Many Try to Copy Success

Whether the proposed Golden State League becomes the Foldin’ State League isn’t really the point when it comes to independent baseball.

Even if the Valley-based Golden State never gets off the ground, others are planning to take wing, for better or worse. Independent minor league ball has quickly become a rage as it establishes footholds across North America.

The Golden State, organized by investment banker Bob Weinstein of Chatsworth, is one of nine leagues that could be in place by next summer, according to published reports.

The highly successful Northern League has become the bellwether for those who choose to meander down the independent path. Early reports, judging by turnout, indicate that fans like what they see.

Consequently, organizers of independent leagues believe the demand hasn’t been satiated and have anted up to prove the point.

Golden State research indicates that the number of minor league teams fell from more than 400 in 1950 to 99 in 1993. Independents plan to fill the long-standing void.

In addition to the Golden State, leagues that reportedly are playing or in the organizational stages are:

* The Western League (spanning Washington state, Canada and California) is expected to begin play in 1995. The league plans to field eight teams in two divisions.

The north division will have teams located in Washington and British Columbia while the south will have franchises in Palm Springs, Long Beach, Salinas and Rohnert Park.

The league president is Bruce Engel, a former franchise owner in the Northern League. Al Campanis, formerly of the Dodgers, will serve as the Palm Springs general manager.

* The North Central League, with six teams located in the U.S. and Canada, opened play in June.

How’s this for a logistics nightmare: A 17-hour bus ride is required to cover the distance between league franchises located in Minneapolis and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The Minneapolis entry is coached by former major leaguers Greg Olson and Juan Berenguer.

* The eight-team Texas-Louisiana League opened its 88-game schedule in May. Managers include former major league notables Pete Falcone, Charley Kerfeld, Alan Ashby and Jose Cruz.

* The eight-team Frontier League began play last summer with clubs scattered across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia.

* The Great Central League, with teams in four cities spanning the American Heartland, began a 72-game schedule in June. Managers include ex-big leaguers George (Boomer) Scott, Paul Blair and Cleon Jones.

* The four-team Northeast Baseball League, based in New York State, opened its 45-game season July 1.

* The Mid-South League, with seven teams in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, is expected to open play next summer.