The Week That Was: January 30
Ballpark intrigue in the Bay Area, beer dispensers of tomorrow and news about the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) all made headlines this week, as the baseball world ramps up for the 2011 season on both the college and pro ranks. Here are the most popular stories on Ballpark Digest for the past […]
Renovations pitched for Blair Field
Long Beach State is looking at an ambitious renovation of historic Blair Field that would include expanded fan facilities, a second-level concourse with expanded press facilities and suites, and a new practice field. The plan, outlined by HKS and presented to university officials this week, is expected to cost between $8 million and $12 million. […]
Birmingham ballpark situation more complicated than anticipated
The Birmingham City Council has agreed on a funding plan for a new downtown ballpark to house the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League), but they can’t agree on the location — a situation complicated by balky ballpark-area landowners. Mayor William Bell has been upfront about where he wanted to see a new downtown ballpark: […]
Pecos League set at six for ’11
With the addition of a Ruidoso, N.M. team and the loss of a Clovis, N.M., team, the start-up independent Pecos League is now set at six teams for the 2011 season. Built somewhat on the ashes of the failed Continental Baseball League, the new venture features the Ruidoso (N.M.) Osos, Alpine (Tex.) Cowboys, Carlsbad (N.M.) […]
Bottom-shelf-booze magnate making play for Mets?
Martin J. Silver, whose Long Island-based Star Industries is a prime purveyor of fine spirits like Georgi Vodka and Carnabys Gin, says he’s willing to invest in the New York Mets with the Wilpons, forced to seek a minority investor because of potential financial problems. Silver, an investor in the Wilmington Blue Rocks (High Class […]
Double-A team exploring move to Baton Rouge area
Once again we have interest from an affiliated team in the Baton Rouge area, as officials in Livingston Parish say they’re in talks with a Double-A team about an entertainment complex and ballpark in the suburban city. In the past reps from the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) has been identified as talking with […]
Twins relocating trees behind center field at Target Field
The Minnesota Twins will be relocating 14 pine trees currently planted past the center-field wall after players complained about them being a distraction at the plate. No word on how the pitchers feel about the move. In general, Twins batters weren’t that thrilled about playing at Target Field, despite the obvious team advantage of having […]
College season begins today
This is a big day in college baseball: junior colleges begin their seasons today with games, while Division I teams begin practices and scrimmages today. This should be an interesting college season, as the NCAA is instituting a few rule changes that should be quite apparent to fans. The first covers bat speed and bat […]
River Bandits add to front office
The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced several additions to the team’s front office, as ownership ramps up for another strong season at Modern Woodmen Park. “As the River Bandits continue to grow, the size and quality of our front-office team also grows to ensure that we keep Modern Woodmen Park […]
Wilpons explore selling minority chunk of Mets
Fred and Jeff Wilpon are looking at selling a minority share of the New York Mets due to financial complications due to their family firm’s investments with Bernie Madoff, as they face a potential clawback lawsuit from the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee. The following statement comes from Fred Wilpon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the […]
Gates new GM in Bowling Green
Ryan Gates, who built the Lake Erie Crushers (independent; Frontier League) from nothing into a leading indy franchise, is the new general manager of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League). He fills a position left open when team President Brad Taylor earned a promotion in December. “This is a great day […]
River Bandits unveil 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game logo
The Quad Cities River Bandits unveiled a logo for the 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game, combining the charm of Davenport’s Modern Woodmen Park and Centennial Bridge with the team’s notable marks. “I think this is a wonderful logo with the way it incorporates so many distinguishing marks of the River Bandits,” said team owner Dave […]
Lawsuit filed to prevent new Ramapo ballpark
As they promised, a group opposing a new Ramapo ballpark for an independent Can-Am League team has filed suit in an effort to prevent further construction on the project. The complaint from Preserve Ramapo is pretty clear: the Ramapo Local Development Corp. and the city are circumventing the will of the people after the ballpark […]