Reps from the expansion Lake County Fielders were out in force in Zion, meeting with local business owners and fans.
For a team that's not going to play next year, the Lake County Fielders (independent; Northern League) certainly have been active this week, holding an event with the Zion Chamber of Commerce and announcing the hiring of a team broadcaster.
Team president Rich Ehrenreich and GM Ben Burke were on hand for the chamber meeting, pitching folks on the team. While there certainly is room for some skepticism about the team's status for 2010 — a groundbreaking on a $15-million ballpark won't happen until September, although it sounds like the team will begin the season the road and open at home in June — it seems pretty firm that the Northern League will be at eight teams next season with the addition of Rockford as well.
Meanwhile, the team has a broadcaster: Les Grobstein, a local late-night sports-talk host.
RELATED STORIES: Work begins on new Zion ballpark; Fielders unveil ballpark renderings; New for 2010: The Lake County Fielders; Lake County final team names released; New Northern League franchise puts season tickets on sale; Will Ehrenreich sell the Flyers?; Costner announces plans for Northern League team
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