Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By PAMELA JANSSON
Ironwood — The United States Baseball Congress has announced that the minor league baseball team planned for this area will be named the Ironwood Agates.
The Ironwood City Commission first approved on Nov. 25 a proposal requesting the use of the city’s Randa Field — near the largely fiberglass “big Indian” — for local league games.
Since then, city manager Paul Anderson said that an official agreement, reviewed by city attorney Timothy Dean, had been signed by the city.
“We at the United States Baseball Congress are thrilled to announce the establishment of a co-ed, minor league baseball team in Ironwood!” said Alesha Swanson, chief marketing director for the American Plains Regional League for the USBC, in a December email to The Globe.
She is one of about a half-dozen employees expected to be hired as part of the enterprise.
Swanson added that the Ironwood Agates will be part of 15 other teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska as part of the American Plains Regional League.
“This initiative includes 128 clubs consisting of eight regional leagues throughout the United States, providing Ironwood and athletes from the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin an opportunity to compete in a national championship,” said Swanson. “All players and coaches will hail from local and nearby communities, and we will partner with local businesses to supply concessions and merchandise at every game.”
Moreover, she said, “To enhance the historic Randa Field, we will add seating capacity for 500 fans, upgrade the field to a professional standard, and incorporate amenities that bring a minor league atmosphere to the region.”
Swanson added, “Ironwood is poised to host the Agates for an exciting 64-game season, running from May to September, including the prestigious American Plains League All-Star Game.”
According to the league schedule, team tryouts are scheduled for March 8 and 9, with practice expected to start on April 2.
Opening day is set for May 3 or 4. There will be no games or practice on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day.
According to the league’s proposal, it plans to pay the city $100 per day to rent Randa Field, plus $100 per sign hung on outfield fencing.
Anderson, who said Randa Field has not been in recent use due to poor conditions, said the main request made of Ironwood so far is to keep the outfield mowed.
“The Agates are committed to giving back to the community by collaborating with youth programs and leveraging our resources to enrich their experience, all while fostering a vibrant minor league baseball culture in the Upper Peninsula,” said Swanson.
She concluded, “We are actively communicating with local businesses to partner with the team and always are looking for more.” Potential sponsors may contact her at [email protected].