Anyone who has followed the Northern Colorado Owlz knows the season had plenty of hurdles and challenges, but the franchise is proud of what it accomplished this summer.
Infielder Kevin Higgins was one of the few players to sign after spring training and end the season with the Owlz. He spoke highly of the opportunity and positively about the future.
"When you talked about the professional baseball experience. It was a lot different than what a lot of us had expected being our first year with the organization," Higgins said. "But, it was an awesome experience. I would recommend it for anyone that is trying to continue to play. I think it's a good way to get your foot in the door."
The team could have "folded super quick," he said, but it pushed through the challenges. Players helped with field maintenance, some of the operations aspects and outreach. Higgins was one of the Owlz players who participated in a parade at Windsor Harvest Fest to build connections in the community.
Even though some things were unexpected, the longtime shortstop felt like they bonded and grew as individuals.
"You got to see a lot of stuff off the field you wouldn't normally even be a part of, as far as helping out with pretty much anything they asked us to. We were on board with helping out," Higgins said. "It was definitely hectic at times, but the experience in itself was awesome and all the people that work for them."
Another challenge came by way of the roster. Fewer than half of the players Higgins started the year with made it to the end. Multiple transactions took place throughout the summer, which had players coming and going for most of the season.
Higgins said that can be difficult – when one guy is in the clubhouse one day and gone the next – but the Owlz developed a main group.
Cameron Phelts and Brandon Crosby weren't on the team when the season started but joined shortly after. Higgins said they became part of that unit, like catcher Marshall Rich, outfielder Alex Jackson and several pitchers.
"It's definitely a very cutthroat business, but that's the nature of the game. You play your whole life, you work for it," Higgins said. "So, finding that core group was huge … but at the end of the season you're like, 'Oh, this is like a whole other family.'"
When it came to logistics, Harrison Shapiro said this was a test year to figure out what will work next year and what won't. Shapiro's official title is the Future Legends Assistant General Manager for Professional Sports, but that just means he's the Owlz's director of operations.
The franchise hopes to improve game day operations with the complex's opening. Shapiro said having its own facilities and resources will help build a "truly fantastic" game day experience.
Shapiro grew up around the sport and previously worked with the league office. It's been an honor to be part of the franchise's inaugural season in northern Colorado and help provide expertise for growing the game.
"This year for us is not going to be fully representative of where the team is going to be going forward," Shapiro said. "I just hope people understand that once our stadium, which will be amazing, once that's built, we think we can really offer a fantastic event space and a fantastic night out for families.
"We're not out here trying to compete with the Rockies to be the best baseball team out here. We're here to provide the best experience for families, and that was most important to us."
The Owlz finished 35-56 overall and 18-36 in the second half. It wasn't the best season ever. There were certainly bad stretches and disappointing losses, but the team also had some excellent wins and finished in the middle of the Pioneer League. That's not something to be upset about, all things considered.
Higgins said the future is uncertain for him and his fellow Owlz, though he thinks everyone will be invited back. The goal is to play in the majors, so there's a possibility that some players leave for higher levels.
However, he hopes residents will support the team, even if there aren't many familiar faces. The franchise and the complex leadership are in this for the long haul.
"I think it's gonna be a fun atmosphere," Higgins said. "We love when fans come out and watch us play, because we'll talk to them. We're normal people at the end of the day, we want to have that interaction."
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