Ryan Gates, who built the Lake Erie Crushers (independent; Frontier League) from nothing into a leading indy franchise, is the new general manager of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League). He fills a position left open when team President Brad Taylor earned a promotion in December. “This is a great day […]
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Reds, Bats extend PDC through 2014
The Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) will remain the Cincinnati Reds‘ top farm team through 2014, as the two teams extended their Player Development Contract for two additional years. “The Reds are thrilled to have the opportunity to formally extend our relationship with the people operating one of the truly great professional baseball operations […]
Tucson Padres logo unveiled
The Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) unveiled a logo today, combining a desert atmosphere with the old-time logo of parent team San Diego Padres. The design comes from San Diego Padres Creative Services Department and incorporates the old-style Padres lettering from 1978-1984 with the current Padres colors. The logo has a Tucson feel […]
The beer dispenser of tomorrow?
Long lines of thirsty patrons waiting for a cold beer at the ballpark could be a thing of the past, as a new technology in beer dispensers could drastically reduce the time it takes to draw a pint — and with less waste, to boot. The technology comes from GrinOn Industries, whose founder has been […]
Aeros unveil another extreme eat for ’11: “Nice 2 Meat You” Burger
The Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) announced plans for the team’s newest extreme-food item: the “Nice 2 Meat You” Burger, a 1¼ lb. hamburger stuffed with a half-pound hot dog and a quarter-pound of bacon, cheese and onions. Mmm. Earlier in the offseason the Aeros announced the Three Dog Night: a hot dog stuffed […]
Storm unveil Wacky Weenie Wednesday
The Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League) have announced one of the first noteworthy promotions of the 2011 season: Wacky Weenie Wednesday, where everyone attending a Wednesday game will receive free hot dogs. Not surprisingly, the promotion is presented by hot-dog vendor Farmer John. “We felt like this would give fans the chance […]
Bisons going big with largest LED video display in MiLB
The Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) are living large in 2011, as the team has contracted Daktronics to provide the largest video display in Minor League Baseball, some 33 feet high and 80 feet wide. “The new BisonsTV HD board will bring an unparalleled level of entertainment and excitement to our great fans and […]
Avista Stadium prepped for outdoor hockey game
Avista Stadium, the home of the Spokane Indians (short season A; Northwest League), is being outfitted with a hockey rink, as the ballpark will be hosting the first outdoor junior Western Hockey League game this coming weekend. The game features the Spokane Chiefs hosting the Kootenay Ice. The Chiefs and the Indians have the same […]
Akron Aeros to offer extreme eats in 2011
Well, here’s a pretty good reason to visit Canal Park in 2011. The Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) are going the extreme-food route and offering a Three Dog Night: a hot dog stuffed in a bratwurst wrapped in kielbasa, topped with sauerkraut and Stadium Mustard, and served on a hoagie roll. No word if […]
Moorad closes on Beavers sale, Tucson lease
Yesterday was a big day for Jeff Moorad and his purchase of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League): He closed on a purchase of the franchise and a lease for Tucson’s KinKo Stadium was finalized, clearing the way for the 2011 season. The new team, the Tucson Padres, will play at the former […]
New for 2011: Tucson Padres
Things certainly are being thrown together in Tucson for the 2011 season, as the former Portland Beavers will be playing as the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) at Kino Stadium after negotiations to place the team in Hi Corbett Field fell through. The name selection was made without the selection of the promised […]
Carolina to Pensacola, Kinston to Zebulon in 2012
The Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Southern League) have been sold to Quint and Rishy Studer, and the franchise will be shifting to a new Pensacola ballpark for the 2012 season. Meanwhile, the Kinston Indians (High Class A; Carolina League) have been sold to the Mudcats owners and will be playing in Zebulon in 2012. “I […]
Three architectural firms bid on PNC Field renovations
Three firms — Ewing Cole, L.R. Kimball and Populous — submitted bids to provide design services on the renovation of PNC Field, the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), slated to begin at the end of the 2011 season. All three have experience with minor-league ballparks, both on new construction and renovations. […]