Coeur d’Alene, WCL talking team in 2014
The summer-collegiate West Coast League is talking with the organizers of a proposed Coeur d’Alene ballpark about bringing a team to Idaho for the 2014 season. We’ve written about this project before; former Yankees great Don Larsen is leading a fundraising drive for a new Cherry Hill Park ballpark. What has changed: a $2.5-million, 800-seat facility has been […]
Northwoods League inks sponsorship with Evolve Beverages
The summer-collegiate Northwoods League has signed a sponsorship deal making Evolve Beverages the circuit’s official energy drink for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons. “We are excited to be associated and to partner with Evolve Beverages in promoting their innovative product line,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “By strategically partnering with the established […]
It’s Pondamonium time!
It’s one of the biggest ballpark musical events this summer and certainly the largest outside an MLB facility, as the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) host Pondamonium later today. The Mallards are setting up a big concert as an annual event, and this year brings local heroes Garbage and the legendary Flaming Lips to Warner Park, […]
Book news 2: A tale of Shammies and Smoke Eaters
Another book worth checking out: Tim Hagerty, the voice of the Tucson Padres (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), has authored an entertaining overview of unusual team names and their histories. Root For the Home Team: Minor League Baseball’s Most Off-the-Wall Team Names and the Stories Behind Them (Cider House Press; $12.95) covers unusual team names from […]
Book news 1: Solomon pens book on the business of minor-league baseball
Art Solomon, owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and Bowling Green Hot Rods (Low Class A; Midwest League), has some out with a new book, Making It in the Minors, set for a fall release. Making It in the Minors details how Solomon’s DSF Sports combines creative marketing, entertainment, and community involvement […]
Pheasants see boost in ’12 attendance
After a few years in the doldrums, the Sioux Falls Pheasants (independent; American Association) are seeing a boost in the box office, attracting 100,000 fans for the first time since 2009. The Pheasants have averaged 2,511 fans per game through 40 openings, an increase of nearly 61 percent over the average in 2011. With nine home […]
Why $2B for Dodgers might have been steal: $7B in media rights
Though many were amazed when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium sold for $2 billion, an analysis of the team’s potential media-rights bonanza indicates the sale price may have been a real bargain. This isn’t necessarily news to baseball insiders who know a key to the future of the sport lies in media rights, […]
Pinellas County, private investor want to pitch Rays, St. Pete on ballpark plans
Pinellas County and a private developer are adding their voices to the groups looking to talk with the Tampa Bay Rays about a new ballpark, as interest in a facility is heating up. Tuesday saw the Pinellas County Commission step in and request a meeting with the Rays and St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster about the future of the team, […]
Northwest Arkansas to host 2013 Texas League All-Star Game
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are hosting the 2013 Texas League All-Star Game at Arvest Ballpark on June 25, 2013. The Naturals have released four versions of the All-Star logo. All of the logos are set upon either a blue or white background and have the phrase “All-Star Game” spelled out in large white letters. Directly behind […]
First D-Backs doubleheader ever at Chase Field set for Aug. 22
Here’s your trivia for the night: There has never been a doubleheader held at Chase Field, but the Arizona Diamondbacks plan on changing that on August 22, commemorating the occasion with some promotions. Teams don’t hold many doubleheaders these days, and with the roof at Chase Field, the Diamondbacks certainly have never seen the need. […]
Election yields bounty of candidate bobbleheads
If it’s an election year, you can bet on a raftload of bobbleheads from minor-league and summer-collegiate baseball teams to commemorate the occasion — and maybe grant a little guidance to voters. We’ve already seen at least two teams holding Obama vs. Romney bobblehead/wobblehead giveaways this season — the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) […]
Pupfish unveil new look for 2013 for simple reason: old caps didn’t sell
The White Sands Pupfish (independent; Pecos League) are getting a jump on 2013, unveiling new branding and uniforms featuring a pupfish flipping a baseball into its mouth. The Pupfish will wear black hats with the fish on the front, WS on the side and the New Mexico State Flag on the back. In a press […]
Dunedin celebrates championship in 8-bit fashion
To commemorate the team’s first-half championship, the front office of the Dunedin Blue Jays (High Class A; Florida State League) created the most awesome video ever — in 8-bit Nintendo graphics, no less. Really, we have nothing to offer save awe and admiration. See for yourself: (Hat tip: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler.) —- Share your news with […]