NECBL All-Star Game returns to Keene

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Swamp Bats announce festivities to surround All-Star Game on July 23 Keene, N.H. (July 12, 2006) – The New England Collegiate Baseball League’s (NECBL) annual All-Star Game will return to Southwestern New Hampshire for the third time when the Keene Swamp Bats host the event on Sunday, July 23, at Alumni Field. The Swamp Bats, who also hosted the League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2000, have announced several special events, which will take place surrounding this year’s event. A full days slate is published at the end of this press release. The Keene Swamp Bats also hosted the NECBL vs. Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game in 2001. After having newly inducted Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk in attendance the last time the NECBL All-Star Game in 2000, the Swamp Bats are happy to announce the appearance of Tommy John, who enjoyed a Major League career that spanned 26 years from 1963 to 1989, for the 2006 All-Star Game. John compiled a career record of 288-231 to go with a 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts over 760 Major League appearances (700 starts) with the Cleveland Indians (1963-64), Chicago White Sox (1965-71), Los Angeles Dodgers (1972-78), New York Yankees (1979-82), California Angels (1982-85), Oakland Athletics (1985) and Yankees (1986-89) for a second time. John also appeared in the postseason five times, including World Series appearances in 1977 (Dodgers), ’78 (Dodgers) and ’81 (Yankees), and was a four-time MLB All-Star. In addition to making himself available to fans for autographs, John’s appearance in Keene will be highlighted by a batting practice session in which he will pitch to members of the media in attendance for the All-Star Game at 4:15 p.m. Also prior to first pitch of the All-Star Game at 7 p.m., the League’s annual All-Star Game home run derby will commence at Alumni Field’s “hitter friendly” confines at 4:45 p.m. The NECBL is also happy to announce it will dedicate this year’s and all future NECBL All-Star Game Most Valuable Player awards in the memory of John Watterson, who recently lost his battle with cancer. Watterson was one of the key founders of both the Keene Swamp Bats and North Adams SteepleCats. Approximately ten minutes upon the conclusion of the All-Star Game, sponsors Atlas Pyrotechnics of Jaffrey will present a rare fireworks exhibition. The display will feature a Hi-Tech computerized pyrotechnic event as Atlas tests some of its sequences they will feature in the Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks on August 19. Atlas Pyrotechnics is a world-renowned producer of international displays, having produced the closing ceremonies display at the “Running of the Bulls” in Pamplona, Spain, and receiving an award for “Best Design of Show” in Shanghai, China. Admission for the events is $3, while children under 10 are admitted free of charge. The Swamp Bats also offer family passes for $9. 2006 NECBL All-Star Game Festivities Schedule Sunday, July 23, Keene, N.H. 2:30 p.m. – Players Arrive at Alumni Field 2:45 p.m. – Southern Division Batting Practice 3:30 p.m. – Northern Division Batting Practice 4:15 p.m. – Media Batting Practice against Tommy John 4:45 p.m. – All-Star Game Home Run Derby 6 p.m. – Southern Division Pregame Infield Practice 6:15 p.m. – Northern Division Pregame Infield Practice 6:45 p.m. – Pregame festivities and announcements 7 p.m. – All-Star Game Fireworks display 10 minutes upon the conclusion of the game by Atlas Pyrotechnics. - Swamp Bats – ATTENTION MEDIA MEMBERS: If you wish to participate in the Tommy John batting session, please contact Swamp Bats president Kevin Watterson at (603) 731-5240 or Doug Monson at (603) 899-4222 by Friday, July 21, at noon. www.necbl.com/nutshell.htm
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Dalton Resident Ranks Third in National Snocross Race

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Sal LeBeau on his machine with his sister, Kenna, in the black hat, and friend Brandon and his sister Alea.
DALTON, Mass. — At just 16 years old, Salvatore LaBeau is already making avalanches in the national snocross racing scene.
 
Last weekend, LaBeau raced in the Mount Zion Snocross National race in Ironwood, Mich., the first of eight races in the national circuit series. 
 
Competitions take place across national circuits, attracting racers from various regions and even internationally. 
 
Labeau rides for CT Motorsports, a team based in Upstate New York, on a 2025 Polaris 600R. 
 
This is LaBeau's first time competing on the CT Motorsports team. Years prior, he raced for a team owned by Bruce Gaspardi, owner of South Side Sales and Service in North Adams.  
 
Despite a bad first day on Friday when he fell off his snowmobile and didn't make the final, LaBeau carried on with confidence and on Saturday obtained his first national podium, placing in third for the Sport Lite class. 
 
"I'm feeling good. I'm gonna start training more when I come home, and go to the gym more. And I am really excited, because I'm in 11th right now," the Wahconah High student said. 
 
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