PRESS RELEASE – Tim Ferguson, owner of the Yuma Desert Rats announced today that the team has elected to immediately remove themselves from the American West Baseball league. The Desert Rats were set to be part of the inaugural season of the AWBL a four-team independent minor league with teams in Fullerton, San Diego, Orange County, and Yuma.
Desert Rats Owner and President Tim Ferguson said, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the Yuma Desert Rats will not be playing in the AWBL this season. We believe it is in the best interest of our fans, the City of Yuma, our corporate partners and sponsors to take some time to explore the best way that we can add value to the Yuma community through the game of baseball.”
While minor league baseball is at an all time high in attendance across the nation, hopes are high that the team will be able to continue to grow its fan base, build its corporate partnerships and community outreach programs while continuing to rebuild a foundation for professional baseball in Yuma. “There have been tremendous strides made towards bringing professional baseball back to Yuma. With more time to prepare, we feel that we will be able to sell a significant number of season tickets which will in turn attract even more community partners and sponsors. It also allows us to solidify our position within the local youth and amateur baseball programs in Yuma. We also think it will give us the proper time to find a suitable successor league which will provide the stability to create several much-needed business and support functions at the team level” added Ferguson. Because of a non-disclosure agreement, Ferguson is not able to release any other details regarding his decision to withdraw from the AWBL.
The team ownership went on to state “we would like to thank the community for welcoming myself and my family to Yuma. We remain committed to bringing baseball back in the very near future. We thank our staff, city officials and player participants in the AWBL league tryout for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to thank the many individuals who have helped me navigate this very difficult decision. We look to continue with you all as we look towards a strong and prosperous future within the game of baseball,” said Ferguson.
What “rights” would the AWBL own? The major item would be a lease on the ballpark. The AWBL could grant or own “rights” only within its’ own league. If Mr. Ferguson has a lease on the ballpark, he pretty much controls the situation. If the AWBL has the lease then, they have some leverage. Otherwise, their only leverage would be in an effort to hold Mr. Ferguson to any agreement he may have signed with them. JD
The AWBL holds the lease. Perhaps Alan could provide the link from the Yuma Sun. That’s where I got my information from.
Also if you look up the Yuma Panthers, LLC in the state of AZ they never transferred the company to Tim it still says Godfather Media, Inc as the owner of record which means appropriate measures weret taken at the time of “sale”. So when Tim found that out along with the lease I am sure they pressured for money and he refused to pay for something that he did not legally own.
Sorry for the delay. Traveling all week. Here is a link to an article you all have probably already read:
http://www.yumasun.com/articles/yuma-84800-baseball-cummings.html
Alan
Well noted John!
Can you imagine Yuma not solving the San Rafael Pacifics’ obvious problem needing a second market?
Maybe in the future Yuma will become part of the Pacific Association, but I can’t see that happening this year. According to an article in the Yuma Sun titled: (Yuma baseball future up in the air) the AWBL still owns the rights to Yuma not Tim Ferguson. Tim made great strides in Yuma, but it could all be for nothing. Either Tim didn’t like the way the AWBL opperated, or the ownership group of the Desert Rats didn’t have any money from the start to operate a team… maybe a bit of both. It’s interesting that three days after the AWBL Winter League failed to launch, Yuma shuts it down.
Smart Decision. No sense in putting in tireless hours if it’s all for nothing this year. Find the appropriate league, and bring professional baseball back in a proper manor for the city of Yuma.