The week that was: July 17
Here are the most popular stories on Ballpark Digest in the last week, as measured by page views. Here are the most popular stories on Ballpark Digest in the last week, as measured by page views. Continental Baseball League to shut down July 31 Will we see one more Giants game at the 'Stick? Loudoun […]
Promotions Watch: RiverDogs financing state budget with…Alvin Greene statues
Usually minor-league teams hand out commemorative to honor someone’s accomplishments. But the Charleston RiverDogs are taking a different tack, mocking the wacky state of political affairs of their home state by handing out statues of a proposed local landmark with the face of Alvin Greene taped on. In short: The RiverDogs seized on the craziness […]
Marlins ballpark construction nearing halfway point
Life is good in Miami for the Marlins: Ballpark construction is near the halfway point with no complications, and the hotel tax used to fund the facility is running ahead of projections, as the local tourism economy rebounds. Marlins President David Samson led the local media on a tour of the new ballpark and reported […]
Report: Petco Park providing 7.6% return on city investment
So much for the malarkey that a new ballpark can never provide a financial return to a public investment: San Diego’s $301 million investment in Petco Park will net the city $355 million in new tax revenue — a ROI of 7.6 percent. Critics, of course, scoff at the numbers, saying downtown San Diego would […]
Bud to Wolff, San Jose: I’ll decide when I’m good and ready
Bud Selig finally responds to complaints from Oakland owner Lew Wolff and San Jose officials about the slow pace regarding a decision about a potential move of the A’s. His response: I’ll decide when I’m good and ready. Not quite the answer anyone was looking for, and it betrayed that Selig ham-handedness when it comes […]
Greenville Municipal Stadium to be renovated
Greenville Municipal Stadium, the former home of the Greenville Braves, will be renovated and serve as the centerpiece of a new regional park. Greenville Municipal Stadium, the former home of the Greenville Braves (Class AA; Southern League), will be renovated and serve as the centerpiece of a new regional park. The $4 million project will […]
New Bullfrogs ballpark on hold
A lack of funding is forcing owner Jeff Royle to put a new Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) ballpark on ice. Royle has proposed a new downtown ballpark on the Fox River that could serve as a community resource, hosting other events. He’s asking the city for land but has been working on […]
Portland Beavers to…Lake Elsinore?
Under a plan currently under consideration, the Portland Beavers would be sold to the San Diego Padres, with the team splitting its games next season between Petco Park and The Diamond, the home of the Pods’ Cal League affiliate, before a new San Marcos ballpark opens. The Beavers will be homeless at the end […]
Kannapolis, White Sox extend PDC
The Kannapolis Intimidators (Low Class A; Sally League) have extended their player development contract with the Chicago White Sox and will remain their Single-A affiliate through at least the 2014 season. The White Sox and Intimidators have been together since the 2001 season when the affiliation switched from the Philadelphia Phillies. “We are so excited […]
Tennessee, Jacksonville awarded SL All-Star Games
The Tennessee Smokies have been awarded the 2012 Southern League All-Star Game, announced today by the Southern League of Professional Baseball. Voted upon by the Southern League Board of Directors, the 2012 Game will be played at Smokies Park. It will mark the third time the event has been at Smokies Park; the Smokies also […]
Badell new GM in Orem
The timing’s a little odd, but what the heck: Jason Badell is the new general manager of the Orem Owlz (rookie; Pioneer League). Badell will be assuming the duties of current General Manager Aaron Wells, who is leaving the Owlz after accepting a professorship at Brigham Young University. Badell has been spent the last […]
Continental Baseball League to shut down July 31
The independent Continental Baseball League will shut down for good at the end of July, according to information posted to the Web by one of the four member teams. The independent Continental Baseball League will shut down for good at the end of July, according to information posted to the Web by one of the […]
Loudoun County approves Kincora development; ballpark back on track
The $2 billion Kincora Village Center was approved last night by Loudoun County Supervisors; that means the 5,500-seat ballpark slated for an independent Atlantic League team is back on track as well. After launching a name-the-team contest this winter and laying the groundwork for a 2012 opening, VIP Baseball had been quiet in recent weeks; […]