Some sad news to pass along: Jeff Royle, the founder and former president of the Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), passed away on Tuesday. He was 48 years old.
Royle was killed in a snowmobile accident near Minocqua, WI on Tuesday night, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Royle’s role with the Bullfrogs began when he and Titletown Baseball Group, LLC established the franchise in 2007. He served in the position of team president during that period, which lasted until the franchise was sold in late 2013. During that time frame, the Bullfrogs contributed to improvements to Joannes Stadium, allowing baseball to return to the former minor league venue. On the field, the team made the Northwoods League playoffs twice under Royle’s watch.
The Bullfrogs have issued a statement on his passing:
Green Bay Bullfrogs founder, Jeff Royle, passed away at the age of 48 Tuesday, January 17th. Royle was responsible for bringing Northwoods League baseball to Green Bay and was majority owner of the Bullfrogs from it’s inception in 2007 through December 2013. Under his leadership, the Bullfrogs reached the playoffs in 2007 and 2009.
“The Bullfrogs would not be in Green Bay without Jeff Royle. We will be forever grateful to Jeff for bringing baseball back to Green Bay. We are sorry to learn of his passing and our thoughts are with his family during
this difficult time.” – Bullfrogs Ownership group – Steve Schmitt, Conor Caloia & Vern Stenman.
“The Northwoods League would like to pass on our thoughts and prayers to Jeff’s family. Jeff was an integral part of Green Bay’s sports history and the rich history of the Northwoods League,” said Dick Radatz, Jr., Chairman and Co-Founder of the Northwoods League.