Giants announce National Tourney

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!!!

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

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

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

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

Wrapping things up

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

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

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

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

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?

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

If so, please leave a comment below.

Catching up

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

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

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

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

Giants rally past St. Joe

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

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

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

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

Giants fall in Clarinda

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

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

Giants win big in Chillicothe, win close one at home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Joseph News-Press: Mustangs rally past Topeka

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Giants win big on opening night, 14-3

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!

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

Golden Giants to open season

2009 Uniforms

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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)

Updated Roster

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)

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

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)

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

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 Schedule

New home field in 2009

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.