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Joplin Blasters Settle Previous Lawsuit

Joplin Blasters

The owners of the Joplin Blasters have settled a lawsuit with a concessionaire, though a case against the city still hangs in the balance. 

The former independent American Association franchise was previously engaged in a lawsuit with Sodexo Operations LLC, which sued Pro Baseball Management LLC under the contention that it was owed more than $178,000 relating to its initial investment. The owners of the Blasters eventually counter sued, and the case was pending until now.

The dispute has now been settled, with the terms undisclosed. However, when the Blasters folded after the 2016 season, ownership was handed a lawsuit by the City of Joplin relating to the team’s lease agreement. That case is still pending, according to the Joplin Globe:

In the meantime, there has been no further action in a lawsuit filed in Jasper County Circuit Court by the city of Joplin against the baseball group alleging default on a lease agreement for Joe Becker Stadium.

Online court records show that a representative for the baseball group was served copies of the lawsuit Oct. 27.

The city seeks $5 million in damages as a result of the Blasters’ failure to follow through on lease requirements, including the last $15,000 payment of the 2016 season. The city spent about $5 million to rebuild the stadium for the professional team’s use.

The Blasters played two seasons at Joe Becker Stadium, before folding after the 2016 campaign amidst strained relations with city officials. Joplin has already secured a new tenant for the ballpark, as the Joplin Outlaws (summer collegiate; MINK League) have come to terms on a deal for 2017.

RELATED STORIES: Joplin Plots Next StepsStatus of Joplin Blasters in Doubt for 2017; Tensions Unfolding in Joplin

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