If replacement batters are called pinch hitters, why aren’t replacement pitchers called pinch pitchers? They originally were, as explained by Jesse Goldberg-Strassler in this week’s Tales from the Baseball Thesaurus. (more…)
Archive | Major-League Baseball
MLB Best of the Ballparks moves to Sweet Sixteen
After a popular first round, we’ve moved on to the second round of the 2021 Best of the Ballparks MLB vote, with some pretty intense matchups. So go vote! (more…)
Musk boring to Dodger Stadium dead?
Elon Musk made plenty of headlines when he proposed a tunnel between Dodger Stadium and a yet-to-be-determined western terminus, but it looks like those plans have been scrapped. (more…)
Twins launch tech accelerator
The Minnesota Twins have launched a three-year tech accelerator program with Techstars to develop tools to enhance future fan experiences through innovation. (more…)
Pitching-rubber shift part of 2021 Atlantic League experimental rules
MLB and the Atlantic League are moving forward with new experimental rules for the 2021 season, including a move of the pitching rubber a foot back and the loss of the DH when a starting pitcher leaves the game. (more…)
Now open: Best of the Ballparks 2021 MLB vote
Time for the next round in the popular Best of the Ballparks 2021 fan vote, as we ask you to weigh in on the best and the worst in Major League Baseball facilities. So go vote! (more…)
Mapping fan strategies in an era of “hygiene theater”
We’re still learning about how COVID-19 spreads in the population, and new evidence suggests that all the deep-cleaning protocols used by MLB and mandated by local health officials may just be what’s being called “hygiene theater.” (more…)
Blue Jays to Buffalo, Bisons to Trenton
With it looking unlikely that the Toronto Blue Jays will return to Rogers Centre in the near future, the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A East) will play out of Trenton temporarily, with the Blue Jays at Sahlen Field. (more…)
Signs of return to normalcy in MiLB, summer-collegiate worlds
With MiLB teams hosting alternate training site scrimmages and summer-collegiate teams announcing a return to action, we’re seeing small signs of a return to normalcy in 2021. (more…)
Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat for April 8, 2021
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Kevin Reichard discuss the opening week of the MLB season and a visit to American Family Field, home of the Brewers, in this week’s Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat. (more…)
2021 Preview: American Family Field, Milwaukee Brewers
With an extreme makeover of Bernie’s chalet and concessions changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Milwaukee Brewers are embarking on a new season at the newly rebranded American Family Field. (more…)
It’s official: Coors Field lands 2021 All-Star Game
After the controversial decision to move the Midsummer Classic from Georgia’s Truist Park, MLB officially announced the 2021 MLB All-Star Game will be held at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. (more…)
Rangers launch 2021 season with large crowd
The Texas Rangers began the 2021 season at Globe Life Field with a bang, as 38,238 fans showed up for the season opener after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted state capacity and mask-usage mandates. (more…)