Bond Named New SteepleCats President
 David Bond talks about his role as president of the SteepleCats. |
David Bond, owner of the The Range on Curran Highway and newly elected city councilor, was named president and chief operating officer of the city's NECBL team after a three-month nationwide search. He will take over the position full time, focusing on promotional, fundraising and oversight responsibilities for the nonprofit.
The changes in the 'Cats management was announced Monday morning at Freedman, DeRosa & Rondeau Attorneys at Law, which provides office space for the team.
"It's about making the SteepleCats stronger, better and a permanent fixture in North Adams," said DeRosa, who was named president of the college league over the weekend.
Bond, who has been working with the 'Cats for about two weeks, recalled how his father, the late John "Jack" Bond, had been a community booster and how he'd tagged along with him as a child to many events.
"It's now my time to get involved with everything I can," said the 34-year-old city native. "I love what this team brings to the community ... I love that it gives families an affordable place to go."
Bond said he's got some ideas in mind for promotional events and activities to ensure that the 'Cats remain an integral part of the community and their games popular family outings.
Sean McGrath will remain executive vice president and general manager. McGrath has been with the organization since its first season in 2002, starting off as assistant coach.
"I grew up with David and his family and I'm looking forward to working closely with him," said McGrath, another North Adams native who's played pro and collegiate league ball.
DeRosa was lead among a group of investors that purchased the 'Cats in 2003 from the original owner, John Watterson of New Hampshire, to ensure the team stayed in North Adams and has remained as volunteer president since 2005.
 John B. DeRosa, the city's solicitor, is giving up his volunteer role as 'Cats president to become president of the NECBL. |
With both McGrath, manager of operations and donor relations at Bennington (Vt.) College, and DeRosa holding down full-time jobs, they decided it was time to bring in a full-time officer who could bring the organization to the "next level." They were looking for someone with nonprofit management, baseball and fundraising experience.
They received some 70 applications, but after multiple interviews found that the best candidate was one from Berkshire County; in fact, the only one from Berkshire County who applied.
The kicker: he's a golf pro with no baseball background. Bond even joked that his diamond experience could be summed up as meeting his wife (an Adams native) at the Pitcher's Mound.
But Bond has something that all those other candidates didn't — deep roots in the community.
It would be difficult for someone outside the area to get up to speed on the community and the many connections between individuals and organizations, said Bond. "I pride myself on being able to call someone up and say, let's go out to lunch, let's talk."
DeRosa said the SteepleCats organization is in essence a small business, something that Bond also has experience in. Bond's been operating The Range, a miniature golf and driving range since 2003 off Curran Highway.
Bond said operating both entities shouldn't be a problem. He hopes to have most of the seasonal scheduling and promotional events set by April; he'll also have the aid of two interns.
Both Bond and DeRosa declined to state his compensation at this point because it had not yet been approved by the team's board of directors.
With Bond on board, McGrath will be free to concentrate on a championship season; the SteepleCats made it to the playoffs last year only to be knocked out by the Vermont Mountaineers.
"Last year, was the test season," said DeRosa, referring to the economic recession. "We had one of our best seasons in terms of attendance, in the quality on the field and in terms of entertainment [value]."
 Mark Vadnais, left, director of concessions, Bond and General Manager Sean McGrath share a laugh with media. |
"It's a huge asset to the community," said Mayor-elect Richard Alcombright. "It puts North Adams on the map ... without John, none of this would have happened."
Bond said volunteers, especially families that host the players, are critical to not only the organization's future but its role in the community. He urged anyone who would like to get involved to contact the team.
Tickets are currently on sale at select area locations; a season pass (21 games) for a family is $100.
