NECBL All-Star Game returns to Keene

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Swamp Bats announce festivities to surround All-Star Game on July 23 Keene, N.H. (July 12, 2006) – The New England Collegiate Baseball League’s (NECBL) annual All-Star Game will return to Southwestern New Hampshire for the third time when the Keene Swamp Bats host the event on Sunday, July 23, at Alumni Field. The Swamp Bats, who also hosted the League All-Star Game in 1999 and 2000, have announced several special events, which will take place surrounding this year’s event. A full days slate is published at the end of this press release. The Keene Swamp Bats also hosted the NECBL vs. Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game in 2001. After having newly inducted Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk in attendance the last time the NECBL All-Star Game in 2000, the Swamp Bats are happy to announce the appearance of Tommy John, who enjoyed a Major League career that spanned 26 years from 1963 to 1989, for the 2006 All-Star Game. John compiled a career record of 288-231 to go with a 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts over 760 Major League appearances (700 starts) with the Cleveland Indians (1963-64), Chicago White Sox (1965-71), Los Angeles Dodgers (1972-78), New York Yankees (1979-82), California Angels (1982-85), Oakland Athletics (1985) and Yankees (1986-89) for a second time. John also appeared in the postseason five times, including World Series appearances in 1977 (Dodgers), ’78 (Dodgers) and ’81 (Yankees), and was a four-time MLB All-Star. In addition to making himself available to fans for autographs, John’s appearance in Keene will be highlighted by a batting practice session in which he will pitch to members of the media in attendance for the All-Star Game at 4:15 p.m. Also prior to first pitch of the All-Star Game at 7 p.m., the League’s annual All-Star Game home run derby will commence at Alumni Field’s “hitter friendly” confines at 4:45 p.m. The NECBL is also happy to announce it will dedicate this year’s and all future NECBL All-Star Game Most Valuable Player awards in the memory of John Watterson, who recently lost his battle with cancer. Watterson was one of the key founders of both the Keene Swamp Bats and North Adams SteepleCats. Approximately ten minutes upon the conclusion of the All-Star Game, sponsors Atlas Pyrotechnics of Jaffrey will present a rare fireworks exhibition. The display will feature a Hi-Tech computerized pyrotechnic event as Atlas tests some of its sequences they will feature in the Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks on August 19. Atlas Pyrotechnics is a world-renowned producer of international displays, having produced the closing ceremonies display at the “Running of the Bulls” in Pamplona, Spain, and receiving an award for “Best Design of Show” in Shanghai, China. Admission for the events is $3, while children under 10 are admitted free of charge. The Swamp Bats also offer family passes for $9. 2006 NECBL All-Star Game Festivities Schedule Sunday, July 23, Keene, N.H. 2:30 p.m. – Players Arrive at Alumni Field 2:45 p.m. – Southern Division Batting Practice 3:30 p.m. – Northern Division Batting Practice 4:15 p.m. – Media Batting Practice against Tommy John 4:45 p.m. – All-Star Game Home Run Derby 6 p.m. – Southern Division Pregame Infield Practice 6:15 p.m. – Northern Division Pregame Infield Practice 6:45 p.m. – Pregame festivities and announcements 7 p.m. – All-Star Game Fireworks display 10 minutes upon the conclusion of the game by Atlas Pyrotechnics. - Swamp Bats – ATTENTION MEDIA MEMBERS: If you wish to participate in the Tommy John batting session, please contact Swamp Bats president Kevin Watterson at (603) 731-5240 or Doug Monson at (603) 899-4222 by Friday, July 21, at noon. www.necbl.com/nutshell.htm
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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