The potential owners of a Pacific Coast League team in El Paso pitched the circuit’s executive committee last Friday on the merits of their group and the city. The El Paso ownership group is MountainStar Sports Group (Woody Hunt, Paul Foster, Josh Hunt and Alejandra de la Vega Foster). Consultants presenting on behalf of the group […]
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Pfitzner Stadium hit by fire
A fire broke out at Pfitzner Stadium, home of the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League), sending one employee to the hospital and damaging team offices. The fire was limited to the team’s second-floor administrative offices. At first a gas leak was reported to the local fire department, but by the time they arrived […]
Status quo reigns in Memphis
Though there’s been chatter about the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) being on the market, nothing is on the horizon, says John Pontius. Pontius is treasurer of the Memphis Redbirds Foundation, and he’s been pretty forthcoming about efforts to sell the team and AutoZone Park; a sale to parent St. Louis Cardinals fell through several years ago, […]
Texas League gathers, celebrates stability
This just may be the most solid circuit in Minor League Baseball: The Texas League gathered for its All-Star Game in Tulsa with eight solid markets and no clouds on the horizon. When talking recently to owner/GM types recently about the El Paso attempt to bring back affiliated ball to that city, the consensus was that […]
Lake Monsters, Oakland expected to extend PDC
The Vermont Lake Monsters (short season A: NY-Penn League) and the Oakland A’s are expected to announce an extension of their player-development contract today. A press conference has been scheduled for 5 p.m., with Ted Polakowski, director of minor league operations for the Athletics, scheduled to attend. It’s been a good year so far for Ray […]
Hample to catch ball dropped from high distance
The actual record may be a little fuzzy, but we’re guessing it will be a good show when author Zack Hample attempts to set a mark for catching a ball dropped from a high distance. The event will be attempted at LeLacheur Park with the help of the Lowell Spinners (short season A; NY-Penn League). Hample […]
El Paso approves ballpark for Triple-A team
The El Paso City Council moved forward on a new-ballpark plan for a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team, signing a term sheet with MountainStar Sports Group LLC. With the passage, the council directed the city manager to move forward on a term sheet, detailing the ballpark construction and funding plan. With that term sheet in hand, MountainStar Sports […]
El Paso council to debate new ballpark tonight
The El Paso City Council tonight will discuss a funding plan and possible term sheet for a new downtown ballpark for the relocating Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The proposal calls for a 2 percentage point hike in the city’s hotel tax, raising it to 17.5 percent — a move that’s drawn the ire […]
Thunderstorm rips through Richmond’s Diamond
Severe weather hits The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) during a Monday matinee, causing significant damage to the outfield fence. The game between the Squirrels and the New Britain Rock Cats was called in the eighth, with the Rock Cats winning 6-2. Then came the deluge: 60-mph winds tore […]
In Savannah, don’t underestimate Freier when it comes to new ballpark
He pulled off new-ballpark construction against some daunting odds in Fort Wayne, so don’t underestimate efforts by Sand Gnats owner Jason Freier to build a new facility in Savannah. Those of us with longer memories can recall the obstacles faced by Hardball Capital’s Freier as he put together a funding plan for Parkview Field, the home […]
Mondor permanently part of McCoy Stadium after statue dedication
Ben Mondor, the man who saved pro baseball in Pawtucket and became one of the most respected people in Minor League Baseball, has been honored permanently at McCoy Stadium with a statue. It’s safe to say Mondor saved baseball in the Rhode Island city, buying the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) out of […]
Grand Junction Rockies open strong
It was a good crowd on hand for the first game in Grand Junction Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League) history, as 4,850 fans showed up to Suplizio Field. As a bonus: the team won, 10-6, over Idaho Falls. The Rockies played last season as the Casper Ghosts; the team was bought in the offseason by the Monfort brothers, owner […]
Dragons land 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game
The Dayton Dragons are hosting the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game, when the best of the Low Class A circuit will gather at Fifth Third Field. The announcement was made jointly today by the Dayton Dragons and Midwest League President George Spelius. It will be the first time the Dragons have hosted the game since […]