Colts join NABL foes in TV show for web

The North American Baseball League announced last week that it has come to agreement with TVS Television Network for a series featuring the 10 NABL teams that will air on the network's website.

"For the Love of the Game" will feature stories from heart-wrenching drama to wacky comedy that are part of life for minor league ballplayers, their fans and managers as they chase their dream of being part of America's pastime.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase our league, players and communities," said North American Baseball League President Brian MacInnes in a news release. "It's also a wonderful marketing opportunity for our business sponsors for product placement or advertising and for our fans to be part of the shows."

Filming of the first episode begins this week in Chico, Calif., as the Outlaws, led by former Dodgers World Series hero and National League all-star Mike Marshall, take on the Edmonton Capitals, who have nine players who have been in the major leagues and are striving to return.

TVS filmed games Monday and Tuesday and also filmed throughout the community those two days. Fans were encouraged to attend the two games with signs and in costumes supporting the Outlaws or Capitals to maximize their chances of being part of the show.

The network encourages the same attitude at its other filmings.

The filming moves to Yuma, Ariz., later this month as the Scorpions, led by Jose Canseco and his brother, Ozzie, take on the father-son duo of Garry Templeton and Garry Templeton II, who manage and coach the Maui Na Koa Ikaika.

The film crew will travel to Chicago and two locations in Texas (San Angelo and Harlingen) in August to wrap up the film schedule. Those dates will be announced shortly.

"I'm more excited about this show than any project we have done for a long time," said Charry Kennedy, CEO of Margate Entertainment, the parent company of TVS.

"Our company's heritage, since 1961, is sports programming. This show not only has a strong sports element but also has the real-life drama and dreams of those that have learned, sometimes the hard way, that once you hold a baseball it grips you for the rest of your life."

A spokesperson for the Colts said that the show will air weekly on TV4U.com, TVS' 42-channel broadband web network.

Gaines honored

Colts outfielder Ronnie Gaines was named the Rawlings Player of the Week in the North American League for the week of June 26.

Texas News Minute : News : ConnectAmarillo.com

COLLEGE STATION,   Texas (AP) - The number of counties with outdoor burn bans has reached a record 246 as drought conditions linger. The Texas Forest Service says the previous record was set in 2006 with 221 counties. An agency map shows the counties are scattered in northern and southern parts of the state.

SAN ANGELO,   Texas (AP) - Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs is again asking for removal of the judge overseeing his trial. Jeffs first sought to remove Judge Barbara Walther last month. After that motion failed, Jeffs switched attorneys, and his new counsel will try again today.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - Astronauts are working to place a huge storage bin aboard space shuttle Atlantis for its very last ride back to Earth. The crew used a robotic arm today to move the bus-sized canister from the International Space Station. Atlantis will undock tomorrow and is aiming to touchdown on Earth on Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) - Halliburton has posted a nearly 54 percent jump in its latest earnings period. The Houston-based company says the drilling expansion in North America helped boost its earnings. Revenue also hit a company record for the period.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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