Lawsuit over new Tulsa ballpark proceeds
A lawsuit over the funding plan for ONEOK Field, the home of the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League), is proceeding, as an opponent of the downtown-business tax is accusing the city of acting in bad faith in putting together the ballpark’s financing deal. The funding plan for the ballpark includes a special assessment fee […]
Tucson Padres announce staff hirings
The Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) unveiled its staff lineup for the 2011 season, as GM Mike Feder is joined in the front office with some familiar names from MLB and MiLB teams. Jack Donovan is the Tucson Padres Senior Advisor and has been involved with professional sports for over thirty-eight years, both […]
MiLB staffs up
Two additions to the staff of Minor League Baseball in St. Pete: Rusty Morris is the new Manager, Creative Services, while Sheryl Hamilton is the new receptionist. Morris will design marketing materials, including logos, brochures, advertisements, sales decks, programs, event signage, credentials and posters. He will also create visual elements for electronic newsletters, web advertisements, […]
Tucson Padres logo unveiled
The Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) unveiled a logo today, combining a desert atmosphere with the old-time logo of parent team San Diego Padres. The design comes from San Diego Padres Creative Services Department and incorporates the old-style Padres lettering from 1978-1984 with the current Padres colors. The logo has a Tucson feel […]
Flyers tax woes date back to August
The Schaumburg Flyers (independent; North American League) have been operating without an Illinois business license since August 25, 2010, a situation that caused the state to shutter the team’s doors at Alexian Field. It’s been dubbed a “misunderstanding” by Flyers owner Rich Ehrenreich, who says the state has been paid but the payments were made […]
Slammers make first hire: Bart Zeller
The manager is the face of a baseball team in the community, and the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) made a key hire in their early history: Bart Zeller is the team’s new field manager. A native of Chicago Heights, Ill., Zeller attended Eastern Illinois University before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals and playing […]
The beer dispenser of tomorrow?
Long lines of thirsty patrons waiting for a cold beer at the ballpark could be a thing of the past, as a new technology in beer dispensers could drastically reduce the time it takes to draw a pint — and with less waste, to boot. The technology comes from GrinOn Industries, whose founder has been […]
SEC tourney site selection goes down to the wire
Southeastern Conference officials are close to recommending a site — or sites, as it ends up — for the annual baseball tournament in coming years, and so far it seems like Hoover has a slight advantage in landing the event once again. The annual SEC baseball tournament has become a big event, with crowds of […]
Scrappers land new radio deal
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers (short season A; NY-Penn League) landed a new radio contract for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, partnering with Whiplash Radio. The agreement includes live broadcasts of all 76 home and away Scrappers games along with a live Internet stream on 1570WHTX.com. In addition, 1570 WHTX will host a weekly Scrappers talk […]
Many questions remain with West Chester ballpark
Progress on a new West Chester (Pa.) ballpark remains limited, as anticipated state funding has not come through and land-acquisition issues still must be worked out. This information was laid out at a meeting of the West Chester Redevelopment Authority last night, as authority members shared the results of their research on the financial viability […]
Could Oakland bar A’s from moving?
An interesting legal theory is making its way through the Bay Area: that a clause in the Athletics’ lease for Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum could be used as a tool to keep the team in Oakland — at least long enough for a sale of the team or a San Jose deal to cool. Here’s the […]
Pinto to Norfolk
Joe Pinto, general manager of the busiest ballpark in professional baseball — Roger Dean Stadium — is stepping down and joining the front office of the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League). Pinto has been GM of the complex for three years. It’s quite the job: besides overseeing spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals […]
Cal budget issues could alter San Jose, Oakland plans for A’s ballpark
A proposal by Gov. Jerry Brown to shut down California‘s 425 redevelopment agencies could have a huge impact on the Oakland Athletics, as both San Jose and Oakland are planning on using redevelopment funds to help pay for a new ballpark. Both cities are planning on using a redevelopment agency as a base for the […]