$GFMD - Former Padre Gary Templeton to Manage Nort

$GFMD - Former Padre Gary Templeton to Manage North County Cannons in AWBL News» NEW MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM COMING Written by Tod Leonard 12:01 a.m., Oct. 14, 2012 Updated 11:12 p.m. , Oct. 13, 2012 Retired Marine Major Jim Hoynes has dreamed of bringing minor league professional baseball to North County for some time, and he is well on his way to making it a reality. Hoynes said this week he has paid a franchise fee to the new American West Baseball League to own a team, the North County Cannons, that will play in the baseball facility at Cal State San Marcos. The AWBL will be an independent league with Single-A level players and is scheduled to begin its inaugural, 90-game season in May 2013. “I think it’s time now,” Hoynes said, “for the North County region to have its own team. I’ve been interested in bringing a team to North County for seven or eight years. There’s a need for more family entertainment venues.” The AWBL is the brainchild of Michael Cummings, who bought two teams in the independent North American League, which shut down its operations after only one season. Cummings then formed the AWBL and has commitments from franchises in San Marcos, Long Beach, Fullerton and Yuma, Ariz. Hoynes, a Carlsbad resident, said two to four more teams are expected to be formed. The Cannons will play 45 home games, Hoynes said. To do so, the team will have to add bleachers at Cal State San Marcos, as well as temporary lighting. The cost for tickets will be no more than $10. Hoynes said he has been in negotiations with former Padres player Garry Templeton to be the team’s first manager.