Happy (Almost) New Year's

Happy New Year to all my favorite Silver Hawks Fans! I can't believe that 2009 is just around the corner, but I'm so excited because the New Year means that a new baseball season is just around the corner.

You still have plenty of time to purchase Season Seats for the 2009 Silver Hawks season. Season Seats are great because you get the same seating location for all 70 Silver Hawks home games. I'm also making sure that if you purchase a Season Seat you receive complimentary tickets to the Silver vs. Gold exhibition game against the University of Notre Dame Baseball team. Season Seat holders also receiving all kinds of special perks and are invited to a special Meet & Greet with the Silver Hawks players and coaches.

Give us a call at 574-235-9988 to purchase Season Seats or visit the new SILVERHAWKS.com for more information.

~Swoop

Happy Holidays!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

The Silver Hawks (myself included) want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

I was invited to a great holiday party last week at the Goshen Boys & Girls Club hosted by Pepsi and U93. All the kids were so excited to see me and I felt like a rock star! Pepsi and U93 put on a great party and the Silver Hawks provided Opening Day tickets to all the kids.

It's hard to believe that the baseball season is just around the corner with all this cold and snow that we've been having. I think I might head south for some R&R and warm weather over the holidays!

The Silver Hawks office will be closed until Monday, January 5th so we can all have a chance to rest up. Once we come back to the office, it's just 3 months until Opening Day!

If you haven't done so, check out our brand new website at SILVERHAWKS.com... I think it's pretty cool!

Happy Holidays!

~Swoop

Swoop's Reading Club

Hey Silver Hawks Fans... I've got some exciting news to share with you!

In order to keep myself busy this winter and get more involved with our local schools, I've started my own Reading Club. We already have over 7,300 kids signed up! If your teacher and class are interested in participating, have them call our office at 574-235-9988. You'll have fun and win great prizes for reading books this winter!

~Swoop

10 Days 'Til Christmas!

Greetings Silver Hawks Fans!

Well, Christmas is just 10 days away and I know I still have a lot of shopping left to do - how about you?

Don't forget you can stop by the Cove for some great last minute gifts - gift certificates, Silver Hawks merchandise, ticket packages, etc. The front office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office will be closed for the holidays December 24 through January 4th.

Happy Shopping!

~Swoop

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Silver Hawks Fans!

I'm already counting down to next season - just 139 more days! As you're thinking about the holidays (and baseball of course), don't forget that you can buy ticket packages, merchandise and Silver Hawks gift certificates for your favorite Silver Hawks fans.

Have a safe holiday!

~Swoop

Start Your Holiday Shopping with the Silver Hawks!

Greetings!

There may be snow on the ground, but it's never too early to start thinking about Silver Hawks Baseball! Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift? Silver Hawks season seats and coupon books make a great gift.... and don't forget a Silver Hawks hat or t-shirt for your favorite Silver Hawks fans.

Season Seats include 68 home games, the Silver vs. Gold Exhibition game against Notre Dame and all kinds of special perks - including an exclusive Meet & Greet with the Silver Hawks players and coaching staff in April.

Our coupon books include 10 ticket vouchers, a free parking passes along with a few extra goodies.

Can't decide what you want to buy - we'll make a special gift certificate for you that can be redeemed for tickets, merchandise or Silver Hawks dollars.

Contact our office at 574-235-9988 or visit www.silverhawks.com for all the latest information.

~Swoop

BRRRR!

Greetings Silver Hawks Fans!

It seems like the winter weather is moving in - I've even seen a few snowflakes, which makes the Cove a chilly place.

I'm working on some new projects to keep myself busy this winter and one includes the launch of my brand, new reading program - Swoop's Reading Club. Stay tuned - I'll have all the details ready for you soon. This will be a great opportunity for me to stay involved with all you kids in school during the chilly winter months and then we'll be able to celebrate our accomplishments at the Cove next season.

Don't forget our season seats are now on sale with both full season and half season options. The folks in the front office are also busy putting together some great mini plan packages for those of you that can't make all 70 of our home games.

Stay tuned!

~Swoop

Election Day!

Greetings Silver Hawks Fans!

Today is Election Day so don't forget to get out and make your voice heard. Speaking of voting... you should visit www.milb.com and vote for This Year in Minor League Baseball Awards. The Silver Hawks own Clay Zavada is in the running for Best Reliever of the Year!

While you're surfing the web, be sure to visit www.silverhawks.com for the latest news on exciting Silver Hawks Baseball. Season seats are now on sale - purchase your tickets before the end of the year for a special Early Bird Discount!

The folks in the front office tell me they are now accepting applications for the 2009 internship positions - I always have so much fun with new interns!

Have a great day!

~Swoop

Halloween Festivities

Greetings Silver Hawks Fans!

I wanted to let everyone know that I'll be out and about in the Bend participating in some fun Halloween activities on October 25th and 26th.

On Saturday, October 25th I'll be at the College Football Hall of Fame. There will be free admission to the Hall of Fame and all kinds of fun activities for the kids.

On Sunday, October 26th I'm heading over to the Potawatomi Zoo for the Annual Zoo Boo from 12-4. The Silver Hawks and other booths will be handing out free candy to all the kids.

Hope to see you soon!

~Swoop

2009 Silver Hawks Schedule

Calling all Silver Hawks Fans...

The 2009 Silver Hawks baseball schedule is now finalized and available online at www.silverhawks.com! The season will kickoff with the 2nd Annual Silver vs. Gold exhibition game against the University of Notre Dame Baseball team on April 7th with the regular season home opener on April 13th. It seems so far away, but I'm excited just thinking about it!

Now that the baseball season is over, I've been keeping busy visiting my friends and making new ones. Last week I had the chance to visit the 4th grade class at Twin Branch Elementary School in Mishawaka - the students were helping to decorate the bedroom of one of their classmates who lost everything in a house fire so we stopped by with some great Silver Hawks gear for him. Keep an eye out for me and if you would like me to attend one of your events, be sure to call the Silver Hawks office.

Bye for now...

~Swoop

Get Your Game Worn Jerseys!

Hey Fans - this is your chance to purchase a game worn Silver Hawks jersey. The black batting practice / alternative jersey tops are now on sale for just $35 (includes shipping). The tops were worn by the Silver Hawks players the last several years so they are worn and a little faded. Contact the Silver Hawks office at 574-235-9988 or email us at hawks@silverhawks.com to purchase one.

~Swoop

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Hi Silver Hawks Fans,

As you may know, it was a disappointing end to a great season. The Hawks were back home and ready to face the Burlington Bees in Game 3, but were rained out on both Friday and Saturday. You wouldn't believe all the water on the field by Saturday morning - I was tempted to go for a swim!

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't improving and with the instructional leagues starting up on Monday, there wasn't time to wait around for better weather. The big guy - George Spelius, President of the Midwest League was in town and made the difficult decision to call the playoffs. Since Burlington was leading the series 2-0, they were declared the 2008 Midwest League Champions.

It was still a great season for the Silver Hawks - the guys came a long way from the slow start in April.

The baseball season may be over, but I'm not going anywhere! Swoop has been challenged with the task of keeping all of you updated so I plan to do my best. Make sure to check back regularly!

Rumor has it the 2009 schedule is ready and I plan to get the scoop and find out what plans are in the works!

~Swoop

Eastern Division Champs!

Wow! The Silver Hawks had a great game last night sweeping Dayton thanks to a spectacular 4th inning 3-run homer by Collin Cowgill. The Hawks beat the Dragons 4-3 and will now battle the Burlington Bees for the 2008 Midwest League Championship!

The players were so excited after the win last night and they hopped right on the bus to head to Burlington, IA. They will play games 1 and 2 on the road before heading back to the Cove. We'll play at home on Friday at 6:30 followed by Game 4 (if necessary) at noon on Saturday and Game 5 (if necessary) at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

I'm busy spreading the word so we can pack the park and cheer on the Hawks. I heard there is some football game going on in town this weekend, but winning a Midwest League Championship sounds much more exciting to me. Check out www.silverhawks.com or call the front office folks at 574-235-9988 for the latest details.

See you at the Cove!

~Swoop

Hawks Advance to 2nd Round

Hi Silver Hawks Fans!

The Hawks defeated the West Michigan Whitecaps and have advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs! The Hawks lead the series against the Dayton Dragons 1-0 and are heading into game 2 tonight. Both teams had a little rest last night thanks to some rain and are ready to take to the field tonight.

I'm pretty excited - our own Silver Hawks outfielder, Derrick Walker, will be performing the National Anthem tonight. This bird didn't even know Derrick could sing!

The Hawks are just one win away from facing the Burlington Bees in the Midwest League Championship Series. I could sure use your help cheering on the team. Hope to see you at the Cove!

~Swoop

Hawks Beat West Michigan in Game 1

Greetings Silver Hawks Fans!

Last night's game may not have been very pretty with 11 errors between the Silver Hawks and West Michigan, but the Hawks prevailed and won 5-3 over West Michigan. It was a great night and I appreciate all our dedicated fans that help cheer on the Silver Hawks.

The team is headed to West Michigan for Game 2 tonight and Game 3 (if necessary) on Friday. The second round of the playoffs begin on Saturday with a probable home game on Sunday, September 7 at 4:00 p.m.

I'll do my best to keep everyone posted, but check out www.silverhawks.com for the latest information or give my buddies in the front office a call at 574-235-9988.

Go Silver Hawks!

~Swoop

It's Game Time!

Hey Silver Hawks Fans!

The Midwest League Playoffs start tonight at the Cove. The Silver Hawks will face the West Michigan Whitecaps at 6:30 p.m. in game one of the best of three game series. Games two and three (if necessary) will be played in West Michigan on Thursday and Friday.

The Hawks finished the season as the 2nd Half Eastern Division Champions and we need your help cheering the team on in the playoffs. Tickets for tonight's game are $5 for reserved seats and $7 for box seats.

My friends Rob & AJ from U93 will be hosting a special Playoff Party on the deck so don't miss out on the fun!

See ya at the Cove!

~Swoop

We're going to the Playoffs!

It's hard to believe that the season is winding down! We have just four more regular season home games this weekend. It's going to be an action-packed Labor Day Weekend.

Come out and help me cheer on the Hawks as they face the Lansing Lugnuts!

Friday is chance for Friday Fireworks! 1st Source Bank and WNDU put on a great show - don't miss out. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday bring the folks out for the Silver Hawks Fleece Blanket Giveaway. The first 1,000 adults age 21 and over will receive a Silver Hawks Blanket courtesy of Budweiser and 103.9 The Bear - perfect timing with the chilly evenings we've been having!

Sunday is our last Canines at the Cove for the season. Dogs receive a free ticket and can participate in the pre-game Pooch Parade on the field!

Monday is Labor Day and we're celebrating with a special 1:30 p.m. Dollar Monday game. Reserved seat tickets, hot dogs and soft drinks are all just $1.00!

The Silver Hawks have clinched a playoff spot for the 6th year in a row. The first playoff game at the Cove will be Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now so make plans to come out and help me cheer on the 'Hawks.

Silver Hawks Update

Hey Silver Hawk Fans!

It has been awhile since good ol’ Swoop has given you an update on the Silver Hawks progress this half of the season. The team is currently at 27 wins and 16 losses, and two games ahead in the Eastern Division. By looking at the big picture, I’d say we are doing pretty well. Hopefully with this four home games series this week against the Lansing Lugnuts, we will be able to maintain that drive and add a couple more wins to that record.

Although it is a short series, The Silver Hawks are still packing fun and exciting events into the games. Tonight’s game we have Employee Appreciation Night and Twofer Tuesday. If you print off the Twofer Tuesday coupon off the WAOR or Silver Hawks website, you will receive two reserved seat tickets for the price of one. WHAT A DEAL! You could spend the money you saved on a hot dog and drink for your best friend SWOOP!

Wednesday, August 6th is our Pepsi and U93 Hat Giveaway. The first 1,000 fans 16 years and older will receive a green Silver Hawks hat. I would suggest that you come early if want to be guaranteed a hat.

ARE YOU READY TO PARTY?! This Thursday, August 7th is Fiesta Night and Thirsty Thursday at The Cove. Thirsty Thursday is brought to you by 103.9 The Bear and Pepsi. We will be offering $2 draft beers and Pepsi Products.

Friday, August 8th is our last home game for this mini series. It will be one fun-filled evening featuring the U.S. Army, Friday Night Fireworks, and Girl Scout Night.

So whether you are a dedicated fan or have never been to The Cove before, COME ON OUT THIS WEEK AND JOIN THE FUN!

Your favorite Mascot,

SWOOP

Big League Fun!

This six game series has finally come to a close at the Coveleski Stadium. It has been one crazy event after another, especially the visit from The Famous San Diego Chicken. The Famous Chicken was up to his usual tricks last Friday at The Cove. Of course he joked with the players, umpires, and fans, but his WORST prank of all was when he KISSED me! That bird just LOVES giving ol’ Swoop a hard time. He better watch out for a few tricks of my own on August 19th, when he returns to The Cove.

The South Bend Silver Hawks went 4-2 in this six home game series, and are currently one game out of first place in the Eastern Division. The Silver Hawks couldn’t have won without your support and enthusiasm.

Another big thank you needs to go out to all the Boy Scouts who participated in the Boy Scout Sleepover at The Cove. They had an amazing time watching the game and camping out in the outfield. We hope to see all of you Scouts back next year!

SAVE THE DATE!!! July 23rd is Josh Collmenter’s Mustache Awareness Night. Any one with a mustache or Fu Manchu will receive a free reserved seat ticket. GOATEES ARE NOT WELCOME! Also we are having a MUSTACHE GIVEAWAY, in which the first few hundred fans will receive a fake mustache to wear in honor of Collmenter. This will be one hilarious event that you don’t want to miss!

Can’t wait to see you all!

Your favorite Mascot,

SWOOP

4th of July at The Cove

End of the Holiday Series

Well… the Fourth of July festivities and the holiday fireworks have finally come to a close. The Silver Hawks tied the series with the Lansing Lugnuts 2-2. It was an exciting and eventful week. The Silver Hawks played their best, and they couldn’t have done it without your great support! The crowds were unbelievable Thursday and Friday. I was so glad all of you could join us and help cheer on the team!

Despite being finished with the holiday celebrations, we still have many GREAT and ENTERTAINING promotions and events coming to The Cove.

The Silver Hawks begin a new homestand July 9th – 11th against the Quad Cities River Bandits. July 11th will be a big night at Coveleski Stadium, because The Famous San Diego Chicken will make another unforgettable appearance. His hilarious stunts and outrageous pranks will surely make your sides ache from laughter. But don’t forget we all know who the BETTER bird is; ME! We are also hosting Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for their annual sleepover at The Cove. That is going to be one EVENTFUL evening!

ATTENTION ALL BASEBALL PLAYERS AGES 6-14. This Saturday, July 12th, my friend Jared is organizing an Adult/Child Baseball Academy, instructed by the South Bend Silver Hawks.You will receive group training from a variety of players and coaches. If you are interested in participating please call 235-9988.

Like I said it is going to be one CRAZY week! I hope you will get to join us for a night or two! Keep on the look out for some fun pictures of The Chicken and I!

Swoop

Holiday Fireworks

WHO IS READY FOR FIREWORKS?!

Hey fans… it’s that great time of the year again! Warm weather… Barbeques… Fireworks… What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than watching a good ol’ American game of baseball. Come and cheer on The South Bend Silver Hawks as they play the tough and determined Lansing Lugnuts July 1st – July 4th. The Silver Hawks are currently at 9 wins and 3 losses, and are ranked 1st in the Eastern Division. In order for the Silver Hawks to continue this incredible winning streak, they need great fans like you to cheer them on! The gates will open at 6:00 PM each night and the games will start at 7:30 PM. The Fourth of July Fireworks, sponsored by 1st Source Bank and WNDU, will follow after the game, AND YOU DEFINITELY DO NO WANT TO MISS THESE AMAZING SHOWS.

We will also be playing the Fort Wayne Wizards July 5th – 7th. We will have our last holiday fireworks display on July 5th. So if you already have plans for the Fourth of July and you still want to come to The Cove and watch the fireworks with me and my friends, YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE!

Remember kids I am still asking for volunteers for all of our on-field promotions between innings. If you are interested in a little competition with the Big Bad Bird, than I suggest you sign-up with my lovely assistants: The Hawks Squad. Be prepared for my incredible speed and outrageous tricks.

I can’t wait to see you all!

Swoop

Pictures from my Birthday Bash

My Birthday Bash!

Thank-you fans for one EXCITING and UNFORGETTABLE weekend!

My birthday turned into a HUGE celebration at The Cove. Kids and families came out for the fun festivities, and even my mascot friends came to help celebrate: Andy the Armadillo, Zebra and Kangaroo from the Potawatomi Zoo, Traumaroo from Memorial Hospital, Wilbur from Famous Dave's, Norman the B100 Bee, Ernie and The Conductor from Elkhart Express, and our very own Mr. Trash and Madam Garbage. They had so much fun playing in the on-field promotions and The Applebee's Fun Zone that they can't wait to come back for another birthday bash!

The bean bag toss match against Ernie and the Martin's Produce Race were probably my favorite birthday party games. Ernie was no match for my mad bean bag toss skills! Better luck next time Ernie! Also congratulations Mr. Trash on an amazing finish in the Produce Race. You might be fast enough to win against my friends, but I don't think you'll be able to beat me.

Thank you again for helping me celebrate my birthday! The party would not have been the same if I didn't have great friends like you to share it with!

Swoop

COMING SOON!! Crazy moments captured on film from MY BIRTHDAY!

Silver Hawks Back at the Cove

Hey Fans!

The All-Star Break is finally over, and the Silver Hawks are back at The Cove for a four game homestand. I am glad the players are well rested and ready to play ball. We will be playing the West Michigan Whitecaps. So get your noise makers and cheering voices ready, because it should be an exciting and fun filled four days at the Coveleski Stadium.

Thursday's Game:

The first 1,000 adults (16 years or older) who enter the stadium will receive a free adjustable NAPA hat. I wish they made a hat big enough for my large bird-sized head, because THEY ARE AWESOME!! Although I don't get a cool NAPA hat I still get to enjoy a $2 soft drink at the concession stand. MMMM... how I love Thirsty Thursdays!

My newest friend joins us at the game tonight. The Human Cannonball will make his first debut at The Cove. He will launch himself out of a cannon from second base to home plate. This is one event you don't want to miss!

Friday's Game:

FIREWORKS!!! My favorite game of the week: Friday Night Fireworks. The best firework display in all of South Bend is at The Cove.

Saturday's Game:

Do you think you have what it takes to play in one of my events during the game?! Accept my challenge by signing-up for a promotional game with my helpers; The Hawks Squad. You can challenge me to a game of musical chairs... or the Burger King Build a Burger race. But WATCH OUT! I am a pretty tough competitor!

Sunday's Game:

YAY!! It's my birthday!! I am ten years old, and my friends at Dairy Queen are helping me celebrate! My birthday party is open to children of all ages. The time of my party is at 12:30 and it is located in the Fun Zone. Another exciting part about my birthday is that some of my mascot friends are coming to help celebrate my special day. You will get to meet the Chick-fil-A cow, my buddies from the Potawatomi Zoo, and so many more.

If you want to bring a gift for the birthday bird... (THAT'S ME!) any gently used or brand new toy will be donated to Hope Ministries or The Center for the Homeless. In return for bringing a nice gift, we will give you a free reserved seat ticket.

I hope you will be able to join us for all of these GREAT events (especially MY BIRTHDAY!)

GO SILVER HAWKS!!!

Swoop