Doubledays GM Resigns

For the second time in two months, the Auburn Doubledays’ (Single-A, New York-Penn League) general manager is stepping down.  Bob Scarbrough, who was named general manager after Adam Winslow‘s departure in November, resigned effective Jan. 24.  Read more here.

Communities, Congress Fighting Back Against MLB’s Minor League Contraction Plan

Norwich (CT) Mayor Peter Nystrom says he plans to fight hard to preserve his town’s little piece of Americana — the soon-to-be-renamed Connecticut Tigers (we’re hoping for Narwhals) (Single-A, New York-Penn League).  Mayor Norstrom stated:

I’m writing to every municipality affected by this.  These are community centers.  Dodd Stadium is a community center.  To me, this is a stab in the back.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, who represents Norwich, said he believes MLB has underestimated the clout these communities have.  He co-authored a letter signed by over 100 colleagues to MLB officials outlining the negative implications of contraction and reminding them Congress has the power to reconsider the league’s antitrust exemption.  MLB responded.  Read more here.

New at Falcon Park this Season

Fans of the Auburn Doubledays (Single-A, New York-Penn League) will notice some changes at Falcon Park this season.  The team’s worked throughout the off season to make improvements to the stadium, including adding new seating and concession options.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Doubledays for Sale

Auburn (NY) is looking for a buyer for the Auburn Doubledays (Single-A, New York-Penn League), the city-owned minor league baseball team that is valued at about $6 million, the city’s corporation counsel said last week.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Baseball America Discusses Possible NY-Penn League Move to Camden (NJ)

The independent Atlantic League’s plans to move one of its teams to recently vacated New Britain (CT) might also signal a shift in the short-season New York-Penn League.  Read more here.

Doubledays Add Two to Front Office

PRESS RELEASE – The Auburn Doubledays of the New York-Penn League, Single-A Short Season affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew Sagarin as Operations Manager and David Lauterbach as Communications Associate. Both Sagarin and Lauterbach have already begun preparing for the upcoming season with General Manager Mike Voutsinas.

New Loan Structure for Doubledays

The Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League) managerial group fell behind on repaying a $125,000 loan secured last year from the city of Auburn (NY), but the club is getting more time to catch up on payments.  Read more here.

City Owner of Doubledays Seeks Partnership

The city Auburn (NY), which owns the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League), and the team’s board of directors are considering partnering with a third party to help bolster the franchise in ways the city can’t afford.  This could eventually lead to an ownership change.  Read more here.  Read the concerns raised by the local newspaper here.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Falcon Park (Auburn, NY)

MiLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill recently visited Falcon Park, home of the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League).  Read more and view photos here.

Doubledays Name New GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Auburn Doubledays of the New York-Penn League, Single-A Short-Season affiliate of the Washington Nationals, are pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Voutsinas as the club’s General Manager. Voutsinas will begin his duties at the Doubledays’ Falcon Park offices immediately.

Doubledays Seeking Funds from City to Pay Debts

Auburn Community Baseball, the not-for-profit organization charged with managing the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League) and Falcon Park for the city is requesting $125,000 from the city to pay outstanding debts owed to various vendors and suppliers.  A vote on the request is scheduled for Dec. 5.  Read more here.

Auburn Doubledays Get Field Makeover

Courtesy of a New York state grant, Falcon Park, home of the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League), is getting a new playing surface.  Read more here.

Financially Troubled Chiefs Hire New GM

The financially troubled Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs (International League) have hired Jason Smorol as the team’s new a new general manager.  Smorol was general manager of the Single-A Auburn Doubledays (New York-Penn League) from 2002 to 2004.  Read more here.

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.

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.

Doubledays Hire New Radio/Public Address Announcer

PRESS RELEASE – The Auburn Doubledays announced today the hiring of Eli Pearlstein as the “voice of the Doubledays” for the 2012 season. Pearlstein will serve as the team’s radio play-by-play broadcaster for all away games, which will air on WAUB 98.1FM and 1590AM. Pearlstein will also serve as the public address announcer at Falcon Park during all Doubledays home games.

Doubledays’ CEO Retires

PRESS RELEASE – The Board of Directors of Auburn Community Owned Baseball announces that after careful consideration, Thomas Ganey wishes to retire from his position as CEO of the Auburn Doubledays. Mr. Ganey has been affiliated with Auburn Community Baseball for the past six decades.

Doubledays, Nationals Sign PDC

The Single-A Auburn (NY) Doubledays have signed a two-year player development contract with the Washington Nationals.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the article.

Jays Dump Doubledays

The Toronto Blue Jays and the Single-A Auburn (NY) Doubledays have parted ways.  There are several potential suitors for the ‘Days.  In addition to the Jays, six other MLB teams have terminated their PDC with their short season Single-A affiliates, including Oakland, Baltimore, Washington, St. Louis, Florida, and Houston.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the article.

Doubledays Affiliation with Jays Expected to End

Sources are reporting that the player development contract between the Single-A Auburn Doubldays and the Toronto Blue Jays will not be renewed when it expires in two weeks.  The Doubleday have been affiliated with the Jays for the past decade.  Now don’t cry yet for the Doubledays, as 11 teams in the New York-Penn League have

A Video Profile on the Doubledays and Jammers

Alanna Stage from The Daily News in Batavia (NY) compares the small market Auburn Doubledays and Jamestown Jammers to the at-risk Batavia Muckdogs in a YouTube video.  View video here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the lead.