Recent
Visits |
Al Lang Field, Tampa Bay
Rays
St.
Pete's Al Lang Field has been in the news a lot
lately, but for the wrong reasons: the Tampa Bay
Rays will train there one last time in 2008 before
shifting spring operations to Charlotte County in
2009, and the old ballpark is slated to be torn
down to make way for a new waterfront home of the
Rays. Now, Al Lang Field isn't the same venue it
was in the 1940s and 1950s when it was a landmark
in spring training, but it's still a great place
to catch a spring-training game. We hope the Rays
catch the spirit of the original Al Lang in their
designs for a new ballpark, For the rest of us, a
trip to Al Lang Field will be a mandatory event in
Spring Training 2008.
Trustmark Park, Mississippi
Braves
There's
nothing wrong with Trustmark Park, the home of the
Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League).
The wraparound concourse, luxury
boxes, big scoreboard and varied concessions are
all standard issue for a new minor-league ballpark
these days. So why aren't we more excited about
the two-year-old ballpark? Because there's nothing
unique about it: except for a few Southern menu
items at the concessions, there's nothing to link
the ballpark to its surroundings. At a Mississippi
Braves game, you could be watching a game anywhere
-- and going local is one of the great joys of the
minor leagues. Dustin Mattison reports.
Alliance Bank Stadium,
Syracuse Chiefs
The
biggest news at Alliance Bank Stadium, the home of
the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International
League): the current artificial turf will be
replaced by real grass. That's good news for
Syracuse baseball fans in terms of aesthetics, as
well as players who need to field on an old,
sometimes unpredictable surface. Otherwise,
Alliance Bank Stadium is a perfectly serviceable
ballpark: the Chiefs front office does things the
old-fashioned way (i.e., not much in terms of
between-innings shenanigans), but the ballpark is
a comfortable place to watch a game, and the food
is pretty good. Steve Kapsinow reports.
|
|
The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
owners. |
Broadcasts |
Virtually every MiLB team now streams broadcasts over the
Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
More
on Internet radio and TV broadcasts here! |
|
Archives:
March 12-18, 2007
Marlins ballpark funding bills advance
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Boosting baseball fans' hopes the Florida Marlins
may get a new home, two key legislative panels on
Thursday approved a $60 million sales tax rebate
to help the Fish build a new ballpark. The last
critical piece of funding needed to pay for a new
ballpark with a retractable roof, the money would
come directly from sales tax revenues generated by
the team and concessions inside the venue; it
would also extend the same sales-tax rebate to the
other eight major-league teams in Florida, a move
supported by Gov. Charlie Criss. The article is
highly misleading: the bills in question (528/544
in the Senate) do not specify a downtown Miami
ballpark and could be applied to any new ballpark,
as
the team and not the local municipality is the
beneficiary of the state largesse. It could,
obviously, be applied to a new ballpark built at
the Orange Bowl site -- a site now favored by most
Miami-Dade elected officials, but one we hear is
opposed both by MLB and the Marlins. This would
make an interesting battle if MLB and the Fish won
the larger battle for state funding and then lost
out on their preferred downtown site.
More from the Miami Herald.
RELATED STORIES:
Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in
Marlins ballpark talks;
New Marlins ballpark
in a squeeze play;
Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at
Orange Bowl;
Orange Bowl reemerges as site of
Marlins ballpark;
County unveils
Marlins financing plan;
Marlins ballpark funding at first base;
Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000;
Florida legislative leaders back tax help for
sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
New ballpark on tap for Tulsa Drillers?
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Two developers are vying for
property in the east-end area of downtown Tulsa, and it's unclear whether one
will be victorious or whether both projects can coexist -- or even if they are
viable proposals. The players are Global Development of Washington, D.C., and
Downtown Tulsa Developers LLC, owned by Claremore real estate developer John
Williams. Global's plan includes a new ballpark for the Tulsa Drillers (Class
AA; Texas League) and hotels to lure people into the area. Sources say Williams'
plan includes a Wal-Mart.
To be blunt,
we're not quite sure how seriously to take this: Global has proposed many
high-profile developments -- a new Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International
League) ballpark in that city's Shockoe Bottom district and a new DC United
(MLS) stadium -- but has not followed through on a single one, to our knowledge.
Plus, there doesn't seem to be much of a outcry to replace Drillers Stadium, the
largest ballpark in Class AA ball.
In memoriam: Bowie Kuhn
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Bowie
Kuhn, 80, a lawyer whose first job in baseball was
operating the old Griffith Stadium scoreboard
while growing up in Washington and who would go on
to serve as commissioner of baseball during a
particularly tumultuous time in the game's
history, died March 15 of pneumonia at St. Luke's
Hospital in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. He had heart
surgery in October 2004. During his 15-year
tenure, the second-longest among nine
commissioners, Major League Baseball expanded into
Canada, realigned its two leagues into divisions
and instituted a playoff system. Kuhn presided
over a tradition-laden sport that transformed
itself into a high-profile entertainment business,
complete with free agency (one of Kuhn's first
tasks as commissioner was dealing with the Curt
Flood situation) and soaring salaries for players,
huge TV revenue and five work stoppage.
County appealing to leagues
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
McHenry County College is exploring an expansion project which, MCC president
Walt Packard said, could include a baseball stadium built to accommodate a minor
league team, and the reporters at the Northwest Herald are meaning this
literally, talking with commissioners from the independent Frontier and Northern
Leagues. The reporters are on the wrong track. From what we've heard the
interest at MCC isn't actually with indy leagues, but rather with
summer-collegiate leagues -- specifically, the Northwoods League and the Central
Illinois Collegiate League, which may or may not exist in its current form after
this summer -- the CICL is down to four teams, and at least one of those teams
has had discussions regarding a move to another summer-collegiate league.
RELATED STORIES:
Would minor-league
team be hit at McHenry Community College?
Frederick aldermen approve ballpark lease offer
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Frederick's Board of Aldermen approved a new lease
Thursday to allow the Frederick Keys (Low Class A;
Sally League) to use Harry Grove Stadium for the
next two years. If Keys ownership signs the lease,
it will be effective April 6. Harry Grove, built
in 1990, is owned by the city and leased to the
Keys. Negotiations to renew the lease have been
ongoing since fall 2006. The lease would be a
two-year term, ending March 31, 2009, with the
option of a five-year renewal. Rent would be
$16,500 for the first year, $17,000 for the second
year. One issue left up in the air: the status of
proposed improvements to the ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Delegation
seeks funds for Harry Grove Stadium renovations;
Harry Grove Stadium:
An economic key to the city?
Alderman: Frederick could lose Keys team;
City, county to
discuss Keys' ballpark renovation funding
Defenders, Norwich at odds
about Dodd Stadium money issues
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) are calling upon two City
Council members to help resolve issues that could delay improvements at Dodd
Stadium before the start of the 2007 baseball season next month. At issue are
improvements the city is required to make under the terms of the lease agreement
with the Defenders and roughly $100,000 in back rent the team apparently owes
the Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority. The issue surfaced at Wednesday's
stadium authority meeting when a motion to spend $91,000 to replace floors and
carpeting in the ballpark's clubhouses was tabled. Authority Chairman Michael
Jewell acknowledged Thursday the authority is required under the lease to
complete the work, but doesn't have the money to do it.
Ballpark fan-tastic place to
do business
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
In the
West Valley, Cactus League ballparks host more than the average baseball fan
enjoying cold drinks and hot dogs. Venues in Surprise and Peoria both house
plush sky suites that the cities use to entertain high-profile developers and
investors. Officials claim that the unique baseball experience forms an
impression, and is an event their elite business guests remember down the road
when they later consider where to invest their time and money. On average,
Surprise hosts about 300 business guests a season in its economic development
suite at Surprise Stadium. The city spends around 5 percent of a reported
$100,000 marketing budget to entertain and feed the guests. Officials in
Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa reported that they do not typically use their box
seating for economic development purposes.
Nashville ballpark
plan may be losing its luster
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
If the
Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
ask for more time to develop a financing plan for
a downtown ballpark -- the second such request in
three months -- city officials may balk. Several
council members said Wednesday that they would
vote against another extension for the Sounds, as
the splashy idea of a riverfront venue to replace
aging Greer Stadium may be fizzling. The
minor-league baseball team approached Metro
officials this week about the possibility of
getting another extension. Councilman Michael
Craddock said some council members, including
supporters of the ballpark, have run out of
patience. The Sounds are working under an
extension that expires April 15; the team is now
looking at a 2009 opening, and GM Glenn Yeager
says it's not likely the ballpark can come in for
the original $43 million price estimate. There are other issues on the design end that could end
up delaying progress even more.
More from Nashville City Paper.
RELATED STORIES:
Metro concerned about progress of Nashville
ballpark deal;
Sounds must make
decisions regarding downtown ballpark;
Struever says Sounds ballpark will be built;
Amid ballpark questions, plan for two hotels
unveiled;
Sounds delay ballpark opening until 2009;
Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds;
Sounds fail to file lease legislation;
Council approves lease extension for Nashville
ballpark development;
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds
project;
Sounds' project
team huddles to nail down a deal;
Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new
ballpark;
Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon;
Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches;
Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in
Nashville;
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal;
Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
fan-friendly;
Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new
ballpark;
Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say;
Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds
ballpark;
Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank
project;
Sounds send commitment letter to Council;
Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in
stadium;
Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority
work on ballpark;
Sounds are rounding third;
Sounds remain at bargaining table;
Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark;
Council should give Nashville ballpark their
support;
Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark
project;
Sounds ballpark vote delayed;
Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark;
Sounds move ahead with ballpark design;
Sounds weak;
Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on
Council;
Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on
council;
Many good questions raised over Sounds deal;
Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan;
Downtown merchants rally for Sounds;
Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal;
Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to
spark development;
Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark;
Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan;
Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size;
New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt;
Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until
fall;
Sounds deal stalls, but still in play;
City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan;
Sounds ballpark negotiations slow;
Will ballpark make SoBro soar?;
Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark;
Sounds win city approval for new ballpark
Renovations will give women,
men equal number of toilets
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
St. Louis Cardinals plan to achieve potty parity at
Busch Stadium by opening day
this year. The ballpark's restrooms are being renovated to provide as many
places for women as men by April 1, St. Louis Cardinals president Mark Lamping
said. The changes will put the ballpark in compliance with a state law the
ballpark's architects didn't know existed last year. Enacted in 1995, the law
requires that sports facilities and other large public venues have as many
toilets for women as it has toilets and urinals for men. But as the ballpark
neared completion last year, the architectural firm that designed the ballpark, HOK Sport, reported men had nearly 40 more toilet options than women in public
restrooms.
'We'll be ready for baseball'
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Dow
Diamond, the home of the Great Lakes Loons (Low
Class A; Midwest League), was bustling with
activity under bright sunshine on Tuesday. But no
baseballs were hit, no vendors were hawking
peanuts and programs, no ballplayers took the
field, and no fans showed up to cheer them on. On
Tuesday, the stadium housed more than 200
construction workers performing a wide variety of
tasks: installing electrical lines and heating
ducts, laying bricks to form a fireplace in the
concourse, installing permanent seating, painting,
raising fencing for the centerfield backdrop,
finishing drywall, and continuing to raise the six
mammoth light towers.
RELATED STORIES:
Loons sell out
season opener in 21 minutes;
Progress on Loons
ballpark at fast pace;
Mild weather helps Midland ballpark construction;
Solar panels to help power ballpark for Great
Lakes Loons;
Ballpark could connect with shoppers;
New for 2007: Dow Diamond
New for 2007:
AT&T Field
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League) has a new name and
a new look. AT&T and the Lookouts today announced that AT&T Field will be home
to the team. Local elected officials joined representatives from AT&T and the
Lookouts to unveil the new name and logo, which reflect the recently approved
merger between AT&T and BellSouth Corp. New stadium signage will be installed
before the team’s home opener on April 11.
"It's great for Chattanooga and for the Lookouts to have such a
high-profile association with one of the world’s largest and most respected
companies," said Frank Burke, president and general manager of the Chattanooga
Lookouts. "AT&T Field properly conveys baseball tradition and the
family-oriented focus of our team. We look forward to working with our friends
from AT&T, and we anticipate a smooth transition to AT&T Field."
Formerly BellSouth Park, AT&T Field is a privately funded
facility. The 6,100-seat ballpark opened in April 2000. In addition to serving
as home of the Lookouts, AT&T Field hosts other local community events,
including the HeartWalk and the Choo-Choo-Challenge bike race. AT&T Field
is AT&T’s fifth naming rights venue. Others include: AT&T Park in San Francisco;
AT&T Center in San Antonio; AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City; and Jones
AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.
Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in
Marlins ballpark talks
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Community redevelopment money is not a carrot to
be dangled in front of Florida Marlins or Major
League Baseball officials -- or anyone looking to
dip into the resources to back efforts disguised
as development projects, Miami City Commissioner
Tomas Regalado said. Regalado's comments followed
City Manager Pete Hernandez' announcement at a
Miami-Dade County Commission meeting last week
that $15 million in CRA funds was earmarked for
the project. Regalado proposed a resolution for
the Miami Community Redevelopment Agency board --
the five Miami city commissioners -- "clearly
stating that no CRA funds should be used for the
project of the baseball stadium, the port tunnel,
the performing arts and the streetcar," he said.
"It's on the draft agenda (for March 26). Even if
it's pulled for some reason, I will bring it as a
pocket item anyway" calling for a vote even though
it doesn't appear on the agenda. A majority of the
CRA board voted informally last month to reject a
proposal to spend agency money on a ballpark.
More from Miami Today.
RELATED STORIES:
New Marlins ballpark
in a squeeze play;
Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at
Orange Bowl;
Orange Bowl reemerges as site of
Marlins ballpark;
County unveils
Marlins financing plan;
Marlins ballpark funding at first base;
Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000;
Florida legislative leaders back tax help for
sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
Cheaper seats offered for
new Fort Wayne ballpark
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
If a
new baseball park is built in downtown Fort Wayne, the owners of the Fort Wayne
Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) promised Wednesday to offer some tickets
cheaper than those now offered. Executives from Hardball Capital, the new owner
of the Wizards, spoke to several groups Wednesday about the Harrison Square
proposal. The $125-million public-private partnership includes a new downtown
hotel, condominiums, shopping and a city-owned baseball stadium. Hardball would
be responsible for much of the condo and shopping development part of the
project. Jason Freier, Hardball’s CEO, responded to a question about the
possibility of escalating ticket prices in a new ballpark. While not offering
specifics on prices, Freier said the cheapest seats at a downtown ballpark would
be cheaper than the cheapest seats at Memorial Stadium on Coliseum Boulevard.
Why? Volume. More on Freier's comments,
which
included a discussion of who would run the ballpark after it opens.
RELATED STORIES:
Wizards' owner
steps up to bat for Harrison Square;
'A few more pros than cons';
Downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark: pro and con;
Developer
submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel;
Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal
endeavor;
Ballpark's future subject to study;
Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark;
Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark
plan;
Ballpark's future is far from certain;
Building the public square;
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark
B-Mets showcase menu changes
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Maines
Paper & Food Service corporate executive chef Jake Hizny, who works on food
offerings at Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) games, unveiled some
potential new menu items: meatball subs; carved turkey and prime rib sandwiches;
tacos; spring rolls; deep-fried pickle spears; pizza; quesadillas; chicken
dumplings with plum sauce; and orange-glazed chicken. We're a little surprised
the B-Mets weren't already selling pizza at the park; the others sound great as
well.
A swing toward wooden bats
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
North
Jersey baseball officials who banned non-wood bats
months or even years ago welcomed New York to the
club on Wednesday and said they sensed the
momentum in the bat debate swinging in their
direction. The New York City Council's vote to
prohibit metal bats from high school baseball
games could also give a boost to a similar measure
in New Jersey, said Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan,
D-Middlesex, a sponsor of the Garden State bill
that would apply to all children under 18. The
wood-bat movement started in earnest last summer
when a ball hit by a metal bat struck Steven
Domalewski of Wayne, then 12, in the chest and
stopped his heart. Another factor, perhaps more
important to supporters of wooden bats, was
brought up by New Jersey officials: a wood bat
represents baseball in its purest form.
RELATED STORIES:
USA Baseball: Metal
bats are as safe as wooden bats;
New York City moves
toward ban on metal high-school bats
Jackets have been just the ticket for owners
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
recent wave of box-office success for the Augusta
GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League), which
began with the team's sale to Ripken Baseball
Group prior to last season, doesn't seem to be
subsiding. With less than a month to go before the
GreenJackets' home opener, the team's front office
staff already has surpassed last season's record
for season ticket sales. General manager Nick
Brown said more than 1,400 packages have been sold
so far, exceeding last year's total by about 200.
Sand Gnats
commence work on new scoreboard
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Work
on the new video scoreboard at Historic Grayson
Stadium, the home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low
Class A; Sally League), begins today. The first
step in the installation will be removing the top
of the right-centerfield wall to make room for the
scoreboard, which will be larger than the current
scoreboard. The wall will also be moved to create
an even surface for the base of the scoreboard.
The scoreboard was built offsite by Texas Star
Sports and will feature a nearly 300-square-foot
video board, digital temperature and pitch speed
and an analog clock. A new manually operated
scoreboard on the leftf-ield wall will show the
line score.
SWB trolleys set to roll
again
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
It was warm, sunny, and there were
signs that trolleys will soon return to the rails between downtown and PNC
Field, the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International
League). Workers are busy getting the line ready for its first runs April 1,
cleaning switches and checking lights in the 4,747-foot-long Laurel Line tunnel
that carries the tracks beneath Crown Avenue in South Scranton. The 81-year-old
suburban Philadelphia trolley will run directly to the ballpark, now that an
1,800-foot extension from the Lackawanna County Visitors Center, formerly the
line’s southern terminus, extended service to a new station and maintenance
facility on the ballpark grounds. This year, a $15 package deal will be offered
to every Sunday home game from May 13 through Aug. 19. For that price, riders
will receive a game ticket, round-trip trolley ride and a Yankees hat. Seating
is limited to 50. Free parking will be available on Laurel Line Drive in
downtown.
Rose bet on Reds 'every
night'
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Not
only did Pete Rose bet on the Cincinnati Reds when
he was the manager, he bet on them every night to
win. Rose said John Dowd, whose report on Rose's
gambling habits led to Rose's banishment from
Baseball in 1989, was correct when he wrote in the
Dowd Report that Rose bet on the Reds nightly. "I
bet on my team every night," Rose told ESPN's Dan
Patrick and Keith Olbermann. "I didn't bet on my
team four nights a week. I was wrong." Rose's
position has evolved: after initially denying the
totality of the Dowd Report, he now he admits it
didn't go far enough in addressing his gambling
problem. We're guessing Rose has figured out he
had no shot at the Hall of Fame as things stood;
while we doubt coming clean will help in that
regard, it probably will help Rose rehabilitate
his image. He's not totally frozen from baseball:
he's the subject of a new exhibit in the Reds Hall
of Fame and Museum at
Great American Ball Park.
New Alex Box Stadium delayed
until 2009
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
LSU officials confirmed the new Alex
Box Stadium won’t be ready until the 2009 season, so the Tigers will play their
2008 schedule in the existing ballpark. “I’m a little bit disappointed,” said
first-year LSU coach Paul Mainieri, who said he heard the news Wednesday, “but I
also understand things happen and there can be delays with construction. Myself
and the players will just have to wait another year, that’s all." A long list of
state facilities projects in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, plus
LSU’s decision to add amenities to the design of the ballpark, delayed the
timetable for the ballpark, which was previously scheduled to open before the
2008 season. The DLR Group is designing the new facility.
New for 2008: the Alexandria
Aces
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
No,
not the existing Alexandria Aces of the
independent United League Baseball, but the new
Alexandria Aces, which will play summer-collegiate
baseball at Del Ray's Four Mile Run Park, the
former home of the Alexandria Dukes (High Class A;
Carolina League), located in the Washington, D.C.
area. The team's ownership group includes Pat
Malone, who previously ran the Loudoun Battle Cats
before folding the team. Still to be announced:
the team's league.
Ballpark Notes
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Nelson
Norman is the new hitting coach for the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low
Class A; Midwest League). Norman will fill the position previously held by
Steve Dillard, who was promoted to the Palm Beach Cardinals (High Class A;
Florida State League). Norman planed for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates
and Montreal Expos in his major-league career. Originally from San Pedro de
Marcoris, Dominican Republic, Norman has spent the past three years managing in
the Dominican Summer League....Jonathan Hurst is the new pitching coach
for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League). Dan Murray, who
was originally announced as the Gnats pitching coach last month, will be
reassigned to the St. Lucie Mets (High Class A; Florida State League).
Hurst was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1987 and traded to Montreal for Dennis
"Oil Can" Boyd in 1991. He pitched 10 innings for the Mets in 1994 and also
spent some time pitching in Japan.
New for 2008:
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Rich
Baseball Operations today announced the Northwest
Arkansas Naturals as the name of the future Class
AA Texas League franchise. The team, which will
relocate from Wichita, Kansas following the 2007
season, will debut in a new ballpark in Springdale
beginning in April 2008. The team name Naturals
represented what became the most popular name
suggested and voted for during the team naming
contest. A key element in the popularity of
Naturals is the tie to Arkansas’ slogan, "The
Natural State." The regional designation of
Northwest Arkansas was selected to reinforce the
growth of all of the surrounding communities, and
the coming of age in the region. We're hoping to
see Mr. Natural as the team's mascot.
RELATED STORIES:
Officials dig baseball;
Springdale ballpark construction budget approved;
Springdale City
Council approves ballpark design;
Springdale commission approves new ballpark;
Wranglers GM has new challenges;
City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont
lease;
Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third
baseball option;
Council looks at ballpark design;
Commissioners begin planning improvements around
ballpark site;
Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass;
League approval slow but expected for move of
Wranglers;
Springdale approves Wranglers lease;
Texas League executives scrutinize proposed
Springdale lease;
Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to
public;
Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move
of Wranglers;
City told only voters decide ballpark's user;
Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch
for ballpark;
What's new in Wichita?;
Wranglers president says move is nearly official;
Wranglers agreement down to one item;
City negotiating terms with Wranglers;
Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team;
Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers;
Wranglers to move in 2008
New Nats ballpark to feature
cherry blossoms beyond left-field fence
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Washington Nationals' new ballpark will feature a
grove of cherry trees beyond the left-field seats,
flowers lining the wall above parts of the
outfield and a high-definition scoreboard spread
over right field, all designed to give the
ballpark in Southeast Washington a signature look.
(The cherry blossoms in D.C. are noted each spring
nationally; 3,000 cherry trees were given to
Washington, D.C. in 1912 by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of
Tokyo.) Nats President Stan Kasten said the $611 million,
41,000-seat ballpark that the city is building for
the team is on schedule for its 2008 Opening Day
inaugural. Team owner Ted Lerner has said he will
spend tens of millions to upgrade many of the
ballpark's amenities, including an outfield
restaurant plaza, stone finishes behind home
plate, bathrooms and glass partitions in the
luxury suites, and the installation of a
high-definition scoreboard. One goal is to have a
giant baseball above the two-story outfield sports
bar capable of projecting 360-degree replays of
home runs and other highlights.
RELATED STORIES:
As ballpark rises, battles over land continue;
For Nats' home, a rapid ascent;
Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say;
Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark
upgrades;
With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money;
D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages;
The D.C. ballpark parking debate;
Severe penalties await city if parking garages
aren't provided, Gandhi warns;
Ballpark garages proposal rejected;
Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight
over new Nats ballpark;
New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for
2008 opening;
Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC
ballpark;
Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking;
DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in
country;
Legislation would revive condo and garage
development at new DC ballpark;
New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking;
D.C. parking issue threatens budget;
Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat;
Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk
Tuck here, lift there,
10-year-old TEP looking new
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
With
two teams in for spring training and a regular-season tenant in the form of the
Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League),
Tucson Electric Park is a heavily used facility
between February and September, so it's no surprise maintenance can be an issue
at times. This spring the Pima County Stadium District replaced the pads on the
outfield wall, repainted the front gates and luxury boxes, updated the
Diamondbacks' and White Sox's clubhouses and improved the stadium lights for
night games. Those expenses came in addition to a wall-to-wall cleaning in
February and the recent purchase of new air conditioners, icemakers, tarps, nets
and screens. Over at Hi Corbett Field, the district spent $194,000 on
improvements before this year's first pitch was thrown. The 70-year-old
stadium's renovations ranged from the practical -- a new batting cage and
practice field for the Colorado Rockies -- to the mundane. Nearly $40,000 of the
money was spent to upgrade the telephone system, install new washers, dryers,
and buy icemakers for the clubhouses.
Experts say IronPigs will be
a success
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
There
will always be naysayers in a market when a new baseball team appears, and
that's the case in Allentown, where some are predicting doom and gloom for the
Lehigh Valley IronPigs, slated to begin play in 2008. Some point out to the
continued success of Joe Finley and Craig Stein with their other teams -- Stein
owns the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League), Finley owns the Trenton
Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League), and jointly they own the Lakewood BlueClaws
(Low Class A; Sally League) -- and project the same level of success.
Billings ballpark design
allows future amenities
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The new downtown ballpark that will replace
Cobb
Field
as the home of the
Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) by summer 2008 won't include luxury
boxes, but it is being designed to include foundations that will allow
corporate-sponsored or privately financed skyboxes to be added later. During a
conference call with Tom Tingle of HNTB Architecture Inc. of Kansas City, the
committee in charge of the ballpark design said they preferred a design putting
skyboxes about 14 feet above the ground-level concourse that will ring the
ballpark. The skyboxes would be built behind rows of seats along the first-base
and third-base lines. HNTB provided drawings of two other configurations for
skyboxes. One features a two-level design that includes some luxury seating
built at the concourse level. Another showed skyboxes atop the ballpark's
restrooms and concession stands.
RELATED STORIES:
Plan for new baseball park has sunken, realigned
field;
Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track;
Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear;
Billings voters approve new Mustangs ballpark;
Donors pitch $210K more toward new ballpark;
Join local teams in support for new ballpark;
Three groups, family pledge $200K for maintenance
of new Cobb Field;
New vote on an old park;
Two more pitch in on new Cobb Field;
Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement;
Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign;
Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings
ballpark;
Cobb backers unveil campaign;
Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field;
Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot;
Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field;
Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field;
Funding dominates Cobb discussion;
Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field
of dreams;
Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs;
Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs;
Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure;
Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal;
Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field;
Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate;
Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million;
HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation;
Cobb proposals narrowed to 2;
Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field
Mesa wants more of spring-training pie
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Spring
training may or may not be a boom for the Valley
of the Sun, but Mesa officials want a bigger slice
of the pie. The city runs
HoHoKam Park, the spring
home of the Chicago Cubs, and earned about
$675,000 last year from items sold at the
ballpark, including parking spots, program
advertising, concession sales and ticket
surcharges, and the city sees an overall boost of
about $700,000 each March when comparing
restaurant, bar and sales tax receipts to
February. For Mesa, which depends on sales tax to
bolster its coffers each year, the challenge is
how to keep more of the millions that fans spend
in the Valley each March in the city. The issue
becomes more pressing in light of the city's
financial crunch and the $3 million Mesa spends to
operate HoHoKam Park each year, which returns
about $1.2 million in revenue. Bringing in
Ovations to run concessions has already yielded
results -- sales of $230,000 on March 4 doubled
the previous record for concession sales on a
single day -- but city officials say more is
needed.
Texas Tech planning
expansion of Dan Law Field
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
In a
move that signals the impending death of a
ballpark project in Wolfforth, Texas Tech
announced plans to expand Dan Law Field with an
estimated $10 million to $17 million in
improvements, including a switch to artificial
turf, additional concessions areas, a new press
box and eight luxury suites. Tech had not ruled
out proposals for off-campus ballpark sites
included in Wolfforth and Lubbock economic
development plans, but university weren't
optimistic about those projects coming to
fruition.
Elsewhere on August
Publications websites
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Here are some headlines of note on other August Publications
websites. At
Arena Digest,
the Pittsburgh
Penguins (NHL) formally announced their arena
deal, with the facility slated to open for the
2009 season. On
Yellowstone Insider, we report on the decision
to bring back the iconic yellow coaches --
retrofitted for today's modern traveler.
And, of course, the
best of spring-training news is covered on
Spring Training Online.
Lookouts to
announce ballpark name change
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
As a result of the recent merger between AT&T and
BellSouth, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts
(Class AA; Southern League), known as BellSouth
Park since its gates opened in 2000, will
officially change its name to reflect the business
direction of the merging companies. A press
conference disclosing the name change will be held
at the ballpark on March 15 at 11 a.m.
Test finds Miller Park
bathroom sewage could be going to river
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Testing Tuesday showed at least one sanitary sewer
pipe from Miller Park bathrooms could be
misconnected, sending waste into a storm sewer
that empties into a nearby river, officials said.
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
scheduled the testing after a genetic marker for
human fecal bacteria was found in 12 samples of
storm water from the pipe that discharges into the
Menomonee River, a Lake Michigan tributary.
Sanitary sewers are supposed to be separate
systems that carry waste to treatment plants.
Colored dye that was poured into sinks in the
ballpark showed up in a storm sewer. Bathrooms
inside a police office in the ballpark's basement
and a private suite on an upper level also had
been tested.
Wizards' owner steps up to
bat for Harrison Square
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Fort
Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) owner
Jason Freier was in Fort Wayne to pitch
development for Harrison Square, which would
include a new ballpark for his team. The project
has met with some local opposition, with some
saying public dollars could be better spent
elsewhere. Freier's firm, Hardball Capital, is
offering $5 million toward the cost of the
ballpark and $18 million toward the rest of the
development -- a pretty sizeable investment in
downtown Fort Wayne.
RELATED STORIES:
'A few more pros than cons';
Downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark: pro and con;
Developer
submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel;
Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal
endeavor;
Ballpark's future subject to study;
Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark;
Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark
plan;
Ballpark's future is far from certain;
Building the public square;
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark
Sky Sox to
install new scoreboard
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
As
part of the continued renovations of Security Service Field, the Colorado
Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are installing a brand-new
scoreboard from Daktronics over the next week. The dismantling of the existing
scoreboard began last week and the project will be completed in time for the Sky
Sox exhibition game with the Colorado Rockies on Friday, March 30.
The scoreboard will remain in the same location, left-center
field, but will receive a complete overhaul including many new features that
will only enhance the already exciting atmosphere at Security Service Field.
These new components include a LED video board, digital line score, and a
fully-animated ribbon board as well as seven back-lit illuminated ad panels. The
lone piece of the old scoreboard that will remain is the fan-favorite mountain
scene that will be retrofitted on to the top of the new display. It will
continue to light-up and celebrate all Sky Sox home runs and victories.
Washo pitches consultant to aid baseball talks
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
In
a move earning him a stern rebuke from the majority, Lackawanna County Minority
Commissioner Mike Washo renewed warnings about the potential loss of Triple-A
baseball Tuesday. Announcing a plan to have outside consultants "assist the
county" in the negotiating process with management firm Mandalay Baseball
Properties, Washo contended Majority Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro isn’t doing
enough to protect public ownership of the franchise. He worries that a purchase
option included in draft documents would require “the transfer of complete
control of our franchise” to Mandalay. The majority chided Mr. Washo’s remarks
as a cynical political move carelessly lobbed out too late in the negotiating
process to make a difference anyway. The option for Mandalay to purchase the
team was well-documented; we reported it here, the local newspapers reported on
it, and Washo actually voted for it -- twice.
RELATED STORIES:
Lackawanna
County minority commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off county;
Yanks filling seats in Moosic;
Once again, it’s all
about the Yankees;
New for 2007: PNC Field;
Work on Lackawanna County
Stadium progresses;
New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees;
End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium;
Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty;
Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows;
Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax;
New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark
priorities;
Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in
minor-league teams;
Will Moosic get a new ballpark?;
Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management
firm heading to Moosic;
Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna
County Stadium today;
Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and
Pens;
It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to
Scranton a done deal?;
Authority will consider giving Cordaro power;
Yankees to SWB?
Spartanburg Stingers
considering a move to Hendersonville, N.C.
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Displaced from
Duncan Park Stadium because of the poor
condition of the ballpark, the ownership of the
Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal
Plain League) is looking at a move to Henderson,
N.C., a city between Spartanburg and Asheville.
The Stingers will play this season at
Russell C. King Field Wofford College,
but this is considered a short-term move until a
new venue can be arranged, either in the form of a
renovated
Duncan Park Stadium or a facility elsewhere.
The city of Hendersonville is considering a
$750,000-$1 million renovation to the ballpark at
Green Meadows Park to bring the Stingers to that
city for 2008. The team would consider signing a
$15,000 10-year lease for summers in the park, if
the city would put in additional seating, move the
outfield fence back and update the lighting, among
other improvements.
USA Baseball: Metal bats are
as safe as wooden bats
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Given the recent move by New York City officials
to ban metal bats in high-school games, we thought
it would be illuminating to bring you USA
Baseball's position on metal bats. This press
release was originally issued on Jan. 25, 2007,
and it addresses what USA Baseball considering
misperceptions about metal bats, pointing out that
manufacturers must meet safety standards and
ensure balls hit off a metal bat do not travel
faster than those hit off wooden bats.
RELATED STORIES:
New York City moves
toward ban on metal high-school bats
New for 2007:
Regions Park
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and Regions Financial Corporation,
Birmingham’s largest bank, announced a naming-rights deal for Hoover
Metropolitan Stadium, which will be known as Regions Park, effective
immediately. The nine-season agreement will last through the 2015 calendar year,
and includes a myriad of ballpark sponsorship and other opportunities for
Regions.
The Birmingham Barons, Regions, Hoover Parks and Recreation
Board, and the City of Hoover will partner to continue to make Regions Park the
most used and versatile sports facility in Alabama. The ballpark is currently
nearing completion of a two-phase renovation. The upgrades to the 20-year-old
facility include adding a second-tier to both the baseball and football press
boxes, replacing over 3,000 box seats, extensive changes to the façade and main
entrance of the ballpark, renovated restrooms and a new lighting system.
Bullfrogs
adding party deck to Joannes Stadium
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods
League) announced the addition of a fan deck at
historic
Joannes Stadium. A partnership has been
finalized with Triangle Distributing of Green Bay,
and the newest amenity to
Joannes Stadium will be
known as the "Leinies Northwoods Deck." The
4,084-square-foot, multi-tiered deck will be
constructed down the right-field line.
Construction will start in the next couple of
weeks and will be completed in time for the
Bullfrogs' first game on June 4.
The Leinies Northwoods Deck is expected to hold about 400
people and will bring capacity at the former
minor-league ballpark to just over 2000. The fan
deck is a staple in the Northwoods League and
offers the fans a unique opportunity to see the
game from a different view and allows the team to
cater to larger group outings. "This is the first
of many improvement we have planned for
Joannes Stadium, our goal is to make this historic
ballpark a place for all of Green Bay and the
surrounding communities to gather and enjoy
America’s pastime," states Bullfrogs Owner and
President Jeff Royle.
The Leinies Northwoods Deck will cost $25 and children under
12 are $15. Admission to the deck includes a game
ticket with food and beverage being
all-you-can-eat. Additional major renovations
projects are expected to be announced in the
coming weeks.
Input sought on Pewaukee
recreation area
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Residents are being asked to weigh in today with
their recreational ideas for a sports complex that
will be developed on 59 acres along Highway 74 and
Lindsay Road in Pewaukee, located in suburban
Milwaukee. One part of the plan could involve a
new ballpark .Earlier this year, the Lake Country
Baseball Group proposed a private-public
partnership with the city that would bring a
baseball league franchise to Waukesha County. Chad
Bauer, president of Lake Country Baseball Group,
is looking for about six acres of city parkland on
which to build a 1,500-seat ballpark. The ballpark
would be paid for by private investors and would
be home to a summer-collegiate Northwoods League
team.
RELATED STORIES:
League dreams of
summer collegiate team;
Pewaukee looks at baseball plan;
Group to pitch Northwoods League team in Pewaukee
Ballpark Notes
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Phoenix-based engineering firm CMX has announced the hiring Chris
Nations as Vice President of Business Development for its CMX Sports
Engineers division. In his newly created position, Nations will lead the
business development and marketing for CMX Sports. He has more than 12 years of
sports facility design and project management experience including serving in
athletic administration at University of Maryland, Arizona State University,
Santa Clara University and Indiana State University. Most recently, he served as
Director of Design and Construction for International Coliseums Company,
overseeing all aspects of design, construction and procurement for over $400
million in projects. He is a graduate of Indiana University and earned his
master’s degree from Indiana State.
County gives OK to Warthogs
ballpark
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 in
favor of tax incentives worth up to $12.5 million
over 25 years to support mixed-use development at
the proposed ballpark complex -- a commitment that
ensures the development and the new ballpark will
happen. Billy Prim, the project's lead developer
and a co-owner of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High
Class A; Carolina League), said after the vote
that the county's support ensures that he will
move ahead with the project. He said he plans to
meet with architects and construction teams to
make final plans. He has said that building on the
ballpark could start as soon as late spring or
early summer. The Warthogs currently play at
Ernie Shore Field,
and part of the financial plan calls for the sale
of that facility to Wake Forest.
RELATED STORIES:
Forsyth County commits to new Warthogs ballpark;
Prim: I'll run figures in offer;
County's ballpark offer in;
New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?;
Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark;
county is next;
Joines: Protect ticket revenue;
Council considers city help with moving expenses;
Prim's word is his bond;
Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote;
Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan;
County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark;
W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since
it has no creek;
Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark
meeting;
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Business group supports A's
move
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A
powerful South Bay business group has thrown its
support to Cisco Field in Fremont. The Silicon
Valley Leadership Group, a San Jose commerce
organization that counts the region's elite
companies among its 210 members, announced Monday
that it supports the Oakland A's plan for a
Fremont ballpark and a surrounding housing-retail
"village." The group said the large mixed-use
development would have a positive economic impact
on the region, and also touted the benefit of
adding 2,900 homes to the area. Estimated to
cost as much as $500 million, Cisco Field would
have Major League Baseball's smallest capacity at
30,000 to 34,000. The baseball-only facility in
Fremont would be the centerpiece of the ballpark
village concept, which would feature shops,
restaurants, parking and a hotel, in addition to
the housing.
RELATED STORIES:
Toxic hazard
creates bump in road to new A's ballpark;
A's tout Cisco Field in ticket mailer;
Will global warming swamp AT&T Park, new A's
ballpark?;
A's owner not sweating lack of BART at Fremont
ballpark site;
A's owner raises more questions than answers;
Wolff seeks tax rebate for new ballpark village;
Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed
Fremont ballpark;
Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark;
If Selig's coming, A's must be going;
Wolff ready to go public on ballpark;
Cisco blending tech and baseball;
Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont;
Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?;
More meetings with A's slated after new year;
Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's;
A's detail Fremont
plans down to the letter;
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
New York City moves toward
ban on metal high-school bats
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
New
York City would become one of the first cities in
the country to prohibit the use of metal bats in
high school baseball games, under a bill that a
City Council committee approved yesterday
and that the full Council is considered all but
certain to pass tomorrow. The issue has sharply
divided youth baseball leagues, coaches, players
and fans. Industry groups have hired lobbying and
public relations firms to oppose the bill, while
parents of players severely injured by balls hit
off metal bats have given tearful testimony in
support of it. Even players from Major League
Baseball, which uses only wood bats, have taken
positions: Mike Mussina, a Yankees pitcher, is
against the ban; John Franco, a former Mets
pitcher, is for it. One metal-bat manufacturer,
Easton, has promised a legal challenge, saying
metal bats are no more dangerous than wood bats.
North Dakota has already banned metal bats; you
can expect other states and municipalities to
follow suit.
Would minor-league team be
hit at McHenry Community College?
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A new
ballpark to be built as part of McHenry County
College’s expansion could become home to
minor-league baseball. MCC President Walt Packard
and Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley said Monday
that plans were being studied regarding the
feasibility of bringing a team to McHenry County,
northwest of Chicago and due east of Rockford.
Given that the summer-collegiate Northwoods League
has targeted that region for expansion, we're
assuming there's some interest there. We'd be
surprised if the independent American Association
or Northern League would be interested, and
Crystal Lake is only 46 miles from Rockford, which
already has a Frontier League team.
Dickey-Stephens Park almost
ready
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Work on
Dickey-Stephen Park, the new home of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas
League), continues, and team officials expect the ballpark to be ready in time
for Opening Day -- mostly. The park will seat 5,700 fans and there will be room
for up to 10,000 with the outfield and berm areas. The traditional Travelers
organ will be right behind home plate. An onsite restaurant complete with a bar
may not be ready for opening day, but it will be finished soon as well. Even the
sales of luxury boxes have gone better than expected.
Comerica Park: What's in a
name?
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
With
Comerica Bank moving its headquarters from Detroit
to Dallas -- the result of executives feeling an
anti-business bias in Michigan -- many are calling
for the bank to give up its naming-rights deal for
Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers.
Comerica signed a 30-year, $66-million
naming-rights deal with the Tigers in 1998. It's
unknown whether there's a contractual loophole
giving the Tigers an escape clause should the
financial institution uproot its home base from
Detroit. The advice here is that the Tigers keep
the money; it's not as if there's a long line of
corporate suitors waiting to pay $66 million in a
naming-rights deal.
RELATED STORIES:
Bank's name will stay
on ballpark
Ballpark committee plans
meeting today
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
steering committee overseeing a new ballpark for
the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League)
will meet today. Park planner Mark Jarvis said the
committee will hold a conference call with
officials from HNTB Architecture of Kansas City,
Mo. HNTB is designing the new ballpark in
cooperation with CTA Architects Engineers of
Billings. The meeting is open to the public. Among
the design elements to be discussed is where to
locate corporate-sponsored skyboxes, Jarvis said.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new ballpark has
been scheduled for 10:45 a.m. March 21 at
Cobb
Field.
RELATED STORIES:
Plan for new baseball park has sunken, realigned
field;
Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track;
Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear;
Billings voters approve new Mustangs ballpark;
Donors pitch $210K more toward new ballpark;
Join local teams in support for new ballpark;
Three groups, family pledge $200K for maintenance
of new Cobb Field;
New vote on an old park;
Two more pitch in on new Cobb Field;
Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement;
Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign;
Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings
ballpark;
Cobb backers unveil campaign;
Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field;
Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot;
Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field;
Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field;
Funding dominates Cobb discussion;
Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field
of dreams;
Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs;
Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs;
Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure;
Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal;
Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field;
Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate;
Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million;
HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation;
Cobb proposals narrowed to 2;
Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field
Patriots unveil luxury
suites
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Commerce Bank Ballpark's new luxury suites are
like a cushy living room with a full view of the
field. Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic
League) management unveiled the ballpark's first
complete luxury suite Monday. It's one of 20 of
the high-end boxes renovated for the 2007 season,
which starts May 4. The organization went with a
country club look for the $250,000 project. Each
suite will have silver chafing dishes sitting on
mahogany credenzas; an overstuffed leather couch
and two matching armchairs surrounding a glass
table; and sconces sitting on either side of
prints of historic baseball moments. Suite 317
features an image of Pittsburgh Pirates great
Roberto Clemente.
Akron's Canal Park could get
brighter
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Last
year it was a new scoreboard; this year, the home
of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League)
needs brighter field lights. The Akron City
Council agreed Monday night to place the city's
$50,000 request to replace the lights on next
week's consent agenda, a list of routine items
typically approved with a single vote. Minor
League Baseball authorities inspected Canal Park
last autumn and identified three building-related
problems that fall under the city's maintenance
responsibilities: Women's restrooms lacked purse
shelves (the city has already installed shelves
near the paper towel dispensers); vertical posts
at each dugout needed padding (the city has padded
them); and field lighting was inadequate. (the
most expensive problem).
Spear named AIA
fellow
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
HOK
Sport's
Joe Spear, designer of 10 MLB ballparks in a
29-year career, was designated a Fellow by the
American Institute of Architects. "This is an
architect who is thorough, thoughtful and
responsible, and whose clients trust him
implicitly," said Antoine Predock, FAIA. Predock
sponsored Spear’s submission for Fellowship, and
the two worked together on the design of
Petco
Park in San Diego. The AIA College of Fellows,
founded in 1952, is composed of members of the
Institute who are elected by a jury of their
peers. The Fellowship program was developed to
elevate those architects who have made a
significant contribution to architecture and
society and who have achieved a standard of
excellence in the profession. Election to
Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of
architects as individuals, but also their
significant contribution to architecture and
society on a national level. Out of a total AIA
membership of nearly 81,000, there are fewer than
2,600 distinguished with the honor of fellowship.
Spear will be officially inducted into the AIA’s
College of Fellows on May 4, 2007.
Conflict for Katz?
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz -- who also happens to own
the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern
League) -- is ruffling some feathers by going
after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) and bending
the truth about the team's financial situation,
painting a much more dire picture than even the
city's chief financial officer does. Basically,
Katz says the team is in terrible financial
trouble, even though the official record indicates
otherwise. The way out of the mess is to privatize
the team. There's only one potential buyer of the
team: David Asper of CanWest Global, who happens
to be the major corporate partner of the Goldeyes
(remember, the team plays at
CanWest Global Park).
Conflicts of interest appear to abound.
Northern League interested
in Saskatoon
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Independent Northern League Commissioner Clark
Griffith says his league is interested in placing
a team in Saskatoon as a bridge city to struggling
franchises in Edmonton and Calgary. There are a
number of hurdles: no local ownership group
exists, Cairns Field (which seats 3,500) would
need an overhaul, there's still some bad blood
over the failed Canadian Baseball League team, and
many in the local sporting world don't think a
team would succeed. If Saskatoon were added, we're
talking about some nasty bus trips: it's more than
eight hours from Winnipeg to Saskatoon, and seven
hours from Saskatoon to Calgary.
Rascals games may be shown
on cable station
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) hope to score big on the
city's public cable television station. The team, which plays in the city's T.R.
Hughes Ballpark, has asked permission to televise its home games live on local
Charter Cable Communication's Channel 21. Officials expect to pass a resolution
approving the arrangement before opening day on May 25. The city anticipates
offering the airtime free of charge. Under the proposal, the franchise would
provide its own cameras and broadcast personnel. At times when the city
televises its meetings live, the team will show replays later or cut into games
in progress.
New for 2008: the Pipe Yard
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The official name for
the expanded ballpark in Lorain, Ohio is the Pipe Yard. The Pipe Yard was chosen
as the name by officials at U.S. Steel Lorain Tubular, which donated $250,000 to
the city in exchange for naming rights earlier this year. In the Campana Park
ballpark, the two yellow foul posts will be made from steel tubing constructed
at the Lorain plant. In January, the county commissioners agreed to the give the
city $175,000 for canopied bleachers that have space underneath for concession
stands and offices. The stadium will be open in time for Cleveland State
University, which will use the ballpark, to play its first home game on April 3.
New Marlins ballpark in a
squeeze play
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Florida Marlins' latest hope for a new ballpark
focuses on two publicly owned properties: one, the
old football stadium in Little Havana; the other,
a nine-acre plot in downtown Miami that could
prove costly. County Manager George Burgess
recently proposed spending $490 million to build a
37,000-seat ballpark with 60 suites and a
retractable roof on what now is mostly a parking
lot just north of Government Center. County
commissioners rejected that plan and instead
endorsed the idea of building the ballpark on the
current Orange Bowl site, conditional on the
University of Miami moving home games to
Dolphin
Stadium. If the Hurricanes stay, they're want
money to renovate the Orange Bowl (money promised
in the past by local officials) -- and chances are
good that money will be diverted from ballpark
funding sources. So at some point local officials
must choose one project or the other. Complicating
things: the need to move some existing projects,
like the Children's Courthouse, from the downtown
Miami site -- projects that have their own
boosters on the county board. It's an increasingly
complicated issue, but the bottom line is that
there's plenty of opposition to a downtown
ballpark -- and if the 'Canes decide not to move
to Dolphin
Stadium (a decision should be made in
the next 45 days), the prospects for a new
ballpark at all would be seriously diminished.
Interestingly, MLB officials and the Marlins front
office has been pretty quiet about recent
developments.
RELATED STORIES:
Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at
Orange Bowl;
Orange Bowl reemerges as site of
Marlins ballpark;
County unveils
Marlins financing plan;
Marlins ballpark funding at first base;
Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000;
Florida legislative leaders back tax help for
sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
A better Cheney Stadium?
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
new owners of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League) hope to transform
47-year-old Cheney Stadium with a $15 million mix
of requested state tax dollars and private
contributions. The private share of the project
could include box suites at field level, a new
club level with windows built atop the stands, and
a raised berm behind the outfield wall where
families could watch games for cheap. (A rendering
of the proposed upgrades is shown below.) The Tacoma
request is part of a larger effort by all five of
the Washington cities with minor-league ballparks
to secure state help to renovate ballparks. The
others are Everett, Spokane, the Tri-Cities and
Yakima. The cities' combined request is $18
million, of which Tacoma’s share would be $7.5
million. The bulk of the state dollars for
Cheney Stadium would go toward upgrading the concessions
area and replacing a grandstand roof that no
longer meets seismic codes. Some state money could
also go toward a planned video board in the
outfield to show replays and other scenes during
the games.
Pohlads step up to plate to
help county save deal
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
All is well, citizens
of Minneapolis; all is well. That's the image Sid Hartman wants to create after
a meeting with Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad regarding funding of a new
downtown ballpark for the Twins.
As you'll recall, development of the ballpark is halted while Hennepin County
and a group of landowners tussle over the worth of a key plot of land --
Hennepin County says the land is worth $13.35 million, while the landowners have
pegged the price at $21 million (though this figure is a little fuzzy). Sid
floats a trial balloon: the land purchase will go forward and a court will later
decide on the true value of the land, with the Twins possibly covering
any price difference. We say possibly because this is one of those
classic Pohlad offers: it's made quietly, and everyone is supposed to assume the
best. But given that talks have all but collapsed -- the Twins have stopped
taking with the landowners because the team refuses to formally commit to any
cost overruns -- we're entering a phase where all sides have hardened their
positions and waiting for someone else to blink. Two other downtown sites
continue to be evaluated by the county,
and with the Twins and the county
reworking their lease agreement on a new ballpark, one could emerge as a new site
within the next few months. Contrary to the headline, the Pohlads have not yet
stepped up to the plate with a formal offer they're willing to make in writing
-- and Sid shows himself once again a shill for the powers that be.
More
from Minneapolis Downtown Journal.
RELATED STORIES:
Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises;
Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?;
Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins
pay more;
County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark
site remain in a holding pattern;
County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark;
Official says changing site of Twins ballpark
would mean delays;
A great ballpark divide;
Twins postpone ballpark unveiling;
Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new
ballpark site;
Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark
unveiled;
Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose;
sides still apart on price;
Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark
design;
Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look;
Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins;
New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin
County shoppers;
Ballpark players ironing out use, development
agreements;
Twins release more details on new ballpark;
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews;
Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis
Board may offer Prim $12.5M
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
After
months of closed-door meetings about a proposed
downtown ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs
(High Class A; Carolina League), Forsyth County
commissioners are ready to listen to the public
about an economic incentives deal. Commissioners
will present an offer at their Monday night
meeting that would give developers as much as
$12.5 million in tax incentives over 25 years to
support mixed-use development at the ballpark
complex. If all goes well, commissioners could
vote on the deal that night. The county's funding
is the final piece of the puzzle for Warthogs
co-owner Billy Prim, who is spearheading the
development.
RELATED STORIES:
Forsyth County commits to new Warthogs ballpark;
Prim: I'll run figures in offer;
County's ballpark offer in;
New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?;
Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark;
county is next;
Joines: Protect ticket revenue;
Council considers city help with moving expenses;
Prim's word is his bond;
Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote;
Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan;
County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark;
W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since
it has no creek;
Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark
meeting;
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Brewers to look at adding
more amenities to Miller Park
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Milwaukee Brewers are considering additional
improvements to
Miller Park, including a new
scoreboard, as part of the team's drive to
increase attendance and fan spending. Mark Attanasio, the team's principal owner, said
Brewers officials are looking at adding food or
arcade games to the outfield concourse of
Miller Park, and have had preliminary discussions with
the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park
District to install a new scoreboard in center
field. Stadium district officials have set aside
$8 million from the $395 million construction of
Miller Park for replacing the scoreboard.
Officials: Arts sale not
about sports
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
One
potential issue has arisen in a complicated set of
land swaps designed to bring a new Charlotte
Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark
to uptown Charlotte: the potential sale of Spirit
Square, an arts center in the city. Basically,
Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte
decided last year to sell the building, and since
then the county has dedicated some of the proceeds
from that sale toward infrastructure improvements
near the ballpark. Some arts leaders are now
saying the building is being sold to fund the
ballpark -- not true, according to elected
officials -- in an effort to rally citizens behind
continued public ownership of the space. In this
case, perception is more important than reality --
which is why some damage control must be done.
The Knights signed a two-year extension to play at
Knights Stadium through 2008 and quite possibly
into 2009.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark land swap
still in play for reshaping Charlotte;
Could new Charlotte
ballpark be delayed by lawsuit?;
Land deal for Charlotte
ballpark advances;
Diehl plans fight over Charlotte ballpark;
Mecklenburg County set for baseball deal role;
Charlotte Council seeks answers on baseball;
Uptown park for Knights makes sense;
Charlotte council gets update on baseball plan;
Chamber: poll shows overwhelming support for
Knights ballpark;
Backers urge: Make noise for Charlotte ballpark;
A slow curve in Charlotte;
Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible;
Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee
ballpark construction;
Hard days for Knights;
Knights see more fans, but lag league;
Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new
ballpark;
Knights meet with potential architects;
Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte;
The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte;
Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark;
Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?;
Third Ward residents object to new Knights
ballpark;
Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5
million;
Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of
real estate;
Arts package heads the agenda for city funding,
but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan;
Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers;
Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark
Signing of Matsuzaka likely
helping interest in Japanese baseball grow
overseas
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Doubtful, actually. The wishful thinking here is
that with the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka
Americans will begin paying attention to Japanese
baseball. Americans just aren't going to care
about Japanese baseball because American sports
fans don't follow sports in other nations; major
global events like the World Cup and the Tour de
France are niche (at best) events in the United
States. If anything, the defection of Dice-K could
be a nail in the coffin of Japanese baseball: if
there's a large enough market, you can expect MLB
to steal the biggest stars and launch Japanese
operations. Think what happened to the Negro
Leagues once Jackie Robinson broke the color line,
and you can imagine what could happen in Japan.
What we still have here is a
failure to communicate
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
problem seemed minor -- the Nashua Pride
(independent; Can-Am Association) wanted to hold
an event at the Holman Stadium luxury boxes for
local business leaders, but the event was
cancelled because the city refused to turn on the
water to the ballpark. Why they did so is up for
debate: city officials said cold weather was to
blame (a rather iffy reason if you check weather
temps for the last week), but Pride owner John
Stabile says it was because the city refused to
ask local union workers to do the work. Stabile
says his team is treated shabbily by city
officials, and most observers agree with that
assessment; he's also threatening to move the team
to Boston. The Pride has always had a hard time in
Nashua despite playing in a historic ballpark, and
things don't seem to have the potential of working
out.
Looking at a Plan B for new
Reds spring complex
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
With a
$10 million gap in a $54-million funding plan for
a new Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota, local officials are looking at scaling
back the project. The Reds say they need more
room, but conceivably the area around the current
training complex can absorb more training fields.
We're a little surprised no one is bringing up the
most obvious solution: renovating
Ed Smith Stadium
and expanding into the open lots surrounding the
current facility.
RELATED STORIES:
Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex
cost;
Fair officials respond with new spring-training
plan;
New Reds training facility in some doubt;
Florida finalizes five spring-training grants;
Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie
Field;
Florida makes preliminary decision on state
spring-training grants;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota;
Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact;
Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close;
Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run;
Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state;
Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new
Reds spring facility;
County tees up for baseball hearing;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Reds swing and miss;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities
Harrison Square is a true
home run
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Jack
Swarbrick, former chairman of the Indiana Sports
Corp., comes out in favor of a new downtown Fort
Wayne development featuring a new ballpark for the
Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League).
He's touting the total package, saying people
can't pick and choose among what they like and
dislike: "In the ongoing public discussion of the
merits of the Harrison Square proposal, it is
imperative that the project be viewed as an
integrated development package. That is what was
recommended and that is what the city has done.
Any analysis that chooses to focus solely on the
financing of a single element of the project is
disingenuous at best and intentionally misleading
at worst. For example, Hardball Capital [owner of
the Wizards] is not investing $5 million to build
a $30 million baseball stadium for its team. It is
investing approximately $20 million to help build
the stadium, residential condominiums and retail."
More meetings are scheduled for this week.
RELATED STORIES:
'A few more pros than cons';
Downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark: pro and con;
Developer
submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel;
Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal
endeavor;
Ballpark's future subject to study;
Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark;
Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark
plan;
Ballpark's future is far from certain;
Building the public square;
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark
Atlantic League has drug
testing
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
way Sovereign Bank Stadium, the new home of the
York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), is
laid out, potentially someone could hit a ball
into Codorus Creek, which runs near the ballpark.
But chances are pretty good they won't, and league
officials joke it's because of the league's
drug-testing program, which mirrors the drug
testing used by minor-league baseball.
More on the Revolution from the York Dispatch.
Packers' hope has faded
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Unless someone has about $20,000 or more to burn, it appears the Salinas Valley
Packers (summer collegiate; California Coastal League) team is history. Owners
Craig and Lisa Baker, discouraged after two years of low attendance, announced
about a month ago they will not return for a third season. If a buyer can't be
found, Salinas will be without organized baseball for one of the few summers
since 1949. This is what your $20,000 will buy: one barbecue grill, one mascot
costume (Screwball), about 30 slightly worn team uniforms and jackets, a public
address system, a couple of laptop computers, a kitchen freezer and more.
Ballpark Notes
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Frank Mentesana is the new director of
Broadcasting and Media Relations for the San
Angelo Colts (independent; United League
Baseball). A graduate of Fordham University in the
Bronx, Mentesana spent four years working at the
school’s National Public Radio station, WFUV 90.7
FM. In that time, he announced men’s and women’s
basketball as well as football, and also served as
a beat reporter for various professional teams in
the area such as the Mets and Rangers.
|
Ballpark Digest Newsletter |
Want to receive news from Ballpark
Digest in your inbox?
You can sign up here! |
Contribute |
Want to show your appreciation for
Ballpark Digest?
Then consider a voluntary subscription or donation for the expenses of running the site. All the funds
collected from donations will go directly back to improving
Ballpark Digest. Read
more here. |
|