Tag: AutoZone Park

Categories
Opinion Sports The Last Word

Silver ’Birds

Stubby Clapp has been part of three PCL championships with the Redbirds. (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Redbirds)

Rick Ankiel — Minor League Player of the Year in 1999 as a flame-throwing pitcher. Returned to Memphis in 2007 as a centerfielder and led club with 32 home runs.

Randy Arozarena — Drilled two home runs in Game 4 of the 2018 PCL finals at AutoZone Park to help Redbirds win fourth championship. Hit 10 home runs for Tampa Bay in 2020 postseason, earning ALCS MVP honors. 2021 American League Rookie of the Year.

Alec Burleson — Only Redbird to win league batting title, leading the International League in 2022 with a .331 average. Led Redbirds with 87 RBIs before hitting first big-league homer in the same game Albert Pujols slammed number 700.

Matt Carpenter — Starred for Memphis in 2011, hitting .300 and driving in 70 runs. Won Silver Slugger at second base two years later for St. Louis, helping Cardinals to National League championship.

Stubby Clapp — Backflipping second baseman for 2000 Pacific Coast League champions. Returned as manager and led Redbirds to championships in 2017 and 2018.

Allen Craig — Hit .322 to help 2009 Redbirds win PCL title, then drove in 81 runs in just 83 games for Memphis in 2010. Hit three home runs to help Cardinals win 2011 World Series.

Tommy Edman — Member of back-to-back (2017-18) PCL champions with Memphis. MVP of 2018 postseason when he hit .432 over nine games. Won Gold Glove at second base with Cardinals in 2021.

David Freese — Hero of 2009 PCL playoffs for Memphis, hitting decisive home runs in two games on the way to club’s second championship. Hero of 2011 World Series for the Cardinals, with game-tying triple and game-winning home run in Game 6.

Adolis Garcia — Hit walk-off home run at AutoZone Park in Game 2 of the 2017 PCL finals to help Redbirds win their third championship. Scored 96 runs and drove in 96 runs for 2019 Redbirds. Made 2021 American League All-Star team as a rookie with the Texas Rangers.

Dan Haren — Won 11 games and led PCL with 150 strikeouts in 2004 before being promoted and pitching in the World Series for St. Louis. Won 153 games over 13-year big-league career and started for the American League in the 2007 All-Star Game.

Dakota Hudson — Only Redbird to earn PCL Pitcher of the Year honors when he put up 13-3 mark in 2018. Led Cardinals with 16 wins as a rookie in 2019.

Adam Kennedy — Hit .305 with 15 stolen bases for inaugural Redbirds team (1998), then established a franchise record with a 20-game hitting streak in 1999 that stands to this day. Earned ALCS MVP honors (with three home runs in decisive game) on way to 2002 World Series crown with Angels.

Lance Lynn — Won 13 games for 2010 Redbirds and led PCL with 141 strikeouts. Pitched in 2011 World Series for Cardinals and won at least 15 games in three consecutive seasons for St. Louis.

Keith McDonald — Catcher for 2000 PCL champions. During brief promotion in July 2000, became only the second player to homer in his first two major-league at-bats.

Yadier Molina — Spent two months with 2004 Redbirds before starting 19-year career with Cardinals. Played in four World Series and won two. With Adam Wainwright, set MLB record for starts by a battery (328). Won nine Gold Gloves and established National League record by playing in 104 postseason games.

Tyler O’Neill — Hit three homers and drove in 10 runs in 2017 PCL playoffs to help Redbirds to third championship. Slammed 26 homers in only 64 games for Memphis in 2018. Two-time Gold Glove winner with St. Louis.

Plácido Polanco — Member of inaugural Redbirds team (1998) and one of only three former Redbirds to accumulate 2,000 hits in the major leagues. MVP of 2006 ALCS with Tigers and winner of three Gold Gloves.

Albert Pujols — Slammed 13th-inning home run at AutoZone Park to win 2000 PCL championship. Three-time National League MVP and two-time World Series champion with the Cardinals. Fourth in MLB history with 703 home runs.

Skip Schumaker — Only player to have 300 hits for both Memphis and St. Louis. Member of Cardinals’ 2011 World Series champs and currently manager of the Miami Marlins.

Bud Smith — Won two games in 2000 PCL playoffs to help Memphis win first PCL championship. Went 8-5 for Redbirds in 2001 before promotion to St. Louis. Tossed no-hitter in 11th big-league start, at San Diego on September 3, 2001.

Nick Stavinoha — Appeared in five seasons (2007-11) for the Redbirds. Owns franchise record for games (479), hits (531), home runs (74), and RBIs (316).

Michael Wacha — Made 2013 PCL All-Star team for Memphis, then earned NLCS MVP honors for the Cardinals, helping St. Louis to World Series.

Adam Wainwright — Won 14 games over two seasons with Memphis before winning 195 so far with the Cardinals (third-most in franchise history). As closer, secured Cardinal wins in 2006 NLCS and World Series.

Patrick Wisdom — Slugger helped Memphis to back-to-back PCL championships in 2017 and ’18. Led 2017 Redbirds with 31 home runs before earning MVP honors in the PCL finals.

Kolten Wong — Slick second baseman, hit .303 for 2013 Redbirds with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Drilled walk-off homer in Game 2 of the 2014 NLCS for Cardinals and later won a pair of Gold Gloves.

Frank Murtaugh is the managing editor of Memphis magazine. He writes the columns “From My Seat” and “Tiger Blue” for the Flyer.

Categories
Sports Upper 90

901 FC Falls to Loudoun in Season Opener

Jeremy Kelly should be a key player for 901 FC again this season. (Credit: USL Championship)

Memphis 901 FC approached the new season with a sense of excitement, and a heightened set of expectations, after last season’s run to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Former head Coach Ben Pirmann had departed to the Charleston Battery, but Scotsman Stephen Glass arrived to lead a team which had kept much of its talented core intact. But nothing comes easy in the USL, and an opening day 3-1 loss to visiting Loudoun United reinforced that point.

The caveat here is that this was by no means a bad overall performance. For the first time in 901 FC history, there was continuity among the squad, showcased foremost in the midfield, with critical players Jeremy Kelly (pitching in with 8 goals and 10 assists last season) and Aaron Molloy (also 8 goals and 10 assists) lining up alongside each other in midfield. Memphis had more shots (15-9) and held more possession (53 percent), but Loudon came out on top in several key moments during the game. Indeed, the visitors signaled their potential danger early when Kalil ElMedkhar’s fourth minute diving header squirmed past Memphis keeper Drew Romig, but the offside flag kept the score at 0-0.

The warning was not heeded, however, as Memphis found themselves down 2-0 within the first 12 minutes. The first Loudoun goal, admittedly, was an astounding sequence of one-touch passing that carved the defense open before Tommy Williamson slotted his shot past Romig for 1-0. Just three minutes later, 901 FC defender Graham Smith turned the ball over with an errant pass just outside his own box, and Zach Ryan’s deflected finish left Memphis down two goals. 

That’s a pretty big hole to climb out of, but Memphis gave it a go, and summer signing Bruno Lapa was the catalyst for the fightback. The forward stole the ball on the halfway line before driving forward solo, eventually playing a perfect pass in for Laurent Kissiedou, who settled before firing past Hugo Faroux at the near post to reduce the deficit.

But the match turned following a bizarre kerfuffle in the 2nd half. Loudon midfielder Houssou Landry started what looked like a series of patronizing pats on Kissiedou’s head after a coming together. The 901 FC midfielder took exception and swung his arm back while walking away, and hit Landry on what looked like his collarbone. Landry, however, went down clutching his face, and after deliberation, he received a yellow card for simulation. The referee also deemed that Kissiedou’s action constituted “violent conduct,” and sent him off with a straight red card, leaving Memphis to play with 10 men for the rest of the contest.

But 901 FC continued on unperturbed and did their best to attack Loudoun’s goal. Star striker Phillip Goodrum had a couple of decent looks saved, while Jeremy Kelly, Carson Vom Steeg, and Dylan Borczak all had decent chances to level the score. But while pushing for an equalizer, Memphis players were caught upfield in stoppage time and conceded a garbage time third to Ryan. A disappointing way to start the season, especially after spotting the opposition two goals within the first quarter hour, but on the overall balance of play, there’s no need to worry. This is still a very talented squad that can generate high quality chances, and most of these players are familiar with each other.

But looking ahead, there are a few wrinkles to examine. Coach Glass decided to experiment with Rashawn Dally at left back for opening day, and … it didn’t work. Dally, after all, is a forward, not a defender. He brings a lot of good qualities to the table, but that position is just not his game. Loudoun could be selective about their pressing, choosing to funnel the play over to Dally while they defended, and could usually count on him to cough up a turnover with which to spring their own attack. 

Up top, it was always going to be interesting to see how Goodrum fared. Not too long ago, the striker sounded off with a pretty withering comment at a press conference:

“I had opportunities to go into Major League Soccer and go into Europe this offseason, and the club held me back from that. So I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t devastated to be back here. But look, I signed a two year contract, and so I’m here one more year. So play it out and see how it goes and hopefully we can go set a record and win some championships this year.”

That’s not what you want to hear from your record goalscorer heading into week one. And, of course, that’s only one half of the story, but it doesn’t help having an unsettled player. The striker wasn’t his usual sharpshooting self on Saturday, but still got into decent positions. It might be soon, or it might be a little longer, before he’s back in the right headspace. But in my mind, Goodrum has banked some credit after his stellar last season (22 goals!). He’s a pro, after all, and pros get on with it even if things aren’t going their way. (On a side note, the kit man probably needs to double check his work, as evidenced by the noticeably misspelled “Goodum” on the back of Phil’s jersey on Saturday.)

Up next weekend is a home match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, March 18th at 4 p.m.

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

Big Game Players

INDvMEM Indy Eleven vs Memphis 901 FC .07/23/2022.IUPUI Michael A. Carroll Stadium.Indianapolis, IN.Photo: Don Thompson

The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant reached new heights in 2022, the team tying a franchise record with 56 wins as the player started his first All-Star Game and earned second-team All-NBA accolades. Better yet, the Griz became the youngest team in NBA history to win as many as 55 games, good enough to earn the franchise its first Southwest Division championship. It turns out that leading the NBA in rebounding, steals, and blocks is a good thing, as Memphis finished the 2021-22 campaign with the second-best mark in the entire league, this despite Morant missing 25 games with various ailments. The Grizzlies turned aside Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs before fizzling out against the title-bound Golden State Warriors. It was the kind of season that leaves a fan base wanting even more. Lots more.

The Tigers — both basketball and football — had “yes but” seasons in 2022. Penny Hardaway’s hoop squad reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in eight years, but wasn’t able to reach the big dance’s second weekend (extending a drought that dates back to 2009). Highlights of the season on the hardwood included a pair of wins over top-10 foes (Alabama and Houston). On the gridiron, the Tigers reached bowl eligibility for the ninth straight season, but finished merely 6-6 (a second straight year). Coach Ryan Silverfield will be back for a fourth season, but expectations — both within the program and outside — are high and heavy for 2023.

The Memphis Redbirds fell short of the playoffs in their first season in the International League, but a pair of players achieved some history for the franchise. Outfielder Moisés Gómez slammed 16 home runs for Memphis after being promoted from Double-A Springfield (where he had hit 23) to establish a new minor-league record for the St. Louis Cardinals with 39 bombs for the season. And Alec Burleson — another rising outfielder — hit .331 to win the International League batting title, the first such crown in Redbirds history.

Memphis 901 FC catapulted the organization to new heights, thanks to stellar player recruitment from the front office, coach Ben Pirmann’s tactical tweaking and man-management, and team-of-the-season performances from multiple players. There were plenty of things to be happy about. Memphis finished the year with a 22-8-6 record, racking up the franchise’s highest season totals for wins, points, and goals scored. 2022 saw a first ever playoff win for the organization, a 3-1 victory over Detroit City FC, before the team just missed out on the conference finals with a tight loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Along the way, striker Phillip Goodrum tallied 21 goals, midfielder Aaron Molloy chipped in with 8 goals and 10 assists, and defender Graham Smith marshaled the team to 11 clean sheets. Once the dust fell, 901 FC quickly announced contract extensions for all three players, each of whom were named in either the first or second USL All-League teams. And plenty of other key players had their contracts extended, including captain Leston Paul. The only sour note is that Pirmann announced his exit from the club, accepting the head coaching role with Charleston Battery FC. But looking back, this squad made Memphis and its AutoZone Park matchday fans proud. After a couple years, 901 FC showed that it belongs in the USL.

Meanwhile, sports infrastructure got a big boost when Mayor Jim Strickland announced an ambitious $684 million proposal to renovate the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and AutoZone Park. Plus, the plan called for a new soccer-first Memphis 901 FC stadium (with options to host other programming and events). The city is asking the state of Tennessee to cover $350 million after seeing Nashville’s plans for a new $2 billion stadium for the Tennessee Titans, with state assistance. But nothing’s set in stone.

Youth sports have a shiny new home in the Memphis Sports & Event Center (MSEC) at Liberty Park. At 227,000 square feet, the $60 million complex’s enormous footprint can accommodate young athletes for anything indoor sports related, from basketball to futsal to volleyball and so many others. While final construction won’t be complete until early next year, Liberty Park began showing off the new facilities in December, and it’s enough to get any sports fan excited.

Categories
Sports Upper 90

Stephen Glass Named New 901 FC Coach

There will be a fresh face on the sidelines at AutoZone Park next soccer season. On Tuesday, Memphis 901 FC announced that it had agreed to terms with former Atlanta United manager Stephen Glass to become the team’s new head coach.

“It’s a true testament to our club’s reputation, our passionate and growing fanbase, and our dedicated front office that we were able to attract the depth of world-class coaches who are excited for the future of Memphis 901 FC,” said 901 FC principal owner Peter Freund. “From the very start of our search process, Stephen was always our targeted first choice and I am thrilled to welcome him to the 901 FC family.”

Glass originally joined MLS side Atlanta United in 2018 as the academy coach, before being promoted to head coach of the USL’s Atlanta United 2 in 2019. He then presided over Atlanta United’s First Team as interim head coach during the summer of 2020, before returning to coach the USL side. Most recently, he coached Aberdeen FC in the Scottish Premier League. 

As a player, Glass played for Scotland at the international level. At club level, he played at Aberdeen FC for five seasons before moving to Newcastle United in the English Premier League. He also had stints at Watford, Hibernian, and the NASL’s Carolina RailHawks.

“We, as a club, couldn’t be more excited for what Stephen will bring to 901 FC. His knowledge of the American soccer landscape as well as his international managerial experience will allow us to continue to build on our recent success,” said 901 FC sporting director Tim Howard. “It has been satisfying to not only land our top target but to know how eager Stephen is to get to work.” 

The announcement follows the departure of USL 2022 Coach of the Year, Ben Pirmann, who had been in charge of the team since 2020, and just last season led 901 FC to its best ever run, which ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The club last week announced that Pirmann had accepted an offer to become head coach of USL rival Charleston Battery.

Losing Pirmann is a big blow for 901 FC, but the organization hopes to build on a stellar 2022 season by retaining multiple key players. Glass has previously coached several of them, including last season’s top goalscorer, Phillip Goodrum, and midfielder Laurent Kissiedou.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to come to Memphis and look forward to building on the success that was enjoyed last year,” Glass said. “There is a great group of players returning who I am sure are hungry to give the fans many more nights like those enjoyed last season. I look forward to seeing everyone at AutoZone Park in 2023.”  

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

901 FC’s Nighte to Remember

Nighte Pickering celebrates after scoring a spectacular first career goal. (Credit: Ryan Beatty/901FC)

Some players hit the ground running. Others like to hit the ground scoring. Literally, in the case of Memphis’ new signing Nighte Pickering.

The 17-year-old, who had joined the team just two days prior to Saturday’s game, decided that he didn’t have time to wait around to open his professional account. The teenager’s acrobatic bicycle kick late in the game marked his first goal in Memphis blue, and 901 FC’s final tally en route to a smooth 3-1 victory at AutoZone Park.

Last Saturday’s victory made it two relatively simple wins on the bounce. New York Red Bulls II didn’t threaten much back on August 3rd, and the same went here, with Memphis dominating the first half completely, almost taking the lead when David Egbo tapped in from close range, but the forward was adjudged to have been offside by a hair. And just a minute later, Memphis actually fell behind when caught out by a quick counter attack, former 901 FC player Rashawn Dally squaring for Prince Saydee to smash in from close range in the 37th.

But 901 FC doesn’t like losing this season, and midfielder Aaron Molloy just a few minutes later blasted in an equalizer, smashing his shot from outside the box past a helpless Yannik Oettl in the Hartford goal. And then just a couple minutes after that, Molloy tallied his eight assist of the season after he sent in a delicious swerving set piece delivery that defender Zach Carroll was all too happy to head in from close range, putting Memphis up 2-1 at halftime.

Memphis continued to dominate after halftime, but the clear icing on the cake was Pickering subbing on to score his first professional goal. Pouncing on a poorly headed clearance in the Hartford box, he launched himself into the air and hit his overhead kick goalward. As he hit the ground, the ball flew into the back of the net, cuing wild jubilation from the crowd and his teammates. Not bad for a first goal at the pro level, eh? That’s a player oozing with confidence and already feeling at home in the league, and no matter where his career goes from here, he’ll always have that.

Nighte Pickering’s acrobatic goal sealed 901 FC’s 3-1 victory. (Credit: Ryan Beatty/901FC)

So how dominant was 901 FC in this game? Take a look at the maps below. On the first touch map (901 FC players represented by brown circles), numbers 7 and 19, fullbacks Patrick Seagrist and Rece Buckmaster, respectively, held an average position almost inside the Hartford half. Meanwhile, only four Hartford players had an average position inside Memphis’ half, and not very far upfield. And in the heat map below, Seagrist and Buckmaster had an enormous amount of touches in the attacking side of the pitch, more so in the first half, but that continued into the second half as well.

(Credit: USL)
(Credit: USL)

And the team put on a clinic while resting top scorer Phillip Goodrum. Not a bad day at the office, reflected by 901 Fc’s 21 shots (15 inside the box) to Hartford’s 10. And Molloy nabbed himself another spot in the USL’s Team of the Week.

The win moves the team up to 14-5-3 on the season, and third in the Eastern Conference standings. Next up is a trip to the Steel City to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, August 13th. And the break should give head coach Ben Pirmann time to incorporate new signing Jackson Brady, who signed a 25-day contract with the team on Monday.

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

901 FC Takes Three Points in New York

Jeremy Kelly opened the scoring in a 2-1 away win for Memphis. (Credit: USL/New York Red Bulls II)

As Aaron Molloy’s 70th-minute cross curved closer to Phillip Goodrum, most fans could be forgiven for already being on their feet. For if there’s one sure thing this season, it’s that Goodrum is just going to keep on sticking the ball in the back of the net. But long before the forward headed in his 13th goal of the season, it was pretty clear that 901 FC’s winning ways would continue on a trip up East to challenge New York Red Bulls II. Before some hasty retyping during the last few minutes of the game, the bulk of my report simply detailed how easy it all was for Memphis. A late consolation goal for New York brought up a few nerves, but it didn’t really matter; Memphis was always the dominant side during a 2-1 victory at MSU Soccer Park.

Really, the game was all but wrapped up by halftime. But with one caveat: Somehow, Memphis had only managed to score one goal! After a first half in which 901 FC opened fire on the New York net, the boys in the white away kits had somehow only managed to score once. The first 10 minutes were a clear indication of Memphis’ dominance, with 901 FC recording a staggering 70 percent of possession and some nice passing sequences to get into good scoring positions.

The 17th minute opener followed one such passage, midfielder Chris Allan eventually finding a streaking Jeremy Kelly in the box, who despite sprinting all the way upfield, looked like he had all the time in the world as he steadied himself and shot past Red Bulls keeper Giannis Nikopolidis at the near post to make it 1-0 to Memphis.

All the while, Goodrum made himself a menace with a few good chances, and others chipped in as well. 901 FC’s sheer dominance, in terms of possession, winning the ball back, and locking down any Red Bull attacks never truly put the performance in doubt. In fact, New York only really had one chance of note coming in the 2nd half, with Zachary Ryan poking the ball wide in a 1v1 situation in the 60th minute. Otherwise, center backs Zach Carroll and Graham Smith, along with fullbacks Rece Buckmaster and Patrick Seagrist, locked down almost every New York incursion with ease.

And Goodrum scored what would be the eventual winner in the 70th minute, cushioning a header from Aaron Molloy’s cross past Nikopolidis. That made it a lucky 13 goals for Goodrum this season, and his fourth game in a row with a goal.

Then in the 76th, Seagrist rolled the ball across the box for substitute Derek Dodson, who just missed out on connecting for a tap-in, and the forward then couldn’t quite finish immediately after when pouncing on some slack New York passes. But shoutout to Dodson, who did what any good sub should do and made the most of all of his touches. Out on the right side, he had his way with the New York backline, frequently winning challenges, turning his marker and charging in behind, and delivering into the box to create chances for his teammates.

And honestly, other than missed chances, it was about as comprehensive a performance as you’ll see, the win almost as straightforward as they come. New York’s high defensive line and scattered pressing was suicidal against a team as adept to moving the ball upfield as Memphis. And even when a couple of the starters subbed out, the new blood kept the game ticking over nicely. After dominating possession in the first half, the second 45 saw Memphis take their foot off the gas a bit and swat away what little New York threw at them.

Of course, this is still soccer, so in the 87th, New York broke from their own half and charged into open space, Jordan Adebayo-Smith calmly finishing past Trey Muse to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Memphis quickly reasserted themselves just two minutes later, with Laurent Kissiedou playing in Dodson to a huge swathe of space on the right side of the box, but substitute David Egbo unfortunately couldn’t make a proper connection on his teammate’s inch-perfect cross. Egbo continued to get into good positions and had another late chance saved by Nikopolidis.

Ultimately, New York just didn’t really do enough to test Memphis. Now, 901 FC are up to third in the Eastern Conference, and next up this Saturday are Hartford Athletic at AutoZone Park.

Categories
Sports Sports Feature

Memphis 901 FC Announces 2022 Schedule

Captain Leston Paul will return to Memphis for the 2022 season. (Credit: Eric Glemser)

In only a couple of months, AutoZone Park will be filled with screaming fans roaring their team to victory. Memphis 901 FC today announced its schedule for the 2022 regular season.

The organization will host 17 home games between March and October, with the home opener against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds set for Saturday, March 12. In the full 34-match slate, Memphis will have home-and-away bouts against each Eastern Conference rival and also contest exciting matchups against eight Western Conference opponents, with four at home: Oakland Roots (March 19), LA Galaxy II (May 18), Phoenix Rising FC (July 9), and Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (October 5).

At the end of the season, the top seven teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences will qualify for the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs.

Fresh off its first playoff appearance last year, 901 FC has already started constructing its squad for the upcoming season. The team recently announced the re-signing of captain Leston Paul, defender Zach Carroll, and midfielder Laurent Kissiedou. The squad also permanently signed former loanee Niall Logue and acquired Irish midfielder Aaron Molloy.

Most matches will stream on ESPN+ with a select few set to air on ESPN or ESPN2. The broadcast schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

View the full schedule on 901 FC’s website.

Categories
Food & Drink Hungry Memphis

World Junior Barbecue League Championship Hosted at AutoZone Park

The Pit Vipers B (Courtesy the World Junior Barbecue League Championship)

No, that’s not Deep Purple, and the smoke wasn’t exactly on the water — more like about a mile east of the river at AutoZone Park. Last Saturday saw the inaugural edition of Melissa Cookston’s World Junior Barbecue League Championship, in which young adults compete for a cleaver trophy — and $5,000 in prize money. 

A team from Tallulah Falls, Georgia, Pit Vipers B out-cooked six other barbecue teams to take home the Grand Championship, a custom cutting board, the trophy, and $5,000 in the first-ever World Junior Barbecue League Championship. 

“We had a great day watching these teams work together from before sunrise to just before sunset to produce quality barbecue that really impressed our group of seasoned judges,” said Melissa Cookson, World Junior Barbecue League Founder in a statement after the event. “Congratulations to all the teams on a job well done with a special congratulations going to our Chairman’s Reserve grand champions Pit Vipers B from Tallulah Falls High School.” 

“I still can’t believe it,” said Joel Bourlet, Pit Vipers B spokesman. “We are going to use the prize money to buy a new trailer to make traveling and competing easier.” 

Tallulah Falls High School was represented by two barbecue teams, Pit Vipers B and Pit Vipers A. Other teams competing at the event hailed from Memphis, Tennessee; Oxford, Mississippi; and Horn Lake, Mississippi.

Membership in the World Junior Barbecue League is a one-time cost of $25. To learn more about the WJBL, visit the website at worldjrbbqleague.com.  

Complete list of Placements/Winners

Grand Champion

Pit Vipers B, Tallulah Falls High School

Chicken

1st        Pit Vipers A, Tallulah Falls High School

2nd       Thacker Mountain BBQ

3rd        Crosstown BBQ

4th        Pit Vipers B, Tallulah Falls High School

5th        Soaring Swine, Horn Lake High School

6th        Smoking Firebirds, Horn Lake High School

7th        Pigs on the Fly, Horn Lake High School

Ribs

1st        Pit Vipers B, Tallulah Falls High School

2nd       Pit Vipers A, Tallulah Falls High School

3rd        Crosstown BBQ

4th        Pigs on the Fly, Horn Lake High School

5th        Thacker Mountain BBQ

6th        Smoking Firebirds, Horn Lake High School

7th        Soaring Swine, Horn Lake High School

Pork

1st        Pit Vipers B, Tallulah Falls High School

2nd       Crosstown BBQ

3rd        Soaring Swing, Horn Lake High School

4th        Thacker Mountain BBQ

5th        Smoking Firebirds, Horn Lake High School

6th        Pigs on the Fly, Horn Lake High School

7th        Pit Vipers A, Tallulah Falls High School

Brisket

1st        Pit Vipers B, Tallulah Falls High School

2nd       Crosstown BBQ

3rd        Pit Vipers A, Tallulah Falls High School

4th        Soaring Swing, Horn Lake High School

5th        Smoking Firebirds, Horn Lake High School

6th        Pigs on the Fly, Horn Lake High School

7th        Thacker Mountain BBQ

Spirit Award

Pigs on the Fly, Horn Lake High School

Categories
From My Seat Sports

Redbirds Wrap-Up

Matthew Liberatore (Credit: Memphis Redbirds)

Every baseball season leaves memories. At the Triple-A level, those memories come wrapped with a layer of hope for the future. Here are a few impressions from the 2021 Memphis Redbirds season that may prove lasting.

• A quiet phone. A season’s top highlight for a Triple-A player isn’t a game-winning home run or a complete-game shutout, but “The Call,” a first invitation to the big leagues. There weren’t a lot of these in 2021 here in Memphis. Infielder José Rondón was promoted by the St. Louis Cardinals after only 21 games with the Redbirds, but has seen limited action (primarily as a pinch-hitter) with the big club. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar hit .308 in 35 games for Memphis before his promotion and has become somewhat of a cult hero in St. Louis, chants of “Noooooooot!” rising from Busch Stadium with the rookie’s every appearance. Nootbaar made a sensational catch to prevent a home run in New York against the Mets earlier this month and hit two homers in the Cardinals’ 14th consecutive win last Friday night in Chicago. His impact hasn’t been merely a fun surname.

• Twin prospects. The Cardinals’ top two prospects — pitcher Matthew Liberatore and second-baseman Nolan Gorman — made significant strides toward the majors in 2021. Pitching for the first time above Class A, the 21-year-old Liberatore has posted an 8-9 record with a 4.15 ERA (through Sunday). Not impressive numbers. But Liberatore has hurled 121 innings against Triple-A hitters, many of them with experience in the majors. Expect him to compete for a Cardinals rotation spot next spring, St. Louis having gone through cases of duct tape to keep its starters competitive this season. As for Gorman (also 21 and a childhood pal of Liberatore’s from Arizona), a spot on the Cardinals’ roster in 2022 is all but certain after he hit .276 with 14 home runs in 74 games for Memphis, and after slamming 11 homers in 43 games for Double-A Springfield. With power from the left side and versatility on the infield, Gorman could represent what Matt Carpenter once did on the Cardinals roster.

• Streakers! The Redbirds fell to 21-36 when they lost the first game of a doubleheader at Louisville on July 9th. It would be their last loss for two weeks. After taking the final two games of that series with the Bats, Memphis swept six games against the Norfolk Tides at AutoZone Park, then swept seven games back at Louisville to set a new franchise record with 15 wins in row. The streak shattered the previous mark of 11 set by the 2017 Pacific Coast League champions. “We kept winning ballgames,” reflects Gorman, “so we started saying, ‘Let’s see how far we can take this.’ Every game meant something. We had a lot of fun with it. We’d go down 2-0 or 3-0 in the fifth inning, but we never felt like we were out of it. We knew we’d pull it off in the end. It happened quite a few times. There was a lot of confidence in the clubhouse. It was fun to be a part of.”

• Hidden gem. It’s not all about the prospects. First baseman Juan Yepez was not among the Cardinals’ top 20 prospects at the beginning of the season, but the case could be made he was the 2021 Memphis Redbirds MVP. After a strong start (five homers in 19 games) at Springfield, the Cardinals promoted Yepez to Memphis and he will finish the season as the team’s leader in home runs (currently 21), slugging percentage (.575), and OPS (.790). With Paul Goldschmidt entrenched at first in St. Louis, Yepez may not have a long future with the Cardinals. But the way he’s hit in 2021, the 23-year-old appears to have a future somewhere in the big leagues.

• A bobble and bombs. Now and then, the connection between AutoZone Park and Busch Stadium can feel surreal. Such was the case on September 18th, a Friday night. The Redbirds distributed Dylan Carlson bobbleheads to the first 2,000 fans at the game, one in which Memphis came from behind to beat Louisville. Up the river in St. Louis, Dylan Carlson — the Cardinals’ rookie rightfielder — hit a home run from both sides of the plate, the second one a grand slam, in a victory over the San Diego Padres. Coincidence? Probably. A reminder of the happy baseball marriage between Memphis and St. Louis? Absolutely.

The Redbirds (58-67) host the Charlotte Knights (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) Wednesday through Sunday at AutoZone Park to conclude their 2021 season.

Categories
We Recommend We Recommend

Bark in the Park with the Redbirds vs. Louisville Bats

Sir Meatball is making a splash for the Redbirds’ season wrap-up at AutoZone Park. (Photo: Michael Donahue)

The baseball season is coming to an end. But that’s no reason it should go to the dogs, right? Not so fast — the Memphis Redbirds have invited all dogs to bring their humans to the last two Thursday home games for Bark in the Park on September 16th and 30th.

Dogs get in free, but their humans will have to purchase a specialty ticket for $15. Included in the ticket price will be your dog’s choice of a Yadi dog bowl, St. Louis Cardinals picture frame leash holder, or a Redbirds classic logo dog blanket. Then, you get to watch the game with your furry friend. The Memphis Redbirds take on the Louisville Bats on the 16th or Charlotte Knights if you wait until the 30th.

Both Thursdays will host celebrity, Instagram-famous English bulldogs Sir Meatball and Milkshake (@sir.meatball on Instagram) to take pictures with their fans. Since Thursday games are also Throwback Thursdays, you can enjoy $2 draft beers and $1 hot dogs all night long.

The Redbirds recently released their 2022 schedule ahead of this season’s wrap-up on October 3rd. Redbirds President Craig Unger says, ​​“We still have lots of excitement planned for the next few weeks at AutoZone Park.”

That excitement includes the last post-game fireworks show on Saturday, September 18th; a Dylan Carlson bobblehead giveaway on Friday, September 17th; and of course Bark in the Park on Thursdays.

Batter up for the final innings of the 2021 season with your paw-some friends.

Bark in the Park: Memphis Redbirds vs. Louisville Bats, AutoZone Park, 200 Union, Thursday, Sept. 16, 6:45 p.m., $15, free for dogs.