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PCL1 Pacific Coast League

New Orleans Zephyrs safely evacuated

September 1, 2005 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1) News Release


The following statement was released by George King, director of business and baseball operations of the Pacific Coast League, today:

"As it is with most news from southern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, since the devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina information on the New Orleans Zephyrs franchise is coming in by piecemeal.

The club was safely evacuated from New Orleans in advance of the mass exodus on Saturday afternoon. The team bussed to Oklahoma City, where it resumed its regular schedule on Monday evening. Reports are that all players and family members were able to leave ahead of the storm.

The remaining three games of the series with the Iowa Cubs club, who was also evacuated on Saturday afternoon, were cancelled and will not be made-up in the upcoming weekend series between the clubs in Des Moines. Coincidentally, a series between the same two teams was interrupted by another storm in July. A portion of that series was made-up, but those additional games that were to be played last weekend and next will no longer be included to the schedule.

The PCL has learned that Zephyr Field, home ballpark of the club, sustained minor cosmetic and structure damage. As for the field itself preliminary reports have been positive. In fact, rather than being another scene of the damage to the nearby community, Zephyr Field has become a refuge for the relief efforts, serving as a staging area for emergency personnel and equipment participating in the ongoing search and rescue mission.

Moving forward, the objective is obviously for a return to normalcy as quickly as is plausible. That is a day-by-day proposition. Clearly the efforts directed at human safety, recovery and the communities well-being and clean-up will be up front. Please do not attempt to contact the club offices as there are no satisfactory means to do so. Word in this office is that all employees and staff are safe and out of harm's way.

As is the case for resources around the country, and indeed around the world, our clubs are putting together relief aide efforts of their own. Should you want to make a contribution, please reach out to your local charitable organizations directing aide to the community and region -- such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. Your contributions can also be directed through one of our clubs or Minor League Baseball.

Thank you for your concerns and the collaborative efforts to support the region and ballclub. Whether through the club or the League, updates will be coming as soon as appropriate news warrants. In the meantime, our thoughts will continue to focus on the positive developments assuredly forthcoming."

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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