Art Solomon, owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League), has some out with a new book, Making It in the Minors, set for a fall release. Making It in the Minors details how Solomon’s DSF Sports combines creative marketing, entertainment, and community involvement […]
Archive | At the Ballpark
Election yields bounty of candidate bobbleheads
If it’s an election year, you can bet on a raftload of bobbleheads from minor-league and summer-collegiate baseball teams to commemorate the occasion — and maybe grant a little guidance to voters. We’ve already seen at least two teams holding Obama vs. Romney bobblehead/wobblehead giveaways this season — the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) […]
No lease, but ballpark funding will go before Wilmington voters
It’s official: Wilmington (N.C.) voters will be asked this fall to approve $37 million in bonding for a new waterfront ballpark for an Atlanta Braves farm team, despite the lack of a lease between the parties. We had reported that Wilmington and Mandalay Baseball Properties had failed to reach agreement on a lease for a […]
Milwaukie to study economic impact of summer-collegiate ball
The Milwaukie (Ore.) City Council voted to spend $5,000 on updated economic studies to determine the impact of a summer-collegiate team team at a new ballpark — but declined to start negotiating with the West Coast League. The city had been negotiating with the short-season Northwest League about the possible move of a franchise, but […]
Announcing the 2012 Ballpark Digest Awards
It’s that time of year again: we’re asking for readers to send us nominations for the 2012 Ballpark Digest Awards. We’re looking for input earlier than in past years: the goal is to present the awards before the end of the season, which is coming up surprisingly fast. Here are the categories: Promotion of the Year Logo […]
Wilmington, Mandalay delay ballpark decision
Unable to reach a final accord, the city of Wilmington (N.C.) and Mandalay Baseball Properties will put off signing a memorandum of understanding on a new ballpark — but the bond issue will still be on the fall ballot. The two sides have been negotiating for weeks on the parameters of a ballpark deal. And […]
Durham to Bulls: Continue management of DAP
The Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) may extend their management of Durham Athletic Park, as the city seeks to work out a long-term plan for the historic facility. The future of the former home of the Bulls has been in question since Minor League Baseball walked away from a deal to manage the ballpark […]
The Week That Was: August 5
The World Baseball Classic, El Paso, new Yankee Stadium and the future of the Tampa Bay Rays were on the minds of Ballpark Digest readers this week. The most popular stories on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Israel preps for WBC PCL approves El Paso purchase of T-Padres New Yankee Stadium less intimidating? […]
Outline of Wilmington ballpark deal emerges: $37M, 5,500 seats
The outline of a Wilmington (N.C.) ballpark deal is emerging, as the City Council will consider a proposed $37-million, 5,500-seat facility to be built at a prized waterfront site. Though nothing is final — and neither Mandalay Baseball Properties nor the Atlanta Braves have signed off on any lease — CIty Council members have been […]
West Coast League to Milwaukie? Highly unlikely
In one of the most improbable pitches ever, the summer-collegiate West Coast League says it would be happy to pursue public funding for a new Milwaukie (Ore.) ballpark after the Northwest League failed to meet a deadline. The Portland suburb has been talking with the short-season circuit about a new $25-million ballpark for the 2014 […]
Rotting fence comes down at Civic Stadium
The rotting outfield fence at Civic Stadium, former home of the Eugene Emeralds (short season A; Northwest League), was taken down by a volunteer group after it was deemed to be a fire hazard. The fear was that the 12-foot fence could catch fire, as transients occasionally hide in the ballpark and start warming fires. […]
Outfield turf design as promotional tool in West Michigan
Interesting promotion from the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League): shapes of four playing cards are being cut into the outfield grass, and fans will win prizes based on what happens in those four zones. The promotion, “Aces in the Outfield,” is simple: when fans enter Fifth Third Ballpark they’ll be given a […]
Crosscutters, Outlaws reach ballpark arena deal
The Williamsport Crosscutters (short season A; NY-Penn League) front office is satisfied that the playing field at Bowman Field will be in good condition after used this winter as an outdoor hockey area by the Williamsport Outlaws. The Outlaws, who play in the minor-league Federal Hockey League, has proposed setting up an outdoor arena at […]