New Northwoods League team coming to Dune Coast in 2027
NEW BUFFALO, Mich. -- Baseball is coming to the Dune Coast; a new Northwoods League team is set to take the field in May 2027, and community members got their first look at the vision during a town hall Wednesday in New Buffalo.
The meeting gave residents a chance to hear from team leaders, ask questions and weigh in on how the organization will take shape.
“I think you’ll notice that none of us are politicians, we aren’t business owners, we’re just local dads with kids that love baseball,” said Tom Rowland, co-owner of Dune Coast.
The Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in North America, with teams across the United States and Canada. More than 350 league alumni have gone on to play in Major League Baseball.
Starting in 2027, the Dune Coast will have a team of its own. Leaders say the project is about more than bringing summer collegiate baseball to town. They say profits from the team will be reinvested into local schools, community programs and charity projects.
The team is also committing more than $750,000 in facility improvements at Bison Field. Those upgrades are expected to include artificial turf infields, netting, outfield fencing, new dugouts and bullpens.
Team leaders say they also want the organization to create opportunities for students and residents, including up to 50 seasonal internships and educational partnerships in broadcasting, sports management, media relations, marketing, game-day operations and baseball operations.
“We’re gonna have cameramen. We’re going to have production all being run by high school students in New Buffalo,” said Brian Williams, co-owner of Dune Coast. “Media relations, marketing, game-day operations, baseball operations — and we’re gonna have people working with players, just like we have analytics people at the Texas Rangers front office.”
On game days, leaders say fans can expect an affordable, family-friendly ballpark atmosphere with food, kids' zones, walk-up music and between-inning games.
Community member Gary Lang said he believes the team will be a strong fit for the area.
“I think it’s baseball in its purest form,” Lang said. “It’s a wooden bat league, and its kids hoping to make the major leagues. The place should be great, and this is a tourist area. People are looking for things to do all the time. This is a great evening activity, and it’ll be fun. It’ll be affordable, much like the South Bend Cubs.”
Team leaders also addressed neighborhood concerns during the town hall. They said music and crowd noise would only happen during games and at a reasonable volume. First pitch for the Dune Coast team is scheduled for May 2027.