June 17, 2009 - 398 words
Minor league baseball pushed back to 2011
MIKE NEUMANN - The Woodstock Independent
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Due to ongoing issues with the land, McHenry County Professional Baseball has announced that the groundbreaking for the independent minor league baseball stadium along Highway 14 is now scheduled for spring 2010.
Originally, the organization expected to begin construction on the venue this spring, but issues with wetlands and some of the required road improvements have caused delay. The organization hopes to begin play in the 2011 season as part of the 12-team Frontier League.
MCPB also announced the hiring of Bill Terlecky as president and director of business operations.
"There's nothing more exciting than the start up of a brand new team and brand new ball park," said Terlecky, who has 30 years of experience in minor-league baseball. He has been general manager at Triple-A, Double-A and independent levels of the game.
Peter Heitman, a managing partner with MCPB, has known Terlecky for about 25 years, and said his track record and experience are invaluable as the organization moves the project from concept to reality.
Terlecky said he believes McHenry County presents a fantastic opportunity for independent minor-league baseball. He said the county has a passion for the game, as demonstrated by its support of the Continental Amateur Baseball Association tournament and its strong Little League programs. Still, he said McHenry County is a unique market and requires a different type of marketing.
"This is not one community of 300,000 people," he said. "There are 300,000 people, but (they are spread through) more than 30 communities."
While building a solid season ticket base is still a top priority, Terlecky noted that the county is a "group sales haven." Because there are so many communities -- each with its own organizations, clubs and Little League teams -- the number of opportunities to sell to groups is abundant.
While Terlecky is not completely familiar with McHenry County, he said he has followed the stadium proposal through the media for the past few years. He and MCPB leaders wish the team could play next season, but Terlecky said there were advantages to waiting. Not only does it give the organization time to build a stable base of season-ticket holders, but it also gives the economy a chance to straighten itself out, Terlecky said.
Currently, MCPB is conducting a "name the team" contest, with the winning entry receiving an authentic game jersey and cap and two season tickets to the team's first season. To enter, visit www.mchenrycountyprobaseball.com.
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