Possible WCL expansion to northern Cal led by big names
The effort to bring summer-collegiate West Coast League baseball to Redding and Chico is attracting some big names, including Hall of Fame executive Pat Gillick. Redding’s mayor is Rick Bosetti, a former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder; he’s seeking funding from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund to fix up Tiger Field and expand seating to 1,500. From […]
Laven joins Salvi Sports
Pete Laven, of late the GM of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), is joining Chicago-based Salvi Sports Enterprises as president. Laven was relieved of his duties at the end of the 2012 season, replaced by Paul Allen. He joins the sports organization formed by attorney Pat Salvi, which currently includes two pro teams […]
Skylands Park sold; baseball still a possibility
Skylands Park, the former home to pro baseball in Sussex County, N.J., has been sold, clearing the way for pro baseball to return to the area as part of a new league focusing on players just out of college. The sale price of $950,000 was what we reported several months ago. Investor Mark Roscioli of […]
Food Revolution in York for 2013
More food news: the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) unveiled a Sovereign Bank Stadium concessions lineup with lots of local flavors, including beer brewed across the street. The local-beer lineup now includes offerings from Mudhook Brewery, brewed in York’s Central Market, which is just across North Street from the ballpark area. “It’s not true that […]
New for 2013: NBT Bank Stadium
Another bank merger, another revamped naming-rights deal: Alliance Bank Stadium, home of the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League), is now NBT Bank Stadium. “Our community is grateful to NBT Bank for continuing the commitment made originally by Alliance Bank to support our stadium and professional baseball in Onondaga County,” said County Executive Joanie Mahoney. […]
White elephant on Cubs ledgers? Debt service, not Wrigley Field imperfections
ESPN’s Rick Reilly proves why sportswriters should never write about business, penning an utterly insane argument on why Wrigley Field prevents the Chicago Cubs from winning a World Series. You can read Reilly’s screed here. Reilly’s basic argument is that the Cubs’ payroll could be increased by $73 million a year if the team could […]
Frederick debates naming-rights deal for Keys ballpark
The possibility of a naming-rights deal for Harry Grove Stadium, home of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League), is riling some citizens who worry about diminishing the Grove legacy. The issue: when the Keys and the city negotiated the most recent 10-year Harry Grove Stadium lease, there was a provision allowing the Keys […]
Whitecaps add 17 new menu items for ’13 — including one requiring a waiver
The West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) are adding 17 items to the Fifth Third Ballpark food lineup, including a hot Squeelin’ Pig sandwich requiring a waiver from the buyer. The two most notable leading items: the Baco and the Squeelin’ Pig. The Baco (bacon taco — get it?) combines the convenience of […]
Cubs asking whether Wrigley Field should be more kid-friendly
We’re a little skeptical: the Chicago Cubs are debating whether to change operations at Wrigley Field to make the proceedings more kid-friendly, including the possible introduction of a mascot. Now, one of the great things about Wrigley Field is that it is an unabashedly adult experience: yeah, a true baseball fan under the age of […]
River Bandits renovate ballpark business center
You see these in MLB ballparks, but not so much in MiLB facilities: the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) are upgrading their business center at Modern Woodmen Park. The team is hosting ta ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, to unveil the newly renovated Bandits Business Center powered by Bradfield’s. Freshly […]
New for 2013: Las Cruces Sun Rays
The newest team in the independent American West Baseball League has a logo and a name: the Las Cruces Sun Rays. No other information was released, apart from the fact that team is playing in Apodaca Park, a former Pecos League facility. “We are excited to begin this new professional baseball endeavor in Las Cruces […]
Now available: Ballpark Digest iPhone/iPad app
You’re never too far from a pro ballpark after downloading the Ballpark Digest iPhone/iPad app, now available from the Apple iTunes store for $1.99. The app lists every MLB, MiLB, independent and spring-training ballpark. Want directions to Steinbrenner Field or Busch Stadium? Dodger Stadium or Modern Woodmen Park? This map contains turn-by-turn directions, links to […]
Rink removed in Williamsport; field damage to be evaluated
An ice arena for pro hockey is being removed from Bowman Field, home of the Williamsport Crosscutters (short season A; NY-Penn League), but it remains to be seen if there was damage to the playing field. Williamsport went ahead with a plan to rent the ballpark to a minor-league hockey team, the Williamsport Outlaws, who […]