Old Orchard Beach Ballpark opens for business
The former home of the International League's Maine Guides is hosting a national college tourney this week, with more baseball scheduled in coming weeks. The Ballpark at Old Orchard Beach, the former home of the Maine Guides (Class AAA; International League) that had fallen into deep disrepair only to be revived by hard-working volunteers, saw […]
Ballpark Visit: Community Field, the home of the Burlington Bees
We visit Community Field, the home of the Burlington Bees (Low Class A; Midwest League). Dating back to 1973, with some serious renovations in 2005, Community Field combines the old and the new in a classic heartland baseball experience. With a nifty canopy protecting fans from the elements and cheap cans of Pabst and Old […]
Ballpark Visit: Community Field / Burlington Bees / 2
We visit Community Field, the longtime home of the Burlington Bees. Page 2: Visiting a classic ballpark, updated for modern times.There’s a long tradition of baseball in this southern Iowa city: Professional baseball was first played there in 1889 with the debut of the Burlington Babies, with the Burlington Bees first hitting the field in […]
Community Field / Burlington Bees
There is nothing ostentatious about Community Field, the home of the Burlington Bees. Yes, there are some theater-style seats behind home plate — but not too many. There’s a single suite on the second level of the grandstand, but there’s no private entrance or even an elevator leading up there — you need to walk […]
The week that was: May 8
Here are the most popular stories on Ballpark Digest in the past week, as measured by page views. Here are the most popular stories on Ballpark Digest in the past week, as measured by page views. Portland Bevos update: Tucson-bound? Millar returns to Saints Crist cold-shoulders Crabs; Crabs counter with mascot candidacy Topeka, Ventura Sports […]
Topeka, Ventura Sports sign MOA for new ballpark
Ventura Sports, the owners and operator of several ballparks and independent teams in Texas, is heading north after signing a deal for a new ballpark/multiuse facility with the City of Topeka, where city officials have worked for pro baseball for several years. Ventura Sports, the owners and operator of several ballparks and independent teams in […]
Thunder revamps suite offerings, add ala carte service
The Trenton Thunder now offer individual-sized appetizers and entrees to ticketholders in suites, giving them flexibility over their food offerings at a game. The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) have added a restaurant-style menu for suite ticketholders, allowing patrons the flexibility to place individual orders. The new option, referred to as the Pub […]
Caray, Liebman to man broadcast booth for Colts
Josh Caray and Ira Liebman will broadcast San Angelo Colts games this season — a surprisingly strong broadcast booth for independent baseball. Josh Caray and Ira Liebman will broadcast San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball) games this season — a surprisingly strong broadcast booth for independent baseball. Both come with a lot of experience, […]
Oakland County Cruisers shift plans, will play most of season on the road
The Frontier League squad will play all but 21 games on the road this season, as the ownership works to secure financing for a new $9 million ballpark. The Oakland County Cruisers (independent; Frontier League) will play all but 21 games on the road this summer, as team ownership works to procure Small Business Administration […]
Millar returns to Saints
We don't spend a lot of time covering players transactions, but here's a noteworthy one: Kevin Millar is returning to the St. Paul Saints after a 12-year Major League career.We don't spend a lot of time covering players transactions, but here's a noteworthy one: Kevin Millar is returning to the St. Paul Saints (independent; American […]
In memoriam: Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell, the voice of the Detroit Tigers for 42 seasons who led a valiant fight to keep Tiger Stadium from a date with the wrecking ball, passed away tonight at the age of 92. Ernie Harwell, the voice of the Detroit Tigers for 42 seasons who led a valiant fight to keep Tiger Stadium […]
Ricketts’ test of a true Cubs fan: supporting more signage at Wrigley Field
An open letter from Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts argues that true Cubs fans would love seeing more commercial signage in the ballpark and would wholeheartedly welcome a big Toyota sign in left field. That's some price to pay for being a true Cubs fan. Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is attempting to rally the […]
Preservation group receives grant for Hinchliffe Stadium reno study
The reclamation of Hinchliffe Stadium will be aided by a grant to study the condition of the facility and map out a renovation plan. The reclamation of Hinchliffe Stadium, the former home of the New York Black Yankees, will be aided by a grant to study the condition of the facility and map out a […]