AA Beppu City to Move North
October 4rd, 2028
Toyama Wind Dancers Blog
A long-term plan kept under guard. now gaining traction. Sources have been swirling this morning of a pending, and likely imminent, move and rebranding of the AA affiliate Beppu City Pandas. The team's 10-year lease runs out at the end of 2028 and is not going to be renewed. Negotiations stalled last year as the Pandas were declined a new stadium expansion to the 15,900 seat Panda Pen, one of the smallest stadiums in the league. Despite back to back playoff appearances, the Panda's have one of the lowest attendances in the league and not out of a lack of interest. Toyama officials under the leadership of ambitious GM Dylan Krupilis have, allegedly, finalized a deal sending the team north to the island of Hokkaido which hasn't had a professional baseball team since the Shinobi back in 2020. A stadium in the Toyohira Ward of Sapporo has been under construction since early last year with the assumption a team was planning a move.
Along with the relocation, the 18-year-old Panda mascot will be retired in favor of a newer, more local brand to reflect the unique climate and culture of Hokkaido.
These sources are unconfirmed but we will wait to hear more.
Sources: AA Beppu City to Move North
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Sources: AA Beppu City to Move North
Dylan Krupilis
GM - Toyama Wind Dancers
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1x PEBA Champion (2038)
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GM - Toyama Wind Dancers
Web Admin/Tech Guru
1x PEBA Champion (2038)
3x Sovereign League Champion (2034, 2037, 2038)
1x GM of the Year (2034)
- DrewV
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Re: Sources: AA Beppu City to Move North
Very interesting! Excited to see Hokkaido's mascot and logo.
Drew Visscher (GM Ricky McCoy) | Duluth Warriors
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Re: Sources: AA Beppu City to Move North
Great job Dylan!
RJ Ermola
Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations
Crystal Lake Sandgnats
*2024 PEBA Champions*
Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations
Crystal Lake Sandgnats
*2024 PEBA Champions*