Today in the CBO
News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth
by Nat Wright-Kowalski
9 September 2296 - Small Bertha Taking Her Business Elsewhere
Small Bertha and Vim! Corporation announced that the company was moving its sponsorship from Sunshine Tidings to a location much closer to Bertha's home on Mount Desert Island. Vim! will become the sponsor of the Salem Witch Hats beginning in the 2297 season.
In addition, Bertha has worked out a deal to expand the sponsorship of the team beyond just the Witch Hats. She has worked out an exclusive rights deal that Vim! will be the sole drink product of all home Brotherhood League stadiums. The six teams of the Brotherhood League--Salem, County Crossing, East Boston Prep, Finch Farm, Nordhagen Beach, and The Slog--will begin that exclusive rights deal in 2297.
Bertha called the move a win for her, the Witch Hats, and the Brotherhood League. She said that travel from Maine to west of Boston had been tiresome, so it would be nicer to travel from the northeast area of the Boston Commonwealth to save time. "Port to port," she said.
Nate Howard did not release a statement but did state that he had approved both the deals and announcement. More information will come as it is available. Bertha will claim no stock in the Witch Hats organization nor make any changes to the team. The Vim! logo will appear at all six stadiums and all Brotherhood League correspondence. All radio and TV broadcasts of games will also mention the Vim! name when covering Brotherhood League games.
Talia McGovern, owner of the Sunshine Tidings Chemists, also released a short statement: "I am relieved to have the chance to work with another company in the Commonwealth."
McGovern and Bertha had a tumultuous relationship since the beginning of their partnership. Apparently, Bertha had ordered McGovern to draft Bertha's brother Tony Bertha. Instead, McGovern selected Front Porch Potter, which threw Small Bertha into a rage. McGovern was seen sporting a shiner on her eye shortly after, leading many to believe Small Bertha was responsible. After insistence, McGovern agreed to a three-way trade among the Chemists, Starlight Lady Killers, and County Crossing Bloodbugs that included a total of 12 players, including Tony Bertha and Potter.
Tony Bertha did not enjoy a particularly successful first season with the Chemists. In 20 starts, he finished with a 6-9 record and a 5.15 ERA. He also released a short statement: "I understand if Ms. McGovern wishes to get rid of me now that my sister has moved on, but I want it to be on record that I like it here in Sunshine Tidings, and I will work hard to win a championship here if I am here next year."
McGovern has indicated that she is thrilled that there will be full staffs for the 2297 season and mentioned that she would leave all personnel decisions to the staff.
For the Salem Witch Hats, they are happy to welcome Vim! after the disappointment of not receiving a sponsorship from John-Caleb Bradberton and Nuka-Cola. Team owner Barney Rook was insistent that the team remain as it is, thus spurning Kasumi Nakano's offer. Small Bertha stated that she was happy to put the Vim! name on the stadium and the Vim! products in Brotherhood League stadiums, so she was content to make money. As she put it, in Salem she would be "hands off." McGovern probably wishes that was true in Sunshine Tidings.