Minor league baseball teams are ia waste of money for the major league owners who control them. But they're not a waste of time for the communities who love them.
I wonder what you think of the summer collegiate leagues around the country? In my experience, they are a lot of fun and a piece of real community, albeit temporary. Of course, there is a housing story too. I know of one team in the Hamptons league that every year threatens to shut down for a lack of a place to house players.
Hey Bill. Great article. If you haven't seen it yet on Netflix, check out "The Battered Bastards of Baseball" documentary. It's about the defunct Portland Mavericks in the early 70s. It covers the fall of independent minor league teams and their lost potential. The 70s nostalgia alone is worth the watch.
They're definitely an asset! My hometown converted to that. But I think communities deserve more options!
Bill,
Wonderful post and so dead on. Your proposal is interesting and intriguing to see if it would save minor league baseball in small cities like Auburn.
Here's a link to a short documentary on the NY-P League.
I think you'll enjoy it.
https://kilborne.shorthandstories.com/the-new-york-penniless-league/
I wonder what you think of the summer collegiate leagues around the country? In my experience, they are a lot of fun and a piece of real community, albeit temporary. Of course, there is a housing story too. I know of one team in the Hamptons league that every year threatens to shut down for a lack of a place to house players.
Hey Bill. Great article. If you haven't seen it yet on Netflix, check out "The Battered Bastards of Baseball" documentary. It's about the defunct Portland Mavericks in the early 70s. It covers the fall of independent minor league teams and their lost potential. The 70s nostalgia alone is worth the watch.
Thanks Brian, I agree that’s a great documentary!!