JOLIET, Ill. — Gary SouthShore RailCats Owner/CEO Pat Salvi was the keynote speaker at the just completed Independent Fall Meetings at Silver Cross Field, addressing the State of Independent Baseball Wednesday afternoon in front of a crowd of executives from several leagues and teams.

Salvi closed out the two-day conference with a speech dedicated to improving the independent baseball product, addressing topics like brand recognition, quality of play and inter-league cooperation.  Salvi touched on the strengths and weaknesses of several leagues, bringing full circle a conference that was designed to foster improved relationships and collaborative thinking between the eight major independent circuits.  Salvi stressed, “Independent baseball teams are partners, not competitors in any way.”

Hosted by the Joliet JackHammers of the Northern League, the Independent Fall Meetings began the evening of Monday, October 5 and ran through Wednesday afternoon, featuring speakers on a number of different topics.  Highlights included presentations on everything from stadium design to social media, and a speech from Northern League Commissioner Clark Griffith.

Salvi purchased the RailCats in April 2008 and has been instrumental in the team’s continued attendance growth, culminating with a record 185,747 fans in 2009.  An accomplished trial attorney in Chicago, Salvi has also helped oversee the Northern League’s expansion efforts, including the addition of the Lake County Fielders and Rockford RiverHawks to the league lineup for 2010.

The RailCats officially kick off the 2010 season at the second annual Fan Fest, Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.  Featuring former and current players, loads of ballpark games, informal question and answer sessions and more, the first-ever Fan Fest drew 1,000 RailCats fans last winter.  Tickets are on sale now by calling the RailCats at 219.882.2255.