The second new team in the independent North American League has been announced: the Hawaii Stars will be owned and run by the existing Na Koa Ikaika Maui ownership. The team doesn’t have a home yet, but owner Bob Young and other NAL officials are looking at playing some games at Wong Stadium in Hilo, a […]
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New for 2012: Sonoma County Grapes
The promised Sonoma County team in the independent North American League will be known as the Sonoma County Grapes, with tryouts scheduled for coming weeks. The Grapes won’t be solely a traveling team: they’ll play plenty of games at Albert Park, the home of the San Rafael Pacifics (independent; North American League), which will own […]
Sioux Falls Pheasants sold
On the cusp of the team’s 20th-anniversary season, the Sioux Falls Pheasants (independent; American Association) has been sold to a new investment group with some fairly big names. Majority owner Bill Sexton has sold his stake in the Pheasants and the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede to SD Sports and Entertainment, a new corporation owned by Bob Naegele […]
Somerset Patriots unveil ballpark improvements
More ballpark news from the independent Atlantic League, where the Somerset Patriots have unveiled ballpark improvements to TD Bank Ballpark. New this year, from CentralJersey.com: TD Bank Ballpark’s renovations include the installation of a protective railing in front of both dugouts, a fully refurbished home clubhouse and the addition of the Diamond Club hospitality suite flush […]
Tal Smith joins ODP as special advisor
A personnel move to note: Tal Smith, longtime member of the Houston Astros front office, has been named special advisor to Opening Day Partners (ODP), owners of several independent Atlantic League teams. ODP’s newest team is the Sugar Land Skeeters, and Smith will be advising Opening Day Partners on that team as well as new locations […]
Saints add 0K race to annual Running of the Pigs
Exercise we can embrace: the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) will hold a 0K race as part of the team’s Ninth Annual Running of the Pigs on April 21. Billed as a race perfect for an ultra marathon runner or couch potato, the 0-K race is the only competition in the world where everyone […]
Beach Bums bring better beer, BBQ to ballpark in 2012
Always worth a visit to Wuerfel Park, and this year that’s more true, as the team adds new food offerings and a Microbrew Pub to the home of the Traverse City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League). The Beach Bums do a nice job with the food at Wuerfel Park, and the additions raise the ante […]
Fielders launch shocker: no 2012 season on tap
With no ballpark, no league, no front office and no sales force, the Lake County Fielders made it official: no 2012 season for the team. It’s not exactly a shocker, but the Fielders decided to go ahead and issue a press statement today confirming the team is on hiatus for the coming season: “With no […]
Zion files suit against Fielders for $500K in back rent, more
The Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) and Zion (Ill.) legal battle stepped up a notch after the city filed a suit seeking back rent and more for the team’s short tenure at Fielders Stadium. It’s the latest salvo in a legal battle that’s already seen the Fielders’ parent company, Grand Slam Sports and […]
Kobayashi to make appearances in Schaumburg, Gary
Competitive-eating legend Takeru Kobayashi will once again take on the locals at ballparks this season, appearing at Schaumburg Boomers (independent; Frontier League) and Gary SouthShore RailCats (independent; American Association) games. Kobayashi is a legend in the competitive-eating world, winning six straight Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest titles and holding the unofficial world record for […]
PA announcer prevails in Fielders lawsuit
P.A. announcer Gregory Koeppen won his lawsuit against the Lake County Fielders (independent, North American League) over unpaid payments for game-day work after team officials failed to attend Lake County Circuit Court hearings. In December, Koeppen filed suit against the Lake County Fielders and ownership Grand Slam Sports and Entertainment. “This court victory wasn’t so […]
Illinois to Zion: Exactly where did the ballpark money go?
The State of Illinois is seeking information from Zion about whether money earmarked toward a new Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) ballpark was properly spent. It’s yet another turn in the odd ballpark odyssey that saw the Fielders and Zion scrap through most of 2011 over whether a temporary ballpark met the terms […]
New ballpark on tap for Abilene
In announcing the addition of the Abilene Prairie Dogs to the independent North American League lineup, team ownership announced efforts were underway to procure a new ballpark for the 2013 season. It’s not the first time Byron Pierce and John Bryant have fielded a team in Abilene; they owned the Abilene Prairie Dogs in the […]