WEATHER ALERT
Sen. Mark Warner introduces bill to help minor league baseball teams hit hard by pandemic
Read full article: Sen. Mark Warner introduces bill to help minor league baseball teams hit hard by pandemicThe Democratic senator is introducing legislation to repurpose $550 million of COVID-relief funds that haven't been used.
Salem Red Sox now selling season tickets for 2021 season
Read full article: Salem Red Sox now selling season tickets for 2021 seasonSALEM, Va – The start of the Major League Baseball season has the Salem Red Sox preparing for next season. Tickets for the 2021 baseball season went on sale Thursday. This comes just weeks after Minor League Baseball canceled its season amid COVID-19 concerns. Staff with the Red Sox said it hasn’t been an easy summer without baseball, but they are eager to welcome guests back for a home game next season. The team is also donating tickets in the name of season holders from this year to front line workers so they can come to games next year.
Were the only game in town: Martinsville Mustangs begin their baseball season
Read full article: Were the only game in town: Martinsville Mustangs begin their baseball seasonMARTINSVILLE, Va. Baseball is back in Virginia, a day after Minor League Baseball cancelled its season due to COVID-19. The Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League played their first game on Thursday against the High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms. Were the only game in town, said Mustangs assistant general manager Connor Akeman. The Coastal Plain League is able to play on since it is a collegiate league independent from the MLB. Mustangs head coach Jake Marinelli believes the season will be good for fans, but even better for the players who had their college seasons cut short.
Curve ball: How the Pulaski Yankees and Danville Braves aim to entertain with no baseball in 2020
Read full article: Curve ball: How the Pulaski Yankees and Danville Braves aim to entertain with no baseball in 2020The Pulaski Yankees, who was recognized as having best ballpark at the rookie level last summer, are putting the historic Calfee Park to use by engaging with fans. Minor league baseball and Calfee Park has been a part of Pulaski since 1935. Were not going to let Calfee Park stop being an entertainment venue this summer. Stadiums are being turned into Airbnbs, golf courses, disc golf and now thats going to trickle down to us now that we have the official notice that we dont have Braves games, Bennett said. So, what were going to be doing is looking for other things here at the park and stadium within the states guidelines.
With Minor League Baseball canceled, Hillcats hopeful to make it through to see baseball next summer
Read full article: With Minor League Baseball canceled, Hillcats hopeful to make it through to see baseball next summerLYNCHBURG, Va. The Lynchburg Hillcats are just another team in our area that are mourning the loss of the Minor League Baseball season. Were all bummed, Hillcats General Manager Chris Jones said. Obviously they worked so hard, all season, all off-season, putting on a great show that were known for. Not getting to do that is just a real bummer for us.With little to no revenue for some minor league teams this summer, the Hillcats are hopeful baseball will be played next summer. Were a small business, like a lot of small businesses around us, its going to hurt for a long time, Jones said.
2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled due to coronavirus concerns
Read full article: 2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled due to coronavirus concernsSALEM, Va. The Salem Red Sox, along with the rest of Minor League Baseball, announced on Tuesday the 2020 season is canceled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials with the Salem Red Sox said they are developing plans for refund options for current ticket holders. They said ticket representatives will be in touch with all account holders in the coming weeks to provide details. Minor League Baseball officials originally announced on March 12 that the start to the 2020 season was delayed. However the choice to cancel the season altogether came as the pandemic continued.
Possible Minor League Baseball realignment brings uncertainty for Appalachian League
Read full article: Possible Minor League Baseball realignment brings uncertainty for Appalachian LeagueMajor League Baseball and Minor League Baseball are negotiating the terms of its next contract, and a proposal by Major League Baseball could significantly alter the minors. Major League Baseball proposed eliminating 40 teams from the minor league ranks, which could put lower-level leagues such as the Appalachian League in jeopardy. "It's certainly eye-opening when somebody tells you they want to make a change like that," said Minor League Baseball Director of Communications Jeff Lantz. "Minor League Baseball is kind of like the front porch of our communities," Lantz said. Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball's current agreement runs through next September, so any drastic changes in any new deal will not impact this upcoming baseball season.
Pulaski Yankees win Minor League Baseball's top honor
Read full article: Pulaski Yankees win Minor League Baseball's top honorPULASKI, Va. - A local team has won Minor League Baseball's top honor. The Pulaski Yankees are the recipients of the 46th annual John H. Johnson President's Award, league officials announced Wednesday. The past two seasons' attendance was recording-breaking for the Appalachian League, according to league officials. READ THE FULL RELEASE:ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball (MiLB) announced today that the Pulaski Yankees are the recipients of the 46th annual John H. Johnson President's Award. This award is the first President's Award for the Pulaski Yankees, the first for an Appalachian League team and sixth for a Short Season team.
Baseball player says his life 'turned to ash'
Read full article: Baseball player says his life 'turned to ash'CHATHAM, Va. - Minor League Baseball player Blake Bivens wrote a heartfelt message to his wife, son and mother-in-law, who were found dead in a home in Virginia. The bodies of Joan Denise Jefferson Bernard, 62, Emily Bernard Bivens, 25, and Cullen Micah Bivens, 14 months, were discovered Tuesday morning. Matthew Thomas Bernard, the brother of Bivens' wife, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, authorities said. Bivens spoke out about the loss in an Instagram post Thursday. To his mother-in-law, Bivens expressed gratitude for the love she had for her family and the woman she raised.
Pulaski Yankees ballpark wins best rookie-level ballpark in America
Read full article: Pulaski Yankees ballpark wins best rookie-level ballpark in AmericaPULASKI, Va. - The Pulaski Yankees ballpark, Motor Mile Field, has won the title of the best rookie-level ballpark in America in Ballpark Digest's annual Best of the Ballparks competition. The ballpark won four rounds of head-to-head competition with other ballparks in Minor League Baseball. It beat Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark in Tennessee in the final round. Were very proud of our ballpark and are thrilled to be voted as the best rookie-level ballpark in America, said Pulaski Yankees General Manager Betsy Haugh. Calfee Park is a special place, showcasing a perfect blend of historical features and modern amenities.