The venerable summer-collegiate Alaska Baseball League, which has struggled in recent years, appears to be back on track with all six teams playing full schedules at home facilities.
It’s been tough the past several years for the ABL: the AIA almost pulled out and the Fairbanks team didn’t play a full schedule in 2011. To top it off long-time Anchorage Bucs GM Dennis Mattingly passed away.
This season sees some new life in the old circuit. The AIA Fire — a travel team last year — have relocated and are now the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks. The Mat-Su Miners committed to a long-term lease at Hermon Brothers Field. And the Alaska Goldpanners will play a full season, including the noteworthy Midnight Sun matchup. So instead of shrinking to four teams, the league stays at six — and all six have their own facility.
Image of Growden Memorial Park, home of the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks, by John Moist.
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!
Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!