Winning five straight Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) championships has made the Barrie Baycats the class of the league.
And while the players have certainly stepped up to the plate when needed, the team's management has also worked hard to create a winning atmosphere.
That atmosphere got a boost Saturday night.
As fans walked into Coates Stadium for Saturday’s opening game of the IBL semi-finals between the home-town Baycats and the Welland Jackfish, they couldn't help but be impressed by a new 20x6-foot screen over top of the scoreboard in right field.
Baycats president David Mills said the high-tech screen is a first for the league.
“This is an idea (team owner) Gary Inskeep had about half-way through last season,” said Mills. “He said we should get something out there that lets the fans know more about what’s going on in the game. Gary stepped up and got the sign for us. It really is like our own JumboTron.”
The screen is operated by one of the Baycats staff and not only shows the Baycats logo before the game starts, but also a waving Canadian Flag during the anthem and player information each time someone steps up to the plate.
“It will really go a long way in helping fans see the names of players from other teams, but the cool part is showing the faces and information of our players, which should be fun for everyone,” said Mills.
Agnes Rathy, a Baycats fan, said she noticed the screen the second she walked into the stadium.
“I saw it right away and told my husband to check it out,” said Rathy. “It totally adds to the game and gives us something to see every time a player walks up to bat. Even during the national anthem, I usually look at the flags in the field, but it was really awesome to watch the flag waving on the screen. Great job by the Baycats.”
It was also a great job on the field for the Baycats, who used some late heroics to win the opener.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied 2-2, Baycats shortstop Starlin Rodriguez smashed a pitch into centre field with the bases loaded, bringing in the winning run to give Barrie a 3-2 victory over Welland.
Game two is scheduled for today in Welland. The series heads back to Coates Stadium Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. game. Tickets are available at Seat Giant.
