There Has Been A Black Bear Sighting In WV
By Bill Nestor Sports Editor
It is true there has been a Black Bear sighting in Morgantown but there is no reason to run unless you are heading to the ballpark.
The West Virginia Black Bears are a minor league baseball team based out of Morgantown that is currently playing in its inaugural season in the New York-Penn League. They are an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and similar to the Bucs they find themselves playing impressive baseball and in the mix for post-season possibilities.
The Black Bears have been clawing the competition recently and a sizable win streak has them sitting in second place their division. They are chasing the hottest team in any of the three divisions, the Williamsport Crosscutters.
There are fourteen teams that comprise the three divisions. Only four of them, including the Black Bears have a winning record at home, which indicates parity amongst these squads.
Obviously the three division winners will move on to postseason play but there will also be one wild card club moving on. As of now the Black Bears are battling to overtake the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Staten Island Yankees for the final playoff spot. There are also eight additional teams within five games of that coveted position. The Black Bears are getting the job done at the plate and on the mound. They are third in hitting by putting the ball in play while leading in RBI’s. On the mound they allow just under four runs an outing, good for sixth.
Not only are the Black Bears playing a good brand of baseball, they have several other things going for them.
There is no place like home and the Monongalia County Ballpark is a castle. This facility is also in its first year of operation coming off of a warm up from the West Virginia Mountaineers that broke it in during the collegiate season. It cost roughly 21 million dollars, owns an all-synthetic turf (except the pitcher’s mound), and seats 3,500. It was also voted Ballpark Digests’ Short-Season A’s Best Ballpark.
Another huge draw for fans is the quality promotions that have something for everyone.
Let’s take a look at next week. On Monday, August 3rd it’s Military Appreciation Night. Wednesday it’s Bark In The Park. Thursday Myron Nood Leman will be in attendance. Friday caps off the week with Fireworks Night. The hardest decision for fans is to pick which games that they would like to attend.
After next week there are four more weeks left with home games left in them for the Black Bears, which will provide another fourteen chances for fans to become a part of history. This is the first time that a professional baseball team has called Morgantown home. That in itself brings a sense of pride to not just Touchdown City but the surrounding area as well. Another thing to consider is that you don’t know whom you are watching. These current players are trying to make a name for themselves and if they succeed they could possibly make it to the Big Stage. You have to start somewhere so why not here?
That will do it for now. Until next week…take care and God Bless!
