West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

A recently retired National has joined the growing ranks of openly gay ballplayers. Congrats on coming clean with your teammates!

Front: Dax Rodriguez First Row: Jeff Neibauer, Ryan Peck, Brad Sterling, Andy Tocco, JJ Neibauer Second Row: Steve Hluchnik, Steve Elliott, Lance Longhenry, Gary Meier, Chris Johnson, Mark Sura Third Row: Andy Butorac, Dave Glaser, Robert Kleinschmidt

The West Allis Nationals are pleased to introduce infielder, Jake Koutnik, as the team's new field manager. Koutnik, the team's second baseman, will assume gameday lineup and roster responsibilities. Koutnik begins his ninth season in 2003, and is coming off his finest offensive season ever. Koutnik offers competitiveness and toughness to a squad that fell one game short of a third consecutive county championship. Team business responsibilities will continue to be handled by Steve Elliott.

1. Management Restructuring-Koutnik agrees to act in the role of field manager. Elliott to continue as business manager. 2. Player Fees: $100 ; $50 for college students. 3. Sponsors: In addition to historical sponsors, Magoos will be pursued. 4. Schedule: Road trip May 16-18. (4 games) Regular season begins May 24. 5. Nationalsfest: Format changed. This year's team will host a team of retired Nationals in an exhibition baseball game on May 3. Details to follow. 6. Hats redesigned: Team will sport all-Navy hat with silver "N" logo and silver eyelets. 7. Orders are being taken for 2002 commemorative plaques. 8. Those in need of new uniform pants, socks, or belts should contact Steve. 9. Please forward any new address, phone, or e-mail changes to Steve.

League and team insiders, speaking on conditions of anonymity, have revealed that the team will name a new field manager at its Winter Meeting on December 15, 2002.