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Normal = Average & Average = NormalWe are celebrating our 3rd anniversary!The unofficial team of the Earned Fun Average podcast is the Normal CornBelters. The CornBelters play in the Prospect League. We have on GM Jarrett Rodgers. Jarrett tells us all about the Corn Crib and corny jokes are told throughout. Tune in to hear about the team, the stadium and the league. Hear Jarrett share his Proffitt & Loss as well.Make sure to follow the CornBelters online.Normal CornBelters - Website: https://www.cornbeltersbaseball.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normal_baseball/ (@Normal_Baseball)Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/normal_baseball (@Normal_Baseball)Earned Fun Average - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earnedfunavg/ (@EarnedFunAvg)Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/earnedfunavg/ (@EarnedFunAvg)Blue Sky: https://www.bsky.app/profile/earnedfunavg.bsky.social (@EarnedFunAvg .bsky.social)Curved Brim Media -Website: https://www.curvedbrimmedia.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curvedbrimmedia/ (@CurvedBrimMedia)Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CurvedBrim/ (@CurvedBrim)
Brought to you by The Bullpen Sports Grill and Sponsored by BetterhelpThe Prospect League is a collegiate wood bat baseball league that provides a platform for talented college players to showcase their skills during the summer months. Established in 2009, the league has quickly gained recognition as one of the premier summer collegiate leagues in the United States. With teams located in the Midwest and East Coast regions, the Prospect League offers players an opportunity to compete against high-level competition while developing their abilities in a competitive and professional environment.The league's focus on the use of wooden bats, as opposed to aluminum bats commonly used in college baseball, provides a more authentic and traditional baseball experience. This allows players to hone their skills and adjust to the wooden bat, which is the standard equipment used in professional baseball. The transition from college to professional baseball is made smoother for these players, as they become accustomed to the nuances and challenges associated with wooden bat play.One of the main objectives of the Prospect League is to provide a valuable developmental experience for college athletes. The league's rigorous schedule, comprising of a 60-game regular season, challenges players physically and mentally, helping them grow both on and off the field. They gain valuable game experience, develop their baseball IQ, and learn to navigate the ups and downs of a long and demanding season. This development is crucial in preparing them for the rigors of professional baseball or returning to their college programs with improved skills and confidence.Additionally, the Prospect League prioritizes the overall well-being of its players. It emphasizes the importance of academics and encourages athletes to maintain a balance between their studies and their baseball commitments. The league fosters a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive academically and athletically, preparing them for the demands of a collegiate or professional career.The league's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for players extends beyond the field. Host families play a crucial role in the success of the league by providing players with a welcoming and supportive home away from home. These families offer a nurturing environment, helping players adjust to the new surroundings and fostering a sense of community within the league.The success of the Prospect League can be attributed to its commitment to player development, the use of wooden bats, and the fostering of a supportive and inclusive community. The league has produced several players who have gone on to achieve success at higher levels of baseball, including the Major Leagues. The Prospect League continues to be an essential stepping stone in the journey of aspiring college baseball players, providing them with the necessary tools, exposure, and experiences to advance their careers and fulfill their dreams.The Prospect League features a collection of teams spread across the Midwest and East Coast regions. The teams participating in the league include the Champion City Kings, Chillicothe Paints, Danville Dans, Johnstown Mill Rats, Lafayette Aviators, Normal CornBelters, REX Baseball, Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Alton River Dragons, Burlington Bees, Cape Catfish, Clinton LumberKings, Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, Jackson Rockabillys, O'Fallon Hoots, Quincy Gems, Thrillville ThrillbilliesThis episode is sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn and presented to you by The Barn Media Group.
What started as a weird idea in December 2018 has turned into a show that hit its 150th episode. OPEN: Coming to you from Normal, IL and from our studio in Texas. We reflect on our 150th episode. We've had a great time exploring the country, seeing baseball and connecting with fans of the greatest sport ever invented. My wife Jessica is my inspiration and the motivation for everything. The show couldn't exist without Nathan, Andy, Scott, Tim, Jess and Andy in my corner.And I have an amazing extended baseball fam.Follow them:Erik the Peanut GuyLord HitterEmily NymanBen HillAlexPaul CaputoKen and MattBaseball EscapeAstros Fans UKNYY Cap of the DayBraves EmilyBaseball MapperPinstripe EmyDad Hat ChroniclesAlex EMike SellersIrish American Baseball Society0:12:00 Holler And A Swaller: Rained out in Normal, IL, Scott and I scored some DESTIHL and reflect on the show, 150 episodes and The Hitter Sports and the Normal Cornbelters.DESTIHL Brewery0:22:22 From The Bleachers: 150 shows mean we've been all over. We look back at some of the segments focused on some of our favorite road trips, including:Corpus Christi HooksTacoma RainiersJoliet SlammersTri-City Dust DevilsField of Dreams0:49:29 Who's On First - Florence Yalls: We have Alex Coil, voice of the Yalls to talk about one of the best dressed teams in indie ball.Follow them here:TwitterWeb 1:02:04 Who's On First - Harrisburg Senators: Jess Knaster is back! He's talking his new gig with the Senators and a shoutout to our buddy Don.Follow them here:TwitterWeb1:19:23 Closing It Out: Matt Durkin, GM of the Corn Belters joins me to wrap the show as he goes through the post-rainout process.Follow them here:TwitterWeb
Open: Live from Frisco Rough Riders.0:02:10 Tearing the Cover Off: We’re talking with author, MiLB logo connoisseur and explorer of all things helmet Sunday Paul Caputo on his new book, The Story Behind the Nickname.Buy it here:https://t.co/APlloJ3ltQ?amp=1Follow Paul: https://twitter.com/Count2Baseball0:16:12 From The Bleachers: Jess and Jim headed down to Frisco to check out Dr. Pepper Ballpark, the home of the Rough Riders.Follow:https://twitter.com/RidersBaseballwww.RidersBaseball.com0:20:16 Show me The Merch: Fun stuff from the Rough Riders team store!https://roughriders.milbstore.com/0:21:49 Holler and a Swaller: I’m drinking makers from Dr. Pepper Ballpark while Andrew is at CHS Field drinking Tin Whiskershttps://twbrewing.com/0:23:08 Who’s On First: Cleburne Railroaders Denning Gerig and Brad Allred join us to talk about the new season and the new brand. https://twitter.com/CRRBaseballhttps://t.co/vZAUEQ2VSC?amp=10:34:27 Who’s On First: Seth Kessler and Matt Bowers of the Cap City Cobras talk Sandlot Baseball in Austin, TX. These guys are what baseball is all about.https://capcitycobras.com/0:51:28 In The Dog Pound: Emma Tiedemann talks the next homestead of the Portland SeaDogs.https://twitter.com/PortlandSeaDogsseadogs.comhttps://twitter.com/emmatieds0:59:24 In The Corn Maze: Matt Durkin, the new GM of the Normal Cornbelters is here to talk the first few weeks of Normal Cornbelters baseball and the Kernel Collegiate League. https://twitter.com/Normal_Baseballcornbeltersbaseball.com1:07:28 Adjust Your Scorecards: We’ve got Yankee superfine Pinstripe Emy! Follow her here: https://twitter.com/mrsstealyobase1:18:24 Go Go Astros: Andy is doing double duty talking the current Stros status and a grumpy Astros beat reporter.1:32:26 Good Wood: Andy is back to talk possible MLB relocation and why angry white men hate female broadcasters. 1:48:29 Closing It Out: Wonderful time in Frisco.
This week, Matt Durkin, the General Manager of the Normal Cornbelters, joins the show.
OPEN: A new season is upon us. And it’s time to be dipped in ‘magic waters.’ Jim’s opening quote is from FIELD OF DREAMS and we need it now more than ever.0:06:07: SHOW. ME. THE. MERCH: Jim is finally revealing his#NationalHatDay haul:Erie Sea WolvesTri-City ChiliHolly Springs SalamandersSpearfish SasquatchWaterloo BucksDaytona TortugasWilliamsport CrosscuttersPeoria Chiefs0:12:40 HOLLER AND A SWALLER: We’ve not a new brew from Texas Leaguer.Follow them here.0:14:45 WHO’S ON FIRST: Matt Durkin from the Normal Cornbelters is here to look at the upcoming season!0:24:51: LIGHTS, CAMERA, PLAYBALL: We’re talking Roman Weinberg from the Field of Dreams Movie Site on how people can visit the set of the best baseball movie ever. Check them out. 0:35:52 - GROUP THERAPY: Scott, Timothy, Jess, Andrew and I talk baseball movies as we near the end of The Void. 01:06:50 - CLOSING IT OUT: A big thanks to the Mississippi Braves, Jim talks about the new format of the show and Jim’s boycott of the MLB this season.
Let's Get Two S2 E79 “Turkey Day”OPEN: Despite it being 2020 and a tough year that isn’t going to go out the easy way, there are things to be thankful for. Wearing the sweet Baseballism cap. Shoutout to Jourdan and Jessica! (0:06:25): WHO’S ON FIRST: John and Ashlie of the Columbia Fireflies join us to talk their journey in baseball, the 2020 season that wasn’t and how they chose to react to getting “dumped on Twitter.” Great people and a great interview. Can’t wait to meet them in person.(0:31:56): HOLLER AND A SWALLER: Presented by the Hitter Sports and featuring a new branding in his honor, we’re toasting the Hudson Valley Renegades with an Anchor Brewing Christmas beer in honor of Jess Knaster. Shoutouts to:AndyScottStuJess Andrew Timothy The Hitter SportsEmily MrsStealYoBaseBraves EmilyPaul CaputoErik The Peanut GuyAlexJessica (0:38:56) SPECIAL GUEST: Matt Durkin of the Normal Cornbelters is here to talk Prospect League, KCL is back and promos for 2021!(0:45:03) TO THE DUGOUT WITH DARIEN: Darien Sills-Evans is here to talk the new Met’s ownership and the Dodgers winning it all for his adopted hometown. (0:56:58) GO GO ASTROS: Andy and I are talking the Skeeters/Round Rock switch and the Astros. We also deal with an awkward tweet I sent. Hint Jeff Passan. (1:19:50) THIS JUST IN: Andrew Nelson is here to talk Twins and the St. Paul Saints/Rochester Red Wings. (1:33:45) THE MINOR LEAGUE MIND: Things are happening the MiLB.(1:41:14) THE BIG LEAGUE CHEW: Theo Epstein has options. But what are they?(1:48:45) SWINGING FOR THE FENCES: The Keene Swamp Bats are back and thankful. (1:56:32) CLOSING IT OUT: Shameless plug for our indie Thanksgiving Comedy, Turkey Day.
(Open) CC Hooks: They have some COOL new Whataburger inspired merch!Yankee Letter: I want it open, but not for the reason you might think. And it won't be. (0:18:33) Go Go Astros: We’re accused, as Astros fans, of being bandwagon fans who didn’t care about baseball until circa 2015. Maybe we should stop proving them right?(0:21:06) This Just In: The Atlantic League and American Association are now “Partner Leagues”(0:24:19) Holler and a Swaller: We’re diving into Nine Banded Whiskey(0:26:10) Oppo Talko: Stu Clary reflects on the A’s winning the AL West and what that means for them in light of California fires.(0:37:07) Show. Me. The Merch. The Keene Swamp Bats! Check out their fundraiser. Help them keep the doors to the bat cave open.(0:38:50) Raiders Of The Lost Diamond: Andrew Nelson and COMMIES!(0:52:39) On Deck: We’ve got Astros Host Mom Melba Resendez.(0:57:45) Closing It Out: Matt Durkin of the Normal Cornbelters is here to talk Friday Night Spikes.
(Open) We’re on the field in Joliet IL!(0:02:13) Show. Me. The Merch: We’ve got gear from the Louisville Bats, the Joliet Slammers and the Normal Cornbelters via the Kernel Collegiate League. And…MORE GNOMES!(0:09:52) The Minor League Mind: Jess and I break down the new MLB proposal to the MiLB. The MLB essentially offered to shoot the MiLB in the face….(0:25:46) From The Bleachers: Jessica and I break down our trip to the Joliet Slammers. Our last trip of the Summer but boy o boy was it worth the wait. Record store lines, a cool firehouse and live, on hair, I ‘get’ why they play “KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF” during the 7th Inning Stretch. (0:32:47) Who’s On First: The GM on the Fond Du Lac Dock Spiders is here to talk about their 2020 championship and what 2021 might look like. (0:43:32) Ballpark and Chill: We’ve got Kailee and Dani from Belles of the Ball on the show. Check them and the show out! Find the show here. (0:56:13) Holler and Swaller: We’re out in Joliet and my drinking problem continues. We’re having a Pincher’s Pale Ale from Migraine Brewing and an Alarmist Brewing Le Jus .(0:57:08) This Just InWe talk a little Chadwick Boseman and Jackie Robinson and people telling players what ‘Jackie would have wanted.’A guy at the Joliet game was less than thrilled about a Slammers player kneeling.We got a ball from the Rocket City Trash Pandas. These teams need your support.I got a very special gift from the very famous NY Yankee hat of the day guy, Spencer Schwartz. (1:03:51) Closing It Out: Good bye from Joliet.
Open: I started out thinking about ranking some of my favorite hats, then I realized, isn’t it better to just love baseball in all it’s forms?(0:06:39) On Deck: Benjamin Hill, the namesake of our Person of the Year award, is here to talk about how he’s kept up the writing in the face of the pandemic and no affiliated MiLB baseball.(0:17:07) Megan Ellis, creator of Home Sweet Ballpark is excited to talk about her Padres and her new items. We even get a sneak peek.(0:24:40) Donavan Jones from Friars on the Farm is fired up about his friars.(0:34:46) Who’s On First: Matt Durkin of the Normal CornBelters is back to catch us up on what’s new in Normal. (0:40:27) Ken Robertson is FINALLY on the show this season after COVID canceled our big reunion.(0:47:27) Stevie Proud is fired up for his Astros.(0:57:52) Closing: Tatis is good. Let him be good. Media is often bad and we need to fix it.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Righty” The Christmas in July EpisodeYou know we were gonna do a Christmas in July ep and we have the guests for it! And lots of gift ideas!(0:01:04) Show Me The Merch Part 1: The Constellation Energy League and the Sugar Land Skeeters(0:03:54) From The Bleachers: Andy and I are out in Sugar Land watching the Skeeters play Team Texas.(0:09:08) To The First 10,000 Fans: We take a look at what the Skeeters and the Sugar Land Skeeters have to offer in terms of COVID 19 safety AND fun reasons to get out to the ballpark. (0:15:13) Who’s On First: We’re talking North Pole Reindeer! Designer John Hartwell discusses his creation, his work as a team branding designer and he offers our listeners a discount at the Reindeer store:Shop here:Use the code: LetsGet2(0:38:17) On Deck: Matt Durkin from the Normal Cornbelters is here to talk about how the Kernel Collegiate League is going.(0:47:41) Show Me The Merch Part 2:Savannah Bananas (0:47:47)Durham Bulls (0:49:49)(0:51:23) 7th Inning Stretch: I had an amazing time in North Dakota. I checked out:Fort Abraham LincolnNorth Dakota State and ate great food at:Stonehome Brewing Co TwitterWurst Bier Hall(0:56:59) Closing It Out: Andy is here to help sign us out!
Baseball starts tonight (June 15) Check out the Bismarck Larks here and then come back! Open: Look, the MLB is a baseball organization. It is not THE baseball organization and some of the others? You might just like them better.(0:05:30) On Deck: Matt Durkin of the Normal Cornbelters is here to talk the new Kernel League. (0:16:41) Lights, Camera Baseball: Andrew Nelson and I are here to talk the best collegiate summer league baseball movie, Summer Catch!(0:27:22) From The Bleachers: Ryan Posner of the Sugar Land Skeeters is here to talk the 4 team league based in Sugar Land. (0:35:05) Unboxed: Ya know how everyone is buying stuff more and more? I am. And I got something amazingly random. (0:39:44) Who’s On First: The Round Rock Express are now the Round Rock Hairy Men. Andrew Felts is here to talk about.(0:51:29) Closing It Out: Something is potentially rotten in the state of the Bronx. Or not. We'll never know. But whatever...can we just stop being smug hypocrites?
We talked with Billy Horn, the Bench Manager of the Normal CornBelters, about the independent ball experience. He gave us insight on what it is like to coach in the Frontier League, one of the premier independent leagues in the nation.
Meet new Normal CornBelters manager Bill Horn.
Normal CornBelters President Steve Malliet and assistant GM Mike Petrini discuss ballpark promotions for the May 13 opener.
This week on EdGamer 111 we chat with one of our favorite FOEs (Friend of EdGamer) Ben Rimes! Join us for captivating talk on gaming and learning as well as topics such as Diablo 3, Minecraft, and Firefly. Plus, you can’t miss some important breaking news from the…Normal Cornbelters? What has Zack gotten us into now? Tune-in and level-up! Please go to the Show Notes for all of our links.… Read the rest
Bolts Daily Podcast - May 19, 2012. The ThunderBolts jumped out to an early 4-0 lead on their way to a 7-2 victory over the Normal CornBelters. Highlights include a Mike Torres triple and Chad Cregar home run.