Ryan Gates is the new COO/GM of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Sally League), assuming the chief operating officer duties following the departure of Brad Taylor for El Paso. Earlier today Taylor, who had been president of the Hot Rods, was named general manager of the El Paso team slated to begin […]
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Prepping for 2014: Taylor GM for new El Paso team
The as-yet-unnamed Class AAA Pacific Coast League team in El Paso now has a general manager, as industry vet Brad Taylor was named to the post today. Taylor is a familiar face in baseball circles. He most recently served as general manager and then president of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Sally […]
Final days of Ballpark Digest survey
Just a reminder: we’re entering the final days of the Ballpark Digest reader survey, and we want to hear from you about some new ventures we’re considering for the future. We are looking at some new publishing initiatives, and we want to hear from you. As an incentive, we’ll throw in 10 August Publications eBooks, […]
Pat Salvi launches food/beverage company
Pat Salvi, who has emerged in recent years as an investor in independent and summer-collegiate baseball, is upping the ante with the formation of a food and beverage company. His first effort with Salvi Food & Beverage, LLC: Bringing Ben’s Soft Pretzels to the ballparks in Gary, Indiana and Schaumburg, Illinois. While Ben’s Soft Pretzels […]
Dowling returns as Rock Cats president; Restall new GM
Bill Dowling, who spent 16 years as co-owner and CEO of the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), has returned to the team’s front office as president, with Tim Restall the new GM. They replace John Willi, who will remain as a consultant with the team. Willi was named president/GM when the Solomon […]
Neumann leaves Mandalay, joins Brailsford & Dunlavey
Rich Neumann, who was President, Baseball Development at Mandalay Baseball Properties, has joined consulting firm Brailsford & Dunlavey as Vice President for major accounts. Neumann spearheaded Mandalay’s efforts to develop new markets, Most recently he was often in the news for working on a new-ballpark plan for Wilmington (N.C.) — an effort resounding rejected by […]
Green understimates own strength, shatters glass at Citi Field
It is a viral video making the rounds: an errant first pitch by Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) owner Gary Green ended up breaking protective glass behind home plate at Citi Field. Green is a hardcore New York Mets fan from way back: he was around for some of the biggest games […]
It’s survey time — and we want to hear from you!
We’re planning out the next couple years of Ballpark Digest, and we want to hear from you about some potential offerings in the hopper. First off: things couldn’t be better; thanks for asking. We are looking at some new publishing initiatives, and we want to hear from you. As an incentive, we’ll throw in 10 […]
Edelstein to Aces as EVP/COO; Cole rises to Naturals GM
Eric Edelstein is the new executive vice president/chief operating officer of the Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League); replacing him as GM of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) for the rest of the season is Justin Cole. Coke is currently assistant GM and director of sales for the Naturals. Edelstein has […]
Saints schedule umpireless game
The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) are scheduling an exhibition game without umpires, with a judge in a robe calling balls and strikes. The “Umpireless Game” is set for Saturday, May 11, with the Gary SouthShore RailCats in town for a preseason match. In this unique twist a judge in a robe will stand […]
MiLB: Baseball game is affordable family fun in 2013
With the average cost for a family of four to attend an MiLB game this season totaling $62.52 in 2013, Minor League Baseball continues to be affordable family entertainment. “When stacked up against other professional sports leagues and family entertainment options, Minor League Baseball proves year after year that it provides the most bang for […]
Wilco, Dylan, My Morning Jacket to hit ballparks this summer
Though there’s no major ballpark music tour this summer, one of the biggest musical acts of the year will hit a select number of facilities this summer when Bob Dylan, Wilco and My Morning Jacket go on tour. The tour, combining musical legends Dylan and Thompson with one of the nation’s top concert draws in […]
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 […]