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 […]
Virginia Beach approves new Atlantic League ballpark
The Virginia Beach City Council unanimously approved a land lease for a new privately financed Atlantic League ballpark, set to open in 2015. The plan from Virginia Beach Professional Baseball LLC calls for a $40-million, 5,000-seat ballpark and sports complex. Piper Jaffray is lined up to issue $43.7 million in bonds; according to the proposal […]
New Saints ballpark to set new standard for accessibility
Rather than just meeting minimum ADA guidelines, the new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark under construction will feature an abundance of seating options for the disabled. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets forth minimum requirements for accessibility, based on venue size. The baseline is 0.5 percent of capacity, which means a 7,000-capacity ballpark […]
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 […]
Personnel news in Bowie, Frederick
Two broadcaster moves to note: Adam Pohl is the new voice of the Bowie Baysox (Class AA; Eastern League), while Geoff Arnold replaces him as on the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) radio team. Arnold is also the new Broadcasting and Public Relations Manager for the Keys. In this role, Arnold will work […]
Tinker Field receives reprieve after community outrage
The demolition of Orlando’s Tinker Field is on hold, after politicos and community leaders expressed outrage that the historic facility was set to meet the wrecking ball with little notice. Mayor Buddy Dyer announced that plans to demolish the former home to spring training and Minor League Baseball in Orlando would be put on hold […]
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 […]
Personnel news in Hickory, Rockford, Madison and Eau Claire
We have personnel news to report today from the Hickory Crawdads (Low Class A; Sally League), the Rockford Aviators (independent; Frontier League) and the Madison Mallards and Eau Claire Express (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). The Crawdads made several staff announcements today: Newcomers to Hickory include Promotions Director Pete Subsara, Head Groundskeeper Zach Van Voorhees, Group […]
Flying Squirrels add more locals to ownership
The ownership of the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) has a greater local presence, after three local investment groups and eight new owners have been approved by Minor League Baseball as minority partners of the franchise. The new members of the ownership group include: Sam Kornblau – Chairman of SAMCO Development Corporation and […]