The ownership of Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, the home of the Kannapolis Intimidators (Low Class A; Sally League), is now clear: the City of Kannapolis is buying it from Rowan County, paying $3 million over 50 years — and not paying interest. For the mathematically challenged, that’s $60,000 a year. We shudder to think about how […]
Archive | Minor-League Baseball
Indy Indians attract 9-millionth fan to Victory Field
The Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League) hit a milestone last night when the 9-million fan in Victory Field history — almost 15 years now — crossed the turnstiles. A crowd of 12,514 fans were on hand last night to see the Indians defeat the Louisville Bats. Overall, 9,000,365 fans have attended 1,060 games at […]
Dragons break consecutive-sellout record
History was made last night at Fifth Third Field, as the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A; Midwest League) notched their 815th consecutive sellout and broke a professional-sports record held by the Portland Trail Blazers. A crowd of 8,688 was on hand to see the team snare the record. It’s truly amazing that a team playing […]
O’Conner: We’re working to return pro ball to Kinston
The Kinston Indians (High Class A; Carolina League) may be moving to Zebulon after the end of the season, but MiLB President Pat O’Conner and team owner Cam McRae say they’re working to bring in a replacement team, perhaps as early as next season. Kinston is one of the those markets you want to love […]
As Harper skips Potomac, Silber works on ballpark solution
The Washington Nationals say the decision to promote Bryce Harper to Class AA Harrisburg Senators and not to High Class A Potomac Nationals (Carolina League) had nothing to do with the condition of Pfitzner Stadium — a ballpark desperately in need of replacement. P-Nats owner Art Silber and Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William […]
Dragons poised to shatter sellout record
Barring something totally unexpected this Saturday, the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A; Midwest League) will set the record for consecutive sellouts by a professional sports team, with all 7,230 seats filled at Fifth Third Field for the 815th straight time. The streak would break the sellout record set by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers between […]
RedHawks celebrate real-life home runs
Here’s an inspirational promotion: the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Clsss AAA; Pacific Coast League) is partnering with a local health-service sponsor on a “Home Run for Life” event on July 8, recognizing people in the local community who, with the help of their families, physicians and health-care professionals, have overcome a significant medical event in their […]
Boston Pops ballpark tour scrapped
Poor ticket sales and a lack of corporate sponsors has caused ESI Concerts to scrap a summer ballpark tour featuring Kenny Loggins and the Boston Pops Orchestra. The 10-city Minor League Ballparks tour was slated to run this summer, stretching from Birmingham, Alabama, to Buffalo, New York, August 16-30. Full refunds, including service charges, can […]
Spinners pull off Human Home Run
David Smith Jr. was successfully launched from the second-base area over the home-run fence, as the Lowell Spinners (short season A; NY-Penn League) played host to the first-ever Human Home Run during last night’s doubleheader at LeLacheur Park. Here’s a video of the flight, courtesy of the local Fox affiliate: Human Home Run a hit […]
Covaleski Stadium renovations complete
Renovations to Covaleski Stadium, home of the South Bend Silver Hawks (Low Class A; Midwest League), are now complete, as the ballpark now features a wraparound concourse and lots of new fan-friendly amenities. The renovations, which ended up costing around $8 million, added a new center-field entrance, a new scoreboard and audio system, a new […]
R-Phils embrace the craziness, honoring Crazy Hot Dog Vendor
The Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) are honoring one of the most unique mascots in all of baseball, the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, as players will wear rather gaudy Crazy Hot Dog Vendor jerseys on July 10 and one lucky fan will win a 550-pound life-size Crazy Hot Dog Vendor statue. The first 2,500 […]
In Memphis, the race for the rib, rub and more
The Milwaukee Brewers have the famous racing sausages, but the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) added their own local twist to a nightly mascot race: the team’s promotion includes a pulled-pork sandwich and a rib. AutoZone Park is renowned for the availability of Rendezvous ribs at the concession stands; the ballpark sits just […]
Thunder sets attendance mark
A rehab appearance by Derek Jeter helped the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) draw 9,212 fans on Sunday, July 3 to set a new franchise record for single-game attendance, surpassing the 9,134 fans that attended Roger Clemens appearance in a Thunder uniform on May 23, 2007. Jeter played the second of a two-game rehab […]