A new downtown ballpark for the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) and the University of Texas at San Antonio is in play, as discussions have begun with Bexar County officials on a funding plan. It’s no secret Wolff Stadium is the least desirable facility in the Texas League right now. True, it’s not […]
Tag Archives | class aa
Blue Wahoos cleared for play
Yeah, it was a mere formality, but it’s still a reason to celebrate: the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League) were officially approved to play in 2012 by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. The approval, which was expected after approval from the Southern League and Minor League Baseball, means the Blue Wahoos front office can […]
It’s Aeros again in Akron
The rebranding of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) has concluded, and the results are in: the team will be the Aeros for the foreseeable future. A contest held by the team and the local newspaper asked fans to choose their favorite from a list of Aeros, RubberDucks, Vulcans, Tire Jacks and Gum Dippers. […]
2011 Broadcaster of the Year: Jay Burnham, Voice of the Trenton Thunder
He calls a mean game, recites a post-game haiku and manages his team’s broadcast and video deals. For his work behind the mic and behind the scenes, Jay Burnham, the Voice of the Trenton Thunder, is the 2011 Broadcaster of the Year in the annual awards from Ballpark Digest. In the minors, a broadcaster wears […]
RockHounds hit attendance mark
The Midland RockHounds (Class AA; Texas League) hit a pretty cool milestone over the weekend, surging past 300,000 this season to set a franchise attendance record. The record was actually set on Saturday night, when a big crowd of 7,363 was on hand for a fireworks night. That pushed the season attendance to 301,530, a […]
Tulsa Drillers land 2012 Texas League All-Star Game
The Tulsa Drillers will host the 2012 Texas League All-Star Game at ONEOK Field, the team announced today. “We are excited to have the opportunity to host the Texas League’s marquee event next summer,” said General Manager Mike Melega. “We think downtown Tulsa and ONEOK Field will provide the perfect settings for this great game.” […]
The Akron Gum Dippers or Tire Jacks? Could happen
The Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) are holding a team rebranding contest, and some of the finalists — Gum Dippers, Tire Jacks — are certainly noteworthy. You don’t see too many rebranding contests in the minors, and the premise of this one is pretty simple: either the Aeros name will be retained or a […]
H-Sens prep festivities for 6-millionth fan
The Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) are hitting a major milestone this weekend: unless the Market Street bridge to City Island collapses, the team will welcome the six-millionth fan in team history at some point during a weekend series against the Erie SeaWolves. It should be a festive time, especially with the Senators in […]
Budget issues postpone Squirrels ballpark to 2015 at earliest
The earliest a new Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark could open in 2015, as political and budgetary considerations will delay debate of a regional funding plan until 2012 at the earliest. The issue: some of the counties in the general Richmond area expected to contribute to the funding of a new ballpark […]
Manchester struggles with ballpark debt
Despite projections that revenues from a new Manchester, N.H. ballpark for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) would be enough to cover debt, they’re not, so residents are paying the difference. When planned in 2006 and 2007, debt service for Northeast Delta Dental Stadium was projected to be covered by rent from […]
R-Phils bring back Gluttony Night for 2011
The Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) are bringing back one of the most popular and noteworthy promotions in Minor League Baseball in the last year: Tomorrow night is Gluttony Night at FirstEnergy Stadium. For just $7, all fans – especially hungry fans — can chow down on all-you-can-eat hot dogs, pizza, French fries, funnel […]
Birmingham postpones Barons ballpark vote
No surprise here: the Birmingham City Council voted today to put off a decision on a proposed downtown Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) ballpark and has scheduled a work session next week to discuss the plan. Despite the request from Mayor William Bell to decide at today’s meeting, the majority of City Council members […]
Barons ballpark plan moves forward, adds Negro Leagues museum to mix
Birmingham Mayor William Bell wants to put the framework of a proposed Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) ballpark to a vote tomorrow — something unlikely to happen — and has restored a Negro Leagues museum to the project. The ballpark plan has moved forward by fits and starts since first proposed by Bell; ironically, […]