Northern League (2002)
Northeast League (2003)
Tombstone
Born: October 2001 – The Massachusetts Mad Dogs relocate to Pittsfield, MA
Moved: December 2003 (New Haven County Cutters)
First Game: May 24, 2002 (W 2-1 vs. Allentown Ambassadors)
Last Game: September 1, 2003 (L 14-6 vs. Brockton Rox)
Northern League Championships: None
Stadium
Wahconah Park (4,000)12003 Northeast League Media Guide
Dimensions (2003): LF 334′, CF 374′, RF 333′
Ownership & Affiliation
Major League Affiliation: Independent
Owner: Jonathan Fleisig
Attendance
Editor's Pick
Foul Ball
My Fight to Save an Old Ballpark
By Jim Bouton
“Now in his fifth decade of telling the truth no matter the consequences, Bouton proves that a badly-run city government can be just as dangerous – and just as hilarious – as a badly-run baseball team.”
-Keith Olbermann, Broadcaster
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Background
The Berkshire Black Bears were an effort to establish independent professional baseball at historic Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Northern League club arrived in Pittsfield close on the heels of the departing Pittsfield Astros of the Major League-affiliated New York-Penn League.
Former Boston Red Sox slugger George “Boomer” Scott managed the Black Bears in the first season in 2002. Scott had a history in Pittsfield. As a 21-year old prospect in 1965, he won the Eastern League triple crown in 1965 with the Pittsfield Red Sox. His managerial tenure would not be as successful. The Black Bears finished in last place with a 24-65 record in 2002. Scott was dismissed at the end of the season.
The team improved only marginally in 2003 under new field manager Darren Bush. The Black Bears’ 41-51 record left them outside the playoffs once again.
The Black Bears moved to New Haven, Connecticut in December 2003. The franchise eventually folded once and for all in October 2007 after four seasons in Connecticut.
Berkshire Black Bears Shop
Downloads
May 2002 Black Bear News Program Insert
2002 Black Bear News Program Insert
Links
##