SteepleCats had many positives in 2011
By:Mike Gillmeister
08/03/2011
NORTH ADAMS -- North Adams SteepleCats President Dan Bosley would be the first to tell you that the ‘Cats certainly had an up-and-down year this past season--the SteepleCats finished the season at a New England Collegiate Baseball League Western Division-worst 13-29.
That was merely one side of Bosley’s job, though.
In his first season as team president, Bosley was admittedly a little overwhelmed, partially because he took the position in January and didn’t have an entire offseason to prepare but he jumped headlong into his new responsibilities.
He was often times the first one to arrive at Joe Wolfe Field on game day and the last one to leave.
That, as Bosley notes, gave him great insight into the day-to-day operations of the club.
"It’s amazing," said Bosley in reference to the things he learned this past season in his new position. "It takes up all of your time. I try to put as much into [the job] as I can. It’s a phenomenal job to have."
Bosley aims to include as much of the community as well, such as using local vendors as much as possible.
The ‘Cats organization printed all of its posters at the local Staples this past season and was charged nothing but the expectation that the SteepleCats will mention where the posters came from.
Bosley also brought in more between-inning entertainment--mini games, prize give aways, etc. Bosley instituted a prize give away at each of the ‘Cats’ 21 home games in 2011. That in itself is already showing signs of more capital for the organization because people have already requested of Bosley and SteepleCats General Manager Sean McGrath that the team stocks certain give away items because fans are willing to pay for them.
"We needed to let people know that there’s always something going on at The Joe," he said. "Win, lose, or draw, you’ll have a good time and North Berkshire came out and supported its team."
Under Bosley’s direction, the organization also gave out 5,000 free tickets throughout the year in an effort to fill seats.
Another concern of the SteepleCats’ president was social media and the fans have responded in kind.
As of Tuesday, the ‘Cats had nearly 1,700 "Likes" on their Facebook fan page. The next highest total on the other NECBL teams’ pages is 1,136 (Sanford Mainers). The fact that no other team reached more than 810 could be a sign that Bosley and the SteepleCats tapped into a whole new venue from which to reach fans.
In terms of the ‘Cats’ uncharacteristic win-loss record this season, Bosley feels that it is simply another thing to improve upon.
McGrath credits Bosley’s success to a belief in what the SteepleCats are trying to do as an organization.
"I think anyone who came out to the ballpark recognized all the activities and felt all of the excitement and energy," said McGrath. "Dan deserves a lot of the credit for that. The local support is part of Dan’s vision of what the experience at Joe Wolfe Field should be all about."
Mike Gillmeister can be reached at mgillmeister@thetranscript.com