Tucked down in southern Maryland, on the outer edge of the hustle and bustle of the Washington, D.C. metro area, Regency Furniture Stadium is not the easiest place to get to. Once there, however, fans should have a good time at the home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League), which offers one […]
Tag Archives | opening day partners
In memoriam: Keith Lupton
Keith Lupton, who launched five Minor League Baseball and independent Atlantic League teams for Maryland Baseball, Keystone Baseball and Opening Day Partners, passed away yesterday. He was 73. (more…)
Sugar Land Skeeters sold to Zlotniks
The Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) have been sold to minority owners Bob and Marcie Zlotnik, though Opening Day Partners will continue to be responsible for lease payments on Constellation Field. (more…)
Help Wanted: Business Development
OPENING DAY PARTNERS LLC has several top sales opportunities in its professional baseball teams. All are members of the nationally acclaimed Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The teams have strong sales track records and excellent community relationships and support. The organization values long-term relationships and a disciplined approach. The ideal candidate will be a […]
Hagerstown owner: We’d meet with Fredericksburg about new ballpark
With work on a new ballpark stalled, Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) owner Bruce Quinn says he’d be willing to talk about facilities with Fredericksburg (Va.) officials. This week Fredericksburg’s Economic Development Authority authorized a study as to the feasibility of a new minor-league ballpark in the central Virginia city, located halfway between […]
Fredericksburg to study financial feasibility of new ballpark
The city of Fredericksburg (Va.) will spend $18,000 on a ballpark feasibility study, as officials continue to explore the possibility of a $25-million baseball project. Yesterday the city’s Economic Development Authority authorized the study. If a study determines the community can support a new ballpark, the next steps will be to come up with a […]
Patrick Day new Southern Maryland GM
Some personnel news to note: Patrick Day, former GM of the Lansing Lugnuts (Low Class A; Midwest League), is the new GM of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League). Day will focus on providing strategic direction and assist the Blue Crabs in maintaining their status as a community leader, as well as focus […]
ODP: Looking for the Best and Brightest
Fredericksburg, Opening Day Partners talking new ballpark
Peter Kirk and Opening Day Partners are discussing a new ballpark and independent Atlantic League franchise with city and county officials in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. Joining the group: Jack Lavoie, an attorney who attempted to bring Atlantic League baseball to Frederick, Maryland when the lease to Harry Grove Stadium was up for bid this […]
Kirk: If Spikes want to win, they can control their destiny
If the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) want to ensure winning teams, argues Peter Kirk, there’s a simple solution: make the leap to independent ball. Our story on the front office of the Spikes showing extreme frustration with parent Pittsburgh Pirates stirred a lot of discussion about the proper role of farm teams […]
Skeeters to launch Constellation Field tonight
Peter Kirk tells us Constellation Field is the most spectacular ballpark he’s opened, and we’re guessing Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) fans will concur at tonight’s opening. Kirk is an expert at new-ballpark openings: he’s launched 15 over the years, both in affiliated ball and independent ball. In recent years there’s been a certain […]
Tal Smith joins ODP as special advisor
A personnel move to note: Tal Smith, longtime member of the Houston Astros front office, has been named special advisor to Opening Day Partners (ODP), owners of several independent Atlantic League teams. ODP’s newest team is the Sugar Land Skeeters, and Smith will be advising Opening Day Partners on that team as well as new locations […]
First milestone: Groundbreaking for new Skeeters ballpark
Construction has officially begun on StarTex Power Field, the new home of the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League), as Peter Kirk and crew were in town to dig up some dirt with the likes of Bob Watson (former Astros GM) and Joe Klein (former Rangers GM, now with the Atlantic League). The new ballpark […]