New ‘Stros/Jays spring complex has wider impact
The fate of a new Houston Astros/Toronto Blue Jays spring-training complex has a wide impact: it could affect the future of spring training for the Cards, Mets and Marlins on the Treasure Coast. With the Washington Nationals ownership determined to leave Viera and Space Coast Stadium (a move that seems to have stalled recently), a […]
Time to celebrate: Muzzy Field turning 100
It’s a celebration worth noting: Bristol’s Muzzy Field will be the focus of a 100-year anniversary this summer, with events planned at the former MiLB ballpark. Muzzy Field was the center of sports in Bristol for the majority of those hundred years, hosting the Bristol Owls (Class B; Colonial League) in 1949-50 and the Bristol […]
Akron RubberDucks unveil 2014 uniforms
More on the rebranding of the Akron RubberDucks (Class AA; Eastern League), as the team unveils home and road uniforms, as well as caps, for the 2014 season. There were five uniforms unveiled: a home uniform with a white jersey and pants, a road uniform with a gray jersey and pants, an official Sunday uniform […]
A-Rod drops lawsuits, accepts 2014 suspension
Well, there’s one distraction out of the way as baseball and the New York Yankees approach spring training: Alex Rodriguez will drop his lawsuits against MLB and the players union, accepting his year-long suspension. After an independent arbitrator determined a year-long suspension (including the playoffs) would be enough for usage of performance-enhancing drugs in the […]
Celebrating all the pioneers during Black History Month
Jackie Robinson is rightly revered as a pioneering figure in baseball’s integration. But he was not alone and, as Jesse Goldberg-Strassler notes, pioneers like Buck O’Neil and Emmett Ashford deserve recognition from baseball fans during Black History Month. In an AP story from March 18, 1962, titled innocently “Cubs Assign Coaches for Farm Clubs,” the […]
Chihuahuas move home opener to April 28, shift series to Tucson
Uncertainty about the new-ballpark status is leading the El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) to move the home opener to April 28, instead of the originally scheduled April 11. The Chihuahuas will play their April 11th–14th games against the Reno Aces in Tucson. The decision comes after meeting with the City of El […]
Foley Field renovation plan approved
A $10-million renovation of Foley Field at the University of Georgia has been approved by Athletic Association board of directors, after fundraising hit the halfway point. Construction will begin after the end of the 2014 Bulldogs season. It’s an arms race when it comes to facilities in the SEC — the best NCAA baseball conference […]
Movement to save Tinker Field emerges
A movement to save historic Tinker Field, the longtime home of spring training in Orlando, is afoot, as preservationists want to see it declared a landmark, with accompanying protections. The call to preserve Tinker Field comes from Orlando’s Historic Preservation Board, which oversees the management of historic properties for the city. Last week Mayor Buddy […]
History could be uncovered at new Sounds ballpark site
Early work on a new Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark at Sulphur Dell could yield some insights into the city’s history, as archeologists work alongside construction crews. Sulphur Dell, a spring located near the Cumberland River near downtown, was one of the earliest settled areas in Nashville, so there’s the chance work […]
In memoriam: Ralph Kiner
Ralph Kiner, the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer who gained wider fame as a New York Mets broadcaster for more than 50 years, passed away today. He was 91. Kiner first gained fame with the Pirates as a home-run hitter whose favorite target in Forbes Field became known as Kiner’s Korner, notching 51 round-trippers in […]
Pelicans up offer for Russell Wilson appearance
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) are doubling their offer to Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson to appear in a single game, from $10,000 charitable donation to the organization of his choice,to $20,000. “We recognize that Russell’s commitment to the Seahawks means he’ll likely never play a game, but he has an […]
Edinburg passes on ballpark lease for Roadrunners
The Edinburg Roadrunners (independent; United League Baseball) could be out of Edinburg Baseball Stadium this season, as the city debates whether to give the ballpark to University of Texas-Pan American. The lack of a lease certainly muddies the waters for the Roadrunners, and it apparently is a factor in league planning for 2014, The city […]
Boomers shop ballpark naming rights
With the Boomers brand now fairly established, the Schaumburg Boomers (independent; Frontier League) front office is shopping naming rights to Boomers Stadium for the coming season and beyond. “Thanks to the early success we’ve enjoyed, the brand we partner with on Naming Rights will become the first name that pops into people’s minds when they […]