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.

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.

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.

Details Emerge of MLB’s Master Plan to Contract MiLB Lineup

In recent weeks, details of the plan have been slowly leaking out, the MLB spin being it’s designed to (1) upgrade all the minor league facilities and (2) improve “wellness” for the minor leaguers in terms of travel and living conditions.  In truth, as always, it’s designed to save money, lots of money, and the proprietors of these minor league teams, many of whom have their life savings invested in them, be damned.  Read more here.  Read about the Erie SeaWolves and Connecticut Tigers here.  Read concerns in Erie (PA) about the SeaWolves here.  Read about the fight brewing in Daytona (FL) over the Tortugas 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.

Eastern League’s McEacharn Wins 2019 Giles Award

PRESS RELEASE – — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) announced today it has selected Eastern League President Joe McEacharn as the recipient of the 36th annual Warren Giles Award, which honors outstanding service as a league president.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Curve to Become ‘Allegheny Yinzers’ for Select Dates in 2019

PRESS RELEASE – The Altoona Curve announced another addition to the 2019 promotional calendar on Tuesday with a seven-game team rebrand series, complete with a new team name and uniforms. On select weekend home games at Peoples Natural Gas Field, the Curve will take the field as the Allegheny Yinzers. The new identity is a tribute to the familiar second-person plural pronoun “yinz” that is commonly used by people of Western and Central Pennsylvania.

Sea Dogs, Red Sox Extend PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox today announced the extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC) for an additional two years. With the extension, the Red Sox will continue to have a Double-A Eastern League affiliate in Portland through 2022, the longest permitted term under the current Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA).

Altoona Curve Announce Newman & Kramer Bobble

PRESS RELEASE – The Altoona Curve announced on Wednesday the first highlight to the 2019 promotional schedule with a unique bobblehead featuring Kevin Newman and Kevin Kramer. The Newman and Kramer bobblehead giveaway is scheduled for Saturday, July 27 when the Curve host the Richmond Flying Squirrels and will be handed out to the first 1,000 fans at Peoples Natural Gas Field, presented by Nuts For You.

Squirrels Unveil 10th Anniversary Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, released a special 10th season logo for 2019 on Tuesday night, kicking off the start of a year-long celebration of a decade of Flying Squirrels baseball on the Boulevard.

Sports Turf Managers Association Names Sixth Annual ‘Mowing Patterns Contest’ Winner

PRESS RELEASE – – Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the organization for 2,700 men and women professionals overseeing sports fields worldwide and critical to athlete safety – names Kyle Calhoon, Sports Turf Manager at the Hartford Yard Goats (Hartford, Conn.), its sixth annual “Mowing Patterns Contest” winner.

Squirrels to Host 2019 Eastern League All-Star Game, Unveil Details

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, Eastern League) have unveiled the details for the 2019 Eastern League All-Star Week.  The festivities begin Sunday, July 7 with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney‘s Kickoff at Brown’s Island and concludes with the 2019 Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 10.  Read more here.

Flying Squirrels Launch Lunar Landing Night on July 20, 2019

PRESS RELEASE – The Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, will salute the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to walk on the Moon with a Lunar Landing Night celebration on Saturday, July 20, 2019.

Signage Change Coming at Dunkin’ Donuts Park?

The classic signage atop Dunkin’ Donuts Park, home of the Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A, Eastern League), that sold out more than two-thirds of its games last season, is in doubt as the coffee giant announced Tuesday it is dropping the word “Donuts” from its logo. What that means for the ballpark’s namesake is still unclear.  Read more here.

Erie Passes Resolutions to Advance $12-Million Ballpark Grant

The city of Erie (PA) is making moves to put a $12 million state grant in motion that’s earmarked for major upgrades at UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League).  Read more here.

Erie Awarded $12M State Grant for UPMC Park Renovations

Four years of frustration, bargaining and hope ended with a positive outcome for Erie (PA) and the SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League) this week when Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of a state grant of $12 million for renovations at UPMC Park.  Read more and watch video here.

Eastern League Unveils New Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs has announced the creation of a new logo for the 12-team Double-A league. The new logo, which was created by Brandiose, is the first design change for the Eastern League logo since the 1998 season.

Yard Goats to Open ‘Links at the Yard’

The Hartford Yard Goats (Double-A, Eastern League) have announced they will host a four-day golf event at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, called “Links at the Yard,” from September 27-30.  Read more here.  Get details here.

Extended-Bill Cap Highlights Fightins Sandlot Celebration

The Reading Fightin Phils (Double-A, Eastern League) will celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Sandlot movie on July 1 with special uniforms and a replica of that goofy, extended-bill cap worn by Scotty Smalls.   Fans can stick around the ballpark after the final out for a post-game showing of the movie.

SeaWolves Offer 10-Year Commitment to Erie with Ballpark Upgrades

The Erie SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League) and Erie Otters (Major Junior, Ontario Hockey League) are promising to make long-term commitments to Erie (PA) if the city’s long-pending request for a $12 million state grant to make improvements at UPMC Park is approved.  The Otters play next door to the SeaWolves at Erie Insurance Arena and stand to benefit from improvements to the entire Erie Events campus.  Read more here.

Sea Dogs Announce Hadlock Improvements

The Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A, Eastern League) have unveiled a series of new items and improvements throughout Hadlock Field for the 2018 season.  The Sea Dogs 25th season home opener is set for Friday, April 13th at 6:00 PM against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.  Read more here.

Steiner Sports Clubhouse, Renovated Suite Lobby, New Food at Arm & Hammer Park

PRESS RELEASE – The 25th season of Thunder baseball is just one day away and the team is pleased to reveal several ballpark improvements for the 2018 season.

Ponies to Play as ‘Binghamton Spiedies’ on May 26

PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and Lupo’s announced the Double-A Mets will play as the Binghamton Spiedies for their game on May 26 at NYSEG Stadium.

Thunder to Host 2018 Eastern League All-Star Classic

The Trenton Thunder (Double-A, Eastern League) will host the 2018 Eastern League All-Star Classic taking place at ARM & HAMMER Park on Tuesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 11.  Read more here.

‘What Could Have Been?’ Night Will Bring ‘Mountain Men’ to Manchester

PRESS RELEASE – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, will transform into the Mountain Men as part of a ‘What Could Have Been’ experience on Sunday, July 8.

SeaWolves to Celebrate Christmas in July as ‘SnowWolves’

The Erie SeaWolves (Double-A, Eastern League) will change their name to the “Erie SnowWolves” for a day to celebrate “Christmas in July” on Friday, July 27.  Brillion (WI)-based Ariens Company will be the presenting sponsor.   On this special occasion, the team will wear custom on-field jerseys and caps designed by Dan Simon of Louisville (KY)- based design firm Studio Simon.  The first 1,000 fans on July 27 will receive an Erie SnowWolves winter cap.  Read more here.  View press release here.

Relocation of ABC HQ Could Free Up Land for New Squirrels Ballpark

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) and the Department of General Services (DGS) have announced a preferred relocation site in Mechanicsville (VA).  ABC’s current location is across the street from The Diamond and could be the landing spot for a new baseball stadium for the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, Eastern League) and VCU.  Read more here.

Curve, RubberDucks, RiverDogs Release 2018 Promo Schedules

This is the time of year when baseball teams are releasing their promotional schedules for the season, and it’s always enjoyable to comb through the many creative ideas to see how teams plan to take their fun and entertainment game to the next level.  Take a peek for yourself:  View Curve schedule here.  View RubberDucks schedule here.  View RiverDogs schedule here.