RoughRiders Announce Sale of Franchise

PRESS RELEASE – Mandalay Baseball Properties LLC, owner of the Frisco RoughRiders, is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive agreement with Chuck Greenberg and Scott Sonju for the sale of the Frisco RoughRiders franchise. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approvals of the Texas League and Minor League Baseball and the review of the Office

Mandalay Baseball Properties for Sale

Seaport Capital LLC has retained Game Plan LLC to sell its majority share of Mandalay Baseball Properties, which owns the Triple-A Oklahoma RedHawks (Pacific Coast League), Double-A Erie SeaWolves (Eastern League), Double-A Frisco RoughRiders (Texas League), Single-A Dayton Dragons (Midwest League) and half of the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders (International League

Another Run at Double-A Ball in Ottawa?

The Ottawa newspaper is reporting that Mandalay Baseball Properties and Professional Sports Catering are jointly working with Ottawa mayor Jim Watson’s office on a deal to completely renovate and operate Ottawa Stadium while bringing an existing Double-A Eastern League franchise to the capital city.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Voters Shut Down Wilmington Stadium Project

Voters in Wilmington (NC) soundly rejected a referendum Tuesday authorizing the city to spend $37 million on a new baseball stadium for a relocated Single-A franchise that would have been owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties.  According to Mayor Bill Saffo Wednesday morning, baseball “is done.”   Read about here.

Wilmington Zeros In On Two Properties for New Ballpark

The City of Wilmington is targeting two possible locations on the Cape Fear River for the proposed new ballpark for a Single-A Carolina League team, including an 8.5-acre site north of PPD’s headquarters and the adjacent 8-acre Sawmill Point Marina tract, which is at the corner of Cowan Street and the Isabel Holmes Bridge.  The city has already been in negotiations with developer Chuck Schoninger

Luzerne County, Lackawanna County Legal Battle Not Over

We never heard that Lackawanna County and Luzerne County ever settled their dispute over the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees to Mandalay Baseball Properties and the New York Yankees, but we assumed it was still hanging out there.  Well, indeed it is, as Luzerne has just hired a Pittsburgh law firm to represent them in legal action against the neighboring county.  Read more here.

Wilmington Approves Stadium Contract With Braves, Mandalay

The Wilmington City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to approve the deal with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties to build a new ballpark for a Single-A Carolina League franchise.  The future of the project will now hinge on the voters, who will go to the polls in November to approve or reject a proposed 2.5-cent increase in property taxes to pay for the project.  Read more here.

Tentative Ballpark Deal Reached in Wilmington

A tentative ballpark deal has finally been reached between the City of Wilmington (NC), the Atlanta Braves, and Mandalay Baseball Properties.  The agreement is expected to go before the city council next Tuesday.  The proposed 2.5-cent property tax increase to pay for the new stadium will go before the voters in November.  Read more here.

Still No Deal on Wilmington Ballpark Plan

The Wilmington City Council was hoping to vote next Tuesday on a plan to build a new ballpark for a Single-A Carolina League franchise, but a final deal with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties remains a work in progress.  Read more here

Ripken Design Disputes Reports It Pitched Ballpark Plan

Ripken Design is denying reports that it pitched a privately-funded ballpark plan to New Hanover County (NC) that would be $10 million less than the $37 million public-private ballpark project being pursued by the City of Wilmington.  Read more here.

Voters to Decide Future of Proposed New Ballpark in Wilmington

The Wilmington (NC) City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to place a $37-million bond referendum on the November ballot to cover the cost of a new stadium for a Single-A Carolina League that would be brought to town by the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties.  Read more here.

Wilmington Delays Decision on Ballpark Agreement

The Wilmington (NC) City Council has put off signing an agreement with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties to build a new ballpark for a relocated Single-A Carolina League club.  The council is still scheduled to vote Tuesday on placing a bond referendum on the November ballot for the cost of land and stadium construction not to exceed $37 million.  Read more here.

Wilmington Ballpark Decision Expected Monday

The Wilmington (NC) City Council reportedly plans to meet in closed session Monday with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties to discuss a tentative deal for a new $37 million ballpark.  If an agreement is finalized, the council could vote Tuesday during a public hearing to place the matter on the November ballot.  Read more here.

Wilmington Ballpark Referendum a Go, Negotiations Continue

The Wilmington (NC) City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to move forward with a bond referendum in November to fund a new $42 million ballpark for an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, despite an invalid petition.  Meanwhile, the city and Mandalay Baseball Properties are still negotiating the numbers.  The city says $42 million is too much for the new park.  Mandalay has offered up

Ballpark Feasibility Report Released

The City of Wilmington has released a draft report from National Sports Services showing the estimated cost and feasibility of building a new ballpark for a Single-A Carolina League franchise.  The council will vote to accept or reject the report next Tuesday.  Read more here.  View report here.

Anti-Ballpark Petition Succeeds, Questions Arise

The group trying to force a public vote on any taxpayer funding for a new ballpark for a Single-A Carolina League franchise secured the number of petition signatures needed to make it happen — now what?  Shelby Sebens from the StarNewsOnline.com attempts to answer a number of fundamental questions about the impact of the successful petition drive.  Read more here.

Dayton a Model for Wilmington?

Shelby Seben from the StarNewsOnline.com takes a in-depth look at the highly successful Single-A Dayton Dragons (Midwest League) operated by Mandalay Baseball Properties as a example of what fans might expect in Wilmington (NC), if a new stadium is built for relocated Single-A Carolina League club that would also be operated by Mandalay

Name Change for SWB Yankees?

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the replacement of PNC Field Monday, it was suggested that a name change could be on the horizon for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.  While the Yankees name has value, energizing the opening of a fancy new ballpark with a creative new team branding campaign is the correct model.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the Link.

Go Forth and Study the Proposed Ballpark Project

The City of Wilmington (NC) gave National Sports Services its marching orders yesterday to produce a feasibility study by mid-June for the community’s proposed new baseball stadium.  The firm was hired last week to analyze the costs, economic benefits, and potential locations for the project.  Read more here.

SWB Yankees Sold, PNC Field Demolition to Begin Soon

Lackawanna County signed off on a deal Thursday to finally sell the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankess (International League) to the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball Properties for $14.6 million.  A dispute between Lackawanna and Luzerne County over the proceeds remains at issue.  Read more here.  View purchase agreement here.  Now it’s time to push the pedal to the metal to demolish and replace PNC Field, which could begin Friday.  Read more here.

Deal Close for SWB Yankees

A deal to keep the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (International League) in Northeastern Pennsyvania for the next 30 years in a rebuilt PNC Field could be signed as early as Thursday.  The final agreement is expected to be presented to the Lackawanna County Commissioners and the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority on Wednesday night.  Read more here.

Rose to Step Down as President of SWB Yankees

PRESS RELEASE – The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees announced today that Kristen Rose, team President, has resigned in order to relocate closer to family and take on the role of Executive Vice President of Mandalay Baseball Properties. In discussing her decision with the staff this morning, Ms. Rose said “I have enjoyed my time as President of the SWB Yankees, but have decided for

Wilmington (NC) Hires National Sports Services as Project Manager

The Wilmington (NC) City Council voted Tuesday to hire National Sports Services instead of Ripken Design as the project manager for the community’s proposed ballpark project.  There were concerns raised that Ripken may have had a conflict of interest with Mandalay Baseball Properties.  Read more here.

Pondering the Future of the SWB/Empire State Yankees

There are concerns in town that the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area could actually lose the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (now Empire State Yankees), if a stadium deal does not come together shortly.  Read more here.  We have not seen the option-to-buy contract between Lackawanna County and the New York Yankees/Mandalay Baseball Properties, but we thought the deal was a mere

Negotiations Not Yet Done for Sale of SWB Yankees

Lackawanna County (PA) is still in negotiations to sell the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (International League) to SWB Yankees LLC, a joint venture between Mandalay Baseball Properties and the New York Yankees.  Concerns have been raised by some that time is running very short, as demolition of PNC Field needs to begin soon in order for a new ballpark to be built in time for the club’s

Wilmington Considers Preliminary Ballpark Spend, Explores Locations

The Wilmington (NC) City Council on Tuesday will consider spending $123,500 over the coming months for a feasibility study, outside legal counsel, a financial adviser, property appraisal and project management in connection with a proposed new ballpark for a Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.  The city is also looking at possible locations for the project.

Hillcats Issue Statement on Possible Sale, Relocation, MiLB Replacement

PRESS RELEASE – Over the years, the Lynchburg Baseball Corp. (LBC) has from time to time received indications of interest pertaining to the acquisition of the Hillcats franchise. Consistently, the LBC’s response to any interested party has required a commitment to maintain professional baseball at Lynchburg City Stadium.

Wilmington to Begin Formal Negotiations for Affiliated Ball

The Wilmington (NC) City Council has unanimously approved a plan to begin formal negotiations with the Atlanta Braves and Mandalay Baseball Properties to bring the Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina League) to the Port City.  Not everyone is happy, including Darrell Handelsman, owner of the summer collegiate Wilmington Sharks (Coastal Plain League), who argued that if the Braves come

Wilmington to Take Next Steps for Affiliated Ball

The mayor of Wilmington (NC) announced today that the city council will decide next week whether to begin negotiations with Mandalay Baseball Properties and the Atlanta Braves to explore a public/private partnership to build a new minor league baseball stadium.  Read more here.

County Ends Baseball Stadium Talks with Wilmington (NC), Mandalay

New Hanover County (NC) has withdrawn from new baseball stadium discussions with the City of Wilmington (NC) and Mandalay Entertainment.  This was admitted payback, as the city recently approved an annexation deal for a new apartment complex, which the county opposed.  Read more here.  Watch news clip here.

Design Work Halted on SWB Yankees Ballpark

Lackawanna County (PA) has put a hold on the design work being done for the new stadium for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, until the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball Properties, which are expected to buy the team pursuant to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2010, step up to the plate to finalize a deal for the stadium construction and lease.  Read more here.

S.I. Yankees Sold

The Single-A Staten Island Yankees (New York-Penn League) have been sold to a Connecticut-based group of financial investors called Nostalgic Partners.  The franchise has been operated by Mandalay Baseball Properties for the New York Yankees since 2007.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

All About America’s New Sell-Out Champions

New York Times columnist George Vecsey takes a look at the business operations of the Triple-A Dayton Dragons, which are expected to reach 815 consecutive sell-out games on Saturday night to surpass the national sports record held by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers (1977-1995).  Read more here.

Judge Rules Against Luzerne County

Senior Judge Harold Thomson has issued an order that grants Lackawanna County’s preliminary objection to Luzerne County’s claim that it’s entitled to half the proceeds from any sale of the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.  Apparently, the only evidence Luzerne County submitted to bolster its claim was a September 1986 memorandum of agreement that included language about

Livingston Parish Mandalaying Ahead with New Ballpark Proposal

Livingston Parish (LA) near Baton Rouge has entered into an initial agreement to lease a proposed new 5,500-seat ballpark to Mandalay Baseball Properties LLC for 20-years for what is expected to be a Double-A Southern League club.  The Huntsville (AL) Stars or Jackson (TN) Generals would appear to be the most likely relocation targets.  The team would reportedly begin play in 2013.  Read more here.

RedHawks Purchased by Mandalay

PRESS RELEASE – Mandalay Baseball Properties, LLC (MBP) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Oklahoma City RedHawks franchise in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) from OKC Athletic Club, LP, principally owned by Robert Funk Sr. and Scott Pruitt. Major League Baseball, the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, and the Pacific Coast League have all approved the transaction.