Every good minor-league front office has an old-timer to act as the institutional memory, to provide continuity where change is normal and accepted. For the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), Bob Blum fit the bill. We noted that Blum passed away last week, at the age of 91. He worked for the 51s […]
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Foster: Opposition to new El Paso ballpark not a surprise
Paul Foster, one of the four owners of a potential El Paso Triple-A team, says opposition to public funding of a new downtown ballpark was expected and understandable, but a purchase of the team is at hand. Foster, along with his wife Alejandra de la Vega Foster, businessman Woody Hunt and his son, Josh Hunt, are […]
Rosenblatt Stadium demolition begins today
With the seating removed and the grandstand emptied, the demolition of Rosenblatt Stadium, former home to the College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), began today. We’re talking the serious demolition here: the two freestanding buildings and the grandstand will come down, as well as the outfield bleachers sections. Johnny […]
In memoriam: Bob Blum
Former Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) broadcaster and front-office member Bob Blum has passed away. He was 91. Blum worked for the 51s — the Las Vegas Stars at the beginning of his tenure — for almost 30 years, and was the team’s broadcaster from 1985 to 2005 and 2008 to 2010. “Blumer […]
Boston Rob ready for Yankee challenges
This coming offseason may be the most important one ever for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), but we’re thinking new president/GM Rob Crain will be up to the challenge. Crain, tapped earlier this month to lead the franchise, certainly has a lot on his plate. First, he’ll need to oversee the re-opening of […]
Albuquerque bringing back retro Dukes for yearly promo
Most Minor League Baseball teams run a retro night honoring a former team, but the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) may have the most popular one, with Dukes Retro Night coming up this Saturday. In fact, it’s so popular that the team opens up the berm for seating, and tickets for that go […]
Hoteliers: We’re don’t want to pay for new El Paso ballpark
Hotel and motel owners are opposing a hike in the local hotel tax to help pay for a new downtown El Paso ballpark housing a Pacific Coast League team, but it’s not clear whether they have the political muscle to kill the proposal. Taxing visitors via hotel and car taxes is always a popular way […]
Could Blue Jays provide shot in the arm for Bisons?
Attendance at Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) games is down some 1,600 fans per game in two years. Could a new affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays give the franchise some needed life? Buffalo, in the past, has been a great baseball town, with the team ending the 1990s with 9,000 or so season-ticket […]
No expansion on tap for American Association: Wolff
There are no plans for expansion in the independent American Association, reports commissioner Miles Wolff, as the league continues its focus on large markets and stable ownership groups. Visiting Fargo’s Newman Outdoor Field, Wolff addressed the issue of western Canadian teams joining the indy circuit — not likely, given the remote nature of Edmonton and […]
The Week That Was: July 15
Tampa Bay attendance woes, MLB TV contracts, a new El Paso ballpark and spring training made news this week. The most popular stories of the past seven days on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Selig: Rays attendance is “inexcusable” NBC vying for piece of MLB media-rights pie? El Paso: Let’s sell Cohen Stadium […]
El Paso group: We’re one step closer to buying PCL team
A group seeking to bring a Pacific Coast League team to a new El Paso ballpark says they’re one step closer to acquiring a team after being asked by the league to submit a Preliminary Application Review. The group, MountainStar Sports Group, was asked to submit the review after PCL officials reviewed materials relating to El Paso […]
Window on the past: When the PCL shot for the majors
A recently discovered newsreel shows the state of the post-war Pacific Coast League in 1946, as the eight-team circuit prepped for a move to a major league with legends like Casey Stengel and Lefty O’Doul in the dugouts. After the end of World War II, the minor leagues — which shut down as part of […]
Blue Jays looking east for new Triple-A farm team?
It’s the time of year when MLB teams are reevaluating their MiLB affiliates, and the Toronto Blue Jays will probably explore a deal with the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) — which could ultimately profit both teams. The Bisons are currently affiliated with the New York Mets, an arrangement wholeheartedly embraced by the Bisons […]