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…)
Tag Archives | minor league baseball
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…)
MiLB, Nationwide Announce New Partnership
Minor League Baseball and Nationwide have announced a new multi-year partnership, making Nationwide the “Official Insurance Partner of Minor League Baseball.” (more…)
The Last Great MiLB Contraction
With the proposed contraction of 42 Minor League Baseball teams, the relationship between MiLB and MLB could be defined yet again. Here’s a look at the last time MiLB contraction occurred on a mass scale—and how differently the major actors worked together to save the sport. (more…)
Contraction Talks Continue Between MLB, MiLB–and Bernie Sanders
Two meetings and a lobbying effort worth noting today, as talks between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) continue, with a star cameo from contraction critic and presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). (more…)