Feds Investigating Ramapo Ballpark Refinancing

Federal authorities are reportedly investigating whether Ramapo’s (NY) Local Development Corp. falsely claimed assets it did not have to back the refinancing of bonds, including the $25 million bond for Provident Bank Park, home of the independent professional Rockland Boulders (Can-Am League).  Read more here.  View photo of federal raid here.

Pro Baseball Returns to Montreal With Aigles, Capitales

PRESS RELEASE – As part of the Can-Am League’s preseason exhibition schedule, the Quebec Capitales and Trois-Rivieres Aigles will meet in the first-ever Quebec Baseball Classic on Saturday, May 11 at Montreal’s Ahuntsic Park at 7:30 p.m.

New Owner of Skylands Explores Options, Lower Annual Property Tax Bill Should Help

Mark Roscioli Jr., owner of real estate investment firm 17 Mile LLC, continues to explore his options for a primary baseball tenant at Skylands Park after finalizing a deal to purchase the facility for $950,000.  After learning that the park’s annual property tax liability has been lowered from $120,000+ to $30,000, we have more confidence in this effort.  Read more here.  Thanks to Johnny Regan for the story.

Skylands Park Sold

In positive new for the possible return of baseball to Sussex County (NJ), the sale of Skylands Park to Ardmore (PA)-based real estate investment firm 17 Mile LLC indeed closed on Friday, March 15.  The facility sold for $950,000, plus $160,000 in overdue taxes and related fees.  Skylands is the former home of the Single-A New Jersey Cardinals (New York-Penn League) and indy pro Sussex Skyhawks

Skylands Deal to Close Next Thursday, Patriots Chairman Rejects Idea of ABL2 Feeder Circuit

As real estate investment firm 17 Mile LLC looks to close next Friday on a deal to acquire Skylands Park, Steve Kalafer, chairman of the indy pro Somerset Patriots (Atlantic League), firmly dismissed any notion of an ABL feeder team coming Sussex County.  More broadly, according to the New Jersey Herald, Kalafer issued a statement late Thursday saying “there is no value at this

Sale of Skylands Park Postponed, Not Dead

The deal to sell Skylands Park in Sussex County (NJ) to real estate investment firm 17 Mile is apparently not dead after all.  Mark Roscioli, owner of Ardmore (PA)-based 17 Mile, says the closing has been rescheduled for Friday, March 15.   Read more here.

Sale of Skylands Park Called Off

After coming to terms earlier this month on the pending transfer of ownership of Skylands Park, the parties to the deal said last Thursday that the sale of the 4,200-seat ballpark, which was scheduled to be  finalized on March 1, is apparently a no go.  Read more here and here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Baseball to Return to Skylands Park

While the deal is not yet finalized, Ardmore (PA)-based 17 Mile LLC plans to buy vacant Skylands Park in Sussex County (NJ) for $950,000.  The group is reportedly in negotiations with two separate baseball outfits to find a team to play at the stadium beginning in 2014.  Read more here.

Capitales Unveil Anniversary Logos

PRESS RELEASE – The Quebec Capitales have unveiled logos commemorating the franchise’s 15th anniversary, as well as the 75th anniversary of the club’s ballpark, Stade de Quebec.

Brockton Rox Named Futures League Organization of the Year

PRESS RELEASE – The Brockton Rox have been named the 2012 FCBL Organization of the Year after setting a league attendance record with 41,141 total fans and averaging 1,714 fans per night.

RDA Refinancing Ramapo Ballpark

Because of “extremely favorable interest rates,” the Rockland Local Development Corp. is working to refinance $25 million in short-term bonds issued to build Provident Bank Park for the indy pro Rockland Boulders (Can-Am League).  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Skylands Park Saga Continues

As we posted last week, Skylands Park in Frankford Township (NJ) is going on the auction block today to cover $57,277 in back taxes owed by Millennium Sports Management.  However, Millennium is expected to pay the taxes and redeem the property, as the organization has apparently found a potential buyer for the property.  In addition, the indy pro Atlantic League is still exploring the facility for use by

Skylands Park on the Auction Block

Skylands Park, the former home of the indy pro Sussex SkyHawks (Can-Am League) and Single-A New Jersey Cardinals (New York-Penn League), is going up for auction on Wednesday, Dec. 12, to satisfy a $57,277.43 tax lien placed on the property by Frankford Township.  We assume Millennium Sports Management, the owner of the ballpark, could still

Skylands Park to Live Again With New Sewer?

Currently vacant Skylands Park, former home of the defunct indy pro Sussex SkyHawks (Can-Am League) and relocated Single-A New Jersey Cardinals (New York-Penn League), will reportedly be connected to the new sewer system being built in Frankford Township (NJ).  This appears to send a signal that the ballpark will live to fight another day, if a new tenant can be found.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

No Baseball in Worcester in 2013

The city of Worcester, the College of the Holy Cross, and Hanover Insurance have agreed to put off replacing the indy pro Worcester Tornadoes (Can-Am League) at Hanover Insurance Park until 2014.  Read more here.

Trois-Rivieres Aigles Release Inaugural Branding

PRESS RELEASE – The Trois-Rivieres Aigles, the newest member of the Can-Am League, introduced former major-leaguer Pierre-Luc “Pete” Laforest as the club’s field manager at a press conference held at the Salon des Jeux de Trois-Rivieres on Wednesday. The team also used the opportunity to release its logos and branding.

Wolff To Be Inducted Into Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame

PRESS RELEASE – American Association and Can-Am League commissioner Miles Wolff will be inducted into the province of Quebec’s Baseball Hall of Fame during the Baseball Quebec annual meetings in Quebec City on Saturday, November 3.

Futures League Makes Move on Worcester, Atlantic League on the Radar Too

While the indy pro Can-Am League works to hold the market held by the terminated Worcester Tornadoes with a replacement franchise at Hanover Insurance Park, John Creedon Jr., the owner of a Worcester-based catering and tent-rental company, says he has secured the rights to bring a summer collegiate Futures Collegiate

Can-Am League Extends Deadline for Worcester

The indy pro Can-Am League has extended its Oct. 2 deadline until the end of the month to allow Baltimore businessman Daniel DiGiacomo to put together an ownership group to launch a replacement franchise for the Worcester Tornadoes, which were booted from the league over financial troubles.  The city appears to be taking a very cautious approach to bringing a new team into

BieberDuped in Newark?

The indy pro Newark Bears (Can-Am League) announced Monday that Justin Bieber would make an appearance at a fundraiser for charity at Riverfront Stadium the end of October.  When Bieber’s publicist was asked about the show, she dismissed it as “pure fiction.”  This afternoon, the Newark Bears tweeted the following:

Justin Bieber to Headline ‘Stadium of Screams’ Party for Charity at Riverfront Stadium

PRESS RELEASE – International pop sensation Justin Bieber and Owner/CEO/GM Danielle Dronet host as a special event at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, N.J., as part of the Newark Bears’ second annual “Stadium of Screams” in support of the Newark Bears That Care Foundation.

Can-Am League Approves Trois-Rivieres Franchise

PRESS RELEASE – Can-Am League commissioner Miles Wolff announced on Wednesday the addition of the Trois-Rivieres (Quebec) Aigles to the league for the 2013 season.

Taking a Year Off in Worcester? Wolff Not Pleased With City’s Lack of Responsiveness

Miles Wolff, commissoner of the indy pro Can-Am League, is raising concerns that city officials have not returned his phone calls about the future of baseball in Worcester, after the owner of the Worcester Tornadoes was stripped of his franchise rights amid financial troubles. Word has it that the city might be considering a decision not to host baseball in 2013.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Baseball Returning to Trois-Rivières with MLB, NHL Connection

A press conference was held this week to announce the return of professional baseball to Stade Fernand-Bédard (formerly known as Stade Municipal) in Trois-Rivières (QC).  The Trois-Rivières Eagles will become a reality, when the indy pro Can-Am League approves the franchise on October 2.

Trois Rivieres Press Conference Postponed

Based on our imperfect translation of French, a press conference originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 7, to announce that the indy pro Can-Am League is expanding to Trois Rivieres (QC) has apparently been pushed back briefly to allow local elected officials to give final consideration to the project next week.  Read more here.  Use the free translation tool here, if you (like us) don’t know French.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story link.

Boulders President Thanks Fans for Support, Record-Setting Attendance Mark

PRESS RELEASE – On behalf of the entire Rockland Boulders organization, I would like to thank you for your support of Boulders Baseball during our record-setting 2012 season at Provident Bank Park. More than 161,000 fans from throughout the Lower Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey turned out to root for their hometown team which placed us first in attendance in the Can Am League. This

Worcester Phoenix to Rise?

We can’t say we’re crazy about the name, but Bob Weldon from Black Ink Sports has approached the indy pro Can-Am League and other stakeholders about securing the rights to the Worcester (MA) market and Hanover Insurance Park after the league shuttered the Worcester Tornadoes amid financial troubles.  He would call the team the Worcester Phoenix.

The Future of Baseball in Worcester

Despite the ugly financial and legal situation that forced the indy pro Can-Am League to take control of the embattled Worcester Tornadoes, don’t expect Hanover Insurance Park to be without baseball in 2013.  There are already groups expressing interest in assuming ownership of the Tornadoes as a professional team, but placing an expansion Futures Collegiate Baseball League franchise

Can-Am League Expanding to Trois Rivieres?

A press conference has reportedly been scheduled for Friday, Sept. 7, to announce that the indy pro Can-Am League is expanding to Trois Rivieres (QC).  The “Eagles” will apparently begin play at Stade Fernand-Bédard (formerly known as Stade Municipal) next season.  Read more here and here.  Use the free translation tool here, if you (like us) don’t know French.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story links.

Using the same logo as the Elite Junior Baseball Eagles?

League Takes Over Tornadoes, Ex-Owner Will Fight to Be Reinstated

PRESS RELEASE – Can-Am League commissioner Miles Wolff (pictured) announced on Friday that the membership of the Worcester Tornadoes held by Streamlined Sports, Inc., has been terminated. The team will complete its regular-season schedule September 1-3 at Newark.

Tornadoes Owner: ‘Outrageous’ to Believe Future is Bleak for Team

Amid legal action to secure payments for debts owed, a defiant Todd Breighner, owner of the indy pro Worcester Tornadoes (Can-Am League), showed up at the team’s closed offices Tuesday to collect items, as a moving crew was preparing to clear it out.  Breighner blamed the media circus on an overzealous lawyer and vowed that the team would be back in 2013.  Read more here.

Jewish Life Night at Provident Bank Park

Drawing a significant part of its fan base from the Orthodox enclaves of Rockland County, including nearby Monsey and New Square, the indy pro Rockland Boulders (Can-Am League) held Jewish Life Night this past Sunday to celebrate Jewish life and culture.  Reported attendance was 3,459.  Read more here.  View poster here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Pittsfield Suns Exceed Expectations, Will Return in 2013

City and team officials agree the future looks bright for the summer collegiate Pittsfield Suns (Futures Collegiate Baseball League).  The team exceeded expectations “across the board,” according to Jeff Goldklang, managing director of the Goldklang Group, which owns the team.  Suns GM/coach Jamie Keefe, who also worked for the defunct indy pro Pittsfield Colonials (Can-Am League), says the ownership

Gray Days in Worcester

Amid financial troubles, the indy pro Worcester Tornadoes (Can-Am League) took the field for the second game in a row last night in league-issued uniforms after the team’s regular unis were seized by a debt-collecting lawyer.  The uniforms were used by the league’s traveling squad, the Grays, in 2005 and 2007.  Read more here.  Read about debt details and view jersey photo here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Worcestor Tornadoes Facing Legal Action Over Debts Owed

The indy pro Worcester Tornadoes (Can-Am League) were scheduled to be in court Thursday to respond to a claim for money owed for uniforms and promotional materials, but the hearing was postponed.  The vendor is seeking a court order to seize the team’s inventory, including uniforms, equipment and office furniture, if they don’t get paid.  On Monday, the game was delayed by a cleaning

Jackals Celebrate Milestone With 15th Anniversary Night

The indy pro New Jersey Jackals (Can-Am League) were forced to postpone celebration of their 15th anniversary last night at Yogi Berra Stadium because of inclement weather.  The team made up the game Thursday, while donning special 15th annversary jerseys, which will be auctioned off later this month.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the news.

New Jersey Jackals Twitter Photo

Boulders’ Success Factors Drawing Complaints

While more and more fans are coming out to watch the burgeoning indy pro Rockland Boulders (Can-Am League), some neighbors near Provident Bank Park, including the local animal shelter, are complaining about the noise from regular fireworks shows and concerts.  The team says they have received very few calls raising concerns.  Read more here.

Boulders Surpass 250,000 in Total Attendance in Two Seasons, Nine Games Remain

PRESS RELEASE – The Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League have exceeded 250,000 fans in total attendance in their second season of existence. Including Sunday’s game against the Kansas City T-Bones at Provident Bank Park, the Boulders have now drawn 250,769 over their first two seasons. In addition, their current 2012 mark of 127,065 has already surpassed last season’s total with nine home games still remaining

Boulder Bird Bobblehead Sunday

PRESS RELEASE – On Sunday, August 5 when Rockland squares off with the New Jersey Jackals, the Boulders’ very own blue-feathered-friend will be immortalized – in bobble head form.

Rockland Boulders Unleash 1,500 Pet Rocks Tonight

PRESS RELEASE – While many kids consider dogs and cats great pets, Boulder Bird thinks his pet rock is better than all the rest. Because he loves his pet rock so much, Boulder Bird along with Tilcon, an integrated construction materials supplier located in Rockland County, have decided to adopt out pet rocks to the first 1,500 fans on Monday, July 30 (please note – due to Thursday’s rainout, July 30 will now