The exploits of players and coaches in the independent North American League will be chronicled in a new television series produced by the TVS Television Network, “For the Love of the Game.” “This is a great opportunity to showcase our league, players, and communities,” said North American Baseball League President Brian MacInnes. “It’s also a […]
Archive | Independent Baseball
New Sox mascot raises hackles in Amarillo
Well, that didn’t last long: the Amarillo Sox (independent; American Association) yanked their new, energetic mascot after complaints from fans regarding his, um, excited nature. The mascot was unveiled during last Friday’s game, but it didn’t end up quite the way GM Mark Lee anticipated. A new mascot is expected to be unveiled this weekend. […]
Amarillo decision: Build new or renovate existing ballpark
With little movement on a new downtown ballpark and Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium in desperate need of repair, Amarillo Sox (independent; American Association) officials are exploring renovation plans — just in case. Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium — the former Amarillo Dilla Villa and Potter County Stadium — is the second-oldest ballpark in the […]
Crushers announce All-Star plans
The Lake Erie Crushers are hosting the 2011 Frontier League All-Star Game at All Pro Freight Stadium on July 13, but the festivities kick off the night before with the Frontier League Fan Fest and Home Run Derby. The 2011 Frontier League Fan Fest will begin July 12 at 5:30 p.m. with All Star autographs […]
Simmy claims 1,000th indy-ball victory
Doug Simunic, already the all-time winningest coach in independent baseball, notched his thousandth career win today when the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks edged the Sioux City Explorers 4-3 at Newman Outdoor Field. Simunic began his managerial career in 1993 has the skipper of the Rochester (Minn.) Aces of the Northern League and spent his entire career in […]
Player injured running into unpadded outfield concrete wall in York
Kenny Kelly, a former major leaguer, suffered a concussion and a facial fracture after running into an unpadded concrete wall at Sovereign Bank Park, the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), leaving coaches and players calling for a safer playing facility. Affiliated baseball has minimum standards regarding outfield fence padding; rare is the […]
Name-the-team contest launched in Schaumburg
Never too early to start: the new Schaumburg team in the independent American Association, set to begin play in 2012, is launching a name-the-team contest. The team owners have thrown out some potential names, but they’re opening the proceedings up to the public. Over 60 prizes are at stake, including tickets, use of a luxury […]
Slammers unveil mascot: J.L. Bird
The Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) unveiled a second mascot that keeps with the jailbird theme for the team: J.L. Bird. “He can be a little mischievous,” Slammers Director of Marketing Sarah H. Eichenberger said. “But we’ve been assured that he’s perfectly friendly.” The new mascot made his debut Sunday night as he ran wild […]
RiverHawks snare millionth fan
Nice landmark for the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League): the one-millionth fan in team history went through the turnstiles of Road Ranger Stadium Friday night. Katherine Moe won two plane tickets from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD). “The fact that we’ve enjoyed the sustained level of success to reach 1 million fans is testament to […]
Rascals to honor Maris, the True Home Run King
It’s the 50th anniversary of Roger Maris’s legendary 61-homer season, and the River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) are honoring the former Yankee and Cardinal great with a bobblehead proclaiming him the True Home Run King. Maris’s accomplishment, already memorialized in film and the subject of memorials this season at Yankee Stadium, grabbed the attention […]
Ohio extends tax breaks to indy ballparks
In what is being called an attempt to level the playing field, the Ohio General Assembly passed a measure extending tax breaks to municipally owned ballparks housing independent-league baseball teams, a tax break already in place for ballparks where affiliated teams are the tenant. The bill, which has been signed by Gov. John Kasich, is […]
Boulders open new ballpark with sellout
Nice start for the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League): despite controversy and lawsuits surrounding the team’s new home, Provident Bank Park opened last night with a sellout crowd, a Boulders win and lots of happy fans. It sounds like a typical opening for the ballpark: almost everything was completed in time for the season opener, […]
Lehv leaves Saints for…Saints
The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) are losing assistant GM Dan Lehv to the Dubuque (Iowa) Fighting Saints, a USHL team with ties to the NHL champions Boston Bruins. Lehv is the new president of the Fighting Saints, which just completed its first season in the junior-level USHL on a successful note, winning the […]