Group to sponsor Capahas for this season

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce issued a press release Saturday evening to announce that Plaza Tire Service and anonymous individuals will support the Capahas baseball team this season.

Plaza Tire, which has been the primary sponsor for a decade, announced earlier this month that it would be ending its sponsorship effective immediately, leaving the team with little time to find alternatives before the scheduled start of the season on June 1.

I'll have more on this later, but for now here is the full text from the release:

Local leaders have come forward to assist the Capahas in staying on the field in 2014. Leading the effort was Plaza Tire Service who continues its title sponsorship of the team for one more season. In collaboration with Plaza Tire Service, who has invested heavily in the team, a group of anonymous city residents have come together to implement a plan to meet this year's financial needs.

"We think that the Capahas, and their history, are a community treasure," said Mark Rhodes, president of Plaza Tire Service. "That is why we have provided sponsorship for more than 10 years. But the team needs a long-term plan to remain viable."

The Capahas began in 1894 and is one of the oldest amateur baseball teams in the nation. Hall of Fame coach Jess Bolen, assisted by his wife Mary, has led the team since 1967. He has coached the Capahas to 32 consecutive appearances in the NBC World Series, assembling the team from top talent in the region.

"I appreciate the tremendous support that Plaza Tire Service has provided the Capahas over the past 10 years, and I am thankful they have stepped forth again this year along with several local baseball lovers," Jess Bolen said. "This year's season is no longer in jeopardy."

Until new funding came in, Bolen contemplated canceling the season.

"Cape Girardeau would not be the same without a summer of Capahas baseball playing in Capaha Park," Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger said. "I appreciate Plaza Tire and other leaders stepping forward to have the season commence."