Fireflies to Host Holiday Themed Virtual 5K; Mason’s Jingle Jog

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

A portion of Race proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies are hosting a virtual holiday 5K Wednesday, December 9 through Wednesday, December 16 for fans looking to stay active this winter. The 3.1-mile race can be walked, jogged or run, and fans of all ages and athletic abilities are encouraged to participate. The race is entirely virtual and can be completed anywhere at any time between December 9-16.

Race entry fees for Mason’s Jingle Jog are $40 per person and includes a special holiday Fireflies dry-fit race shirt, entry to the race, a donation to the Salvation Army and a prize for the top male and female finishers in each of the four age brackets. The divisions will be under 18, 19-25, 26-35 and 36+. All shirts will be mailed to runners; shipping is also included in the entry fee.

Runners will track their time by joining the race group on the Strava app. Once you download the app, you can sign into the race and the app will track your time and distance and submit it to the Fireflies upon completion of your 5K. After registering for the race, runners will be sent direct access to the race group as well as instructions on how to download Strava and join the group.

”This is a great virtual event to promote fitness and our community’s great holiday spirit of giving,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “The Salvation Army does such amazing work in our region, and we’re excited to continue our support.”

To sign-up for the race, visit the race registration page here. Registration orders placed before December 2nd will receive their race shirts the week of December 9th. Registration orders placed after the 2nd will receive their shirt after the race. For more information about this event and other upcoming events at Segra Park and in the Midlands Community, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Live Baseball & Movie Screening in Honor of 100th Anniversary Celebration of Negro Leagues

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Fireflies are hosting a Negro League Celebration to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues at Segra Park on October 10.

At 3:00 pm, the Community All-Star Baseball League (CASBL) will host game one of their championship series. Following the game, the movie “42”, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, will be shown on the videoboard, beginning at 7:15 pm. Gates will open at 2:15 pm.

“The CASBL is a Men’s Adult Baseball League that operates in the midlands area of South Carolina,” said CASBL President Derrick Mobley. “We have been in existence in excess of 70+ years with a deep and rich history of African-American involvement. Although, we are a more diverse league now, our foundation began during the segregation era and mirrored the Negro Leagues and Textile Leagues of yesteryear. Fortunately, we have been able to continuously operate from the 50’s until the present. As such, our league is extremely proud of the African American participation that we have retained throughout the years despite the continued decline of African American percentages within Major League Baseball. We pride ourselves on being one of the oldest operating, if not the oldest, men’s adult baseball leagues within the state. In fact, several articles and television specials have been written about our documented history.”

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated back to the CASBL to help further their goals and mission.

Fans can purchase a seating bowl ticket for $17.25 – inclusive of all taxes and fees. The ticket includes access to both the baseball game and the screening of the movie, as well as a Nathan’s Famous hot dog, chips and a fountain soda.

To get up close and personal to the 2018 South Atlantic League Field of the Year, fans can purchase Field Seating to watch the movie from the outfield grass at Segra Park. For a 10’ x 10’ square for up to four people, fans pay $69.00; larger 10’ x 20’ squares are available for up to six guests ($103.50) or for up to eight guests ($138.00). There are 10’ aisleways between each square. All Field Seating also includes Nathan’s Famous hot dog, chips and a fountain soda. Field Seating guests are encouraged to bring towels or blankets; no chairs will be allowed into the ballpark. Field Seating guests will be able to watch the game from the Bojangles’ Berm, the Palmetto Pavilion or the Bullpen Boxes, and will then be permitted to move to the field for the movie at the conclusion of the game.

“The Fireflies are honored to have the CASBL start their Championship Series at Segra Park,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “As baseball fans, we have all heard the stories legends of Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The CASBL tells the stories of C.J. Edwards (“The String Bean Slinger”), Dewayne Wise, Skeet Thomas, Hernando “Pep” Harris, G.G. Harris and many more former professional players. Their stories are important, and the legacy of all these ballplayers shall live on.”

Capacity is limited to 1,000 fans to allow for social distancing. Fans can buy tickets online here.

*What can I expect at Segra Park? *

Expect the following measures to be in place for the comfort and safety of all attendees:

  • Masks will be required for admission and for movement on the concourse and restrooms.
  • Waivers will be required for all attendees.
  • All staff will be wearing masks.
  • All employees handling food and beverages will be wearing masks and gloves.
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the concourse.
  • Enhanced restroom sanitization before, during and after the event.
  • Social distancing of six feet between groups shall be required in all queues.
  • Bring a credit or debit card; no cash will be accepted.

SC Philharmonic Dining Experience Comes to Segra Park

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia Fireflies and the South Carolina Philharmonic are partnering to bring the arts and a unique dining experience to Segra Park on Thursday, October 1. Fans will be able to order dinner and drinks (menu here) while listening to a five-piece band under the covered concourse overlooking the diamond.

The musicians to be featured at the special dining experience are trumpeters Charlie Polk and Dick Goodwin, Eric Gulfus on horn, Trombonist Michael Wilkinson and Tuba-player Ronald Davis.

“The South Carolina Philharmonic is thrilled for this opportunity to perform at beautiful Segra Park,” said South Carolina Philharmonic Executive Director Rhonda Hunsinger. “We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future as COVID restrictions lift and larger ensembles are possible.”

Tickets for the event are $12.50 and all proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the South Carolina Philharmonic. There will be two seatings for the event, one from 5:30-7pm and the second from 7:30-9pm. The half-hour break between the two sessions are for sanitizing surfaces and helping to maintain adequate social distancing measures.

A second Dining Experience with the SC Philharmonic is also on the calendar for Friday, November 6.

”Segra Park was designed as a multi-use sports and entertainment venue,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “While we lost the 2020 baseball season, we are excited to bring the arts to the ballpark on October 1. We are here to bring our community together, and music is an art that unites us all.”

You can buy tickets for the event here. For more information on events at Segra Park, visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

Fireflies Launch “We Are Fireflies” Jersey Campaign

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced the launch of the “We Are Fireflies” jersey campaign. Fans, season ticket and suite members, partners and Fireflies supporters across the Midlands and the country can have their names on a jersey that the Fireflies will wear on the first Saturday home game of the 2021 season.

”This is a great way for the community to join forces with the Fireflies as we launch this innovative initiative,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “It represents an opportunity to support the team, support a fantastic non-profit in Homeless No More, and to represent you, your family or loved ones by adding a name or several names to the jersey. It’s a great win-win proposition.”

The jerseys are white with a block text “Fireflies” logo on the front and jersey numbers on the back with no name plate. The sleeves are colored blue with a yellow stripe and include the Fireflies bug logo on the right shoulder. The entire body of the jersey will be filled with the names of those who purchase the opportunity through the campaign.

Fans can purchase packages to add their name to the jersey starting at just $30. The $30 package gets one name on the jersey, a Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star seat ticket for the game and a $5 donation to Homeless No More. There is a total of eight different packages, ranging from $30-$2,500, with varying tickets and hospitality, exclusive experiences and increased donations based on package selection.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Columbia Fireflies and are thankful for all they do in the community,” said Elizabeth Blake Dudek, Director of Development for Homeless No More. “We are honored to have them on our team as we end family homelessness!”

The jerseys worn during the game will be auctioned off during the game, with proceeds benefitting Homeless No More. The auction will be held both online and in-park. Players will autograph the jersey after the game and present it to the winning bidder on the field at Segra Park immediately after the game and prior to the fireworks; online winners will have their jersey shipped to them.

More information on the “We Are Fireflies” jersey campaign, and the various package options, can be found by clicking here. Packages can be purchased online here.

Chenango Forks, Maine Endwell, and Binghamton Seniors To Graduate June 26-28

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Binghamton, NY – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies will host their first ever Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium from June 26th – June 28th. The Rumble Ponies will host Chenango Forks High School (June 26th), Maine Endwell High School (June 27), and Binghamton High School (June 28th) for Graduation Ceremonies,

“It was important for us to work with the schools and host Graduation Weekend at NYSEG Stadium,” said Managing Director, John Bayne. “The Seniors have worked hard for this moment, and students and proud parents deserve a Graduation ceremony. The Rumble Ponies are happy we can partner with the local school districts to shine a spotlight on these graduates.”

In accordance with the guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo all groups will be limited to 150 people, proper sanitation and social distancing will be observed. All spectators, graduates, administrators, and support staff will also be required to wear a face mask while attending the ceremonies.

NYSEG Stadium will be thoroughly sanitized between sessions to ensure the health and safety of all attending Graduation Weekend.

“This is a real community event and shows how strong the Southern Tier is,” said Bayne. “Without the assistance of the sponsors none of this would have been possible.” Sponsors for the event include: BAE Systems, FE Jones Construction, M&T Bank, The Smith Group, Friends of Donna Lupardo, Insurance Office of America, IBM, Price Chopper, Servpro, Visions Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Blaze Pizza, and J&K Plumbing & Heating.

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets. For more information follow along with the Ponies on Facebook facebook.com/RumblePoniesBB, or on Twitter at @RumblePoniesBB.

### Rumble Ponies ##

Throwback Columbia Shirsey Pre-Sale to Benefit Columbia Urban League

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Columbia, S.C. – To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Negro Leagues, the Columbia Fireflies today announced the pre-sale of a throwback-style “shirsey.” The shirts say “Columbia” and are designed in the style of the Newark Eagles uniforms the Fireflies would have worn on-field during their Negro League Celebration weekend June 13-14. The Newark Eagles were a Negro League Baseball team in the 1930’s-40’s that won the 1946 Negro League World Series and boasted seven future Hall of Famers, including Camden-native Larry Doby.

The number on the shirt is 14 — the number worn by Larry Doby during his player career. The Fireflies retired Doby’s number in 2019, along with fellow trailblazers Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson, to honor his legacy on the game and his heritage in the Midlands area. Doby broke the American League color barrier July 5, 1947 when he made his debut with the Cleveland Indians, who later retired his number in 1994.

“Although there isn’t baseball this weekend at Segra Park, the Fireflies will continue to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the heroes that broke barriers in our sport and in our nation,” said Fireflies team President John Katz. “From Rube Foster – the founder and president of the Negro National League in 1920 – to Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 – we will continue to honor their memories, celebrate their legacies and ensure that they will always be remembered in our community.”

100% of the profits from the shirsey sales will benefit the Columbia Urban League. The Columbia Urban League was established in 1967 and is an affiliate of the 110-year-old National Urban League. Their mission is to assist African Americans and other undeserved and disadvantaged populations in becoming productive and contributing members of society. They achieve this mission through service delivery, advocacy and bridge building.

“In celebrating the Negro National League’s Centennial Anniversary, we recognize the leadership of Rube Foster, the ‘father of black baseball,’ who was a famous baseball pitcher, manager and owner,” said President and CEO of the Columbia Urban League James T. “J.T.” McLawhorn Jr.. “During this Centennial Anniversary, we salute Mr. Foster and other players who demonstrated the importance of perseverance in achieving your mission even in a climate of overt racism and hostility.”

The pre-sale begins today and runs until midnight on Sunday, July 12. Shirt sizes small through large cost $22. 2XL-3XL cost $24 and 4XL shirts cost $25.

For more information, and to pre-order the Throwback Columbia Shirsey, visit the Mason Jar Team Store online.

Fireflies T-Shirts Result in Donation for “Peace of Mind”

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies raised over $2,300 to support “Peace of Mind,” a program that provides free hotel rooms to Columbia’s first responders, medical professionals and front-line city staff who work in challenging environments that might allow for overexposure to the Coronavirus. The Fireflies were able to raise the money by selling a limited edition “Wash Your Wings” t-shirt and donated the profits to the Midlands organization.

“We are extremely excited that we were able to raise over $2,300 for Peace of Mind,” said Mallory Turnbull, Merchandise Manager for the Fireflies. “Orders for the Wash Your Wings T-Shirt came in from all over the country and we would like to thank everyone who purchased a shirt for supporting our local community and the front line workers who continue to work hard to keep our community safe.”

The Fireflies initiative started April 16 and ran through April 30.

Peace of Mind is administered by the Columbia Police Foundation, who have set a goal to raise at least $20,000. If you would like to donate separately, you can send donations to:

Columbia Police Foundation

Attn: Chief Skip Holbrook

1 Justice Square

Columbia, SC 29201

Even though shirt sales have ended, the Fireflies are continuing their efforts to help the Midlands during this time. The Fireflies have partnered with Minor League Baseball and Feeding America to help the national CommUNITY First campaign. Fireflies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

Columbia Fireflies Join Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced they are joining MiLB CommUNITY First, a new national initiative developed by Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) in conjunction with Feeding America®, to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fireflies fans are encouraged to visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst through May 31 to donate. Once on the site, fans can choose their donation amount and the Columbia Fireflies as the recipient of their donation to direct funds to the Midlands community. For every $10 donated, the Fireflies will donate one ticket to a future home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“Columbia has a long history of coming together as a community to lift each other up during times of crisis and loss,” said Fireflies team president John Katz. “Columbia is our home and will be for decades to come. This is a great opportunity to help raise funds for our community and to reward the brave men and women serving on the front-line of the pandemic response teams across the Midlands, from healthcare workers to first responders and everyone in between.”

School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and extended stay-at-home orders have disproportionately impacted people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity in the next six months, according to Feeding America. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a network of more than 200 affiliates, Feeding America has projected a $1.4 billion shortfall in the next six months alone.

In response, contributions from Fireflies fans and Minor League Baseball will help ensure families and individuals across the country most impacted by the pandemic are fed and cared for during these uncertain times. Join the national campaign by donating and selecting Columbia Fireflies at MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst use #MiLBCommUNITYFirst on social media to show your support.

Fireflies Seek 2020 National Anthem Performers

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Fireflies to Host Three National Anthem Audition Dates in March

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Columbia Fireflies today announced that they will be hosting auditions in search for National Anthem singers to perform during the 2020 season. The Fireflies are seeking soloists and groups of all ages to perform the National Anthem for Fireflies regular season home games. Auditions will take place in the Club Lounge at Segra Park.

Auditions are by appointment only Monday, March 2nd, Wednesday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 10th . To reserve your audition time please contact Nick Musial at [email protected] or (803)888-3047. Those that have performed at a Fireflies game in the past must audition again.

The Fireflies host 70 home games between April 9th and September 4th. Performances during the season are not guaranteed to everyone that auditions. Those that are selected to perform will receive four complimentary tickets to the game the night of their performance. Season tickets are now available for the 2020 Columbia Fireflies season.

Single game tickets for all Fireflies home games will go on sale Thursday, February 20 at 10am. To purchase your tickets visit the Fireflies Box Office located at Segra Park, contact the Box Office by phone at 803-726-4487 or visit ColumbiaFireflies.com.

 

Fireflies Now Accepting Nominations for Fourth Annual Military Hero Card Set

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Tradition of Honoring Local Heroes continues with help from AllSouth Federal Credit Union

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Columbia Fireflies are seeking nominations for local military personnel, including those actively deployed, reservists and veterans, to be featured in their fourth annual Military Hero Baseball Card Set Giveaway presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union. The card sets will be given away at a Fireflies game on Friday, April 10 to the first 1,000 fans in attendance.

“The Fireflies have always had a deep appreciation for and connection to all members of the military,” said Fireflies President John Katz, “We are proud to continue our partnership with AllSouth to honor our local heroes – both past and present – in such a special way.”

The Military Hero Baseball Card Set is an initiative that the Fireflies have proudly produced since its inception in 2017. Since then, over 60 different local military members have been included in the card sets and recognized on-field at Segra Park.

“Supporting our military is the foundation on which AllSouth was built,” said Vice President of Marketing for AllSouth Federal Credit Union, Connie Hernandez Vizitei, “and we continue this tradition. We are honored to sponsor a set of baseball cards for those who proudly served our country.”

The Fireflies are now accepting nominations for this set and veterans as well as active duty service members across all branches of the military are encouraged to participate. Those selected for the card set will be contacted directly by a Fireflies representative.

Nominations can be submitted online now through February 19 here:

https://www.milb.com/columbia/forms/2020-military-hero

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Fireflies to Host Job Fair January 11

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Fireflies today announced they will be hosting a job fair to hire for 2020 seasonal positions. All positions will be game day positions. The job fair will take place at Segra Park on Saturday, January 11 beginning at 10am and running until 12:30pm.

Game day positions open for hiring include:

  • Usher
  • Parking
  • Facebook Photographer
  • Greeter
  • Video Production Staff
  • Ticketing Staff
  • Merchandise Staff
  • Janitorial Staff
  • Kid Zone Attendant
  • Grounds Crew Staff
  • Batboys / Batgirls
  • Food & Beverage Staff
    • Bartender
    • Server
    • Concessions
    • Cook
    • Kitchen Staff

Interviews will take place on the spot for the above positions. Everyone interested in applying is encouraged to attend. Applicants should print and complete the New Employee Application to bring with them to the job fair.

Returning employees should complete the Returning Employee Application and contact Katie Maroney at [email protected] prior to the job fair to reapply for the 2020 season.

Columbia Fireflies is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age (as required by law), physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline and termination.

2020 Season Memberships are on sale now and can be purchased at the Fireflies Box Office, online at FirefliesTickets.com or over the phone at 803-726-4487. Individual Tickets for the 2020 season will go on sale in February.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Spring training and St. Lucie Mets job fair on Dec. 14

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets will host a Job Fair for New York Mets spring training and the St. Lucie Mets season on Saturday, December 14 at the team’s Minor League Complex & Rehabilitation Center located on Peacock Blvd.

The job fair, which features several game day positions at First Data Filed, will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All employees from past seasons must re-apply and we also welcome new applicants.

For more information call 772-871-2100.

 

National Anthem tryouts held on Saturday, Dec. 14

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Open auditions to sing the National Anthem at New York Mets spring training home games and St. Lucie Mets home games for the 2020 season will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Due to the renovation project at First Data Field, tryouts will take place on the backfields of the Minor League Complex & Rehabilitation Center located off Peacock Blvd.

The anthem can be sung or performed with instruments but must fit within a 90-second time frame. Auditions will be judged against the standard of the traditional performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Contestants can RSVP with Mary O’Brien by calling 772-871-2100 or emailing [email protected].

 

Mason in Search of a Trick-or-Treating Partner

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Columbia Fireflies and Mason today announced that Mason is in search of a friend to spend his Halloween with. Children can enter a contest to win the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat with Mason. To enter, kids only need to submit a drawing of themselves with their pal Mason. The contest winner and their family will be joined by Mason for an hour-long Trick-or-Treating adventure on October 31.

Drawings can be submitted directly to Mason at:

By mail or delivery:                                          By Email:

Attn: Mason                                                   [email protected]

Segra Park

1640 Freed Street

Columbia, SC 29201

All submissions must be received by 5:00p.m. on Thursday, October 24th. Submissions must include the child’s name, date of birth, address, and parent / guardian phone number and email address. Winners will be notified on Friday, October 25th.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Syracuse Mets Announce Pre-Season Fundraiser: Meet the Syracuse Mets

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets will be hosting a brand-new fundraising event which will also give fans their first opportunity to meet the 2019 Syracuse Mets players and coaching staff. Meet the Syracuse Mets will take place on Tuesday, April 2nd at Embassy Suites Destiny USA from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. This Meet the Syracuse Mets dinner will benefit the Challenger baseball League, RBI Baseball League, and District 8 Little League.

“Having a new team gives us an opportunity for a fresh idea,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “This dinner is a little different take on the traditional Hot Stove dinner we did in the past. The Hot Stove dinner gave fans the chance to meet a few players and the Manager. Meet the Syracuse Mets gives fans the chance to meet the entire team just before the season starts.”

Meet the Syracuse Mets will be an opportunity for fans to meet and dine with the 2019 Syracuse Mets team. Tickets for the event are $75 for adults and $45 for children 12 & under. Fans will be randomly seated at a table with at least one player and/or coach for the Syracuse Mets. Tables are available for $700. Seating is limited and only 30 tables will be sold. The event is a sit-down full dinner with player interviews and a Q&A opportunity.

In addition, fans can participate in a silent auction, featuring autographed items, NBT Bank Stadium memorabilia, and items from local CNY organizations. The proceeds of the silent auction will benefit the organizations: Challenger baseball, RBI Baseball, and District 8 Little League.

Meet the Syracuse Mets is sponsored by NBT Bank, Visit Syracuse, Embassy Suite at Destiny USA, Coca-Cola, and Cumulus Media Group.

Tickets for Meet the Mets will go on sale March 11th at the Onondaga Coach Ticket Office at NBT Bank Stadium, over the phone during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or online anytime at SyracuseMets.com. Fans can also purchase tickets to any regular season home game at NBT Bank Stadium to see the Syracuse Mets in action.

The CNY Challenger Baseball League is the nations largest baseball league that provides the opportunity for children and adults of all mental and physical capabilities to play. http://syracusechallengerbaseball.com/

Syracuse RBI uses baseball and softball and the power of team to provide inner city youth with the opportunity to play, to learn, and to grow – inspiring them to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. http://www.syracuserbi.com/

District 8 Little League covers 28 leagues including girls’ softball and provides an excellent outlet of clean, competitive baseball fun for our community.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.