If you find yourself in New Britain, Conn., you’re in the hometown of Stanley Works, which, if your house is like mine, manufactured your tape measure, your hammer, and probably a lot of toys and gadgets in your toolbox. If you find yourself in New Britain, you’re in a central Connecticut town that’s proud of […]
Archive | Minor-League Baseball
Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium / Omaha Royals / College World Series
Writing about Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium is really a two-pronged deal. The ballpark must serve two masters — the College World Series and the Omaha Royals — and as a result it doesn’t serve either particularly well, especially the needs of the O-Royals. FAST FACTS Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 23,100 (17,700 grandstand, 5,400 general admission) Architect: […]
McCoy Stadium / Pawtucket Red Sox
Age is relative when it comes to baseball stadiums — a point well exemplified by McCoy Stadium, the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox. In theory, McCoy Stadium is one the oldest ballparks in the International League, first opening in 1942. So a visitor unfamiliar with the recent history of McCoy Stadium would expect a […]
Knights Stadium / Charlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights have been working for several years toward a new downtown ballpark. After visiting Knights Stadium, it’s easy for me to see why: Although Knights Stadium is a newer ballpark (opening in 1990), it’s not very nice and not very convenient. Located 14 miles south of Charlotte in Fort Mill, S.C., it seems […]
Jack Russell Memorial Stadium
A look back at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Philadelphia Phillies and Clearwater Phillies. FAST FACTS Year Opened: 1955 Former Capacity: 6,942 Dimensions: 340L, 400C, 340R Surface: Grass Address/Directions: 800 Phillies Drive, Clearwater. Take Hwy. 19 north of St. Petersburg to Drew Street, where you’ll head west approximately four miles until you […]
Fifth Third Field: Ballpark art at its finest
Fifth Third Field: Ballpark art at its finest.When you visit Toledo to see a game at Fifth Third Field, you’ll be looking forward to seeing the game in one of the great minor-league venues. Please take some time before or after the game to explore some of the finer, artful highlights of this experience. The […]
Fifth Third Field / Toledo Mud Hens / Page 2
Fifth Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens / page 2So, when the chance came to build a build with all the bells and whistles downtown, the city (which oversees the non-profit organization that runs the team) jumped in feet first. The result is a slightly larger version of Dayton’s ballpark, the Class A […]
Fifth Third Field / Toledo Mud Hens
Fifth Third Field is an impressive edifice that seemed to have been carved out of stone. The fact that it has helped turned Toledo’s warehouse district into the place to be during the summer is one of the more impressive feats of the young 21st century. FAST FACTS Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,943 fixed seats; […]
Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium / Kannapolis Intimidators
Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, home of the Kannapolis Intimidators, has been a bright spot in a community that’s seen more than its share of setbacks in recent years. Now, with the local economy on the verge of a return thanks to biotech firms moving into the area, the Intimidators can potentially reap the profits of their […]
Blanton: Aces turf will be ready for season opener
Eric Blanton, one of the best groundskeepers in the game, says the field at the new Reno Aces ballpark will be ready in plenty of time for an April opener.The turf is going in at the new Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark this Monday, and Eric Blanton, one of the best groundskeepers […]
Nebraska legislators question why O-Royals, MECA can’t get along
As Sarpy County officials petition the Nebraska Legislature for financing tools on a new ballpark, some Omaha legislators are wondering why the Omaha Royals aren’t playing in a downtown ballpark. The short answer: Basically, Omaha city officials didn’t want the team.As Sarpy County officials petition the Nebraska Legislature for financing tools on a new ballpark, […]
Hall new director of ops for PCL
Dwight Hall is the new director of baseball operations for the Pacific Coast League. Dwight Hall is the new director of baseball operations for the Pacific Coast League. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to bring on board an individual with Dwight’s ability and his many years of experience in the Pacific Coast League,” […]
Richmond baseball study didn’t consider renovated Diamond, stacks deck for new downtown ballpark
A September 2008 analysis of the ballpark options in Richmond failed to consider the economics of a renovated Diamond and concludes a new Shockoe Bottom ballpark could work if surrounding counties continue to help paying for baseball in the area — and given statements from elected officials throughout the region, that’s a mighty big if. […]