Pastime Baseball League
July 11, 2011
PBL To Add Four Teams in 2013
League says division, playoff structures to remain
Pastime Baseball League president Matt Hendricks addressed the media today, putting to rest speculation about the big announcement leaked several weeks ago.
"The PBL has been a tremendous success," Hendricks began. "That success has created both the financial wherewithal and the popularity-based need for the league to expand. It is with that in mind that the PBL announces it will add four new teams to begin play with the 2013 season. We are accepting pitches for prospective cities in each region at this time, but as should be obvious each division will pick up one team."
In followup, Hendricks made clear the following:
-- There will be no realignment. Each division will add one of the new franchises and no teams will be moved outside of their current divisions.
-- The playoff structure will not change. No wildcards, division winners only.
Boston, Atlanta, Oklahoma City and Portland are early favorites to pick up new franchises, but Hendricks made clear the league is very open to smaller cities seeking a franchise. "If they can present a viable plan, we will gladly consider them."
The new cities will be announced a week after the PBL Championship Series concludes.