Chilly Start For The 2009 Great Lakes Loons Season Opener
It's time to 'Play Ball' in Midland, Michigan
April 15, 2009
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By: Tom Baird
Media Director Brad Golder doing the ESPN pre-game show from Dow Diamond
Great Lakes Loons pitcher Justin Miller throwing the first pitch for the Loons' 2009 season
(Special to MyBayCity from Tom Baird)
The hot Great Lakes Loons started the chilly 2009 season at Dow Diamond on Monday April 13th. During the winter meetings the Loons front office staff requested of the Los Angeles Dodgers to please send along a more competitive roster to the Loons for the 2009 season. Having drawn record crowds for the first 2 seasons at the Dow Diamond the Loons now wanted a team that can start to compete for the Midwest League Championship.
Having opened the season with a 2-1 road trip at Dayton the Loons looked forward to coming home to the Dow. With 10 returning players and some hot prospects Manager Juan Bustabad looked to play some Busta Ball. Game time temperature was in the low 40's with a strong wind from the east making for a very chilly start to the 2009 season. Pre-game festivities moved along well and the first pitch was thrown at 6:20pm for the start of the third season.
The Detroit Tigers Class A affiliate West Michigan Whitecaps came into the game with a good 3-0 start to their season. Second year RHP Justin Miller would be the starting pitcher for the Loons. Justin would end up throwing 6 strong innings only allowing 1 earned run on this could opener. With about a have full stadium at the Dow the Loons relief pitchers threw three scoreless innings preserving the Loons 4-2 victory before the happy but chilly Opening Night crowd.
The Loons took the lead in the second inning on RBI singles by Kyle Russell and Matt Wallach along with a bases loaded walk to give the Loons a 3-0 lead. They never looked back. Shortstop Dee Gordon is the highly touted Dodger in the Loons line-up this season and looks to moving up the ladder rather quickly. One remembers Clayton Kershaw from the Loons first season who moved up to the Dodger major league team after only part of the first season with the Loons.

The Loons organization is expecting some good things this summer at the Dow Diamond with the more improved players this year. The Loons have several promotions planned this season honoring the 1984 Detroit Tigers Championship season with some give aways and appearance this summer. The ticket prices still remain a bargain for a great time at the ballpark. With a clean and neat ballpark and over friendly staff ever present it's a great bargain for one and all. Don't be surprised if the Loons are making a strong run for the Midwest League title in only their third season
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