They have yet to throw their first pitch, but Ottawa’s newest baseball team has already showed it’s got personality.
The organizers of the team showed its sense of humour yesterday, unveiling the name and logo for the Ottawa Fat Cats, which plays its first of 18 games in its inaugural season at the Ottawa Stadium on May 15.
When asked how they came up with the name, the Ottawa Stadium Group’s Duncan MacDonald said organizers came up with a list of possibilities, including the Ottawa Ice and Ice Dogs, but Fat Cats elicited the best response, he said.
“Independent minor league baseball is not the major leagues, but what it is, is a lot of fun,” said Intercounty Baseball League commissioner Joe O’Neill.
“Everything is great right now … we haven’t lost yet,” said head coach Bill Mackenzie.
Mackenzie said the team will be a “blend of youth and experience.
“We’re looking now at a few players that have had professional experience, some guys that have graduated from a four-year school in the States that are in the area or not far away.”
Mackenzie said he wants to restrict the roster to about 20 players.
Coun. Bob Monette said he was glad to see baseball back at the stadium.
“We have one of the most beautiful stadiums in Canada,” said Monette, adding that he hopes the city will also begin work this year to bring football back.
MacDonald also unveiled the ticket prices, which start at $6. There is no charge for children under six years and veterans and military members, and all tickets come with an OC Transpo bus ride to and from the game.
This is about getting people out to the games, MacDonald said. “And if we win, it’s going to be a bonus.”
