November 1 Issue - Newspaper - Page 9
Page 9
EDITION 10
May 13 2025
SPORTS
The Rundown with
TOM VAETH
Vaeth is very excited for about this year’s team since they have a “big core coming
back” for another crack at the championship. When asked what changes the team has
experienced, he sighted the bullpen as a possible question mark. Some of the pitchers
out of last year’s ‘pen have moved on to other endeavors while others have been
given the opportunity to play for new organizations, including Major League Baseball
(MLB).
By Toni Fitch
Vaeth prefers not to concentrate on what other teams in the Frontier League are doing,
instead her prefers to “focus on what we are and what we do here.” Of course, he
does try to be mindful of divisional rivals that may try to challenge the Wild Things
while they navigate the new alignment of the league. They won the West last year but
this year the Wild Things find themselves in the Midwest division.
This season may see some team records fall. Infielder Andrew Czech is expected to
challenge for the team home run mark. And, of course, the Wild Things would like to
break the record for team wins. Their 67 wins last season were the most in franchise
history.
Vaeth has spent many years in professional baseball, even spending some time in the
Baltimore Orioles organization. He also enjoyed time coaching in Canada where he
was able to unwind and experience the fishing in that region. It has become a passion
for Vaeth, giving him a breather away from the ballpark.
Another thing the coach enjoys on his days off is exploring his adopted hometown.
He resides in the Canonsburg area and tries to see some of the sights and shop local
whenever he can. During the offseason, Vaeth raved about a recent meal at Fat
Angelo’s on his Instagram account.
But what Vaeth would really love is to bring a championship home to Washington.
The team has come close on a few occasions, falling short of winning the big one.
The Wild Things “play ball” beginning May 9 with a three-game set at the Windy
City Thunderbolts. Their home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 against the
Ottawa Titans. Let’s get Wild!
Wild Things manager Tom Vaeth discussing the umpire's
strike zone
Congratulations to Wild Things manager Tom Vaeth.
The man who led the Wild Things to the West Division
title and the championship series last year recently
signed a contract extension that will run through 2027.
Vaeth is the tenth man to lead the team, coming on
board back in 2021. The coach took the time to share
his thoughts on the upcoming season and other
interesting topics.
Wild Things manager Tom Vaeth enjoying a moment at the
ballpark
Catching up with Chris Blane
By Toni Fitch
Chris Blaine joined the
Washington Wild Things
back when the team was
originally founded in
October 2001. Initially
her role was as Director
of Marketing and
Communication. She was
involved in many
different facets for the
burgeoning organization
as they began their
inaugural season in May
2002. Much like the Wild
Things on the field,
Blaine has put in the
work, eventually
ascending to the position
of Chief Operating
Officer (CEO). Blaine
was a member of the
committee that devised
the team’s name. She also
helped create the concept
for the beloved mascot,
the “Wild Thing.” And
she was there when the
team secured the section
of seating located in the
entire lower level of EQT
Park. Those seats became
a part of sports history
when the Wild Things
purchased them from
Three Rivers Stadium.
prepare to renovate the
stadium in 2026.
Wild Things CEO Chris Blaine
The seats are in sections
101-114 and if they could
speak, they would surely
have wonderful tales to
tell. These seats were
there during many
historic Pittsburgh sports
moments such as the
Immaculate Reception
and Roberto Clemente’s
3000th career hit. And
they have been present
for the entire run of Wild
Things baseball, from the
very first pitch all the
way through to last
season’s Frontier League
Championship Series.
The team hit a home run
when they bought the
seats, only paying $1 a
piece for them. This will
be the final season for the
seats as the Wild Things
There are plenty of
other exciting events
scheduled for EQT Park
this season, as well.
According to Blaine, the
Taco and Tequila Festival
will be held on June 28.
The Irish Wolfhounds,
“the world’s first
All-Irish” baseball team
will play an exhibition
game against the
Washington Whiskey
Runners on June 7. This
game is billed as “Cead
Mile Failte Matchup” and
a portion of the proceeds
will go towards Riley’s
Pour House, a
restaurant/bar in Carnegie
that was recently
destroyed by fire. Fans
can also attend the
WPIAL baseball
championship game at
EQT Park this season.
And for those that enjoy
music, the Four Chord
Festival will be held
September 13-14
featuring headliners
Blink-182. Blaine
promised that more
announcements should be
made soon for other
festivities at the ballpark
this season.
So, as the Wild Things
get ready to defend their
Frontier League West
Division title, Blaine
looks forward to another
season at the ballpark,
eagerly awaiting the day
when they bring a
championship to the city.
She says she won’t retire
until they win it all and
she would love to see a
victory parade in the
team’s honor.
Be sure to take the family
this summer and join in
on all the fun while
cheering the team to
victory. Make sure you
enjoy those Three Rivers
Stadium seats while you
still can. Let’s get Wild!
Wild Things fans enjoying the Three Rivers Stadium seats
