Graphing in Peoria

Here it is almost the end of June and I am ashamed to say I have only been to 2 baseball games this year.  I highlighted my first trip in this post .  A week ago Sunday the family and I made the 3 hour drive to Peoria to watch the Chiefs play.  Ever since the Chiefs became the Cardinals low A affiliate in 2013, we try to make it to a few games each year.  Sundays is always a good day for many reasons.  Kid's tickets are only $5, it is player poster day, you can play catch on the field before the game, kids get to run the bases after the game, and it is team autograph day.  Most of the Chiefs participate in the 15 minute auto session except for the starting pitcher and some of the other starting pitchers who may be charting in the stands that day.

After my son and I played catch, we had went over to the auto line.  In years past the autographs were for anyone, but this year the club changed it to kids 15 and under.  I have no problem with this as the kids should come first.  If an adult wants an auto, most players will still sign during warmups or after the game.

Sierra was the Cardinals minor league position player of the year in 2014.  He is small in stature, but plays a great centerfield and hits for a good average.  I would guess he may make the majors as a fourth outfielder.  He was named as a replacement to the Midwest League All Star team.

Edmudo Sosa is a shortstop who displayed good power in rookie ball in 2015.  He is rated in the Cardinals top 10 prospects and made the Midwest League All Star team this year.  It will be interesting to see if he can stay at shortstop as he matures.

These were the only cards we got signed, but my son also had a Midwest League ball that he got signed by the 20 players in the auto line.  He also got the player poster of Eli Alvarez signed, but it was to big to scan.  The Chiefs won the game 3 to 1 behind a good outing from starter Ryan Helsley.   He allowed 1 run in 6 innings.  He also made the All Star team.

Helsley signed autos after the game.  While I was waiting for the kids to run the bases, I had him sign these 2 cards.

Jake Woodford was charting pitches one section over from our seats.  He was nice enough so sign after the game.  Like the other 3 players in this post, he also made the All Star team.  Woodford was the 39th player selected in the 2015 draft. 

It was a fun evening at the ball park.  We got all the cards signed that we brought, the Chiefs won, and the game was over in a quick 2 hours and 30 minutes.