Thanks to regular RandBall reader and Ottawa resident Erin Nicks for sending in a report of Ottawa newest attempt at organized baseball. Sounds like they're still working out the kinks in something called the Intercounty Baseball League. At least they're calling themselves the Ottawa Fat Cats. We might have to get some merch. Per the opening night report, it's time to play "count the logistical nightmares." (We will bold each one we encounter for convenience): The Ottawa Fat Cats opened the home portion of their Intercounty Baseball League season and they were well received as 3,724 fans paid their way into the yard. That number was easily over 4,000 who watched the game as the team started letting fans through the doors for free in the interests of keeping the lines moving. ...

Aside from the score, the night wasn't without its problems. A liquor-licence issue meant fans could buy beer, but they couldn't drink it in the stands. While they were drinking their beer in the concourse, they could watch the lines for the concession outlets get longer and longer as no one was prepared for the volume of people that should up for the game.

"It's pretty amazing. Overwhelming," said Fat Cats general manager Duncan MacDonald. "It just goes to show you how much the community missed baseball and enjoy family fun entertainment."

Fans waited in line for up to 30 minutes to get a peanuts or Cracker Jacks, as the old song goes. On a chilly evening, one fan braved to the line to get a coffee, only to find out none was available.

Lineups to get into the parking lot. Lack of parking spaces. Lineups to get tickets. All problems that are nothing new to baseball in the city. The Ottawa Rapidz dealt with it, as did the Ottawa Lynx before.

The number of parking spaces has been drastically reduced by allowing development to take over much of what used to be a sufficient-sized lot.

"We'll be prepared a little better (Sunday). Nobody expected this crowd," MacDonald said. "Nobody wants this facility to rot and I think we got that message out there."

You hear that, Ottawa? They're working on the problems (kind of). It's just that nobody thought fans would show up to watch baseball and/or want to consume beer inside the stadium. But know this: the facility will not rot!

Worst part? We bet those Fat Cats didn't even finish their plankton. (Obscure TV reference. Who got it?)

(Image via Fasolamatt).