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 […]
Archive | The Front Office
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 […]
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 […]
Job Opening: Manager, Corporate Partnerships
JOB DESCRIPTION: Primary responsibility is to enhance the relationships with corporate customers by identifying and understanding their needs, and then customizing recommendations to meet and exceed those needs. Main focus will be to direct sales of all sponsorship and advertising products – stadium signage, tickets, suites, merchandising, promotions, radio, television, game program, online media and […]
The Week That Was: October 7
New Astros uniforms, potential new Rays ballparks, teams maneuvering for 2013 and ownership changes made headlines this past week. The top stories on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Astros to unveil new uniforms Nov. 2 Loudoun Hounds: We have deal for 2014 ballpark Cubs pitch new seating behind Wrigley Field home plate Abundance […]
With Milo retiring, Astros restructure broadcast booth
With Milo Hamilton retiring and a new front-office regime firmly in place, the Houston Astros are clearing the deck and advertising for a new three-person radio team, according to a job posting. The contracts of Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond are not being renewed, according to the job posting on a broadcaster job site. It sounds […]
Staff news in Pittsfield, Medford
We have some personnel moves to note: Kevin McGuire is the new GM of the Pittsfield Suns (summer collegiate; Futures League) and Chuck Heeman is GM of the new Medford team in the West Coast League. McGuire (shown to the right) ascends to the role after spending the 2012 season as the Suns’ assistant general manager, […]
ODP: Looking for the Best and Brightest
The Week That Was: September 30
Affiliation news, attendance tallies, a new-ballpark proposal for the Tampa Bay Rays and previews for 2013. The top stories of the week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Angels to Burlington, A’s to Beloit Quad Cities, Astros announce affiliation Can-Am League expands to Trois-Rivières for 2013 2012 Baseball Attendance by Average 2012 Independent […]