Ballpark Visit ALERT: New Cubs Spring-Training Facility (Mesa, AZ)

Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com got an exclusive guided tour of the brand-new spring-training complex for the Chicago Cubs that is nearing completion in Mesa (AZ), courtesy of officials from Populous and Hunt Construction.  It’s very cool to get our first look at the new facility.  Thanks, Joe!  Read more and view photos here.

Cubs Hire GM for New Spring Training Facility

PRESS RELEASE – The Chicago Cubs have hired Justin Piper as general manager, Mesa Spring Training Operations, reporting to Mark McGuire, executive vice president, Business Operations.

A’s Reach 20-Year Agreement to Train in Mesa Beginning in 2015

PRESS RELEASE – The Oakland Athletics and the City of Mesa have reached a 20-year agreement for the team to train in the East Valley city, beginning in February 2015. The A’s, who also hold two five-year options that could extend the contract to 30 years, will conduct workouts at Fitch Park and play their Spring Training games at Hohokam Stadium, the current home of the Chicago

HoHoKams Need a Contract

The Arizona Republic argues that the Mesa HoHoKams, a civic group founded in 1951 to sponsor the Chicago Cubs in spring training, deserve a contracted role at the Cubs’ new $84-million stadium that will open at Riverview Park next year.  For years, members have served as ushers and sold programs and concessions, in return for revenue from the

AWBL Unveils Website

The developing indy pro American West Baseball League owned  and operated by Michael Cummings and his Embark Holdings, Inc. (formerly Godfather Media, Inc.), has launched a new website.  While no ballpark lease agreements have been announced, teams listed on the site include the Fullerton (CA) Flyers, Long Beach (CA) Splash, Mesa (AZ), North County (assuming San Diego, CA area) Cannons, and Yuma (AZ) Panthers.  View website here.  Thanks to John for the link.

Godfather Media Announces Fifth AWBL Market

PRESS RELEASE – Godfather Media, Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement between its subsidiary American West Baseball League (AWBL) and Albie Lopez, former MLB player, and Eddie Marin, a local businessman and sports agent for the Mesa, Arizona Territory.

Ballpark Groundbreaking Set, Sun Devils Close to Joining Cubs

The groundbreaking for the new spring-training home for the Chicago Cubs in Mesa (AZ) is set for July 11.  A deal to relocate the Arizona State University Sun Devils baseball team to the new park is in the final stages of negotiation as well.  Read more here.

Golf Course Closure Makes Room for New Cubs Home

The good news is, the Chicago Cubs are getting a new spring training home in Mesa (AZ) called Wrigleyville West.  The bad new is, residents and visitors have lost a great economical golf course to make room for it.  Riverview Golf Course officially closed on Monday.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe Mock (BaseballParks.com) for the story.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: HoHoKam Stadium (Mesa, AZ)

Digital Ballparks visits HoHoKam Stadium, the Spring Training home of the Chicago Cubs.  Read more and view photos here.

Watchdog Group Decides Not to Sue Mesa Over Cubs Deal

The Phoenix-based watchdog group The Goldwater Institute has decided not to directly sue the City of Mesa over a deal to build a $99 million spring training complex for the Chicago Cubs.  Goldwater believes the deal might violate the Arizona Constitution’s ban on government financial gifts to businesses and is encouraging Mesa taxpayers to challenge the deal.

Voters Approve New Spring Home for Cubs

Voters overwhelmingly approved a plan for a new $84 million spring training complex in Mesa (AZ) for the Chicago Cubs.  Read more and view rendering here.