The Sunshine Report The World Begins Anew… ‘Jay shares the excitement of spring training and the arrival the new season – against the backdrop of a snowy New Hampshire day in March’ When it’s spring in New England, and the Red Sox head south, that’s the sign! A whole new season of baseball – as well as life – beckons before us. It’s that moment when all once again seems possible. Whatever our dreams, we’re starting fresh. There is an excitement and a deep abiding belief that this is the year. We’re on our way to the best season ever! Hall of Famer Ernie Banks once said, “Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism and baseball.” To go one step further, Spring training is a symbol of renewal and revitalization, something we can all take a note from. Spring historically has been a time for new beginnings, often associated with rebirth, renewal, and growth. As the season follows the long, dark winter months, it brings with it a sense of hope and new beginnings. Just as plants and trees begin to bloom and the air becomes warmer or as baseball players use spring training to hone their skills, we too can use this period to shake the frost of winter and bring some new energy into our lives. For a sports fan like me, with spring just around the corner, it can only mean one thing: baseball! But before the season can begin, spring training is an essential part of the preparation before the start of the regular season. While it may seem odd that teams play almost an entire month’s worth of games that don’t mean anything come October during the Playoff’s, spring training is actually crucial to how teams perform well into the season. From player conditioning to team building, skill development and competing for roster spots, spring training provides an opportunity for players to get in shape, work on their skills, and develop chemistry with their teammates. On an even larger level, spring bespeaks numerous values, both practical and cultural, that make it an important season. From an agricultural side, it’s the time of year when crops are typically planted, and the growth of plants is stimulated by the warmer weather and increased sunlight. Environmentally, spring plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Earth's ecosystems. As plants and trees begin to grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, helping to regulate the climate. And culturally it brings holidays and celebrations such as Easter, and more generally, we partake in cleanses, spiritually, mentally, and physically. So, while spring training may just seem like the start of the baseball season, it’s actually an important symbol – a harbinger of so much more for each of us to embrace, celebrate and enjoy! Read The Report Spring Training - New Hampshire Style Read More The History of Spring Training Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Rick Brenner, CEO, NH Fisher Cats This week we are delighted to highlight a truly innovator and sports entertainment icon in the Granite State, Rick Brenner, CEO of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Most everyone – young and old - loves baseball. We cheer our favorite teams, we make memories along the way, and we enjoy park food and entertainment. But in order to enjoy America’s greatest pastime, it takes people behind the scenes and outstanding leadership to ensure it happens. And Rick truly epitomizes this important role. In fact, Rick has one of the greatest resumes you’ll ever see when it comes to sports entertainment, and his vision truly is the memorable quote from the movie, ‘Field of Dreams,’ “If you build it, they will come.” Rick took his knowledge and training from the Disney Institute and put it right to work as General Manager of the minor league team, the Trenton Thunder. For 10 years, Rick brought the ball club's family experience to new levels. His focus on fun, friendly, and family resulted in numerous awards including attendance records for minor league professional sports. And then he came to the Granite State. Rick’s first stint with the NH Fisher Cats was in the early mid 2000’s when the Fisher Cats came to town. Rick was instrumental in the construction of Northeast Delta Dental Stadium and its connection and commitment to the community. Rick oversaw every piece of the stadium development and made sure it fit the Queen City’s splendor while establishing some of the best entertainment around. It was personal for Rick. In fact, Rick trained his golden retriever Ollie to be the official bat dog of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Ollie became a national hit and was loved by everyone who saw him both on and off the field. In addition to the on-field activities of the team, Rick has played a key role in the Fisher Cats Foundation that has raised nearly $2 million dollars for programs including the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. The annual baseball dinner organized by the foundation is an annual treat for baseball enthusiasts to meet some of the region's greatest ballplayers. So why the ‘first stint?’ Where did Rick go? Turns out that Rick would depart the Fisher Cats in 2013 to take the reins of Michigan Motor Speedway. Under his leadership, the fast action speedway featuring NASCAR’s biggest names brought new opportunities to the track including motor clubs and concerts. The fan experience and family culture created new and exciting opportunities for the track and the state, but New Hampshire was home for Rick. In 2020, despite a global pandemic, Rick became a minority owner in the Fisher Cats and today has assumed the role of CEO. Being back in the 603 full-time, Rick is excited to expand on the ‘foundation for fun’ he created. So along with his hardworking and dedicated team, Rick will continue to bring top notch sports entertainment for us all to enjoy – while also supporting opportunities to ‘do good’ in the community. Rick is truly one of the Granite State’s favorites! And I think we all can agree that “Rick is successfully ‘hitting it out of the park!’ Quote of the Week "Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism and baseball. Spring training is a time to think about being young again." - Ernie Banks     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]