Spinners Throw Down Super Bowl Bet to NYPL

LOWELL, MA - Four years ago the Lowell Spinners couldn't believe their luck when their New York-Penn league brethren wanted to back the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII against the undefeated New England Patriots. The Spinners came up on the short side of that wager and are seeking retribution in a challenge to the seven New York based NYPL teams in this year's Super Bowl re-match.

 

The bet, vastly superior to the minute wagers made by city mayors, would find each team's most beloved figure donning enemy colors for a home stand: each team's mascot would wear the opposing team's jersey during a homestand.

 

"After talking with my friend Canaligator (the Spinners beloved mascot), he is supremely confident in the Patriots," said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. "He is already dropping his spare jerseys off at the cleaners in preparation of the game."

 

Bawmann is no stranger to Super Bowl bets. Having staked his fortunes to the Patriots in 2008, Bawmann spent part of his summer barnstorming the New York-Penn League serving on the grounds crew in opposing team's parks.

 

"A little bit of Velcro atop David Tyree's helmet and next thing you know I find myself wearing a dress, dragging the dirt during a Brooklyn Cyclones game," said Bawmann. "History will not be repeating itself."

 

Thus far the Brooklyn Cyclones are the only team to accept the challenge.

 

The Spinners play in the New York-Penn League, a league that features seven teams based in New York state: the Auburn Doubledays, Batavia Muckdogs, Brooklyn Cyclones, Hudson Valley Renegades, Jamestown Jammers, Staten Island Yankees and Tri-City ValleyCats.

 

The Spinners are the league's only team based in Massachusetts.

 

"Each year we host Stephen Gostkowski for New England Patriots Night," said Bawmann. "I see the Patriots hoisting the Lombardi Trophy on a big kick from Stephen in the waning moments of the game."

 

The Spinners kick off the 2012 season Monday, June 18 at LeLacheur Park and look forward to cashing in on their bet throughout the summer while traveling through New York.