Author's Blog

 July 31, 2010

Tijuana Potros Season Put on Hold


Uncertainties Around H1N1 Virus, Drug Related Violence Contribute to “Impossible Business Environment.”


Thursday, May 7, 2009

It started with a significant increase in violence associated with drug trafficking near the border.  Then came the H1N1 virus, which closed public places in Mexico.  Tourists have been staying aware, businesses have been closed, and public gatherings stopped.  Along with the punches comes an unfortunate economic hit that's sure to slow spending.  One started to wonder if the Golden Baseball League didn’t have the right idea at the wrong time.

Today the GBL announced that the expansion Tijuana Potros have shelved plans to participate in the 2009 season.  According to a press release from the GBL, “Sports facility closings, uncertainty of stadium availability, and government mandates limiting public gatherings have all contributed to an impossible business environment to launch and operate a professional sports franchise with the start of the season less than two weeks away.” 

The promise of a team from Mexico was big.  Not only would it make the GBL the only professional baseball league with teams in all three NAFTA countries, the team offered benefits beyond enthusiast Tijuana fans.  The Potros were sure to attract Latino fans with Mexican roots here in the United States.  Of all the offseason moves made by the GBL, this was the biggest.

Not only does the move put a damper on what promised to be a fun component of the GBL, little can be done to adjust the season schedule this close to the start of season, forcing the league to play with nine teams instead of ten.  That translates into open dates with no games, a further economic hit for the Golden Baseball League and its member teams.

The loss of the Potros does have the silver lining of allowing a resuffle to what was a geographically awkward divisional alignment.  The GBL South Division will now be composed of Long Beach, Orange County, St. George, Tucson, and Yuma, while the North Division will be made up of Calgary, Chico, Edmonton, and Victoria. The schedule for all games against teams other than the Potros remains the same, which because of an unbalanced original schedule, will mean some teams will have a few more games than others each half. The split season format remains the same, with the first half and second half champions decided upon by winning percentage.

"We understand and (are) very sympathetic to the plight of the Potros in these challenging times," said GBL Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "We are disappointed to not have the Potros with us this year, but look forward to the health and economic recovery that is already underway that will enable the Potros to have a strong entry into the league next season."

 


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