Rockbridge Rapids cease operations, drop out of Valley League

The Valley League will have one less member in 2014 with the news Tuesday that the Rockbridge Rapids are ceasing operations.

“Following thoughtful and realistic analysis, Rockbridge Community Baseball Inc. has decided not to field a team in the Valley Baseball League in 2014,” reads a letter signed by team president William Luton and vice president/general manager Kenneth Newman.

The team was founded in 2008 and began play in 2009. In the letter, Luton and Newman said operating costs have gone up over the organization’s five years of operations as financial resources have declined.

“For the past two years, we relied heavily on the financial support of the Booster Club. Running the Rapids is a year-round operation, and the number of volunteers to assist them, as well as for 44 games in the summer, has lessened,” the letter reads.

In the end, organization leaders decided that it “would be impossible to deliver a quality product for the community.”

“Many thanks to Washington and Lee University, host families, coaches, players, Booster Club members, local businesses, community service organizations, volunteers and fans of all ages. It is with deep regret that Rockbridge Community Baseball Inc. has made this difficult decision.”