Could Cubs end up back in Grapefruit League?
Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney says the team is looking at a new spring-training home; contenders include Gila River Indian Reservation or a new Mesa complex in Arizona, and Sarasota in Florida.In his annual spring meeting with reporters, Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney admits the team’s days at Mesa’s HoHoKam Park are numbered and says the team […]
Blanton: Aces turf will be ready for season opener
Eric Blanton, one of the best groundskeepers in the game, says the field at the new Reno Aces ballpark will be ready in plenty of time for an April opener.The turf is going in at the new Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark this Monday, and Eric Blanton, one of the best groundskeepers […]
The hottest ticket in spring training this year? The Tampa Bay Rays
Making the World Series will do wonders for your public image, as the Tampa Ray Bays are finding out.The only team that entered February games selling out every fixed seat for every spring-training matchup? Not the Red Sox. Not the Yankees. It was the Tampa Bay Rays, who sold out every fixed seat at Charlotte […]
Will Fish be forced into more concessions before Monday vote?
The Florida Marlins pledged additional charity contributions and an increase in profit sharing should the team be sold to gain approval of a new ballpark from the Miami City Commission. Will the team need to do more before the Miami-Dade Commission signs off on the deal Monday?The Florida Marlins pledged additional charity contributions and an […]
The week that was: March 21
Here’s a look at the top stories on Ballpark Digest for the past week, as measured by page views. New-ballpark news in Richmond and Miami dominated the proceedings.Here’s a look at the top stories on Ballpark Digest for the past week, as measured by page views. New-ballpark news in Richmond and Miami dominated the proceedings: […]
Damaschke Field / Oneonta Outlaws
Most in baseball remember Damaschke Field as the former home of the NY-Penn League’s Oneonta Tigers, a place with strong community ownership and no beer sold at the ballpark. Things have changed: the ballpark was renovated in 2007, the Tigers now are in Norwich, and a summer-collegiate team has taken up residence. One thing remains […]
Nebraska legislators question why O-Royals, MECA can’t get along
As Sarpy County officials petition the Nebraska Legislature for financing tools on a new ballpark, some Omaha legislators are wondering why the Omaha Royals aren’t playing in a downtown ballpark. The short answer: Basically, Omaha city officials didn’t want the team.As Sarpy County officials petition the Nebraska Legislature for financing tools on a new ballpark, […]
Miami City Commission approves new Marlins ballpark
Next up for the Florida Marlins: a meeting of the Miami-Dade County Commission on Monday.The Miami City Commission voted today by a 3-2 margin to approve a proposed Florda Marlins ballpark, clearing the way for the Miami-Dade County Commission to debate the issue next Monday. Michelle Spence-Jones, touted as the swing vote on the project, […]
Super Independent Baseball announces first franchise
Marion County, Florida is announced as the first market for Super Independent Baseball.Super Independent Baseball has announced that Marion County, Florida will be home to an expansion club. The Marion County Club will begin play within the Freedom Division during the 2011 inaugural season of Super Independent Baseball. “This is a tremendous day for Super […]
Ballpark Notes for March 19, 2009
In today’s ballpark news: the Portland Sea Dogs return to Fenway; Echols is promoted in Charleston, and the River Bandits announce the winners of a fan-chosen-promotion competition. The Boston Red Sox announced that the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) will return to play a game at Fenway Park in 2009. The fourth annual […]
Hall new director of ops for PCL
Dwight Hall is the new director of baseball operations for the Pacific Coast League. Dwight Hall is the new director of baseball operations for the Pacific Coast League. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to bring on board an individual with Dwight’s ability and his many years of experience in the Pacific Coast League,” […]
Bullfrogs pitching new Green Bay ballpark
The Northwoods League team has already outgrown Joannes Stadium and is looking at downtown sites for a new home.The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) have already outgrown Joannes Stadium and is looking at downtown sites for a new home. Joannes Stadium is, quite honestly, a bare-boned facility with little in the way of […]
Surprise: Sale of the Cubs not likely by Opening Day
As we predicted several months ago, the sale of the Chicago Cubs is not likely to be closed by Opening Day, say those in the know.As we predicted several months ago, the sale of the Chicago Cubs is not likely to be finalized by Opening Day, say those in the know. In fact, it may […]