IL To Celebrate 125th Anniversary In 2008
Published on July 24, 2007 under International League (IL1) News Release
During a press conference held at Frontier Field in Rochester, NY, the International League today announced plans for the League to celebrate its Quasquicentennial Season (125th Anniversary) in 2008.
The International League traces its roots back to 1884 which makes it the second oldest League in all of professional sports, second only to the National Baseball League which began in 1876. Fifty-nine different cities including seven major league cities have fielded IL clubs over the years. A total of 97 former International League players, managers, umpires and club executives are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, including 2007 inductee Cal Ripken, Jr.
Co-Chairmen of the League's Anniversary Committee, Syracuse Chiefs executives Tex and John Simone unveiled the 125th Anniversary logo that in 2008 will adorn official game balls, uniforms, ballparks, merchandise and much more. Included in his remarks, Chiefs' GM John Simone explained the significance of the League making the announcement in Rochester. "The International League has a great history of success in many cities over the years, but the long-term support and resulting history that you find in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse is unmatched. Upstate New York has been very good to the League over the years and we are here today due to the fact that Rochester has been in the League longer than any other team, 120 of 124 years. Both Buffalo and Syracuse have been League members for 93 years."
Among the special activities being planned for the 2008 season:
- Noted Minor League Baseball author Bill O'Neal will release a new book on the League that will be available by opening day. O'Neal has previously written books on the International, Pacific Coast, American Association, Texas and Southern Leagues.
- Fans will have the opportunity to participate in on-line contests related to International League history.
- The International League Hall of Fame will be revived with the goal being to hold an induction ceremony in each of the League's ballparks.
- Plans call for a traveling exhibit to visit each of the League's ballparks which will include the original and current Governors' Cup trophies as well as the League's Hall of Fame plaques denoting all members.
- Beginning with opening day, a series titled "This Day in International League History" will run in ballparks, on radio and television broadcasts and on websites.
- Auctions for commemorative autographed items will be held.
International League Stories from July 24, 2007
- Columbus Scores Late to Down Indians - Indianapolis Indians
- Grand Slam Kick Starts Win for Wings - Rochester Red Wings
- Hernandez, Johnson Lead Bulls Over Tides - Durham Bulls
- Cormier, Braves Blank Lynx - Gwinnett Stripers
- R-Braves Newsletter - Gwinnett Stripers
- R-Braves Game Notes - Gwinnett Stripers
- Coolbaugh benefit - Columbus Clippers
- Thurston Leads Phillies Minor Leaguers Again - Ottawa Lynx
- The Morning Call announces Founding Partnership - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- International League to Revive Hall of Fame - IL1
- IL To Celebrate 125th Anniversary In 2008 - IL1
- Phils Release Randy Ruiz - Ottawa Lynx
- Bisons Game Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Top pitching prospects promoted to SWB - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
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.
