Professional baseball teams are always looking for a new way to reach fans, and the Schaumburg Boomers (independent; Frontier League) have come upon a unique marketing tool: a Kickstarter campaign to finance and promote a Schaumburg Zombies night at Boomers Stadium. You can view the Kickstarter campaign here. The premise of Kickstarter is simple: supporters […]
Archive | Features
Progress continues on new Amarillo ballpark
It’s been in the works for many years, and it sounds like Amarillo officials are ready to move forward on an ambitious downtown redevelopment plan that includes a new Amarillo Sox (independent; American Association) ballpark. A RFQ for development proposals was issued way back in 2011, with the decision made to pursue a new ballpark […]
No more Alexandria Aces for 2013
Putting a team in partially condemned Bringhurst Field didn’t end up working out for the independent United League, as the Alexandria Aces have reportedly folded. A report in the Brownsville Herald quotes United League Baseball chief executive officer John Bryant as saying the team’s season is over, and that the league’s schedule will be accommodated […]
It’s the Alexandria Aces for 2013
The Alexandria Aces (independent; United League Baseball) are officially returning to Bringhurst Field, as the indy circuit signs a lease that will work around the dangerous portions of the historic ballpark. As you’ll recall, late last season a different version of the Aces — this one playing in the summer-collegiate Texas Collegiate League — pulled […]
Did bidding process save money on new Saints ballpark? City says no
Though the end contract with Ryan Companies to design and build a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark came in $500,000 under original estimates, St. Paul officials say a competitive bid process didn’t actually save any money. City of St. Paul officials initially awarded the design/build contract to Ryan on a no-bid basis, […]
Wild Things to host ’13 Frontier League ASG
The Washington Wild Things will be hosting the 2013 Frontier League All-Star Game, and the event will have a unique twist: players will assist Habitat for Humanity in building a house. The event will take place July 15-18, culminating in the actual game. “We consider it an honor to be selected to host the event,” […]
Worcester aims for 2014 ballpark deal
There will be no pro ball at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field in 2013, as local officials reject overtures from the independent Can-Am League to return to Worcester in 2013. The reality, says City Manager Michael V. O’Brien, is that it’s too late for the league — or any other league, for that matter […]
New for 2013: Yuma Desert Rats
The Yuma team in the independent American West Baseball League will be known as the Yuma Desert Rats, as the team moves on to the next step of creating a logo and identity for the team. The team never actually played under the team’s former name, the Yuma Panthers; AWBL officials pulled the team from […]
Atlantic League: big plans for 2014 and beyond
We’ve mentioned the possibility of an independent Atlantic League feeder circuit before, but bigger plans are in the works, including a possible expansion to Puerto Rico and Cuba. The feeder circuit now has a name — ALPB2 — and a target date for launch: 2014, according to Atlantic League founder/CEO Frank Boulton. We’ve reported in […]
Parkersburg continues ballpark debate; Ripken Design reportedly interested
Parkersburg (W. Va.) officials held a third public meeting about a possible new ballpark for an independent Frontier League team, with Ripken Design expressing interest in the planning process. Crowds were small for the three public meetings, and many of the concerns were what you’d expect: whether public money should be spent on a new […]
No reason to worry about gap in Saints ballpark financing — yet
City officials are nervous about a $2-million “shortfall” in funding for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark, but such hand-wringing is just silly, silly talks from folks inexperienced in building ballparks. The issue: only $52 million has been allocated by the state, city and the Saints for the ballpark, demolition work on […]
Boulton, Atlantic League looking at new feeder circuit
It’s not a new idea, but it’s back up for planning: the independent Atlantic League is once again looking at starting a second circuit that would focus on smaller venues and funnel players to the existing league. At one point there were discussions with the independent Can-Am League about serving this purpose, but the parameters of […]
Clemens to stick with Skeeters for one more start
The party goes on: Roger Clemens will stay with the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) and travel with the team to York before starting at home Sept. 7. Clemens, 50, will face the Long Island Ducks at Constellation Field in Sugar Land on September 7. The right-hander pitched his first professional game in five […]