Southern Illinois Baseball Group officials met at the new stadium site in Marion to announce they have purchased a Frontier League expansion team, which means there will be professional baseball in Marion in the spring of 2007. What’s unique about the transaction is that the group will not purchase an existing team from the Frontier League and move it to Marion, but rather form an expansion team consisting largely of players from the Southern Illinois region, including several SIUC, SIUE and community college grads, for example.

“Baseball in Southern Illinois is going to mean so many great things,” said Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is expected to attend today’s press conference. “It is going to attract more tourists, who will spend more money throughout the region. It is going to put more people to work. But it is also going to improve the quality of life here by bringing America’s pastime to a place that absolutely loves baseball. This team will be tough, resilient and talented - just like the people of Southern Illinois.”

At the governor’s urging, the state approved a $3 million grant to the city of Marion last year for public infrastructure improvements to accommodate the new stadium, as well as other new developments around the stadium site. This important economic development project, which is being built at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Illinois 13 in Marion, is estimated to generate more $3 million in annual economic activity for the region.

“I’m excited to help bring this form of affordable family entertainment to Southern Illinois,” team owner Jayne Simmons said. “I can only hope the residents and tourists enjoy everything minor league baseball has to offer. I want to thank everyone that has helped make this dream a reality and let’s play ball!”

SIBG spokesman Dennis Poshard said the decision to join the Frontier League and bring pro baseball to Marion excites him. “For this to become a reality is like a dream come true for me,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier for Southern Illinois and I couldn’t be more appreciative of all the effort put forth to make this happen.”

Poshard said about three years have passed since the idea of bringing pro ball to Southern Illinois was first discussed. “I think it will be huge for this area,” he said. “I’ve been to many minor league games and taken my family to games. This is going to be huge for our area, a fantastic quality of life improvement. And I’m happy to be a part of it.”