Mesa officials say planning for two new spring-training facilities is beyond the city’s resources, so they’ll focus on keeping the Cubs and pass on a potential Rockies/Diamondbacks complex.Mesa officials say planning for basically two new spring-training facilities is beyond the city’s resources, so they’ll focus on keeping the Cubs and pass on a potential Rockies/Diamondbacks […]
Author Archive | Kevin Reichard
Reds ready to say goodbye to Florida, move west
The Cincinnati Reds wrap up their Florida spring-training history on April 2 with one final game at Ed Smith Stadium before moving west to Goodyear, Arizona.The Cincinnati Reds will wrap up their Grapefruit League history this week with a final April 2 game at Ed Smith Stadium before pulling up stakes and moving spring operations […]
Mets open Citi Field with college matchup
It was a dry run for Citi Field Saturday, when a limited crowd saw St. John’s take on Georgetown.A limited crowd was on hand to see a little history: the first game at Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets. The game, featuring St. John’s "hosting" Georgetown, will be a footnote in future […]
ETSU moves forward with unique ballpark-financing plan
East Tennessee State University is hoping to use the proceeds from a land lease to pay for a new college ballpark.East Tennessee State University is hoping to use the proceeds from a land lease to pay for a new college ballpark. ETSU is barred by law from using state funds to pay for athletic facilities, […]
The week that was: March 28
The most-read stories of the week on Ballpark Digest mostly concerned food, glorious food, as teams prepare for the opening of the 2009 season.Here are the most popular stories of the week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views: Mellencamp, Dylan to embark on ballpark concert tour Could Cubs end up back in Grapefruit […]
Rapidz owners sue Can-Am Association, alleging they were driven out of circuit
The former owners of the Ottawa Rapidz are suing the Can-Am Association for forcing them out of the circuit and not allowing them to walk away from the league, among other things.The former owners of the Ottawa Rapidz are suing the independent Can-Am Association for forcing them out of the circuit and not allowing them […]
G-Braves announce broadcast team
In the broadcast booth for the new Gwinnett Braves: Josh Caray and Brian Jordan.The Gwinnett Braves (Class AAA; International League) and Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) have signed a four-year exclusive television partnership that includes the broadcast of a minimum of 25 games beginning in 2009. Current pre-game analyst for the Atlanta Braves and former Brave, […]
It’s official: ULB to launch this season with six teams
The indy circuit will launch with five former ULB franchise while adding a third in that well-known graveyard of pro baseball, Coastal Bend. Fresh from a settlement in bankruptcy court, the independent United Baseball League will launch this season in six cities: Amarillo, San Angelo, Edinburg, Harlingen, Laredo and Coastal Bend. A Dallas bankruptcy court […]
Red Sox freeze concession prices for 2009, add April happy hour
The Boston Red Sox are freezing concession prices and adding a Fenway Happy Hour for April.The Boston Red Sox are holding the line on concession prices at Fenway Park for 2000, marking the first Fenway Park concession price freeze since 2002. The Red Sox are freezing existing prices while also adding many discounts to the […]
Wolff finally admits inevitable; San Jose is leading contender to land A’s
Oakland A’s co-owner Lew Wolff says San Jose is prepared to host the Athletics and hopes MLB addresses the territorial issue this summer; he once again disses Oakland as a city unsuited for professional baseball.Lew Wolff sounds like a man who’s made up him mind about the future of the Oakland A’s: he’s now openly […]
R-Phils to test limits with ultimate in all-you-can-eat promotions: Gluttony Night
We’ve seen first-hand how much food Reading Phillies fans can pack away, so GM Scott Hunsicker should be worried about running out of hot dogs and funnel cakes. Mmmmm, funnel cakes.The Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) are looking for big eaters to attend Gluttony Night on May 19. For just $12, fans can eat […]
Sheppard to miss Yankee Stadium opener; Steinbrenner expected to be there
The legendary Bob Sheppard, the voice of Yankee Stadium since 1951, isn’t expected to be at the Yankees formal home opener on April 16; George Steinbrenner, chased by rumors of failing health, should be there.Two small but very important pieces of news surrounding the formal opening of Yankee Stadium on April 16: The legendary Bob […]
TinCaps to feature Treetop Rooftop seating at new ballpark
Modeled after the famous rooftop seats surrounding Wrigley Field, the Treetop Rooftop area at Parkview Field should be some of the most unique seats in minor-league baseball.Modeled after the famous rooftop seats surrounding Wrigley Field, the Treetop Rooftop area at Parkview Field, the new home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) should be some of […]