Well, this certainly is a natural: the Kalamazoo Growlers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) and local brewery Bell’s have struck a deal to offer the high-end suds at Stryker Field. There’s also a pun involved with the natural partnership: besides being a bear, a growler is also a beer container. “We are thrilled to partner with […]
Archive | College Baseball
Bullfrogs pitch Joannes Stadium improvements, hire Darrell Handelsman as coach
The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) have pitched several improvements to Joannes Stadium and received initial approval from the City of Green Bay Parks Committee, and an experienced skipper will guide the team: Darrell Handelsman. The full City Council is set to take up the matter Feb. 4. All projects would be funded […]
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium renovations debated
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium could be renovated with city backing, as Wichita officials are looking at an expansion of the National Baseball Congress in coming years. Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is also home of the Wichita Wingnuts (independent; American Association), but the renovations aren’t being discussed in the context of pro ball; rather, the city is looking at changes […]
Weather delays work on new SIU ballpark
The cold weather has slowed construction on the new $3.4 million ballpark at Southern Illinois University, with work delayed everywhere but the actual field installation. SIU went with synthetic turf on the field — one of those inclusive installations that includes home plate — and that installation was done last fall, so in theory the […]
Stockton Ports to host WCC tourney
The Stockton Ports (High Class A; California League) will be the official host for the 2014 and 2015 West Coast Conference Baseball Championships at Banner Island Ballpark. The Ports bid on hosting the tourney in conjunction with the Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Ports also hosted the 2013 tourney at Banner Island Ballpark. Championship […]
That first whiff of spring: batting practice
Was doing some advance scouting for spring training today in the greater Orlando area, and stumbled upon a magical sight: batting practice at Alfond Stadium, home of the Rollins College Tars, in downtown Winter Park. There’s nothing like a crack of the bat and a temperature in the 70s to make you yearn for baseball. […]
Wade Stadium renovation funding strikes out
A request of state funding for renovations to Wade Stadium, home of the Duluth Huskies (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), was not included in an initial bonding request from Gov. Mark Dayton. Every two years the state of Minnesota passes a bonding bill for projects throughout the state. Local municipalities send requests to the governor’s office, […]
Vikings stadium battle moves to state supreme court
A legal battle over bonding for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium, which will also host college and high-school baseball, reached the Minnesota Supreme Court. Three Minneapolis residents — none of them a lawyer — filed suit to stop the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority from selling bonds to build the new stadium, set to open in 2016. […]
Gems to remain under Civic Center ownership — for now
The Quincy Civic Center Authority will retain ownership of the Quincy Gems (summer collegiate; Prospect League) and field a team in 2014 while continuing to find a new owner for the team. The team lost $23,178 in 2012 and $91,000 in 2013, leading the Quincy Civic Center Authority to put the team on the market. With […]
Drinking foes kill proposed party decks at Carson Park
Foes of binge drinking successfully killed a proposed fan-deck expansion at Carson Park from the Eau Claire Express (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). The proposed fan decks in the Carson Park grandstand — one on each side — would have served small groups, complete with seating and bar rails (as shown in the rendering above). Binge-drinking […]
Knights pitch for ACC baseball tourney
Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) management has pitched Atlantic Coast Conference officials on hosting the annual baseball tourney at BB&T Ballpark, as conference officials decide on venues for 2015 and beyond. BB&T Ballpark opens this season, while this year’s ACC tourney is set for NewBridge Bank Park, home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class […]
Vikings stadium bond sale delayed
The bond sale for new Minnesota Vikings stadium funding has been delayed, as a last-minute lawsuit could impact the facility’s opening date. The stadium is set to open in 2016 as home of the Vikings, as well as the winter home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and a neutral site for many other local college […]
Handelsman leaves SwampDogs
Darrell Handelsman, the most successful coach in summer-collegiate history, has stepped down as coach of the Fayetteville SwampDogs (Coastal Plain League). His father, Lew Handelsman, will remain as owner of the team. Earlier this fall Lew Handelsman sold his other team, the Wilmington Sharks, in the same circuit. Darrell Handelsman posted a record of 288-196 […]