The Pioneer Baseball League Expands to Flathead County, MT

Kelly Family to Own New Ballclub, Intends to Build Ballpark in Flathead Valley Area

Spokane, WA – August 16, 2021

The Pioneer Baseball League (PBL) Board of Directors today approved the application of Ridge Run Baseball, LLC to join the league with a team expected to begin play in 2022 in Flathead County, MT encompassing the communities of the valley. It will become the 10th team in the league, joining the Northern Colorado Owlz who will also begin play in the 2022 season.

The yet to be named team will be led by an ownership group of the Kelly Family, owners of a national construction company. The Kelly family have been part-time residents of Flathead County for 20 years.

“We are truly excited to bring the Pioneer League to Flathead County, one of the fastest growing and most beautiful regions in the country,” said PBL President Mike Shapiro. “With the Kelly family’s ownership of the team and their commitment to building a first-class ballpark, Flathead County will enjoy the benefits of a great family entertainment experience while watching some of the most outstanding young professional baseball players in the country.”

The team’s proposed new ballpark, to be constructed on a parcel of land located north of Kalispell off Highway 93, will feature approximately 2,500 seats in addition to berm seating and other social-gathering areas. The facility will host a range of family-friendly sports and entertainment events, provide an intimate fan experience, and will serve as a center for a wide variety of local community activities.

“Our family is proud to bring minor league baseball and professional sports to the Flathead Valley community,” said Marty Kelly. “We look forward to giving back to the region and bringing friends and families together through professional baseball and other events all year long.”

The Kelly Family are also the founders of the Sunbelt Baseball League, a collegiate summer wood bat league serving the Georgia and Alabama areas.

“The atmosphere for baseball here in Flathead County is a perfect fit. We could not be happier to see a Pioneer League expansion team here in the County – a team for all of the communities here in the valley to support and to rally behind,” said Randy Brodehl, Chairman of the Flathead County Commission.

About the Pioneer Baseball League: Since 1939, the Pioneer League has operated in the Mountain West region. Beginning in 2021, the PBL became a Major League Baseball Professional Partner League with teams in Montana (Billings, Missoula and Great Falls), Idaho (Boise and Idaho Falls), Utah (Ogden) and Colorado (Grand Junction and Colorado Springs). The Northern Colorado Owlz, formerly the Orem Owlz, and an expansion team in Flathead County, MT will join the League for the 2022 season. For more information go to www.pioneerleague.com.

About Flathead County: Founded in 1893, Flathead County is the 4th largest county in Montana. There are 3 incorporated cities in the County. Kalispell, which is the largest, has a population of approximately 19,927. Two additional major municipalities include Whitefish, with a population of 6,357, and Columbia Falls, with a population of 4,688.