We have a new attendance record for spring training, as MLB teams attracted 8,078 fans per game over 447 games played, surpassing a record set in 2008. In fact, attendance in 2014 pretty much shattered the old record of 7,793 fans per game and far outpaced last year’s total of 7,527 fans per game. The […]
Tag Archives | 2014
After tumultuous offseason, Whitecaps ready for season opener
What an amazing story: after a January fire that saw part of Fifth Third Ballpark destroyed, the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) are ready for a season opener tomorrow. You’ll recall the Jan. 3 fire that wiped out the right-field suite level at Fifth Third Ballpark, along with the concourse installation and […]
Cactus League attendance up in 2014
With Cubs Park packing in the fans, Cactus League per-game attendance was up in 2014, although the total attendance was slightly down because of fewer game days. Overall, 1.68 million fans attended Cactus League games, according to Cactus League officials. That’s less than the 1.73 million fans attending Cactus League games in 2013, but there’s […]
RailRiders unveil 2014 improvements
A year after opening a renovated PNC Field, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Class AAA; International League) are unveiling more improvements for the 2014 season. “Standing pat is not an option for us,” said RailRiders president/GM Rob Crain. “As an organization, we are always looking for ways we can provide an even better experience for our guests […]
Whitecaps unveil 2014-2015 ballpark improvements
Turning some lemons into lemonade, the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) ownership unveiled ballpark improvements for this season and next. The improvements for this season addresses the portion of the ballpark damaged by a January fire, which damaged the first-base-line concourse and the home clubhouse below. The new concourse concession space will […]
Barons unveil two new alt caps
A fashion note for tonight: the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) unveiled two new caps for the 2014 season. Joining the traditional black Barons cap emblazoned with the classic Old English B logo will be a new alternate in-game cap and New Era’s new Diamond Era batting practice cap. The new alternate cap will […]
C.O. Brown Stadium renovations announced
They are long overdue: renovations to C.O. Brown Stadium, home to the Battle Creek Bombers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), are set for the 2014 season. On the agenda: a new and improved outfield scoreboard to replace the current broken one, damaged by lightning during the 2013 season. The center-field fence will also be moved in […]
Yes, it’s spring: Part 2
Your second sign of spring today: the Chicago Cubs are preparing for the official opening of Cubs Park tomorrow. Here’s your teaser: a personalized marquee. We’ll have more on the new Mesa ballpark tomorrow. Let’s just say for now that it’s a great addition to the spring-training lineup in Mesa: with great food, lots of […]
IronPigs go whole hog behind Smell the Bacon look for 2014
Doubling down on the bacon, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) unveiled a series of bold new alt uniforms, scratch-and-sniff tees, and caps — focusing on bacon, bacon, bacon. The IronPigs primary logo and home uniform, which have been among the most popular and best-selling in Minor League Baseball since debuting, remain unchanged. […]
Stompers set to pitch city council again on ballpark lease
With the fate of the 2014 season at stake, the ownership of the Sonoma Stompers (independent; Pacific Association) will once again propose a lease for Arnold Field. Tonight’s City Council of Sonoma agenda includes a proposal by the Stompers to rent the ballpark, bringing pro baseball back to the Sonoma Valley for the first time […]
Akron RubberDucks unveil 2014 uniforms
More on the rebranding of the Akron RubberDucks (Class AA; Eastern League), as the team unveils home and road uniforms, as well as caps, for the 2014 season. There were five uniforms unveiled: a home uniform with a white jersey and pants, a road uniform with a gray jersey and pants, an official Sunday uniform […]
Chihuahuas ballpark construction schedule may shift to 24 hours
Construction on the new El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark could shift to a 24-hour schedule to make the April opening date. It’s always been known that construction of the new downtown ballpark was on a tight schedule. Team and city officials are planning to update residents on the state of ballpark […]
Wilmington Sharks unveil new branding
Under new ownership, the Wilmington Sharks (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) have unveiled a new branding plan for 2014. “Since purchasing the team in December, our organization has been committed to rebranding every aspect of the Wilmington Sharks baseball experience,” said Peter Freund, owner of the Sharks. “The new identity is symbolic of our commitment […]