Fresno Grizzlies Given More Time to Work Out Deal

Major League Baseball has given the Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) more time to work out the fate of the franchise.  MLB said in a letter last week the team must accept a demotion from Triple-A to Single-A baseball by Nov. 30 or prepare to go without affiliation to a team in the majors.  Read more here.

San Jose Giants and Excite Credit Union Announce Excite Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – The San Jose Giants announced today a three-year naming rights agreement with newly re-branded Excite Credit Union. As of today, fans will be walk through the front gates of Excite Ballpark, Home of the San Jose Giants. The naming rights deal highlights an expanded partnership between the two organizations and ushers in an exciting new era of baseball in San Jose.

Rawhide Hire New Voice

PRESS RELEASE – Since the departure of 2017 & 2018 Rawhide Broadcaster, Vinnie Longo, after accepting a marketing position with the University of San Francisco athletic department, the Rawhide have been in search of the next “voice” of the team.

Rawhide Add Four to Front Office, Ownership Announces Team is For Sale

The Visalia Rawhide (Single-A, California League) have introduced four additions to their front office staff.  Read more here.  The Rawhide ownership has also announced that the team is for sale.  Read more here.

Big Lebowski Night, O.J. Simpons Night Highlight Storm 2018 Promo Schedule

The Lake Elsinore Storm (Single-A, California League) have revealed their 2018 promotional schedule, as the club’s 25^th Season quickly approaches Opening Night at The Diamond.  Read more here.

Rawhide Announce Front Office Additions

PRESS RELEASE – The Visalia Rawhide announced today the addition of two new faces to the club’s front office staff. Micolette Pena will join the Rawhide as the Manager of Community Relations and will oversee the club’s community appearances and fundraisers. Caitlin Carter will also join the staff as the new Event Coordinator, serving as point person for ballpark events outside of baseball, as well as the continuation of the Play Ball Program.

Rawhide Announce Front Office Staff Additions

PRESS RELEASE – The Visalia Rawhide announced today the addition of two new faces to the club’s front office staff. Vinnie Longo will join the Rawhide as the team’s new voice, as he assumes the duties of Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Audrea Avalos will also join the staff as Community Relations Manager and will oversee the Rawhide’s community outreach programs.

Rawhide Unveil California League 2017 All-Star Game Logo

PRESS RELEASE – Today the Visalia Rawhide, in conjunction with the California League, formally unveil the logo for the 2017 California League All-Star festivities to be hosted by the Rawhide at Rawhide Ballpark on June 19th through June 20th.

Quakes Unveil 25th Anniversary Logo

PRESS RELEASE – In anticipation of the 2017 season, today the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes unveiled their ’25’ logo to commemorate the organization’s 25-year history and season-long celebration beginning in April.

JetHawks, Rockies Announce PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Lancaster JetHawks, High-A California League, announced today a new Player Development Contract with the Colorado Rockies. The agreement is for two years and will span the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The Rockies become the fifth affiliate in the JetHawks franchise history, replacing the Houston Astros who had been affiliated with the JetHawks for the past eight seasons.

Kinston’s Name the Team Campaign Narrows List to Five Contenders

After more than 1300 name submissions, fans have a chance to choose one of the five following names for the team moving from the California League (Single-A) to Kinston (NC) and the Carolina League (Single-A):  Down East Eagles, Down East HamHawks, Down East Hogzillas, Down East Shaggers, Down East Wood Ducks.  Learn more and vote here.  Watch news report about unhappy fans here.

Sam Lynn Garage Sale Saturday

Though the Bakersfield Blaze (Single-A, California League) franchise is over after 75 years, fans have one last chance to get their hands on some Blaze memorabilia at an open house sale this Saturday.  Read more here.

Sam Lynn Ballpark May Not Close

It appeared Monday night that the sun had set on Sam Lynn Ballpark, as the Bakersfield Blaze (Single-A, California League) were swept out of the second round of the minor league baseball playoffs.  But, during Tuesday’s meeting, the Kern County (CA) Board of Supervisors said they want to keep the stadium open for other local non-professional baseball teams to use and there are already several organizations stepping up to the plate.  Read more and watch news report here.

Adelanto Makes Plans for Ballpark Without Mavs

After being informed of Minor League Baseball’s realignment reducing the size of the Single-A California League to eight teams, Mayor Rich Kerr said he would start making phone calls immediately. His intent: Filling Stater Bros. Stadium’s calendar as early as the beginning of November, following the city’s planned rodeo.  Read more here.  As for the High Desert Mavericks, the team is headed to the Single-A Carolina League and Kinston (NC).  Read more and watch news report here.

Blaze, Mavs Heading to Carolina League

Minor League Baseball will reportedly announce today that the Bakersfield Blaze and High Desert Mavericks will be contracted from the Single-A California League at the end of the 2016 season.  In the worst-kept industry secret, the two franchises will head east for the Single-A Carolina League.  The Cal League will become an eight-team, one-division circuit.  Read more here.  Read background story here.

Quakes, Dodgers Extend PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are pleased to announce that they have agreed to a two-year extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers on their Player Development Contract (PDC), keeping the Quakes and Dodgers as partners through 2018.

Rangers Anticipating California League, Carolina League Shift

Carolina League franchises are just waiting for the first California League domino to fall.  The city of Kinston (NC) even has a signed lease in place with the Texas Rangers. Read more here.

Mavericks Unveil New Unis

PRESS RELEASE – The High Desert Mavericks, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, unveil BRAND NEW uniforms for the upcoming 2016 season at Heritage Field. The jerseys feature two variations and four colors: White and Blue (Home), Red and Black (Road).

66ers Create First Permanent Dog Park in MiLB

PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday the Inland Empire 66ers announced their partnership with Blue Buffalo to create the first ever dog park in Minor League Baseball and the second in all of professional sports.

Adelanto Moves to Evict Mavericks

The city of Adelanto (CA) said in a press release Friday afternoon that it is moving forward to evict the High Desert Mavericks (Single-A, California League) from the stadium in which they have played for 25 years.  Read more here.  View a letter from the city to residence here.

California League Unveils 75th Anniversary Logo

PRESS RELEASE – – In 2016, the California League of Professional Baseball will use a new logo to commemorate its 75th Anniversary.

Ports Promote Pollack to Assistant GM

PRESS RELEASE – The Stockton Ports announced today that Tim Pollack has been promoted to Assistant General Manager. Ports General Manager Bryan Meadows made the announcement.

City Terminates Mavs Stadium Agreement

The Adelanto (CA) City Council unanimously agreed Wednesday night to terminate its stadium agreement with High Desert Mavericks (Single-A, California League) ownership, saying the contract violated the state Constitution when it was signed in 2012.  Read more here.

Ports Release Community Relations Report

PRESS RELEASE – Through the organization’s non-profit sector, the Anchor Fund, the Ports gave approximately $35,207 in monetary donations and $254,164 of in-kind donations to local non-profits within the San Joaquin community in 2015.

Storm Unveil 2016 California/Carolina League All-Star Game Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Lake Elsinore Storm officially debuted the 2016 California/Carolina League All-Star Game logo today, kicking off a season-long celebration of the midsummer classic.

A Decade-Long Quest for Minor League Baseball in Sonoma County

Chris Lee of Kenwood (CA) started trying to bring baseball back to Sonoma County in 2004.  More than 10 years later, he is still at it.  The Pacific Association aside, Sonoma County hasn’t had minor league baseball since the Sonoma County Crushers (Indy Pro, Western Baseball League) played at now-demolished Rohnert Park Stadium from 1995-2003.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.  Read background story here.

Modesto Nuts Cruise Into ‘What Could Have Been’ Night Tonight

In “What Could Have Been?” Friday night, the Modesto Nuts (Single-A, California League) will sport special Modesto Cruisers uniforms.  The jerseys will be available for auction during the game, with proceeds benefiting a local charity.  Read more here.

Nuts Host ‘What Could Have Been’ Night Saturday

On Saturday, July 18, the Modesto Nuts (Single-A, California League) will don Modesto Dusters uniforms, as the club celebrates “What Could Have Been Night” after 10 years of going nuts.  Read more here.

Modesto Nuts Twitter photo.

Blaze and Salinas Still Talking New Ballpark, Relocation

City leaders said earlier this week they are continuing to work with Bakersfield Blaze owner D.G. Elmore on developing a ballpark as well as a hotel, restaurant and retail complex on the corner of John and Abbott streets in Salinas (CA).  Read more here.

JetHawks, Hunter Dodge Introduce Party Deck

PRESS RELEASE – The JetHawks and Hunter Dodge are proud to introduce the brand new Hunter Dodge Party Deck at The Hangar. Located down the left field line adjacent to the visitor’s bullpen, the spacious two-tiered party deck will be the premier outdoor hospitality area at the ballpark in 2015.

Ports Continue ’30 Days of Opening Day’ Tradition

PRESS RELEASE – The Ports are excited to continue the “30 Days of Opening Day” tradition, in preparation for the start of the 2015 season. The promotion will begin on Tuesday, March 17th and will go through Wednesday, April 15th. Splash and the Ports Front Office are scheduled to appear at locations within San Joaquin County to distribute tickets to lucky fans, in addition to holding social media promotions.

Elmore Eyes New Property in Salinas for Blaze Relocation

Bakersfield Blaze (Single-A, California League) owner D.G. Elmore says that, following an unsuccessful effort to build a ballpark on the Front Street property of Hayward Lumber in Salinas (CA), he is cautiously optimistic that he will close a similar deal on property at the corner of John and Abbott streets.  Read more here.

Rawhide Introduce New Alternative Logo, Road Unis

PRESS RELEASE – The Visalia Rawhide officially released their new away uniforms for 2015 and beyond, as the team will proudly wear “Visalia” on their chests for the first time since 2008.

San Jose Giants Announce 100,000 Likes Promotion

PRESS RELEASE – The San Jose Giants announced their 100,000 Likes Photo Promotion. To show appreciation for their fan base that has made them one of the top three most “liked” teams in all of Minor League Baseball, the organization will host a photo promotion leading up to their 100,000th Facebook™ Like. Upon reaching this milestone, the team will have grown by nearly 65,000 likes in the last

New Picnic Area on Deck at Sam Lynn Ballpark

Renovations plans are underway at Sam Lynn Ballpark, home of the Single-A Bakersfield Blaze (California League), which will turn the  Terrace area along the third base line into a covered, 500 capacity picnic area.  Read more here.  View construction update here.

A little photo album of the renovation progress thus far. #SamLynnsanity pic.twitter.com/OaPbbZ8GFC

— Bakersfield Blaze (@BakoBlaze) February 11, 2015

San Jose Giants Explore Building New Ballpark

The Single-A San Jose Giants (California League) are exploring the idea of building a new stadium on the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.  The stadium would replace San Jose Municipal Stadium as the Giants’ home and could be the centerpiece of a youth sports complex.  Read more here.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ Tribute Highlights Ports’ 18 Theme Nights

PRESS RELEASE – The Stockton Ports are happy to announce eighteen theme games that will take place during the 2015 season as the Ports celebrate the tenth anniversary of Banner Island Ballpark.

Mavericks Announce Changes to Executive Management

PRESS RELEASE – The High Desert Mavericks announced they have named Ben Hemmen the New General manager of the California League club and promoted Ryan Cook to Vice President. In a press conference with team owner Dave Heller and Cal League President Charlie Blaney on Monday afternoon at Heritage Field, the Mavericks announced a change to their executive

JetHawks Announce New Executive Vice President

PRESS RELEASE – The Lancaster JetHawks Baseball Club is proud to announce that Tom Backemeyer has been appointed Executive Vice President in advance of the 2015 season.

Stockton Ports Release Community Relations Report

PRESS RELEASE – In a continued effort to support the San Joaquin Valley community, the Ports gave approximately $41,200 to localnon-profits and $248,769 of in-kind donations to local charities and schools in 2014.

View report here