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HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Whalers officially announced their plans to move the team after the 2005 season. Starting in 2006 they will begin play as the Cleveland Buckeyes.
Cleveland is not a city known for it's sporting triumphs. Their last championship was in football, before the Super Bowl era, when the Browns won the 1964 NFL championship. MLB's Cleveland Indians last won the World Series in 1948 and although they had some success in the late 90's appear to be returning to their losing ways.
Despite their history Cleveland fans are still loyal so the timing of this move could pay off for the Whalers. They have struggled recently but the track record of GM Andrew Stevens speaks for itself. He experienced tremendous success with the Maine Guides, winning six championships during his tenure from 1978 to 1992. However, his return to the BLB has been a much greater challenge. After taking over the Whalers in 2002 Stevens has seen his team's win total and attendance decline three years in a row. Last season the Whalers posted their lowest attendance since 1992 and their lowest win total in franchise history.
To Stevens the decision to move was based on the financial needs of the team. "Nobody likes to lose but our management team came in knowing this would be a rebuilding process. We appreciate what Hartford has done for this franchise but we didn't feel like the market could support what we're trying to accomplish. Cleveland provides a great opportunity and we look forward to bringing the fans there a Brewmasters Championship."
Recently re-signed starting pitcher Willie Castellanos was on hand to show off the team's new uniforms. "These last few seasons have been a struggle but we've got some exciting young players coming up in the next few years and I expect good things from this group." Castellanos downplayed recent trade rumors, "There's always chatter but you just have to block it out. We signed an extension and I look forward to pitching in Cleveland for the next four years."
Despite losing their BLB team, Hartford fans will still have baseball in 2006. The AA Middletown Falcons will move to Hartford and become the Hartford Lions. Cleveland's other minor league affiliates will be the Boston Pilgrims (AAA) and the Miami Beach Flamingos (A).
Cleveland is not a city known for it's sporting triumphs. Their last championship was in football, before the Super Bowl era, when the Browns won the 1964 NFL championship. MLB's Cleveland Indians last won the World Series in 1948 and although they had some success in the late 90's appear to be returning to their losing ways.
Despite their history Cleveland fans are still loyal so the timing of this move could pay off for the Whalers. They have struggled recently but the track record of GM Andrew Stevens speaks for itself. He experienced tremendous success with the Maine Guides, winning six championships during his tenure from 1978 to 1992. However, his return to the BLB has been a much greater challenge. After taking over the Whalers in 2002 Stevens has seen his team's win total and attendance decline three years in a row. Last season the Whalers posted their lowest attendance since 1992 and their lowest win total in franchise history.
To Stevens the decision to move was based on the financial needs of the team. "Nobody likes to lose but our management team came in knowing this would be a rebuilding process. We appreciate what Hartford has done for this franchise but we didn't feel like the market could support what we're trying to accomplish. Cleveland provides a great opportunity and we look forward to bringing the fans there a Brewmasters Championship."
Recently re-signed starting pitcher Willie Castellanos was on hand to show off the team's new uniforms. "These last few seasons have been a struggle but we've got some exciting young players coming up in the next few years and I expect good things from this group." Castellanos downplayed recent trade rumors, "There's always chatter but you just have to block it out. We signed an extension and I look forward to pitching in Cleveland for the next four years."
Despite losing their BLB team, Hartford fans will still have baseball in 2006. The AA Middletown Falcons will move to Hartford and become the Hartford Lions. Cleveland's other minor league affiliates will be the Boston Pilgrims (AAA) and the Miami Beach Flamingos (A).
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