FLORENCE, Ky. — The Florence Freedom baseball team is officially under new ownership and, as expected, will continue play at its current stadium.
Freedom Baseball Club, LLC, comprised of four general partners, acquired the professional team from Canterbury Baseball, LLC, according to a news release.
Through the acquisition, Florence Freedom will remain at the city-owned UC Health Stadium.
"The city is excited by Freedom Baseball Club, LLC's acquisition of our hometown team - the Florence Freedom," said Florence Mayor Diane Whalen in a written statement. "Their love and passion for the game is apparent, and we are looking forward to a long-term partnership with them as we learn more about what the future holds for our team and UC Health Stadium."
David DelBello, formerly of Procter & Gamble and president of DelBello Holdings, will assume the role of CEO of Florence Freedom.
"We are thrilled to work with the city of Florence as we continue the tradition of Frontier League baseball in Northern Kentucky," DelBello said.
Matt Kappers, managing director at Concordia Financial Group, will serve as CFO. Danny Heilbrunn, owner of DJH Management, will become vice president of business development, and Brian Bortz, president of Towne Building Group, will serve as vice president of facilities.
Canterbury Baseball, LLC was previously led by Clint Brown, who acquired Florence Freedom in 2004, the release said. When Brown passed away in January 2018, his wife Kim became president of the company. Kim Brown will be assisting the new owners with the transition.
"I am excited for the new ownership to carry on Clint's dream of professional baseball in Florence, Kentucky," said Kim Brown. "I look forward to working together to continue the team's great success."
UC Health Stadium seats 4,500 and is located right off I-71/75. The Freedom have been playing there since 2004.
The team's next home game is at 6:35 p.m. on July 31. The team is currently leading the West Division with a 38-24 record.
