O’Conner: Beloit will need to address ballpark issue
On hand for the team’s Hot Stove Banquet, MiLB President & CEO Pat O’Conner says the city and the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A: Midwest League) must address the team’s ballpark situation in the next few years. Not that the team has been ignoring Pohlman Field, but the poor attendance and issues among the Board […]
Personnel moves in Pensacola, MiLB and Forest City
We have some personnel news to report today from the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League), MiLB and the Forest City Owls (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). In Pensacola, Chuck Arnold is the new Sales Manager for the Blue Wahoos, with Michael Taylor the new Group Sales Executive and Courtney Griffith of Lawson Consulting […]
Columbia moves forward — cautiously — with ballpark planning
The Columbia (S.C) City Council will hire a consultant to perform a cost/benefit analysis on a new ballpark pitched by MILB owner Jason Freier, as the city slows down on a proposed Bull Street facility. Freier has been working with a local developer, who has offered free land as part of a larger Bull Street […]
Elsewhere on August Publications: Feb. 6
At August Publications, we have more going on that just Ballpark Digest. Here’s your occasional summary of what’s going on at our other Websites, including Arena Digest and Yellowstone Insider. Arena Digest: Arizona Coyotes rebranding hits trademark issueThe rebranding of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes has been hit with what will probably be a small road […]
Spring training begins as Diamondbacks pitchers, catchers report
If you’re staring out at a yard full of snow, take heart: spring training officially began yesterday, as Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers and catchers reported to camp yesterday. Yes, we’re dealing with snow and below-average temperatures here at Ballpark Digest headquarters, with no end in sight. (Well, technically, that’s not true: We’ll be in Phoenix at […]
New for 2014: Globe Life Park
We have a naming-rights deal in Texas: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will be known as Globe Life Park in Arlington, as the Rangers and Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company come to an agreement. The name change of the park is effective immediately. Based in McKinney, Texas, Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company has been […]
El Paso Chihuahuas unveil uniforms
Interesting look: The El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) unveiled their 2014 inaugural uniforms on Wednesday, including five jersey variations: white, gray, black, red and the traditional pinstripe. “We are excited to unveil a bold, fun look for El Paso’s team,” said General Manager Brad Taylor. “The combination of uniforms continue to offer […]
Fort Myers mayor: We have little chance of landing Nats
With a proposed redevelopment of the City of Palms Park area almost dead, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson says there is little chance a $36.6 million renovation plan will succeed, giving the city no shot to land the Washington Nationals for spring training. We have more of the details at our sister site, Spring Training […]
Joannes Stadium upgrades approved by Green Bay City Council
The Green Bay City Council unanimously approved changes to Joannes Stadium proposed by the new owners of the Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), who are eager to make their mark on the game-day experience. The improvements are being funded entirely by the new ownership group of the Bullfrogs — which includes owners and […]
Rickwood Classic set for June 25
One of the best events in all of Minor League Baseball is now on the schedule, as the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and Friends of Rickwood have scheduled the annual Rickwood Classic for June 25. The Rickwood Classic is the Barons’ annual return to historic Rickwood Field for a single game. This year’s […]
SWB RailRiders to hold What If Night: Welcome, Trolley Frogs!
We love these promotions: The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League) are holding a What If Night in 2014, complete with Trolley Frogs uniforms. Trolley Frogs was one of the finalists for the SWB team name. On Aug. 8 the RailRiders will take the field in Trolley Frogs colors and uniforms, giving fans a glimpse […]
MLB to Portland? Not likely, says mayor
Despite some passionate supporters, it’s highly improbable Major League Baseball will land in Portland any time soon — and that assessment comes from those who should know, including Mayor Charlie Hayes. Tracy Ringolsby wrote a piece for MLB.com indicating some support for Major League Baseball in Portland: organizers have identified a waterfront site near the […]
Rick White new Atlantic League president
Former Major League Baseball executive Rick White is the new president of the independent Atlantic League, supervising all league business affairs. White was chosen following a nationwide search of sports and business executives conducted by the League’s search committee led by Jon Danos, and including other League Directors Peter Kirk, Seth Waugh, Josh Kalafer, and […]