Astros Officially Make Independent Skeeters Triple-A Affiliate

The Houston Astros’ farm system is getting closer than before to the team’s home base of Minute Maid Park. On Friday, the club officially announced it has agreed to purchase a majority stake in the Sugar Land Skeeters and designate it as its Triple-A affiliate.  Read more here.

Yankees Ditch Double-A Trenton for Independent Somerset

The New York Yankees have announced changes to their minor league affiliation structure as a result of the expiration of the Professional Baseball Agreement (between Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball) and the creation of the Prospect Development Pipeline.  Read more here.  Read about the Somerset Patriots here.

Gastonia Pro Baseball Narrows List of Possible Team Names to Five Finalists

The newest club in the Atlantic League (Independent Professional) located in Gastonia (NC) announced in August the launch of its “Name the Team Contest,” which encourages fans to submit names for consideration as the club builds its brand identity.  The team has narrowed the field to five finalists — Fire Ants, Honey Hunters, Uppercuts, Hogzillas, and Hotshots. Fans can learn more about the names and make their selection here by Oct. 31.

Atlantic League Designated Partner League of MLB

PRESS RELEASE – Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today that it has named the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) its first “Partner League”. As a Partner League, ALPB will meet regularly with MLB to discuss joint marketing and promotional opportunities, including the leagues’ shared goal of providing baseball to communities throughout the United States.

Atlantic League Adds Gastonia (NC) to 2021 Lineup

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) announced today it is expanding to the City of Gastonia with a team ownership group led by Brandon Bellamy, CEO of Velocity Companies, Inc. Gastonia becomes the second Atlantic League location in North Carolina, joining High Point, where the Rockers began play in 2019.

Atlantic League Clubs Announce Updated 2020 Plans

PRESS RELEASE – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several member clubs have not gained necessary approval from governmental and health officials to open their ballparks to a capacity level sufficient for participation. As a result, the 2020 schedule for each team has been opened up, with clubs permitted to seek new solutions for this season that conform to their current governmental guidelines in order to get ballparks opened and begin play.

Rockers Home Stadium Name to Change to Truist Point

PRESS RELEASE -The High Point Rockers, along with Truist announced today that the teams home stadium of BB&T Point will officially be rebranded as Truist Point this summer. The transition comes as a contribution of its naming rights partnership with the independent Atlantic League franchise.

Blue Crabs to Become Bleu Cheeses on Thursdays

PRESS RELEASE – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced on Friday afternoon that they will change their name to the Bleu Cheeses every Thursday as part of their Wing Wars promotion including all you can eat chicken wings and all you can drink beer.

Shuckers Owner Pitches Independent Minor League Park at Alabama Entertainment Complex

A finalist interested in operating Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile (AL) last year is pitching independent league baseball and a new stadium at the OWA entertainment complex in Foley (AL).  Read more here.

Time to Name the Atlantic League’s Robo Umps

If “Robo Umps” are going to continue calling balls and strikes, in the Atlantic League (Independent Professional), they need to be ready to hear the good and the bad from the fans, just like their human counterparts.  And for that, they’re going to need names.  Read more here.  Read press release here.

Mesquite Being Targeted by Atlantic League

The Atlantic League (Independent Professional) is reportedly in discussions with Mesquite (TX) about bringing a franchise to North Texas.  The circuit is in need of a travel partner for the successful Sugar Land Skeeters, which have been the lone franchise in the Lone Star State since the team first took the field in 2012 and is over 1,000 miles away from their nearest opponent in High Point (NC).   Read more  and watch news report here.

New Britain Bees Depart Atlantic League for Futures League

The New Britain Bees (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) will play as a summer collegiate team in the Futures League in 2020.  Read more here.  Read background about team’s departure from the Atlantic League here and here.

TD Bank Ballpark Getting Upgrades

Plans have been announced to upgrade TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), including the addition of a Ferris wheel; a new fun zone and individual/group area with concessions where the lawn seating section is now in right field; a redesigned picnic patio in left field; and a redesign of The Handle Bar, an area where fans can enjoy an upgraded bar experience at the game.  Read more here.

New Britain Bees to Play in Can-Am League?

The New Britain Bees (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) will be playing baseball in New Britain (CT) for at least one more year, though their league affiliation for 2020 is unclear.  Reports are that the team will play in the Can-Am League (Independent Professional).  Read more here and here.

Patriots to Host Inaugural Ballpark Brewfest

The Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) and Tapastre are teaming up to host dozens of craft breweries at the TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater on Sept. 14 for the first annual Ballpark Brewfest.  Read more here.  Learn more and get tickets here.

Demolition of Newark Ballpark Stirs Memories

Construction crews continued the demolition of Newark’s (NJ) Riverfront Stadium last week, as the ballpark, built in 1999, met its unfortunate demise.  Read more and view photo here.

The slow disassembly of Newark Bears stadium is underway @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/M838ogJySe

— Jeremy Settle (@JeremySettle) August 5, 2019

Ducks Sign 10-Year Ballpark Lease Extension

The Long Island Ducks (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) celebrated 20 seasons of baseball Friday, and at least 10 more are on the way.  As a capper to the pregame ceremony honoring the milestone before the Ducks faced the High Point Rockers at Bethpage Ballpark, team founder and CEO Frank Boulton signed a 10-year extension on the ballpark’s lease with Suffolk County.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the heads up.

Atlantic League In, Coastal Plain League Out in Gastonia?

Gastonia (NC) leaders are leaning toward a new partnership that would bring a professional baseball franchise to the city, with the team playing in a new stadium just west of downtown and the ownership group also managing the multipurpose facility.  Read more here.

Atlantic League Tests Electronic Strike Zone

Perhaps lost in the shuffle of viral videos and managerial milestones was the historic, in-game test of the “Trackman strike zone” at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) on Thursday morning/afternoon.  It was a day mainly marked by confusion; umpires were told to call “their” strike zone, but players, coaches and even some of the umpires themselves seemed to be confused about this.  Read more here.  Read background story here.

Rockers Open New Park, Mascot Gets a Name

The High Point Rockers (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) held their inaugural home opener on Thursday, May 2, at the new BB&T Point in front of a reported crowd of 5,000.  Read more here.  View photo gallery here.

Sooooo… last night was pretty cool, right @RockersBaseball @sametcorp @ForwardHP @BBT @HighPointU @ElliottSidewalk???

📸: Russell Williams pic.twitter.com/DV96qYTKsp

— City of High Point (@CityofHighPoint) May 3, 2019

We're pleased to officially announce your Rockers mascot…HYPE!! pic.twitter.com/D7LU6amNP4

— High Point Rockers Baseball (@RockersBaseball) May 2, 2019

Blue Crabs Replace Ballpark Videoboard

One of the major additions to the start of the 2019 Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) season at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf (MD) is the brand-new LED video board from Brookings (SD)-based Daktronics out in right-center field.  Read more here.

Rockers Close to Naming Mascot, Final Voting Underway

The High Point Rockers (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) have narrowed the list of possible names for the team’s mascot to nine, including Buck, Giddy Up, Hay Hay, Hobby, Thunder, Hutch, Hype, Ribbie and Splinter.  Fans have until Sunday, April 28th at midnight to vote for their favorite.  Click here to vote.  In cased you missed it, the team unveiled their uniforms last month.  Watch news report here.

Editorial: Gastonia Wise to Explore Options for New Stadium’s Primary Baseball Tenant

The question now facing Gastonia (NC) city leaders as they move toward building a new multi-use stadium to serve as the anchor of the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District, is whether the Gastonia Grizzlies (Summer Collegiate, Coastal Plain League) will be one of the primary tenants of the new facility or if a different baseball franchise will play that role.  Read more here.

Campbell’s Field Demolition Continues

The demolition continues at the site of Campbell’s Field, the former home of the Camden Riversharks (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  View demolition photos here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Campbell's Field once boasted a breathtaking view of the Philadelphia skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connecting Camden with Philly.

Now it sits in a heap of twisted steel and broken brick and concrete after being demolished. https://t.co/DF4CKMdElN

— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) January 27, 2019

Council Takes First Tour of Ballpark Construction Site

Construction fencing surrounds BB&T Point in downtown High Point (NC).  But for the first time, members of the High Point City Council were allowed behind the barrier to see how construction is progressing.  Read more and watch news report here.

Land Redevelopment Could Lead to Upgrades to Patriots’ Home

Bridgewater Township (NJ) will conduct a study to determine whether county-owned land near the TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), is in need of redevelopment.  This could help fund needed upgrades to the two-decades-old stadium to enhance the experience for fans and help the team to remain competitive.  Read more here.

Revs Ballpark Additions Honor Negro League Team, Star

PRESS RELEASE – Even as construction continues on the 1741 Club presented by UPMC Pinnacle, York Revolution officials today announced two additional new hospitality spaces at PeoplesBank Park and revealed their historically inspired names – the Monarch and Solomon Rooms.

Revolutionary Changes Underway at York Ballpark

Major changes are underway at York’s (PA) minor league ballpark this offseason, paving the way for a 2019 season that the York Revolution (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) expect will drive increased attendance.  Read more here.  The new 1741 Club should be a big hit.

Authority Seeking Bids to Demolish Campbell’s Field

Campbell’s Field, former home of the Camden Riversharks (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) is expected to face the wrecking ball after 17 years.  The 6,700-seat park cost $35 million to build.  Camden County Improvement Authority is looking for bids on the demolition.  Read more here.

Negotiations Continue, But No Pro Baseball at Surf Stadium in 2019

Negotiations to bring baseball back to Surf Stadium are continuing, but the prospect of seeing a team on the field next summer is unlikely.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Somerset Patriots Welcome 7-Millionth Fan

The Somerset Patriots welcomed their 7,000,000th Fan to TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday, July 26th. At 6:34 pm, Dan Heitkamp of Washington Township purchased the ticket to the game and entered the main gate with his 4-year old godson Logan where he was greeted by Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry and Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle among the fanfare.

It’s the ‘High Point Rockers’

Dozens of High Point (NC) Baseball fans came out to BB&T Ballpark to celebrate the unveiling of the new team — The High Point Rockers (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  Watch news report and view photos here.

High Point Baseball Unveils Three Name-the-Team Finalists

The ownership of the Atlantic League (Independent Professional) franchise coming to High Point (NC) has unveiled the three finalists for the the club’s name-the-team contest, which include the Dragon Claws, Rockers, and Splinters.  Fans can vote now for their favorite name.  The team’s name and logo set will be unveiled on July 21.  Learn more and vote here.

Somerset’s Ballpark Celebrates 20 Years

On Saturday night, TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), hosted an elaborate celebration for the 20th anniversary of the first game ever played there on June 7, 1999.  Read more and view photos here.  View more photos here.

High Point Ballpark Developers Unveil Phase I

Developers revealed Phase I of the High Point (NC) baseball stadium project on Tuesday, which provides a glimpse of Phase II.  View photo gallery here.  The plan calls for 500K square feet of mixed-use space.  View rendering gallery here.

Boulton Given Green Light to Search for Atlantic City Team Owner

The Atlantic City (NJ) City Council has authorized Frank Boulton, the former owner of the Atlantic City Surf (Independent Professional, Can-Am League/Atlantic League) to find an ownership group willing to bring minor league baseball back to Surf Stadium.  Read more here.

‘Name the Team’ Time in High Point (NC)

With the ground broken and construction of BB&T Point well underway, it’s time to get your team named! What’s in a name? Everything! We have so much to draw from in coming up with a team name with High Point having an incredible history in furniture, textiles, trains, and even bus manufacturing, not to mention our Southern culture, hospitality, flora and fauna, great team name options abound. What’s yours?  Read more here.

Patriots to Host Ballpark Comic Con May 12

The Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) will host their Sixth Annual Ballpark Comic Con at TD Bank Ballpark May 12, presented by the Hugs For Brady Foundation.  Read more here.

Revolution Add to Front Office Ahead of April 26 Opener

PRESS RELEASE – The defending Atlantic League champion York Revolution has welcomed a new team of full-time and intern members to its front office roster.

Revolution Announce Ballpark Renovations

Hospitality options at PeoplesBank Park will be transformed in 2019, the team announced Wednesday.  A major renovation of the skybox level will convert the current White Rose Hall into the “1741 Club,” a flexible, all-inclusive game experience that will expand options for business and individual consumers alike.  Read more and view renderings here.