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New for 2014: Kalamazoo Growlers

Kalamazoo Growlers

The newest team in the summer-collegiate Northwoods League has a name: the Kalamazoo Growlers, playing out of Homer Stryker Field beginning in 2014.

The new name and logos were released at an opening event at Homer Stryker Field; along with introductions of the team manager, coaching staff, two players for the 2014 season, and a plan to overhaul the left-field patio and spiff up home plate seating.

As it ends up, the league will own the team for the time being. Brian Colopy, former GM of the Battle Creek Bombers, will be managing partner and GM of the Growlers, with John Bollinger the assistant GM.

The team also launches with a strong on-field leader: Joe Carbone, the second-most winning coach in MAC history, is the field manager for the 2014 season. Carbone has over 40 years of coaching experience. During his tenure he has been the assistant coach ar Toledo and Ohio State, and served as the Head Coach of Ohio University for 24 seasons. During his tenure with Ohio University, Joe’s team won 661 games, most of any other coach in Ohio University history in any sport. His 661 wins places him second in the MAC all time, behind Western Michigan baseball legend (Fred Decker had 791 wins). Carbona is a two-time MAC Coach of the Year and 1997 Mideast Region Coach of the Year.

The ballpark most recently hosted independent Frontier League ball in the form of the Kalamazoo Kings.

We should have some other Northwoods League news this week: the name of the new Kenosha team is set to be unveiled the 23rd.

RELATED STORIES: It’s official: Northwoods League to Kalamazoo in 2014; Kalamazoo, Northwoods League agree on Stryker Field lease; Kalamazoo, Northwoods League negotiating Homer Stryker Field lease; Northwoods league eyes westward expansion; Bismarck Municipal Ballpark to be renovated this summer; Satchel Paige, Bismarck and Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Northwoods League extends B.C. lease, eyes Kalamazoo

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