The summer of 2017 was a profitable season, in more ways than one, for the re-branded Swift Current 57's.

Not only did they repeat as WMBL Champs in a thrilling 5-game series against the Edmonton Prospects, they also saw numbers jump in their favour financially in their first year under that 57's name.

The organization announced a profit of $43,396.19 for last season at their AGM last week - certainly good news after reporting minimal losses the past two seasons.

This comes after a spike in attendance in both the regular season (273 fans per game in 2016, to 469 in 2017) and playoffs (370 per game in 2016, to 656 in 2017), which was capped off by 1189 fans at game 5 of the WMBL Championship series.

A large part of the attendance success that translated to profit was catering ticket packages to all levels of affordability and passion of the fanbase

Aside from single-game tickets and season tickets (147 sold), the organization sold 10-packs (57), as well as a new venture - five-game packs (46) - which, aside from single-game tickets, combined for $39,150 in revenue.

"I think obviously that was key for us - it made baseball affordable and available to absolutely everybody," said 57's President, Mike Mutlow (pictured left). "We made it so it fit in their schedules and their budgets. Everyone was able to attend, and just had a great summer."

Another successful venture was taking over the operation of the concession, which was run by Louie D's Lounge & Dining Room the year before. This resulted in an increase in revenue of $29,141.59, and Mutlow says was one of several aspects that just wouldn't have been possible without that token southwest Saskatchewan volunteerism.

"We kind of took a gamble this year with a lot of different things. A lot of good people helped out and a lot of volunteers really stepped up and put a lot of thankless hours in there. Without those people, none of this would be possible. I can't thank them enough, I could go on and mention probably 100 different names and I'd still forget somebody," Mutlow said.

The appreciation by the 57's President didn't stop there, though, as Mutlow said the loyalty from fans and the community is something he and the board of directors want to reward for next season.

"There's just so many people that support Swift Current 57's baseball - it goes from the fans, to the volunteers, to the community, to our Mayor. Everybody was just on board this past season," Mutlow said. "We talked after the AGM on how we set the standard, let's see if we can make this a little bit better, a little bit better, and a little bit better. We're already trying to think of some new things to do on gameday - spice it up a little bit, make it even more fun there. There'll be something new and interesting I'm sure next summer at the ballpark."

Mutlow said once the board of directors had a chance to sit down and meet once or twice, they'd have a better idea of what this $43,396.19 in profit might be earmarked for.

57's fans will have more of a chance to support the team and show their pride with new WMBL Championship shirts soon to be on sale to the public.