We have a naming-rights deal to report: the home of the Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League) will be known as Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. “We love the great people at Radiology Associates and are proud to have their name on our freshly renovated ballpark,” said Daytona Cubs Owner Andy […]
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Goldberg-Strassler: I am a sign of spring
If it’s the middle of February, it means two things: one, players are reporting to spring training, and two, seasonal employees are returning to the ballpark. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler is among the latter; here’s his story. I am a sign of spring. I work as a seasonal employee for the Lansing Lugnuts. I am away from […]
Votes on new Richmond ballpark set to start next week
The multiple votes needed to approve a new Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark are set to start next week, but the outcome is still up in the air. Proponents and opponents of the ballpark have been counting votes on the City Council, but with some members unwilling to commit yet to one […]
Freier: We’re still pursuing new Savannah ballpark
Despite all the talk recently about Jason Freier’s pursuit of a new Columbia (S.C.) ballpark, he’s still working on a plan for a new Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) facility. The assumption by many — including Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin — is that the Sand Gnats would be ending up in South […]
Columbia lease negotiations underway; opposition arises
The city of Columbia (S.C.) is negotiating a lease for a new ballpark with Hardball Capital’s Jason Freier, with an opposition group arguing against any public spending on a facility. The lease, which could be ready for City Council approval in two weeks, will cover all aspects of ballpark operations, including non-game events year-round. The […]
Aberdeen debates future of Ripken Stadium area
The area near Ripken Stadium, home of the Aberdeen IronBirds (short season A; NY-Penn League), was pitched as a mixed-use neighborhood, and city officials want to see that plan carried out. So far the vision of an Integrated Business District — residential, office and retail — around the ballpark has failed ro materialize, and developers […]
Biloxi to issue bonds for new ballpark
Important step in the process of building a new Biloxi ballpark: the Biloxi City Council voted 5-2 to issue $21 million in bonds for the new home of the relocating Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League). The vote was not really in doubt, as the same councilmembers who voted to greenlight the project months ago […]
AquaSox unveil 30th-anniversary logo
This is a milestone year for the Everett AquaSox (short season A; Northwest League), so a commemorative logo is in order. The 2014 season will mark the Everett franchises’ 20th season as a Seattle Mariners affiliate and 31st season in the Northwest League. The AquaSox, in partnership with design firm Brandiose, unveiled the logo this […]
Barons, White Sox extend PDC through 2018
The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and the Chicago White Sox have extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2018 season. The new agreement ensures the Barons will continue to operate as the Double-A affiliate of the White Sox for 32 consecutive seasons. The 2014 season will mark the team’s 28th year as the […]
Lawsuit seeks more money, freedom for Minor League Baseball players
A lawsuit filed in federal court seeks to overturn the Minor League Baseball contract system, with former players arguing low pay, mandatory overtime and lack of collective bargaining rights violates state and federal wage laws. The lawsuit was filed in federal California Northern District Court by players Aaron Senne (a former Miami Marlins farmhand), Michael […]
Hot Rods unveil 2014 ballpark upgrades
With new ownership and a new front office, the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League) are going new at Bowling Green Ballpark, with upgrades unveiled for 2014. “When we came on board in December, we saw the potential that Bowling Green Ballpark has,” said new owner Stuart Katzoff. “Our front office staff […]
This year’s Fightin Phils garden gnome: John Kruk
One of the best annual MiLB promotions is the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) Garden Gnome, and this year’s subject should make a striking statue, as John Kruk receives the honors. On June 30th, Philadelphia Phillies legend and former Reading hitting coach Kruk will become the latest figure to be immortalized in Baseballtown […]
Sounds: New ballpark could double attendance
Well, that’s the whole reason why you build a new ballpark: Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) execs expect a new Sulphur Dell ballpark to possibly double attendance upon opening. It’s a given that the Sounds will boost attendance, which suffers because of the general condition of Greer Stadium, but doubling attendance would be […]