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.

Drury Hosts Inaugural Government Appreciation Day

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
01:17PM / Sunday, May 05, 2024

State Rep. John Barrett III explains his role in the state Legislature to students during Government Appreciation Day at Drury on Friday.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Eighth-grade students learned about civics firsthand during the school's inaugural Massachusetts Government Appreciation Day.

 

"Government is strongest when every individual feels as though they are part of the process," said civics teacher Patrick Boulger, before introducing the Friday's guest speakers. "Today is the day when you have an opportunity to be part of this process and learn from individuals who have dedicated their lives to government service."

 

The event is a new addition to the eighth-grade civics curriculum, to provide students with a deeper understanding of state and local governance before they take Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System's civics exam

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey, former Gov. Jane Swift, state Rep. John Barrett III, Assessor Jessica Lincourt and the mayor's executive assistant Lindsay Randall all addressed students in breakout sessions and explained their role in government.

 

Macksey started her presentation by telling her own story starting as a Drury High School graduate. 

 

She said her first job in government was a little less glamorous.

 

"My first job with the city truly was at the dump," she said pointing out the window toward where the city dump used to be. "I sold composting bins, and I did such a good job I was able to get a part-time job in the public service department at City Hall."