endeavors is the fact that “there’s something going on every night.” Besides promotions typically found in the big leagues such as bobblehead figure nights, fans — and residents on the north side of town — are treated to fireworks every Friday night.

When he’s not rallying the Sliders faithful on game nights, Feller busies himself performing outreach with a Sliders reading program in local schools and cross-promotions with other sporting events such as Junior Blues games, the Springfield Mile motorcycle race and the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

While disruptions in the national economy have had negative consequences for amateur baseball in the past, the current slump has been somewhat of a boon for the Sliders.

“With gas prices hitting $4 a gallon, people chose to stay close to Springfield,” Feller says of last season. For added excitement this season, the Sliders have juiced up their coaching staff by signing a pair of champion big leaguers in pitching coach Danny Cox and field manager Jack Clark, who replaces Ryan Sawyer, who left after last season for a job with Purdue.

While the former Cardinals, who played together from 1985 to 1988, are expected to draw crowds, Feller has also planned to give away bobbleheads of Cox, Clark and Speedy, the mascot. The season begins with an away game against the Quincy (Ill.) Gems on Thursday, June 4. In addition, the CICL rebranded itself in the off-season as the Prospect League, expanding from seven to 11 teams that span Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Still, Feller is confident that the Sliders remain the team to beat this season.

“With Jack and Danny and the guys we have returning, yeah, we’re going to have a bull’s-eye on our backs,” he says. “We just plan to defend our championship.”

The Sliders first home game is Wednesday, June 10, against the Hannibal (Mo.) Caveman. For complete schedules, ticket prices and promotions information, call 679-3511 or visit www.springieldsliders.com.

Contact R.L. Nave at [email protected].