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.

CT Tigers Seek Fan Input for New Team Name

For the first time since moving to Dodd Stadium in Norwich (CT), the Connecticut Tigers (Single-A, New York-Penn League) are planning to rebrand with a new team name, and they are seeking help from fans to do it.  They plan to use the “Norwich” location identifier instead of Connecticut.  Read more and enter names submissions here.

Norwich Council Approves $800K for Ballpark Upgrades

After hearing from several speakers, including officials from the Connecticut Tigers (Single-A, New York-Penn League), the City Council voted 6-0 Monday to approve an $800,000 bond ordinance for improvements to the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium which is deemed necessary to keep the team in Norwich (CT).  Read more here.

Grass Getting a Little Blue at Dodd Stadium

The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival will take up residence at Dodd Stadium, home of the Single-A Connecticut Tigers (New York-Penn League), this summer.  The four-day event will take place from Aug. 2-5, when the Tigers are on the road.  This will be the first time the festival has been held at Dodd.  It is expected to draw 5,000 to 10,000 bluegrassers.  Read more here.

Mets Not Moving Affiliation to Norwich

Whew, that was a close one!  Not really.  With all the rumblings about a possible Eastern League shakeup in the affiliation ranks, if the Double-A Binghamton Mets are sold and moved to Ottawa, a rumor surfaced that the New York Mets are interested in having their Eastern League affiliate take up residence at Dodd Stadium in Norwich (CT), the current home for the Single-A Connecticut

Connecticut Tigers Gunning for Season Two Turnaround

The inaugural season for the Single-A Connecticut Tigers in Norwich (CT) was not a good one from an attendance standpoint.  The team averaged 1,485 per game over 36 home dates, which amounted to half of the 100,000 fans the club hoped to draw in its first season at Dodd Stadium after relocating from Oneonta (NY).  But with a full off season to market the team, the Tigers are hoping for big improvement in season

Committee Officially Named to Bring in New Team

On Monday, the Norwich City Council officially began the quest to secure a new tenant for Dodd Sadium by forming a committee that will begin talks with New York-Penn League officials and team owners as early as next week.  Read more here.

Another Look at Dodd Stadium, Norwich Market

Despite $1 million in renovations over the last five years, Dodd Stadium was not able to hold onto the AA Eastern League’s Defenders.  This article discusses the ballpark’s amenities and the Norwich market.

Defenders to Richmond

It is expected to be formally announced next week that the Connecticut (Norwich) Defenders are indeed moving to Richmond, VA.  The Jamestown (NY) Jammers and the Vermont (Burlington) Lake Monsters of the New York-Penn League continue to be mentioned as possible new tenants of Norwich’s Dodd Stadium.  Read more here.