LaGrave Field, the home of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; North American League), has been sold to John Bryant’s FW Stadium Group LLC for $4.5 million. Carl Bell built the new facility on the site of the first LaGrave Field, digging out the old dugouts and positioning home plate at its original location. But Bell […]
Archive | Independent Baseball
Yuma Panthers sold, rebranded
Before playing a single game the Yuma Panthers (independent; America West Baseball League) have been sold and rebranded for the 2013 season. New owner Tim Ferguson was born and raised in south Florida, attending Indian River Community College and Nova Southeastern University, where he played baseball and graduated with a degree in education. He later […]
Twin Cities group negotiating to buy Slammers
Attorney Josh Schaub and real-estate developer Tom Gump — both of Minneapolis — emerged as the potential buyers for the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League), as they met with the City Council about a revised ballpark lease. According to his LinkedIn profile, Schaub is an attorney specializing in sports law, teaching at Hamline University School […]
Loudoun Hounds: We have deal for 2014 ballpark
Loudoun Hounds (independent; Atlantic League) management say they’re ready to go on a new 2014 ballpark, striking a deal for a 10,000-capacity facility at One Loudoun Place. “This is an exciting time for HoundsNation and the entire community,” said Bob Farren, President of VIP Sports & Entertainment, the Hounds’ parent company. “It is something we have […]
Can-Am League expands to Trois-Rivières for 2013
A new Trois-Rivières (Quebec) team in the independent Can-Am League was unveiled yesterday, as an ownership group that includes former major leaguer Eric Gagne met with the press. The ownership group includes Emmanuel Turcotte, Michel Côté, Miles Wolff, Marc-Andre Bergeron, the aforementioned Gagne and team president Jean-François Picard, according to the The Press. Trois-Rivières hosted a series in the […]
Joliet Slammers sale imminent
A sale of the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) is close to fruition, with changes to the Silver Cross Field memo of understanding expected to be approved Monday night by the city council. The city council doesn’t have a direct say in the sale of the Slammers, but does have an indirect one: if the […]
No reason to worry about gap in Saints ballpark financing — yet
City officials are nervous about a $2-million “shortfall” in funding for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark, but such hand-wringing is just silly, silly talks from folks inexperienced in building ballparks. The issue: only $52 million has been allocated by the state, city and the Saints for the ballpark, demolition work on […]
Southern Maryland lands 2013 Atlantic League ASG
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and Regency Furniture Stadium are hosting the 2013 Atlantic League All-Star Game on July 10, 2013, as the Liberty Division and the Freedom Division clash. “It is truly an honor for the Blue Crabs and the Southern Maryland community to be hosting this event,” said Blue Crabs President Keith Lupton. “The […]
Boulton, Atlantic League looking at new feeder circuit
It’s not a new idea, but it’s back up for planning: the independent Atlantic League is once again looking at starting a second circuit that would focus on smaller venues and funnel players to the existing league. At one point there were discussions with the independent Can-Am League about serving this purpose, but the parameters of […]
Design/build team announced for new Saints ballpark
The design/build team for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) has been chosen: Ryan Companies, AECOM and Julie Snow Architects. “We are very excited to design and build the next great addition to the city of St. Paul,” said Mike Ryan, director of architecture and engineering for Ryan, via press release. “Ryan is committed […]
Dayton confirms: $25M for new Saints ballpark
The final step in funding a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) is complete, as Gov. Mark Dayton signs off on $25 million in state bonding proceeds for the project. Earlier this week the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recommended the spending, out of 90 projects submitted to be part of $47.5 million […]
Joliet Slammers on the market
After two years of losses, the owners of the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) put the team on the market and are negotiating with two prospective new ownership groups. Alan Oremus of Steel City Baseball LLC, along with team president Bill Waliewski, decided to pull the plug on their ownership of the team after totaling […]
Somerset Pats approaching 5M mark
The Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) are on the verge of a major milestone: attracting the five-millionth fan in team history. The team should hit the mark tomorrow night at TD Bank Ballpark, barring any weather complications. “Our record the last two years is the record, and no one will say they are satisfied with that, […]