The Eugene Emeralds (short season A; Northwest League) and the San Diego Padres have extended their PDC through 2014, but the real action is beginning on the affiliation front. The Emeralds have been affiliated with the Padres since 2001. This will be the first player-development contract between the Ems and the new ownership of the […]
Tag Archives | midwest league
Construction to begin this month on Fox Cities Stadium improvements
A renovation of Fox Citiies Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League), will begin soon in anticipation of the 2013 season. The improvements were slated to begin now, but have been delayed by the team’s participation in the Midwest League playoffs. Six suites, a banquet area and club seating would […]
All signs point to Kernels seeking new affiliate
With all Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim memorabilia stripped from the team store, it’s pretty clear the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League) are in the market for a new parent. No surprise: the Kernels front office publicly said they were dissatisfied with the Angels and would probably not seek an extension of […]
2012 Ballpark Renovation of the Year: Coveleski Stadium
Ballpark renovations should have one major goal: to turn the facility into a true destination. And that’s what happened this season in South Bend, making Coveleski Stadium renovations the clear choice for the 2012 Ballpark Renovation of the Year award. This past season saw $4.25 million in improvements to the home of the South Bend Silver […]
Bowling Green, Rays extend PDC
The Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Tampa Bay Rays extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “We are very pleased to continue our relationship with the Rays,” said Art Solomon, Hot Rods owner. “Tampa Bay continues to be a top-notch organization that consistently supplies us with high-character […]
Champaign to move forward with ballpark study
City staff in Champaign (Ill.) has been instructed to move forward with a study of the potential of minor-league baseball, but stopped short of authorizing any money toward the task. A report issued by the Illinois Business Consulting group, a student-run organization operating under the University of Illinois College of Business, concluded that the area could support professional baseball […]
Champaign to discuss ballpark plan tonight
The Champaign City Council will hear a report on the potential of professional baseball in that Illinois community, with both affiliated and independent ball on the agenda. The county will hear a presentation from the Illinois Business Consulting group, a student-run organization operating under the University of Illinois College of Business, regarding a feasibility study […]
Cedar Rapids approves new ballpark spending
Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League), will see $3 million in improvements after approval of a $1.5 million grant from the city. The money will be spent over 10 years. Besides the $1.5 million from the city, the local stadium commission will contribute $1 million and the […]
Indy ball apparently not good enough for Joliet
Though the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) have worked hard on a quality product, some locals say baseball won’t be successful until affiliated ball arrives — which will probably be never. The Slammers were a smash in the first season, then saw things level off in 2012. That’s led to some talk about affiliated ball […]
Cubs, Kane County talking affiliation
In a move that could spawn some tampering charges and fines, sources with the Chicago Cubs say they’re working on a new affiliation deal with the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League). While the move is certainly more convenient for the Cubs — Kane County plays in Geneva in the western-Chicago suburbs — […]
Rochester, Twins renew PDC
The Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) and the Minnesota Twins renewed their player-development contract (PDC) for two more years. Red Wings President/CEO Naomi Silver and Twins General Manager Terry Ryan made the joint announcement. The working agreement began in 2003 following the Red Wings’ 42-year affiliation with the Baltimore Orioles from 1961- 2002 and […]
Bees to welcome three-millionth fan
The Burlington Bees (Low Class A: Midwest League) are on the verge of a major milestone: the team should welcome to Community Field the three-millionth fan in team history before the end of the season. “It’s really quite a big number when you think about it,” said Bees General Manager Chuck Brockett. “We owe a […]
Kernels pitch ballpark improvements, repairs
The Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Veterans Memorial Commission are proposing $3 million in upgrades and repairs to Veterans Memorial Stadium. The proposed spending at Veterans Memorial Stadium, which would include $500,000 from the team, would replace the scoreboard originally installed when the ballpark opened in 2002. It would also address […]