The new owners of the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) announced plans for a new ballpark to replace Sam Lynn Ballpark as part of a larger development, Bakersfield Commons. The 3,500-seat ballpark would anchor the northern part of the development on a 15-acre site, which was announced two years ago but put on […]
Tag Archives | california league
66ers offer broadcast job to Bob Costas
Nice gimmick: the Inland Empire 66ers (High Class A; California League) have offered their broadcast position to Bob Costas, who expressed interest in working an entire season in Minor League Baseball. In a recent interview with sports columnist Joe Posnanski, Costas stated that he still had a dream of calling an entire season of minor […]
Hudson new GM for Inland Empire 66ers
The Inland Empire 66ers (High Class A; California League) have a new general manager: Joe Hudson, who has been a part of the 66ers organization since 2001. “I am extremely excited and honored at the opportunity given to me by Dave (Elmore) and Donna (Tuttle),” Hudson said. “I am a native of San Bernardino and […]
66ers, Angels formally announce PDC extension
We were told about this several days ago, but the two sides are just now announcing: The Inland Empire 66ers (High Class A; California League) and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim extended their affiliation deal through 2014. The affiliation between the two clubs began in February 2011. “When our fans come to San Manuel […]
JetHawks, Astros extend PDC
The Lancaster JetHawks (High Class A; California League) and the Houston Astros extended their player development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “The fans in Lancaster who cheer the JetHawks on at the Hangar are among the best in Minor League baseball,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “We hope to continue to field winning […]
Seattle renews PDCs with four affiliates
The Seattle Mariners renewed player-development contracts with four teams: Jackson Generals (Class AA; Southern League), High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; Cal League), Clinton LumberKings (Low Class A; Midwest League) and Pulaski Mariners (rookie; Appalachian League). “We are happy to continue our relationship with the great group of people associated with the each of our […]
Rancho Cucamonga, Dodgers extend PDC
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League) and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their player-development contract (PDC) for two years, through 2014. The 2013 season will be the Quakes’ third with the Dodgers and their 21st in the California League. “The Dodgers have been a great partner of the Quakes and we are […]
2012 Broadcaster of the Year: Donny Baarns
We continue our 2012 Ballpark Digest Awards with the announcement of the Broadcaster of the Year Award: Donny Baarns, the Voice of the Visalia Rawhide (High Class A; California League). This was the most difficult category to judge this season: there is an abundance of riches in broadcast booths, and the increasingly complex roles taken […]
Worker dies after fireworks accident at Lake Elsinore game
A 20-year-old student died after being injured in a fire while he was prepping postgame fireworks at The Diamond for the Lake Elsinore Storm (Higb Class A; California League). William Calabrese was part of the work crew setting up the fireworks two hours before the Aug. 31 Storm game. The explosion set a vehicle on […]
Four straight years of attendance happiness for Visalia
Amazing what TLC will do for a baseball franchise: the Visalia Rawhide (High Class A; California League) should see the fourth straight year of record attendance after a successful 2012 season. Baseball in Visalia was an endangered species until owner Tom Seidler successfully launched a renovation of Recreation Park and a rebranding of the franchise. […]
Mavs, Adelanto agree to new ballpark lease
The High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League) will be in Adelanto for at least three more years after signing a new lease for Stater Brothers Stadium. The deal, which kicks in next season, is slightly different than the team’s current lease. The team will pay less in rent after assuming the costs of field maintenance, […]
Lake Elsinore, Padres extend PDC
More affiliation news: the San Diego Padres and Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; Cal League) have extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “We have built a great winning tradition over the last 12 years with the Padres, winning two Cal League Championships and getting into the playoffs 10 of the 11 […]
Coach barred from Cal League dugouts for unusual game strategy
Todd Steverson has been barred from California League dugouts after calling an unusual game strategy while serving as temporary coach of the Stockton Ports: forfeiting via balk. Steverson is a hitting coach in the Oakland organization and was serving as temporary coach of the Ports while Webster Garrison was on vacation. On June 23 the Ports’ game […]