As reported by Fox 10 News, the Mobile BayBears have been sold to BallCorps, LLC of Arizona. While the sale of the longtime Mobile team has been confirmed, reports indicate that the new owners are preparing to request a relocation to Madison, Alabama.
The BayBears have called Hank Aaron Stadium home for the past 20 years. Since their arrival in 1997, the minor league club has changed affiliations several times; starting as the San Diego Padres and now the Los Angeles Angels.
While the Southern League unanimously approved the sale of the BayBears, a request for relocation will still have to be approved. However, many see this as a technicality. Ralph Nelson, CEO of BallCorps, is a prominent figure in the league. He helped oversee MLB umpires and is widely known in the commissioner’s office. Should he request a transfer, many believe that approval is all but guaranteed.
When asked about the future of his team, BayBears Manager Chris Morgan said, “I can tell you with 100% certainty that the BayBears will be playing in Mobile in 2018 and our staff is looking forward to staging a great season for our fans. With regard to the report of potential relocation of the team of 2019, I am not in a position to respond to that report at this time. I would defer to Southern League office for any information regarding approval of the sale of the team as well as any potential relocation.”
Should the BayBears relocate, it is unclear whether or not a new team will fill their place at Hank Aaron Stadium.
