ONEOK Field to Get Major Upgrades and Additions to LED Video Displays

PRESS RELEASE – The Tulsa Drillers announced plans today for a major renovation project to ONEOK Field’s scoreboard and video displays. The million-dollar project will replace, enlarge and enhance all the stadium’s LED video displays and will be completed prior to the 2020 baseball season.

Sod Poodles to Host 2020 Texas League All-Star Game, Release Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced today that HODGETOWN and the Champion Amarillo Sod Poodles have been chosen to host the 2020 Texas League All-Star Game.

Mock Tours, Reviews Hodgetown

Joe Mock of  BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) recently to tour Hodgetown, the new $45.5-million ballpark for the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League).  Mock’s in-depth review and 32 photographs cover everything from the ballpark design to fan amenities and concessions.  Read review and view photos here.

Have you checked out our in-depth review of Amarillo’s Hodgetown? It’s the home of the @SodPoodles! https://t.co/EaBKHrALkb @Populous pic.twitter.com/PWha6NLdrT

— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 25, 2019

Sod Poodles Open New Ballpark in Front of 7,175 Fans

The word echoing among the 7,175 fans at Monday’s inaugural Sod Poodles home game was “excited.” Fans packed the seats, the concourse and the executive suites, excited for a game that has been in the making since 52 percent of Amarillo voters approved the multipurpose event venue in 2015.  Read more and view gallery here.

The first National Anthem at @Hodgetown. @SodPoodles @Populous @MiLB pic.twitter.com/TwMhBJ2ott

— Joe Mock (@baseballparks) April 9, 2019

Church to Hold Easter Service at Amarillo’s New Ballpark

A local church will be holding a special Easter service at Amarillo’s new ballpark, Hodgetown, in April.  This reportedly will be the first non-baseball event at the stadium.  Read more here.

Springfield Cardinals Announce Front Office Changes

PRESS RELEASES – As part of our continuous goal to continue improving the fan experience at Hammons Field and throughout our community, the Springfield Cardinals today announced the front office promotions

Sod Poodles Unveil Inaugural Uniforms

The Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) have unveiled their three uniform combinations that will be worn by players and field staff throughout the team’s inaugural season – a home white “Sod Poodles” script jersey with a crest logo patch on the sleeve, a road grey “Amarillo” art-deco style jersey with the quick draw logo on the sleeve, and an Alternate light blue “Soddies” script jersey with the pride of Texas logo on the sleeve.  Amarillo Yellow, Texas Red and Blue, and Route 66 Retro Blue make up the club’s new official colors.  Read more here.

Sod Poodles Reveal Hodgetown Digital Signage

PRESS RELEASE – At the April opening of Hodgetown, the home of the Amarillo Sod Poodles, fans will revel in the high-definition video boards designed to enhance the ballpark fan experience.

A Tour of Hodgetown

It’s been just over a year since Amarillo (TX) broke ground on the new ballpark for the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League).  With only 64 days left until the home opener at Hodgetown, a local news station took a tour of the future home of the Soddies.  Watch tour here.

Mixed-Use Development Approved for Land Adjacent to Dr. Pepper Ballpark

Frisco (TX) officials have approved updated plans for a mixed-use development on the Dallas North Tollway, just south of Dr. Pepper Ballpark, home of the Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A, Texas League).  Read more here and here.

New Amarillo Ballpark Named ‘Hodgetown’

The Amarillo Sod Poodles(Double-A, Texas League) today announced that they have entered into a ballpark naming-rights partnership, renaming the home of the Sod Poodles “Hodgetown”. Read more here.

🚨Breaking🚨There are a lot of people who helped bring affiliated baseball back to the Texas Panhandle. A big thank you to Jerry Hodge for spearheading this dream come true.
Hodgetown: Home of your Amarillo Sod Poodles
Full story: https://t.co/C06YQqfSTJ pic.twitter.com/InNYClzk0X

— Amarillo Sod Poodles (@sodpoodles) January 17, 2019

Mock Tours, Reviews Sod Poodles’ Palace

Joe Mock of  BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) recently to tour the new $45.5-million ballpark currently under construction for the newly minted Amarillo Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) — a franchise relocating from San Antonio (TX) in time for the 2019 season.  Read review and view 13 photos here.

Mock in Town for Sod Poodles, Ballpark Tour

Joe Mock of  BaseballParks.com was in Amarillo (TX) last week for the big unveiling of the Sod Poodles (Double-A, Texas League) and tour the new $45.5-million ballpark currently under construction for the now-prairie dog-themed franchise relocating from San Antonio (TX) in time for the 2019 season.  Read more and view photos here.

It’s the ‘Amarillo Sod Poodles’

PRESS RELEASE – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, unveiled their new identity program Tuesday at a press conference.

Anthem Inspired by Growing Appreciation for ‘Sod Poodles’

When the finalists for Amarillo’s new Double-A baseball team were announced, they raised eyebrows.  But thanks to a catchy song, sod poodles are winning over Amarilloans.  Read more here.

Amarillo, Padres Agree to PDC

PRESS RELEASE – Amarillo Professional Baseball and the San Diego Padres announced today that they have agreed to a player-development contract (PDC) that will run through the 2020 season.

Resident Takes Legal Action to Stop Amarillo Ballpark Project, Construction Well Under Way

In a futile effort, one resident is taking the City of Amarillo (TX) and the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation to court to seek an injunction on the downtown ballpark project for the coming Amarillo Bronc Busters, Jerky, Long Haulers, Sod Poodles, or Boot Scooters (Double-A, Texas League).  Read more here.  In real news, check out the latest ballpark construction video here.

Local Tries to Save Shreveport’s Fair Grounds Field

A Shreveport native is hoping to save Fair Grounds Field.  Edward Best shared his idea about three weeks ago on Change.org.  Since then, more than 2,500 people signed his petition, and he’s gotten the attention of city leaders.  Read more and watch news report here.  The latest pro team to play at the ballpark were the Shreveport-Bossier Captains (Independent Professional, American Association), which relocated to Laredo (TX) after the 2011 season.

Missions Prepare to Bid Adieu to Texas League

One of the longest running affiliations in American professional sports will come to an end in September when the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) conclude their season.  Read more here.

Elmore Weighing Options in San Antonio, Chooses GM to Ramp Up Amarillo Operations

Nearly a year later after announcing the move of the Colorado Sky Sox (Triple-A, Pacific Coast League) to San Antonio (TX), the Elmore Sports Group’s pursuit of a new stadium remains in the exploratory stage.  Read more here.  (Subscription required.)  Meanwhile, it’s been announced that Sky Sox GM Tony Ensor has been tapped to run Elmore’s new Double-A, Texas League club in Amarillo (TX) (the relocating San Antonio Missions).  Sky Sox Assistant GM Chris Phillips has been promoted to GM.  Read more here.

Five Finalists Announced for Amarillo Name-the-Team Contest

PRESS RELEASE – Amarillo Professional Baseball’s “Name the Team” sweepstakes has been narrowed to five finalists after receiving over 3,000 entries, with fan voting now open online.

The #1-Ranked Copa de la Diversion Name that Almost Didn’t Happen

Last summer, Burl Yarbrough, president of the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League), received a text from his general manager, Dave Gasaway.  After collaborating with fellow staffers, Gasaway probed Yarbrough about becoming the Flying Chanclas and join 32 other clubs in the MiLB initiative Copa de la Diversion, or “Fun Cup.”  Yarbrough delivered an initial terse response: “Nope.”  Read more here.  View full branding here.  View SI rankings here.

RoughRiders Celebrate 8-Millionth Fan

Danielle Schneider of Highland Village is the grand prize winner of the Frisco RoughRiders’ 8 Millionth Fan Celebration Thursday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark.  Schneider is officially the 8 Millionth Fan in franchise regular-season history and won season tickets for life, Raising Cane’s for a year and a Choctaw Lazy River package valued at $8,888. Read more here.

918 Nights Are Coming to ONEOK Field

PRESS RELEASE – Back in February when the Tulsa Drillers released their 2018 Promotion Calendar, there was a tease of 918 Nights, a Tulsa Celebration. Many people were left wondering as to what 918 Nights would entail, and now the wait is FINALLY over! Today the Tulsa Drillers are excited to release the details of 918 Nights taking place at ONEOK Field.

The Future of Jackson’s Smith-Wills Stadium

The future of Smith-Wills Stadium is still up in the air, with Jackson (MS) city officials still undecided how to move forward with the property.  Last year, the city brought on Tim Bennett, owner of the Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A, Southern League), to do an assessment of stadium and help determine its viability for tournaments and events.  Opening in 1975, a number of affiliated and independent clubs played at the ballpark over the years.  Read more here.

Hooks Become Blue Ghosts June 21-23

PRESS RELEASE – This Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Lexington CV-16. To commemorate the occasion, your Hooks will defend Whataburger Field as the Corpus Christi Blue Ghosts June 21-23, team general manager Wes Weigle announced Thursday.

Amarillo Breaks Ground on Double-A Ballpark

City of Amarillo (TX) officials unveiled what they envision as Amarillo’s long-awaited $45.5 million Field of Dreams during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon just south of City Hall.  Read more and view photos here.

Columnist Bashes Idea of Downtown San Antonio Ballpark

According to one columnist, there is no visible merit to building a minor league baseball stadium downtown San Antonio.  Not in a fast-growing city with major league aspirations.  Not in the name of economic development.  Read more here.

Amarillo Council Set to Vote Today on Contract with Ballpark Builder

The Amarillo (TX) City Council on Friday will consider clearing the way for construction to start on a new $45.5 million baseball stadium, which is set to host the relocating San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) starting in 2019.  Read more here.

The Latest on the San Antonio Ballpark Plan

While the city of San Antonio (TX) has flirted with plans for Major League Soccer, a handful of movers and shakers have continued to work behind the scenes on a new ballpark for the future Triple-A San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League).  Read more here.

RockHounds to Host 2018 Texas League All-Star Game, Unveil Logo

PRESS RELEASE – The Midland RockHounds today announced a partnership with Concho Resources, Inc., naming Concho the official title sponsor of the 2018 Texas League All-Star Game, which the club will host next June.

Wichita: Affiliated Baseball Announcement Coming Dec. 7?

Wichita (KS) Mayor Jeff Longwell promised good news for Wichitans who want a new affiliated baseball team by the end of this year.  That good news might be delivered on Dec. 7, according to Longwell.  Read more here.

Western Builders/Hunt Construction to Build New Amarillo Ballpark

Western Builders of Amarillo (TX) will work with national contractor Hunt Construction Group to build the new $45.54 million ballpark in downtown Amarillo that will host a Double-A team starting in spring 2019.  Read more here.

Amarillo, Elmore Sports Group Agree to New Ballpark Lease Terms

After weeks of negotiations, the City of Amarillo and the Elmore Sports Group have agreed upon a 30-year lease for the new Double A minor league baseball team to begin play in a new $45.5 million downtown stadium in 2019.  Read more here.

Amarillo Ballpark Design Concept Moves Forward

Amarillo is one step closer to a downtown ballpark after the Local Government Corp. approved a concept drawing at its recent meeting.  Read more here.

No More Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco

After nearly 15 years as the naming rights sponsor of the city-owned ballpark, Dr Pepper is stepping back. The Plano (TX)-based company’s contract expires at the end of September, meaning a new corporate team will get to put its moniker on the home of the Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A, Texas League).  Read more here.

Amarillo Hears Ballpark Update

Populous senior architect Mike Sabatini led the first of three community meetings to hear feedback on the future downtown Amarillo (TX) ballpark on Tuesday.  Read more here.

Wolff Stadium a Long-Term Solution for Missions?

When the San Antonio Missions start playing Triple-A baseball in 2019, it’s still unclear if Wolff Stadium will be the team’s long-term home.  Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff thinks adding just 1,000 seats would meet the requirements for Triple-A ball.  The owners of the Missions don’t believe the ballpark is their stadium of the future.  Read more and watch news report here.

Wichita Mayor: New Ballpark About Quality of Life, MiLB Affiliated Club Guaranteed

Wichita (KS) is getting a new baseball stadium to replace Lawrence-Dumont, despite the announced move of the San Antonio Missions (Double-A, Texas League) franchise to Amarillo (TX).  According to Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell, quality of life is the driving force, and a baseball franchise affiliated with major league baseball is guaranteed, as part of the contract to develop the new ballpark.  Read more here.

Scouting Triple-A Ballpark Sites in San Antonio

Land near the Government Hill neighborhood across from the Pearl and an area next to the San Antonio Museum of Art are potential new locations under consideration for the city’s first triple-A baseball stadium.  Read more here.