T-Bones win first game 3-2! (Boxscore) (Scorecard)
I'll be out of town this weekend so the blog may not be updated again until Monday. Be sure to check the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and the Sioux City Journal for coverage of the T-Bones' road exhibition games Friday and Saturday.

A unique level of baseball
Atchison Daily Globe, KS - May 10, 2003
"The Kansas City T-Bones will be unique this summer. The Northern League style of baseball is something that, over the years, has died away. Before Minor League baseball and independent professional baseball, professional baseball teams were scattered across America. Back then you either played for a Major League Baseball team or you were the property of a smaller professional franchise. The Majors used these smaller pro leagues to find talent until they formed the Minor League system that we know now."

A more detailed history of the Northern League can be found here.

T-Bones give a peek at new ballpark
Kansas City Kansan
" 'It's probably one of the best parks I've ever played at,' said pitcher, Johnathan Krysa. The ballpark provides a little uniqueness such as the nontraditional dimensions in the outfield, the 18-foot wall in left field, the larger, more roomy seats and closeness of the fans' seats to the action. Krysa was very impressed with the ballpark as he participated in the tour which was given by general manager, Adam Ehlert and field manager Al Gallagher.

Krysa is not new to breaking in a ball park. While playing with an independent league team in Lexington, Ky., last year, he had the opportunity to play in a park that was built that very same year. He before that season, broke in another ballpark in Edinburg, Texas Now he may have a chance to play in another new ball park for the T-Bones. 'I'm actually lucky to get to play in a brand new field every year I'm playing. This one (CommunityAmerica Ballpark) actually tops them all,' said Krysa."

T-Bones' players survive tryout, now look toward season
Kansas City Kansan
An in-depth look at T-Bones catcher Allen Shrum.

Northern League Transactions
5/14/2003 - Kansas City- Signed C Chad Shingle (Rookie), and LHP Jeffrey Terrell (Rookie).

The T-Bones have new construction photos up from May 12th.

Kansas City T-Bones 2003 Exhibition Schedule
Thursday, May 15, 6:05 PM @Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
Friday, May 16, 7:03 PM @Sioux Falls Canaries
Saturday, May 17, 6:05 PM @Sioux City Explorers (in Sloan, IA)

T-Bones begin spring training/tryout camp!
T-Bones Press Release - May 12, 2003
120 people showed up for the first day of tryouts on Saturday. Only 16 were invited back for the second day. Spring training continues at Kansas City Kansas Community College through Wednesday. After the team gets back from a exhibition road trip, spring training will continue Monday at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. This release also has pictures from spring training.

A work in progress
Lawrence Journal World - May 9, 2003
"Community America Ballpark is a long way from being ready for the T-Bones' home opener June 6 against the Sioux City Explorers. The fences and light standards are up, the bulk of the seats are in, the sod has been installed, but there are no paved parking lots, the concession stands and rest rooms are unfinished, and the scoreboard won't arrive until the next week or two."

"Community America Ballpark also will offer an additional 1,500 seats on a berm behind the right-field fence for $4.50. In other words, you can sit with or without a blanket on the grass behind the four-foot high wall. You may prefer a seat, however, because the berm's steep angle will test your comfort quotient. Still, the grass seating is a only short throw from the children's playground area, so you don't have to worry about your kids sliding down the hill. And the berm also offers a majestic view of the Kansas Speedway press box and grandstand to the south."

There are some new pictures of the ball park with this article. You'll be able to find high-speed Internet access points at the CAB this year. Is anyone out there actually going to bring a laptop to a ball game?