With
the recent announcement by the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League (MCBL) regarding
the unanimous award of a franchise to Sterling, a local steering committee
spearheaded by the Logan County Economic Development Corporation has been seeking
input from the community. Committee members are encouraged by the overwhelmingly
positive feedback received.
The
committee has until Feb. 15 to make a final decision as to whether or not a
Sterling team would be able to enter the league by this summer’s baseball
season. There is a potential owner/owner group currently forming and, with
support from Northeastern Junior College, evening games would be played at
Plainsmen Field.
However,
the addition of lights to the field - at an estimated cost of $156,000 for the
erection of lights and poles - is necessary to complete the franchise
development. The steering committee is actively pursuing funding for this. Sponsorships
for $26,000 are being sought for the six new light poles at the field. Sponsors will
receive naming rights for their pole.
“This
is not only a good economic opportunity for Logan County and the City of
Sterling, but it’s a great way to connect with the youth of the community
through free camps and training sessions put on by the MCBL
players,” said Bryan Shepherd, NJC head baseball coach, and potential manager
for Sterling’s MCBL team. “This league showcases players who often move on to
careers in professional baseball, putting Sterling on the map as where they
started their career.”
The
MCBL is a summer collegiate baseball league with teams in Colorado and Wyoming.
Each team features top collegiate baseball players from around the country –
many who will go on to careers in professional baseball. Teams are operated on
a for-profit basis like a professional minor league baseball team, providing
players an opportunity to play under professional conditions: using wooden bats
and playing before numerous fans and pro scouts in quality facilities. The
eight-week schedule includes 24 home games and 24 away games, plus exhibition
games. Generally, each team’s general manager will work to find each
player on their team a local host family to provide them accommodations in a
safe, comfortable family environment at no charge.
The
local steering committee believes the opportunity for an expansion team in
Sterling would provide significant economic development contributions to the
community from visiting teams and their fans shopping, eating and spending the
night here. Future plans involve the development of a sports complex on the
Plainsmen Field site with partnerships between Northeastern Junior College, the
City of Sterling and local school districts.
According to Karl Holden,
MCBL Commissioner, “I am very excited and proud
to have the opportunity to bring a Mountain Collegiate Baseball League team to
the Sterling and Logan County community. This league caliber of baseball
will provide fun and affordable family entertainment to your community.
“Many people do not
realize that just about every Major League Baseball player who has played
in the NCAA has played in a summer collegiate league,” Holden said. “Kirk
Nieuwenhuis of New York Mets and Stephen Vogt of Tampa Bay Rays have both
played in our league on the Fort Collins Foxes from Azusa Pacific University in
California. Many of the host families may have the opportunity to have a
future major league player stay with them.”
Holden noted, “MCBL teams
often will hold youth baseball camps to work with kids throughout the summer
to teach baseball skills. The players come from around the nation to play
baseball in your community. The Sterling community can expect family members
and friends to come watch players throughout the season. The Sterling
team will also be able to place local kids with NCAA eligibility on the team.
“MCBL teams also have the
opportunity to get involved with community activities,” Holden added. “One of
the things I enjoy every year is to see kids in local communities being
inspired by MCBL players. If the Sterling and Logan County community
embraces and supports this team, it will be successful for years to come.”
Along with Sterling, approval
was also given to Eagle/Vail for a MCBL franchise team. Existing teams include
the Casper (Wyo.) Cutthroats, the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Grizzlies, the Fort Collins
Foxes, the Colorado Springs Blue Sox, the Colorado (Golden) Bobcats and the
Northern Colorado (Johnstown) Toros.
For more information, contact Laurie Jones, assistant,
Logan County Economic Development Corporation, at 970-521-7196 or
assistant@sterling-logan.com.
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