The few “yay-hoos” that act like idiots by ragging the other team’s players, using vulgar language, shouting at opponents with so many “little league, tired, worn out cliche’s do indeed ruin it if someone is sitting near these clowns.

Thank goodness they are the minority at LaGrave Field!!!

The Cats’ management has done a fantastic job of putting quality product on the field year in and year out, and that is a testament to the commitment to have quality baseball in Fort Worth.

Keep up the great job!!! And most importantly, KEEP THE CATS HERE!! We love’em!!!!!!!!

When you work in minor league baseball you know that for the players on your team, your city is not their ultimate dream and desination. every player is trying to make it to mthe big leagues. But for that given point in time, this is their big league dream. (this is a little bit different with some splayers in independent leagues like the American association, but by and largestill true.)

John’s philosophy has always been the same and he preached it to three very important groups.

He told the staff to treat all the players like big leaguers. Within the budget restraints, make the clubhouse as nice as possible, purchase the best lookng uniforms, find the best mascot, make the ballpark sparkle, treat every fan as a guest and immerse yourself in the community, doing your part to make it a better place. In short, make it a big league experience in a minor league town. the aim is to make it the players’ favorite stop during their quest to the big leagues.

He asked the fans to emrace our team. He has had a Knot Hole Gang type booster club in each city that he has run clubs. He realizes great fans make for a great experience for the players on winning ball clubs or on teams that struggle. He asks the fans to treat the players like the big leaguers many of them will be. He asks the fans to win and lose wih class. He implores the fans to treat the visiting teams as guests. They are the opponent not the enemy. John has always tried to provide the best hotel in the league for the visiting teams, as well as the best visiting clubhouse environment. This mission has been accomplished in Fort Worth.

John always lets the players know, in their frst meeting of the year, everything mentioned above. He asks them to be a part of the community. He invites them to get to know the fans and he promises to treat them like big leaguers. He asks them to win with class and dignity. He also asks that as much as they hate to lose, to handle that also with class and dignity.

Fort Worth is where The Best Begins. The Cats are a fine example. So are the Cats’ fans

Thanks to Carl & Linda Bell, John & Lois Dittrich, John Bilbow & his staff, Chad Tredaway, Twig and the rest of the baseall staff the Cats are always WINNERS.

Go Cats!!