Gaslamp Ball - The life and times of Kelly CrullSan Diego Padres baseball in the form of a bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50553/glb-fav.png2014-02-13T13:04:49-08:00http://www.gaslampball.com/rss/stream/43370772014-02-13T13:04:49-08:002014-02-13T13:04:49-08:00Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training
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<p>It's that day that baseball fans talk about all offseason. It's always really anti-climactic but we still pine for the day when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. I try to remain more even keel until at least Opening Day myself. I don't want to blow my load this early. Besides I try to be more tantric and save some of my Padres enthusiasm for August and September when the team is 10 games out of first and Padres fans have transformed themselves into football fans.</p>
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<p>Johnson, Roach & Benoit got a workout in this morning in Peoria. Pitchers & Catchers report to <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresST&src=hash">#PadresST</a> tomorrow! <a href="http://t.co/1selcx6lUv">pic.twitter.com/1selcx6lUv</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/statuses/433716724651683840">February 12, 2014</a>
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<p>So what's going on? Well lots of sports reporters are commenting on the newly renovated Spring Training facility. You may remember <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2012/3/7/2852065/padres-extend-spring-training-lease-with-city-of-perioa-facility">back in 2012, the Mariners and the Padres extended their lease</a> with the city of Peoria and in doing so committed $15 million dollars each for upgrades to the club houses and $6 million each for their fields. Strangely, none of the reporters are sharing pictures of the upgrades, they're just marveling at them on Twitter, trying to make us jealous. It's barely working.</p>
<p>Bob Scanlan was the only one who would give us a peek:</p>
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<p>First sight of day Padres new entrance to spring facility...nice! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadsComplex&src=hash">#PadsComplex</a> <a href="http://t.co/s47oyiEheX">http://t.co/s47oyiEheX</a></p>
— Bob Scanlan (@heyscan) <a href="https://twitter.com/heyscan/statuses/433985012145614848">February 13, 2014</a>
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<p>What else? Padres beat writer Corey Brock arrived. He just filed his first story of the season. It's about Tim Stauffer waxing poetic about the veteran players that were in Padres uniforms when he was a rookie. Check that out:</p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/sd/padres-brimming-with-new-faces-this-spring?content_id=67730912&partnerId=as_sd_20140213_18542414&vkey=news_sd&ymd=20140213">Padres brimming with new faces this spring | padres.com: News</a></p>
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<p>"We had guys like Trevor [Hoffman], [Ryan] Klesko and [Phil] Nevin, some older players," Stauffer said of big league camp in 2004. "I think it really set in when I first saw them on the field, in full game speed was pretty amazing to see … especially when that's your first taste of pro ball.</p>
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<p>Also Jeff Sanders of the UT tells us that there will be no inning limit on Andrew Cashner this year.</p>
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<p>More <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Padres&src=hash">#Padres</a> tidbit: Cashner isn't expected to have innings limit this year. Hunting accident sort of worked that out for him last year.</p>
— Jeff Sanders (@JeffSanders_UT) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffSanders_UT/statuses/434004988948647937">February 13, 2014</a>
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<p>Back at home Petco Park still finds itself in transition. The new video screen in the Park at the Park, <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/8/5393910/padres-chairman-fowler-set-aside-10m-a-year-for-5-years-for-ballpark">that we talked about last week</a> is being installed. I once helped install a flat screen TV on a wall, so I'd be willing to lend a hand.</p>
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<p>Petco Park Progress Update: The dismantling of the video board at the Park at the Park is underway <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NewVibe&src=hash">#NewVibe</a> <a href="http://t.co/6uH90Jb5qk">pic.twitter.com/6uH90Jb5qk</a></p>
— Mike Dee (@PadresMikeDee) <a href="https://twitter.com/PadresMikeDee/statuses/434073939573096448">February 13, 2014</a>
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On the field, the grass is still covered in checkered spots from the Davis Cup Tennis Tournament and covered in seating for another event.</p>
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<p>Setting up for another event here <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a>. Hope to start re-sod project in outfield towards end of month <a href="http://t.co/Gli6TA1a5D">pic.twitter.com/Gli6TA1a5D</a></p>
— Luke Yoder (@luke_yoder) <a href="https://twitter.com/luke_yoder/statuses/434045315201503232">February 13, 2014</a>
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<p>Sadly too, we have confirmation<a href="http://padrespublic.com/rjs-fro/padres-dont-renew-andy-masurs-contract/#more-11244"> that the rumors</a> that <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/7/30/4573036/the-life-and-times-of-kelly-crull">our all-time favorite sideline reporter</a>, Kelly Crull, is officially reporting on the Cubs. I'll forever <3 her.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/mrjcpr">@mrjcpr</a> No, I'll be covering the Cubs this season.</p>
— Kelly Crull (@kcru11) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11/statuses/434024015938592769">February 13, 2014</a>
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<p>Now we just have to wait for Laura to confirm her departure as well.</p>
<p>I can't wait for some good news to break. I want to hear stories of players gaining muscle weight and slimming down in the offseason.</p>
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https://www.gaslampball.com/2014/2/13/5409194/padres-pitchers-and-catchers-report-to-spring-training-facilityjbox2013-09-26T10:16:28-07:002013-09-26T10:16:28-07:00Chris Robinson showered with water in interview
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<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA</figcaption>
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<p>In the gallery above, you can click through four pictures of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> catcher Chris Robinson getting doused with a bucket of water in what might be considered his baptism as a Major League Hitter. After years of grinding in the minor leagues he collected his first hit yesterday and it was a home run to left field. You can <a href="http://wapc.mlb.com/sd/play/?tcid=mm_sd_vid&c_id=sd&content_id=30950713">watch it here</a>.</p>
<p>The photos of the dousing in the gallery are cropped though. Like the film developed between <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=zapruder+film+sprocket+holes">sprocket holes in the Zapruder film</a>, sometimes there's more of the story just out of frame. What we're missing in this case is Fox Sports Field Reporter Laura McKeeman running for cover. <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/7/30/4573036/the-life-and-times-of-kelly-crull">Unlike Kelly</a> Crull, Laura <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/8/26/4661326/nick-hundleys-walk-off-hit-leads-to-win-and-wetness/in/4337077">never seems to get caught</a>. She's always aware of her surroundings and keeps her head on a swivel. Conspiracy Theorists like myself may even think that she's somehow involved.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Gettin a workout in "<a href="https://twitter.com/wachterphoto">@wachterphoto</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a> Chris Robinson doused w/ Powerade by <span>Nick Hundley</span> as <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraMcKeeman">@LauraMcKeeman</a> runs <a href="http://t.co/SUhYiA95Mj">pic.twitter.com/SUhYiA95Mj</a>"</p>— Laura McKeeman (@LauraMcKeeman) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraMcKeeman/statuses/383112864359120896">September 26, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The video of Laura interviewing Robinson is embedded below. After he gets soaked he laughs "I'm wearing Hundo's pants, so the jokes on him." Hundo is of course catcher Nick Hundley.</p>
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<p>Chris Robinson is of course Canadian as evidenced by the way he pronounces "dug<em>oot</em>"</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/9/26/4773594/padres-catcher-chris-robinson-is-doused-with-water-in-postgamejbox2013-08-26T14:05:25-07:002013-08-26T14:05:25-07:00Hundley's Walk-Off hit leads to win and wetness
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<figcaption>Denis Poroy</figcaption>
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<p>I'm sick today and at home with too much time on my hands. I spent the morning watching the replay of the extra-innings of yesterday's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> win. I saw most of the first 9 innings live, but succumbed to illness soon after. As it turns out the extra innings were crazy.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> took the lead in the 13th when Jesus Guzman blew a chance at a inning ending double play by throwing the ball into the face of <span>Nate Schierholtz</span>. Schierholtz had grounded softly to first but stumbled out of the box, falling to his knees. When he got to his feet again the ball that was being thrown to the plate was all up in his grill.</p>
<p><a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-08-25/sports/ct-spt-0826-bits-cubs-padres-chicago-20130826_1_travis-wood-chris-rusin-hector-rondon">Painful at-bat for Chicago Cubs' Nate Schierholtz - Chicago Tribune</a></p>
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<p>As for getting hit, "I looked up and (the ball) was right in front of my face," Schierholtz said. "Luckily, I turned my head a little bit."</p>
<p>"It glanced off my bill and hit my shoulder.''</p>
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<p>I thought for sure I'd find an animated gif of the play this morning, but I have not. It was scary how close it came to hitting Schierholtz in his creepy George Michael style beard. Glad he's okay.</p>
<p>Somehow after not scoring for 12 innings, the Padres rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the 13th with the help of a Ronny Cedeno double and a wild pitch to <span>Alexi Amarista</span>.</p>
<p>With both teams squandering countless opportunities in the the remaining innings, <span>Nick Hundley</span> finally ended the longest game of the season with a walk-off hit.</p>
<p>Without Fox Sports Reporter Kelly Crull in attendance to take part in her ceremonial walk-off Powerade bath, Laura McKeeman filled in. I grabbed some screenshots that are shown in the gallery above. If you notice Laura can see over the shoulder of Nick Hundley and <span>Yonder Alonso</span> approaching with the bucket. To Laura's credit she continues the interview until the last possible moment so as not to giveaway the imminent dousing. Hundley doesn't pick up on Laura's one tell, which is the turn of her shoulder as she braces for impact. Amazingly she escapes unscathed and delights in Hundley's wetness. When the interview resumed Hundley complimented Laura on her quickness.</p>
<p>Go Padres!</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/8/26/4661326/nick-hundleys-walk-off-hit-leads-to-win-and-wetnessjbox2013-08-19T14:43:14-07:002013-08-19T14:43:14-07:00Padres Blogger Night Part Two
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<p><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/8/16/4628266/padres-blogger-night-part-one">Part One</a></p>
<p>As we stood in foul territory in front of the Padres dugout, we watched batting practice and killed time talking to old friends and new. <i>This</i>, after all, is where the media elite hang out and for one night, only retractable belt stanchions and a considerable amount of talent separated us from them.</p>
<h4>Media Folk</h4>
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<p>Bob Scanlan was the first to approach us. He's taller than I remember and I remember him being really tall. Head Grounds Crew guy Luke Yoder stopped by too. I couldn't take my eyes off his sculpted calves. He "fielded" some questions from us. I waited for a private moment with him so I could bring up my suspicions that the Dancing Grounds Crew guy isn't doing his fair share of work, but it never came.</p>
<p>Next was Fox Sports Host Laura McKeeman who made us all really nervous because as bloggers we aren't use to talking to pretty girls. I really wish Fox Sports San Diego would give her a chance to fill in for Dick Enberg for a game. Her skills are polished. You never hear women in the broadcast booth and I think Laura could do it with ease.</p>
<p>I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Former Padres Channel 4 Host John Weisbarth approached from the ether of the visitor's dugout. I'm only slightly exaggerating when I say I leapt into his arms. He was doing some field work for the Mets. He seemed happy to see us, but insisted that next time we just do the "bro hug" instead of me wrapping my legs around his waist. I miss him.</p>
<p>Padres beat writer Corey Brock stopped by and shook our hands. You should know that Corey has really soft hands. He also has the kind of personality that makes me wish he was a more frequent radio/TV guest. I still think he and Laura should team up and do a podcast.</p>
<p>Speaking of @PadsCast, Andy Masur was there too and is maybe the nicest guy ever and that's coming from me, the guy that everybody agrees is <i>really </i>nicest guy ever. He told us horror stories of parking near Wrigley Field.</p>
<p>I called over Fox Sports Reporter Kelly Crull who was catching up with a friend in the dugout. She didn't answer to "Laura" the first three times I called to her. Once I started using her actual name, she came over in a jiffy. I heart her.</p>
<h4>Jaff Decker</h4>
<p>I was leaning against the dugout fence when Jaff Decker sidled up beside me. I was caught off guard. I asked him a question about his neon Phiten bracelet, it was the first thing I noticed. "Do you believe in the power of titanium bracelets?" "Nah", he said, "I just like the way they look and I got a hit after wearing it the first time."</p>
<p><i>Friarhood </i>asked him a serious question that led to an answer where Decker admitted that he thought "For Love of the Game" was a great movie. I couldn't contain myself and groaned, "Ugh, that movie sucks." He and Friarhood tried to convince us that it was a baseball movie with romance and not a romance movie with baseball. "Whatever dudes." Decker kept up his defense saying that romance like that was part of the major leagues. That intrigued me, but he didn't expand upon it to my chagrin.</p>
<p>I told him that Bud Black had commented on his long hair on a recent radio interview with Darren Smith. Decker said that he and Casey Kelly get teased about their hair in the clubhouse. They both have T-Shirts that read "Mucho Flow". I got to get me one of those.</p>
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<p>Thanks to dem boys for the shirt <a href="https://twitter.com/lastoneformiles">@lastoneformiles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JaffDecker22">@JaffDecker22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jlreyes23">@jlreyes23</a> <a href="http://t.co/aBIllTSOrF">pic.twitter.com/aBIllTSOrF</a></p>
— Casey Kelly (@IamCaseyKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamCaseyKelly/statuses/346065220743077889">June 16, 2013</a>
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<p>Decker was starting that night so had move on. Good dude that guy.</p>
<h4>Padres Purse Store</h4>
<p>We exited the field and ran smack dab into Padres Broadcaster and Hall of Famer Jerry Coleman. He made a jovial comment about us, he said he was hoping we weren't "the enemy". I'm not sure if he meant the Mets or if he was having a flashback to his days of aerial combat.</p>
<p>It was then that we saw a new store nestled behind the Sony Dugout Home Plate Club. There sits an upscale store that sells <i>really </i>expensive Padres merchandise. More expensive then the regular expensive merchandise. <i>RJ's Fro</i> and I raced to take a picture. It's a really weird place for a store. Because of its location it's probably seen by, at <i>most </i>50 fans a game. Sure they're the rich fans, but is this where they'd come to buy purses and handbags? Is this the types of investments we can expect from the new ownership?? I already see this as a black eye for Fowler and company.</p>
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<p><i>In<a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/8/20/4640780/padres-blogger-night-part-three"> Part Three</a> we'll visit the suite and make even more friends. Making friends is what we do.</i></p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/8/19/4637702/padres-blogger-night-part-twojbox2013-08-19T11:00:23-07:002013-08-19T11:00:23-07:00Venable doused, Crull evades ice water bath
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<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA</figcaption>
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<p>Considering I took an unplanned nap at the end of the game and missed Will Venable's walk-off homer, I think this tweet was the highlight of the game for me.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WalkOffHomer&src=hash">#WalkOffHomer</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Padres&src=hash">#Padres</a> <a href="http://t.co/mlQcnR39lQ">pic.twitter.com/mlQcnR39lQ</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/statuses/369233795867619329">August 18, 2013</a>
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<p>That's a picture of Fox Sports Sideline Reporter <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/7/30/4573036/the-life-and-times-of-kelly-crull">Kelly Crull finally escaping her usual postgame dousing</a> after a walk-off win. I was rooting for her to escape, in the same way I root for a baby gazelle to escape a cheetah in a nature documentary. For me yestrday had two victories in one.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MeganOlivi">@MeganOlivi</a> Absolutely!! My dry cleaning bills are out of control :)</p>
— Kelly Crull (@kcru11) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11/statuses/369276623809302528">August 19, 2013</a>
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<p>In the video below Crull tells Venable that this is the second time she's interviewed him after a walk-off win. The interview, however, is interrupted as he's doused with water and sports drink by his teammates and as she jumps for safety. When they resume the interview she says "I've gotten better at moving too since then." Venable replies <strike>dryly </strike>"Nice job."</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KVWpMP901Qk" frameborder="0" height="480" width="640"></iframe> <br id="1376935562485"></p>
<p>If you missed the homerun like I did, you can watch it below. I think my favorite part <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_08_18_nynmlb_sdnmlb_1&mode=video&content_id=29840281&tcid=vpp_copy_29840281">of the video</a> is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> pitcher <span class="token token-playerCard"><span>Pedro Feliciano</span> bending over at the waist, grabbing and his knees and spitting after the homerun. It's a pose I've used many times when I'm about to vomit.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_08_18_nynmlb_sdnmlb_1&mode=video&content_id=29840281&tcid=vpp_copy_29840281">Video: Venable's Walk-off Homer</a>:</p>
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<p>Venable currently has the longest hitting streak in the majors with 15 games to his credit. He's having quite the August, but doesn't even compare to Mr. Padre.</p>
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<p>Will Venable owns a .377 average in August. The highest average for <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a> player in Aug. (min. 100 PAs) is Tony Gwynn’s .448 in 1993.</p>
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBStatoftheDay/statuses/369500275582590976">August 19, 2013</a>
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https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/8/19/4636928/will-venable-homers-kelly-crull-evades-ice-water-bathjbox2013-07-30T08:59:17-07:002013-07-30T08:59:17-07:00Kelly Crull celebrates a Padres walk-off win!
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<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODA</figcaption>
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<p>When the Padres win in walk-off fashion, Fox Sports Reporter Kelly Crull's fashion gets walked-on. Well, more like destroyed by Powerade, water or shaving cream.</p>
<p>It's been interesting to witness the evolution of the walk-off win and Crull's role in it. At first she was an observer, then became collateral damage and now a target of friendly fire. Pretty soon they're just going to skip going after their fellow Padres altogether.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Mind you, this was the 2nd drenching of the night 4 Deno! "<a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball">@gaslampball</a>: Denorfia and Kelly getting doused. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23walkoff&src=hash">#walkoff</a> <a href="http://t.co/Q3ELOCiFY8">pic.twitter.com/Q3ELOCiFY8</a>"</p>— Kelly Crull (@kcru11) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11/statuses/362117292546469888">July 30, 2013</a> </blockquote>
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<p>I'm not sure what Kelly is doing with her wardrobes or if they are salvageable, but they belong in a museum. They'd be a perfect fit for my beloved <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2011/3/28/2075723/moorads-talking-points-at-saturdays-game">Padres Oddity museum</a> in the Candy Factory building.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Kelly's wardrobe needs to be entombed in a <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Padres&src=hash">#Padres</a> oddity museum, preferably displayed on poorly made wax figures of former players.</p>— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/362074522532327424">July 30, 2013</a> </blockquote>
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<p>Somebody better be collecting these relics for when I finally get to curate these oddities.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/7/30/4571424/kelly-crull-takes-part-in-padres-celebrations-like-a-bossjbox2013-07-10T15:07:31-07:002013-07-10T15:07:31-07:00Padres Social 2
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<p>Jon and I attended the Padres Social last night, which meant we bought tickets in a group with about 70 others who use Social Media in some aspect of their lives. The price, I think, doubled from<a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2012/8/30/3274683/stories-from-padres-social-media-night"> last year's affair</a> but altogether I think it was just as enjoyable if not more so.</p>
<p>It started with a...</p>
<h3>Q&A Session with A.J. Hinch and Josh Byrnes<br>
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<p>I found this part of the night to be a little dull. I just got out of work and was expecting to have some fun and it was like I was plunged back into a meeting. If you've listened to either of these guys in their interviews with Darren Smith you'll know they hold their information close to their chest. If Darren can't get them to spill their secrets then a ragtag group of fans certainly can't.</p>
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<p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a> GM Josh Byrnes answering questions at <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresSocial&src=hash">#PadresSocial</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/ajhinch">@ajhinch</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/HoltzySD">@HoltzySD</a>. <a href="http://t.co/xsNo0abhId">pic.twitter.com/xsNo0abhId</a></p>
— Ty Nowell (@tynowell) <a href="https://twitter.com/tynowell/statuses/354756504232030208">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>I like both of these guys, I do, but if they're not going to be forthcoming with the inside information then I don't see the need. From their perspective, fans can't be trusted especially when they all have Twitter and recording devices at the ready. With that said, neither Jon or I bothered to ask any questions. I didn't see the point, since they usually dodge the question anyway.</p>
<p>For instance the first question was about who was going to start Friday's contest. They <i>know </i>who's going to start, but Byrnes rattled off about a dozen pitcher's names who <i>could </i>start, which was about as thrilling as it sounds.</p>
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<p>First question: Who's pitching Friday? Stauffer and O'Sullivan candidates. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresSocial&src=hash">#PadresSocial</a></p>
— Richard (@gdarklighter) <a href="https://twitter.com/gdarklighter/statuses/354756322098561024">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Even when Sandy Alderson did these back in the day, a guy who I never thought to be particularly charismatic, he would share stories of behind the scenes happenings that would make the session worthwhile. Of course he'd usually preface his story with "This story is off the record, so don't even think about sharing it unless you can parry a bayonet thrust", no doubt referring to his skills acquired in infantry training.</p>
<p>The second question was about the departure of Tom Garfinkel, someone who also would have probably at least done his Buddy Black impersonation in the process of answering a question. The two didn't have much to say other than they enjoyed working with him and that life and baseball go on.</p>
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<p>On <a href="https://twitter.com/TomGarfinkel">@TomGarfinkel</a>: With regime changes come personnel changes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresSocial&src=hash">#PadresSocial</a></p>
— Richard (@gdarklighter) <a href="https://twitter.com/gdarklighter/statuses/354756615162970112">July 10, 2013</a>
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At this point I drifted off into a day dream for a spell.</p>
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<p>Just caught myself zoning out for about 10 minutes. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresSocial&src=hash">#PadresSocial</a></p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/354760314530709504">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>I came to with Byrnes and Hinch answering questions about their favorite ice cream flavor and whether they preferred brown or blue uniforms. Byrnes conducted an impromptu poll in which brown won overwhelmingly and I found out after 20+ years of friendship that Jon likes blue. Go figure.</p>
<p>After the session ended a small crowd swarmed Byrnes trying to slip in some last minute questions about PEDs but were answered with a "no comment".</p>
<p>Last year the night opened with a field visit and a view of batting practice. It couldn't be done this year due to the increased size of the group but I would definitely favor that sort of activity in the future.</p>
<h3>To the Jack Deck</h3>
<p>I was really pleasantly surprised by the new Jack Daniels branded deck area that was created to fill the void made by the moving of the right field fence. That's where we would spend the rest of our evening. It was a vast improvement over the cramped quarters in last year's Western Metal Supply suite and a better view to boot.</p>
<p>The deck really allowed us to move around and socialize. I have a hard time sitting for 3 hours. On the deck we were moving about from tall stools to comfortable mesh seating to standing areas. It was perfect for this event.</p>
<p>From the moment we stood atop the deck, officials started marching through a long list of Padres celebrities. Jerry Coleman was the first. He was in good spirits and took pictures with all of us.We felt so safe with his arm around us and with his hand resting upon our love handles.</p>
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<p>Jonny with the Colonel. Two American heroes (more or less). <a href="http://t.co/AbZ9smKYCD">pic.twitter.com/AbZ9smKYCD</a></p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/354770707563024385">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Colonel enjoying some downtime <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresSocial&src=hash">#PadresSocial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a> <a href="http://t.co/jQEJa1uc39">pic.twitter.com/jQEJa1uc39</a></p>
— Erock720 (@ErrockOrtega) <a href="https://twitter.com/ErrockOrtega/statuses/354786567988080640">July 10, 2013</a>
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Corey Brock and Andy Masur came through next. Both delightful guys. We didn't get too much time to talk with them but I made sure to mention that I was hoping that the pampering would continue into the night and end with us getting <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=table%20shower">table showers</a>. They exited quickly after that.</p>
<p>A trough of food from Phil's BBQ was served about this time. Some fans continued to socialize and others feasted upon tri-tip and cole slaw.</p>
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<p>Wow! Coolest spot on a warm summer night? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23JackDeck&src=hash">#JackDeck</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/petcoparksd">@petcoparksd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a> <a href="http://t.co/A8FK7uqJlM">pic.twitter.com/A8FK7uqJlM</a></p>
— The Abbot Costello (@DancingFriar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DancingFriar/statuses/354782386103406592">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Speaking of BBQ, Randy Jones came through next. I watched to see if he'd try to overturn the Phil's table but he remained composed and instead signed for his fans.</p>
<p>I concentrated my efforts on getting the results of the <a href="http://girls.foxsportssandiego.com/">Fox Sports San Diego Girl vote</a> before next week's big reveal. The girls were tight lipped and wouldn't give me even the smallest of hints.</p>
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<p>Tried to trick the <a href="https://twitter.com/FSSD_Girls">@FSSD_Girls</a> into telling who will be the new girl. They tricked me into thinking I didn't want to know until next week.</p>
— Gaslamp Ball (@gaslampball) <a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball/statuses/354787873033170944">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Next in the celebrity parade was the newly signed Hunter Renfroe. I didn't even know he was there until I saw him leaving but he was interacting with fans for a while from what I'm told.</p>
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<p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/Hunter_Renfroe">@Hunter_Renfroe</a> visits <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PadresSocial&src=hash">#PadresSocial</a>. Lots of fans out here! <a href="http://t.co/hrqhNoNvwT">pic.twitter.com/hrqhNoNvwT</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/statuses/354798215297650688">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Fox Sports had reporters/hosts Megan Olivi and Kelly Crull there as well doing remote shots. We dined with Megan and tried to feed her terrible ideas for her show <i>Padres POV</i>.</p>
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<p>Here's the pic of me and <a href="https://twitter.com/MeganOlivi">@MeganOlivi</a> from last night. Thanks for mentioning me on air! <a href="http://t.co/UCWyMHpzOf">pic.twitter.com/UCWyMHpzOf</a></p>
— Chris Garcia (@sportsbrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportsbrain/statuses/355005065263738881">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>We saw Kelly Crull from across the way and jokingly told Megan, who was headed in that direction, that Kelly was <i>probably</i> looking for us and to let her know where we were sitting. She did and we finger waved to her from afar. The FSSD girls rolled their eyes at us. Darklighter was sitting with us at the time. He was too embarrassed by our antics and leapt up to go talk to her on his own.</p>
<p>Even though we hadn't visited with Kelly since Opening Day, once she came over it was like we had never been apart. We promised each other to make our talks a more regular occurrence.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball">@gaslampball</a> Great to catch up tonight! Even if it was just a couple minutes! We should try to do that again before another 80gms goes by...</p>
— Kelly Crull (@kcru11) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11/statuses/354861756759285760">July 10, 2013</a>
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<p>It was great catching up with a good portion of the Padres online community. All of the ferociously competitive bloggers were getting along well together, almost as if our very lives didn't depend on our blog traffic.</p>
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https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/7/10/4511782/padres-social-2jbox2013-06-01T09:47:27-07:002013-06-01T09:47:27-07:00Fox reporter Kelly Crull gets drenched again
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<p>It appears that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> now officially have formed a new tradition after walk-off wins, throwing gallons of liquid on the ever-charming Fox Sports Reporter Kelly Crull. It started on <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/5/30/4380076/photo-gallery-will-venable-and-kelly-crull-take-powerade-bath">Wednesday night with a cooler of Powerade</a>. It continued in the wee hours of Saturday morning <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2013/6/1/4385948/padres-4-blue-jays-3-win-it-in-17-innings">after a 17 inning game</a>.</p>
<p>This time she wasn't just collateral damage, she was a human shield. If I'm watching this correctly, the walkoff winner Jesus Guzman is the target but he spins Crull around to protect himself from <span>Everth Cabrera</span> and the water. A conspiracy theorist might suspect she could have been the primary target and Guzman was just holding her in place. It's hard to tell.</p>
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<p>The best part is Kelly's reaction. Her smile makes my knees buckle. I love her.</p>
<p>Then she asks jokingly to Guzman, "Are you kidding? I'm so glad you pulled me into that. What were you thinking?"</p>
<p>Guzman responds "That's for you, we win!"</p>
<p>Then the ever professional Crull seamlessly jumps right into the postgame interview without missing a beat. She's the best.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>GIF: @<a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11">kcru11</a> gets wet in <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Padres">#Padres</a> postgame celebration. <a href="http://t.co/RQWuXEe2wV" title="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/8910024486_52c1a22492_o.gif">farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/891002448…</a></p>— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) <a href="https://twitter.com/CorkGaines/status/340728898964844545">June 1, 2013</a> </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Wow! What a week! 2 walk-off wins 4 the @<a href="https://twitter.com/padres">padres</a> & I really need some new clothes! Worth every entertaining interview <a href="http://t.co/qI0Gv2h1u4" title="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/8910024486_52c1a22492_o.gif">farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/891002448…</a></p>— Kelly Crull (@kcru11) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11/status/340755207904444416">June 1, 2013</a> </blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Kelly Crull, @<a href="https://twitter.com/kcru11">kcru11</a> is now trending in <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23SanDiego">#SanDiego</a> <a href="http://t.co/ZjaIg9Wg4Z" title="http://trendsmap.com/us/san+diego">trendsmap.com/us/san+diego</a></p>— Trendsmap San Diego (@TrendsSanDiego) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrendsSanDiego/status/340729777390493697">June 1, 2013</a> </blockquote>
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https://www.gaslampball.com/2013/6/1/4386614/photo-gallery-fox-reporter-kelly-crull-gets-drenched-againjbox