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