New for 2011: Provident Bank Park
As we noted this weekend, Provident Bank has committed to a 10-year naming-rights deal for a new Ramapo, N.Y. ballpark housing the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League): the new ballpark will be called Provident Bank Park. The bank will pay $2.75 million over 10 years, a figure lower than Ramapo officials had expected during initial […]
MiLB licensing sales up 12 percent in 2010
Despite the recession, last year was a good one for MiLB merchandise sales, as Minor League Baseball announced its national Licensing Program experienced a 12 percent increase in the sales of licensed merchandise last year over 2009. The program, established in 1991, consists of the 160 clubs in the domestic-based leagues. “Minor League Baseball is […]
Crane group lands Astros
Jim Crane, who lost out to Nolan Ryan in a bid for the Texas Rangers, has perhaps the next best thing for someone in the Lone Star State: he’s heading a local group buying the Houston Astros from Drayton McLane in a deal announced today. No word yet on the purchase price, though we expect […]
Are final days near for RFK Stadium?
RFK Stadium is falling down, but what happens next to the former home of the Washington Senators and the Washington Nationals is anyone’s guess, as it will take lots of money to fix it up when there’s no obvious financial payout or an Act of Congress — literally — to tear it down. RFK Stadium […]
Faithful descend for piece of Ray Winder Field
Another piece of history went off into the sunset this weekend, as 500 seats from Ray Winder Field, the former home of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), were given away to baseball fans waiting overnight in line. Fans arrived on Friday night for the Saturday morning giveaway of the old-fashioned metal-and-iron folding chairs, […]
Texas Tech to upgrade Dan Law Field
Texas Tech announced a $5 million upgrade to Dan Law Field, as the school will install shading, new chair-back seats, ten suites and a new gated entryway to the mix. The renovations will be totally funded with private contributions to the baseball program. “This is a tremendous day for Red Raider Baseball,” said director of […]
Stow out of coma; will be moved closer to home
Bryan Stow, the San Francisco Giants fan assaulted in the Dodger Stadium parking lot after the season opener, is now out of a coma and is able to minimally respond with eye and limb movements; he’s being moved to a San Francisco hospital tomorrow. Stow was beaten by two Los Angeles Dodgers fans after the […]
Provident Bank to buy Ramapo naming rights
We have a new naming-rights deal on the horizon, as Provident Bank, the city of Ramapo and the Rockland Boulders (independent; Can-Am League) are expected to announce a multi-year arrangement at a Tuesday press conference. No word on ths specifics, though we’re told the deal will run ten years and bring in a couple hundred […]
Stabilizer Solutions lands CWS ballpark contract
When the best college teams in the country gather next month in Omaha for the College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park, they’ll be playing on a state-of-the-art playing field anchored with Stabilizer Solutions products. The playing field at TD Ameritrade Park will be under considerable scrutiny when the College World Series opens: it will […]
Yakima Bears to Portland area
The greater Portland area won’t go without baseball for too long, as the Yakima Bears (short season; Northwest League) and Clark County announced a plan to bring the team to a Vancouver, Washington ballpark as soon as 2012. It’s no secret multiple teams and leagues were trying to figure out a way to get into […]
Corbett OKs SWB ballpark renovation funds
The renovation of PNC Field, the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), will proceed adter Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett released state funds originally earmarked for the project. The ballpark will be completely made over, with only the field and the clubhouses left after a two-year construction project. The upper deck will go […]
It’s Bieboar Fever for the St. Paul Saints
The annual search for a moniker for the porcine mascot of the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) has yielded a winner, as the ball-toting pig will be named Justin Bieboar. “Midway Stadium has played host to numerous musical sensations over the years including Bob Dylan, Hootie and the Blowfish, R.E.M. and Willie Nelson, but […]
Southern League teams pitch in to help storm victims
With southern states still reeling from the effects of nasty storms wreaking havoc in the region, Southern League teams are collecting donations, volunteering assistance and providing their facilities for use in disaster relief efforts. “The needs of families and businesses devastated by these storms will be ongoing,” said Southern League President Don Mincher. “I know our […]