Thank you for a great season!!
From Coach Blaine Spencer, photo by JC’s Photography
As I began the 1,108-mile journey to Hornell, NY, I did not really know what to expect in terms of being the head coach of the Steamers. I have had some conversations with Paul Welker, Steamers General Manager, and a few different people about what the summer season would look like. I knew that there was a baseball field that has been played on since the early 1900s and that the game of baseball is rooted deeply within this community. I also knew that this franchise has been operating since 1994 and many great players have come through this organization. I was confident that the team in which I had put together could go out and put on a show for Hornell every day. I knew that the summer weather in Western New York was to die for, especially being from Louisiana – where the heat index can reach 115 degrees at the hottest points in the summer. I knew that there would be host families that would provide housing for our players. Paul mentioned to me that there was a board of directors to help him with the grind of the thirty-six-game season that we would be taking on this summer.
All of these things I had the opportunity to witness and be a part of this summer, and I will forever be grateful for this summer leading the Steamers every day. This experience and opportunity will be with me for the rest of my life because I did not just get better as a coach, I got better as a person.
Thank You:
- I want to thank Coach Bill Dailey for recommending me to be the Head Coach to Paul. Without Bill, I would have never stepped foot in Hornell, much less lead the Steamers for a summer season. I am thankful for all that you have done for me Coach and allowing me to have this great opportunity.
- I want to thank Paul Welker for hiring me as the Head Coach of the Steamers and all you have done for the players and coaches this summer. We appreciated all that you did for us this summer, thanks Paul.
- I want to thank Coach Tom Kenney for starting this franchise thirty years ago and all of the advice you have given me.
- I want to thank my assistant coaches, Jake Kenney and Asher Ackridge, for all of the work that you guys put in for the players and this organization. This season would not have been as good as it was without you guys.
- I want to thank the players for coming to play for the Steamers this summer. You guys busted your tails every single day and put on a show for this community every time you took the field. It was an honor to lead you and to be a part of your collegiate careers.
- I want to thank Coach Barry Dean for taking me under your wing this summer. You not only made me a better coach, but you made me a better Catholic and held me accountable every day.
- I want to thank the Board of Directors: Matt and Jamie Clark, Steve DeSanto, Peggy Lynn Plank, Craig Hoyt, Bob and Julie Evans, Scott and Nancy Evans, and Kris McMindes. Thanks for all the hard work that you guys put in each and every year for the Steamers.
- I want to thank Ray Nankenvil and all of the maintenance crew for all the work that they put in on the grounds of Maple City Park.
- I want to thank our sponsors for supporting us this summer. This team could not operate without your support, thank you for your generosity
- Thanks to all of our host families. It means so much to me and this organization that you were willing to open up your homes and give our players a place to stay this summer. All of you went above and beyond to be sure our guys felt at home for the summer and I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for this organization.
- John Williams for taking pictures of us in action throughout the season.
- Finally, I want to thank our fans. Thank you for coming out and supporting us this season and being in our corner through all of the ups and downs. We really appreciate your continuous support throughout this summer season.
The season did not end the way we all wanted it to, but looking back I was very proud of how hard these players played each and every day. Playing every day is not easy and they answered the bell day in and day out. This team did so many great things and gave this community and organization many things to be proud of.
Once again, thank you Hornell for the great summer!
Sincerely,
Blaine B. Spencer
Hornell Steamers Head Coach
