(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League will be unveiling the 2012 season schedule later today. The regular season campaign will begin on Wednesday, May 30th. But for the first time since 2004 a team in Brainerd, Minnesota won’t be part of the Northwoods League.
“Out of respect to the host families, fans and sponsors of the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, we want to make this announcement prior to the release of the schedule,” Northwoods League Director of Operations Curt Carstensen said. “Many great people have made the Brainerd Lakes Area an important part of the Northwoods League for a long time. We want to say thank you to everyone that allowed Stewart C. Mills Field to be a special place to spend a summer night.”
The Northwoods League expanded to Mequon, Wisconsin this fall and the Lakeshore Chinooks will begin play in 2012. With the addition of one team to the Northwoods League it became necessary to close the operation of one of the current teams to continue with an even number of 16 teams in the League. Brainerd had finished last in Northwoods League attendance for seven consecutive years. The Brainerd Blue Thunder existed from 2005 through 2008. The Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers operated from 2009 through 2011.
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.