OT: Savannah to Columbia

[mybuddyinc]

Well, it's official, Sand Gnats are moving to Columbia in 2016:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp..._l116&sid=l116

BUT !!!!!!!!!!!! Don't worry Sand Gnats fans, Savannah WILL have a SAL team in 2016 (2017 latest).

Savannah was one of the original SAL teams in 1903. They also have, by far, the longest affiliation with the league. The SAL will NOT allow that history to die. Expect either Hagerstown or Hickory franchise (possibly Kannapolis) in Savannah. It may mean a realignment of divisions, even to a three division league (5-6-5), but it will happen.

Good old Red Murch will still have a chance to catch that fly ball he's been waiting for for over 100 years !!!!!!!!!!!


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[Beatles Guy]

Are they going to update the park? I heard that was one of the major sticking points for the Gnats.

[rainier2004]

Savannah is a scary place.

The ball park was a notch above a HS field if I remember correctly.

Great flea market on the south side every Sunday also if I remember.

[clydepepper]

I played some semi-pro games at 'Sand-Gnat' Field in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Apply named - it was horrible, but we won most of the time.

[brewing]

The park has a ton of history. Many great players have played there.

It was also used for a few scenes in the movie Bingo Long All Stars.

Look forward to watching a game there soon. First round on me Scott.

[LuckyLarry]

Scott/Brent LMK if you guys plan a meet-up sometime at the ballpark.
Larry

[mybuddyinc]

They have done a lot of improvements to Grayson Stadium in the last 10 years. When I first came down here in 2000, it was crab grass, dirt and chain link fences. New parking, scoreboard, fences, bull pens, and a great new deck. Concessions and restrooms are big enough for attendance. With it's history, I think it's a great park.

The main thing the Mets are complaining about are the dressing rooms and dug outs, which are lacking.

The Gnats owner's played it perfectly. Knowing Columbia would build a new stadium, and tried to get Savannah to build one. There are many things I do not know. However, one thing is 100% certain, the Savannah city government will NEVER build a new stadium. Won't get into politics down here, but that isn't going to happen.

The SAL had it's Fall meeting in Savannah maybe three years ago. I knew a few of the GMs and had a "few" beers with them. They, at that time, were all in agreement about Savannah: the SAL will always have a team here. Things may have changed recently, but a I doubt it.

[polakoff]

Savannah is my favorite city in this country and the wife and I get there 4-5 times a year. Real shame about this but I do hope they'll be replaced. Grayson Stadium is a dump but a historic dump and something felt great about watching a game there. Reminded me of the old Ft. Lauderdale Stadium, relic of a bygone era.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by mybuddyinc

They have done a lot of improvements to Grayson Stadium in the last 10 years. When I first came down here in 2000, it was crab grass, dirt and chain link fences. New parking, scoreboard, fences, bull pens, and a great new deck. Concessions and restrooms are big enough for attendance. With it's history, I think it's a great park.

The main thing the Mets are complaining about are the dressing rooms and dug outs, which are lacking.

The Gnats owner's played it perfectly. Knowing Columbia would build a new stadium, and tried to get Savannah to build one. There are many things I do not know. However, one thing is 100% certain, the Savannah city government will NEVER build a new stadium. Won't get into politics down here, but that isn't going to happen.

The SAL had it's Fall meeting in Savannah maybe three years ago. I knew a few of the GMs and had a "few" beers with them. They, at that time, were all in agreement about Savannah: the SAL will always have a team here. Things may have changed recently, but a I doubt it.

Interesting tidbits. I think it's great when traditions can survive. As noted previously, I enjoy seeing minor league baseball at a game and in person but have almost no inclination to go see a major league game. However, for me it isn't only baseball, I rarely go to any professional sports games.