Some more buzz from the Winter Meetings: the notion of Boise hosting Pacific Coast League baseball is proving to be more viable by the moment — depending on what happens with the planning of a new downtown ballpark. That Boise has the demographics and geological location to host Triple-A baseball really isn’t under dispute: yes, […]
Archive | The Front Office
O’Malley: Don’t expect spring training to return to Vero Beach
Peter O’Malley says that the business focus for the former Dodgertown complex in Vero Beach will remain on youth tournaments and visiting teams, not professional baseball. O’Malley invested in Vero Beach Sports Village (VBSV), formerly known as Dodgertown. O’Malley will be one of five equal partners in VBSV management: MiLB will retain a share, while the […]
Plan B. Branding now Brandiose
A bit of news from the baseball-business world: Plan B. Branding, responsible for the look of many teams, has rebranded itself as Brandiose. You’ve seen their work with logos and branding for the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League), Cincinnati Reds and Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League); it’s hard to miss Jason […]
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A little housekeeping: you can now follow Ballpark Digest on Google +, in addition to the other popular social-networking services. You can see the Google+ page here. And, don’t forget about about our Facebook page and our Twitter feed.
Twins front-office changes: Smith out, Ryan in
In a surprising move, Terry Ryan has returned to the Minnesota Twins as general manager — perhaps on a permanent basis — as Bill Smith has been asked to take another position in the organization. “No one in the Twins’ organization wants to win any more than Bill,” Twins Owner and CEO Jim Pohlad said […]
Boston to seek more money for Yawkey Way, Landsdowne access
The Boston Redevelopment Authority sees the Boston Red Sox making millions off team activity on Yawkey Way and Landsdowne Street — so higher rent is on the agenda. The Red Sox do have a pretty sweet deal for extended Yawkey Way game-day access and air rights to Landsdowne Street for the Green Monster seating under […]
Mincher retiring as Southern League president
After battling health issues for several years, Don Mincher is retiring as president of the Class AA Southern League, effective immediately. Mincher conveyed the news to Southern League owners at the league’s meetings in Pensacola. Steve DeSalvo, general manager of the Mississippi Braves and vice president of the Southern League, will assume the role of […]
Schlender promoted in Omaha
Laurie Schlender is the new Assistant General Manager of Business Operations for the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). She becomes the highest-ranking female employee in the 43-year history of the organization dating back to 1969. “Laurie has been an integral part of nearly all major decisions involving the franchise since I became […]
McCourt looted $189 million from Dodgers: MLB
Frank McCourt has raided Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium financial coffers improperly to the tune of $189.16 million, according to MLB attorneys, in anticipation of bankruptcy-court proceedings next week. The battle lines are emerging in the Delaware bankruptcy proceedings: MLB attorneys say McCourt isn’t fit to run and own the team; Fox opposes McCourt’s […]
Satchel Paige, Bismarck and Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
The Bismarck (N.D.) Park Board is debating whether to rename Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, the city’s home to baseball since 1921, after the legendary Satchel Paige. The story behind the request is a fascinating chapter in baseball. Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, had quite the storied career: the greatest […]
Bragan Jr. stepping down as Suns GM
Peter “Pedro” Bragan Jr., the GM of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) for 24 of the past 26 seasons, is stepping back from day-to-day duties and will be replaced by current AGM Chris Peters for the coming season. Bragan will assume the duties of team president. His father, Peter Bragan Sr., is still […]
PSC adds Oklahoma City to portfolio
Professional Sports Catering, in conjunction with Mandalay Baseball Properties, will manage the food and beverage operation at RedHawks Field at Bricktown, home of the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). “We believe great food and outstanding customer service play a vital role in the overall fan experience at the ballpark,” said Tom Dickson, […]
Labatt Park named Canada’s favorite ballpark
In a contest tallying over 19,000 votes, London’s Labatt Park was named Canada’s favorite ballpark by Baseball Canada, beating out Thunder Bay’s Port Arthur Stadium in the finals. Labatt Park, one of the oldest ballparks still in existence, has been home to professional, semipro and independent teams over the years. “Baseball Canada congratulates Labatt Park […]