New Beloit Snappers ballpark construction delayed
Planning and construction of a new downtown ballpark for the Beloit Snappers (Low A; Midwest League) is delayed, creating uncertainty in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and negotiations for a new Professional Baseball Agreement between MLB and MiLB that will change the sport. (more…)
Northwoods League 2020 season opener postponed
The Northwoods League has delayed the start of the 2020 season due to state shutdowns ordered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as summer-collegiate leagues continue to respond to an uncertain year. (more…)
Timber Rattlers selling Membership Certificates to raise funds in hard times
The community-owned Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low A; Midwest League) are offering Membership Certificates in Appleton Baseball Club, Inc., which operates the Minor League Baseball team. (more…)
Gov: MLB could begin season in Arizona–when time is right
Confirming communications with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says the 2020 MLB season could begin in the Phoenix area, with all 30 teams setting shop at spring-training and college facilities sans fans–provided safety for all personnel can be assured. (more…)
New pricing on all August Publications books
We know times are hard, and we know everyone is getting a little stir crazy. We also know most of you have more time for reading, so we’ve launched price breaks on every baseball and football book from August Publications — including The Baseball Thesaurus and Cradle of the Game. (more…)
Nashville MLB group, Negro Leagues Museum ink licensing deal
Music City Baseball, the group seeking to bring MLB to Nashville, has signed a partnership agreement with the Kansas City-based Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), centering on the Nashville Stars branding. (more…)
Arizona, Florida, Japan? 2020 MLB season scenarios abound
We’re seeing so many ideas floating around regarding the 2020 MLB season: Arizona and Florida spring-training ballparks, home MLB ballparks at the end of the season, and even a season start in Japan. All of this highlights one thing: we’re still in the ideas stage of planning. (more…)
Tortugas announce Kelly Field renovation plan
Some notable news on baseball’s Jackie Robinson Day, as the Daytona Tortugas (High A; Florida State League) announce plans to restore Daytona Beach’s historic Kelly Field, where Jackie Robinson trained as a member of the International League’s Montreal Royals. (more…)
Ballpark Digest Broadcasters Chat returns
The Ballpark Digest Broadcasters chat returns, as Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, Mick Gillispie and Kevin Reichard discuss the big issues of the day in ballparks and baseball. (more…)
MLB to mark 2020 Jackie Robinson Day virtually
With Major League Baseball shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, this season’s Jackie Robinson Day — the annual commemoration of Robinson breaking the MLB color line — is being marked on April 15 with a series of online events. (more…)
Cardinals pledge additional $1M toward relief efforts
The St. Louis Cardinals and team charity Cardinals Care are pledging an additional $1 million toward support of seasonal and game-day Busch Stadium contract employees impacted by games lost to the coronavirus pandemic. (more…)
Polar Park construction shutdown may affect 2021 opening
City Manager Ed Augustus says that a lengthy delay in construction of Polar Park, planned as the new home of the Worcester Red Sox (Class AAA; International League), may affect the planned 2021 opening. (more…)
In memoriam: Hank Steinbrenner
Some more sad news: New York Yankees General Partner and Co-Chairperson Henry G. “Hank” Steinbrenner passed away earlier today at his home in Clearwater, FL, due to a longstanding health issue. He was 63. (more…)