Now that we’re all back from the Winter Meetings, let’s get to work! We’ll lead off with news that baseball vet Dave Chase is the GM of the new Sussex County Miners (independent; Can-Am League), beginning play at Skylands Stadium in 2015.
Chase is a 35-year baseball lifer, including stints with Baseball America, GM of the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and most recently commissioner of the summer-collegiate Prospect League. He’ll build the Miners from scratch.
“Our goal is to create a comfortable, safe environment for multiple generations of families to enjoy the fun and joy of watching live competitive baseball,” Chase said in a press statement. “With this new team, we are laying the foundations for a brilliant future for baseball in Sussex County. It is an honor for me to be the one to steward the Miners as they embark on this exciting mission.”
“We are thrilled to be unveiling the Sussex County Miners, their team colors and new general manager Dave Chase to baseball fans and the community,” said Al Dorso Sr., president of Skylands Stadium and the Miners Ballclub. “Our goal is to offer baseball lovers excitement and a high caliber of competitive play close to home – with lots of wins! Dave Chase is just the man to offer fans a great day out at the baseball park.”
The team also unveiled new logos and team name. The team colors are black and bright gold. The Miners name and logo pay homage to the area’s past as home to iron and zinc mining.
This is the third run for professional ball at Skylands Stadium (formerly Skylands Park). The New Jersey Cardinals (short season A; NY-Penn League) launched the facility, followed by the Sussex Skyhawks (independent; Can-Am League). Built in 1994, Skylands Stadium is located in the heart of rural Sussex County in Frankford Township, (Augusta) New Jersey. Skylands Stadium LLC Management purchased the stadium in 2013, including the 4,200-seat ballpark, a 16,000-square foot all-purpose building and the surrounding 28 acres. The ballpark has upgraded concessions, restroom facilities and seating areas, as well as the playing field, club house and locker rooms. A new 5,000-square foot pavilion has been erected down the first base line. A special box has been designated for members of the media.
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