Why owner John Bollinger believes the Grand Forks Spitfires are here to stay
May 15—GRAND FORKS — Longtime Grand Forks residents can't be blamed if they approach the prospect of another local collegiate summer league with apprehension. After all, three baseball teams have come and gone in the last three decades, each leaving a sour taste in the community's mouth. After the Northwoods League announced its plans for an expansion softball team in Grand Forks, the Herald editorial board published a column titled Our Opinion: Northwoods League softball could fill niche, if presented and operated correctly.
When John Bollinger, a member of the Grand Forks Spitfires ownership group, read the editorial, he added a section on the team website responding to the concerns. Bollinger is the majority owner and CEO of the Bismarck Larks and Minot Hot Tots, two Northwoods League baseball teams. He is also the majority owner and CEO of the Minot Honeybees, a Northwoods League softball team.
Bollinger believes his latest venture, now named the Grand Forks Spitfires , can succeed where previous baseball teams failed: sticking around. "Folks that have their doubts, I'd say you should, because we have to earn it," Bollinger said. "But I'd also say we came into this with eyes wide open.
We know why teams have come and gone. It won't be easy. But I do know we care a lot, and I know we have some really good, fun strategies and ways we approach this, and we're going to do our best.
I think that's why it's different. " With opening day approaching on June 9, some previous concerns have already been addressed. The venue, Albrecht Field, will be among the best in the league.
Continue to the original source for the full article.