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Prospective 'Dune Coast' owners pitch Northwoods League team, promise community reinvestment
Summary
Two owners outlined plans for a Northwoods League expansion franchise to play in nearby New Buffalo beginning Memorial Day 2027, promising affordable family tickets, youth camps, host-family programs and local reinvestment funded in part by a MEDC/Patronicity matching grant.
Two men seeking to bring a Northwoods League summer college baseball franchise to the region told the La Porte Common Council on June 15 that they expect to open near Memorial Day 2027 and to center the club on low-cost family entertainment and community benefits.
"It's our goal not only to connect with the city leaders of La Porte, but also be an active partner in local businesses and, of course, the citizens of La Porte as well," said Bridal Williams, who said he has worked 28 years in professional baseball scouting. Williams and co-presenter Tom Roland said the team—referred to in the presentation as Dune Coast Baseball—would field 25–30 college players each summer, play with wooden bats in intimate stadium settings and operate a reinvestment model that would funnel any team profits into a nonprofit supporting local charities.
Tom Roland described the league and the expected community programming, saying the team will emphasize host-family placements, youth camps and affordable tickets. "We want it to be family friendly—$10 tickets, maybe $20 per person for food and admission—so families can attend without breaking the bank," Roland said.
The presenters said they were accepted into the Northwoods League in late April and are raising local funds through Patronicity with a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to complete stadium upgrades: a turf infield is in place, and this fall they plan to add chair-back seating, lights and a press box. They said some infrastructure items—bleachers, lighting and similar elements—remain underfunded and are the subject of the current crowdfunding campaign.
Council members and staff discussed ways La Porte might partner on camps and events; presenters said they had discussed youth programming with the city’s parks staff and would consider holding occasional games and camps in La Porte.
No formal council action was taken; the presentation was informational and council members encouraged residents and local businesses to consider hosting or sponsoring team activities.
