So what about Huntsville/Biloxi? Latest: Rain isn't helping

[Dean Machine]

We spend a bunch of time in Destin (Okaloosa Island) every year so I was really bummed when the Reds got the beautiful new stadium in Pensacola (it was rumored for a while to be Huntsville moving there) but Biloxi is a doable drive so I would imagine I will visit probably once a year if it is a good time. The new stadium doesn't look like it's going to a majestic setting like Pensacola but I do like seeing the young Brewers and it will actually serve as a good halfway point for an overnight trip to New Orleans. I'm indifferent to the name but I showed it to my wife last night and she HATED it and hated the logo.

[patrickgpe]

my general rules about team names are:

 

1) they should have something to do with the area/ region

2) it needs to end with "S"

 

I think the name is fine, personally i wouldn't choose a name that sounds like a curse word, but thats me.

 

I did like the Black Jacks though.

[dacbrewers]

Loved the Black Jacks too. Shuckers in my opinion was the worst of the names. My preference the Biloxi Bayou which didn't even make the initial cut.

[folly412]

It's ok. I kind of like the logos, even if they're trying to make something without a brain look intimidating (and giving it big eyes). They are unique and have a nice color scheme. But not sure who OK'd the hat/logo variant that proudly displays the letters "BS".

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO Report: No weather delays, but a start in Huntsville still likely

 

How awkward will it be in Huntsville for the uniforms to read Biloxi? Can't be helped...

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO: Biloxi looking for ways to pay for unfunded stadium features

 

Just little things like a scoreboard and sound system...

[Mass Haas]

More construction updates, photos, and renderings.

[Mass Haas]

Joe Davis Stadium demolition could come within a year, making way for indoor sports facility

 

All indications still that early-season Biloxi games will be played in the "Joe". Awkward, but a necessity, it appears.

[Mass Haas]

An interesting tidbit photo in that last article link was this photo --

 

A scouting report in the home dugout at Joe Davis Stadium, affectionately known as 'The Joe', which may be demolished as part of the city's plans to expand and reinvent John Hunt Park. (Eric Schultz / eschultz@al.com)

 

Not sure why I never realized this would exist, but the fact that, at least at the AA level and above, a Brewers farmhand can quickly get this info on an opposing pitcher at a glance, is pretty cool.

 

And that's not to say it doesn't exist at the lower full-season levels as well...

 

http://imgick.al.com/home/bama-media/width960/img/alphotos/photo/2014/12/15/-19082e9a734d07c2.JPG

[torts]

im sorry, my mind goes right to the gutter when I see "shuckers" and the image of a clam with eyes. sorry, this name is so bad

[Southern Leaguer]

What's the big deal? They have played in Huntsville the last several years without a working video board and a scoreboard no better than an average high school.

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers may shell out money for scoreboard

By WLOX Staff

 

The construction of MGM Park in downtown Biloxi is moving forward. Now a scoreboard that was left out of the original cost estimate of the project can be included.

 

The city maxed out on funds for the project at $36 million. On Tuesday Biloxi Shuckers owner Tim Bennett told the city council that the team will pay the $1 million price tag for the scoreboard if the city agrees to pay for the installation.

 

Bennett said that should put the city's cost for the scoreboard at $500,000.

 

***

 

Did you see what they did there -- Shuckers "shell out" money...

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers may shell out money for scoreboard

By WLOX Staff

 

The construction of MGM Park in downtown Biloxi is moving forward. Now a scoreboard that was left out of the original cost estimate of the project can be included.

 

The city maxed out on funds for the project at $36 million. On Tuesday Biloxi Shuckers owner Tim Bennett told the city council that the team will pay the $1 million price tag for the scoreboard if the city agrees to pay for the installation.

 

Bennett said that should put the city's cost for the scoreboard at $500,000.

 

***

 

Did you see what they did there -- Shuckers "shell out" money...

 

Go to the link below for several new construction photos

 

Shuckers will pay for high-tech video boards at Biloxi stadium

By Mary Perez, Biloxi Sun Herald

 

BILOXI -- The Biloxi Shuckers will pay for two high-tech video boards at the new baseball stadium, and will pick up the price of beverage holders and more-comfortable seats.

 

Tim Bennett, one of the team owners, updated the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday. Under the original agreement, Biloxi was obligated to pay for the scoreboard, which Bennett said was estimated at more than $1.7 million.

 

"We're going to take on that responsibility," he told the council. The team also will spring for a second board, for a combined value of $2.7 million.

 

"Now the fan experience will be so much better having two boards instead of one," he said.

 

The large board -- one of the biggest in the league -- will be along the right-field line. The secondary board on the left-field line will be used for advertising.

 

"It allows us to create a revenue stream that wasn't there before," Bennett said. "We as a team are willing to give the city the first $100,000 of that revenue stream."

 

The payment will offset the estimated $500,000 the city will have to pay to install the video boards.

 

In addition to saving the cost of the scoreboard, Biloxi saved $23,000 for a change order on the suites and $57,000 for buying lighting directly instead of through contractor Yates Construction.

 

"The next big milestone is going to be starting the field work," said Jason Gold, construction manager for Yates. That should happen in March, he said, and then the contractors can give a more-accurate and realistic completion date.

 

For now, the date is still mid-July, he said.

 

Bennett said the Biloxi Shuckers and parent club Milwaukee Brewers are both very satisfied with the progress of the stadium.

 

"We want it done safely and on time," he said. The light towers and parking garage are more than half finished and crews are installing plumbing and electrical and framing the interior of the maintenance building and home clubhouse.

 

Entertainment executives from Las Vegas flew in to check out the stadium for outdoor concerts, which the Beau Rivage and other casino will host, Bennett said. He also has commitments from teams nationally and internationally to play in Biloxi.

 

When construction of the stadium is done, Bennett said the goal is to keep building the area north of the ballpark.

 

"I've got interest from developers," he said.

[Mass Haas]

Shuckers may shell out money for scoreboard

By WLOX Staff

 

The construction of MGM Park in downtown Biloxi is moving forward. Now a scoreboard that was left out of the original cost estimate of the project can be included.

 

The city maxed out on funds for the project at $36 million. On Tuesday Biloxi Shuckers owner Tim Bennett told the city council that the team will pay the $1 million price tag for the scoreboard if the city agrees to pay for the installation.

 

Bennett said that should put the city's cost for the scoreboard at $500,000.

 

***

 

Did you see what they did there -- Shuckers "shell out" money...

 

Go to the link below for several new construction photos

 

Shuckers will pay for high-tech video boards at Biloxi stadium

By Mary Perez, Biloxi Sun Herald

 

BILOXI -- The Biloxi Shuckers will pay for two high-tech video boards at the new baseball stadium, and will pick up the price of beverage holders and more-comfortable seats.

 

Tim Bennett, one of the team owners, updated the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday. Under the original agreement, Biloxi was obligated to pay for the scoreboard, which Bennett said was estimated at more than $1.7 million.

 

"We're going to take on that responsibility," he told the council. The team also will spring for a second board, for a combined value of $2.7 million.

 

"Now the fan experience will be so much better having two boards instead of one," he said.

 

The large board -- one of the biggest in the league -- will be along the right-field line. The secondary board on the left-field line will be used for advertising.

 

"It allows us to create a revenue stream that wasn't there before," Bennett said. "We as a team are willing to give the city the first $100,000 of that revenue stream."

 

The payment will offset the estimated $500,000 the city will have to pay to install the video boards.

 

In addition to saving the cost of the scoreboard, Biloxi saved $23,000 for a change order on the suites and $57,000 for buying lighting directly instead of through contractor Yates Construction.

 

"The next big milestone is going to be starting the field work," said Jason Gold, construction manager for Yates. That should happen in March, he said, and then the contractors can give a more-accurate and realistic completion date.

 

For now, the date is still mid-July, he said.

 

Bennett said the Biloxi Shuckers and parent club Milwaukee Brewers are both very satisfied with the progress of the stadium.

 

"We want it done safely and on time," he said. The light towers and parking garage are more than half finished and crews are installing plumbing and electrical and framing the interior of the maintenance building and home clubhouse.

 

Entertainment executives from Las Vegas flew in to check out the stadium for outdoor concerts, which the Beau Rivage and other casino will host, Bennett said. He also has commitments from teams nationally and internationally to play in Biloxi.

 

When construction of the stadium is done, Bennett said the goal is to keep building the area north of the ballpark.

 

"I've got interest from developers," he said.

[Mass Haas]

VIDEO REPORT

[TooLiveBrew]

***

 

Did you see what they did there -- Shuckers "shell out" money...

 

I love it!

[TURBO]

The big question is this:

 

Will Biloxi and Colorado Springs be doing any bobbleheads this summer?

 

[Mass Haas]

New Voice of the Shuckers named-- welcome Chris Harris, and good luck to Steve Jarnicki, who we enjoyed in Huntsville.

 

We've already reached out to Chris, who will be providing online media notes, and importantly, online media in the form of archived interviews. He built up the Jackson Generals Media Relations Department over the years, and the new ownership should be anxious to provide him with the resources to meet and surpass that quality in the shiny new ballpark.

 

Chris' signature call is "Kiss It Goodbye!", here's an example.

[Mass Haas]

Click link for latest photo --

 

Lower outfield walls are a home run for Biloxi

By Mary Perez, Biloxi Sun-Herald

 

BILOXI -- The height of the outfield wall at MGM Stadium is being lowered 2 feet, saving the city money and increasing the chances of a home run ball.

 

The City Council at Tuesday's meeting approved the change order, dropping the wall height from 10 to 8 feet and making other changes to poles and fences that will save the city $95,952.

 

The move doesn't add any time to the construction schedule but lowers the contract price with W.G. Yates & Sons Construction to $29.4 million.

 

"It's basically a cost-saving measure," said Tim Bennett, co-owner of the Biloxi Shuckers minor-league baseball team, which will play in the stadium this year.

 

The reduced height could mean a few more balls will make it over the outfield wall, Bennett said.

 

Although the team isn't sure when the stadium will be ready for the first pitch, Bennett said an announcement could come in the next few weeks of a national recording act performing there July 4.

 

Construction is running ahead of schedule, he said, and the major work on the parking garage should be complete this week.

 

The first scheduled home game is April 20 with Jacksonville, and Bennett said if the stadium isn't ready for play, the team will make other arrangements.

 

Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in Mesa, Ariz., in late February and the rest of the team will report in March. Bennett said he will split his time between Arizona and Biloxi as he continues to oversee stadium construction.

[Mass Haas]

Minor league baseball returning to Huntsville -- for at least 15 games

Mark McCarter, Huntsville Times

 

The final departure of minor league baseball from Huntsville has been delayed.

 

The Biloxi Shuckers, formerly the Huntsville Stars, will play at least 15 home games at Joe W. Davis Stadium this summer, with the possibility of more.

 

The Southern League is sending a revised 2015 schedule to its teams today, noting the reshuffling of games to Huntsville.

 

The Shuckers, the Class AA affiliate of the Brewers, will be playing in a new stadium in Biloxi but the park remains under construction and it's expected to be June at the earliest that a certificate of occupancy can be issued and approval of Minor League Baseball is awarded, even as construction would continues there throughout the season.

 

Huntsville will host the Mobile BayBears from April 30 through May 4, then begin a 10-game stand May 16 through 25, hosting Jacksonville and Birmingham for five games apiece. One of the Jacksonville dates will likely be a doubleheader to meet travel requirements for the Suns.

 

The stadium will also host a May 12 game between the University of Alabama and Mercer University. The Crimson Tide is also a team without a home, with a massive makeover taking place at its Tuscaloosa park.

 

The "home team" is required by Minor League Baseball to wear Biloxi Shuckers uniforms and will be officially referred to as such in box scores, etc., no matter the ties to this city, which was represented by the Stars since 1985.

 

Buck Rogers, general manager of the Shuckers, acknowledged that other games could be shifted to Huntsville should complications arise in Biloxi. The Stars, owned by Ken Young and other partners, have a lease with the City of Huntsville for the use of Joe W. Davis Stadium through the end of this season.

 

John Hamilton, city administrator, told AL.com in December that demolition of the stadium would likely take place before the end of 2015, with plans to use that space for a multi-sport indoor facility.

 

Rogers said the rescheduling has been "a logistical nightmare," with other Biloxi "home games" being played in other parks. The Shuckers were to have opened the season at home on April 20 against Jacksonville, but that home stand has been moved to Jacksonville, where Biloxi will be the home team on the scoreboard. They will also move a May 6 home stand to Pearl, Miss., where the Shuckers again will home team against the Braves.

 

The stadium construction in Biloxi is "ahead of schedule," according to Rogers, with much of the interior work being completed, the pre-cast set and parking garage built.

[Mass Haas]

Rogers said the rescheduling has been "a logistical nightmare," with other Biloxi "home games" being played in other parks. The Shuckers were to have opened the season at home on April 20 against Jacksonville, but that home stand has been moved to Jacksonville, where Biloxi will be the home team on the scoreboard. They will also move a May 6 home stand to Pearl, Miss., where the Shuckers again will home team against the Braves.

 

Not sure why those two series won't also be played in Huntsville, but regardless, the new stadium can't open soon enough for all.

[Mass Haas]

Not sure why those two series won't also be played in Huntsville, but regardless, the new stadium can't open soon enough for all.

 

It was pointed out to me that since Huntsville and Biloxi are 6.5 hours apart, certain planned road trips for the opponents may not be feasible to Huntsville that were originally allotted for Biloxi. So the Shuckers end up with at least two home series in the opponent's ballpark.

[Mass Haas]

More schedule details from the Shuckers here.

[Mass Haas]

Via new broadcaster Chris Harris - A walking tour of MGM Park

 

Nice blog post...

[Mass Haas]

New Voice of the Shuckers named-- welcome Chris Harris, and good luck to Steve Jarnicki, who we enjoyed in Huntsville.

 

We've already reached out to Chris, who will be providing online media notes, and importantly, online media in the form of archived interviews. He built up the Jackson Generals Media Relations Department over the years, and the new ownership should be anxious to provide him with the resources to meet and surpass that quality in the shiny new ballpark.

 

Chris' signature call is "Kiss It Goodbye!", here's an example.

 

AUDIO 2/17: Chris was interviewed on Biloxi radio today at their Mardi Gras day (go to the 2 hour, 7 minute mark).