By KATE SCHOTT - kschott@daily-chronicle.com
The DeKalb County Liners is a new franchise in the Prospect Collegiate Baseball League and is scheduled to play its first game June 5, 2010, owner Kim Wise said.
The Prospect League is sponsored by Major League Baseball, Wise said. The nonprofit league will have either 14 or 16 teams this summer, Wise said, with teams in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Wise said he has been trying for several years to find an appropriate venue for a team. The Texas resident said he is from Freeport and believes DeKalb County has the right dynamics – including the colleges and a family-oriented community – for an amateur team to be successful.
The Liners will play 27 home games at Founders Field in Sycamore Park – which is on Airport Road off Route 64 – in June, July and August, Wise said. Tickets start at $5 for general admission, and food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, will be available at the games. There also will be a Kids Sports Zone, with games for children, as well as promotions and giveaways during the games.
David Peek, executive director of the Sycamore Park District, said the park district entered into conversations with Wise about a year ago because it would be an opportunity to improve a facility at no cost to taxpayers or the district.
The district has entered into a facility usage agreement with Wise, Peek said, and is "more than willing" to work with Wise on improvements he wants to make to the field. But Peek cautioned that the park board is still discussing what specific improvements will be done to the field, when they will be done and how they will be paid for.
"It's quite a fantastic plan," Peek said. "Until we see evidence of how it will be funded, the board is taking a wait-and-see attitude."
Wise said he initially wants to upgrade the playing surface and create a variety of seating options, including bleacher seats. Additional improvements will be phased in over several seasons and funding will be secured before each improvement phase is started, Wise said. Improvements for the inaugural season will be made in May, he added.
The team will be looking for host families to provide lodging for players, Wise said, and he hopes to work with local organizations for fundraisers. The goal is to create a place where anyone – families, teenagers or singles – can go to have fun, he added.
"We are really excited about bringing the product to DeKalb County," Wise said. "This is something we view as a countywide initiative to bring a new product of entertainment and tourism into DeKalb County."
Debbie Armstrong, executive director of the DeKalb Area Visitors and Convention Bureau, said she anticipates the team will be a great tourist attraction for the community.
"College baseball has a big following," she said. "We expect to draw people from surrounding counties."
On the Net
DeKalb County Liners, www.linersbaseball.com
A DeKalb County Liners business office has been established at 164 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 114-A, and will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays for those interested in learning more about the team or to purchase tickets, Armstrong said.
Name the Liners Mascot
The DeKalb County Liners is looking for help to name the team mascot. Before Jan. 1, 2010, send your proposed name for the Liners mascot to the Liners business office by e-mail, LinersBaseball@gmail.com, or by mail, DeKalb County Liners Baseball, 164 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 114-A, DeKalb, IL 60115
The winner will be notified by Jan. 15. The winner will receive $50 of “Liners Loot” to spend on food and beverages at Liners games in the 2010 season.