A funding plan for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark squeaked by a huge hurdle, with Republican lawmakers including design money as part of their Minnesota legislative bonding proposal. Gov. Mark Dayton had recommended $27 million in state funding for a new downtown St. Paul ballpark in his bonding request to begin […]
Archive | Independent Baseball
North American League at 10 teams for ’12
The independent North American League will go with 10 teams this season: six in Texas and four — San Rafael, Orange County, Yuma and Maui — in a Northern Division. Last night the San Rafael Pacifics released a 72-game schedule with 42 home games at Albert Park, beginning June 4 with a home game against […]
York Revolution unveil new logos, uniforms
The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) unveiled new logos and uniforms today, overhauling the team’s image after five years in business. “Our previous logo did not reflect the essence of York as a special and unique manufacturing town,” said Revolution President & General Manager Eric Menzer. This new one embraces that. “We’ve also taken our […]
PA announcer prevails in Fielders lawsuit
P.A. announcer Gregory Koeppen won his lawsuit against the Lake County Fielders (independent, North American League) over unpaid payments for game-day work after team officials failed to attend Lake County Circuit Court hearings. In December, Koeppen filed suit against the Lake County Fielders and ownership Grand Slam Sports and Entertainment. “This court victory wasn’t so […]
New for 2012: Freedom Baseball League
We have a late addition to the baseball lineup for 2012: the independent Freedom Baseball League will set up shop at Scottsdale Stadium and other Arizona venues for a 90-game season. The league, founded by Scottsdale resident Joe Sperle (owner of Joe Sperle’s Baseball School), North Dakota farmer Tim Gross and marketing consultants Tony & […]
Fielders expand lawsuit, allege conspiracy
A lawsuit over a failed Zion (Ill.) ballpark from the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) has been expanded to allege a conspiracy involving a developer and the decision to move the facility site. The original lawsuit alleges that Zion officials failed to live up to the terms of an agreement to build a […]
Levy lands Schaumburg concessions
Levy Restaurants has landed the concessions deal for Boomers Stadium, home of the Schaumburg Boomers (independent; Frontier League), including luxury-suite offerings and catering for picnics. “We couldn’t have found a better fit for the Boomers than with Levy,” said Boomers Owner/CEO Pat Salvi. “Levy has a history of exceptional quality food and service, an understanding […]
Chico Outlaws season scrapped
The independent North American League pulled the plug on the Chico Outlaws after failing to persuade Chico State to sign off on a three-year lease for Nettleton Stadium. Chico State had offered a one-year lease for the ballpark, under pretty much the same terms offered the last two years. The Outlaws — a team still […]
Shipley joins Revolution ownership
Bill Shipley has joined the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) ownership group and will serve as the team’s vice chairman. He joins team president and general manager Eric Menzer and Chairman Peter Kirk as a member of the ballclub’s senior management. Shipley is the fourth-generation leader and CEO of Shipley Energy, Central Pennsylvania’s largest family-owned […]
Revolution to share the bling this season
The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) are sharing the bounty of two consecutive championships, giving a ring to a lucky fan as part of a promotion. As part of a May 1 pregame championship ring ceremony, the team will give away a real 2011 championship ring to a random fan present at the game. The […]
FM RedHawks announce new videoboard for 2012
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (independent; American Association) will have a major change to Newman Outdoor Field for 2012: a new videoboard. “We couldn’t be more excited to give this video board to our fans,” said RedHawks Owner & President Bruce Thom. “We are entering our 17th season and we want to continue to make the stadium […]
RiverHawks: Ballpark foreclosure won’t affect season
Even though their home is going through a bank foreclosure, the owners of the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) say their 2012 season will go on. The ballpark was developed by Kurt Carlson, who owned a previous incarnation of the RiverHawks, which played in the independent Frontier and Northern League. Last season a group led […]
Ramapo ballpark $300K shy of projected revenues
Provident Bank Park, the home of the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League), fell short of financial projections by more than $300,000, generating $734,100 in revenue in 2011 instead of an expected $1.1 million. The gap is important: taxpayers are on the hook for any gaps between actual revenues and projected revenues. The ballpark generated $421,600 […]