Green Night at Big Train Baseball on June 29 with Bethesda Big Train versus the Alexandria Aces.  Is there anything better than a summer evening at a local baseball game?  The players, the field, the hot dogs, the crowd, the sunset beyond the outfield as you enjoy the game.  In Bethesda we are truly lucky to have Big Train Baseball at Shirley Povich Field, and Green Night at Big Train takes it up a notch for those who embrace green living Bethesda style.  It was a memorable evening.

Third Green Night for Big Train Baseball
This year’s Green Night was the third Green Night for Big Train Baseball, and the evening didn’t disappoint.  Bethesda Green and  Bethesda-based Honest Tea were Green Night sponsors, and John Jabara, Founder of SaveniaLabs, a Bethesda Green Incubator, and Seth Goldman, TeaEO of Honest Tea, each threw a first pitch at the start of the game.  John said a few words about Bethesda Green and SaveniaLabs, an enviroscience company that tests the carbon footprint of appliances, and threw a great first pitch. 

Then it was Seth Goldman’s turn to throw the ball.  Bruce Adams, Founder and Co-Chairman of Big Train Baseball, introduced Goldman, raved about Honey Green Tea – his favorite Honest Tea - and grilled him about whether the company, recently purchased by investor Coca Cola, will remain in Bethesda.  “We’re staying in Bethesda!” said Goldman as he threw a strong pitch to the catcher. 

Green Entrepreneurs Out to Support Green Night
The crowd in the bleachers was thick with green entrepreneurs and the staff and supporters of Bethesda Green.  The organization’s formidable duo, Dave Feldman, Executive Director and Dave Heffernan, Director of Communications, were busy greeting friends and supporters in the crowd.  Cristina Bourelly, Co-Founder of Lunchskins, a company that makes a reusable alternative to plastic sandwich bags, was at the game with three young baseball fans – her son and two friends. 

Lynne Miller, Founder of 4GreenPs, another Bethesda Green Incubator company that does strategic marketing for sustainable brands, brought along her entire family.  Jabara’s family was at the game as well as he joined them in the bleachers after his first pitch.  Cheryl Newman, Vice President and Deputy Chief of Mission at Honest Tea was also there to see the game.  Also present was Theresa Testoni, Chairman of the Board of the Menare Foundation, which supports The Button Farm Living History Center in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve.  Quite a lineup!

Big Green Bus Delayed, But Not Their General Manager
Green Night also originally included a stopover for Dartmouth College’s Big Green Bus, a biodiesel-fueled bus that tours the country during the summer to promote green living and environmental practices.  Matthew Knight, General Manager of the Big Green Bus and a recent Dartmouth engineering graduate was on hand at Shirley Povich Field, but the Big Green Bus was several hours behind schedule and in New Jersey at the start of the game.  Knight explained the bus was unavoidably delayed due to technical problems. 

Patch did have a chance to ask Knight a few questions about the Big Green Bus, the first question being where they get their fuel.  “We stop at restaurants,” explained Knight.  “The vegetable oil from fryers has a similar amount of BTUs as diesel.  We process the vegetable oil to refine it.  We start the engine on diesel and when it’s hot enough we switch to veggie.” 

Knight also talked about why Dartmouth College has a project like The Big Green Bus.  “We want to show how easy it can be to be green.  Dartmouth is very connected with their surrounding environment.  We’re surrounded by nature in New Hampshire, and being outdoors is part of the experience from Day 1.” 

Despite the delays and missing the start of Green Night, Patch later learned the Big Green Bus did make it to D.C. and spent Thursday on Capitol Hill, where the student crew had the chance to meet several senators. 

Big Train Baseball a Great Evening or Afternoon Any Time
Big Train Baseball is well worth attending whether you’re a baseball fan or not.  It’s the full ball game experience complete with a beautiful field and park, hot dogs, ice cream, an enthusiastic crowd and much more.  The players are approachable and were signing baseballs and talking with fans before the game, and the excitement of the young fans was evident.  Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, and children under 5 are free. 

Started in 1997 by a group of community leaders who wanted to ensure the quality of youth baseball and softball fields in the area, Big Train Baseball is part of the Cal Ripkin Collegiate Baseball League and is supported by The Bethesda Community Base Ball Club (BCBBC).  Big Train creates the opportunity for college athletes to become role models for area youth each summer, and runs a summer baseball camp as well.  Big Train is an all volunteer organization that has contributed a great deal to the quality of youth softball and baseball – and the quality of our summer - in Bethesda.  Check out their schedule for this season’s games and special events.

As you can see, Green Night at Big Train Baseball made a big impression and we can’t wait until next year’s Green Night.  Our apologies to any green entrepreneurs at the game that we neglected to mention, and we hope that the Big Green Bus is on hand for the first pitch next year – we’ll look forward to that!