After years of strife over professional baseball and the future of Alexian Field, the management of the Schaumburg Boomers (independent; Frontier League) are wowing the locals.
You know the backstory: the final years of the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) were marked by disputes with the city over rent, cultimated by the eviction of the Flyer and their subsequent descent into backruptcy. After that, the city stepped back and awarded the Alexian Field lease to Alan Oremus, who subsequently sold it to Pat Salvi, owner of the Gary-SouthShore Railcats (independent; American Association).
A trio of experienced front-office personnel — GM Andy Vaino, media-relations rep Ed McCloskey and broadcaster Tim Calderwood — were installed in Schaumburg to prep for next season. According to the Chicago Daily Herald, they’re making quite the first impression, beginning with the installation of new turf this fall and other changes to the ballpark, including the installation of a new scoreboard, next spring:
Schaumburg Village Manager Ken Fritz said officials from both the village and Schaumburg Park District, which co-own the stadium, have been impressed by the Boomers’ level of commitment.
“One of the big things from our perspective is the investment,” Fritz said.
Although the team is required by contract to look after the maintenance of the stadium, the Boomers’ attention to detail is far exceeding the basics, he said, adding that upkeep had slipped during the last few years under the Flyers.
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