Lexington Legends, Wild Health Field sold to Nashville developer

Not even two years after the Lexington Legends announced a move to the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), the local franchise has been sold.

In a press release sent out Friday by Atlantic League President Rick White, it was announced that Nashville-based company, Vintage South Development, has purchased the Legends, along with the Wild Health Field real estate, from former CEO Andy Shea. According to the release, “Vintage South develops, owns, and operates commercial and residential properties in Nashville and other markets, combining the charm and character of the past with modern innovation and refinement.”

In what was the franchise’s first season with the MLB partner league in 2021, the Legends won the Atlantic League Championship. Lexington is also home to another ALPB team, the Wild Health Genomes, which joined the league back in February. The new owners intend to keep the Legends in Lexington.

We're excited to share this news with our fan base and look forward to the exciting future of baseball in the Bluegrass! pic.twitter.com/TD5WY6MI4D

— Lexington Legends (@LexingtonLegend) October 28, 2022

“Today is an exciting day for our family,” Lyons said in the release. “Our commitment to the City of Lexington and surrounding areas will allow us to offer a best-in-class fan experience. Our investments into the club and Wild Health Field will pay immediate dividends for all Legends fans. This is a great sports town and we look forward to continuing with the winning tradition set by all Lexington teams.”

Shea and his family previously owned the Legends since 2005. He will continue his role as President and CEO of the Charleston Dirty Birds, a fellow ALPB franchise.

“It’s definitely a unique and special moment for me and our family. We love Lexington and the fans who have supported us throughout the years,” Shea said in the release. “This has been our home and our business for nearly 18 years. This will allow me to spend more time with my family, wife, and kids. Our staff and our employees have been amazing and we are so very appreciative of them. We are confident that our staff will be in good hands with Nathan, as he will do great things for the Legends, Wild Health Field and the City of Lexington.”

The ALPB is not technically a minor league affiliate of MLB, however, they are associated with Major League Baseball franchises and have a history that began in 1998. Back in September 2020, the ALPB agreed to extend its connection as a “partner league” to MLB over the next three years where experimental rules will be implemented to see if they might be something that can be added to the big leagues.