The North Shore Spirit Is Laid To Rest

Thanks to Facebook.com I recently caught wind of a petition, in both paper and online form established to save Fraser Field. Located in Lynn, Massachusetts, Fraser Field is currently home to the minor-league baseball team the North Shore Spirit of the independent Can-Am League for the 2007 season.

"Please find a way to bring the North Shore Spirit back to Lynn next year. We're all big Spirit fans. A lot of us kids have spent almost every summer for the last five years at Spirit games. We'll miss going to the games with all our friends and seeing the new friends we made at the Fraser Field. The Spirit is the best part of living in Lynn and the city is taking it away from us. It'll be so sad for the kids that won't have anything to do. We love the Spirit! The city and Mayor Chip Clancy HAVE to find a way to bring the North Shore Spirit back to Fraser Field next season."

I would not have thought twice about submitting my name on the online petition forum powered by iPetitions.com and supporting this local cause headed by young Lynn resident, Victoria, had it not been for University of Massachusetts Professor Ethan Katsh's words of wisdom: "Do you really know what you are signing up for?" It made me curious enough to take the time before clicking the "I agree" box and find out what signing my name actually entailed.

Unfortunately on September 20, 2007, Victoria's 400 plus signatures were not enough to "Save Our Spirit." Team owner, Nick Lopardo posted a letter to fans on their official website announcing that the team would no longer be playing baseball in 2008.

"We have enjoyed many successes both on and off the playing field, none of which would have been possible without your support, for which we are forever grateful. The success of a ball club is not measured in just wins and losses or in strictly business terms, but rather on the faces of our fans, young and old alike. We look out on our field and see children running the bases with our mascot ‘Slugger’ and fathers and sons enjoying a game of catch on our outfield. You can’t put a price on that kind of joy. These are opportunities to teach good lessons of life, family, and community. The North Shore Spirit fan friendly experience has left us knowing all the good that can be accomplished in minor league baseball. We will take that with us. Once again we thank you for your support of North Shore Spirit Professional Baseball and for “Catching the Spirit” here at historic Fraser Field."

Victoria who grew up on Spirit games plans to continue her campaign in order to get the team back on the mound for next season. This morning, Victoria reported 508 signatures both off and online and is eager for more. Check out Victoria's online blog and do your part-after reading what you are signing up for of course and support this good cause.

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