The North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League announce the signing of catcher Michael Moras, a 6’1†junior at the University of New Haven on the same day that he clubbed two grand slams in one game, tying an NCAA record.
Moras accomplished the feat Tuesday in the second inning of a non-conference game against Assumption College. He added a third home run, one of the paltry three-run variety, later in the sixth. Overall, Moras collected 12 RBI on the afternoon, one shy of the NCAA single-game record, as New Haven trounced Assumption 35-12.
Moras becomes just the 10th player in NCAA history to hit two grand slams in one game, the last was Jason Berry of South Carolina Upstate back in 2001.
“Not many student-athletes accomplish feats that make them part of the longstanding history of the NCAA. Michael was obviously in the zone that day and the baseball probably looked the size of a beach ball to him. I’m sure he, his family and teammates enjoyed the moment. He'll certainly have a story to tell to his kids someday,†said General Manager Sean McGrath.
Originally from Orange, CT, Moras is putting up outstanding numbers across the board for the Chargers. Following Tuesday’s game, he is hitting .390, with nine home runs and a team leading 55 RBI to go along with 13 doubles and 43 runs scored. One game after his NCAA tying performance, Moras became the single-season record holder for most hits in a single season with another 9 regular season games remaining. Moras has started each of New Haven’s 37 games, splitting time between catcher and designated hitter, and has been nearly flawless in the field, committing a mere six errors in 281 chances. Moras not only is valuable to his ballclub in the batter’s box, but has thrown out an impressive 47% of attempted base stealers this season.
As a sophomore, Moras was awarded First Team All-Northeast honors by both the ABCA/Rawlings and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association after finishing the year hitting .349 with eight home runs and 37 RBI. He also amassed more walks than strikeouts, earning 31 free passes against 29 strikeouts, and started all of New Haven’s 47 games. In fact, through Tuesday, Moras has started each of the 117 contests he has been eligible for since arriving on campus in time for the 2005 season. At the end of the season he was selected to participate in the New England College Baseball All-Star Game in Boston's Fenway Park where he received the MVP of the game award. As a freshman, Moras was honored with the NYCAC Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Conference and All-Northeast Region awards.
“Michael is a very mature student-athlete. He’s played in the NECBL as a freshman and the ACBL as a sophomore where he was selected to the All-Star team. He’s continued to improve each aspect of his game. He’s not only UNH ’s best hitter, but he also is the general on the field, which is what you look for in a catcher. He manages a pitching staff and game very well and typically throws out an astonishing 50% of attempted base stealers,†said McGrath. “Michael is having another stellar season, which we anticipate will carry-over into the challenging and competitive NECBL.â€
The 2007 season is expected to be a very memorable year for the SteepleCats. For the first time in history, the North Adams will host the 2007 NECBL All-Star Game on Sunday, July 22. Festivities will include an All-Star gala luncheon, home run derby contest, and other special activities and events throughout the evening. The prestigious Team USA baseball team will be returning to North Adams to play the SteepleCats on Wednesday, June 20. The last time the two hooked up was on June 11, 2003 a game highlighted by Scott Chambers’ outstanding performance striking out twelve batters in six innings.
The SteepleCats will play their home opener on June 7th, 2007 against their Berkshire County rivals, the Pittsfield Dukes. Game time is 7pm at Joe Wolfe Field with gates open at 6pm. For more information, visit www.steeplecats.com
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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway.
The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building.
"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said.
The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board.
J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries.
The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use.
No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac.
"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application.
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