Bye Bye Bradenton...

[beetm]

We hardly knew you:(

Probably though, in all fairness, not a terribly difficult decision for Jamie and The League to make given all of the factors involved. Now the speculation can begin, where is the new team going to be? Will they stay in Florida? How about on The Panhandle? It's not quite as "saturated" with teams there is it?

How about the players, will they stay with the new team, or be dispersed through the league?

On a completely different subject, I Love how the League webpage is posting scoreboards of games in progress now! :D

[kekemortson]

Unfortunately, this is life in minor league franchises, especially Independant leagues. No fireworks and no beer spell disaster for a sports team! I wish the Juice fans well, but I would love to see the team relocate to northern Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, or even eastern Alabama.

Here is the story from the Bradenton Juice team website:
:(
June 29, 2007 - The South Coast League of professional baseball has announced that they will relocate the Bradenton Juice franchise for the 2008 season.

The league was recently notified by the Pirates that their proposal to lease McKechnie Field, the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was denied. With McKechnie field no longer an option for hosting an SCL franchise, league officials have made the decision for relocation.

“We were informed this week by the Pirates that they have decided against entering into a lease agreement for McKechnie field with the SCL,” said league CEO Jamie Toole. “While we are disappointed with the Pirates decision, we are excited to explore opportunities for relocation of this club for the 2008 season and beyond.”

The Bradenton Juice had called Robert C. Wynn Field on the campus of Manatee Community College home. Despite being a gracious host for the Bradenton franchise, the facility was not built to host a minor league team and the SCL has faced numerous road blocks along the way. The lack of beer sales, fireworks shows, and seating generated immediate issues for the league to overcome during the inaugural season.

“It’s unfortunate for the city of Bradenton and Manatee County, as McKechnie field is a marquee facility for hosting the affordable, family entertainment, that is minor league baseball,” said SCL Chief Operating Officer Chris Allen. “Hopefully McKechnie field will not continue to stay dormant external to hosting the Pirates spring training.”

For more information on the South Coast League, log on to
www.southcoastleague.com


For more information contact:
South Coast League
867 Commerce Drive SW
Conyers, GA 30094
Phone: 770-761-1555
Fax: 770-761-1598

www.southcoastleague.com
info@southcoastleague.com

[Mr.Ed]

I would love to see the Juice stay in FL.Hopefully they can find a good facility in a good town.I would like to see a couple more teams in the SCL in the future.It would be nice to add two teams from Alabama if possible.I like the Rivalry Series idea.What would you call the series if there were teams in Alabama?

[beetm]

I can't remember where or when, but I've read where they're looking at a future team from the Atlanta Metro area.

[Mr.Ed]

Would the Atlanta area be wise.Are there any stadiums large enough to support a hopefully growing South Coast League?
Could Athens support a team.? Could sign ex-UGAs and probably use a Red/Black color scheme.
Athens Basedawgs ?

[Mr.Ed]

It is unfortunate that the Juice have left Bradenton.In three years,if the SCL still exists, odds are they probably will not still be in one or two more of the six "Charter Cities".
I am hoping for the best !
That is why you need to get all the SCL you can now;it may be gone tomorrow.
Be sure to take a friend to the game with you !