Frontier League Chat [Archive] - OurSports Central Independent and Minor League Sports Forums

HeadFirst

02-22-2006, 05:10 PM

I found myself in the northern Lower Peninsula and got a look at the Traverse City Beach Bums' new place. It's one of the more interesting ballparks I've seen. For one thing, it's color is an odd sort of...well, I really don't know what word to apply to the color. It's a shade very appropriate for the maritimes. Additionally, the park looks like a series of townhouses, with 19th century windowing throughout.

Should be a unique experience for an area without any minor league squads close by.

GoBums

03-08-2006, 08:28 PM

I'm planning a trip out there in July. Anything else you can tell us about the new park?

goldentones82

03-21-2006, 11:38 PM

Acutally, the Bums Ballpark looks more like a hotel. The field sits 12 feet bleow ground level and there is chairback seating from bullpen to bullpen and lawn seating around the rest of the field. Enjoy your visit.

go_rascals

04-19-2006, 05:54 PM

Apparently they had a lot of visitors passing through during construction. I visited there last summer and the owners were kind enough to show me around. It's going to be a very nice place:

360 degree concourse, which I think is a first for the FL.
Indoor practice facilities.
Video replay board.
Air conditioned suites.
Tables with barstools along the concourse that you can rent to watch the game from.

It looks very much like a Michigan hotel, on purpose. That's how the Wuerfels made their fortune.

They are planning a 500-bed hotel and indoor water park right next to the ballpark.

I think Wuerfel park will take FL ballpark construction to another level. It's pretty unique, especially compared to the new park in Rockford, which fits solidly in the River City/Gateway/Florence mold.

Tim

Battra

05-25-2006, 05:08 PM

I'm planning on spending as much time as possible taking in some Frontier League ball this season. Last year I went to games here and there for the Gateway Grizzlies. I live between the Rascals and the Grizzlies, and I chose the Grizzlies due to geographical convienence, and I don't regret my choice.

haha

I get out of work at 7pm, so it's hard to go to weekday games, but I do listen to a lot of games on the radio, especially on my way home from work, and when I'm making dinner when I get home.

Also..if anyone has a Grizzlies jersey they'd like to get rid of cheap, let me know! :)

Loaf31

06-10-2006, 09:51 AM

I am a pretty big Washington Fan, I have been going to their gms since they came into existence. Falconi field isnt a bad place, but they need to put seats in the OF.

go_rascals

06-10-2006, 04:34 PM

I am a pretty big Washington Fan, I have been going to their gms since they came into existence. Falconi field isnt a bad place, but they need to put seats in the OF.

The Rascals spent $900K putting in bleacher seats in our outfield after the 1999 season, and it was a colossal waste of money. No one sits there; they are facing into the sun and you could sit in the lawn seats closer to the field for less money. Maybe if they were the same or less than a GA ticket it would be worthwhile. At least in your park the sun would be behind you.

Battra

06-12-2006, 05:53 PM

The Rascals spent $900K putting in bleacher seats in our outfield after the 1999 season, and it was a colossal waste of money. No one sits there; they are facing into the sun and you could sit in the lawn seats closer to the field for less money. Maybe if they were the same or less than a GA ticket it would be worthwhile. At least in your park the sun would be behind you.

Yeah, I sat out in those seats at the preseason game, it pretty much sucked..hahaha

Paintsfan

06-17-2006, 11:35 PM

Good game I've just been to. Paints win in 10 innings off a game winning HBP with the bases loaded. The Paints have been cold since the Evansville series but the 4 game losing streak is now gone and hopefully they'll pick things up again. They've been pretty banged up but I like my team's grit. Tied for the East Division lead! Go get those Bums again, Paints! :D

mhr353

06-18-2006, 03:29 PM

I have gone to two Beach Bums Game so far.. SAt on the Third Base side and then on the First base side.. Both were great seats. THe stadium is very nice. I stayed after the game to get some of the survivors( FRom the reality tv show) autographs. By the time i left thier was no traffic at all.
They played the River City Rascals, and beat them in the bottom of the ninth.. It was a great game, lots of entertainment.
This is the best thing to come to our town. If you want to know where we are. Look at your hand , palm side away from you.. We are the tip of the pinky. July 1rst starts our Cherry Festival, come visit us and take in a game.
:p

Battra

06-19-2006, 11:39 AM

I've got to be honest...I've not been paying as much attention to to FL as I should...been broke so I haven't been to a game in awhile..and the Stanley Cup Finals are keeping my attention away from my radio..haha

I'll get back to the Grizzlies very soon though. :)

mhr353

06-24-2006, 06:40 AM

WE got pass Florence Freedom last night with a big win.... That is four in a row for this home stand.. I get to go this sunday for the last game. Its my sons birthday present from me. I am hoping for a win on sunday,But if they win on saturday, can they get one more and make it a double sweep for the home stand.. Gosh I hope so.
I was invited to a game in GRand RApids for a Whitecaps game and I decided why would I want to travel for 2 hours for a game when i have one with in a twenty minute drive.. mmmmm With the price of gas I choose my beach bums. Its fun to watch, we have a great stadium and I want to support it so it stays around.
We are 2nd in the league and second in the attendance record.. WHat more could I ask for.. oh yeah.... first place..
Hve a great Weekend and dont forget to suport your local team...

Paintsfan

06-24-2006, 11:53 AM

mhr353, I'm glad you're enjoying your team. Frontier League play really is exciting. It takes dedication from the community for the team to stay. You and other Beach Bums fans are doing your jobs, and doing it well. Chillicothe has been dedicated for 13 (after this season, it will be 14) years.

As for first place, though, not so fast. :D The Paints have done well on their road trip, 4-0 so far, but I believe the Riverhawks are tough, so I'm cautious about these next two games. All that needs to be adressed for my team at the moment is when they hit the road. They were awful being swept in Evansville. Thankfully against Windy City they were superb. Here's to a good battle for the East Division, mhr353!

mhr353

07-04-2006, 07:12 AM

Hello everyone and happy 4th of july to all.
WE had a great game against the Rascals last night. The standings show the bums in first by a half of a game.. I wanted to get a yahhhooo in there befor the standings change.. I have to admit it was cool to see our name up at the top.. It might not last to long but it sure feels good right now.
Goooooo Beach bums.

Battra

07-05-2006, 10:39 AM

In your first season, getting to first place is quite an accomplishment.

GO BUMS...?

^_^

Paintsfan

07-05-2006, 11:16 PM

Well, we're almost there now. The Frontier League All-Star Game will be played in historic Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana, home of the Otters.

2006 East Division All-Stars:
1B: Ray Gill, Kalamazoo
2B: Paul Rutgers, Chillicothe (I doubt he will play because he sprained his ankle)
3B: Nick Batkoski, Traverse City
SS: Travis Garcia, Chillicothe
INF: Justin Holmes, Traverse City
INF: Pat Peavy, Washington
OF: Ian Church, Kalamazoo
OF: Pete Pirman, Kalamazoo
OF: Matt Cooksey, Chillicothe (apparently, that late burst paid off!)
OF: Chris Brown, Florence
C: Brandon Ketron, Washington
C: Clint Chauncy, Florence
DH: Justin Carroll, Kalamazoo
RHP: Brad Blackwell, Kalamazoo
RHP: Tony Casoli, Traverse City
RHP: Perry Cunningham, Chillicothe
RHP: Hunter Davis, Traverse City
RHP: Kurt Hartfelder, Chillicothe
RHP: Josh Martin, Kalamazoo
RHP: Steve Shippey, Traverse City
RHP: Eric Teall, Chillicothe

2006 West Division All-Stars:
1B: Jeff Goldbach, Evansville
2B: Greg Isaacson, Gateway
3B: Matt Edwards, Evansville
SS: Brooks Colvin, Gateway
INF: Clemente Bonilla, Windy City
INF: Mike Cockrell, River City
OF: Nick Johnson, Rockford
OF: Rico Santana, Rockford
OF: Eric Chevalier, River City
OF: Eddie Guessford, River City
C: Jason Arrowood, Gateway
C: Gooby Gerlits, Rockford
DH: Eddie Kim, River City
LHP: Garrett Bauer, Rockford
RHP: Brian Beuning, Windy City
RHP: Mike Bille, Evansville
RHP: Steve Brook, River City
RHP: Erik Dessau, Gateway
RHP: Aaron Ledbetter, River City
RHP: Mike Mlotkowski, Windy City
RHP: Todd Pennington, Gateway

Paintsfan

07-06-2006, 10:34 PM

I was at VA Memorial Stadium earlier tonight. Like everybody else, we at VA had a moment of silence for our fallen outfielder. When the lady just finished singing "Amazing Grace" and started singing the National Anthem, I just broke down in tears. I couldn't hold it in. I saw Steve play with so much fire last season and I appreciated how much he gave to my community. I was at a loss for words for what exactly happened. I really wasn't all that focused on the game for the first three innings because I was still in mourning. I may be an emotional guy, but there's no harm in that.

Joe430000

07-07-2006, 03:31 PM

Sorry to hear about Steve. That is awful, and I am sure their were many in the same state of mind as you. My prayers are with Steve and his family.

Paintsfan

07-12-2006, 01:47 AM

Alright, as far as other issues with how the Frontier League will look like in 2007 are concerned...

* There have been numerous reports that it's a done deal between Marion, Illinois and the Frontier League for Marion to join come 2007. Marion will be a new member. Mr. Simmons can't own the Marion team due to some rules.

* The renovations to Johnstown's Point Stadium are now taking shape. FieldTurf won't be installed until next year. Looking at a recent photo of the place, it looks like it will have the same field dimensions. That's good. I can only believe that Johnstown will be awarded a Frontier League franchise in 2007.

* The Mid-Missouri Mavericks are trying to get going. It seems as though movement within the city of Columbia is starting due in part to the Mavs.

What do you think? I see it playing out like this; Marion, Johnstown, Butler and Mid-Missouri comes back, while in 2008 it's Owensboro and either Lorain, Terre Haute or maybe Fairmont, WV.

Battra

07-12-2006, 10:51 AM

I've always been a fan of more teams in the league. The more teams you have, I think the more reason you have for the casual fan to come see the team. I remember not wanting to see the same team over and over for the Otters.

BumsTC

07-12-2006, 05:15 PM

Paints Fan,

So in 2007 do you see 12, 14 or 16 Teams? If so what do you think divisions will look like?

Same for 2008?

I tried figuring out one day with what citites might have teams and how they would realign divisions. I thought it looked best doing a north/south as opposed to a east/west.

Also Im in Traverse City and ive been waiting for years to have minor league baseball here. Actually since '94 when they first talked about minor league baseball here. I love baseball and hope so see Traverse City contend year after year and with 16 teams it would be great.

Paintsfan

07-12-2006, 09:23 PM

Well, I read an article that commissioner Bill Lee is trying to get 14 teams for 2007 and have 16 teams by 2008.

I can see the FL having divisions like this:

North Division: (I guess this could curve around Lake Michigan)
Traverse City Beach Bums
Kalamazoo Kings
Windy City Thunderbolts
Rockford Riverhawks

East Division: (mostly in Pennsylvania except for one team)
Washington Wild Things
Johnstown expansion team (the Johnnies?)
Butler expansion team
Lorain/Canton/Zanesville/Fairmont expansion team

(I don't know, I have these odd feelings about a few cities getting another shot)

South Division:
Chillicothe Paints
Evansville Otters
Florence Freedom
Owensboro expansion team

West Division: (basically a straight line from Illinois to Missouri)
Marion expansion team
Gateway Grizzlies
River City Rascals
Mid-Missouri Mavericks (returning)

Obviously, they'll need to sort out the Leagues. Southwest League? Northeast League? (?)

BumsTC

07-13-2006, 10:11 AM

Up here in Traverse City we are new to the Frontier League. We have gone to one game in every series and thats are plan this year. Ive gotta say from what ive seen at the games is that the play is actually better then I thought it would be. I love baseball and any organized level of ball is exciting for me to watch. I would say that the way the league has been set up by Bill Lee and his staff is excellent, id say the best of any independant league hands down. I love the idea of 14 teams in 2007 and 16 in 2008. I really do think that more people need to support there teams out there to make 16 teams even possible. My question is to all of you out there how is support in your cities for your teams? Just wanted to add something to the board.

Mark

TC

Battra

07-13-2006, 10:42 AM

Well~ I'm a native St. Louisan...and even though we've had Major League baseball for as long as major league baseball has existed, we've really taken to the Frontier League teams we've received. I do my best to get out to Gateway as much as I can, but I work till 7pm so I can't make really any weekday games, so I try to make it out on the weekends when I can, but I do listen to pretty much every game while I'm cooking, or driving home from work.

St. Louis is a baseball town, always has been, and always will be, don't let anyone tell you different. Because of this, we've had great support for our two teams. They're about 70 miles apart, and out here, that's a whole other world. So the two teams really don't compete for fans, as silly as that sounds. With the Cardinals getting a new stadium this year, Busch is basically sold out for the rest of the season, so a lot of baseball fans this year are checking out the FL and I assume having a good time. I know River City's got better attendance this year and Gateway's where they normally would be.

Here's to the financial health of every FL team!!

Paintsfan

07-13-2006, 11:06 AM

The support for the Chilicothe Paints has been solid. 13 years and counting. It is remarkable for Chillicothe to be holding onto a team for that long, but the commitment and dedication is there. The Paints have a great spot in the local newspaper. As for me, I will make sure that the number of home games that I miss won't go over nine games. I don't want to get into double digits.

The atmosphere is good for what it is. Take into account that the Paints have been around since 1993, so you are going to hear some great stories from longtime fans. I respect the history of this team so much and remain a supportive fan of my team.

-----
I have heard some mumblings that the team is looking to build a new stadium in downtown Chillicothe. I'm very skeptical about that to be honest. I really have no complaints about VA Memorial Stadium, and if I did have any, they would all be minor complaints. I think it's a great facility overall. If they must keep renovating VA to make it work, then fine, be my guest. I'd warm up to the idea of a new ballpark more if it was very, very similar to VA, such as the seating. Also, innovative field dimensions and quirks wouldn't hurt.

Battra

07-13-2006, 03:50 PM

Being from a major league town...I've never really even heard rumblings for a minor league team getting a new facility...although..I assume would it have to happen sometimes...that's just a totally foreign concept to me...but I mean..they have to get built somehow when they're out of date though don't they?

Anyway...one of the things I've always really liked about baseball was the fact that each field is different....that's really cool.

BumsTC

07-14-2006, 11:18 AM

Being In Traverse City and not following the Frontier League before this season. I was wondering which teams usually have good and bad second halfs? I cant remember where I read or even what team it was but last year there was a team that totally collapsed in the final couple weeks and let Chillicothe into the playoffs. Im hoping with the fan support up in TC we can keep the bums in First or at least Second. It looks like Kalamazoo will try and play spolier though. Out west it looks pretty weak right now. Im guessing Rockford will hold on to first and im guessing that Evansville will make a push and finish in second. So im predicting in the east the playoff teams to be Chillicothe and TC and out west Rockford and Evansville. Whats every one elses predictions and who usually has good or bad second halfs for you frontier league vets out there.

Mark

TC

Battra

07-14-2006, 02:00 PM

Anything's possible in baseball..

Last year the Grizzlies came out to a horrific start...and ending up turning it on and making a push towards the playoffs...didn't make it, but at least made it interesting. ^_^

So...as of right now we're in the playoffs, and I'm hoping we stay there..haha

Paintsfan

07-14-2006, 10:41 PM

BumsTC, I have no idea. Like Battra said, anything can happen. Who knows? Being in second place right now, I'm only focused on Kalamazoo. I've shifted my attention from the Bums to the Kings. Yeah, it would be nice to be in first place, but you need to be in second place at least in order to make it. As of right now, I'm rooting for the Beach Bums to take care of the Kings. I'm hoping that this is finally the year for the Paints. 13 years and yet no championship to their credit.

Florence was the team that collpased and let the Paints into the 2005 playoffs, by the way.

Oh, and this is a HUGE RUMOR:

* Type in "ballpark digest" in your search function ASAP, and you'll read that 3 current Northern League teams (Gary Railcats, Joilet Jackhammers and Schaumburg Flyers) might be considering jumping ship and joining the Frontier League questioning the future of the Northern League. This has come from more than 1 reliable source. I'm very surpised, I didn't see this coming...and to think that I was just talking about expansion! Haha

BumsTC

07-15-2006, 12:24 PM

Wow interesting rumor PaintsFan. That would really make things interesting if that did happen. I wonder how much upgrading they would have to do to there parks if any. Thanks for the info on the team that collapsed last year. Bums took care of business last night (Friday). Made it interesting late. They actually scored four runs in the first without a hit. I see Chillicothe came back and won also. I really believe it will be Chillicothe and TC battling out I think Kalamazoo will fade due to there pitching especially when they get on the road and that offense cant rely on Home Runs in the short porch in Left that they have at home. Sounds as though if your runmor comes true 16 Teams wont be a problem at all next year even. Go Bums!!!!

Mark

TC

Paintsfan

07-16-2006, 09:52 PM

Well, an executive of the Gary Railcats said that there is no truth to the rumor of them and two others defecting to the FL. I'll have to have just alittle bit more information before this result can be official. If Joilet and/or Schaumburg agree, then it's official.

Battra

07-17-2006, 10:24 AM

Paintsfan

07-17-2006, 12:15 PM

To the Rumour of the Jumping of the Ships...

It's not really all that surprising really. When one considers the make up of the Northern League....Gary, IN Schaumberg, IL Joliet, IL Kansas City, MO

This is the EAST division....then the west has North Dakota, Edmonton, Calgary, and something else I think...could you imagine having to bus your team to ALBERTA for a road series?! Or that a team in your division is EIGHT hours away? (KC I'm looking at you.)

In the Frontier League, those 3 teams fit right into the geographic footprint.

Calgary & Edmonton: these teams are on very shaky ground. I really believe they won't last much longer up in Canada.

Winnipeg, Fargo/Moorehead, and Kansas City: If the Northern League does close up shop, then I expect these teams to go to the American Association.

Schaumburg, Joilet, and Gary: I'm in a "wait and see" mode in spite of the report about the executive. You never know what the owners might be thinking. You have to keep an eye out until one result surfaces from this.

Paintsfan

07-18-2006, 11:32 AM

Wow, the three Chicagoland NL teams' owners are so upset that they are taking legal action against the people who made up the source. This tells me that:

#1, forget about them defecting over here
#2, it won't be good for whoever they sue

Battra

07-18-2006, 04:45 PM

Well...that's sad news. I told my buddy in Joliet this rumor...he was quite excited to trek up for a Grizzlies road game in Joliet next season..haha

Since he's coming back to St. Louis next month..haha

Oh well ^_^

Thorp

08-02-2006, 09:15 PM

Fargo has been around for along time,hope the league stays intact for awhile. Good baseball and great opportunites for these young men trying to get back into affilitated baseball. Where would Fargo fit into the Amercian Association?

Paintsfan

08-06-2006, 09:32 AM

Luke Palmer, starting pitcher for the Paints threw a complete game one-hitter yesterday against the Rockford Riverhawks. I was there to see it all, and well, I'm stunned. What a great pitching performance by Luke!

Thorp

08-06-2006, 05:55 PM

How long is the longest road trip your teams take?

go_rascals

08-08-2006, 06:45 PM

How long is the longest road trip your teams take?

River City-Traverse City is about 650 miles.
River City-washington is about 600, as is Washington-Traverse City.
Washington-Rockford is about 575.

wildcat000

08-11-2006, 10:59 AM

For the Freedom:

Florence-Traverse City: 505 miles
Florence-Rockford: 441 miles

Shortest is our neighbors to the North

Florence-Chillicothe: 124 miles

Paintsfan

08-24-2006, 03:46 PM

Well, it will be indeed a fitting end to the 2006 FL season. The only race that looks to be over is the race for first place in the West Division, while everything else is still up for grabs. I'll start off with the East. Someone can pick up the West's scenario.

* Chillicothe faces Traverse City for one more 3 game set at TC. They come back home to face Washington for a 3 game set. The Paints are in the driver's seat right now in the East. From what I've seen, they've been pretty resillient and especially good at home. (35-9 record at VA, while just 18-21 on the road)

* Washington has been not red hot, but white hot since the All-Star break. Rarely have they been knocked around in the second half. While they will take on Chillicothe, they also have to face Traverse City on the road.

* Traverse City has remained consistent and steady throughout the season. They have home field advantage in the home stretch. 9 out of the last 12 games in the Beach Bums' schedule will be played at Wuerfel Park, where the team has been most dominant.

* Kalamazoo needs to get going in a hurry in order to get into the thick of things. They have FL homerun leader Ian Church and have Brad Blackwell, who will have the record for saves in a single season. (21 saves now) The Kings have a high-powered offense, but lack effectiveness on the mound, meaning they'll have to slug their way out of fourth place. Even if they don't get in, they will definately have a big say as to who does get in. They play all the top 3 East teams in their stretch.

As for me, I'm hoping that the Paints take 4 out of 6 in these upcoming games. 3 would be fine, but anything lower than that spells trouble.

BumsTC

08-27-2006, 12:35 AM

PaintsFan,

Its now just a 3 team race in the east. Im hoping that Chillicothe sweeps or at least takes 2 of 3 from Washington. I was at the game tonight which Chillicothe beat TC 7 - 1. We won the series but I think we needed a sweep for any realistic shot at winning the east. We still have 3 games left at home against Washington, but theyve been playing so good as of late that im hoping we can take 2 of 3 from them coupled with your paints sweeping them and just limping ito the playoffs in are first year. We have the next 3 on the road against Kalamazoo and weve won 6 of 9 from them but we havent played well on the road as of late. So I guess in a nutshell I still dont know whats going to happen but I believe after the next set of series is through it will really let us TC fans know if we have to sweep Washington or just take the series. By the way im not sure if you listened to the game tonight but the home run Garcia hit was crushed down the line. AWESOME FINISH COMING IN THE EAST!!!!!

GO BUMS

Paintsfan

09-02-2006, 10:21 AM

Well, the race is starting to get tight again. The Paints snapped out of their funk and won 2 against Evansville. Traverse City and Washington battled each other. Let's see...

/EAST/
Washington 57-36 ..... --
Chillicothe 56-36 ..... 0.5
Traverse City 55-38 ..... 2.0

It's this simple for the Wild Things to clinch: "Win and you're in." Lose, and well you delay that.

It's somewhat difficult for Traverse City. They need to make up ground in order to make it. It's not in their hands as much as the other two. It's not impossible (2 or 1 1/2 games can be made), but with 3 games to go, it's seriously crunch time.

The number for the Paints to clinch a playoff berth is 2. Any combination of this: 2 Paints wins, 2 Beach Bums losses, or 1 Paints win and 1 Beach Bums loss on Saturday clinches it. The Paints will have to do it on the road, though, where they haven't been as good. I'm hoping for the best.

Go Paints! :cool:

Paintsfan

09-03-2006, 10:05 AM

Well, it will be Chillicothe and Washington in a rematch of last year's East Division playoff series, with the Beach Bums on the outside looking in. Traverse City was in first place for a few days and were looking like solid contenders (especially considering how dominant Tony Casoli was this season), but I guess you could call this an "at the wrong place at the wrong time" type of thing.

Loaf31

09-03-2006, 04:56 PM

yea now its just a matter of seeding Washington's Magic number is 2

BumsTC

09-04-2006, 06:16 PM

Well im a little bumed that my Beach Bums didnt make it in. Still a great first season (Posisble 57 Wins). I gues he best way to describe the team and the season was consistent. What I mean is no real huge offensive threat or Pitching other then Casoli. Id say the best thing we had was defense. Stephen Young has got to be the best defensive 2nd sacker in the league no disrespect out there. I think Washington will take it all in the minimum amount of games needed. That team is awesome. I like what theyve donr with consistency in the 5 years in the league that is awesome. Washington over Evansville for the title. By the way for you frontier league veterans out there, When did they change to two from each division and not to best records for the wildcard spots? Seems weird that we wold have won the otehr division and yet dont make the playoffs? Well on to the post season. Good luck to all your teams in Chillicothe, Washington, Rockford and Evansville.

Mark

GO BUMS!!!!

Loaf31

09-04-2006, 06:52 PM

Paintsfan

09-04-2006, 10:50 PM

To be honest, sometimes I get my sources by reading through the posts of the Windy City Thunderbolts fan forum (The Paints don't got a forum, but the local newspaper has a blog) , and well one official there said that Holland, Michigan will be recieving a team and should be in the Frontier League in 2008 but may have to field a team in 2007 if Marion, Illinois gets done with their new ballpark.

The Holland team would take the "Ohio Valley Redcoats" route and would be a road team for the 2007. Here's something that I think should be an option if that were to play out: why not put the team at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek, Michigan on a 1-year temporary basis? The place will be vacant and the Northwoods League hasn't yet reached a deal on putting a team there so again, why not? That's taking the "Florence Freedom" route where the Freedom spent the 2003 season in Hamilton, Ohio while Champion Window Field in Florence, Kentucky was being built.

Well, the league does need a team in the East Division and Holland, Michigan is a pretty decent spot. I would like to have a second FL team in Ohio, though just to cut down on the traveling of my team. The Holland team would make good rivals to both Kalamazoo and Traverse City. You can't have North and South divisions because there are 5 teams up north and 7 teams down south.

Also, there are behind-the-scenes talks of a Frontier league/Northern league merger altogether, and not just 3 teams defecting like I said earlier this season. The main problem, the forum official supposedly says, is the age limit (which is age 27) and who would be the commish of the joint league. There should be more info on this after the owners meetings in November...
-----------

Okay, now onto the FL field. Here's the setup for the FL playoffs.

* = If needed

EAST: Chillicothe Paints vs. Washington Wild Things

Game 1 @ Falconi Field, Washington
Game 2 @ Falconi Field, Washington
Game 3 @ VA Memorial Stadium, Chillicothe
Game 4 @ VA Memorial Stadium, Chillicothe *
Game 5 @ Falconi Field, Washington *

WEST: Evansville Otters vs. Rockford Riverhawks

Game 1 @ Riverhawks Stadium, Rockford
Game 2 @ Riverhawks Stadium, Rockford
Game 3 @ Bosse Field, Evansville
Game 4 @ Bosse Field, Evansville *
Game 5 @ Riverhawks Stadium, Rockford *

FL CHAMPIONSHIP: EAST winner vs. WEST winner

Game 1 @ WEST
Game 2 @ WEST
Game 3 @ EAST
Game 4 @ EAST *
Game 5 @ WEST *

09-05-2006, 08:57 PM

does not address the huge gap between kalamazoo and chillicothe plus will holland ever get a park? a team in the metro detroit area (wyandotte memorial field) would address the travel gap better than any market out there plus the area is a sleeping giant on and off the field !

Raptorov

09-05-2006, 09:34 PM

Hello!
Doesnt it just figure that I discover this forum right after the season ends for my Florence Freedom!
I never realized that the Freedom were aound before 2004, I knew of the financial troubles of 2004 and attended 11 games or so in 2005 before getting season tickets. But that is indicative of the pathetic Cincinnati sports coverage that only acknowledges the major league sports and college basketball. On the occasion of minor league financial challenges, they are all too willing to announce that, but beyond that, it is too much to even hope that the box scores are updated.
I am quite excited that the All-Star game will be in Florence next year, as I was concerned that the attendance seemed off from last year, but that is probably due to the better performance of the Reds, and not what Florence has done.
I would love to see more teams in the league, if only to boost the visibility of the league and get some rivalries going. But Florence is the fringe I know.

Did anybody notice that this last series they used three umpires on the field? I asked one of the Freedom Staff, and they said it was an experiment for next year. I found that encouraging, as that would be quite an added expense, and although an improvement, the league, I would suspect, must believe that it is possible, sustainable and needed.

Well, I will be following the playoffs on OSC, since the 600 cable channels cant apparantly carry it, or the 400 top40 radio stations, or local newspapers...
But Im not as bitter as that sounds.

Paintsfan

09-05-2006, 11:17 PM

Raptorov, you can always listen to the brodcasts. On the Frontier League website, they have a "broadcasts" section. Click the link that says that, and you'll be given a selection of radio stations to choose from.

Ca, yeah, I know. I have no hard feelings for Holland, but I wonder if the state of Ohio is ever going to have a second Frontier League team again. Obviously, in the 1990's, almost all of the franchises were in Ohio, but now, there are just my Paints. Canton tried twice, but failed. I've heard about Lorain time and time again, but attendance was bad for Ohio Valley Redcoats games. Then again, there were hardly any seats out in Campana Park and there were only 3 games to go to...

I don't know, but I wonder if Zanesville should get back into the FL? Gant Municipal Stadium may look just fine with some renovations. Plus, that's a short travel from Chillicothe. Maybe not, though.

09-06-2006, 07:43 AM

or at a temporary site would be very risky wouldnt it ? ov proved that a rd team wont work and for someone to have a team at a temp site they better have a shovel in the ground at their permanent zip code before they but the club or theyll be in ov's boat . as for zanesville the fl may have burnt that bridge when they left town after the 96' season . GO PAINTS !

Raptorov

09-06-2006, 10:17 PM

Yes, I know most have the "webcasts" but it usually isnt convienient like listening in the car, or on my back deck by the fire pod.

Anyway, has anyone else noticed the three umpires? Are they using them in the playoffs?

Paintsfan

09-12-2006, 05:06 PM

(UPDATE: Tonight's game is postponed to tommorow)

Well, the series is going to begin tonight at Evansville's Bosse Field. The Evansville Otters and the Chillicothe Paints will begin play for all the marbles.

Here's some notes:

* The Otters and the Paints are the two oldest Frontier League franchises.

* The Otters and the Paints play in the current two oldest Frontier League ballparks.

* Neither team has won a championship, meaning one team is going to end up on top for the first time.

* The stats for both teams during the regular season are surprisingly similar and close. The Paints have an edge in numerous categories, but the momentum has to be with the Otters at this point.

* The late Steve Martin played for both Evansville and Chillicothe.

Paintsfan

09-14-2006, 09:46 PM

It's late in Game 2, and the Evansville Otters are just dominating at this point, 4-1 them. It doesn't look likely that the trophy's coming to Chillicothe this year. The Otters just gained too much momentum to slow down, beating Rockford 3 games in a row then they take it out on us. Unless of course we turn the tables right back on them.

They're doing this "2004 Boston Red Sox" style, too. I'll be happy for the Otters fans...the Otters haven't won a title since the beginning in 1995.

So how about next year? :cool: