Parking-ramp collapse leads to safety concerns at Olympic Stadium
The collapse of a section of underground parking at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium has some wondering about the historic facility’s stability. Olympic Stadium, the groundbreaking home of the 1976 Summer Olympics and then home to the Montreal Expos before that team’s exodus to Washington, has always had issues with its physical plant: the groundbreaking retractable fabric […]
Lack of development at Gwinnett ballpark draws criticism
Economic development around Coolray Field, home of the Gwinnett Braves (Class AAA; International League), has failed to materialize, and the latest proposal has locals up in arms. One of the rationales for Gwinnett County to fund the $64-million ballpark was the potential of attracting additional development. And, indeed, there was a proposed development on the […]
Pelicans home to have new name for 2012
The home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) will have a new name for 2012, as the former naming-rights deal has expired and a new one on the way. For now, the facility will be called Pelicans Ballpark, according to team chairman Chuck Greenberg. “Our main goal is to create memories […]
In memoriam: Don Mincher
Former Southern League president, Huntsville Stars owner and Major Leaguer Don Mincher passed away last night after a long illness. He was 73. Mincher retired last fall as president of the Class AA Southern League due to the health problems. The league is still searching for a replacement. A Huntsville native, Mincher began his career […]
New for 2012: Freedom Baseball League
We have a late addition to the baseball lineup for 2012: the independent Freedom Baseball League will set up shop at Scottsdale Stadium and other Arizona venues for a 90-game season. The league, founded by Scottsdale resident Joe Sperle (owner of Joe Sperle’s Baseball School), North Dakota farmer Tim Gross and marketing consultants Tony & […]
The Week That Was: March 4
The future of baseball in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, a ballpark that looks like a volcano, and the potential end to Thirsty Thursday in Illinois. The top stories of the past week on Ballpark Digest, as measured in page views. Sale still pending for SWB Yankees; could team depart? New for 2013: Estadio Sonora Pomeranz joining Padres broadcast […]
Knights make economic case for city funding of new ballpark
Armed with a study that predicted a tangible economic impact from a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark, the City Council invited team management to pitch for city funding. The Knights are looking at a $55-million ballpark in uptown Charlotte. Mecklenburg County has already pledged land and $8 million, with some conditions — […]
Fielders expand lawsuit, allege conspiracy
A lawsuit over a failed Zion (Ill.) ballpark from the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) has been expanded to allege a conspiracy involving a developer and the decision to move the facility site. The original lawsuit alleges that Zion officials failed to live up to the terms of an agreement to build a […]
Bakersfield Blaze sold
After years of failed efforts at a new ballpark, Elmore Sports Group has sold the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) to two local investors, whose next challenge will be funding a Sam Lynn Ballpark replacement. Chad Hathaway and Gene Voiland are buying the team for an undisclosed price. The sale has been in the […]
Oh no! Thirsty Thursday threatened!
Illinois legislators are considering implementing a minimum fee for drinks sold in the state — a move that would kill Thirsty Thursday and Beer Batter promotions in minor-league ballparks. The proposal, HB 5369. would restrict anyone selling beer and liquor lower than a minimum price set by the state. The theory is that if alcohol is […]
PSC lands Spikes concessions
Professional Sports Catering (PSC) today announced that it has entered into a partnership with the State College Spikes (short season A; NY-Penn League) to manage the food and beverage operation for all events held at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. In addition to the Spikes 38-game home schedule from June to September, Medlar Field at […]
Coach: Big Ten should play in summer, skip College World Series
In a move that would marginalize Big Ten baseball and drive away gifted ballplayers, U of Minnesota coach John Anderson says his conference should play in the summer and skip the College World Series. The rationale is clear: since Big Ten teams besides the winner of the conference tourney are rarely invited to the NCAA […]
Milwaukie shifts ballpark planning; brings in Rose Garden exec as consultant
Milwaukie (Ore.) officials have changed tack on the quest to land minor-league baseball, bringing in a former Rose Garden exec to work out a game plan for a Northwest League team. J.E. Isaac, president of the Portland Business Association and a former Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) executive, will work with the city on a funding […]