The proposed new 2011 independent professional baseball league, the Ultimate Baseball League, announced this week that it has encountered negotiation troubles with the city in Johnstown, PA:
Three new independent leagues were proposed for 2011: Pecos (taking along 2 teams from the 2010 Continental League), Southwestern States, and the Ultimate Baseball League. Challenges have plagued both the SWSL and Ultimate League, so any status changes or confirmation of play will be posted on this site.
Another trend to note is that Northeast cities are becoming less friendly in their negotiations and dealings with independent baseball teams. The current situation in Ramapo, NY (with the citizens voting against city funding), Johnstown not being able to give up any sort of stadium advertising rights, the situation in Nashua during the 2009 season with the American Defenders, the Atlantic City Surf situation a few years ago, any city-related concerns with the Sussex Skyhawks, etc. Of course, the formerly-mentioned teams had more challenges than just city-related issues.
Feel free to add your thoughts (along with any hard documentation) about the trend of Northeast cities becoming less amenable to independent teams, along with your thoughts on specific team operations as to why teams cannot pack the house for their games. Please keep flame wars and personal gripes out of the conversation as this request for input is for a national audience, sports business students, etc.
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