Mt. Rainier Professional Baseball League - Is it legit?

[steve B]

Looks a bit strange, but maybe they have some idea to make it all work. Minor league ball in general was a money loser until the advent of marketing the logos and adding more entertainment like stunts or Tshirt slingshots to the games.

Nashua had/has? and independent team and while the stadium was a bit bigger, it wasn't huge or fancy. The baseball was actually quite good, both teams I saw were a mix of undrafted guys giving it another try or two and ex- major leaguers either playing for fun, or attempting a slim chance comeback. The ticket was really inexpensive, and seating was sort of wherever you wanted. We sat a bit behind home plate, far enough back to be near a couple scouts with radar guns. Pretty nice outing overall.

Steve B

[Tabe]

Moses Lake? I'm willing to make the drive to check out a game before Spokane's season starts...

Don't get your hopes up. Not to be confused with the Moses Lake Rattlers Fast-Pitch Softball team, the Moses Lake Rattlesnakes baseball team appointed a manager Simon Walters Nov. 20, 2014, and have only signed 3 players according to the MRPBL site. None since February 4, 2015. Teams as of today are: Ellensburg Bulls, Moses Lake Rattlesnakes, Glacier (Montana) Grizzlies, Oregon City Mud Turtles, Skagit Valley Lumberjacks, and Grays Harbor Gulls.

When I go to the site, I see they are selling season tickets, 10-game packages, and apparel for Moses Lake. What I don't see is a schedule, or any direct contact info for the team. Strange for a league that has Opening Day in two months.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moses...13116005544863
http://mrpbl.pointstreaksites.com/view/mrpbl

Edited to add: It took some digging, but here's the potential 2015 season schedule for the Moses Lake Rattlesnakes, and roster with 15 pitchers?! Mike Greene has replaced Keith Marshall as GM, Marshall retains his GM job for Ellensburg. This is comically chaotic:
http://www.pointstreak.com/baseball/...seasonid=29081

I am hoping for the best but when I read the latest cryptic message from the Ellensburg Bulls page: "Late tonight will be the announcement about the Ellensburg Bulls." (5hrs ago, 4-27-15) I'd be more optimistic if it said "an announcement" rather than "the announcement". I expect the worst....

Edited to add: In last week's episode of the MRPBL, Catch the Drama:

4-23: Phil Savage resigned as Grays Harbor Gulls manager, strange since they seemed to be the most organized of any of the 6 teams
Dan Schwam also resigned as Ellensburg Bulls manager
4-27: The above statement, still no announcement (4-28)
4-28: This rather distressing facebook message on the MRPBL site: "My name is Ryan Duva and I received a player contract on MArch 18th for the Ellensburg Bulls. I sent it via fax and email on March 19th the next day to the fax and mailing address provided. I also have tried contacting the email provided on the contract several times regarding this issue. I am not on the Bulls roster and am worried. Please contact me ASAP as I already have my plane tickets purchased and am ready to go. My contact info is........ or you can reply to this facebook message. Thank you for taking the time to resolve this problem." This message was posted 5 hours ago, followed by another player just adding "...."

This would be hilarious if it obviously did not jeopardize players futures. Still waiting for that riveting announcement Mike.

Announcement: The Ellensburg Bulls have been sold to Selwyn Young of SLYSPORTS LLC. Delwyn Young will be the hitting coach, and John Hayes will manage the team. https://www.facebook.com/MTRAINIERBASEBALLLEAGUE

Sold? That's quite the coup for a franchise with hypothetical value, and only virtual presence. See you at the ballpark next month.

[MacDice]

Would love to know what the sale price was

Spring training begins for 60 prospective Ellensburg Bulls & Moses Lake Rattlesnakes tomorrow. I must admit I never thought this turkey would get off the ground, but Mike Greene and his ownership group have seemingly covered the bases. Still not sure how 6pm start times will work on a field with no lights, but we'll see or not be able to.