The Southern League today announced the approval of the sale of the Huntsville Stars to an ownership group led by Ken Young, in addition to approving the relocation of the franchise to Biloxi, Mississippi, with play beginning there in 2015. The sale is still subject to approval from both Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball.
The news means the 2014 campaign will mark the final season for the Stars, who are the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, at Joe W. Davis Stadium in Huntsville. The club has played at “The Joe”, currently the oldest facility in the Southern League, dating back to the 1985 season.
Young is the President and Founder of Ovations Food Services, and also currently owns several other Minor League Baseball clubs, including the Pacific Coast League’s Albuquerque Isotopes and the Norfolk Tides of the International League.
In a press release, Southern League President Lori Webb stated, “Leaving Huntsville at the end of the 2014 season will be bittersweet for our league due to our long association with former Stars’ owner and beloved former Southern League President, Don Mincher. But as sad as we are to be leaving the Huntsville market, we are also excited as we look forward to opening a new ballpark in Boloxi and bringing professional baseball to that community.”
The Smokies will visit Huntsville twice during the 2014 season with the first trip between May 26-30, followed by Tennessee’s final five games at Joe W. Davis Stadium between July 16-20.
James Rowe
smokiesradio
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