New Peach State League

[kekemortson]

1/28/2010
Baseball Returns to City of Macon, Middle Georgia and Luther Williams Field
Macon, GA - Representatives from the Peach State League, along with Mayor Robert Reichert formally announced the return of minor league baseball to the City of Macon and historic Luther Williams Field with the arrival of the four-team Peach State League. The teams will be made up of talented college players who go undrafted in the June Major League First-Year Player Draft. Players will be eligible to play for one year. During the 2010 season, which runs from the middle of June through the middle of August, all Peach State League games will be played at Luther Williams Field in Central City Park.

Bill Larsen, General Manager and co-owner of the team, and a 23-year minor league baseball executive, said “the players will have credibility because most of them will be recommended by scouts or coaches who know what kind of players we are looking for.”

One team, the yet-to-be-named Macon team, will be considered the home team which all advertising, marketing and promotional efforts will be based on. “It’s not a new concept but we’re really excited about it. We know if we do it on our own, there’s a greater chance for success,” added Larsen whose experience includes stints as the General Manager of the Class A Kane County (IL) Cougars, Class A Ft. Wayne (IN) Wizards, and the Class AAA Nashville Sounds, among others.

The Peach State League, in conjunction with the Macon Telegraph, also announced the official start of the Name-the-Team Contest. Fans are encouraged to tell us what they would name the team, along with a brief explanation as to why they chose that name. Entries may be submitted online at www.peachstateleague.com, by visiting the Peach State League Front Office located at Luther Williams Field or by calling the Peach State League Front Office at 478-745-0777. Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2010.

“We would like to come up with a fun, unique name. Something that links the City of Macon and all of Middle Georgia with Macon’s great baseball history,” said Larsen. “We know there are a lot of creative ideas out there and we are excited to see what the fans come up with.”

The fan who submits the winning name will receive a pair of 2010 Season Tickets and will be invited to throw out a Ceremonial First Pitch on opening night. If more than one fan submits the winning name, the winner will be chosen at random. All others submitting the winning name will receive two free ticket vouchers for the 2010 season. All fans who enter will receive a buy one, get one free ticket voucher for the 2010 season. Other prizes will be awarded for the most unique name submitted and the best story behind a name.

The Macon team name and logo, contest winners, the names and logos of the other teams in the Peach State League and the game schedule will be announced at a public event to be held in February.

Also in attendance was National baseball touring act Jake the Diamond Dog. Barnstorming across America, Jake has appeared in over 50 ballparks, where his full-game performance includes: delivering the game ball to the pitcher, shagging foul balls, taking water and towels to the umpires, playing batboy, catching Frisbees, honoring the Sweetheart of the Game and signing paw prints for kids

“Jake the Diamond Dog is a great example of the type of unique fun and excitement fans will see at Luther Williams Field this summer,” said Assistant General Manager and co-owner Chris Diserio. “The connection Jake makes with the fans, especially with kids, is really something to see. Great acts like Jake, low ticket prices, reasonably-priced concessions, coupled with great baseball, will make attending one of our games an affordable entertainment event for young and old alike,” Diserio added.

This was Jake’s first appearance in Macon and he will also be appearing this weekend at HomeExpo 2010. Visit www.sroacts.com to view Jake’s slideshow.

Ticket prices for all Peach State League games are as follows:

Box Seats: $8
Reserved Seats: $7
For Groups of 20 or more: $6


Additional seating options will be announced at a later date. Fans can reserve a priority seat selection for Season Tickets with a $25 deposit. Visit or call the Peach State League Ticket Office, located at Luther Williams Field, at 478-745-0777 for more details.

Please call Bill Larsen or Chris Diserio at 478-745-0777 with any questions.

[Mr.Ed]

I don't know how this new league is going to work but I am already on board !

[Mr.Ed]

Macon PineToppers !


Cool name!

[heavesrock]

Um, are there other teams in this league?

[Mr.Ed]

From what I have seen,there are four teams in the league.
Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville(please name them The Roethlisburgers !)and Albany.

I don"t yet understand how they are setting this league up.
Macon has nothing but home games on their schedule and I have seen no info on any of the other teams.


Just noticed that the above post says all league games will be at Luther Williams Field in Macon.
Don't quite get that.
Will there be four teams or just two teams with four different uniforms ?
Will the other teams play each other or just Macon ?

[robster2001]

I don't think this would be the first time for this arrangement, a couple of winter leagues have done it -- all games played at one field (Williams), most likely daily doubleheaders to give the fans more games for the money. The lack of travel expenses hopefully offsets the loss of income from playing at one site.

[kekemortson]

Macon's New Baseball Team to be Called the Macon Pinetoppers

Team unveils name and official logo at press conference

Opening Night Set for Saturday, June 19 at 6:00

The Bucket Boys to perform, followed by fireworks show
The Macon Pinetoppers are coming to town! Today at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the Peach State League unveiled the name and identity of Macon's entry in the new league. The Macon Pinetoppers will call historic Luther Williams Field home during the league's inaugural 2010 season. The season will begin on Saturday, June 19 at 6:00. The Bucket Boys will perform during and after the game. Their post-game performance will be followed by a fireworks spectacular, and all fans will be invited on the field to run the bases after the fireworks show.

The Macon Pinetoppers name was chosen from over 200 entries in the Name the Team Contest. Cam Jordan of Fitzgerald, GA was the winner of the contest and will receive a pair of season tickets for the 2010 season and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night. In his contest entry, Mr. Jordan explained:

"Otis Redding's band name connects (the name) to Macon. Connotes towering fly balls clipping Georgia pines."

The Macon Pinetoppers' name can be traced to the legendary Macon groups Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers and later Otis Redding and the Pinetoppers.

In the book, "Street Singers, Soul Shakers, Rebels with a Cause: Music from Macon" Author Candice Dyer states:



"Meanwhile, Johnny Jenkins was growing restless. He left the Mighty Panthers to form his own band, which he christened the Pinetoppers, after the warbling birds in the trees, and kept Redding for vocals."

"We received over 200 suggestions for the team name in a little over a week," said general manager and co-owner Bill Larsen. "While there were a lot of great ideas, we felt the Macon Pinetoppers really stood out. It's a unique name that Macon can be proud of."

"The name incorporates Macon's extensive and proud musical history with the prominent Georgia pine trees that dot the region's landscape," Larsen added. "The warbler was a logical choice for a mascot that we believe the fans, and especially kids, will really have fun with."

The team's logo was unveiled as well, and it blends the images of a warbler, a baseball, pine needles and the Macon Pinetoppers name.

Other Name the Team Contest entries were recognized including the Most Unique Name. That prize was awarded to Scott Camp of Macon who suggested the Macon Mudfish, honoring Music, the Ocmulgee River, the Douglas Theater, the Fall Line, the Indian Mounds, Sydney Lanier, and the Hay House.

Macon's John Cole was recognized for the Best Story Behind a Name for his entry the Macon Volunteers, honoring Macon's oldest National Guard Unit.

"We would like to thank everybody for entering the contest and we hope to see them at the ballpark this summer," added Larsen.

The Pinetoppers also released the schedule for the 2010 season, beginning with Opening Night on Saturday, June 19, at 6:00. The Bucket Boys will be performing and the game will be followed by a fireworks display. The Macon Pinetoppers will play a 42 game regular-season schedule at Luther Williams Field that will conclude on August 8.

Finally, the Macon Pinetoppers announced the new team website. Visit www.pinetoppers.com to view the season schedule and for ticket information. Season-long promotions include:

· Two-for-one burgers, soda and popcorn on Tuesdays

· $1 hot dogs and $1 sodas on Wednesdays

· Half price beer, soda and popcorn on Thursdays

· Entertainers and giveaways on Fridays

· Fireworks on Saturdays

· Family Days on Sundays

· Fans get to run the bases after every game

The finalized entertainment schedule will be announced shortly and will be updated on the team's website.

Season Tickets remain on sale as well as Early Bird Flex Plans. Call the Macon Pinetoppers Ticket Office at 478-745-0777 for more information.

[Mr.Ed]

I still haven't seen anything from the league concerning how the three other teams will operate.

Will there be doubleheaders at Luther Williams ?

Living in Warner Robins, I would love a local team to cheer for.

[ChrisMBB]

I have seen a tentative schedule for the 4 teams. Most days there will be 2 games played. The teams not playing Macon will play each other on those days.

[WilliamHomes]

/\ is this schedule being posted anywhere online yet?

[Mr.Ed]

Ready for some Baseball !

Or at least some new info on the league.

[Mr.Ed]

All the teams now have names .

Albany Quails

Macon PineToppers

Milledgeville Capitals

Robins Aviators

Now if they can find some players...

[Mr.Ed]

pointstreak.com has a schedule, but there are no times listed for the non-Pinetoppers games.

[kekemortson]

I have heard the same. A four team league with all games played at Luther Williams field. Macon is the "premier" team that will get the top billing and promotions. The other teams will play each other when not playing Macon. Different concept, but zero travel costs, however the leage will live and die with Macon. Macon Music had a solid Indy franchise, but the leage folded out from under them. Hope this works and is successful.

[Mr.Ed]

I have seen where the league may be talking to Albany about some games down there.
Don't think it would be a bad idea to play a series or two down there.
Kind of wondered why they didn't use Columbus as a team.
Macon,Albany and Columbus would make a nice base for a start up league.
We need to get Warner Robins to build a nice little Minor League park.WR could probably get an affiliated team; Rome did.


Doesn't Columbia SC have an empty stadium also ?

[Mr.Ed]

Should have named the Milledgeville team the Lake Loons !

[Mr.Ed]

I haven't made it to a game yet; but I am hearing good things about the league.

Don't know if they are getting the attendance that they need though.

[macrylinda1]

From what I have seen,there are four teams in the league.
Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville(please name them The Roethlisburgers !)and Albany.

I don"t yet understand how they are setting this league up.
Macon has nothing but home games on their schedule and I have seen no info on any of the other teams.


Just noticed that the above post says all league games will be at Luther Williams Field in Macon.
Don't quite get that.
Will there be four teams or just two teams with four different uniforms ?
Will the other teams play each other or just Macon ?

I don't think this would be the first time for this arrangement, a couple of winter leagues have done it -- all games played at one field (Williams), most likely daily doubleheaders to give the fans more games for the money. The lack of travel expenses hopefully offsets the loss of income from playing at one site.

[Mr.Ed]

PSL season is over now.
The league actually cancelled all non-Pinetoppers game around the midway point.

Have not heard whether they will be back for year 2.

[Joe In Birmingham]

Mr. Ed,

I think they will be back for a second year. They were probably smart to be cautious this past season. Time will tell.

Did you make it to some games? If so, how was the baseball? I read where they had a good atmosphere in the stadium.

Joe D.

[Mr.Ed]

Unfortunately I did not make it to a game. Working too much !

Kept up with the games and league via BlackBerry !

I hope they will be back. Luther Williams is a great little ball park.

If there is a second season I will defintely go to some games.

[BigMac]

Macon's New Baseball Team to be Called the Macon Pinetoppers

Team unveils name and official logo at press conference

Opening Night Set for Saturday, June 19 at 6:00

The Bucket Boys to perform, followed by fireworks show
The Macon Pinetoppers are coming to town! Today at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, representatives from the Peach State League unveiled the name and identity of Macon's entry in the new league. The Macon Pinetoppers will call historic Luther Williams Field home during the league's inaugural 2010 season. The season will begin on Saturday, June 19 at 6:00. The Bucket Boys will perform during and after the game. Their post-game performance will be followed by a fireworks spectacular, and all fans will be invited on the field to run the bases after the fireworks show.

The Macon Pinetoppers name was chosen from over 200 entries in the Name the Team Contest. Cam Jordan of Fitzgerald, GA was the winner of the contest and will receive a pair of season tickets for the 2010 season and will throw out a ceremonial first pitch on Opening Night. In his contest entry, Mr. Jordan explained:

"Otis Redding's band name connects (the name) to Macon. Connotes towering fly balls clipping Georgia pines."

The Macon Pinetoppers' name can be traced to the legendary Macon groups Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers and later Otis Redding and the Pinetoppers.

In the book, "Street Singers, Soul Shakers, Rebels with a Cause: Music from Macon" Author Candice Dyer states:



"Meanwhile, Johnny Jenkins was growing restless. He left the Mighty Panthers to form his own band, which he christened the Pinetoppers, after the warbling birds in the trees, and kept Redding for vocals."

"We received over 200 suggestions for the team name in a little over a week," said general manager and co-owner Bill Larsen. "While there were a lot of great ideas, we felt the Macon Pinetoppers really stood out. It's a unique name that Macon can be proud of."

"The name incorporates Macon's extensive and proud musical history with the prominent Georgia pine trees that dot the region's landscape," Larsen added. "The warbler was a logical choice for a mascot that we believe the fans, and especially kids, will really have fun with."

The team's logo was unveiled as well, and it blends the images of a warbler, a baseball, pine needles and the Macon Pinetoppers name.

Other Name the Team Contest entries were recognized including the Most Unique Name. That prize was awarded to Scott Camp of Macon who suggested the Macon Mudfish, honoring Music, the Ocmulgee River, the Douglas Theater, the Fall Line, the Indian Mounds, Sydney Lanier, and the Hay House.

Macon's John Cole was recognized for the Best Story Behind a Name for his entry the Macon Volunteers, honoring Macon's oldest National Guard Unit.

"We would like to thank everybody for entering the contest and we hope to see them at the ballpark this summer," added Larsen.

The Pinetoppers also released the schedule for the 2010 season, beginning with Opening Night on Saturday, June 19, at 6:00. The Bucket Boys will be performing and the game will be followed by a fireworks display. The Macon Pinetoppers will play a 42 game regular-season schedule at Luther Williams Field that will conclude on August 8.

Finally, the Macon Pinetoppers announced the new team website. Visit www.pinetoppers.com to view the season schedule and for ticket information. Season-long promotions include:

· Two-for-one burgers, soda and popcorn on Tuesdays

· $1 hot dogs and $1 sodas on Wednesdays

· Half price beer, soda and popcorn on Thursdays

· Entertainers and giveaways on Fridays

· Fireworks on Saturdays

· Family Days on Sundays

· Fans get to run the bases after every game

The finalized entertainment schedule will be announced shortly and will be updated on the team's website.

Season Tickets remain on sale as well as Early Bird Flex Plans. Call the Macon Pinetoppers Ticket Office at 478-745-0777 for more information.

Hey --

I saw the Front Office Team and they are bridling-at-the bit with enthusiasm
about the momentum for 2012 ---- Just knowing semi-pro baseball is in
Macon with its athletic history and the PineToppers honoring Otis Redding's
musical is magical --- These guys aren't " wasting time sitting on the dock of the bay " --- right now, I'm accepting their invitation to get my grandson
and his friends to have a picnic and run the bases getting ready to "Play-Ball

[robster2001]

Since it wasn't mentioned here...

http://www.macon.com/2011/06/03/1584038/peach-state-league-suspends-operations.html

They're looking at returning in 2012, but there'll be no games at Luther Williams Field this season.