PBL: Smoke postpones Riders Wednesday; new team on way

BOISE, Idaho — Wednesday’s Pioneer League game between the Glacier Range Riders an d host Boise Hawks was postponed because of wildfire smoke.

“Due to poor air quality, we have made the difficult decision to postpone tonight’s game in order to prioritize the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and fans,” the Hawks said in a statement posted to Boisehawks.com. “Air quality conditions continue to evolve, but based on the information available at this time, we believe this is the best course of action. AQI was not improving at the same rate as yesterday and wanted to err on the side of caution.” 

The statement added the plan was to make up the game as part of a Friday doubleheader starting at 5:30 p.m.

The teams did play Thursday night. That game had not ended at press time.

PBL coming to Orange County

IRVINE, Calif. — The Pioneer Baseball League announced Thursday that the it will have a team in Orange County in 2027.

“The Irvine City Council voted Tuesday to approve a five-year agreement with Innovation Baseball Partners (IBP), clearing the way for a yet-to-be-named Pioneer Baseball League club to begin play at Great Park Baseball Stadium in the summer of 2027,” a statement on Pioneerleague.com reads.

“Founded in 1939, the Pioneer Baseball League is an MLB Partner League now in its 87th year, with player eligibility limited to those with no more than two years of professional experience. Great Park Baseball Stadium. ... will now serve as the home of the region’s newest professional club.

“Details on the club’s official branding, final venue agreements, and player signings will be released in the coming months.”