Field of Dreams construction work continues
Though virtually everything regarding the MLB 2020 season is tentative and there is no game currently scheduled, work continues on the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa. (more…)
Jockeying for position during a pandemic
With MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred meeting with MLBPA head Tony Clark to discuss a 2020 MLB season launch, the main topic was player safety in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s really going on: a battle for leverage when negotiating the next collective bargaining agreement. (more…)
Snappers sale scratched; Beloit ballpark construction will go on
With it increasingly looking like MLB will take over MiLB operations later this year, a bid by Quint Studer to buy the Beloit Snappers (Low A; Midwest League) has been canceled, but construction on a new downtown ballpark will proceed. (more…)
Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat for May 12, 2020
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Kevin Reichard discuss the news of the day, the potential return of MLB baseball and the creation story behind The Baseball Thesaurus in this week’s Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat. (more…)
Reports: 2021 World Baseball Classic canceled, may be revived later
Multiple reports have the World Baseball Classic canceled from its original 2021 date, as concerns about pandemic management and a desire to avoid conflict with the 2021 Summer Olympics is forcing what other are deeming a postponement. (more…)
Polar Park construction resumes
After a shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Polar Park construction will resume this week, with the new home of the Worcester Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) still potentially opening in April 2021 after a six-week shutdown. (more…)
Owners to present MLB 2020 season plan to players: Will they bite?
Owners approved a plan to launch the MLB 2020 season on the July 4 holiday weekend with teams playing games at home ballparks under heavily supervised circumstances, with the plan expected to be presented to the players union today. (more…)
A blueprint for reopening ballparks
When the 2020 baseball season resumes and fans are allowed back into ballparks, safety will be foremost on their minds. Here’s one plan from a veteran independent/MiLB operator designed to reassure fans that venue pros have that same priority. (more…)
MLB 2020 season plan expected this week
Officials are expected to present an MLB 2020 season plan to players this week featuring an 80-game season, expanded rosters and competition in home ballparks if owners approve on Monday, according to several sources with knowledge of the plan. (more…)
West Coast League pushes opener to July; five teams to skip season
The summer-collegiate West Coast League is pushing its season opener from June to July, with five teams dropping from the schedule because of state and provincial stay-at-home rules. (more…)
Ballpark Preview: Atrium Health Ballpark
The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Low A; Sally League) had a busy off-season, unveiling a new name and finishing construction on a new ballpark and were working hard to welcome fans to Opening Day at Atrium Health Ballpark on April 16. Then the coronavirus pandemic arrived to shut down the country. (more…)
Angels ballpark plan expected to be unveiled this month
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno is expected to lay out a vision for the future ballpark needs of his team, as SRB Management is tasked with submitting a development proposal for the Angel Stadium site before the end of the month. (more…)
Pickles plan season slate sans fans
With Oregon Gov. Kate Brown shutting down all large gatherings of crowds through September, including sporting events, the Portland Pickles (summer collegiate; West Coast League) announced plans to play games this season without fans at the ballpark. (more…)