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Volume I, Issue 8May 10, 2010
In This Issue
Red Sox Optimist
Potter's 2010 Bus Tour
Bus Trip to Camden Yards
Red Sox Optimist 
 
By Christopher Holland
 
The Berkshire Red Sox Optimist team has been prepping in the winter months for the 2010 season with its first game scheduled for May, 8 at Birdsboro Optimist Field. With a solid core of returning players the Sox have added a few new names to its roster that Head Coach and Red SoxBerkshire President Dan Clouser believes will add some "very much needed punch" to its lineup. With a positive attitude the Sox can accomplish what every team strives for each year, a championship title.
 
"Last year ended like we got kicked right in the teeth," stated Clouser. The Sox lost some real close games in a series that it could have won. During the off-season its players have been thinking about that semi-final series and Clouser believes they will return in 2010 with better focus and more dedication than ever before. "There is always room for improvement, but we addressed our needs in the off-season and I really like our team heading in to 2010," he said. "We open our season the second weekend of May and I expect that our guys will come out strong and hungry."
 
The Red Sox Optimist team has quite a history making an appearance in the League Championship Series five years straight from 2003-2007, taking the title three (2003, 2006 and 2007) of those years.  After not making an appreaance in the LCS the Red Sox players are primed and ready to get back this year to fight for another victorious season.
 
Returning starting pitchers for the Red Sox are Billy Hartranft, Andrew Ball, Brandon Shurr and Shane Stein, who will again serve as long-relief and the #4 starter for the Sox. 
 
With returning players and new additions, Clouser believes his bullpen is going to be at its absolute best.
 
the returning middle-relief core of Mike Billera-Smith and Dan Karst will be helped by Matt Kozlowski, Al Oldham and Mike Latona. Kevin Lenygel will close again 
 
New offensive additions include Latona, Pete Jordan, and Steve Randolph, while returning players Zac Schneider, Lenygel, Stein, Hartranft, and Kyle Wenrich will help lead the team.
 
If the Sox live up to its reputation, there should be no problem in making a post-season berth and contending for a championship title. With the right state of mind and good coaching from Clouser, the Red Sox, if they stay healthy, should be able to make solid run at a title again in 2010. 

Jeff Potter's 2010 Bus Tour

By Christopher Holland
 
Jeff Potter, a former professional pitcher in the Detroit Tigers organization and true baseball advocate will be conducting a baseball bus tour to take place during the summer of 2010. One of the stops Potter will be making will be at First Energy Stadium in Reading, Pa., and with the help of Berkshire Baseball, his experience is sure to be nothing short of exuberant.
 
Potter was drafted out of high school in 1972 by the Detroit Tigers, but unfortunately his career was short-lived due to a broken wrist that left him unable to continue pitching. Even though his professional career didn't live up to what he had dreamed, he never let baseball slip away and his accomplishments with the game are very respectable. He recently wrote a book 'Whatever Happened to Baseball?' which is comprised of multiple stories relating to youth baseball. He has coached on several occasions, worked within his community, and is now finalizing his month long road trip though Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. When he and his All Stars will arrive in Reading on July 8, Berkshire will hospitably welcome them before hosting its first game at 3:00 p.m. at First Energy Statdium.

The day of events on July 8 will start at 3:00 PM with a game between Potter's All Stars and a Berkshire team comprised of 15-year-olds.  Following the first game will be a game between the Berkshire Red Sox and Blue Sox Optimist teams at 6:00 PM.
 
The organization will also conduct their annual World Equipment Outreach Program during these games as well as during the Reading Phillies game the next evening.
 
After the games conclude Potter and his team will return to the Reading Crowne Plaza for a 'meet and greet' with all the Berkshire teams, players, coaches and fans. There will also be swimming, volleyball, and a pizza/hamburger party during the evening hours.

The next morning, July, 9 Potter intends to run a clinic for the kids, participate in a car wash to earn money for a local charity, and spend the afternoon visiting the Reading Outlets. During the evening Potter and his All Stars will be guests of Berkshire Baseball at a Reading Phillies game at First Energy Stadium. This will be a great experience for the kids to watch a professional game and potentially meet a few players afterward.

Potter is grateful for this opportunity and is looking forward to getting his bus on the road. "I feel that I am doing my best work now. Working with kids in this type of atmosphere, not only trying to improve their baseball skills but also their 'life skills' is very rewarding. Coaching is an honor, and it is incredibly satisfying. I am helping a lot of kids, and parents, and I intend to do this for as long as I can," he said in an e-mail interview.
Berkshire Baseball always looks forward to new opportunities to promote baseball at every level, and this chance to participate with Potter and his team is truly remarkable. Berkshire advocates in maximizing and expanding youth baseball, and working with Potter is another advance in developing amateur athletes both on and off the field. With the season right around the corner, Berkshire is ahead of the game and is currently working on the final preparations for a successful 2010 season.  
Bus Trip to Inner Harbor & Camden Yards
 
Join us for a great day of baseball & fun on Saturday, June 5, 2010. 
 
Our bus will leave the Wal-Mart in Muhlenberg at 10:00 AM and we'll head to Baltimore's beautiful InnerHarbor where you'll have the afternoon to spend sightseeing and enjoying the area.
 
The day will be capped off by an exciting game between American League East rivals, the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles at OriolesPark at Camden Yards.
 
Price is only $78.00 per person and includes bus transportation and a ticket to the game. Seats are in section 352, rows 5-8.
 
For those interested, an optional tour of OriolesPark at Camden Yards is also available for an additiional $9.00 (adults) or $6.00 for children (under 14) and seniors (over 55).
Space is limited, so please act quickly.
 
Please contact Dan Clouser at 610-927-4306 or via e-mail at [email protected] to reserve your spot today.  
 

2010 Program Cover