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.
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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! |
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Archives:
April 2-8, 2007
Marlins ballpark funding
decision has ways to go
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Florida Marlins, who are preparing for tonight's
home opener at Dolphin Stadium, don't expect the
state to decide whether to pay $60 million to help
finance a new ballpark until the legislative
equivalent of the ninth inning -- the end of the
session in early May. If state money is approved
after years of failure, the news might arrive
before the Marlins know exactly where a $490
million, retractable-roof ballpark would be built.
Miami and Miami-Dade County have approved a
baseball financing plan for a site "to be
determined," and elected officials overwhelmingly
favor placing the ballpark at the current Orange
Bowl site, contingent on the University of Miami
moving its football games to Dolphin Stadium. We
continue to hear MLB and Marlins officials aren't
too thrilled with the Orange Bowl site but will
live with it should there be no other choice for
public funding.
RELATED STORIES:
Door closed on use of Miami CRA funds for ballpark;
Marlins
ballpark funding bills advance;
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
Potential sale of the SWB
Yankees approved
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
real question may no longer be whether the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League) will be sold, but when. And
for how much? As expected, Lackawanna County’s
Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority voted in favor of
deals giving private interests the right to
manage, and ultimately buy the Triple-A baseball
franchise. The pair of deals are between the
stadium authority and SWB Yankees LLC, owned
jointly by Mandalay Baseball Properties and the
New York Yankees. The agreements’ next stop is
before the Lackawanna County Board of
Commissioners on Tuesday. Under the purchase
agreement, SWB Yankees can buy the franchise for
as little as $13 million, if it acts within the
first term. However, it would have to enter into a
20-year lease to stay at PNC Field. When that
lease expires, if SWB Yankees LLC wants to move
the team out of Lackawanna County, the authority
will have the right to buy it back, at a purchase
price determined by an appraisal commissioned at
that time. One potential hitch:
Luzerne County, a partner in the ballpark and the
Yankees, has not been party to any agreements.
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?
Wolves owner Levin has
strong interest in Cubs
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Chicago Wolves (AHL) owner Don Levin has confirmed
his interest in buying the Cubs. The lifelong
Chicagoan, who just returned from a business trip
to Australia, said owning the team would be the
first step toward fulfilling his dream. ''My dream
would be to be sitting in a box across from Jerry
Reinsdorf playing a World Series game against the
White Sox,'' Levin said. ''That's how interested I
am. I would love to do that.'' Levin bought the
Wolves in 1994. The team has made 12 playoff
appearances in the International and American
hockey leagues, reaching the finals five times and
winning three championships. Levin may have a lot
of competition to buy the Cubs and (we presume)
Wrigley Field, and we expect the final sales price
to be closer to a billion dollars than $500
million.
RELATED STORIES:
Bidders: Cubs, Wrigley go together;
Cubs on the block
Sounds: Oh yes we did
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
GM/COO Glenn Yaeger has fired back at the city's
Metro Council for holding the team in default on a
deal for a new downtown ballpark, strongly
disputing the city's reasons for why the team
failed to perform. Yaeger didn't specifically
reference Metro's assertion yesterday that the
team didn't pay its architect HOK Sport, a failing
that resulted in HOK's stopping work on
construction plans, Metro asserts, and thus gave
Metro a reason for holding the team in default. In
a letter sent late Thursday to Sue Cain, Metro
Legal's acting director, Yaeger simply disagreed
with the "allegations concerning the relationship
with our professionals" she had made in her
default letter to the team one day earlier.
Judging by the tone of the letters from both
sides, we're guessing the end result of the whole
shebang will be a court battle, not a new
ballpark. In any case, developer Struever Bros.
Eccles & Rouse says it will continue work on the
site, but a ballpark is apparently out of the
picture.
More on the new plan for the downtown site from
The Tennessean.
RELATED STORIES:
Sounds ballpark deal dead; city moving on;
Rickey: PCL won't approve Sounds agreement;
Key ally fed up with Sounds;
Sounds GM Yaeger criticizes Struever Bros. as
"wrong partner";
Struever,
Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal;
Struever, Sounds
now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal;
Struever would build Sounds ballpark;
Sounds, Struever keep swinging for a ballpark solution;
Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster;
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
Snow closes
down more ballgames
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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It's
no surprise snow forced the cancellation of the
opening day for the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) -- early April in Canada is
always a dicey affair -- but there was another
surprising cancellation: the Tulsa Drillers (Class
AA; Texas League) called last night's game due to
snow. It's believed to be the first time a Tulsa
professional baseball game was postponed due to
snow.
D-Rays announce enhancements
to Tropicana Field
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Tampa Bay Devil Rays, in association with
concessionaire Centerplate, spent the off-season
redesigning Tropicana Field to provide an enhanced
experience for Devil Rays fans this season. The
new atmosphere reflects the history of the Devil
Rays, the beauty of the Florida landscape and
flavors of local cuisine. Updated seating and
concession areas, new menu items and a brand new
merchandise store are on tap this season for
D-Rays fans.
Study: Not much future for
old Memorial Stadium
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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A
$45,000 study apparently does not envision a
bright future for Memorial Stadium should a new
ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A;
Midwest League) be built downtown as part of the
Harrison Square project. The preliminary findings
come from Minnesota-based CSL International, hired
in January by the city, county and Indiana-Purdue
University to assess alternative uses for the
county-owned home of the Fort Wayne Wizards. With
a $30-million ballpark serving as the centerpiece
of the $125 million-$160 million Harrison Square
downtown revitalization project, the fate of
14-year-old Memorial Stadium has been uncertain.
IPFW officials have expressed interest in using
the facility for baseball and other university
events, and Deputy Mayor Mark Becker said in
January the city might be willing to contribute to
an endowment fund needed to pay the stadium’s
minimum annual expenses of $200,000 to $300,000.
But IPFW doesn't draw well, and an endowment of $3
million would be needed to generate enough money
for expenses.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark deadline looming in Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne City Council divided on downtown
ballpark;
Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark;
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
Isotopes
issue city $2 million rent check
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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In
what has become a spring tradition, Albuquerque
Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
President Ken Young handed over a check to the
city of Albuquerque and Mayor Martin Chavez for an
amount in excess of $2 million today at pre-season
opener festivities at city-owned Isotopes Park.
The payment represents the basic rent sum plus
surcharge amounts paid by the team to the city,
per the stadium lease. The amount paid is directly
correlated to how well the club has done
financially since its inception in 2003. With this
year’s payment of $2,012,876, the total amount
given to the city in the team’s four years is
$8,043,027.
"The bond between the Isotopes and the City of Albuquerque is
a perfect model of how successful a symbiotic
relationship between a public institution and
private enterprise can be," said Young. "We’re
extremely proud of our connection to the city and
grateful for all the support they have provided,
and continue to provide, since the team’s arrival
in 2003."
Flying Tigers take off with
victory in home opener
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Lakeland Flying Tigers (High Class A; Florida
State League) opened under their new name in fine
style with a 3-0 win over the Tampa Yankees before
1,438 fans at Joker Marchant Stadium. The team was
formerly known as the Lakeland Tigers -- in homage
to parent Detroit -- but this offseason saw the
team adopt a new name and a new identity from Plan
B Branding.
Even empty, ballpark pulls 'em
in
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The opening day in Great Lakes Loons
(Low Class A; Midwest League) history featured a 10-3 win at South Bend, Ind.,
Thursday evening plus a brisk open house at the Dow Diamond in Midland for the
hundreds of fans who cared to capture the ambiance of minor-league baseball
while listening to the radio broadcast of the game. Mother Nature was rude, with
temperatures in the 20s. There was just one noticeable glitch -- the gas-fired
fireplace in the Loons' ballpark concourse was not functioning yet.
Ballpark changes a big hit
for Pelicans fans
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Yesterday we detailed the many changes made by the
ownership of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class
A; Sally League) to Coastal Federal Field.
Yesterday's chilly opener drew a record crowd of
6,047 to the ballpark, and it seems like the many
improvements struck a nerve with Pelicans fans. A
new high-definition scoreboard, the installation
of a beach and Tiki Bar, and a new logo all
resonated with the record crowd.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark renovations to enhance season opener in
Myrtle Beach
RiverDogs
set new attendance record
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Second
baseman Wilmer Pino lined a bases-loaded single to
center with one out in the bottom of the 10th
inning to lift the Charleston RiverDogs to a 1-0
victory over the Greenville Drive in the Low Class
A Sally League opener for both teams Thursday
night at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. The game was
witnessed by 8,426 fans, a new record crowd at
11-year-old Riley Park. The new attendance figure
surpassed the previous mark of 8,257, which was
set on July 3, 2006 and the prior Opening Day
record was 7,032, also set last year on April 6.
Stein avoids
clippers; Legends win opener
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League)
President Alan Stein can keep his hairstyle.
Lexington defeated the Delmarva Shorebirds, 4-2,
on Opening Night at Applebee's Park. Stein had
previously agreed to sport a Mohawk if the Legends
lost their season opener, which would be their
sixth loss in seven tries on the season's first
game. Instead, Lexington won the opener for the
second straight year. It took a triple from
catcher Ralphie Henriquez driving in three runs to
provide the victory for Stein's hairline.
RELATED STORIES:
Stein makes opening-day pledge: a Mohawk if the
Legends lose
Dodgers return to Cal League
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
High Class A California League can finally kiss
its Dodger blues good-bye. After a six-year
absence, the Cal League has its flagship major
league affiliate back in the fold after the Los
Angeles Dodgers signed a player-development
contract (PDC) with the Inland Empire 66ers in
September. The Dodgers were once a powerful
presence in the Cal League, but when MiLB decreed
MLB teams could have only one affiliate in each
level, the Dodgers abandoned the Cal League and
stayed with the Vero Beach Dodgers (High Class A;
Florida State League). With the Dodgers shifting
operations westward, a move back to the Cal League
was inevitable.
More from the San Bernardino Sun.
Pro baseball returns to
Utica
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
stage is being set for professional baseball's
return to the Mohawk Valley. The names of the four
local teams that will make up the New York State
League -- the Utica Brewmasters, Rome Coppers,
Oneida Barge Bucs and Herkimer Trailbusters --
were unveiled by commissioner Jay Acton during a
press conference Wednesday at Piggy Pat's
Restaurant. All games will be played at Murnane
Field's Donovan Stadium except during the first
week in August, when Murnane hosts the New York
State American Legion Baseball Championships. The
50-game season runs from July 3 to Aug. 31. A
matinee and an evening game are scheduled each
day. There will be no admission charge for day
games and tickets for night games will be $5.
Acton already has nightly promotions in place, and
there are season-ticket packages and group
discounts available.
Coyotes expand
concessions at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Edinburg Coyotes (independent; United League
Baseball) announced the expansion of their
concessions operations for the upcoming 2007
season. The Echo Hotel of Edinburg will be the
official in-park caterer of the Edinburg Coyotes
and will cater all picnics and the luxury suites
at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. The Coyotes have
also entered into a working agreement with Luca
Pizza di Roma of McAllen to operate the third-base
concessions stand and create a patio area for
fans. In addition, the Coyotes will be welcoming
in current and new outside vendors into the
stadium which will include kettle corn,
roasted corn on the cob, funnel cakes, and fajita
tacos.
It all comes down to money
Posted April 6, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss)
Brad
Feldman wants to bring a summer-collegiate
Northwoods League team to Bismarck, N.D., but
there's one small detail to be fixed: he lacks
money and investors. Feldman's goal is to put a
Bismarck team in the NWL for 2008, but there are
some things working against him. For starters,
Bismarck is almost 600 miles away from the nearest
Northwoods League city, although that may change
as there have been some rumors of other potential
teams in the region. Still, with no investors and
no money, Feldman faces a huge challenge.
Sounds ballpark deal dead;
city moving on
Posted April 5, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
have failed to live up to their agreement to build
a downtown ballpark, Metro's top attorney told the
baseball franchise yesterday. Metro's acting law
director, Sue Cain, wrote in a letter to Sounds
General Manager Glenn Yaeger that the Sounds were
in default of their agreement with the city and
Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, the developer that
planned to build hotels, condominiums and shops
around the ballpark. Cain called their conduct "a
total and unqualified refusal to perform" and
listed eight things the Sounds had failed or
refused to do,
including failing to arrange financing for the
project, not paying architectural firm HOK Sport,
and refusing to work with Struever on the project.
The Metro Council unanimously rejected on Tuesday
a request by the Sounds and Struever Bros. for
another six months to work out financing
arrangements and complete land transactions with
Metro.
Sounds GM Glenn Yaeger says the team will still
work on the project despite the city's actions.
It was a speculative deal from the beginning: the
Sounds were hoping to finance a new ballpark using
other peoples' money (most of the Sounds' part of
the deal was to be backed by a consortium of local
banks and proceeds from associated development),
and when the numbers didn't add up the Sounds were
forced to back out of the deal, though
truthfully progress on the ballpark ended a few
months ago when HOK Sport stopped work on the
project. We'll see if Struever follows through
on its threat to build a ballpark and attempt to
bring in another team, but it sounds like the city
wants nothing to do with a ballpark downtown.
More from Nashville Business Journal,
The Tennessean and
the Nashville Post.
RELATED STORIES:
Rickey: PCL won't approve Sounds agreement;
Key ally fed up with Sounds;
Sounds GM Yaeger criticizes Struever Bros. as
"wrong partner";
Struever,
Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal;
Struever, Sounds
now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal;
Struever would build Sounds ballpark;
Sounds, Struever keep swinging for a ballpark solution;
Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster;
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
Bidders: Cubs, Wrigley go
together
Posted April 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Two
potential bidders for the Chicago Cubs said they
only want the professional baseball team if the
deal includes the landmark Wrigley Field, with one
bidder saying he was willing to pay what would be
a record price. Sam Zell, who won a bid for the
Tribune Company, says he's putting the Cubs and
Wrigley Field on the block separately in order to
maximize the value of both,
but many say the two components are actually
diminished when separated. William Marovitz,
Jerry Colangelo and Tom Begel say they have
groups ready to bid on both and pay upwards of
$700 million for the pair or even a billion
dollars -- which, as you'll recall, is what we
predicted several months ago would be the value of
both. (The Sun-Times
throws out a few additional names
of potential buyers, including Bill Murray,
Mark Cuban and Don Levin;
Levin has shown lots of interest and apparently
Cuban is hinting about being interested as well.) Meanwhile,
some needed development at the ballpark in the
form of a parking garage with office space will be
delayed.
The Cubs may be a flop on the field, but they're a
huge success when it comes to the bottom line.
More from Steve Rosenbloom.
RELATED STORIES:
Cubs on the block
Baseball owner makes the
pitch in Bowling Green
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Rick
Kelley, chairman of Play Ball! '05, presented city
commissioners with a lineup of powerful interested
parties at a nonvoting work session Tuesday
afternoon, saying the time has come for a city
commitment to a six-block complex linking a
baseball stadium, a parking garage, retail and
high-end residential development, a hotel and
ongoing projects such as Circus Square Park and
the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center.
Investor Art Solomon was on hand to give his
commitment to bring a major league affiliate to
town for at least 20 years, with the subsequent
option for permanent local ownership. Already
owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA;
Eastern League), he has an option to buy a Class A
team which would play 71 games a season, he said.
DLR Group would be architects for the 4,000-seat
ballpark, which could be open for play in April
2008.
MLB, In Demand
reach deal
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Major League Baseball announced today that In
Demand has entered into a seven-year agreement in
principle to carry the MLB Extra Innings
subscription package of out-of-market games and
will distribute the MLB Channel, which is
scheduled to launch in January 2009. The MLB Extra
Innings subscription package of out-of-market
games is currently available to DirecTV
subscribers. In Depend owners Comcast, Cox
Communications and Time Warner Cable have agreed
to carry the package, effective immediately. In
Depend also will offer to make the MLB Extra
Innings subscription package available to other
cable companies across the U.S. Like all
distributors of MLB Extra Innings, these cable
operators would also be required to carry the MLB
Channel once it is launched. As a result, MLB also
amended its agreement with DirecTV, giving it an
equity position in the MLB Channel.
RELATED STORIES:
Kerry urges MLB, DirecTV to hold off on deal;
Cable, MLB argue over
out-of-town games
City strikes out in ballpark
ruling
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Civic
Stadium, the home of the Eugene Emeralds (short
season; Northwest League), won't always have to be
used for recreation, a Lane County Circuit Court
judge ruled Tuesday. The opinion from Judge
Karsten Rasmussen provides a victory to the
ballpark owner, the Eugene School District, and
hands the city of Eugene a defeat. Rasmussen
rejected the city's claim that the 10-acre
property in south Eugene can be used only for
recreation. He supported the school district's
contention that the property is free from such a
restriction. That frees up the school district to
sell the site and potentially tear down the
historic ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Buying time for Civic Stadium;
Civic Stadium's future to be settled 'very soon'
Red Sox unveil more seats in
'Conigliaro's Corner'
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The
Boston Red Sox have added a new bleacher section
on the roof deck at
Fenway Park's right field with
200 seats that will be sold for $25 apiece.
They're calling it "Conigliaro's Corner" to honor
Tony Conigliaro, a promising outfielder whose
career was derailed after he was hit in the face
by a pitch in 1967. The new seats, marketed
specifically for families, are part of an annual
offseason renovation that in previous years
included the addition of seats above the Green
Monster and a batting cage off the Red Sox dugout.
This year's project included a batting cage for
visiting teams, new standing room behind the
third-base grandstand, the addition of cupholders
for field-level seats, a women's restroom on the
third-base concourse and a locker room for ushers
and concession staff.
NLR violates own ordinance
with new ballpark's marquee
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The
city of North Little Rock has violated its own
sign ordinance with a larger-than-allowed marquee
on the new taxpayer-funded ballpark for the
Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League). Mayor
Patrick Hays says officials will seek a waiver for
the 201-square foot electronic sign in front of
Dickey-Stephens Park. City code says the maximum
for a sign of that type is 120 square feet. The
$33.6 million ballpark officially opens April 12.
The park replaces Ray Winder Field in Little Rock,
which served as the Travelers' home for 74 years.
In case you're wondering: yes, we'll be at
the new
ballpark opening night. In other Travs news, the
front office is a little different after an
Executive Committee meeting yesterday. Longtime
general manager Bill Valentine is taking the title
of Executive Vice President/Chief Operating
Officer. Pete Laven, the 2006 Texas League
Executive of the Year, has been promoted to
General Manager.
AIG announces minor-league
sponsorship deal
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Double-A
Baseball today announced that American
International Group, Inc. (AIG), has become an
official sponsor to 14 Double-A teams playing in
the Eastern, Southern and Texas Leagues and six A
teams playing in the Sally, Midwest and California
Leagues. AIG’s sponsorship will have a fully
integrated program for each of the 20 Double-A and
A league teams, including outfield signage,
full-page program ads, magnetic schedule giveaway
cards and a home-run charity program, where $2,500
will be donated to the local Big Brothers Big
Sisters affiliate. AIG will sponsor the following
Double-A baseball teams: Altoona Curve, Arkansas
Travelers, Birmingham Barons, Carolina Mud Cats,
Chattanooga Lookouts, Corpus Christi Hooks,
Harrisburg Senators, Jacksonville Suns, New
Hampshire Fisher Cats, Portland Sea Dogs, Reading
Phillies, San Antonio Missions, Tulsa Drillers and
the Wichita Wranglers. AIG will sponsoring the
following six teams in Class-A baseball:
Greensboro Grasshoppers, Kane County Cougars, Lake
County Captains, Lakewood Blue Claws, Rancho
Cucamonga Quakes and West Michigan Whitecaps.
Added features may help
Chase attract crowds
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It's
almost time to say hello to the new and improved
Chase Field, where most of the changes are subtle,
reflecting the transformation in team colors and
ownership of the Arizona Diamondbacks. All of the
purple and much of the clutter is gone. The
Diamond Club in center field -- designed to be a
meat-market magnet for the party crowd -- is
destined to be a big hit. Meanwhile, the dugouts
have been repainted in Sedona red. And a new Wiffle ball field that'll exist in the far
left-field corner, on top of a restaurant.
SWB Yankees open season
tonight against Norfolk
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Less
than two years ago, Erick Burke walked into a
Moosic baseball stadium, put on his uniform in the
home clubhouse, walked across the field into the
bullpen, and got ready for a ballgame. Nineteen
months later, only the game remains the same.
Burke is back in Moosic, but the ballpark has a
new name (PNC Field), the uniform has a new logo,
the clubhouse is completely renovated, the field
has gone from turf to grass and the bullpen has
been moved behind the fence. Plus, there's a new
name for the team: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Yankees (Class AAA; International League).
Officials are expecting some parking issues thanks
to the increased interest in the team.
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?
Ole Miss to expand ballpark
to 10K
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The
University of Mississippi will expand
Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Field to 10,000
seats with work scheduled for completion before
the 2008 season begins. The project -- which will
be handled by a Jackson architectural firm, Cooke
Douglass Farr Lemons -- will cost between $10
million to $12 million, school officials said
Wednesday. Some of the new amenities include 880
club seats between first and third base, as well
as an increase in box seats from 400 to
approximately 1,700. The overall number of
chairback seats will rise from 2,951 to over
6,000, and all current chairbacks will be
replaced.
Firm with alleged mob ties
working on new Yankee Stadium, report says
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A New
Jersey construction firm owned by two Staten
Island natives who are accused of having mob ties
is doing work at
the new Yankee Stadium, according
to a media report. Interstate Industrial Corp.,
which is owned by brothers Frank and Peter DiTommaso, both of New Jersey and former captains
of Monsignor Farrell High School's football team,
was subcontracted by Turner Construction, the lead
construction firm on the ballpark project, to do
excavation and foundation work, NewsChannel 4 is
reporting. There's no wrongdoing alleged; while
the firm isn't eligible to bid for any city work,
there's no prohibition against it doing work on a
private project -- and the Yankees are paying for
the ballpark.
Committee explores downtown
Augusta ballpark
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A preliminary study estimates that building a new
downtown ballpark for the Augusta GreenJackets
(Low Class A; Sally League) could bring as many as
400,000 people to the city center, said Mayor Deke
Copenhaver. “I don’t want to comment too much on
it other than to say that I’m putting together an
exploratory committee to look into the possibility
of a downtown baseball stadium,” he said. The
mayor plans to propose a multi-use facility that
can be used year-round.
Blue Jays
unveil new team shop at Rogers Centre
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The Toronto Blue Jays announced the opening of the
largest official team shop in Canada, Jays Shop
Stadium Edition at
Rogers Centre. The store opens
to the public on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.
Located beside Gate 5, the new 8,000-square-foot
store features some of the most unique design
elements in retail shopping. Shoppers can enter
through the stadium concourse under a 21-foot
retractable roof store entrance, modeled after the
roof of Rogers Centre. Inside, they will find
branded boutique areas, a 40-foot display wall
featuring over 150 different caps and Ace's
Clubhouse, a mascot themed children's shop with a
life-size statue of the Club's official mascot.
Snappers continue on their
quest for a new ballpark
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The
Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League) are
still actively working to find a site and
financing for a new ballpark. That's the word from
Dennis Conerton, chairman of the Snappers' board
of directors. The team appeared on the verge of
breaking free of
Pohlman Field last year, but a
controversial Rock County land swap fell through,
killing the team's hopes of relocating to a new
site near the Avalon Road exit on Interstate
90/39. The franchise is now re-visiting previous
locations, including one in the Gateway project
east of Beloit and another piece of property along
Interstate 90/39 closer to the Illinois border.
Snow halts
ballgames across the northern United States
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It
was a bad day to be a baseball fan in the northern
part of the United States, as snow and inclement
weather forced the cancellation of a slew of
games, including the Tigers-Blue Jays matchup at
Comerica Park and games in Buffalo, Portland,
Akron, Lansing and Beloit. In Manchester, today's
game at MerchantsAuto.com Stadium was scrapped
after a good amount of snow fell on the field. A
Zamboni was borrowed from the Manchester Monarchs
of the AHL to no avail, as the following photos
show. (Thanks to Rick Brenner of the New
Hampshire Fisher Cats.)
Baseball rivalry blooms in
Pennsylvania
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Oldtimers will remember of the great rivalries in
minor-league baseball between the Lancaster Red
Roses and York White Roses of the Eastern League,
last played in 1959. (Both team names referred to
the War
of the Roses between the House of Lancaster
and the House of York.) In an effort to drum up
competition between the York Revolution and the
Lancaster Barnstormers (both independent; Atlantic
League), the teams are instituting their own war
of the roses. The mayor of the city that loses the
series will plant a rose garden, using the
winner's choice of rose, in front of the winner's
ballpark. The losing mayor also will sing "Take Me
Out To The Ballgame" at a game in the city on the
other side of the Susquehanna River, and the
winning team's banner will hang above the losing
town's City Hall for a week.
Meanwhile, Revolution officials expect their new
ballpark to open on May 15.
Ballpark renovations to
enhance season opener in Myrtle Beach
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The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High
Class A; Carolina League) open their 2007 season at Coastal Federal Field on
Thursday night and there will be much that is new. The new digital,
high-definition scoreboard is up and operating, and the fences in left field
have been brought in. The expanded concession area along the third base side is
on schedule to be completed before the first pitch is thrown Thursday night. The
expanded concession area along the first base side and the 450 new bleacher
seats in left field are scheduled to be completed by June 1. The new visitor's
bullpen has been relocated to the area along the third base line formerly known
as the Shark Tank and the former grassy knoll down the left field line has been
cleared to make room for the beach.
More on the new Pelicans ownership.
New Swing GM promises
exciting promotions
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If
Ben Burke has anything to say about it, a John
O'Donnell Stadium experience is going to be a
memorable one as long as he's around. Hired last
month as the new general manager of the Swing of
the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League),
Burke promises seasons filled with exciting
promotions that will leave fans wanting for more.
Burke comes to the Swing as the first hire by the
soon-to-be new ownership group of Main Street
Baseball LLC from the Schaumburg Flyers
(independent; Northern League), where he served as
an assistant GM.
Kids to help design play area at
Coca-Cola Field
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The
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International
League) announced that Sacred Heart Hospital will
be the exclusive sponsor of the yet-to-be-named
Kids Zone at Coca-Cola Park. In addition, the two
partners released details of a contest for
children to help select what component they would
like to see included in the Kids Zone. Voting will
be conducted on the hospital’s web site, located
at www.shh.org.
The announcement included children from Sacred
Heart School, who came up with a number of Kids
Zone ideas as part of a school project. The six
choices that people will be able to vote on
include: a basketball shooting game, jungle gym,
speed pitch, art center, arcade and ball pit.
Voting will take place from now until the end of
this school year in June, when the winning
selection will be announced. The Kids Zone is
located behind the left field section of the
outfield.
Stein makes opening-day
pledge: a Mohawk if the Legends lose
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It's
an annual ritual: Lexington Legends (Low Class A;
Sally League) President Alan Stein guaranteed
Legends fans that Lexington would win on opening
night. If they don’t, Stein vowed to cut and dye
his hair into a pink Mohawk.
"I’m confident that the Legends will win but… I’m willing to
do anything I can to help them get a victory on
Thursday night," Stein said.
Winning on opening night hasn’t been easy for the Legends in
the past. In fact, Lexington is just 1-5 on
opening days causing Stein to make good on several
odd and outrageous bets.
"I’ve eaten cat food and sat in my seat for three days but
shaving my head was probably the most memorable
stunt," Stein said. "The Mohawk made sense,
especially since we are giving away free hair cuts
this year thanks to Suburban Barber Shop," Stein
added.
There could be one winner even if the Legends lose on
Thursday night. Stein will keep the pink Mohawk
until the Legends get a victory or until the
Lexington Legends Charitable Giving Foundation
raises $5,000 to be donated to the Susan G. Koman
Foundation.
Silver Hawks open without
contract
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The
South Bend Silver Hawks (Low Class A; Midwest
League) are safe at home, but still are working on
a long-term lease with the city to use Coveleski
Stadium. The team's home opener is scheduled for
tonight at the Cove. Mayor Stephen Luecke said the
city has had very positive discussions with South
Bend Professional Baseball Club LLC and expects an
agreement to be in place within the next month.
The Silver Hawks negotiated an amended agreement
with the city to pay $75,000 to play at the Cove
during the 2006 season. This will be South Bend
Professional Baseball's first official year
managing the team, since the closing on the sale
of the team wasn't official until Sept. 14, 2006.
Future is now for Clippers
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What
the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International
League) do on the field beginning today in
Indianapolis will play a large role in determining
whether the Washington Nationals are just a
two-year stopgap or a longtime partner. To that
end, the Nationals, who took over as the parent
club when the Clippers split with the New York
Yankees in September after 28 years, have stocked
Columbus with an experienced club that is not only
expected to win but provide help to a
talent-starved major-league club. It's no secret
there will be pressure on GM Ken Schnacke to
affiliate with the Cleveland Indians beginning in
2009 when the Clippers move into their new
ballpark.
Springfield Cardinals add
features at ballpark
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Armed
with a marketing plan expected to woo more young
families, the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA;
Texas League) will install a playground area on
the first-base side of Hammons Field. They also
have contracted with Ozark-based Amberg
Entertainment to provide a variety of
carnival-like games during each homestand. Also
expected to be in place by the April 12 home
opener: a 30-by-60 canopy over the right-field
patio; additional cup holders on the railing
lining the main concourse; and two plasma-screen
televisions anchored over the main concession
stands.
Thunderbolts
add second Big Splash Day
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Here's
a pretty interesting promotion from the Windy City
Thunderbolts (independent; Frontier League). Due
to popular demand, the team has added a second Big
Splash Extravaganza to the schedule. The game on
Monday, July 9 against the Gateway Grizzlies will
now start at 11:00 a.m. The original Big Splash
Extravaganza on Wednesday, July 25 is sold out.
For both Big Splash games, Hawk Ford Field will be
transformed into a giant water park. Water
balloons, squirt guns, hoses, a slip ‘n’ slide,
and a dunk tank will be part of the festivities as
all areas of the stadium are drenched with water.
On deck: Bombers ready for
opener
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For
the first time in 13 seasons there won't be
professional baseball at Battle Creek's
C.O. Brown
Stadium, with the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
(Low Class A; Midwest League) moving to Midland
and becoming the Great Lakes Loons. However, there
will be baseball at the old ballpark starting in
June when the Battle Creek Bombers (summer
collegiate; Northwoods League) open their home
schedule.
Completion of Tulane's
Turchin Stadium pushed back
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Tulane
University announced today that the rebuilding of
Turchin Stadium, the home field of the Green
Wave’s nationally ranked baseball team, will not
be completed for the 2007 spring season and Tulane
will not serve as the host site for the 2007
Conference USA Tournament this May. Delays in the
completion of the state-of-the art stadium were
due to a combination of inclement weather this
past winter, design alterations and the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina. The stadium is currently
scheduled for completion this summer. The team
will play the remainder of its games at Zephyr
Field, the home of the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League).
Ballpark Notes
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The
Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) will introduce
its new mascot at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, just before the annual Easter Egg Hunt at
the NEW Zoo near Suamico....The Salem Avalanche (High Class A; Carolina
League) announced its entire schedule of games will be broadcast on WWWR Radio,
910 AM. All games will be streamed online via the team’s website at
salemavalanche.com. Jason Benetti
will handle the play-by-play duties for the Avalanche this season, replacing
Adam Pohl. Benetti comes to Salem from North Carolina where he called men’s
basketball at High Point University and also served as the studio host for
Georgia Tech football and basketball through ISP Sports....The Rancho
Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League), in cooperation with
their concessionaire Valley Concessions, are unveiling over twenty new food
items for the 2006 season, including a Blue Ribbon Tri-Tip Sandwich, a Philly
Cheese Steak Sandwich, "Nacho Mountain," fresh spun cotton candy, fried funnel
cakes, Kettle Corn, roasted corn, baked potatoes and a new smoothie and
ice-cream bar....The Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and
Centerplate Concessions announced that Subway restaurants will have a
concession stand this season at Rosenblatt Stadium. Subway is also the
new sponsor of the Royals Kids Club, which kids 12-and-under may join for free
in 2007, and is also sponsoring Kids Eat Free Wednesdays during the upcoming
season. The Subway concession stand will feature subs and individual pizzas....The
Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League)
and Aramark announced new food items at The
Diamond: Chanellos Pizza, Red Hot & Blue Barbeque,
and chicken tenders. Also new this year is Hounds
by the Pound and We Pop It! You Top It! Hounds by
the Pound will allow fans to load up their hot dog
with their favorite toppings. We Pop It! You Top
It! will let fans top their popped corn with
cheeses and butter....
Cubs on the block
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With Chicago's Tribune Co. passing into the hands
of entrepreneur Sam Zell, the firm will also sell
the Chicago Cubs and its 25 percent stake in local
sports cable channel Comcast SportsNet Chicago
before the start of the 2008 season. Only the Cubs
are for sale at the moment, setting up the
potential of Wrigley Field being sold in a
separate transaction. The move breaks apart one of
the most synergistic arrangements in
sports/broadcasting: Tribune Co., which owns the
Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, WGN-Ch. 9,
WGN-AM 720 and other media properties, has
long-term contracts in place for Cubs programming
on WGN television and radio, as well as with
Comcast SportsNet Chicago, which Tribune helped
launch in 2004. Whether these contracts survive a
sale remains to be seen.
Here's a look at some potential buyers.
More from the Chicago Sun-Times.
Balking at the first pitch
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For
the second year in a row President George Bush has
declined to throw out the first pitch at the
Washington Nationals home opener at
RFK Stadium.
The reason? His busy schedule won't allow him to
take time off to head to the ballpark, located
about five miles from the White House. Last season
the White House sent Vice President Dick Cheney in
Bush's place, a move that didn't go over too well
with fans. We're not going to get political here
and take a shot at Bush -- a former owner of the
Texas Rangers, no less -- but hunkering down in
the White House isn't the best way to make
friends.
Rickey: PCL won't approve
Sounds agreement
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The
board of directors of the Pacific Coast League (PCL)
likely will not approve the offer a Baltimore
developer has made the Nashville Sounds for
building the team’s proposed downtown ballpark
unless changes are made. PCL President Branch
Rickey III told Nashville's City Paper late last
week that the agreement, according to his
understanding of it, would expose the Sounds to a
financial risk he believes the league’s board of
directors would find unacceptable. When questioned
further, he said it is the agreement’s requirement
that the Sounds ultimately repay Baltimore’s
Struever Bros., Eccles & Rouse for ballpark
construction costs higher than the original $43
million price tag that would likely be the
league’s greatest cause for concern.
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Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in
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PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal;
Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
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Sounds send commitment letter to Council;
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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
Dave Wright: Opening Day
won't be the same in the Twin Cities
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Upon
further review, it seemed so appropriate. Just
days before, it had been announced that Herb
Carneal, who had been voicing Minnesota Twins
games since 1962, was too ill to work the season
opener Monday against Baltimore. Carneal, 83, had
cut his schedule back considerably in recent
years. Since 1998, he had only been working home
games. In the last couple years, he had cut back
to weekends and midweek day games. On Sunday, the
final cut was made to his schedule. Carneal, a
member of the broadcasting wing in baseball’s Hall
of Fame, passed away due to congestive heart
failure. He leaves behind a legion of friends,
many of whom he never knew.
New signs, team museum to
greet Mariners faithful at Safeco Field
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
biggest change to
Safeco Field, the home of the
Seattle Mariners: the addition of a Hall of
Fame/Baseball Museum area, a walk-through exhibit
off the concourse just down the third-base line
from the main entrance. The display includes
life-size cutouts and plaques for the three
current members of the Mariners Hall of Fame --
Alvin Davis, Jay Buhner and Dave Niehaus -- with
new addition Edgar Martinez set to join on his
June 2 induction. The museum consists of two
display cases containing Northwest memorabilia
belonging to sports historian Dave Eskenazi, as
well as a couple interactive features, including a
replica of the outfield wall that serves as a
backdrop for photos. Another photo opportunity for
kids -- and kids at heart -- has been added in the
center-field concourse area with a new "Moose Den"
adjacent to the children's play area. The "den" is
a small room with a fake fireplace and family
photos of the Mariner Moose.
Winston-Salem ballpark put
off to 2009 season
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Not a
surprise, really: the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High
Class A; Carolina League) announced a new ballpark
probably wouldn't open until the 2009 season. The
developers of a proposed $189-million ballpark and
retail-office development now plan to open the
stadium in time for the Warthogs' 2009 season. The
original goal was to open the stadium in 2008.
Billy Prim, the project's lead developer and
co-owner of the Warthogs, recently said that
construction on the ballpark would start in late
spring or early summer. He has said that
construction will take 12 to 14 months. 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:
County gives OK to Warthogs ballpark;
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
Rays sales up again, focus
remains on building community goodwill
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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More
progress has been made on the business side by the
Tampa Bay Devil Rays, as season-ticket sales for
Tropicana Field are
up 10 percent and sponsorships are up 20 percent
this year, said Mark Fernandez, VP and chief sales
officer for the Rays, at a meeting of the Kiwanis
Club of St. Petersburg Tuesday. He said the Rays
are trying to change the corporate culture and
connect with the community, a common
lecture-circuit theme for Rays' executives.
Editor's Note: Thanks a million
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Thanks to everyone who reads
this site and the other August Publications sites
-- Arena
Digest,
Football Stadium Digest,
Spring Training Online,
Yellowstone Insider,
College Baseball Digest, etc. We hit a million
page views in March, our best month ever. Overall,
page views across were up 75 percent over a year
ago on all August Publications websites, and 20
percent over February 2007. Leading the way were
Arena Digest
(up 101 percent over a year ago),
Spring Training Online
(up 65 percent over a year ago),
College Baseball Digest
(up 285 percent over a year ago) and Ballpark
Digest, up 27 percent over a year ago.
Also, a special thanks to all the fine advertisers
who committed their dollars to our sites -- we
couldn't do it without you. We've got some new
sites planned for the coming months, so stay
tuned.
Golden Baseball League eyes
Santa Clara
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Placing a franchise in the Bay Area has always
been a goal of the independent Golden Baseball
League, so a plan to upgrade the baseball
facilities at Santa Clara's Mission College for
use by the college and a league team makes sense.
Stan Arterberry, the chancellor of the West
Valley-Mission Community College District, who met
with league officials and city leaders last month.
"If a professional baseball team comes along and
wants to help make it Triple-A, we're definitely
interested in talking." We're not quite sure the
GBL will be financing the equivalent of a Class
AAA ballpark, but we'll give Arterberry credit for
thinking big; he plans to discuss the idea at the
next board meeting to see whether the trustees,
the president and the rest of the college
community share his enthusiasm.
All of the old ambience in
new Yankee Stadium
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Fans
attending the season opener in
Yankee Stadium
today will get a glimpse of
the new ballpark under
construction just a short distance away. It is
being erected across the street from the current
Yankee Stadium, with its new bleachers on the site
of the current Macombs Dam Park. In fact, the
infamous Bleacher Creatures are being honored in
the new Stadium with a special concession area
dedicated to those passionate, occasionally
raucous fans. Architectural features will include
the renowned facade and the return of several
features from the original Stadium built in 1923
-- the old auxiliary scoreboard in right-center,
the identifiable frieze atop the roof and the
large cathedral windows. The latter features were
not retained as part of the 1974-75
re-construction.
More on the new Yankee Stadium from AP.
Apparently Centerplace won't make the move to the
new ballpark, however.
Out of the park: The old
Yankee Stadium will soon be no more
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Actually, the old
Yankee Stadium went away in the
1970s, so we're not quite so sanguine about the
final two seasons of the current iteration of
Yankee Stadium. (Neither, apparently, are the good
residents of New York City; we've been
consistently amazed by the lack of protest from
Yankee fans and preservationists.) If you've never
been, Yankee Stadium is worth a visit before it's
torn down after the 2008 season.
Boss: I don't need a
successor yet
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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George
Steinbrenner may not know who his successor will
be with the New York Yankees, but for now, that
doesn't matter. He doesn't plan to need one in the
near future. Despite occasional rumors to the
contrary, Steinbrenner, 76, remains active in his
role as principal owner of the Yankees. His
spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, told Newsday by
phone Friday: "George said that he's going to
continue to run the Yankees. He's absolutely not
retiring." The future of the Yankees became murky
last week when Steinbrenner's daughter Jennifer
filed for divorce from Steve Swindal, who was to
succeed Steinbrenner. Swindal no longer has a
future at the top of the organization.
Donald Trump says he's interested in buying the
Yankees.
Pre-Opening Day jitters for
establishments that live in Yankee Stadium’s
shadow
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Louie
Dituri stood in front of his restaurant, the
Yankee Eatery, across River Avenue from
Yankee Stadium, on Sunday and ran through a mental
checklist of last-minute preparations. His guys
were precooking several batches of their famous
shish kebabs, and the fresh rolls he ordered were
to be delivered this morning. The bar in the back
of the place was loaded, and after five days of
spring cleaning, each crack and crevice was
spotless. This section of the South Bronx was
awakening, and there was nothing left for Dituri
to do but wait for today, when the New York
Yankees open their season at home against the
Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Dituri’s business, like
others along the River Avenue corridor, depends on
Yankees baseball to survive.
Ballpark Village could be
ready for shoppers in '09
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If all plans come together, customers could begin
shopping in June 2009 at new retail stores where a public housing project now
stands near Fifth Third Field, the home of the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A;
Midwest League). A first wave of development -- offices, restaurants and shops
-- also could open to the public that same summer at Ballpark Village, a
proposed downtown waterfront development. The $230 million project was proposed
in November by Bear Creek Capital of Cincinnati and Ballpark Consultants Inc., a
subsidiary of Mandalay Baseball Properties of Los Angeles, which owns the
Dragons. The developer plans to meet with Dayton officials in mid-April to
review environmental and financial feasibility studies.
Diamondbacks courting
Hispanic fans
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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As the
Arizona Diamondbacks open the 2007 season, the
team has a renewed mission and strategy to draw
more Latinos to watch Phoenix's professional team.
Those initiatives include broadcasting 50 games on
a Spanish network television station, hiring more
bilingual stadium workers and installing Spanish
signs at Chase Field, and reaching out to a
network of influential Hispanic leaders to spread
the word of D'backs baseball. A Scarborough
Research study of the team's existing fan base
describes the team's core fan base as mainly older
and white, but the fastest-growing demographic in
Phoenix is younger Hispanics. Meanwhile, a team
that actually markets to Hispanics, the Florida
Marlins,
apparently is having problems bringing them to the
ballpark.
Baseball team digs in its
cleats at Lynx Stadium
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The front office of the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) says it's not a foregone
conclusion the Lynx will be moving to a new
ballpark in Allentown next season, and the city
says it hasn't been informed about the team moving
two years before the Lynx Stadium lease is slated
to expire. That's probably posturing from both
sides in anticipation of a lease buying and a
resolution to a suit filed by the Lynx over the
loss of parking spots at the ballpark. We know
there has been talk from the independent Can-Am
Association about placing a team there in the
future (setting up a nice little rivalry with the
Quebec franchise and a potential team in
Montreal), but the city first needs to clear up
the legal situation and then decide what the
future of the ballpark is.
Rangers throw a new pitch to
fans
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Could
you use some baseball? The Texas Rangers certainly
hope so. The team has launched a marketing
campaign to lure more people to
Rangers Ballpark
in Arlington. Billboards, TV ads and radio spots
featuring the Rangers' new slogan, "You could use
some baseball," started appearing around the Metroplex in December. So far, ticket sales are up
about 8 percent over last year's preseason sales,
Rangers President Jeff Cogen said.
A new season for Knights,
but same old battles
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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As the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International
League) begin a new season next week, the
minor-league franchise faces familiar challenges:
no new ballpark and few fans willing to travel
across the state line to visit
the team's home in
Fort Mill. Despite those handicaps, the Knights
made some financial strides last season, posting a
break-even performance in operations for the first
time in more than a decade. Team executives
anticipate a similar result in 2007, forecasting
revenue of $4 million, up 5 percent from last
season.
The team is now looking at 2010 for the opening of
a new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
More time wanted for Charlotte baseball deal;
Officials: Arts
sale not about sports;
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
Better to feel crowded
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
early days in Denver were pretty heady for the
Colorado Rockies: remember when they were adding
temporary bleachers to Mile High Stadium to help
the team set a regular-season attendance record?
(It's interesting that the largest crowds to see a
MLB baseball game for an exhibition, a
regular-season game and a postseason game all came
in football facilities: Mile High Stadium and the
Los Angeles Coliseum.) In this article John McHale
-- now working in the commissioner's office --
talks about how
Coors Field came to be. He's
right: Blake Street was the perfect place for the
new ballpark, and it's still one of our favorites
in the majors.
Fort Wayne
ballpark deal needs more private money
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Ed
Rousseau, a former Allen County commissioner,
argues more private money needs to put into a new
downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low
Class A; Midwest League), saying the $5 million
promised by Hardball Capital isn't enough. This is
a somewhat disingenuous argument: besides the
money devoted to the ballpark, Hardball is also
investing in an adjoining hotel project, so their
involvement in the project is considerably higher
that Rousseau lets on.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark deadline looming in Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne City Council divided on downtown
ballpark;
Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark;
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
Companies, Brewers find
value in sponsorships
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Milwaukee Brewers have renewed 97 percent of the
club's business sponsors for the upcoming season
and have used a planned celebration of the team's
only World Series appearance as a way to enhance
several existing corporate partners. In addition,
the team has signed several new sponsors for the
2007 season, including "The Brew" radio station
97.3 (WQBW-FM); CarMax Auto's Milwaukee
dealerships; Dole Food Co.; Wisconsin Department
of Tourism; and Brakebush Chicken. In a typical
Milwaukee-area deal, the annual cost of a
sponsorship ranges from $25,000 for small signage
to more than $800,000 for a major sponsor deal.
We'll be at Miller Park tomorrow night to check
out what's happening this season at
Miller Park.
Ballpark lease renewal faces
Bisons in 2007
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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We
rather doubt the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA;
International League) will be leaving Dunn Tire
Park anytime soon, so negotiations between the
team and the city really are a matter of details,
not whether a deal will be reached. There are a
few moving parts: the naming-rights agreement with
Dunn Tire is up in 2008, but it sounds like both
sides are happy with that arrangement as well.
Sponsors are ready for
Beavers' opening day
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As
Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
attendance rises, corporate sponsors are taking
note. Beavers officials said they've attracted 15
new sponsors that will display their names during
the PGE Park's seventh post-renovation season. The
team opens at home April 13; the United Soccer
Leagues' Portland Timbers team opens on April 21.
The sponsor boost gives the stadium more than 40
corporate backers, said Ryan Brach, the team's
vice president of corporate partnerships and suite
sales. In each of Brach's three years with the
Beavers, the team has seen double-digit growth in
sponsorship revenue.
Ripken's empire gets a boost
from election to Hall of Fame
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Since
retiring from baseball in 2001, Cal Ripken Jr. has
taken his talent for grind-it-out reliability on
the field and turned it into a sports business
empire. Now his upcoming induction into the
National Baseball Hall of Fame is giving him the
chance to leverage his reputation once again. Next
week, he begins a 10-city tour to promote his two
new books -- "Get in the Game," a motivational
book about his rules for success, and an
illustrated children's book, "The Longest Season,"
about the Baltimore Orioles' 21-game losing streak
in 1988. Not everything is cause for celebration.
Ripken is in the middle of discussions with
Aberdeen, Md., over the six-figure losses that the
town is footing as his partner in Ripken Stadium,
home to Ripken's Aberdeen IronBirds (short season;
NY-Penn League). Ripken put up more than $7
million toward the $18 million cost of the
6,000-seat stadium, and he is considering buying
out the town's interest and taking over the entire
facility.
RELATED STORIES:
Aberdeen ballpark deal is taking shape;
Senator
pushes plan for Ripken Stadium;
Aberdeen may
sell Ripken ballpark
Setbacks fuel determination
to finish Sovereign Bank Stadium in time
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The
site of York City's future Sovereign Bank Stadium,
the home of the York Revolution (independent;
Atlantic League) has been humming with the
activity of more than 120 workers at once as they
try to make up lost time. Late winter storms set
the project back by as much as 10 days, first
covering the construction site in snow and ice and
then leaving a muddy mess when everything melted,
said project manager Blanda Nace. Now contractors
hope they can catch up, working 10-hour instead of
8-hour days, Nace said. Good weekend weather also
enabled a 30- to 40-member crew work Saturday,
their first in what is to be a series of six-day
construction weeks. The team should know in the
next few weeks whether a May 15 opening date is
feasible.
Revolution
unveils new mascot: Downtown
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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After
an extensive search that led to much anticipation
and speculation, Downtown was welcomed to the York
Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) family
during a special performance of "Mascot: The
Musical" at the DreamWrights Theater on Saturday
afternoon. The introduction of Downtown Yorkie,
which is the full name of the Revolution mascot,
came on the heels of a series of peculiar
sightings around town throughout last week.
During Saturday’s production, which was set at a
York City town meeting, members of the York
Revolution staff played the roles of townspeople,
while Marketing Manager Greg Vojtanek acted as
Mayor. Adults and children alike filled the
theater and enjoyed the performance, along with
other activities and special appearances. The
production highlighted the mysterious sightings
and culminated with the introduction of Downtown
Yorkie by Revolution on-field host Stu-pendous, to
the strains of, what else but -- "Downtown."
Spring training can't
be over
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Yesterday saw the final spring-training games
played in both the Grapefruit League and the
Cactus League. By all accounts it was another
successful spring, with the Grapefruit League
setting an all-time attendance record. (We're
waiting to hear about the final stats for the
Cactus League as well.) It was also a year of
individual records. The Pittsburgh Pirates set a
record for attendance, with 82,000 fans through
the turnstiles at McKechnie Field. The Chicago
Cubs set a record for the biggest crowd at a Cactus
League game, as 12,917 fans showed up to
Hohokam
Park on Wednesday.
Baseball season starts with
good things ahead for Lorain and for Avon
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
baseball atmosphere certainly has changed for the
better in Ohio's Lorain County. In Lorain, a youth
field is being transformed into the "Pipe Yard"
and the home of the Cleveland State University
baseball team. In Avon, city voters will be asked
to pay more in payroll taxes to fund a new
ballpark for an independent Frontier League team.
Should it pass, a team could be there as early as
2009.
RELATED STORIES:
Frontier League, Avon announce ballpark plans;
Baseball
sliding into Avon;
Ballpark project may not sit well with builder's
ex;
Avon nears deal with Frontier League;
County may help fund Lorain ballpark;
Avon takes a swing at baseball;
U.S. Steel donates for Lorain ballpark;
Baseball slides into Lorain;
Foltin: Avon also eyeing ball team;
Foltin faces opposition over upgrades at park
Tragedy hangs over team
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Some players who survived a bus crash that killed
five teammates said they wanted their first game
since the accident to be about baseball, but it
was much more than that. "The whole season is for
the five of them," team captain Ryan Baightel said
after the game. "We owe it to them not just to
play but to compete." Opening day came a month
later than it should have for Bluffton University.
The Beavers took the field Friday in black jerseys
to honor the five teammates. Some of the starters
still had scars and bruises from that awful
morning in Atlanta.
Millersville U opens new
ballpark
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Two years of development and four years of
planning came to fruition Saturday with the
opening of Millersville University's new ballpark
for a doubleheader against Kutztown. The ballpark,
not yet named, cost $1.7 million to build and
features brick dugouts, batting cages beyond the
outfield fence, visiting and home bullpen areas, a
new scoreboard and a temperature-controlled press
box.
Game over in Medford
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It's been eight years since the Southern Oregon
Timberjacks (short season; Northwest League) moved to Vancouver, and many in
Medford miss the team. The team's home, Miles Field, is no more -- torn down to
make way for a Wal-Mart -- and even though the city now has a smaller facility,
the loss of pro baseball still stings the team boosters. They were the ones who
built fences and storage sheds, painted buildings, repaired the bleachers and
kept the grass mowed.
Ex-speedway owner eyes
Munson Stadium for track
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Randy Smith says he could rev up Thurman Munson
Memorial Stadium by turning it into a stock car
racing track. The concept is still preliminary,
but Smith, a Plain Township resident who has raced
stock cars, has discussed the idea with city
officials. Mayor Janet Weir Creighton and Service
Director Joseph Concatto say they are open to the
idea, but are waiting for Smith to study it
further before deciding whether to recommend to
council that the city sell the old minor-league
ballpark, the former home of the Canton-Akron
Indians (Class AA; Eastern League), the Canton
Crocodiles (independent; Frontier League) and the
Canton Coyotes (independent; Frontier League).
Ballpark Notes
Posted April 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
first pitch to be thrown from the mound at
Coastal Federal Field, the home of the Myrtle
Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League), in
2007 will come from the hand of Presidential
hopeful and former New York City Mayor Rudy
Giuliani. This Thursday night Giuliani will
throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Myrtle
Beach Pelicans home opener. Giuliani, an avid
baseball fan, is slated to be in attendance at
Yankee Stadium on Monday afternoon for the Yankees
opener against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He will
then travel to South Carolina to visit Myrtle
Beach, where he’ll meet and greet fans attending
the Opening Day festivities at Coastal Federal
Field on Thursday....The Colorado Rockies
announced this morning that Executive Vice President/General Manager Dan
O’Dowd and Manager Clint Hurdle have agreed to two-year extensions
covering the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
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