FRANKLIN — Today, it's the 60 and over league. But soon, the only professional baseball in town to see will be right here at Milkmen Stadium in Franklin.
"People are pumped, they're ready for some baseball," Roc Ventures Entertainment and Events Director Jim Rinelli says. "I mean, for the love of the game, the American Association did what Major League Baseball and minor league baseball could not do. They're bringing professional baseball back. And Milwaukee, Franklin, is one of the areas that gets it"
Whether or not there's Major League Baseball this summer, the Milkmen are giving it a go, on July 3.
"The Major League Baseball players are squabbling over money," Rinelli says. "You know, we relied on the American Association to come through, and again for the love of the game, they decided to do it."
The Milkmen will have fans, but due to social distancing, it will be far less than capacity. About 1,500 people will fill the stadium.
"This stadium is brand new," explains Rinelli. "It's a 4,000-seat stadium, but with what's going on in the world? We're going to have to limit our capacity. About 35 percent, to start out, so it will be about 1,500 fans. We'll be practicing social distancing here."
Rinelli says he's heard the frustration from local pro baseball fans and hopes the Milkmen are here to help fill that void.
"They're condensing minor league baseball," Rinelli continues. "The draft went from 40 rounds to five rounds. That opens up our pool of talent for the American Association baseball. We're going to get some top-level baseball players, playing right here. "
