The Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc., in conjunction with the City of Richmond, held a press conference today to announce the Connecticut Defenders will be relocating to Richmond, Virginia for the 2010 season. The team will be playing their home games at The Diamond, which will have numerous improvements made to the facility prior to the start of the season. Richmond has been without professional baseball since the Atlanta Braves moved their Triple-A franchise to Gwinnett, Georgia following the 2008 season. The Braves had been in Richmond since 1966.
“Minor League Baseball is pleased to see professional baseball return to Richmond as the Eastern League resumes play at The Diamond in 2010,” stated Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Connor. “I applaud the league office, City of Richmond and the Connecticut Club for their tireless work on this transaction. We look forward to a refurbished Diamond in 2010 and a new ballpark for the future of baseball in Richmond.”
One of those in attendance at the press conference was Team President and Managing General Partner Lou DiBella, representing his ownership group including co-general partners Gary Green of Alliance Baseball, LLC and Harvey Ross of Ross Holdings, LLC.
“The return of pro baseball to Richmond is something my ownership group is thrilled to be a part of,” said DiBella. “Everyone involved in this endeavor has a track record of professionalism and success, and will work tirelessly to be an integral part of the Richmond community and provide a first class baseball experience.”
As part of the press conference today, the Connecticut club also announced that Chuck Domino, long-time General Manager and President of the Reading Phillies, has relinquished his position with the R-Phils, effective immediately, in order to become the Chief Executive Manager of the Connecticut franchise. Joining Domino on the staff in Richmond are Todd Parnell as the Vice President and COO and Bill Papierniak as the General Manager.
“The opportunity to bring baseball back to the Richmond market was too alluring and challenging to pass up,” said Domino. “I look forward to giving The Diamond a facelift as we re-energize fans in the short-run while efforts begin to give a city with the status of Richmond what it deserves – which is the best new Minor League ballpark in America.”
“The Eastern League is very excited about bringing Minor League Baseball back to Richmond,” said Eastern League President Joseph McEacharn. “I can promise you this….we are going to have some fun and we are going to make a difference in this community. The management team put in place will bring the very best that Minor League Baseball has to offer and I am confident this community will respond in kind. We are thankful to Mayor Jones for his efforts in making this a reality and look forward to a long term relationship that results in Richmond being known as both a great city and a great baseball city.”
