Congrats To The Aeros

Boy, what a fun night that was. I got to see firsthand Akron's third Eastern League Championship, and what a thrill that was to be there on the field as the players piled on top of each other celebrating the win, held up the league championship trophy, and then partied like you would not believe in the clubhouse for well over an hour.

I have TONS of pictures and video that I am in the process of uploading and will try and put here on the site today (Sunday) and Monday, so be sure to check back. I got everything on video from the last pitch for the final out, the players storming the field, the pileup, the postgame awards ceremony, the champagne/beer showers in the clubhouse, and all the other crazy antics of your 2009 Eastern League Champion Akron Aeros.

Carlos Santana was nuts, throwing anything he could find into the stands as he left the field. He must have thrown 3-4 baseball gloves, 20 balls, 3 helmets, and a dozen bats into the stands to fans. Jerad Head won the Playoff MVP trophy, and showcased some interesting dance moves in the clubhouse later looking like that naked cowboy dude with the guitar walking around Times Square in New York City. Beau Mills was grabbing anyone he could find and carrying them into the clubhouse to be showered with champagne and beer. Heck, even Ross Atkins and his assistant Meka Asonye got into the fun and got doused with the champagne and beers! The guys even tried to coax me into that room (to no avail).

The usually business-like Atkins let it down and really looked excited after the game with the win. When you think about it, it is his first championship for an affiliate since taking the reigns as Farm Director in 2007.

What a year. What a team. What a GREAT bunch of guys. I don't know how I could be any prouder of these guys, and what a thrill it was to take it all in with them.

Be sure to check back for lots of pictures and video. Also, the coverage will not end here! The minor league season may now be over, and things have slowed down, but there is still lots to follow in the offseason with fall/winter leagues, roster protection, Rule 5, Instructional League, interviews, International Signings, etc. It never ends!

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