T-Bones Become Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are back — sort of.  New owners of the Kansas City T-Bones baseball club in Kansas City (KS) announced Thursday that the team will adopt the name of Kansas City’s storied Negro Leagues team beginning this season.  Read more here.

Saints Bring Their Distinctive Brand of Entertainment to Triple-A

PRESS RELEASE – For 28 years the St. Paul Saints introduced the baseball world to pigs delivering baseballs to umpires, nuns giving massages to fans, and promotions poking fun at current events, politics, the baseball industry, and oftentimes themselves, all while being an Independent Professional Baseball Club. The Saints “Fun is Good” motto is about to enter center stage on a completely different level. The Saints, in a partnership with the Minnesota Twins, have received an invitation to become the top tier, Triple-A, Minor League affiliate of their Twin Cities neighbor beginning in the 2021 season.

Former AirHogs Ballpark to Become Venue for Major League Cricket

Major League Cricket has leased a 5,400-seat minor league baseball stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas, and will turn the venue into a cricket stadium for the league’s inaugural 2022 season.  Read more here.  The ballpark was the home of the now-defunct Texas/Grand Prairie AirHogs (Independent Professional, American Association).  Read more here.

American Association, Frontier League Designated as Partner Leagues of MLB

PRESS RELEASE – Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today that it has named both the American Association and the Frontier League as “Partner Leagues” of MLB. The American Association and the Frontier League join the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), which was designated a Partner League earlier this week.

American Association to Start 2020 Season with Three Ballparks, Six Teams

PRESS RELEASE – Sports talk show hosts and fans believed the perfect time to begin the 2020 baseball season was the Fourth of July Weekend. America’s birthday, fireworks, and baseball have always gone together. Baseball fans were looking for a glimmer of hope.

Milkmen Announce Milky Way Drive-In at Ballpark Commons, Movies Begin May 22

PRESS RELEASE – The Milwaukee Milkmen announced today a partnership with Franklin Tourism and Studio Gear to bring back a vintage movie-going experience via the brand-new Milky Way Drive-In at Ballpark Commons located in Franklin, WI.

“Nopening Day” Today for St. Paul Saints

PRESS RELEASE – In an alternate universe the St. Paul Saints sixth season at CHS Field opens with all the pomp and circumstance of a home opener, a sold out crowd watching a banner raising ceremony, getting another look at the 2019 championship trophy, and a chance to put a tidy bow on their title run by honoring last season’s team. With the season postponed until July, the Saints are setting up for the most unique start to a season in franchise history with the first, and hopefully only, Nopening Day.

American Association Postpones Start of 2020 Season

The Board of Directors of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball has postponed the start of the 2020 regular season, which was scheduled for May 19.

T-Bones Are Back!

After getting the boot from its own ball park, the Kansas City T-Bones (Independent Professional, American Association) are back. On Tuesday, the team introduced its new owner, unveiled updated branding, and showcased plans for an impressive stadium makeover. Watch news report here.

Bullpen Coworking Opens at Ballpark Commons

PRESS RELEASE – A new way to work is coming to Franklin! Bullpen Coworking at Ballpark Commons, will host an open house with refreshments on Wednesday, January 29th from 4-7pm, to introduce Franklin to a work environment that provides community, collaboration, and access to all the right tools while at the same time offering the autonomy, flexibility, and convenience of a home office.

RedHawks Reveal 25th Season Commemorative Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks released their 25th season commemorative logo Thursday, in recognition of the team’s 25th season in 2020. The RedHawks will recognize the anniversary during the 25th season with special promotions, giveaways, and an All-25 Team, which will be selected by a fan vote, beginning in early 2020.

Milkmen Settle Lawsuit, Search for New Ballpark Naming Rights Sponsor

A legal dispute about naming rights for a baseball stadium has temporarily left it without a moniker.  The owners of the Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association), said this week they settled a lawsuit with their ballpark’s naming rights sponsor.  Read more here.

Embracing Winter at CHS Field

Destination Winter Saint Paul is open at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints (Independent Professional, American Association) through Feb. 22.  There’s excitement for all ages in one place with the relocation of Wells Fargo WinterSkate from Landmark Plaza to the playing surface at CHS Field and the return of the Securian Financial SuperSlide for the first time since Super Bowl LII.  Read more and view video clip here.  Learn more details here.

Plans for Shakopee Ballpark Formally Announced, American Association Targeted

Plans were formally announced this week for an 8,500-seat baseball stadium in Shakopee (MN) that a newly formed minor league team will call home.  A goal for the team is to be a part of the American Association (Independent Professional) and revive the old-time rivalry between the Minneapolis Millers and the St. Paul Saints.  Read more here.  Read previous news here.

T-Bones Staying Put, Ballpark Improvements Coming

Buoyed by a new owner, the Kansas City T-Bones (Independent Professional, American Association) will stay put, after the local government approved a $1 million infusion of tax revenues to help with ballpark improvements.  The new ownership group, called Max Fun LLC, will also invest significantly in the stadium, the staff and marketing to broaden the customer base and improve the team’s public image.  Read more here.

Cooling Down Impact Field: Settlement Reached in HVAC Dispute

It could take up to a year to fix the heating and cooling system at Impact Field, home of the Chicago Dogs (Independent Professional, American Association), after a settlement was reached with the subcontractor who installed the HVAC system in the $63-million, 6,300-seat ballpark in Rosemont (IL) that opened in May 2018.  Read more here.

Statement From the T-Bones About Sale of Franchise

PRESS RELEASE – The Kansas City T-Bones are progressing toward a sale and are scheduled to complete the sale this week.  The incoming owner has been in close negotiations and planning with the Unified Government, all for the sake of setting the table for continued American Association professional baseball in Wyandotte County.

Naming Rights Contract for Routine Field Not Signed, Lawsuit Filed

The company for which Routine Field is named is suing the developer of that Franklin baseball park, claiming it is using its name and logo without approval.  Franklin-based baseball apparel company Routine Baseball LLC says it approved a nonbinding letter of intent to sign a naming rights contract with Ballpark Commons LLC, which operates the stadium.  Read more here.  View ballpark photos here.

 

The Sanford Mile Could Bring New Home for Canaries

It’s no secret that the home of the Sioux Falls Canaries (Independent Professional, American Association) could be torn down, as this was recently recommended by a citizen task force.  Adding to the intrigue, Sanford Health just released plans that suggest that the team’s new field could be built just a few miles up the road as part of the “the Sanford Mile” — their version of the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.  Read more here and here.

Task Force: Demolish Sioux Falls Stadium

A task force charged with studying future needs at the Sioux Falls (SD) events campus is recommending demolition of facilities, including Sioux Falls Stadium, home of the Sioux Falls Canaries (Independent Professional, American Association).   The group says the stadium loses more than $200,000 a year, will soon need around $3 million in repairs and maintenance, and keeping it at the current location is not what’s best for baseball in Sioux Falls or taxpayers.  Read more here.

T-Bones Evicted from Ballpark

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City Kansas will evict the Kansas City T-Bones (Independent Professional, American Association) from the county-owned stadium in Village West after the independent league team went months without paying rent and utilities.  Read more here.

Ballpak Visit ALERT: Routine Field (Franklin, WI)

Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com recently visited the new Routine Field, home of the first-year Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association).  Mock sums up his visit with this quote of approval:

“But whether it’s Wow or Whoa, Routine Field is anything but routine. It warrants a visit the next time you’re in the Milwaukee area.”

Read full review and see photos here.

Milkmen Open New Ballpark

The Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association) minor-league baseball team opened their home stadium at Ballpark Commons in Franklin (WI) on Monday in front of a reported crowd of 3,284, capping off a year of construction work.  Read more here.  View slideshow here.

Wow! What a night! Thank you to all those who attended our Inaugural Home Game at Routine Field! We didn't let the rain slow us down! 🐄🥛https://t.co/AnQyVlYX3w

— Milwaukee Milkmen (@MKEMilkmen) June 25, 2019

First Look at Milkmen Ballpark

First pitch at Routine Field in Franklin (WI), the home for the first-year Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association) is less than a week away, and final preparation is in full, furious swing.  Read more and see photo gallery here.

Exclusive look at new #Milwaukee-area baseball stadium at @TheRockComplex: First look at Routine Field at Ballpark Commons in Franklin as first game nears: Slideshow @MKEMilkmen @UWM @MKE_ADBraun @craighaskins @Leinenkugels https://t.co/HK4twN3nwL

— MKE Business Journal (@MKEBizJournal) June 18, 2019

Explorers Hire Pitkin as Director of Baseball and Stadium Operations

PRESS RELEASE – The Sioux City Explorers announce today the hiring of Boyd Pitkin as Director of Baseball and Stadium Operations. Pitkin will help lead the Explorers during their 27th season in Siouxland.

It's been a wild 24 hours for Boyd Pitkin, who will continue his baseball career in Sioux City, now coming on staff with the @SiouxCityXs https://t.co/KmAhoWVvj2

— Owen Siebring (@owensiebring) May 3, 2019

Ballpark Commons Construction Timetable Tightens

Ballpark Commons project developer Mike Zimmerman said the winter weather is creating a tight construction schedule for opening day on the new Franklin (WI) baseball stadium, but they’ll be ready for the first pitch on May 24.  Read more and view slideshow here.

Milkmen Add Ballpark Sponsors

Local businesses Zuern Building Products, Milwaukee Sausage Company and WaterStone Bank have partnered up with new minor league baseball club Milwaukee Milkmen as sponsors of its ballpark, Routine Field, which is being constructed at The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin (WI).  The team’s inaugural season home opening game will be on May 24 against the Chicago Dogs.  Read more here.

Senior-Living Project Underway at Ballpark Commons

Eden Prairie (MN)-based New Perspective Senior Living announced that it has broken ground to start construction for a 149-unit senior living facility that will be part of the Ballpark Commons mixed-use development near The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin (WI).  Read more here.

Railcats Announce Staff Additions and Promotions for 2019 Season

PRESS RELEASE – The Gary SouthShore RailCats are proud to announce several staff additions and promotions for the 2019 season.

Roc Ventures Seeking Extra $5 Million for Ballpark Commons

Franklin’s (WI) Ballpark Commons mixed-use development is seeking another $5.2 million in city financing help — beyond $22.5 million already approved. Read more here.

Baseball Museum Coming to CHS Field

New concrete? Negative. Maybe a space @DerekSharrer can put all his Executive of the Year Awards? Afraid not. Perhaps an area @TWSaint can host his after hour parties? Great idea, but no. It's the official groundbreaking for a museum honoring baseball in St. Paul. Coming in 2019. pic.twitter.com/C1an2kXnoW

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) October 12, 2018

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Lyter Promoted to Salvi Sports Prez, Flenner Hired as RailCats GM

Gary SouthShore RailCats (Independent Professional, American Association) General Manager Brian Lyter has been promoted to President of Salvi Sports Enterprises, while the RailCats have hired Brian Flenner as General Manager.  Read more here.

American Association Realigns, Announces Wingnuts Will Not Play in 2019

The American Association (Independent Professional) has announced its divisional alignment for the 2019 season. It also announced that the Wichita Wingnuts will not play in 2019 because Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is being demolished to make room for a new ballpark and the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League). Read more here.

2019 divisional alignments:
North: @TheChicagoDogs, @FMRedHawks @railcats, @MKEMilkmen, @StPaulSaints, @Wpg_Goldeyes
South: @CRRBaseball, @tbonesbaseball, @saltdogsball, @SiouxCityXs, @canaries, @TXAirHogs
The @Wingnuts_ICT will not operate in 2019. pic.twitter.com/9xTI56Rz7e

— American Association (@AA_Baseball) October 6, 2018

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Goodbye Celebration Planned for Lawrence-Dumont Stadium

Wichita (KS) will bid farewell to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium with one final baseball game on Saturday, October 13.  The last game in the 84-year-old stadium will feature former area baseball players, along with local celebrities and athletes.  It will be followed by a screening of The Sandlot movie, food trucks and music.  The night will wrap up with a fireworks show.  Read more here and here.

New Ballpark Commons Stadium to be Named ‘Routine Field’

ROC Ventures has announced that Routine Baseball has received exclusive naming rights for the new stadium located at Ballpark Commons.  The ballpark will be known as Routine Field.  Routine Baseball is an apparel brand dedicated to baseball and the lifestyle surrounding it.  Read more here.

Ballpark Commons Ballpark to Feature Beer Garden, Possible Giant Climbable Milk Carton

The baseball stadium under construction in Franklin (WI) for the coming Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association) will offer more than a seat to watch the team play. Beyond the game, it will have a beer garden, lawn games, a kids play area possibly with an oversized, climbable milk carton, and a burger and shake joint conceived by the former operators of AJ Bombers.  Read more and view photo here.  (Subscription required.)

It’s the ‘Milwaukee Milkmen’

The new American Association (Independent Professional) team that will take up residence at the new Ballpark Commons in Franklin (WI) will be known as the Milwaukee Milkmen. Buy tickets merchandise here.

Special delivery! We've tallied the votes and the moment you've been waiting for has arrived. Meet Wisconsin’s newest pro baseball team, the Milwaukee Milkmen!  See the full video here: https://t.co/jSs1YKdiSE pic.twitter.com/ZyuzaghC0h

— Milwaukee Milkmen (@MKEMilkmen) September 17, 2018

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Moving Forward with Baby Cakes, Settlement with Wingnuts

The Wichita (KS) City Council plans will vote whether or not to approve an agreement with the New Orleans Baby Cakes (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) for the relocation to Wichita and the construction of a new stadium.  The Council will also vote this morning on whether to enter a settlement agreement with the Wichita Wingnuts (Independent Professional, American Association) to terminate their 10-year lease of Lawrence-Dumont.  Staff reports show the settlement is around $2 million, paid over time from now until 2026.  Read more and watch news report here.  UPDATE:  Ballpark project and settlement approved.

Saints Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Animal House with FOOD FIIIIGHT!!!!

Things got messy at CHS Field on Tuesday, Aug. 14. The St. Paul Saints (Independent Professional, American Association) paid tribute to the 40th anniversary of the movie Animal House with a huge ballpark “FOOD FIIIIGHT!”  Read press release here.

FOOD FIGHT!!!!!#40YearsOfAnimalHouse pic.twitter.com/e9Yce0kDJm

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) August 15, 2018

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Local Architecture Firm Pitches Downtown Sioux Falls Ballpark

Tom Hurlbert, principal architect at CO-OP Architecture in downtown Sioux Falls (SD), has publicly pitched a new ballpark.  The Co-Op Architecture group has made designs of a proposed baseball stadium at Falls Park.  It would be north of the Sioux Steel development site.  Read more and view renderings gallery here.