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.

24th Annual Rickwood Classic Slated for June 8th

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood welcome fans back to legendary Rickwood Field for the 24th Annual Rickwood Classic presented by Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Stewart Lubricants and Service Company, and Drummond Company, Inc.

Baseball Grounds to Become 121 Financial Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – Jacksonville’s longest tenured professional sports franchise has entered into an agreement to play in a stadium bearing the name of one of Jacksonville’s longest continually-operating credit unions. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and 121 Financial Credit Union (pronounced “One to One”) have agreed to terms on a long-term naming rights agreement for the ballpark, pending Jacksonville City Council approval expected ahead of the 2020 season.

Owner Fights to Save SeaWolves

After spending more than 30 years learning the ins and outs of corporate America, Fernando Aguirre was ready to own a business and bought the Erie SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League) in 2015.  Late last year, Aguirre learned that the SeaWolves are one of 42 teams that could be axed under a proposal by MLB.  But, he is working to save the team and his investment.  Meanwhile, UPMC Park is in the middle of a $16 million renovation with some parts finished, including a new field that was put in place before the 2019 season and a new scoreboard that was installed during the season.  Read more here.

Generals to Add Concerts

The Jackson Generals  (Double-A, Southern League) announced Thursday they’ve made a deal with entertainment company Grand Slam Presents, which will bring 13 concerts to the The Ballpark at Jackson over the next five years.  Read more and watch news report here.

Jumbo Shrimp Promote Craw to Executive Vice President/General Manager

PRESS RELEASE – Fast Forward Sports Group, LLC, led by Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp owner Ken Babby, has promoted Harold Craw from the role of general manager to the club’s executive vice president/general manager, the club announced Wednesday.

Thunder Fly High with Top Gun Promotions in 2020

PRESS RELEASE – A Maverick amongst their peers, the Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance, are pleased to announce their 2020 Top Gun Series at ARM & HAMMER Park beginning Tuesday, June 23 and continuing through Thursday, June 25.

Rocket City Trash Pandas Pass $2M Mark in Licensed Merchandise Sales

PRESS RELEASE – The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced that the team surpassed the $2 million mark in merchandise sales this past Friday, December 21 – in just over 13 months.

Vote Today on Future of Mobile’s Hank Aaron Stadium

A big vote is happening today for the future of Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile (AL).  Since the Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) packed their bags and moved to a new home in North Alabama, questions have swirled about the future of this historic ballpark.  Read more and watch news report here.

Trash Pandas Introduce ‘Sprocket”

Intertwining baseball and Huntsville’s (AL) space legacy heritage, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League) have revealed the name of the team’s mascot — “Sprocket.”  While a sprocket is a wheel with teeth or cogs, it’s also a colloquial shorthand for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.  Read more here.

Altoona’s Lozinak Named MiLB’s 2019 King of Baseball

PRESS RELEASE – – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced that Bob Lozinak, owner of the Altoona Curve™, has been named the 2019 King of Baseball. The King of Baseball is a long-standing annual tradition in which Minor League Baseball recognizes a veteran of professional baseball for longtime dedication and service. Lozinak will receive his award at the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront.

ONEOK Field to Get Major Upgrades and Additions to LED Video Displays

PRESS RELEASE – The Tulsa Drillers announced plans today for a major renovation project to ONEOK Field’s scoreboard and video displays. The million-dollar project will replace, enlarge and enhance all the stadium’s LED video displays and will be completed prior to the 2020 baseball season.

Hartford Yard Goats Named 2019 Moss Award Winner

PRESS RELEASE – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced the Hartford Yard Goats as the recipient of the 2019 John Henry Moss Community Service Award for demonstrating outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within its local community and within the baseball industry. The Yard Goats will receive the award on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront during the Baseball Winter Meetings Banquet. Created in 2013 by Minor League Baseball, the award honors the late John Henry Moss, who founded what would become the South Atlantic League in 1959 and led the league as its president until 2007.

Sod Poodles to Host 2020 Texas League All-Star Game, Release Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced today that HODGETOWN and the Champion Amarillo Sod Poodles have been chosen to host the 2020 Texas League All-Star Game.

‘Toyota Field’ is Name of New Trash Pandas Ballpark

The new home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League) will be known as Toyota Field after a partnership agreement was reached between team ownership group Ballcorps LLC, the city of Madison and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Read more here.  Read press release here.

Group Forms to Manage Mobile’s Hank Aaron Stadium

Two former Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) assistant general managers are now part of a new company working on a plan to manage Hank Aaron Stadium, which is losing it’s team to a new ballpark near Huntsville (AL).  It’s called Mobile Sports and Entertainment Group, or MSEG, and the owners plans go beyond, but include, baseball. Read more here.

Former Developer of Yard Goats Yard Seek New Trial

The former developers of Hartford’s minor league ballpark, who recently lost a legal case against the city over construction delays, are asking for a new trial or for a judge to overrule the jury’s verdict.  Read more here.

City Prevails in Hartford Ballpark Lawsuit

City officials in Hartford (CT) celebrated a major victory in court Tuesday, as a jury ruled in favor of the city in a high-stakes lawsuit launched by the fired developers of Dunkin’ Donuts Park who sought tens of millions in damages.  Read more here.

Construction Update: Trash Pandas Ballpark

The new minor league baseball stadium now under-construction at Town Madison is plainly visible to motorists on Interstate 565. The $46 million, 7,500-seat stadium is on schedule to be completed in plenty of time for the first game, set for April 15, 2020.  Read more and view 36 photos here.

Ralph got to give Mojo @1043WZYP the grand tour of the ballpark yesterday!
Thanks for coming out! pic.twitter.com/3A2GaPHgle

— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) June 1, 2019

Hartford Ballpark Trial Starts Wednesday

A bitter lawsuit between the City of Hartford (CT) and the fired former developer of Dunkin’ Donuts Park is coming to a head. The trial between the city and Centerplan Construction starts Wednesday.  Read more here and here.

Thunder Welcome 10 Millionth Fan

The Trenton Thunder (Double-A, Eastern League) welcomed the 10 millionth fan in franchise history on Saturday night at ARM & HAMMER Park.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the heads up.

Lou Piniella, Coal Barons Highlight 23rd Annual Rickwood Classic Tomorrow

PRESS RELEASE – This annual game is set for Wednesday, May 29th at 12:30 pm and will celebrate the beginning of baseball at Rickwood Field. The game will feature the Birmingham Barons against the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Former veteran MLB player and Manager “Sweet Lou” Piniella will be the special guest of honor and will be available for autographs during the game.

Trash Pandas Announce Giant Food Hall, Voice of the Team

If you like some food with your baseball, Town Madison (AL) has unveiled an appetizing plan that blends the best of both worlds. A giant food hall – featuring 18 kitchens as well as breweries and food trucks – will be the primary connection between the Town Madison retail/restaurant district and the development-anchoring baseball stadium that’s home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League). Read more here. In other Panda news, the team has named Josh Caray, grandson of baseball legend Harry Caray, to be the voice of the team. Read more and watch news report here.

Rocket City Trash Pandas Name Josh Caray, Grandson of Baseball Legend Harry Caray and Son of Braves Hall of Famer Skip Caray, Play-by-Play Announcer!
Welcome to the Trash Pandas @seawolvesvoice ! pic.twitter.com/eaZHxI6nXs

— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) May 14, 2019

Erie Council to Consider Proposal to Advance Ballpark Upgrades

As part of the multimillion-dollar upgrade planned for UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League), about 90 feet of public space along East Ninth Street would be removed to create a new main entrance.  The Erie City Council will weigh in on that proposal during its regular meeting on Wednesday.  Read more here.

Mock Tours, Reviews Hodgetown

Joe Mock of  BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) recently to tour Hodgetown, the new $45.5-million ballpark for the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League).  Mock’s in-depth review and 32 photographs cover everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions.  Read review and view photos here.

Have you checked out our in-depth review of Amarillo’s Hodgetown? It’s the home of the @SodPoodles! https://t.co/EaBKHrALkb @Populous pic.twitter.com/PWha6NLdrT

— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 25, 2019

Barons Show the Love, Launch 7th Inning Wave

Inspired by the Iowa Wave during football games at the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) have started a similar tradition for their home games. The Children’s of Alabama Hospital overlooks Regions Field, the home stadium for the Barons. So, during the seventh inning stretch, players and fans wave at center field in the direction of the hospital.  Read more here and here.

So cool.

Instead of a 7th inning stretch, the @BhamBarons are doing a "7th inning wave" where fans wave to patients of at the Children's Hospital of Alabama that's located in right field.https://t.co/Yt32txiFFM

(📹: @abc3340) pic.twitter.com/8qHkw6DGs2

— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 12, 2019

New State-of-the-Art Scoreboard on Tap for Erie Ballpark

The Erie County Convention Center Authority’s board of directors on Thursday approved a $789,959 low bid from Daktronics, the Brookings, South Dakota, company that specializes in scoreboards, sound systems and video displays.  The new scoreboard is part of a planned multimillion-dollar upgrade to UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League).  Read more here.

Sod Poodles Open New Ballpark in Front of 7,175 Fans

The word echoing among the 7,175 fans at Monday’s inaugural Sod Poodles home game was “excited.” Fans packed the seats, the concourse and the executive suites, excited for a game that has been in the making since 52 percent of Amarillo voters approved the multipurpose event venue in 2015.  Read more and view gallery here.

The first National Anthem at @Hodgetown. @SodPoodles @Populous @MiLB pic.twitter.com/TwMhBJ2ott

— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 9, 2019

Talking New Ballpark for Smokies, ‘Daylighting’ of River

Opening Day for the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A, Southern League) is Thursday night.  As thousands prepare to gather at the baseball team’s Kodak (TN) stadium, some in Knoxville speculate about when the team could move to Old City.  City Councilman Mark Campen is supportive of a possible ballpark in the Old City and said he hopes project leaders will take First Creek’s possibilities into their plans.  Read more here.

Church to Hold Easter Service at Amarillo’s New Ballpark

A local church will be holding a special Easter service at Amarillo’s new ballpark, Hodgetown, in April.  This reportedly will be the first non-baseball event at the stadium.  Read more here.

‘(Miami) Vice Night’ Highlights Jumbo Shrimp 2019 Promo Schedule

Affordable family fun is returning to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville for the 2019 season presented by Community First Credit Union, as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp revealed their promotional schedule that begins on Opening Night on Thursday, April 4.  On May 11, the Jumbo Shrimp will host “Vice Night.”  The team will be wearing specialty Jumbo Shrimp Vice Night jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game.  Fans will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Crockett and Tub(b)s, as they’ll be on the concourse for a meet and greet during the game.  Read more here and here.

Springfield Cardinals Announce Front Office Changes

PRESS RELEASES – As part of our continuous goal to continue improving the fan experience at Hammons Field and throughout our community, the Springfield Cardinals today announced the front office promotions

Ponies to Play Game as Stud Muffins

For one night & only night only, the Binghamton Stud Muffins take the field at NYSEG Stadium!

Don't miss the stud-ly action on Friday, June 14th at 7:05pm! pic.twitter.com/LRMMIi9tBQ

— Rumble Ponies (@RumblePoniesBB) February 27, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Read more here from Chris Creamer and SportsLogos.net.

Sod Poodles Unveil Inaugural Uniforms

The Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) have unveiled their three uniform combinations that will be worn by players and field staff throughout the team’s inaugural season – a home white “Sod Poodles” script jersey with a crest logo patch on the sleeve, a road grey “Amarillo” art-deco style jersey with the quick draw logo on the sleeve, and an Alternate light blue “Soddies” script jersey with the pride of Texas logo on the sleeve.  Amarillo Yellow, Texas Red and Blue, and Route 66 Retro Blue make up the club’s new official colors.  Read more here.

Despite Improvements, Squirrels Not Resigned to Staying at The Diamond

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, Eastern League) on Monday unveiled the $250,000 video board, which will capture on-field action and present movie and TV clips, custom animations, a noise-meter, hat shuffles, and other entertainment.  But, this and other improvements do not signal that the team is resigned to being at The Diamond for the long haul.  Read more here.

Maneuvering for Property for Knoxville Ballpark Project

As the city of Knoxville (TN) and Randy Boyd continue talks about bringing the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A, Southern League) team to the Old City, two businesses have been approached by real estate agents inquiring about their willingness to sell property near the stadium site.  Read more here.

No More Peanuts, Cracker Jacks at Dunkin’ Donuts Park

PRESS RELEASE – The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced it will no longer sell shelled peanuts and Cracker Jack at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in an effort to make the venue more accessible for those with peanut and tree nut allergies.

Sea Dogs to become the Maine Whoopie Pies

PRESS RELEASE – The Portland Sea Dogs are changing their name…for one night anyway. The Sea Dogs will become the Maine Whoopie Pies, presented by Trademark Federal Credit Union, on Friday, June 21st when they host the Reading Fightin Phils at 7:00 PM at Hadlock Field. The name change is in celebration of the official state treat of Maine: the whoopie pie!

Fightins Hire Karbach as new Director of Public/Media Relations and Broadcaster

PRESS RELEASE – The Reading Fightin Phils, proud double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced the hiring of Kirsten Karbach as the team’s new Director of Public/Media Relations and Radio Broadcaster. Karbach had previously been with the Clearwater Threshers as their broadcaster since the 2013 season. She was named the 2018 Florida State League Broadcaster of the Year.

Sod Poodles Reveal Hodgetown Digital Signage

PRESS RELEASE – At the April opening of Hodgetown, the home of the Amarillo Sod Poodles, fans will revel in the high-definition video boards designed to enhance the ballpark fan experience.