Larry Sassone refers to the group as “ambassadors of the game.”

The founder and president of the Butler BlueSox Baseball Boosters Club has watched his group grow at an astounding rate.

“We only started organizing a boosters club last year and we’re at 100 members and counting,” Sassone said. “The core of the group is mostly host parents who meet up and have a great time at the ballpark.

“This is the sixth year the BlueSox have been here and fans are becoming more involved and closer to the team.”

Sassone said the mission of the BlueSox Boosters is to provide meals for the players after home games, develop public awareness of the team and promote baseball at Kelly Automotive Park, previously known as Pullman Park.

The BlueSox averaged 666 per home game last season — below the Prospect League average of 862 — while franchises in Danville and Chillicothe averaged more than 1,500 and 1,400 per home game, respectively.

“The people who do come out are very loyal,” BlueSox Boosters treasurer LaDonna Young said. “They like the players and want to continue building this in Butler.

“It’s a nice family thing, having the BlueSox here, and we support them. The games don’t gouge you for $200 in tickets, $7 for a beer or whatever.”

The Boosters were able to supply the BlueSox players with postgame meals after 12 games last year. The goal is to do so after every home game this season.

By league rule, the BlueSox must provide the visiting team with a boxed meal to take on the bus with them when they leave.

“We thought it’d be nice for our kids to get something to eat right after the game, too,” Young said. “That’s one of the reasons we started this.”

The Boosters did a cookie sale over Christmas and raised nearly $2,000 for the organization. A golf outing, teaming up with the Associated Artists of Butler County, will take place in August at Conley’s as a second fund-raiser.

A membership fee of $10 per individual or $25 per family is charged annually as well.

“We don’t cook the food, we buy it through the concession stand or local establishments,” Sassone said. “We’re in better shape financially for the start of this season and I expect we’ll reach that goal of feeding the players after every home game.”

Boosters secretary Terri Schultz, described the BlueSox boosters organization as an extended family.

“I got involved four years ago, becoming a host family, and I took two boys in last season,” Schultz said. “I’ve got four kids of my own. We do this because the boys are fantastic kids

“I’m a public defender and I bring the boys to the court house to show them off. Butler is the home away from home for these ballplayers and they bring so much to the community.

“These boys are pursuing a dream. They’re dedicated to a goal. They just want to play baseball and do well ... Their attitudes are refreshing,” Schultz added.

A few former BlueSox players are with major league organizations now. Seneca Valley graduate Kevan Smith is a catcher in the Chicago White Sox organization and hit .286 with 12 homers asnd 73 RBI with Class A Winston-Salem last year.

First baseman Kyle Petty played Class A ball in the Seattle Marners system last season while Shayne Houck was a DH for Class A Augusta in the San Francisco Giants chain.

Former BlueSox catcher Matt Albaugh recently signed with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association.

“We keep tabs on these guys and support them,” Sassone said. “They remember what got them there and Butler was part of that.

“We’re waiting for the first BlueSox player to reach the major leagues. That will be special.”

In the meantime, the BlueSox Boosters continue their diligent work.

“I’ve met some great people at these games, made some tremendous friends,” Schultz said. “I’m proud to help those players. I’ve brought them to my children’s school, other parents meet them, are impressed by them and we gain support.

“Five of us got together at a game one day and Larry said we have to figure out a way to do something for these kids. He took the bull by the horns and the rest of us followed.”

The BlueSox Boosters are holding a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion Post 117 on Main St. in Butler. Food and drink will be available and all are welcome.

The BlueSox’ first home game this season is May 29 against West Virginia.