Japanese pro league to begin play June 19, without fans
Nippon Professional Baseball will launch its delayed 2020 season on June 19, as Japan continues to open portions of the country after cases of the coronavirus pandemic decline. (more…)
The ultimate alternative ballpark use: Rent out Blue Wahoos Stadium on AirBnB
We’ve been documenting alternative uses of ballparks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we may have the ultimate in Florida: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League) have listed Blue Wahoos Stadium, with complete ballpark access, on AirBnB. (more…)
Fate of 2020 MLB season could be decided in coming days
The fate of the 2020 MLB season could be decided in the next week, as MLB and MLBPA reps are negotiating player-safety guidelines and could be reviewing financial data presented by baseball owners as early as today. (more…)
Critters overrunning ballparks in Kentucky, Jersey
More interesting news about alternative uses of ballparks shut down for baseball due to COVID-19 concerns: we have petting zoos, circus acts and animal farms set up at UC Health Stadium and Skylands Stadium. (more…)
Time to look forward to 2021 for MiLB
As we approach the Memorial Day weekend, the fate of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season still needs to be determined—as well as the future of the sport itself. (more…)
Globe Life Field tours on tap from Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are opening Globe Life Field to tours beginning June 1, with small groups allowed to view the new facility while observing social distancing parameters. (more…)
Cal League calls 2020 All-Star Game
The Stockton Ports and the High-A California League have canceled the 2020 All-Star Game and all surrounding events; they will not be rescheduled in 2020. (more…)
Fisher Cats bring in new ownership group members
Rick Brenner is back in baseball, this time as an investor as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and owner Art Solomon announced the expansion of the team’s ownership group. (more…)
Expedition League looks to July 1 opener; GLSCL cancels season
Two summer-collegiate leagues announced their 2020 game plans: the Expedition League is now aiming for a July 1 opening date, while the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League canceled the 2020 campaign. (more…)
Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat for May 19, 2020
Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, Mick Gillispie and Kevin Reichard discuss the news of the day, what’s at stake in the MLB/MLBPA negotiations regarding a season launch, and why Dave Niehaus rules when it comes to grand-slam calls in this week’s Ballpark Digest Broadcaster Chat. (more…)
California, New York govs clear way for sports in empty ballparks in June
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo both foresee professional sports resuming in their states next month, but they also foresee play beginning with no spectators present. (more…)
Southern League cancels 2020 All-Star Game
We know these announcements are really formalities by this point, but the Southern League officially canceled its 2020 All-Star Game, originally scheduled for June 22-23 at The Ballpark of Jackson, home of the Jackson Generals. (more…)
In memoriam: Ronnie Roberts
Ronnie Roberts, the long-time and beloved general manager of the Lynchburg Hillcats (High A; Carolina League), passed away yesterday while in hospice care. He was 70. (more…)