Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘Minor League Baseball’

Midwest League President, George Spelius, recently visited Dayton where he said he was waiting to hear from the National Association about possible realignment of the Midwest League, which potentially would also impact teams in the South Atlantic League.

“The National Association wants to do something,” Spelius said. “They came up during our All-Star break and made a presentation . . . They said they’d get back to us in a couple weeks, and it’s been four,” Spelius said of the NA.

There are 14 teams in the Midwest League and 16 in the South Atlantic League. Realignment would likely see Lake County, which is near Cleveland, and Lexington, Kentucky, leave the SAL and join the Midwest League. Reportedly, Lake County wants to join the Midwest League, but Lexington prefers Sally League. There is also speculation for three 10-team leagues, but that would take massive movement and is unlikely.

While realignment could come as early as 2009 if it does indeed occur, MWL Guru Joel Dinda (who was recently featured on MiLB.com) notes that it is hardly a new idea and 2010 would be more likely. He also mentions a team other than the Lexington team to exit the SAL in favor of the MWL.

The details are not new; the teams are the Lake County team (suburban Cleveland) and the Columbus, Georgia team (which is moving to Bowling Green, Kentucky). MiLB president Pat O’Conner hopes to have the change in place for next season, but considers 2010 more realistic. We’ll keep our eye on this; similar efforts have already fallen through a couple times, but this time there are bigger hitters involved.

Coming on the heels of the renewed PDC between Fort Wayne and the Padres which saw many bloggers and their readers consider a myriad of alternative parent clubs and affiliation scenarios, this is somewhat exciting. While the San Diego affiliation and Midwest League membership is a certainty for 2009, it would be refreshing to see a couple different teams that we’re not used to seeing.

Methinks I gots an idea (finally happened): Anyone up for Low-A Interleague play?

Let the speculation stop. The team may not be called the Wizards, but they will undoubtedly be a San Diego Padres affiliate – at least through 2010 . . .

The San Diego Padres today extended their Player Development Contract (PDC) with Single-A Fort Wayne of the Midwest League for two years through the 2010 season.

“The Padres organization is honored and excited to renew our agreement with the city of Fort Wayne and Wizards General Manager Mike Nutter and his staff.” Grady Fuson said. “With the anticipation of the new stadium nearing, this will be a tremendous environment for our players and staff. Fort Wayne and the Padres have been a family since 1999, and we will continue this treasured relationship and the challenge of bringing championship-caliber baseball to the city of Fort Wayne. “

Since becoming the Midwest League affiliate of the Padres in 1999, the Wizards have compiled a 652-712 (.478) record over parts of 10 seasons, including a 62-58 (.516) overall mark in 2008. The Wizards have advanced to the playoffs five times during that span. Additionally, the Sports Business Journal ranked Fort Wayne as the #1 Minor League City in a 2007 poll and the Wizards will move into their new home in downtown Fort Wayne, Harrison Square Ballpark, in 2009.

Current Padres who have played for the Wizards include right-handed pitcher Jake Peavy (2000), catchers Luke Carlin (2003-04) and Nick Hundley (2005-06), and outfielder Chase Headley (2005).

“I am excited that we will continue our relationship with Fort Wayne, and am proud that the Padres will be the organization that opens the Wizards new downtown ballpark,” Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers said. “None of this would have been possible without the efforts of Mike Nutter and his staff, and I hope to bring a Midwest League Championship to Fort Wayne soon.”

The source for the above is MadFriars.com. It should be noted that current Major Leaguers who were Wizards that were not included in the release include Torii Hunter, LaTroy Hawkins, Michale Cuddyer, Oliver Perez, Jose (Javier) Velentin, A.J. Pierzynski, Chad Moeller, Luis Rivas, Juan Rincon, Joakim Soria and Leo Rosales. However, all those players are currently with other organizations or came up when the Wizards were a Minnesota Twins affiliate. There are a host of others (67 in total) who have appeared at the MLB level. Many have played and are currently still working toward everyday status at Triple-A.

More coverage:

• What’s Going Down(Town)
• Journal Gazette
• Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
• Fort Wayne Wizards
• Friar John

When I researched and drafted up the mid-season report of Estranged Friars who are currently playing with different MLB organizations, I noticed that several had landed in the Seattle Mariners farm system. Travis Chick, Jared Wells (Wizards in 2004), Jon Huber (Wizard in 2003) are currently in that system. Chick is in West Tennessee (AA), while Wells and Huber are at Triple-A Tacoma with Shawn Garrett; another former Wizard. I missed on the original list, but after learning more, realize he makes for a great Wizards Where R They?

Garrett was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 29th round (890th overall) way back in 1997. He chose to spend one year at Olney Community College before beginning his pro ball days. His 1998 and 1999 seasons were spent in the Arizona and Pioneer Rookie Leagues before settling into the 2000 season in Fort Wayne. While with the Wizards, he appears in 123 games where he collected 119 hits (43 for extra bases), 10 home runs and 55 runs batted in over 438 at-bats. It was enough to post a respectable .272 average to go with a .341 on-base percentage.

The 2001 season saw Garrett build upon that success at Lake Elsinore, where he was batting 3.13 before being sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates along with RHP Shawn Camp in exchange for outfielder, Emil Brown. He hit .294 the rest of the 2001 campaign and spent all of 2002 and 2003 with Double-A Altoona and posted similar numbers; hovering right around .300 with quality at-bats that saw a rise in power and run production.

Before the start of the 2004 season, Garrett was traded to the Colorado Rockies and assigned to their Double-A squad in Tulsa. He again produced solid numbers and was promoted to their Triple-A level following an opening from the trade that sent Larry Walker to the Cardinals. In the thirty games that comprised his first Triple-A stint, Garrett posted a .371 batting average with 43 hits, 25 runs and 22 runs batted in to accompany his three home runs and .461 OBP.

Garrett became a free agent following the 2004 campaign and singed with Oakland, where he was assigned to their Triple-A Sacramento team. The 2005 season saw another good showing, falling just short of a .300 average, but producing a career high 82 runs batted in over 508 at-bats. His 111 strikeouts are also a career high.

“It was a consistent year. I was in the line-up every day. I thought (coming off this season) it was my best opportunity to make the big team” [source: Tacoma Weekly].

Garrett split the 2006 season between Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre and Triple A Memphis (St. Louis), but his numbers took a serious nosedive at both locales; barely hitting .220 at either stop. The 2007 season saw a rebound of sorts while playing with Double-A Trenton (Yankees) and Double-A Birmingham (ChiSox).

2008 saw Garrett start the year with another organization at Double-A West Tennessee (Mariners). After 23 games, he was promoted to Triple-A Tacoma where he continues to make his case for big league action. In 11 seasons, he’s played in 11 different MLB organizations. He was named an All-Star in 1998, 2000 (with the Wizards), 2002, 2003, and 2004 in addition to posting consistent solid numbers, the only exception being in 2006.

On the season, Garrett is hitting .276 through July 13. He’s slugged 6 home runs and drove in 43 runs while collecting 128 total bases in 304 at-bats. His on-base percentage is hovering right around .420 and hit safely in 6 of his last 10 games.

“My little window of prospect status has come and gone . . . Now I want to do whatever I can do to help myself be a good player, plus switch hitting should help me stay in the game for awhile longer.”

Update (February 18, 2009): It appears that Garrett’s career will fall just short of reaching the pros. According to this Bloomberg article, he has retired after eleven seasons as a pro.

See Also: Shawn Garrett Bio at Ford-Mobley.com | Cougar’s in the Pros | Shawn Garrett’s MiLB Profile

Just got back from Louisville, Kentucky where we didn’t see Jared Wells. But We did see former Wizards and current Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay) pitcher, Dale Thayer pitch a scoreless inning for the International League All-Stars.

Thayer worked a scoreless fifth inning, giving up a one-out double to the PCL’s Matthew Brown, who went 2-3 with an RBI and run scored in route to being named PCL Star of the Game.

Now a full-time relief pitcher, Thayer is the three-time reigning Southern League (Double-A) saves champion and doing well at Triple-A. He has a 1.46 ERA in 37 appearances and a newly introduced slider, which he rarely threw before this season. In doing so, Thayer has posted better strikeout numbers (57 in 49 1/3 innings).

“Dale can pitch and be successful in the big leagues today,” Bulls pitching coach Xavier Hernandez said [source: Montgomery Advertiser].

With the Wizards in 2003, Thayer appeared in  45 games, all in relief. He posted a 1-3 record with a 2.06 ERA and 25 saves. In 48 innings pitched, he gave up 15 runs (11 earned) and struck out 72 while walking just 15. His WHIP was a crazy .960, although his MiLB career WHIP is still just 1.12.

In fact, his whole career has been remarkably consistent with the numbers he posted in the Fort. He boasts a career record of 24-13 with 132 saves (25, 23, 27, 27, and 21 over 2003-2007) and a career ERA of 2.10.

Photos by Chad Gramling. See more photos from the trip.

The process of selecting a new name for Fort Wayne’s Minor League Baseball team continues with the next phase of public feedback. After sifting through more than 2,500 team name suggestions over the last three weeks, the team again looks to the public to provide guidance.

“We were impressed with both the sheer number and the creativity of team name submissions,” stated General Manager, Mike Nutter. “That makes it that much more difficult to choose the new name for the team.”

The team is asking the public to help one more time in the decision-making process. “We could go in any number of directions with the names we’ve received,” said Nutter. “We’re hoping that the community will help. We’ve identified four primary themes into which many of the suggested names fall into and we want fans to let us know which direction they prefer.”

The four categories that the team has identified are:

- FORT WAYNE ICONS and/or PROMINENT HISTORICAL INDIVIDUALS
- FORT WAYNE GEOGRAPHY (THREE RIVERS, SUMMIT, ETC.)
- FORT WAYNE’S HISTORY AS A CENTER OF INNOVATION and INVENTION
- The “OLD FORT” or SIMILAR MILITARY THEME

While the public gives their feedback, the team will be busy narrowing down the considerable list of potential names. “We are hoping that with the names we have received and this additional public input we can zero in on the best name and begin the considerable work required from there to design and develop a logo and team identity,” said Nutter. “It has always been our goal to create a brand that Fort Wayne and the surrounding community can identify with and embrace as their own.”

To give your feedback, CLICK HERE

We’ve reached the half way point of the 2008 MLB season. I think that’s just cause to take a look at some of the seasons that former Fort Wayne Wizards are producing thus far. First up, the Estranged Friars. These former Wizards are no longer playing in the Padres organization but are still active in Minor League Baseball.

• 2002
  • Cassel, Jack (Astros AAA): The former Wizards pitcher has spent 2008 up and down between Triple A and the MLB level. He’s been at Triple-A Round Rock since June 1, and currently is on the disabled list. Interesting trivia: Cassel’s brother, Matt, is a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots and his brother, Justin, is a pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization.
  • Knott, Jon (Phillies AAA): The former Wizards outfielder is currently with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs as they enjoy their inaugural season. He’s put together a .295 batting average with 8 home runs, 35 runs batted and scoring 29 runs over 190 at-bats.
  • Trzesniak, Nick (Tigers AAA): The former first round pick of the Padres (51st overall)in 1999 made it as high as AAA-Portland with the Friars before they released him in 2005. Since that time, the catcher has sojourned to Texas, to Florida, to Detroit, back to Texas, and currently is back in Detroit organization with Toledo. He’s got a .224 average with 3 dingers and 16 RBI’s over 32 games. He is currently on the disabled list.
• 2003
  • Cruz, Luis (Pirates AA): Playing for the Altoona Curve, Luis Cruz is hitting .263 with 3 home runs and 34 runs batted in over 274 at-bats. He’s struck out just 23 times despite only drawing 14 walks.
  • David Freese (Cardinals AAA): Thanks to David Freese, the Cubs were able to sign Jim Edmonds after the Padres released him. An odd way to pull a three team trade, but the Cubs are happy with how it worked out. Freese has spent the 2008 season at Triple-A Memphis where he is hitting .265 over 75 games with 12 home runs, 42 runs batted in and 22 walks. Maybe the Cubs would have taken him too; he’s hitting .426 in day games.
  • Guzman, Freddy (Tigers AAA): Guzman is another former Padres prospect who is getting renewed life in the Tigers organization. Guzman (who has appeared at the MLB level) is hitting .275 with 3 home runs and 22 RBIs over 77 games. He’s scored 69 runs and stolen 20 bases on the season that has seen him split time between Toledo (his current club) and Erie.
  • Hamilton, Clayton (Rangers AA): Following a promotion to AA Frisco, Hamilton has had a rough go of things. He’s appeared in 3 games, taken two losses and has a 27.00 ERA. He’s given up 9 runs, 6 of them earned in just two innings pitched. This follows on the heals of a 1-1 performance and 3.13 ERA at High-A. So maybe he’ll settle in.
  • Huber, Jon (Mariners AAA): He’ appeared in 29 games and has a bloated 6.03 ERA over 37.1 innings pitched. He’s struck out 27 and walked 13 for the Tacoma Rainiers.
  • Jones, Kennard (Orioles AA): The outfielder has a .257 batting average with 1 home run, 16 RBI’s and 6 stolen bases on the season.
  • Pauley, David (Red Sox AAA): He had a taste of MLB action in 2006 and finally got back for a bit this year. On the season at Pawtucket, Pauley is 10-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 16 starts. He’s struck out 59 and walked 26 while allowing 35 earned runs. He is on Boston’s 40-man roster and likely will see more MLB action before the season is up.
  • Thayer, Dale (Rays AAA): Playing in his second season with the storied Durham Bulls, the relief pitcher is putting together a solid season and is on the Triple-A All Star Roster (I’ll be there and I’ll get pictures). He’s got a 1.48 ERA with 1 win and 9 saves over 33 games. In 42.2 innings pitched, he has 53 K’s to just 14 walks. If the Rays continue to have bumps and bruises in their pitching staff, we might see him make his debut before the year is out. The Rays acquired him as the PTBNL in the deal that sent Russell Branyon to the Padres in 2006.
• 2004
  • Bonine, Eddie (Tigers MLB): Made his Major League debut on June 14 and looked pretty solid until today. For more info on Bonine, see my earlier post.
  • Bonvechio, Bret (White Sox A): After toiling in the indy circuit, he’s back with a MLB organization and playing at Class-A Charlotte for the Chicago White Sox. For more on Bonvechio, see my earlier post.
  • Chick, Travis (Mariners AA): Pitching for the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, Chick has compiled a 4.72 ERA with a 2-4 record over 21 games; five of them starts. He’s struck out 47 and walked 28 over 61 innings pitched. Chick was drafted by the Marlins in 2002 and traded to the Padres in 2004, who traded him and Justin Germano to the Reds for Joe Randa in 2005. The Reds then traded Chick to the Mariners in 2006 in the deal that Eddie Guardado to Cincinnati. (Germano, also a former Wizard was later picked up off waivers from the Phillies, who traded Rheal Cormier to the Reds for him.)
  • Ciriaco, Juan (Giants A+): The shortstop is hitting just .176 with 15 hits, six RBI’s and five runs over 36 games for Class-A San Jose.
  • Kottaras, George (Red Sox AAA): The former Wizards catcher is hitting .233 with 16 home runs and 45 RBI’s over 253 at-bats for Pawtucket, his second season at Triple-A. He came into the Red Sox organization in 2006 as the PTBNL that sent David Wells to San Diego.
  • Rosales, Leo (Diamondbacks MLB): Leo Rosales made his MLB debut earlier this season. For more on Rosales, see my earlier post.
  • Wells, Jared (Mariners AAA): Wells was the first former Wizards player to debut in 2008. However, he was sent down to Triple-A Portland a short while later before being traded to the Mariners for Cha Seung Baek. He has since remained at Triple-A.
• 2006
  • Burke, Kyler (Cubs A). Haven’t heard much from this once promising prospect. After being traded to the Cubs in the Rob Bowen deal that also sent Michael Barrett to the Padres, Burke has pretty much dropped off the radar. He is currently playing in Class-A Short-Season Northwest League for the Boise Hawks. He has a less than stellar .139 average in 36 at-bats.
    
  • Link, John (White Sox AA): With the Birmingham Barons, Link is 4-1 with a 1.69 ERA and 31 strike-outs over 32 innings pitched; all of them in relief, where he has picked up 22 saves on the season. The White Sox acquired Link from the Padres last year for Rob Mackowiak.
  • Ramirez, Yordany (Astros AAA): Ramirez was an interesting signing by the Astros in the off-season that enabled Houston to make a trade with the Atlanta Braves to acquire Oscar Villarreal for center fielder Josh Anderson. On the season, he’s hitting .229 in 73 games with the Round Rock Express. He has 4 home runs, 25 RBI’s and 15 stolen bases.
• 2007
  • Pickett, Justin (Rangers A): Wizards fans didn’t see much of the catcher since he appeared in just two games. He was released by the Padres in spring training this year and signed by the Rangers, where he’s split time between Clinton of the Midwest League and Spokane of the Class A Short-Season Northwest League. Though he has appeared in just 18 games, he’s hitting .359 with 3 home runs and 19 RBI’s in 64 total at-bats. His 6 walks has help to inch his OBP up to .429. More on Pickett here.

In less than one week over 1,500 submissions have been entered at HarrisonSquareFortWayne.com to re-name Fort Wayne’s Minor League Baseball team. The team is accepting suggestions from the community as to what name it will take when it begins play in the new downtown ballpark next April, part of the Harrison Square development.

“We launched the contest on the evening of Sunday, June 15th and within 24 hours we had almost 500 team name suggestions,” said Michael Limmer, Assistant General Manager of the Wizards. “We weren’t sure how many to expect when the contest launched, but interest has been overwhelming. We continue to be impressed with the creativity that the community has shown, especially in the ways they have tied in some of this area’s rich history.”

While the team is not ready to share suggested team names this early in the contest, they are not short of potential candidates. “We wouldn’t want to dampen the creativity with over a full week left for fans to submit names, but there are certainly strong candidates that we have already received,” stated General Manager, Mike Nutter. “The hardest thing for us will be to narrow this list down to a manageable number. We know that when the open submission period ends on June 30th we will have our work cut out for us trying to pick the best out of such an impressive collection of names and ideas.”

Due to the large volume of suggestions, team officials may have to make some adjustments for the remainder of the contest. “I’m not sure it was such a great idea to have all submissions sent directly to my email address,” joked Limmer. “I’d get to work in the morning, check my email and my inbox would be completely full. Get back from lunch and it would be full again. I thought it would slow down after a few days, but it’s been that way all week. I’m glad there’s only a week left, I’m looking forward to getting my inbox back.”

While the team has had a strong response it continues to encourage the public to enter their submissions. “We want to hear from everyone that has an idea. The last submission may be the best one,” explained Nutter.

The team will select one contest participant to receive a prize package that will include season tickets for the 2009 season, a shopping spree in the team store and the opportunity to throw a ceremonial first pitch at the new ballpark on Opening Day 2009. Those interested in making their suggestions, or simply learning more about the Harrison Square project, can visit HarrisonSquareFortWayne.com. Submissions are being accepted through midnight on Monday, June 30th.

[source: OurSportsCentral]

I’ve written previously about what the Harrison Square development potentially means for the future of Minor League Baseball in Fort Wayne. It could mean many changes, from parent club to Minor League level. While most of that is still in the air, it now appears very likely that 2008 will be the last season for the Fort Wayne Wizards.

In 2009, they will usher in a new era that is likely to include a new team name. In their newsletter that was sent out earlier today, the Wizards announced a new website and a contest to suggest potential new names for the team.

Beginning on Sunday June 15, fans can go online to HarrisonSquareFortWayne.com and suggest names for the team, one of which may be adopted when the team begins play at the new ballpark in April 2009. When the allotted name submission time has expired, team executives and industry professionals will review the submissions to determine the name and identity of the team starting with the 2009 season.

“2009 will begin a new era for baseball in the Fort Wayne area,” stated Jason Freier of Hardball Capital, the team’s ownership group. “This new downtown ballpark will be one of the best in all professional baseball and something the community will be proud to call their own. This team is a part of the community and we want the community to have a hand in establishing the identity of this team.”

“Numerous people have asked us about the name over the years and the inquiries have been more frequent since the new downtown ballpark was announced,” said Wizards’ General Manager Mike Nutter. “More and more we realized that a lot of our fans and partners would like to see a name that is more identifiably and uniquely ‘Fort Wayne.’ If we do change, we would love to have a team name that connects with the community, represents some of the rich history and tradition of leadership and innovation that exemplifies Fort Wayne and that celebrates where we’ve been as a community as well as where we’re going in the future. We know our fans can be very creative and, with their help, we think we’ll come up with something great.”

Bragging rights over a new team name would not be the only benefit available to fans. The team will select one contest participant to receive a prize package that will include season tickets for the 2009 season, a shopping spree in the team store and the opportunity to throw a ceremonial first pitch at the new ballpark on Opening Day 2009.

Community members interested in making their suggestions, or simply learning more about the Harrison Square project, can visit HarrisonSquareFortWayne.com. Submissions are being accepted now through Monday, June 30^th.

The new website features videos, articles and information about the new ballpark, the condos, the retail areas, parking and more.

With the Harrison Square development, many folks have asked me what will happen with regards to the evolution of the Wizards team. They ask me if there will be a name change, league change, what the stadium name will be (presumably if there is one), if there will be a change in Major League affiliates etc. My typical answer: “I Don’t Know.” Here’s what I can tell you.

League and/or Level Change:

I doubt it, but anything is possible. Travel is always a consideration for a minor league baseball team. It not only creates a sense of regional rivalry, it cuts expenses because there is less fuel usage and fewer hotel stays. If you were to few the Minor League Baseball teams according to our region, you’ll see that there are not many options other than the Midwest League. There are 23 MiLB teams in the region. Of those teams, 17 are Class-A teams, one is Double-A and five are Triple-A.

Within the Single-A teams, 14 of the 17 are in the Midwest League. Of the three remaining, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are in the New York-Penn League; which is Class-A Short Season (a level lower than the Midwest League). The other two teams in Class-A are the Lexington Legends and the Lake County Captains; who are in the South Atlantic League. The “Sally League,” operates primarily in the southeastern United States and is pretty much on the same level as the Midwest League. Moving to this league makes little sense because it would be a lateral move and mean more travel and hotel stays. The only benefit that local fans would see is a change in teams that come through the area.

Double A is pretty much out of the question. The only team within Indiana or any of the surrounding states at this level is the Akron Aeros; who are on the far east side of Ohio.

But what about Triple-A? That would put Fort Wayne at a level just below the MLB and unite them in the International League with the other teams in the region; Toledo, Louisville, Iowa, Columbus (Ohio) and Indianapolis. Methinks this would be the most likely option next to remaining in the Midwest League, but I seem to recall the park in Harrison Square being built to Double-A specs.

Stadium Name:

First there must be someone willing to pony up the money. To my knowledge, this has not happened. That said, the city of Fort Wayne will receive 50% of naming rights revenues (up to $300,000 per year) and 100% of revenues in excess of $300,000 per year. With the city involved in that aspect, methinks it will happen. With the sheer number of business entities using “Three Rivers” in their names, I’d suggest that all of them pool their money together and call it “Three Rivers Ballpark”.

Affiliate Change:

Since the Wizards’ tenure in Fort Wayne, there have been two MLB affiliations; the Minnesota Twins and (currently) the San Diego Padres. I don’t have the evidence to back this assertion, but I would imagine that Fort Wayne has the distinction of being the MiLB team that is furthest from their MLB parent club. Without a doubt, the team would benefit significantly to unite with a parent club that is closer in proximity to Northeast Indiana where there is a denser fan base. The Cubs, White Sox, Reds, Indians, Tigers and Brewers come to mind. If there were a change to Triple-A, the Toledo Mudhens might take up issue if Fort Wayne tried to hook up with the Tigers. Methinks there will be many Padres draft picks taking the field at the yet-to-be named ballpark in Harrison Square in 2009.

But What About the Team Name and Mascot?

Aha, Now here is something were there is evidence to support a change. In 1993, the Wizards came to Fort Wayne and Wayne the Wizard was Grand Marshall of the metaphoric parade. Years later, when General Sports purchased the team, they sent Wayne into virtual retirement where he has been a miserly hermit. He’s lost a step or two in his dance moves, but he is still seen from time to time on special occasions. In his place, Dinger the Dragon appeared and has been the mascot mainstay since that time.

As pointed out by WhatsGoingDown(Town), the mascot and the team name have very little linking to local affinity. I suggested they name Dinger “Mad Anthony” when General Sports held a suggestion contest, but apparently, the NBADL liked it better.

All that said, as of now, there are no definite plans for a name and/or mascot change:

“Freier said he has been too busy with other pressing matters, including getting units in the condominium building sold, to have a name change be a top priority. But he said it likely will be considered, especially because the name Wizards has nothing to do with Fort Wayne. Furthermore, it isn’t unique to the Summit City as Washington’s National Basketball Association team and Kansas City’s Major League Soccer team share the mascot.

Methinks; that when we walk through the turnstiles at Harrison Square in 2009, it won’t be to see the Wizards. However, I do hope we get a chance to see Dinger AND Wayne on hand to pass the torch to an exciting new era in baseball for Fort Wayne and all o Northeast Indiana.