Catch Central Florida » Joel Zumaya http://catchcentralflorida.com Central Florida Sports News and Events from the Sidelines Tue, 22 May 2012 15:37:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 New Attendance Record for Flying Tigers http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/02/new-attendance-record-for-flying-tigers/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/02/new-attendance-record-for-flying-tigers/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:05:46 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=780 Congratulations to the Lakeland Flying Tigers who just broke a 23 year-old attendance record last night. The Lakeland Flying Tigers established a new single-season attendance record at Joker Marchant Stadium with last night’s crowd as they played the Dunedin Blue Jays.  Kerri Koesel of Lakeland was the 61,256th fan to pass through the gates this season and for helping break the record, Koesel will receive a free season ticket to the 2011 season. The previous mark was set in 1987 when the team drew 61,255 fans.  The mark also represents an increase of almost 25% from 2009 when 49,569 fans attended games.  The Flying Tigers have been very creative in drawing fans to the ballpark the last few years and it has certainly paid off. Not only do they have a good product on the field, having seen players like Justin  Verlander, Rick Porcello, Joel Zumaya, Brennan Boesch and others come through Lakeland, they have something special going on every night with promotions like “All You Can Eat Night”, “Thirsty Thursday”, Fireworks on Saturday nights and more.

This was a very fitting year to break the attendance mark too. This season marks the 60th season Lakeland has been a member of the Florida State League (FSL).  Lakeland was an original member of the FSL in 1919 and has won five league championships.   Lakeland has been a Detroit Tigers minor league affiliate since 1967, the second longest affiliation in all of Minor League Baseball.  The season also celebrates the 45th anniversary of Joker Marchant Stadium. 

There are only a few more chances to catch the Flying Tigers this season.  For more information and the rest of their schedule, visit the Flying Tigers online at www.LakelandFlyingTigers.com or call (863) 686-8075.

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2010/09/02/new-attendance-record-for-flying-tigers/feed/ 0 Zumaya to Pitch for Flying Tigers Saturday http://catchcentralflorida.com/2009/04/10/zumaya-to-pitch-for-flying-tigers-saturday/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2009/04/10/zumaya-to-pitch-for-flying-tigers-saturday/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:05:50 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=318 Not only will there be fireworks high above Joker Marchant Stadium after the Lakeland Flying Tigers game Saturday night, there will probably be some during the game as well. The Tigers flame-throwing relief pitcher Joel Zumaya will be throwing at least one inning during the game Saturday night as part of his road back to Detroit following shoulder soreness during Spring Training. According to the Detroit Tigers official website, Zumaya will pitch at least one inning and possibly two Saturday night in Lakeland against the Tampa Yankees.

Zumaya, who would be eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Saturday after going on it last week with a sore right shoulder, will instead begin his progression through the Minors with an inning or so with Class A Lakeland on Saturday. This won’t be the point where he throws on consecutive days, but it’s where he’ll progress until they’re ready to test him out on back-to-back days at another level, either Triple-A Toledo or Double-A Erie.

Tickets start at just $4 and there will be an Easter Egg Hunt and fireworks after the game. First pitch is at 6pm. Sounds like a great Saturday night out to me!

]]> http://catchcentralflorida.com/2009/04/10/zumaya-to-pitch-for-flying-tigers-saturday/feed/ 0 Zumaya to Throw for Flying Tigers TONIGHT http://catchcentralflorida.com/2008/06/03/zumaya-to-throw-for-flying-tigers-tonight/ http://catchcentralflorida.com/2008/06/03/zumaya-to-throw-for-flying-tigers-tonight/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:07 +0000 Kris Keprios http://catchcentralflorida.com/?p=78 Joel Zumaya will pitch tonight for the Lakeland Flying Tigers as he begins his rehab assignment on the road back to Detroit. Game time is 7pm. There is no word on how many innings he will pitch, but it will definitely be worth checking out since this is the first time he has puitched to live competition since last season. Jonah Nickerson, the Florida State League pitcher of the week two weeks ago will get the start for the Flying tigers. Tickets for game, and all home games, are available by calling the Tigers at (863) 686-8075.  Box seats are $6 and reserved seats are $5 and seniors 55 and over and children 14 and under receive a $1.00 discount.  Parking is free.

Zumaya underwent AC joint reconstruction surgery on his right shoulder on October 31, 2007.  He was limited to 28 games last season with the Tigers after missing more than three months following surgery on his right middle finger.  Zumaya has pitched in 90 games in his major league career, all as a reliever.  He has allowed only 79 hits in 117 innings while striking out 124 batters.

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