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 […]
Archive | Independent Baseball
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]