The Schaumburg Boomers (independent; Frontier League) will unveil a brand-new, state-of-the-art high-definition video scoreboard on May 25th at their Inaugural Opening Day at Boomers Stadium. “This latest enhancement is all about our fans, allowing them for the first time in Schaumburg to see themselves up on the big screen and feel more a part of […]
Archive | Features
Fielders: We have new plan for Zion ballpark
The Lake County Fielders ownership is pitching a new ballpark as part of a $70-million sports complex and apparently is working with a developer — but it doesn’t sound like Zion officials are listening. Elizabeth Ochoa of Ochoa Enterprises, a Chicago-area developer, showed up at last night’s Zion City Council meeting, supposedly to present a […]
Can-Am League, American Association will play interlocking schedule
The independent American Association and Can-Am League will play an interlocking schedule this season, with five teams from each circuit crossing over for interleague play. The Can-Am League will adopt the AA’s 100-game schedule, with play starting May 17 and ending September 3. Five Can-Am teams will make one 10-game road trip to AA cities, […]
Toros settle suit; will go gently into that good night
The Tucson Toros (independent; North American League) are going away after settling a lawsuit — on fairly favorable terms — over an eviction from Hi Corbett Field. Toros owner Jay Zucker settled with the city for $300,000 and announced he was folding the franchise, according to KOLD. He filed suit earlier this year, saying Tucson […]
Fullerton Flyers returning in 2012?
The owners of the Fullerton Flyers (independent; North American League) are negotiating a lease for Cal State-Fullerton’s Goodwin Field for the 2012 season. The team, which played in the original Golden Baseball League, was on hiatus last season while team owner Alan Mintz negotiated a new-ballpark deal at Amerige Park with city officials. There’s no […]
New for 2012: London Rippers
Perhaps it’s not a great idea to name a team after a serial killer, as the new London Rippers (independent; Frontier League) moniker is causing a stir in Ontario. Team president and general manager David Martin unveiled the name and logo last night, as the team preps for play in 2012 at historic Labatt Park. […]
Zion, Fielders headed for court?
After a horrific 2011 season, it doesn’t look like the city of Zion (Ill.) and the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) owners have settled their differences — and their paths may cross next in court. You know what a nightmarish season the Fielders had. Opening the 201 North American League season with a […]
Ramapo ballpark lawsuit dismissed
A lawsuit challenging the funding method for Provident Bank Park, the home of the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League), was dismissed after a judge ruled against the claims made by Preserve Ramapo. Supreme Court Justice Linda Jamieson ruled that the city and its economic-development corporation had not broken laws regarding funding for the facility, according […]
London back in Frontier League?
London’s Labatt Park could once again host independent Frontier League baseball, as the owner of the dormant Oakland County Cruisers franchise is negotiating a lease with the Ontario city. A one-year lease with a five-year option will be presented to the city council’s community and neighbourhoods committee on Sept. 28. The team would pay the […]
Schaumburg to Frontier League: sources
Though it’s not a totally done deal, we’re told, it appears likely the Pat Salvi-owned Schaumburg team will be playing in the independent Frontier League next season, as he honors a deal struck by former owner Alan Oremus. We reported on this earlier this month, raising the potential that a Frontier League team, and not […]
Candlesticks always make a nice gift
It was a wedding scene right out of Bull Durham when Ricky VanAsselberg, manager of the Grand Prairie AirHogs (independent; American Association), married Annie Malott on the field at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie. We see weddings at the ballpark all the time. But we don’t often see team managers getting married on the field. […]
Councilman pitches Frontier League ballpark for Port Huron
A Port Huron, Mich. council member is pushing a 4,500-capacity ballpark for an independent Frontier League team, but right now there’s no funding plan on the table. Jim Fisher says a new ballpark on the shores of the St. Clair River would add to the quality of life in the lakeshore city. Minor-league sports have […]
American Association down two for 2012 and beyond
The growth of the independent American Association is slowing, as two teams expected to join the league in 2012 and 2013 — teams in Schaumburg and Montgomery County — will likely be playing elsewhere. The American Association had been a player in Schaumburg’s decision to grant Alan Oremus the lease to Alexian Field last offseason […]