Big changes for 2013 at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League): a new irrigation system and playing field, with Maine- and New England-based companies completing the work. The playing surface at Hadlock Field will be completely replaced, including both the infield and outfield. The field will be re-grated and […]
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Aces, Washoe County continue debate over property taxes
Owners of the Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and Washoe County continue to debate over property taxes owed on Aces Ballpark. Technically, the Aces owe the county $1.6 million in back property taxes, including $1.2 million in penalties. The Aces, meanwhile, say the county has overvalued the ballpark, so property taxes should be […]
Opponents: El Paso ballpark debate not over
Though the fat lady is warming up her vocal cords off to the side, opponents of a new El Paso ballpark say they’ll make one last effort at a petition drive to kill the deal approved this week. The El Paso City Council approved a lease this week for a new $50-million ballpark with MountainStar […]
For Tucson, El Paso ballpark deal is bad news
While ballpark developments this week have pleased El Paso baseball fans, they represent bad news for Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) fans, who once again must deal with the loss of affiliated ball. It’s been no secret that the T-Padres were a short-term play at Kino Stadium; Jeff Moorad and crew were working […]
Daytona, D-Cubs close to new lease, ballpark improvements
The Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League) are close to a new lease for Jackie Robinson Ballpark that calls for upgraded workout facilities, concessions and team offices. A $1.25-million plan, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, includes the following improvements: The improvements, which would be tackled over the next two off-seasons, include expanding […]
Mayor won’t veto ballpark lease; PCL to El Paso in 2014
El Paso Mayor John Cook says he won’t veto a lease for a new downtown ballpark, clearing the way for the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) to move there in 2014. MountainStar Sports has a deal to buy the Padres and move the team to El Paso, contingent on the city approving a ballpark […]
In memoriam: Tom Saffell
Tom Saffell, a former MLB outfielder who spent 30 years as the president of the rookie Gulf Coast League, has passed away. He was 91. Saffell, who played four seasons in the majors for the Pirates and Athletics and some 17 seasons in the minors, was best known in MiLB as president of the rookie circuit […]
El Paso mayor: I’ll announce ballpark decision today
The fate of a new $50-million ballpark in downtown El Paso now lies in the hands of a single man — Mayor John Cook — and he’ll announce his decision today. The El Paso City Council approved a lease for a new downtown ballpark for the Tucson Padre (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) Tuesday by […]
Frederick looking at naming-rights deal for Harry Grove Stadium
The city of Frederick is looking at working with a Rockvile (Md.) firm on a naming-rights deal for Harry Grove Stadium, home of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League). If approved, Team Services LLC will be awarded ta $53,000 contract to market the naming rights to the field; the name of the ballpark […]
No, Erie’s not moving to Ottawa
We were pitched this story and passed because we know it’s not true, but apparently there’s enough talk to make it worth covering elsewhere: No, the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) are not moving to Ottawa. An original, erroneous report in the Ottawa Citizen had the Mandalay Baseball Properties-owned SeaWolves as being a team […]
Lease officially approved in Wilmington
Though both sides had agreed to the terms, a lease for a new Wilmington (N.C.) ballpark with Mandalay Baseball Properties and the Atlanta Braves was officially approved by the City Council. As you’ll recall, the three announced last Friday that all sides had agreed to a lease that called for a Braves-owned Wilmington team to […]
El Paso ballpark approval squeaks through
By a narrow 4-3 margin, the El Paso City Council approved a proposed lease with MountainStar Sports for a new $50 million downtown ballpark for the relocating Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but don’t assume the issue is settled — yet. After hours and hours of public input on the new ballpark, the […]
Daytona, Cubs: Let’s stay together
Though there really wasn’t any doubt about it, the Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League) and the Chicago Cubs signed a two-year extension to their player-development contract (PDC), through 2014. Apparently the two sides agreed to a deal and are only now getting around to announcing it. Actually, there have been no press […]