Babby makes first public appearance as Aeros owner
Ken Babby, the new owner of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League), made his first public appearance after buying the team and negotiating a new lease for Canal Park. “I want to create a memorable, unique, affordable and enjoyable fan experience, and also maximize the opportunity to create change in the community through charitable, […]
Tiger Stadium sign lives on
The neon Tiger Stadium sign put up when the ballpark was renamed in 1961 is back in working order at the Detroit Historical Museum. After John Fetzer took full control of the Tigers, the name of the ballpark was changed from Briggs Stadium to Tiger Stadium, and to alert fans to the new name, a […]
Reds, Mustangs extend PDC to 2016
It wasn’t up until 2014, but that didn’t stop the Cincinnati Reds and Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) from extending their player-development contract (PDC) for two more years. “The entire Cincinnati Reds organization is ecstatic to announce that we are extending our PDC with the Billings Mustangs,” said Reds Assistant Director of Player Development Jeff […]
Classic Park to sport new turf in 2014
It’s a little thing, but one that gets noticed: Classic Park, the home of the Lake County Captains (Low Class A; Midwest League), will have new turf for the 2014 season. The Captains say the current turf isn’t acceptable; city officials say it is. So the two sides came up with a funding plan that […]
Attracting businesses downtown with new Birmingham ballpark
A new Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) ballpark is apparently having the effect civic leaders wanted: attracting new business downtown. Here’s an account from a restaurant owner opening a new place near the ballpark. Though the plans aren’t final, local investor John Lauriello is putting together a group of investors to open a new […]
In memoriam: JB Smith
JB Smith, the voice of the Rome Braves (Low Class A; Sally League) since 2009, died early Sunday morning. He was 64 years old. Smith announced Rome Braves games not only on local radio but via Internet streaming and most recently on televised home games online. This gave fans all over the country the opportunity […]
In memoriam: Joe Cullinane
Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Cullinane passed away Friday at the age of 89. He broadcast Red Wings games for 13 seasons from 1962-74 and was enshrined to the Red Wings Hall of Fame in 1995 along with Earl Weaver and Pat Santillo. “Joe was a wonderful broadcaster, […]
Padres moving in Petco Park fences for 2013
Following the leads of the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners, the San Diego Padres are moving in the fences at Petco Park for the 2013 season. The changes will affect right, right center and left center field. Construction will also include the relocation of the visitors’ bullpen off the field, addressing a potential player […]
El Paso: No federal issues at play in ballpark lawsuit
A lawsuit filed to halt a new El Paso ballpark on the grounds city officials violated the Voting Rights Act is being challenged by city attorneys as not being within the legal purview of the federal government. The lawsuit says ballpark planning should be shut down because city officials — including city manager Linda Wilson […]
Experts: St. Pete should worry about making Rays deal now, not damages down the road
Instead of being obsessed about laying the groundwork for damages should the Tampa Bay Rays leave the Trop, St. Pete officials should be concerned more about making a deal to keep the team in town, say experts. It’s fair to say St. Petersburg has been defensive in its dealing with the Rays about the Trop: […]
Loons go green with new sustainability goals
The Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) are partnering with Dow Chemical Company and Dow Corning Corporation to reduce total energy use, water use and waste at Dow Diamond by 50 percent by the year 2020. Over the last several months, Loons organizational leaders have spent time learning from corporate sustainability leaders at […]
Will new 51s lease yield new Las Vegas ballpark?
Lease negotiations for Cashman Field held bigger stakes than just an assured home for the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League): they also may have committed the city to a new ballpark down the line. Representatives of Howard Hughes Corp. and Steven Mack — the potential buyers of the 51s from Derek Stevens […]
Reno airport authority: Don’t expect us to bail out Aces ballpark
As Washoe County struggles to find some money for the Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), the local airport authority is clear on one thing: Don’t raise car-rental taxes to pay for the ballpark. Aces ownership has been open about asking Washoe County to come up with $1.5 million annually to pay down debt […]