Potential New Owners Continue to Eyeball Hagerstown Suns

At least two new groups have emerged with interest in buying the Hagerstown Suns (Single-A, South Atlantic League).
After talks stalled with a different ownership group from Georgia, three more entities have inquired about the minor-league baseball team, including two considered serious suitors.  Read more here.  Meanwhile, the current ownership is seeking a three-year lease extension to continue to use Municipal Stadium.  Read more here.

Quebec Stadium Gets New Name

Municipal Stadium, home of the Québec Capitales (Independent Professional, Can-Am League), will now be known as CANAC Stadium, as part of a 10-year agreement between the stadium’s operator CBV and the hardware chain.  Read more here.  Click here for an online translator.

Waterbury Set to Re-Open Renovated Municipal Stadium

On Wednesday evening, Waterbury (CT) Post 1 American Legion baseball will play a doubleheader at Municipal Stadium in front of the renovated grandstand.  New bright blue seating is the most noticeable thing visitors will see.  Read more here.  Read background story here.  View photo here.  View “Oops” news report from May here.  View photo gallery and learn more about the restrooms and locker rooms situation here.  View Waterbury’s team history here.

Suns Staying Put (for Now)

The Hagerstown (MD) City Council has agreed in principle to a lease extension with the Hagerstown Suns (Single-A, South Atlantic League) to stay at Municipal Stadium for two more years.  The new proposal has the Suns continuing to pay the city $35,000 for rent per year, but it will now be reinvested back into the stadium for improvements.  Read more here.

Northwoods League Closing In on Bismarck (ND) Expansion

PRESS RELEASE – The Northwoods League has agreed to the terms offered by the Bismarck, ND Parks and Recreation District for an “Agreement for Use” allowing for League play beginning with the 2017 season at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark.

Suns Selling Naming Rights to Municipal Stadium Field

The Single-A Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic League) announced Wednesday that they’re seeking to sell naming rights to the field at Municipal Stadium.  The RFP will remain active through January 2015.  Read more here.

Bismarck Ballpark Renovation Update

Municipal Stadium in Bismarck (ND) is undergoing a major renovation, and it looks like the project will be wrapping up soon. Read more and watch news report here.  Now it’s time to start pondering future uses for the new 1,100 seat facility, including bringing a summer collegiate ball club to the former Prairie League city.  Read background here.

San Jose Giants Unveil Improvements to Municipal Stadium

PRESS RELEASE – The San Jose Giants unveiled today a number of improvements to Municipal Stadium designed to enhance the fan experience at the ballpark. Since 1942, Municipal Stadium has been a place for families to gather and watch professional baseball and it has served as the home for top San Francisco Giants prospects since 1988.

San Jose Giants Extend Ballpark Lease Through 2018

PRESS RELEASE – The San Jose City Council approved today a five year lease extension to keep the San Jose Giants playing at Municipal Stadium through the 2018 season. Terms of the agreement include the ability for the San Jose Giants to sell stadium naming rights and continue to pursue on-site development options to fund capital improvements at the ballpark.

Hagerstown Agrees to Municipal Stadium Upgrades

Despite the reality that the Single-A Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic League) are likely relocating to Fredericksburg (VA) in 2015, the Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday agreed to pay for about $15,000 in capital imprvements to 83-year-old Municipal Stadium to honor the team’s lease.  Read more here.

Facelift Progress for Bismarck Ballpark

Construction continues on the $1.5 million renovation of Municipal Ballpark in Bismarck (ND).  The new grandstand will have covered seating for 1,000 fans.  Other improvements will include a new clubhouse for players and improved concession, restroom, press box and main gate facilities.  Bismarck has been talked about as a possible location for a summer collegiate Northwoods League team.  Read more here.

Ground Problems Halt Renovation of Waterbury Stadium

Municipal Stadium in Waterbury (CT) is undergoing a $4 million renovation of its grandstand, but construction has been halted after it was discovered that the “quicksand”-like ground is challenging the integrity of the facility’s foundation and structure.  The fix could be expensive.  Read more here.  Thanks to Joe DeLeonard for the link.

Improvements to Municipal Stadium for 2013 Season

PRESS RELEASE – The San Jose Giants unveiled today a number of improvements to Municipal Stadium designed to enhance player development and fan experience at the ballpark. Built in 1942, Municipal Stadium has been a place for families to gather and watch professional baseball for over seventy years, while it has served as the home for top San Francisco Giants prospects since

Baseball Stadium’s Nostalgic Past Key to Development?

With the 2012 MLB All-Star Game coming to Kansas City (MO) in July, the site of old Municipal Stadium, opened in 1923 and demolished in 1976, is getting a little attention.  City officials unveiled a $300,000 plan Friday to capitalize on the site’s storied baseball past to jumpstart development.  Read more here.  View stadium photos here.

Waterbury Approves Funding for Stadium Renovation

The Waterbury (CT) Board of Aldermen last week unanimously approved $2.5 million in bonding to complete Phase III of the project to renovate Municipal Stadium.  Read more here.  In anticipation of the renovation, locals are talking about the revitalization of Hank Hall.  Read more here.  Thanks to Eddie Utley for the links.

Hagerstown Scrambles to Save Suns

Hagerstown (MD) officials have been in talks with the Maryland Stadium Authority to seek advice about renovating Municipal Stadium or building a new ballpark for the Single-A Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic League).  As you know, Winchester (VA) is trying to lure the team away.  Read more here.

Finish Restoring Municipal Stadium

The Republican-American’s Joe Pappadino makes the case for funding Phase III of the restoration of historic Municipal Stadium in Waterbury (CT).  The estimated cost is $4 million.  The stadium was the home of the indy pro Waterbury Spririt (Northeast League/Northern League) from 1997-2000.  Read more here.

Hagerstown Suns Sound the Relocation Alarm

Tony Dahbura, the co-owner of the Single-A Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic League) warned the Washington County (MD) Board of Commissioners last night that Hagerstown could be without professional baseball as early as 18 months from now, if the city and county fail to pledge dollars for upgrades to Municipal Stadium.  Read more here.

Community Activist, Columnist Talk New Stadium in Hagerstown

Community activist Art Callaham and The Herald-Mail staff writer Bob Parasiliti are back advocating for a full renovation of Municipal Stadium, home of the Single-A Hagerstown Suns (Carolina League), or replacing it with a brand new ballpark.  Read Callaham here and Parasiliti here.

Ballpark Visit ALERT: Municipal Stadium (Hagerstown, MD)

MiLB.com reporter Benjamin Hill visits Municipal Stadium, home of the Single-A Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic League).  Read more and view photos here.