The summer-collegiate Northwoods League is buying back the Green Bay Bullfrogs from Jeff Royle and Titletown Baseball Group, LLC, which had owned the team since its inception in 2007.
The league had a contractual option to purchase the team and the Northwoods League board of directors voted unanimously on Oct. 16 to exercise that right.
“We regard Green Bay as a great baseball area and an excellent fit for our league,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “This is the first time we have exercised our contractual right to purchase an affiliate, and I believe it shows the long-term commitment the Northwoods League has to the operation of a successful team in Northeast Wisconsin.
“Our league model is to showcase elite college baseball players in a fan-friendly ballpark experience. We are excited to set a path that will make the Green Bay affiliate among the best in the Northwoods League, both on and off the field.”
A big challenge for Royle and Bullfrogs over the years: the relatively small capacity of Joannes Stadium, built in 1929 and formerly home to minor-league baseball in the city. Joannes Stadium is located in a city park with relatively little real estate and parking, which must be shared with other city facilities. Royle had led several attempts to build a new ballpark in Green Bay, including proposing a cool waterfront facility in downtown Green Bay and talking with the Green Bay Packers about a ballpark next to Lambeau Field.
RELATED STORIES: Bullfrogs ballpark moves forward; will not seek city loan for now; Bullfrogs propose scaled-down ballpark; Owner: New Bullfrogs ballpark needs public investment; New Bullfrogs ballpark on hold; Bullfrogs put new-ballpark groundbreaking on hold; Green Bay approves Bullfrogs land plan; Royle: We’ve outgrown Joannes Stadium
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