Our third stop on our 2010 celebration of a century of great ballparks: Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. OK, Ed Smith Stadium isn't really a great ballpark; it's middling at best with no historic legacy. But for Sarasota baseball enthusiasts and Orioles fans, Ed Smith Stadium really is a great ballpark: it allowed Sarasota to […]
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This is why we love Spring Training
Three reasons why we love spring training. No theme here, past three photos of spring training from yesterday and today. Subscribers to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter see features before they're posted to the site. You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page. Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter! […]
Legislators: Yup, we want Cactus League ticket tax
Despite opposition from several Cactus League teams and the commissioner's office, the Arizona Legislature is ready to move forward with an 8 percent ticket surcharge to bail out ASTA and partially fund a new Cubs training complex. Despite opposition from several Cactus League teams and the commissioner's office, the Arizona Legislature is ready to move […]
Cubs: We’re not wedded to idea of Cactus League ticket tax
Chicago Cubs management says the team isn't necessarily wedded to the idea of a ticket surcharge on all Cactus League games to help pay for a new Mesa spring-training facility. In a day filled with mixed signals, Chicago Cubs president Crane Kenney says a 8 percent surcharge on Cactus League ducats won't be necessary to […]
A Century of Ballparks: Joker Marchant Stadium and Tiger Town
We begin our celebration of a century of great ballparks with a visit to Joker Marchant Stadium, one of the grand dames of spring training. Tiger Town dates back to the end of World War II, when the former Lodwick School of Aeronautics was converted to a training complex; Joker Marchant Stadium opened in 1966 […]
Mariners report profit for 2009
The Seattle Mariners reported a $3.2 million profit for the 2009 season, thanks to a more competitive team and continued fan interest. The Seattle Mariners reported a $3.2 million profit for the 2009 season, thanks to a more competitive team and continued fan interest. That's the word in the annual report filed by the Mariners […]
Twins bring back Schweigert franks to new ballpark
The Minnesota Twins go back to the archives and bring back the original hot dogs served at Met Stadium — because Schweigert makes it better. The Minnesota Twins go back to the archives and announced plans to serve Schweigert hot dogs — the original hot dogs served at Metropolitan Stadium — at Target Field. Baby […]
Red Sox unveil initial plans for new spring-training facility
The plans for a new Lee County spring-training complex include a replica of the Green Monster, but the rest of the design is pure Florida: light and airy, with plenty of room for fans to move about. We have renderings of the project, slated to open in 2012. The Boston Red Sox unveiled initial renderings […]
Target Field opener set for March 27
The first game at Target Field, the new home of the Minnesota Twins, has been moved up to March 27. The other big news from the Twins: Death to Dome Dogs! The Minnesota Twins announced the first game at Target Field will be a college game, as the Minnesota Golden Gophers will host Louisiana Tech […]
Video previews: Target Field
It's turning out to be one of the most eagerly awaited new ballparks in the majors. Here are two video previews of Target Field, opening in April as the new home of the Minnesota Twins.It's turning out to be one of the most eagerly awaited new ballparks in the majors. Here are two video previews […]
Spring has sprung: All pitchers and catchers in MLB camps
All pitchers and catchers are now at their MLB camps, and position players will be reporting to most teams in the next few days. A look ahead to the coming workouts. All pitchers and catchers are now at their MLB camps, and position players will be reporting to most teams in the next few days. […]
Orioles unveil plans for Ed Smith Stadium renovations
Janet Marie Smith and the Baltimore Orioles unveiled their vision of a renovated Ed Smith Stadium, provided the plan clears legal hurdles. On the table: a second-level concourse, new entryway, extended canopy and 1,500 more seats, all built in what's known locally as the Sarasota style of architecture. Janet Marie Smith and the Baltimore Orioles […]
Rays ballpark brawl: Tampa versus St. Pete
The discussion about a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays has descended into a war of words between Tampa and St. Pete officials — and it's only just beginning. The discussion about a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays has descended into a war of words between Tampa and St. Pete officials — […]