Huron, SD is one step closer to receiving a summer collegiate league team, as the Northwoods League has granted the city affiliate status.
On Thursday, the league confirmed that its board of directors has unanimously approved Huron’s application for affiliate status. This could clear the way for the city to land a new franchise in the future.
The Northwoods League has made some strides when it comes to expansion over the last few years, and that momentum will continue in 2017, when it welcomes the Bismarck Larks and the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. While Huron could be added to the mix down the road, both league and city officials stressed in a statement that discussions are still in the preliminary phases.
The statement, which can be read below, was released by the league on Thursday:
The Northwoods League, Inc.’s Board of Directors has considered and unanimously approved an application for Affiliate Status for the City of Huron, South Dakota.
“I want to stress that this is very preliminary and that for game scheduling reasons the League has to expand in multiples of two affiliates. This is the start of that process. The selection of Huron is designed to and will likely give us wonderful geographical advantages to complement our latest expansion to Bismarck, North Dakota,” said Northwoods League Chairman, Dick Radatz, Jr.
“The Huron Parks & Rec Board is excited to enter in to an agreement with the Northwoods League. It is our hope they can move forward with expansion efforts in SD to bring this great opportunity to Huron. The wood bat league will feature some of top collegiate players in the Midwest. All home games would be played at Memorial Ball Park,” said Huron Park’s & Rec Board Chair, Steve Gohn.