Statistics - this table will be updated on a daily basis as soon as official statistics are published

Game Notes

From the Curve web site - "News and Notes" - before Tuesday's game
"OF Brett Roneberg has hit safely in his last 11 games at Blair County Ballpark"
......but went "0 for" in the game below so that streak is over!!!

Tuesday 22nd July 2003 - Game #100
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
New Haven Ravens - home game at Blair County Ballpark
Playing first base - batting at #5
Had 4 plate appearances - 4 at bats
------1) RHP - bases empty/one down - ball/called/called/ball, and lifted the next pitch into leftfield - out "F7"
------2) RHP - runner at first base/two down - ball/ball, and then the broadcast dropped out!!! - heard later that he was out "F8"
------3) RHP - runner at first base/none down - jumped on the first pitch, but hit it towards shortstop which resulted in a "6-to-4-to-3" "twin killing"!!!
------4) RHP - runners at second and third base/one down - ball/ball, and "cued" the next pitch up the third base line - fielded by the pitcher who held the runner and threw to first base - out "1-to-3"
Heard during the Game
As Brett came in for his third at bat, the commentator said "Brett has hit a couple of balls very hard tonight for no result"

Email from Brett before the game on Wednesday 23rd July 2003
Just saying hi.
Not sure if we will play today with the rain coming - we couldn't take 'BP' on the field today because of it.
But if we do I am playing leftfield and hitting 5th.
I will not waste an at bat tonight like I did last night - trust me, I was pissed!!!
Do my best not to let it happen again.
See ya.

Wednesday 23rd July 2003 - Game #101
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
New Haven Ravens - home game at Blair County Ballpark
Playing leftfield and first base - batting at #5
Had 5 plate appearances - 5 at bats
------1) RHP - runner at first base/two down - foul/foul, and then a chopper towards first base - out "PO3"
------2) RHP - led off the innings - hit a slow roller down the first base line - out "3-to-1"
------3) RHP - runner at first base/one down - ball/ball/ball/called, and "drilled the next pitch to left but straight at the fielder" - out "F7"
------4) LHP - the Curve trailing by one run in the bottom of the sixth inning!!! - the bases are loaded and it's two down!!! - "a hanging fly ball to centrefield" - out "F8"
------5) RHP - bases empty/one down - hit the first pitch to second base - out "4-to-3"

Email from Brett before the game on Thursday 24th July 2003
Yesterday was frustrating.
I hit:-
----two balls 'shitty' - no hits,
----one ball ok - no hits,
----and crushed two balls - no hits.
Hit four balls hard in two days and get no hits.
and I know you hear some of the weak base hits guys are getting.
That is frustrating.
But I know I can't let that bother me.
and I think I will be in there today, but I am not sure.
Will get them today so you can hear some good stuff.

Thursday 24th July 2003 - Game #102
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
New Haven Ravens - home game at Blair County Ballpark
Playing rightfield - batting at #4
Had 4 plate appearances - 4 at bats
------1) RHP - led off the innings - ball/ball, and lifted the next pitch into centrefield - out "F8"
------2) RHP - runner at first base (the tying run in a 1/0 game)/one down - called/ball, and then hit a slow tapper to third base - the play was made at second and Brett was safe at first on a fielder's choice - and refer to "Base-running" below - left stranded at the end of the innings
------3) RHP - runner at second base (again the tying run in a 1/0 game)/two down - ground ball up the middle but cut-off by the fielder - out "6or4-to-3"
------4) RHP - runner at first base (still the tying run in a 1/0 game)/two down - ball/foul/swing&miss/ball, followed by a ground ball to shortstop and the out was made at second base
Base-running
After reaching base in his second at bat, Brett went to second base on a hit by the next Curve batter - from what the commentator said, he was standing on second as the ball was thrown back in - he then said "that Brett took off for third base, catching the Ravens defense asleep - great, heads-up baserunning by Brett and he should get a stolen base for that!!!"
......and excerpts from the Newspapers and Team web sites
(1) "Curve starter John VanBenschoten pitched well, but suffered his first defeat of the 2003 season and his first since July 7, 2002 while pitching for low Class-A Hickory.
The Pirates' top prospect allowed the game's only run after two were out in the top of the second inning.
Danny Solano doubled to extend the inning and, one batter later, Rich drilled a two-bagger over the head of right-fielder Brett Roneberg to give the Ravens a 1-0 lead it would not relinquish"

Email from Sharon
Read your last few emails - so here's some advice from "the coach".
Forget the last few games - relax - don't think too much - have some fun - remember you are good!
Always wish you the best.
Like you and all that - love,
Mum.
......and a reply from Brett
Thanks for the adivce on hitting.
I feel great and I am totally relaxed at the plate.
And by the way, you both better listen to every game you can.
I know the commentators must say I am hitting the ball hard and that should satisfy you guys.
I can't do anything more.
Wish me luck.
Love,
Brett.

Email from Kip Lewis, who was at the game
Brett pulled off a nice bit of base-running that I thought might just allow the Curve to tie it up.
He faked the Raven's right-fielder "out of his supporter" by rounding second on a single to right, and then as the right-fielder casually threw the ball in, he took off for third.
That caught everyone by surprise!
It didn't help, though, as they just couldn't get him home.
......and a reply to Kip
Yep, I was listening to the game.
After each one finishes, I make up a "short report" on his at-bats and anything else I hear during the broadcast to be kept in the "Year Diary" on our web site.
Here is what I wrote. (as above under the "Base-running" heading)
Sounded great in the broadcast - cannot remember if it was Rob Egan or Jason Dambach, but they got a bit excited!!!
Checked the box scores - no stolen base!!!
......and another note to Kip
Forgot to mention this.
You wrote - He faked the Raven's right-fielder "out of his supporter".
Love that expression!!!
Very descriptive!!!
Very funny!!!

Friday 25th July 2003 - Game #103
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
Bowie Baysox - road game at Prince George’s Stadium
Playing rightfield - batting at #4
Had 4 plate appearances - 3 at bats - and a 'hit-by-pitched-ball'
------1) RHP - runners at first and third base/one down - ball/called/ball/called and the runner at first tried to steal to second base but out/foul/swing&miss - strike out!!!
------2) RHP - bases empty/one down - called/called/ball/ball, followed by a ground ball to second base - out "4-to-3"
------3) RHP - bases empty/one down - hit the first pitch to first base - out "PO3"
------4) LHP - (did not listen) - hit by pitched ball - which is the first time this season!!! - refer to email from Brett below
......and excerpts from the Newspapers and Team web sites
(1) "Brett Roneberg was hit by a pitch after fouling off several two-strike offerings from the Baysox reliever, John Parrish"

Email from Geoff
Hi to you,
and we have decided to turn off the radio and not listen to anymore games.
And that is definate!!!
Sharon wrote to you last night and said:-
"relax
- don't think too much
- have some fun
- remember you are good!"
and I agree with her!!!
Maybe us listening in causing your concentration to waver just a bit at critical times.
Who knows, but it is someting we are going to do and try.
We turned off the radio after your third at bat, and sent you a "mind message" saying that we aren't listening - will be interested to see how your fourth at bat goes if you get one!!!
Anyway, it's exciting to log on to the box scores in the afternoon, and slowly scroll down the page to see what happened!!!
You know we wish you the best every day, and "cheer" for you in every game!!!
See you, #17.
GOOD LUCK!!!
......and a reply from Brett
That is absolutely ridiculous that you would do that!
And because you did you missed a great at bat that I had off of the best lefty in the league.
I had a 10 pitch at bat with 2 outs - and ended up getting hit with a '3-2' slider.
And the commentator said it was "great".
Wish you could have heard it.
I am disappointed that you missed the at bat,
and that you felt like you shouldn't listen.
I hit two balls hard tonight,
and I felt great at the plate.
Listen, and listen to every game, please.
Especially when Mum can listen on weekends.

Email from Brett before the game on Saturday 26th July 2003
Hi there.
I haven't recieved an email from anyone at all since last night.
But I hope you all listen to the game today.
I will play somewhere,
and I will swing the bat well like I have the last four days where I havent gotten any hits but hit the ball hard 7 times.
And that is pretty good.
All it is is that I am not finding any holes.
I know i will soon.
See ya.

Saturday 26th July 2003 - Game #104
Listening to some of the game - live on internet radio!!!
Bowie Baysox - road game at Prince George’s Stadium
Playing rightfield - batting at #4
Had 4 plate appearances - 4 at bats
------1) LHP - (did not listen) - heard later that he struck out looking!!!
------2) LHP - bases empty/two down - called/swing&miss/ball, then a ground ball to second base - out "4-to-3"
------3) LHP - (did not listen) - later in the game the commentator said that "Brett scorched a ball but it was straight at the first-baseman who was able to handle it and toss it to the pitcher covering first base" - out "3-to-1"
------4) RHP - bases empty/one down - ball/ball/called, and then in the commentators words, "high, high major league pop up to shallow right-centrefield" - "the centrefielder camped underneath it, had his dinner waiting for it to come down, and then made the catch!!!" - out "F8"

Rob Egan - Director of Broadcasting - Game Commentator
Saturday 26th July 2003 (above) - as Brett came in for his second at bat, the commentator said
"......and next up is Roneberg, who is trying to break out of an "0 for 18" slump"
Brett finished the game "0 for 4"

Email from Sharon
Hello
Your email was good to read.
We didn't hear all your game - heard that you scorched one down to first base,
and the commentator sounded funny when he said you hit a 'Major League pop-up', and that the fielder "camped underneath it and had dinner".
You say you are feeling good and are relaxed and hitting the ball hard - so long as you feel are happy I am happy!
Wish you luck as always.
Love,
Mum.
......and a reply from Brett
Thanks for listening.
I hope you will continue to as well.
I feel great - and that was a 'Big League pop-up' for sure! - just missed hitting it out!
But I do feel good and I will keep swinging it.

From the Curve web site - "News and Notes" - before Sunday's game
"1B/OF Brett Roneberg is in an 0-for-21 slump"

Sunday 27th July 2003 - Game #105
Did not listen
Bowie Baysox - road game at Prince George’s Stadium
Playing rightfield - batting at #4
Had 4 plate appearances - 3 at bats - and a walk
From the box score - no hits (2 x fly outs and 1 x ground out)

------Batting slump - now at "0 for 24" spread over the last seven games!!!
(from his last at bat on Monday 21st July and the six games since)

Monday 28th July 2003 - Game #106
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
New Britain Rock Cats - home game at Blair County Ballpark
Playing leftfield - batting at #6
Had 3 plate appearances - 3 at bats
------1) RHP - led off the innings - ball, and then laced the next pitch to shortstop - out "F6"
------2) RHP - bases empty/two down - swing&miss/ball/called/swing&miss - strike out!!!
------3) RHP - bases empty/two down - called/foul, and slapped the next pitch towards third base - out "5-to-3"
Heard during the Game
The game commentator, Rob Egan, was joined in the broadcast box by one of the Curve players, Chris Snusz - as Brett stood in for his first at bat, they both mentioned his recent batting, and said "he has hit a lot of balls hard during the slump, and is not swinging and missing" - Chris also said "that Brett is doing his best to shake it off, joking about it around the clubhouse, but it must be affecting his head because of the frustration and falling numbers"
Fielding
Almost picked up an outfield assist!!! - during the top of the sixth innings, a Rock Cats batter hit a ball past the Curve's diving third-baseman and into leftfield - Brett picked it up and in the commentators words, "it was a great throw by Roneberg" but the runner slid under the tag at second base

------Batting slump - now at "0 for 27" spread over the last eight games!!!
(from his last at bat on Monday 21st July and the seven games since)

Email from Brett
There is absolutely nothing I can do about what is going on.
If you listened you heard tonight how things are.
I crushed two balls on the nose and got no hits.
It is continuing to happen but it is ok.
I will be fine.

Email from Sharon before the game on Tuesday 29th July 2003
Hey Brett.
Good luck at the game tonight!
You know we are all rooting for you - remember that guy said you were going to play Major League one day!
Love,
Mum.

Tuesday 29th July 2003 - Game #107

-
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
New Britain Rock Cats - home game at Blair County Ballpark
Playing leftfield - batting at #6
Had 4 plate appearances - 4 at bats
------1) RHP - led off the innings - called, out then out "F7" - and see below in the "Heard during the Game" section
------2) RHP - bases empty/one down - "another ball hit well to leftfield but the fielder moved back and made the catch on the track" - out "F7"
------3) RHP - - bottom of the sixth innings - runners at first and second base/two down - called/swing&miss - and then the radio link dropped out!!! - had to close the site down and dial back in!!! - and Brett was still at bat!!! - and the count was now two balls/two strikes - and then in the commentators words, "Brett ripped that pitch over the head of the second-baseman and into rightfield for a base hit and an RBI" - went to second base on a hit, but was left stranded at the end of the innings - and see below in the "Heard during the Game" section
------4) RHP - led off the innings - called, and then a ground ball to shortstop - out "6-to-3"
Heard during the Game
(1) As Brett stepped in for his first at bat, the commentator said "he is currently in a 0-for-27 funk but as Brett points out, and he's right, he has hit fourteen balls hard during that stint" - after Brett flew out to leftfield, he also mentioned "that was another well struck ball for no result, and Roney would be walking back to the dugout thinking 'What do I have to do?'"
(2) Brett's third at bat, and a lot of pitches must have been thrown while I was trying to reconnect - the count was '2and2', and the commentator said "What an at bat!!! - fighting off the two strike pitches until he found one that he could drive"
(3) Listening to Brett in his third at bat, it was very obvious that almost everyone in Blair County Ballpark was supporting him and wishing him success - after he picked up his RBI single, as well as Rob Egan and Jason Dambach in the radio booth "getting a little bit excited", it sounded like he had just driven in the winning run in game seven of the World Series!!! - the cheering and noise coming through the speakers was fantastic!!!
Fielding
During the top of the first innings, Brett had a potential "7-to-2" outfield assist - in the commentators words "You couldn't ask for anything more from Roneberg - it was a perfectly done throw, with a smooth one hop into the catcher's glove" - unfortunately the ball and the runner arrived at the same time, and the ball was jarred loose from the glove
......and excerpts from the Newspapers and Team web sites
(1) "Rock Cats' right-hander Jim Abbott cruised through five innings, before the Curve chased him in the sixth.
With two out, Chan Perry doubled and Chris Shelton drew a walk.
Brett Roneberg, fouling off three, two-strike pitches, then broke an 0-for-29 slump with a line single to right center to score Perry"
(2) "Altoona got as close as two runs on run-scoring singles by Brett Roneberg and Chris Duffy in the sixth"
Photos taken during the Game
In the dugout before the game
"High-Fiving" the Little Leaguer's who accompany the Curve players during the National Anthem ......a great shot!!!
Ready in leftfield ......another nice photo
------and charging in on a ground ball - with a 'determined look'!!!
------a diving attempt - in front of the opposition bullpen - wonder what they were calling out???

A comment from the Curve Manager, Dale Sveum, on Brett's recent batting - click here

Email from Geoff
Hi,
and I stood up and clapped as well!!!
and Sharon would have cried if she heard it all!!!
I know you don't like to look at "stats and stuff" but this time make an exception!!!
CLICK HERE (link to this page) and scroll down to the bottom of the page and read about today's game.
Sorta like "goose-bump stuff"!!!
Email from Sharon
Hi Brett.
Very, Very pleased for you.
Glad you got the hit and RBI and all the baseball stuff,
but really thrilled that you appear to be very popular and all the fans want you to do well.
Having all those thousands of people cheering for you must have felt "pretty dam good".
Goodonya.
Love,
Mum.
Email from Brett
Felt very very good to get that out of the way.
It's not over yet and there is still a long way to go.
Fingers crossed.
See ya.

Email from Ashley Wertz, a Curve fan who was at the game
Dear Geoff,
Although you proabaly have heard Brett broke the hitless streak (0-29) today with a base hit
and I believe he batted in a run!
I have never heard the fans cheer so loud.
I think they were louder when he got the base hit then when Shawn Garrett got a home run!!
Well I hope everything is great where you are!!
Have a good day!!
Ashley
......and a reply to Ashley
Many thanks for your note.
And, yes, I was listening to the game!!!
After Brett got his hit, the cheering and noise coming through the speakers was unbelievable!!!
As I wrote to Brett, it was "real goose-bump stuff".
And I stood up and clapped here as well!!!
Guess you will be going to Wednesday's game!!!
Midday start over there, which means 2.00am Thursday morning here!!!
Oh, boy!!!
Enjoy the day.
Geoff.

Email from Lindsey Billotte
Hi Geoff.
I was listening to the radio on Tuesday night's game, and they said even though Brett was in a slump, he still hits the ball very well.
I agree.
I was listening to it when he broke his slump with an RBI single.
That was great!
You could really hear the crowd roaring.
I'm sure that was great for him - to get a great hit, and to hear the crowd so loud.
I enjoyed seeing the pictures of Brett up on your site.
It's great to see how many fans love Brett in Altoona.
Every day you see him signing a bunch of stuff for everybody before the game.
Lots of people take pictures, and get him to sign different things.
It's great to see someone that is so fan oriented.
It's great!
Lindsey.
......and a reply to Lindsey
Thank you, Lindsey.
That was a great email to receive and read.
Your comments about Brett, the fans, and 'his hit' were very nice!!!
I was also listening to the game where he picked up the RBI single.
I had the volume up fairly loud so I could hear the game throughout the house, and the "cheering" coming through the speakers was fabulous to hear!!!
I even clapped here in the lounge room!!!
Glad you liked the new photos.
You and other Curve fans have been great.
Sending us all the information and photos.
Brett loves it in Altoona, and has often said that the fan support is "fantastic", and he is very happy to make himself available when he can.
Regards,
Geoff.

Wednesday 30th July 2003 - Game #108
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
New Britain Rock Cats - home game at Blair County Ballpark
Playing first base - batting at #6
Had 3 plate appearances - 3 at bats
------1) RHP - bases empty/two down - ball/called/foul/swing&miss - strike out!!!
------2) RHP - led off the innings - ball/ball, followed by a hard hit ball but straight to the first-baseman - out "PO3"/"3-to-1"???
------3) RHP - bases empty/one down - check swing but went too far, and then a pop up at the plate - out "F2"
Heard during the Game
After Brett's second at bat, the commentator said "Roney's struggles continue - he had a courageous at bat last night to break out of his slump, but he is currently just one single from his last thrity three at bats"

From the Curve web site - "News and Notes" - after Wednesday's game
"1B/OF Brett Roneberg (1-for-34) and OF Chris Duffy (1-for-17) each went hitless to extend their respective slumps at the plate"
......and another note from the Curve web site - before Thursday's game
"1B/OF Brett Roneberg (1-for-34), SS Shaun Skrehot (1-for-23), and C Chris Heintz (1-for-17) are all in battling slumps"

Thursday 31st July 2003 - Game #109
Listening to the game - live on internet radio!!!
Akron Aeros - road game at Canal Park
Did not play

Email from Geoff to Tanya
Brett not in the lineup.
Righthander pitching - Bonifay is in leftfield, Perry is the DH, and the new guy, Shelton, is at first base.
Bye, bye.
......and a reply from Brett
Yeh, no kidding!
Not too happy about it either!