After much rancor, a federal lawsuit and assertions that voters were being ignored, those same voters roared back with a vengeance, overwhelmingly approving a rise in the hotel/motel tax to fund a new downtown ballpark for a Triple-A Pacific Coast League team. Proposition 3, which raised the hotel/motel tax by two percentage points, with the […]
Archive | News
New for 2013: The Reading Fightin’ Phillies?
Normally we don’t get into this sort of discussion when those outside the baseball community try to get a jump on an official announcement, but word has broken about one potential new name of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League): the Reading Fightin’ Phillies. Now, for those of you who have never been part […]
Rainiers eye more ballpark improvements for 2013
With a slight attendance dip last season and a disappointing number of walk-up sales, the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are looking at ballpark improvements to attract the impulsive. The team just ended a second season at a renovated Cheney Stadium: after setting an attendance record in 2011, the numbers were down last […]
Flying Squirrels: New ballpark still a priority
Despite an agreement by local municipalities to spend $300,000 on ballpark improvements, the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) front office says a new facility should be a priority after the fall elections. It seems like ballpark discussions in Richmond go in fits and spurts; city officials will pay heed to the team’s needs […]
Generals pitch Jackson on ballpark improvements
Flush off a successful 2012 that saw a significant uptick in attendance, the Jackson Generals (Class AA; Southern League) are asking the city to spend money on ballpark improvements. The improvements included more points of sale in the concession area, an upgraded lighting system — something practically mandated by Minor League Baseball — and more […]
R-Phils to change team name
After 46 years, the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) will be changing the team name as part of an offseason rebranding process. The franchise’s new name, logo, and jerseys will be unveiled at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Name Change Announcement to be held at FirstEnergy Stadium. The event will run […]
Flying Squirrels extend Diamond lease, setting stage for ballpark improvements
With a new ballpark several years down the road, the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) signed a lease extension for The Diamond through 2015, with options through 2017. With the lease extension in hand, the Richmond Metropolitan Authority will accede to the team’s wish for new lighting at the ballpark, with a new […]
Poll: Wilmington voters oppose ballpark funding plan
A new poll shows considerable opposition to public funding of a new Wilmington (N.C.) ballpark for a High Class A Carolina League team, as voters prepare to decide on the issue in next Tuesday’s elections. The poll, from the conservative Civitas Institute, reports 59 percent of Wilmington voters said they were certain to vote against […]
Erie SeaWolves unveil new branding, logos
The Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) unveiled a new logo, team marks, color schemes and uniforms last night in anticipation of the 2013 season. “We are proud to start a new chapter in SeaWolves history,” SeaWolves President Greg Coleman said. “Our new logos, colors and uniforms will enhance the ballpark experience and give fans […]
Dell extends naming-rights deal with Round Rock; ballpark renovations on tap
Dell and the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announced a ten-year renewal of their naming-rights deal for Dell Diamond, through the 2023 season. “Dell has been a valued partner with the Express since day one, and this extension ensures our partnership well into the next decade,” Express Owner/CEO Reid Ryan said. “Moving […]
Mike Ellis new president of Northwest League
Mike Ellis, the owner of the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League), is the new president of the short-season Northwest League, replacing Bob Richmond, who retired this year after 30 years leading the circuit. “After a thorough selection process with many highly qualified candidates, it became clear that Mike Ellis was a perfect fit for our […]
Ryan-Sanders close to buying B-Mets, moving team to Ottawa
The Ottawa Citizen reports it as a possibility, but we can report it as a certainty that Ryan-Sanders Baseball is negotiating to buy the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) and move the team to Ottawa Stadium in 2014. The negotiations have been described by baseball insiders as hard-edged, with Ryan-Sanders reps working to lower […]
Eugene to host 2014 NWL All-Star Game
The Eugene Emeralds are hosting the 2014 Northwest League All-Star Game at PK Park. The game will be part of a three-day All-Star week with planning for events such as a fan-fest and home-run derby already underway. The short-season league is instituting an All-Star Game in 2013, with the Everett AquaSox hosting. “The Emeralds are […]