Remember the poignant story of Luis Salazar, the Atlanta Braves minor-league coach who lost an eye during spring training after being struck by a foul ball in the dugout? As promised, he returned to his post as manager of the Lynchburg Hillcats (High Class A; Carolina League) last night before an appreciative crowd at Calvin […]
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Bull Barch is back!
This makes us very happy: “Bull” Barch is back in baseball as the Voice of the Lake Erie Crushers (independent; Frontier League), as he takes a break from calling Notre Dame College games to replace Tim Calderwood. Andy “Bull” Barch is currently the Assistant Sports Information Director at Notre Dame College and serves as the […]
Fat Cats owners may seek affiliated team for Ottawa
The owners of the Ottawa Fat Cats are asking the city of Ottawa for an Ottawa Stadium lease extension in order to give the group time to seek a professional franchise for Canada’s capital, a request that seems to have slowed down the city’s ardor for renovating the ballpark as a multuse facility. There’s no […]
MiLB: Heaviest use of Vero Beach baseball facilities since 1940s
Here’s one reason why spring training is unlikely to return to the former Dodgertown in Vero Beach: Between youth tournaments, swimming meets and other events, Vero Beach Sports Village is the busiest it’s been since the 1940s, when the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted 26 teams there during spring training. It’s a vindication of sort for Minor […]
Fenway mixer: More booze at the ballpark?
The Boston Red Sox are asking the city for permission to serve more mixed drinks at Fenway Park this season, but allegations that the team has not been sufficiently diligent in preventing alcohol-related incidents will be addressed at a hearing today. The hearing, before the Boston Licensing Board, will address allegations that the Red Sox […]
The Week That Was: April 10
The preservation of a historic playing field, franchise shifts and sales in the independent-baseball ranks, a San Francisco ballpark visit, and some bad news from Clark and Addison were the biggest stories this week. A look at the top stories on Ballpark Digest this week, as measured by page views. Giants fan severely beaten in […]
The Week That Was: April 3
The opening of the Major League Baseball season, the end of the Spring Training season and some potential shifts in the independent-baseball world made headlines this last week. The top stories on Ballpark Digest for the past seven days, as measured in page views. From the Frontier League to Cubs PA announcer Moreno: Time to […]
Storm enter extreme-eats arena with Home Wrecker, Filthy McNasty
The Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League) are entering the extreme-food world with a series of new creations to the Diamond Club menu, including the two-pound Home Wrecker hamburger and the five-pound-plus Filthy McNasty chili dog Nice. The specifics: the Filthy McNasty — which could feed four comfortably — is a two-pound burger […]
Omaha promotion right down the crapper
Riffing off a suggestion by Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle for the federal government to tax toilet paper as a method of paying for sewer upgrades, the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are launching an April 21 promotion to benefit the March of Dimes. All fans who attend that night’s game will receive […]
Matin new BIRCO chairman
Art Matin, Chief Executive Officer of Mandalay Baseball Properties, is the new chairman of BIRCO’s 10-member Board of Directors. BIRCO manages the digital media rights of its member Minor League Baseball clubs and leagues. Matin, who had been the Double-A representative on the BIRCO Board since its founding two years ago, succeeds Frank Burke, who […]
Tumminia, Mets, Cyclones feted by NYU’s Sports Business Society
The New York Mets, the Brooklyn Cyclones (short season A; NY-Penn League) and Tyler Tumminia, Vice President of Marketing and Operations with The Goldklang Group, will be honored by NYU’s Sports Business Society on April 12. Tumminia will be named 2011 Executive of the Year. She joins an elite group of prior recipients, including MLS […]
Tides unveil broadcast team — with familiar voices
Fan of the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League) will hear some familiar voices during radio broadcasts this season, as Pete Michaud, Tony Mercurio and Bob Socci will return for the 2011 campaign on ESPN Radio. 94.1 FM. This season will mark Michaud’s fifth season behind the microphone for the Norfolk Tides, but his first […]
PSC adds Erie to roster
Professional Sports Catering, in conjunction with Mandalay Baseball Properties announced today that PSC will manage the food and beverage operation at Jerry Uht Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League). “The SeaWolves are excited to partner with Professional Sports Catering to bring our fans an enhanced game day dining experience,” said team […]