Angelo State to Re-Open Foster Field Friday

After a 17-game road trip to start the season, Angelo State University in San Angelo (TX) will at long last make its debut in its renovated home, Foster Field at 1st Community Credit Union Stadium, where the Rams will host Texas A&M-Kingsville at 6:30 p.m. Friday.  The spruced up ballpark was the home of the defunct San Angelo Colts (Independent, United League). Read more here.

San Angelo Colts Liquidated

A liquidation sale of the San Angelo Colts (Indy Pro, United Baseball League) was recently held at Foster Field, pursuant to a court order because the ownership failed to satisfy the requirements of the their Chapter 11 reorganization plan.  Former GM Mike Babcock, who left the team in 2012 after his eight-year tenure at the helm, blamed central league ownership for the team’s demise and said, “We were making money, and in our worst years, we broke even.”  Read more here.

Future of LaGrave Field Remains Uncertain

As summer drags on without Fort Worth Cats (Indy Pro, United League) action, civic leaders and baseball fans are scrambling to bring back minor league baseball to LaGrave Field — or risk losing it for good.  Read more here.  Thanks to Jim Smith for LaGrave link.

WhiteWings Leave Trail of Debts

After the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (Indy Pro, United Baseball League) reportedly disbanded in January owing money, fans, players, staff and businesses were left holding the bag.  Read more and watch news report here.

New Life for San Angelo Colts?

The San Angelo Colts (Indy Pro, United Baseball League) appear to have new life, after U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Barbara J. Houser approved a third amended version of a Chapter 11 reorganization plan on March 10.  Records also indicate that team and Angelo State University have agreed to enter into a new 15-year Stadium Use Agreement for the use of Foster Field starting at $4,166.66 per month plus utilities, with the first payment due by May 1, 2015.  Read our previous analysis here.

Colts, United League Still Not Toast

The owners of the indy pro San Angelo Colts (United League) are still fighting to keep the team alive as they continue to pursue a reorganization plan in bankruptcy.  To protect their interests, a number of debt holders have filed objections.  A hearing on the confirmation of the debtor’s plan is scheduled for March 4.  As you recall, the bankruptcy trustee would like to convert the Chapter 11 reorganization

WhiteWings Cease Operations, Widow Left Holding the Bag

Earlier this week, John Cannon, general manager of the indy pro Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (United League), confirmed that the team has ceased operations.  Doneen Poulton, a widow on a fixed income who forked over $276 for two season tickets for what would have been the 2015 season, said she is concerned she will never see a refund.  Read more here.

Uncertainty Remains for Bringhurst Field, Mayor Takes Shot at United League

Alexandria (LA) officials are trying to figure out what to do with Bringhurst Field, but they don’t seem to be in a hurry because there’s no easy solution and there’s no community agreement on it.  As you recall, the historic ballpark was partially condemned in 2012 because of structural concerns, and a fire destroyed the clubhouse in December.  Read more here.  As a United League side note, below

Future of LaGrave Field Remains Unclear

Last fall, the owner of LaGrave Field, Fort Worth Stadium Group LLC led by Houston developer Andrew Schatte, chose not to renew the stadium’s lease with the indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League) and closed the ballpark down.  As a developer, he bought LaGrave in 2012 in hopes of selling it or swapping it for more surrounding land.  So far, there have been no takers.  Public officials, who have so far rejected the

United League Ceases Operations

In not-so-surprising news, the indy pro United League has called it quits.  Read more here.

Following today's official announcement, The RGV WhiteWings will cease operations. It has been a great 20 years.

— RGV WhiteWings (@rgvwhitewing) January 16, 2015

Bringhurst Field Clubhouse Destroyed by Fire

The clubhouse and office at Bringhurst Field, former home of the Alexandria Aces in Alexandria (LA), went up in flames around noon on Saturday.  The fire, which is still under investigation, reportedly resulted in a total loss of the building.  Numerous folks have chimed in, including Eric Moran, majority owner of the dormant Texas Collegiate League version of the Aces, and “former” indy pro United League executive Craig Brasfield.  Read more 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.

United League’s Colts Face Major Bankruptcy Hurdle in Court

The trustee overseeing the Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy filing by the business that owns the indy pro San Angelo Colts (United League) has filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Dallas to (1) dismiss the Colts’ Chapter 11 filing, or (2) convert it to a Chapter 7 (liquidation) bankruptcy because “The Debtor has failed to file monthly operating reports and failed to provide the United State Trustee with tax returns, proof of insurance, and proof of debtor-in-possession bank account.”  Read more here.

Future for LaGrave Field Unclear

The indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League) have been ejected from LaGrave Field, and the team name will reportedly stay in town, but the actual future of the ballpark remains unclear.  It could be leveled, if a team owner or league doesn’t step up to the plate to lease (or maybe even buy?) the facility.  We have to believe the indy pro American Association and/or Atlantic League are taking a close look at the situation.  Read more here.

Fort Worth Cats Booted from LaGrave Field

The indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League) have been asked to move out of LaGrave Field, owner John Bryant confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.  Bryant said the Cats intend to play the 2015 season and are hopeful to find a new home in the Fort Worth area. However, he acknowledged they might have to relocate to a different city in North Texas.  Read more here.

Edinburg Stadium Ownership Tranfer Next Month

A deal to transfer ownership of Edinburg Stadium from the city to the University of Texas System for use by the UT-Pan American — and, starting in 2016, the UT-Rio Grande Valley — baseball team, is expected to be finalized next month.  The city spent about $225,000 per year since 2000 to operate and maintain the 4,000-seat stadium.  The ballpark is the former home of the indy pro Edinburg Roadrunners (United League).  Under the new UT regime, don’t expect pro ball to return to the ballpark.  Read more here.

Amid Financial Challenges, Colts Will Close Up Shop Early

The indy pro San Angelo Colts (United League), embroiled in financial problems, will reportedly shorten their current season by eight games.  Read more here (if you have a subscription).  As you recall, the Colts ownership filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.  Thank you, Bryant and Pierce.

San Angelo Colts File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Here we go again with the Bryant and Pierce show, as the ownership of the indy pro San Angelo Colts (United League), led by former Congressman John Bryant, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which will stay a foreclosure action and keep the team in operation.  The Colts recently received notice of foreclosure from their lender on the stadium note for Foster Field, where the team plays.  Read more here.

WhiteWings Celebrate (Surviving) 20 Years

The indy pro Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (United League) are celebrating their 20th year of existence this season.  It hasn’t been easy or pretty along the way, as the Valley Morning Star points out, but the team has survived and reportedly no longer owes money to the city Harlingen (TX).  Read more here and here.

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.

Fort Worth Cats Release 2014 Schedule, United League Will Operate with Four Teams

The indy pro United League will operate with just four teams in 2014.  The Fort Worth Cats have released their schedule, and only the San Angelo Colts, Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings and new-entry Mexico Paisanos will be coming to LaGrave Field this season. The WhiteWings and Paisanos will apparently share Harlingen Field in Harlingen (TX).  View the Cats’ schedule here.

Professional Soccer to Play Season at LaGrave Field

Minor league soccer is coming to LaGrave Field, home of the indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League).  The newly named Fort Worth Vaqueros FC from the National Premier Soccer League will begin play at LaGrave beginning May 9.  Read more here.  View schedule here.

Oh Poo, Fort Worth Cats Face Legal Action

Chem Can Services reportedly filed suit against the indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League) on Thursday alleging that it was never paid for portable toilets supplied at a Cats-sponsored event.  Read more here.

United League’s Financial Woes Haunting Alexandria Too?

Consistent with the story posted over the weekend regarding the financial troubles facing the indy pro United League’s Fort Worth Cats, the former field manager, broadcaster, and other players and employees of the now-dormant or defunct first-year Alexandria Aces claim the league still owes them paychecks.  When asked by the Alexandria newspaper about money owed, former Aces GM and

Adding to the Checkered Financial Past in Fort Worth

In an investigative report, ABC News 8 in Dallas-Fort Worth (TX) looks into claims by employees and vendors that they have not been paid by the indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League).  When GM Craig Brasfield is confronted on camera by reporter Byron Harris, he defensively responds with “I’m an employee here, not the owner,” and  repeats “Not true” and “Everybody’s paid” when asked

More On Shutting Down the Aces

The indy pro United League Baseball has confirmed with Alexandria (LA) Mayor Jacques Roy‘s office via e-mail that the circuit has indeed shut down the Alexandria Aces.  League commissioner John Bryant had this to say in the Alexandria newspaper:

Aces Season Over

What began this season as a return of pro baseball to Alexandria (LA) via the independent United League has abruptly come to an end, as the Alexandria Aces will not play another game.  The circuit will reportedly operate with five teams for the rest of the season.  Read more here.  Thanks to a commenter for the link.

United League Announces Texas Summer League…for 2013

We hesitated to post this, because players are adults and they can make adult decisions, but we find it disingenuous and even offensive for the baseball industry that a so-called professional circuit would announce at this point in the season an instructional summer league that requires aspiring baseball players to

WhiteWings Cancel Games for Strange Reason

We’re not sure what is going on with the indy pro Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (United League), but the ownership cancelled games Tuesday and Wednesday nights against the Alexandria Aces “due to projected weather patterns associated with the Gulf of Mexico.”  Unless “hot” is an unacceptable weather pattern, it makes no sense.  Read more here.

Finances Dog Cats, As 2013 Schedule is Released

Despite the outcry by some vendors and employees over not being paid, the indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League Baseball) released their schedule for the upcoming 2013 season.  Team owner, league official, and former U.S. Congressman John Bryant confidently had this to say about the team’s finances in the Fort Worth Star-

Atlantic League Coming to Fort Worth?

Opening Day Partners chairman Peter Kirk has confirmed his ownership group is in talks with Fort Worth about putting an indy pro Atlantic League franchise at LaGrave Field, the current home of the indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League).  Kirk classified the ballpark as half-finished by Atlantic League standards and would need to be upgraded to make it work.  Read more here.  Thanks to Karl for the link.

ULB Returns to Alexandria

The indy pro United League Baseball (ULB) has reached an agreement with the city of Alexandria (LA) to place a team at Bringhurst Field starting this season.  The team will play in a partially condemned facility, just as the summer collegiate Alexandria Aces (Texas Collegiate League) did late last year.

Edinburg Chooses Most-Recent Tenant Over Ventura Sports Group

The city of Edinburg (TX) in November put the lease to Edinburg Stadium up for bid, after the owner of the indy pro Edinburg Roadrunners (North American League/United League) were late in making lease payments.   In the end, the city decided to stick with the Roadrunners over Ventura Sports Group, the owner of the indy pro Laredo Lemurs (American Association).  Read more here.

Cats Owe Suppliers, Payments Expected in January

The indy pro Fort Worth Cats (United League/North American League) admittedly owe an estimated $70,000 to vendors, including $38,000 for 20,000 baseballs and uniforms.  Owner John Bryant says the team has a cash flow issue right now, because the ownership had to spend $5.1 million to buy LaGrave Field before Amergy Bank sold it off in a foreclosure auction.  Bryant says the

Edinburg Stadium: Calling All Suitors

The city of Edinburg (TX) has apparently grown tired of the late payments by the owners of the indy pro Edinburg Roadrunners (North American League/United League) for using Edinburg Baseball Stadium.  While the Roadrunners have not been given the boot, the city is now trolling to see if there might be others out there interested in leasing the ballpark.  Read more here.

Prairie Dogs Still Owe Money to Players

There have already been rumors that the indy pro Abilene Prairie Dogs (North American League/United League) were one and done after a financially troubled first season, and the admission by General Manager Chet Carey that the team still owes some players final paychecks doesn’t help to quell those rumors.  Read more here.

Edinburg to Terminate Lease, If Team Doesn’t Pay Up

The Edinburg City Council has reportedly told the ownership of the indy pro Edinburg Roadrunners (North American League/United League) that they have 30 days to pay $75,000 in back rent for using Edinburg Baseball Stadium, or get out.  The league’s McAllen Thunder also use the park.  Read more here.

One and Done for Prairie Dogs?

With the regular season coming to an abrupt, premature halt for the indy pro Abilene Prairie Dogs (North American League) after a road game on Aug. 26, questions remain whether the financially-troubled franchise will return next season.  As reported by the Abilene paper, “league leadership pulled the plug on the team’s inaugural campaign eight games short of its scheduled finale” in Harlingen against the

Colts Hire Whitten as Assistant GM

PRESS RELEASE – The San Angelo Colts have named Murlin Whitten as their Assistant General Manager for the 2012 season. Whitten is a native Texan who has 18 years of experience in minor league baseball. He also worked multiple spring trainings for the San Francisco Giants, California Angels, Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies.

White Wings GM Addresses Problems, Reaches Out

PRESS RELEASE – The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings professional baseball club is begining a new era and the management wants Los Fresnos and other area communities know that and be a part of it.