[Eugene Church]

The Islandian Times

Sunday, January 20, 2002

IPA Commish Promises Expansion Decision Soon
In an exclusive interview with Gam Peters, The Islandian Times' top baseball analyst, Islandian Pro Alliance Commissioner John Banfield stated it was his desire and the desire of a majority of the owners to soon come to a decision on league expansion. Banford said, "We have been looking at expansion for almost a year now and we know all of the pros and cons. We have studied it thoroughly over the last two months. It is time for the IPA to make a decision. I just hope the public will accept our decision. It is our intention to do what is best for the future of professional baseball in the Islands."

Banford went on to say that he would be working to mediate the differences between the various factions and hopes to bring it all to a conclusion in the next few days. Peters asked Banford if he made the decision, would he be for or against expansion. Banford replied, "As commissioner I represent the league and its owners. I have my own personal opinion, but it's not the important thing. The important thing is to protect professional baseball in the Islands and do what is best for all concerned: the league, the owners and our loyal public, the wonderful baseball fans that support us."

BNN reported that Jock Ewing, one of the chairmen of the IPA Expansion Committee, told them, "Our committee has made several good faith concessions to expansion. We offered four teams. That was not enough. We then offered 8 teams a year for 5 years and that was not enough. So far, the other side is not willing to negotiate. The Expansion Committee feels that our plan is the prudent way to progress for the good of the sport. We are now waiting for the expansionists to bend a little."

The Times contacted Gates Billingham, one of the prime exponents of expanding the IPA, for comment. Billingham said, "Our group is patient. We know it might take some time to get a decision. We are happy that the commissioner has taken charge and hopes to bring this to a quick dissolution. Whatever the IPA decides, we will abide by their decision. My group does not intend to go to the courts and the legislature for help in this matter."

Asked if he would start his own professional league, Billingham responded, "No, we will not set up a renegade league. Down through history, second leagues in any sport have never thrived. That would not be good for pro baseball in the Islands. We do not want to be at war with a rival league and get into bidding wars for players. That could be ruinous for both leagues. One probably wouldn't survive. Our group wants an orderly expansion."