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MWL approves sale of Battle Creek franchise

October 29, 2004 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Southwest Michigan Devil Rays News Release


BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - The Midwest League board of directors has unanimously approved the sale of the Battle Creek franchise by Riverside Baseball Inc. to Fun For Michigan Entertainment. The vote to approve the transfer came after a league-wide conference call Friday afternoon. Fun For Michigan will begin operating the franchise immediately.

The principal owner of Fun For Michigan Entertainment is William Shea, the CEO of Buckeye Pipeline Co. in Radnor, Pa.

"We're very excited to have the opportunity to own the Battle Creek franchise," Shea said. "We¹re looking forward to a successful season next year. We hope all the fans will come out and have a good time at the ballpark."

The transfer now awaits approval by both Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball. Approval by both groups is expected soon.

Riverside Baseball had owned and operated the franchise since the 2002 season. Under Riverside Baseball, the Battle Creek franchise experienced an unprecedented three straight years of attendance growth.

The 2005 season will mark the 11th year of Midwest League baseball in Battle Creek. The franchise has been known as the Battle Creek Golden Kazoos (102 days), the Michigan Battle Cats (eight years) and the Battle Creek Yankees (two years). The franchise is now affiliated with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and a new team name will be announced soon.

Battle Creek will open the 2005 season on April 7 against West Michigan.



Midwest League Stories from October 29, 2004


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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