The Gloucester Fishermen announced yesterday that their home ballpark, Dockside Coliseum, will be rechristened Paul Moots Park, after the late Fishermen general manager Paul A. Moots.  It will become official at 6:05 pm EST on Monday, April 1^st before the Fishermen host the Manchester Maulers in the season opener.  Immediate family members will be present to speak and to throw out the first pitch.  “The entire Gloucester community is family,” says brother Phil Moots.  “That is the way Paul always ran things, and it is the way this team and this community will continue moving forward, as a family.”

                New general manager, David Strimple, supports the name change.  “I think it is right with capital letters.  It is a good name.  Catchy.  I heard  spectators in spring training calling it ‘The Moot.’  That pet name just might stick.”  When asked if Strimple feels pressure from replacing a man as well loved and respected as Moot, Strimple replied, “There is always a bit of pressure in the high stakes ventures of professional sports.  But, it is a passion of mine, as it was Paul’s.  In that way we are alike.  In fact, when I looked into it we had a lot in common.  Not only are we both graduates of The Ohio State University (GO BUCKS) but I also passed by his church every day for two years before I finished my degree. “

                Many fans and players will miss Paul Moots, among those is pitcher Chris Graves.  “Moots gave me a shot.  A REAL shot.  He promised me a role on this team, and he kept his promise.  It is nice to have a home in this league.  Now my home is Paul Moots Park.  I’ll think of the man every day a play- every day I have left.”