Dear Gatemen Friends and Family -

A heartfelt thanks to those of you who supported the Wareham Gatemen Friends and Family Program in 2009 as well as in past years and to those of you who would like to become a member of this select group: Welcome!

Friends and Family are financial supporters prominently listed in a full-page ad in our yearly Media Guide and are just one of the many ways you can show your support for our organization.

The Wareham Gatemen is one of 10 teams that make up the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL), whose beginnings date back to 1885. The Gatemen, like the CCBL are both non -profit organizations dependent upon financial support from sponsors, grants and donors. This NCAA sanctioned wooden bat league has been a prominent source of Major League baseball players for decades —Jason Varitek, Lance Berkman, Ben Sheets, Nomar Garciaparra, Barry Zito, Mike Lowell, Carlos Pena, Evan Longoria and Jacoby Ellsbury and nearly 200 others are currently playing in Major League Baseball today after having played in the Cape Cod Baseball League.    Hundreds of other players who have retired from baseball or served professionally in other levels of the sport also are products of the CCBL.

When a player comes to Cape Cod, he is placed in a private home with his own 'host family' - a built in cheering squad—who help make the transition away from home easier. The baseball schedule is short but busy and all players work to pay for their room and board while playing baseball every day.

Relationships made on Cape last a lifetime — these young men from all over the country meet each other for the first time on a playing field and bond over their love of and skill at baseball. These players become part of our communities - not only are they providing free top quality games each day, but they work in our towns, mentor our youth at baseball clinics, and participate in reading programs and charity projects.

How the CCBL and each team manage such a great program can be summed up in one word: Volunteers!    Hundreds of volunteers make this league successful, along with loyal advertisers, businesses and donors like you. Whether you are from Cape Cod or elsewhere in this great country - if you love baseball, small town America and watching college baseball players dreams come true - you will want to part of this amazing program.

On behalf of the Wareham Gatemen Baseball Organization, we ask you to give generously to our Friends and Family Program. Thank you.

Friends and Family Form Download

Best Regards

Thomas P. Gay                                                              Cindy Parola
General Manager                                                        VP, Marketing

Below, please find a listing of the many other ways to be involved with the Gatemen.

Housing:   If you live in the Wareham area and have a spare bedroom, you can act as a “Host Family” for one or more players for approximately ten weeks (June through early August).  The player needs only a bedroom and breakfast foods, and the host family receives a weekly stipend.  Any transportation or extra food expenses are not required.  This type of relationship can be a wonderful experience for the whole family, and often the relationship continues throughout the player’s lifetime - including their journey from the Cape League to the Major Leagues.  Please contact Sheri Gay at 508-748-0287 or E-mail her at sheri.gay4gatemen@comcast.net.

Hiring:  Each team must provide a work opportunity for each player.  The employer must have some flexibility to accommodate for practices and a game every evening.  If you own a business in the area and can hire a player at $10 an hour or more, we would be so grateful to hear from you.  Please contact Tom or Sheri Gay at 508-748-0287 or E-mail them at tom.gay@gatemen.org or sheri.gay4gatemen@comcast.net

Meals Program:  Many area churches and restaurants have kindly opened their doors to feed approximately 30 team members and coaches after the games.  The biggest problem with this commitment is that many games do not get over until 10 pm.  Therefore, box dinners are necessary for some games.  Supporting the team by sponsoring a post-game meal would be greatly appreciated.  If your church or business is interested in helping, or you would like to make a donation specifically earmarked for meals, please contact Al Blanchard at 508-246-6123 or E-mail albey25@yahoo.com. Your business will be announced as sponsoring the meal at the game.

Advertising:  If you have a business or company affiliation and could benefit from being part of our multi-media advertising approach, please consider becoming a Gatemen Corporate Sponsor.  From web advertising to sponsoring our internet broadcasts, ads in our Media Guide, outfield signs and event nights - the advertising opportunities are endless.  Let us tailor one for you!  Contact Leanne Schiller at leanne@grassrootsmarketingusa.com .

Volunteering:  No matter what your time commitment is, there is always a place for you - especially during the baseball season from mid-June through mid-August. .  With 22 home games, the Wareham Gatemen are always looking for friendly gatekeepers, game helpers, field dinner helpers—there is no end to the many tasks throughout the season and the year.  The Cape Cod League would not exist if it weren’t for the volunteers that selflessly give of their time year after year - truly angels, each and every one.   Can you be a Gatemen Angel?  Please contact Sheri Gay at 508-748-0287 or E-mail her at sheri.gay4gatemen@comcast.net.

Gift Certificates:  Many area businesses and restaurants have generously donated to our 50/50 raffle with gift certificates. We are so grateful, but we can always use more.  We can take a product donation or gift certificates and, in some cases, coupons. However, we cannot accept promotions that are advertised to the general public or if the amount is not sufficient to equal other comparable offers.  Most certificates have a value of $20 or more.  In turn, you would receive a 10-second public address mention for each and every certificate that you present.  Please contact Cynthia Dawicki at 508-758-6940 or cdawicki90@comcast.net.

Friends and Family:  This brings us back to why we have started this program in the first place.  If there is one way that can help and be in a select group of people who truly remain our friends and family forever, please send us a donation in your name.  A full-page list of names will be included in the program for the current year provided that your donation is received on or before May 1, 2010.

Friends and Family Form Download

BECOME A HOST FAMILY

          GAME DAY AT          SPILLANE FIELD

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