In this edition of Docking With The Ports, we’d like to recognize Season Ticket Holders Roger and Jennifer Walden, who have been Ports fans for over 20 years! They both worked at Oak Park when their daughter was younger, and they’ve always loved supporting the local team.

They’ve had season tickets here at Banner Island Ballpark for five years – the first year they were in section 108, but they’ve had seats in 109 ever since. Their favorite part about Banner Island Ballpark is in fact their seats, and that they can go up to the Club whenever they want a little change of scenery.

They love Minor League Baseball because they have the opportunity to sit so close. Jennifer added, “it’s exciting baseball, we love to watch the names as they go on up the ladder.” Their favorite Ports player has been Archie Gilbert, who was named the Postseason MVP of the Ports 2008 California League Championship winning team. Ironically, Archie is now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks Cal League Affiliate, the Visalia Rawhide. So the Waldens were able to watch their favorite player facing off against their favorite team when Visalia was in town May 24 – 26!

Unlike many local Stockton Ports fans, the Waldens actually are not A’s fans – they like the Cardinals and Dodgers; but they love being able to watch the careers of former Ports players develop. Dallas Braden, Kurt Suzuki, Chris Carter, Sean Doolittle, and Jemile Weeks were a few names that quickly came to mind for Jennifer and Roger.

The Waldens like to bring their granddaughter, daughter, and friends to games over the course of the summer, and enjoy all the memories they’ve made at Banner Island Ballpark. Their absolute favorite memory was of course the 2008 Championship, because they said it was such a fun and exciting year.  We’d like to thank the Waldens for their continued support for the Boys of Banner Island, and we hope to see their family around the ballpark for many years to come!

In 2011, Michael Choice was an offensive standout on the Stockton Ports roster, hitting 30 HRs with 82 RBIs, and was named to the California League All-Star team. He’s currently playing in Midland, Texas with Oakland’s AA Affiliate, the Midland Rockhounds. This Saturday night, May 26th, we’ll be honoring Michael with a bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans in attendance. We sat down with Michael in this week’s edition of Docking With The Ports, to find out how he feels about having his own bobblehead!

Michael Choice at bat for the Ports in 2011.

You had a tremendous season last year here in Stockton. What were some of your favorite memories? (Father’s day walk-off, playoff run, etc)

The Father’s day walk-off was for sure my favorite memory because it was the first time I had ever hit one, and it happened to be on father’s day while my dad was in town.  The playoff run comes in a close second behind the walk off though.

Because you did so well, making a bobblehead of you this season was a no-brainer. How does it feel to have your own bobblehead?

It’s really cool to think I have my own bobblehead! It’s one of those things that as a kid you always wanted to collect your favorite players growing up, like the Derek Jeters and Torii Hunters.

What do you think your son is gonna do with the bobblehead? (we know, he’s little now!) And when he grows up, what do you think he’ll think about it? Is this something you and your family are going to value?

Well, during his first meeting with my bobblehead, he tried to chew on my head, but he’s just a little guy now he doesn’t even know what it is!  Eventually he will know that it’s dad and that will be pretty cool.  My mom and dad think its hilarious that they can look at me in bobblehead form now.

What do you actually think of the bobblehead? Did we get it right? Do you feel like it looks like a mini version of you?

Get your own Michael Choice Bobblehead 5/26

I love the bobblehead – I’m not quite sure that it could look more like me haha!

You have a lot of fans here in Stockton rooting for you, and looking forward to your bobblehead night. How did it feel to be one of the fan favorites out here? Is there anything you’d like to say to them as they anticipate this giveaway?

It’s a pretty cool feeling to know that I did something somewhere that leaves people wanting me to have more success.  My words would be, ‘enjoy the bobbleheads as much as I do!’

Don’t miss out on getting your own Michael Choice Bobblehead at Banner Island Ballpark this Saturday Night (5/26). Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive this awesome, one-of-a-kind giveaway! For information on tickets, contact the Ports Front Office at (209)644-1900 or visit stocktonports.com.

Since Bark in the Ballpark is this Sunday, May 20th, we decided to sit down with Splash and talk to him about one of his favorite annual events!

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you for Bark in the Ballpark?

What’s your favorite kind of dog?

If someone were to adopt a pet, what should they name it?

Are you most looking forward to the Dog Parade, Costume Contest, or Trick Competition?

Finish this sentence: Bark in the Ballpark is going to be a: ____________

Chad Oberacker (#37, outfielder) has done quite a lot for a 23 year-old.

He has a degree in physical therapy from Tennessee Tech University. He was named Co-Outstanding Male Athlete (alongside fellow Ports player A.J. Kirby-Jones) in 2010 for his performance with the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. His batting average throughout college of .395 earned top honors in Tennessee Tech history.

He turned down a chance to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals in order to finish his degree, a choice Oberacker said was complicated, but right.

“I have no regrets, none at all. I’m glad I made that decision,” Oberacker said in an interview.

Following his graduation, Oberacker signed with the Oakland A’s in 2011. He first played for the short-season Vermont Lake Monsters, averaging .293 over 47 games and 157 at bats, earning 12 RBIs and stealing 13 bases.

Earlier this year, he played for the single-A Burlington Bees, and averaged .317 in his 16 games and 63 at bats with them. With the Bees, Oberacker hit two home runs, knocked in seven RBIs, and stole five bases.

And on May 1, Oberacker was promoted to the Stockton Ports, rejoining some teammates from the Lake Monsters and the Bees. He also was reunited with Kirby-Jones, something both players are glad happened.

“It’s great to be playing with [Kirby-Jones] again, and I’m just excited to be out here playing,” Oberacker said.

Kirby-Jones echoed the sentiment in a separate interview, adding that “…it’s always good to play with someone you know. It keeps it fun, and it’s nice to have a little camaraderie from before you got into pro-ball with somebody.”

Oberacker’s put in a pretty good showing with the Ports thus far, averaging .225 in 11 games and 40 at bats, with one home run, two RBIs, and three stolen bases under his belt as of May 16.

In fact, Oberacker was one of just two batters to score runs during the brutal May 10 game against the Modesto Nuts, which the Ports lost 13-3 – just another loss in a streak totaling 16 losses as of May 16.

Despite having been present for almost the entire streak, Oberacker is unshaken, saying that he approaches every game the same way – by going out and playing hard. Still, he acknowledges the hardship such a streak puts on a team.

“It’s been difficult for everyone here,” he said. “I’ve been here for pretty much the whole thing. It’s a struggle, it happens in baseball sometimes, and I’m confident we’re going to turn it around.”

Oberacker slams a double against Modesto on May 11. Photo courtesy of Sean Kahler.

No matter how the team does in terms of wins and losses, Oberacker is determined to make the most out of the season and improve himself.

“I know what type of player I am. I’m trying to develop my skill set to best suit myself to make it into the big leagues.”

And further down the line, when he’s done with baseball, whenever that may be? Oberacker may consider following up on that Tennessee Tech physical therapy degree, though that will have to remain in the future.

“Right now, I’m focused on baseball 100 percent, and I’m going to stay focused on that as long as I can.”

Closer.  Noun. A relief pitcher that specializes in finishing games.

The dictionary definition certainly tells us what a closer is, but isn’t there more to the position than that?

Closers are often considered the biggest characters in baseball, with exaggerated, larger than life personalities. The San Francisco Giants have Brian Wilson, whose over-the-top personality and thick, black beard has attracted many fans. The New York Yankees have Mariano Rivera – the MLB’s leader in saves and games finished – who has been described as having the cool efficiency of an assassin.

But what makes a closer tick? How do they develop these personalities? What makes a closer more than the dictionary definition?

Perhaps Zack Thornton, closer for the Stockton Ports, could help us answer these questions.

Thornton joined the Ports after playing for the Burlington Bees and Midland Rock Hounds last season. He has played in six games this season as of April 23, pitching seven innings and achieving 11 strike outs and two saves.

We recently sat down with Zack in an attempt to understand the closer mentality.

Thornton pitching for the Ports Opening Weekend 2012. Photo Credit Sean Kahler.

Stockton Ports: You just recently moved to the Ports. How is the California League? How are you adjusting?

Zack Thornton: It’s different. It’s known that it’s a hitter’s league, so you just have to keep throwing quality strikes down the zone, get people to roll over, and hit it out on the ground and leave it up in the air.

PORTS: How does the offensive environment differ from Burlington and Texas?

THORNTON: It’s different, and you try not to think about it. Like I said, you’re just trying to make quality pitches to get outs and keep the ball on the ground, especially for me – I’m a sinker baller, trying to keep the ball at the bottom of the zone to induce a ground ball. It’s known that this league is a hitter’s league, and you just have to deal with it.

PORTS: My next question actually has to do with that. You keep saying that this is a hitter’s league. Is there anything else you have to do to prepare for or deal with that?

THORNTON: No. I think it’s just about getting ahead of hitters, keeping the ball down, and mixing speeds. Whether you’re in the big leagues or rookie ball, it’s all the same thing. You just have to execute pitches and hit guys out.

PORTS: Were you trained to be a closer? How did you become a closer?

THORNTON: It wasn’t my choice, it came from up top, but in college I was a starter and last year I was actually a long guy/short inning guy. The mentality is a little different, there’s probably a little more adrenaline, but you just have to make pitches – just like you were a starter.

PORTS: Have you had any difficulty adjusting to it?

THORNTON: In the beginning, the first couple times, my adrenaline was a little too high and I had to take it down a notch. I’m working on it, slowly getting to where that median is so I can focus on just executing pitches.

PORTS: Is there any major league closer that you would compare yourself to, like Brian Wilson or Mariano Rivera?

THORNTON: I would say…Well, you don’t see a lot of guys that throw like I do – a low, three-quarter slinger that’s a sinker baller. I’ve also noticed that I’m one of the few that pitch out of a windup as a closer. It’s where I feel most comfortable. For the most part I can’t really say that I throw like any big league closer.

PORTS: So you’re not trying to pattern yourself after anyone else.

THORNTON: Just trying to make my own name for myself.

PORTS: Closers have kind of developed a reputation as larger-than-life characters. Are you working on any specific ‘style’ for yourself?

THORNTON: No. the guys around the clubhouse call me Bozo the clown because I have big feet and an open, goofy personality. Besides that, no, I’m just trying to be myself out there, just be loose. That’s the kind of guy I am. I’m loose and like to have fun.

PORTS: What’s your entrance music and why?

THORNTON: I chose ‘Here comes the Boom’ by Nelly. It’s a song that I heard from Friday Night Lights, and it just gets me juiced – especially for the end of the game. It’s different from what closers usually use, it’s not hard rock, but I wanted to incorporate myself with the music. I think it feels perfect.

PORTS: Pitchers are generally on rotation and they can rest between games. As a closer, you can potentially be called in for every single game. How do you deal with that?

THORNTON: You have to keep yourself and your body maintained, get your sleep, do your stuff in the weight room and keeping your body ready. Like you said, you can throw every day, but there are also times where you don’t throw for three or four days because you’re behind. You just have to keep plugging away in practice. If you don’t throw every day, just go light. Just be ready to throw by the ninth inning.

PORTS: Is there anything in particular the pitching staff is working with you on?

Photo Credit Sean Kahler.

THORNTON: They just tell me to go out and do what I do. There are certain keys I’ve been working on in the past that I have to keep noticing and make sure I’m doing them correctly, but for the most part is just going out there, getting saves, and getting people out.

PORTS: What’s your best pitch?

THORNTON: I’d have to say my fastball. It’s a heavy sinker. Some days when it’s not hot, I’ll go to my slider, which is my secondary…but for the most part, I attack with my fastball. If they’re on that, I’ll go to my slider, but my fastball is my best pitch.

PORTS: Is there anything in particular that you think about when you pitch? What do you take into consideration? What goes through your mind?

THORNTON: Truthfully, when I’m out there, I don’t think about anything. I just go out there and pitch. Distractions…I discard them. There’s just me and the mound and the glove in front of me.  Pretend there’s no surroundings out there, just me and the glove, pounding strike one and getting after it. There’s really nothing else that I focus on.

In this edition of Docking With The Ports, we sit down with Zack Bayrouty, the Ports’ play-by-play announcer, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like being the voice of the Stockton Ports.

Stockton Ports: Entering your 7th season at the Ports play-by-play announcer, you’ve seen a lot of Banner Island baseball. What has the experience been like over the years?

Zack Bayrouty: It’s been fun, and it’s been a privilege. There aren’t many broadcasters who’ve been as lucky as I have been…to come into a new ballpark, see it grow, and get to know some extraordinary people in the process. The A’s, more often than not, have had very competitive teams come through here, so we’ve all been lucky in that regard. But the people in Stockton have been so great to me, and I think that stands out above all else.

SP: You’ve also seen a lot of players come through Stockton, who were some of your favorites to watch and why?

ZB: One of the players I’m about to mention is actually here on the roster right now…Sean Doolittle. In 2008, we had such a great team here that went on to win the championship, and Sean was a big part of that, hitting in the middle of the order with Chris Carter. It seemed like he could do it all at the plate…power, average, everything. It seemed like there was nothing stopping him from being the A’s first baseman in a couple years, and then he had to deal with some major injuries. Now he’s back as a pitcher and has phenomenal stuff, and I have no doubt he’ll be in the big leagues. Of course there was Chris Carter as well on that ’08 team…he set the Ports franchise home run record with 39 bombs. Being able to watch him take batting practice on a daily basis was pretty special.

As far as pitchers go, the combination of Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill on that 2008 team was awesome. There was a game in 2008 in Rancho Cucamonga where Cahill struck out the first eight batters he faced in the game. I think I was laughing by the seventh one just because it was unfair.

SP: If you had to pick your top 3 favorite moments while you’ve been with the Ports, what would they be and why?

ZB: First and foremost, watching the 2008 team win the championship in Lancaster. Championships don’t come along too often, and to be part of that group and to be able to participate in the celebration in the clubhouse afterwards was probably my most special moment in baseball to this point.

Second, the 2008 North Division Championship Series between the Ports and San Jose Giants. In 2008, Stockton and San Jose played arguably the most entertaining division series the Cal-League has ever seen. Two nights in a row, once at San Jose and once in Stockton, the Ports came from behind and erased three-run deficits in the ninth inning to win Games 2 and 3. The Giants squeezed out a 2-1 win in Game 4 of that series, and the Ports went back to San Jose and dominated Game 5 from the start, eventually going on to win the title.

Third would have to be the 17 game winning streak the 2011 team went on. I’m not sure I’ll ever see another winning streak like that again. There’s so much that can go wrong in any given game that can lead to a loss, and for 17 straight games that team just refused to lose. You sensed something special starting to develop with that group, and they went on to beat San Jose in the North Division Championship Series and play in the Cal-League Championship Series.

SP: What’s it like going on the road with the team? Are there any cities you always look forward to visiting?

ZB: It’s always fun to go on the road and experience different cities. Baseball is all about routine, but I think on the road it’s even more so. Everyone has their schedule dictated by the bus times, so you know that if you want to go to the gym, be on the 10 a.m. bus…first bus to the ballpark is 3 p.m…second bus is 4 p.m…and so on. You get used to the routine, and in my case, I think by this point after seven years, I’m somewhat addicted to it. After a while, you know where the best spots are to eat and walk around, you know which hotels are the best, which are the worst.

I always love visiting Lake Elsinore and Rancho Cucamonga. Lake Elsinore because the ballpark is tremendous and the press box (by California League standards) is luxurious! Also, there’s a cool restaurant in the hotel/casino where we stay, so meals are easy. They also offer no-limit hold ‘em at the hotel, which I may or may not partake in!

Rancho Cucamonga has the best surroundings both at the ballpark and at the hotel. The ballpark is in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains, and it makes for a picturesque setting. The hotel is in the middle of restaurants and shopping plazas, so there are always things to do.

But my mantra is, no matter where we are, as long as there’s a good coffee place and reliable WiFi, I don’t complain.

SP:What is something fans would be surprised to learn about your job?

Bayrouty broadcasting from Banner Island Ballpark in 2011.

ZB: I am still literally learning on the job. You can have all the training in the world coming into a job like this, but you really prepare a lifetime to call a baseball game. You MUST be humble and be open to learning new elements of the game and the craft every day, even if that involves making mistakes and becoming better from them.

SP: What’s the best part of being the Ports Broadcaster?

ZB: Being able to do something I love every day for six months. I couldn’t be more passionate about what I do, and there aren’t many people who can say that, so I consider myself extremely fortunate. I’ve also developed a great network of people around the game, and many have become my close friends. Those are the best elements of my job…and getting to watch baseball every day isn’t so bad either!

SP: Do you have any expectations for the Ports in 2012? What are you most looking forward to this season?

ZB: It should be a great season. They had tremendous pitching last season in Low-A Burlington, and many of the guys from that pitching staff are here now. I’m interested to see how they adjust to the Cal-League, which is notoriously hitter friendly. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Max Stassi work behind the plate. His season was cut short in 2011 because of a shoulder injury, and he didn’t get to catch a single game while he was here last season. I’ve heard from lots of people, especially pitchers who’ve worked with him, that he’s a great defensive catcher. I look forward to seeing that in 2012.