Las Vegas, NV
Was a proud moment in the history of the state of Nevada when it was announced today that the American Federation Baseball League awarded a franchise to a Nevada based ownership group led by Matthew Katz. The newly minted owner stood side by side with Matthew Streeter, commissioner of the AFBL, as the announcement was made to great fanfare. In the past it seemed unlikely that the state of Nevada, due to its association with gambling, that a professional sports team would ever exist in the state of Nevada, so this was a day of celebration all around.
"It?s a credit to the foresight and leadership of Commissioner Streeter and the owners throughout the American Federation Baseball League, that the day has come when the people of Nevada have a franchise to call their own. There is a reason why this league has risen to be the prominent league in American in the country's national pastime. There is vision and leadership second to none. It?s a proud day for Nevada and Las Vegas that a professional baseball team now calls this exciting place home."
The Nevada franchise also announced its team name, the Dons. A choice, Matthew Katz, said was to honor the heritage of Las Vegas that became what it is today because of visionary men that did have ties to organized crime, however it was insisted that the selection of name was not an endorsement of organized crime. Simply a remembrance of the fact that Las Vegas emerged into a global destination that it is because of the vision some members had for a location deep in the desert.
"While our organization understands there may be some raised eye brows at the idea that our organization will be so deeply entwined, in name, with organized crime, its really more just an acknowledgement that this place we call home is what it is today because of the vision of men who saw its potential. We are proud of our city and our state. There is a reason people from around the world come here every day. This franchise is yet another step in sharing our home with the world."
The logo, which will be the center of the Nevada franchise's branding, is shown below.
The announcement also included details about the minor league affiliates, the triple-A team will be located near by in North Las Vegas and named the Consigliere. The double-A team will be located Carson City, nicknamed Capos and the single-A team will be home in Reno and nicknamed the Soldiers. The Rookie league team, located in Florida with the rest of the AFBL rookie league teams, will be the Port St. Lucie Associates.
Some other details provided included the fact that the Dons will break ground soon on their state of the art stadium including a retractable roof to close off during the Nevada summers to combat the oppressive heat. The stadium will be named Ebbets Field, honoring part of baseball's lost past and some of its best tradition. Also the team's uniforms were unveiled; announcing that jerseys and other options would be available immediately.
This was day one for professional baseball in the state of Nevada and it was met with excitement and a great deal of anticipation. The future is full of possibility for the new franchise. While the team will not take the field until 2017, it was clear from the turnout, that the people of Las Vegas are ready. There is also a fan day in the works to promote the new franchise, so stay tuned for the information as it comes.
