Another year, another run at the new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) ballpark funding plan — and the news this year is the most positive ever for a new downtown facility. January is usually the time when the annual drive for a new ballpark begins. The month sees the beginning of the State Legislature […]
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Malden to hear ballpark pitch next week
Alexander Bok plans to pitch Malden officials next week on a proposed $45-million ballpark on the city’s central National Grid site — but there will be plenty of questions about whether this is the best use for a prime open tract. The 6.4-acre parcel will be open once National Grid moves its operations from the […]
New Sugar Land ballpark burglarized
Constellation Field, the new home of the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League), was burglarized this week — and a lesson from the incident can be drawn by every ballpark pro. The burglars were after a single thing: copper tubing, located in a storage room. In fact, it was a pretty major hit: the thieves […]
Bell files bankruptcy, preventing LaGrave Field foreclosure
With Amergy Bank threatening to foreclose on LaGrave Field, owner Carl Bell yesterday filed for bankruptcy protection, allowing him to keep control of the historic ballpark. After the independent American Association pulled the team’s membership because Bell couldn’t put up a letter of credit for the 2012 season, he turned his sights to the independent […]
Fort Worth Cats jump to North American League
After being booted from the independent American Association for a lack of operating capital, the Fort Worth Cats are joining the North American League, in a move led by Mike Stone. Stone is the former president of the Texas Rangers and the former commissioner of the independent Northern League. The Cats were once one of […]
New for 2012: Constellation Field
Following a merger of StarTex Power and Constellation Energy, the new $35-million home of the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) will have a new name for 2012 and beyond. Naming rights to the new ballpark were originally sold to StarTex Power by the Skeeters ownership. No other provisions of the 10-year naming-rights agreement are […]
Rox out of Can-Am League for 2012
The Brockton Rox are out of the 2012 independent Cam-Am League schedule, as an ownership change and expansion franchise in Canada failed to materialize. Because of interleague play with the independent American Association, the Can-Am League was actually seeking an odd number of teams for the 2012 season. But with a potential Canadian expansion franchise […]
Public-address announcer files suit against Fielders
We’re not sure this will have a huge impact on the financial future of the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League), but former PA announcer Gregory Koeppen has filed suit in Lake County Circuit Court against ownership for nonpayment. “It is unfortunate I have to file a lawsuit against Rich [Ehrenreich] and the Fielders, […]
New for 2012: Uni-Trade Stadium
The new home of the Laredo Lemurs (independent; American Association) has a name after the sale of naming rights: Uni-Trade Stadium. Terms of the deal were not released. “I am so proud and excited that one of Laredo’s own most prominent businessman, Mr. Eduardo Garza, and his company, leaders of industry in their own right, […]
Camden to host 2012 Atlantic League All-Star Game
Mark your calendars: The Camden Riversharks are hosting the independent Atlantic League’s 15th anniversary All-Star Game on July 11, 2012 at the very underrated Campbell’s Field. This is the second time that Campbell’s Field has been awarded this event. The AL All-Star Game was last held at Campbell’s Field in 2004. —- Share your news […]
Malden still in play for Atlantic League ballpark
Alex Bok’s attempt to bring an independent Atlantic League ballpark to Malden, Mass., may land a 6.4-acre parcel next to an Orange Line train stop after bidding for the rights ends at noon today. A National Grid gas operations facility is currently occupying the property. That plant is slated to move, freeing up the 6.4 […]
Explorers mark 20th anniversary with commemorative logo
The relaunch of the Northern League happened 20 years ago — really! — and the Sioux City Explorers are marking the occasion with a new commemorative logo. Out of the original six teams in the independent circuit, three are still in business in their original markets: the Explorers, the Sioux Falls Pheasants (originally the Canaries) […]
Shreveport-Bossier Captains moving to Laredo
The Shreveport-Bossier Captains membership in the independent American Association has been bought by the Laredo Lemurs, but baseball is expected back at Fair Grounds Field in the form of a summer-collegiate team next season. “We thank everyone involved with our efforts in Shreveport-Bossier for the last nine years, starting with the fans, along with sponsors, […]