It’s chaos with the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League), as the team releases 14 players and trades nine after missing payroll; manager Tim Johnson and interim coach Pete LaCock are gone as well. As it turns out, the decision by LaCock to field a team with pitchers in the field and position players […]
Tag Archives | independent
Atlantic League lands Long Island ballpark
It’s official: the independent Atlantic League has landed the rights to manage and place a team at a new Long Island ballpark as part of a Nassau County Coliseum development, a project expected to cost $50 million if approved by voters in August, according to an announcement this morning from Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. Atlantic […]
Decision on Nassau County ballpark due today
The decision on who manages a new Nassau County ballpark is due today, and a local media outlet is hinting that the independent Atlantic League will land the deal over a bid from the New York Mets owners. Nassau County is planning to issue $400 million in bonds to build a new arena and ballpark […]
Yuma, Lake County swap pitchers, positional players
Last night’s Yuma Scorpions / Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) game was an odd one: position players were sent to the pitchers mound and pitchers played in the field. Not quite sure how this plays into the integrity of the league, as Yuma won 8-3, with it being apparent NAL pitchers hit better […]
North American League launches TV series
The exploits of players and coaches in the independent North American League will be chronicled in a new television series produced by the TVS Television Network, “For the Love of the Game.” “This is a great opportunity to showcase our league, players, and communities,” said North American Baseball League President Brian MacInnes. “It’s also a […]
New Sox mascot raises hackles in Amarillo
Well, that didn’t last long: the Amarillo Sox (independent; American Association) yanked their new, energetic mascot after complaints from fans regarding his, um, excited nature. The mascot was unveiled during last Friday’s game, but it didn’t end up quite the way GM Mark Lee anticipated. A new mascot is expected to be unveiled this weekend. […]
Bandits take second Battle of the Sexes from RiverHawks
There seems to be a pattern emerging: A four-run sixth inning propelled the Chicago Bandits, a women’s pro softball team, to a 4-2 comeback victory over the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) in the second annual Battle of the Sexes fast-pitch exhibition Tuesday night. The RiverHawks were no-hit until the final inning of last season’s […]
Name-the-team contest launched in Schaumburg
Never too early to start: the new Schaumburg team in the independent American Association, set to begin play in 2012, is launching a name-the-team contest. The team owners have thrown out some potential names, but they’re opening the proceedings up to the public. Over 60 prizes are at stake, including tickets, use of a luxury […]
RiverHawks snare millionth fan
Nice landmark for the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League): the one-millionth fan in team history went through the turnstiles of Road Ranger Stadium Friday night. Katherine Moe won two plane tickets from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD). “The fact that we’ve enjoyed the sustained level of success to reach 1 million fans is testament to […]
Ohio extends tax breaks to indy ballparks
In what is being called an attempt to level the playing field, the Ohio General Assembly passed a measure extending tax breaks to municipally owned ballparks housing independent-league baseball teams, a tax break already in place for ballparks where affiliated teams are the tenant. The bill, which has been signed by Gov. John Kasich, is […]
Boulders open new ballpark with sellout
Nice start for the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League): despite controversy and lawsuits surrounding the team’s new home, Provident Bank Park opened last night with a sellout crowd, a Boulders win and lots of happy fans. It sounds like a typical opening for the ballpark: almost everything was completed in time for the season opener, […]
Minnesota Legislature adjourns with no Saints ballpark funding
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned for the 2011 session with a lot left on its plate, including bonding bills that would help pay for construction of a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark — but with the certainty of a special session, the issue is far from dead. The Legislature adjourned with many large […]
Skeeters bringing back bullpen cart
Remember the capped bullpen carts used in Major League Baseball in the 1970s and 1980s? They’ve disappeared from the MLB world, but the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) are bringing one back — complete with a sponsor — for the 2012 season. The yet-to-be-named cart, sponsored by Texas Direct Auto, will be visible with every […]