Some might argue the beginning of the end for the Lowell Spinners as we knew them came in October of 2019, when Major League Baseball first proposed cutting down the number of Minor League franchises, though it was Covid eventually paving the way for the Spinners’ official elimination at the end of the non-season of 2020.
Others might go back further to claim the beginning of the end for the Spinners as we knew them came August 30, 2010, when their 413-game home sellout streak officially ended, though those in attendance would tell you that streak had gotten somewhat questionable a year or two earlier.
What I’ll tell you is both dates and events were anti-climactic. The beginning of the end for the Lowel Spinners as we knew them actually came on this day 16-years ago. Because it was on that day, November 29, 2006, that Joann Weber lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.
Yes, Drew Weber continued to own the team until selling it to David Heller in the summer of 2016. And yes, he did his best to carry on the family friendly environment he and Joann cultivated since purchasing the team from Clyde Smoll in 1997. But it was never the same. Even Drew would acknowledge that.
How could it be the same? Weber lost his wife, and the Lowell Spinners lost their mother.
That might sound like hyperbole but ask anyone who worked for the team. They’ll tell you. Whether it was a top Red Sox prospect or a kid trying to hang onto the dream just a little longer. Whether it was a team executive or a grounds crew worker. Or whether it was one of the countless high school kids who worked the concession stands and ticket counters. Joann Weber was in many ways their mother.
As those who’ve lost a beloved mother will attest, the family is never the same.
For me, a TV Sports Reporter at WNDS, LeLacheur Park became a second home most summer evenings. And just as my mom would offer a smile every time I came home, Joann did the same at my second home. That big, welcoming smile every guest entering her home received.
As I was writing this piece, a long-time Spinners fan shared her favorite story about Joann Weber walking up and down the line the day tickets went on sale for the upcoming season, handing out donuts she’d purchased for those enduring a long wait to enter her home. Naturally, this fan mentioned the smile.
The stories are endless, and I invite you all to share your favorite Joann Weber story in the comments section or on our InsideLowell social media profiles.
It was Shawn Smith, the first and ironically last Spinners Vice President and GM, who texted this morning to remind me what today marked.
“It would be nice if InsideLowell would say a kind word or two about her,” Smith wrote.
“Of course, I’ll write something later today. Thank you for the sad reminder,” I told him.
Shawn’s reply? “Don’t be sad. She was amazing.”
3 responses to “Remembering Joann Weber”
Thank you so much for your kind words Teddy. Lowell will always be a home for the Weber family as the community welcomed my parents with open arms. I think about the impact my mother had on the countless fans and staff that came through the ballpark, and how much it meant to her to be with all of you. I always think about her taking photographs of the fans and posting them along the walls as souvenirs some lucky fans can enjoy. Thank you all Lowell!!
Great memory
When Drew and JoAnn First came to lowell their office was directly across Prescott Street from what was then ML Shaw‘s country kitchen.
Drew and Jo Anne never cared for their office space and would spend many hours every day in one of our booths.
My daughter and I were fortunate to come to call them friends.
Such a genuine and sincere woman … And we still look forward to seeing Drew in his appearances in lowell.
Thanks for doing this Ted… Brings back great memories.
I miss Joann terribly. She was a friend and she loved everyone whom she crossed paths with. She was so much fun. I think of her often. She was a valiant warrior in her fight against pancreatic cancer. She left this world too soon!💜