Good news for the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) in their pursuit of a new ballpark: the city of St. Paul is actually backing up its stated support of the project with a real commitment to seek state funding at the upcoming legislative session. The Saints braintrust has been pushing a replacement for Midway […]
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Opponents of Ramapo ballpark to file suit
Opponents of a proposed Can-Am League ballpark in Ramapo, N.Y. have informed interested parties — potential lenders, title-insurance companies and the city — that they intend to file suit opposing the funding plan for the new facility currently being pursued by the town’s economic-development agency. The group, Preserve Ramapo, argued that the transfer of 61 […]
Frontier League unveils ’11 schedule; Oakland County to go dark
The independent Frontier League unveiled a 2011 schedule today that includes the new Joliet team playing out of Silver Cross Field; the big news is the the Oakland County Cruisers will go dark for the season and will not resume operations until a new ballpark is finished. Basicall, the Frontier League will be the same […]
Dillas: We were illegally evicted by Potter County
Reunion Sports Group was back in court this week, asking a district court judge to reverse his decision to deny a temporary restraining order against Potter County over the eviction of the Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League Baseball) from Potter County Memorial Stadium. Judge Dan Schaap denied the motion, ruling that the county was immune […]
No Gold Sox for you!
There will be no Amarillo Gold Sox playing in the independent American Association in 2011, as the city of Marysville trademarked the Gold Sox name during the days of the old indy Western League days — and they’re not allowing its use in Texas. Southern Independent Baseball and GM Mark Lee had made the announcement […]
Amarillo Gold Sox to return?
An unconfirmed report out of Amarillo has the new independent American Association team being called the Amarillo Gold Sox, with Mark Lee signing on as general manager. The report comes on a blog run by the Globe News. There may be a few issues: amarillogoldsox.com is currently used by a youth baseball team in Amarillo. […]
New for 2012: Sugar Land Skeeters
There’s a name for the new Texas-based independent Atlantic League team: the Sugar Land Skeeters, who will begin play at a new $30-million ballpark in the Houston suburb beginning in the 2012 season. “I think the entry forms said it best. It just sounds like a fun minor league baseball name for this region,” said […]
Cruisers: We’ll be ready to play in new ballpark in 2011
The owners of the Oakland County Cruisers (independent; Frontier League) say they’re ready to close on $13 million in financing for a new Waterford, Mich. ballpark — Diamond at The Summit — and should be ready to play in the facility for the 2011 season. Diamond Heroes of Southeast Michigan, Inc., says it is anticipating […]
It’s official: North American League unveiled
All the speculation over a mega-independent league over the last few weeks ended up true, as principals with three indy leagues announced the formation of the North American League tonight. The announcement, alas, was a little short on specifics, and we suspect there’s more fine-tuning coming down the pike. For starters, the press release says […]
First look: New Sugar Land ballpark
Everyone loves a pretty ballpark rendering. To brighten up your offseason, here’s a first look at the new Sugar Land (Texas) ballpark, scheduled to open in 2012 as the home of an independent Atlantic League team. The ballpark will be built by the city with a $30 million budget (funded by economic-development funds; no general […]
New for 2011: North American League
There’s a name on the table for the combined Northern League, Golden Baseball League and United League Baseball: North American League, as reps from the three independent circuits continue negotiations on a game plan for the 2011 season. To say that baseball in many of these cities relies on the formation of this new league […]
Three indy leagues joining forces for 2011?
Multiple sources have confirmed talks regarding a merger of sorts between teams in the Northern League, the Golden Baseball League and United League Baseball for the 2011 season, giving these beleaguered circuits a boost as they continue a challenging offseason. It’s no secret that the three leagues have faced some tough times this offseason: four […]
Victoria Seals fold
The ownership of the Victoria Seals (independent; Golden Baseball League) have ceased team operations, saying that issues with the lease at Royal Athletic Park made it impossible to turn a profit. From the team’s press release: Despite expressing continuous concerns over the current least agreement at out-dated Royal Athletic Park, the Seals were unable to […]