2-17-15 fdl school board withdraws offer to baseball inc.

The Fond du Lac District is severing its ties with Fond du lac Baseball Inc.  Following a closed door meeting Monday night the school board announced a proposed contract with Baseball Inc. regarding the operation of the Woodworth Baseball complex is no longer on the table.  A 15 year lease expires February 25th.  The board issued a statement through their attorney that reads  “By its words and actions, Baseball Inc. has communicated its rejection of our lease offer.  Therefore, the Board is merely withdrawing the offer effective immediately as a means of removing any ambiguity over the legal status of the document.”   The statement says it became increasingly clear over the last year that the Board’s themes for modernization and bringing the lease in line with that of other athletic groups connected with the District were not welcomed by Baseball Inc.   The statement goes on to say that in recent weeks, social media and other commentary from Baseball Inc. leadership representatives created an irreparable situation.  “Among them, the comments made regarding Dr. Sebert were inappropriate.  He represented the Board in good faith as part of the Board’s negotiation team along with our attorney and I.”  Board President Elizabeth Hayes said. Baseball Inc. president Tim Twohig says he is in a state of shock.  “I was totally shocked that they want to end all negotiation and withdraw the lease offer immediately,”  Twohig told WFDL news. “It sounds like they are putting an end to it and I’ve contacted our attorney and I’ll talk to him and see what our next move is.”   The Board says it has directed the Administration to engage the Recreation Department in discussions with the leadership of Fond du Lac Youth Baseball, a distinctly different organization, for the upcoming baseball season.  The Board says it is committed to ensuring baseball continues to be a staple in the community and aspires to see even stronger programs and opportunities for the youth of the community.   Since the inception of the complex, District resources have been used and will continue to be used with any new partners. The Board stated it wishes to thank Fond du Lac Baseball Inc. for their efforts and work these past 30 years.