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Archives: Jan. 22-28, 2007

Hohokam Park upgrades set
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Mesa HoHoKams are matching or exceeding the amenities offered at newer Cactus League parks in the West Valley, updating Hohokam Park with three scoreboards in a $500,000 project and expanded concession choices. The main board was updated with new lighting and capacities and two smaller boards are posted over first and third base. One immediate gain is that fans sitting in lawn seats will be able to see the smaller scoreboard. Ovations was brought in to upgrade the concessions as well; we're hoping Old Style will be more readily available throughout the ballpark. Hohokam Park is the spring home of the Chicago Cubs. Of course, we're three weeks away from the start of spring training, but a little more than a month away from the start of any games.

Work on Lackawanna County Stadium progresses
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Along with the franchise it houses, Lackawanna County Stadium is in the process of a makeover. Converting to accommodate the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), some of the ballpark’s work is finished, some is in the process of being completed and some is being put on hold. Most notable and noticeable among the changes is the field conversion from turf to natural grass. Because of the weather, the process is in the midst of its scheduled winter break, but team vice president Jeremy Ruby said everything has progressed as planned. Meanwhile, the corners of the ballpark have seen significant changes with the lower deck bleachers being replaced by seats from the top rows of the upper level, and with the bullpens being replaced by party boxes. The bullpens are being moved to behind the outfield wall, while the left- and right-field corners where the bullpens used to be are being converted into field boxes designed for group parties.
    RELATED STORIES: 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?

Seeking edge in China, Yankees put baseball first
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Yankees believe there is talent to be cultivated in China, and when future prospects have a choice of where to sign, the Yankees want their brand and reputation to stand out. The Yankees have been working with the Chinese Baseball Association for more than six months to forge a relationship that would allow the Yankees to send coaches, scouts and trainers to China. Cashman and three other executives -- Randy Levine, the team president; Jean Afterman, the assistant general manager; and Michael Tusiani, the vice president for corporate sales and sponsorships -- accepted an invitation to travel to Beijing next week. Levine said the Yankees could eventually sponsor an academy in China, on their own or with Major League Baseball. He added that it was “not out of the question” that baseball could eventually stage games in China. With a billion people and some profitable inroads already made by the NBA, China is an attractive market for MLB. China isn't the only Asian country making waves in international baseball; this article details how Nippon Professional Baseball must progress in coming years.

Topeka baseball talks in 'very preliminary stages'
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Topeka is in the “very preliminary stages” of talks that could result in bringing a professional baseball team here, city spokesman David Bevens said today. Topeka residents have been talking with the independent United League Baseball about a new ballpark and expansion franchise, and those efforts are now coming to light. Bevens said the city wasn’t releasing any information today other than to say that the owners Bunten talked about were among several people who have met with city officials in recent months to discuss the possibility of bringing professional baseball here. Topeka last was home to a minor league baseball team in 1961, when the Topeka Reds competed as a farm club of the Cincinnati Reds.

Ballpark project may not sit well with builder's ex
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lorain's rush to build a ballpark by April faces a possible setback because of a bidder's divorce in Texas and its fallout in the bleacher industry. Another bidder questioned Thursday whether work on the 1,300-seat ballpark can be accomplished in two months, no matter which bidder wins the contract, and suggested the work could take as long as six months. City officials will announce the winning bid today for the $540,000 bleacher project at Campana Park. Cleveland State University's baseball team is scheduled to open its home season at the park April 3. The issue is complicated. For years, Sherrill and Jo Ann Geurin Pettus, ran Southern Bleacher Co., a strong player in the bleacher market. However, the couple divorced in March 2005, and Sherrill Pettus left the company and started a competing bleacher company, Steel Stadiums, about two miles away. Southern Bleacher sued in November, saying Steel Stadiums stole its design and competitive-bidding models. A judge has ordered Steel to stop mimicking Southern Bleacher's work while the case is pending. If Steel Stadiums wins the bid, it could be blocked as part of the lawsuit. We know of one other summer-collegiate ballpark depending on work from Steel Stadiums; in addition, the firm did the design and installation of the newest Finch Field, the home of the Thomasville Hi-Toms (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League).
    RELATED STORIES: 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

IronPigs offer to pay fine for local woman
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) are offering to pay the $200 fine and the $58.50 court costs levied on Elizabeth Yanoski, of Lansford, Pa., yesterday. District Judge Casimir Kosciolek ruled Yanoski in violation of a borough ordinance by keeping pot belly pigs in her home -- a violation she was already fined for one year ago. The offer made by the IronPigs has only one tail attached -- Yanoski must finally agree to abide by the ordinance. "I hope she realizes this is no pig in a poke," said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes, who was happier than a pig in mud to find an ally in Carbon County. "A friend of a pig is a friend of ours -- so we are sincerely willing to cover Ms. Yanoski’s fine so long that she will follow the ordinance in the future." More on the fine here. More from the Allentown Morning Call.

A 'board to end boredom
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Total Sports Entertainment's Bob Masewicz is in Modesto this week to show the management of the Modesto Nuts (High Class A; California League) staff the endless possibilities of the $500,000 piece of hardware soon to be erected above the left-field fence at John Thurman Field. The board (the rendering is shown below) was funded as part of the $3 million in ballpark upgrades coming to the ballpark as part of a recently negotiated 10-year lease agreement. It's a structure 41 feet wide and 30 feet, 6 inches tall, with the middle 360 square feet devoted to a state-of-the-art video board. The video capability means that the Nuts will be hiring and training a crew to produce visual elements to be shown before, during and after every Nuts' home game.

Sox, Roush close to NASCAR deal
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's hard to see how this benefits the Boston Red Sox, as the demographics for the BoSox and NASCAR are very different, but if all goes according to plan, John Henry’s Fenway Sports Group might sponsor a Red Sox car with NASCAR powerhouse Roush Racing for a portion of the 2007 season. Roush said he and Henry will make a “big” announcement on Feb. 14 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Fla., four days before the Daytona 500.  If Henry decides to sponsor a car for the entire 2007 season, the price tag is estimated between $15 million to $20 million. This may just be a personal thing for Henry -- he's a NASCAR fan -- or purely a financial move.

Ballpark's future subject to study
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fort Wayne city officials and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne hope to work with Allen County officials to determine what will happen to Memorial Stadium if a new ballpark is built downtown. The Allen County commissioners are expected today to discuss whether to enter into an agreement with the city and IPFW to complete a study of the existing ballpark. Both Mayor Graham Richard and Chancellor Mike Wartell have signed the written agreement. Memorial Coliseum leases Memorial Stadium to the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). As part of the lease, Coliseum staff control parking, the events calendar and also heating-cooling systems and security systems. That could change if another organization were to lease the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Friendly confines
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tom Seidler spent 10 days last summer touring 10 of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the country. The Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) owner returned to town with a borrowed idea and a new one to implement into the first phase of a $5 million, two-year renovation project at Recreation Park, the smallest venue in all of minor league baseball. The ballpark currently seats 1,800. Other Class A ballparks across the country average 5,000 to 7,000 seats. Revised first-phase plans call for the addition of two group hospitality areas -- the Dugout Suite and the Hot Corner Lounge -- and upgraded infrastructure before the start of the season in April.
    RELATED STORIES: Oaks release renderings of Recreation Park enhancements

Bullfrogs selling quality of play
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) will be selling the quality of plan in the Northwoods League in their inaugural season, as the team continues to market itself and make enhancements to Joannes Field. Bullfrogs owner Jeff Royle points out something important: Green Bay is the second-largest market in the Northwoods League. Only Battle Creek is larger, so this season the summer-collegiate league has added two new franchises in what will be the league's largest markets, depending on how you classify Mankato and St. Cloud (at times both are considered part of the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul market). (Disclaimer: Ballpark Digest editor Kevin Reichard sits on the Northwoods League's Board of Advisors.)

Tide baseball buys own version of the Big Board
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
University of Alabama baseball players who helped build up their power reputations by clearing the scoreboard at Sewell-Thomas Stadium will have a more difficult time doing so this season. Otherwise, the Crimson Tide couldn’t be happier with its new massive scoreboard, which was erected this week and towers over the left-field wall behind the 365-foot mark. Highlighting the approximately 40-foot high structure is a large video screen that will profile players and display their pictures throughout the course of games. Speaking of NCAA baseball: the college season is already underway, with many teams in action this weekend.

River Eels announce sponsor for inaugural season
Posted Jan. 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Plymouth River Eels announce Tracy Chevrolet of Plymouth as the "home team" dugout sponsor for their inaugural professional independent baseball season. As a sponsor, the Tracy Chevrolet name and logo will be prominently displayed on top of the River Eels dugout throughout the entire season. According to a River Eels press release, the family-owned car dealer’s sponsorship is the first in an extensive list of area businesses supporting America’s pastime in America’s hometown. No work yet on when the team's planned 5,000-seat ballpark will begin construction or what league the team will play in.

Red Sox may serve sushi; other Fenway changes on deck
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sushi could join peanuts, Cracker Jacks and Fenway Franks on the menu this season at Fenway Park, with a planned revamp in the ballpark’s culinary lineup. Jonathan Gilula, vice president of business operations, said the team is considering the addition of the raw-fish dish as part of a response to fan requests for more healthy fare. The nod to Japanese cuisine also comes as the Sox prepare for the first season with Japanese pitching sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka and the legions of Japanese fans and media expected to follow him to Fenway Park. The talk of new ballpark fare comes as Sox executives yesterday unveiled the latest round of improvements at Fenway Park. The Sox ownership group is in the midst of a $100 million-plus overhaul of the old ballpark that features the addition of thousands of high-priced seats. One highlight of this year’s improvements: a new "Third Base Deck" behind the grandstand seats in left field. Created in part by demolishing a wall that had separated the ballpark from the neighboring Jeano storage building, Fenway Park’s newest feature will include the first-ever women’s bathroom on the third-base grandstand concourse and a new concession area. More from South Coast Today and the Boston Globe. Here's a full list of the improvements.

Gwinnett baseball back in the game
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A dream of bringing minor-league baseball to Gwinnett County got to the on-deck circle Wednesday with the approval of a study of the feasibility of building a new stadium in the county. In a unanimous vote, the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau agreed to spend up to $100,000 to determine the economic viability of building a baseball complex in the county and landing a minor-league team. The Gwinnett County Commission initially discussed paying for the study, but decided to cut it from the county budget earlier this month. Commissioners asked the Convention and Visitors Bureau to pick up the tab. Williams, general manager for Gwinnett Arena, conducted a preliminary inquiry of his own and presented the board with an outline laying out the "scope" of a possible study. Williams said the study likely will end up costing GCVB considerably less than the allocated amount, perhaps only $70,000. Gwinnett County is a rapidly growing suburb of Atlanta.
    RELATED STORIES: Whiff! Baseball study out on strikes; Gwinnett explores minor-league baseball

Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
District of Columbia officials acknowledged yesterday that the city will have to pay more than $18 million to upgrade streets near the Washington Nationals' new ballpark, and some council members said the expenditure would push spending on the ballpark beyond the council's $611 million cap. News of the additional cost came during testimony from the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission at a council oversight hearing. The commission's chief executive, Allen Y. Lew, said that though the stadium is proceeding on schedule for an April 2008 opening, the budget does not include money to handle transportation planning at the 41,000-seat ballpark. Several council members criticized Lew's testimony and charged that the additional public cost would constitute a violation of the ballpark spending limit. The members said they feared that allowing the change would open the way for spiraling costs on a project whose spending cap has grown from $535 million in December 2004 to $611 million.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Hub plan goes to Legislature Feb. 5
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Four Nassau County committees voted to preliminarily accept an agreement between the county executive and developer Charles Wang that gives Wang standing to advance his proposal to redevelop the 77-acre parcel around Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, known as the Nassau Hub. The committees sent the agreement on to the Legislature, where it will be put to a vote on Feb. 5. Wang, who owns the Coliseum's primary tenant, the New York Islanders, has proposed spending $200 million to overhaul the arena by adding dozens of luxury boxes, expanded public concourses and several additional ice rinks for public use. His proposal also includes the construction of a new luxury hotel, dozens of high-end condominiums, an outdoor retail concourse and a minor league ballpark on the site. While the precise details of the proposal have not been finalized, the estimated price tag is $1.5 billion.
    RELATED STORIES: Deal for Nassau County ballpark moves forward; Reckson-Wang group lands development rights to Nassau Coliseum; Reckson signs MOU to bring Atlantic League team to Nassau County development; Islanders add new ballpark to Nassau Coliseum plan; Either way, Nassau can't lose; Mets make the cut in Nassau County redevelopment project; Suburban renewal in Nassau County; Mets toss changeup in Nassau County proposal; Future of Nassau County ballpark to be decided in December; Mets proposing new minor-league ballpark in Nassau County

NDC gets deal for Pirates' spring-training renovations
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A company with local affiliations begins demolition work on Monday as part of improvements to the Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training facilities. The National Development Corp. Construction Co., a Florida affiliate of the Oakland-based National Development Corp., is the holder of an $18 million contract to renovate the Pirates' spring training facilities in Bradenton, Fla., according to company president Ron Allen. The improvements will include new dormitory and office space for the residential complex known as Pirates City. Bradenton's McKechnie Field, the baseball diamond built in 1923, will be getting new lighting and clubhouses.
    RELATED STORIES: 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, Pirates team up to seek better facilities

Developers push Yonkers to OK financing plan
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As they prepare to spend $40 million on property acquisition and design plans, developers of a downtown redevelopment project want the City Council to decide by Feb. 13 whether it will back a unique plan to finance $160 million in public improvements. The request comes as residents urged the City Council last night to require Streuver Fidelco Cappelli, LLC to consider the project's impact on the surrounding community, including the height of residential towers along the Hudson. The $1.2 billion plan would transform Yonkers' downtown with two 50-story residential towers alongside an 11-story residential and office complex, about the size of the City Center in White Plains, and a 6,500-seat ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team.
    RELATED STORIES: Yonkers downtown plans unveiled; Yonkers closer to launch of $3.1 billion agreement; Yonkers redevelopment deal still hanging fire; Yonkers council seeks revised waterfront plan; Yonkers to court council, public on $3.1B development plan; Cappelli, partners unveil $3.1 billion plan for downtown Yonkers; Cappelli expected to team with Struever on Yonkers ballpark

Murcer reassures fans, points to spring training
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oklahoma drawl sounds as healthy and lighthearted as it's ever been, which made it even harder to believe Bobby Murcer was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor two weeks ago. The Yankee announcer is fighting for his life against ferocious odds, but he spent a half-hour on ESPN Radio on Tuesday afternoon, comforting his fans instead of the other way around. "Spring training is in my plans, I'm looking forward to the 2007 season," Murcer said on the air. "What a great future we have in front of us." Only a man of faith could make such a proclamation; brain tumors are found in just 1.4 people per 10,000, so it would be easy for Murcer to have said, "Why me?" Instead, he told host Michael Kay's listeners about the "sense of calm" that's guided him through initial chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

P-Nats clamor for new minor-league digs
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Built mostly of aluminum before the minor league baseball boom of the 1990s, 23-year-old Pfitzner Stadium’s clubhouses are cramped, so much so that there’s one toilet and three showerheads for more than two dozen players and coaches. A batting cage is tucked behind a grill for the team’s concession stands. The playing field drains like a stopped-up bathtub when it rains. There isn’t one luxury box in the entire stadium, and only a few hundred seats have backs. Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) owner Art Silber pitched Prince William County officials on a new 6,500-seat ballpark to a location adjacent to Pfitzner Stadium in time for the 2008 season. The $22.5 million price tag would be split by the county and Silber, who anticipates the sale of naming rights to the ballpark could significantly defray costs. More from the Potomac News.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark talk shifts to Woodbridge; P-Nats negotiating new ballpark

Defenders seek to make trip to ballpark more affordable
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Charles Dowd, general manager of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League), told local officials Wednesday that the team plans to make a trip to its Norwich ballpark more affordable this coming season. Dowd said the team will soon announce a plan in which children, dressed in the uniform of their local youth league, will be allowed to attend some games free when accompanied by an adult. Earlier, the team announced plans to reduce prices at the concession stands. Addressing the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, Dowd asked town officials to work with the team in developing more fund-raising events in which tickets sales can be used as an incentive to generate charitable donations.

Lake County Captains unveil new uniforms
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lake County Captains (Low Class A; Sally League) will have new style uniforms for the 2007 season. The home uniform, road uniform and batting practice jersey have all been updated. The home jersey will have the most subtle changes of all the jerseys. There are some slight changes to the home uniform, the most obvious being the shift away from the color red. The original intent of the organization was to maintain the colors navy blue and old gold. The road uniform reflects a move toward a more traditional style.

New clubhouse for Rascals could be delayed
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
O'Fallon may strike out on an agreement to build a team clubhouse in time for the River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) opening day on May 25. All seven bids opened by city officials Wednesday for the construction of the shower and changing facility for the minor-league baseball club at the city-owned stadium were more than $200,000 over the anticipated $250,000 budget, City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. said. More than $40,000 in unanticipated engineering and architectural costs and other expenses make it unlikely that the council will award a bid to one of the vying construction companies, he said. The council was scheduled to take action on the bids at tonight's regular meeting.

Dillas broker deal to acquire lease
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League Baseball) are expected to gain control of the Potter County Memorial Stadium. At Monday's Potter County Commissioners Court meeting, Dillas General Manager Mark Lee told commissioners ACE Baseball Academy, the current lease holder, would be signing the lease over to him. But simply requesting Potter County hand the lease to the Dillas could cause a legal snag. Assistant County Attorney Dave Kemp said if ACE simply cancels the lease, the county would be legally required to put the lease up for bid. Lee said if the lease is put out to bid, the Dillas would pursue it.

Off the hook in Edmonton
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The name Telus Field could soon disappear from the Edmonton sports landscape. Edmonton Cracker-Cats (independent; Northern League) owner Dan Orlich is getting ready to go corporate shopping, offering the naming rights to the ballpark with the hope of getting a better deal. The 11-year naming-rights agreement with Telus -- which is believed to be worth an estimated $100,000 per year -- ends on March 1. "What we're looking for mainly is someone who will take more of an interest in the ball team," said Orlich, who wants the rights holder to bring more employees through the turnstiles. "And maybe they will take an interest in mailing out some of our literature with their (customer) bills."

Bombers start building team
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's about four months and a whole lot of work until the Battle Creek Bombers take the field for the first time as a member of the summer-collegiate Northwoods League. Rick Lindau, the Bombers general manager, moved to town late last week and immediately began mowing down the never-ending list of tasks when building a new franchise. Selling advertisements, hiring staff members and a bus company, and finding host families are just the beginning of approximately 248 impending issues.

OSU decides to leave grass behind and install FieldTurf at Goss Stadium
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Renovations to Goss Stadium, the baseball home of Oregon State, include the installation of FieldTurf -- but only in the infield. These arrangements always look a little odd -- Lawrence-Dumont Stadium features such a layout -- and not everyone is thrilled. "It kills me to take the grass out," said head coach Pat Casey. "That's why we are keeping it in the outfield. We are the grass seed capital of the world, so that part bothers me."

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League) announced their front-office staff for 2007: Seth Mathews, Matt Warneke, Matti Tahja and Tina Nations. Mathews enters his third year with the Rockies, and will be taking a larger role in 2007. Warneke has spent the past few years with the NBA league office, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Coyotes. Taking over as Director of Ticket Operations this upcoming year will be Matti Tahja. During the 2006 season Tahja spent his time in Tennessee interning in all aspects of the business with the Tennessee Smokies (Class A: Southern League). Tina Nations will be coming on board with the Rockies as the Office Manager and bookkeeper....The Salem Avalanche (High Class A; Carolina League) have added four new staff members to the team’s front office as well as promoting three current employees. The four additions are Steven Lawhorn, Jeremy Long, Giles Cochran and Michael Bouscher. In addition, Assistant General Manager Allen Lawrence has been named Senior Assistant General Manager, while Director of Sales and Marketing Josh Eagan and Director of Group Sales Jeremy Auker, have both been named Assistant General Managers. Lawhorn joins the Avalanche as a Corporate Sales Representative. Concord University graduate joins the club from the Wilson Tobs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plains League where he served most recently as the team’s general manager. Long joins the Avalanche as Assistant Director of Group Sales. The Memphis native previously spent three seasons with the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in various capacities. Cochran joins the Avalanche as an Account Executive, and will be involved in all facets of game operations this summer. Bouscher joins the Avalanche as an Account Executive as well, and will be actively involved with team operations this summer....The Frederick Keys (Class A; Carolina League) announced the promotion of Tami Hetrick to Finance Manger. Hetrick has spent the last 10 years as the Keys Bookkeeper. The Mt. Airy, MD native will head up the financial operation for the Keys organization.  The Keys also announced the hiring of Account Manager Jeff Wiggins and two interns, Kalie Potter and Blayne Wilson. Wiggins is a Pittsburgh native who graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in Sports Management. In 2006, Wiggins worked as an intern with the Washington Wild Things (independent; Frontier League)....The River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) welcome back Phil Giubileo as their Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the 2007 season. Giubileo spent 2002-2004 with the Rascals and received many accolades for his work, including the opportunity to handle the television play-by-play of the 2004 Frontier League All-Star Game for FOX Sports. Giubileo will spend the 2007 season (from May-early September) with the Rascals while on hiatus from his hockey play-by-play job with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL), where he will return following the baseball season....The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) announced Wednesday a five-year agreement with Bold Gold Media Group to broadcast all 144 of the team’s regular-season games on WICK 1400 AM in Scranton, WYCK 1340 AM in Wilkes-Barre, WPSN 1590 AM in Honesdale and WFBS 1280 AM in Berwick. Kent Westling will be back to the Lackawanna County Stadium booth for his 19th season....Original Blue Jay Alan Ashby will be joining Toronto's broadcast team, joining Jerry Howarth in the radio booth for the 2007 season. Ashby formerly broadcast Houston Astros games, and some think his criticism of the team led to his release by the franchise....Angel "Papo" Davila is the new manager of the Laredo Broncos (United League Baseball). The native Puerto Rican was introduced on Wednesday at a press conference by general manager Jose Melendez and ULB president Craig Brasfield....

A's owner not sweating lack of BART at Fremont ballpark site
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland A's are nearing completion on a traffic and parking plan for their proposed stadium in Fremont that could be presented privately to city officials in a few weeks. A's co-owner Lew Wolff wouldn't offer details of the plan during a luncheon with San Jose business leaders Tuesday, but assured them that "there are ways to handle the traffic.'' He also wasn't worried that the nearest BART station stands four miles away from the proposed Fremont site. The majority of A's fans, Wolff said, drive to the team's current home in Oakland, even though it is adjacent to BART. "If BART was as effective as we thought they would be, the parking lots wouldn't be as crowded,'' he said. That's a fairly harsh statement: we've seen the crowds heading to McAfee Coliseum on the BART, so we know they exist. One wonders if Wolff hasn't figured out there's no way to monetize fans coming in on the BART, rather than forcing fans to pay for mandatory parking at the ballpark. More from Inside Bay Area.
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Sport complex at Kannapolis ballpark in the works
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A new sports complex at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium is in the planning stages. The City of Kannapolis and the Kannapolis Intimidators (Low Class A; Sally League) are working together to come up with plans for a multi-field sports complex that would complement the minor-league ballpark. Tim Mueller, vice president of the Kannapolis Intimidators, said the project has gained steam because of the “rebirth of Kannapolis” and new ownership of the team. Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Director Gary Mills said three 400-foot baseball fields, three 300-foot softball fields and three 225-foot baseball fields are being studied. The outfields on the 400-foot fields would be large enough to accommodate soccer pitches. The exact cost of the complex is unknown, but figures of $12 million to $13 million have been discussed.

Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Miami Mayor Manny Diaz may be too late in his bid to use Community Redevelopment Agency money in the Overtown area to help build a downtown ballpark for the Florida Marlins. A host of proposals have been made for using the limited pot of money available for spending on projects in the Overtown area, the target site for the ballpark. The agency has three separate taxing districts -- Overtown, Omni and Midtown. An estimation last year of what the agency's total available revenue would be if Miami-Dade County officials extended the agency until 2027 was about $340 million. James Villacorta, executive director of the agency, said only $128 million from that pool could be spent in the next 20 years in the Overtown area, which the mayor wants to expand to include the 9 acres next to the Stephen P. Clark Center targeted for a ballpark. Of that, 40 percent could be used for housing, 50 percent for infrastructure and 10 percent for historic preservation, Villacorta said.
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Minor League Baseball interested in DAP
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Durham officials and representatives of Minor League Baseball conferred on Tuesday about the possibility of developing historic Durham Athletic Park into a museum and a possible training site for umpires and other baseball employees. The meeting -- the follow-up to a trip Mayor Bill Bell and City Manager Patrick made to Orlando, Fla., in early December to attend Major League Baseball's winter meetings -- involved Minor League Baseball Chief Operating Officer Pat O'Conner and Executive Director of Business Operations John Cook. O'Conner said the talks were in the "embryonic" stages but said he envisioned the facility as a possible headquarters as well as a Minor League Baseball museum of some type.
    RELATED STORIES: Durham ballpark may get second wind; Businessman warns against remake of park area; Old ballpark renewal plan progresses

MLB TV deal gets fuzzy reception
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
According to The New York Times, MLB is close to handing DirecTV the exclusive rights to Extra Innings -- which allows fans to watch many out-of-market games -- for $100 million per year over seven years. InDemand, which distributes the package currently, has upped its offer, but, according to the Washington Times, its deal would pay about $30 million less per year. There have been some complaints about switching the plan exclusively to DirecTV, which would require fans to switch as well. Still, a million dollars a year is hard for MLB teams to pass on.

Homeless center plan may doom proposed Dallas ballpark
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dreams of a minor-league ballpark in downtown Dallas are fading, officials close to the negotiations say, citing concerns about the planned construction of a homeless assistance center nearby. "It's going to have to make us stop back and take a look at our options," said Scott Berry, president of Southern Independent Baseball, which owns the rights to add a Dallas club to the 10-team independent American Association. "The general feeling is that from a baseball standpoint, you’re giving people a reason not to some to that area by putting [the homeless assistance center] there." Berry added that he’s considering ballpark sites outside of the downtown Dallas area, including within other nearby municipalities. Officials from the independent United League Baseball, which had also approached Dallas officials about a downtown ballpark, could not be reached for comment.

Time to name Revolution's wall
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League( is scheduled to open Sovereign Bank Stadium in 112 days and unveil the tallest wall in professional baseball -- a near 38-foot tall behemoth in left field. The big fence still doesn't have a name, so Revolution owner Peter Kirk opened the wall naming game to the public -- asking for suggestions. The current plan is to paint the wall green (but not the exact green as Boston's Green Monster -- that paint formula is proprietary and unique to Fenway Park), but that could change if the right nickname emerges.

Blowfish to host 2007 Coastal Plain All-Star Game
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Columbia Blowfish have been awarded the Coastal Plain League All-Star Game for the 2007 season. It will be held July 17, 7:05 p.m., at Capital City Stadium in Columbia S.C. Celebrating its 11th season, the CPL is the largest summer league in the country, featuring 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL is certified by Major League Baseball, and gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer season. More from The State.

Confederate flag ban: It's status quo
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An NCAA committee decided Tuesday it will not expand its ban on postseason championships in South Carolina and Mississippi, where Confederate imagery is displayed on Statehouse grounds. The Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee said the NCAA should continue its moratorium on bringing predetermined events like NCAA basketball regionals to South Carolina. An expansion of the ban could have shut out South Carolina and Clemson, two of the country's strongest baseball programs, from hosting regionals. South Carolina's athletic department is constructing a new $24 million ballpark that's supposed to open in time for the 2008 season.
    RELATED STORIES: NCAA considers extending flag ban

Book to pay tribute to Alpine Cowboys, ballpark
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Alpine's Kokernot Field is a fondly remembered facility: Alpine's population was 6,500, but from 1947 to '58, the hand-built stadium was the proclaimed "best little ballpark in Texas." And it hosted one of the state's finest semiprofessional teams, the Alpine Cowboys. Among the Cowboys' expansive roster, the names of Gaylord Perry and Norm Cash were indelibly inked with the $1.5 million ballpark. Here's a description from former player Doyle Stout: "A 10' granite wall surrounded the stadium. ... World-class infield dirt was purchased in Georgia and brought to Alpine by train. Every touch of the stadium was 'hand made' with lamps topped with handmade baseballs to include the detail of the stitches and painted accordingly."

In memoriam: Wilfred "Lefty" LeFebvre
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wilfred "Lefty" LeFebvre died earlier this month at his home in Florida. He was 91. As a child growing up in Pawtucket, he was a standout pitcher for the former Pawtucket High School (Tolman) and Holy Cross College before he embarked on a professional career, first with the Boston Red Sox and later with the old Washington Senators. After serving in World War II, he retired from playing and began a coaching career at Brown University. Following 15 years in the Bears’ dugout, he served as an area scout for the Red Sox for 28 years. McCoy Stadium was one of his usual stops to scout young talent, and he became close friends with Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) owner Ben Mondor and team president Mike Tamburro.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) announce several front-office promotions hires. Promotions within the front office staff include Danielle Matteau taking on a new role as Assistant Director of Marketing & Public Relations. She is continuing her work with the corporate sales department but will focus much of her duties during the season on organizing and promoting player and mascot appearances and handling the team's community relations efforts. Sam Boudle has been promoted to Director of Stadium Operations. Sam oversees daily operations of Merchantsauto.com Stadium to include all non-baseball related activities and entertainment. Brian Weigler will add promotions and community relations to his existing duties in ticket sales and merchandise as he takes on the position of Community Relations and Baseball Operations Assistant. Kelly Spain joins the staff as the team's Office Manager. A familiar face around the ballpark, Brian Cronin joins the Fisher Cats sales staff full-time after working as a part-time usher the past two seasons. Joining the front office staff as the Executive Vice President of Business Operations is Daryl Jasper. Daryl spent the past 12 years with the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League). Kristin Beernink has joined the Fisher Cats as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. The Fisher Cats mark the fifth minor league team Kristin has worked with, most recently coming from the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League). Mike Ramshaw joins the Fisher Cats as Director of Ticket Sales. Mike joins the team after spending 10 years working in sales for Nestle and Poland Springs. Kaitlyn Tomasello joins the team as the new Box Office Manager. She has spent the past four seasons working with the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League). Another addition to the ticket sales department as Ticket Sales Account Executives includes Stephanie Livoli. Last season Stephanie worked for the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League). Filling the role of Assistant Director of Stadium Operations will be Ross Rodriquez.....It’s been well documented that working in professional baseball doesn’t exactly lend itself to the healthiest of eating habits, especially during the season when French fries, hot dogs, and cheeseburgers seemingly form their own food group. In an effort to battle back against unwanted pounds six members of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) front-office staff have formed a not-so-lean, but mean team which will compete in the 2nd Annual "Choose to Lose – Corporate Challenge" hosted by the Myrtle Beach Recreation Department. For the next 12 weeks, 20 different businesses along the Grand Strand will battle against each other to see which team can lose the most weight. During the competition each member of each team will be required to weigh-in every other week to track the progress of each participant. At the end of the 12 weeks the team with the most combined weight loss will be crowned as the “Choose To Lose” Champion. Throughout the competition the Pelicans will update their website to show how the team members are faring.

It's official: Yanks to host '08 All-Star game
Posted Jan. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After three years of discussion and planning, the Yankees, Major League Baseball and New York City are ready to formalize one of the area's worst-kept secrets. At a news conference a week from Tuesday, two people familiar with the situation told Newsday, Yankee Stadium will be officially announced as the host of the 2008 All-Star Game. This 2008 Midsummer Classic in the Bronx has been in discussion since 2005, when reports first surfaced of such a plan. It took time, however, for all of the logistics to be finalized, and then the dignitaries needed to find a common date for the news conference. It's a nice sentimental choice; although the current Yankee Stadium really isn't The House That Ruth Built, it's still a ballpark that's seen plenty of history.

Ballpark proposed for U.S. 31, Ransom
Posted Jan. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
SunCoast Baseball LLC submitted a plan Jan. 9 to construct a 3,800-fixed-seat baseball stadium and multi-use facility at the northwest corner of Ransom Street and U.S. 31 in Holland Township, Michigan. The two-story baseball facility, according to the application, would be constructed in two phases, the first to be completed in June 2008. It would also include creation of 1,200 parking spaces. "We're making great progress in our quest to bring professional baseball to Holland," said John Weitzel, who co-founded SunCoast Baseball along with Ed Mayo Jr. and his son, Dobb. The firm had proposed a slightly larger facility when it was pursuing an independent Northern League team; at the smaller size, you're probably talking about a Frontier League or Northwoods League team.

Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price
Posted Jan. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In a hearing that actually did little to clear up differences between landowners and Hennepin County, Hennepin County District Judge Stephen Aldrich authorized the county's possible condemnation of the property in downtown Minneapolis and said the 40,000-seat, open-air ballpark served a "public purpose" under the law. No surprise: the two sides had already agreed to those two provisions before the hearing, leading the landowners to announce they would not contest the project's public purpose or appeal the judge's final condemnation ruling. Though there's been a lot of talk and bluster from the Twins front office and the landowners (whose relationship has always been at arms' length, at best), the real issue here is the valuation of the land. Hennepin County's own valuation puts the land cost at $13.35 million, while Land Partners II puts the valuation much higher based on its current zoning. Hennepin County actually had an option on the land at a lower price but failed to close the deal; a total of $90 million is budgeted for ballpark site acquisition and preparation, so there is a little wiggle room.
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Goodyear plans more than just baseball for spring-training complex
Posted Jan. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Now that Goodyear has landed a spring-training complex for the Cleveland Indians, city officials are thinking outside of the batter's box. They're working with designers to make the new spring training facility more than just baseball. The stadium and nearby practice fields off Estrella Parkway and Yuma Road can serve double duty. Besides being the spring training headquarters for the Indians, they also boast potential for tournaments, concerts, a community park and other activities. The perks of a year-round facility: Residents get another place to play, and the city can maximize its investment.
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St. John's honors a legend
Posted Jan. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've reported on this before, but it's a good story that bears a second telling. Days after coaches picked the Red Storm as Big East favorites, officials at St. John's University announced this month that it is renaming its diamond after Jack Kaiser, a player and coach who led St. John's to four College World Series from 1949 to 1968. The 80-year-old legend said throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the new Jack Kaiser Stadium could be both embarrassing and emotional. Kaiser, who also was the university's athletic director for 23 years, remains active at St. John's and with the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League, which inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1991. A little trivia: the ballpark was home to the Queens Kings (short season; NY-Penn League) in 2000.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Bradenton Juice (independent; South Coast League) announced the hiring of two new staff members. Brett Myers has joined the Juice as Assistant General Manager and Amy Dox was brought on board as Director of Group Sales and Ticket Operations. Myers spent the previous two seasons with the Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League) and the Cincinnati Reds respectively, where is took on many different tasks. Dox, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sport Management from the University of Minnesota, will be entering her fourth year in professional baseball. She was a member of the Minnesota Twins' Guest Services Staff in 2003....The New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announced that Jack Voigt has been named as the team’s hitting coach, while Mark Brewer has been named pitching coach, Brian Chicklo will be the team’s trainer and Kenny Coward will be the strength coach. They will join new manager Ken Oberkfell on the 2007 Zephyrs coaching staff....Joining Hector De La Cruz's staff on the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League): pitching coach Jeff Pico and hitting coach Jay Gainer....

Twins ballpark land deal now goes to court
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A disagreement between Hennepin County and landowners over the price of land slated for a new Minnesota Twins is heading into the courtroom. Hennepin County's move to condemn land for the 40,000-seat ballpark in downtown Minneapolis will go before a judge today for the first time. With preliminary work to begin in mid-March, and with the stadium projected to open in three years, the county has asked to be given title to the land as early as Jan. 30. The owners of the land west of the Target Center where the open-air stadium would be built -- a limited liability partnership with more than 100 investors -- has rejected the county's initial offer, and both sides appear to be tens of millions of dollars apart on a sales price. There are a lot of red herrings out there (some of which made it into this article, including the now-discarded possibility of including offices and condos in the ballpark), but the basic story lies in a very real disagreement over the worth of the land: because of some zoning issues, Land Partners II believes the land is worth more than Hennepin County does. It's really as simple as that.
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Durham ballpark may get second wind
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Executives with Minor League Baseball will travel to Durham this week to talk with local officials about creating a baseball museum or training facility at the old Durham Athletic Park. The Florida-based organization is the administrative arm for minor league teams across the country. Executive Director John Cook and Vice President Pat O'Connor will meet this week with Durham boosters to flesh out some preliminary ideas, said Jim Ferguson, Minor League Baseball's media relations director. The Minor League Baseball group may discuss using part of the ballpark as a training center where umpires, groundskeepers and other employees could learn their trade, Ferguson said. Durham officials have been discussing possible uses of the old ballpark with various developers; a local university baseball team has already committed to playing there. The idea of a minor-league museum has also been floated, but they'd need to work fast to do anything in conjunction with a planned 25th-anniversary Bull Durham celebration this summer.
    RELATED STORIES: Businessman warns against remake of park area; Old ballpark renewal plan progresses

 Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last week, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz told reporters that the city's inner-city redevelopment strategy may include spending Community Redevelopment Authority money on a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins. CRA Chairwoman and City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones said other community needs must be addressed first. Having a stadium jump to the front for CRA funding would be ''shameful,'' she said. Other South Florida CRAs, such as Hollywood's, are finding that urban renewal spending can be controversial. One example: Last year, Hollywood commissioners were close to writing a $100,000 CRA check to bring a Starbucks to downtown. Protesters thwarted the move. The still-sketchy ballpark plans call for the city to deed property to Miami-Dade County so the Marlins -- which would lease the ballpark -- could receive a tax break. And it requires money from the state Legislature.
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Ballpark proposal in limbo
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Township officials say a developers' interest in building a minor-league ballpark on Route 33 has waned. However, Steve Kalafer, owner of the Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) who proposed the project with developer Jack Morris, CEO of Edgewood Properties, says plans are very much alive. Township Engineer Ernie Feist said this week that Morris has told him that the project, which was to include housing, retail and the ballpark, likely would include only retail. He said a task force created to review the project, called the Market Place at Monroe, and several other proposed developments along Route 33 has not met since April because there has been no activity on any of the sites.

A naming-rights bubble?
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Companies are rushing to pay top dollar to put their names on new ballparks, stadiums and arenas. Three deals in the New York area alone have been announced in the past few months with the sponsorship dollars totaling nearly $1 billion. And potentially the biggest deal, naming rights for the new shared home of New York's Giants and Jets football teams, is yet to come. Those involved in naming-rights fields negotiations say the deals make sense, even for the sponsors without a broad customer base. The planned ballpark that has perhaps the greatest naming rights potential is the new Yankee Stadium now under construction across the street from the existing park. But while fans can expect to see various gates, concourses and banks of seats, such as the bleachers, carrying sponsors' names, one executive involved in the planning of the ballpark insists that the team will not put a corporate name on the park itself.

Sounds deal looks a bit shaky
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Everybody on all sides of the proposed Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) downtown ballpark says the deal is not falling apart, but it sure sounded rickety last week. The Sounds side says shovels have to be shoveling by February in order to be playing ball by May 2008. If the ball club can't move in by that date, the deal may be off. Construction costs are going up, so delays will cost more money, and the Sounds would have to cover any overruns. Their lenders might balk. But their development partner, Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, sees no harm in the ballpark being ready in July 2008, or even April 2009. (Indeed, they think the price of steel has peaked and construction costs will actually go down.) The proposal the Metro Council approved never guaranteed a ballgame would be played by May 2008.
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Ballpark talk shifts to Woodbridge
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the attempt by the owners of the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) to procure a new ballpark. Art Silber, the flamboyant millionaire owner of the team who often takes batting practice with the players and sometimes coaches first base, has been trying to persuade Prince William officials to share the cost of a new facility. He wants a 6,500-capacity ballpark (designed by HKS) ready for the 2008 season, which means the county would have to approve funding for it within the next couple of months. Some board members said that the ballpark is a luxury that the state's second-largest county cannot afford at a time when they have to make difficult decisions on which services to cut or whether they can afford to hire teachers, police officers and firefighters to keep up with the population growth. A meeting is scheduled to discuss the proposal on Tuesday, but no vote is planned. More from the Potomac News.
    RELATED STORIES: P-Nats negotiating new ballpark

Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Seven of 10 Allen County adults believe it is important to revitalize downtown Fort Wayne, but a similar percentage thinks a new downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) isn’t needed, according to a poll commissioned by The Journal Gazette and Indiana’s NewsCenter. The numbers didn’t come as a surprise to city officials, who said they must do a better job selling the Harrison Square project. The $125 million private-public downtown investment includes a new hotel, retail, housing and the city-owned ballpark. There's some question as to the validity of how the poll was set up (it split the issue of the ballpark away from the rest of the development, but supporters say there are no plans to split the two). Jason Freier, CEO of Hardball Capital, the owner of the Wizards that would partner in the Harrison Square project, said he understands why some people would be reluctant to build just a ballpark, as the survey question might suggest.
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Officials hold brief meeting on ballpark options
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Representatives of Richmond and the surrounding counties met briefly yesterday to discuss their options for a new minor-league ballpark or a major renovation of The Diamond for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League). But it didn't last long, as officials determined they had little information on the options available. the incomplete information includes the cost of potential options for a new or renovated ballpark, and other details, such as what kind of parking the ballpark would require. Among the issues they expect to discuss is what kind of extension to negotiate with the Braves' owner for playing at The Diamond beyond this season. The current lease expires after this season, but regional officials say they cannot renovate or build a ballpark in time for the 2008 season.
     RELATED STORIES: Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard

Defenders to handle concessions
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) announced that it will take over all of its concession operations, giving the baseball team's management more direct control over pricing, service and presentation. Concessions at Dodd Stadium feature four main stands, two auxiliary stands and the picnic area. The Defenders are considering additional specialty stands during the season and will be more aggressive with vending on large nights. The skybox level will also undergo a complete overhaul of items and services, including Lou's Lounge, the new suite-level sports lounge that opened last season.

In memoriam: Vern Ruhle
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Vern Ruhle, a former major league pitcher and coach for several teams, died after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 55. Ruhle died Saturday at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston of complications from treatment for multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, the Cincinnati Reds said Sunday. Ruhle pitched for Detroit, Houston, Cleveland and the California Angels from 1974-86, going 67-88 with a 3.73 ERA. He was a pitching coach with Houston, Philadelphia and the New York Mets before joining the Reds organization in 2004.

McNeese baseball stands to be demolished and new stands constructed
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Erosion and deterioration of the structural supports under the McNeese State ballpark grandstand will result in the demolition of the existing seating and the installation of temporary, bleacher-style seats for the 2007 baseball season. The canopy over the seating area and the press box will remain and concessions will be available. A project to replace the eroding structural supports has been in the planning stages since the problem was discovered in 2001, according to Candace Townsend, McNeese director of public information and communications. "Initial estimates put the total cost of the project at $300,000 and funding for the project was an issue from the beginning, because the state does not typically provide funding for athletic buildings and stadiums," Townsend said.

NCAA considers extending flag ban
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
South Carolina's baseball team is scheduled to move into a $24 million, riverfront ballpark for the 2008 season. And it might sit empty in late spring each year when the NCAA regionals begin. An NCAA committee will meet today and Tuesday in Indianapolis to discuss broadening its ban on postseason championships in South Carolina and Mississippi, the two states that display the Confederate battle flag. The ban, which took effect in 2001 at the urging of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Black Coaches Association, prohibits those states from serving as hosts for the NCAA's pre-assigned championships, such as men's and women's basketball regionals or football bowl games.

New UK ballpark in planning stages
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A new home is in store for the University of Kentucky baseball team as the university is expected to release the planning stages of the soon-to-be state of the art new baseball stadium in this year's Baseball media guide. UK is currently in the planning process of building a new ballpark that will replace the old Cliff Hagan Stadium by 2009. The old ballpark, which seats the least amount of visitors in the Southeastern Conference, was exposed to major traffic issues during the magical 2006 run. The new designs, which will be laid out in the upcoming 2007 media guide, call for the new park to be placed over by the current softball field off Alumni Drive, which would be close enough to Commonwealth Stadium for additional parking.

UTSA leaders are making a push for $60-million sports park
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It is an ambitious effort that would require a lot of money and some confluence of thinking among city, county and business leaders. But supporters of that plan to create a $60 million sports facilities park on San Antonio's Northwest Side say it would provide much-needed venues for the University of Texas at San Antonio's athletic programs, while positioning San Antonio to chase after a number of regional, national and even international sporting events. The plan includes a 4,000-seat ballpark, training facility, practice fields, locker-room and spectator facilities and surface parking for at least 1,000 vehicles.

Centennial League set for 2007
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Four baseball teams have officially formed the amateur Centennial Baseball League: the Arizona Diamondjaxx, Bisbee Kings, San Luis Athletics and Tucson Stars. The D’Jaxx, Kings and Stars participated in last year's Border Series. The majority of the players will come from college programs with some former professionals dotting the rosters. CBL teams must maintain a minimum number of local players. The CBL represents the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of the States of Arizona and New Mexico. Also announced today: the National Baseball Congress has awarded the CBL a qualifying tournament that will be played in Bisbee, Arizona. The tournament will be known as the Copper Tournament and will be held July 19-22. The Copper Tournament champion will receive a berth into the 2007 NBC World Series.  The NBC will hold its 73rd annual NBC World Series, held each year at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita, Kansas. The NBC is the highest association of amateur/semi-professional leagues. Along with the CBL teams, teams from California and Arizona have expressed interest in attending the 2007 Copper Tournament.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Derek Ingram returns as the voice of the Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League) in 2007. Three newcomers will join Ingram, the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the upcoming All-Star season. Dan Watson and Matt Martinez join the Cubs as Co-Assistant Directors of Broadcasting for their first season in professional baseball. Jeanine Jiannetti has also been added as the Assistant Director of Media Relations. A native of Bowling Green, Mo, Ingram, 25, returns to Daytona for his second season with the Cubs. He was selected to broadcast the 2006 Florida State League All-Star Game. Watson, 22, is a 2006 graduate of Otterbein College where his experience is extensive with respect to collegiate sports. Martinez, 24, is a 2006 graduate of San Francisco State University. At the University of San Francisco, Martinez was the lead broadcaster and webcaster for the volleyball team. Jiannetti, 23, enters her third season in professional baseball and second in the Florida State League. She was part of the event production staff for the Tampa Yankees for the 2006 season and was a broadcasting/marketing intern with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005....Roberto Kelly is returning as manager of the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League). Kelly, a former major league all-star, will return with his coaching staff from last season, including hitting coach Andy Skeels, pitching coach Ross Grimsley and trainer Dustin Luepker.