The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

After the Lynx left town to play in Allentown, Pennsylvania, many thought professional baseball in Ottawa was dead. Lawsuits filed by both the city and the Lynx organization provided an enough distraction to stop the possibility of doing something constructive with the completely-paid-for empty Lynx Stadium.

There were early rumours that the Can-Am League, which is the equivalent of Double A baseball, was interested in not just moving a team to Ottawa but also making it headquarters of Baseball Canada. It seemed though that there were too many hurdles to overcome and it certainly didn't help that City officials were slow on the ball in talking to the commissioner of the league. They still had a schedule to set for next year and their clubs needed to prepare accordingly.

Without much fanfare, it was announced today a two-year deal has been reached. While the two lawsuits previously mentioned still need to be settled, the Can-Am League has been handed the keys to Lynx stadium to try their luck in the Nation's capital.

I don't think the fact that it's Double A team as compared to Triple A will matter much. The travelling team, currently known as "The Grays" (that name has got to change quickly) will need to market their product quickly and effectively to generate excitement in the city for baseball again. Baseball fans who felt slighted by the Lynx for their past actions will hopefully realize it's a new club and be willing to give it another chance.

As my friends know, I'm not huge into baseball, but attending the occasional game with friends is always a good time (or good times!). Ottawa always seems to be the city where sports franchises, outside of hockey, go to die. It was nice to hear we're getting a 2nd chance, and hopefully they'll be here to stay for the long haul.