Video board on schedule
Each time the Everett AquaSox are on the road, the structure behind the left-center wall at Everett Memorial Stadium grows a little more.
Construction on the new video board is progressing better than expected, and it’s on course to be unveiled when the Sox open their home series against the Boise Hawks on Aug. 3.
“So far we’re a little bit ahead of schedule,” Everett general manager Brian Sloan said. “The actual board itself came in four days early, giving us a little extra time to get it up. So all the pieces are here, on site, and we plan on unveiling it on Monday, August 3.”
Much of the infrastructure to run the video board has already been installed. A station was built in the press box containing a computer, switchboard and two monitors to control the content.
Technical directors Dan Cardenas and Stephen Myslik have spent the first two games of the current homestand working on camera positioning for capturing highlights. There will be two manned cameras, one each on the first- and third-base sides, with a static camera placed on top of the press box behind home plate.
As for the board itself, the supports are in place and several of the panels — black rectangular pieces that are beginning to fill the frame like a game of Tetris — have already been installed.
With the actual structure nearing completion, the other half of the equation is learning how to take full advantage of the technology.
“We’ve been to Tacoma to see their operation and sit with their technical staff this past week,” Sloan said. “Then next Wednesday we’re going to Safeco to sit with their folks during the afternoon game against the Blue Jays. Plus we’ve been playing around with it.
“It’s a nice piece of technology here. It’s going to help the fans get to know the players better.”
And when the board is unveiled, Sloan will finally have completed a career-long task.
“My first year here (former owner) Bob Bavasi gave me the assignment to get a video board in this ballpark,” Sloan recalled with a laugh. “It’s taken 14 years, but we’re finally getting it done.”
Short hops
Going into Friday night’s game Everett catcher Juan Fuentes had reached base in 25 straight games. The only game he’d played in this season where he didn’t reach base was his first, when he batted just once as a pinch hitter. … Also streaking was Everett third baseman Mario Martinez, who had hit in eight straight. … Sox right fielder James Jones was held 0-for-3 Thursday. It was the first time since he joined Everett that Jones went hitless as he had at least one hit in each of his first five contests as a professional. … Everett starting pitcher Luke Burnett, who ranked second in the league in ERA at 1.64 before giving up six runs in five innings Thursday, saw his ERA jump to 2.87 as he dropped out of the top 10.
Nick Patterson, Herald Writer
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