SteepleCats Play Chinese Guest Team on Sunday

Editor's Note: The game had to be canceled because of rain and expected thunderstorms.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The SteepleCats will welcome the Chinese Taipei National team for a friendly game Sunday night.

Public Relations Tom Aslip said the game starts at 6:30 pm Sunday at Joe Wolfe Field and will be a “once in a life time opportunity.” Normally Sunday games take place at 4:30 pm, however the time has been shifted for the special event.

"Our guys are really excited, and it definitely something to come see," Aslip said.

Although the game won't count in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) standings, Aslip said it is an excellent opportunity to see how another culture plays baseball.

"Anyone form another culture coming into to North Adams is exciting, and it is great to meet new people and experience another culture," Aslip said. "To have baseball in common between the two cultures and getting to see the way they play the game against our guys should be a great opportunity and we really excited about it."

General Manager Johno Hinkell said the SteepleCats have played teams from other countries in the past. He said they have played the Chinese Taipei team before. He said international teams often reach out to USA teams when they decide they want to go on a tour.

"It was brought to the NECBL earlier in the year and teams who were interested can pursue it," Hinkell said. "Basically if their tour fits your off days you have a shot to host them."

Hinkell said the SteepleCats in the past would set up activities for the international team, however, this year the team is just making a day trip to North Adams and leaving after the game.

Aslip said international friendly games often take place in the NECBL league. He said the Newport Gulls also faced a Chinese national team and were the only team in the USA they played who were able to defeat them.

Aslip said everyone should come experience the special game and support the 'Cats.

"We are all very excited; this is something that has been in the works for a while and it is an amazing opportunity," he said.

Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:22PM / Friday, May 10, 2024

NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. 

 

Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent. 

 

The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients. 

 

Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center. 

 

"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."

 

Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award. 

 

"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill.