Isotopes, Dodgers extend PDC
About time: the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their player-development contract through the 2014 season. “We’re thrilled to extend our incredibly successful partnership with the Dodgers,” said Isotopes General Manager John Traub. “The City of Albuquerque and the Dodgers have been linked for generations and just as Los […]
2012 Promotion of the Year: Home-Run Derby, Charleston RiverDogs
Home-run derbies are integral parts of All-Star Games, but the format has staled in recent years. By moving the competition to the USS Yorktown flight deck and bringing in some celebrity flash, the Charleston RiverDogs won Best Promotion of 2012 in the Ballpark Digest Awards. “Other teams have spruced up home-run derbies in recent years, […]
Construction to begin this month on Fox Cities Stadium improvements
A renovation of Fox Citiies Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League), will begin soon in anticipation of the 2013 season. The improvements were slated to begin now, but have been delayed by the team’s participation in the Midwest League playoffs. Six suites, a banquet area and club seating would […]
Eastern League to Ottawa in 2014, says city
Beacon Sports has brokered a deal to bring a Class AA Eastern League team to Ottawa Stadium for the 2014 season, according to a release sent out by the city. The release: Today, Mayor Jim Watson announced that the City of Ottawa has reached an agreement in principle with Beacon Sports Capital Partners for a […]
Mets to post $23M loss: report
The New York Mets should post a $23 million loss this season — about a third of the loss posted in 2011, reports the New York Post. The team is also expected to post a $15-million loss in 2013, the newspaper reports. There are losses, and then there are losses, depending on whether you’re looking […]
Tri-City, Astros renew PDC
It’s been eerily quiet on the affiliation front, but we have a new one to report: the Tri-City ValleyCats (short season A; NY-Penn League) and the Houston Astros extended their PDC for two more years. The pair, affiliated since the ValleyCats came into existence, will be affiliated through 2014, reports the Troy Record. Otherwise, it’s […]
Multiple groups interested in Worcester market
Multiple groups have expressed interest in setting up shop in Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field after the demise of the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League). We’ve heard from one potential ownership quietly putting together a financial plan, while Bob Weldon, the former director of finance for the Tornadoes under previous ownership, says he’s got a killer […]
Anonymous donor pledges $15M for new Hagerstown ballpark
The financing of a new downtown Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) ballpark got a little easier after an anonymous donor pledged $15 million toward the project. The donor, a former resident of Hagerstown now living as a retiree in Pennsylvania, asked for two things: naming rights for the facility and a statue. The […]
First TIF approved for new Morgantown ballpark
The first of two TIF districts needed for construction of a new West Virginia University ballpark in Morgantown has been approved, with the second to be taken up by the state legislature. The ballpark could also house a short-season A NY-Penn League team, according to organizers. The first instance of a tax-increment financing district would […]
Petition to halt El Paso ballpark submitted, but may be too late
Another set of petitions designed to stop construction of a new El Paso ballpark has been submitted, but organizers may be too late to stop the process. Petition-drive organizers submitted enough signatures to force the El Paso City Council to consider an ordinance that would halt the demolition of City Hall to make way for […]
Nats, Lee County to continue discussions on spring training
Lee County and the Washington Nationals will continue to discuss a move of the team to City of Palms Park for spring training, as officials look at whether the county can afford requested upgrades. The Nats have already presented a wish list of changes they’d like to see at City of Palms Park, and many […]
UGA looking at $10M renovation of Foley Field
The University of Georgia is looking at $10 million in upgrades to the home of the Diamond Dogs, Foley Field. It’s an arms race when it comes to facilities in the SEC — the best NCAA baseball conference these days — and Foley Field, last renovated in 1990, could certainly use some TLC. Collins Cooper Carusi […]
NAL shuts down McAllen, Abilene teams early
The McAllen Thunder and Abilene Prairie Dogs were shut down early by the independent North American League, leading many to wonder whether the teams will be around for 2013. Both teams play in the United Division of the North American League — the six teams playing under the ownership of John Bryant and Byron Pierce, […]