Tornadoes open Commonwealth Cup rivalry tonight
June 9, 2006 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release
BRAINTREE - The Worcester Tornadoes will take on the North Shore Spirit tonight as they kick off the Commonwealth Cup Rivalry. The Massachusetts State Lottery 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 is based on the games that match 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 first Commonwealth Cup game will occur on June 9th when North Shore travels to Worcester. For more information, contact the Worcester Tornadoes at 508-792-2288.
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