NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams SteepleCats organization wrapped up its 11th season of play with a return to the postseason, an array of individual honors, and a re-establishment as one of the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s most successful franchises in summer 2012.

But before the calendar turned to the New Year, the SteepleCats franchise received another local honor, as the organization in December was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for participating in the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's National Night Out activities.

The honor was bestowed to the SteepleCats in citing the team's community involvement. The team and the town have worked hand and hand toward a number of endeavors, including sending Slider, the official team mascot, to community events, as well as providing additional assistance in other local events. Slider was also given a certificate for his role in National Night Out.

Entering its 12th season this coming summer, the SteepleCats and team President Daniel E. Bosley will continue to take on a bigger role in community activities. Those efforts include sending Slider out more so than ever before to local businesses and events, as well as participating in more community activities.

Recently, Slider made an appearance at Community Day in nearby Stamford, Vt., marking an example of the franchise hoping to extend its roots beyond the North Adams boundaries.

"It is fulfilling to be part of so many community activities," Bosley said. "Its into the core function of the SteepleCats' goals of taking an active role toward making life better and a little more entertaining in the northern Berkshire community."

Season tickets for the 2013 campaign are available at www.steeplecats.com, as well as at a number of local businesses: Val's Variety Store in Adams, Berkshire Emporium and Man's World Styling Salon in North Adams, and Billmont's Country Store in Stamford.