The Frontier League goes back to 1993 as an early independent league; after some early struggles and uncertainty in some markets, it’s now an established league with little franchise turnover and a unique emphasis on young player development. Independent / 1993-present Current TeamsEvansville OttersFlorence FreedomGateway GrizzliesLake Erie CrushersJoliet SlammersNormal CornBeltersRiver City RascalsRockford RiverHawksSouthern Illinois MinersTraverse […]
Tag Archives | independent
Windy City closes in on millionth fan
The Windy City ThunderBolts (independent; Frontier League) will be hitting an impressive milestone sometime next month when the one-millionth fan in team history will walk through the Standard Bank Stadium turnstiles. The team joined the Frontier League in 1999 as the Cook County Cheetahs, playing at Hawkinson Ford Field; today the ThunderBolts play at the […]
Vikings stadium debate could help Saints, Huskies — but unlikely to happen
A proposed new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark and a renovation of Duluth’s Wade Stadium could be part of any bonding bill for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium — but the Legislature is unlikely to meet in special session to consider the issue. The state of Minnesota made national headlines with a 20-day […]
New NAL ballpark pitched for Bay Area
Another new independent North American League ballpark is in the works, as investor Brian Clark pitches the Dublin City Council on a $8-million facility in that Bay Area city. Clark, whose Centerfield Partnership is also pitching a new ballpark in San Rafael, is looking for city funding for a ballpark that could cost between $5 […]
Rox sell not one, but two $80 hot dogs
Celebrating National Hot Dog Day, the Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am League) sold not one, but two $80 hot dogs, breaking the Guinness world record for the Most Expensive Hot Dog during the team’s game against the Newark Bears on Saturday evening. The K-O Dog, named in honor of the club’s mascot and retailing for $80, […]
San Rafael delays decision on NAL ballpark, as citizens clash over merits
A proposed independent North American League ballpark at San Rafael’s Albert Field is on hold after a contentious City Council meeting where opposing sides almost came to blows in a rather heated discussion. The proposal from Centerfield Partnership would add 800 temporary seats to the city-owned park and upgrade restrooms and clubhouses while adding temporary […]
Fielders’ Zaman quits on the air
Another casualty of the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) not paying bills: play-by-play broadcaster Qumar Zaman, who quit because he wasn’t being paid by the team — and took to the air to explain. Audio within. As you’ll recall, the Fielders released 14 players and traded nine others after an open player revolt […]
Slammers work hard to regain community trust
The Joliet JackHammers almost salted the territory after failing to pay bills the past few seasons, but the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) are working hard to regain community trust — and succeeding. The JackHammers folded after owing $400,000 to vendors and $200,000 to the city for rent at Silver Cross Field — a deficit […]
Rocky season for the Newark Bears
Legal disputes over ownership, unpaid bills, and plenty of empty seats have characterized the Newark Bears (independent; Can-Am League) this season, as the team struggles to find a following — and the answer may be a reality TV series. The Star-Register has a long chronicle of the many issues faced by the changing Bears ownership […]
Financing elusive for new McHenry County ballpark
After several years of work on financing for a new $18-million McHenry County K-Nines (independent; Frontier League) ballpark, team owners have returned bonding money to the county, as the project has stalled. The plan was to build the new ballpark as part of a development that includes a gravel pit and possibly the new grounds […]
Fielders continue blame game for financial woes, adding league to mix
After losing most of the roster because of nonpayment, the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) is admitting cash-flow issues but doubling down on criticism for how its ballpark issue was handled by Zion and throwing criticism of the league into the mix. Another attack — or positioning for future lawsuits, depending on your […]
Nueces County sues CB Thunder over unpaid rent
After evicting the Coastal Bend Thunder (independent; United League Baseball) for unpaid rent at Fairgrounds Field in December, Texas’s Nueces County is now going after the team’s owners for maintenance, cleanup and attorney bills totaling $142,000. A lawsuit was filed Monday against the now-defunct franchise. The team had been evicted from the Robstown ballpark over […]
Fielders: Don’t blame us, blame Zion
Reps from the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) say payroll issues leading to a player revolt is not their fault — instead, they point the finger at Zion, Ill. for failing to provide an adequate ballpark. As you’ll recall, the Fielders released 14 players and traded nine others after an open player revolt […]