Professional Baseball Returns to Historic Bringhurst Field
Published on July 8, 2013 under United League Baseball (ULB)
Alexandria Aces News Release
Alexandria, La. (July 8, 2013) - The lights of historic Bringhurst Field are back on this summer. The City of Alexandria and United League Baseball are proud to announce that Alexandria Aces have returned to professional ball this summer after spending three years in the Texas Collegiate League. The team officially returned as a professional team on May 23rd with a roster of 23 talented players, manager Von Hayes, and a 5-1 victory against the Texas Thunder.
United League Baseball (formerly the Texas-Louisiana League) revived the Alexandria Aces to the Central Louisiana community in 1994. The league management partnered with the City of Alexandria to refurbish Bringhurst Field and launch a new generation of Aces from 1994-2001, after which time the team joined other leagues.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN For the 2013 season, the Aces program is under the same leadership of United League Baseball, spearheaded by General Manager Scott Yarnell.
"We're thrilled to see the Aces rejoin the pros and showcase their outstanding ability," said Yarnell. "Adults, kids and baseball enthusiasts alike can once again enjoy America's favorite pastime right here in Central Louisiana."
But, Yarnell adds, the success of the Aces - just like any team - must come from strong support from the fans and the community.
"This is a whole new ballgame. We're here to have fun and win games, but it takes more than the players out there on the field. It's the fans that hit a homerun for us."
TAKING THE FIELD
In addition to rebooting the Aces' professional league status, United League Baseball is currently conducting a feasibility study for the 80-year-old Bringhurst Field, to ensure the legendary ballpark remains a quality outdoor venue for Aces baseball, as well as other outdoor events year-round.
While some grandstand seating areas are closed, comfortable seating remains for 2,500 fans inside the legendary ballpark. United League Baseball will make recommendations to the City of Alexandria about Bringhurst Field at the conclusion of this season.
"We said we would be aggressive, and this was a best-case scenario - except that I remain concerned about what the future looks like when United returns the feasibility requests we made," cautioned Mayor Jacques Roy. "The costs of repair to the old facility are high and parking will become front and center as an issue; however, we have great partners in GAEDA and the Masonic corridor that I hope will pay off."
"We still have work to do, a community to tap for help, and funds to raise if Alexandria wants this to be a reality. There are relationships to repair with the ACES and all of that brand's capacity builders. We will assist and we will be diligent. We ask the community to step up again, despite past tough times, and roll up collective sleeves."
United League Baseball Stories from July 8, 2013
- Alexandria Aces Trip to Rio Grande Valley Delayed - Alexandria Aces
- Professional Baseball Returns to Historic Bringhurst Field - Alexandria Aces
- Alexandria Aces Release Infielder Craig Littleman - Alexandria Aces
- Colts Begin 12-game Home Stand Tuesday - San Angelo Colts
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