The Golden Baseball League launched on the West Coast and Arizona with a unique business model: teams would begin play after the college-baseball season and in most cases play in college ballparks. That plan was augmented with the addition of Canadian and other Western teams before the league became part of the North American League […]
Tag Archives | north american league
North American League
The North American League debuted in 2011 with teams formerly part of the Golden Baseball League, the Northern League and United League Baseball. Independent / 2011-present Current TeamsCalgary Vipers, 2011-presentChico Outlaws, 2011-presentEdinburg Roadrunners, 2011-presentEdmonton Capitals, 2011-presentLake County Fielders, 2011-presentMaui Na Koa Ikaika, 2011-presentMcAllen Thunder, 2011-presentRio Grande Valley White Wings, 2011-presentSan Angelo Colts, 2011-presentYuma Scorpions, 2011-present […]
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 […]
The Week That Was: July 24
More fireworks from the independent North American League, possible ballpark changes in Tucson and debates over the future of Tropicana Field highlighted the most popular stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Fielders’ Zaman quits on the air Tucson revoking Toros lease for Hi Corbett; Wildcats, T-Padres to follow? […]
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 […]
NAL soap opera continues; Johnson, LaCock walk away second time
Tim Johnson and Pete LaCock left the independent North American League for a second time, as an attempt to join Jose Canseco with the Yuma Scorpions was thwarted by league officials. The back story: Johnson was manager and LaCock coach with the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) when that team went through early-season […]
Tucson revoking Toros lease for Hi Corbett; Wildcats, T-Padres to follow?
Tucson is in the midst of revoking the Hi Corbett Field lease from the Tucson Toros (independent; North American League), as the city and Pima County look at big changes at where baseball teams play. The Toros played two seasons in the North American League before going on hiatus when the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; […]
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 […]
San Rafael debates NAL ballpark at Albert Field
The San Rafael City Council will decide tonight whether to approve a plan from Centerfield Partnership to add temporary fielding to Albert Field in hopes of hosting an independent North American League team there next season. The proposal would add 800 temporary seats to the city-owned park and upgrade restrooms and clubhouses. Opponents say adding […]
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 […]
Unpaid players revolt in Lake County: 9 traded, 14 released
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 […]