Spinners Announce ‘Band of Brothers’ Bobble for July

PRESS RELEASE – One season after dedicating a POW/MIA seat in honor of all those soldiers who never returned home, the Lowell Spinners (Class-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) will partner with the WWII Foundation on a night to salute more of our heroes with “Band of Brothers” Bobble Head Giveaway Night Tuesday, July 2.

Doubledays GM Leaving Post for New Job

Adam Winslow, general manager of the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League), has decided to leave his post for a new job with Johnston Paper.  Winslow’s last day with the team will be May 19 — just one month before the 2013 season begins on June 17.  Read more here.

Aberdeen IronBirds Announce Danny Mays as “The Voice” of Ripken Stadium

PRESS RELEASE – The Aberdeen IronBirds, Class ‘A’ short season affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, today announced Danny Mays as its new public address announcer at Ripken Stadium. “The Voice” of Ripken Stadium was an online, social contest allowing interested parties to submit an audition video and engage in an interactive, public voting process.  Mays was among eight finalists who

Mayor Negotiates $150K Naming Rights Deal for Bowman Field

Williamsport (PA) Mayor Gabriel Campana announced that he has successfully negotiated a corporate naming rights deal for Bowman Field, home of the Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters (New York-Penn League).  If approved by the city council in June, the naming rights partner will pay the city $30,000 per year for five years.  Funds will be used for ballpark improvements.  The new name for the

New Morgantown Ballpark: Making It Happen

WVUsports.com baseball blogger John Antonik takes an interesting look at the ins and outs of securing the developing new ballpark in Morgantown (WV) for the West Virginia University Mountaineers baseball team and Single-A New York-Penn League franchise.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe Mock for the link.

Legislature Approves Ballpark Bill in Special Session

Just when you think the proposed new ballpark in Morgantown (WV) for the West Virginia University Mountaineers and a Single-A New York-Penn League franchise is a no go, a special session of the state legislature makes it happen by approving the tax-increment financing (TIF) bill for the project.  Read more and view news clip here.

Officials Look to Special Session for Approval of TIF Bill for Ballpark

The hopes of a new baseball park for West Virginia University and a Single-A New York-Penn League club were dashed on Saturday night when the state legislature failed to act on the Morgantown Tax Increment Financing bill before the end of the regular session.  Proponents are now hoping for action during special session of the

New Owner of Skylands Explores Options, Lower Annual Property Tax Bill Should Help

Mark Roscioli Jr., owner of real estate investment firm 17 Mile LLC, continues to explore his options for a primary baseball tenant at Skylands Park after finalizing a deal to purchase the facility for $950,000.  After learning that the park’s annual property tax liability has been lowered from $120,000+ to $30,000, we have more confidence in this effort.  Read more here.  Thanks to Johnny Regan for the story.

Cyclones to Celebrate Ebbets Field’s 100th Anniversary

PRESS RELEASE – Tuesday, April 9th will mark the 100th anniversary of the first game played at historic Ebbets Field, storied home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. To commemorate this occasion, the Brooklyn Cyclones – the first professional sports franchise in the borough since the Dodgers headed west – will put a limited number of box seats on sale for their Ebbets Field

NYPL to Send Franchise to Morgantown

PRESS RELEASE – The New York-Penn League announced its intention to relocate one of its existing franchises to Morgantown, West Virginia. The Class A Short-Season professional baseball league plays a 76-game season from mid-June through early-September. This abbreviated schedule allows a league franchise to share a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility with the West Virginia

Skylands Park Sold

In positive new for the possible return of baseball to Sussex County (NJ), the sale of Skylands Park to Ardmore (PA)-based real estate investment firm 17 Mile LLC indeed closed on Friday, March 15.  The facility sold for $950,000, plus $160,000 in overdue taxes and related fees.  Skylands is the former home of the Single-A New Jersey Cardinals (New York-Penn League) and indy pro Sussex Skyhawks

Morgantown Ballpark Project Takes Next Steps

The West Virginia State Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would create a tax increment financing project (TIF) to help support construction of a new stadium in Morgantown for the West Virginia University Mountaineers baseball team and potentially a minor-league franchise.  The TIF plan must still be approved by the House and Governor.  Read more here.

Courtesy Aerial Rendering

Skylands Deal to Close Next Thursday, Patriots Chairman Rejects Idea of ABL2 Feeder Circuit

As real estate investment firm 17 Mile LLC looks to close next Friday on a deal to acquire Skylands Park, Steve Kalafer, chairman of the indy pro Somerset Patriots (Atlantic League), firmly dismissed any notion of an ABL feeder team coming Sussex County.  More broadly, according to the New Jersey Herald, Kalafer issued a statement late Thursday saying “there is no value at this

Sale of Skylands Park Postponed, Not Dead

The deal to sell Skylands Park in Sussex County (NJ) to real estate investment firm 17 Mile is apparently not dead after all.  Mark Roscioli, owner of Ardmore (PA)-based 17 Mile, says the closing has been rescheduled for Friday, March 15.   Read more here.

Sale of Skylands Park Called Off

After coming to terms earlier this month on the pending transfer of ownership of Skylands Park, the parties to the deal said last Thursday that the sale of the 4,200-seat ballpark, which was scheduled to be  finalized on March 1, is apparently a no go.  Read more here and here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Rochester Loses $48K with Batavia Under Its Wings

The Triple-A Rochester Red Wings (International League) made $95,000 from their own operations and allowing the Empire State Yankees (now Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders) play 40 games at Frontier Field in 2012.  But the Wings lost $143,000 operating the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League), for a net loss of $48,000.  On a positive note, the Wing are sitting on

Eyeing Improvements at Bowman Field

Williamsport (PA) Mayor Gabriel J. Campana plans to ask the city council to authorize use of a $2 million line of credit to make improvements, most of them structural and cosmetic, to 86-year-old Bowman Field, home of the Single-a Williamsport Crosscutters (New York-Penn League).  Meanwhile, the team would like to see bleachers removed from the right-field side to make room for a

Baseball to Return to Skylands Park

While the deal is not yet finalized, Ardmore (PA)-based 17 Mile LLC plans to buy vacant Skylands Park in Sussex County (NJ) for $950,000.  The group is reportedly in negotiations with two separate baseball outfits to find a team to play at the stadium beginning in 2014.  Read more here.

ValleyCats name Lecuyer Business Development Manager

PRESS RELEASE – The Tri-City ValleyCats have announced the hiring of Jason Lecuyer to serve as the team’s Business Development Manager. Lecuyer will help lead the ValleyCats sales department and work to expand their brand throughout the Capital Region.

Spinners to Become Lock Monsters (For One Night)

PRESS RELEASE – The Lowell Spinners are bringing back the Monster. The Class A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, announced plans for a Lowell Lock Monsters Night at LeLacheur Park, set for Thursday, August 15 when the team ironically takes on the Vermont Lake Monsters.

Outlaws Close Book on Outdoor Hockey in Williamsport

Plagued by low attendance and financial challenges, the Williamsport Outlaws (Federal Hockey League) cancelled their home finale at Bowman Field, the summer home of the Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters (New York-Penn League).  While outdoor hockey has failed in Billtown, the Outlaws believe indoor hockey at a new or renovated arena would have a far different outcome.  Read more here.

Scrappers Promote Three

PRESS RELEASE – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers announce today the promotion of four Front Office members. Heather Sahli has been promoted to Assistant General Manager, Marketing. Matt Thompson has been promoted to Assistant General Manager, Sales while Brad Hooser has been promoted to Assistant General Manager, Operations.

Outdoor All-Star Game Held at Bowman Field

It wasn’t quite the NHL’s Winter Classic, but the FHL All-Stars defeated the Williamsport Outlaws 18-13 Wednesday in the Federal Hockey League‘s 2012 All-Star Game at Airmen Pond at Bowman Field, the summer home of the Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters (New York-Penn League).  Paul D’Amato who played Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken in the 1977 movie Slap Shot was

Ballpark Reviews: Ranking the New York-Penn League Parks

Brian Merzbach from BallparkReviews.com ranks all the ballparks in the Single-A New York-Penn League.  Coming out on top is Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees.  Bringing up the rear is Dwyer Stadium, home of the Batavis Muckdogs.   Read more here.

Ice Skating and Pro Hockey Will Continue (For Now) at Bowman Field Despite Legal Challenges

A legal spat has ensued between the non-profit group Williamsport Ice Arena, which operates Airmen Pond at Bowman Field in Williamsport (PA), and Naples (ME)-based Rink Specialists, which installed the new ice rink and provided the equipment to keep it running.  Ice skating and games played by the Federal Hockey League’s Williamsport Outlaws will continue, as attorneys try to work out their

TIF Approved for Morgantown Ballpark

The Monongalia County (WV) Commission approved a tax-increment financing (TIF) plan Wednesday night to help support construction of a new stadium in Morgantown for the West Virginia University Mountaineers baseball team and potentially a minor-league franchise.  The TIF plan must still pass muster with the state legislature and state development office.  Read more here.

Courtesy Aerial Rendering

Skylands Park on the Auction Block

Skylands Park, the former home of the indy pro Sussex SkyHawks (Can-Am League) and Single-A New Jersey Cardinals (New York-Penn League), is going up for auction on Wednesday, Dec. 12, to satisfy a $57,277.43 tax lien placed on the property by Frankford Township.  We assume Millennium Sports Management, the owner of the ballpark, could still

From Bat Boy in Auburn to GM in Bluefield

Starting out as a bat boy in 2001, Jeff Gray, 22, spent a decade of summers in various roles with the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League).  Now he has the opportunity to run the show in Bluefield (WV) as the new general manager for the Rookie-level Bluefield Blue Jays (Appalachian League).  Read more here.

Skylands Park to Live Again With New Sewer?

Currently vacant Skylands Park, former home of the defunct indy pro Sussex SkyHawks (Can-Am League) and relocated Single-A New Jersey Cardinals (New York-Penn League), will reportedly be connected to the new sewer system being built in Frankford Township (NJ).  This appears to send a signal that the ballpark will live to fight another day, if a new tenant can be found.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Aberdeen IronBirds Unveil New Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Aberdeen IronBirds, Class ‘A’ short season affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, today unveiled a new team logo. The logo will make its national merchandise debut at the Baseball Winter Meetings on Monday, December 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Baseball America: Deal for B-Mets in the Works

Baseball America is reporting that sources are saying that the Double-A Binghamton Mets are indeed the team targeted for Ottawa, and that inquiries have been made to bring the Single-A Batavia Muckdogs (New York-Penn League) to NYSEG Stadium to replace them.  There is hope a deal can completed during the Winter Meetings, with the sale of the franchise closing by the end of the year.  Read more here.

Renegades Announce New Look As They Celebrate 20th Season Milestone

TThe Hudson Valley Renegades announced today the rebranding of the Short Season Class-A ball club in conjunction with commencing their 20th season in the Hudson Valley. During a private press conference held in the clubhouse Wednesday afternoon, the organization debuted the innovative look including the new color scheme of Dutchess Blue, Silver and Black, as well as

Connecticut Tigers Unveil 2013 NYPL All-Star Game Logo

The Single-A Connecticut Tigers this morning unveiled the logo for the 2013 New York-Penn League All-Star Game, which the team is hosting at Dodd Stadium on Tuesday, August 13.  To build intrigue, the Tigers shared parts of the logo with fans via the team’s Facebook page and Twitter over the past week.

Spikes Partner with Professional Sports Catering

PRESS RELEASE – The State College Spikes have announced a new partnership that will significantly enhance the food and beverage experience for fans attending events at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The franchise has partnered with Professional Sports Catering, LLC (PSC) to manage the concessions and catering operations for all ballpark events, including State College Spikes and Penn State

Valley Cats Release 2012 Promo Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Tri-City ValleyCats have officially announced their promotional schedule for the 2012 season. It includes two bobblehead giveaways, three Tunes for Tuesday nights, 14 fireworks shows and will mark the return of popular nights including Bark in the Park, 50 Cent Hot Dog Night and Italian Night. There will also be new and exciting promotions such as Capital Region

Spinners Challenge 7 New York Teams to Super Bowl Bet

PRESS RELEASE – Four years ago the Lowell Spinners couldn’t believe their luck when their New York-Penn league brethren wanted to back the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII against the undefeated New England Patriots. The Spinners came up on the short side of that wager and are seeking retribution in a challenge to the sevenNew Yorkbased NYPL teams in this year’s Super Bowl re-match.

NYPL Adds Patch to Commemorate 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

PRESS RELEASE – The New York-Penn League, a Class-A Short Season league established in 1939, begins their 73^rdseason tonight with a new addition to the uniforms of players throughout the league as a commemorative honor patch has been added to the batting helmets of each team.

Dodd Stadium Lease on Docket for Monday

The Norwich City Council is scheduled to meet in executive session on Monday to discuss the lease negotiations for Dodd Stadium.  We assume this meeting is just a formality to approve a final lease agreement that will bring a NY-Penn League club to town in time for the fast-approaching 2010 season.  Norwich Jammers, Lake Monsters, Muckdogs?  Whatever the case, a new nickname will probably in order.  Read more here

Committee Officially Named to Bring in New Team

On Monday, the Norwich City Council officially began the quest to secure a new tenant for Dodd Sadium by forming a committee that will begin talks with New York-Penn League officials and team owners as early as next week.  Read more here.