2008 broadcaster of the year: Paul Edmonds
We begin unveiling the winners of the 2008 Ballpark Digest awards with an interview with the winner of the Broadcaster of the Year: Paul Edmonds, the voice of the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League). Paul’s been the voice of the Goldeyes since 1995, and he may the best broadcaster you’ve never heard: working solo in […]
New for 2009: Charlotte Stone Crabs
Ripken Baseball announced that the relocated Vero Beach Devil Rays will be known next season as the Charlotte Stone Crabs (High Class A; Florida State League).Ripken Baseball announced that the relocated Vero Beach Devil Rays will be known next season as the Charlotte Stone Crabs (High Class A; Florida State League). With the stone crab […]
Miami-Dade County will issue bonds for new Marlins ballpark next year
Miami-Dade County officials say they won’t issue bonds for the construction of a new Florida Marlins ballpark until spring 2009 — and unless we’re hearing things incorrectly, it will be that long until construction of the proposed new ballpark actually begins.Miami-Dade County officials say they won’t issue bonds for the construction of a new Florida […]
American Defenders ink Holman Stadium deal; will offer shares to the local community
The new owners of the American Defenders of New Hampshire (independent; Can-Am Association) — the former Nashua Pride — have inked a three-year lease with the city of Nashua for Historic Holman Stadium.The new owners of the American Defenders of New Hampshire (independent; Can-Am Association) — the former Nashua Pride — have inked a three-year […]
IRS approves addition tax-free bonds for completion of Yankee Stadium
The Internal Revenue Services has approved the use of tax-free bonds for the construction of sporting facilities, allowing the New York Yankees to borrow $366 million to finish the new Yankee Stadium.The Internal Revenue Services has approved the use of tax-free bonds for the construction of sporting facilities, allowing the New York Yankees to borrow […]
Brasfield steps down as ULB president
Craig Brasfield has stepped down as president of the independent United League Baseball, effective immediately. The move wasn’t unexpected — an anonymous tipster sent out word last week via email, but we passed because we couldn’t verify — but it can’t help but be bad news for the struggling league, caught up in legal uncertainty […]
Fans in Quad Cities select backs on bleachers as their ballpark improvement
The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) "You Pick the Improvement" contest has culminated with fans of the choosing the addition of backs to the bleacher seats atModern Woodmen Park as the stadium improvement they want to see in 2009.The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) "You Pick the […]
In memoriam: Andy Nelson
Fans attending St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) games at Midway Stadium are intimately familiar with the work of Andy Nelson, whose whimsical murals adorn the exterior of the ballpark.Fans attending St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) games at Midway Stadium are intimately familiar with the work of Andy Nelson, whose whimsical murals adorn the […]
Cubs could open new Yankee Stadium
The New York Yankees are looking at an April 6 exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs as a way to run the new Yankee Stadium through its paces before the official opening April 16.The New York Yankees are looking at an April 6 exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs as a way to run the […]
Ballpark Notes: Oct. 22
The Gwinnett Braves name an ad agency of record, the Schaumburg Flyers approach a million dollars in charitable contributions, and Chris Browne is named new GM of the Kansas City T-Bones.The Gwinnett Braves (Class AAA; International League) announced the team’s partnership with Adreka Advertising Agency for its inaugural season. As the Agency of Record for […]
O’s schedule talks with Sarasota
The Boston Red Sox have competition for a spring-training complex, as the Baltimore Orioles have come out of the closet and acknowledged in public that they’re interested in moving their spring-training operations to a renovated Ed Smith Stadium. While this development shouldn’t be a surprise to Ballpark Digest readers — we’ve been saying for months […]
Sarasota, Red Sox talking again about spring-training complex
The Boston Red Sox and Sarasota officials are once again discussing the parameters of a new spring-training facility in downtown’s Payne Park. As we reported last week, the two sides parted ways after Sarasota officials demanded an upfront payment of $10 million from the Red Sox, but we predicted the two sides would be talking […]
York County forces Knights’ hand by putting ballpark up for bid
While the Charlotte Knights ownership continues to debate its future in Charlotte or other cities farther afield, it looks like York County in South Carolina, which owns Knights Stadium, will be forcing the team into a decision of sorts after opening the 32-acre parcel containing the ballpark for bids.While the Charlotte Knights ownership continues to […]