Bridgeport (W. Va.) Mayor Jim Christie says his city is ready to open a new ballpark for the 2014 season to house an independent Frontier League team — if funding issues can be worked out. Of course, veterans in the baseball world know that the issue of funding is typically the biggest hurdle in opening […]
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New for 2013: Rockford Aviators
The name-the-team contest in Rockford has a winner: the Rockford RiverHawks will now be known as the Rockford Aviators (independent; Frontier League). “This was important to our fans and it showed due to the over 3,000 name entries over the three week period,” said Aviators President Bryan Wickline. “We want to thank each and every […]
Freedom first out of the gate on Manti Te’o promo
It was inevitable someone in minor-league baseball would jump on the whole Manti Te’o weirdness and come out with a promo. Ladies and gentleman, we have a winner: the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League), who announced plans for a girlfriend bobblehead. Manti Te’o is the Notre Dame linebacker and Heisman Trophy finalist whose road to […]
Kalamazoo, Northwoods League negotiating Homer Stryker Field lease
Right on schedule: with the appointment of a new parks and rec director in Kalamazoo, the city is discussing a lease for Homer Stryker Field with the summer-collegiate Northwoods League. There had been talks between the league and Frances Jewell, outgoing parks and rec director, but the mutual decision was made not to pursue a […]
Goodbye RiverHawks; name-the-team contest on in Rockford
The Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) are no more, after Rock River Valley Baseball decided to launch a name-the-team context for 2013. “I cannot stress enough that the professional baseball team will be here for many years to come, and we will continue to be involved and visible in the greater Rockford community,” said Rock […]
Slammers: Big plans for 2013
The continuing effort to stabilize pro baseball in Joliet was boosted after new Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) ownership and management met with local fans. In theory, Joliet should be a good baseball market if the numbers are correct. And while indy baseball initially did OK at Silver Cross Field during the early days of […]
Parkersburg mayor: Let’s study ballpark feasibility
A proposed independent Frontier League ballpark in Parkersburg (W.Va.) could be the subject of a feasibility study under a plan floated by Mayor Bob Newell. The city has already held several meetings on the subject, with little input or opposition from the public. Now, says Newell, it’s time for the Wood County Economic Development Authority […]
Staff notes: Brown to Charlotte, Franklin to Joliet
A couple of staff appointment to note as the Winter Meetings get underway: Scott Brown is the new general manager of the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League), while Chris Franklin is the new GM of the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League). Scott’s a veteran of Minor League Baseball; we’ve known him since his days […]
New for 2013: UC Health Stadium
The home of the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League) has a new name, as UC Health buys naming rights to the Cincinnati-area ballpark. The deal is set to run for 10 years. Other terms of the naming-rights agreement were not released. “This puts us on very stable financial footing,” Freedom owner Clint Brown told the […]
Bosse Field / Evansville Otters
It is one of the oldest ballparks still hosting baseball, a historic venue that still feels much as it did during its June 17, 1915 opening. Welcome to Evansville’s Bosse Field. FAST FACTS Opened: June 17, 1915Capacity: 7,180Dimensions: 315L, 415C, 315RSurface: GrassOwner: Evansville Vanderburgh School CorporationWebsite: evansvilleotters.comTicket Prices (2012): Field Box, $8; General Admission, $5. […]
Joliet approves Slammers lease
A new lease with lowered rent has been approved by the city for the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League), clearing the way for a new ownership group to buy the team from businessman Alan Oremus. The deal, approved last night by the City Council, is along the lines set down earlier: it lowers the base […]
Frontier League at 13 teams for 2013
The independent Frontier League will be at 13 teams, plus a travel squad, for 2013, as the circuit releases a schedule for next season. The Frontier League will again consist of 14 total teams with two, seven-team divisions. The East Division consists of the Evansville Otters, Florence Freedom, Frontier Greys (travel team), Lake Erie Crushers, […]
Joliet offers lowered ballpark lease to new Slammers owners
It’s a deal that makes baseball more viable in Joliet while rewarding the city if the new owners of the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) are successful, as the City Council will discuss a proposed Silver Cross Field lease on Monday. The broad terms of the proposed lease, as negotiated by city manager Tom Thanas, […]