Capahas will have all home games on radio

~ The local amateur baseball team will have its games aired on ESPN 1220.

Capahas manager Jess Bolen believes that Plaza Tire Service, as the primary sponsor of what is thought to be the nation's oldest amateur baseball team, already does plenty to help his squad.

But Plaza Tire Service president Mark Rhodes thinks he has a way to further promote the team that has been a fixture in Cape Girardeau since the 1890s.

And that's to broadcast their games on radio.

Beginning Friday night, when the Capahas host Waterloo, Ill., all the squad's home games the remainder of the season will air live on ESPN 1220.

In addition, if the Capahas advance to the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan. -- a good bet considering they have made it there 25 straight years -- ESPN 1220 will also air all of their games in that event.

All the broadcasts are being sponsored by Plaza Tire Service, and Rhodes said additional advertising spots are available for sale to interested businesses or organizations.

"The Capahas being so unique to this area, we want to do anything we can to promote and further interest to the Capahas and area baseball," Rhodes said. "We think having these games on the radio will help that.

"It's not only for people who can't get out to the games, but just to build interest in the Capahas in general, and to make more people aware what good baseball it is."

Bolen, in his 41st season managing the Capahas -- who were founded in 1894 -- said Plaza Tire Service had already more than made its mark while sponsoring the Capahas the past four years.

But Bolen was a bit overwhelmed by the company's latest gesture.

"I just think it's great. I really don't see any downside to it at all from our standpoint," said Bolen, whose squad is off to a 5-0 start heading into Thursday night's game at the Charleston Riverdogs. "If you can't make it to the game, you can follow how we're doing, or you can be driving around town, listening on the radio, and then decide to stop by and watch a few innings.

"Plus, when we're in Wichita [for the NBC World Series], we always get so many calls from people wanting to know what's going on out there. This will be great to let people know."

Erik Sean, director of sports operations for River Radio and program director for ESPN 1220, will handle the play-by-play for all the broadcasts.

Various people -- including perhaps some former Capahas players -- will provide color commentary.

"We're excited about the opportunity to broadcast the games," said Sean, who also broadcasts Southeast Missouri State baseball, football and basketball for River Radio stations. "I think there is a built-in fan base, not only for Jess and the teams he's put together over the years, but also the fact there are 15 Southeast products on the roster, so there is a built-in fan base there.

"It can only be a plus for Plaza Tire and the fans. And personally, since baseball is my favorite sport and with Southeast being done for the year, I'm really excited about the chance to do these games."

The broadcasts will also be streamed live on the internet at www.espn1220.com, meaning people can theoretically listen to Plaza Tire Capahas games around the world.

"The kids who aren't from around here, like the kids who played for SEMO, their parents can listen on the web like they did during the SEMO games," Bolen said. "It's just a great situation all the way around."

Sean said there is also the possibility of doing a few select regular-season road games, although that hinges on various facilities having adequate press box and telephone line capabilities.

"Next year when we make out the schedule, I'll check with every team on the road about a press box, phone lines, things like that, to see if it's feasible," Bolen said. "Maybe next year we can get in some more road games.

"But it kind of all depends on how this goes over. Mark wants to see how it goes, see what kind of fan base we get, before we decide what to do next year."

Added Bolen: "But for right now, it's just great for Capahas baseball and for baseball in Southeast Missouri."