Arizona Whispers?

[Hawk87]

In some of the press stories regarding the Hawaii expansion, they've mentioned both Canada (naturally), but also Arizona in at least two different publications I read.

A return to Phoenix could be the only thing I can imagine. A new city like Prescott or Kingman (too small) or a second team in Tucson, we'd of heard whispers of that by now, right?

It could be just nothing as well...who's got any clues?

[Hawk87]

As I read in some St. George and Palm Springs articles, it's Scottsdale the GBL is contemplating. Unfortunately, people in Phoenix are retarded. No one will come out and see a Scottsdale team.

[oldfatguy]

As was proven by the Mesa and Surprise teams a few years ago, it's just too damn hot to come out and see GBL baseball in a market like Phoenix where there are so many other things to do. Would make sense to try a major market again with a stronger league, as the GBL is now, but again you run in to the heat and other alternatives as drawbacks.

Prescott isn't a bad alternative, though I don't know if there's a park with lighting there or one that could be adapted easily. The CHL team there does good business and it's a town that's growing like crazy. I always wondered why Flagstaff didn't get any play - but I don't think there's a park there at all, I don't think NAU has a baseball team. But not sure about that.

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

Scottsdale is a logical choice. Phoenix already has the Arizona Diamondbacks, so a GBL team there is highly unlikely.

[oldfatguy]

Scottsdale is a logical choice. Phoenix already has the Arizona Diamondbacks, so a GBL team there is highly unlikely.

Scottsdale is a suburb of Phoenix - you can see Chase Field from Scottsdale. Gotta think the Diamondbacks have a good hold on Scottsdale. Wouldn't matter if you put the GBL team in Phoenix or any suburb of Phoenix, it's still the same market.

Indy ball in major markets works though, but it has to be done right. The Frontier and Northern Leagues do well in major markets because they don't take on the Major League teams, they find their niche and work it well. So it could work, but it has to have the right people running it and they have to understand their market.

Scottsdale certainly has the ballpark and the money. Scottsdale Stadium sits empty 8 months a year, would be nice to light it up every so often.

[Hawk87]

The Diamondbacks don't exactly get a lot of support. They've slashed prices and still don't get many people to an indoor stadium. I like your idea about Prescott. They built a beautiful arena for their hockey team, and there is no stadium fit for baseball right now, but with the market growing, the 4,000 ft. elevation, and being only an hour from Phoenix...it would be great.

How about this one...why doesn't one of the casinos in Laughlin build a stadium. There's plenty of senior citizens in that area that would be a good market. Easy travel. No history of professional sports in the area, a good baseball team might catch on.

[aardvark]

As far as the idea of building a stadium in Laughlin--ever been there in the summer before? It's hotter there than it is in Phoenix. I don't know of many senior citizens (or anyone, for that matter), that would venture outside there to watch baseball in the heat of the summer.

[TOROSFAN]

The GBL does not need any more expansion ideas...First they need to see if St George will make it...40% chance...then they need to see if Tijuana will show up...didn't last year and messed everything up...30 % chance...then there is Hawaii which is well funded and I think will succeed, but, can the teams afford the travel expense and can Hawaii get the $$ and backing to sustain housing etc for visiting teams? I believe the GBL will be better suited to stay at 8 teams and move slowly towards 10 max. Mexico would be great, but the reality of it is far from solid...a website doesn't mean a thing, $$ talks...it's Yuma that has transitioned to a real player now.

Think of expense before expansion...we get 6-7000 fans in Tucson and can afford to travel, some teams avg 2-3000...but, if you now throw in Mexico, and Hawaii with the Canada trips, you are really stretching the profits if there are any. With league owned/funded teams in the mix, it can be a shaky league with too much $$ for travel.

Let's see how this year goes and then we can think about expanding. We don't need the whole ship to sink now.

[digitalballparks]

In some of the press stories regarding the Hawaii expansion, they've mentioned both Canada (naturally), but also Arizona in at least two different publications I read.

A return to Phoenix could be the only thing I can imagine. A new city like Prescott or Kingman (too small) or a second team in Tucson, we'd of heard whispers of that by now, right?

It could be just nothing as well...who's got any clues?

I wonder if they would ever consider Bisbee-Douglas? Both of those classic old ballparks are still in beautiful condition. We photographed both on www.digitalballparks.com. Bisbee dates back to the early 1900s and little parts of it to the 1800's, and it's in mint condition

Eric
President
www.digitalballparks.com
An online baseball stadium museum featuring over 12,000 Hi-Res photographs of ballparks from today and yesteryear.

[Dan K]

I think the proposed Southwestern League is going to give Bisbee-Douglas a try.

[heavesrock]

I doubt the Southwestern League will get off the ground. I believe Bop Lipp is the one trying to get that going, and he has failed for the last ten years to get a pro league to work in the area.

[Hawk87]

I would agree...I don't see the Southwestern League being a serious, national league in 2011. The ownerships that want to start this league need to instead hitch their wagons to the Continental League and develop that.

I do believe Bisbee has a great ballpark and perhaps Douglas, I'm not so sure. But, mark my words, Tijuana is not going to compete in the GBL this season. I've got plenty of money I don't actually have that says all GBL teams are already or "relatively" planning on the TIJ dates on their schedule to be open dates. You don't think there's an irony that the league owned team Chico begins their season with TIJ? 5 extra days to make roster moves as the whole TIJ franchise has no way of proving itself before actually hosting their first game of a series....

Not that I dislike Mexicans, but I'm skeptical...

[FlyerFan]

Do you have anything solid about TJ not being in the league, or is it a feeling (educated guess?). If you have seen something, please share...

[digitalballparks]

I doubt the Southwestern League will get off the ground. I believe Bop Lipp is the one trying to get that going, and he has failed for the last ten years to get a pro league to work in the area.

give lipp a chance... he really does care about the game. i'm rooting for him

Eric
President
www.digitalballparks.com
An online baseball stadium museum featuring 12,000 hi-res photographs of ballparks.

[oldfatguy]

Just living in Arizona, I would think the potential danger of traveling to and from TJ would put that franchise in jeopardy. Were I a former major leaguer playing in the GBL, not to mention anyone with a few bucks in my pocket at all, I certainly wouldn't want to face the potential of robbery, kidnapping, etc., that runs rampant these days in Mexico, especially along the border. It's a big thing to overcome on a day to day basis of playing a season of baseball. And that's not even mentioning the economy in Mexico.

[oldfatguy]

From the pictures (well done digitalballparks.com!), Bisbee certainly appears to have a nice ballpark, and that's a start. Guess we'll have to see what's changed since Bob's last incarnation in 2003. Hopefully lessons learned will be taken to heart and better things will happen.

I'm of the firm belief that baseball can work in any market with a reasonable population, as long as that league's expectations are geared toward that population and not some pie-in-the-sky super league that will make everyone rich. Having a league of small-market teams is doable if the dedication is there.

There are enough of us (operators) out here who love that kind of atmosphere, the grind-it-out business part of it, that it could work.

[indyproball]

I just noticed this thread and thought I'd give an update.

The SWL has been looking at all markets with suitable parks and population base from El Paso to the West.

Tecate has been taken by the Mexican Northern League. Once they got word the SWL and GBL were looking at Tecate they moved their Magdalena team to Tecate. http://liganortedemexico.com

Also, the Mexicali team has now moved to Tijuana. Our south of the border baseball friends cannot stand to see gringo style ball in Mexico.

Now that it's known that the SWL is moving into Nogales the Liga Norte has made reservations for some dates in the ballpark for 2011.

An independent market evaluation group was hired to look at the Bisbee, Douglas and Nogales markets. Plain and simple.....Nogales has a chance......recommendation for Bisbee and Douglas was not favorable. The current wood bat team in Bisbee averages maybe 100 fans per game.

Baseball along with any business is tough in the SW.

Look at the GBL, if a study was done, it has more team relocations by average than any other of the 100s of minor leagues since 1900. And they arent dont moving yet.

Bottom line.......it ain't pretty but players do get moved........and thats the ultimate goal

BL

[YumaHeat]

How can you give Bob Lipp a chance, lol what a joke you are, so he cares about the game huh? He is a lieing, cheating thief and if you don't believe me call the City of San Luis, Az and mention his name, or better yet show your face in the city and mention his name, he stole close to $40K and he cares, come on get a life, so root for him as your probably his side kick.

[preeths]

What's the matter, you run out of bad things to say about Mike Marshall?

[YumaHeat]

No not at all, he is still worthless as s#$@, and for Bob Lipp, the guy has tried to start what maybe 4 or 5 leagues, and goes to cities and robs them blind and then they can't find him, what is that called? Also did I say Mike Marshall sucks and is a liar and a thief?

[oldfatguy]

Just for giggles Yuma... what did Mike Marshall ever do to you? I've only gotten that angry at my ex-wife, and she actually did something to me.