Brother and Sister

Larry Stone has this on the Lawries.

Let's start by answering the question everyone wants to know: No, Danielle Lawrie, the best college softball pitcher in the land, has never faced Brett Lawrie, the highest-drafted Canadian position player ever.

Not on the sandlots of Langley, B.C., where the siblings grew up dominating the diamonds. Not on one of the Lawrie family camping trips, where their father, Russ, would invariably wake up the kids at 7 a.m., find a nearby ball field, and insist upon a workout to start the day.

Not even in their backyard. For one thing, Brett said Tuesday, standing outside the Milwaukee Brewers' minor-league facility in Maryvale, there was the risk of injury if one of Danielle's screaming fastballs went astray. But that wasn't all of it.

"My dad is not really a fan of that. Not now, anyways," Danielle said last week while sitting in the dugout of the Husky Softball Stadium during a respite from her relentless dominance of college fastpitch.

"He doesn't think it's necessary, because either way, it's going to be a lose-lose. I strike him out, and he's super-pissed, or he gets a hit off me, and I'm really upset. So we'll just leave it at a mystery until the day it comes about."

Sounds about right. Much, much more at the link.

On sale now

The phones have been ringing pretty good for the last 45 minutes because the tickets for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game went on sale at 10am this morning.

If you do not want to wait on the phone, you can order that Christmas gift for the Packers fan on your list over the internet.

Click here to do that.

Just in time for Christmas

Tickets for the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game...presented by Kwik Trip...go on sale Tuesday morning.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have announced that tickets for the 2010 Donald Driver Charity Softball Game presented by Kwik Trip will be available beginning at 10am on Tuesday, December 15.

The game - hosted by the Green Bay Packers wide receiver - will be held at Time Warner Cable Field on Sunday, June 6 at 1:05pm. Driver, who set the Packer record career receptions earlier this season, will be hosting the event for the third consecutive year. The game between the offense and the defense raises money for the Donald Driver Foundation.

The Donald Driver Foundation was started by the Green Bay Packer great and his wife Betina. The foundation's goal is to help homeless families and improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

The Lawries

The prodigal beat writer has a column on Brett Lawrie and his sister Danielle.

Sure, the Rattlers were still sparring with Midwest League counterpart Cedar Rapids, taking their hacks and trying to string together a rally in the bottom of the ninth in a contest they'd eventually drop 1-0.

But Lawrie wasn't due up for a while, so why not sneak away for a bit to see if his older sister, Danielle, could complete the dream?

"It was awesome," Lawrie said. "It was pretty cool."

There was Danielle, a 22-year-old star pitcher for the third-ranked University of Washington softball team, standing inside a circle of chalk in front of 5,800 fans and a mere two outs away from finishing off top-ranked Florida in the second game of the best-of-three NCAA Women's College World Series at Oklahoma City.

The Gators, trailing 3-2 in the seventh, were threatening with runners on first and second, but the junior right-hander settled down and did what she does best, pounding the strike zone, and got the next two batters to whiff.

Brett asks Brett a question that may have popped into more than one or two heads over the last few weeks...

[A]ny chance you could drill one of your sister's fastballs?

"Never tried," he said. "I think I could. I don't know. I guess those other softball players are making it look pretty tough, so I don't know if I'd have a chance.

"She's the better softball player, and I think that speaks for itself. The national player of the year, World Series MVP — I guess that says it all right there. It's unreal to see. Hat's off to her. I'm very proud of her."

As usual, go read it all.

A Championship for a Lawrie

Brett Lawrie's sister has a little NCAA Gold as part of the Women's Softball Champion University of Washington Huskies.

Washington's three-week, 6,899-mile trek through Massachusetts, Georgia and Oklahoma in the NCAA softball tournament ended with a national championship Tuesday.

National player of the year Danielle Lawrie rushed catcher Alicia Blake and second baseman Ashley Charters threw her glove to the Space Needle after the Huskies won their first NCAA title with a 3-2 victory over No. 1 Florida.

National Player of the Year; National Champion; she had a pretty good season right?

The No. 3 Huskies (51-12) won five of their six games here, all compete games, all by Lawrie, who was named the tournament MVP after striking out 48.

Lawrie, a junior, won her 42nd game, tying the Pac-10 season record, while giving up six hits and two runs, one earned.

She struck out eight, including the final two batters of the game with Florida runners on first and second base, to finish with 521 strikeouts, one short of the Pac-10 season record.

"I can't say enough about Danielle and the ability to carry a team on her back, from September 'til now," Tarr said.

Yep. Pretty good. Oh, there's more?

Lawrie handed the Gators three of their five losses this season while giving up one earned run in 23 innings, with two shutouts.

You know, if there is a visit to Appleton anytime soon, like say, maybe, possibly around Canada Day, there might be a first pitch at a Timber Rattler game in her future.

A good weekend to be a Lawrie

Brett Lawrie had a good weekend in West Michigan. 3-for-11, home run, 5 RBI. The homer erased a 3-1 deficit and gave the Rattlers a win on Saturday.

But, his sister...Holy smokes.

Washington's long trip will end exactly where the Huskies believe they belong, in the NCAA championship series.

Multi-tasking national player of the year Danielle Lawrie assured it with a grand slam and her 40th victory of the season in a 9-3 decision over Georgia before 4,954 at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium on Sunday night.

"We don't take the easy road anywhere we go," Washington coach Heather Tarr said, alluding to a 9-8 loss in the first game to Georgia on Sunday.

The National Championship Series starts tonight between Washington and #1 Florida.

Friendly reminders

Sorry about the lack of posts this morning. Long story. Maybe I'll tell it some day.

Anyway...Big weekend in Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium! And that weekend starts today!

Donald Driver softball game tickets on sale TODAY at 10am!

Individual tickets will go on sale at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium on Friday, March 13^th at 10am. Tickets will start at $10 per general admission grass seat, $20 per reserved seat and $30 per box seat. Fans will be able to purchase tickets at the Timber Rattlers box office, online at www.timberrattlers.com or by calling (920)733-4152.

Timber Rattler individual Game Tickets AND Rummage Sale Tomorrow!

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are excited to announce individual game tickets for the 2009 season will go on sale Saturday, March 14^th at 10am. Tickets will be available at the Timber Rattlers box office located at Time Warner Cable Field, by calling 1-800-WI-TIMBER and online.

Ticket prices for the 2009 season will remain unchanged from 2008; $8.50 for a box seat, $7 for a reserved bleacher seat, $5 for general admission grass, $52 per patio table (seats 4) & $250 to rent a VIP suite per game.

The Timber Rattlers will also be hosting their 2^nd annual rummage sale in conjunction with the ticket event. A variety of items including game-worn & clearance items from the Snake Pit Team Store will be featured in the sale. Free hot dogs, popcorn & soda will be available for fans that make a ticket or rummage sale purchase.

I may be back later to do a little more.

To make up for it...LIVE! From Cloverdale, British Columbia!


27 dies insquequo Oris Dies!

Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Want Timber Rattler Tickets? Want Donald Driver Tickets? Want both before they go on sale to the general public?

Here's how to get them!

To get tickets, call the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers box office at 1-800-WI-TIMBER (800-948-46237) and purchase the Sundays at the Park Package.

This package includes a ticket to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game as well as three preselected games on Sundays (June 28 July 12 and August 2).

If any of these dates don’t work with summer schedules, fans can switch to other game dates.

Fans are urged call the ticket office soon to secure the best available seats.

Do it......Do it.

Softball, anyone?

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver to host charitable softball game on June 14 at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute

WOO and may I add HOO!

In a joint announcement with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Driver revealed on Monday his plans to host his charitable softball game for the second straight year.

The popular contest, which pits Packers offensive players against the defense, will be staged on June 14 at Fox Cities Stadium.

“Guys get the opportunity to mingle with the fans that you don’t get to have on Sundays,” the 33-year-old Driver said during a news conference at the ballpark. “And I think that’s the thing I’ve always cherished about it, how much guys go out and support the fans and interact with the fans.

“The guys don’t even care about the game too much. They’re always by the fence signing autographs and doing this and doing that. The fans get the opportunity to see us first hand.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Donald Driver Foundation, which assists homeless families and tackles issues surrounding the lack of educational opportunities in communities in Wisconsin, Texas and Mississippi.

Driver, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, said last year’s game, which drew 5,366 fans, raised over $125,000 for his foundation.

Ticket information? Yep, I've got that

Tickets: $30 per box seat, $20 per reserved seat, $10 per general admission grass seat. Tickets go on sale March 13 at 10 a.m.

Those tickets will be on sale at the Timber Rattler box office, over the phone, and on the internet at that time.

72 dies insquequo Oris Dies

From Kimberly to Akron

The National Pro Fastpitch Series has been held in Kimberly the last two years. There was one year remaining on the deal. But, Akron, Ohio will be hosting the tournament next year. Here's why.

Local organizers knocked a home run in luring the National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series to Kimberly in 2007.

But this year, they swung and missed.

That's the assessment of Cardinal Youth Softball Inc. president Chad Mix, who said the three-day event will not be making a return visit despite an initial three-year agreement that was to keep it at Sunset Park through '09.

NPF is a six-team women's professional softball league filled with many of the nation's top players and dotted with the sport's most recognizable names, like Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman.

The championship series is a double-elimination postseason tournament comprised of the top four teams as determined by regular season play, with the winner earning the league title.

"It was our decision," Mix said. "We had to back out."

Mix estimated Cardinal Youth Softball Inc. — the non-profit club is based in Kimberly — lost $30,000 in staging the August tourney.

The club apparently made about $30,000 in 2007. While there was a feeling that there would be a chance to make money again in 2009, the risk was to great.

Why were crowds down last year? There was this thing...in China...big, goofy looking guy won eight gold medals in the pool...USA fielded a team in softball, too...But, that was only part of it.

[NPF president and commissioner Cheri] Kempf admitted the 2008 Summer Olympics, which robbed the league of some of its star power, was partially to blame for the attendance woes. But she also felt more could have been done at the local level to spread the word.

"When we asked what was going on, so many people in Kimberly said they didn't know about the series," Kempf said. "They didn't see it advertised. They weren't aware of it. We kind of felt we stepped up on our end, but there are ways we can be better, too."

There was a thing about sponsorship dollars being down, too.

Good time had by all

The Donald Driver Softball game was a big hit.

A crowd of 5,366, including lots of dads celebrating Father's Day, filled the ballpark, and many said they were grateful Favre's favorite receiver stepped in to keep the charity game going strong. Proceeds go to the Donald Driver Foundation, supporting charities in Wisconsin and elsewhere.

Early on, Driver delighted the crowd by removing his T-shirt to reveal a jersey with No. 4 on the front and No. 80 on the back, and both his and Favre's names across the shoulders.

There is a link to video and a photo gallery at the Post-Crescent story.

Here is Mark Wagner's photo of #80 taking a cut in that jersey.

Wanna play softball?

Wanna play softball with the Green Bay Packers on June 15?

E*Bay is a beautiful thing.

You are bidding on a unique experience that will help support a great cause. The winning bidder will play for the Offense in the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game on Sunday June 15th at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, WI. Your teammates will include Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, and Donald as you take on the Defense, led by AJ Hawk, Aaron Kampman, and Charles Woodson.

100% of the proceeds of this auction go to the Donald Driver Foundation, which aims to help various service projects and social activities.

A friendly reminder

Donald Driver softball game is on Sunday, June 15.



I'm Donald Driver and I approve this message.

Cracks me up.

Tickets are available.

SURPRISE!

See what you miss by calling or ordering tickets for events at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium?

Tickets for the first Donald Driver Celebrity Softball Game went on sale Thursday morning, and fans got quite a surprise at the box office. Driver himself was at the ticket window.

The Packers wide receiver posed for photos, signed autographs, and helped answer the phones.

The celebrity softball game pitting the Packers offense against the defense is June 15th at Fox Cities Stadium.

This is weird. That story is from WBAY-TV. This link to the video of Driver at the stadium is at The Post-Crescent.

You're never going to believe this....

It's 3:00am and I'm running a little late. The posts will be up later...probably from the hotel or the ballpark.

But, I did want to get this reminder up

By the way, Tickets for the Donald Driver charity softball game go on sale at 10:00am today. Call for tickets (920) 733-4152 or 1-800-WI-TIMBER. Or, stop by the stadium. Or, check out the Rattler website.

How about a Haiku to hold this spot until later today?

Early mornings don't
bother me at all because
this is who I am.

Who's up for a little softball?

Donald Driver is and he will be playing at the home of the Timber Rattlers.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Donald Driver Foundation are proud to announce Green Bay Packers Pro-Bowl wide receiver Donald Driver will succeed Brett Favre in hosting the annual Packers Offense-Defense softball game. Favre, who hosted the game for the past seven seasons, retired in March. With Favre's retirement Donald became the team's most tenured player. The three time Pro-Bowl player is excited to take the reigns from Brett and carry on a Fox Valley summer tradition. "I always enjoyed playing in the game and being a part of a fun tradition. Now I'm glad I can take over for Brett and host it for all my teammates, " Driver said.

The game will be on Sunday, June 15 and that won't be the only thing going on that day.

Tickets go on sale May 1 at 10:00am. Follow the link to find out more information. But, if you want to get your tickets before May 1:

A ticket package is also available for fans who are interested in securing their seat before tickets go on sale to the public. The four game ticket package includes a ticket to the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game and a ticket to three Rattler home games. The package starts at $41 for a reserved bleacher seat and $55.50 for a box seat. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers ticket office at 920-733-4152 or online at www.timberrattlers.com.