Royals’ Kevin Uhlich to retire
Kevin Uhlich, who oversaw the 2009 Kauffman Stadium renovation, will retire from his role as Senior Vice President/Business Operations of the Kansas City Royals, effective October 30. (more…)
RIP Minor League Baseball: 1901-2020
Today marks the end of the last Professional Baseball Agreement between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball—and with MLB working on a dramatic makeover of MiLB, it’s the end of Minor League Baseball as we know it. (more…)
MLB announces plans for Appalachian reincarnation as wood-bat league
Big changes are in store across Minor League Baseball this year. The first shoe dropped Tuesday with the announcement that the Appalachian League will relaunch in 2021 as a summer college wood-bat league specifically designed for rising freshman and sophomores, operated with the support of MLB and USA Baseball. (more…)
Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat for September 29, 2020
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Kevin Reichard discuss the most wonderful time of the year—the 16-team playoff season!—as well as changes to the minor leagues, how pro ball will approach 2021, and different terms for the act of fielding, including battling and vacuuming up the ball, on this week’s Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat. (more…)
Fisher Cats electing Ballpark President
With Bobblections launched and the country in the midst of a presidential election, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are launching their own election–for a Ballpark President. (more…)
Kannapolis seeks development bids for Intimidators Stadium site
With the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Low A; Sally League) ensconced at Atrium Health Ballpark, the city of Kannapolis is now requesting bids for the redevelopment of property hosting the team’s former home, Intimidators Stadium. (more…)
Manfred: We can’t play 2021 season without fans
While Major League Baseball didn’t have many choices in launching a 2020 season in the midst of a pandemic, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says playing in empty ballparks isn’t a viable option for the 2021 season: gameday revenues are essential. (more…)
With MLB season done, Sahlen Field deconstruction begins
By all accounts the Toronto Blue Jays‘ temporary tenure at Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League), was a success, but now comes the bittersweet part: removing all the improvements and preparing for an uncertain 2021. (more…)
Proposed Dodger Stadium gondola system moves forward
We have more information about a proposed gondola system running between Dodger Stadium and Union Station, with an environmental review process for the project beginning Oct. 1. (more…)
Savannah, Bananas agree to new Grayson Stadium lease
The Savannah Bananas (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) will remain at Grayson Stadium for at least five years after agreeing to a new lease with the city. (more…)
Mariners add Oura Rings to equipment lineup
They were used by NBA players in the Orlando bubble, and now they’re reaching Major League Baseball, as the Seattle Mariners will use Oura Rings to monitor player sleep patterns and overall health metrics. (more…)
MLB, Turner Sports extend 7-year media rights agreement
We’ll be watching plenty of baseball on TBS in coming years, as MLB and Turner Sports announced a seven-year extension to their media rights agreement, now running through the 2028 season. (more…)
Frontier League returns to Ottawa in 2021
A partnership between Winnipeg Goldeyes owner Sam Katz and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) will bring the Frontier League to Ottawa’s RCGT Park in the latest attempt to keep professional baseball in the Canadian capital. (more…)