2011 Spring Training Trip - Rings & Things

Although brief, the three-day trip to Florida by Altoona Curve owners Bob and Joan Lozinak and general manager Rob Egan was filled with interactions with Curve managers, coaches, and players past and present.

On Monday, the Lozinaks and Egan traveled to Lakeland where former Curve manager Matt Walbeck was with his Class 'A' Braves' affiliate for a game against the Tigers' affiliate at the Tigertown complex. Before Walbeck arrived, Carlos Guillen was spotted on one of the back fields interacting with Tigers' prospects from Latin America who were taking a round a batting practice. The Curve then greeted "Wally" as he stepped off the Braves' bus and presented him with his 2010 Eastern League Championship ring and his #7 home jersey in a frame.

Following the brief stay in Lakeland, the Curve front office group traveled back to Bradenton to catch the last few innings of the Pirates' Double-A and Triple-A games at the Pirate City complex. While there they caught up with several members of the 2009 and 2010 coaching staffs and players and caught a glimpse of some probable members of the 2011 Curve roster.

Tuesday, the Pirates had an off-day in their Grapefruit League schedule, so the Curve contingent went down to the completely-renovated Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota for a few innings of the Orioles-Yankees game. The house was packed as the Orioles' A-team took down the Yankees' B-team. Sarasota lost the Reds a couple of years ago as they left for Arizona, but then secured the Orioles with the promise of the $35 million renovation. They did a great job as it looks like a brand-new facility.

Later Tuesday, the 2011 Curve field staff of manager P.J. Forbes, pitching coach Wally Whitehurst, hitting coach Brandon Moore, athletic trainer Mike Zalno, and strength and conditioning coach Ricky White sat down for dinner with the Lozinaks and Egan. An enjoyable time was had by all and in addition to getting to know the new staff a little better, the Curve owners and general manager left with some insight as to what players might make up the 2011 opening day roster.

Finally on Wednesday, the perfect capper to a journey that featured sunny, 80-degree weather each day, was the ring ceremony for the 2010 Eastern League champions prior to the Pirates-Astros' game at McKechnie Field. Hitting coach Ryan Long, pitching coach Tom Filer, athletic trainer Bryan Housand, strength and conditioning coach Chad Uihlein and 26 of the players from last year's roster received their rings from Bob Lozinak. It was special moment for Mr. and Mrs. Lozinak to experience as the team they brought to their hometown more than 12 years ago got to celebrate their first-ever league title with the ultimate momento!