Erie’s own minor league baseball team is currently tied for first place in its league. The Erie SeaWolves are chasing the postseason playoffs and are off to a great start so far. The team is also on the verge of breaking a franchise record with 167+ home runs this season.
The Erie AA SeaWolves are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Unlike Erie’s success, Detroit has struggled this season. The Tigers rank last in the American League Central Division. However, the young talent from Erie hopes to turn things around.
Throughout the season, five SeaWolves players were called up to play for the Tigers. Young stars making their debuts include Spencer Torkelson, Josh Lester, Ryan Kreidler, Kerry Carpenter and No. 2 overall prospect Riley Greene. Tigers manager AJ Hinch told Detroit Roots:
“There are jobs to be won here. You can also gain experience… One of the things that some young players do better than others is to develop a process that they stick to.”
Under the leadership of Gabe Alvarez, the SeaWolves organization has exploded this season and has been greatly appreciated by all. With six road games remaining, the team is poised to secure its playoff spot.
Earlier in the month, the Wolves finished a 5-game series against the Bowie Baysox with three wins. Last week the team played a series of home games against Altoona. Unfortunately, Altoona took the first two games on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, the SeaWolves bounced back Thursday night with a 9-2 win.
On Friday, September 9, Altoona held off the SeaWolves and finished with a 1-3 loss. After Friday night’s close match, fans were treated to the spectacular Zambelli fireworks display. Fans were able to watch the sky light up from inside the SeaWolves dugout and on the home field. The SeaWolves closed out their final two home games of the season against Altoona over the weekend.
On Saturday, September 10, Altoona earned their fourth series victory, the SeaWolves falling 6-13. The SeaWolves finished their final home game of the regular season with a quick turnaround on Sunday, September 11, where they won in the eleventh inning. For any fans interested in the SeaWolves’ promotional home games, Thursdays are Two-Dollar Thursdays and Fridays are Fireworks. The boys also have the opportunity to run the bases after games. Look out for free giveaways, fun promotions, and great entertainment next season at UPMC Park.
The SeaWolves now have six games remaining in the regular season. From September 13-18, they will travel to Richmond to play the Flying Squirrels. To recap the SeaWolves’ successful season thus far, we’d like to thank the organization for giving back to the Erie community. The team annually contributes more than $250,000 in goods and services to support charitable efforts.
The organization has also established the SeaWolves Community Fund, which emphasizes support for youth programs focused on education, baseball, and wellness. The SeaWolves organization not only gives back to the community, but also provides fundraising opportunities. Fans who sell 75-200 tickets or more can receive cash back incentives and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like throwing out the first pitch in a game.
Show your support as the season is almost over! You won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit UPMC Park and enjoy a night out in downtown Erie.