Affiliated Minor League Ballparks to Host Six TCL Teams, Bringing Circuit to 10 for 2020

PRESS RELEASE – This morning at 11am in multiple cities in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana press conferences are being held to announce the return of baseball after the COVID-19 pause of the college and professional game.

Sod Poodles to Host 2020 Texas League All-Star Game, Release Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced today that HODGETOWN and the Champion Amarillo Sod Poodles have been chosen to host the 2020 Texas League All-Star Game.

Sod Poodles Open New Ballpark in Front of 7,175 Fans

The word echoing among the 7,175 fans at Monday’s inaugural Sod Poodles home game was “excited.” Fans packed the seats, the concourse and the executive suites, excited for a game that has been in the making since 52 percent of Amarillo voters approved the multipurpose event venue in 2015.  Read more and view gallery here.

The first National Anthem at @Hodgetown. @SodPoodles @Populous @MiLB pic.twitter.com/TwMhBJ2ott

— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 9, 2019

Church to Hold Easter Service at Amarillo’s New Ballpark

A local church will be holding a special Easter service at Amarillo’s new ballpark, Hodgetown, in April.  This reportedly will be the first non-baseball event at the stadium.  Read more here.

Sod Poodles Unveil Inaugural Uniforms

The Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) have unveiled their three uniform combinations that will be worn by players and field staff throughout the team’s inaugural season – a home white “Sod Poodles” script jersey with a crest logo patch on the sleeve, a road grey “Amarillo” art-deco style jersey with the quick draw logo on the sleeve, and an Alternate light blue “Soddies” script jersey with the pride of Texas logo on the sleeve.  Amarillo Yellow, Texas Red and Blue, and Route 66 Retro Blue make up the club’s new official colors.  Read more here.

A Tour of Hodgetown

It’s been just over a year since Amarillo (TX) broke ground on the new ballpark for the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League).  With only 64 days left until the home opener at Hodgetown, a local news station took a tour of the future home of the Soddies.  Watch tour here.

New Amarillo Ballpark Named ‘Hodgetown’

The Amarillo Sod Poodles(Double-A, Texas League) today announced that they have entered into a ballpark naming-rights partnership, renaming the home of the Sod Poodles “Hodgetown”. Read more here.

🚨Breaking🚨There are a lot of people who helped bring affiliated baseball back to the Texas Panhandle. A big thank you to Jerry Hodge for spearheading this dream come true.
Hodgetown: Home of your Amarillo Sod Poodles
Full story: https://t.co/C06YQqfSTJ pic.twitter.com/InNYClzk0X

— Amarillo Sod Poodles (@sodpoodles) January 17, 2019

Mock Tours, Reviews Sod Poodles’ Palace

Joe Mock of  BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) recently to tour the new $45.5-million ballpark currently under construction for the newly minted Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) — a franchise relocating from San Antonio (TX) in time for the 2019 season.  Read review and view 13 photos here.

Mock in Town for Sod Poodles, Ballpark Tour

Joe Mock of  BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) last week for the big unveiling of the Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) and tour the new $45.5-million ballpark currently under construction for the now-prairie dog-themed franchise relocating from San Antonio (TX) in time for the 2019 season.  Read more and view photos here.

It’s the ‘Amarillo Sod Poodles’

PRESS RELEASE – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, unveiled their new identity program Tuesday at a press conference.

Anthem Inspired by Growing Appreciation for ‘Sod Poodles’

When the finalists for Amarillo’s new Double-A baseball team were announced, they raised eyebrows.  But thanks to a catchy song, sod poodles are winning over Amarilloans.  Read more here.

Amarillo, Padres Agree to PDC

PRESS RELEASE – Amarillo Professional Baseball and the San Diego Padres announced today that they have agreed to a player-development contract (PDC) that will run through the 2020 season.

Resident Takes Legal Action to Stop Amarillo Ballpark Project, Construction Well Under Way

In a futile effort, one resident is taking the City of Amarillo (TX) and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation to court to seek an injunction on the downtown ballpark project for the coming Amarillo Bronc Busters, Jerky, Long Haulers, Sod Poodles, or Boot Scooters (Double-A, Texas League).  Read more here.  In real news, check out the latest ballpark construction video here.

Missions Prepare to Bid Adieu to Texas League

One of the longest running affiliations in American professional sports will come to an end in September when the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) conclude their season.  Read more here.

Elmore Weighing Options in San Antonio, Chooses GM to Ramp Up Amarillo Operations

Nearly a year later after announcing the move of the Colorado Sky Sox (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) to San Antonio (TX), the Elmore Sports Group’s pursuit of a new stadium remains in the exploratory stage.  Read more here.  (Subscription required.)  Meanwhile, it’s been announced that Sky Sox GM Tony Ensor has been tapped to run Elmore’s new Double-A, Texas League club in Amarillo (TX) (the relocating San Antonio Missions).  Sky Sox Assistant GM Chris Phillips has been promoted to GM.  Read more here.

Amarillo Breaks Ground on Double-A Ballpark

City of Amarillo (TX) officials unveiled what they envision as Amarillo’s long-awaited $45.5 million Field of Dreams during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon just south of City Hall.  Read more and view photos here.

Amarillo Council Set to Vote Today on Contract with Ballpark Builder

The Amarillo (TX) City Council on Friday will consider clearing the way for construction to start on a new $45.5 million baseball stadium, which is set to host the relocating San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) starting in 2019.  Read more here.

Western Builders/Hunt Construction to Build New Amarillo Ballpark

Western Builders of Amarillo (TX) will work with national contractor Hunt Construction Group to build the new $45.54 million ballpark in downtown Amarillo that will host a Double-A team starting in spring 2019.  Read more here.

Amarillo, Elmore Sports Group Agree to New Ballpark Lease Terms

After weeks of negotiations, the City of Amarillo and the Elmore Sports Group have agreed upon a 30-year lease for the new Double A minor league baseball team to begin play in a new $45.5 million downtown stadium in 2019.  Read more here.

Amarillo Ballpark Design Concept Moves Forward

Amarillo is one step closer to a downtown ballpark after the Local Government Corp. approved a concept drawing at its recent meeting.  Read more here.

Elmore Sports Groups Signs Ballpark MPEV with Amarillo, Construction Could Begin in January

The Amarillo Local Government Corp., the group tasked with overseeing downtown catalyst projects for the city, approved a letter of agreements with Elmore Sports Group to lease the coming downtown multipurpose event venue that will be built to house the relocating San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League).  Read more here.

Amarillo Closer to Bringing Affiliated Ball to Town?

Amarillo (TX) reportedly could be closer to negotiating a deal to bring an affiliated professional baseball franchise to a new downtown ballpark.  Read more here.  View timeline here.

 

No Pecos League at Potter Memorial

Instead of allowing Southern Independent Baseball (SIB) to sub-lease Memorial Stadium to the Pecos League, Potter County (TX) Commissioners decided on Monday to sub-lease the ballpark to San Jacinto Christian Academy.  Read more here.

Pecos League to Amarillo Decision Delayed, Dunn Told to Hold Off Selling Tickets

The Potter County (TX) Commissioners Court agreed Monday to put a two-week hold on their decision to allow the Pecos League to be a 2017 summer tenant in Potter County Memorial Stadium.  League commissioner Andrew Dunn had jumped out ahead of the process by announcing the team after agreeing to a sublease to use the ballpark and was asked to hold off on selling tickets for now.  Read more here.  Read background here.

Despite Announcement, Amarillo Lone Stars’ Ballpark Deal Not Finalized

In typical Pecos League fashion, the circuit announces a new team, unveils branding and uniforms, but doesn’t quit have an approved ballpark lease in place.  This is the case in Amarillo (TX) with the Amarillo Lone Stars.  Read more here.

Texas AirHogs Name New General Manager

PRESS RELEASE – The Texas AirHogs are excited to announce Barrett Weaver as general manager of the organization. The AirHogs franchise and fans alike are well-acquainted with the ball club’s new GM.

Missions Trolling Lubbock

The San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas) are apparently trying to cover their relocation bets, as the team is reportedly eyeing Lubbock (TX) for its new home, while in ballpark talks with Amarillo (TX).  As we all know, the franchise will be moved, if San Antonio (TX) builds a new downtown stadium for the to-be-relocated Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League).  Read more here.

Amarillo Looks to Formal Agreement to Lock Down Double-A Franchise, New Ballpark

Future plans for a downtown Amarillo (TX) baseball stadium have temporarily stalled after the owners of the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) declined to sign a letter of intent.  The plan instead is to move toward completing a long-term formal agreement this fall.  Read more here.

Ballpark Drama in Amarillo

The appearance of a dysfunctional city government might cost Amarillo a AA baseball team and a downtown ballpark, according to City Councilman Randy Burkett.  Read more here.

Dittrich Ponders Double-A Ball’s Return to Amarillo

The Amarillo Globe-News interviewed long-time baseball executive John Dittrich about his time as owner and general manager of the Amarillo Gold Sox (Double-A, Texas League) back in the late 1970s/early 1980s and his thoughts about Double-A ball possibly returning to the city with a new stadium on deck.  Read more here.

If They Built It, Triple-A Sky Sox to San Antonio

San Antonio (TX) Mayor Ivy Taylor announced Thursday that Triple-A baseball will come to San Antonio in 2019 if a new ballpark is built Downtown.  Taylor made the announcement with David Elmore of Elmore Sports Group, which owns the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League).  Read more here.

Amarillo Ballpark Cost Lowered, Hotel Tax Targeted to Fund Project

Amarillo (TX) city staff released a preliminary report Wednesday that shaves about $4 million off the cost of the proposed downtown baseball stadium and event venue and proposes to pay for the construction largely with hotel occupancy taxes.  Read more here.

Price Rises for Proposed Amarillo Ballpark

Amarillo (TX) city councilmen agreed Tuesday without taking a vote to continue the pursuit of a baseball stadium — now at the estimated price of $48.4 million, well over the previous estimate of $32 million.  Read more here.

Colorado Springs Sky Sox to San Antonio?

A lot would have to happen here, but ballpark developments in Texas could mean the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) relocate to the new ballpark in Amarillo (TX), with the Colorado Sky Sox (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) replacing the Missions in San Antonio (TX).  Both teams are owned by Elmore Sports Group.  Read more here.

Amarillo Eyes Double-A Franchise

During the Local Government Corporation meeting on Wednesday at City Hall, Richard Neumann from Brailsford & Dunlavey discussed the probability of attracting a Double-A franchise to Amarillo (TX).  The firm would create plans for building a stadium for an affiliated club, possibly the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League), instead of the Amarillo ThunderHeads (Indy Pro, American Association).  Read more here.

Amarillo Voters (Barely) Approve Ballpark Referendum

Voters in Amarillo (TX) supported, by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent, including a ballpark in a downtown multipurpose event venue.  The difference came down to 820 votes out of more than 22,000 cast.  The non-binding referendum was meant to measure public opinion of the plan.  The city council will have to decide whether or not to move forward with the development.  The pro baseball tenant and ballpark operator have yet to be determined.  Read more here.

n

No Problem Selling Ballpark Suites in Amarillo

The proposed ballpark in Amarillo (TX) hasn’t been constructed, let alone voted on yet, but there is already a waiting list of groups hoping to purchase all 12 of the suites called for in the design.  Read more here.

Amarillo Citizens Take Ballpark Sides

In less than a month, Amarillo (TX) voters will decide if a $32 million dollar downtown ballpark will be included in the downtown multi-purpose event venue.  The controversial ballot item has two new groups forming to share their side of the argument.  Read more and watch news report here.

Only One Suitor for New Amarillo Ballpark

The city of Amarillo (TX) on May 8 issued a request for qualifications to operate the proposed downtown event/baseball stadium and extended the deadline to respond by one week to encourage the widest swath of potential suitors, but the lone responder was still Amarillo Baseball Club LLC — the operator of the Amarillo Thunderheads (Indy Pro, American Association).  Read more here.

Amarillo Ballpark at Risk?

Because the recent election ushered in two new councilmen and one more on the way after a scheduled runoff on June 13, the future of the proposed new ballpark in downtown Amarillo (TX) is now unclear.  Read more and watch news report here.