Questions for Nathan Baliva, Peoria Chiefs Broadcaster

[Chris]

I'm a fan of collecting sports memorabilia. Are you a collector? If you are, how has being in broadcasting helped your collection?

[ChiefsVoice]

I'm a fan of collecting sports memorabilia. Are you a collector? If you are, how has being in broadcasting helped your collection?

 

I am a collector and have been ever since I can remember. Everytime I go home for the holidays or to visit my mom still complains about the room my boxes of baseball cards take up.

 

I've had some great opportunities to collect. When I was five I got to meet Dave Parker of the Pittsburgh Pirates before a game in St. Louis and he became a friend of mine and my family. We saw him every year until he retired in 1991 and then as a coach in 1995, 1996 and 1998. As a result I met and collected autographs from the likes of Pete Rose, Eric Davis, Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Rod Carew, Eddie Murray, Rickey Henderson, Paul Molitor, Robin Yount, the 1988 and 89 Oakland A's etc.

 

I also have numerous signed photos and baseballs I got at card shows from Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Hank Aaron, Ozzie Smith, and on and on. In addition Ihave made ebay purchases in high school and college and I love my Michael Jordan free-throw line dunk auto, Andre Agassi, Brett Favre, Marshall Faulk, etc....I collect everything from baseballs to pennants to photos to ticket stubs of games I went to. My favorite photos are: one of Jack Buck and Harry Caray behind the mic at KMOX that is hanging in my booth, a 2003 Marquette (my alma mater) Final Four banner and SI cover signed by Dwyane Wade, and a Magic Johnson/Larry Bird both signed photo.

 

As a broadcaster I have not asked for one autograph. or piece of memorabilia. I did purchase a jersey last year in an auction because I wanted the #39 (Parker's) and in another I wanted #23 (Jordan). The only other pieces I have picked up because of my job were given to me. In 2003 one of our pitchers was a former teammate and great friend of Anthony Gwynn Jr and at the end of the year he gave me a ball signed by Gwynn and Prince Fielder. And this season, all of our front office staff members were given Nomar baseballs by our team President. I wont ask any of out players for bats or autographs, but if they offer then I will accept and most likely use it for a Chiefs off-season auction. Would I love to have a ball signed by Daric Barton? Sure, but I just never thought it was right to use my position of privilege to take advantage and ask.

 

I do most of my collecting in the off-season and most of it is done either on EBay, at card shows or in stores. I loved collecting in person as a child and personally, as an adult, I don't want to be in the way of this generations youngsters asking for autographs in person. They deserve the same opportuinity that I had so you wont see me standing outside the players entrance at your local stadium or hotel!!!

[Laura]

Earlier this season, Matt Weber pitched 38.1 innings without allowing a walk. What's the Chiefs record for consecutive innings without a walk (and the MWL record, if you have that)? Just curious.

 

Of course, ex-Chiefs Greg Maddux holds the NL record with 72.1 innings, which was broken by an IBB to Steve Finley. :)

[Chris]

Very cool, a fellow collector for me to talk to about memorabilia!

[ChiefsVoice]

Earlier this season, Matt Weber pitched 38.1 innings without allowing a walk. What's the Chiefs record for consecutive innings without a walk (and the MWL record, if you have that)? Just curious.

 

Of course, ex-Chiefs Greg Maddux holds the NL record with 72.1 innings, which was broken by an IBB to Steve Finley. :)

 

The stretch by Weber is believed to be a Chiefs record. For streaks on that we only have records dating back to 1994 when the Vonachen family regained ownership of the Chiefs. Many of the programs, record books, etc from 1983-1993 seem to have disappeared. I have recreated records books with straight stats butrecords such as hitting streaks, errorless streaks, walk streaks etc you cant figure out from a simple stat line.

 

THe Midwest League record is 45 innings set by William Castro of the Danville Suns in the summer of 1973...

[Jon]

Marquette? That makes at least three broadcasters in the Cubs organization that have ties to Marquette. Len Kasper is a graduate (1993) and Pat Hughes has called Marquette basketball games in the off-season.

[ChiefsVoice]

Marquette? That makes at least three broadcasters in the Cubs organization that have ties to Marquette. Len Kasper is a graduate (1993) and Pat Hughes has called Marquette basketball games in the off-season.

 

Yep! the Warriors come through in the organization for some reason. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Pat formally though I did introduce myself to him during a basketball home game in 1998 or 1999 (I did play by play for mens games on student radio, and god were we bad). I listen to him quite a bit when we are at home and they play during the day and he is a great play by play voice.

 

As for Len, I first met him while I was in school. I had an internship at the CBS TV affiliate and got interviews at Brewers games and he did some radio work there. He also talked to one of my classes and observed a little bit around the stations. I got to interview him at the Cubs Caravan this season and talk to him for a while about Marquette and baseball in general. And I also have kept in touch with him through Email during the season and dropped in on him in the booth for a few minutes when I attended a Cubs-Marlins night game on one of our off days in June. He is a true class act and hopefully one day I will be a colleague of his at the Major League Level.

 

Says a lot for Marquette education and the broadcasting classes and experience there if you ask me. Now if they could just decide on a good nickname.....

[Jon]

Yep! the Warriors come through in the organization for some reason. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Pat formally though I did introduce myself to him during a basketball home game in 1998 or 1999 (I did play by play for mens games on student radio, and god were we bad). I listen to him quite a bit when we are at home and they play during the day and he is a great play by play voice.

 

As for Len, I first met him while I was in school. I had an internship at the CBS TV affiliate and got interviews at Brewers games and he did some radio work there. He also talked to one of my classes and observed a little bit around the stations. I got to interview him at the Cubs Caravan this season and talk to him for a while about Marquette and baseball in general. And I also have kept in touch with him through Email during the season and dropped in on him in the booth for a few minutes when I attended a Cubs-Marlins night game on one of our off days in June. He is a true class act and hopefully one day I will be a colleague of his at the Major League Level.

 

Says a lot for Marquette education and the broadcasting classes and experience there if you ask me. Now if they could just decide on a good nickname.....

Yeah, Pat is quite talented. Such a great voice and a superb memory. And there are a ton of Len fans on this board. He really knows his stuff compared to other television PBP guys I've listended to and seems to be quite prepared. But he's also pretty smooth in the booth and calls a great game. I really enjoy listening to both (and you, of course).

[abuck1220]

 

As for the downtown area, I would suggest Old CHicago on the river for microbrews, beer from around the world and food. Sully's on Adams street (6 blocks from stadium) has Dance Music/80's Rock/etc, great food and a decent amount of space. A quiet bar to go with great food is Richard's on Main (from the stadium take adams to main turn left and it is right there on the left). If you are in for a wild night then head another 2 blocks down Main and check out Babe's on the corner or Adam's Apple or the dance clubs of Club Reign, Tomcats and the "other place" next to those two bars. Hoops across the street has the best non-sober 4:00 am food and pizza and SOP's is a good place to dance too. All of Peoria's downtown bars are open until 4:00 AM. Sullys closes earlier during the week.

 

 

sully's has the best wings ever. they were the first wings i ever had, and i just assumed that all wings tasted like that. boy, was i wrong. my friend and i enjoyed three pounds of those babies after my brother's wedding in july. deeeeelicious.

[Laura]

I am living in southern California (about 60 minutes north of LA) and recently attended my first games at Wrigley Field. Outstanding! I am considering flying that way again in a couple of weeks and attending my first Peoria Chiefs game.

 

Fly to Peoria, PJ!!! Jim wants to go to a Chiefs game, too.

 

It will be better than seeing Ricky!! :D

 

And now you know where to go, too.

[Laura]

We've ended up at Sully's a bunch of times after games ... very easy to get to from the park. SOPs has a lot of live music and is a good time but I totally lose track of time when I've gone there.

 

Here's the side-by-side format L/R splits for the starting pitchers + Nolen. They're all RHers.

 

Pitcher      OAV-R   HR-R  OAV-L    HR-L  IPs
Billek       .174    2     .216     0      23.2
Estrada      .336    6     .274     4     133.2
Gallagher    .199    5     .200     3     134
Johnson      .279    4     .176     2      54.1
Nolen        .236    1     .196     0      61.1
Weber        .277    9     .314     3     130.2

 

I wonder how much of Grant Johnson's reverse splits is due to that terrible outing he had vs Kane County.

 

Nathan, could you give me the AB numbers vs. Gallagher (total / RH / LH)? I have his RH/LH split at .195/.200 and I'm wondering where the error is. And, yeah, that's going to bug me until I figure it out. ARGH!!! Thanks!

[ChiefsVoice]

We've ended up at Sully's a bunch of times after games ... very easy to get to from the park. SOPs has a lot of live music and is a good time but I totally lose track of time when I've gone there.

 

Here's the side-by-side format L/R splits for the starting pitchers + Nolen. They're all RHers.

 

Pitcher      OAV-R   HR-R  OAV-L    HR-L  IPs
Billek       .174    2     .216     0      23.2
Estrada      .336    6     .274     4     133.2
Gallagher    .199    5     .200     3     134
Johnson      .279    4     .176     2      54.1
Nolen        .236    1     .196     0      61.1
Weber        .277    9     .314     3     130.2

 

I wonder how much of Grant Johnson's reverse splits is due to that terrible outing he had vs Kane County.

 

Nathan, could you give me the AB numbers vs. Gallagher (total / RH / LH)? I have his RH/LH split at .195/.200 and I'm wondering where the error is. And, yeah, that's going to bug me until I figure it out. ARGH!!! Thanks!

 

We dont have AB numbers....but he has allowed 53 hits to RH in 75.1 innings and 41 hits to LH in 58.2 innings. Thats all the info I can get on it. Hope it helps. Sorry.

[peajay]

 

Fly to Peoria, PJ!!! Jim wants to go to a Chiefs game, too.

 

It will be better than seeing Ricky!! :D

 

And now you know where to go, too.

 

Careful woman, that is Rickey to whom you're referring!

 

I'm guessing Jim can find his way to Peoria witout my guidance. Never mind his lack of headroom in the L-mobile :D

 

Thanks Nathan. Some great information. Looks more and more likely.

[Tim]

As for E-Patt's numbers vs. lefties: Good Average, little power vs. LHP. He is hitting .318 against LHP with 0 homers, 7 doubles, 3 triples, 12 RBI and 20 runs scored. He has 19 walks, 19 k's vs lefties, 9 steals and 7 caught stealings (5 are 1-3-6 CS)

 

Relating to this Nathan, how do you get the split information? Does the team track it? Can you get this info for opposing players? As you know, this sort of information is very useful when evaluating minor leaguers, and yet there is very little of it available to the public.

 

Yeah CP, unfortunately all that info is on a Private Backdoor site that we have to use passwords to get to and they won't even allow us to give the passwords to our local media outlets or beat writers. The Private Stats site is for front office use only to give stats to the coaches and scouts. I can give splits on our players if needed, I have no problem with that. Other than Home-Road, Situational (bases loaded, RISP, RISP & 2outs) Left-Right and Monthly stats, everything I use I track myself...this includes lead-off walks scoring, inherited runners scoring, outfield assists, pick-offs, hit-streaks, multi-hit games, etc. I have excel charts for EVERYTHING....and it takes a while each night/day to update....thank god for interns at home!

Is there anyone on the Chiefs that has simply ridiculous R/L splits that we should know about? Pitcher or hitter, really.

 

Thanks!

 

Well here ya go (current players only):

 

vs. Right

Bernard .236/2/17

Flowers .237/5/27

Fuld .285/3/27 LH hitter

Granato .270/3/19

Harvey .279/18/72

Larsen .239/3/32

Patterson .336/12/52 LH hitter

Rick .170/2/15 LH hitter

Rivera .250/0/4

Schmidt .234/2/10 Switch Hitter

Simokaitis .174/0/6

Smith .243/3/15

 

Billek .174 Opp avg, 2 HR

Blevins .254, 3 LH pitcher

Dickson .154, 0

Estrada .336, 6

Gallagher .199, 5

Johnson .279, 4

Jones .388, 1

Layden .241, 2 LH Pitcher

Mendez .204, 0

Nolen .236, 1

Phelps .135, 0

Weber .277, 9

 

Vs. Left

Bernard .278/0.6

Flowers .293/2/16

Fuld .268/0/4 LH hitter

Granato .333/1/9

Harvey .240/4/16

Larsen .257/1/13

Patterson .318/0/12 LH hitter

Rick .172/0/7 LH hitter

Rivera .000/0/0 (1 AB)

Schmidt .250/0/3 Swith hitter

Simokatis .316/0/1

Smith .238/0/3

 

Billek .216. 0hr

Blevins .273, 1 LH pitcher

Dickson .361, 0

Estrada .274, 4

Gallagher .200, 3

Johnson .176, 2

Jones .395, 0

Layden .170, 0 LH pitcher

Mendez .293, 0

Nolen .196, 0

Phelps .333, 0

Weber .314, 3

 

as a team we are hitting .298 against LHP and .260 vs. RHP...lefties also hit us better at .262 to .254...

Sweet Ginger Brown, it's the motherlode! :)

 

Thanks, Nate. I was really expecting Harvey to have better splits than that versus lefties based upon what I have seen of his swing. I'd expect righties with a good slider to get him consistently, but I'd think he'd eat up lefties pretty well. Goes to show why I'm not a coach, I guess!

[abuck1220]

I am living in southern California (about 60 minutes north of LA) and recently attended my first games at Wrigley Field. Outstanding! I am considering flying that way again in a couple of weeks and attending my first Peoria Chiefs game.

 

What I am hoping for are recommendations for a first-timer at O'Brien Field and a first-time visitor to Peoria. Places to stay, transportation, things to see, etc.

 

I have some folks filling me in on the team and players to watch, just looking for a little help on the visiting Peoria aspect of the trip. Thanks

 

PJ

 

Hey PJ we'd love to have you in Peoria for a game. My brother lives in Burbank and works on a prominent TV show and I love the LA area and can't wait to get there at least a couple of times this off-season!

 

You can fly into Peoria on Delta or Northwest and then either take a $15 cab ride downtown to the hotels or catch a bus downtown though I would advise the cab. There are a few hotels that are about a mile walk from the stadium and right near everything downtown. Our team hotel is the Holiday Inn City Center...There is also the Mark Twain Downtown, Staybridge Suites. in walking distance and the Radisson a few minutes away.

 

As for things to see, i dont know if CAT gives regular tours or not but they have their headquarters in Peoria and some impressive buildings/machinery close by. Wildlife Prairie Park is awesome and i would suggest that. Otherwise, check out http://www.peoria.org to see what else is going on the days you are gonna be there!

 

the riverfront, which is right near the stadium, is a pretty nice place to walk around. there are restaurants there, and i've seen live music there before. i don't think the area has taken off quite like they hoped it would, but it's a nice area for the ballpark.

[Laura]

We dont have AB numbers....but he has allowed 53 hits to RH in 75.1 innings and 41 hits to LH in 58.2 innings. Thats all the info I can get on it. Hope it helps. Sorry.

 

It helped! I found the missing hit. Thanks.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I don't know if this was your doing or someone else with the Chiefs front office, but I'd like to thank whomever lists the pitching probables for the week ahead on the web site. It makes things so much easier as I look for Peoria's pitching opponents for our game threads!

[ChiefsVoice]

I don't know if this was your doing or someone else with the Chiefs front office, but I'd like to thank whomever lists the pitching probables for the week ahead on the web site. It makes things so much easier as I look for Peoria's pitching opponents for our game threads!

 

 

No problem. That is me. I am the only one who has access to the website and I change/update/create everything on there....unless you dont like it or its wrong, then uh, someone else does it! :twisted:

[Joe_Cub]

Hello and thank you for answering questions. What do you think about Eric Patterson\'s defense at second base? I watched him play a couple of times and he handled everything hit his way but I read some stuff posted here from Baseball America and some scout said he\'s below average with his glove. I don\'t know if they said anything about his range.

 

Thanks.

[Joe_Cub]

And also when the players go to a Cubs game do they get their tickets for free from the Cubs or do their friends on the team get them the tickets? Thanks.

[ChiefsVoice]

Hello and thank you for answering questions. What do you think about Eric Patterson\'s defense at second base? I watched him play a couple of times and he handled everything hit his way but I read some stuff posted here from Baseball America and some scout said he\'s below average with his glove. I don\'t know if they said anything about his range.

 

Thanks.

 

First of all, no disrespect to the people at BA, but dont believe everything you read. Their rankings and comments should be taken with a grain of salt. I know some people quote them like the Bible and yes I have the prospect handbook to get more info on the players, but with all the players they have to cover it is impossible to do. I'm glad they exist and they work very hard at what they do, but they are wrong on some people. They see a guy play one game, he bobbles a ball and all of a sudden he is a bad fielder.

 

Now, off my soapbox and to answer your question....Patterson is hands down the best defensive second baseman that has played in Peoria in my four years here. He currently leads the MWL in fielding percentage by a second baseman and has just 9 errors on the season in 102 games. Not bad. He goes both directions well, can throw on the run toward second and turns a good double play. The one negative would be that his hands might not be as soft as you'd like but he is quick to recover and that makes up for it.

 

As for the 2nd question posted below about tickets, there are a variety of ways to handle it. If players have the same agent as MLB players they can get them through the agent. They can have our manager leave them, they can call directly and get them through the minor league department or they can have Cubs players leave them. It all depends on where they want to sit and how many they need. But there is no problem getting them and I can tell you first hand that the Cubs take great care of them once they are up there.

 

Thanks for the questions JoeCub I appreciate them!!

[Joe_Cub]

Awesome. Thanks for the Patterson report. What do you think about Luis Rivera, is he a natural third baseman? Thanks.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

How did Alfredo Francisco look in his return to the Chiefs? How hard did he throw?

[ChiefsVoice]

Awesome. Thanks for the Patterson report. What do you think about Luis Rivera, is he a natural third baseman? Thanks.

 

Rivera has looked great at 3rd. I think he played more shortstop in college, but he has impressed at third base moving to the line and also toward short. he has a strong arm and is improving at the plate daily as evidenced by a 4 hit game today

[ChiefsVoice]

How did Alfredo Francisco look in his return to the Chiefs? How hard did he throw?

 

For a guy who was a 3rd baseman 4 months ago, I was very impressed. He was 90-92 on the QC scoreboard. Im not sure how accurate thier board is but either way 1 or 2 MPH up or down is still good. He had a good curve and good control as well. Probably helped that we were up 14-6 so no pressure which Im sure for Julio and Tom was an ideal situation to bring him into for a 1st outing. im interested to see how he performs back to back or with runners on when he comes in...