After years of dreaming, on Friday, June 10, Silverdale attorney and former state legislator Rick Smith will hear two words that will make his longtime dream come true — “Play Ball!”
   Smith has tried for years to bring minor league baseball to Kitsap County and he, along with four other business partners, have finally succeeded. The Kitsap BlueJackets, playing in the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL), will open their inaugural season June 10 at the new ballpark at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
   Smith’s partners in the organization are Charlie Cates and Paul Peterson, owners of the Cloverleaf Tavern in Bremerton, retired jewelers Wynne Goldberg-Littman and her husband Charles Littman, Bruce Bordenick, an engineer at PSNS, and Silverdale C.P.A. Chuck Huddleston.
   “This is very rewarding for me,” said an obviously elated Smith. “A lot of people have done a lot of hard work to get us here. This is going to be a wonderful asset for our community.”
   “We wanted to give the people of Kitsap County a source of good, wholesome, family entertainment,” added Chuck Huddleston.
   The business community has taken to the BlueJackets in a huge way, supporting the team through advertising on outfield signs, the game day program, pocket schedules and on the radio, not to mention the purchase of tickets.

The Kitsap BlueJackets ownership team. L-R: Charlie Cates, Paul Peterson, Steve Stagner, Charlie Littman, Wynne Littman, Bruce Bordenick, Chuck Huddleston, Rick Smith

   KITZ AM1400 will broadcast all the games, and only has a few available commercials left. All of the ad space in the 40-page program has been sold out, as has all the outfield signage and the ad space on the pocket schedules. According to team spokesman Steve Stagner, the only opportunities remaining are a few game night premium giveaways, and some game sponsorships.
   The entire community seems to be caught up in the epidemic of BlueJacket fever, as the team has sold out of all of its reserved season tickets. It only has single game seats left for the rest of the season — and there is already a waiting list for 2006. To get on that list, call (360) 479-0123. Single game tickets are available at the Kitsap Mall information booth, and with military, seniors and children receiving a one-dollar discount.
   There has also been serious support from the U.S. Navy — the team’s premier sponsor — and with 18,000 sailors that call Bremerton home, potentially its number one customer. The Navy has also arranged a fly over by its EA6B Prowler Jets for opening night.
   Area schools are also involved in the effort. 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. More than 6,000 kids have registered.
   “Baseball is like apple pie,” said Charles Littman. “This is a dream come true for me and a great opportunity for our community to get behind something so wonderful.” He was also quick to give credit to the county commissioners for their efforts in supporting the team and putting together a first class facility for it to play in.
   It is expected the stands will be packed for opening night, which will begin with a pre-game sponsor party and kick into high gear as the United States Navy Band performs the national anthem, the EA6B Prowlers roar overhead and WCCBL commissioner Jim Dietz tosses out the ceremonial first pitch. Then all the anticipation, all the hard work, and Rick Smith’s dream come to a climax as Kitsap County is formally introduced to BlueJackets’ baseball with those immortal words, “Play Ball!”
   Kitsap County’s first minor league ballgame ever will be a non-league game between the BlueJackets and the 2004 NBC World Series Champion Aloha Knights of Gresham. North Mason native Kevin Mack will call the games on KITZ.
   “Sixteen years of effort by a lot of people have culminated in a first class facility, in a brand new league, with tremendous public support,” said a happy Charlie Cates. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
   “We’ve had a lot of positive reaction from the community,” added Bruce Bordenick. “It just feels good to do something to support and improve our community.”
   Matt Acker, who is currently the head coach of Green River Community College, will manage the team. Previously he served as head coach and recruiting coordinator at St. Martin’s College in Lacey. During his tenure as head coach of the Triple Play Hornets, Acker led his team to the 2003 USABF National Championship. Two of his former players are now playing professional baseball — David Patton is with the Colorado Rockies organization and Pedro Hawkins is with the Cincinnati Reds minor league team, the Sarasota Reds.
   Since the players aren’t professionals, but college students, the BlueJackets are still seeking community volunteers to host players and provide odd jobs for them. Collegiate players are not compensated, and some of them are actively looking for work so they have spending money during the school year. Since they will play about 50 games over the two-month season, they’re unable to schedule full or part time jobs. Instead, they’re 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.
   A few of the players will need housing for the whole summer while others only need it periodically after a late home game. Host families will provide players with housing and meals, and in return, the players will share their baseball, school, and life experiences. They began arriving around this week and will leave before Aug. 15.
   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.
   For more information, visit www.kitsapblujackets.com, which includes a complete game schedule, list of players and more.