BROCKTON - It's hard to believe, even when you're sitting there in one of the seats, that you are watching a professional baseball game in Brockton. For less than a first run movie ticket, you can bring your children or date to a Brockton Rox game and have a great time outdoors under the lights at Campanelli Stadium on the Brockton High School Campus, less than a mile from Route 24. 

"To see this all come together after so many people put so much time into this was just incredible," said Mayor Jack Yunits. We have been working hard to change this city's lingering image of urban decay. This is our symbol, this tells the world that Brockton is making its comeback

As one West Bridgewater patron wrote, "The Brockton Rox are worth every penny. ...if you haven't already gone to a Brockton Rox game, I urge you to treat yourself to one soon....There isn't a bad seat in the house."

What was perceived by many as a dream several years ago has been brought to fruition and been made a reality by a man who grasped the dream and married it to the generosity of one of Brockton's most well known families. Alfred Campanelli pledged $2 million to his hometown for the construction of a project which benefited Brockton's residents and youth. 

For six years Jack Yunits had his vision of pro baseball returning to Brockton. At first, he got a polite nod, some jovial repartee regarding his past prowess on the diamond and the position he might want to play himself. 

Like his first venture into politics, those who scoffed and poked fun, became the owners of befuddled looks and sheepish embarrassment that follows those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. 

For what few can completely understand about this man is his uncanny ability to see the potential beauty of something created civically. He has that vision thing; that ephemeral ability to see things the way they should be, and effect the steps necessary to bring about the desired results. Those who recognize it stepped forward. A number of Brockton's professional volunteers came to the forefront. Substantial groundwork was done by our state delegation of representatives who guided the city's application for funding and rallied around the Mayor when the elements of the puzzle needed to be brought together. Then Governor Jane Swift’s  endorsement of this project followed the examination of this private-public linkage for economic development. 

Campanelli Stadium was built in seven months. The 12,000 square foot conference center was completed in 2003 and is considered the economic engine of the $17 million project. 

At each step of the development there were key people who assisted and provided the expertise necessary to bring the project closer to realization. David Curtis, Chairman of the Brockton 21st Century Corporation, managed a task force of volunteers.

James Burke, a member of the Brockton 21st Century Board, supervised a substantial amount of legal work. There was also considerable effort extended by John Condon, the City's Chief Financial Officer, to fashion a financial agreement likeable and workable between the Brockton 21st Corp and the team. 

Through the state convention center bill Brockton received about $6 million in state funds for the project and the city raised $8 million through bond borrowing. "You can't underestimate how important it was for Mr. Campanelli to make that donation," said the Mayor.

The Brockton Rox play in the independent Northeast League. Professional baseball's roots in the city date to 1886 when the Brockton Shoemakers played in the New England Baseball League.

Material compiled from The Enterprise & The Boston Globe


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