Missoula considers minor league franchise with new ballpark commitment

Missoula is on the brink of a potential minor league baseball revival, with two team owners ready to relocate if a suitable ballpark is established. During a recent meeting, a key advocate for Missoula baseball revealed that interest in the city as a franchise location is high, contingent on the commitment to build a new stadium. “If we can make the decisions we have to make and as a community make the commitment that we have to make financially, we can play ball in Missoula,” he stated, projecting that a new team could be in place by the 1993 season.

The discussion also touched on concerns regarding the future of the Pioneer League, which had been raised by league president Ralph Nellis. However, the advocate reassured attendees that the relationship between the Pioneer League and Major League Baseball is stronger than ever, following the establishment of a formal agreement that had previously been absent. This new framework promises to unify operations across teams and enhance the viability of minor league franchises.

With the right support and infrastructure, Missoula could soon see its baseball dreams come to fruition, revitalizing the local sports scene and community engagement. The next steps involve solidifying plans for the ballpark and rallying community backing to make this vision a reality.