About the Polecats...
The following paragraphs briefly outline the purpose and mission of the Escanaba Polecats Adult Baseball Organization. The organization returns Amateur Adult Baseball to the Delta County area. The Polecats are members of the Wishigan (WI-MI) Home Talent League. The league encompasses the Upper Peninsula and Northeast Wisconsin, presently including two divisions. The North Division is home to Felch, Menominee, and Escanaba. In the South Division, teams such as Porterfield, McCallister, Peshtigo, Oconto, and Marinette are represented. The league has been functioning for over 25 years, with differing member cities being represented throughout the league's history (e.g. Beaver, WI and Quinnesec, MI).
The organization is the second attempt to bring family-oriented baseball on an adult level to Escanaba (the first being the Delta County Hawks). This year we will be competing in our fifth season. Although only in our fifth year, we have proven to be a competitive team at this level. In our inaugural rebirth, we posted a 10-11 record, losing in our first tournament game. The second year we improved to 13-11, losing in the League Championship to an undefeated veteran Marinette Redbird team. The third year we lost in the semi-finals to Marinette again but split the season series--winning for the first time on a no-hitter by Shaun Marenger. We went on to capture the 26th Annual U.P. Hardball Championship in Felch, Michigan, on Labor Day for the first time ever for Escanaba. This tournament features teams throughout the Midwest. Last year, we ended up 12-10, losing in the semifinals of the league playoffs.
A gradual improvement of this team has taken place through the support of our community's talented American Legion programs, both at Escanaba and Gladstone. Players who have enjoyed representing their communities at this level and wanted to further their involvement for the sake of the local interests have been able to do so. This organization has also provided necessary competition for these ballplayers to succeed at the collegiate/professional levels. Scholarships have been earned through their sports endeavors. Some notable current and former Wishigan players from the area include: Kevin Tapani (Chicago Cubs), Dave Elliott (Milwaukee Brewers organization), Jude VanDamme (CMU and College World Series), Bob Wickman (Milwaukee Brewers), Troy Randall (Ferris State), Paul Brunelle (Olivet and St. Bonaventure), Tom Ohman (Grand Valley State), Mike Faust (CMU), Bill Nelson (SVSU and CMU), Dan Beauchamp (Olivet), Brian Grall (Cardinal Stritch), and Dan Block (Milw. School of Engineering). A list of our current players can be found by
clicking here. Community leaders such as Dr. William LeMire, Willard Carne, and Marty Fittante have shown support for this program. We also feel this organization brings additional monies into the community from rival non-local teams through league games, non-conference games, and league tournament games. We are attempting to schedule our first tournament here this year. As you can see, the community has the opportunity to realize many benefits from the Escanaba Polecats baseball team. The games played provide inexpensive, quality, family-oriented entertainment in the form of the great American pastime: baseball.
As you may expect, we incur significant expenses during the season. Examples of these expenses include insurance, umpire fees, and baseball equipment, just to name a few. Because we do not charge admission or operate concessions, we generate zero revenue as a team. If we continue to improve on generating interest in our program, we will be able to operate concessions and be a bit more self-supportive. The only source of revenue the team has comes from player and sponsor donations. Currently, each player is asked to find a sponsor who will contribute a monetary donation to the team. A sponsor fee of $100 per player helps cover the bare minimum expenses incurred throughout the year. Donations greater than this help to increase the quality of our organization and make it possible for financially-strapped individuals to participate. The Polecats view sponsorship as a two-way street. We will promote patronage to your business or organization in every way possible. Our players have several personal contacts throughout all areas of the community that will be helpful in promoting our sponsors. Also, all of our sponsors who donate before our schedules go to press will be listed on our schedules (thank you Rose Park Press!). We are also hoping to broadcast some games on the radio this year, another excellent advertising medium.
By all means, we welcome you to attend any of our games or follow us in the Daily Press. Our home games are played at the Al Ness field in Escanaba, next to the EHS football field. Our
schedule will be printed in the Daily Press and will be readily available from any of the players.
Thank you for taking the time to read this proposal. If you cannot make a donation at this time, thank you for your consideration. For those that are making donations, your gift is greatly needed and your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
The Escanaba Polecats
For more information, contact Scott Creten: e-mail:
cretensc@yahoo.com