Bighorns coming in 2007

While it may be the middle of winter, plans are already underway to bring high level baseball to Carson City in the summer of 2007.

The Nevada Bighorns will begin its inaugural season in the summer of 2007. The team is being organized to bring a collegiate-level summer baseball program to Carson City and the surrounding area. The team has a board which is now making plans for the upcoming season.

The plan is for the team to have a roster of 20-25 players consisting of graduated high school players, collegiate players and former college players from Western Nevada Community College the Carson, Douglas, Lyon and Washoe Counties and the Tahoe area.

Finishing touches are already being put on a schedule that will feature about 40 games against collegiate and semi-pro level teams from Northern Nevada, California and the Western Region. Included on the schedule are six Wednesday night games against the Reno Astros at Moana Stadium. The team's home games are scheduled for Ron McNutt Field.

Included in the program is a strict player code of conduct contract that all players must sing. Requirements of the contract include striving to be a model citizen and the promise not to use any form of tobacco. It's also stated that others will be notified, including collegiate coaches and professional scouts, if the player violates the contract.

Head coach for the team will be Dennis Young, who's also the board president. He will be assisted by Paul Schlange. Cal Lewis, a senior starting infielder for the South Dakota State baseball team, will also be a player-coach.

The team is now seeking sponsors for the program. Sponsorship levels range from $25-$300. Sponsorships are 100 percent tax deductible. A Web site for the team is also under construction.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the team or any prospective players interested in playing for the Bighorns can contact Young, (775) 721-3024 or (775) 267-2283 or at dyoung1544@yahoo.com.