NECBL to field 10 teams in 2012

I got this release last week and just re-found it in my email. It appears another team has left the NECBL, bringing the total from 12 (last year's total) to 10. Vermont Mountaineers GM Brian Gallagher said this impacts his team minimally - just a few games will change. I'll let you know those changes as they are known to us.

-Anna Grearson

NECBL To Field 10 Teams in 2012

The New England Collegiate Baseball League will enter its 19th season with ten teams. This was determined at a League Board meeting on Tuesday, February 7th.   The ten members are: Danbury Westerners, Holyoke Blue Sox, Keene Swamp Bats, Laconia Muskrats, Mystic Schooners, New Bedford Bay Sox, Newport Gulls, North Adams SteepleCats, Sanford Mainers and Vermont Mountaineers. The NECBL fielded a 10-team league as late as 2001.   The League will continue to have a team in every state in New England.   The principals of the Old Orchard Beach and North Shore teams- Doug Ayotte and Tim Haley respectively- have informed Commissioner Mario Tiani that they are pursuing different directions. The NECBL wishes Mr. Ayotte and Mr. Haley good luck in their new chapters.   The NECBL remains committed to its mission of bringing world-class baseball to New England communities. Four of the ten NECBL teams averaged over 1,500 fans per game last season while two more averaged over 950. Nearly 300,000 people saw an NECBL game in 2011.   The NECBL also remains committed to building strong members who have deep roots within their communities. The League is confident that all ten fit this criteria. The ten teams are fully committed to playing out the NECBL's motto of "Keep your eye on the Dream." As not-for-profit entities, all ten organizations place the highest emphasis on their player's summer experiences.     With these changes, the League remains confident that it will continue to provide fans outstanding baseball in 2012. Nearly 100 NECBL alumni were drafted by Major League Baseball last June. Nine NECBL alumni made their Big League debuts, bringing the total of NECBL players to make the Majors to 77.   The 2012 NECBL season opens on June 7th.