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.

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

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

Godfather Media Announces Joyce as Scorpions New President

Godfather Media, the new owner of the indy pro Yuma Scorpions (North American League), has announced that William M. Joyce will serve as president of the franchise.  Read more here.  Joyce was the CEO of Hot Corner Baseball, which owned and operated the indy pro St. George Roadrunners (Golden Baseball League) when the team’s operations were suspended before the end of the 2010 season.

Scorpions Sold to Godfather Media (UPDATED)

It’s been announced (see press release below) that the indy pro Yuma Scorpions (North American League) have been sold to publicly-traded Godfather Media, Inc.  This may sound like exciting news, and maybe it is, but we see a few red flags here, particularly for potential investors.

Canseco Bashes North American League, NAL Fires Back

In a New York Daily News story announcing a celebrity boxing match between troubled former MLB stars Jose Canseco and Lenny Dykstra, Canseco made the following comments about the indy pro North American League:

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

Canseco: The NAL’s Sideshow Ambassador?

It’s cheers and jeers when Yuma Scorpions player/manager Jose Canseco takes the field at ballparks across the indy pro North American League.  Most famous for his admitted steroid use, the former MLB superstar remains the center of attention, even when venturing across the border to the Great White North.  Read more here.

Jose Canseco Named Field Manager of Yuma Scorpions

PRESS RELEASE – The Yuma Scorpions announced today that Jose Canseco has been named as the Manager of the minor league baseball team for this coming season in the North American League.  He will also play 1B or DH and will be the first fulltime player manager in professional baseball since Pete Rose held the similar position with the Cincinnati Reds in 1984 – 1986.

No Rockin’ Like a Hurricane in Yuma in 2011?

Time is running out for the Golden League’s Yuma (AZ) Scorpions.  Jim McDermott, who has been working to purchase the team, has so far been unsuccessful at putting together an ownership group to buy the struggling club.  He is making a last-ditch effort to make the deal happen by soliciting Texas Rangers catcher Bengie Molina (and his checkbook) to become a partner in the ownership group.  Read more here.

Local Group Buys Minority Interest in Scorpions, Option for More

A local group headed by Yuma (CA) businessman Jim McDermott, owner of aviation company Let’s Fly, has purchased a minority ownership stake in the Golden Baseball League’s Yuma Scorpions with an option of buying a controlling interest prior to next season.  Read more here.

Local Looking at Purchasing Scorpions

Yuma (AZ) Scorpions booster and Let’s Fly aviation owner Jim McDermott has contacted the Golden Baseball League about purchasing the troubled Scorpions.  McDermott would like to keep the team in Yuma and create some stability for the franchise.  Read more here.

Golden Glove Professional Baseball Loses Affiliation with Yuma Scorpions

PRESS RELEASE – Diamond Sports & Entertainment announced today that the U.S. subsidiary of Golden Glove Professional Baseball (GGPB) of Venezuela has had it’s affiliation agreement with the Yuma Scorpions terminated due to lack of ability to meet their financial obligations with the team, business partners, vendors, and service companies in the Yuma area.

GBL Denies Report of Yuma Move to Mexicali

A report that the Golden Baseball League’s Yuma (AZ) Scorpions are on their way to Mexicali (Mexico) has been denied by the league as simple miscommunication, as the league is apparently trying to schedule a few showcase games in Mexicali this season.  We’re not really buying it, but we understand the spin.  The statement by team

Scorpions Moving to Mexicali?

A report from KSWT News 13 in Yuma (AZ) indicates that the Golden Baseball League’s Yuma Scorpions are moving to Mexicali (Mexico) because of poor attendance (1,303 fans per game) at Desert Sun Stadium.  The move could apparently come as early as next week.  Read more here.

Yuma Scorpions Sign Affiliation Agreement with Venezuelans

PRESS RELEASE – The Golden Baseball League announced today that the Yuma Scorpions of the GBL have signed a three year affiliation agreement with the Venezuelan Baseball Federation and Golden Glove Professional Baseball, Inc.