Breaking News
Sedona Scorpions franchise sold, will move
The Arizona Republic • Sunday, Oct. 5, 1919
In a move that surprised nearly everyone, the Sedona Scorpions baseball franchise has been sold and will move to Show Low permanently beginning with the 1920 season, it was announced yesterday.
It was thought that the Scorpions were only renters in Show Low while Sedona officials built them a new stadium to replace the one ravaged by fire last year. But long-time Sedona owner
Hans Larsen released a written statement yesterday — one day after the 1919 regular season had concluded — saying that he had "no choice" but to sell his team.
Clyde Cooley, who has been angling for an Arizona League team for his beloved town of Show Low for years, is the buyer. He plans a complete overhaul of the franchise beginning immediately.
"We'll have a new nickname, a new look, new players, new managers and hopefully a new winning attitude when Arizona League baseball officially — permanently — comes to Show Low starting in the spring," Cooley told reporters for the
White Mountains Independent. "This is a dream come true for me, for our town and for the White Mountains in general, which has enjoyed great baseball in Payson for many years. Now there will be two powerhouses to deal with in the White Mountains instead of just one once we build what I want here."
The stunning announcement left baseball fans and followers in Sedona shocked and outraged. When the stadium burned following the 1918 season, a grassroots movement began to rebuild not only the ballpark but the whole organization, which had been at the back of the Arizona League pack for most of the league's existence. Ground had already been broken for a new stadium, and excitement was probably at an all-time high to make Sedona an arts AND baseball town. Even some of the most crusty town leaders who had opposed the baseball team before said they were now sold on keeping a successful franchise in town. Now they won't get the chance.
"We just don't get it," Sedona ticket holder Dennis Mobley said. "We want answers. Why did Mr. Larsen sell out on us? Something sounds fishy about the whole deal. I don't trust that Cooley fellow one bit."
Larsen apparently hasn't stuck around to answer any questions. He said in his written statement that he "has left the country for awhile" and that he "appreciates everything Sedona has done for me and for the baseball franchise over the past 19 years. We tried our best but I had no choice but the sell at this time. Good luck to Mr. Cooley, to the players and may the team enjoy success in the future."
The Sedona-Show Low franchise finished 70-92 this past season, seventh out of eight teams in the Northern League. The Scorpions were 23 games behind NL champs Flagstaff and Grand Canyon.
The Arizona Republic will have more on this story as it develops.