WhistlePigs and $2 beers: Minor league clubs ‘kicked out of baseball’ face uncertain future, liberation in exile

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“I don’t think that when Major League Baseball blew up minor-league baseball that they had a full understanding of how minor-league baseball operated, and a full plan going forward as to how to operate it,” said Jeff Katofsky, owner of the Northern Colorado Owlz, a former rookie-ball Angels affiliate, who said the reorganization cost his franchise millions in value. “Financially, it beat the hell out of us,” he said.

Several officials described a scramble to find new leagues in 2021, undertake a new business model without MLB franchises subsidizing costs, and build rosters without MLB supplying the talent. “We had to fly the plane as we were building it,” said Matt Van Hise, general manager of the Boise Hawks, a former rookie-level Rockies affiliate. Several pronounced themselves stunned at the costs once handled by parent clubs. “It’s around $50,000 a year for bats and balls,” Haug said. “It’s crazy.”

Yet many felt liberated in exile. They praised the MLB officials dispatched by Manfred to expedite the transition. They forged deeper connections with players. They appreciated greater freedom in marketing. Some suggested the quality of play was better than affiliated ball; others reported improved merchandise sales. Many expressed optimism about their future economic prospects. After a canceled season in 2020, the minor-league operators sounded overjoyed that fans welcomed them back and embraced the new normal.

“I’ve been in this business for over 30 years, and last year was one of my favorite years I’ve ever had,” said Matt Ellis, president of the Missoula PaddleHeads, a former Diamondbacks affiliate in the Pioneer League.