Prospect League President Bryan Wickline announced today that Dave Chase of Bartlett, Tennessee has been selected as the Commissioner after an extensive national search.  Chase most recently served as President/General Manager of the St. Louis Cardinals Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League, the Memphis Redbirds.  Along the way Dave has also worked in various roles for Baseball America magazine including a stint as Publisher and President.  Chase’s professional baseball career began in 1978 as Assistant General Manager of the then Double-A Savannah Braves.  An outline of Dave’s career is presented below.

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Positive Reputation & Expansion  PROSPECT LEAGUE ON UPWARD SWING  The BlueSox are part of a summer college league that is on the move. Not only by expanding 4 teams over last season - going from 11 to 15 teams - put as a positive impact for summer collegiate baseball. The Prospect League spring meeting ended Wednesday on a number of positive notes.  Last season was a success and the 2010 season is projected to be bigger and better. "We had a great meeting in Indianapolis", commented BlueSox owner/GM Leo Trich. "As you look around the table, you are dealing with quality baseball people with an impressive amount of experience.  New communities have joined since 2009 and more will be coming," predicted Trich. .   "The [Prospect] League prides itself in providing a competitive baseball environment for the players and great entertainment for fans of all types and all ages. The Butler BlueSox are happy to be part of this organization and I know the Prospect League will continue to grow and develop an outstanding reputation in the years ahead," Trich concluded.    ******************************** Prospect League Championship Concept Changes for 2010 At the league meetings in Indianapolis IN, the board of directors voted to have “first half” champs (based on the first 28 games) – and then Second half champs at the end of the season. There will then be a playoff series at the end of the season based on both standings. This system was created because of the size of the league and the three division concept. Other College leagues and even some of the professional minor leagues use such a system. Those who support this effort indicate that it will keep more teams in the “hunt” for a chance a playoff berth.  Fans too should like it, in that teams can recover from what might be a slow start at the beginning of the season – and can start fresh with a new chance at doing better in the “second half” of the season. More information on the specific will be announced soon.