American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. In today’s edition of American Association Daily, Robert Pannier discusses the sale of the Sioux Falls Canaries.

Sioux Falls Canaries Have New Owners

It sure did not take long. Almost exactly five months after the Sioux Falls Canaries ownership announced that the team was for sale they have now been sold. The team announced on Tuesday that current owners Mark Ogren and Tom Garrity had sold the team to a group that included Brian Slipka, the founder and managing partner of True North Equity Partners. The group also includes Anthony Albanese and Sam Swartz. The two men are the co-founders of Duke Cannon Supply Company.

In a statement provided by Albanese, he explained “We’re on a mission to provide the hard-working folks of South Dakota a best-in-class fan experience both on and off the field. We’re investing in some immediate improvements to the Birdcage and that’s just the beginning.”

Added Slipka, “We’re confident that the fans are going to enjoy our approach to improving the baseball experience and that word will spread quickly — the Canaries will be the hottest ticket in Sioux Falls starting with our home opener on May 18.”

Slipka was born in Sioux Falls which is one of the things that the American Association was looking for. The league had wanted an ownership group who had ties the community, and they must be pleased with Slipka heading the group purchasing the club. While currently living in the Twin Cities, he will serve as the managing partner.

In the interim, Garrity will remain with the club as a consultant. No timetable has been set for his ultimate departure from the Canaries. General Manager Duell Higbe will also remain with the club. No word was provided as to the status of current Manager Mike Meyer but, after a season where they team reached the American Association championship series, it is likely he will return next season as well.

An Impressive Ownership Group

Duke Cannon Supply Company is the provider of men’s grooming products. The two men founded the company with a focus on helping veterans while paying tribute to those who have served in the military.

True North Equity Partners was founded by Slipka after he served several years as a senior executive and is the founder and CEO of Honour Capital, LLC.

By Robert Pannier