In sports there is no shortage of clichés. But to say the Surf is (cliché alert!) rebuilding is positively true. They have a long road ahead. But the positive attitudes and energy were all around.

With just one week to go before their home-opener, the Surf’s front office prepared to be put to the test. They know what’s at stake and they know they have to win back fan support and regain the trust of sponsors. Sponsorship is the lifeblood of Indy league teams and the Surf lost some of their sponsors in the last couple of years, due to many factors, including some friction between former employees at the Surf and sponsors.

GM Chris Carminucci and VP Ryan Conley displayed a ton of enthusiasm and hope when we spoke. Cecil Fielder also took some time to speak with me and he seems like a great fit for this club. He played in the majors for thirteen years for guys like Joe Torre and Bobby Cox and certainly has solid lessons to teach these guys about the game.

Atlantic City itself has been in rebuilding mode over the years, with the addition of The Walk (a high-end retail strip) located within walking distance of many of the casinos. It’s also an interesting mix of people. The majority of locals are casino employees. It’s almost surprising if you live there and don’t work in the industry. But there are also constant visitors there to gamble and get away. It’s fair to ask where the Surf fits into all of this.

Many locals may not feel particularly drawn to the Indy team and many out-of-towners haven’t even heard of them. But the Surf is in a unique position. With the right marketing and outreach they can attract many vacationers looking for something different. If locals feel more connected to the team they might be more interested in their success. Carminucci explained that the team is getting the guys to be more community involved. “Getting our players out there is important.”

And something called a Bud Light Thirsty Thursday when all drinks are a dollar should be of interest to a few people. Baseball and cheap beer can’t go wrong.

Fielder’s toughness is unmistakable. His level of desire to make this team a winner and something for locals to be proud of is apparent. But his influence might also extend to off the field. “I tell them to be careful,” he says. “A lot of these guys are single.”

In their opening game on the road against the Quebec Capitales, and after a postponement due to rain, the Surf lost 1-0. Billy Hogan had the only extra-base hit of the night, getting a second inning double. Brian Rodaway took the loss, but the fans were treated to an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel.

On Monday night the Surf opened their season at home and it was delayed when Ottawa was late to the ballpark. How much does that happen in any other level of sport? But so it goes in Indy league baseball. They eventually played their game and OF Lucas Taylor came up big, hitting a two-run single in the eighth inning. The Surf went on to win 7-6.

The crowd was thin, but the mood, despite the weather and delay, was enthusiastic. No one knows what will become of the Surf in the future. For now there’s a lot hope and a good record to start the season.

Surf Notes: Newcomer Eddie Kim looked like one surefire power hitter at BP. Later that night the DH hit a solo homerun.

Catcher William Plaza is hot to start off the season, hitting .417 over four games.