A’s commit to Oakland after lease; architect talks begin
After all sides finally signed off on all the paperwork associated with a new O.co Coliseum lease, Oakland Athletics managing owner Lew Wolff confirmed the team is talking with an architect about designing a new ballpark in Oakland. The whole thing is hush-hush, but we can say the talks are not with 360 Architecture, which […]
Indians unveil Progressive Field renovation plans
The Cleveland Indians unveiled plans for privately funded improvements to Progressive Field that will focus on more group areas and family spaces within the 20-year-old ballpark. The improvements, undertaken with concessionaire Delaware North, will be mostly completed at the beginning of the 2015 season, though some work is expected to extend into the regular season. […]
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
It’s that time of year when teams are already planning for the 2015 season, and we have two advertisers posting job openings on Ballpark Digest for Head Groundskeeper and VP/Lead Executive. Head GroundskeeperOur Class-A franchise, located in the Eastern Time Zone, is seeking to fill the position of Head Groundskeeper. The Head Groundskeeper is responsible […]
Miracle to finish season at JetBlue Park
With scheduled renovations happening at Hammond Stadium, the Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League) will play the rest of the season, as well as host playoffs, at JetBlue Park, the spring home of the Boston Red Sox. Hammond Stadium, the spring-training home of the Minnesota Twins, is undergoing a two-year renovation. The […]
Now Hiring – VP/Lead Executive
The ownership group of a rapidly growing, successful franchise located in the Midwest is in search of a lead executive to oversee all aspects of its day-to-day operations. Ideal candidates will have ticket sales management experience and have exposure to all aspects of running a minor league baseball team. A strong ticket sales record is […]
Two ballpark development proposals make cut in Hartford
Two downtown Hartford development plans that include a new New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) ballpark are under consideration by city officials. The two plans address the issue of municipal office space, but they differ extensively otherwise: one would add retail and residential, and the other more modest plan would focus on the […]
Commissioner’s race thrown into tumult, as some owners back Werner
The emergence of Tom Werner as a candidate has thrown next week’s decision by MLB owners on a new commissioner into disarray, as Rob Manfred faces competition from the Boston Red Sox chairman. There are three influential owners — White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, Red Sox owner John Henry and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim […]
Kernels, Twins extend affiliation through 2020
The Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Minnesota Twins extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2020 season. The pair had already been committed to an affiliation through 2016. This extension is the maximum allowed by Major League and Minor League Baseball. The extension was approved Tuesday afternoon by the Kernels […]
Reds, MLB unveil 2015 All-Star Game logo
The Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball unveiled the logo for the 2015 All-Star Game, to be held at Great American Ball Park on July 14. The logo features a nostalgic design, symbolic of the historic heritage of the Reds franchise in professional baseball.The iconic pill box hat and handlebar mustache is a playful reflection […]
A most unique ballpark proposal in Gastonia
We don’t normally cover ballpark proposals, mostly because there’s so dang many of them, but this one is worth noting: Jesse Cole of Team Cole proposing to Gastonia Grizzlies (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) Director of Fun Emily McDonald. Jesse Cole, of course, heads the firm that manages the Grizzlies and the Forest City Owls […]
Another River Bandits amusement unveiled tonight: Drop’N Twist
Another amusement makes its debut tonight at Modern Woodmen Park, as the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) and Main Street Amusements unveil the Mediacom Drop’N Twist in the ballpark’s Party Plaza. The Mediacom Drop’N Twist is a pneumatically powered, 30-foot tower manufactured by SBF Rides. The ride vertically bounces a gondola […]
Amarillo Sox: Yes, we do want new ballpark
Talk about much ado over nothing: After Amarillo Sox (independent; American Association) GM Mark Lee once again said he’d prefer a Potter County Stadium renovation to a new ballpark, team ownership felt the need to step in to clarify things. That Lee said this isn’t surprising — heck, he’s been saying the same thing for […]
Elsewhere on August Publications: Aug. 5
NBA and MLS expansion, a relocation of the new Orlando City FC stadium and the demolition of Compadre Stadium are among the top stories published this week on August Publications websites. This is, of course, just a gentle reminder that we publish more than Ballpark Digest. Here are some highlights: From Arena Digest: NBA expansion […]