The Berkshire Black Bears have signed catcher Justin Varitek, the younger brother of Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, for the 2002 season.
Justin Varitek played briefly for the St. Paul Saints of the Northern league in 2000 before signing with the Seattle Mariners prior to last season. Varitek, 23, was hampered by injuries last season and batted .333 in limited at bats. The 6'3'' catcher attended Murray State University before joining the Saints.
The Black Bears have also signed another catcher, Jonathan Myler, who played in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization last season. At Williamsport, in the New York Penn League, Myler had 5 doubles, 1 homer and 8 RBI's in only 74 at bats. The right-hitting catcher signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent out of St. Bonaventure University. Both catchers are still considered rookies under Northern League rules. Northern league teams are required to carry 5 rookies on their 22-man rosters.
Baseball pedigree
"Justin Varitek is a player with great potential and obviously we know he comes from a baseball family," said Black Bears general manager Michael Kardamis. "Jonathan Myler was highly regarded in the Pirates organization and he possesses an above-average throwing arm."
The Berkshire Black Bears begin their inaugural season on Friday, May 24 at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield. Tickets can be purchased by calling 413-448-2255. For more information visit www.BerkshireBlackBears.com
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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site.
'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.
The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.
'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday
A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.
Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10
A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.
Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.
Friday
Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more.
Mass Kids Lit Fest
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road.
Waste treatment plan supervisor Brad Furlon warned the Finance Committee last week to expect a future 500 percent increase in sludge disposal.
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The fund had grown immensely over the past 25 years, raising some $1.75 million during that period. But the 1960s would see the fund grow even more in both fundraising and the agencies it supported. click for more