After investing in an Irish football team, the father/son duo of Mike Veeck and Night Train Veeck–this time joined by Bill Murray–are returning to indy ball with the purchase of a majority stake in the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League.
Former majority owner Nick Semaca will stay on with the group as a shareholder. Semaca purchased the Slammers prior to the 2013 season after the team went through three ownership changes in four years.
Of course, we don’t call the Frontier League an independent league anymore–technically, it’s an MLB Partner League and still receiving baseline MLB support, but we suspect the Veecks will run a team–especially one like Joliet, where the outlaw jokes write themselves–a team very much in the independent tradition.
“I love Joliet and I’m looking forward to working with all of the Slammers staff, especially my son Night Train,” said Mike Veeck via press release.
Night Train Veeck will be in charge of day-to-day operations for the Slammers after a career in pro sports that saw stops with MiLB, MLB and Cricket Australia
“I am super excited about Mike, Night Train, and Bill coming into our ballclub to launch a new growth era for the Slammers. And I am excited to remain a part of the ownership group–it really is a great time for the team, the City, and most importantly our fans,” Semaca said via press release.
RELATED STORIES: Next gig for the Veecks: Larne FC Irish football