Ballpark Digest
The Business of Ballparks and Baseball in Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Indy, Summer Collegiate and College
With negotiations set to resume via conference call on April 22, the future of Minor League Baseball as an independent entity is up in the air, with Major League Baseball looking to take over most or all of its operations as well as eliminating 40 MiLB teams, including all of short-season ball. (more…)
Construction of Polar Park, the new home of the Worcester Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) set to open in 2021, has been shut down until May 4 due to a state halt on nonessential construction based on coronavirus concerns. (more…)
The loss of regular-season games is not the only challenge facing Minor League Baseball teams, as non-gameday events are also scrapped in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (more…)
Major League Baseball could issue a policy of some sort to address minor-league player pay during the coronavirus pandemic, as the league is reportedly preparing to weigh in on the issue. (more…)
A new role could emerge for ballparks during the coronavirus pandemic, as parking lots are eyed for testing sites and other uses by public health officials and elected leaders in some areas. (more…)
In the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, teams across Minor League Baseball are preparing for the increasingly likely possibility of a shortened 2020 season. (more…)
How quickly things change. Four days ago, we were ready to jump on an airplane and attend spring-training games in Arizona; today we’re confronting a suspended season and the very real possibility we won’t see live baseball until Memorial Day. (more…)
The Wichita Wind Surge (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are gearing up for the opening of Riverfront Stadium, a new ballpark that marks the return of affiliated MiLB action to the city. (more…)
A small step was taken by the U.S. House of Representatives in an effort to limit MLB’s proposed contraction of 40 Minor League Baseball teams, as talks continue in a circuitous path over the future of pro baseball. (more…)
Minor League Baseball has struck a multiyear partnership with Stouffer’s, making the brand the “Official Macaroni & Cheese” of MiLB, as well as the “Official Lasagna” and “Official Frozen Prepared Meals” of MiLB. (more…)
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) will introduce a resolution next week calling on MLB to anbandon its proposals to eliminate up to 42 MiLB teams, marking the latest sign of political opposition to potential contraction. (more…)
One of the central areas of contention between MLB and MiLB in discussions of a new Professional Baseball Agreement has been facility upgrades—a topic that’s been confusing for all involved. (more…)
The fight to save the Lowell Spinners (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) from contraction was featured on a recent Today Show segment, shining a national light on the issue of MLB’s proposal to eliminate 42 MiLB teams. (more…)