LaGrave Saved, Fort Worth Cats to Return

PRESS RELEASE – In an effort to return baseball to historic LaGrave Field, a non-profit foundation agreed to pay the Tarrant Regional Water District an upfront, 10-year market-rate lease for the facility that also includes a commitment by the group to spend $3 million on renovations to the minor league baseball field.

Land Swap Deal to Revive LaGrave Field

LaGrave Field, the former home of the Fort Worth Cats (Independent Professional, United League Baseball/North American League/American Association/Central Baseball League/All-American Association), has been deteriorating for four years.  Now it appears to be getting a new lease on life via a land-swap deal between the Tarrant Regional Water District and the ballpark’s owners, Houston-based Panther Acquisition Partners.  Read more here.  Watch news report here.  Visit Save LaGrave here.

The Ballpark History of TCU Baseball

As Texas Christian University (TCU) baseball players step foot into their newly renovated $7.5 million ballpark facilities, it seems impossible that this same program was nearly dropped from the athletic department in 2000.  Read more and view photos here.

Horned Frogs Unveil Lupton Stadium Renovations

Lupton Stadium, the home of the TCU Horned Frogs baseball program since 2003, received a $7.5-million renovation that added a new locker room, classroom, team lounge, sports medicine center, equipment room and coach’s office.  Read more and view photos here.

Cue Up the Euthanasia Puns for the Cats

The indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League) are on life support after losing their lease to play at LaGrave Field.  The baseball season begins May 15.  If the cats can’t find another home by the end of January, it’s doubtful the team will play, according to team owner John Bryant.  Read more here.

Atlantic League President Talks Expansion

Rick White, president of the indy pro Atlantic League, recently talked with LancasterOnline.com about league matters, including expansion.  The circuit will operate with the same eight teams in 2015, with Virginia Beach (VA) beach on deck for 2016 and big push in Texas.  Fort Worth (TX) appears to be the primary target.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Colts to Celebrate 15th Season, Release Logo

We haven’t seen any stories about the indy pro San Angelo Colts (United League) celebrating their 15th season at Foster Field on their website, but we did find the logo attached to an April 27 story announcing the release of the team’s 2014 schedule, without an actual schedule attached.  See logo blurb here from the local paper.  Last we heard, the Colts, Fort Worth Cats, Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings, and Mexico Paisanos would make up a four-team United League this season.