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Spirit team up with Rox, Tornadoes and Lottery for Commonwealth Cup

May 22, 2006 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
North Shore Spirit News Release


BRAINTREE - The Massachusetts State Lottery today joined with the Brockton Rox, North Shore Spirit, and Worcester Tornadoes, to announce the creation of the Commonwealth Cup Series - a season-long competition pitting the three Massachusetts baseball teams in the Can-Am League against one another in a battle for state supremacy.

The Lottery is the presenting sponsor of the Commonwealth Cup Series which matches each of the three teams against one another this season. Brockton will play 24 games in the series (12 games against both North Shore and Worcester) and North Shore and Worcester will play 26 games (12 against Brockton, 14 against each other). The team with the highest winning percentage in the series will be crowned the Commonwealth Cup champions.

State Treasurer Tim Cahill, who also serves as Lottery Chairman, will present the victorious team with the Commonwealth Cup Trophy before the final home game of the 2006 season between North Shore and Worcester at Worcester's Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.

"We are proud to be the sponsor of the Commonwealth Cup," said Treasurer Cahill. "Much like the Lottery, these baseball clubs provide entertainment to the residents of Massachusetts. The competition for the Cup will generate additional fun and excitement for fans throughout the season."

The competition should be fierce this season, especially considering how strong the teams have been in seasons past. The teams have won two of the past three league titles- Brockton in 2003, and Worcester in 2005 - and have combined to make five Championship Series appearances during that time.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. It really helps generate a rivalry between teams," said Worcester native and Tornadoes Manager Rich Gedman." "I think it's a good idea," noted North Shore Skipper John Kennedy. "It will generate good local baseball interest for this area, much like the Red Sox have done with the Twins in spring training." Chris Miyake of the Brockton Rox concurred, "We want to knock them (North Shore and Worcester) off whatever chance we can, so why not put a trophy on the line too?"

In addition to the Commonwealth Cup partnership, the Lottery has entered into sponsorship agreements with each of the three teams for various promotional opportunities throughout the 2006 season.

The 2006 Can-Am League season begins on May 23rd when Worcester takes on New Jersey. Brockton opens against New Haven and North Shore travels to Nashua on the 25th of May to open their respective seasons. The first Commonwealth Cup game will occur on June 9th when North Shore travels to Worcester.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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