Satchel Paige, Bismarck and Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
The Bismarck (N.D.) Park Board is debating whether to rename Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, the city’s home to baseball since 1921, after the legendary Satchel Paige. The story behind the request is a fascinating chapter in baseball. Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, had quite the storied career: the greatest […]
Mayor, Council differ on approach to Rays ballpark issue
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster is committed to keeping the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field through all legal means possible, but the City Council is aggressively questioning that absolutist approach. The split between the city and the council was apparent at a workshop for the council yesterday. Normally, a City Council workshop means a […]
Zion, Fielders headed for court?
After a horrific 2011 season, it doesn’t look like the city of Zion (Ill.) and the Lake County Fielders (independent; North American League) owners have settled their differences — and their paths may cross next in court. You know what a nightmarish season the Fielders had. Opening the 201 North American League season with a […]
Rox dissatisfied with Sox?
In announcing the team would buy a new humidor for Security Service Field, Colorado Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd expressed frustration with the playing conditions in Colorado Springs. Could a new affiliation come down the road? There’s no doubt the conditions are a little rough at the home of the Colorado Spring Sky Sox (Class AAA; […]
Bud’s retirement plan: Back to college in Madison
Curious about what Bud Selig has planned after retirement? He’s already set up plans to teach and write in Madison, Wis., conveniently near Ballpark Digest World HQ. The first pitcher of beer on the Terrace is on us, Bud. Selig is a UW graduate, attending the school the same time as Oakland A’s owner Lew […]
Tampa: We could have $100M for new Rays ballpark
Money currently generated by a downtown Tampa TIF district to pay down convention-center bonds could be used in 2015 and beyond for a new Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, according to city officials. The tax-increment financing district currently generates some $13.5 million a year, and the Tampa Convention Center bons are slated to be paid off […]
Bragan Jr. stepping down as Suns GM
Peter “Pedro” Bragan Jr., the GM of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) for 24 of the past 26 seasons, is stepping back from day-to-day duties and will be replaced by current AGM Chris Peters for the coming season. Bragan will assume the duties of team president. His father, Peter Bragan Sr., is still […]
New for 2012: Grand Junction Rockies
The Casper Ghosts (rookie; Pioneer League) are no more; instead, the team will be the Grand Junction Rockies and play at Suplizio Field beginning in 2012. Tim Ray, who oversaw the team on behalf of the Monfort brothers, the owners of the Colorado Rockies and who bought the team at the beginning of this year, […]
Grand Junction approves Ghosts lease; formal announcement slated for today
The move of the Casper Ghosts (rookie; Pioneer League) is one step closer after the Grand Junction (Col.) City Council approves a lease agreement for the team to play at Suplizio Field. A formal announcement of the move is slated for today. The team is basically gone; there are reports email sent to the old […]
New for 2012: Schaumburg Boomers
We have a name for the newest team in the independent Frontier League: the Schaumburg Boomers, who will begin play at Alexian Field in 2012. As you can tell, a Boomer is a male prairie chicken. Here’s an explanation of the logo from the team: The Schaumburg Boomers name comes from a nickname for the […]
McKechnie Field renovation in the works
McKechnie Field, spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and regular-season home of the Bradenton Marauders (High Class A; Florida State League), would receive $9 million in improvements under a plan before the city and county. The redesign of the classic ballpark calls for a reconfiguration of the seating bowl, with two distinctive seating areas replaced […]
New San Antonio ballpark in play
A new downtown ballpark for the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) and the University of Texas at San Antonio is in play, as discussions have begun with Bexar County officials on a funding plan. It’s no secret Wolff Stadium is the least desirable facility in the Texas League right now. True, it’s not […]
Jamie to Frank: The Dodgers are yours
Perhaps sensing this is the best way to get some cash out of her divorce to Frank McCourt, Jamie McCourt has agreed to let him keep the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodger Stadium as part of a settlement and will support his effort to sell the team’s media rights. The McCourts have been embroiled in […]