By MICHAEL RADANO
Courier-Post Staff
CAMDEN

In effect, the grand experiment that is the Camden Riversharks ended its season Saturday.

Sure, the Sharks have a three-game set with the Nashua Pride to end the year, but a 5-3 loss Saturday to Somerset, in front of the final home crowd at Campbell's Field, was the real end to the season.

With an announced crowd of 4,058, one that was hurt by no-shows a week after the original game was canceled because of the terrorist attacks, the Sharks set a standard they hope to break year after year.

"I think people that came had a good time," Sharks general manager John Brandt said. "I think, as we become more established, our attendance will grow. We had hoped, and we were shooting high, to average 4,500 for the season. We averaged over 4,000 and we look at that as a success.

"We're never going to be a team with 2,000 season tickets, but we understand that. We've made great progress this season. We've only just started."

Off the field, the Sharks progressed with each game. The high point was Sept. 7, when more than 7,000 fans showed up for a Friday night game with Somerset. It was more proof baseball could succeed in Camden.

As for on the field ...

The loss Saturday was typical of many Shark games this year. Derek Root (7-0) went eight innings, but he allowed five runs - single runs in the first, third, fourth, seventh and eighth innings. As for the offense, it didn't get the big hit when needed the most.

"At our core, I think we have a solid 12 players to build around," manager Wayne Krenchicki said. "I think we overestimated how hard it would be to start as an expansion team. You need to build up a team and build some unity. Next year we can take that next step."

"I think if you look at it, we made more changes than any other team this season," Brandt said. "And for good reason. Now we have a good place to build."

Over the course of the year, the Sharks did form a nucleus that, unless things change, looks to be back next year.

Since midseason, the pitching staff lowered its ERA by a full point to 4.91. That in large part had to do with the growth of starters Root, Lincoln Mikkelson and Ryan Schurman. The bullpen was always a strong point for the team, as Jimmy Williams is tied for second in the Atlantic League in saves.

Everyday players, such as Jesus Azuaje, Gil Martinez and Haddon Township graduate Brad Strauss, give the team a solid lineup.

"Unless something comes up, I'll be back," Strauss said. "I think that as an organization things have been done very well. The team cares about the players and have treated us great. Now we just have to play more consistent next season."

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