High Point Breaks Ground on New Ballpark

High Point (NC) broke ground today on its new $36-million, multi-use stadium to house a relocating Atlantic League (Independent Professional) franchise.  In addition to the traditional turning of dirt, officials unveiled the name and logo for the new facility — BB&T Point Stadium.  Read more and watch video here.

High Point Ballpark Groundbreaking Set for April 11

The official groundbreaking ceremony for High Point’s stadium will be at 11:30 a.m. on April 11 at the construction site at the corner of N. Elm Street and Gatewood Avenue.  The stadium will serve as the home of the relocating Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  Read more here.

Commission Gives High Point Authority to Issue Bonds to Build New Ballpark

The General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Government Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to let the High Point (NC) borrow up to $38 million to build a multiuse stadium downtown that would host an Atlantic League (International League) franchise.  Read more here.

Transforming Bridgeport Ballpark Into Amphitheater Approved

In a vote of 18 to 2, the Bridgeport (CT) City Council authorized Mayor Joe Ganim to enter into a deal allowing local developer Howard Saffan to transform the just-vacated ballpark into a warm weather amphitheater.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Fans Gobble Up Memories During Bluefish Moving Sale

Fans of the departing Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) got a chance this past weekend to take truckloads of memories home after a massive moving sale.  Read more and watch news report here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Bluefish to High Point 2019

Plans are moving forward to bring a baseball team and a multi-use stadium to downtown High Point (NC), and it appears the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) will be heading south to open a new chapter for the franchise.  Read more and watch video here.  Read about hotel project here.

Caribbean Jerk Festival at Brideport’s Harbor Yard

Food trucks and vendors, clothing tents and a stage with a band took over the baseball field at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard — the soon-to-be former home of the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) — on Saturday for the 11th annual Caribbean Jerk Fest.  Read more and view photo gallery here.  Watch video here.

Bluefish Fielding Calls, Exploring Options

There is always room for hope in baseball.  Just ask long-suffering fans of the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs.  But locals who love their 20-year-old Bridgeport Bluefish should prepare to resign themselves to this being the final season.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

After 20 Years, Bye-Bye Bluefish

Mayor Joe Ganim built the Ballpark at Harbor Yard and brought the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) to Bridgeport (CT) during his first administration.  20 years later, the returned mayor and his staff have decided it is time to begin a new era at the venue. Baseball is out, live concerts are in.  Read more here.

Brochure Raises Question About Future of Bridgeport’s Ballpark

Mayor Joe Ganim‘s economic development department is reviewing three competing contenders — Frank Boulton, Howard Saffan/Live Nation and an unnamed soccer organization — to use the Harbor Yard ballpark in Bridgeport after a proposed $185 million renovation.  Some have raised concerns that the decision has already been made.  Read more here.

Bridgeport Throws Out Ballpark Use Bids, Will Start Over

Due to a technicality, the city of Bridgeport (CT) is tossing out three competing bids it received last week to operate the Ballpark at Harbor Yard and initiating a do-over.  On Twitter, Jamie Toole, former general manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), had a few choice words for the city.  Read more here.

Instead of putting out bids 4 alternate tenants @CityofBptCT needs 2 fix the ballpark 4 the current tenant & actually support their team! https://t.co/0kliLoL0KW

— Jamie Toole (@JamieToole) April 4, 2017

Three Separate Groups Submit Proposals to Use Bridgeport Ballpark

In response to an RFP issued, three different business entities on Wednesday submitted competing proposals for the two-decade-old Ballpark at Harbor Yard, including current tenant the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), a developer and concert promoter, and a soccer entity.  Read more here.  Thank to John Cerone for the link.

Bridgeport Mayor Issues Ballpark RFP

Bridgeport (CT) Mayor Joe Ganim is apparently playing hardball with the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) over the city’s baseball stadium.  On Wednesday, the city called for proposals “for professional sports team operator or an outdoor entertainment venue” for the ballpark.  Read more here.

Bridgeport Council to Consider One-Year Ballpark Lease Extension

The Bridgeport (CT) City Council’s Contracts Committee unanimously approved a temporary deal allowing the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), whose contract with the city expired in September, to play ball at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard through the 2017 season — the team’s 20th.  Read more here.

Tim Tebow Pursuing Baseball Career, Minor League Teams Engage

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion Tim Tebow is pursuing a career in professional baseball. Several minor league teams responded, including the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  Read more here.

Bridgeport Looks at Ticket Tax to Help Fund City Needs

Bridgeport (CT) officials — including Mayor Joe Ganim — reportedly want to raise additional revenue for the city by taking advantage of a new state law enabling them to tack a maximum 5 percent surcharge on tickets to events at the Webster Bank Arena and the Harbor Yard ballpark, home of the Bridgeport Bluefish (Independent Professional, Atlantic League).  Read more here.

Bluefish Go Local with New Ballpark Food and Beverage Service

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced that they have signed a five year agreement with G-2 Sport Catering, who will operate all concessions at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard beginning in 2016.

Ballpark Lease Pressure on Bridgeport?

When the Atlantic League signed a recent “sweetheart lease” with the city of New Britain (CT), the message was loud and clear to the city of Bridgeport (CT), as the nine-year lease with the Bridgeport Bluefish (Indy Pro, Atlantic League) for the use of the Ballpark at Harbor Yard is set to expire in 2016.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Two Roads Beer Garden Coming to The Ballpark at Harbor Yard

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the opening of the all-new Two Roads Beer Garden at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the 2015 season. The Bluefish have partnered with Two Roads Brewery of Stratford, CT, to open this brand new Beer Garden down the Ballpark’s right field line.

Bluefish Announce Billboard Design Contest

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced that they are holding a contest for fans to design the team’s next billboard. The Bluefish have a new billboard up on I-95 South near The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, which they will use to keep fans updated on upcoming games and events throughout the season. Now, fans have the opportunity to tell the Bluefish what else they would

Bluefish to Host 2015 Atlantic League All-Star Game, Release Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced that The Ballpark at Harbor Yard will host the 2015 Atlantic League All-Star Game, which will take place on Wednesday, July 8. This will be the third time that Harbor Yard will have the event, with the previous mid-summer Classics being held in 1999 and 2006.

Pete Rose to Manage Bluefish (for One Day)

Pete Rose will manage for the first time in 25 years, as he takes the field as the skipper of indy pro Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League) for one game at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport (CT) on June 16.  Read more here.  Check out Bluefish Rose gear here.

Bluefish First Team to Offer Completely Interactive Game Program

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the implementation of a completely interactive game program for the 2014 season. The program will be called HOOKED: An Interactive Bluefish Experience and will have three installments throughout the year.

Bluefish to Honor Nelson Mandela During 2014 Season

PRESS RELEASE – The world was deeply saddened to have lost Nelson Mandela yesterday, who was such a great leader and inspirational character to many around the globe. He was a tremendous influence in the sports community as well, which is why the Bridgeport Bluefish will recognize Mandela during the teams 2014 season by placing a “remembrance” in the stadium at The Ballpark

Bluefish Name Forma Assistant GM

PRESS RELEASE- The Bridgeport Bluefish have announced the hiring of veteran minor league baseball executive Jared Forma as the team’s new assistant general manager.

Can New GM Turn Things Around for Bluefish?

The indy pro Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League) hired Ken Shepard as their new general manager last month, and he wasted little time stirring up some fun and publicity by trying to lure former All-Star catcher Mike Piazza to Bridgeport to face seven-time Cy Young Award winner and Sugar Land Skeeters hired gun Roger Clemens.   Shepard has a lot of work to

ESPN to Broadcast Live Return of ‘The Rocket’ Saturday Night

PRESS RELEASE – On Saturday, August 25 in Sugar Land, TX the Bridgeport Bluefish will go head-to-head with the Sugar Land Skeeters and square off against seven-time Cy Young Award Winner Roger Clemens. The former Red Sox and Yankee hurler will be making his first professional appearance since pitching for the Bronx Bombers in 2007.

Bluefish GM Resigns

After nearly three decades in professional baseball and general manager for the indy pro Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League) the last three seasons, Bob Goughan, 61, has decided to call it quits to spend more time with his family in Florida.  Ken Shepard, the former GM for the defunt indy pro Atlantic City Surf (Atlantic League/Can-Am League), has

Fish Announced 2012 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the club’s promotional schedule for 2012. The ‘Fish will celebrate their 15th Anniversary season as the fun-filled entertainment begins on Thursday, April 26 courtesy of Printech and continues throughout the year. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a Bluefish Magnet Schedule, while everyone in attendance will be able to witness a 15th

Bluefish Set to Welcome 3-Millionth Fan

Things have not been great in the attendance department over the past few years at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, home of the indy pro Atlantic League’s Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish, but the franchise is a mere 3,570 away from reaching the grand milestone of three-million fans in its 14th season.  Last year, the team ranked #145 in attendance with an average of 2,471 fans per game.

A Minor League Baseball Tour Around New England

Boston Globe correspondent Christopher Klein takes a look at the 10 minor league ballparks/teams in New England that you should check out this summer.  Read more and view photos here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

Bluefish Announce 2011 Promotional Schedule

PRESS RELEASE – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the club’s promotional schedule for the 2011 season. The fun-filled entertainment begins on Friday, April 29 courtesy of Printech and continues throughout the year. The first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a Bluefish Magnet Schedule, while everyone in attendance will be able to witness the first pitch of Bridgeport Bluefish Baseball for the

Bluefish Announce Mobile Rewards Club

PRESS RELEASE – Bluefish Mobile Rewards subscribers will receive exclusive discounts, special merchandise, and the opportunity to participate in unique Text2Win sweepstakes. Also receive up-to-the-minute information regarding Bluefish events and promotions.

Boulton Answers Questions About Bluefish, Ducks

The Stamford Advocate’s Chris Elsberry had the opportunity for a brief Q&A with Atlantic League President and CEO Frank Boulton.  The questions revolved around the Bridgeport Bluefish, which Boulton took over last year, and his Long Island Ducks.  Interestingly, Boulton sold half of the Ducks this year to Deutsche Bank Americas CEO Seth Waugh, who has an option to buy an even

Bluefish Name Goughan as GM

PRESS RELEASE -The Bridgeport Bluefish have announced the hiring of veteran minor league baseball executive Bob Goughan as the team’s new general manager. Goughan brings over 25 years of successful minor league operating experience to the Bluefish and begins work in Bridgeport on December 2.

Marlin Resigns as GM for Bluefish

The Atlantic League’s Bridgeport Bluefish are in the market for a new general manager.  Todd Martin, who served as the club’s GM since replacing fired GM Bill Larsen in 2007, is moving on.