Atlantic League hiring new president
The next management of the independent Atlantic League will be a little less homegrown, as the circuit is seeking a new president not affiliated with a current team ownership. Atlantic League Founder and CEO Frank Boulton, will retire the CEO position at the end of the 2013 ALPB Championship Season, and Peter Kirk, who currently […]
Cubs win big battle: Landmark Commission approves Wrigley Field signage
To the consternation of rooftop bleacher owners, the Chicago Landmark Commission today approved a plan from the Chicago Cubs to add a videoboard and another advertising sign to Wrigley Field, a key part of ballpark renovation plans. The Landmark Commission was expected to be a major hurdle for the Cubs, but the approval was unanimous. […]
Mall proposed for Citi Field parking lots
The New York Mets are proposing a 1.4-million-square-foot shopping mall on the parking lots to the east of Citi Field, and have received some important endorsements for the project. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall endorsed the project yesterday: Marshall gave her solid blessing to the 1.4-million-square-foot shopping mall on what is currently the baseball stadium […]
No more Alexandria Aces for 2013
Putting a team in partially condemned Bringhurst Field didn’t end up working out for the independent United League, as the Alexandria Aces have reportedly folded. A report in the Brownsville Herald quotes United League Baseball chief executive officer John Bryant as saying the team’s season is over, and that the league’s schedule will be accommodated […]
Fredericksburg: We have five weeks to negotiate Suns lease
With Fredericksburg officials setting a time limit of five weeks to negotiate a better ballpark deal with the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), we’ll know soon enough whether the team is on the move. The stance from Fredericksburg officials is pretty simple: they want to see the team pony up more for a […]
New spring complex pitched for Osceola County
Two new teams could be training in the greater Orlando area by 2015, as Osceola County officials receive a pitch for a new $98-million spring-training complex. It’s no secret the Washington Nationals have been working with HKS on plans for a new complex; it’s also no secret the Nats want to be out of Viera’s […]
Mesa won’t bond for new spring-training museum — but project lives on
Mesa (Az.) officials decided to go ahead with a $130-million bond issue for city projects, but funding for a new spring-training museum won’t be part of the package. The Mesa Historical Museum has sought $17 million in city funding for the Arizona Spring Training Experience, Museum and Community Center, which would focus on the Cactus […]
Fredericksburg: We need better deal from Suns
After a marathon session featuring passionate folks pro and con, the Fredericksburg City Council voted to seek a better deal from the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) on a new-ballpark deal. The proposal has the city financing the $29.5-million project with team rent, increased property taxes in the ballpark area, ticket surcharges and […]
Polk County commits $14.6M toward Tiger Town renovations
The first part of funding Tiger Town renovations is set, as the Polk County Board of County Commissioners agree to contribute $14.6 million to the project — less than the requested $17 million, but enough to move things forward. The money will come from a one-cent hike in tourist tax funds. The $37-million plan from […]
Mayor requests state aid for new downtown Colorado Springs ballpark
Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach is asking the state for $82 million in sales-tax incentives to help fund a variety of projects, including a new $60.7 million ballpark for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The application, filed yesterday with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, would be […]
TuneIn signs deal for live MiLB game broadcasts
TuneIn is announcing a multi-year agreement with Minor League Baseball’s Baseball Interactive Rights Company (BIRCO) to bring live, online radio broadcasts of MiLB games to sports fans everywhere. By offering free access to MiLB games on TuneIn Radio, sports fans will be able to hear live broadcasts on over 200 connected devices ranging from mobile […]
In memoriam: Chase That Golden Thunder
Some sad news: Chase That Golden Thunder, on-field bat dog for the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League), has passed away at the age of 13. Chase made his debut with the Thunder in 2002 and went on to entertain millions of fans at Arm & Hammer Park. He was also a fixture in the […]
Storm GM Jones departs for Sugar Land
Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League) GM and Houston native Chris Jones has departed for a position with the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League). Jones joined the Lake Elsinore Storm organization in 2002 and has been General Manager since 2007. In 2008, the Houston native was elected California League Executive of the […]