The demise of the Sussex SkyHawks (independent; Can-Am League) doesn’t mean professional baseball won’t return to Skylands Park in the near future — but there needs to be some changes regarding the landlord’s financial expectations. Pro baseball has been a mixed bag in Augusta, N.J.: the original New Jersey Cardinals (short season A; NY-Penn League) […]
Archive | Independent Baseball
Tijuana out, Henderson in for NAL 2011
With teams receiving the go-ahead to officially release schedules this afternoon, we have a new lineup for the 2011 independent North American League: the Tijuana Ambassadors are out, the Henderson Roadrunners are in. That, of course, gives the league two Roadrunners franchises. Adding Henderson, a Las Vegas suburb, isn’t a surprise: Las Vegas was present […]
First NAL schedule released
The Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) have posted a schedule for the 2011 season — and as you might expect, it’s heavy with games against Schaumburg and Rockford. Really heavy. In fact, the schedule has the Fielders taking on the Schaumburg Flyers six times in June, 15 times in July (more than half […]
Fullerton, Flyers enter exclusive negotiating period for new ballpark
The Orange County Flyers (independent; Golden Baseball League) and the city of Fullerton (Cal.) have entered into an exclusive negotiating period for a new ballpark at the current Amerige Park site. The Flyers have been playing at the Cal State-Fullerton ballpark as a secondary tenant. The deal, approved by the City Council on Jan. 4 […]
Flyers sale still in works; indy world waits on resolution
A sale of the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) is still ongoing and could close within a week or two, but the future of the team is still in up for debate and generating a lot of buzz in indy-ball circles, as the fate of the team could affect the proceedings in at least two […]
New for 2011: Joliet Slammers
We have a name for the new Silver Cross Field team in the independent Frontier League: the Joliet Slammers, as team ownership goes with a penal theme for its inaugural season. “We deliberated over this for many days and many nights,” said team president Bill Waliewski. “And when all the evidence was considered, we came […]
Can-Am League to go with eight teams in ’11
In a gutsy move, the independent Cam-Am League is going with eight teams for the 2011 season, including a Ramapo team that may or may not have a completed ballpark in time for the season and a new travel team. Joining the existing Quebec Capitales, Worcester Tornadoes, Brockton Rox, New Jersey Jackals and Pittsfield Colonials […]
New for 2011: Amarillo Sox
We have a name for the new Amarillo team in the independent American Association: the Amarillo Sox, as management goes with a name that evokes the Amarillo Gold Sox while not infringing on a trademark held by the city of Marysville. As you’ll recall, ownership had originally announced Gold Sox before the owners of the […]
SkyHawks to go dark?
A deal for Floyd Hall to sell the Sussex SkyHawks (independent; Can-Am League) has fallen through, and efforts to sell the team continues — but unless a deal can be consummated soon, the team could go dark in 2011 or play as a travel team, putting the indy circuit in a scheduling pinch. It’s a […]
NAL at 12 for 2011; league looking at Metrodome?
The independent North American League has apparently settled at 12 teams for the 2011 season, with two divisions of six teams each; meanwhile, league officials have talked with Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission leaders about putting a team in the Metrodome. Really. The league lineup: in the Eastern Division — Rockford RiverHawks, Lake County Fielders, Schaumburg […]
Saints jump on Metrodome deflation with whoopee-cushion promotion
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of “Inflation Day” of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, and, subsequently, the 2010 “Deflation Day,” the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) announced a Metrodome Whoopee Cushion giveaway during the 2011 season. The first 2,500 fans attending the Saints vs. Sioux Falls Pheasants game on Saturday, May 14 will […]
St. Paul makes Saints ballpark state-funding priority
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 […]
American Association schedule released: Amarillo in, Pensacola out
The independent American Association is going with 14 teams in the 2011 season, as new additions Amarillo, Fargo-Moorhead, Gary, Kansas City and Winnipeg offset the loss of the Pensacola Pelicans for the year. The schedule still features some of that grueling travel so loved by players and front-office staff alike: the Sioux City Explorers, for […]