Astros close on purchase of Skeeters
The Houston Astros have closed on the purchase of the Sugar Land Skeeters (Triple-A West), finalizing the move of the team into Minor League Baseball as their top affiliate. (more…)
New for 2021: Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits
The Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A Central) will take the field on Wednesdays as the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, in a partnership with hometown Whataburger. (more…)
Nelson steps down as Trash Pandas president/CEO
Ralph Nelson, who created the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A South) basically from scratch, has resigned as team president/CEO three weeks before the team’s home opener. (more…)
In memoriam: Steve Kalafer
Steve Kalafer, who launched the Somerset Patriots in the independent Atlantic League and then worked to lift it as a Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, passed away this morning. He was 71. (more…)
Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat for April 21, 2021
Tom Nichols, Voice of the Dayton Dragons, joins Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Kevin Reichard to share his favorite baseball stories, including the arrest of a player in the middle of a game, in this week’s Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat. (more…)
Tales from The Baseball Thesaurus: Relief Pitcher
If replacement batters are called pinch hitters, why aren’t replacement pitchers called pinch pitchers? They originally were, as explained by Jesse Goldberg-Strassler in this week’s Tales from the Baseball Thesaurus. (more…)
With border still closed, Frontier League adjusts 2021 schedule
With the U.S./Canada border remaining closed for the foreseeable future, the Frontier League has paused international play for the 2021 season, with three teams replaced by a U.S.-based travel team. (more…)
MLB Best of the Ballparks moves to Sweet Sixteen
After a popular first round, we’ve moved on to the second round of the 2021 Best of the Ballparks MLB vote, with some pretty intense matchups. So go vote! (more…)
Musk boring to Dodger Stadium dead?
Elon Musk made plenty of headlines when he proposed a tunnel between Dodger Stadium and a yet-to-be-determined western terminus, but it looks like those plans have been scrapped. (more…)
Knoxville ballpark funding, oversight moves forward
A new Knoxville ballpark for the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A South) is moving forward, with funding included in a state budget proposal and the appointment of a city Sports Authority. (more…)
Personnel news: Frederick Keys
We have some personnel news for the Frederick Keys (MLB Draft League), where Andrew Klein has been promoted after the departure of long-time Keys GM Dave Ziedelis for Visit Frederick. (more…)
Hinchliffe Stadium renovations begin
Renovations to Paterson’s Hinchliffe Stadium, one of four remaining Negro Leagues ballparks still standing, have begun after a groundbreaking ceremony. (more…)
Twins launch tech accelerator
The Minnesota Twins have launched a three-year tech accelerator program with Techstars to develop tools to enhance future fan experiences through innovation. (more…)