Illinois has been known to have an entry into the American Federation Baseball League for some time, but today we announce the details.
Representing the state, the team will play its home games in Alton, Illinois. The team will be named the Illinois Piasa, after the mythical dragon-like bird creature famously painted on its bluffs. The Piasa or Piasa Bird was first painted onto the bluffs by American Indians from the Illini Confederation that predominantly called Illinois home. The mural has been repainted many times since it's discovery.
The Piasa will play at the brand new Fast Eddie's Field. The field sits just a few blocks east of it's sponsor, the world famous Fast Eddie's Bon Air, a regional institution. The field sits directly east of the Alton Police Department bordered by a new stretch of Agnes Street to the north, Allen Street to the east, Broadway to the south, and Illinois Street to the west.
The site has historic significance. It (and a precursor just across Broadway) served as the primary home to Alton pro and amateur baseball from the late 1800s to 1939. The name of those two fields was Sportsman's Park, but it is a different Sportsman's Park that the new home of the Piasa is modeled after.
Fast Eddie's Field will in many ways be a modern version of the St. Louis stadium that the St. Louis Browns and Cardinals called home for much of the early 20th century. There will of course be more seats (40,115), and modern amenities, but the park dimensions and appearance are similar.
The Piasa are also pleased to announce their minor league affiliates: Champaign, AAA; Springfield, AA; Peoria, A; Chicago, Rookie.
The Piasa will unveil their logo early next week. The identities and ballparks of their minor league system will be unveiled at that point as well.
