Studer: We’re close to buying Double-A team for Pensacola
WINTER MEETINGS — Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) owner Quint Studer says he’s on the verge of buying a Double-A Southern League team to play at his new waterfront ballpark in 2012, with an announcement expected in the next few weeks. Based on conversions we had at the Winter Meetings, the team in question is […]
Lexington ballpark naming rights on the market
Applebee’s Park is no more, as the local franchiser of the national chain will not be back as naming-rights sponsor for the home of the Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League), as a ten-year agreement lapses. The ballpark opened in 2001. The team is currently on a search for a new naming-rights deal. Share […]
New group takes control of Joliet ballpark
The regime change in Joliet, Ill., is complete, as a new ownership group led by Alan Oremus takes control of Silver Cross Field and sets up operations today. Now comes the fun part: prepping for the 2011 season. Steel City Baseball paid $915,000 for the privilege of playing at Silver Cross Field, along with all […]
Moorad group, Escondido sign MOU for new ballpark
A new Triple-A ballpark in Escondido (Cal.) is one step closer to reality after the city and a group led by San Diego Padres owner Jeff Moorad signed a 47-page Memoradum of Understanding for a new ballpark slated to open in 2013. Check it out, as well as our list of highlights. The City Council […]
No Gold Sox for you!
There will be no Amarillo Gold Sox playing in the independent American Association in 2011, as the city of Marysville trademarked the Gold Sox name during the days of the old indy Western League days — and they’re not allowing its use in Texas. Southern Independent Baseball and GM Mark Lee had made the announcement […]
Escondido council fills vacancy in advance of ballpark vote
The Escondido (Cal.) City Council appointed a partial ballpark supporter to fill an open seat, strengthening the possibility that the city may approve $50 million in funding for a new Triple-A ballpark for a San Diego Padres farm team. Michael Morasco, a self-described fiscal conservative, was selected to fill the rest of Sam Abed‘s council […]
Another indy league on the horizon?
Reps from the startup Ultimate Baseball League say they’re forming a new six-team league to begin play in 2012 and pitched Johnstown (Pa.) officials last night on placing a team in Point Stadium. Andrew Haines, the man behind the American Indoor Football League and the new Ultimate Indoor Football League, says the league’s footprint could […]
Winter Meetings set to return to Disney World in 2013
WINTER MEETINGS — The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, which received high marks from many attendees during this week’s run hosting the Baseball Winter Meetings, will once again be the site of the industry’s annual convention from December 9-12 in 2013. It will mark the third time that the meetings have been held […]
New Na Koa Ikaika Maui owners addressing debt of previous regime
It’s no secret the original owners of Na Koa Ikaika Maui (independent; Golden Baseball League) ran into some financial issues last season, but the new owners say they’ll address outstanding debts in preparation for the 2011 season. Last season was rough: Though the expansion team was successful on the field, it struggled on the business […]
Oakland may be in better financial shape to host new A’s ballpark
WINTER MEETINGS — Because Oakland’s redevelopment agency is in much better financial shape than San Jose‘s, the city may be in better shape to put together a deal for a new Oakland Athletics ballpark — or at least give cover to the MLB committee charged with recommending a location. Though San Jose officials have pooh-poohed […]
Messy McCourt divorce takes another turn
The messy divorce of Frank and Jamie McCourt took another turn today when a judge ruled a postnuptual paper signed by the pair is not valid, stripping Frank McCourt of sole ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers and giving Jamie McCourt a chance to negotiate for her chunk of the team. The agreement, which was […]
Burke may put Lookouts on the market
WINTER MEETINGS — In the open-air bazaar that is the real heart of the Baseball Winter Meetings, an unusual name came up for a team that could be on the market in the near future: the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League), whose owner, Frank Burke, is debating whether to sell the team. The issue, […]
MiLB announces staff reorganization; Gust first female VP
WINTER MEETINGS NEWS–Tina Gust will become the first woman to hold the title of vice president in the 109-year history of the Minor League Baseball office, as a result of a company reorganization that will take effect January 3, 2011. Gust, who will be Vice President, Business Development, joined the MiLB office in June 1998 […]