August 2015 - Volume 4 Issue 3

Now available online - viewing and electronic downloads are free, but grab a copy of the printed edition.  It really pops!

Best Look Magazine, Volume 4 Issue 3, August 2015

By Alan Look in Best Look Magazine

32 pages, published 8/15/2015

Best Look Magazine August 2014 Volume 4 Issue 3 - Number 13

Cornbelters down Beach Bums 10-4 August 23, 2014

Mike Devine pitched 6 innings on August 23rd at the CornCrib against the Beach Bums of Traverse City in baseball action of the Frontier League.  The 'Belters used a huge 1st inning with the line up completing a revolution and ended with 5 runs at the 3rd out.  They scored 4 more while limiting the Bums to less than half that the remainder of the game.  In the Veggie Race, it was the Taco out gassing the other 4 contestants.

See Alan Look Photography for all your Bloomington Normal Sports Photos

20140823 Traverse City Beach Bums at Normal Cornbelters Frontier League Baseball photos - Images by Alan Look

CornBelters lead twice, it wasn't enough

The long ball was in play several time for the CornBelters v the Crushers on Saturday night 7-26-2014, but in the end the 'belters needed to belt 3 more for the win.  Crushers 8, CornBelters 6 at the last out.

Coverage from the 1st half of the season will be coming in the August edition of Best Look Magazine.  Expect it to be available on the 15th.



20140726 Lake Erie Crushers at Normal CornBelters baseball photos - Images by Alan Look

 - Chimper -

Parker packing

Reported by the Pantagraph this morning:

After a dismal record this season, Chad Parker has been non-renewed as the Manager for the CornBelters Professional Baseball team affiliated with the Frontier Baseball League.  No replacement has been announced and no time table established to fill the manager position.

Parker took the helm this year after the release of 2 year manager Hal Lanier.

The CornBelters finished the season in last place 9.5 games from their closest conference opponent and 28 games from first.  They won 29 games.

Visit Alan Look Photography for more images of the Normal CornBelters.

Cornbelters take down the Rascals

A quick escape from the home repair season on Saturday night took me out to CornCrib stadium on the campus of Heartland Community College, also the home of the Normal CornBelters professional baseball team.  The CornBelters have had a pretty tough season, but on this night they had a bit of a batting revival in the first and second innings.  Seven total runs in the first two innings.  Four of those runs were the result of 2, 2-run homers.  Patrick McKenna belted it over the fence in both the 1st and 2nd innings, each time with Tyler Wiesemyer in scoring position.

It was a nice night at the Crib.

http://alanlook.photoshelter.com/gallery/20120811-River-City-Rascals-v-Normal-Cornbelters-photos/G0000UY3IG17Q9xE/C00003i7DtyYL7og

Lanier Contract not renewed by Cornbelters

Basing the decision on the second season in which expectations were much higher than what was acheived, the decision was made by Cornbelters General Manager Steve Malliet to not renew Hal Lanier as field manager. Under Lanier's two seasons at the helm, the Cornbelters were .468 with 90 wins and 102 losses.

Cornbelters drop first series at home.

The Cornbelters started out the season away from the 'Crib coming home for the opener in Normal at 4-2 but dropped the complete series to the Miners of Southern Illinois to drop to 4 and 5 and 2nd from the bottom in their division in the Frontier League.


20110527 Miners v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look

Cornbelters ready for 2011 season

I was lucky enough last season to be able to make the inaugural game of the Frontier League Cornbelters at the Corncrib in Normal. They are ready to start their second season and opening night at the 'Crib is May 27th at 7pm against the Southern Illinois Miners. I hope to be there. Being on the Media List, I get lots of notices from them. The latest just hit my email box about 10 minutes ago. They have hired a new Hitting Coach. The Media release follows.

"CornBelters sign former MLB as new hitting coach

‘Boots’ Day joins team following 2 seasons in Calgary

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, are pleased to announce the signing of Charles ‘Boots’ Day as the team’s new hitting coach for the upcoming season. Following a six-game road trip to begin its’ second season, the CornBelters will play its’ first home game of the 2011 campaign at the Corn Crib on Friday, May 27 at 7 P.M. versus the Southern Illinois Miners (CEFCU Opening Night).

Day comes to Normal after serving as hitting coach the past two seasons with the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League. The Vipers won the league championship in 2009, a team that also featured current CornBelter outfielder Colin Moro. In the minors, Day has also coached in the Pacific Coast League and California League, among others.

A native of Ilion, NY, Day began coaching in 1982 with the Detroit Tigers organization, and scouted for the team from 1984 to 1988. He has also spent time in the Royals, Cardinals, Indians, Nationals, and Diamondbacks farm systems. As a player, Day made his major league debut in 1969 with the St. Louis Cardinals, but spent a majority of his 6 seasons as a center fielder with the Montreal Expos.

Day joins manager Hal Lanier and pitching coach Brooks Carey on the CornBelters staff. The team begins the 2011 regular season May 20 on the road against the River City Rascals."

If you missed posts from last season's opening game, here are some images to help you along...

20100601 Thunderbolts v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look

On the Illinois State front, the Athletic Directors slot vacated by Sheahon Zenger has been filled by Gary Friedman. Friedman has ties to Illinois and to the Bloomington-Normal Sports scene.

The Cornfield?

June 1, 2010 - the home opener for the Normal Cornbelters in the stadium cited as the Corn Crib. I guess that makes the playing surface the Corn Field! The Cornbelters lost the game 3-2 but the fans appeared to be winners.

Unfinished as it is, the Crib is an amazing place by collegiate standards, let alone a community college. Even more amazing is the very few dollars overall of government money invested.

There are plenty of box seats complete with backs to help keep you comfy and some enclosed suites if you just have to be in your own little group or if you require shade and A/C (at least I think they had A/C). The outfields are accessible and many families were out there on blankets watching the game. The sound system left a little to be desirable, but who really goes to the game to listen to the commentator. You can listen to the game on the radio if you can't understand the PA guy. I really only find the PA useful to tell me who is at bat and maybe a tidbit or two here or there if something special is about to happen.

The players are also pretty well taken care of. The field is turf, the soft kind you would find on most football fields - full of those small ground up rubber pellets. The dugouts are very spacious and include a porta potty. I think maybe they dugouts were built around those because I can't figure out how they are ever going to get them out and replace them.

Short comings? Yes, I saw a few of those too.

PARKING - why is it that no one in this town can seem to put in enough parking. It's been a major complaint of attendees to ISU events since Redbird Arena was opened. Yet, here we have another venue with limited parking next to the field. Most parking is required a half mile away at Heartland's main campus. Buses and a wide walking path through some tall grass is used to get patrons to the park. There is also parking across the street on Lincoln College's campus. Wonder how long you will be able to get by using it.

Signage. There is adequate signage over the store, restrooms and restaurants, but there is little directional signage. I'm hoping this changes as the work to put the finishing touches on the park. One has to walk and walk and walk hoping they are headed in the right direction. Finding the staff is also a bit hard. Dark green shirts too close to being identical to the ones everybody can buy online or in the gift shop.

Cover... If it rains or you want to get out of the sun, forget it unless the bathroom is empty or you can squeeze into the gift shop. Fortunately, half that issue is resolved with the schedule - all evening games. So if you work 2nd shift, plan on attending on a week end or taking a day off.

Stairs - stairs in the stands are a foot too narrow if you are carrying anything. Sorry if my lens banged you on the head as I tried to navigate up and down to the field.

Lights (field) - Well, what can I say? I'm a photographer, there is never enough light.

Press areas? Where are they. Shooting from the dugout fun and you get to chat with the players. Makes the game go faster. It is also a bit limiting. Complimentary work room with snacks and drinks? I never found one. I know most don't always think a lot about it and those that do may thing the media is spoiled, but much of the media has nothing to do with scheduling. Meals, even a snack are hard to get unless the venue you are covering offers something. Even bottled water would be an improvement. It's outside in the hot sun and the press is there giving free coverage, least you can do is help keep them hydrated. Parking close by, especially for those with short deadlines or lots of equipment to carry in and out is always appreciated.

All in all, I think the Crib will be a very nice addition to the community. Getting organized quickly to handle all the different situations a people will be a make or break for it. Hopefully some of my insight above will be a helping hand.


20100601 Thunderbolts v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look