This spring has brought on a severe case of BlueJacket fever in Kitsap County. The symptoms, 781 season tickets sold and serious support from the Navy and area K-12 schools. The cure, it’s coming this summer. Opening night begins with pomp and circumstance and is followed by an exciting season of collegiate baseball at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Lift-off for BlueJackets baseball is Friday, June 10 as Kitsap entertains the 2004 NBC World Series Champion Aloha Knights of Gresham in a non-league contest. It is expected that there will be 1,200 fans for opening night and maybe more. The evening’s buzz starts with a pre-game sponsor party and kicks into high gear with a fly over by Navy EA6B Prowler Jets. WCCBL commissioner Jim Dietz will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and the United States Navy Band will perform the national anthem. Then the anticipation comes to an end as Kitsap County is formally introduced to BlueJackets’ baseball with the words “Play Ball”.

Kitsap is spreading BlueJacket fever by focusing its marketing efforts on the military, local businesses and schools. The Navy is the team’s premier sponsor and potentially its number one customer as 18,000 sailors call Bremerton home. The team has already made an impact at its local schools with the club’s Cadet Program. K-12 students can earn points in Math, Reading and Science that can be redeemed for free BlueJackets’ tickets. 6,000 kids (and counting) have registered. Season ticket sales for 2005 have been suspended. To get on a waiting list for 2006, call (360) 479-0123. Military, seniors and children receive a one dollar discount. Single game tickets go on sale May 1, at the Kitsap Mall information booth.

Also, the Kitsap BlueJackets are seeking community volunteers to host players and provide odd jobs. The players arrive around the first of June and will leave before the 15th of August.

A few players need housing for the whole summer while others only need housing periodically after a late home game. Host families provide players with housing and meals. In return, players share their baseball, school and life experiences.

Since collegiate players are not compensated, some of them desire to work so they have spending money during the school year. Since they will play about 50 games over the two month season, they are unable to work full or part time schedules. Instead, the players are willing to work odd jobs such as yard work, painting, and simple home repairs. Players are typically paid about $10 per hour for their services. Contact BlueJackets housing and jobs coordinator Jeannine Lewis at (360) 698-1090 if you would like to host a player or have odd jobs to schedule.

The Kitsap BlueJackets website address is www.kitsapblujackets.com, which includes a schedule and list of players.