Richmond,VA - The Diamond
The Diamond in Richmond,Virginia has a new tenant for 2010,after spending 2009 vacant with the loss of the Braves to Gwinnett,Georgia. The Eastern League has approved the relocation of the Connecticut Defenders to Richmond,a long-speculated rumor that came to fruition in late September.
Of Course,every new relocation usually comes with a “Name the Team”contest,and this one is a doozy. Originally,five potential names were announced:Rock Hoppers,Rhinos,Flatheads (it’s a fish),Flying Squirrels,and Hambones. Hope was held out that a wild-card 6th choice,provided by CNBC would bring some sanity to the process. No such luck,as Hush Puppies is the sixth choice.
Richmond immediately becomes one of the largest markets in the AA Eastern League,and there was significant competition amongst a number of Eastern League teams,including Harrisburg and Binghamton wanting to relocate.
The Defenders were last in the league with 203,005 in total attendance,less than half the annual turnstile clicks as league leaders Reading,PA and Portland,ME. This,despite the fact that the Giants franchise produced a team high 85 wins,and featured the top two pitching prospects in the system with Madison Bumgarner (9-1 1.93 ERA) and Tim Alderson (9-2 3.88 ERA).
The Defenders,and Norwich Navigators before them,spent 15 years in Dodd Stadium. The outgoing owners say they remain committed to seeing organized ball return to Norwich,but for now,there are no suitors.
Attended my first Squirrels game this week against Trenton. I had a fantastic time and am really impressed with the family atmosphere. I have been going to the Diamond since the 50′s,when it was Parker Field and I will be back again.
I do have two suggestions. Please post or announce the major league scores during the game. This is the first ballbark I have been to that doesn’t announce them. Second,add some music to Take Me Out To The Ballgame.
Thanks for a geat experience.
Bill:Thanks for your comment. I’m told negotiations are ongoing for a new facility,but I’ve enjoyed my visits to The Diamond as well. Whatever they do,I hope they manage to keep affiliated baseball in Richmond for the long haul.