When the summer heat settles over Lowell, the sound of bats cracking at LeLacheur Park signals more than just a game; it marks the rebirth of a franchise that had been silenced by a pandemic and a lost affiliation. Marc Deschenes, a UMass Lowell alumnus and former minor‑league pitcher, seized the opportunity to claim an expansion slot in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, bringing professional‑level summer baseball back to the city.
A Community‑Centric Vision
The Spinners returned to LeLacheur Park after the venue was acquired by UMass Lowell in 2022, a move that unlocked both the ballpark and a pipeline of local talent. Deschenes, who majored in criminal justice and once threw a fastball for the Cleveland Guardians, leveraged his connections to partner with the university, securing player recruitment, park upgrades, and a shared commitment to student development.
Five River Hawks — Chris Klueber, Seamus Scott, Jake Zawatsky, Sean Canavan and Cal Chance — donned Spinners uniforms this summer, joined by interns like Garrett Kelly, who mascot as the Canaligator, and Owen Walsh, who managed the Kids Zone. These roles reflect Deschenes’ belief that baseball’s value lies as much in community service as in win‑loss records.
The inaugural season drew 5,125 fans to the home opener and averaged nearly 2,200 spectators across 29 games, numbers that speak to a growing local appetite. Though the team finished with a 21‑38 record, Deschenes measures success by the smiles of families like his own, the engagement of interns, and the revitalized atmosphere at the park.
Looking ahead, the organization plans a slate of new promotions, enhanced ticketing options, and further park improvements for the 2024 season. Deschenes promises a hands‑on approach, spending time in the stands, at community events, and with the Junior Spinners youth program he founded, ensuring that the franchise remains a fixture of Lowell’s cultural fabric.