In retrospect, MiLB made the absolute right choice in awarding the territory to the Drive: Fluor Field is already one of our favorite ballparks in the minors. The other ballpark plans called for teams playing out in Greenville’s fast-growing suburbs. And while those ballparks probably would have been financially successful, they wouldn’t have provided one […]
Author Archive | Kevin Reichard
War Memorial Stadium / Greensboro Bats
With crowded concourses, limited parking and some odd sightlines, War Memorial Stadium in Greensboro did not provide the best atmosphere for baseball. But it was a classic ballpark from a different era, and that for that reason alone its departure from professional baseball next season will leave a hole for those who love old […]
AirHogs Stadium / Texas AirHogs
At first glance, the empty seats in the grandstand in the midst of the first game in Grand Prairie AirHogs history didn’t seem like a good sign for the expansion American Association franchise, despite the match being a sellout. But the fans were still in the ballpark, as they certainly hadn’t bailed: they were all […]
GCS Ballpark / Gateway Grizzlies
There are many reasons to visit a minor-league ballpark: the ballpark itself, promotions during the game, great ballpark food, or the affordable entertainment. I really hate it when you attend a minor-league game and few of these aspects are present. However, that is not the case at GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill. It is what […]
Great American Ball Park / Cincinnati Reds
Themed ballparks always seem a little gimmicky. That’s why we were a little apprehensive before visiting Great American Ball Park, the home of the Cincinnati Reds. As the home of the first professional baseball team, Cincinnati is a well-known baseball hotbed, and a great area deserves a great ballpark. But the Reds make a big […]
Fraser Field / North Shore Navigators
Built in 1940, Fraser Field has hosted Eastern League and independent baseball; it’s now home to summer-collegiate ball. FAST FACTS Year Built: 1940 Capacity: 3,804 Dimensions: 320L, 400C, 320R Parking: There is some limited street parking in front of the ballpark, but beware: there are some inconsistent restrictions on parking in the area, and the […]
LaGrave Field / Fort Worth Cats
It is one of the most unusual ballparks in minor-league baseball, as Fort Worth’s LaGrave Field is a new ballpark set on the grounds of a former affiliated classic. As such, it’s the best of both worlds. FAST FACTS Year Opened: Current incarnation, 2002 Capacity: 5,200 Dimensions: 320L, 370LC, 400C, 366RC, 330R Playing Surface: Grass […]
Fenway Park / Boston Red Sox
It’s not every day when an icon manages to meet your expectations, never mind exceed them. But Fenway Park, the Mecca for everyone interested in balkparks on any level, not only meets expectations but shatters them. It is true that at Fenway the grass is greener, the hot dogs are tastier, and the fans more […]
The week that was: Jan. 3
This week’s top stories: the Tampa Bay Rays propose a new ballpark site; memories of old ballparks; the Red Sox and Orioles continue to work on spring-training solutions; and Wrigley Field becomes the first MLB park to host NHL hockey.Here are the top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page […]
United League Baseball declares bankruptcy
The Texas-based circuit, besieged by three lawsuits and the potential loss of two ballparks, has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. And without a 2009 schedule released, it’s questionable whether the league will be back this season.United Sports Equities — the holding company for independent United League Baseball — has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a […]
Hot Rods blanket field at new ballpark
Bad weather is forcing the ownership of the Bowling Green Hot Rods to cover their field with thermal blankets in an attempt to prevent damage to the new turf. Bad weather is forcing the ownership of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Sally League) to cover their field with thermal blankets in an […]
Talks break down on revamped Kannapolis lease
Talks to extend the lease of Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium to the Kannapolis Intimidators (Low Class A; Sally League) have collapsed, leading Rowan County officials to recommend letting the lease lapse in 2010.Talks to extend the lease of Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium to the Kannapolis Intimidators (Low Class A; Sally League) have collapsed, leading Rowan County officials […]
Fans have blast at Wrigley Field hockey game
While it didn’t have the same impact as last year’s outdoor matchup, New Year’s Day hockey game at Wrigley Field was a special event for the more than 40,000 fans in attendance.It was a typical Chicago winter day — 32 degrees with a nasty breeze that brought the wind chill down to 19 degrees — […]