"Bellingham is a different city," announced Mayor Dougherty before throwing out the first ball. "We hope the Bootsies can forge a winning tradition that this city can be proud about." Competing in the Northwest AAA farm league won't be easy for these guy-gals. "Not all of us have actually had the full operation yet," said second baseman Sasha. "Some of us are still sugar and spice honey." Regardless, the first year team is still expected to finish third in this year's race. Largely due in part to the managing skills of ex-Padres skipper Rusty Martinez.
"We got a great group of guys and gals," said Martinez before the start of Saturday's opening game. "People only talk about the negatives of having an all-transvestite team. They don't understand the bond that these kids form. For some farm league players...this is all they have between a paycheck and hustling blow jobs in the Castro."
But will the Bootsy ball club draw the fans? Opponents of the team met last week with city council to try one last appeal-one that hit a little to close to home for some council members.
"We told them, look. . ." said Francis Echols, forty-five year old mother of two. "If you let these freaks, these queers play ball in our city, there will be repercussions. We will boycott, we will organize, Bellingham will NOT be known for its Booty."
However, popular opinion is that the ball club will thrive. "I can't wait to go see them play!" announced tavern owner Bruce Paulson. "Nine guys in short skirts and halter tops? It's like a little slice of Vegas right in your backyard."
In attendance at Saturday's game was none other than legendary funkateer and ballclub namesake, Bootsy Collins. "Uhh..you know. These kids are stars, baby. I'm uhh..honored to be here."
Whether this team can hold up to the city's expectations is a question yet to be answered. The Bootsies lost their first game 5-3 to last year's runner-up, the Olympia Rainiers. However, Martinez says it's still early in the season and warned the players about getting to upset about the outcome. "There is no need for you girls going and getting your panties in a bunch over this game," coach Martinez could be heard telling the team. "It's a long season."