Binghamton, Mets extend PDC through 2016
The Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) and the New York Mets extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2016 season. The B-Mets have been affiliated with New York for the past 21 seasons. “We are pleased to continue our affiliation agreement with the New York Mets and as this season draws to a close, […]
Zephyrs close down for season because of Isaac
Issues with travel and the lack of power at Zephyr Field led the New Orleans Zephyrs and the Pacific Coast League tp scrap the final series of the year, scheduled for this weekend, against the Iowa Cubs. “Given the extensive impact of Hurricane Isaac on airline schedules, municipal infrastructure, and the safety and well-being of people […]
Thunder, Yankees extend PDC through 2022
The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) and New York Yankees signed the longest affiliate deal we’ve ever seen, with a player development contract (PDC) extended through the 2022 season. Thunder co-owner Joe Caruso and Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman signed the PDC extension today at a press conference at Waterfront Park. The previous agreement […]
Clemens to stick with Skeeters for one more start
The party goes on: Roger Clemens will stay with the Sugar Land Skeeters (independent; Atlantic League) and travel with the team to York before starting at home Sept. 7. Clemens, 50, will face the Long Island Ducks at Constellation Field in Sugar Land on September 7. The right-hander pitched his first professional game in five […]
Small crowd sees Tornadoes’ last home game
We’re not ready to write off the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League), but many in an announced crowd of 546 in attendance for the home closer last night are. Owner Todd Breighner says the team has a positive balance sheet and cash flow, so any talk of bankruptcy is premature. Still, it’s not out of the […]
Cromartie laying the groundwork for MLB’s return to Montreal
It’s an effort that won’t pay off any time soon, but former Expo Warren Cromartie says he’s meeting with local business owners to bring Major League Baseball back to Montreal. MLB teams don’t move very often — in the last 30 years, the only team to move was the Montreal Expos, ironically — so obviously an […]
El Paso group pledges profits to charity
The word from MountainStar Sports Group was brief, but the intent is clear: two of the potential Triple-A team owners will give their profits to charity if a downtown El Paso ballpark is built. There’s a been a toxic environment lately surrounding a new downtown ballpark, with opponents slinging anything against the wall to see if […]
Taking Ballpark at OOB to the next level
Volunteers who successfully restored The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach are looking to take things to the next level, with some improvements and changes slated for 2013. You’ll recall the ballpark as being home to the Maine Guides (Class AAA; International League), then falling into disrepair after the team’s departure. Left for dead by local authorities and […]
New owners formally take control of Padres
The new owners of the San Diego Padres are now in control of the franchise, but the final lineup still needs to be written, as golfer Phil Mickelson’s name is glaringly absent. The Padres’ new ownership group includes Ron Fowler as control person, Peter O’Malley’s sons, Kevin and Brian O’Malley, and his nephews, Peter and […]
It’s official: Target Field to host 2014 All-Star Game
The Minnesota Twins, Major League Baseball and Bud Selig made it official today: the 2014 MLB All-Star Game will be played July 15 at Target Field. “It is my great honor to name the Minnesota Twins as the hosts of the 2014 All-Star Game,” Selig said in announcing the game today. “This is especially meaningful to […]
Hickory Crawdads, Texas extend PDC
The Texas Rangers and Hickory Crawdads (Low Class A; Sally League) extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “On behalf of our President Nolan Ryan and our General Manager Jon Daniels, I would like to thank the Crawdads Ownership and Management for providing us another opportunity to extend our affiliation,” said Texas Rangers […]
Royals extend PDCs with Idaho Falls, Burlington
The Kansas City Royals have extended their player-development contracts with the Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League) and Burlington Royals (rookie; Appalachian League) through 2014. Idaho Falls has been affiliated with the Royals organization since the 2004 campaign while Burlington, who has already clinched the East Division of the Appalachian League, has been a part […]
Champaign to discuss ballpark plan tonight
The Champaign City Council will hear a report on the potential of professional baseball in that Illinois community, with both affiliated and independent ball on the agenda. The county will hear a presentation from the Illinois Business Consulting group, a student-run organization operating under the University of Illinois College of Business, regarding a feasibility study […]