Dayton confirms: $25M for new Saints ballpark
The final step in funding a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) is complete, as Gov. Mark Dayton signs off on $25 million in state bonding proceeds for the project. Earlier this week the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recommended the spending, out of 90 projects submitted to be part of $47.5 million […]
Suns, Marlins extend affiliation through 2014
The Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) and the Miami Marlins extended their player-development contract through the 2014 season. “We are excited to have the Marlins back in Jacksonville, and I fully expect the Marlins to send us a team that will contend for another Southern league Championship in 2013,” said Jacksonville Suns President Peter Bragan […]
Huntsville, Milwaukee extend PDC
The Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) and the Milwaukee Brewers have renewed their player-development contract (PDC) through 2014. The announcement was made jointly today by Brewers President of Baseball Operations – General Manager Doug Melvin and Stars General Manager Buck Rogers. “We have agreed to extend our working agreement with the Stars,” said Melvin. […]
First spring-training schedule posted
Our sister site, Spring Training Online, has posted the first tentative schedule for 2013: the home slate for the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. You can view the schedule here. Spring training will be a slightly longer affair in 2013: games will be starting a little earlier and run through the end of March. You […]
Bush Stadium renovations continue
Construction on the conversion of Bush Stadium, the former home of the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League), continues, with the old ballpark transitioning to an apartment complex. The $13-million project will convert the old grandstand to apartments, with office space built in the old outfield area. The infield, light stanchions, the press box and […]
Old Seattle Pilots photos uncovered
One of the tragedies of the digital age is the loss of old photo archives. A recently discovered cache of negatives from the Post-Intelligencer shows the Seattle Pilots, an underdocumented team, in action. The Post-Intelligencer archives yielded two sets of photos from 1969 detailing a very interesting time in Seattle history: spring training for the […]
Mets, Gnats extend affiliation
The Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and the New York Mets extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “We’re pleased to have the New York Mets back with us to continue our partnership and the development of future major leaguers here in Savannah,” said Sand Gnats President John Katz. “The Mets have […]
Rangers, Express extend PDC through 2018
Everyone is getting in on the affiliation action: the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Texas Rangers extended their player-development contract through 2018 by adding an additional four years to the agreement. The Rangers and Express entered into a four-year agreement for Round Rock to become Texas’ Triple-A affiliate in September […]
Final tally for MiLB attendance: 41.28M
The final tally for attendance at Minor League Baseball games: 41,279,382, representing an increase over 2011 and marks the eighth year in a row that the industry has topped 41 million fans. “On behalf of our 15 leagues and 176 clubs, I would like to say thank you to the more than 41 million fans […]
Hawks, Cubs renew affiliation
The Boise Hawks (short season A; Northwest League) and the Chicago Cubs are renewing their player-development contract, despite concerns from the Cubs about the conditions at Memorial Stadium. The pair will remain affiliated for two more years, through 2014. Here’s a look at the current affiliate status. RELATED STORIES: As Hawks open season, new Boise ballpark […]
Eugene, Padres extend PDC; other shifts upcoming in affiliate dance
The Eugene Emeralds (short season A; Northwest League) and the San Diego Padres have extended their PDC through 2014, but the real action is beginning on the affiliation front. The Emeralds have been affiliated with the Padres since 2001. This will be the first player-development contract between the Ems and the new ownership of the […]
Joliet Slammers on the market
After two years of losses, the owners of the Joliet Slammers (independent; Frontier League) put the team on the market and are negotiating with two prospective new ownership groups. Alan Oremus of Steel City Baseball LLC, along with team president Bill Waliewski, decided to pull the plug on their ownership of the team after totaling […]
Hagerstown, Suns say new-ballpark lease is close
Reps from both the city and the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) say they’re close to a final lease agreement for a new downtown ballpark. The two sides have been negotiating for weeks on a lease, and there seems to be little doubt that an agreement will be reached, especially after an anonymous […]