New league targets Colorado

Seven cities in Colorado are under consideration for the new Continental Baseball League that is expected to begin play in 2007.

CBL officials are hopeful of meeting with groups from Aspen, Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Pueblo and Thornton. The independent league expects to field 6-10 teams (at a cost of $100,000 per franchise) and is targeting mid-sized communities in eight states, all located in the mid- and southwest region of the United States.

Former major league outfielder Jay Johnstone and former Chicago Cubs public relations director Bob Ibach are part of the CBL executive staff. The league is hopeful of attracting fans with family-oriented prices for tickets and concessions.

The new league could offer what it hopes is a fan-friendly innovation for the seventh inning of each game. The team that trails entering the seventh has the opportunity to make its first home run of the inning count for double the runs -- meaning a solo homer counts for two runs, a two-run homer is worth four runs, a three-run homer worth six runs and a grand slam would count for eight runs.

"It gives the underdog a chance to come back in a ball game -- but just in that one inning," Ron Baron, who is the president and chief executive officer for the CBL, said in a prepared statement. "I think it's going to be something special."

CBL officials plan to look at communities in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Each city under consideration will have populations ranging from 80,000 to 190,000 residents, with no professional baseball and a location of at least 25 miles or further from a major or minor league franchise already in operation.

NOTEWORTHY

The 31st Mile High Football Camp for youths ages eight through 14 will take place June 18-22 on the Colorado Christian University campus in Lakewood. A number of current NFL players are expected to participate, including defensive rookie-of-the-year award winner Shawne Merriman from the San Diego Chargers. For registration information call 303-665-6565, or go to the Web site www.milehighfootballcamp.com.

I was actually just thinking the exact same thing. I can't see how they'd be able to furnish their own players since most everyone is in AAA, AA, A, or the MLB. Plus I think it'd be more profitable for them to have everyday Joes play. Sure could make for a few feel-good stories at least.

I was sitting at work the other night, reading a copy of the sports section fron a few days back when I read this article on this Continental Basball League thing and I started to wonder. Are they going to furnish the teams with there own players, or would they allow people that live in these communities to try-out, and participate? I think it's an awesome idea. I live in Thornton, and would love to have a team like that. I think it wouold be even better if they allowed adults 18 and up to try-out for these teams. Overall, awesome idea. I support it 100%.

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