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Memphis, TN (AP) ? After the announcement by a Charlotte group to bring a BLB expansion team to Charlotte, John Griffin and his Blues and Barbeque group announced their intention of grabbing one of the possibly four teams that will be up for grabs. President John Griffin stated, ?After failing to get an NFL team twice, it is time that we go after a team in a sport that many Memphians care about.?
The Memphis group has already picked out a team name, the Fighting Iguanas and a stadium will be built at 3rd and Union, across from the world famous Peabody Hotel. No word yet if the Peabody ducks will have any involvement with the team. The Fighting Iguanas will also be run as a non-profit organization to show the city that there is no chance the team would ever be sold and moved out of the city. ?Having a non-profit setup like the Green Bay Packers sparks fan loyalty, affordable seats and concessions, and a real sense of community?, said Griffin.
Presently, the Wilmington Wildcats have their AAA club located in Memphis. When asked about this expansion possibility, team owner Sully stated, ?I wish them luck, I really don?t care. They pack the house for AAA and they train my players. However, let?s be honest, AAA are a dime a dozen and bitch I got a dollar?!
The only owner to speak out against a possible Memphis club has been Virginia Colonials owner Clay Shaver. In a statement released by the club, Shaver expresses a worry over the Memphis team bringing the Civil War back into the league and possible gun shots ringing out from the neighboring Civil War reenactments. Griffin responded, ?If Mr. Shaver will keep his powdered wigs out of the league, I will do my best to keep musket rifles and coon hats out of it as well.?
Baseball is no stranger to the city of Memphis. Memphis has always had a well supported minor league team. The Memphis Chicks started play in 1902 and lasted in the city until 1960 when the Memphis Blues were moved into town. The Blues played to big crowds until Major League Baseball closed its doors. With the restart of the BLB, the Wilmington Wildcats put their AAA team in Memphis. Also, the Negro League Memphis Red Sox made their home over on Crump Avenue in Memphis.
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