Bismarck Larks Owner and Chief Experience Officer, John Bollinger delivers a thank you letter to all of our amazing fans…

On behalf of our entire team, I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for helping the Larks use FUN to make a difference this summer.

Since our inception, I’ve always viewed the Larks as something bigger than baseball. I’ve dreamt that if we create memorable experiences centered around FUN, family, and community, we can make a real difference in people’s lives and build a happier world.

Coming out of COVID, our team believed we needed to live that mission more than ever. We took on the mantra “The POWER of FUN.” For us, that meant flocking together and using the POWER of FUN to overcome anything. And boy did you help us accomplish that. 

2021 has been everything we’ve wanted and more. You helped us bring back sold out crowds, high fives, and a sense of normal that we all desperately needed.

Because of you, the Larks were able to give 22 returning players from our 2020 roster a chance to experience what a true Northwoods League and Larks season is all about. Each player raves about their experience in Bismarck. On top of this, your support helped produce four NWL All- Stars, a few walk off wins, and we had our highest player ever drafted in the 2021 MLB Draft (Cooper Bowman, 2019 alum, 4th Round, Chicago Cubs).

Your support gave Larks employees and our 2021 intern team an experience they will never forget. 2020 was a tough year to work in sports. Our new employees and interns weren’t even sure they would have opportunities this year. But because of you we are now 13 full time employees strong.

And finally, your support helped us make the largest impact on our community to date. Whether it’s record-breaking dollars raised through our jersey auctions, the largest food drive in North Dakota, or even helping our local Tires Plus break their oil change record (95 cars), YOU, our fans, are using FUN to make a difference right here in our backyard. 

Ultimately, your support has helped this dream come true. The Larks are more than just a baseball team. Together we are using FUN to make a difference and there is so much more ahead.

Normal never sounded so good this summer, but the word normal has never been a part of our vocabulary. As we head into 2022 and beyond, know that Larks ownership and team are committed to investing our resources and time into building the best experience possible for our fans.

So thank you again for your continued support and an amazing season. Let’s continue to use FUN to make a difference!

 

Sincerely,

 

John Bollinger

Owner/Chief Experience Officer

Bismarck Larks

 

This story/letter appeared in the ninth edition of the Bismarck Larks Playball Program.