Get out the peanuts and Crackerjacks, Clearwater will have a new game it town this summer with the introduction of their new amateur baseball team, the River Cats.

 

With a 10 game schedule this season, the new team promises to provide fun and entertainment for the whole community to get out and enjoy.

 

Because Sportsman’s Park in Clearwater is home to a regulation baseball field, the city approached ball player and CLAYBA coach Israel Carper about the possibility of starting a home team. Currently, residents interested in amateur baseball only had the option of joining the Clear Lake baseball team. 

 

The Minnesota Baseball Association, which is the governing board of amateur baseball, was very supportive in helping get the team set up. This season the River Cats will be playing as an independent team, but will be official when the 2020 season begins.

 

All the players on the new team are from Clearwater, many of whom Carper coached in their CLAYBA (Clear Lake Area Youth Baseball Assoc.) careers.

 

The River Cats played their first game Friday in Upsula; their first home game at Sportsman’s Park is this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come out and show their support for the new team.

 

The games are $3, under 12 are free. Kids who come to the game wearing their youth baseball uniform will receive free freeze pops. Money raised will be used for hiring umpires and purchasing team supplies.

 

“Town ball is what it’s all about,” said Carper.

 

The River Cats are looking for team sponsors; those that donate will have their business names on the outfield fence and on the team’s social media. Interested parties can call or email Israel Carper at 320-493-2016, ijcconstruction@yahoo.com.