The Kalamazoo City Commission approved an agreement with the Northwoods League this week for a five year lease beginning in January of 2014.

The new team will be the league’s second team in Michigan as the Bombers currently play at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek.

The team will play its’ games at Homer Stryker Field. The ballpark has not hosted a team since the Kalamazoo Kings left after the 2011 season.

With the addition of Kalamazoo, the Northwoods League will have 18 teams committed for 2014. Another new expansion team in Kenosha, WI was announced earlier this past winter.

Northwoods League president Dick Radatz, Jr. is excited about adding a second franchise in Michigan.

"I look forward to watching baseball in Kalamazoo, with its rich baseball heritage and to know that after 20 years the Northwoods League has now become the largest league in organized baseball. The future is bright," said Radatz.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. The 2013 season will mark the 20th season of Northwoods League baseball. 102 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins), Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals) and Andre Ethier (Dodgers).