New ballpark feasible for Columbia: study
Columbia (S.C.) is the second-largest U.S. market without pro sports and could support a return of Minor League Baseball, but questions remain about a funding source for a proposed $41.8-million ballpark. A report prepared by Brailsford & Dunlavey indicates the market is robust enough to support minor-league baseball, despite some potential competition with the USC […]
Spikes embrace chilly scenes of winter with free ice cream
Brilliant: the State College Spikes (short season A; NY-Penn League) are giving away free slices of ice-cream cake between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, in partnership with a local Dairy Queen. An Arctic Blast is predicted for Central Pennsylvania tomorrow, with high temperatures predicted to be in […]
Fredericksburg ballpark groundbreaking set for March
Things are moving quickly on a new Fredericksburg ballpark for the relocating Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), with a new GM in place and a groundbreaking set for March. The ownership group, which includes the current Suns owners, the Diamond Nation training firm and local Rosner Automotive Group principal Ron Rosner, are planning […]
Handelsman leaves SwampDogs
Darrell Handelsman, the most successful coach in summer-collegiate history, has stepped down as coach of the Fayetteville SwampDogs (Coastal Plain League). His father, Lew Handelsman, will remain as owner of the team. Earlier this fall Lew Handelsman sold his other team, the Wilmington Sharks, in the same circuit. Darrell Handelsman posted a record of 288-196 […]
In memoriam: Jerry Coleman
He may not have been a classic broadcaster, but the beloved war hero, long-time New York Yankee and entertaining Voice of the San Diego Padres had a passion for the game: Jerry Coleman passed away today. He was 89. The news was first transmitted by the Padres. Coleman was the Voice of the Padres for […]
Yankees suspend efforts on new Ocala ballpark UPDATED!
Efforts to fund a proposed Tampa Yankees (High Class A; Midwest League) ballpark in Ocala are being suspended at the request of parent New York Yankees, with Marion County concurring in the matter. No details have been released about the request from the Yankees; presumably some will be released at Monday’s noon meeting. From Ocala.com: […]
Second small fire put out at Fifth Third Ballpark this morning
A second small fire that was rekindled after a major blaze at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League), was put out by fire crews today. The small fire, which was started by smouldering remains, was put out around 8 a.m. this morning. One additional casualty of the […]
Baxter: We’ll rebuild Fifth Third Ballpark in time for season opener
After the suite level down the first-base line at Fifth Third Ballpark burned down midday, West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) CFO Denny Baxter vows to rebuild the ballpark before the start of the season. “We’re going to be playing baseball again come (April 8) this year,” Baxter said at a press conference […]
Fire breaks out at Fifth Third Ballpark UPDATED!
Firefighters are combating a fire at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League), after a blaze started in the team office and spread to the suites. Firefighters originally started fighting the fire inside the ballpark around 11 a.m., but moved their efforts outside after the fire spread beyond […]
Alternative plan pitched for Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom: No new ballpark
A group opposing a new Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark have proposed an alternate plan for Shockoe Bottom: no new ballpark, large slave-trade memorial. The three-page proposal from a group of activists and historians led by Phil Wilayto calls for the same level of development in the area — hotel, office space, […]
Public hearing planned on Joplin ballpark funding
Proposed public funding of Joplin’s Joe Becker Stadium renovations for an independent American Association team will be debated at a public hearing next Monday. The proposal calls for $9.3 million in upgrades to the surrounding area and the historic ballpark, which once hosted Minor League Baseball. The city would pay for $4 million in improvements, […]
Initial cost estimates for new Sounds ballpark come in high
It’s still early in the process, so the news that initial cost estimates for a new Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark are over budget can be addressed, according to officials with Mayor Karl Dean’s office. We have no final design for the new ballpark, so the cost estimates will change over time. […]
This year should determine fate of Sand Gnats
After five years of working on a new-ballpark strategy, it appears 2014 will be a make-or-break year for the future of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) in the city. Jason Freier of Hardball Capital, owner of the Sand Gnats, has been approaching city leaders for years now, lobbying for a new […]