T-Bones Become Monarchs

The Kansas City Monarchs are back — sort of.  New owners of the Kansas City T-Bones baseball club in Kansas City (KS) announced Thursday that the team will adopt the name of Kansas City’s storied Negro Leagues team beginning this season.  Read more here.

Saints Bring Their Distinctive Brand of Entertainment to Triple-A

PRESS RELEASE – For 28 years the St. Paul Saints introduced the baseball world to pigs delivering baseballs to umpires, nuns giving massages to fans, and promotions poking fun at current events, politics, the baseball industry, and oftentimes themselves, all while being an Independent Professional Baseball Club. The Saints “Fun is Good” motto is about to enter center stage on a completely different level. The Saints, in a partnership with the Minnesota Twins, have received an invitation to become the top tier, Triple-A, Minor League affiliate of their Twin Cities neighbor beginning in the 2021 season.

Owlz Relocate from Orem (UT) to Windsor (CO)

The Orem Owlz (Independent Professional, Pioneer League) have announced that they are relocating from their home in Orem (UT) to the Future Legends Complex in Windsor (CO).  They will be renamed the Northern Colorado (NoCo) Owlz in 2021.  Read more here.

Pioneer League Named MLB Partner League

PRESS RELEASE – Major League Baseball and the Pioneer League jointly announced today that the Pioneer League has been designated a “Partner League” of MLB.

Former AirHogs Ballpark to Become Venue for Major League Cricket

Major League Cricket has leased a 5,400-seat minor league baseball stadium in Grand Prairie, Texas, and will turn the venue into a cricket stadium for the league’s inaugural 2022 season.  Read more here.  The ballpark was the home of the now-defunct Texas/Grand Prairie AirHogs (Independent Professional, American Association).  Read more here.

Astros Officially Make Independent Skeeters Triple-A Affiliate

The Houston Astros’ farm system is getting closer than before to the team’s home base of Minute Maid Park. On Friday, the club officially announced it has agreed to purchase a majority stake in the Sugar Land Skeeters and designate it as its Triple-A affiliate.  Read more here.

Twins Drop Triple-A Rochester, Look to Affiliatize Independent Professional St. Paul Saints

The Minnesota Twins are looking for a new top farm team, after officially informing the Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A, International League) that they are out.  The St. Paul Saints (Independent Professional, American Association) are the targeted replacement.  Read more here.

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.

Gastonia Pro Baseball Narrows List of Possible Team Names to Five Finalists

The newest club in the Atlantic League (Independent Professional) located in Gastonia (NC) announced in August the launch of its “Name the Team Contest,” which encourages fans to submit names for consideration as the club builds its brand identity.  The team has narrowed the field to five finalists — Fire Ants, Honey Hunters, Uppercuts, Hogzillas, and Hotshots. Fans can learn more about the names and make their selection here by Oct. 31.

Frontier League Adds Ottawa to Lineup, Ownership Group Led by Goldeyes’ Sam Katz

PRESS RELEASE – The Frontier League has announced the granting of an expansion membership to Ottawa, Ontario, to begin play in the 2021 season. Ottawa becomes the 15th Frontier League team and the third in Canada, joining the Quebec Capitales and Trois-Rivieres Aigles.

Frontier League Designated as Partner League of MLB

PRESS RELEASE – Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today that it has named the Frontier League as a “Partner Leagues” of MLB. The Frontier League, along with the American Association, join the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), which was designated a Partner League earlier this week.

Atlantic League Designated Partner League of MLB

PRESS RELEASE – Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today that it has named the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) its first “Partner League”. As a Partner League, ALPB will meet regularly with MLB to discuss joint marketing and promotional opportunities, including the leagues’ shared goal of providing baseball to communities throughout the United States.

Atlantic League Adds Gastonia (NC) to 2021 Lineup

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) announced today it is expanding to the City of Gastonia with a team ownership group led by Brandon Bellamy, CEO of Velocity Companies, Inc. Gastonia becomes the second Atlantic League location in North Carolina, joining High Point, where the Rockers began play in 2019.

Atlantic League Clubs Announce Updated 2020 Plans

PRESS RELEASE – The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball today announced that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several member clubs have not gained necessary approval from governmental and health officials to open their ballparks to a capacity level sufficient for participation. As a result, the 2020 schedule for each team has been opened up, with clubs permitted to seek new solutions for this season that conform to their current governmental guidelines in order to get ballparks opened and begin play.

Rockers Home Stadium Name to Change to Truist Point

PRESS RELEASE -The High Point Rockers, along with Truist announced today that the teams home stadium of BB&T Point will officially be rebranded as Truist Point this summer. The transition comes as a contribution of its naming rights partnership with the independent Atlantic League franchise.

American Association to Start 2020 Season with Three Ballparks, Six Teams

PRESS RELEASE – Sports talk show hosts and fans believed the perfect time to begin the 2020 baseball season was the Fourth of July Weekend. America’s birthday, fireworks, and baseball have always gone together. Baseball fans were looking for a glimmer of hope.

Milkmen Announce Milky Way Drive-In at Ballpark Commons, Movies Begin May 22

PRESS RELEASE – The Milwaukee Milkmen announced today a partnership with Franklin Tourism and Studio Gear to bring back a vintage movie-going experience via the brand-new Milky Way Drive-In at Ballpark Commons located in Franklin, WI.

“Nopening Day” Today for St. Paul Saints

PRESS RELEASE – In an alternate universe the St. Paul Saints sixth season at CHS Field opens with all the pomp and circumstance of a home opener, a sold out crowd watching a banner raising ceremony, getting another look at the 2019 championship trophy, and a chance to put a tidy bow on their title run by honoring last season’s team. With the season postponed until July, the Saints are setting up for the most unique start to a season in franchise history with the first, and hopefully only, Nopening Day.

American Association Postpones Start of 2020 Season

The Board of Directors of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball has postponed the start of the 2020 regular season, which was scheduled for May 19.

T-Bones Are Back!

After getting the boot from its own ball park, the Kansas City T-Bones (Independent Professional, American Association) are back. On Tuesday, the team introduced its new owner, unveiled updated branding, and showcased plans for an impressive stadium makeover. Watch news report here.

Blue Crabs to Become Bleu Cheeses on Thursdays

PRESS RELEASE – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced on Friday afternoon that they will change their name to the Bleu Cheeses every Thursday as part of their Wing Wars promotion including all you can eat chicken wings and all you can drink beer.

Empire League Adds Rhinos to Lineup

PRESS RELEASE – The Empire League is set to officially welcome its first ever expansion organization. The League is currently finalizing the operating agreement that would allow for the newly formed and privately owned organization “The Georgia Rhinos” to participate in official league play beginning June of 2020 .

Shuckers Owner Pitches Independent Minor League Park at Alabama Entertainment Complex

A finalist interested in operating Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile (AL) last year is pitching independent league baseball and a new stadium at the OWA entertainment complex in Foley (AL).  Read more here.

Time to Name the Atlantic League’s Robo Umps

If “Robo Umps” are going to continue calling balls and strikes, in the Atlantic League (Independent Professional), they need to be ready to hear the good and the bad from the fans, just like their human counterparts.  And for that, they’re going to need names.  Read more here.  Read press release here.

Schaumburg’s Village Expected to Approve Revised Ballpark Lease with Boomers

Three months after becoming sole owners of Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, village officials are poised tonight to enact revisions to the baseball team’s lease agreement they say are in the best interests of both parties.  Read more here.

It’s the Florence Y’alls!

The Northern Kentucky baseball team — a member of the West Division of the Frontier League (Independent Professional) — will now be known as the Florence Y’alls, a nod to the city’s famed and quirky water tower.  Read more here.

Hockey Day Minnesota Underway at Parade Stadium

Parade Stadium in Minneapolis (MN), the former home of the short-lived (1994 only) Minneapolis Millers (Independent Professional, Great Central League), is hosting the 2020 Hockey Day Minnesota — a big annual event in the State of Hockey.  Learn more and view schedule here.  Read about the 1994 Millers here.  Follow #HDM2020 on Twitter here.

Happy #HDM2020! https://t.co/PLbKMl3PNd

— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) January 18, 2020

Bullpen Coworking Opens at Ballpark Commons

PRESS RELEASE – A new way to work is coming to Franklin! Bullpen Coworking at Ballpark Commons, will host an open house with refreshments on Wednesday, January 29th from 4-7pm, to introduce Franklin to a work environment that provides community, collaboration, and access to all the right tools while at the same time offering the autonomy, flexibility, and convenience of a home office.

RedHawks Reveal 25th Season Commemorative Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks released their 25th season commemorative logo Thursday, in recognition of the team’s 25th season in 2020. The RedHawks will recognize the anniversary during the 25th season with special promotions, giveaways, and an All-25 Team, which will be selected by a fan vote, beginning in early 2020.

Milkmen Settle Lawsuit, Search for New Ballpark Naming Rights Sponsor

A legal dispute about naming rights for a baseball stadium has temporarily left it without a moniker.  The owners of the Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent Professional, American Association), said this week they settled a lawsuit with their ballpark’s naming rights sponsor.  Read more here.

New Martinez Mackerel Pushed to Change Name, San Rafael Pacifics Depart

The Martinez Mackerel will begin play in 2020 and be operated by the Pecos League (Independent Professional).  However, the city council apparently didn’t like the name because of a definition of “Mackerel” in the Urban Dictionary.  So, the Pecos League is in the process of choosing a new one.  Read more here.  The previous Martinez Clippers played in the Pacific Association (Independent Professional), which has shown some instability, including the departure of the San Rafael Pacifics, arguably the league’s most successful franchise.  Read more here.

Embracing Winter at CHS Field

Destination Winter Saint Paul is open at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints (Independent Professional, American Association) through Feb. 22.  There’s excitement for all ages in one place with the relocation of Wells Fargo WinterSkate from Landmark Plaza to the playing surface at CHS Field and the return of the Securian Financial SuperSlide for the first time since Super Bowl LII.  Read more and view video clip here.  Learn more details here.

Plans for Shakopee Ballpark Formally Announced, American Association Targeted

Plans were formally announced this week for an 8,500-seat baseball stadium in Shakopee (MN) that a newly formed minor league team will call home.  A goal for the team is to be a part of the American Association (Independent Professional) and revive the old-time rivalry between the Minneapolis Millers and the St. Paul Saints.  Read more here.  Read previous news here.

Mesquite Being Targeted by Atlantic League

The Atlantic League (Independent Professional) is reportedly in discussions with Mesquite (TX) about bringing a franchise to North Texas.  The circuit is in need of a travel partner for the successful Sugar Land Skeeters, which have been the lone franchise in the Lone Star State since the team first took the field in 2012 and is over 1,000 miles away from their nearest opponent in High Point (NC).   Read more  and watch news report here.

New Britain Bees Depart Atlantic League for Futures League

The New Britain Bees (Independent Professional, Atlantic League) will play as a summer collegiate team in the Futures League in 2020.  Read more here.  Read background about team’s departure from the Atlantic League here and here.

TD Bank Ballpark Getting Upgrades

Plans have been announced to upgrade TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots (Independent Professional, Atlantic League), including the addition of a Ferris wheel; a new fun zone and individual/group area with concessions where the lawn seating section is now in right field; a redesigned picnic patio in left field; and a redesign of The Handle Bar, an area where fans can enjoy an upgraded bar experience at the game.  Read more here.

T-Bones Staying Put, Ballpark Improvements Coming

Buoyed by a new owner, the Kansas City T-Bones (Independent Professional, American Association) will stay put, after the local government approved a $1 million infusion of tax revenues to help with ballpark improvements.  The new ownership group, called Max Fun LLC, will also invest significantly in the stadium, the staff and marketing to broaden the customer base and improve the team’s public image.  Read more here.

Cooling Down Impact Field: Settlement Reached in HVAC Dispute

It could take up to a year to fix the heating and cooling system at Impact Field, home of the Chicago Dogs (Independent Professional, American Association), after a settlement was reached with the subcontractor who installed the HVAC system in the $63-million, 6,300-seat ballpark in Rosemont (IL) that opened in May 2018.  Read more here.

Can-Am League and Frontier League Announce Historic Merger

PRESS RELEASE – Today the Can-Am League and the Frontier League are announcing a historic merger resulting in the creation of the largest league in all of Independent Professional Baseball. The newly formed Frontier League will begin play in 2020 with a soon to be revealed 96-game schedule spanning from mid-May through September.

Statement From the T-Bones About Sale of Franchise

PRESS RELEASE – The Kansas City T-Bones are progressing toward a sale and are scheduled to complete the sale this week.  The incoming owner has been in close negotiations and planning with the Unified Government, all for the sake of setting the table for continued American Association professional baseball in Wyandotte County.