Wow! The MINK League just got a lot more intersting. In addition to the return of St. Joseph to the league, it will expand to 10 teams (hat tip to David Streeter for reporting this first). The 10 MINK teams will split into two 5 team divisions, and play an unbalanced schedule with most games within the division. This should really help with travel expenses and help teams to stay economically viable in this era of higher gas prices. The divisonal split will also mean a best of three league championship series at the end of the season.
This expansion also brings some great ballparks into (or back into) the MINK. Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joe and Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin are two of my favorite regional ballparks. I haven't been to a game in Nevada since the Topeka Capitals were in the Jayhawk League with them, but I remember great atmosphere at the Griffons' games. And I'm intrigued by the little I've read about Liberty Park Stadium in Sedalia.
This site is normally quiet during the off-season, but I'll be making some updates over the next few days to reflect the expanded 2009 MINK.
Links
Mustangs could switch leagues (An article from September about the teams from St. Joe, Joplin and Nevada making the decision to play in the MINK rather than the Jayhawk League.)
St. Joseph baseball team searching for league (another article from September)
Mustangs land big name for GM
Mustangs enter expanded MINK League
Sluggers coming to town
Griffons move to MINK League
RoadRunners, MINK League, and Wizards news
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
