Bangor Businessman Purchases Minor League Baseball Team

Published on January 24, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Bangor Lumberjacks News Release


Bangor Professional Baseball today announced the purchase of a minor league baseball team, to be known as the Bangor Lumberjacks, and set the home opener for May 30.

Bangor businessman Charles M. "Chip" Hutchins said he recently purchased the Adirondack Lumberjacks franchise, formerly of Glens Falls, N.Y., and has relocated the club to the Bangor area.

Hutchins said the club has exercised options to keep 23 members of last year's team: a roster that last year came within one strike of capturing the Eastern Division championship. Kash Beauchamp, manager of the successful Adirondack team, will transfer his talents to Bangor; while Curt Jacey, son of former owner Charles Jacey, will stay on as general manager.

An avid baseball fan since his days in the Farm League playing for Tri-City Pizza, Hutchins said the acquisition realizes the dreams of many in the Bangor area.

"I'm very excited," Hutchins said. "A local team, under local ownership, will be great for this area. We've got a terrific organization, and we're working hard to get the club off to a strong start."

An informal study conducted by Convention Sports and Leisure International of Minnesota estimated the potential economic impact of a minor league team on Bangor's economy at $5 million.

Calling those figures "conservative," Bangor director of business and economic development Jonathan Daniels said the new franchise will establish the city as "more than just a pass-through or gateway community" and increase residents¹ and visitors¹ entertainment options.

Lumberjacks general manager Curt Jacey said the club is determined to build strong Bangor ties. "Our goal is that the team will play in Bangor," he said, adding that the franchise is studying home-field possibilities within city limits. In the meantime, home games will take place at Mahaney Diamond at the University of Maine in Orono, reputedly one of New England¹s premier fields.

"We are extremely pleased the university has allowed us access to Mahaney Diamond. They have been extremely gracious in allowing us temporary use of the facility," Jacey said.

He said the Jacks plan to return the favor by making several improvements to the 2,600-seat complex. A new net behind home plate will replace an existing chain-link fence, and a new sound system will be added.

"All of these improvements will be permanent and will improve sightlines for Black Bear fans for years to come. This is really a win-win situation for everyone," Jacey continued. In addition, the team will add 360 temporary box seats on the first and third baselines, increasing capacity at Mahaney to almost 3,000 seats.

The Lumberjacks will compete in what is now called the Northeast League, including teams that once played under the Northern League's Eastern Division banner. (Last year¹s Northern League Central Division is now known as the Northern League.) Supplying competition for the Lumberjacks within the Northeast League are the Brockton (Mass.) Rox, the North Shore (Mass.) Spirit, the Quebec Capitales, the Allentown (Penn.) Ambassadors, the Berkshire (Mass.) Black Bears, the Elmira (N.Y.) Pioneers, and the New Jersey Jackals.

The Jacks will kick off their 92-game 2003 season on the road in Allentown on May 22. The squad will play four games there, one in Brockton, and two in North Shore before returning to Bangor for the home opener against New Jersey on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m.

The club's Web site, www.bangorlumberjacks.com, which will be online by month's end, features the 2003 game schedule, ticket prices, player bios, and more. Ticket sales, as well as merchandise, sponsorship, and corporate function opportunities, are available by calling 207.947.1900.

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Canadian American League Stories from January 24, 2003


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