Lowell Spinners hit homerun with patriotic employer award Published June 28, 2011 By Bill Hebert Massachusetts Employer Support Guard and Reserve Committee LOWELL, Mass., -- Tim Bawmann, president and general manager, of the Lowell Spinners professional baseball team accepted a prestigious Patriot Award May 31. Bawmann was recommended for his exceptional support of his employee, U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Paolino. Airman Paolino, who is head groundskeeper for the team, stated in his nomination: "Tim Baumann is the general manager of the Lowell Spinners Class (A) affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. He has been my boss for the past seven years and has played a huge part in helping me to make my decision an easier one to join the Air Force Reserves. He made it clear that he and the entire Lowell Spinners organization would have my back and support me throughout my military career. While I was away for basic training and tech. school, Tim would make sure to update me, via e-mail, on the day-to-day activities at the ballpark so I would not miss a beat upon my return. I am deeply honored and proud to work for a boss such as Tim Bawmann and the Lowell Spinners organization. It is my pleasure to recommend Tim Bawmann for the Patriot Award or higher recognition." The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the USERRA law of 1994 and resolving conflicts through mediation. The Massachusetts Field Office has more than 40 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". Representing Massachusetts ESGR was volunteer and Ombudsman Rick Bedell.