After almost losing the Yakima Bears (short season A; Northwest League) to the Portland area, Yakima County officials say they’re willing to discuss paying for upgrades to Yakima County Stadium. The Bears had entered into discussions with Clark County in suburban Portland before commissioners there failed to pass an amusement tax to partially pay for […]
Archive | Minor-League Baseball
Pelicans home to have new name for 2012
The home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) will have a new name for 2012, as the former naming-rights deal has expired and a new one on the way. For now, the facility will be called Pelicans Ballpark, according to team chairman Chuck Greenberg. “Our main goal is to create memories […]
In memoriam: Don Mincher
Former Southern League president, Huntsville Stars owner and Major Leaguer Don Mincher passed away last night after a long illness. He was 73. Mincher retired last fall as president of the Class AA Southern League due to the health problems. The league is still searching for a replacement. A Huntsville native, Mincher began his career […]
Knights make economic case for city funding of new ballpark
Armed with a study that predicted a tangible economic impact from a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark, the City Council invited team management to pitch for city funding. The Knights are looking at a $55-million ballpark in uptown Charlotte. Mecklenburg County has already pledged land and $8 million, with some conditions — […]
Bakersfield Blaze sold
After years of failed efforts at a new ballpark, Elmore Sports Group has sold the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) to two local investors, whose next challenge will be funding a Sam Lynn Ballpark replacement. Chad Hathaway and Gene Voiland are buying the team for an undisclosed price. The sale has been in the […]
Milwaukie shifts ballpark planning; brings in Rose Garden exec as consultant
Milwaukie (Ore.) officials have changed tack on the quest to land minor-league baseball, bringing in a former Rose Garden exec to work out a game plan for a Northwest League team. J.E. Isaac, president of the Portland Business Association and a former Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) executive, will work with the city on a funding […]
New Britain Rock Cats sold
The New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are in the process of being sold to an investment group headed by former GM John Willi for $15 million, according to multiple sources. The local newspaper had incorrectly reported the sale of the team to DSF Sports and Entertainment, which already owns the New Hampshire […]
Sale still pending for SWB Yankees; could team depart?
Lackawanna County is still negotiating the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) — but could the team be on the move? That things are taking so long is a little surprising. First, we already know what the sales price will be: $14.6 million, per an earlier agreement. We know the team will […]
P-Nats unveil revamped field at Pfitzner Stadium
After years of issues with poor field conditions, the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) unveiled a new playing surface at Pfitzner Stadium. Over the course of the offseason, the diamond at the Pfitz underwent a total transformation. Immediately following the last out of the 2011 season, the old surface was completely removed. Carolina […]
Triple-A lands Gildan as major sponsor
Triple-A Baseball — encompassing the Pacific Coast and International leagues — announced a three-year deal with Gildan as an official national sponsor. In addition to its three-year sponsorship across all 30 Triple-A clubs, which makes the outfitter the supplier of t-shirts, activewear, underwear and socks, Gildan will be the title sponsor of the Gildan Triple-A […]
Cubs: We’ll drop Boise affiliation without new ballpark
As Boise discusses a new downtown ballpark, the Chicago Cubs became a player in the ballpark debate by proclaiming the team would walk away from Idaho if a new facility isn’t in the works by September. During a public forum last week Bill Buckner, a resident of Boise now working for the Cubs, said his […]
Ottawa committee approves $5.7M in ballpark improvements
We’re another step closer to affiliated ball returning to Ottawa, as a city finance committee today approved $5.7 million in spending on renovations to Ottawa Stadium for the 2013 season. The full Ottawa City Council is expected to approve the spending plan next Wednesday. Beacon Sports, a Boston-based finance firm, has been negotiating with the […]
Suns: Nationals forcing us to move from Hagerstown
The Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) say they’re leaving Municipal Stadium because of pressure from parent Washington Nationals; meanwhile, Winchester residents aren’t thrilled about new-ballpark plans. While it’s been no secret the Suns have been in play for several months now, majority owner Bruce Quinn says his group needs a new home for […]