🏈 Right field seating at "The Joe" issues rules for seating: Yes, bring your coolers and "beverage" o

[TerryP]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Love the fans in the new right field seating area. Here are the policies fans enjoying the action from the plaza. <a href="http://t.co/KLNCmnwBr1">pic.twitter.com/KLNCmnwBr1</a></p>&mdash; Alabama Baseball (@AlabamaBSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaBSB/statuses/436645658536067072">February 20, 2014</a></blockquote>
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PRE-GAME BEFORE FRIDAY'S ACTION:

BY NIGHTFALL 1500+ HAVING A BLAST AT SEWALL-THOMAS

 

[TerryP]

Now, for the picture that might upset a few...look at the seating inside the stadium!

A tweet from Kenyan Drake:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It's absolutely PACKED in the new outfield seating section of The Joe. The rest of the seats not so much tho <a href="http://t.co/BoYLcVig7U">pic.twitter.com/BoYLcVig7U</a></p>&mdash; Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx17) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDx17/statuses/437032900257923072">February 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[bamaraider]

Great turnout for this early in the season really. I never remember much of the the Joe being packed out for an early series in the season. Always once we got into SEC play.

Isn't there supposed to be a new stadium coming soon though? I thought there was an approval.

 

[TerryP]

[MENTION=17619]bamaraider[/MENTION] The tear-down/renovations are scheduled to start this spring...projected to be done in 2015

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Right field seating at &amp;quot;The Joe&amp;quot; issues rules for seating: Yes, bring your coolers and &amp;quot;beverage&amp;quot; of choice.

Apparently the "renovation" officially begins in 26 days. They have a countdown flag flying at the field. (I'm here now).

 

[TerryP]

[MENTION=6]Brandon Van de Graaff[/MENTION] Sweet walk-on win you just enjoyed...bad seats though.

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Seen some folks gripe on another board about Bama bunting the ball (and even one dude beside me at the game)... if anything, Alabama probably doesn't bunt enough. They have a problem manufacturing runs... and the dead bats they have to use now don't help with the long ball. Gaspard would be well served having everyone in that lineup, 1-9, being able to bunt effectively. It takes a few minutes every day, but worth it, and it wins close games. This isn't 1997.

 

[TerryP]

Seen some folks gripe on another board about Bama bunting the ball (and even one dude beside me at the game)... if anything, Alabama probably doesn't bunt enough. They have a problem manufacturing runs... and the dead bats they have to use now don't help with the long ball. Gaspard would be well served having everyone in that lineup, 1-9, being able to bunt effectively. It takes a few minutes every day, but worth it, and it wins close games. This isn't 1997.

That brings up a few thoughts:

I've always been a fan of "small ball," especially when it's advancing runners in scoring position. A well executed bunt does just that. Having runners in scoring position this past weekend wasn't the case. It was getting them across the plate.

Saturday night we had guys LOB in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th. (If you're referring to the same thread I read, one of those guys was complaining about getting men in position to score. These stats don't reflect or support such a complaint.) Yesterday we had the winning run on 3rd, in the 9th, only to be stranded. We go to extra innings again and it's a single that wins the game.

Granted, it's SFA we're playing, but the question is would bunts have mattered Saturday night or Sunday? If we've got the guys in position to score it's all about getting them across the plate. Which, in the majority of cases, is going to be a huge gamble with a bunt.

Is it more of getting the timely hit?

That brings me to Andy Phillips. I've not been able to watch any of the games this season so I can't comment on what they are looking like at the plate. Too aggressive and not waiting for the pitch they need? We definitely had our issues last year with batting. It's my hope—and it appears we're beginning to see the beginning of it—we've moved past that with a year of experience under their belts.

On the ironic side of things...with conversations like the one you read, and this one, UA sends this tweet out to celebrate the win.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaBSB">@AlabamaBSB</a> 3, <a href="https://twitter.com/SFA_Baseball">@SFA_Baseball</a> 2 in 10 innings. Alabama now 4-2. <a href="http://t.co/YSz9eWKWbY">pic.twitter.com/YSz9eWKWbY</a></p>&mdash; Alabama Baseball (@AlabamaBSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaBSB/statuses/437709871383715840">February 23, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[bamaraider]

11 hits, 2 errors, and 9 left on base.

 

[TerryP]

11 hits, 2 errors, and 9 left on base.

Eerily, it reminds me of how softball started off last season.

 

[BamaFan334]

From my time as a student, that picture of the infield stands looks very similar to what it did before the outfield stands were built. It's very exciting to see atleast part of the stadium packed, because all of our athletes deserve our precense and acknowledgement. I love those rules because it gives a great opportunity to atleast maximize attendance in one area, most importantly, the students. Their dynamic in any sport is needed and should always be encouraged, because you want to support your fellow students and friends as they compete to give you pride for your school and bragging rights.

 

[psychojoe]

I have not seen this team yet, but count me among those who think that under Gaspard we have bunted too much. I would rather see us move runners via hit and run or steals if we are playing small ball.

 

[planomateo]

There is a twitter group and some swag available

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>New RF Rager swag coming tonight: RT <a href="https://twitter.com/BamaRightField">@BamaRightField</a>: Anybody want one? Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/UAGallettes">@UAGallettes</a> for helping us out. <a href="http://t.co/xXvU2H2xpx">pic.twitter.com/xXvU2H2xpx</a></p>&mdash; D.C. Reeves (@_DCReeves) <a href="https://twitter.com/_DCReeves/statuses/442053617282215936">March 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[bamaraider]

Follow BamaRightField on twitter please!!

Also a good read on the fans who stay on the right field.

http://alabama.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1617389

Ricardo Sanchez couldn't drown out the voices behind him. "If you can hear us, take two steps back," someone yelled. Sanchez did. He was applauded. There was another request: "Raise your right hand." Sanchez indulged. More applause.

For nine innings they cheered. They booed. They heckled when Sanchez had a play to make. They tried to distract when he didn't.
This has become life for an opposing right fielder at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.


The new tiered seating plaza in right field has become the hit of the early season and the muscle behind University of Alabama's reinvigorated home field advantage. Less than a month into its existence, the area has already garnered a sizeable following and coined a nickname, "The Right Field Ragers," for its patrons. They will get going again today as the Crimson Tide starts a three-game set with Mississippi Valley State at 6:05 p.m.


"It's definitely unique," said Sanchez, a senior right fielder at Stephen F. Austin who was one of the first to feel the presence of the section last month. "At other places, they just have people that just show up or pull a truck up in the outfield like they do at our place. That's definitely one of the first ones I've seen like that.


"They were going against me, but it was awesome. I had fun with it."
The fans inhabiting the area, comprised mostly of UA students, flocked to right field for the first two home series of the season. Given the perks, it's easy to see why: Admission is free. Fans can bring their own chairs, blankets and dogs. Coolers are permitted, and alcohol is allowed as long as it is in a plastic cup. Anyone is free to sit in the plaza and rules sheets are passed out to patrons before and during games.



At one point when the idea of the seating area was announced in 2012 - it was part of the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza project - it was touted as a section that could hold 600 people. During Alabama's most recent Friday night home game, on Feb. 21, Sanchez's first taste of right field, the plaza was packed with an estimated 1,500 people.
"I don't want to call it a college party," J.B. Costello, a sophomore who is already a regular in the outfield area, said. "But it definitely has a lot of personality to it."


When the season started, Costello and senior Maggie Owens started a Twitter account for the new-found clique, <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: dbtech_usertag_mention -->@bama<!-- END TEMPLATE: dbtech_usertag_mention -->RightField. As of Thursday, the account had more than 2,200 followers.
The rapid fanfare caught Alabama coach Mitch Gaspard by surprise. Alabama ranks No. 12 in the nation in attendance this year, averaging 3,370 fans per game.


"I think all of us, we were hoping that it would grow into something really good and create an atmosphere for us," Gaspard said. "I don't think any of us thought it would grow as quickly as it has. I think the beauty of it is where it's coming from, and that's your student body. I think it's great for our baseball program and for our players to see that excitement from their peers."
The players have thrown their support behind the section on social media, and after Alabama's final game against Stephen F. Austin two weeks ago, every Alabama player went out to the right field fence to high-five the fans.


"It's awesome, I love it," said pitcher Spencer Turnbull, who will get the start tonight against the Delta Devils. "It's definitely a change from the first two years here. I've been really surprised and pleased with how many people have been turning out, just the atmosphere, how rowdy they get, it's awesome." The interest continues to grow. Costello said they are expecting to have live music playing before tonight's game. T-shirts are being made. He also said Gallettes, the renowned bar and University Boulevard strip staple, has plans to provide red and white Right Field Rager cups.


"It's very different than last year," Costello said.

It's different, all right. Because tonight, the heart of Alabama's home field edge will stand behind the wall and find another right fielder to bother. Tonight, you can expect the right field to rage on.


"It looks like they have a hell of a time out there," Gaspard said.

 

[bamaraider]

You know, a lot of people say we just support football and programs that are successful every now and then, but you look at our support at the Joe the last 10 years, the attendance has ranked in the top 10 every year. Now we're 12th in the nation in attendance so far this year. Throw gymnastics in there, softball, M&W golf, and now recently women's basketball, there's a lot of pride that is being shown.

 

[UAgrad93]

[MENTION=6384]psychojoe[/MENTION] I agree with you about Gaspard and bunting too much. We haven't used the hit and run or steals or double steals enough. The philosophy of "small ball" has always been, get em on, get em over, and get em in. [MENTION=12209]TerryP[/MENTION] They have always seemed uncomfortable at the plate for some reason. I wonder if Andy has them thinking too much or if they just don't have a plan. When I coached HS ball, I used a philosophy called "hitting by the numbers". This philosophy was based on the count and what pitch you should be looking for in that count. For example, 0-0, the pitcher is most likely to throw a first pitch fastball simply because he doesn't want to fall behind. Sit "dead red" on the fastball and nothing else. If he throws a breaking pitch, never swing. Each count has it explained. I tested our kids on it and our numbers "exploded"!

 

[bamaraider]

Mitch Gaspard ‏@MitchGaspard <small class="time" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187);"> 12h</small>
Thank you to all fans that attended the game tonight. Hope to see everyone at The Joe tomorrow for game 2 at 2pm! pic.twitter.com/KLvq4z9fH7

 

[TerryP]

You know, a lot of people say we just support football and programs that are successful every now and then, but you look at our support at the Joe the last 10 years, the attendance has ranked in the top 10 every year. Now we're 12th in the nation in attendance so far this year. Throw gymnastics in there, softball, M&W golf, and now recently women's basketball, there's a lot of pride that is being shown.

In that same period, attendance at "The Joe" has been down.

During the construction of the Champions Plaza I mentioned how I thought it was a good idea to provide seating like this outside of right field. As [MENTION=19550]BamaFan334[/MENTION] mentioned how it reminded him of his time as a student, it reminded me of that time and the time I spent as a member of the Grand Slammers.

However, I NEVER expected it to become this big of an attraction.

It's just one of many examples of reaching out to the fan base to build the program—this more of a rebuild than what another program that's housed just behind those fans is right now...

FWIW, I've heard there are plans to duplicate this area in left field. I hope they have the plans to integrate it with the new buildings out there. It'd make a perfect outdoor area for the boosters.

 

[bamaraider]

Ben Moore ‏@benmoore_7 <small class="time" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187);"> 17h</small>
thanks to everyone who came out & supported this weekend! Right field was great, love having y'all out there! #bamabaseball @BamaRightField


Jonathan Keller ‏@KellerTide35 <small class="time" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187);"> 17h</small>
Great weekend of baseball, Thanks to the @TideTerrace and @BamaRightField for the support along with all the other fans! Love you guys


Mitch Gaspard ‏@MitchGaspard <small class="time" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187);"> 17h</small>
A special thanks to the @BamaRightField for an awesome turnout this weekend! We appreciate all y'all do! #BamaBaseball #RollTide

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I really want to see a game now.

 

[bamaraider]

New rules for the Right Field. Thoughts on this [MENTION=12209]TerryP[/MENTION]?

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http://cw.ua.edu/2014/03/11/the-joe-sees-amended-rules-for-right-field-seating/

[h=1]‘The Joe’ sees amended rules for right field seating[/h]
New guidelines imposed on the right field seating area in last weekend’s Alabama baseball series will take effect for the remainder of the season, according to a statement released by the University of Alabama athletic department Saturday.
The section is now limited to a maximum capacity of 1,100, and fans must now provide identification in order to drink alcohol in the area. Fans 21 and older must wear a provided wristband, while underage fans get a hand stamp.
“Our fans have been tremendously supportive in creating a great environment for baseball this season,” the statement from UA athletics said. “Our goal is to continue providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We hope that our fans will continue to support the team and to respect both teams while representing themselves and our University in a first class manner.
“We’re very pleased that people want to support our baseball team, and we are happy they want to do that in a positive way. As part of that, we are glad that the right field seating area has become a vibrant element of the baseball game experience. To help make sure that the right field seating area continues to provide a safe and positive fan experience, we have implemented some changes that will benefit everyone, including a limit on capacity in that area. Fans who wish to sit in the right field section need to arrive early, but if they cannot sit in that section, there are seats available in the right field stands adjacent to the area, as well as throughout the stadium.”


The statement also reminded students that they can sit along the third-base line.
“We’d like to remind our students that their ACT card gets them in the stadium free and they can enjoy the game from a lot of areas of the stadium,” the statement said. “Our team needs your support, and we are thankful for it. Let’s all continue to help our team reach its goals in a positive way.”
The new changes, which began last Friday night in the series opener against Mississippi Valley State without any prior announcement made by UA Athletics, left hundreds of fans shut out of the new seating area that night and Saturday afternoon.
“I don’t agree with it,” Jamie Nunn, a junior majoring in marketing and advertising, said. “The last weekend I know that people came out and it was crowded, 1,500 people. I couldn’t come. Then this past Friday, I tried to come, and I was three people from getting in line, and they shut it down.
“You’re turning down students that are trying to come support the baseball team. If you’re going to have this area out here for students, you might as well let them enjoy it.”


Sewell-Thomas Stadium, nicknamed “The Joe,” has seen a noticeable spike in fan attendance through nine home games this season, thanks in part to the right field seating area. The team has averaged 3,494 fans at home this season, up from 3,262 fans a year ago.
Junior right fielder Ben Moore, who has started every game in right field this season for Alabama, said it was hard for him to tell whether overcrowding was in issue in the fan section dubbed the “Right Field Ragers.”
“I don’t really know if there was a problem or not,” Moore said. “But I would like for them to fit as many people out there as they can, but everything seems to be going pretty well.
“For the most part, it still seems like a pretty packed house, and people are having a good time, but 1,100 is kind of a little short.”
For the first time this season, the Crimson Tide will host a midweek game at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. They will face the Samford Bulldogs on Tuesday at 6:05 p.m.