Pheasants Unveil 20th Anniversary Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants will be celebrating 20 years of professional baseball in Sioux Falls this season and unveiled their 20th anniversary logo today as well as special promotions that will take place all season long.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Marlins Park (Miami, FL)

Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited Marlins Park, the shiny new home for the Miami Marlins.  I have to say his ballpark review is one of the most comprehensive I have seen anywhere, and it’s worth a read.  If you can’t make it to the stadium this season, Joe paints a very vivid picture for you.  Enjoy.  Read more and view photos here.

Westward Ho for Atlantic League

Well, if there was any question about whether the indy pro Atlantic League has westward expansion on its mind after launching the Sugar Land Skeeters, it appears clear now.  The league wants one more team in the east, three more teams around Texas, and four new clubs out west somewhere to make a 16-team nationwide circuit.  California is even on the radar.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Angels Gunning for L.A.?

Anaheim Angels…er…Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim owner Art Moreno and Angels Chairman Dennis Kuhl apparently had a little pow wow with AEG, a local expert at building and financing sports facilities, about possibly building a new ballpark in downtown Los Angeles.  Read more here.

Reviving Wrigley Field: Modeling Fenway Park

Can D’AIQ Architects do for Wrigley Field what they did for Fenway Park to bring the facility into the modern era without destroying its character, history and all things that make this park great?  Blair Kamin from the Chicago Tribue’s Cityscapes journal explores this fundamental question.  Read more here.

‘The Baseball Project’ to Perform at Northwoods League All-Star Game

PRESS RELEASE – Supergroup “The Baseball Project” will play live music prior to the Northwoods League All-Star Game on July 24th at the “Duck Pond” and a post-game concert at the High Noon Saloon located at 701 E. Washington St. (doors at 9:30pm). The band plays original songs completely about America’s pastime, topics include Satchel Paige, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson and more.

Pacifics Unveil Mascot, Pick Up NAL Pieces

The indy pro San Rafael Pacifics (North American League) unveiled their new mascot, Sir Francis the Drake, a few days ago, while an appeals court denied a request by a neighborhood group trying to delay the team from coming to Albert Park.  It looked like it was full steam ahead for the expansion club until Friday’s news from Godfather Media.  It now appears that the Pacifics and the Na Koa Ikaika

Yuma Panthers Out for 2012

In not so surprising news, Michael Cummings and Godfather Media, Inc. are calling it quits for the indy pro Yuma Panthers (North American League) for the 2012 season.  Cummings basically blames the instability of the NAL, but he’s been playing dice with the Golden Baseball League/NAL for a few years now, so this isn’t some

Ripken Design Selected to Study NSC Baseball Complex Proposal, Northwoods League Contemplated

PRESS RELEASE – Ripken Design today announced that it has been selected to complete a two-month feasibility study for a proposed youth baseball complex in Blaine, Minnesota. Over the next two months, Ripken Design will work with CSL, International and LHB Architects, to complete the initial study and site plans that will lead to the complex

Go Forth and Study the Proposed Ballpark Project

The City of Wilmington (NC) gave National Sports Services its marching orders yesterday to produce a feasibility study by mid-June for the community’s proposed new baseball stadium.  The firm was hired last week to analyze the costs, economic benefits, and potential locations for the project.  Read more here.

Mega Bloks Stadium Designer

An 18,000-seat replica baseball stadium made of Mega Bloks is on display at the food court at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown (NJ) until at least May 7.  T.J. Eglander, who is raising money for Autism Speaks, took 10 days to build it using 71,000 Bloks.  We’re pretty impressed.  Read more and view photo here.

Navigators Announce 2012 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – On Thursday, North Shore Navigators general manager Bill Terlecky announced the club’s promotional schedule for the 2012 campaign. “We are pleased to announce a full slate of fan-friendly events for the 2012 season, our first in Lynn under the Salvi Sports New England banner and as a member of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. We encourage our

SWB Yankees Sold, PNC Field Demolition to Begin Soon

Lackawanna County signed off on a deal Thursday to finally sell the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankess (International League) to the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball Properties for $14.6 million.  A dispute between Lackawanna and Luzerne County over the proceeds remains at issue.  Read more here.  View purchase agreement here.  Now it’s time to push the pedal to the metal to demolish and replace PNC Field, which could begin Friday.  Read more here.

Finalists Selected for Boomers PA Announcer Contest (Video/Audio Samples Provided)

PRESS RELEASE – The Schaumburg Boomers have invited the 10 finalists in the Public Address Announcer Contest to compete at Boomers Stadium located at 1999 S. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg to audition for Boomers staff and fans at a free event open to the public from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.

Mallards Release 2012 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Madison Mallards are thrilled to release their full promotional schedule for the 2012 season. The schedule is jam-packed with plenty of bobblehead giveaways, Saturday night fireworks, several famous celebrities and hilarious entertainment acts. In 2012 you will see the most aggressive, action-packed, fun-paced, thrilling, and daring promotional schedule from the Mallards yet!

Opening Day for Skeeters

Today is opening day for the expansion indy pro Sugar Land Skeeters (Atlantic League) at the new Constellation Field, and the team is ready to rock with a sold out house, a pre-game party, special on-field ceremonies, giveaways, and post-game fireworks.  The game against the York Revolution begins at 7:05 p.m.

New Logo, Website for Pittsfield Suns

The expansion summer collegiate Pittsfield Suns (Futures Collegiate Baseball League) have a new logo and website at www.pittsfieldsuns.com.  The team begins play at historic Wahconah Park on June 7 against the Nashua Silver Knights.

Name the Chinooks’ Mascot, Stadium Nearing Completion

Fans have until May 1 to choose the name for the new mascot for the expansion summer collegiate Lakshore Chinooks (Northwoods League).  You have three choices, including Gill, King, or Sammy.  Click here to vote.  In the meantime, check out the progress being made here on Kapco Park, the new home for the team on the campus of Concordia University in Mequon (WI).

Grizzlies Announce 2012 Promo Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the promotional schedule for the 2012 season. The schedule is highlighted by Jimmy Buffett Night on May 31st and Hot Dog Heaven on July 18th. Jimmy Buffett Night will feature live performances from the Tsunami Wave Riders and Blind Manifest, and an appearance from the Parrotheads. Hot Dog Heaven

Ballpark ‘Gotcha’ in Charlotte

We’re not sure why the NBC affiliate in Charlotte (NC) is even bringing this up, but the rendering for the proposed new ballpark for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights (International League) looks like Huntington Park, the Triple-A stadium in Columbus (OH).  Unless one designer is stealing from another, it’s no big deal.  Besides, you don’t spend a ton of money on design work until you have the financing/funding plan

Cubs Have $500M Plan on Deck for Wrigley

The Chicago Cubs have a $500 million plan on the table to bring Wrigley Field up to snuff, including $300 for the stadium itself and $200 million for a new “parking, entertainment and multiuse structure off the west wall of the ballpark.”  The Cubs also have a proposal to pay for it.  Read more here.

Miners Release 2012 Promo Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Southern Illinois Miners have announced their 2012 promotional schedule.  The promotional schedule includes new promotional nights and sensational enhancements to the returning promotions.  The Miners will open their season at Rent One Park on Friday, May 18 at 7:05 p.m. when they begin a three-game series against the London Rippers.  Peoples National

Movie Nights at Harry Grove Stadium

PRESS RELEASE – The Keys and Flying Dog Brewery have partnered to present a five-part movie series that will take place at Harry Grove Stadium. Starting in May, the videoboard at the ballpark will show a movie per month as a part of Flying Dog’s “Left Field Movie Series”. All of the selected movies are classic films and family-friendly rated PG.

This Week’s Promo Preview

MLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill takes a look at the upcoming best promotions in affiliated ball for the week of April 25 – May 1, from “Star Wars Night” featuring “High-Tech Special Effects Star Wars Themed Fireworks” (Jackson Generals) to “Pro Sports Career Day” (Quad Cities River Bandits).  Read more here.

Tal Smith Named Special Advisor to ODP

PRESS RELEASE – Tal Smith, one of Baseball’s most well known and respected executives has been named Special Advisor to Opening Day Partners (“ODP”). ODP is a leading owner/operator of minor league teams and is the parent company of the Sugar Land Skeeters, Houston’s new minor league baseball team. The Skeeters begin their inaugural season on Thursday, April 26 at sold-out Constellation

Deal Close for SWB Yankees

A deal to keep the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (International League) in Northeastern Pennsyvania for the next 30 years in a rebuilt PNC Field could be signed as early as Thursday.  The final agreement is expected to be presented to the Lackawanna County Commissioners and the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority on Wednesday night.  Read more here.

No Change in Ballpark Design Team, Transparency at Issue

At this juncture, there will be no change in the design team for the new ballpark for the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League), despite a desire by the mayor’s office to remove two local architectural firms.  One complaint from the city council has been a lack of transparency by the board overseeing the project.  Board chair Bob Jones

Knights Ink Ballpark Naming Rights Partner

If a new uptown Charlotte (NC) is built for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights (International League), it will be called BB&T Ballpark.  The details of the Knights’ naming rights deal with BB&T Corporation were not disclosed.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Ripken Design Releases Feasibility Study for Proposed Hagerstown Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – Ripken Design today announced that it has released the results of a recent feasibility study for a proposed minor league baseball facility in Hagerstown, Maryland. Ripken Design presented its findings at a local Hagerstown City Council meeting on April 17, 2012 to City of Hagerstown and Washington County representatives, as well as State of Maryland officials.

Nottle Resigns, Movie in the Works

Long-time minor league field manager “Singing Ed” Nottle, 73, has resigned from his most recent gig with the indy pro Edinburg Roadrunners (North American League) over health issues.  Interestingly, a screenplay called “The 26th Man — the Life Story of Singing Ed Nottle” has been written by Hollywood screenwriter Eugene Corr.  We don’t know how much truth there is to this,

City to Make Design Team Changes?

Birmingham Mayor William Bell reportedly wants to eliminate two local architectural firms from the design team for the developing new ballpark for the Double-A Birmingham Barons (Southern League).  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the story.

New Book About Bill Veeck Hits the Shelves

There’s a new book out about baseball’s Bill Veeck that some of you might be interested in checking out.  The 432-page, $28 biography is called Bill Veeck, Baseball’s Greatest Maverick by author Paul Dickson.  Read more here and here.

Date Set for Grizzlies’ 4th Annual Ballpark Beer Fest

PRESS RELEASE – The Gastonia Grizzlies baseball club announced today the details of the 4th Annual Ballpark Beer Fest, set for May 12, 2012 at Sims Legion Park. The Grizzlies will be again working in conjunction with the Gaston County Jaycees and will be hosting the event at the ballpark under the lights from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Rose to Step Down as President of SWB Yankees

PRESS RELEASE – The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees announced today that Kristen Rose, team President, has resigned in order to relocate closer to family and take on the role of Executive Vice President of Mandalay Baseball Properties. In discussing her decision with the staff this morning, Ms. Rose said “I have enjoyed my time as President of the SWB Yankees, but have decided for

On Deck with the Muskrats

The summer collegiate Laconia Muskrats (New England Collegiate Baseball League) have launched their own television show called “On Deck with the Muskrats” through the local public access channels in New Hampshire.  At present, the show airs on LRPA TV in Laconia, PB Cam in Plymouth, and Bristol/Newfound TV.  It can also be viewed through the team’s website and YouTube channel.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: 119 Stadiums, One Season

Matt and Carolyn LaWell have begun a 152- day roadtrip to visit 119 minor-league stadiums during the 2012 season. They are documenting their journey on A Minor League Season and Facebook.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Saints 20th Season Promotions Like Fine China

PRESS RELEASE – Whether the St. Paul Saints have won a championship or finished at the bottom of the division there has been one constant at the ballpark since 1993: laughter. This spring the Saints will ring in their 20th season with fans, not just occupying the ballpark, but with a chance to Octopi Minnesota. Saints promotions won’t make fans run to their cabin, but it will make them come to The Cabin for gold

Happy 100th, Tiger Stadium!

There certainly would’ve been a lot more hoopla today in Detroit if city leaders hadn’t decided to demolish Tiger Stadium in 2009.  Like Fenway Park, Tiger Stadium (formally known as Navin Stadium and Briggs Stadium) turned 100 today.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Council Committee Endorses Ballpark Funding

The Charlotte (NC) City Council’s economic development committee endorsed a plan Thursday to provide $8.5 million in funding for a new uptown ballpark for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights (International League).  Read more here.

Tax Breaks Approved for All-Star Ballpark Heaven

The governor of Iowa on Thursday signed off on $16.5 million worth of tax incentives for the proposed 24-field amateur baseball complex that would surround the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville (IA).  Read more here and here.