According to Glamour’s official press release about the recent iPad app launch, “The new Glamour magazine app was developed and built in-house by Condé Nast Digital. The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) has approved this app as a digital replica of the magazine, and will count purchases toward the total circulation of Glamour.”

It is very telling that Condé Nast has taken the initiative to develop the iPad app (and all other digital/mobile platforms) in-house, as is ABC’s willingness to recognize the reach of a publication and how it should not be limited to one medium.

Meeting and anticipating the needs of its readers is one reason why the Glamour brand remains an industry leader. Glamour has set the pace and this recent digital move is no exception.

According to Jessica Loewe, gkv’s Associate Media Director, “Most other women’s publications are ‘on-hold’ with any iPad roll-outs until Q2 2011. Our perception is that many don’t want to be the guinea pigs.”

This makes sense for other publishers - early adoption of technology takes significant investment and a willingness to test the waters. Although Glamour is the category leader, the risk is not entirely a shot in the dark due to its corporate family tree. Loewe points out that Glamour, as part of Condé Nast, recognizes the need for an integrated platform across print and digital. Condé Nast is no slouch when it comes to “understanding” digital, as its acquisition of some key web properties such as Reddit.com clearly indicates.

Brands, as a whole need to follow the publishing world’s lead and realize the expanded opportunities as new platforms evolve. William Wackermann, Senior Vice President and Publishing Director of Glamour stated that, “Advertisers are learning that the combination of digital and print provide a 360 degrees approach to the consumer.” He added that the “…partnership between the two is not competitive but complementary.”

Daniel Robinson, gkv’s Media Director, sees this move by Glamour in a similar manner to Wackermann.

“Intended audiences aren’t just looking for the same content that they find in magazines, said Robinson. “Consumers are really looking for new ways to interact with content - new kinds of experiences that deepen and hopefully enrich their ties with their preferred magazines.”

The Glamour App:

The Glamour app is available from Apple’s iTunes app store. The download of the app is “free” and has some news/blog posts that are updated every hour while each monthly “issue” is $3.99.

Glamour’s motivation in launching its iPad app was to allow for greater functionality for both readers and brands - and it’s delivered. Like any piece of technology, it’s not perfect. With all of the great features the app has, it does take a little while to load. However, I’d wager the majority of people are downloading from a Wi-Fi connection. As the app matures, I’m sure file sizes will decrease, speeding up download time.

As far as looks and user experience, Glamour’s app makes excellent use of the different iPad display modes of landscape and portrait. Landscape mode allows for typically linear horizontal browsing of the instantly recognizable photography and typography that adorn Glamour’s pages. Glamour’s iPad app shines in this mode as it is a nearly identical user experience as reading the print version. Shifting an article to portrait mode expands content to reveal the previously mentioned “app-only” added content.

Ads in the Glamour app appear in many variations with video, slideshows, links to sites, etc., and behave as a companion to the experience rather that an interference. A great example is that of (gkv client) PANDORA’s^TM ad: Tapping the top of the ad (starting on page 273 in the September 2010 issue) takes the user to the portion of PANDORA’s website that maps out (via Google Maps) retailers of PANDORA jewelry. Due to the iPad’s mobile lineage, the user’s current location (provided by the iPad) is used to remove the step of entering in a location, providing a smoother user experience. A back button at the top of the app allows the issue to seamlessly go back to the Glamour app.

To get a little taste of how the app behaves, Glamour put together a cool video sharing the features and operation of the app, which shows a great understanding of the attention to user experience they put forth.

What’s Next?

In next few months we will see the launch of apps for the iPad platform by other large publishers. It’s a new medium and there will certainly be a learning curve. As consumer momentum picks up (via iPad sales as well as the release of tablets using the Google Android platform), so will the publishing industry.

To learn how gkv can help your brand navigate the ever-changing digital space, drop us a line.

Worth Considering

• True Blood (HBO, Sunday) is back and things are running amok in Bon Temps. Bill is missing, Tara is still confused and newbie Alcide is gorgeous. While I don’t want to be the first one to say it (and risk an online onslaught), this show is teetering on the edge of the shark for me. I keep watching each week. But each week, until the last 10 minutes, I am tempted to revoke its season pass.
• Apparently, it’s still last summer for the gang on “Royal Pains” (USA, Thursday). Last season ended with the end of summer, and when the show started again this year, no time has passed. Ignore all of the timeline issues and just love it. It’s super summer fun - a little pretty, a little funny, a little serious and there are no cops. Perfect.
• “Burn Notice” (USA, Thursday) airs right before “Royal Pains” and it can’t be helping its ratings. I love Michael Weston to the point where I use to make plans with people to watch it en masse. But this year, it isn’t living up to its reputation and it certainly is lacking in my favorite part - teaching me how to take care of business using cell phone parts. I still love the gang and am sure they will find their groove before Labor Day, but I wish they would hurry up.
• One of my favorite shows of all time is back and almost finished with its (I am assuming) penultimate season, “Friday Night Lights” (NBC, Friday) is still the best written, best shot, best ensemble cast show on TV. And still no one is watching. Fans can find comfort in knowing we are promised one more season so the show can end as intended, but with the new Emmy nominations, we may get an additional season. Please watch it. I swear it’s good.
• “Mad Men” (AMC, Sunday) returns on July 25. I have only seen a few episodes of this show and don’t get it. I know I’m the odd man out, so don’t forget to set your TiVo®. I am sure there will be advertising, smoking, great clothes, cocky smiles and everything else that makes this show continue to dominate Sundays.
• HBO is in the middle of running a series of weekly documentaries. These documentaries are the quality of the HBO we knew and loved from its peak four years ago - amazing. Definitely worth watching is “I Knew It Was You : Rediscovering John Cazale,” about the actor everyone knows, but no one remembers. “Gasland” is a must see if you care at all about the price we are all going to pay if we don’t start paying attention. You won’t believe what is going on in towns that sit atop natural gas wells. “Every F****ing Day of My Life” is the story of the lengths a woman goes to when she has to protect her family. Each documentary is better than the next (with the exception of “Smash His Camera”). Most are available On Demand, so don’t miss out.

New Offerings

• The Facebook campaign that gave Betty White her umpteenth redemption also launched a new comedy on TV Land, “Hot In Cleveland.” (TV Land, Wednesday) Starring Wendy Malick, Betty White, Valerie Bertanelli and Daphne from Fraiser (Jane Leeves). It’s a three-camera comedy (think everything before 2001) and has a laugh track. That is enough to make me tune out, except that the premise of the pilot was that Daphne may be trying to have sex with the son that she gave up for adoption. It’s funny in the way that “Too Close For Comfort” and “One Day at A Time” are funny. If you don’t remember those shows, you probably won’t like this one, either.
• “The Good Guys” (Fox, Monday) stars Colin Hanks and Bradley Whitford, the latter in a hilarious moustache. The premise seems rehashed and trite, like every straight cop, drunk cop show that has ever aired. However, the dialogue is snappy and the show is kind of funny. It’s over the top, very silly and definitely worth checking out.
• “Covert Affairs” (USA, Tuesday), is another spy show about a young CIA agent, fresh from “the farm” and thrust into the spy life before graduating from her official training program. Part “Alias” (ok, a lot Alias) and part “Veronica Mars,” the show is lots of fun and definitely rates a season pass.
• “Rookie Blue” (ABC, Thursday) is the number one show on ABC this summer. And for good reason. It’s “Grey’s Anatomy” for rookie police officers. If you are a Grey’s fan, then this is probably the show for you. They are a few episodes in, but you can catch up on ABC.com, Hulu or On Demand. Like Grey’s, the cast is not that recognizable, except for Missy Peregrym, who you may remember from “Life As We Know It,” “Stick It” or “Reaper.” The cast is cute and the stories don’t focus on the gore that goes along with being on the job. Still, it’s glossy, without a lot of depth, which is probably why it started during the summer season.
• “The Glades” (A&E, Sunday) began this past Sunday. It’s another formulaic detective show with a quirky sense of humor (which may or may not be bad). I dug the pilot and will definitely watch again. But there is no denying that this show has stolen a page from the wildly successful female detective show, “The Closer.”
• If you like sometimes crude, uncomfortable, observational humor, “Louie” (FX, Tuesday) is for you. You should know that my definition of crude may be different from yours, so don’t hold it against me if you watch and are offended. Part “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” part “The Sarah Silverman Program,” if you like that kind of funny, this show delivers.
• British Broadcasting Corporation of America (BBC America) has two shows I can’t wait to check out. The first is the return of “Being Human,” the saga of a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost forced to live in a flat and deal with the real world. Last season wasn’t ground breaking, but it appears to be taking a new direction this year, so I’m in. The second is “The Choir,” a show about a teacher trying to save school choirs one step at a time. The show has riveted audiences in England and according to the ads on the telly, “The Baltimore Sun” hails it as the one new show to watch this summer.

My Surprise Summer Favorite?
Right now, the only TV show that I make an appointment to watch each Friday night may surprise you. I don’t watch game shows, most reality shows (”The Real Housewives of New York City” not included) or dancing shows. It’s not a comedy and despite making headlines (hence ruining the suspense of the storyline), I wait each week to see how the crew of the Bob Barker, Ady Gil and Steve Irwin are screwing up and/or kicking butt. What rocks my boat is the reali-mentary (part reality, part documentary), “Whale Wars.” Sailing the southern seas to stop the Japanese from illegal whaling is the amazingly dedicated and dangerous (often to themselves), volunteer crew of Sea Shepherd. One week they are launching butyric acid with homemade slingshots and the next week they are trying to find fresh drinking water on melting icebergs to avoid literally dying. Paul Watson is certainly a polarizing figure and whether you agree with their mission or not, I dare you not to sing along when their theme song comes on.

The only thing better than “Whale Wars,” is “Dolphin Wars,” which is in production now. The latter show chronicles the team from 2009’s Oscar-winning documentary, “The Cove,” as they try to stop the slaughter of dolphins around the world.

You Can’t Pay Me To Watch…
The worst new show to debut this summer? In my opinion, it has to be the miserable network attempt at a vampire show, “The Gates” (ABC, Sunday). It smacked of unholy desperate housewives, but with bad actresses we don’t already love from the 90s and a glossy premise that no one cares about. If you want good vampire TV, forget this show, cancel HBO and watch “Vampire Diaries” (CW, Thursday). The actors aren’t bad, and the main female lead is actually likeable. Forget Team Edward, Team Bill or Team Jacob. I’m Team Stefan all the way.

Baltimore, Md. - gkv, a full-service marketing communications firm, announced today the addition of two sports-related Clients to its roster - Baltimore Racing Development, LLC (BRD) and US Lacrosse. The 29-year-old Baltimore-based firm will provide branding and national marketing support for both Clients.

The recent acquisition of these two accounts, in addition to existing Client work, positions gkv as an emerging leader in the sports marketing category. gkv’s category experience encompasses handling the marketing initiatives for the Maryland Lottery’s sports sponsorship programs, that includes the highly successful Baltimore Ravens Cash Fantasy scratch-off game; Werner Ladder’s sponsorship of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament; as well as Baltimore County Golf’s five public golf courses and its recent Million Dollar Hole-In-One Shootout.

“Over the past several years, gkv’s sports marketing experience has thrived in the Baltimore region and will continue to grow at the national level in working with such reputable organizations as US Lacrosse and Baltimore Racing Development,” said Roger Gray, chairman and CEO of gkv. “It’s been an exciting year at gkv, and the opportunity to work with each of these organizations to support the growth of the popular sport of lacrosse and bring national attention to Charm City with the Baltimore Grand Prix is quite an honor.”

Baltimore Racing Development
Earlier this month, the city of Baltimore announced a five-year deal with the Indy Racing League to bring the IZOD IndyCar Series to Baltimore. The newly named Baltimore Grand Prix has selected gkv as its Agency of Record for the inaugural race and the accompanying three-day Festival of Speed scheduled for August 5 - 7, 2011. This event is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors to Baltimore.

As part of this partnership, gkv will provide strategic planning, creative development of all advertising, media planning and buying, grassroots marketing, event planning, and design and maintenance of the website.

“The Baltimore Grand Prix will bring world-renowned drivers, such as Danica Patrick and Helio Castroneves, as well as a weekend of entertainment for the whole family to Baltimore,” said Jay Davidson, President of Baltimore Racing Development, the group that led the effort to bring the event to Maryland. “We are excited to work with an experienced and local agency such as gkv to bring the national spotlight to Baltimore next August.”

US Lacrosse
As the national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse, Baltimore-based US Lacrosse recently selected gkv to assist in building its brand to support the rapidly growing sport of lacrosse.

gkv will provide strategic planning, as well as brand and creative development to assist in elevating communications about the benefits of US Lacrosse membership to a variety of audiences including program administrators, coaches, players and parents.

“gkv has been terrific in sinking their teeth into our very complex multi-constituency business model and developing highly strategic messaging that combines our core functional benefits with an emotional end benefit,” said Sara Noon, Managing Director, Membership of US Lacrosse.

###

About gkv
gkv is a 29-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, brand identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications, grassroots and word of mouth. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit http://gkv.com/ or http://blog.gkv.com.

About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 300,000 members in 63 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.

At age seven, I thought that Donny and Marie were cool. They were teenagers (what could be cooler?), he picked on his sister (hey, me too), and most importantly, they were funny (actually, corny) and safe viewing for the entire family.

Flash forward to my trip to Las Vegas, earlier this year. As a guest of my in-laws, I was taken to see Donny and Marie’s show at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino (thereby removing any embarrassment over wanting to see them, myself). The show was what I had expected, a series of cover medleys peppered with their individual hits, and, of course, a look back at their 40 years as performers. So what did I get out of this experience?

• Don’t over tip the usher, or you will end up in the second row.
• If you are going to sit that close to the stage, you are in Osmond country - smile like you mean it!
• If Marie sees that you aren’t smiling ear-to-ear, she will keep pointing at you and winking until you do. Don’t wink back…it only encourages her.
• When Donny says, “Come on, wave your hands in the air!” Do it or he will stop the show and make an example out of you and you will end up on the big screen above the stage.
• Sometimes, what happens in Vegas already happened somewhere else…30 years ago.

It’s easy to poke fun at a room full of 50 and 60-somethings singing along along to “Paper Roses” or “Puppy Love,” but as I shuffled out of the theater I began to think about what this show might mean to the people around me. Just as I had moments where I was transported back to those Friday nights in the mid-70s, there was a lot of other “time traveling” going on around me. Women, who had swooned for Donny as teenagers, wept at his touch as he danced on the tables around the stage. I heard one man say to his companion, “Do you remember the first time we heard that?”  What I was writing off as campy and a little sad had meaning that I had never considered.

Donny and Marie did more than just relive the past onstage, they had updated their act to reflect where they currently were in their own lives. Marie joked about menopause (yes, as you’ve already guessed - “men are on pause”). Donny made it clear that he was out of breath after the dance numbers. They talked about their children and how their families were still changing. Marie thanked the audience for our thoughtful wishes and prayers over the recent loss of her son. They gave each other a hard time about their respective appearances on ABC’s hit TV show, “Dancing with the Stars”. Both Donny and Marie went out of their way to relate their current lives to the audience who had connected to them long ago.

They were never cool to start with - I am beginning to think they never even tried. But what they have done is maintained the Osmond Brand. Not by changing with the times, but by changing with their audience and relating to them in a voice that says, “I remember 1976, too, but here’s where we all are now.” It’s a successful strategy that seems to be getting them a lot of attention in the media and the admiration of their fans - old and new.

Poor defense and underwhelming offense extend gkv’s losing streak to six

In a season where gkv softball has yet to get going on all cylinders, June 30 was no exception. Consistently poor defense and an inability to string together base hits has resulted in a six-game losing streak for gkv.

Having lost seven of eight overall, gkv was again challenged in the field by an even offensive attack from the Comcast Spotlight team. When gkv had opportunities to put runs on the board, the offense failed to get runners home destroying any momentum gained in the field when the defense stepped up.

The first game of the doubleheader lead to a 13-3 loss for gkv in five innings. In the following game, gkv attempted to battle back in the last inning, but ultimately failed in its comeback losing 13-6. Top offensive performers included Jon Gregory, Account Executive and Brian Cox, Digital Production Artist, each of whom contributed home runs in the second game.

If there is one bright spot for gkv’s remaining schedule, it’s that three of the four teams gkv has faced this season are currently the top three teams in the American Advertising Federation of Baltimore (AAFB) league. Hopefully if the team can pick up a few much needed wins in the second half of the season they stand a chance to make the playoffs.

Player Profile:
Name: Jason Knapp
Years with gkv: 6
gkv position: Interactive Search Marketing/Broadcast Media Buyer
Years with gkv softball: 5
Softball position: Center field
Favorite MLB team(s):  Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates. Nothing like loving two of the worst teams over the past decade.
Favorite MLB player(s): Past players include Andy Van Slyke, Tony Gwynn and Ken Griffey Jr. Out of current players, I’d go with Nick Markakis.
Most memorable gkv softball moment: Winning our first AAFB Championship in 2008. We were the last seed in the playoffs that year, too.
When I retire, I plan to: Not work.

“At 1-7, I can’t blame the 100 degree weather for me being on the ‘hot seat’ anymore. I better watch out, or gkv is going to bring in Dave Trembley to manage this team.”
-gkv Softball Coach, Todd Schaefer

Our 29 years of experience has taught us that this is a misguided notion. In fact, in cases where our Clients have invested in their brand, the payback to their philanthropic efforts has been quite evident. A strong brand benefits fundraising by:

• Making your brand recognizable and distinguishable from competitors
• Making your mission relevant to donors
• Helping your organization make an emotional connection with both current and prospective donors

Investing in your brand is more crucial than ever because of the increased competition chasing after a smaller pool of philanthropic dollars. If people don’t know who you are and what your organization stands for, how can you expect your development team to be operating at peak performance?

The stronger the brand, the more known it becomes and the more donors become willing to invest and stay loyal to the organization.

As 3D television begins to gain credibility in the marketplace, many are skeptical that this newest television trend will drive people to switch from high-definition (HDTV) to 3D television. Over the next few weeks, more 3D movies, sporting events and video games are scheduled to be released, which may serve as a true test of loyalty of current HDTV viewers and serve as a sneak peak at the future of 3D television.

gkv Director of Broadcast Services, Kelly Gould, spoke with The Baltimore Sun reporter, David Zurawik, about how the World Cup is serving as a global platform to increase awareness of 3D television and how not everyone may be ready to fully switch to 3D.

Read all of Kelly’s comments on World Cup coverage in 3D television in The Baltimore Sun article, “World Cup coverage in 3D helping usher in new era of TV.”

Home runs doom struggling gkv team

I am a softball. I have a solid polyurethane core with a nylon-stitched, leather cover. I am currently being released from the pitcher’s hand, and am now traveling toward the catcher at an arc no higher than 10 feet. I’ve reached home plate. The batter twists his body, shifts his weight and follows through with a mighty swing. The bat hits me and I’m now travelling at a speed approaching 98 miles per hour. Down below I can see the pitcher, now the shortstop, and now the outfielder running at full speed through knee-high grass. I land well beyond his reach. I have traveled more than 250 feet. I am a home run.

If the above story were a movie (followed by a few sequels), gkv softball would be the team with home runs sailing over their heads in last Wednesday’s doubleheader against SHE10 (8-0), a team made up of various Baltimore businesses. Facing a team that has yet to lose since its debut in the American Advertising Federation of Baltimore (AAFB) league last summer, gkv kept both games close until the middle innings, at which point SHE10 broke away with a mighty lead. Although gkv tried to counter the big hitters of SHE10 with home runs of its own from infielder Andrew Robinson, Vice President, Account Supervisor at gkv, and pitcher Todd Schaefer, Account Executive at gkv, SHE10 ultimately walked away with two lopsided wins.

gkv hopes to turn its season around with the return of several key players next week that should allow the team to gain momentum heading into the playoffs. Next up for gkv (1-5) is Comcast Spotlight (3-1) on Wednesday, June 30 at Carroll Park.

“I feel Bruised and Battered.”

-Softball

gkv will work with PANDORA Chief Marketing Officer, North America, Angel Ilagan, and his team to provide marketing support in the areas of strategic planning, brand development, and communication strategies and tactics. In 2008, PANDORA was named the “Hottest Brand” by INSTORE magazine.

“gkv is thrilled to partner with PANDORA, a brand that is willing to be different to stay true to its mission,” said Dan Collins, Strategic Planning Director. “Our experience in working with brands willing to challenge the status quo will help PANDORA remain true to its essence while further accelerating its popularity.”

PANDORA has a loyal consumer following and demand for its products has grown dramatically since its North American expansion in 2003. Today products can be found in 88 PANDORA stores and more than 2,500 fine jewelry retail locations throughout the North American market.

“The rapid growth that PANDORA has experienced over the last few years require us to seek a partner, like gkv, that can help us provide a consistent experience at every point in which people interact with our brand,” said Ilagan. “My team and I look forward to partnering with gkv to inspire women to express their individuality and celebrate life’s unforgettable moments.”

Founded in 1982, PANDORA is headquartered in Copenhagan, Denmark and has subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland and Thailand, and is sold in more than 40 countries.

About gkv
gkv is a 29-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, brand identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications, grassroots and word of mouth. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit http://gkv.com/ or http://blog.gkv.com.

About PANDORA
PANDORA, a global Danish brand, has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry for almost 30 years, and is world-renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted design. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. PANDORA’s affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold with precious gems that are hand-set into the jewelry. PANDORA jewelry is available in PANDORA retail stores and authorized dealers worldwide. To view the PANDORA collection, build a bracelet online or locate a jeweler, please visit PANDORA-jewelry.com or PANDORA.net.

Shorthanded gkv pummeled by The Baltimore Sun Media Group (BSMG)

Unfortunately for the gkv softball team this past week, business came first. And no, that business was not dominating softball. In its June 2 softball games, the gkv softball team found themselves at nearly one-third capacity as many co-workers had prior work obligations that kept them off the field. Facing The Baltimore Sun Media Group (BSMG) with only eight players (with a total of 21 players on the roster) seemed like a daunting task, and it proved to be just that.

The first game in the doubleheader was kept close by a motivated gkv crew. Through the first three innings, gkv trailed by only one run. Sadly, that was the closest gkv would get to BSMG for the rest of the night as they eventually lost both games by a score of 17-6 and “something high” to zero, respectively.

The night did have a pair of highlights for gkv. First, it marked the rookie debut of Joey Helsel, Account Executive for gkv REACH. Having not played since high school, Joey admitted she was a bit rusty. But thoroughly enjoyed the games even though she did get gunned out at home plate.

“Our team captain got a big hit with me on base and eventually caught up to me while running the bases,” said Helsel. “He kept yelling ‘Run! Run! Run!’ and I did just that, but then I got thrown out at home.”

The other highlight came in the second game when Amber Bradford, Public Relations Senior Account Executive and Katey Clark, Public Relations Account Executive, teamed up to return the favor and threw out a greedy BSMG player at the plate.

gkv’s record now stands at 1-3. gkv’s next game is on Wednesday, June 23 at Carroll Park.

“I thought about sliding into home, but I remembered I had a wedding to be in this weekend, so I scratched that idea.”

-gkv teammate Joey Helsel, in reference to getting tagged out at home plate