Former Syracuse Chiefs outfielder Ron Blomberg will return to Central New York this weekend - Sunday, January 27th as CNY Promotions presents Collectorfest 47 at the New York State Fairgrounds.  Blomberg, who became major league baseball's first designated hitter in 1972 when he played for the New York Yankees will be on hand to sign autographs from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. The show runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and admission is only $4 for adults with children 10 and under admitted free.

Look for the Syracuse Chiefs table with new items for 2008, including our new batting practice cap and baseball memorabilia from past years that will include helmets, bats and jerseys.

See you at the show.

Todays quiz:  Ron Blomberg became the first American League player to bat as a designated hitter in 1972.  Who was the last pitcher to hit in 1971.  Hint - he also played for the Syracuse Chiefs.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced that they have invited 19 players to Spring Training in Dunedin, Florida that begins on February 16th.

Returning organizational players include Jesse Carlson (New Hampshire '07), Jeremy Cummings (Syracuse '07), Jamie Vermilyea (Syracuse '07), Sal Fasano (Syracuse '07), J.P. Arencibia (Auburn '07), Brian Jeroloman (Lansing '07), Chip Cannon (New Hampshire '07), Hector Luna (Syracuse '07), Wayne Lydon (Syracuse '07), Ryan Patterson (New Hampshire '07) and Travis Snider (Lansing '07).

Players signed by the Blue Jays as minor league free agents include pitchers Shawn Camp, Lance Carter, Kane Davis, Mike Gosling, Ryan Ketchner, John Parrish, infielder Pedro Lopez and outfielder Matt Watson,

In addtion three Chiefs from last years squad have also been invited to big league camps.  John-Ford Griffin (Dodgers), Ryan Roberts (Rangers), and Howie Clark (Twins).

Other former Chiefs in camps include Chad Hermansen (Angels), Tomas Perez and Jose Cruz (Astros), Scott Cassidy (Brewers), Josh Phelps, John Wasdin, and Hugo Castellanos (Cardinals), Mike Smith and Luis Figueroa (Cubs), Adam Melhuse (Rangers), Kevin Cash (Red Sox), Ken Huckaby (Royals) and Aquillino Lopez (Tigers).

The Syracuse Chiefs will help celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the International League in 2008 by playing a regular season game in Cooperstown, New York at historic Doubleday Field.  The game will take place on Sunday, May 18th beginning at 2:00 PM when the Chiefs battle their thruway rivals the Rochester Red Wings.

For further information on this event keep posted to syracusechiefs.com for up-dates on special ticket packages that will include admission into the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum.

Thanks to all who attended the 2008 Chiefs Hot Stove on Friday night, January 11th at the Holiday Inn Liverpool.  Nearly 500 fans enjoyed an evening of Baseball Entertainment that included the induction of Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick into the Syracuse Chiefs Wall of Fame.  Both received their awards early and will be joined on August 16th by Tommy Thevinow, Vic Power, Terry Whitfield, Greg "Boomer" Wells and Ted Kleinhans.

The evening also included Bill Monbouquette, Frank Tepedino, I.L. President Randy Mobley and Onondaga County Execuitive Joanie Mahoney

Circle the date for 2009 - the 48th Annual Event will take place on Friday, January 16th.

This Friday, January 11th the Syracuse Chiefs will hold their 47th Annual Hot Stove Dinner beginning at 5:30 PM at the Holiday Inn LIverpool.

The silent auction of great baseball memoribilia will run from 5:30-7:00 PM with items that include autographed baseballs, bats, jerseys and highlighted by a autographed Derek Jeter jersey compliments of Benefit Golf and Auctions.  All proceeds will benefit the Hillside of Family Agencies here in Syracuse.

The guest list includes former Chiefs manager and player and current Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, Philadelphia Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick, Red Sox pitching great Bill Monbouquette, Chiefs manager Doug Davis, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Scott Cassidy, Blue Jays Director of Canadian Scouting Kevin Briand and International League President Randy Mobley.

Local players also scheduled to appear include Steve Grilli, Mark Lukasiewicz, Jon Ratliff, Noah Hall, Frank DiPino, New Hampshire Pitching Coach Tom Signore, Syracuse Baseball Wall of Famer Frank Tepedino and LeMoyne College Baseball Coach Steve Owens.

Tickets are only $45 for adults and $20 for children.  You can call 315 474-7833 or stop by the Chiefs Offices during business hours (9 AM-5PM) to pick up your tickets.

After a two month hiatus, Inside the Chiefs Blogs has returned.  During the 2008 season we hope to continue to keep Chiefs fans up-to-date with inside information about Chiefs Baseball that only the Chiefs can provide.

From Bobby McElligott's take on sports to Chiefs Ticket Manager, Nick Pelkey's top 10 questions Chiefs fans ask him when purchasing a game ticket and much more.

We hope to be all over Alliance Bank Stadium in 2008.

Make sure your there with us.