A proposed new ballpark for the Rockland Boulders in Ramapo, N.Y., is moving forward after its site was transferred to a quasi-public development agency, but opponents of the facility are threatening a lawsuit in an attempt to detail the project. The city had bought the ballpark site in anticipation of building the ballpark using Ramapo-backed […]
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Group says it’s ready to play in Omaha; MECA says otherwise
Representatives of Fast Ball Sports LLC say they have an agreement to play in Omaha‘s TD Ameritrade Park under the North American League banner, but ballpark officials say no lease is in place — and there are no current negotiations slated for one. The group, which includes Minnesota businessman Jim Space, Washington, D.C. attorney George […]
Joliet bid to enter Frontier League under consideration
To understand the issues surrounding a pitch by Joliet officials to have a Frontier League team play at Silver Cross Field next season, there’s one important thing to remember: Peter Ferro isn’t actually selling the Northern League‘s JackHammers. He’s merely selling equipment and a ballpark lease. Everything will now make sense. The latest. We’re told […]
OC Flyers owners double down on NAL with purchase of Na Koa Ikaika Maui
Three owners of the Orange County Flyers have doubled down their investment in the new independent North American League with a purchase of Na Koa Ikaika Maui from Xcellence in Entertainment. The trio — owner Harris Tulchin, managing member Leroy Pettigrew and investor Bob Young — announced their purchase via a press release. They’ve been […]
New name on tap for Amarillo ballpark
With the Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League Baseball) gone, naming rights to the former Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa — Potter County Memorial Stadium for now — will be sold by Southern Independent Baseball, the ballpark’s new tenant. The deal struck by the Dillas, according to former GM Mark Lee, covered more than just the […]
Meanwhile, in the Can-Am League….
Most of the news in independent baseball this offseason has been generated by the new North American League and additions to the American Association. True, there’s been far less news associated with the Can-Am League this offseason, but here’s what’s been happening as of late. We’ve already reported on the addition of the Newark Bears […]
Joliet city officials to lobby at Frontier League meetings
Joliet city officials feel so strongly about the Joliet JackHammers entering the Frontier League that they plan to attend league meetings next Monday to make their case, throwing an another roadblock to all four Northern League teams entering en masse into a new indy league effort. It was assumed that Joliet would be part of […]
Nassau County, Atlantic League talking new ballpark
It sounds like the independent Atlantic League might be able to pull off what the New York Mets, the New York Islanders and the Eastern League failed to do: build a new ballpark in Nassau County. Talks are beginning between league officials and Nassau County officials about a new ballpark, which could open as soon […]
Joliet throws monkey wrench in league mergers
Tom Thanas, the Joliet City Manager overseeing the sale of the Joliet JackHammers (independent; Northern League), says that the team would not be playing in a new North American League, saying that the city would not allow a move; instead, he and city officials would dictate participation in the competing Frontier League. Thanas is involved […]
Seals: Canaries in the coal mine?
Many in baseball were stunned when respected operators Darren and Russ Parker pulled the plug on the Victoria Seals (independent; Golden Baseball League) for the 2011 season, citing issues with the city and concerns about the future of the GBL. Was the decision a harbinger of what’s to come with independent baseball? When the Parkers, […]
Sholes new GM in Rockford
The Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Northern League) have promoted Brad Sholes from within as GM of the franchise, as he replaced longtime GM Josh Olerud. “I’m both thankful and excited for the opportunity that I have with the RiverHawks,” Sholes said. “I look forward to working with the staff to continue our success.” Sholes had been […]
American Association lands Amarillo; ULB loses court bid to halt process
The Potter County Commissioners unanimously awarded a lease for Potter County Memorial Stadium to Southern Independent Baseball, freeing the way for the independent American Association to set up shop there in 2011. The move wasn’t surprising: SIB principal Scott Berry has been an owner in good standing in the AA for several years, and the […]
New naming rights deal on horizon in Winnipeg?
With the CanWest media empire dead, it sound like we could see a new name for one of our favorite ballparks, CanWest Global Park, the home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; American Association). CanWest Global Media Corp. has held naming rights to the ballpark since it opened. However, the bankrupt firm has been sold to […]