Some in Winston-Salem want to see the Winston-Salem Dash (High Class A; Carolina League) disclose additional information about team finances as part of BB&T Ballpark financial oversight. But if the team is meeting the conditions of its lease, should that information made public? A lesson for all teams. The issue: when Winston-Salem taxpayers stepped in […]
Archive | Minor-League Baseball
Birmingham approves new downtown ballpark, but second vote needed
The Birmingham City Council gave preliminary approval to a proposed downtown ballpark funded by a hike in hotel taxes, but because the vote was not unanimous, the measure must again be approved by the council next week. The plan calls for the city to raise the hotel tax rate by 3.5 percentage points, with the […]
Bevos to Tucson for 2011
With so much uncertainty surrounding a proposed new ballpark in Escondido and concern about wear and tear at The Diamond, the home of the Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League), the decision apparently has been made to relocate the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) temporarily to Tucson Electric Park for the […]
New Birmingham ballpark could create $3.8 billion in economic activity: study
A new downtown Birmingham ballpark could generate $3.8 billion in direct and indirect spending, according to a study created by a research professional and local economics professor, presented to the Birmingham City Council yesterday. The study, created by Conventions Sports & Leisure and economist Keivan Deravi of Auburn University at Montgomery, concluded that the city […]
Shorebirds unveil 2011 All-Star Game logo
The Delmarva Shorebirds unveiled the logo for the 2011 South Atlantic League “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game as part of a press conference at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The All-Star Game will be played on June 21, 2011 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. It marks the first professional all-star game on the […]
Birmingham City Council to vote on new ballpark next week
The Birmingham City Council is expected to vote on a proposed new downtown ballpark next week, but before then the city will hear a report on the potential economic impact of a new facility. As city approval comes closer, we’re receiving further specifics about the project. First, the ballpark would actually be built by a […]
Escondido ballpark vote delayed after pollution found at site
A vote from Escondido (Cal.) officials to approve $50 million in spending for a new home for the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) has been delayed after city officials discovered pollution on the ballpark site. In addition, the city is still negotiating a lease with an ownership group led by San Diego Padres […]
Erie, Tigers officially extend PDC
The Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Detroit Tigers officially extended their player-development contract for two more years. “We are very pleased to make this announcement today,” said SeaWolves Team President/General Manager John Frey said. “The Tigers have been a big part of the success of the SeaWolves for the past seven seasons […]
Reds, Blaze make shotgun wedding official
As the last two standing at High Class A, the Cincinnati Reds and the Bakersfield Blaze (California League) were meant to be — but that didn’t stop them from issuing a celebratory press release anyway. Plus, the Blaze has a new general manager: Elizabeth Martin. The player-development contract runs for two years, through 2012. “The […]
In memoriam: Ben Mondor and Harold Cooper
Two giants in the Minor League Baseball world passed away: Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) owner Ben Mondor passed away last night, while former International League President Harold Cooper passed away this morning. Mondor and Cooper played important roles in Minor League Baseball, helping nurture the industry as it went through some terrible […]
Grasshoppers unveil 2011 pledge: $100K if the team makes the playoffs
We have our first noteworthy promotion of the 2011 season: The Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) will donate $100,000 to 20 local charities — as chosen by season-ticket holders and sponsors — if they make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. The winners will be announced at a date […]
Nine finalists unveiled for O-Royals name change
The nine finalists for the new — or perhaps simply updated — name and logo for the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have been unveiled, and fans have one last chance to vote for their favorite. The nine finalists are: Cattlemen, Commanders, Force, Hailstorm, Omahogs, Royals, Sodbusters, Storm Chasers and Windwalkers. Fans have […]
Dodgers sign affiliate deal with RC Quakes; Angels go with Inland Empire
As first reported here, the Los Angeles Dodgers have indeed signed a two-year affiliation deal with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League); the Dodgers also purchased a minority chunk of the team, we’re told. Meanwhile, the Quakes’ former parent, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, signed an affiliate deal with the Inland […]