With the Minnesota Legislature coming down to the wire on big issues like a $5 billion budget deficit, it’s looking increasingly unlikely legislators will be passing a state bonding bill this year — and that means the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) could be waiting another year for new-ballpark funding. Traditionally, the state bonds […]
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Rematch of diamond battle of the sexes in Rockford
It’s a rematch of a diamond battle of the sexes, as the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) will once again host the Chicago Bandits in an exhibition fastpitch softball game — a sport that perplexed the pro baseball players last year, as the Bandits trounced the ‘Hawks 5-0. This year’s rematch is scheduled for Tuesday, […]
Brasfield new GM in Grand Prairie
The new owners of the Grand Prairie Airhogs (independent; American Association) brought in a familiar face to run things at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie: Craig Brasfield, a longtime GM in the independent-baseball world, is the team’s new vice president and general manager. Brasfield comes to Grand Prairie after two years as the VP/GM […]
McAllen Thunder details released
As we surmised last week, the new McAllen Thunder (independent; North American League) will be a semi-travel team for the 2011 season, playing its “home” games out of Edinburg Stadium and run by the owners of the Edinburg Roadrunners. Using the name (and uniforms and caps and marks, we assume) of last year’s Coastal Bend […]
Cansecos hits North American League
Fresh off an appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, Jose Canseco has signed up to manage the Yuma Scorpions (independent; North American League) and will play in the field as DH/1B; he’ll be joined by brother Ozzie Canseco on the Scorpions roster. Besides playing in the field, Ozzie will serve as hitting coach and bench coach. “I’m […]
Caray to Southern Maryland, Melendez to Yuma
Two personnel moves involving United League Baseball refugees: Josh Caray is the new Voice of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League), while Jose Melendez is the new general manager of the Yuma Scorpions (independent; North American League). Caray broadcast San Angelo Colts games last season and also served as the team’s media relations […]
North American League schedule released: McAllen in, Henderson out
As we reported two days ago, it’s in for McAllen, out for Henderson, as the independent North American League announces the release of a 2011 schedule that has far less travel between Texas and the West Coast than originally planned by league officials. The new schedule has four United League Baseball Texas teams — McAllen […]
First milestone: Groundbreaking for new Skeeters ballpark
Construction has officially begun on StarTex Power Field, the new home of the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League), as Peter Kirk and crew were in town to dig up some dirt with the likes of Bob Watson (former Astros GM) and Joe Klein (former Rangers GM, now with the Atlantic League). The new ballpark […]
Texas teams, NAL playing separate schedules?
As schedules for the independent North American League are posted to the Web, one interesting fact is emerging: it doesn’t appear as though the four Texas teams in United League Baseball are participating fully in the NAL this season — for good reason. Four? Yes. It looks as though there’s been a change in the […]
SIB buys Grand Prairie Airhogs
Southern Independent Baseball (SIB), which already owns two American Association teams, finally breaks into the greater Dallas–Fort Worth market with the acquisition of the Grand Prairie Airhogs (independent; American Association). SIB already owns the Shreveport-Bossier Captains and the Amarillo Sox. The group is based in Dallas and had previously worked to bring a team to […]
Judge: Ramapo ballpark construction will continue
It’s too late for ballpark opponents to shut down construction of a new Ramapo (N.Y.) ballpark for the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League), as a New York judge rules construction of the ballpark can continue in anticipation of a June opening. New York Supreme Court Justice Linda Jamieson held that with ballpark construction reaching the […]
Saints: Time to anoint the pig
If it’s spring, it’s time for the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) to run a contest to name to team’s porcine mascot for the 2011 season. The Saints employ a pig every season to bring balls to the umpire at Midway Stadium games, a nice little touch that inevitably draws the attention of the […]
Waliewski: Split duties as Slammers prez, broadcaster
Bill Waliewski will serve two roles this season with the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League): Besides serving as team president, he’s be the color analyst on WJOL game broadcasts, joining Mark Vasko in the broadcast booth. We can’t remember a situation where a team president served double duty as a broadcaster, but the Slammers are […]