Fire Breaks Out at New Rangers Ballpark

A fire broke out Saturday afternoon inside the new Rangers ballpark sending a pillar of black smoke into the sky above the still under construction stadium, scheduled to open next year.  Read more and view photo here.  Read more and watch video here.

$5,000 Reward Offered in Mallards Arson Case

As reported last week, the merchandise shop at the home of the Madison Mallards (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) suffered significant damage because of a fire, including a collapsed roof.  Arson is suspected.  There is now a $5,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.  Read more here.

Civic Stadium Fire Blamed on Boys

A massive fire that destroyed Eugene’s historic Civic Stadium, the former home of the Eugene Emeralds (Single-A, Northwest League), was caused by four boys playing with fire who fled when the flames got out of control, investigators said Thursday.  Read more here.

Smokestack Catches Fire at Great American Ball Park

Fans were evacuated from two sections at Great American Ball Park Friday night after the right smokestack of the PNC Power Stacks caught fire just before 9 p.m.  A propane valve apparently malfunctioned.  Read more and watch news report here.

Rebuilding the Whitecaps’ Fire-Damaged Home

Steve Mortensen, an executive general adjuster for the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, provides an inside look at the process for rebuilding Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League), after a raging fire damaged a large portion of the facility just three months before opening day.  Read more and view photos here.

Flag Burning at Turner Field

As baseball legend Hank Aaron was honored and the Atlanta Braves’ latest division banner was unveiled, the waving American flag flying over the scoreboard at Turner Field was caught on fire by fireworks bursting in air.  Read more and view photo here.

Whitecaps Open in Front of 7,128 at Restored Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – For three months, the West Michigan community watched and waited as the West Michigan Whitecaps worked to rebuild Fifth Third Ballpark after a devastating fire in early January. On Tuesday, at long last, they finally reaped their rewards.

Whitecaps to Hold First Public Event at Fire-Damaged Ballpark

The Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League) will host an open house on Saturday, Feb. 15, to provide fans an opportunity to look at construction efforts at Fifth Third Ballpark.  It will be the first public event at the ballpark since a fire on Jan. 3 destroyed the first-base side of the structure and caused other damage.  Read more and view photo gallery here.

There IS Crying in Baseball (After Ballpark Fire), But…

Lew Chamberlin and Denny Baxter, owners of the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League), remain steadfast that Fifth Third Ballpark will be ready by Opening Day and repairs completed in time for the June 17 Midwest League All-Star game.  Read more here.  Meanwhile it’s time for the ‘Caps to find that next unique new food item via the annual fan competition below:

Click here to learn more

Fifth Third Ballpark Fired Caused Space Heater

For those who haven’t heard yet, the fire that destroyed a large section of Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League), was started by a space heater used by a work crew in one of the skybox suites.  Read more and watch news report here.

Part of Whitecaps’ Ballpark Destroyed by Fire

A portion of Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League), collapsed after a massive fire broke out around 11 a.m. Friday.  Flames spread quickly throughout the first base side of the stands, and about one third of the concourse has been destroyed.  Watch news report here.  We’re not sure what this means for the 2014 MWL All-Star Game scheduled to be played at Comstock on June 17.

Fire at Nationals Park, Game Goes On

In case you missed it, a light tower in right field at Nationals Park caught fire Thursday night in the 11th inning of a game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks.  Nobody was hurt, and the game was not delayed.  Read more and watch video here.  Thanks to Joe Mock for the link.