Just wanted to share the news of a big milestone yesterday: We’ve now tallied as many page views this year as in all of 2011 — well over 8.3 million. We have lot of cool stuff planned for the fall: a new book line and some giveaways. And we’ll be exhibiting once again at the […]
Archive | At the Ballpark
In memoriam: JB Smith
JB Smith, the voice of the Rome Braves (Low Class A; Sally League) since 2009, died early Sunday morning. He was 64 years old. Smith announced Rome Braves games not only on local radio but via Internet streaming and most recently on televised home games online. This gave fans all over the country the opportunity […]
In memoriam: Joe Cullinane
Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Cullinane passed away Friday at the age of 89. He broadcast Red Wings games for 13 seasons from 1962-74 and was enshrined to the Red Wings Hall of Fame in 1995 along with Earl Weaver and Pat Santillo. “Joe was a wonderful broadcaster, […]
Despite bureaucratic indifference, Tiger Stadium lives on
With the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, you can bet you’ll see plenty of shots of the old Tiger Stadium site before and during the games. The grandstand may be gone, but the ballpark lives on. Go to Michigan and Trumbull and almost any day you’ll find someone tossing a ball, stepping in the […]
Mikulik not returning to Tourists
Joe Mikulik, the human highlight film whose onfield rants have entertained millions of YouTube fans, will not be returning as manager of the Asheville Tourists (Low Class A; Sally League). Mikulik is responsible for two of the most memorable tantrums in Minor League Baseball history. The most recent came last season: It’s not clear whether […]
Pfander new GM of Akron Aeros
New Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) owner Ken Babby brings in a familiar face to run the team, naming Jim Pfander general manager of the franchise. The Akron native served as executive vice president and COO of the Aeros in 2011. Pfander’s efforts that season resulted in the first attendance increase in seven years. Ticket […]
Chattanooga rallies to support Engel Stadium
Closed down recently for safety reasons, Engel Stadium is on the mend and could host between 100 and 150 events next year, as Chattanooga rallies to preserve a historic asset. Engel Stadium is the former home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League), but after the team moved to AT&T Field, the 1929 ballpark […]
Hudson new GM for Inland Empire 66ers
The Inland Empire 66ers (High Class A; California League) have a new general manager: Joe Hudson, who has been a part of the 66ers organization since 2001. “I am extremely excited and honored at the opportunity given to me by Dave (Elmore) and Donna (Tuttle),” Hudson said. “I am a native of San Bernardino and […]
Front-office changes in Klamath Falls, New Bedford
We have a couple of personnel changes to note: Grant Wilson is the new GM of the Klamath Falls Gems (summer collegiate; West Coast League), while Mike Friar is new GM of the New Bedford Bay Sox (summer collegiate; NECBL). Wilson was formerly GM of the Cowlitz Black Bears in the same circuit. He’s the […]
The Week That Was: October 14
The future of Richmond baseball, spring training, new ownership in affiliated and indy ranks, and the new-ballpark efforts in Tampa Bay. The top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Coca-Cola Field / Buffalo Bisons Glendale: We need to rework spring-training leases Spat between Cubs, Mayor Rahm continues Canal […]
Pitch moving forward for Olympic baseball in 2020
A joint bid from International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and International Softball Federation (ISF) — an arrangement formalized this week — could see a successful effort to bring baseball back to the Summer Olympics in 2020. It’s been no secret that both federations have sought a return to the Olympics; it’s also been no secret that […]
Front-office changes in Atlanta, Camden, Traverse City
If it’s the offseason, it’s the time for front-office changes — and we have some for the Atlanta Braves, Camden RiverSharks (independent; Atlantic League) and Traverse City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League). In Atlanta, General Manager Frank Wren’s contract has been extended through 2014. Wren, the 13th general manager of the Braves, finished his fifth […]
Experts: Downtown ballpark could revitalize Richmond
As Richmond officials continue to debate the best course of action regarding a new Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark, experts advise a downtown location for the most impact. Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy was on a panel discussing new ballpark at the Real Estate Trends Conference, and his advice was clear: build […]