Despite the use of temporary facilities, it cost local taxpayers almost $8 million to build Fielders Stadium for the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League). NBC Chicago examined all the costs related to the ballpark, which served as the home to the Fielders for two seasons until the team went under. Currently team owner […]
Tag Archives | zion
Fielders launch shocker: no 2012 season on tap
With no ballpark, no league, no front office and no sales force, the Lake County Fielders made it official: no 2012 season for the team. It’s not exactly a shocker, but the Fielders decided to go ahead and issue a press statement today confirming the team is on hiatus for the coming season: “With no […]
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 […]
Illinois to Zion: Exactly where did the ballpark money go?
The State of Illinois is seeking information from Zion about whether money earmarked toward a new Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) ballpark was properly spent. It’s yet another turn in the odd ballpark odyssey that saw the Fielders and Zion scrap through most of 2011 over whether a temporary ballpark met the terms […]
Fielders: We have new plan for Zion ballpark
The Lake County Fielders ownership is pitching a new ballpark as part of a $70-million sports complex and apparently is working with a developer — but it doesn’t sound like Zion officials are listening. Elizabeth Ochoa of Ochoa Enterprises, a Chicago-area developer, showed up at last night’s Zion City Council meeting, supposedly to present a […]
Zion official: Bottom line, Fielders didn’t pay bills
In response to a lawsuit filed by the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League), a Zion official says it’s simple why the team didn’t get a new ballpark: bills went unpaid. J. Delaine Rogers, the former economic-development director for the Illinois city, was sued by Grand Slam Sports (parent of the Fielders) along with […]
Ehrenreich suing Zion, potential Schaumburg buyers
The threatened lawsuits have been filed, as Rich Ehrenreich has filed two actions: one against the city of Zion for not building a new ballpark and one against investors who failed to consummate a purchase of the now-defunct Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League). Though the two lawsuits are filed by separate corporate entities, the commonality […]
Zion, Fielders headed for court?
After a horrific 2011 season, it doesn’t look like the city of Zion (Ill.) and the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) owners have settled their differences — and their paths may cross next in court. You know what a nightmarish season the Fielders had. Opening the 201 North American League season with a […]
It’s Fielders versus Fielders in Lake County
The Lake County Fielders will finish out the season as a member of the independent North American League, but if an NAL team doesn’t show up for a series, the opponent will be the Kenosha County Fielders. The Washington Generals Kenosha County Fielders could be pressed into action tomorrow, when Na Koa Ikaika Maui is […]
Fielders: We’re still in NAL — for now
The independent North American League has pulled back on kicking the Lake County Fielders from the circuit for the time being, as Rich Ehrenreich says the team will finish out the season playing against NAL teams or squads from a different league. This isn’t to say that a league action won’t come shortly: we get […]
Fielders skip on Hawaii road trip; season in question
The Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) did not fly to Hawaii for a long series against Na Koa Ikaika Maui today as scheduled, as the team’s status is now certainly up for debate. Ownership has been quiet about exactly what’s going on. That ownership, by the way, includes more than just Rich Ehrenreich, […]
Fielders game scrapped because of sub-par baseballs
Just when you think things couldn’t get weirder: last Friday’s Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) game was scrapped because the team failed to provide official Rawlings baseballs and substituted recreational baseballs. Not all baseballs are created the same, and the professional baseballs manufactured by the likes of Rawlings are of a considerably higher […]
Fielders may disband because of city inaction on new ballpark
The Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) might disband this week because of the lack of a permanent ballpark in Zion, but officials there say they’re living up to the terms of the lease. Without a permanent ballpark, it was difficult to sell sponsorships and season tickets, according to Fielders spokesperson Bernie DiMeo. And […]