Knights ballpark on hold
Faced with an uncertain economy, an expired financing deal and continuing legal challenges, the Charlotte Knights say they’ll wait until the fall to address a new ballpark.Faced with an uncertain economy, an expired financing deal and continuing legal challenges, the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) say they’ll wait until the fall to address a […]
Riversharks, Campbell’s to announce extension of naming-rights deal
At a time when naming-rights deals are hard to procure, the Camden Riversharks are bucking the trend with an extension of the Campbell’s Field deal. At a time when naming-rights deals are hard to procure, the Camden Riversharks (independent; Atlantic League) are bucking the trend with an extension of the Campbell’s Field deal. The team […]
In memoriam: Kevin O’Connor
The voice of the Kane County Cougars passed away suddenly last week.Kevin O’Connor, the P.A. voice of the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) and formerly of the Cook County Cheetahs (independent; Frontier League) from 1999-2003, passed away suddenly last week. He was 52. O’Connor’s trademark line came at the end of the […]
Frederick, Keys squabble over rent
The city wants $30,000 for a one-year lease of Harry Grove Stadium, while the Frederick Keys say they’ll pay $17,000. Meanwhile, neither side is talking long-term lease, as the city looks at how much the ballpark would cost without professional baseball.The city of Frederick and the management of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina […]
Mesa drops plans for D-Backs spring facility; will focus on keeping Cubs
Mesa officials say planning for two new spring-training facilities is beyond the city’s resources, so they’ll focus on keeping the Cubs and pass on a potential Rockies/Diamondbacks complex.Mesa officials say planning for basically two new spring-training facilities is beyond the city’s resources, so they’ll focus on keeping the Cubs and pass on a potential Rockies/Diamondbacks […]
Reds ready to say goodbye to Florida, move west
The Cincinnati Reds wrap up their Florida spring-training history on April 2 with one final game at Ed Smith Stadium before moving west to Goodyear, Arizona.The Cincinnati Reds will wrap up their Grapefruit League history this week with a final April 2 game at Ed Smith Stadium before pulling up stakes and moving spring operations […]
Mets open Citi Field with college matchup
It was a dry run for Citi Field Saturday, when a limited crowd saw St. John’s take on Georgetown.A limited crowd was on hand to see a little history: the first game at Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets. The game, featuring St. John’s "hosting" Georgetown, will be a footnote in future […]
ETSU moves forward with unique ballpark-financing plan
East Tennessee State University is hoping to use the proceeds from a land lease to pay for a new college ballpark.East Tennessee State University is hoping to use the proceeds from a land lease to pay for a new college ballpark. ETSU is barred by law from using state funds to pay for athletic facilities, […]
The week that was: March 28
The most-read stories of the week on Ballpark Digest mostly concerned food, glorious food, as teams prepare for the opening of the 2009 season.Here are the most popular stories of the week on Ballpark Digest, as measured by page views: Mellencamp, Dylan to embark on ballpark concert tour Could Cubs end up back in Grapefruit […]
Rapidz owners sue Can-Am Association, alleging they were driven out of circuit
The former owners of the Ottawa Rapidz are suing the Can-Am Association for forcing them out of the circuit and not allowing them to walk away from the league, among other things.The former owners of the Ottawa Rapidz are suing the independent Can-Am Association for forcing them out of the circuit and not allowing them […]
G-Braves announce broadcast team
In the broadcast booth for the new Gwinnett Braves: Josh Caray and Brian Jordan.The Gwinnett Braves (Class AAA; International League) and Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) have signed a four-year exclusive television partnership that includes the broadcast of a minimum of 25 games beginning in 2009. Current pre-game analyst for the Atlanta Braves and former Brave, […]
It’s official: ULB to launch this season with six teams
The indy circuit will launch with five former ULB franchise while adding a third in that well-known graveyard of pro baseball, Coastal Bend. Fresh from a settlement in bankruptcy court, the independent United Baseball League will launch this season in six cities: Amarillo, San Angelo, Edinburg, Harlingen, Laredo and Coastal Bend. A Dallas bankruptcy court […]
Red Sox freeze concession prices for 2009, add April happy hour
The Boston Red Sox are freezing concession prices and adding a Fenway Happy Hour for April.The Boston Red Sox are holding the line on concession prices at Fenway Park for 2000, marking the first Fenway Park concession price freeze since 2002. The Red Sox are freezing existing prices while also adding many discounts to the […]