Suns: We’ll put up cash for new ballpark if donation falls through
If a $15 million donation toward a new Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) ballpark falls through, the team is prepared to put $3 million upfront to ensure the downtown facility is built, says majority owner Bruce Quinn. The status of the $15 million gift from as-yet-unnamed benefactor has been in doubt for several […]
Prentice: We’re happy in Huntsville
Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) owner Miles Prentice says he’s pleased with how the team is run and has no plans to leave the market or sell the team. He spoke on the record recently with the local newspaper and sought to downplay talk of the team leaving Huntsville. The issue, he said, was […]
Parkersburg mayor: Let’s study ballpark feasibility
A proposed independent Frontier League ballpark in Parkersburg (W.Va.) could be the subject of a feasibility study under a plan floated by Mayor Bob Newell. The city has already held several meetings on the subject, with little input or opposition from the public. Now, says Newell, it’s time for the Wood County Economic Development Authority […]
Washoe County: No commitment yet to Aces ballpark bailout
The status of a public bailout of Aces Ballpark, home of the Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), remains in limbo after Washoe County Commissioners pass on a proposed plan to commit a half-million dollars annually for debt relief. The county is being asked to pay $500,000 annually for 30 years as part of […]
Fightin Phils unveil display upgrades for 2013
The Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) are launching a $1 million multimedia videoboard project at FirstEnergy Stadium in the months leading up to the 2013 season. Once installed, the project, which includes the addition of a 30’x60’ HD10 board in center field, will make technological advances while enhancing the fan experience at America’s […]
West Coast League at 11 for 2013
The summer-collegiate West Coast League will be at 11 teams for 2013 after adding Medford (Ore.) and Victoria (B.C.) to the circuit; as expected, Yakima is not in the mix. Adding two pretty good markets in Medford and Victoria is a big accomplishment for the circuit; those are two solid markets in two solid ballparks. […]
Rays ballpark proposal at Carillon Business Park withdrawn by developer
Developer Darryl LeClair threw a monkey wrench into planning for a Tampa Bay Rays ballpark by taking a proposal at St. Pete’s Carillon Business Park off the table. Indeed, it’s only been a few months since LeClair unveiled renderings of a unique ballpark to be located in northern St. Petersburg, a facility set amongst Mediterranean […]
Simmons Field lease approved for Northwoods League team
The summer-collegiate Northwoods League could return to Simmons Field in 2014, as the Kenosha Parks Commission approves a lease with the owners of the Madison Mallards and Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. The ballpark is the former home to the Kenosha Twins (Low Class A; Midwest League), the Kenosha Mammoths (independent; Frontier League) and the Kenosha Kroakers […]
Future of Vegas baseball in Summerlin? Maybe
A recent spat over the future of baseball in Las Vegas has everything to do with development and nothing to do with baseball, as the future of the sport in Sin City may rest in a nearby suburb. With the sale of the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) certain — Derek Stevens […]
Pro ball in Ocala? Not likely, per the numbers
Though there’s some public enthusiasm to bring a Florida State League team to Ocala, the chances of it happening are very slim, say owners who know the circuit well. The topic of pro baseball in central Florida came up at the Winter Meetings with several owners; it’s an area we know well after spending a […]
Seacoast Mavericks moving to Portsmouth
The Seacoast Mavericks (summer collegiate; Futures Collegiate Baseball League) are shifting operations to Leary Field, located in downtown Portsmouth, N.H. Originally home to the Portsmouth Baseball Club and the powerhouse Atlantic Corporation league in the late 1800s, Leary Field also played host to the Sunset League, the oldest amateur baseball league in the country. Serving […]
More development emerging near Fort Wayne ballpark
The next time someone claims ballparks can’t spur economic development, send them to Fort Wayne, where yet another round of development near Parkview Field is in the works. Anyone who spent time in downtown Fort Wayne knows what a wasteland the ballpark area was before the ownership of the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; […]
Future of Skylands Park in play
The future of pro ball at Frankfort’s Skylands Park should be made a little clearer in coming days, but it could take a few years to sort out the ballpark’s ownership and operating status. The former home of the New Jersey Cardinals (short season A; NY-Penn League) and Sussex Skyhawks (independent; Can-Am League) is in […]