February 1996

February 29:

Rob Zachmann becomes the fifth player signed by a major league team, in his case the Seattle Mariners. Zachmann was a power-hitting catcher for the Newark Barge Bandits in 1995, among the league leaders in a number of categories.
Tina Lianandonakis is the new administrative assistant for the league office.

February 22:

The league has finalized teams for 1996. Three of the four teams last year (Nashua Hawks, Newark Barge Bandits, Welland AquaDucks) will be returning, with three new teams joining the league this year: Massachusetts Mad Dogs (Lynn, MA), Catskill Cougars (Mountaindale, NY) and a team to be named in Altoona, PA.
Four players from the league have been signed by major league teams to minor league contracts. Stan Stewart, a pitcher with the Newark Barge Bandits, was signed by the Yankees. Kevin Humpreys, also a Newark pitcher, was signed by the Angels. Al Marshall, an outfielder with the Welland AquaDucks, was signed by the Tigers. Chris Festa, a pitcher with the Nashua Hawks, was signed by the Red Sox.
The league will be holding a tryout camp May 6-8 in East Meadow (Long Island), New York. Interested players should contact the league office for more information.
Tim Whitman is the league's new Director of Public Relations. The St. John's University graduate has public relations experience with Madison Square Garden and the U.S. Open.

February 5:

Two new teams have been announced for 1996: the Massachusetts Mad Dogs (Lynn, MA) and the Catskill Cougars (Mountaindale, NY, home to the Northeast League's Sullivan Mountain Lions in 1995).