With the Helena Brewers (Rookie; Pioneer League) moving after this season, the summer-collegiate Expedition League is showing interest in taking their place at Kindrick Legion Field.
Following the 2018 Pioneer League season, the Brewers will relocate to Colorado Springs. That is part of a series of franchise shifts planned by the Elmore Sports Group, as the Brewers will move to Colorado Springs to take the place of the Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The current Sky Sox are moving to Wolff Stadium in San Antonio, with the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) franchise going to a new Amarillo ballpark.
As the Brewers prepare to play their final season at Kindrick Legion Field, the Expedition League is showing interest in occupying the ballpark starting next year. The Expedition League, which will begin its inaugural season later this month, has submitted a proposal to Helena officials, and circuit president Steve Wagner is emphasizing the league’s interest in the market. More from KTVH:
“I think the community is the right sized community. Our baseball product, our entertainment is very family-friendly and very affordable for families, so I think it’s a good fit for the folks of Helena,” Wagner said.
However, Helena America Legion Baseball currently uses the field for its games and is concerned about sharing the space.
Ultimately, it’s the City of Helena’s decision whether or not to lease the field to Expedition League. Wagner said they have already secured a lease in Butte. Expedition League organizers asked the city to make a decision within the next 90 days.
Cities that will host Expedition League teams during its inaugural season include Dickinson and Minot, North Dakota; Gering and Hastings Nebraska; Aberdeen, Pierre, and Spearfish, South Dakota; and Casper, Wyoming. The league’s Opening Day 2018 is set for May 25.
Kindrick Legion Field originally opened in 1932, and is currently the oldest active ballpark in the Pioneer League.