Kingfish Are No Fielders

The Lake County News-Sun looks back at the failed indy pro Lake County Fielders (Northern League/North American League) and compares the effort to bring baseball to the area with the new summer collegiate Kenosha Kingfish (Northwoods League).  You can ignore the so-called  “reporter” looking for Kevin Costner dirt and not the true facts about the Zion (IL) situation.  Read more here.

Drama Continues in Zion

This news is two weeks old, but the indy pro Lake County Fielders (Northern League/North American League) have amended their lawsuit against Zion (IL),  city officials and a developer to include allegations of bribery against Zion (IL) Mayor Lane Harrison.  Harrison called the allegations against him “fiction” and “unbelievable.”  Read more here.

Judge Issues Ruling in Lake County Fielders Case

Lake County Circuit Court Judge Jorge Ortiz issued a 37-page ruling Thursday on a lawsuit filed by the indy pro Lake County Fielders (Northern League/North American League) against Zion (IL), city officials and a developer that reportedly retains significant claims (including fraud and conspiracy) while also dismissing some aspects of the suit.  The next hearing is set for Dec. 4.  Read more here.

Zion Taxpayers Out Millions Over Abandoned Fielders Ballpark Project

In an investigative report, NBC 5 News Chicago found that taxpayers in Zion (IL) lost at least $7.8 million for the ballpark that was never built for the defunct indy pro Lake County Fielders (Northern League/North American League).  Read more and watch news report here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Lawsuits Aside, Fielders Willing to Return

The field built for the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) in Zion (IL) is deserted and overgrown, while lawsuits between the Fielders and the city over the stadium that was never built remain pending.  Despite the poison well, the Fielders are ready to return if a more modest new ballpark can be built.  The city doesn’t appear interested.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Rehashing the Fielders: A Player’s Perspective

For those  interested in the failed indy pro Lake County Fielders (Northern League/North American League), a link to an in-depth article by Shannon Proudfoot appearing on SportsNet.com last fall was recently posted on AABFAN.com.  It’s worth a read, even if you paid close attention to the happenings of the Fielders.  Read more here.

Fielders Out for 2012

No suprise here, but the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) have announced that they are sitting out the 2012 season.   As you know, the franchise is now in a legal battle with the City of Zion (IL) over city’s failure to build a new ballpark.  The city has countersued for unpaid back rent.  Read more here.

Zion Fights Back

The City of Zion (IL) has filed suit against the dormant indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) for $500,000 in back rent, taxes, and damage to property.  The Fielders, which have filed a lawsuit of their own, have called Zion’s action a public-relations move.  Read more here.

Fielders Expand Lawsuit

The juicy saga of the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) continues, as the team has added two civil conspiracy claims to its $10.7 million lawsuit against the City of Zion (IL) for failing to build a promised new ballpark.  Read more here.

State to Scrutinize Grants to Zion for Ballpark

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will reportedly begin reviewing how Zion spent state grant money totaling $1.3 million for a new baseball stadium for the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League).  Read more here.

New Life for Fielders?

We don’t know how much legitimacy there is to this story, but there is apparently talk in Zion (IL) about a proposed new $70 million sports and entertainment cooridor that could include a new ballpark for the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League).  We think there is too much poison in the water for this to happen, but it would put an end to the lawsuits.  Read more here.

Ex-Zion EDA Director Fires Back at Fielders

J. Delaine Rogers, the City of Zion’s (IL) former economic development director, blames the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) for the failed ballpark development because the team failed to pay its bills since the team’s inuagural 2010 season.  The Fielders recently filed suit against the city and officials for breach of contract and fraud in the stadium debacle.  Read more here.

A Case of Dupery in Zion?

The indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) have filed suit against the City of Zion (IL) and others claiming $10.7 million in damages because the city failed to build them a new ballpark as promised.  Beyond a simple breach of contract claim, the Fielders are accusing Zion officials of fraud.  Read more here.

Ehrenreich Sues Former Flyers’ Suitor

Richard Ehrenreich, owner of the defunct indy pro Schaumburg Flyers (Northern League) and near-death Lake County Fielders (North American League), is suing potential buyer Adriano Pedrelli and other investors for breach-of-contract and fraud.  Ehrenreich claims that Pedrelli’s pursuit of the Flyers led him to bypass other interested suitors, which led to the eventual demise of the club.  Read more here.

The Fielders’ Saga: A Tale of Lust, Greed, and Clout?

If you haven’t been paying close attention to the ugly situation going on between the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) and the City of Zion (IL) over the stadium that never was, an investigative report from Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Mark Konkol will catch you up and provide all with a few new tidbits.  Read more here.

Fielders Still Interested in Zion, But 2012 Options a Plenty

The indy pro Lake County Fielders are still interested in playing in Zion (IL), if a new ballpark is built.  If not, “[T]here are plenty of options for the Fielders,” according to team spokesman Bernie DiMeo.  The city appears to be preparing for a legal fight.  As an interesting side note, the Fielders still owe Carthage College $7,500 for hosting 15 games during the Fielders’ inaugural season in 2010.  Read more here.

Fielders Appear Done in Zion

While the City of Zion (IL) and the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) prepare for an ugly legal battle over unpaid rent and a permanent ballpark that was never built, City Attorney Scott Puma has made it clear that Zion wants the team gone.

For Hired Vocalist, ‘NSF’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Nice Singer for Fielders’

The indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) have allegedly stiffed National Anthem singer Megan Lambert, 17, with a bounced check for $349.62.  She is still owed $675 for her services.  She’s apparently not alone.  Read more here.  Thanks to Eddie Utley for the link.

Behind the Scenes: Zion vs. Fielders

Are the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) and City of Zion preparing for a legal fight over the yet-to-be-built baseball stadium?  It sure seems that way, although nobody has pulled the trigger on a lawsuit yet.   There are certainly a lot of facts here that need to be sorted out.  Read more here.  Thanks to Eddie Utley for the link.

NAL Chief: No Team Has Folded

Indy pro North American League commissioner Kevin Outcult tried to dispel rumors on Wednesday that the Na Koa Ikaika Maui and Lake County Fielders franchises have folded.  There has also been speculation that the 2011 season will be the last for the Chico Outlaws in the expansive league.  Read more here.

Fielders Struggle to Save Season, Credibility

With baling wire and duct tape, the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) are trying to make it to the end-of-season finish line.  On Wednesday, a mere nine home team players showed up to play the newly-formed Kenosha County Fielders or semi-pro Kenosha Kings (we’re not sure which), in front of an impressive 125 fans.  Read more here.  At least one fans wants his money back.  Read more here.

Fielders to Play Semi-Pro Kenosha Kings

PRESS RELEASE – The Lake County Fielders minor league baseball team has accepted the Kenosha Kings‘ challenge, and the two teams will face off against each other beginning tomorrow night in Zion at 7:00 pm, and compete on dates when the Fielders are not scheduled against North American League opponents during the remaining weeks of the 2011 season.

Maui Done, Kenosha County Fielders on Deck?

Rumor has it that the indy pro Na Koa Ikaika Maui (North American League) franchise has or will be calling it quits.  Read more here.  While not the cause, it certainly didn’t help Maui’s bottom line when the league’s Lake County Fielders, which are also in financial dire straits, stiffed the home team by failing to show up in Hawaii last week for

Fielders In, Fielders Out, Fielders In?

When the financially-troubled Lake County Fielders cancelled a road trip this week to Hawaii for a four-game series against the Na Koa Ikaika Maui, the indy pro North American League pulled the plug on them.  In a quick reversal, the NAL issued a statement saying that the league is in discussions with the Fielders regarding the rest of the NAL season.  Whether the Fielders play in the NAL or

Academic Questions Zion’s Investment in Ballpark

We don’t have a problem with an academic who wants to make a fact-based economics argument against communities investing in facilities to host for-profit sports teams, but we don’t like when a professor puts himself out there as an expert, when he appears to lack understanding of the sports business in question.

Fielders Threaten to Pull Plug on Season, Sue City

The ugly situation in Zion (IL) has just gotten uglier.  A day after receiving a default notice for unpaid back rent for using the team’s temporary baseball facility, Lake County Fielders owner Rich Ehrenreich is now threatening to cease operations of his club and file suit against the city, unless Zion begins building the team’s permanent baseball stadium.

Zion Formally Requests $185K in Back Rent from Fielders

The City of Zion (IL) has issued a default notice to the indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) requesting $185,000 in back rent for the use of the city’s temporary ballpark.  This appears to be political move on the part of city leaders to cover their rears, after the newspaper made a Freedom of Information request for documents.  Read more here.

Minor Baseball Entertainment Options in Chicagoland

Neil Milbert, special to the Tribune Newspapers, takes a look at the five minor league baseball options in the Chicago area for fans, including the Single-A Kane County Cougars (Midwest League), and indy pro Joliet Slammers (Frontier League), Gary SouthShore RailCats (American Association), Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier League), and Lake County Fielders (North American League).  Read more here.

Cluster in Zion, Costner Not Playing

It has been a trainwreck for the indy pro Lake County Fielders’ (North American League) this season, which Chicgo Tribune reporter Stacy St. Clair has laid out here.  An interesting takeaway from the story involves actor Kevin Costner.  The Fielders have never missed an opportunity to tout Costner as an owner, but he’s keeping his distance.  Read more here.

Fielders Announcer Slams Ownership, Quits On Air

Lake County Fielders play-by-play announcer Qumar Zaman quit his gig while broadcasting live, after complaining about not getting paid.  Before giving the final finger to the Fielders, he slammed the team’s ownership and stood up for the players, coaches, front office staff, and fans, who he felt had been given the shaft.  Listen to Zaman’s diatribe and resignation here.

Fielders Blame Woes on Broken Stadium Promises

The indy pro Lake County Fielders (North American League) are blaming the City of Zion for their financial struggles because the community has not built the team a permanent stadium as promised before the 2010 season.  Read more here.

Financial Troubles in Lake County Create Circus

Lake County Fielders (North American League) field manager Tim Johnson resigned and 11 players refused to take the field in solidarity over the weekend because they had not been paid.  In response, Fielders hitting coach Pete LaCock took over the team and put all listed pitchers in positional spots for the game, and non-pitchers pitched.  To make the game fair, Yuma Scorpions field

Fielders Home Opener Set for July 3

PRESS RELEASE -The long-awaited arrival of the Lake County Fielders’ home opener is drawing near. On Sunday July 3rd, Tim (T.J.) Johnson‘s Fielders will take on Jose Canseco and the Yuma Scorpions with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m., gates will open at 5:15 p.m.

Ignite Fest Coming to Fielders Stadium

PRESS RELEASE – The Lake County Fielders are excited to announce that we will be teaming up with Edan Concerts to bring you Ignite Fest 2011 “A Music Fest to Spark a Revolution”.

Remodeled Fielders’ Stadium to ‘Pop Up’ Soon

PRESS RELEASE – Fans of the Lake County Fielder’s baseball team thoroughly enjoyed their new stadium last year in spite of the fact that construction was delayed and several of the major amenities had to wait until the 2011 season.

The Goldeyes and the Indy League Landscape

Winnipeg Free Press writer Paul Wiecek takes a look at the Winnipeg Goldeyes, its new league, the American Association, the collapsing of the Northern League, and the obvious challenges facing the viability of the proposed new North American League.  Read more here.

The Last Frontier for Remaining Northern League Teams

The four remaining teams from the decimated indy pro Northern League have each individually applied for membership in the 12-team Frontier League.  No word from Commissioner Bill Lee when a decision might be made to accept or deny the applications.  Read more here.

Fielders Season Ends Tonight, New Ballpark Up Next

The Northern League’s Lake County Fielders had a rough go of it getting off the ground this year, but they have survived to live another day.  After the club’s final home game tonight, their temporary home will be dismantled and a new ballpark built (we hope).  Read more here.

Costner Makes First Visit to Fielders Ballpark, Turns on Lights

Actor and Lake County Fielders co-owner Kevin Costner made his first visit to club’s developing new ballpark on Friday night, where he flipped on the newly installed lights and toasted with champagne in celebration.  The Fielders are scheduled to play their first home game under the lights on Monday night.  View news clip here.

Fielders Debut in Front of 6,823

The Lake County Fielders, the newest franchise in the indy pro Northern League, made their home debut on Friday night at their new temporary, modular ballpark in Zion (IL) in front of 6,823 fans.  The team had been playing their home games at Carthage College in Kenosha (WI).  The Fielders were defeated by the Gary SouthShore RailCats 11-4.   Read more here and here.  View photos of opener here.