North Shore Spirit owner hopes for better numbers
The North Shore Spirit are scheduled to host their fourth home opener in Lynn tonight, when the Nashua Pride visits Fraser Field at 7:05. But if support for the independent baseball league team doesn't pick up, officials say, it could be the last opening game there.
The Spirit has been a success on the field since arriving in Lynn in 2003, making the playoffs in each of their first two seasons and just missing last year, when the team finished with the second best overall record in the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball. However, Spirit owner Nick Lopardo said, the team hasn't been a winner off the field. Lopardo said that between operating losses and approximately $5 million sunk into refurbishing Fraser Field, he has invested $8 million or $9 million running the team. Last season, the Spirit finished fifth in the Can-Am League in attendance at 2,212 fans per game. In three seasons, the Spirit have averaged better than 2,000 fans per game but Lopardo would like to see that number closer to 3,000.
``If they don't come it's either fold up the tent, find another location, or maybe give it to somebody else who can do a better job than me," said Lopardo. ``I'm a realist. I've lost $3 million trying to make it work. They've got to come out. I'm not going to continue to lose money."
The fans who do turn up tonight should expect to see a Spirit team with a new look. Fourteen of its 22 players are new to the team, including former Ipswich High righthander Erik Drown . Drown, who signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization out of the University of Connecticut in 2004, is trying to make his way back from a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old did not pitch all of last year. Entering the week, Drown had made two appearances for the Spirit out of the bullpen and was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA. He's looking forward to opening night at home.
``Any time you're able to play near where you live it's always great, just to know you have a lot of support," said Drown. ``It's been a while since I pitched back here so I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be exciting."
GDA pitcher wins softball honor
Governor Dummer Academy ace Emilie Arthur has been named the Gatorade 2006 Massachusetts Softball Player of the Year. The 5-foot 9-inch lefthander led Governor Dummer to the Independent School League title and an undefeated season (16-0), which included the Governors' first victory over the Brooks School. The senior from Newburyport went 10-0 with an 0.32 ERA. She struck out 65 while walking just six batters in 67 innings of work. Arthur is a four-time All-ISL selection.
Gloucester reclaims track title
The Gloucester boys' outdoor track and field team avenged last season's loss to Salem, which cost it the Northeastern Conference title, by taking the crown back from the Witches on May 23. Gloucester topped the defending NEC champion by 66 1/3 to 55 2/3 to win its ninth outdoor title in the last 12 seasons under head coach Jim Munn . David Brooks had a big day for the Fishermen, finishing first in the high jump and the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. Mario Peritore was also a multiple winner for Gloucester as he took the shot put and the discus. Peter Asaro (400 meters), Austin Souza (mile), John Francis (800 meters), and Liam Anastasia-Murphy (2 mile) also delivered first-place finishes for Gloucester, which has gone 112-6 under Munn.
`E' Club delivers 10 scholarships
The Everett `E' Club held its 34th annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner last Thursday at Spinelli's in Lynnfield. Ten Everett High student athletes were presented with scholarships totaling $17,000, and `E' Club executive director Larry Vozella , who founded its scholarship foundation in 1973, was honored with the first `E' Club Lifetime Achievement Award. The scholarship recipients were: Anthony Browne (Northeastern University), Carmela Cardaropoli (Merrimack College), Peter Forte (Phillips Exeter Academy), Jasmin Imsirovic (Boston University), Myrta Machado (University of Massachusetts at Lowell), Richard Milley (Endicott College), Stephanie Sachetta (Bentley College), Stanley St. Juste (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), and two University of New Hampshire-bound student-athletes from Everett, Michael Cole and Mari Marchant .
Christopher L. Gasper can be reached at cgasper@globe.com. 
