Newport, R.I., Cardines Field to host four-team collegiate baseball league

Reigning A-10 All-Rookie Team member Justin Cherry of URI pitched with the Newport Gulls (NECBL) last summer. (URI Athletics)

The Futures League may not be the only collegiate baseball league in town this summer.

Michael Falcone, who previously served as the Director of Operations for the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, is planning to start the Newport Collegiate Baseball League later in July -- as long as Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo approves the state's move to Phase III of its reopening plan.

Falcone is working to fill out rosters for a four-team league. Each team will play an 18-game season with all games being played at historic Cardines Field in Newport, R.I.

"Right now, we're working with all of the Division 1 schools in the area to fill out rosters," Falcone said. "There's been a great response so far. Coaches are willing to get kids out playing. Some have connections with the Gulls here. A lot of guys who are local have signed on to play with us."