The Minnesota Department of Employment of Economic Development has recommended the state spend $27 million on a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark. The department was charged by the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year to spend $47.5 million of the biannual bonding request on important statewide projects. Out of 90 proposed projects, the Saints […]
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Fullerton Flyers unveil logo, front office
Danny DiPace is the new president/GM of the rebranded Fullerton Flyers (independent; American West Baseball League), with the team still in search of investors. DiPace has plenty of experience in the area, serving as a first-base coach for the Orange County Flyers (independent; Golden Baseball League) in 2007-2008. The team also unveiled a new logo on […]
Multiple groups interested in Worcester market
Multiple groups have expressed interest in setting up shop in Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field after the demise of the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League). We’ve heard from one potential ownership quietly putting together a financial plan, while Bob Weldon, the former director of finance for the Tornadoes under previous ownership, says he’s got a killer […]
NAL shuts down McAllen, Abilene teams early
The McAllen Thunder and Abilene Prairie Dogs were shut down early by the independent North American League, leading many to wonder whether the teams will be around for 2013. Both teams play in the United Division of the North American League — the six teams playing under the ownership of John Bryant and Byron Pierce, […]
Simunic set to return to RedHawks
We don’t spend a lot of time covering managerial hirings, but this one is worth noting: Doug Simunic is set to return for three more years with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (independent; American Association). Simunic is one of the great characters of baseball and the winningest coach in independent baseball. He began his coaching career with the […]
Can-Am League revokes Breighner’s membership, takes over Worcester market
That was quick: the independent Can-Am League has revoked Todd Breighner’s membership in the circuit and is seeking a new owner to play in the Worcester market. Like many independent leagues, the Can-Am League is based on a membership structure (akin a private country club), where team owners are members — as opposed to Minor […]
Small crowd sees Tornadoes’ last home game
We’re not ready to write off the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League), but many in an announced crowd of 546 in attendance for the home closer last night are. Owner Todd Breighner says the team has a positive balance sheet and cash flow, so any talk of bankruptcy is premature. Still, it’s not out of the […]
Breighner: Tornadoes are in good financial shape
Saying there’s no chance he’ll explore bankruptcy, Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) owner Todd Breighner says the team’s balance sheet is in good shape and he will rebound from financial setbacks. The team was locked out of offices earlier this week after the local Hilton Garden Inn went to court to satisfy a $32,562 bill. This follows […]
League may take over Tornadoes
The independent Can-Am League may take over the Worcester Tornadoes a day after employees were locked out of offices and the team shop to satisfy a lien. Usually it’s the last gasp of a team when personnel are locked out of the office, so it’s no surprise Miles Wolff and crew are mapping their next […]
Tornadoes locked out of offices, team shop
After losing team uniforms to satisfy a lien, Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) offices and team store were seized by a creditor, with the team locked out. The seizing came this afternoon after papers were served against the team and owner Todd Breighner over nonpayment of a $32,562 debt against the Hilton Garden Inn. The Inn won a judgement […]
Why Clemens signing will boost Atlantic League
The real value to Roger Clemens signing a contract with the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League): it makes the circuit a more attractive business proposition. It was a good weekend for the league: the appearance with the Skeeters was nationally televised by ESPN Classic, and Tal Smith got in some good interview time during […]
More financial woes for W-Tornadoes; team uniforms seized
Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) uniforms were seized and replaced by league-supplied Grays traveling unis, as a local vendor attempts to collect on a $32,562 debt. The local Hilton Garden Inn filed suit against the team and owner Todd Breighner over nonpayment, saying that attempts to settle the debt ended with bounced checks and broken promises. A […]
Canseco suing Worcester Tornadoes over unpaid salary
Jose Canseco’s return to indy ball may be more profitable than anticipated if he prevails in a lawsuit against the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) over an unpaid salary, which is causing him severe emotional distress. Canseco filed the suit today against the Tornadoes and team owner Todd Breighner for “breach of contract, defamation, unjust enrichment, failure […]