The Wells County Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of Shortstop, Bluffton's newly renovated convenience store owned by local businessman Adam Dager. Located at 1009 North Main Street in Bluffton.
While the convenience store has long been a familiar stop for residents, Dager has transformed it into a destination that celebrates America's favorite pastime and Bluffton's own baseball heritage.
Former owner Mark Nicholas shared that the original name, Shortstop, simply represented a place where customers could make a quick stop before heading on their way. Dager saw an opportunity to preserve the familiar name while giving it an entirely new meaning.
"I'm a baseball fan, and I've coached softball for almost two decades," Dager said. "I started thinking, 'What can I do to tie that theme into the store?'"
From the moment customers walk through the doors, they'll notice baseball woven throughout the design. The flooring resembles a baseball diamond, the exterior sign is being redesigned to resemble a classic stadium marquee, and even the restrooms will feature baseball-inspired décor. Dager also plans to install a Wall of Fame recognizing Wells County baseball and softball players who have made their mark both on and off the field.
One of the store's most unique features honors a little-known piece of Bluffton history. Dager restored a historic photograph of the Bluffton Babes, the city's professional baseball team that competed from 1909 to 1911 in the Class D Northern State of Indiana League. The league included teams from Huntington, Wabash, Marion, Kokomo, Lafayette, and other Indiana communities, making Bluffton one of the state's early homes of professional baseball.
"I was so excited to get this store," Dager said. "The original building was torn down to make room for new construction and additional businesses. I'm very excited to have this store and see what it can do."
For Dager and his wife, Lisa, the investment is about much more than operating another convenience store.
"The town of Bluffton has been very good to us and our family," said Lisa Dager. "We appreciate everyone's support and everyone who came out to celebrate with us."
The Shortstop location marks Dager's third business location in Wells County, further strengthening his commitment to serving the local community.
"It's been a blessing and an honor to represent this community," Dager said. "Our slogan is 'All American Stores. Hometown owners. Hometown staff. Your hometown team.' The fun part about 'hometown owners' is that I don't just consider myself an owner. I consider my staff owners, and I consider the community our owners as well."
That philosophy extends beyond business.
"It's not about the chase—it's about the delivery and how we do it," Dager explained. "Every year, countless dollars go back into local charities. We don't focus on big national organizations. We prefer supporting grassroots efforts where we can see the impact firsthand. We want the community to feel like they own us."
Dager describes the culture of his company as one centered on servant leadership, where employees are treated like family and relationships are built on loyalty, commitment, and dedication.
"Our family is anyone in our company who becomes part of what we're building," he said. "If you treat us like family, we'll definitely treat you like family—and honestly, we usually start by treating you like family first. That's the culture we're trying to build."
Dager closed the celebration by thanking the community that has supported his family's businesses throughout the years.
"I just want to thank everyone for coming out," he said. "That's what I mean—Wells County is one of a kind."
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce congratulates Adam, Lisa, and the entire Shortstop team on this exciting new chapter. Be sure to stop in, enjoy the baseball-inspired atmosphere, and experience firsthand why Shortstop is more than just a quick stop—it's a hometown tradition with a whole new look.
Cutting the ribbon is Adam and Lisa Dager, surrounded by Wells County staff, Chamber Ambassadors, Shortstop employees and community supporters.
Please view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.