|
The Minnesota Baseball League!
St Cloud Herald
February 27th, 2020
New Minnesota Baseball League Announced
Since last year rumors have been everywhere that a new baseball league could be coming to Minnesota. Details were few and far between though and it is safe to say nearly everyone was caught off guard yesterday when a press conference was held to announce to formation of the Minnesota Baseball League.
The press conference was held by the governor Steve Thompson, as well as a number of CEOs from some of Minnesota’s largest companies. “We believe this league is the first of its kind in the country, and will allow any and all Minnesotans to enjoy this wonderful game” said Governor Thompson.
The league will consist of 10 teams based in each of the 10 largest cities in Minnesota, as well as two levels of minor leagues representing smaller communities throughout the state. Initially the league will be filled by top level amateurs within the state, who will now get the opportunity to play professionally. Each of the 10 teams will be owned by a Minnesota company, but, amazingly enough, they will not be in it for profit (at least not directly). Each company will contribute $10 million per year to cover player salaries for their team. They will then be able to write this money off come tax time.
Why will it work this way? Because this league will not generate any profit for the owners; and they will not recoup their $10 million annual investment. Tickets to all games at all parks will be free of charge, giving everyone access to the games. Each team will be responsible for how they will distribute tickets to the general public. Additionally, any profits from concessions, merchandising, or advertising will be directly donated to worthy Minnesota charities.
“Minnesota has a wonderful amateur baseball tradition, with a town ball history dating back to the mid 1800’s,” Thompson said. This new league aims to build on that tradition while also giving new job opportunities to many Minnesotans. The players in the league will be exclusively from Minnesota, with all new players joining the league from either college in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Association, or from various high schools throughout the state.
An inaugural draft for the new league is scheduled March 21st, in the meantime, here is the list of 10 teams in the league and their corporate owner:
Minneapolis Cobras – General Mills
St Paul Shamrocks – Securian Financial
Rochester Roadrunners – Mayo Clinic
Bloomington Bandits – Best Buy
Duluth Xpress – United Health Group
Brooklyn Park Rebels – Medtronic
Plymouth Falcons – SuperValu
St Cloud Rox – Coborn’s
Woodbury Engineers – 3M
Eagan Patriots – Thompson Reuters
|