New Bedford, Massachusetts - Mayor Scott W. Lang’s office has announced the City of New Bedford will welcome the return of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) this summer season as league teams will play two regular season games at Paul Walsh Field located in the New Bedford High School Athletic Field Complex. The Orleans Cardinals will play the Wareham Gatemen in the first game on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 6:30PM and the Wareham Gatemen will face the Bourne Braves at the second game scheduled for Friday, July 11th, at 7:00PM. Admission is free to both games, however donations in support of the league are appreciated.

For the past two summers, the City of New Bedford has hosted one of the Wareham Gatemen’s regular season games. Mayor Lang, a strong supporter of the CCBL and of its expansion to New Bedford said, “No more prestigious amateur baseball league exists in the nation and New Bedford is very proud to host two of the Cape Cod Baseball League’s 2008 season games. This league is where the next great Major League Baseball players are being developed; this is where great baseball happens.”

The Wareham Gatemen Broadcast Team will also be providing live, play-by-play from Walsh Field beginning with the 6:00PM pre-game show. New Bedford Cable Access will tape both games and they will air on Channel 18 at a later date.

In addition, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union is sponsoring “Hits for Heroes” at the Wareham Gateman vs. Orleans Cardinal game on Monday, June 16th. The proceeds will benefit the Veterans Transition House of New Bedford. First Citizens’ began their support for active and retired military men and women with the establishment of the Hero Checking and Savings accounts last November.