New for 2012: Uni-Trade Stadium
The new home of the Laredo Lemurs (independent; American Association) has a name after the sale of naming rights: Uni-Trade Stadium. Terms of the deal were not released. “I am so proud and excited that one of Laredo’s own most prominent businessman, Mr. Eduardo Garza, and his company, leaders of industry in their own right, […]
Luhnow new GM in Houston
Spurned by first choice Andrew Friedman, the Houston Astros pivoted quickly and named Jeff Luhnow, VP of scouting and player development for the St. Louis Cardinals, as the team’s new general manager. Friedman, the successful GM of the Tampa Bay Rays and a Houston native, passed on the chance to take the reins under the […]
O’Conner, San Diego make news in slow Winter Meetings
During an unusually slow Winter Meetings, two events made headlines: Pat O’Conner was re-elected unanimously as Minor League Baseball president and San Diego was awarded the 2014 event. We’re talking slow in terms of activity among owners: normally there’s plenty of chatter about teams on the market and potential buyers, but this year the talk […]
Buy a holiday present, help out a good cause
Looking to buy something for that special baseball person in your life, while contributing to a worthy cause? Check out the Eastern League online auction, now in its final five days. The auction of items donated by Class AA Eastern League teams is slated to end early next week, so it’s not too late to […]
Camden to host 2012 Atlantic League All-Star Game
Mark your calendars: The Camden Riversharks are hosting the independent Atlantic League’s 15th anniversary All-Star Game on July 11, 2012 at the very underrated Campbell’s Field. This is the second time that Campbell’s Field has been awarded this event. The AL All-Star Game was last held at Campbell’s Field in 2004. —- Share your news […]
Malden still in play for Atlantic League ballpark
Alex Bok’s attempt to bring an independent Atlantic League ballpark to Malden, Mass., may land a 6.4-acre parcel next to an Orange Line train stop after bidding for the rights ends at noon today. A National Grid gas operations facility is currently occupying the property. That plant is slated to move, freeing up the 6.4 […]
Nashville ballpark sites narrowed to three
Some progress on a new ballpark for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), as the city released a site evaluation study with three potential locations: the East Bank of the Cumberland River, Sulphur Dell located near Germantown and the North Gulch area north of Charlotte Avenue. UPDATED! The study by Populous describes the […]
Marauders unveil new alternate logo
The Bradenton Marauders (High Class A; Florida State League) unveiled a scary new alternate logo, designed by Dan Simon. “Going in to our third season and still building our own Marauder tradition, we thought this new alternate logo would be a great way to incorporate the history behind the Pirates logo with the new brand […]
Can-Am League, American Association will play interlocking schedule
The independent American Association and Can-Am League will play an interlocking schedule this season, with five teams from each circuit crossing over for interleague play. The Can-Am League will adopt the AA’s 100-game schedule, with play starting May 17 and ending September 3. Five Can-Am teams will make one 10-game road trip to AA cities, […]
Plan B for Bears: Work on Yakima ballpark plan
With the defeat of a new-ballpark in Clark County yesterday, the Yakima Bears (short season; Northwest League) ownership say they will work on a ballpark solution in Yakima. Yesterday the Clark County Board of Commissioners voted down a 5 percent admissions tax that would have partially funded a new ballpark for the Bears in suburban […]
Baby Blue Jays unveil new logo, unis
The Bluefield Blue Jays (rookie; Appalachian League) unveiled a new logo and new uniforms to match the new look of parent Toronto Blue Jays. The logo was introduced by General Manager Chris Maxwell at a press conference held at the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce. New uniforms and cap design were unveiled as well. “We are […]
Explorers mark 20th anniversary with commemorative logo
The relaunch of the Northern League happened 20 years ago — really! — and the Sioux City Explorers are marking the occasion with a new commemorative logo. Out of the original six teams in the independent circuit, three are still in business in their original markets: the Explorers, the Sioux Falls Pheasants (originally the Canaries) […]
Admissions tax voted down in Clark County; no new ballpark for now
A 5 percent admissions tax to partially fund a new ballpark for the relocating Yakima Bears (short season A; Northwest League) was voted down today by Clark County Commissioners on a 2-1 vote. Passage of the tax on admissions to entertainment and sports venues was never assured, with one solid vote for and one solid […]