Bats open 2021 with plenty of change
The Louisville Bats (Triple-A East) opened their 2021 campaign with construction underway at Louisville Slugger Field, before a crowd of 2,808 fans returning to the ballpark after a 600-plus-day hiatus. (more…)
Your 2021 St. Paul Saints ball pig: Space Ham
Your 2021 St. Paul Saints ball pig: Space Ham, a pig that soared above the competition, as the team sports a porcine presence on the field for the 29th consecutive season. (more…)
Despite return of play, things are far from normal
The return of the MiLB season and the impending returns of independent and summer-collegiate play are hailed as returns to normal. But with operations like the USPBL still hamstrung by capacity limits, things are still far from normal. (more…)
2021 Triple-A Best of the Ballparks fan vote now live
With the MiLB season opening today, we’re moving on to the MiLB part of the 2021 Best of the Ballparks fan vote. Today we unveil the Triple-A Best of the Ballparks vote, which also includes our 2021 ranking of Triple-A ballparks. (more…)
Social distancing force racing pierogies outside PNC Park
Well, this is one unexpected byproduct of social distancing at ballparks: to prevent proximity to players and coaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pierogies are staging their races outside PNC Park. (more…)
Schwechheimer to be remembered on Wind Surge jersey patches
Amidst all the hoopla surrounding the launch of the 2021 MiLB season, there’s one note of sadness: late Managing General Partner Lou Schwechheimer will be remembered via jersey patches on Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Central) uniforms. (more…)
Now shipping: My 1961
We’ve shipped out hundreds of copies of My 1961 since they arrived from the printer last Friday, and now it’s time to order yours! (more…)
Madison Mallards unveil new logo, branding
The Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) unveiled new logos and branding for the 2021 season, tying mascot Maynard G. Mallard with more local elements for the summer-collegiate team. (more…)
In Myrtle Beach, new MiLB specs forcing hard decisions
With new facility specs imposed by Major League Baseball as part of the MiLB takeover, teams like the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Low-A East) are looking at either spending millions on renovations or new facilities. It’s not a simple decision. (more…)
Vaccinated-only ballpark sections on tap
Teams are implementing vaccinated-only sections to get more folks out to the ballpark: present proof of a full vaccination, and social-distancing restrictions are lifted. (more…)
Tales from The Baseball Thesaurus: Baseball Cap
With six panels and a consistent design topped by a squatchee, a baseball cap is an enduring symbol of the game. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler explains how baseball caps evolved in this week’s Tales from The Baseball Thesaurus. (more…)
It’s PNC Park vs. Fenway Park in 2021 MLB Best of the Ballparks finals
It’s defending champion PNC Park vs. Fenway Park in the finals of the 2021 MLB Best of the Ballparks fan vote, as modern retro takes on true retro to end the competition. (more…)
The bill always comes due: MiLB in 2021
As the MiLB season is set to open next Tuesday, teams are excited to host play for the first time since 2019–but with plenty of apprehension about revenues and new costs pushed on them by MLB, owners aren’t yet out of the woods. (more…)