O-Royals sign Sarpy County ballpark deal
The Omaha Royals signed the contract for a new ballpark in rural Sarpy County. A new ballpark for the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) is a go, as team president Alan Stein announced the final contract for the project was signed yesterday. "We are extremely pleased that we are going to stay in […]
River Bandits set up scholarship fund for Lucier
The late Keith Lucier will be honored with a scholarship donated by his former employer, the Quad Cities River Bandits. Chatting with Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) assistant GM Keith Lucier was always a highlight of any visit to Modern Woodmen Park. He was an enthusiastic, engaging member of the front […]
Rawhide to Manny: Please, please play here
The Cal League's Visalia Rawhide issued an invite to Manny Ramirez to visit Recreation Park on a rehab assignment, but it looks like the Dodgers slugger is done with his stint in the minors. The Visalia Rawhide (High Class A; California League) issued an invite to Manny Ramirez to visit Recreation Park on a rehab […]
Toros an early hit at Hi Corbett Field
Don't look now, but the reconstituted Tucson Toros are pacing the independent Golden Baseball League in attendance while playing at historic Hi Corbett Field. This leads us to wonder: Would Triple-A have survived there if Jay Zucker would have moved the Sidewinders into town? So far this season Jay Zucker is one of the smartest […]
Remembering Forbes Field
It was the National League's first modern steel-and-concrete ballpark, a shrine to the robust economy in Pittsburgh and America at the time. Forbes Field opened 100 years ago today, so a look back is in order. It was the National League's first modern steel-and-concrete ballpark, a shrine to the robust economy in Pittsburgh and America […]
How can a baseball team make money with a $49-million rent bill?
It can't, of course — which is why Japanese pro teams are having a hard time making it these days, despite strong fan support. Pro baseball in Japan is facing the same economic issues facing American teams, and teams are retrenching; Bobby Valentine, for instance, is basically being laid off as Chiba cuts costs. Pro […]
Blaney new head of Cal League
Charlie Blaney, a former head of minor-league operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is the new president of the Cal League, replacing the retiring Joe Gagliardi. His immediate task: finding new homes for facilities-challenged franchises in Adelanto and Bakersfield. Charlie Blaney, a former head of minor-league operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is the new […]
Lake Monsters not likely to move, despite reports to contrary
The Vermont Lake Monsters play in one of the roughest facilities in professional baseball, but don't look for the team to go anywhere, despite some reports to the contrary. Centennial Field, the home of the Vermont Lake Monsters (short season; NY-Penn League), isn't one of the sterling facilities in pro baseball. It doesn't meet PBA […]
Tulsa decides to pass on reviving college baseball — for now
Despite the availability of Drillers Stadium and the increasing popularity of college baseball, University of Tulsa officials have decided not to bring back baseball as a varsity sport — but that situation may change in coming years. Despite the availability of Drillers Stadium and the increasing popularity of college baseball, University of Tulsa officials have […]
St. Paul endorses new Saints ballpark
The St. Paul City Council will ask the state for $25 million for a new downtown St. Paul ballpark — one where the batter will be looking directly into the sun while at the plate. The St. Paul City Council will ask the Minnesota Legislature for $25 million next year in funding for a new […]
Keys plan big night to welcome six-millionth fan
Frederick will mark the occasion by unveiling the team's new scoreboard. The Frederick Keys (High Class A; Florida State League) will welcome its six millionth fan tonight and will mark the occasion with a huge night at the ballpark that includes the unveiling of the brand new videoboard and Peanut Free Night. The Keys are currently […]
It’s official: Rockies, D-Backs out of Tucson after Spring Training 2010
Readers of this site shouldn't be surprised by the news that the Rockies and Diamondbacks plan to move spring-training operations to Phoenix in 2011; the surprise is that Tucson officials claim they didn't see it coming. We've been reporting for months now that the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks would be moving spring operations to […]
Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy: Demolition of Tiger Stadium was unlawful, reckless
With low steel prices and no developer waiting in the wings to take over the site, why was the city of Detroit so eager to tear down the remainder of Tiger Stadium? We may never know the full story, but that's not stopping the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy from issuing a strongly phrased statement on […]