Updated renderings for new Charlotte Knights ballpark
Here’s an updated photorealistic rendering of BB&T Ballpark, the home of the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) beginning in 2014, showing the Charlotte skyline in the background. Progress proceeds on schedule at the construction site; last week the first concrete was laid at the site. You can view the construction Webcam here. The bottom […]
Bringing back the winning Jays ways in Toronto
Why can’t the Toronto Blue Jays be a titan again? For all of those who’ve forgotten, the Blue Jays built an excellent farm system in the 1980s on their way to fighting for the American League East title. In 1987, they battled the Detroit Tigers right down to the end; in 1988, they were nosed […]
News Corp. buys 49 percent of YES Network; has option to buy more
News Corp. has closed on an agreement to buy 49 percent of YES Network from the New York Yankees and the team’s equity partners, with the option to increase that stake to 80 percent in coming years. News Corp. and its Fox Sports subsidiaries are already extensive rightsholders in baseball, both for national broadcasts on […]
Smokies Park / Tennessee Smokies OLD
This article has been replaced by a more recent visit to Smokies Park. Check it out here. FAST FACTS Opened: April 20, 2000 Capacity: 6,412 Dimensions: 330L, 400C, 330R Surface: Bermuda grass Owner: Sevier County / City of Sevierville Website: smokiesbaseball.com Ticket Prices (2012): Field Level, $10; Bleacher Level, $8. Phone: 865/286-2300 League: Southern League […]
Navigators staff up for 2013
The North Shore Navigators (summer collegiate; FCBL) have laid in plans for the 2013 season, bringing back four employees to build on a successful 2012 season. The announcement came from General Manager Bill Terlecky on Tuesday afternoon at Fraser Field. Ashley Laramie, a Lynn resident, has been promoted from Director of Community Relations to the […]
Bisons look to the past for new logo
Buster makes a return to the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) logo, as the team unveiled a new primary mark and a new red, white and blue color scheme. “It was important for us to reestablish our own team identity with our new logo,” said Vice President/General Manager Mike Buczkowski. “Our fans have continued […]
Brewers announce 2013 improvements to Miller Park
The Milwaukee Brewers are making a tradition of offseason changes to Miller Park, and 2013 is no exception, as the team announced two changes to the ballpark for next season. “Every year, we formally survey fans to get a better understanding of their changing tastes and preferences,” said Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger. “National […]
Study: New Rays ballpark shouldn’t require new taxes
Neither Tampa nor St. Petersburg holds an advantage when it comes to funding a new Tampa Ray Rays ballpark, as a study indicates existing revenue streams in both cities could be tapped without residents facing a tax increase. The Baseball Stadium Finance Caucus, a joint effort of the St. Petersburg and Tampa chambers of commerce, […]
Fightin Phils: New logo success in team store
Though there are some loud voices speaking out against the new branding for the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League), the brand is a success where it counts, setting sales records at the team store. According to the team: “Our merchandise sales since the announcement will be the highest two-day non-game day merchandise sales […]
Best in their field of play: turf-management awards announced
League winners in the Sports Turf Manager of the Year Awards were announced today, with Joey Stevenson of the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League) selected for the second year in a row. The awards are sponsored by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA). Stevenson has worked on Indianapolis’ Victory Field since 2007. After a […]
Perfect Game League expands for 2013
Another year of growth for the summer-collegiate Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, adding two more teams for the 2013 season. The Utica Brewers and the Adirondack Trail Blazers are moving from the New York Collegiate Baseball League. “Teams from upstate New York are gravitating to the high standards set on and off the field by […]
Whataburger Field / Corpus Christi Hooks
Situated right on Corpus Christi Bay, Whataburger Field is one of Minor League Baseball’s finest facilities, as the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) features a slew of fan-friendly amenities. FAST FACTS Opened: April 17, 2005Capacity: 5,050 seats, 19 suites, two outfield berms (2,000)Dimensions: 315L, 375LC, 400C, 375RC, 325RSurface: Natural grassArchitect: […]
Reaction to Fightins not exactly positive in Reading
Local reaction to the unveiling of the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) branding has been overwhelmingly negative, with many local fans speaking out against the new name and ostrich logo. Messing with tradition is always hard, especially in a community with 46 years of Reading Phillies history. The rebranding effort, unveiled on Saturday, […]