Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Millikin University, the summer-collegiate Prospect League will explore the potential launch of a Decatur, IL team at Workman Family Baseball Field in 2020. The deal is contingent on the Prospect League assembling an ownership group that can reach a lease agreement with the University.
The Prospect League, which will feature 12 teams in its 2019 season, would place an expansion team in Decatur. The university’s Workman Family Baseball Field (rendering above), located south of the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC), will include an all-artificial turf field, stadium seating (including some seat back chairs), clubhouse, lights, press box, concessions and batting cages.
“We believe the Workman Family Baseball Field will be a great showcase for baseball,” said Dr. Craig White, Millikin Director of Athletics. “With the facility hosting the Millikin Big Blue, our College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) competitors and the top collegiate players in the Prospect League, Decatur and Millikin University will become a destination location for great baseball action.”
“Having the Prospect League play at the Workman Family Baseball Field would bring new people and business to Decatur and add to the quality of life for our community, while spreading the good word about Millikin University’s vitality,” said Millikin President Patrick White.
“It is with great pride that I represent the members of the Prospect League in welcoming the Millikin community, the wonderful city of Decatur and all of the citizens and potential fans of Macon County and this region into the fold,” said Prospect League Commissioner Dennis Bastien. “As we grow and expand, Decatur, with its long and enduring history of baseball, was a logical and perfect fit for us. After finding out that the Workman family made such an amazing contribution to help build such a remarkable small college facility for the baseball program here, I contacted Coach Townsend, then Craig White, which began the process that we are celebrating today.”
“With Springfield and our newest franchise at the Corn Crib in Normal, a rivalry should develop between them,” added Bastien. “I foresee an I-72 Showdown or Route 51 Fracas annual challenge for a Mayoral bet or something similar. The economic impact, the addition of a unique quality of life venue and the most inexpensive three-hours of family entertainment will make attending a Decatur _______’s game each summer a made-for-memories event.”
Rendering courtesy Millikin University.