Beloved actor and long-time Chicago Cubs fan, Bill Murray, is now officially part-owner of the Joliet Slammers. The Evanston native was previously a part-owner of the St. Paul Saints until they were sold to a new ownership group last year and has decided to invest closer to home with the purchase of the Frontier League team.
Murray completed the purchase of a majority stake alongside renowned businessman and long time-collaborator Mike Veeck who also worked with Murray in reviving the Saints back in the early 1990s and has since worked for numerous Major League Baseball teams.
Often credited with the revival of independent baseball in the United States, their work consequently saw Veeck, who is also the son of legendary White Sox owner Bill Veeck, featured in the recent Netflix documentary “The Saint of Second Chances.”
Joining Murray and Veeck in the ownership group is Veeck’s son Night Train Veeck who will reportedly be involved in day-to-day operations with the club. Former majority owner Nick Semaca, who the Slammers in 2013 and saw three ownership changes in four years, will remain a part shareholder working alongside the group.
“I am super excited about Mike, Night Train, and Bill coming into our ballclub to launch a new growth era for the Slammers. And I am excited to remain a part of the ownership group–it really is a great time for the team, the City, and most importantly our fans,” said Semaca in a press release.
The Chicago suburbs team competes in the Frontier League which is a professional partner league of Major League Baseball. Since replacing the defunct Joliet JackHammers they have played their home games at Joliet’s Duly Health and Care Field. Their home opener will take place on Friday, May 10 against the Evansville Otters.
More information can be found at www.jolietslammers.com.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]