Last month, I wrote an article about the Atlantic League putting a team in New Britain next year. Since the league isn’t looking to add another team for the 2016 season, one has to be relocated to New Britain.  There was much speculation that the Camden Riversharks, whose lease was up at the end of the season, would be the team to relocate if an agreement wasn’t reached.

That is no longer just speculation anymore. Yesterday, October 21st, The Camden Riversharks issued this statement on their website:

10/21/2015 11:36 AM –

RIVERSHARKS BASEBALL COMES TO CLOSE AFTER 15 YEARS

TEAM NOT OFFERED NEW LEASE

MERCHANDISE SALE THURSDAY-SATURDAY

The Camden Riversharks announced today that the club will cease operations immediately due to the inability to reach an agreement on lease terms with the ballpark’s owner, the Camden County Improvement Authority (“CCIA”).

Campbell’s Field has been home since inception in 2001, and the ballpark has twice been named Baseball America’s Ballpark of the Year. Over 3.5 million fans have attended Riversharks games over the past 15 years.

We would like to thank our partners and fans for supporting the club for 15 memorable seasons. We did everything we could to keep affordable, family entertainment alive and well in Camden

A final team merchandise sale will be held at the ballpark on Thursday, October 22-Friday October 23 from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm, and Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 am – Noon.

For further information on baseball in Camden or Campbell’s Field, call 856-751-2242 or email justask@camdencounty.com.

Now the question becomes, what will happen to Campbell’s Field in Camden?

(Photo By: ballparkreviews.com)

According to nj.com, their sources had told them in September that the stadium could be host to a new team next season.

Next season seems to be a bit of a stretch as the date has already passed for an affiliated team to relocate there, and it doesn’t appear that any other independent league is looking to add or relocate a team at this time.

More than likely if another professional baseball team does play in Camden, it won’t be until 2017 at the earliest. There have been rumors that they are looking to bring in a Short Season NY-Penn League team to Campbell’s Field.  The Phillies would have to approve any major league affiliated team moving into the area since the field is located within the Phillies’ territory;  However, it was reported in September by the Baseball Digest “that the Philadelphia Phillies have already signed off on the effort.”

We will keep you updated on the situation at Campbell’s Field as well as the new team in New Britain as information is made available. Please subscribe to our site to get the latest news!