
Emotional goodbyes
It may sound corny — pun intended — but the scene that played out Monday morning at Blair County Ballpark epitomized just how ingrained the Curve have become in this area during their first 10 seasons. The franchise brainstormed the novel idea of putting up cornstalks along the center field wall and having the players walk through them onto the field prior to the season finale against Reading. It was a takeoff from the classic movie ‘‘Field of Dreams,’’ and the Curve couldn’t have dreamed it would strike such a chord with the fans. Some of the 6,033 people on hand were moved to tears. One by one, the Curve players emerged through the corn and walked toward the concourse. Then they went up in the stands and mingled with fans for about 10 minutes, saying thank yous and goodbyes. ‘‘It was phenomenal to come out and do that,’’ Curve pitcher Derek Hankins said. ‘‘I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.’’ ‘‘It was a moving experience,’’ Curve president Chuck Greenberg said.
» Full StoryHolman pays tribute to fans
Curve fans got a chance to hear just how important they are to the players and coaches during an inspiring few minutes following Sunday night’s game.
» Full StoryComing to a close
Outfielder Jonel Pacheco was named the Curve’s Most Valuable Player for the 2008 season in a pregame ceremony Sunday night at Blair County Ballpark.
Leiper could be done
Today could be the final time Tim Leiper wears a Curve uniform as the third-year manager may not return to Altoona or even be retained by the Pirates in 2009.
‘‘I don’t have any idea,’’ Leiper said Sunday about his future.
Covering the bases
Leading off: The Curve’s win Sunday enabled Altoona to avoid tying the club’s worse single-season record ever. The 2001 team finished 63-79. The Curve’s victory Sunday left this year’s Altoona team with a 64-77 record with just today’s game left.
» Full StoryTabata stars in extra-inning victory
By Jim Lane
For the Mirror
When the Pirates traded Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the New York Yankees, the Bucs received three pitchers and a young outfielder named Jose Tabata.


