A new summer-collegiate league is on the horizon in New England, as the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) will operate a team out of Nashua’s Holman Stadium on behalf of owner and Wisconsin businessman Eric Butlein in the start-up Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England.
Not a lot of specifics on the new league, which could feature up to six teams for 2011. A Thursday press conference has been scheduled, and at that point we’re expecting more information on other teams in the startup circuit. The league’s commissioner is former Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am League) GM Chris Hall. The new Martha’s Vineyard Sharks are also part of the new league.
More information on the league: All players in the league will be on college baseball rosters during the spring 2011 season and, we assume, eligibility remaining as well. Futures League rules mandate at least 12 players from New England or New England-based schools on each team’s roster. Clubs use wood bats and will play a 44-game regular-season schedule.
To say summer-collegiate ball is exploding is an understatement. Besides this new league, 2011 will also see the debut of the Perfect Game Collegiate League, with teams located mainly in New York State.
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