Capital Campaign

Braves Launch Capital Campaign

BOURNE BRAVES TO LIGHT UP DORAN PARK IN 2008 SEASON

Team Launches Capital Campaign to Raise Funds Needed to Turn Lights On and Finish Field

The Bourne Braves announced that for the first time in team history their players will play under “the lights” in 2008. Not since the days of playing at Keith Field in the 60’s and 70’s (the Braves were then known as the Clouters and Canalmen) has there been night games in Bourne. Ever since the Braves were formed and joined the Cape League it was a dream of having night games. Carole Valeri, the longest tenured board member, said “it was always our goal to have lights once we left the Mass Maritime (in 1996).” Well that dream and goal has been achieved thanks to the collaboration of the Bourne Braves and Upper Cape Tech and the generous donation of the Doran Family Foundation.

In 2006, the Braves moved to a state-of-the art field behind Upper Cape Tech High School. The partnership between the Braves and UCT has produced one of the best fields in the Cape League. On July 8th, 2007 the field was officially dedicated in the name of George Doran, Sr., a longtime Sagamore Beach resident and avid baseball fan. Doran Park was officially commemorated with a sign unveiling and on field dedication ceremony. The addition of lights to Doran Park will give the dedicated fan base a new experience in addition to bringing in new fans that have not experienced Braves baseball. “Imagine the stream of traffic coming over the bridge on a Friday night seeing lights at a ball field off in the distance and stopping to take in a game and learn more about Bourne,” describes Mike Carrier, General Manager of the Braves.

The vision of what Doran Park ultimately can be still requires a lot of work. “We have a beautiful playing field and our fans are enjoying the easier parking and more spacious viewing areas. But the big projects in addition to the lights to complete are finishing the press box and concession stand, setting up the batting cages & bullpens, additional netting to protect our fans waiting in line for concessions and adding a playground” says Jenabeth Ferguson, fundraising director for the Braves. “We have formed a steering committee to launch a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to turn the lights on and finish the field,” continues Ferguson. The Braves have ordered the lights but still need to raise $45,000 in order to turn them on for the 2008 season plus additional funds for the other projects. “A large portion of the work needed at Doran Park to date has been through in-kind donations of local businesses & unions and the work of the students & teachers at UCT; but we need to raise funds in order to complete the projects” remarked Ferguson.

The Capital Campaign Steering Committee has launced a campaign to raise $250,000 for the lights and other projects at Doran Park. Those interested in learning more can call 508-759-5574.