MountainStar Sports Group, working to bring the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) to a new downtown El Paso ballpark, has agreed to several lease changes designed to bring more money to city coffers and drops a noncompete clause with the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association). The changes come after some City Council […]
Tag Archives | independent
Dayton confirms: $25M for new Saints ballpark
The final step in funding a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) is complete, as Gov. Mark Dayton signs off on $25 million in state bonding proceeds for the project. Earlier this week the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recommended the spending, out of 90 projects submitted to be part of $47.5 million […]
Joliet Slammers on the market
After two years of losses, the owners of the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) put the team on the market and are negotiating with two prospective new ownership groups. Alan Oremus of Steel City Baseball LLC, along with team president Bill Waliewski, decided to pull the plug on their ownership of the team after totaling […]
Somerset Pats approaching 5M mark
The Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) are on the verge of a major milestone: attracting the five-millionth fan in team history. The team should hit the mark tomorrow night at TD Bank Ballpark, barring any weather complications. “Our record the last two years is the record, and no one will say they are satisfied with that, […]
State recommends funding of Saints ballpark
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 […]
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 […]
Champaign to move forward with ballpark study
City staff in Champaign (Ill.) has been instructed to move forward with a study of the potential of minor-league baseball, but stopped short of authorizing any money toward the task. A report issued by the Illinois Business Consulting group, a student-run organization operating under the University of Illinois College of Business, concluded that the area could support professional baseball […]
Clemens to stick with Skeeters for one more start
The party goes on: Roger Clemens will stay with the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) and travel with the team to York before starting at home Sept. 7. Clemens, 50, will face the Long Island Ducks at Constellation Field in Sugar Land on September 7. The right-hander pitched his first professional game in five […]
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 […]