the successful Northern League to form the Northern League-East. But prior to the start of the 2000 season, the Massachusetts Mad Dogs ran into financial trouble and folded. The league needed a team to fill the eighth slot and the Cougars stepped up. New owner Van Schley gave Baxter Field a $150,000 facelift. But the Cougars finished 7th (38-47), and the break in play caused average attendance to drop to an average of 645, last in the league. Schley estimated losses on the season at about $500,000. Following the 2000 season, the team stated that it could only compete in 2001 if it pre-sold 250 season tickets. It did not, and ceased operations, along with the Waterbury Spirit. Baxter Field was eventually sold and torn down. Notable alumni Gavin Fingleson, Olympic baseball silver medal winner References Northern League (baseball, 1993–2010) teams Defunct independent baseball league teams Defunct baseball teams in New York (state) Sports clubs disestablished in 2000 1995 establishments in New York (state) Baseball teams established in 1995 2000 disestablishments in New York (state) Baseball teams disestablished in 2000 North Atlantic League teams