Before playing a single game the Yuma Panthers (independent; America West Baseball League) have been sold and rebranded for the 2013 season.
New owner Tim Ferguson was born and raised in south Florida, attending Indian River Community College and Nova Southeastern University, where he played baseball and graduated with a degree in education. He later pitched in the Montreal Expos organization until an arm injury ended his career.
After his playing career, Ferguson returned to south Florida and began teaching at an inner-city school and coaching baseball at Palm Beach Community College. He also scouted for the Cleveland Indians where he worked with current San Diego Padres minor-league manager Jim Gabella, until embarking on a business career.
He returned to baseball to manage and serve as GM of the Ruidoso Osos (independent; Pecos League).
The Yuma Panthers were set to be part of the North American League in 2012 before ownership pulled out of the curcuit.
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