The battle against MLB’s plans to contract 42 MiLB franchises sees a new set of participants with the establishment of a task force made up of 30-plus U.S. mayors, many of whom from cities not in danger of losing their minor-league teams. (more…)
Tag Archives | minor league baseball
Three Ballpark Trends for 2020
With the 2020 season approaching and professional baseball teams finalizing their ballpark offerings, we expect to see three big trends make an impact on operations both for facilities pros and dedicated fans. (more…)
The Oldest MiLB Team Names, Updated for 2020
What are the oldest team names in Minor League Baseball? We’ve updated a 2011 list for the 2020 season, adding the likes of Trash Pandas, Wind Surge and Sea Unicorns to the mix. (more…)
MiLB Contraction Talks in Crucial Phase as 2020 Begins
As we enter 2020, the negotiations over Major League Baseball’s proposal to contract 42 Minor League Baseball franchises are entering a crucial phase—but the war of words continues, as both sides are now competing for the hearts and minds of the public. (more…)
Contraction in Flux, as Lowell Spinners May Escape Dream League
We may be seeing some effects from a bipartisan Congressional group opposing contraction, as the Lowell Spinners (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) are reportedly escaping an exile to an independent Dream League and instead could be upgraded to a full-season franchise. (more…)
2020 MLB-MiLB Ballpark Opening Dates
Now that the calendar has turned to 2020, we are closer to the opening of several new ballparks across Major League Baseball and affiliated Minor League Baseball. (more…)
Best of 2019, #1: MLB Proposes Contracting 42 MiLB Teams
We end 2019 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Ballpark Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #1: MLB proposes contracting 42 Minor League Baseball teams, drawing the bipartisan wrath of politicians across the nation. (more…)
MLB Doubles Down on Dream League, Facilities Argument
In response to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal‘s suggestion to reexamine Major League Baseball’s anti-trust exemption should MiLB contraction move forward, MLB issued a statement arguing that a Dream League would be an acceptable substitute and that MiLB refuses to address facilities issues. (more…)
Sen. Blumenthal to MLB: Stop MiLB Contraction
Another U.S. senator has come out against Major League Baseball plans to contract 42 MiLB teams, as Sen. Richard Blumenthal says Congress may need to reexamine MLB’s anti-trust exemption if the plan is implemented. (more…)
Best of 2019, #7: New MiLB Ballparks Debut
We end 2019 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Ballpark Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #7: It was a bumper year for new MiLB ballparks in Las Vegas, Amarillo and Fayetteville. (more…)
Manfred: We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Minor Leagues
In a threat that was as unexpected as it was shocking, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred escalated the war of words between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball by threatening to completely walk away from MiLB. (more…)
Manfred Takes Aim at MiLB Owners, Says They Are Unwilling to Negotiate
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred today took aim at Minor League Baseball owners who oppose a plan to contract 42 MiLB teams, saying they were unwilling to negotiate an acceptable new PBA or upgrade their facilities. (more…)
Talks Over MiLB Contraction Continue; Don’t Expect Quick Resolution
Talks between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball over a proposed contraction of 42 MiLB teams continue, with more politicos weighing in on the plan and several issues clarified. (more…)