Though the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) have worked hard on a quality product, some locals say baseball won’t be successful until affiliated ball arrives — which will probably be never. The Slammers were a smash in the first season, then saw things level off in 2012. That’s led to some talk about affiliated ball […]
Archive | Independent Baseball
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 […]
65-year-old Lee throws complete game in NAL
We’re not sure what this says about the level of play, but 65-year-old Bill “Spaceman” Lee threw a complete-game victory and went 1-for-3 in his debut with the San Rafael Pacifics (independent; North American League). Lee took the mound in front of 1,265 fans at Albert Park and pitched a complete game in a 9-4 […]
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 […]
Clemens signs deal with Sugar Land Skeeters
Roger Clemens, fresh off a legal win on charges of perjury, has signed a contract to pitch for the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) and is expected to start Saturday night’s game. Clemens last pitched in 2007 for the New York Yankees. According to AP, Clemens has been working out and pitched in a […]
Lake Charles eying pro ball
Lake Charles officials have begun preliminary discussions of independent North American League baseball in that Louisiana city, an effort that would include a new ballpark. The last pro team in Lake Charles was the Lake Charles Giants, who played in 1957 at Legion Field. That ballpark still exists, but it’s not suitable for the pro […]
Slammers hit bumps in second season
A sophomore slump can hit franchises, too, as the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) are seeing some setbacks at the gate and on the field. The team had a pretty good debut in 2011, drawing 2,311 fans a game and generating some genuine enthusiasm for the franchise after the old Joliet Jackhammers (independent; Northern League) […]
Freedom Baseball League: We’ll be back next season
The independent Freedom Baseball League, which has had games cancelled this season because of rent owed on ballparks, will be back next season, says organizer Joe Sperle. You’ve got to give Sperle credit for hard work in the face of overwhelming odda. Baseball in the Valley of the Sun is a hard sell in the […]
Fredericksburg, Opening Day Partners talking new ballpark
Peter Kirk and Opening Day Partners are discussing a new ballpark and independent Atlantic League franchise with city and county officials in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. Joining the group: Jack Lavoie, an attorney who attempted to bring Atlantic League baseball to Frederick, Maryland when the lease to Harry Grove Stadium was up for bid this […]
Pacifics sign “Spaceman” Lee to contract
Bill “Spaceman” Lee is coming out of retirement after signing a contract with the San Rafael Pacifics (independent; North American League) in an attempt to set a record for the oldest pitcher to win a pro baseball game. The 65-year-old lefty will take the mound Thursday, Aug. 23, for the Pacifics. The former Red Sox and […]
“Save Midway” group springs up once again
Peter Boehm has been fighting new-ballpark efforts by the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) for more than a decade, and he’s back in action, arguing against a new downtown facility in a local paper. He posted his reasoning at TwinCities.com, saying that spending $54 million on a new ballpark isn’t the best use of […]
Another NIMBY tale, this one in Ramapo
Neighbors of Provident Bank Park, home of the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League), want to see the team cut back on fireworks and music because their dogs are upset by the noise. We’re only being partly facetious. Admittedly, ballpark can have a negative impact on a neighborhood if things aren’t run properly. But in Ramapo […]
Pro soccer could revive Loudoun Hounds ballpark plan
Given up by many for dead, a proposed Loudoun Hounds (independent; Atlantic League) ballpark could see the light of day if the team ownership lands a North American Soccer League (NASL) franchise. NASL officials and Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP), which owns the Hounds and has been working on the ballpark proposal at Kincora Village Center, […]