Baseball in Lowell

The “Canaligator,” Spinners mascot.

The sun sets at LeLacheur Park in Lowell

Arrows point the direction to Fenway Park.

Lowell Spinners relief pitcherJohn Duffy warmed up in 1996.

Bret Saberhagen pitched for the Spinners during a rehab stint in 1997.

The Spinners bgan construction on their current ballpark back in 1997.

Jonathan Papelbon posed with a bobblehead created from his likeness.

The grand opening of LeLacheur Park in 1998

Giimmicks and promotions are a big part of the minor league baseball experience, and the Lowell Spinners have their share, including Shaun O’Hearn of Lowell who drew stares and smiles in 1998 as he and his partner Patrick Macaulay (also from Lowell),walked the stands selling foam fingers, the hook being Shaun in a costume that made it appear that he was being carried in a cage by a gorilla.

Michael Goss prepared for a game in 2002.

Jeremy West hit a single in 2003.

Red Sox first round draft choice David Murphy made his professional baseball debut in 2003.

Players watched a game from the dugout.

Del “Dogman” Christman, Spinners clubhouse manager and local legend.

Where Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz began his professional career.