ULB Winter League opens inaugural season in Harlingen on Friday with two ballgames
Published on January 17, 2007 under United League Baseball (ULB) News Release
HARLINGEN - History will be made - weather permitting - Friday as the United League Baseball-sponsored Winter League begins its season with two games.
Players who will be a part of the four-ball club league have been working out this week despite chilling temperatures not too far above the freezing mark.
On Friday, Winter League baseball will become a reality with two games to be played at Harlingen Field, the first one at 3:30 p.m. and the second one at 7 o'clock.
The Laredo Broncos will square off against the Edinburg Coyotes in the afternoon game, while the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings of Harlingen will play the Brownsville Toros in the nightcap.
On Saturday, the Toros and the Broncos will play at 3:30 p.m., while the WhiteWings and the Coyotes will play at 7 p.m.
The Winter League is comprised of the four ball clubs, three of which are members of the United League Baseball, while the fourth, Brownsville, is expected to be a part of the league by 2008.
The Winter League, under the auspices of the ULB, is one of only two winter leagues in the continental United States. The other league is sponsored by the Golden League of Arizona and California, with all games to be played in Yuma, Ariz. That league will play its first game at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time, also on Friday.
All of the 24 Texas Winter League doubleheaders and a best two-out-of-three championship series will be played a Harlingen Field.
Games will be played at 11 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and at 3:30 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There will be no Sunday games unless it is necessary to have makeup games due to weather conditions.
"The Winter League gives players trying to break into the professional summer leagues and those developing their skills a chance
to do just that," said Craig Brasfield, president of the ULB. "We anticipate that there will be major league scouts coming in to check out these young men, plus we also plan to sign up some of the players for our summer ULB season."
Brasfield said that it's hoped the winter ball will attract a number of Brownsville fans and that the league is working with city and civic officials there to bring professional baseball to Brownsville by next year.
"We also are keeping the ticket prices at bargain prices, $5 for a reserved box seat and $3 for reserved general admission," Brasfield said. "For those who want season tickets, they are $75 for box seats and $50 for reserved general admission."
A ticket is good for both games, he said.
Managers from the ULB will be involved in the Winter League. They are Eduardo "Eddie" Dennis, WhiteWings; Buddy Biancalana, Amarillo Dillas; Ricky VanAsselberg, Alexandria, La., Aces, the ULB defending champions; Howard "Doc" Edwards, San Angelo Colts; and Vince Moore, Broncos. Also assisting will be Angel "Papo" Davila, who was the pitching coach for the Colts in 2006.
The ULB had its inaugural season in 2006. It will begin its second year in May of 2007, upping its 90-game schedule of 2006 to 100 games this year.
For additional ticket information call the WhiteWings office at (956) 412-9464 (WING.).
United League Baseball Stories from January 17, 2007
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.
