Fans of Sliders' baseball can look forward to seeing their favorite team on Springfield through at least 2017. 2012 was the last year of the Sliders' contract with Springfield, and the first year under new ownership. The Springfield Park District has signed a new 5 year agreement with the club's new owners. Springfield Park District Executive Director Mike Stratton says the city gave the new owners a good impression of the city, and the club's future at Robin Roberts Stadium. Stratton says the Sliders averaged between 1600 and 2200 fans per home game. He believes strong marketing and low ticket prices are what keep fans coming out to support the team, while several other teams in the past have failed and left. Stratton says while the district won't be making much money off the new contract, providing summertime entertainment for 16 to 22 hundred fans a night is a good use of the park's facilities. The team's original 5 year contract ended in 2012. The Sliders are part of the collegiate Prospect League which includes teams from 5 other states.
