The future of the Martinsville Mustangs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) will be decided early next month, as the City Council will review finances and decide if progress is being made on the team’s operating deficit.
The city-owned team has been running a deficit while playing at Hooker Field. Tired of subsidizing the team to the tune of $44,000 last year, the city hired a full-time GM with the goal of boosting sponsorships and attendance while bringing down operating costs.
So far GM Jim Taipalus seems to have accomplished both goals, with attendance and revenues up and costs down. That’s brought some encouraging words from councilors, who will decide by Aug. 31 (when the CPL needs a commitment for 2012) whether to bring back the team. A decision could come as soon as Aug. 9.
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