Okay, before you think of major league franchise owner, let's set the record straight.  We're talking little league franchise owner!  Back in 1980, there were 12 little league teams with sponsors in Houlton Maine.  I always thought it would be neat to sponsor one but the slots were full.  So I asked to be on a waiting list.  Well low and behold, one local team, Shop N Save decided that the little leaguers should earn the money for their uniforms and entry team fee.  I think many of these little guys are good to just locate a glove and don't need the extra pressure to pan handle or take away money from their household needed for other luxuries like school lunches, going to the movies, etc. So we "inherited" a super team that went on to be town champions that year. Bought them uniforms and pssst (come closer..whispering) I bought a new set of pin stripe suits that were sharp with logo and they did look a little like the Yankees in an area of Red Sox nation where Yankee fans are far and few but usually pretty out spoken.  At the time $1000 for the uniforms was pretty pricey but boy did they look sharp.  The team had a pitcher that was all over the infield too to keep from letting the game get away from him like little league can do when communication breaks down. When the right fielder goes into a sunshine, looking around kinda thinking about ice cream after the game mode and has left the ball park like Elvis has the building. The game which has a play that involves him after one more pitch but he has left the park momentarily thinking about what kind of ice cream he is ordering in three more innings.  He is already mentally at the Houlton Farms Dairy Bar..getting an early place in line in his head. The catcher for the team commented that Luke was hard on him, but his mom pointed out saying "Danny...Luke is no harder on you than he is himself".  A light bulb went on over Danny's catcher mitt as he realized he was putting out and not just dishing out.  There is nothing like watching your child, the kids of other friends, neighbors and business owners all together on a warm summer day enjoying the sun, talking, hooting and rooting for your home team.  Now the teams have a one look with different jerseys and hats but same gray pants to economize and streamline the league.  Here is a peek at some of the past teams we put in the fourth of july parade to recognize their effort thru cold spring practices and trips to the dairy bar to celebrate victories and to sooth the hurt of a loss in the final inning when they thought the game was in the bag. For colder weather entertainment, check out this video on Houlton Hodgdon Blackhawks You Tube game that was a good one we videoed.