Birmingham ballpark groundbreaking set for Feb. 2
The groundbreaking for a new $64-million Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) ballpark has been set for Feb. 2, according to Mayor William Bell. The city is ready to move on construction of the ballpark now that financing is in place. The new ballpark, located near Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham, could be ready in […]
Biscuits go big with new videoboard for 2012
In the first major upgrade to Riverwalk Stadium since it opened, the Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League) will be the proud owners of a new videoboard and in-ballpark television system. The videoboard from Daktronics will measure 30 x 36 feet, more than four times larger than the existing display at Riverwalk Stadium, making it […]
Rays: Prove to us Tampa Bay can support baseball
We’re seeing a new strategy on how the Tampa Bay Rays are addressing their ballpark situation: ask for help on the marketing front and raise the distinct possibility the area can’t support professional baseball. Rays owner Stuart Sternberg had a much-anticipated meeting with St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster yesterday to discuss the state of things […]
Surprise, surprise: P-Nats ballpark decision put off again
Either Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) owner Art Silber is the most patient man on the face of the earth or he really, really loves Prince William County, as a decision about a new ballpark is delayed once again. Silber has been working for years on a replacement for Pfitzer Stadium: it’s pretty […]
Hagerstown Suns in play
If extensive improvements aren’t funded at Municipal Stadium, it looks like the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) will end up moving — but a final destination is far from set. The Suns ownership, virtually since taking over the team, has been lobbying for improvements to the ballpark. Indeed, a $10-million improvement plan for […]
Cubs adding group patio to Wrigley Field
There will be very few bleacher bums in a new right-field Wrigley Field patio in 2012, as the Chicago Cubs emulate nearby roof seating with a new group area that adds signage and capacity. The new Budweiser Patio combines group seating with LED signage, complete with the capability to display pertinent game information such as […]
Marlins schedule more exhibition games at new ballpark
The Miami Marlins have scheduled three exhibition games in early March to help break in their new home, Marlins Park. The three exhibition games are slated for March 5-7. The first-ever baseball game to be played at Marlins Park — the working name of the ballpark until naming rights can be sold — will feature […]
Sky Sox, Rox extend PDC
The Colorado Rockies and the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have extended their Player Development Contract through the end of the 2014 season. “The Colorado Rockies Organization is very excited to extend our contract with the Sky Sox, and we are proud to remain a part of the Sky Sox family,” […]
Gliner, Seymour promoted at Fort Myers
Steve Gliner is now president of the Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League), while Andrew Seymour was promoted to the position of vice president/general manager, in moves announced by The Goldklang Group. The 2012 season will mark Gliner’s 25th year in professional baseball, 23rd year with the Goldklang Group, and 9th year […]
Memphis, Montgomery planning ballpark upgrades for 2012
Two high-profile facilities will see improvements in 2012: AutoZone Park will be the recipient of a new videoboard, while the Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League) will unveil Riverwalk Stadium news next week. The new scoreboard at the home of the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will be the largest high-def board in […]
Bud Selig: Commissioner for life?
Bud Selig is set to sign another two-year extension to serve as MLB commissioner, despite promises he would retire this year. Why is he sticking around? To settle some loose ends, we’re told. Not many in baseball were truly surprised when MLB owners unanimously voted to offer a two-year extension to Selig; there had been […]
New summer-collegiate league launches in Texas, Louisiana
We now have two summer-collegiate leagues in Texas and Louisiana, as the Hall of Fame Baseball League (HOFL) will launch this coming season with six teams in Fort Worth, Granbury, Mineral Wells, Tyler, Weatherford and Shreveport. Wayne Poage, the former Director of Athletics at Dallas Baptist University and the architect of the Texas Collegiate League […]
Ottawa baseball bid losing steam?
The schedule for a city-designed bidding process for Ottawa Stadium is reportedly slipping, as the push to bring an Eastern League club to the Canadian capital may be slowing down even further. We noted last month that a prime topic of chatter at the Winter Meetings was a lack of progress in bringing a Double-A […]