In the 1980s the dream of MLB expansion for Buffalo was very close to happening. Back then Rich Baseball Group bought and operated a network of minor league teams at each level, with teams here in Buffalo (AAA), Wichita (AA) and Jamestown (A).

That setup has worked well over the past decade. But changes are in the works, as rumors are swirling that the Wichita franchise is ready to bolt for new digs in Springdale, Arkansas, where a referendum this week was held to raise their sales tax to fund the construction of a new 7,000-seat ballpark.

To move the team, the Riches would have to break their lease with the City of Wichita, which runs through the 2009 season. The team plays at aging Lawrence Dumont Stadium, by far the oldest ballpark in the Texas League, and ranks dead last in league attendance.

As this scenario unfolds, Rich Baseball might land in Springdale, or, as another possible outcome, the City of Wichita has a 30-day option to buy the franchise at “fair market value” should the Riches break their lease. Based on appraisals, the team could fetch $10 million or more, a tidy profit considering AA teams sold in the mid-six figures in the early 1990s.

While city officials have indicated in the past that they would be open to exercising their option to purchase the team and broker it for a yet unnamed buyer, Wichita Mayor Carlos Mayans dismissed such an idea last week. “I don’t believe that we should be in the business of buying the Wranglers. I don’t think the city should get into that kind of business. We shouldn’t be owning a ball team,” said Mayans.

Springdale is the corporate home of Tyson Foods and one of those communities experiencing white-hot growth, but not everyone there is giddy about the idea of building a ballpark and welcoming Rich’s team. Reverend Ronnie Floyd, senior pastor of Springdale’s First Baptist Church, has been the lightning rod for those opposing the new stadium.

Floyd’s objection? The ballpark would allow alcohol and beer sales, and that does not sit well with him. The good reverend has at least one ally on the Springdale city council, who does not want to subject his constituents’ children to the trauma and horror of coming to the ballpark and having to see someone consuming a beer. “If that’s what people want, I would support that restriction. I serve the people,” Councilman Bobby Stout said. Stout noted on a personal level he would prefer an alcohol-free environment. “I would not like to see some father, wife and daughter sitting down and watching a ballgame and someone on either side drinking a beer.”

Whatever is happening behind the scenes, Bob and Mindy Rich aren’t talking publicly to anyone in either city. A member of Wranglers management declined to speak on the record, but did express the team’s frustration with the community, saying promotions such as ticket discounts and dollar beer nights have not sparked attendance, then referring further queries to “your people in Buffalo.” We solicited comment from Rich Baseball and sent a list of questions. The Bisons media department replied “Unfortunately…the Bisons have no comment on this issue.”

Rich’s Jamestown Jammers might undergo the same turmoil in coming seasons, as the NY-Penn League now boasts gleaming new venues in such cities as Brooklyn, Staten Island, Aberdeen and this season a new ballpark at State College on the Penn State campus. The Jammers play in Diethrick Park, light years away from the amenities and ambience found in many of its peer venues.

For most Bisons fans, all this might mean as much as the price of coffee in China. The Bisons have a solid lease and working agreement with Erie County at Dunn Tire Park. Rich Baseball’s commitment to our community has been beyond reproach, not to mention their significant investment of private dollars into the ballpark.

Then again, this is Buffalo, where Ralph Wilson, the Bills and their ongoing stadium and lease issues go back decades. Or the Sabres, whose ownership went through the Knoxes to the Rigases to the NHL and to Golisano, all in the last decade. And who can forget the Buffalo Braves’ Paul Snyder and John Y. Brown fiasco? So when a local owner makes corporate moves which might have repercussions on our teams, it always bears watching.

Around the Bases

The third “Faith Night,” featuring a pregame concert in the tent party area with Christian Gospel music, takes place Saturday, July 22 before the Bisons/Skychiefs game. The promotion has been quite a success, with over 1,300 fans attending the last such event in June. Bisons concessions stands, including beer taps, will be open the whole time. Hallelujah!

Former Bisons pitcher Rick Reed will be honored on July 23 as the 74th member inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame. Reed played baseball 18 seasons for six different MLB teams, and was a vital part of the Bisons from 1988-1991. Reed could very well have spent more of his career in the Bigs had he not taken a courageous stand and crossed the picket line during the 1994-95 MLBPA strike.

Bisons outfielder Ben Francisco’s amazing hitting streak came to an end this past Sunday at 24 games. Former Bison Alex Ramirez holds the modern-era record at 28 games.