The Lake Erie Monarchs announced their move to Flat Rock, Michigan today. Monarchs President & GM Jim DeSana stated that the team will be moving to Flat Rock and playing their 2014 season home games at Flat Rock Community Field. The $2.7 million dollar facility built in 2000 has seating capacity for 1500 fans along with many amenities ideal for the summer collegiate baseball program.
The Lake Erie Monarchs were established in 1999 and have been a member of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League for the past 15 years. The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League is sanctioned by Major League Baseball and is recognized as one of the top wood bat summer leagues in the United States, having over 700 league alumni drafted, including over 100 players who played for Major League teams. The Michigan based Monarchs played their first 3 seasons in Carleton, Michigan, but played the last 10 seasons just across the State Line in Toledo, Ohio. The team played home games at Ned Skeldon Stadium, the former home of the Toledo Mud Hens. “Ned Skeldon was a very nice facility for our team for the past 10 seasons” said DeSana. “The playing surface was phenomenal, but the aging structure and location did not lend itself well to a summer collegiate operation.” DeSana added. “We have always wanted to operate out of a facility in Michigan and moving to Flat Rock provides a great opportunity for us to get into a small town and close to our natural fan base.” “I want to thank Mayor Dropiewski and the City Council for welcoming our team to Flat Rock and the greater Downriver area.”
The Monarchs play their Great Lakes League home opener on Friday June 6th when they host the Lima Locos at 7:05pm. Click Here for the entire schedule.