There’s a name for the new Texas-based independent Atlantic League team: the Sugar Land Skeeters, who will begin play at a new $30-million ballpark in the Houston suburb beginning in the 2012 season. “I think the entry forms said it best. It just sounds like a fun minor league baseball name for this region,” said […]
Tag Archives | atlantic league
Bernie Robbins Stadium in state of disrepair
That didn’t take long: Two years after the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Can-Am League) ceased operations, Bernie Robbins Stadium is now in a serious state of disrepair, with copper stripped from walls and luxury boxes trashed. The Press of Atlantic City took a tour of the former indy-ball ballpark and found the place to be […]
First look: New Sugar Land ballpark
Everyone loves a pretty ballpark rendering. To brighten up your offseason, here’s a first look at the new Sugar Land (Texas) ballpark, scheduled to open in 2012 as the home of an independent Atlantic League team. The ballpark will be built by the city with a $30 million budget (funded by economic-development funds; no general […]
Nassau County, Atlantic League talking new ballpark
It sounds like the independent Atlantic League might be able to pull off what the New York Mets, the New York Islanders and the Eastern League failed to do: build a new ballpark in Nassau County. Talks are beginning between league officials and Nassau County officials about a new ballpark, which could open as soon […]
Seals: Canaries in the coal mine?
Many in baseball were stunned when respected operators Darren and Russ Parker pulled the plug on the Victoria Seals (independent; Golden Baseball League) for the 2011 season, citing issues with the city and concerns about the future of the GBL. Was the decision a harbinger of what’s to come with independent baseball? When the Parkers, […]
Amarillo can support downtown ballpark: CSL
A new downtown Amarillo ballpark is financially feasible and capable of hosting events other than professional baseball throughout the year, according to a study presented to the City Council by Conventions Sports & Leisure. The report estimated that a market the size of Amarillo could support an independent-league team and draw between 3,700 and 4,200 […]
It’s official: Bears to Can-Am Association
The Newark Bears are officially moving from the Atlantic League to the Can-Am Association, a move that all sides hope will revive the fortunes of the struggling franchise. The Bears will be replaced in the Atlantic League by the Pennsylvania Road Warriors. Indy ball has struggled in Newark, despite a relatively new ballpark — Bears […]
Details emerge on proposed West Chester ballpark
As the Turk’s Head Stadium Alliance continues to work on state funding for a new West Chester (Pa.) ballpark, details about the scope of the project and its funding sources emerge — but its location may cause some issues in Minor League Baseball unless the Philadelphia Phillies are part of the mix. The actual plan […]
Bears to Can-Am Association?
The Newark Bears may be switching from the Atlantic League to the Can-Am Association, a move that may help the struggling team in the long term but could cause some headaches for both indy circuits. It’s no secret indy ball has struggled in Newark, despite a relatively new ballpark — Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium […]
Kirk pitches Frederick on AtL ballpark lease; will settle for Keys
Atlantic League mogul Peter Kirk has pitched Frederick (Md.) officials on taking over the lease at Harry Grove Stadium for an independent-league team — but will settle for buying the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) as a consolation prize. Kirk certainly is one of the more interesting people in baseball, and he’s seizing […]
Three finalists named in Sugar Land name-the-team contest
We have the three finalists for the name-the-team contest in Sugar Land, Texas, for the new independent Atlantic League team — and are they doozies. The three names: the Lizard Kings, the King Canes and the Skeeters. The King Canes are a reference to the sugar industry in Sugar Land (duh!), the Skeeters are a […]
New Loudoun County team to announce name, logo Sept. 21
Mark it on your calendars: the new independent Atlantic League team slated to play at a new Loudoun County ballpark will announce its team name and logo on Sept. 21. The event will be highlighted by Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, the former Washington Senator who will help introduce the name, logo and uniform for […]
Consultant: Baseball at new Sugar Land ballpark shouldn’t impact neighbors–but concerts might
Opposition to new ballparks usually falls along the lines of increased traffic and noise impacting local residents. That’s the case in Sugar Land, Texas, where a proposed Atlantic League ballpark should fall within city noise guidelines during a baseball game — but not for concerts. Those are the findings of a consultant hired by the […]