On behalf of the Atlantic Coast League, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. This is a time for celebration and togetherness as a country, especially since we are still recovering from the effects of September 11, 2001.

Despite a lack of success on the field, the Anderson Joes apparently made a pretty good impression last year. Otherwise, why would not one but two leagues be trying to elbow their way into Anderson Memorial Stadium in 2009?

Tuesday city officials met with Michael W. Harden, the president and CEO of the new Atlantic Coast League for Professional Baseball. Next up is a group representing a rookie league from up north, now considering putting some teams down south — including one in the Electric City.

The Atlantic Coast League for Professional Baseball made a pitch to Anderson city officials Tuesday, but whether or not the Electric City decides to take a swing at the fledgling league remains to be seen.

Michael W. Harden, president and chief executive officer of the ACL, met with Anderson mayor Terence Roberts, parks and recreation director Bobby Beville and city manager John Moore to discuss the possibility of putting a franchise in Anderson for the 2009 season.

The Atlantic Coast League for Professional Baseball is pleased to announce their partnership deal with Victory Custom Athletic. The Atlantic Coast League entered into a three-year deal with Victory, who will be the official uniform outfitter for all the league's franchises.

"We are thrilled to have Victory on board with us," says President/CEO Michael Harden. "To have a deal such as this in place for all of our franchises, will guarantee that all players will be outfitted in comfortable uniforms. It will also help ease some of the work for each owner because they will not have to worry about searching for a reliable uniform provider, plus all franchises will be paying about the same price for uniforms. Owners will not have to do much of anything except place their orders."