Mary Frances Bragan, the former Madame Chairman of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) whose family had a significant influence on the franchise, has passed away at age 95. (more…)
Archive | Minor-League Baseball
Generals Strike Deal for The Ballpark at Jackson Concerts
The Jackson Generals (Class AA; Southern League) are lining up future concerts at The Ballpark at Jackson, striking an agreement with Grand Slam Presents that calls for 13 shows over the next five years. The agreement begins in 2020. (more…)
Tulsa Drillers Extending ONEOK Field Protective Netting
The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) will extend protective netting at ONEOK Field prior to the 2020 season, running it farther down both foul lines. (more…)
MiLB Contraction Talks in Crucial Phase as 2020 Begins
As we enter 2020, the negotiations over Major League Baseball’s proposal to contract 42 Minor League Baseball franchises are entering a crucial phase—but the war of words continues, as both sides are now competing for the hearts and minds of the public. (more…)
Contraction in Flux, as Lowell Spinners May Escape Dream League
We may be seeing some effects from a bipartisan Congressional group opposing contraction, as the Lowell Spinners (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) are reportedly escaping an exile to an independent Dream League and instead could be upgraded to a full-season franchise. (more…)
C-USA Baseball Tournament’s Future at MGM Park Unclear
Questions are being raised about the future of the Conference USA baseball tournament at Biloxi’s MGM Park, with rising costs reportedly among the challenges facing event organizers. (more…)
Special Tax District to Help Cover Wichita Ballpark Costs
Revenue from a special tax district will help cover Wichita’s debt on a $75-million ballpark for the Wichita Wind Surge (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), as the city council approved those plans Tuesday. (more…)
2020 MLB-MiLB Ballpark Opening Dates
Now that the calendar has turned to 2020, we are closer to the opening of several new ballparks across Major League Baseball and affiliated Minor League Baseball. (more…)
Cooley Law School Stadium Extended Netting Explored
Protective netting could be extended at Cooley Law School Stadium, as discussions are taking place about running the netting to the end of the foul lines at the Lansing Lugnuts (Low A; Midwest League) home. (more…)
Louisville Slugger Field Upgrades in the Works
Plans have been filed for potential Louisville Slugger Field renovations, as the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) are looking to make several major upgrades to the facility. (more…)
Best of 2019, #1: MLB Proposes Contracting 42 MiLB Teams
We end 2019 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Ballpark Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #1: MLB proposes contracting 42 Minor League Baseball teams, drawing the bipartisan wrath of politicians across the nation. (more…)
MLB Doubles Down on Dream League, Facilities Argument
In response to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal‘s suggestion to reexamine Major League Baseball’s anti-trust exemption should MiLB contraction move forward, MLB issued a statement arguing that a Dream League would be an acceptable substitute and that MiLB refuses to address facilities issues. (more…)
Sen. Blumenthal to MLB: Stop MiLB Contraction
Another U.S. senator has come out against Major League Baseball plans to contract 42 MiLB teams, as Sen. Richard Blumenthal says Congress may need to reexamine MLB’s anti-trust exemption if the plan is implemented. (more…)