Thieleke not returning to Mallards
One of the longer runs in summer collegiate baseball ended today when the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced that Field Manager C.J. Thieleke will not have his contract renewed for the 2011 season. Madison recently finished the 2010 Northwoods League season with a 41-29 record. Thieleke compiled a 230-178 regular season record […]
Laredo finalizes lease with Ventura Sports for new 2012 ballpark
The city of Laredo and Ventura Sports, the owner of two independent American Association teams and another on the way, finalized their lease for a new $18 million ballpark set to open in 2012. The Laredo City Council approved the Lease and Operations Agreement with Ventura Sports Group for the ballpark planned for construction […]
Grasshoppers, Marlins extend PDC
The Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) and the Florida Marlins have extended their Player Development Contract through the end of the 2012 baseball season, team officials announced today. “The Florida Marlins are very excited to continue our partnership with the Greensboro Grasshoppers through the 2012 season,” said Marlins Vice President of Player […]
League Histories
Want to know more about teams and leagues of the past? This is the place for you. Here’s a listing of affiliated, independent and summer-collegiate leagues, organized by type. Enjoy! MAJOR LEAGUESAmerican LeagueNational League AFFILIATED LEAGUES Appalachian League California League Carolina League Eastern League Florida State League International League Midwest League New York-Pennsylvania League Northwest […]
Ballpark ratings: Our view
Everyone has an opinion about the best and worst ballparks; we know that. Here’s a list compiled after lots and lots of visits and many, many words written about ballparks both big and small. Agree? Disagree? Comment at the end of the article. 5 STARS Al Lang Field Alliant Energy Field AT&T Park AutoZone […]
Marlins extend PDCs with New Orleans, Jacksonville
The Florida Marlins locked up the two top teams in their farm system for the next two seasons by signing new PDCs with the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League). “We are pleased to continue our relationship with the Florida Marlins,” said Mike Schline, […]
Canseco signs with Laredo Broncos; will pinch-hit and make appearances
Jose Canseco, whose stops after a promising and then disappointing stint in the major leagues have included the Atlantic League and the Golden League, has signed with United League Baseball’s Laredo Broncos. Canseco has been one of the most controversial figures in baseball over the last 15 years; in his younger days he formed […]
Tides, BaySox, Keys re-up with O’s through 2014
The three eastern teams controlled by Ken Young extended their player-development deals with the Baltimore Orioles through 2014. The Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League), the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) and the Bowie BaySox (Class AA; Eastern League) all extended their existing player-development deals. “We are extremely excited to continue our partnership […]
Developers withdraw plan to renovate Civic Stadium; future of ballpark in doubt
The future of Civic Stadium is once again in doubt after investors withdraw a plan to renovate the historic Eugene ballpark as a community center, as it will likely be sold to make way for a new Y. The former home to Pacific Coast League and Northwest League teams is empty now that the Eugene […]
Laredo reviews ballpark plan, reaffirms decision to go with Ventura Sports
Despite a final plea from the ULB’s Laredo Broncos, the city reaffirmed a decision to go with Ventura Sports for a new team at a new $18 million ballpark. Officials from Ventura Sports and HKS were on hand last night as the City Council approved a budget of $18 million for a 7,000-seat ballpark that […]
Seven-foot-tall Bud to invade Miller Park
Bud Selig, the man who brought baseball back to Milwaukee, will be honored with a statue at Miller Park. Before Bud the Commissioner there was Bud the Businessman, the used-car dealer who plucked the pitiful Seattle Pilots out of bankruptcy court, arranged to have new logos hastily sewn on used uniforms, and set up shop […]
Diamondbacks roll out 2011 All-Star Game logo
The Arizona Diamondbacks rolled out the All-Star Game logo for 2011 in a low-key fashion, reflecting the ongoing controversy over the state’s immigration policies. So far the logo has been used only for season-ticket renewal pitches. Since a controversial law — since put on hold by the judiciary — was passed protesters have called for […]
Sugar Land issues RFQ for new-ballpark construction
The city of Sugar Land has issued a preliminary RFQ for a design-build firm on a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team. The city is working with Opening Day Partners (ODP) on the project; the city will own the $30-million ballpark, funded by economic sales-tax revenues; ODP will manage and bring a team […]