We hinted at this, but now veteran MiLB operator Jason Freier has made it explicit: acquiring another team is very likely if a new Columbia ballpark is built, rather than moving the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) to the city. Besides negotiating for a new Columbia ballpark, Freier has also been talking […]
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Freier: We could open new Columbia ballpark in 2015
An aggressive construction schedule and quick city approval of a financing plan could lead to an April 2015 opening of a new Columbia (S.C.) ballpark, according to veteran MiLB operator Jason Freier. Freier, who owns the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and […]
This year should determine fate of Sand Gnats
After five years of working on a new-ballpark strategy, it appears 2014 will be a make-or-break year for the future of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) in the city. Jason Freier of Hardball Capital, owner of the Sand Gnats, has been approaching city leaders for years now, lobbying for a new […]
Savannah columnist: Let the Sand Gnats go
If Savannah loses professional baseball in the form of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A: Sally League), it won’t be because team ownership didn’t work to bring the community a new ballpark. This harsh column by Adam Van Brimmer of Savannahnow.com shows a fairly parochial attitude toward efforts to bring a new ballpark to […]
Sand Gnats exploring Columbia move?
Columbia (S.C.) Mayor Steve Benjamin wasn’t too subtle in describing a potential baseball partner for his city, leaving little doubt he was talking with Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) ownership about a new facility. In a newspaper interview, Benjamin talked about the existing owner also owning a new team in the Midwest […]
Mets, Gnats extend affiliation
The Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and the New York Mets extended their player-development contract (PDC) through the 2014 season. “We’re pleased to have the New York Mets back with us to continue our partnership and the development of future major leaguers here in Savannah,” said Sand Gnats President John Katz. “The Mets have […]
Savannah officials: let’s look at arena/ballpark complex
Savannah officials are warming to a new downtown ballpark for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), but remain committed to an arena as part of the project. The issue: in 2006 approved a sales tax for a new downtown arena. One proposal has the proceeds of that local sales tax diverted to […]
In Savannah, don’t underestimate Freier when it comes to new ballpark
He pulled off new-ballpark construction against some daunting odds in Fort Wayne, so don’t underestimate efforts by Sand Gnats owner Jason Freier to build a new facility in Savannah. Those of us with longer memories can recall the obstacles faced by Hardball Capital’s Freier as he put together a funding plan for Parkview Field, the home […]
Savannah officials to visit Fort Wayne ballpark
If this doesn’t convince Savannah officials about the need for a new ballpark, nothing will: The City Council will visit Parkview Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Low Class A; Midwest League). Hardball Capital, which owns both the TinCaps and the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), has been working on a […]
New ballpark on deck in Savannah?
A new ballpark may be in the works in Savannah, where city officials are looking to divert $22 million raised for a downtown arena to a new ballpark for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League). The preliminary plan calls for money raised via special purpose local option sales tax to be spent […]
Alderson hiring good news for Mets farm teams
After years of neglect, the New York Mets farm system should see improvement under new GM Sandy Alderson, a man known for building a strong personnel system when he was GM of the Oakland A’s. Alderson was introduced Friday as the new GM of the Mets, replacing Omar Minaya as the face of the franchise. […]
Gnats, Mets extend PDC
The New York Mets and Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) announced a two-year extension of their player development partnership through 2012. The Mets and Gnats partnership began prior to the 2007 season. “We are very pleased to extend our relationship with the Gnats and the city of Savannah,” said Adam Wogan, Mets […]