Let the conspiracy theories begin after Oakland A’s co-owner Lew Wolff releases a new-ballpark statement that specifically doesn’t mention Oakland or the Bay Area.Let the conspiracy theories begin after Oakland A’s co-owner Lew Wolff releases a new-ballpark statement that specifically doesn’t mention Oakland or the Bay Area. As you’ll recall, the Oakland A’s officially ended […]
Author Archive | Kevin Reichard
Ballpark Notes for Feb. 24, 2009
New groundskeepers in Clinton and Altoona lead today’s edition of the ballpark news.New groundskeepers in Clinton and Altoona lead today’s edition of the ballpark news. The Clinton LumberKings (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced the hiring of Dan Thomas as the club’s new Stadium Manager and Head Groundskeeper. Thomas joins the organization after spending 2008 […]
Crushers to announce naming-rights deal tomorrow
The Lake Erie Crushers have scheduled a press conference tomorrow to announce a naming-rights deal for a new Avon ballpark.Naming rights may be hard to come by these days, but the Lake Erie Crushers (independent; Frontier League) have scheduled a press conference tomorrow to announce a deal for a new Avon ballpark. The team will […]
Renovated Diamond may do in Richmond
Richmond city officials are pondering whether a renovated Diamond will do for a Class AA Eastern League team.Richmond (Va.) city officials are pondering whether a renovated Diamond will do for a Class AA Eastern League team. Last week we pointed out that a renovated Diamond, the former home of the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International […]
Join Ballpark Digest at the Astros spring opener!
Spring-training games begin on Wednesday, and we’ll be there, as Kevin Reichard signs copies of The Complete Guide to Spring Training at the Astros spring opener.Spring-training games begin on Wednesday, and we’ll be there, as Kevin Reichard signs copies of The Complete Guide to Spring Training at the Astros spring opener. Reichard will be in […]
G-Braves complete prep on new ballpark
The seats are installed, the scoreboard is up, and the field will be ready for play. We have pics of the new Gwinnett Braves ballpark, slated to open in April.The seats are installed, the scoreboard is up, and the field will be ready for play. We have pics of the new Gwinnett Braves (Class AAA; […]
Defenders outline Holman Stadium renovation plans
The American Defenders of New Hampshire unveiled their plans for changes to Historic Holman Stadium.The American Defenders of New Hampshire (independent; Can-Am Association) want to make several changes to the WPA-era Holman Stadium. And while none of the changes are major, they may need to be approved by Nashua because of the historic nature of […]
Is Houston angling to close Astrodome?
Events scheduled for the Astrodome this year have been scrapped after city officials found "code violations" that will cost millions to remedy — and some see the closure as a first step toward closing the beloved venue.Events scheduled for the Astrodome this year have been scrapped after city officials found "code violations" that will cost […]
Tucson makes another run at spring training — but will MLB bite?
A Tucson lawmaker is asking the Arizona Legislature to approve sales-tax hikes for new spring-training facilities. But if voters approve, will any MLB team be interested?You’ve got to give Rep. Vic Williams, a Republican from Tucson, points for persistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Williams is the legislator working to keep spring training in […]
U of Vermont drops baseball as varsity sport; will Lake Monsters be affected?
The University of Vermont is dropping men’s baseball as a varsity sport, but school officials say Centennial Field will remain open — for now.The University of Vermont is dropping men’s baseball as a varsity sport, but school officials say Centennial Field will remain open — for now. Centennial Field is also home to the Vermont […]
A’s officially drop Fremont ballpark plans; Wolff says there’s no backup plan
The Oakland A’s officially announced plans for a new ballpark in Fremont are dead, and co-owner Lew Wolff says the team has no back-up plans.The Oakland A’s officially announced plans for a new ballpark in Fremont are dead, and co-owner Lew Wolff says the team has no back-up plans. "At this time we have decided […]
Shaw Park / Winnipeg Goldeyes
There’s a certain type of ballpark currently in vogue in the minor leagues: a raised mezzanine packed with concession stands, with a grandstand sloping down to the playing field. There are many advantages to this layout: the mezzanine area can accommodate socializing and fans can hit the concession stands without missing any of the action. […]
AutoZone Park / Memphis Redbirds
If anyone needs a model for a successful urban minor-league stadium, they need look no farther than AutoZone Park, home of the Memphis Redbirds. AutoZone is renowned in minor-league baseball circles as being one of the best ballparks in use, and nothing during a recent visit dissuades us of that notion. FAST FACTS Year Built: […]