Yuma to Issue RFP for Using Desert Sun Stadium

Professional baseball could be returning to Desert Sun Stadium in Yuma (AZ), as the city is drafting a request for proposal (RFP) that could be issued as early as this week.  According to Debbie Wendt, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, interest in the complex has been expressed by three different independent leagues.  Read more here.

It’s the Yuma Desert Rats

As we reported back on Oct. 22, the new owner of the Yuma Panthers from the developing indy pro American West Baseball League planned to change the name of the club to the Desert Bats, Scorchers, Dust Storm(s), Sandstorm(s), or Desert Rats.  He has chosen the Desert Rats.  Next up for the team:  “The baddest logo in all of minor league baseball.”  Read more here.  Read about the name change here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Five Name-the-Team Finalists in Yuma

Baseball fans  in Yuma (AZ) have until Thursday, Oct. 25, to choose from a list of five finalists for the new name for the indy pro Yuma Panthers (American West Baseball League).  The choices include the Desert Bats, Scorchers, Dust Storm(s), Sandstorm(s), and Desert Rats.  A winner will be announced shortly thereafter.  View list here.  Read about the name change here.

Psych! Name-the-Team Contest Announced for Yuma Panthers

Despite unveiling a new horribly-amateur logo for the indy pro Yuma Panthers (American West Baseball League) just last week to replace the previous horribly-amateur logo, the new owners of the franchise have announced a name-the-team contest.  Fans will have until Sunday, Oct. 14 to make

AWBL’s Yuma Panthers Sold, Logo Changed

PRESS RELEASE – The American West Baseball League today announced that it has sold the Yuma Panthers an Arizona-based independent minor league baseball team.

Godfather Media Launches New League, Agency

Hot on the heels of pulling the Yuma Panthers and Fullerton Flyers out of the indy pro North American League and taking them dark for 2012, Godfather Media, Inc. has announced the formation of the American West Baseball League (AWBL).

It’s the Hawaii Stars

The indy pro Na Koa Ikaika Maui (North American League) have annouced that the Hawaii Stars will join the Sonoma County Grapes as the second expansion franchise added the to the NAL’s Northern Division to replace the departed Yuma Panthers and Fullerton Flyers.  While it was thought the team would be a traveling club like the Grapes, negotiations are underway to use Wong Stadium in Hilo.  Read more here.

San Rafael, Maui Add Traveling Squads

Going into crisis mode to save the Northern Division of the  indy pro North American League and the 2012 season, the Na Koa Ikaika Maui and expansion San Rafael Pacifics will indeed work together to add two traveling teams to replace the departed Yuma Panthers and Fullerton Flyers owned by Michael Cummings and his sketchy Godfather Media, Inc.  Welcome Hilo and Sonoma County.  Read more here.

Pacifics Unveil Mascot, Pick Up NAL Pieces

The indy pro San Rafael Pacifics (North American League) unveiled their new mascot, Sir Francis the Drake, a few days ago, while an appeals court denied a request by a neighborhood group trying to delay the team from coming to Albert Park.  It looked like it was full steam ahead for the expansion club until Friday’s news from Godfather Media.  It now appears that the Pacifics and the Na Koa Ikaika

Yuma Panthers Out for 2012

In not so surprising news, Michael Cummings and Godfather Media, Inc. are calling it quits for the indy pro Yuma Panthers (North American League) for the 2012 season.  Cummings basically blames the instability of the NAL, but he’s been playing dice with the Golden Baseball League/NAL for a few years now, so this isn’t some

Godfather Media Adds Another

Godfather Media Inc. has acquired 60-percent control of the indy pro Orange County/Fullerton Flyers (North American League).  The team sat out the 2011 season, while the ownership group led by Alan Mintz continued to work on a new ballpark deal with the City of Fullerton (CA).  The team is listed as one of four teams in the NAL’s Northern Division and, from what we hear, may be playing as a road team

Panthers Rip-Off Lions

The indy pro Yuma Panthers (North American League) and Godfather Media, Inc. are not starting off on the right foot by stealing one of Penn State’s logos, modifying it, and using it as their own.  This is clear copyright and trademark infringement.  A truly professional media company would know better.  Don’t be surprised to see a cease and desist letter here.  Thanks to a forum poster for the heads up.

Yuma Scorpions Now Yuma Panthers

The new ownership for the indy pro Yuma Scorpions (North American League) has changed the name of the team to the Yuma Panthers, which was briefly used in the marketplace from 1950 to 1952.  We think this is a poor call.  The new name is a real yawner, and its historical significance is weak and only minimally exploitable.  Most importantly, the Scorpions logo, designed by sports