Visiting a historic old ballpark in Kenosha, remembering Don Zimmer, and the unveiling of a new ballpark plan in Hartford were the top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Here they are: Simmons Field / Kenosha KingfishIn memoriam: Don ZimmerOriole Park in line to host 2016 ASG?Hartford ballpark […]
Tag Archives | freedom baseball league
Freedom Baseball League pitches Pima County on Kino Stadium lease
Pima County and the independent Freedom Baseball League are at loggerheads over a potential lease for Kino Stadium, which now sits empty after the move of the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Joe Sperle, president and partner in the Freedom Baseball League, has pitched county officials on a lease at $1,300 per game. […]
It’s official: Vallejo Admirals in Pacific Association for 2013
A lease for Wilson Park has been approved for 2013, clearing the way for the Vallejo Admirals to debut in the independent Pacific Association. The approval puts the league lineup at four, with two teams in California and two in Hawaii. In addition, the league will play against pro teams from the independent Freedom Baseball […]
Freedom Baseball League scraps playoffs, lays off staff
The independent Freedom Baseball League has scrapped the four-team postseason playoffs and has reportedly laid off staff in anticipation of the end of the regular season. The four-team league, which plays at various ballparks in the Phoenix area (including Scottsdale Stadium and Peoria Stadium), has had a rocky first year; seems Arizona baseball fans may […]
Freedom Baseball League: We’ll be back next season
The independent Freedom Baseball League, which has had games cancelled this season because of rent owed on ballparks, will be back next season, says organizer Joe Sperle. You’ve got to give Sperle credit for hard work in the face of overwhelming odda. Baseball in the Valley of the Sun is a hard sell in the […]
The Week That Was: July 22
MiLB history, affiliation shifts, Ebbets Field plans and the return of the Albuquerque Dukes for one night. Here are the most popular stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Pete Rose, hot girlfriend to hit reality TV this fall Webb makes MiLB history: first female league president Could Blue […]
Freedom Baseball League shackled by economic realities
The independent Freedom Baseball League was locked out of Phoenix Municipal Stadium today because of missed rent payments — something that reportedly has also taken place in three other Arizona communities. According to this report, the league — four teams playing out of the greater Phoenix area — missed rent payments recently in Prescott, Peoria, […]
The Week That Was: May 27
Success in Pensacola, Dodger Stadium problems, fence dimensions and affiliated ball in Ottawa: The most popular stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. Blue Wahoos: Success means ballpark upgrades Freedom Baseball League begins play New Astros uniforms: Bring back the orange! Charges dropped in Dodger Stadium beating Marlins: No […]
Freedom Baseball League begins play
Independent baseball is going to be a hard sell in the Arizona desert, and the first game for the Freedom Baseball League drew a small crowd at Scottsdale Stadium. An announced of 637 was on hand at Scottsdale Stadium to see the Copper State Prospectors defeat the Arizona Centennials, 5-3. It’s a little hard to get any […]
The Week That Was: April 1
No April Fools here: attendance expectations in Wilmington, indy-team comings and goings, and the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers are this week’s top stories on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views. What should Wilmington expect for new-ballpark attendance? Diamond Sports walks away from North American League management Wild Things to bring new team […]
Freedom Baseball League names GM
Kirk Jewell, formerly with Phoenix International Raceway and the Arizona Diamondbacks, is the new GM of the independent Freedom Baseball League, which also announced additional venues for its inaugural season. Jewell will be GM of all four teams in the start-up circuit, which is centered in the Phoenix area. The league will consist of four […]
The Week That Was: March 11
A new spring-training ballpark, the passing of a respected baseball figure and more debate about a potential Oakland A’s move. Here are the top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured in page views. JetBlue Park at Fenway South / Boston Red Sox MLB: No, there’s been no decision on Oakland A’s […]
New for 2012: Freedom Baseball League
We have a late addition to the baseball lineup for 2012: the independent Freedom Baseball League will set up shop at Scottsdale Stadium and other Arizona venues for a 90-game season. The league, founded by Scottsdale resident Joe Sperle (owner of Joe Sperle’s Baseball School), North Dakota farmer Tim Gross and marketing consultants Tony & […]