Geno Costello was handed the keys to the Red Legs this week as former owner John Cheslock steps down and moves into his new role as exclusively being commissioner of the league.
"I have complete confidence in Geno and look forward to seeing what he does with the organization," Cheslock said.
When asked if he is pulling for them to win, Cheslock answered, "Of course. I hope they do well. Those were guys I brought up and groomed and I only hope the best for them."
Details on Costello's plan to move and rename the team have not been announced but the commissioner said some news should be forthcoming. The new owner hails from the northwest and will join the Washington Wolves as the only west coast teams.
MILLER ROAD PARADE ~~ MICHIGAN THE ENVY OF THE ACBA
Nine years ago, Tiger Town became the first team in league history to win a second title.
In 2009, Carolina Southern Comfort became the second franchise to accomplish the feat. And now, in 2013, Tim Aspin's Flint Failures joins the elite club of 3 teams with 2 titles or more.
After a beat down in Game 1 of the World Series, Flint regrouped and posted 150+ points in the next 3 games to demoralize the defending champions. By the middle of the night in Game 5, Green Bay was crying 'uncle' in a plea for mercy and a swift end to the 2013 season. They got it and Flint became the first team to win a World Series in 5 games or less in the 7-game series era.
On Friday, the people of Flint lined the sidewalks of Miller Rd, along the parade route and cheered on their champions. This marks the 5th title for a Michigan based team in the 13 year history of the ACBA.
NEWFLASH: PAPER MAKES CUTBACKS
Hard to believe it's been already a year since the ACBA News began publishing it's bi-monthly periodical. But the league is set to change its format with regards to the release of subsequent issues. No longer will the publication fire up the printer every 2 months, but will do so, going forward, on a more needed basis. "This will help keep the fluff pieces down and just put out more pertinent information to keep owners up to speed on what's going on around the league," ACBA News Editor in Chief said. "We can also make some cuts backs on our staff writers and help the league save on added costs." The league wasn't immediately available for comment but a representative did say that even though no set amount of issues is planned and that the number may vary, that owners can expect 2-3 issues a year as news develops. The source added that while most of the articles published will be informative, they are not completely doing away with entertainment pieces.
2013 AWARDS
Congratulations to the 2013 Awards recipients and thanks to all of the owners who took the time to vote.
Manager of the Year - Brent Ford, Michigan MVP - Miguel Cabrera, Green Bay Cy Young - Max Scherzer, Flint Alan Trammell - Chris Davis, Florida Fireman - Craig Kimbrel, Merrimack
HEY WHO'S THE NEW GUY?
We're happy to announce the presence of Chris Olin, the new replacement owner for the former Cooperstown Devil's Rejects. Chris got to see a very limited amount of game action this summer, coming in for the final four games of the regular season, but it was a chance to get his feet wet as we head into the offseason. "It gives me a chance to look around, get a feel for things and do a little scouting," Olin said when he took over the team back in late August. "I'm glad to be a part of the league and I look forward to the 2014 season." Olin has a busy fall planned as the team will be moving to the Houston area while the owner begins making executive decisions on personnel. Welcome to the league, Chris!
EXTRA INNINGS ~~ KINDA LIKE REAL BASEBALL
The league got some great feedback from its owners in a town hall like meeting back in August when the issue of how to break regular season ties came up. With the exception of self-appointed class clown Sam Siegel and his pom-pom video suggestion, the owners who did have input all seemed to agree, breaking regular season ties is worth looking into. In the end, the league took into account all the possibilities, even the "cheer-off" suggestion, and settled on what seemed to be a very reasonable and effective way to break ties. Using bench scoring, the position player with the most points in a tied game on either team will be used as the tie breaker. Pitchers will not be used. This tie breaking method will act as if the game goes into extra innings, rather than end a game in a tie after 9 innings of play. Should the first tie breaker not settle the score, additional bench scoring players will be used. Official language of this rule will be added to the 2014 constitution and will be effective for the 2014 season. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to speak up.