Proposed Colorado Springs Sky Sox ballpark sidelined
City officials have removed a new downtown Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) from an application for state funding, keeping the team at Security Service Field. The application to the Colorado Economic Development Commission requested funding for a new Sky Sox ballpark — a development not necessarily embraced by Sky Sox ownership […]
River Bandits adding more carnival rides to ballpark
More improvements at Modern Woodmen Park next season, as the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) are adding more carnival rides and fan amenities. The area beyond left field at Modern Woodmen Park is set to host a set of carnival rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel and a carousel. Also […]
Graham nabs “Chief” Bender Award
Baltimore Orioles Director of Player Development Brian Graham is the winner of the sixth annual Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award, presented by MiLB to an individual with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development. Graham has spent 32 years in professional baseball, including the last six with the Orioles. This year was his first […]
Braves to pay $372M toward new ballpark, Cobb County $300M
The Atlanta Braves will pay at least $372 million toward the cost of a new suburban ballpark and mixed-use development, while Cobb County will have its cost capped at $300 million, according to documents released by the pair. The county’s portion will come from three sources: $276 million from the existing Cobb-Marietta Coliseum Authority (raised […]
Sea Dogs unveil new videoboards, Hadlock Field signage
The Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) unveiled a new multimedia project at Hadlock Field today, including a new 17′ X 53′ high density videoboard in left-center field, a new 9.3′ X 18.6′ display board in right-center field, and a new marquee sign in front of the ballpark. The centerpiece of the project is […]
Mike Guerrero wins Coolbaugh Award
Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) manager Mike Guerrero is the winner of the sixth annual Mike Coolbaugh Award, presented to an individual who has shown an outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field. Guerrero completed his 18th year as a MiLB manager this […]
Turner Field to be torn down in 2017
With the Atlanta Braves moving to a new suburban ballpark in 2017, Turner Field is slated to be torn down to make way for new development, according to Mayor Kasim Reed. Turner Field’s location may not be ideal for a professional sports venue — it’s directly on a freeway clogged with rush-hour traffic right before […]
Nashville contribution to new Sounds ballpark development: $65M
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean unveiled the public contribution toward a new Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark and associated development: $65 million. The Sounds would contribute $50 million toward the development and developer San Antonio-based Embrey Development Corp. would fund $37 million for a 250-unit residential development. The ballpark’s price tag would be […]
Futures of Terre Haute, Cooperstown teams in play
Summer-collegiate news: The Cooperstown Hawkeyes (PGCBL) will suspend operations after failing to draw fans to Doubleday Field, while the future of the Terre Haute Rex (Prospect League) is in play. We know for sure the Hawkeyes won’t be back in 2014, as owner Tom Hickey says he will suspend operations while pursuing a new ballpark […]
Personnel moves in Reading, Potomac
We have some personnel news today from the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League). The Fightin Phils have added former interns Jon Nally, Zach Haas and Travis Hart to the team’s full-time staff. “We’re thrilled to add Jon, Zach, and Travis to our full-time staff […]
Diablos owners pitch Joplin on ballpark improvements
The El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association) could relocate to Joplin, Mo. if the city council goes ahead with improvements to Joe Becker Stadium for 2015. The Diablos shut down operations in El Paso’s Cohen Stadium at the end of the 2013 season due to the impending move of the El Paso Chihuahuas (Class AAA; […]
New for 2014: Great Plains League
We have a new summer-collegiate league launching in 2014, with teams from Topeka, Rossville and Junction City forming the Great Plains League. Right now there are four teams in the circuit: the Topeka Golden Giants, the Topeka Senators, the Rossville Rattlers and the Junction City Brigade. The four teams are established, with past participation in […]
Braves to leave Turner Field, will build new Cobb County ballpark
Bucking the trend toward downtown ballparks, the Atlanta Braves will be leaving Turner Field and moving to a new suburban Cobb County ballpark for the 2017 season, according to team officials. The bombshell was announced this morning by team officials. The new ballpark would open in 2017, and team officials say it’s a done deal. […]