In his initial press conference as president of the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein downplayed expectations for an immediate turnaround and instead stressed continued success via a solid foundation. Indeed, today’s press conference was less about 2012 and more about establishing a good farm system and promoting a “Cubs Way” of how players approach their craft. […]
Archive | Major-League Baseball
ISFA: Boy, did the White Sox get a sweet lease for The Cell
The Chicago White Sox may have a valid lease for U.S. Cellular Field running though 2029, but that’s not stopping the Illinois Sports Facility Authority from reevaluating its relationship with the team. The team’s lease is pretty simple: the team pays $1.5 million a year and controls all revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking and […]
With MLB realignment, it looks like the Astros
With MLB Commissioner Bud Selig saying he wants realignment by 2013 and Jim Crane negotiating a price break on his purchase of the team, it’s all but certain the Houston Astros are moving to the American League West. Selig made his comments about realignment during his annual World Series press conference, held before Game Four. […]
Mets already reconfiguring Citi Field: report
The New York Mets aren’t wasting any time in reconfiguring the outfield fences at Citi Field, moving them in and taking out some of the irregular quirks in the fenceline, according to a published report. MetsBlog is reporting the new distances have already been laid out on the Citi Field turf, with the fences moved […]
Marlins unveil premium area at new ballpark
The Florida Marlins (for now) announced a premium-seating area at the new Marlins ballpark, The Clevelander, featuring poolside seating, select table service and entertainment next to the Marlins bullpen. The Clevelander is a recently renovated South Beach hotel/entertainment complex. The ballpark area will feature dancers and DJs live from the pool area of the original […]
Dodgers lower season-ducat costs for 2012
The Los Angeles Dodgers, operating under a cloud as owner Frank McCourt and MLB fight it out in court, go on the offensive by lowering season-ticket pricing for 2012. That 2011 was a very miserable year for one of baseball’s flagship franchises is an understatement: announced attendance was down some 18 percent, to 36,236 per […]
Mayor, Council differ on approach to Rays ballpark issue
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster is committed to keeping the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field through all legal means possible, but the City Council is aggressively questioning that absolutist approach. The split between the city and the council was apparent at a workshop for the council yesterday. Normally, a City Council workshop means a […]
Bud’s retirement plan: Back to college in Madison
Curious about what Bud Selig has planned after retirement? He’s already set up plans to teach and write in Madison, Wis., conveniently near Ballpark Digest World HQ. The first pitcher of beer on the Terrace is on us, Bud. Selig is a UW graduate, attending the school the same time as Oakland A’s owner Lew […]
Tampa: We could have $100M for new Rays ballpark
Money currently generated by a downtown Tampa TIF district to pay down convention-center bonds could be used in 2015 and beyond for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, according to city officials. The tax-increment financing district currently generates some $13.5 million a year, and the Tampa Convention Center bons are slated to be paid off […]
McKechnie Field renovation in the works
McKechnie Field, spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home of the Bradenton Marauders (High Class A; Florida State League), would receive $9 million in improvements under a plan before the city and county. The redesign of the classic ballpark calls for a reconfiguration of the seating bowl, with two distinctive seating areas replaced […]
Jamie to Frank: The Dodgers are yours
Perhaps sensing this is the best way to get some cash out of her divorce to Frank McCourt, Jamie McCourt has agreed to let him keep the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium as part of a settlement and will support his effort to sell the team’s media rights. The McCourts have been embroiled in […]
Cubs, Mesa finally ready to sign lease for new spring-training complex
It’s official: the city of Mesa and the Chicago Cubs are signing a 30-year lease for the team to train at a new complex slated to open in 2014, but there’s still plenty of design work to be done. The Mesa City Council is expected to sign off on the lease during Monday’s meeting. It […]
Indians go greener at Progressive Field with new wind-turbine system
The Cleveland Indians are partnering with Cleveland State University to install a state-of-the-art wind turbine at Progressive Field for the upcoming season. The turbine won’t look like a traditional three-blade turbine you see across the country. Instead, the turbine will be round and look like a water tower, providing the ability to generate electricity from […]