Mississippi State explores ballpark options
College powerhouse Mississippi State is looking at more upgrades to Dudy Noble Field at Polk–DeMent Stadium, both for the benefit of fans and players. The current setup at 15,000-capacity Dudy Noble Field dates back to 1987 and reflects the prevailing design ethos: emphasis on grandstand seating, less on amenities. On the plus side, there’s a […]
UCLA: We want to keep Jackie Robinson Stadium, but we do have Plan B
After a court ruled the land underneath Jackie Robinson Stadium was confined to healthcare for veterans, UCLA asked the court to reconsider its position — but athletic officials hinted a new Bruins ballpark could be in the offing. It’s a sticky land-use situation: the ballpark, built in 1947 and upgraded in recent years, was built […]
Cal League: Blaze out of Bakersfield
With Sam Lynn Ballpark not meeting professional baseball standards for a venue, Cal League President Charlie Blaney says the search is on for a new home for the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League). For the past several years keeping the Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark was contingent on a new ballpark in Bakersfield. […]
Elmore buys back Bakersfield Blaze
As expected, D.G. Elmore exercised his option to buy back the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) from Gene Voiland and Chad Hathaway, though the future of the team is still up in the air. Elmore, owner of the Elmore Sports Group, sold the franchise to Voiland and Hathaway in March 2012, and the pair […]
New for 2014: Santander Stadium
Sovereign Bank Stadium will officially become Santander Stadium later this week, as the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) will be renamed as a result of a bank merger. The Spain-based Santander Group purchased Sovereign Bank in 2009, but is only getting around to rebranding the chain now. The original naming-rights deal — […]
Curve announces staff changes
The Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League) announced several staff changes for the upcoming season, including the promotion of Mike Passanisi to assistant GM. Director of Community Relations Elsie Gibney and Director of Creative Services John Foreman have both retired from baseball following long, successful tenures with the club. In addition, the Curve have promoted […]
Judge: San Jose has no right to Athletics
A lawsuit attempting to force Major League Baseball to allow the move of the Oakland Athletics to a new downtown San Jose ballpark was mostly tossed by U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte, who ruled the sport’s antitrust exemption was still law of the land. Viewed by many observers to be a very weak argument, San […]
Opposition to Shockoe Bottom ballpark intensifies
The very idea of a new Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark in the city’s Shockoe Bottom district is causing protests today because of the site’s past as a slave-trading area. The coalition of activists and academics oppose putting a ballpark in an area that was once the second-most-busy area for slave trading […]
Rockies announce plans for Coors Field rooftop deck
More changes for 2014 and beyond: the Colorado Rockies unveiled plans for a 38,000-square-foot LoDo-style rooftop deck to be added to Coors Field for next season. “We are always striving to improve the entire experience at Coors Field,” said Rockies Owner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dick Monfort. “With that spirit in mind, it is […]
Sister: Simones mistreated by Chiefs
With Tex and John Simone out of the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League) daily operations, family member Wendy Shoen speaks out about how they were treated by franchise leaders. Shoen, daughter of Tex and brother of John, has spent a lifetime in baseball along with her family, most recently as team merchandise manager. While […]
Ottawa City Council approves Can-Am League deal
By a wide margin, the Ottawa City Council approved a lease with the independent Can-Am League to place a team in Ottawa Stadium for the 2015 season and beyond. After issuing requests for proposals for an Ottawa Stadium lease, two serious contenders emerged: an affiliated bid from Mandalay Baseball Properties with a Class AA Eastern […]
Aeros announce staff promotions
The Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) announced several front office changes in its ticketing department, including two promotions and three full-time staff additions. The two promotions are group sales representative Jeremy Heit, who was promoted to Assistant Director of Ticketing, and group sales representative Mitch Cromes, who was promoted to Senior Manager, Group Sales. […]
New Knights ballpark to feature widest videoboard in MiLB
The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) unveiled some more BB&T Ballpark news today: the ballpark will feature the widest videoboard in Minor League Baseball. Opening Day at BB&T Ballpark is set for Friday, April 11, 2014. The BB&T Ballpark video project will feature a 30-by-82 foot HD videoboard consisting of nearly three million LED […]