FOUR POINTS FLUSHING.

Four Points Flushing. The Official Hotel of the Queens Baseball Convention and The MediaGoon.com

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Mets letterman hoodie?

 



Description

Rep the New York Mets in trend-setting fashion with this Letterman Classic hoodie from New Era. Its boxy silhouette and dropped shoulders provide a more relaxed feel, while an adjustable cropped hem lets you customize the fit. Fleece lining helps you stay warm and cozy as you show off your fandom in this New York Mets pullover.

You can get this at Lids.com.

What the hell is this? That’s all I got. I can’t even discuss this.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

MiLB News

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Los Angeles Dodgers’ Bobby Cuellar Wins Mike Coolbaugh Award,

Philadelphia’s Lee McDaniel Wins Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award

 

NEW YORK CITY, Dec. 5, 2023 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) announced the selection of Los Angeles Dodgers Special Assistant to Player Development Bobby Cuellar as the recipient of the 15th annual Mike Coolbaugh Award and Philadelphia Phillies Director of Minor League Operations Lee McDaniel as the 15th winner of the Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award.

 

The Mike Coolbaugh Award is presented annually to an individual who has shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field. The award was created by Minor League Baseball in 2008 to honor the late Coolbaugh, a 17-year Minor League player who was in his first year as a coach at the time of his passing. Coolbaugh appeared in 44 Major League games with the Milwaukee Brewers (39 games in 2001) and St. Louis Cardinals (five games in 2002).

 

The Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award is presented to an individual with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development. The award honors Bender as a longtime front office executive and consultant who spent 39 years with the Cincinnati Reds.

BOBBY CUELLAR – Mike Coolbaugh Award

 

Bobby Cuellar began his career in professional baseball in 1974 as a 29th round selection of the Texas Rangers out of the University of Texas. The right-handed pitcher spent nine seasons in professional baseball, highlighted by a promotion to the big leagues with Texas in 1977.

 

Following the end of his playing career in 1982, Cuellar immediately jumped into the coaching profession, beginning a long and storied career mentoring young pitchers and players over the last 40 seasons. 

 

His coaching and managing career in Minor League Baseball has taken him through each classification from Rookie ball through Triple-A and through seven different leagues. His stints in the minors included stretches in the Mariners organization (1983-94), the Twins organization (2002-05, 2008-12) and his current organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers (2015-23).

 

Cuellar also spent nine years in Major League Baseball, serving as the Seattle Mariners’ pitching coach (1995-96), Montreal Expos’ pitching coach (1997-2000), Texas Rangers’ bullpen/pitching coach (2001), Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen coach (2006-07) and Minnesota Twins’ bullpen coach (2013-14).

 

Known for his ability to mentor young players and assist Latin players in getting acclimated to life in the United States, Cuellar is considered a teacher at heart, with an extraordinary ability to bring together people from different cultures with an understanding of the impact coaches can make on players’ careers and lives.

 

“I am very honored to receive this tremendous honor and to be recognized for something I absolutely love to do,” said Cuellar. “I’d like to thank my wife, Nora, and my family, and I have a deep appreciation for all of the players, coaches, mentors and all others that have played such an important part in my journey in this game.”

 

Cuellar, 71, and his wife of 45 years, Nora, reside in Alice, Texas. They have three adult children, Tiffany, Bobby Ray, and Emma. The Cuellars have five grandchildren.

 

 

LEE McDANIEL – Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award

 

Lee McDaniel began his career in professional baseball as an intern with the Rookie-level Martinsville Phillies in 1990, launching what has become a 34-year career in Minor League Baseball.

After two seasons as the Assistant General Manager of the Asheville Tourists (1991-92), McDaniel returned the Phillies organization in 1993 as the General Manager of Martinsville. Following three seasons in Martinsville, McDaniel was named Assistant General Manager of the High-A Clearwater Phillies prior to the 1996 season, before being named General Manager in 1997.

After three years at the helm in Clearwater, McDaniel moved to the Player Development staff in 2000 and was named Assistant Director of Minor League Operations for the Phillies, a role he held through the 2011 season when he was promoted to Director of Minor League Operations.

As the Director of Minor League Operations, McDaniel oversees the Baseball Operations budget, all business operations with the Phillies’ Minor League affiliates as well as the Phillies’ player development complex in Clearwater. He leads the coordination of the Phillies’ offseason camps, minor league spring training, extended spring training and Florida Complex League season.

Additionally, McDaniel arranges all travel for Phillies minor league players and coaches throughout the season, and in 2018, he was the recipient of the Richie Ashburn & David Montgomery Special Achievement Award, which is given each year to a member of the Phillies organization who represents the best attributes of as the award’s namesakes.

McDaniel, 58, received a Finance degree from Virginia Tech in 1988 and master’s degree in Sports Administration from Ohio University in 1993. He resides in Odessa, Florida. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be this year’s recipient of the Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award and to be mentioned with him and the previous winners, several of whom are dear friends, is a tremendous honor,” said McDaniel. “I was fortunate to meet “Chief” at various baseball functions early in my career and had the utmost respect and admiration for him, so I’m forever grateful for this selection. I have truly been blessed to work for the Philadelphia Phillies for so many years and I share this award with the many great leaders at the Phillies both past and present, along with my incredible co-workers, and most of all, my wife, Lisa, my daughter, Riley, and my son, Jason, as this would not be possible without their love and support.”

“Both Bobby Cuellar and Lee McDaniel epitomize the finest qualities of these two awards and are highly regarded throughout the game. On behalf of Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball, it is my pleasure to present them with these awards,” said Peter Woodfork, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Minor League Operations and Development.

PREVIOUS MIKE COOLBAUGH AWARD WINNERS

2008               Bobby Jones, Texas Rangers

2009               Charlie Montoyo, Tampa Bay Rays

2010               Woody Huyke, GCL Pirates

2011               Mike Jirschele, Omaha Storm Chasers

2012               Johnny Goryl, Cleveland Indians

2013               Mike Guerrero, Nashville Sounds

2014               Tom Wiedenbauer, Cleveland Indians

2015               John Shoemaker, Los Angeles Dodgers

2016               Donald “Spin” Williams, Washington Nationals

2017               Dennis Holmberg, Toronto Blue Jays

2018               Steve Turco, St. Louis Cardinals

2019               Glenn “Goose” Gregson, Boston Red Sox

2021               Roly de Armas, Philadelphia Phillies

2022               Rick Sweet, Milwaukee Brewers

 

PREVIOUS SHELDON “CHIEF” BENDER AWARD WINNERS

2008               Jim Rantz, Minnesota Twins

2009               Keith Lieppman, Oakland Athletics

2010               Mark Newman, New York Yankees

2011               Bob Gebhard, Arizona Diamondbacks

2012               Mitch Lukevics, Tampa Bay Rays

2013               Brian Graham, Baltimore Orioles

2014               Lois Hudson, Cincinnati Reds

2015               Buddy Bell, Chicago White Sox

2016               Dan Lunetta, Detroit Tigers

2017               Grady Fuson, Oakland Athletics

2018               Steve Cobb, Arizona Fall League

2019               Junior Noboa, Arizona Diamondbacks

2021               Mike Bell, Minnesota Twins

2022               Gary LaRocque, St. Louis Cardinals

 

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About Minor League Baseball 

Minor League Baseball (“MiLB”) consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of MiLB since its inception in 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com. Follow MiLB on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.


Monday, December 4, 2023

METS ANNOUNCE 2024 COACHING STAFF

 

METS ANNOUNCE 2024 COACHING STAFF

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., December 4, 2023 – The New York Mets today announced their complete 2024 coaching staff under Manager Carlos Mendoza. John Gibbons joins the organization as the team’s bench coach, Antoan Richardson is the new first base coach, José Rosado will coach the bullpen and Mike Sarbaugh will be the third base coach.

 

Danny Barnes returns as the club’s major league strategy coach and Jeremy Barnes will again serve as hitting coach. Eric Chavez, who was the team’s bench coach in 2023, will return to his previous role as a hitting coach, a position he held in 2022 with the Mets. Jeremy Hefner remains on the staff for his fifth season as pitching coach and Glenn Sherlock is back for his second campaign as the Mets catching coach.

 

John Gibbons, 61, has 11 years of major league managerial experience, all of which came in two stints with the Toronto Blue Jays (2004-08, 2013-18). Under his leadership, the Blue Jays won the 2015 American League East title and made back-to-back ALCS appearances in 2015 and 2016. He was named interim manager on August 8, 2004, then had his interim tag removed following the 2004 season. Gibbons compiled a 793-789 record in his 11 years at the helm in Toronto. Before managing, Gibbons also served as a bullpen catcher (2002) and first base coach (2002-04) for the Jays. Between his two tours as Blue Jays manager, he served as the bench coach for the Kansas City Royals (2009-2011) and managed the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League in the San Diego Padres organization. The Great Falls, Montana native began his coaching career with the Mets organization in 1991 as a roving instructor and held that position until being named a coach for Single-A Capital City in 1994. From there, Gibbons managed for the organization at all four levels from 1995-2001 and compiled a record of 482-420 (.534). He was originally selected in the first round (24th overall) by the Mets in the 1980 First-Year Player Draft and appeared in 17 career major league games with the club, including eight games for the 1986 Mets.

 

Antoan Richardson, 40, joins the Mets staff as the first base coach after serving in the same role for the San Francisco Giants from 2020-2023. With the Giants, the Bahamas native also oversaw baserunning and outfield instruction. He joined the San Francisco organization in 2019 as the minor league field coordinator. Prior to his coaching career, Richardson played professionally from 2005-2016 in a career that spanned 12 seasons and included 22 games at the major league level (nine with the Braves in 2011 and 13 with the Yankees in 2014).

 

José Rosado, 49, begins his first season with the Mets as bullpen coach. The Jersey City, New Jersey native spent the last three seasons as the pitching coach for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization. Prior to coaching in the KBO, Rosado was a minor league pitching coach in the New York Yankees organization from 2011-2020. In 2011, Rosado worked under Mendoza with the Gulf Coast League Yankees. Rosado has served as the pitching coach for Team Puerto Rico in the last three World Baseball Classics and served in the same role for the World Team in the 2015 All-Star Futures Game. Rosado played in five major league seasons (1996-2000) for the Kansas City Royals and was a two-time American League All-Star (1997, 1999) after being selected by the club in the 12th round of the 1994 First-Year Player Draft.

 

Mike Sarbaugh, 56, joins the Mets coaching staff from Cleveland, where he coached and managed at various levels in the organization since 1995. The Lancaster, PA native was Cleveland’s third base coach for the last 10 seasons. He also managed in the minor leagues for nine years (2004-13), including stints at the helm for Single-A Mahoning Valley (2004), Single-A Lake County (2005), Single-A Kinston (2006-07), Double-A Akron (2008-09) and Triple-A Columbus (2010-12) before being promoted to the major league coaching staff as the first base coach in 2013. Sarbaugh led the Columbus Clippers to International League and Triple-A Championships in back-to-back seasons from 2010-11. He led his teams to winning records in all nine seasons managing Cleveland minor league affiliates, tallied five league titles and qualified for the postseason seven times. He holds a 697-511 (.577) record as a minor league manager.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

QBC 2023 in review.


 First of all before I get into he day, I want to thank our QBC family. All our volunteers wearing the staff shirts aren't some strangers that we get applications from off the street. These are legit our friends and family who give up their Saturday to help me and Dan out every QBC. I'd like to thank my wife, my friends Randy, Annmarie, MJ, Nancy, Jessie, Caitlin, Joe, Pete, Bianca, Laura, Elvis and our friends who have been with us in the past years but couldn't make it this year. Thank you to Katch Astoria for being a great food concessioner and providing a great menu. I want to thank our vendors like Coach's Collectibles and Brian Kong and many more I'll have to hit up Dan later for their names. Thank you SNY for the talent they send every year as part of our partnership with them. Thanks to the NY POST for sending Jake and Figgy. Thanks to Lori Rubinson, Roger Clark, John Saponaro and Matt Ibanez for hosting great player panels. Special thanks to John Saponaro who comes in every year and kills it for us as out host. I want to thank Cliff Terry and Billy for being awesome guests. I want to thank SNY, NY POST, CORONA, ZIP CHAIR, and SEND in the CLOWNSI. am sure I have forgotten someone and I'll make it up to you later, but I also want to thank our fellow fans who love this event and come back year after year. It makes all the heard work and hours putting this together year after worth it.

This is an email we got today from an attendee yesterday and I wanted to share it

Hi Keith.

First, it was really nice meeting you at QBC yesterday. 
I really have to tell you how much I enjoyed the QBC.  I loved the interviews. The moderators did such an amazing job.  Meeting the players and Terry made me feel like a 10 year old kid again. It was so much fun. I just wanted to thank you and your amazing team for all you do. This was my first QBC, but it certainly will not be my last.  Once you announce the date for next year, I will be sure to block it on my calendar.    

All the best to you Keith. QBC has already made the off season better for me.  :-)
Kind regards. 
D.B

Getting this email this morning makes me smile. And a lot of you know I don't smile often. Again, this wouldn't be possible without our QBC family and our fellow fans.

Friday, December 1, 2023

QBC 2023 is one day away!!!!

 Buy tix here!! 


Buy tix here!! 


2 Blue VIP tables left.

15 Terry Collins admission/auto combos left

15 Billy Wagner  admission/auto combos left

16 Cliff Floyd      Admission/auto combos left

Orange VIP package- sold out 

General admission sold out.


Buy tix here!! 


If you were on the fence, grab your tickets now before they are gone!!!

The Queens Baseball Convention also known as the QBC is a fan fest run by the fans of our favorite baseball team from Flushing Queens. We have put this Fan Fest together as a mix of a Comic Con and a baseball card show.We hold our "BIG" QBC once a year. As fans we were looking for an event that would help us get through the winter months and help us with the lack of Flushing Baseball.You can email us at qbc16@gmail.com

Follow us on twitter at @QBConvention and also @mediagoon. 

Our Instagram is QBConvention.

Follow us on twitter at @QBConvention and also @mediagoon. 

Our Instagram is QBConvention.

The Venue

Four Points by Sheraton is located at 33-68 Farrington St, Queens, NY 11354

Our Player Q ANS A Panels include Terry Collins, Billy Wagner, and Cliff Floyd

SNY is bringing in their talent for panels.

Schedule for the Day(Subject to change) WILL BE UPDATED

10:00 am- Doors Open

10:30- State of the Mets with Mark Healey

11:30 am - Billy Wagner Panel -Hosted by Roger Clark

12:30 pm - SNY PRESENSTS BASEBALL NIGHT IN NY Panel

12:30 pm - Billy Wagner Signing

1:30 Pm - Cliff Floyd Panel -Hosted by John Saponaro

2:30 pm - Gil Hodges Award

2:30 pm- Cliff Floyd Signing

3:00 pm- SNY PRESENTS THE METS POD PANEL

4:00 pm - Terry Collins Panel - Hosted by Lori Rubinson

5:00 pm - Terry Collins Signing

5:00 pm NY Post's Amazing but True Podcast

6:00pm - QBC Sign Off

You need to buy a General Admission ticket one of our Admission/Auto packages to enter QBC. These packages contain admission to QBC and one autograph from one of the players. You can purchase additional autograph tickets for the players separately.

Admission and Autograph Pricing

General Admission Ticket $59.99 plus tax/fees

Admission Ticket/Terry Collins Autograph Combo $69.99 plus tax/fees

Admission Ticket/Cliff Floyd Autograph Ticket Combo $79.99 plus tax/fees

Admission Ticket/Billy Wagner Autograph Ticket Combo $89.99 plus tax/fees

VIP ORANGE SEATING PACKAGE $199.99 plus tax/fees

Admission ticket plus a seat within first three rows of audience .One Autograph ticket each for Terry Collins, Billy Wagner, and Cliff Floyd .Three inscription tickets that can be used for either/or Collins, Floyd, Wagner. Fast pass skip ahead of line for autographs.

VIP BLUE SEATING PACKAGE $699.99 plus tax/fees

This includes four admission tickets. A table up close to the panel stage for four people. Fast pass to skip to head of line for autographs. Includes Four Billy Wagner autograph tickets, Four Cliff Floyd autograph tickets, Four Terry Colins autograph tickets, and eight inscription tickets.

Children Age 4 and under are free with a paid Adult Admission

Autograph ticket prices

Terry Collins $34.99 plus tax/fees

Cliff Floyd $39.99 plus tax/fees

Billy Wagner $44.99 plus tax/fees

Inscription Prices 

Terry Collins $9.99 plus tax/fees

Cliff Floyd $19.99 plus tax/fees

Billy Wagner $19.99 plus tax/fees

Fast Passes

Fast Passes help you get on the line that moves faster then the regular line for autos/pics. There are a limited number of additional fast passes that are available.When we say limited, we mean limited. Vendor signings not included.

Fast Pass price- $19.99 plus tax/fees

By buying an admission/Autograph ticket you are giving your consent to you being photogrpahed and video recorded for QBC purposes(Social Media/Youtube/Etc)

Programming subject to change.

No Refunds