The Vermont Lake Monsters (short season A; NY-Penn League) unveiled a new team logo and identity featuring the team’s mascot, CHAMP, as the team begins their 21st season of Minor League Baseball. After using logos with the variation of a gray “Champ” floating through the letter V during the franchise’s first years as the Vermont […]
Tag Archives | 2014
Comerica Park stripped down for December hockey
The entire turf is out at Comerica Park, as the Detroit Tigers prep for the installation of a hockey rink as part of the NHL’s Winter Classic and the Hockeytown Winter Festival. The actual Winter Classic will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, where the Red Wings will host the Toronto Maple Leafs […]
New for 2014: Kalamazoo Growlers
The newest team in the summer-collegiate Northwoods League has a name: the Kalamazoo Growlers, playing out of Homer Stryker Field beginning in 2014. The new name and logos were released at an opening event at Homer Stryker Field; along with introductions of the team manager, coaching staff, two players for the 2014 season, and a […]
Expanded instant replay approved for 2014
We’ll see expanded instant replay in Major League Baseball next season, as officials approved a plan to allow reviews of virtually every play, save balls and strikes, check swings and foul tips, out of New York City. It’s not a groundbreaking setup — it’s basically the same system used to review contested calls in the […]
New for 2014: Great Plains League
We have a new summer-collegiate league launching in 2014, with teams from Topeka, Rossville and Junction City forming the Great Plains League. Right now there are four teams in the circuit: the Topeka Golden Giants, the Topeka Senators, the Rossville Rattlers and the Junction City Brigade. The four teams are established, with past participation in […]
Wolff: No move to AT&T Park — yet
An A’s move to AT&T Park was indeed broached by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig during lease negotiations, but Oakland owner Lew Wolff says his team will play at O.co Coliseum — for the time being. The threat from Selig came as the A’s were engaged in some contentious lease negotiations with the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum […]
MLB returning to San Antonio Alamodome next March
You can expect the Houston Astros to be part of this action, as Ryan-Sanders Baseball works to bring MLB exhibition games back to the San Antonio Alamodome next March. This past spring the Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres attracted some 75,000 fans to the Alamodome for two games. That worked so well Ryan-Sanders Baseball […]
Sky Sox launch renovations at Security Service Field
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are renovating the playing surface and field drainage system at Security Service Field. The last renovation of the field took place in 2004 and after ten seasons of use in over 700 baseball games it was time for the surface to be redone. The renovation […]
DBAP renovations underway
Renovations to Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) are underway as the team preps for a busy 2014. The improvements were approved months ago, but the end of the season saw the beginning of work. Locals have been watching plenty of action on the field, with a new […]
Field renovations underway at Smokies Park
The Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) have embarked on a major field renovation at Smokies Park for the upcoming 2014 season. “The new field will enhance the natural beauty of Smokies Park for our fans and provide an outstanding playing surface for the Cubs’ top prospects,” said Smokies General Manager Brian Cox. “The goal […]
Progress report on new Charlotte ballpark
Work continues on BB&T Ballpark, set to open next season as the new home of the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League), with the field and seating in the midst of installation. The photo above shows the construction of the infield, with red clay added to the pitcher’s mound and basepaths. The photo below shows […]
Ovations lands new El Paso ballpark concessions deal
Ovations Food Services has landed the concessions contract at the new downtown El Paso ballpark scheduled to house a Triple-A team next season. “Ovations is one of the largest, most-respected food service companies in the country, and we are proud to have them as our food and beverage partner at El Paso’s ballpark,” said Alan […]
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 […]