Baseball Veterans Announce Their Retirement
June 11, 2014 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Pulaski Mariners News Release
After twenty-five years of operating a team in the Appalachian League, the owners of Pulaski Baseball, Inc. have decided to retire. "We have been committed to providing affordable, family friendly entertainment to the local community at a wonderful baseball facility that has its own history. So now we are going to be a part of that history." said Wayne Carpenter one of the three owners. Tom Compton, President; Rick Mansell, VP; and Carpenter, Secretary/Treasurer have been the principals of the local baseball organization since the late 1980's.
It is never easy to make a decision like this according to the owners, but this seems like as good a time as any. The affiliation agreement with the Seattle Mariners and the Lease of Calfee Park both expire at the end of this season. "We made our decision last December, that this would be our final season." said Carpenter. "But we weren't sure how we should handle the end of our operation and yet be sure baseball would continue with another operator." However, the process turned out to be easier than expected. In April, the owners of Motor Mile Speedway and Dragway reached out about acquiring the rights to the affiliation. "The fit is as perfect as it can be," said Carpenter, "this organization has everything in place to step in and continue our tradition of family entertainment. I think it is a great opportunity for them and the fans of baseball."
There will be no change in the operation of the Pulaski Mariners this season, and the new operators will have to reach an agreement with the Town to lease Calfee Park and with a Major League to provide a team in the Appalachian League. That process has already started, and the expectation is to have Minor League Baseball in Pulaski for many years to come.
The owners have reached a point where they want to simplify life and have time to farm, travel, play golf or whatever comes along. "We aren't so much tired of bringing the excitement of baseball to Pulaski, but we know that often change is a good way to bring new energy and excitement to an organization." said Carpenter. "the new organization brings experience in marketing sports entertainment that I am sure will impress our fans and create more wonderful memories seeing America's pastime in Historic Calfee Park."
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Appalachian League Stories from June 11, 2014
- Baseball Veterans Announce Their Retirement - Pulaski Mariners
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