MiLB: Loudoun Hounds on Track for 2013 Start

The newest Atlantic League franchise, run by President and CEO Bob Farren, is slated to have  its inaugural campaign in 2013. 

According to the Ashburn Patch, first pitch was scheduled for 2012, but delays in the stadium construction pushed things back for another year. Delays were more or less expected as the construction on the stadium has not even started, 

"The organization has been exploring numerous scenarios for months on 2012 and 2013 opening,” said Bob Farren, president and CEO of Virginia Investment Partnership LLC, parent company of the Loudoun Hounds Professional Baseball Club, in an Oct. 21 press release. “We continue to make progress, but we have to be realistic: 2013 works better for us.” 

Of course it is disappointing to the fans, investors, players and management who were obviously geared up to make an immediate impact, but as Farren stated, construction and the process need to be done the right way to avoid any mistakes that might derail the process further.

“The Hounds are dedicated to offering the best quality experience for the families in this community,” Farren said in the release. “There is no other option but to ensure this ballpark is built to exacting detail and done the right way rather than the rushed way. The end result is still going to be a fantastic, family-friendly venue that will host a range of sports and entertainment events.” 

What should make the wait bearable is the fact that the interest of the fans appears to be the number one priority for Hounds’ management. 

It’s a very fickle Indy market where successful teams have zero fan support and end showing big losses at the end of the year, yet the Hounds’ higher-ups understand that everyone has to work together to make this a success. 

For more info on the team or if you want to stay updated on the Hounds’ progress, visit their website here or follow them on Twitter.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals& Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.