Baseball BUZZ in Hartford

 

Dunkin Donuts Park, future home of the Hartford Yard Goats – photo taken Dec 1, 2015 by Edward Main

 

You may have noticed a “buzz” in conversation around Hartford baseball lately. With a new stadium completion deal agreed upon between the Hartford Yard Goats and the city of Hartford, it looks like the former team from New Britain finally have a home opening day that is achievable, May 31. Great news for the city, the team and the fans.

The Yard Goats, an AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, are hosting a Hot Stove Luncheon on January 28 at the Hartford Hilton, to give fans an insight of the future of the team as well as rub elbows with MLB personalities including Rob Dibble (host of “The Rob Dibble Show” on 97-9 ESPN Radio), Matt Carasiti (Rockies pitching prospect and Berlin, CT, native), Doug Glanville (ESPN Baseball Analyst), Ryan O’Rourke (Minnesota Twins Pitcher), Zach Wilson (Rockies Senior Director of Player Development) and others. Web: yardgoatsbaseball.com Tw: @GoYardGoats (caution: addictive interaction)

Did you know there WILL be professional baseball played in the Hartford area in April after all? Indeed, there is a hive of activity to the west of Hartford as the New Britain Bees, a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball League, begin their inaugural season on April 21 in the Rockcats’ former stadium. Left out in the cold after the deal between the now Yard Goats and the city of Hartford, “Hard Hittin” New Britain sweetened a deal with the Camden Riversharks to move from New Jersey to Hardware City. NBBees.com Tw: @NewBritainBees

Also January 21, is the first day of the World Baseball Coaches’ Convention at Mohegan Sun. Baseball coaches and enthusiasts alike, from Little League up to MLB, flock to Uncasville, CT for 3 days of hardball conversations, training, seminars and more. Over 30 coaches from all levels will talk about what it takes to be a successful coach as well as share relevant stories and experiences. WBCC also hosts an exhibition hall where over 100 vendors display the latest in equipment and technologies used. Over 1,000 coaches from all levels of play across the country are expected. On January 23, the World Softball Coaches’ Convention takes place there as well. Batter up!

Oh right, it’s also less than one month until pitchers and catchers report for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, New York Mets and the rest of MLB.

Who is your team? Do they have a chance in 2016?