24th Annual Rickwood Classic Slated for June 8th

PRESS RELEASE – The Birmingham Barons and Friends of Rickwood welcome fans back to legendary Rickwood Field for the 24th Annual Rickwood Classic presented by Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Stewart Lubricants and Service Company, and Drummond Company, Inc.

Baseball Grounds to Become 121 Financial Ballpark

PRESS RELEASE – Jacksonville’s longest tenured professional sports franchise has entered into an agreement to play in a stadium bearing the name of one of Jacksonville’s longest continually-operating credit unions. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and 121 Financial Credit Union (pronounced “One to One”) have agreed to terms on a long-term naming rights agreement for the ballpark, pending Jacksonville City Council approval expected ahead of the 2020 season.

Generals to Add Concerts

The Jackson Generals  (Double-A, Southern League) announced Thursday they’ve made a deal with entertainment company Grand Slam Presents, which will bring 13 concerts to the The Ballpark at Jackson over the next five years.  Read more and watch news report here.

Jumbo Shrimp Promote Craw to Executive Vice President/General Manager

PRESS RELEASE – Fast Forward Sports Group, LLC, led by Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp owner Ken Babby, has promoted Harold Craw from the role of general manager to the club’s executive vice president/general manager, the club announced Wednesday.

Rocket City Trash Pandas Pass $2M Mark in Licensed Merchandise Sales

PRESS RELEASE – The Rocket City Trash Pandas today announced that the team surpassed the $2 million mark in merchandise sales this past Friday, December 21 – in just over 13 months.

Vote Today on Future of Mobile’s Hank Aaron Stadium

A big vote is happening today for the future of Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile (AL).  Since the Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) packed their bags and moved to a new home in North Alabama, questions have swirled about the future of this historic ballpark.  Read more and watch news report here.

Trash Pandas Introduce ‘Sprocket”

Intertwining baseball and Huntsville’s (AL) space legacy heritage, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League) have revealed the name of the team’s mascot — “Sprocket.”  While a sprocket is a wheel with teeth or cogs, it’s also a colloquial shorthand for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.  Read more here.

‘Toyota Field’ is Name of New Trash Pandas Ballpark

The new home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League) will be known as Toyota Field after a partnership agreement was reached between team ownership group Ballcorps LLC, the city of Madison and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Read more here.  Read press release here.

Group Forms to Manage Mobile’s Hank Aaron Stadium

Two former Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) assistant general managers are now part of a new company working on a plan to manage Hank Aaron Stadium, which is losing it’s team to a new ballpark near Huntsville (AL).  It’s called Mobile Sports and Entertainment Group, or MSEG, and the owners plans go beyond, but include, baseball. Read more here.

Construction Update: Trash Pandas Ballpark

The new minor league baseball stadium now under-construction at Town Madison is plainly visible to motorists on Interstate 565. The $46 million, 7,500-seat stadium is on schedule to be completed in plenty of time for the first game, set for April 15, 2020.  Read more and view 36 photos here.

Ralph got to give Mojo @1043WZYP the grand tour of the ballpark yesterday!
Thanks for coming out! pic.twitter.com/3A2GaPHgle

— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) June 1, 2019

Lou Piniella, Coal Barons Highlight 23rd Annual Rickwood Classic Tomorrow

PRESS RELEASE – This annual game is set for Wednesday, May 29th at 12:30 pm and will celebrate the beginning of baseball at Rickwood Field. The game will feature the Birmingham Barons against the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Former veteran MLB player and Manager “Sweet Lou” Piniella will be the special guest of honor and will be available for autographs during the game.

Trash Pandas Announce Giant Food Hall, Voice of the Team

If you like some food with your baseball, Town Madison (AL) has unveiled an appetizing plan that blends the best of both worlds. A giant food hall – featuring 18 kitchens as well as breweries and food trucks – will be the primary connection between the Town Madison retail/restaurant district and the development-anchoring baseball stadium that’s home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League). Read more here. In other Panda news, the team has named Josh Caray, grandson of baseball legend Harry Caray, to be the voice of the team. Read more and watch news report here.

Rocket City Trash Pandas Name Josh Caray, Grandson of Baseball Legend Harry Caray and Son of Braves Hall of Famer Skip Caray, Play-by-Play Announcer!
Welcome to the Trash Pandas @seawolvesvoice ! pic.twitter.com/eaZHxI6nXs

— Rocket City Trash Pandas (@trashpandas) May 14, 2019

Barons Show the Love, Launch 7th Inning Wave

Inspired by the Iowa Wave during football games at the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium, the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) have started a similar tradition for their home games. The Children’s of Alabama Hospital overlooks Regions Field, the home stadium for the Barons. So, during the seventh inning stretch, players and fans wave at center field in the direction of the hospital.  Read more here and here.

So cool.

Instead of a 7th inning stretch, the @BhamBarons are doing a "7th inning wave" where fans wave to patients of at the Children's Hospital of Alabama that's located in right field.https://t.co/Yt32txiFFM

(📹: @abc3340) pic.twitter.com/8qHkw6DGs2

— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 12, 2019

Talking New Ballpark for Smokies, ‘Daylighting’ of River

Opening Day for the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A, Southern League) is Thursday night.  As thousands prepare to gather at the baseball team’s Kodak (TN) stadium, some in Knoxville speculate about when the team could move to Old City.  City Councilman Mark Campen is supportive of a possible ballpark in the Old City and said he hopes project leaders will take First Creek’s possibilities into their plans.  Read more here.

‘(Miami) Vice Night’ Highlights Jumbo Shrimp 2019 Promo Schedule

Affordable family fun is returning to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville for the 2019 season presented by Community First Credit Union, as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp revealed their promotional schedule that begins on Opening Night on Thursday, April 4.  On May 11, the Jumbo Shrimp will host “Vice Night.”  The team will be wearing specialty Jumbo Shrimp Vice Night jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game.  Fans will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Crockett and Tub(b)s, as they’ll be on the concourse for a meet and greet during the game.  Read more here and here.

Maneuvering for Property for Knoxville Ballpark Project

As the city of Knoxville (TN) and Randy Boyd continue talks about bringing the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A, Southern League) team to the Old City, two businesses have been approached by real estate agents inquiring about their willingness to sell property near the stadium site.  Read more here.

Shuckers Unveil 2019 Southern League All-Star Game Logo

PRESS RELEASE – At a press conference on Wednesday, the Biloxi Shuckers revealed the official logo for the 2019 Southern League All-Star Game. The Shuckers will host the Southern League’s annual All-Star Festivities on June 17 and 18 at MGM Park.

Blue Wahoos Announce Garagiola as Lead Broadcaster

Once he became burned out on playing baseball, Chris Garagiola searched for a new passion.  He didn’t grow up dreaming of following his famous grandfather, Joe Garagiola, who went from a major league playing career (1946-54) to becoming an American icon as a baseball broadcaster and television host. And really, who could imagine following that path?  Rather, it was circumstance that led Chris to even try broadcasting.  Read more here.

Chris Garagiola (right), the Blue Wahoos newly named lead broadcaster, on air with Tommy Thrall (left).

Knoxville Mayor Talks New Ballpark at Council Meeting

Talks are still going on a project aiming to bring baseball back to downtown Knoxville (TN).  The discussion comes and goes, but this week, Mayor Madeline Rogero brought up the idea in front of Knoxville City Council.  Read more here and watch news report here.

Blue Wahoos Add Four to Front Office

PRESS RELEASE – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos announced the hiring of four front office staff members on Thursday, adding three employees to their full-time sales department and one to their public relations staff.

Trash Pandas Branding Unveiled

At an event at Dublin Park in Madison (AL) tonight, the owners of the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League) unveiled the team’s branding package.  Read more here.

Jumbo Shrimp, City of Jacksonville Agree to Long-Term Ballpark Lease Extension

PRESS RELEASE – The Jacksonville City Council officially approved a new lease extension for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Tuesday. The agreement, which confirms the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s long-term commitment to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, is an extension of the current working agreement and goes into effect immediately. The Jumbo Shrimp franchise, previously the Suns (1970-1984, 1991-2016) and Expos (1985-1990), has called the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville home since it opened for the 2003 season. The Jumbo Shrimp have committed to playing baseball at the ballpark through at least the 2033 season with this 10-year extension.

Huntsville’s Joe Davis Stadium to be Demolished

In less than two years, Madison’s (AL) new baseball stadium will be finished.  Meanwhile, Huntsville’s old ballpark Joe Davis Stadium has been vacant for years.  City administrator John Hamilton says the place is likely going to be torn down, it’s just a question of when.  Read more here.

Full Speed Ahead: Madison Chooses Ballpark Construction Company

Construction is full speed ahead on the new ballpark in Madison (AL) for the coming Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern league).  In a special called meeting on Tuesday, the Madison city council chose a construction company to build the stadium.  Officials say things are on track to play ball in 2020. Read more and watch news report here.

It’s the ‘Rocket City Trash Pandas’

BallCorps Inc., owners of the minor league baseball team that will begin play in Madison (AL) in 2020, announced at a community event Wednesday night that the team will be called the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Double-A, Southern League).  Read more here.

Baseball Is Back! https://t.co/HpNrgz6QY9

— Baseball Is Back In North Alabama! (@NBamaBaseball1) September 6, 2018

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North Alabama Baseball to Unveil Team Name Wednesday

This week, baseball fans in Madison (AL) will find out who they’ll be cheering for.  On Wednesday, owners of the new minor league baseball team will unveil its new name.  The Top 5 names include, Comet Jockeys, Moon Possums, Space Chimps, ThunderSharks, and Trash Pandas.  Read more here.  We expect to see “Rocket City” something.

North Alabama Baseball Narrows Branding List to Five

After receiving thousands of votes in their “Name The Team” sweepstakes, North Alabama Baseball have narrowed the list down to the top five names, including the Comet Jockeys, Moon Possums, Space Chimps, ThunderSharks, and Trash Pandas.  Vote here.

Top-10 Possible Names Announced for Coming Madison (AL) Team

BallCorps, LLC has announced the Top-10 names that came out of its name-the-team contest for the Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) franchise that will be relocated to a new stadium in Madison (AL) in time for the 2020 season.  The names include Army Ants, Comet Jockeys, GloWorms, Lunartics, Moom Possums, Puffy Head Bird Legs, Space Chimps, Space Sloths, Thunder Sharks, and Trash Pandas.  Read more and vote here.  Read more from AL.com.  Read lead-up story here.

 

Biscuits Unveil ‘Millennial Night’

The Montgomery Biscuits (Double-A, Southern League) will bring Millennial Night to Riverwalk Stadium on Saturday, July 21st, with a participation ribbon giveaway just for showing up, napping areas, selfie stations, and more.  As you would expect, not all appreciate the idea. Read more here.

Want free things without doing much work? Well you're in luck!

Riverwalk Stadium will be Millennial friendly on Saturday, July 21st with a participation ribbon giveaway just for showing up, napping and selfie stations, along with lots of avocados 🥑

🎫: https://t.co/mEfHPEQ6fF pic.twitter.com/jvGKCCenpn

— Montgomery Biscuits (@BiscuitBaseball) July 11, 2018

M-Braves Unveil New Mississippi Fixin’s Menu

PRESS RELEASE – The Mississippi Braves are excited to announce the new food items we’re now offering at our concession stands and the re-branding of the new stand “Mississippi Fixin’s”.

New Madison (AL) Team May Not Carry ‘Madison’ Identifier in Name

The baseball team that will begin play in Madison (AL) in 2019 may not use “Madison” as a location identifier in the team’s neame.  On NorthAlabamaBaseball.com, the community can suggest nicknames for the team that will begin play in Madison in 2020, the first question asks fans which identifier it recommends.  The choices listed are Alabama, Huntsville, Madison, North Alabama, Tennessee Valley.  Read more here.

North Alabama Excited for New Ballpark, Baseball Team

Investors are hoping that on Tuesday, April 14th of 2020, baseball fans in Northern Alabama can sit in the stands and root for the home team.  What they’ll be shouting is unclear because the team doesn’t yet have a name, but leaders with Ballcorps LLC say this field of dreams is about to become a reality.  Read more and watch news report here.  View new renderings from Populous here.

 

Rickwood Classic Returns Today

The Rickwood Classic takes place on Wednesday, May 30, at Rickwood Field — America’s oldest baseball park, as the Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) play host to the Chattanooga Lookouts starting at 12:30 p.m.  The Barons will don uniforms from “Fabulous Fifties” when the club was affiliated with the New York Yankees from 1953 – 1956.  The Lookouts will also wear period unis.  View 2018 Rickwood Classic Fan Guide here.

 

Groundbreaking Set for New Madison (AL) Ballpark

The city of Madison on Thursday announced plans for a groundbreaking ceremony for the multi-use facility that will be home to the city’s new minor league baseball team.  Read more here.

Montgomery to be Greenbow Biscuits for Forrest Gump Tribute Night

The Montgomery Biscuits (Double-A, Southern League) are planning a special Forrest Gump tribute night June 1 and will transform into the “Greenbow Biscuits” for the game.  Read more here.

Plan to Relocate BayBears to Madison (AL) by April 2020 Remains on Track

The city of Madison (AL) and Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) owner, BallCorps LLC, are taking strides this week in the plan to make the city home to minor league baseball.  As a very positive sign, Ralph Nelson, managing partner of BallCorps, has actually purchased a home in the Madison area.  Read more and watch news report here.

Jackson Generals to be Hub City Hippos Every Friday

Comin' @ U every Fri.! @jacksongenerals become Hub City Hippos in special jerseys #MadeByOTSports! Starting this Fri.! https://t.co/7PLnEvaZNo @MiLBPromos @bensbiz @PhilHecken @shelldunc @westTNvol79 @Seimer10 @TyphoonSprings @flowwbott1 @mickmulls @AlexTHinz @tyskidsarecrazy pic.twitter.com/4qR3kubvSR

— OT Sports (@OT_Sports_Unis) April 3, 2018

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Chicken & Waffles, Irish Nachos Highlight Barons New Food Lineup

The Birmingham Barons (Double-A, Southern League) and Parkview Catering have introduced new concessions food & beverage items for the 2018 season including Chicken & Waffles and Irish Nachos.  Read more here.  Speaking of food, the Barons have also unveiled a specialty jersey for Aug. 25.

City, Developer Reach Deal for Ballpark Infrastructure

City officials have negotiated terms with Town Madison developers that will help provide the infrastructure needed for a multi-use stadium.  The venue and infrastructure are key parts of the plan to bring the Mobile BayBears (Double-A, Southern League) to Madison (AL).  Read more here.

Madison Releases Renderings of New Ballpark

While the city of Madison (AL) works to finalize the deal to bring minor league baseball back to the Huntsville area, officials released renderings of the new stadium, as part of the 86-page “venue license, lease, and management agreement” released Thursday night between the city and BallCorps LLC.  Read more and view renderings here.