Charlotte County out for 2008

[Dan K]

The Sun Herald reported on 2/9/08 that the Charlotte County Redfish will not play in 2008. The league will have four returning teams, plus Jackson (MS). With five teams, the SCL will probably look for a sixth location for 2008, if that is possible this late in the game.

[HRsports]

The Sun Herald reported on 2/9/08 that the Charlotte County Redfish will not play in 2008. The league will have four returning teams, plus Jackson (MS). With five teams, the SCL will probably look for a sixth location for 2008, if that is possible this late in the game.

It seems that the story on Saturday was partially correct. It says that the Charlotte County Redfish would be on hiatus for the 2008 season and that fans should not toss out their Redfish gear just yet because someone close to the SCL says that they will get a 3 year extension on their current lease allowing them to play in the new stadium until 2011. I find it hard to believe the County would enter into a 3 year agreement with the SCL if they can have afilliated ball back in Charlotte County. To further this there is supposedly a deal on the table for the RIPKEN group to purchase the Vero Beach Rays team and move the to Charlotte County for the 09' season. Although this is not confirmed it came from INSIDE the Rays organization. Not to mention an OPT OUT clause in the lease where either side can get out of the lease at the end of the 2008 season. If that season is not played the County could opt out sooner I would guess.

Another rumor that has just surfaced is that Jackson will not compete in 2008 leaving the league at 4 teams for the upcoming season.

This however may be just a rumor because in the Tuesday January 12th edition of the Sun Herald it says that the Redfish will play all of their games on the road. Didn't the SCL learn from last years mess with the Juice?

Even if the county compensates the league, as rumored, for having to become a road team it's hard to believe that the SCL can stay afloat with the costs again of another season of losing more money than expected.

With the Redfish choosing to become a road team over playing at a renovated practice field this will most likely guarantee the County will OPT OUT of the Redfish lease at the end of September. Let's just hope the SCL pays it's debts in Charlotte County before they run away.

[Dan K]

From the article, it does appear that the Redfish will be a road team in 2008. Just to clarify, the article appeared on February 12, not January 12.

[HRsports]

You are correct it was Feb 12th not January.

Thanks!