NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams SteepleCats struck out against the North Shore Navigators 3-2 on Saturday night but hit a homerun for breast cancer awareness.

The team suited up in pink to host the American Cancer Society for a Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Joe Wolfe Field. Before the game, the SteepleCats honored local breast-cancer survivors on the field. Throughout the game, announcements were made as the 'Cats aimed to educate the community about this disease.

The Cancer Society also offered information on disease detection and treatment as wwll as on the Berkshire County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk set for Oct. 17 on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Adams. Fans received a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon to match the one painted behind home plate and those that came to the game dressed in pink got in free.

Six SteepleCats players and three coaches will bein at the All-Star Game in Newport, R.I., tonight. Click on the TEAMLINE link at 6:30 to hear All-Star broadcaster Rick Zmudzien and the rest of the SteepleCat All-Stars at game.

(This was published Sunday, July 18, but had to be removed Monday because of a technical issue. We've reposted it at its original date & time.)

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — David Bond is keeping busy, and that's the way he likes it.

Splitting time as a local business owner and a city councilor, Bond accepted a new role this past year by becoming the the second president of the North Adams SteepleCats. He officially took the reins last December, succeeding John B. DeRosa.

The SteepleCats open their season Friday night against the Bristol Collegiate Baseball Club at Joe Wolfe Field. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m.

Some of the 'Cats arrived on Monday morning, but to Bond's surprise, only 13 showed up (out of the 26 listed on the 2010 roster). Some were scheduled to arrive later in the week, while several are still competing with their respective college teams in postseason tournaments.

"This is all part of the puzzle," Bond said, not sounding too concerned.

While there have been some nerve-racking moments leading up to the season — especially when it came to finding ways to fund the team — the payoff for Bond came on the first day of practice.

"When I heard the crack of the wood bat, I knew that it's something very special," he said. "The most exciting thing is having this quality of baseball in town. This is our community's team, our region's team. This is a chance to see some great talent before they play at the major-league level. To have this type of product is exciting."

There are several new promotions this season, including a giveaway contest for a 50-inch television. One fan's name will be randomly drawn at each home game, then the contestants will take to the field on July 31 (the last regular season home game). The TV will be placed at home plate, and each fan will be handed a remote control. Only one of the remotes will turn on the TV, and that lucky fan can take it home.

There will be a bounce castle at every home game, as well as a "Know Your Speed" pitching tunnel.

Check back with iBerkshires.com later for coverage of Thursday night's "SteepleCats media night" at Joe Wolfe Field.