Ryan Gates Promoted to Hot Rods General Manager, COO

PRESS RELEASE – The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announced a promotion today for General Manager Ryan Gates. The team’s third-year executive has been elevated to General Manager and Chief Operating Officer and will replace President Brad Taylor, who has accepted a leadership position with the new Triple-A team

Chiefs Stadium Renamed (Bull)Dozer Park, Caterpillar Naming Rights Partner for 10 Years

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs and Caterpillar Inc. have announced the renaming of Peoria Chiefs Stadium to “Dozer Park” effective immediately. The agreement is part of a 10-year $2 million investment by Caterpillar in the naming rights for the ballpark in partnership with the Chiefs.

Kane County Cougars Go Chewie for Star Wars Night

PRESS RELEASE – The Kane County Cougars have unveiled custom commemorative Star Wars jerseys that players and field staff will wear as part of the organization’s Star Wars Night at this Saturday’s May 4th game.

City Council Approves Restructuring Plan for Peoria Chiefs

As a follow up to our post last week about the proposed plan to bail out the financially struggling Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League), the Peoria (IL) City Council on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the $7 million debt restructuring package by a vote of 9-1.  Read more here.

City, CAT, Banks Step Up to Save Chiefs

The financially struggling Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League) could be saved with a $7-million restructuring plan that includes forgiveness of bond payments to the city, the purchase of ballpark naming rights by heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc., loan reduction by banks, increased investment by team owners, and higher fees for Bradley University to use the facility.  The deal must

Flood Waters Won’t Stop Bandits

The Mississippi River is rising again this spring in Davenport (IA), as crews worked Friday to build an elevated pedestrian walkway into Modern Woodmen Park, home of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League).  Like last year, the completed path will take visitors over the temporary flood wall, which has been built to 22 feet above flood stage outside the stadium.  Read more and view news clip here.

Bandits Adding Amusement Rides for 2013

PRESS RELEASE – The Modern Woodmen Park experience is about family-friendly fun, and this season Main Street Amusements is enhancing the ballpark to a whole new level. The Quad Cities River Bandits are set to become the first team in Minor League Baseball to bring a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. But they are not stopping there. The River Bandits will also be adding a dual

River Bandits Pondering Addition of 4-D Theater

Dave Heller, owner of the Single-A Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League), wants to add a small 4-D theater to the menagerie of attractions at Modern Woodmen Park that will, by the end of the current season,  include a Ferris wheel, two 300-foot zip lines, a carousel and a Froghopper ride for children.  Read more here.

Silver Hawks Paint Visiting Team’s Locker Room Pink

The Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks (Midwest League) are playing dirty…er…sweet.  They have painted the visiting team’s locker room at Coveleski Stadium a wonderful shade of pink and added flowers for a delightful ambiance.  The change was part of a $600,000 renovation of the facility during the off season.  Read more and view news report here.

Loan for New Ferris Wheel Signed with THE National Bank

PRESS RELEASE – The new Ferris wheel coming to Modern Woodmen Park is a step closer to its new home in the Quad Cities, as the Quad Cities River Bandits announced approval of a five-year loan from THE National Bank to fund the project that will bring an iconic addition to the ballpark and riverfront.

River Bandits Unveil Monster Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – Quad Cities River Bandits fans last season set the highest attendance for the franchise in 17 years, and the club is rewarding its record-setting fans with the most packed promotional schedule in team history. The River Bandits announced at a press conference Monday afternoon at Modern Woodmen Park that they will have the most fireworks shows, family entertainment, theme nights

Kokomo Mayor to Pursue Ballpark Renovation Project

Kokomo (IN) Mayor Greg Goodnight announced plans last month to renovate Highland Park Stadium, which hosted Class-D teams from 1955-1961.  When the city’s 2014 budget process gets underway in late summer, Goodnight says he’ll work to bring a plan to the Kokomo Common Council.  With a population of around 45,000 and a modest renovation project, Kokomo won’t be hosting another

‘Squeelin’ Pig’ Sandwich Will Require Fans to Sign Waiver

Fans of the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League) have chosen The Baco — a bacon taco — as the team’s new menu item for 2013. However, the hotter news (pun intended) is that the ‘Caps will also introduce a new menu item called the “Squeelin’ Pig” sandwich, which will require fans to sign a waiver to eat it.  You see, it is a pulled pork sandwich with Giardiniera, a sprinkle of Ghost

River Bandits Introduce Newly Renovated Business Center Powered by Bradfield’s

PRESS RELEASE – In recent years, Modern Woodmen Park has rapidly transformed into a versatile venue for hundreds of events year-round, and the ballpark will soon open another unique space for groups and businesses in the Quad Cities community. The Quad Cities River Bandits will host a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14, to unveil the newly renovated Bandits Business Center powered by

Captains Unveil Major Re-Branding of All Concessions Stands

PRESS RELEASE – The Lake County Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, have announced that all the concession stands at Classic Park will be re-branded and a variety of new menu items will be added throughout the ballpark for the 2013 season.

Captains Announce Friday Night Post-Game Concert Series

PRESS RELEASE – The Lake County Captains, the Class A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, are pleased to announce the addition of nine post-game concerts that will follow the club’s Friday night games beginning on May 10.  Legendary local bands will perform outside the Corona Castaways Bar in the left field corner of Classic Park at the conclusion of the post-game fireworks shows that follow

Lugnuts Hire Jennifer Swanchara as New PA Announcer

PRESS RELEASE – The Lansing Lugnuts announced Monday that Michigan State sophomore Jennifer Swanchara will serve as the team’s new public address announcer at Cooley Law School Stadium.

Flatscreen Fridays Highlight Loons Loaded 2013 Promo Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Loons are excited to present their 2013 promotional schedule, packed with a strong variety of family friendly entertainment , including theme nights, giveaways and national entertainers. Many fan favorites will be returning, but the schedule also features some new, exciting twists and turns.

Facing Money Troubles, Chiefs Look to Refinance Ballpark and Lower Property Taxes

The Single-A Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League) have been late paying property taxes on their privately owned stadium because of a “cash flow issue.”  To better manage the financials, the Chiefs are looking to refinance more than $4 million left on its mortgage to take advantage of low interest rates.  The city will also consider lowering the property taxes on the facility.  Read more and view news clip here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Snappers Add Three to Front Office

PRESS RELEASE – The Beloit Snappers have announced the hiring of three new Front Office staff members for the 2013 season. Mark Inserra will serve as the team’s new Director of Media Relations, Natalie Tobey as Director of Community Relations and Robert Coon as Director of Food and Beverage. All three join the Snappers having spent last season as members of minor league

Bandits Cut Food Prices, Expand Lineup for 2013

As baseball fans in the Quad Cities await the new sights, sounds and experiences that will highlight the 2013 River Bandits season, they can now anticipate new and more affordable tastes of summer at Modern Woodmen Park. The team is cutting the prices on a wide menu of food items and giving fans several new options at the ballpark concession stands for the upcoming season.

That Time of Year Again! Whitecaps Asking Fans to Vote on New Concession Item

PRESS RELEASE – It’s become a tradition. The fourth-annual fan voting contest to determine Fifth Third Ballpark’s next culinary delight starts today – Tuesday, February 19.

Council Approves Ballpark Ferris Wheel

The Davenport (IA) City Council has approved an agreement with the Single-A Quad-Cities River Bandits (Midwest League) for construction of a Ferris wheel on the riverfront outside Modern Woodmen Park.  Read more here.  View renderings gallery here.

River Bandits Name Craw New GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Quad Cities River Bandits announced they have named Harold Craw the new general manager of the Midwest League club in a press conference with team owner Dave Heller Tuesday afternoon at Modern Woodmen Park. Craw has worked the past 11 years in Minor League Baseball and was previously the assistant general manager with the Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs of the

Hot Rods Promote Two, Hire Two

PRESS RELEASE – The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, announce the promotion of two staff members and the hiring of two new front office staffers. Mike Mariano has been named the team’s new Director of Ticket Sales, and Greg Heroy has been promoted to Box Office Manager. The Hot Rods welcome Kelci Harris and Adrian Thomas to the front office

TinCaps Unveil Plans for New ’400 Club’

PRESS RELEASE – Just days after Stadium Journey magazine named Parkview Field the #1 experience in Minor League Baseball for the second year in a row, the TinCaps announced that the team will make a new $800,000 private investment in the award-winning ballpark.

Brown Steps Down as River Bandits GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Quad Cities River Bandits announced on Tuesday that Stefanie Brown has stepped down from her role as general manager of the Class-A Midwest League club, and Main Street Baseball is immediately beginning a search for a new River Bandits general manager.

Captains Announce ‘LanceStrong Night’

PRESS RELEASE – The Class A Lake County Captains Professional Baseball Club has announced that it will host “Lancestrong Night” on Saturday, June 29, the day that the world famous Tour de France bicycle race begins. The evening will be dedicated to all things related to the cycling culture as the Captains encourage fans to ride their two-wheelers to the game and take part in a

Whitecaps Once Again Ask Fans to Submit Food Ideas

PRESS RELEASE – The West Michigan Whitecaps are soliciting ideas for new food items to be served at Fifth Third Ballpark this season. Starting today, fans can submit their ideas regarding what new food items they would like to see served at Fifth Third Ballpark this summer.

Parkview Field Takes Top Honor Once Again

PRESS RELEASE – Parkview Field, the home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, has been named as the top Minor League Baseball experience for the second straight season by Stadium Journey Magazine. The publication reviewed 1,225 sports venues in compiling its “Top 101 Stadium Experiences for 2012.” Parkview Field ranked as the #14 experience in all sporting venues. Parkview Field

Amusement Rides for Riverfront, Modern Woodmen Park?

The owner of the Single-A Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League) is exploring the idea of adding a Ferris wheel and carousel to the city’s waterfront next to Modern Woodmen Park.  There are obstacles, not the least of which would be protecting the new rides from potential flood waters.  Read more here.

Bandits Hold First-Ever Miss Snowflake and Mr. Frost Contests

PRESS RELEASE – The Quad Cities River Bandits announced and congratulated the winners of the first-ever Miss Snowflake and Mr. Frost contests that took place at the annual indoor Frost Fest Dec. 16 at Modern Woodmen Park.

Dayton Dragons: A Model Franchise for Other Local Teams

The highly successful Single-A Dayton Dragons (Midwest League) are serving as a model for other sports teams in the Dayton (OH) market, including the Dayton Demonz (Federal Hockey League), Dutch Lions (United Soccer League Professional Division), and Dayton Sharks (Continental Indoor Football League).  Read more here.  For team history and a little braggin’ on the Dragons, read this story here.

Timber Rattlers: Renovations Update

If you are interested in checking out the progress of the renovations going on at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Midwest League) have released Episode Twelve of the the 2013 Stadium Renovations Update.  View video here.

Hot Rods’ Home Featured in ‘Great Parks’ Calendar

PRESS RELEASE – The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, in conjunction with Baseball America, announce that Bowling Green Ballpark will be featured in the “2013 Baseball America Great Parks Calendar.” This is the first time that the Hot Rods home ballpark will be featured in the “Great Parks” calendar.

Rattlers Add Three to Front Office

PRESS RELEASE – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers front office staff is making almost as many additions as Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.  The 2012 Midwest League Champions and Larry MacPhail Award winners have announced the addition of three new staff members for the 2013 season.

Peoria Chiefs Get New Caps, Jerseys for 2013

PRESS RELEASE – The Peoria Chiefs have unveiled their new look for the 2013 season with three new jerseys and three new hats as the team ushers in a new era and their renewed affiliation with the St. Louis Cardinals. Hats are currently for sale in the Online Store

Snappers Choose New President

The board of directors for the Single-A Beloit Snappers (Midwest League) have elected board-member Brian Christianson as the team’s new president.  Of course, securing a new stadium to replace severely outdated Pohlman Field will be his primary concern.  Read more here.

Loons Announce Michigan Legends Series

PRESS RELEASE – The Great Lakes Loons are excited to announce a new promotion, known as the Michigan Legends Series presented by MidMichigan Health, scheduled for the 2013 season. The series is a fresh spin on the successful Red Wings Legends Series, offered in 2011 and 2012, and will include six Loons home games paying tribute to the state’s sports history

Whitecaps Unveil New Logos

The Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League) have added a couple of new logos to their lineup for 2013.  Read more here.