River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) ownership has informed O’Fallon, MO officials that the team will cease operations at the end of 2019, wrapping up a 21-year run at CarShield Field.
The Rascals are playing the 2019 season under a one-year lease agreement. Previously, city officials and club ownership group PS&J Baseball, LLC anticipated that a longer-term lease agreement could be secured, but ultimately team ownership has decided the 2019 season will be the Rascals’ last. In a press release Monday, it was stated that PS&J Baseball arrived at this decision “after considering several options for the 2020 season and beyond.” The city can now launch discussions with prospective tenants to occupy CarShield Field beginning in 2020.
“Although we are disappointed to hear the Rascals are ceasing operations at the end of the year, we are grateful for 21 years of Rascals baseball, and we wish the players, coaches and front office personnel the best,” O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy said in a press statement. “The team has entertained thousands of O’Fallon residents over the years and will always be a part of our City’s rich history. Our staff is already in contact with potential new tenants, and we will begin discussions with them to ensure that our beautiful stadium offers great entertainment for our residents in future years.”
“We are grateful to the residents and business owners who have supported our organization for the past two decades,” David Schmoll, General Manager of the Rascals, said in a press statement. “O’Fallon has been a great location for our team over the years, and it will continue to be a great location for minor league baseball in the future.”
With this announcement, it is confirmed that the 2019 season will be the River Rascals’ last. Technically, the organization will have the lease for CarShield Field–which will still be available for previously scheduled offseason events–through year’s end, before the agreement officially terminates.
The Rascals are currently one of 10 teams competing in the Frontier League. No other changes to the league’s lineup of teams have been announced for 2020.