Juice To Pour Elsewhere In 2008
June 29, 2007 - South Coast League (SCL) News Release
CONYERS, GA - 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.
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