As expected, the West Virginia Legislature approved a $96-million TIF district for Morgantown, paving the way for a new ballpark for West Virginia University and a short-season NY-Penn League team. The proposed TIF district legislation died when the Legislature adjourned Saturday night. But with other important pieces of legislation still on the table as well, […]
Archive | At the Ballpark
Morgantown ballpark bill dies in leg; hopes of revival this week
A bill authorizing a TIF district to fund a new ballpark for West Virginia University and a NY-Penn League team died when the West Virginia Legislature adjourned Saturday night, but proponents hope to bring it to a vote in an upcoming special session. The bill died not because there was a large number of legislators […]
Morgantown ballpark financing plan advances
A TIF district that would help build a new ballpark in Morgantown for the West Virginia Mountaineers and a short-season-A NY-Penn League team is close to passing the West Virginia Legislature. A bill authorizing a $96-million in TIF financing for a new shopping center and ballpark had been held up in committee, partly because of […]
Grasshoppers naming-rights deal extended
The naming-rights deal for NewBridge Bank Park, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League), was extended by both parties for four more years. The naming-rights deal now runs through 2021. The original naming-rights deal, signed when the ballpark opened in 2007, was a ten-year agreement. “NewBridge Bank is excited to extend […]
Hagerstown owner: We’d meet with Fredericksburg about new ballpark
With work on a new ballpark stalled, Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) owner Bruce Quinn says he’d be willing to talk about facilities with Fredericksburg (Va.) officials. This week Fredericksburg’s Economic Development Authority authorized a study as to the feasibility of a new minor-league ballpark in the central Virginia city, located halfway between […]
Progress made on new Richmond ballpark: McEacharn
It sounds like the city of Richmond and the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) are making serious progress on a new-ballpark plan, though some major decisions are still in the offing. When Lou DiBella and crew moved the team from Norwich, the assumption was that a new-ballpark plan could be worked out rather […]
Fredericksburg to study financial feasibility of new ballpark
The city of Fredericksburg (Va.) will spend $18,000 on a ballpark feasibility study, as officials continue to explore the possibility of a $25-million baseball project. Yesterday the city’s Economic Development Authority authorized the study. If a study determines the community can support a new ballpark, the next steps will be to come up with a […]
Peek into the past with Old Ballparks
The premise behind our newest offering is simple: one picture of an old ballpark, posted daily. Check it out. We set it up on Facebook. You can see it here. Today’s photo is from Ebbets Field in 1913, with the New York Yankees’ Ray Caldwell warming up before an exhibition game. —- Share your news […]
P-Nats, Carolina League, Army launch pilot program to hire vets at ballpark
Interesting idea, and a natural one for a D.C.-area team: the High Class A Carolina League and the Potomac Nationals are joining the U.S. Army in launching a pilot program focused on hiring U.S. Army soldiers transitioning to civilian careers, veterans and their families, for the 2013 season. This initiative has stemmed directly from a […]
New Winter Park ballpark scrapped — for now
The lack of a firm financing plan is forcing Rollins College and the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League) to put on hold plans for a new ballpark in the Ravaudage development in Winter Park. The plan would have seen the Manatees and Rollins College share a new ballpark, with the developer […]
Bismarck Municipal Ballpark to be renovated this summer
Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, which has seen plenty of history (including the likes of Satchel Paige and Ray Dandridge gracing the playing field) over the years, will be upgraded this season — to the tune of $1.5 million. The ballpark currently seats 800 in a run-down grandstand. The project, funded with private donations and administered by […]
Personnel changes in Springfield, Lansing, High Desert
Andrew Buchbinder is the new Voice of the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League), while the Lansing Lugnuts (Low Class A; Midwest League) and several other teams announced personnel changes for the 2013 season. Buchbinder comes to the Cards from the Hickory Crawdads (Low Class A; Sally League), where he spent four seasons as the […]
Laven joins Salvi Sports
Pete Laven, of late the GM of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), is joining Chicago-based Salvi Sports Enterprises as president. Laven was relieved of his duties at the end of the 2012 season, replaced by Paul Allen. He joins the sports organization formed by attorney Pat Salvi, which currently includes two pro teams […]