Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin says he plans to begin discussions with Minor League Baseball this fall to bring a team back to the South Carolina city. We’ve reported on some preliminary talks between the city and MiLB facilitated by the Columbia Blowfish (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) ownership, which also owns the Mobile BayBears (Class […]
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Rx for the Buffalo Bisons
With stated attendance down 5 percent this season, some changes are probably in the works for the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League), beyond a possible change in affiliation. The buzz in Minor League Baseball has the Bisons and Toronto Blue Jays discussing a new affiliation beginning next year, and there’s no doubt such a […]
Hillsboro looking at riskier financing for new ballpark
Hillsboro (Ore.) officials are looking at using general city funds, instead of a standard municipal bond, to fund a new ballpark for the relocating Yakima Bears (short season A; Northwest League). Engaged in a race with Milwaukie to bring Minor League Baseball back to the greater Portland area, Hillsboro officials made an offer to the Bears ownership […]
Construction to begin this month on Fox Cities Stadium improvements
A renovation of Fox Citiies Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League), will begin soon in anticipation of the 2013 season. The improvements were slated to begin now, but have been delayed by the team’s participation in the Midwest League playoffs. Six suites, a banquet area and club seating would […]
Eastern League to Ottawa in 2014, says city
Beacon Sports has brokered a deal to bring a Class AA Eastern League team to Ottawa Stadium for the 2014 season, according to a release sent out by the city. The release: Today, Mayor Jim Watson announced that the City of Ottawa has reached an agreement in principle with Beacon Sports Capital Partners for a […]
Petition to halt El Paso ballpark submitted, but may be too late
Another set of petitions designed to stop construction of a new El Paso ballpark has been submitted, but organizers may be too late to stop the process. Petition-drive organizers submitted enough signatures to force the El Paso City Council to consider an ordinance that would halt the demolition of City Hall to make way for […]
Jacksonville may honor Bragan with field naming
The Jacksonville City Council is looking at honoring Peter Bragan Sr. by naming the playing field at the Baseball Grounds after the late owner of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League). Bragan, who passed away on July 7 at the age of 89, bought the Suns in 1984 and built the franchise over the years. The City […]
South Atlantic League announces year-end awards
South Atlantic League President Eric Krupa announced the recipients of the 2012 South Atlantic League Outstanding Achievement Awards, as voted on by teams, field managers and umpires. Club Merit Award: The Charleston RiverDogs have been selected as the winner of this prestigious award, which is awarded for outstanding overall club operations. Excellence in Marketing Award: The […]
Worker dies after fireworks accident at Lake Elsinore game
A 20-year-old student died after being injured in a fire while he was prepping postgame fireworks at The Diamond for the Lake Elsinore Storm (Higb Class A; California League). William Calabrese was part of the work crew setting up the fireworks two hours before the Aug. 31 Storm game. The explosion set a vehicle on […]
El Paso moves forward with ballpark planning
The city of El Paso is moving forward with planning on a new Class AAA ballpark, hiring Populous to produce conceptual designs for the downtown location. The issue addressed by these designs: whether a new ballpark would fit on a small five-acre footprint current occupied by City Hall. The answer: yes, it will. From a […]
Zephyrs close down for season because of Isaac
Issues with travel and the lack of power at Zephyr Field led the New Orleans Zephyrs and the Pacific Coast League tp scrap the final series of the year, scheduled for this weekend, against the Iowa Cubs. “Given the extensive impact of Hurricane Isaac on airline schedules, municipal infrastructure, and the safety and well-being of people […]
El Paso group pledges profits to charity
The word from MountainStar Sports Group was brief, but the intent is clear: two of the potential Triple-A team owners will give their profits to charity if a downtown El Paso ballpark is built. There’s a been a toxic environment lately surrounding a new downtown ballpark, with opponents slinging anything against the wall to see if […]
Cedar Rapids approves new ballpark spending
Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League), will see $3 million in improvements after approval of a $1.5 million grant from the city. The money will be spent over 10 years. Besides the $1.5 million from the city, the local stadium commission will contribute $1 million and the […]