The Northern League and the Golden Baseball League have announced an exciting, home and home All-Star Game agreement for the coming two seasons.  The Golden League will host the inaugural contest in 2010, as the game will be played July 14 in Tucson, Arizona.

The 2011 game will be played in Zion, IL in the state of the art ballpark currently under construction for use by the expansion Lake County Fielders.  The NoL and GBL are two of the most successful and heavily scouted independent leagues in the country and together had over 30 of their players from 2009 acquired by major league organizations.  The 20-man rosters will be comprised of players from the eight Northern League teams in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, and Manitoba, Canada; and the ten GBL teams in California, Arizona, Hawaii, and western Canada.

“While this is a significant move for both leagues, the biggest winners will be the all-star players from each league,” said
T-Bones co-owner Adam Ehlert.  “The T-Bones are proud that we’ve led the Northern League in facilitating players being signed by major league organizations for the last several years.”

"This will be exciting for our players and fans and also for major league organizations focused on finding the best talent available in the independent minor leagues," said Golden Baseball League Commissioner Kevin Outcalt.  "The Northern League has long been the finest independent professional baseball league and we are looking forward to hosting their top players in Tucson this summer and then sending our best to the Chicago area for the rematch the following season."
 
Although these two leagues, of the seven independent minor leagues in the nation, total less than 25% of all independent teams, they produced five of the top 10 Baseball America Top Indy Prospects in 2009 including the first three spots, and also placed eight players on the Baseball America First and Second All Independent Teams.  In addition, the Baseball America Independent League Player of the Year has come from one of these two leagues seven of the 13 years the award has been in existence, including two of the last three.

Location:  Hi Corbett Field, Tucson, AZ
Monday, July 12:  Fan Fest, exhibitions and home run derby
Tuesday, July 13:  Player Banquet and MLB All-Star Viewing Party
Wednesday, July 14:  7:00 p.m. All-Star Game

The game will be streamed live on the internet, with details of further local coverage to be announced through the T-Bones.

The T-Bones begin their 2010 campaign in Gary, Ind. on May 20 and will host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in their home opener on May 28.  Season ticket packages and mini plans are available now by calling 913-328-5618.  For information on group outings, call 913-328-5628.  Single game tickets will go on sale in 2010.  Visit www.tbonesbaseball.com to stay up-to-date throughout the year.