Richmond: Yes, we really do intend on building a new ballpark
A day after comments from Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) President Lou DiBella suggested frustration with the lack of progress on a new ballpark, Mayor Dwight C. Jones reiterated the city’s commitment to a new facility. DiBella suggested the team would look for a new home because it looked like a new ballpark […]
Schlender promoted in Omaha
Laurie Schlender is the new Assistant General Manager of Business Operations for the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). She becomes the highest-ranking female employee in the 43-year history of the organization dating back to 1969. “Laurie has been an integral part of nearly all major decisions involving the franchise since I became […]
In memoriam: Dan Burke
Dan Burke, who bought the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League) after retiring as president and CEO of ABC/Capital Cities, has passed away. He was 82. The cause of death, which occurred this morning, was complications from diabetes. Burke bought the franchise in 1992 and installed […]
IronPigs to install Tiki Bar, unique seating for 2012
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) are planning major changes to the left-field area of Coca-Cola Park, including a new Tiki Terrace and covered Oasis seating area. The Red Robin Tiki Terrace, a brand-new hospitality area highlighted by a unique seating overhang in left field, along with the Red Robin Oasis, featuring covered […]
WCL eyes Victoria for 2013
The summer-collegiate West Coast League is negotiating to put a team in Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park for the 2013 season. It would be the circuit’s first foray into Canada. Currently the league features teams in Washington State and Oregon. Royal Athletic Park was home to the Victoria Seals (independent; North American League) for two seasons […]
Theo: Don’t expect miracles at Wrigley Field
In his initial press conference as president of the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein downplayed expectations for an immediate turnaround and instead stressed continued success via a solid foundation. Indeed, today’s press conference was less about 2012 and more about establishing a good farm system and promoting a “Cubs Way” of how players approach their craft. […]
Shapiro to head San Rafael NAL team
Mike Shapiro, who has spent many years in the front offices of the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves, will be heading up the new independent North American League team in his hometown, San Rafael. Shapiro has been named president and general manager of the new franchise set to play its home games at Albert […]
ISFA: Boy, did the White Sox get a sweet lease for The Cell
The Chicago White Sox may have a valid lease for U.S. Cellular Field running though 2029, but that’s not stopping the Illinois Sports Facility Authority from reevaluating its relationship with the team. The team’s lease is pretty simple: the team pays $1.5 million a year and controls all revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking and […]
UCLA expanding Jackie Robinson Stadium
Here’s one reason why you want a successful baseball program: success is causing UCLA to expand Jackie Robinson Stadium in anticipation of postseason play. UCLA’s baseball program has always been decent, but in the past few years the school has moved to the upper echelon of NCAA baseball, sending high-level prospects to the pros and […]
McCourt looted $189 million from Dodgers: MLB
Frank McCourt has raided Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium financial coffers improperly to the tune of $189.16 million, according to MLB attorneys, in anticipation of bankruptcy-court proceedings next week. The battle lines are emerging in the Delaware bankruptcy proceedings: MLB attorneys say McCourt isn’t fit to run and own the team; Fox opposes McCourt’s […]
DiBella to Richmond: Commit to new ballpark, or we move
Richmond Flying Squirrels (Class AA; Eastern League) President Lou DiBella says it’s time for the city to commit to a new ballpark; otherwise, he’ll look to move the team. UPDATED! In fact, he’s even brought up the possibility of a move with MiLB President Pat O’Conner, though he’s come short of actually seeking permission to […]
With MLB realignment, it looks like the Astros
With MLB Commissioner Bud Selig saying he wants realignment by 2013 and Jim Crane negotiating a price break on his purchase of the team, it’s all but certain the Houston Astros are moving to the American League West. Selig made his comments about realignment during his annual World Series press conference, held before Game Four. […]
Mets already reconfiguring Citi Field: report
The New York Mets aren’t wasting any time in reconfiguring the outfield fences at Citi Field, moving them in and taking out some of the irregular quirks in the fenceline, according to a published report. MetsBlog is reporting the new distances have already been laid out on the Citi Field turf, with the fences moved […]