If we had our way, every baseball team would begin the season with a parade — as is the case in the Quad Cities and Cincinnati, where Opening Day is celebrated with the proper pomp and circumstance. The annual Cincinnati Opening Day Parade will be held April 5 at 1 p.m., with former Red Aaron […]
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Video, video: prepping for the season
Videos are increasingly important marketing tools for baseball teams at all levels. Here’s a look at how three teams — Fort Wayne TinCaps, Madison Mallards and Joliet Slammers — are deploying videos as part of their sales arsenal. The Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) threw up a pretty slick website, 7gamepack.com, to promote the […]
Professional Sports Catering adds Dayton to portfolio
Professional Sports Catering, in conjunction with Mandalay Baseball Properties, announced today that PSC will manage the food and beverage operation at Fifth Third Field, home of the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A; Midwest League). “Dayton is one of the top MiLB franchises in the country,” said Tom Dickson, CEO of PSC. “We are excited about […]
Pigging out at the park: the eight-pound StrasBurger
We have an early contender for the most noteworthy food item at a ballpark this season: the Washington Nationals will be offering an eight-pound hamburger, the StrasBurger. From the Nationals PR department, this news about a burger to be sold at the Red Porch concession area: Weighing eight pounds total (including toppings), the StrasBurger is […]
Astros to bring backs Colt .45s jersey this season
To mark the team’s 50th anniversary, the ever-colorful Houston Astros will be bringing back Houston Colt .45 jerseys for two April games and sport other retro unis throughout the year. The team will don the jerseys at their April 10 and April 20 games at Minute Maid Park. The jersey, worn when the team was […]
The Week That Was: March 11
A new spring-training ballpark, the passing of a respected baseball figure and more debate about a potential Oakland A’s move. Here are the top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured in page views. JetBlue Park at Fenway South / Boston Red Sox MLB: No, there’s been no decision on Oakland A’s […]
Apartment complex pitched for BB&T Ballpark site
You could live next to BB&T Ballpark, home of the Winston-Salem Dash (High Class A; Carolina League), if a proposed apartment complex is approved by the city. A development company owned by Dash owner Billy Prim has proposed a five-story, 200-apartment building on Peters Creek Parkway, to the west of the ballpark. It’s been approved by […]
Smokies offer dollar ducats for Opening Night
To celebrate the team’s President’s Award last season, the Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) are offering dollar tickets for Opening Night. For the next 160 hours, the team is offering the “President’s Award Ticket Special,” In appreciation of the Smokies being named the Minor League Organization of the Year in 2011. Fans can purchase […]
Lack of development at Gwinnett ballpark draws criticism
Economic development around Coolray Field, home of the Gwinnett Braves (Class AAA; International League), has failed to materialize, and the latest proposal has locals up in arms. One of the rationales for Gwinnett County to fund the $64-million ballpark was the potential of attracting additional development. And, indeed, there was a proposed development on the […]
The Week That Was: March 4
The future of baseball in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, a ballpark that looks like a volcano, and the potential end to Thirsty Thursday in Illinois. The top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured in page views. Sale still pending for SWB Yankees; could team depart? New for 2013: Estadio Sonora Pomeranz joining Padres broadcast […]
Oh no! Thirsty Thursday threatened!
Illinois legislators are considering implementing a minimum fee for drinks sold in the state — a move that would kill Thirsty Thursday and Beer Batter promotions in minor-league ballparks. The proposal, HB 5369. would restrict anyone selling beer and liquor lower than a minimum price set by the state. The theory is that if alcohol is […]
PSC lands Spikes concessions
Professional Sports Catering (PSC) today announced that it has entered into a partnership with the State College Spikes (short season A; NY-Penn League) to manage the food and beverage operation for all events held at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. In addition to the Spikes 38-game home schedule from June to September, Medlar Field at […]
Pomeranz joining Padres broadcast team
Former Minnesota Twins farmhand and Twin Cities news anchor Mike Pomeranz is joining the San Diego Padres broadcast team, according to KARE 11 officials. Pomeranz has been a news anchor at KARE 11, the Minneapolis-St. Paul NBC affiliate, for the past six years, moonlighting as a studio host and reporter for Twins broadcasts on Fox […]