall to Topeka

Giants-Mustangs updates

2009-06-18T19:15:00.003-05:00

No score after 2 innings.

Giants score on a RBI single by Boudreaux. Now 1-0 Giants after 3 complete.

Urban scores on a fielder's choice by Brown. Now 2-0 Topeka after 4 innings. It could have been a much bigger inning, as the Giants had the bases loaded with no outs. Giants now have 5 hits to the Mustangs one.

Giants again load the bases with the first 3 batters of the 5th. Boudreaux scores on a passed ball. Another run scores on a fielder's choice, followed by a Mustang pitching change...new pitcher gets out of the inning with no further Giant runs. 4-0 Topeka after 5 frames.

Mustangs' bats wake up a little in the top of the 6th. Two hits and a run scored on a sac fly. 4-1 Topeka after 5 1/2.

An interference call leads to two Golden Giant outs, shortening the bottom of the 6th for Topeka. Still 4-1 Giants.

Still 4-1 at stretch-time.

Giants again load the bases, leading to a Mustang pitching change. ( New Mustang pitcher is Billy Gura.) An unassisted double play by the Mustang 3rd baseman (#13) and a groundout end the bottom of the 7th for the Giants. 4-1 Topeka after 7.

Mustangs score 2 in the top of the 8th. It's a one run game.

Aggressive baserunning by Chance Tuttle leads to a Giants run in the bottom half of the 8th. 5-3 Topeka going into the top of the 9th.

Giants pitcher Evan Marshall is pulled after facing 2 batters. It was a solid 8 inning performance for the Topeka starter. Kurt Spomer comes in with runners on first and second.

Spomer gets the save. Final score 5-3 Topeka.

-- Post From My iPhone

Road Trip Rained Out

2009-06-16T20:56:00.003-05:00

Both last night's game in Chillicothe and tonight's game in KC have been postponed due to wet grounds.

Next game will be at Lake Shawnee versus the St. Joe Mustangs, 7 p.m Thursday night.

Giants and Bruins split doubleheader

2009-06-14T18:24:00.003-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants split Sunday afternoon's doubleheader with the visiting Beatrice Bruins. Topeka won game one 2 runs to 1, but lost the second game 6 to 2.

The Giants are now 7-3 in the MINK, 7-4 overall.

The Giants will travel to Chillicothe to face the Mudcats on Monday night. Tuesday night will see the Giants in Kansas City facing the Mac-N-Seitz A's. The next home game will be Thursday the 18th versus the new St. Joseph Mustangs, followed by a Friday night home game versus Chillicothe. All four of next week's games have a 7:00 p.m. start time.

Audio play-by-play of the Chillicothe games should be available via the Mudcats' webcast.

Game 2 updates

2009-06-14T16:26:00.001-05:00

0-0 after 1 inning.

Update: Still scoreless after 2 innings.

Update: Bruins up 6-0 after a costly 3rd inning.

Update: Still 6-0 Beatrice after 5 complete.

Update: Giants score 2 in the bottom of the 6th. 6-2 Bruins.

Final score: 6-2 Bruins

--Post From My iPhone

Giants win game 1

2009-06-14T15:44:00.001-05:00

Giants had 2 runs on 2 hits. Bruins scored 1 on 8 hits and 1 error in the field.

-- Post From My iPhone

Beatrice @ Topeka updates

2009-06-14T14:26:00.001-05:00

It's 0-0 after 2 innings.

Update: Giants score in bottom of the third after Justin Boudreaux steals 2 bases. 1-0 Giants after 3 1/2.

2nd update: Bruins score 1 in the 5th. Tied 1 all in top of the 6th.

-- Post From My iPhone

Doubleheader on Sunday Afternoon

2009-06-13T14:01:00.003-05:00

Sunday's doubleheader will begin at 2:00 p.m. Come out to the Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex and see the Giants take on the Beatrice Bruins.

Giants over A's, 5-2

2009-06-12T21:59:00.003-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants snapped a two game losing streak, beating the Mac-N-Seitz Athletics, five runs to two.

Update: TCJ article

Giants lose one in Beatrice

2009-06-11T21:12:00.003-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants lost their second league game tonight. Final score was Bruins 4, Giants 2. Giants are now 5-2 in the MINK (5-3 overall).

Giants split DH with Nevada

2009-06-11T06:34:00.002-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants lost the nightcap to the Nevada Griffons Wednesday night. Once again a game that was scheduled for 7 innings took 10 innings to resolve. The Griffons pulled ahead with a pair of runs in the top of the 10th inning. Final score was 6-4.

The Giants are now 5-2 overall, and 5-1 in the MINK. They travel to Beatrice tonight to face the Bruins for a 7 o'clock game. A webcast should be available at senesportsonline.com.

TCJ: Giants split with Nevada

Giants win extended game one, 1-0

2009-06-10T20:37:00.003-05:00

Game one of tonight's doubleheader was scheduled for 7 innings, but it was the bottom of the 10th before the Topeka Golden Giants scored the game's only run. A walk-off RBI double by Justin Boudreaux brought Chance Tuttle home to end the game.

Rained out

2009-06-09T13:22:00.001-05:00

Tonight's game has been postponed. There will be a doubleheader with the Griffons tomorrow night starting at 6:00 p.m.

Giants host Griffons tonight

2009-06-09T07:29:00.005-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants will face off against the Griffons of Nevada, Missouri tonight at Lake Shawnee. First pitch at 7:00 p.m.

The same two teams will play again tomorrow night, also at 7:00 p.m.

If you can't make it to the ballpark, a Griffons broadcast should be available at this site.

Giants sweep doubleheader

2009-06-07T18:24:00.003-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants won both of this afternoon's games with the Ozark Generals. Game one went one extra inning, with the Giants walking off with a 3-2 win in the bottom of the 8th.

In the nightcap the Giants pulled ahead in the bottom half of the first inning, eventually winning with three runs to the Generals one.

The Giants are now 4-1 overall and 4-0 in the MINK League. The Giants will continue the current homestand, facing the Nevada Griffons in a 2-game series at Lake Shawnee on Tuesday and Wendesday night. Both games start at 7 p.m.

Update:

Capital-Journal: Giants rely on pitching in sweep

Giants host Generals, Sunday at 2 p.m.

2009-06-06T11:03:00.001-05:00

From Team President Brett Cowdin:

The Giants will host South Division foe Ozark Generals Sunday 2:00 pm at the Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex. This will be Ozarks only trip to Topeka this season. The Giants are looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season at the hands of Junction City. Topeka is looking to complete their roster with the arrival of Kansas State outfielder Nick Martini, pitcher Evan Marshall and infielder Jake Brown. This will be CapFed Day with free T-shirts to the first 100 fans. Come join the fun and cheer ...your Topeka Giants!

Giants lose in Junction City, 4-1

2009-06-05T09:17:00.003-05:00

It's been posted to the Facebook group that the Golden Giants, lost to the Junction City Generals by the score of 4 to 1 last night.

It's important to remember that this was a non-league game, and will not affect the MINK pennant race. The Giants are now 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the MINK.

The two games on Sunday against the Ozark Generals, however, are MINK League games. So come out to Lake Shawnee to support the Topeka Golden Giants. The first game starts at 2:00 p.m.

Word on the Street: Giants fall 4-1 to Junction City

Golden Giants on Twitter

2009-06-04T11:57:00.006-05:00

The Golden Giants social networking empire keeps expanding. Golden Giants webmaster, PA anouncer, and scorekeeper Shawn Smith has announced he will post Twitter updates of the game in Junction City tonight.

Shawn has also recently updated the player statistics on the official website.

Giants win in Clarinda, travel to Junction City

2009-06-04T07:30:00.002-05:00

The folowing was posted to the Golden Giants Facebook group by Team President Brett Cowdin:

The Topeka Golden Giants won again Wednesday night in Clarinda,IA behind solid pitching from Joel Ricketts and timely hitting from Justin Boudreaux. The Giants won 4-3 to improve their record to 2-0,Clarinda falls to 0-6. The Giants will face I-70 rival tomorrow night in Junction City,the Giants scheduled starter for Thursdays game is TJ McGreevey ,the outstanding Hayden product. The Giants are scheduled to play at home this Sunday ,when it will be Cap Fed Day,first 100 fans will recieve a free Cap Fed Giants t-shirt, the game starts at 2:00pm. See ya there!!!

Note the time change for Sunday.

Giants travel to Clarinda

2009-06-03T06:23:00.002-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants will face the Clarinda A's again tonight, this time in Clarinda, Iowa. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.

Opening Day photos

2009-05-31T21:23:00.003-05:00

Giants win big on opening night, 14-3

2009-05-31T20:37:00.004-05:00

The Topeka Golden Giants opened the 2009 season by defeating the visiting Clarinda A's by an 11 run margin. The Giants scored 14 runs on 13 hits. The A's scored 3 runs on 7 hits, with 5 miscues in the field.

Update:

Topeka Capital-Journal: Golden Giants open season with win
KTKA: Golden Giants win season opener

It's opening day!

2009-05-31T09:39:00.003-05:00

First pitch at 5:00 p.m. at the Lake Shawnee Baseball complex.

Golden Giants to open season

2009 Uniforms

2009-05-29T21:37:00.001-05:00

The vests will be worn over blue or gold t-shirts for home games.

Time change for opening night (plus free T-Shirts!)

2009-05-29T18:55:00.008-05:00

The start time for Sunday's home opener against the Clarinda A's has been moved up to 5:00 p.m. First pitch was previously scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Sunday will also be Capitol-Federal Savings T-shirt night. The first 100 fans will receive a free Golden Giants T-shirt courtesy of Cap-Fed.

Facebook

2009-05-28T12:44:00.003-05:00

I noticed that Clarinda, St. Joe, and Chillicothe have fan groups on Facebook, so I decided to go ahead and create a Golden Giants fan group. If you are on Facebook, please consider joining.

Media Night on Friday is open to the public

2009-05-27T12:25:00.002-05:00

From a recent Golden Giants press release:

Friday May 29th @ 6 :00 pm the Topeka Golden Giants Baseball Team will be convening in Topeka at the beautiful Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex. This is open to press and public. The players and Coaches will be available for interviews. This is also the time that the players meet their host families. Come on out and see the New Uniforms and fresh faces.We are ready for baseball.

Golden Giants in the News

2009-05-27T12:17:00.002-05:00

Two recent Golden Giants related articles/posts from the Topeka Capital-Journal:

Word on the Street: 5/27/09 Baseblog

Giants love new SCABA home

Might be worth checking out...

2009-05-27T12:14:00.003-05:00

Great Overland Station: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' exhibit of baseball memorabilla from past Topeka ball teams. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday 1-4 p.m. Sunday

Baseball News

2009-05-27T11:59:00.005-05:00

Some links to articles from around the country that may be of interest to summer collegiate baseball fans:

Former College QB to play for Mac-N-Seitz
Mustangs preparing for inaugural season
Summer baseball returns to Hutch
New players in Newton, new structure for WJL
El Dorado Broncos preview
Goldpanners split squad to visit MINK teams

Updated Schedule (graphic)

2009-05-23T14:50:00.003-05:00

Updated Roster

2009-05-23T14:44:00.003-05:00

1 Stephon Williams, University Of Central Missouri OF
3 Adam Davey, Crowder OF
4 T.J. McGreevey, Hayden/Wichita State University P
5 Tobi Cowdin, Johnson County CC 1B
6 Chance Tuttle, University Of Central Missouri OF
7 Cory Deedrick, University Of Central Missouri IF
9 Brett Marshall, Missouri State C
10 Justin Boudreaux, Southeastern Louisianna IF
11 Robbie Rea, Seaman/Cowley CC IF/P
12 Kurt Spomer, Creighton University P/IF
13 Blake Stroth, Kasnas City Kansas CC UTL
14 Caleb Gress, Neosho County CC P

15 Connor McCrite, Allen CC OF
16 Jake Brown, Kansas State University IF
17 Kent Urban, Barton County CC OF

18 Cole Armitage, Emporia State University P
19 Trent Speaker, Hutchinson CC P
20 Evan Marshall, Kansas State University P
21 Nick Martini, Kansas State University OF
22 Andrew Melanson, University Of Central Missouri 1B

23 Tyler Roberts, Silver Lake/Johnson County CC P
24 Adam Maddox, Missouri State P

25 Dane Simoneau, Washburn University IF
26 Brett Mize, Emporia State University OF
27 Dale Ricketts, Kasnas City Kansas CC C
28 Tanner Poppe, University of Kansas P

29 Ryan Frevert, Hutchinson CC P
30 Josh Cryer, Southeastern Louisiana IF/OF
31 Joel Ricketts, Washburn University P

33 Jake Doller, Kansas State University P

34 Kyle Kaiser, Johnson County CC P

2009 Roster (text version)

2009-03-25T19:24:00.006-06:00

1 Stephon Williams University Of Central Missouri OF
3 Adam Davey Crowder OF
4 T.J. McGreevey Wichita State University P
5 Tobi Cowdin Johnson County CC 1B
6 Chance Tuttle University Of Central Missouri OF
7 Corey Deedrick University Of Central Missouri IF
8 Matt Williams Hutchinson CC P/IF
9 Brett Marshall Missouri State C
10 Justin Boudreaux Southeastern Louisianna IF
11 Robbie Rea Seaman IF/P
12 Kurt Spomer Creighton University P/IF
13 Blake Stroth Kasnas City Kansas CC UTL
14 Caleb Cress Neosho County CC P
16 Jake Brown Kansas State University IF
17 Kent Urban Barton County CC OF
19 Ryan Frevert Hutchinson CC P
20 Evan Marshall Kansas State University P
21 Brett Mize Emporia State University P
22 Andrew Melanson University Of Central Missouri 1B
24 Tyler Bean Missouri State P
26 Nick Martini Kansas State University OF
27 Dale Ricketts Kasnas City Kansas CC C
28 Tanner Poppe University of Kansas P
30 Josh Cryer Southeastern Louisiana IF/OF
31 Cole Armatage Barton County CC P
33 Jake Doller Kansas State University P

Roster update

2009-03-25T19:21:00.002-06:00

New additions to the 2009 roster:

Catcher Dale Ricketts from KCKCC (originally from Melbourne, Australia).
Utility player Blake Stroth from KCKCC (grad of Shawnee Heights).
Tanner Poppe P from Girard, Kansas (signed to play at University of Kansas).

2009 schedule (text version)

2009-01-27T21:59:00.002-06:00

May:
31st Sunday Clarinda @ Topeka 7:00pm

June:
2nd Tuesday TBA @ Topeka 7:00 pm
3rd Wednesday Topeka @ Clarinda 7:00pm
4th Thursday Topeka @ Junction City 7:00 pm
7th Sunday Ozark @ Topeka 1:00 pm DH
9th Tuesday Nevada @ Topeka 7:00 pm
10th Wednesday Nevada @ Topeka 7:00 pm
11th Thursday Topeka @ Beatrice 7:00 pm
12th Friday Mac N Seitz @ Topeka 7:00 pm
14th Sunday Beatrice @ Topeka TBA DH
15th Monday Topeka @ Chillicothe 7:00 pm
16th Tuesday Topeka @ Mac N Seitz 7:00 pm
18th Thursday St. Joseph @ Topeka 7:00 pm
19th Friday Chillicothe @ Topeka 7:00 pm
20th Saturday Topeka @ St. Joseph 7:00 pm
25th Thursday Topeka @ St. Joseph 7:00 pm
26th Friday Clarinda @ Topeka 7:00 pm
27th Saturday Joplin @ Topeka 7:00 pm
28th Sunday Joplin @ Topeka 2:00 pm
29th Monday Chillicothe @ Topeka 7:00 pm
30th Tuesday Topeka @ Chillicothe 7:00 pm

July:
1st Wednesday Topeka @ Clarinda 7:00 pm
2nd Thursday Junction City @ Topeka 7:00 pm
3rd Friday Topeka @ Chillicothe 7:00 pm
4th Saturday Sedalia @ Topeka 7:00 pm
5th Sunday Topeka @ Clarinda 7:00 pm
7th Tuesday St. Joseph @ Topeka 7:00 pm
8th Wednesday Topeka @ Sedalia 7:00 pm
9th Thursday St. Joseph @ Topeka 7:00 pm
10th Friday Topeka @ St. Joseph 7:00 pm
11th Saturday Topeka @ Beatrice 7:00 pm
14th Tuesday Chillicothe @ Topeka 7:00 pm
15th Wednesday Beatrice @ Topeka 7:00 pm
18th Saturday Clarinda @ Topeka 7:00 pm

Articles:
Golden Giants release schedule
Golden Giants set ticket prices

Explanation of posts below

2009-01-26T22:12:00.003-06:00

I'm having trouble getting Blogger to format the roster and schedule the way I want them, so I took the easy way out and posted a picture of the roster and schedule below. If you click on the thumbnails you'll get a larger version of each image. I'll try to put a text version of each up later in the week.

2009 roster

2009-01-26T21:53:00.002-06:00

2009 Schedule

2009-01-26T21:43:00.002-06:00

New home field in 2009

2009-01-17T15:21:00.003-06:00

The Golden Giants have officially moved to the Lake Shawnee diamond. Read all about it at David Streeter's Local Sports Blog.

Update: Looks like the Giants aren't the only ones making a move. The Joplin Outlaws will be playing at a new multi-sport complex rather than historic Joe Becker Stadium, which was home to the Southwest Slashers of Joplin.

Also new in 2009: Sedalia Sluggers, Joplin Outlaws, and Nevada Griffons

2008-10-15T12:29:00.001-05:00

Wow! The MINK League just got a lot more intersting. In addition to the return of St. Joseph to the league, it will expand to 10 teams (hat tip to David Streeter for reporting this first). The 10 MINK teams will split into two 5 team divisions, and play an unbalanced schedule with most games within the division. This should really help with travel expenses and help teams to stay economically viable in this era of higher gas prices. The divisonal split will also mean a best of three league championship series at the end of the season.

This expansion also brings some great ballparks into (or back into) the MINK. Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joe and Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin are two of my favorite regional ballparks. I haven't been to a game in Nevada since the Topeka Capitals were in the Jayhawk League with them, but I remember great atmosphere at the Griffons' games. And I'm intrigued by the little I've read about Liberty Park Stadium in Sedalia.

This site is normally quiet during the off-season, but I'll be making some updates over the next few days to reflect the expanded 2009 MINK.

Links
Mustangs could switch leagues (An article from September about the teams from St. Joe, Joplin and Nevada making the decision to play in the MINK rather than the Jayhawk League.)
St. Joseph baseball team searching for league (another article from September)
Mustangs land big name for GM
Mustangs enter expanded MINK League
Sluggers coming to town
Griffons move to MINK League
RoadRunners, MINK League, and Wizards news