With Joe O’Brien Field upgrades on tap, Boyd Sports could assume management of the Elizabethton Twins (Rookie; Appalachian League) from the city’s parks and recreation department.
After much debate, Elizabethton officials voted in October to enter into a partnership with the Minnesota Twins to fund renovations to Joe O’Brien Field, the home of the E-Twins since 1974. The $2.3 million project, which will include a new clubhouse, will be funded by $1.5 million in bonding from the city and $800,000 from the Twins. Traditionally management of the E-Twins’ has been handled by the city’s parks and recreation department, but discussions are taking place about turning that role over to Boyd Sports.
No final agreement is in place at this time, but Boyd Sports has confirmed that discussions are currently unfolding. More from WJHL.com:
Jeremy Boler, vice president of Boyd Sports, confirmed to News Channel 11 that talks between the management firm and the City of Elizabethton are still ongoing.
The team is currently managed by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Talks intensified months ago but simmered down after the renegotiation of a contract started back up between the city and Minnesota Twins front office to keep the team in Elizabethton.
Boyd Sports currently runs the day-to-day operations of two Appalachian League clubs, including the Johnson City Cardinals and Greeneville Reds. It also owns the Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League).
RELATED STORIES: Elizabethton to Vote on Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades; Discussions Over E-Twins’ Future Continue; Joe O’Brien Field Upgrade Talks Continue; Elizabethton Set to Extend E-Twins Agreement; Progress Made on Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades; MOU For Joe O’Brien Field Updates Approved; Elizabethton Commits $1.5M to Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades; Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades Proposed; Elizabethton Mayor Concerned Over Future of E-Twins; E-Twins to Stay at Joe O’Brien Field for 2017; Joe O’Brien Field Upgrades Approved; Twins, Elizabethton Officials to Discuss Ballpark Upgrades; Push Made to Keep Twins in Elizabethton Continues; Joe O’Brien Field Improvements on Hold; Elizabethton Budget Excludes Ballpark Upgrades