The Grand Junction Jackalopes (Colorado) baseball club today announced that accomplished film and television producer/director Mike Tollin has acquired the club playing in the historic independent Pioneer Baseball League (PBL), an MLB Partner League, per the association.
Tollin, an avid baseball fan and no stranger to the sports world, has won four Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards. Plus, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Chasing the Dream, a documentary on legendary slugger Hank Aaron.
Additionally, he served as executive director for The Last Dance, the 10-part Emmy-winning series on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. He also produced The Captain, a seven-part series on former New York Yankees great Derek Jeter.
Tollin, a Philadelphia, Pa., native, is also known for producing acclaimed sports films such as Radio (staring Cuba Goodin, Jr.) and Coach Carter (Samuel L. Jackson).
“I’m so excited to be a part of the Grand Junction community and look forward to
reinventing the Jackalopes baseball club to better serve the community by providing fun,
affordable, family-friendly entertainment all summer long,” Tollin said in a press release “I’m looking forward to connecting the Jackalopes to the fans and local businesses in a new way, and we’re determined to make attending Jackalopes games this season a completely different experience.”
Among Tollin’s first moves was to rehire the front-office staff led by team president Mick
Ritter and general manager Harrison Shapiro.
“On behalf of the Pioneer League, I couldn’t be happier to have my dear friend Mike
Tollin assume ownership of the Jackalopes,” PBL president Mike Shapiro said. “I know Mike will passionately and creatively revamp the club not only as the treasured community asset it should be but also bring a unique perspective to operating the team as a sports and entertainment property.”
The club will soon release a unique and exciting promotional and entertainment schedule and a reimagined concessions menu.
The Jackalopes open up the 2024 Pioneer League campaign on Tuesday, May 21st at 7:05 p.m. on the road against the Boise Hawks.
— Jerry Del Priore
Photo: Grand Junction Jackalopes.
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 