Danbury Westerners – More Than Just a Baseball Team

The warm weather over the past weekend has folks itching for summer – and what is more indicative of summer than a baseball game on a warm summer evening?  For over 100 years, Danbury is very lucky to have a rich history of baseball, thanks most recently to the Danbury Westerners – the players, coaches, board members, volunteers, host families -  and of course the fans.

The Danbury Westerners provide more than just baseball.  Their mission is “to provide Major League Baseball-supported summer professional development entertainment in the greater Danbury CT and NY area to enhance social and economic development and add value to the quality of summer living and vacationing throughout the region.”

What does that mean?

It means over 40 home and away games, plus special events, during June and July for summer baseball fun.  Young men from all over the country aspiring to join major league teams play for their own professional development and our entertainment.   Last year, a record nine former Westerners were selected in the 2011 MLB draft.  The Westerners also sponsor a host family program so that the ball players from around the country have comfortable living arrangements during the season.

It means summer camps for kids.  The Westerners provide an opportunity to work closely with the Future Stars of Major League Baseball and the Westerners’ coaches, allowing children the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball and improve all aspects of their performance.  Additional information is available at 21st Century Sports.

It means reaching out into the community with programs such as

-          Eager Readers Achieve (“ERA”) reading program

-          Free baseball clinic for 7-12 year olds

-          A nutrition and exercise program for schools

-          Players visiting senior citizens and patients at Danbury Hospital

It means special events for baseball fans.

On June 8, meet Jim Bouton, former New York Yankee and celebrated author along with all the Westerners players and coaches at the 2012 Celebrity Breakfast – 7:30 AM, at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.  Call 203-241-4605 for tickets.

Later that day, the Westerners celebrate Opening Day Weekend with the season opener against the Mystic Schooners.  First pitch is at 6:30PM.

On June 9 in conjunction with the Danbury Museum and Historical Society, attend a very special 1886 Vintage Baseball Game during the day, followed by the continuation of Opening Day Weekend as the Westerners host the North Adams SteepleCats.

On July 18^th the Westerners host their annual charity golf outing with among others, former New York Yankee All Star Tommy John and former New York Met Howard Johnson scheduled to appear.  Call 203-241-4655 for additional information, including an opportunity to golf with these athletes.

So join them for the fun!  June and July at Rogers Park, Danbury, game time 6:30 pm.  See www.DanburyWesterners.com for all the details!

BONUS!  “LIKE” Zunity.net on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Zunitynet) or comment on a Zunity.net article and you are entered to win 4 tickets to a Game!  Drawing is June 8!

 

Category: Miscellaneous