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Archives: April 30-May 5, 2007

State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins fell short once again in a quest for state funding of a new ballpark, as the state Senate ended business today without taking up a proposal to contributed $60 million in sales-tax rebates over 20 years toward a new Miami facility. Given the other financial issues facing the state of Florida -- including some cutbacks of state aid to vulnerable groups -- it's not a surprise the state Senate decided to pass. Now, the lack of state money doesn't necessarily kill the plan for a $490-million proposal (which has surely risen in the year or so since the costs of a new retractable-roof ballpark were last estimated), but it means either the Marlins or the Miami-Dade government must come up with funds to address a shortfall in the current funding plan. The Marlins had no comment.
    RELATED STORIES: Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; 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

New Reds spring-complex deal on life support
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yet another leg has fallen from the wobbly stool that supported business and tourism leaders' dreams of a $54-million Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota. The state legislature this week, in every version of the budget bill, has included property tax reforms that impose a cap on local government spending plans like the one that would allow the city of Sarasota to issue bonds to support its $10 million share of the complex funding plan, said City Budget Director Gib Mitchell. Although Mitchell said he would not be the one to declare the ballpark deal dead, he did say it was clearly "on life support," as the state change would force a referendum on the bonds. There are a number of deadlines looming: the deal must be done by May 31 if the project is to qualify for state funding, and the Reds say they will begin looking for a new spring-training facility on July 1 if the deal is completed. It just sounds like the whole deal is a mess: consultants couldn't find a way to decrease the project's $54-million price tag, and plans to bring in $10 million in private investment are all but dead after two disappointing bids.
    RELATED STORIES: Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy; Task force confident in Reds ballpark deal; Finance plan for Reds spring-training facility in place -- maybe; Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex; Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex cost; Fair officials respond with new spring-training plan; New Reds training facility in some doubt; Florida finalizes five spring-training grants; Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie Field; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota; Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact; Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close; Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run; Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state; Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new Reds spring facility; County tees up for baseball hearing; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Reds swing and miss; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities

Vipers owner won't take a walk
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jeff Gidney, the owner of the Calgary Vipers (independent; Northern League), plunked down a sizeable amount of change over the winter to refurbish the concourse at Foothills Stadium, put in a VIP Section, update the seats from their early carved-out-of-a-tree trunk vintage, moving old ones and installing 2,400 new, wider ones in the lower bowl, while introducing a clear, nearly-invisible netting behind home plate to give fans a clearer view of the action. That the Calgary Vipers are still here at all is a testament to his stubbornness in the batter's box. Digging in, fouling off financial and meteorological fastballs with the count loaded. This guy just will not go and take a seat in the dugout.

Cops: Hancock drunk at time of accident
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk and talking on his cell phone at the time of his fatal accident, and marijuana was found in the sport utility vehicle he was driving. Medical examiner Michael Graham said at a news conference Friday that the 29-year-old reliever was dead "within seconds" from head injuries in the crash early Sunday on Interstate 64 in St. Louis. His vehicle hit the back of a tow truck parked on the highway to assist a driver from a previous accident. Hancock's blood-alcohol level was 0.157, nearly twice Missouri's legal limit of 0.08, Graham said.
    RELATED STORIES: Drinking starts in the clubhouse; In memoriam: Josh Hancock

Baseball's big IOU to Troy
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A claim that the old Troy Haymakers of the National League are the ancestors of the San Francisco Giants and therefore entitled to four exhibition games has led Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian to write MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and request the team play an exhibition at Bruno Stadium in the Collar City. It's a pretty good publicity move on the part of the mayor, and both Selig and reps from the Giants were good sports in their responses. The Giants do trace their roots to the Haymakers (who also played as the Trojans; "King" Kelly was one of their notable players), as John Day bought the rights to the franchise (along with some player contracts) and set up shop in the Big Apple. But we think there's little chance the Giants will actually play an exhibition match in Troy. Too bad.

Ballpark Boys batting .000 on good public policy
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's hard to take seriously any columnist who wonders whether a new open-air ballpark for the Twins will be a better venue than the Metrodome -- surely one of the worst ballparks in the majors -- and the Star Tribune's Nick Coleman resorts to some unsubtle class-baiting to attack the financials of the new ballpark. Simplistic arguments like the ones he makes -- that money put toward a new Twins ballpark would be better spent on bailing out Minneapolis residents who are going through foreclosures -- are specious at best. (Indeed, bailing residents out of bad mortgages could be argued as being very, very bad public policy, which is why no one else is proposing it.) Could Hennepin County have struck a better deal with the Twins? Probably. Does this deal mean other county priorities are put off? We've not seen any evidence of that. Nick Coleman has grown fat and lazy in his old age.
    RELATED STORIES: Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Portner has new pitch about ballpark data
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The former owner of the Travis Credit Union Park has issued a new statement calling for the release of further information about the ballpark's closure. Specifically, former owner Bruce Portner -- who also owned the Solano Steelheads (independent; Western League) refers to a sworn deposition from Councilwoman Pauline Clancy, taken in connection with his libel suit filed against the Daily Republic newspaper in Fairfield. Last month, Portner blasted city leaders in Vacaville after it was announced that the ballpark would close at the end of May. Claiming that public funds had been used in construction of the ballpark, Portner said the citizens of Vacaville should have a say in what happens at the facility.
    RELATED STORIES: League boss makes move for ballpark; Former owner cries foul; city balks; Officials: Vacaville can't save ballpark

Cablevision launches MLB Extra Innings
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cablevision today announced it's launching MLB Extra Innings immediately and launching the Major League Baseball Channel -- one of MLB's prerequisites for any MLBEI renewal -- when it goes live in 2009. Effective today, Cablevision's iO digital cable subscribers can receive up to 60 out-of-market baseball games for $159 for the entire season. The package can be ordered on iO digital channel 900 or (of course) by calling customer service.

Prospects look bleak for state funding of a new Marlins ballpark
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the Florida Legislative session slated to end tomorrow -- barring a special session for a specific purpose -- it looks as though a proposal for the state to partially fund a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins is doomed to fail. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has spent a lot of time at the Capitol this week lobbying lawmakers for financial help; the state House has passed $60 million in funding over 30 years, but state Senate leaders say it's very unlikely they will take up the measure before the final gavel falls tomorrow. Still, you never know, and no one is even certain the lack of state funding will necessarily kill the ballpark proposal; MLB and the Marlins are been curiously quiet on the issue.
    RELATED STORIES: Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; 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

City projects more funds to improve ballpark streets
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It appears lower-than-expected bids for construction of the new ballpark for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) will allow the city enough money to build more roads around the ballpark. Mayor Jerre Van Hoose proposed spending an additional $2 million to improve the streets around the stadium after bids came in under budget. Van Hoose checked with the city's bond attorney to make sure the city could spend the funds on more streets. The proposed changes will widen Watkins Avenue to four lanes heading east, narrowing before reaching the two-lane bridge over Interstate 540. Watkins west to 64th Street can also be widened to four lanes with a median. Going north, 56th Street can be widened nearly to its intersection with Apple Road.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark bids under estimates; New for 2008: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals; Officials dig baseball; Springdale ballpark construction budget approved; Springdale City Council approves ballpark design; Springdale commission approves new ballpark; Wranglers GM has new challenges; City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont lease; Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third baseball option; Council looks at ballpark design; Commissioners begin planning improvements around ballpark site; Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass; League approval slow but expected for move of Wranglers; Springdale approves Wranglers lease; Texas League executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease; Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to public; Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of Wranglers; City told only voters decide ballpark's user; Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark; What's new in Wichita?; Wranglers president says move is nearly official; Wranglers agreement down to one item; City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008

Otten sells share of Red Sox back to owners
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Les Otten, the former ski industry mogul who became a part owner of the Boston Red Sox, has sold his share back to the team ownership group he helped form, he said Wednesday. Otten said he sold his share last month, but wouldn't say what percentage of the team he owned or the selling price. He also wouldn't say what businesses he wants to pursue and, citing a confidentiality agreement, wouldn't comment on reports that he'll return to the American Skiing Co. he founded.

Baseball may be hit in Brighton by '09
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The first minor-league baseball game in Brighton could be played by May 2009. The city is partnering with Denver-area resident Fran Zeuli and Ventura Sports Group to identify potential sites for a new 4,000-seat ballpark with 10 luxury suites and grass berm seating for an additional 1,000 people. Similar ballparks have cost up to $18 million. (Ventura Sports Group is the outfit that owns St. Joe and El Paso in the American Association and Atlantic City in the Can-Am Association.) The ballpark would be the home of an independent American Association team. The league is also working with National Sports Services on a Commerce City ballpark, which highlights one unique new business strategy for the league: clustering more than one team in a larger city. We're seeing the league work to place three teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and now we're seeing two teams proposed for the northeast corner of Denver.

Honoring Rose can be a thorny proposition
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When you're outside of Cincinnati you don't really realize how important Pete Rose is to the history of the Reds franchise, but with MLB's lifetime ban on Rose for gambling and the National Baseball Hall of Fame's refusal to honor him, the Reds walk a fine line when it comes to honoring Rose. The issue now is whether to honor Rose by retiring his number; the team can probably do so, but they can't do it with a public ceremony. The Reds are currently honoring Rose at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum adjoining Great American Ball Park; that exhibit was approved by MLB, so apparently the Reds do have some leeway.

Helena parks board asks for funds to renovate Brewers ballpark
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Helena City-County Parks Board is asking city commissioners to place a $9.1 million bond on the Nov. 6 ballot to fund a variety of measures, including $1.6 million for upgrades to Kindrick-Legion Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League). Brewers GM Paul Fetz says the team is willing to consider a long-term lease agreement in exchange for the ballpark upgrades. Improvements are needed at the field to improve the atmosphere for fans and upgrade the playing surface -- the condition of which could determine whether the team’s parent club sends top prospects or “project” players to the Queen City. He said the Major League ball club has had concerns with the divots and rocks on the playing field, and any player who ruins his career with an injury related to the field’s condition could have grounds for a lawsuit.

Royals seek backup plan for suitable promotion
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Aside from improving a miserable offense and perhaps crawling back to respectability, the Kansas City Royals have another issue to deal with these days: Finding a fun-filled promotion to replace the Panera baker’s dozen promo, which was going to replace the incredibly popular Krispy Kreme promotion. Panera bailed out on its promo after it was hit one time on April 20. Over the last few years, one of the unique features of attending a Royals game was the Krispy Kreme promo. The problem, as Panera found out, is that it’s almost impossible to duplicate the Krispy Kreme success. The high rate of ticket-stub redemption makes prepared food difficult to produce in mass quantities on short notice. (Thanks to John Cerone.)

York Revolution unveils uniforms
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With just over 48 hours until the first-ever York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) game in Bridgeport, the club unveiled their home and alternate uniforms on Wednesday, while the road uniforms will be introduced during Thursday’s workout and media day at York College. The home white jerseys feature "Revolution," written in continental navy cursive, which is slightly slanted across the chest. The jerseys are trimmed in continental navy, sergeant’s red and silver, and include a number below the front left chest and on the back. White pants, trimmed in silver, will be worn with the home jerseys. A continental navy cap, featuring an eagle head holding a baseball, which is peaking out of a capital "Y," will be worn at home. The home jerseys will feature each player’s last name on the back, the only Atlantic League uniform that does so.
    The alternate jersey will be worn during most Sunday home games, neutral site games in Camden and various other games throughout the inaugural season. The sergeant’s red jersey, with white on the sides, has the "Revolution" word mark written straight across the chest in white lettering, which is outlined in continental navy and silver. A red cap, featuring the same eagle head and "Y," will be primarily worn with the alternate jerseys.
    The road jerseys, which will be unveiled during Thursday’s workout and media day, are grey, with continental navy on the sides, and feature “York” written across the chest, in continental navy block lettering, which is outlined in brass. Navy and brass stars are on either side of "York." The jersey’s and grey pants are trimmed in brass. The navy cap will be primarily worn on the road.

Ticket sales indicate early support for the Joes
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
So far ticket sales are meeting expectations for a successful first season for the Anderson Joes (independent; South Coast League). Joes General Manager Garrett Ball said residents started putting deposits on season tickets back in December when the team announced it was coming to Anderson and unveiled the logo. At least 300 sets of Joes season tickets had been sold as of Tuesday, which include sets given to the team’s 60 business sponsors. About 60 percent of season ticket sales are to businesses, and the most popular ticket package for residents seems to be the $105 mini-plan that gives fans 20 undated tickets that can be redeemed at any game, Ball said. The South Coast League is one of two independent leagues debuting this season.

Bay Area Toros open first training camp
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The Continental Baseball League is the other independent league unveiling this season. This article is on the Bay Area Toros, who will play at Clear Creek High School in southeast Texas. We're not seeing a whole lot of names we recognize on CBL rosters -- a few players have some indy and lower MiLB experience -- but that's one of the challenges when you start a four-team independent league playing mostly at Texas high schools.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Former Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) broadcaster Dave Garson was charged with felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter in the death of Augustine Garcia, 27, of Kettleman City. Garson is also charged with felony hit-and-run driving, driving under the influence, and a misdemeanor charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $120,000.

Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark
Posted May 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The roller-coaster ride during the final days of tefhe Florida legislative session continues, with Senate President Sen. Ken Pruitt, (R-Port St. Lucie) brushing off speculation Tuesday that property tax relief might be part of deals involving the annual state budget, an expansion of gambling or funding for a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins in Miami. There is an effort to link an expansion of slots (approved by the Senate) and $60 million in funding for a new Marlins ballpark (approved by the House) in a manner that would please both sides in some sort of compromise. That notion was shot down by the influential Pruitt, who said each issues must stand on its own and not be part of some compromise package. That's bad news for Marlins supports, as the Senate doesn't seem inclined to pass any sort of funding before the session ends Friday -- but you never know what will happen during the final hours of a session, especially if they may slide into a special session.
    RELATED STORIES: Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; 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

Whole new ballgame
Posted May 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Calling Willets Point "another euphemism for blight," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg yesterday unveiled an ambitious urban renewal plan for the gritty, industrial area near Shea Stadium that would include a major environmental cleanup and a vigorous business relocation program. Yesterday's announcement marks the beginning of a lengthy land-use review process that is expected to take a year or more. Eventually, the master plan must be approved by the City Planning Commission and the City Council. That future, shown in a series of colorful architectural renderings, depicts the heavily polluted area known as the Iron Triangle as a vibrant, mixed-use community, with a retail and entertainment hub near the new Mets ballpark; low-rise housing, office space and a park. The Willets Point area is an interesting one, a land forgotten; it's basically an expanse of auto junkyards with no sewer system or sidewalks. It does give the city a chance to start from scratch -- and we're bound to see a fight, as the landowners in the area have already expressed their dissatisfaction with redevelopment. If the plan goes through, it will make a great accompaniment to Citi Field, slated to open in 2009 as the new home of the Mets. More from the New York Times and the New York Post.
    RELATED STORIES: Willets Point's last man standing defiantly; Naming rights are all about the money; Boro buzzes with talk of new Mets ballpark; Mets break ground on new ballpark; New Mets ballpark to be called CitiField; Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated junk; Bronx group goes to court vs. new Yankee Stadium; New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark bonds; New York Agency approves ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets; MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea; Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Minor-league baseball announcement due Wednesday
Posted May 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Brighton plans to announce the construction of a 4,000-seat minor-league ballpark Wednesday afternoon. The press conference is set for 2 p.m. at Brighton City Hall, 22 S. Fourth Ave. It's not clear whether this is related to a similar effort in Commerce City to land a minor-league team, but given the independent American Association's intent to place multiple teams in the Denver area -- with or without National Sports, we've been told -- you can expect the usual suspects to be involved. UPDATE: Yup, it's the American Association. Team owners include Denver resident Fran Zeuli, a former cable television executive, and the Ventura Sports Group, which owns four other independent teams.

County moves forward on Knights ballpark plan
Posted May 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) are one step closer to playing baseball in a new ballpark in uptown Charlotte by 2009. But they have several more steps to go. On Tuesday night, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners voted 6-3 to negotiate an economic incentive deal with the team. Under the deal, the Knights would agree to build the $35 million ballpark, and spend about $8 million to relocate Third Street and pay for other necessities such as lighting and sidewalks. In exchange for the team taking on those costs, the county would give the Knights an incentive based on revenues generated from the stadium, which would amount to about $700,000 annually over 20 years. The goal is to assemble a number of properties to sell to private developers for commercial and residential development. In exchange for the land, the county would get new parks and have room for the ballpark.
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Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad
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The final two impediments to the construction of a new Minnesota Twins ballpark were addressed yesterday, paving the way for site preparation and a groundbreaking later this summer. First, Hennepin County -- which will build and own the ballpark -- delivered a check of $13.75 million to a judge and took title to a parcel of land owned by Land Partners II. The group has held that the land is worth more than the $13.75 million offered by the county, and under the state's eminent-domain system a three-panel court will hear arguments before deciding on a final price. Discussions over the worth of the land have been acrimonious, to say the least, and inflated personality clashes between Hennepin County commissioners (predominantly liberal DFLers) and the landowners (predominantly conservative Republications) considerably slowed down the development of the park until the Twins front office stepped in to resolve the issue. Also, Hennepin County announced it reached an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, whose rail line runs next to the eight-acre parcel (and whose train you might hear rumbling by if you call the August Publications offices), to move the rail lines off the ballpark site. The train line will still run next to the ballpark, just a little farther away.
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Ballpark owners contest tax bill
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More than $200,000 in property taxes billed to Penn State and the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) for Medlar Field at Lubrano Park has gone unpaid and has been appealed by the university and the Spikes, who say the field is tax-exempt. These developments, with county, municipal and school district tax bills now coming due, could lead to a court fight if the case is not resolved when the Centre County Board of Assessment Appeals hears it, Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Exarchos said Tuesday. Penn State and the Spikes owner, State College Baseball LP, asserted through attorneys last week that Medlar Field isn't taxable as property because it's subject to the Amended Settlement Agreement, an agreement the university has with taxing authorities wherever it owns land. The issue centers on the use of the ballpark by the Spikes; taxing authorities say that moves it past a tax-exempt status.

Rules of money game will change
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The rules of college baseball are changing, and many say not for the better. A package, passed by the NCAA board of directors last week, was spurred by baseball’s low Academic Progress Rate. Part of the legislation requires college baseball players who transfer to sit out a year, bringing it in line with other NCAA sports, as well as forcing players to be academically eligible for the fall semester rather than the spring semester, a move aimed at junior-college transfers. The so-called "27-8" rule will change more, however. Under the new rules, teams can have a maximum of 27 players on scholarship and eight walk-ons who can receive academic scholarship help. Currently, there is no limit on how many players can be on scholarship, so most coaches divvy up the available money with partial scholarships. But the NCAA allows only 11.7 scholarships for a program, so that must be divided up among 27 players by the 2009-10 academic year.

National crisis: Capital franchise in turmoil
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A little-known farm director and three low-level front-office employees left the Washington Nationals in mid-February. Four-fifths of the team's player-development department, gone. The episode not only was notable for its timing -- most front-office changes occur at the end of the season, not the start of spring training -- but also for what it represented: Frustration among some employees with the business practices of the team's new ownership. Ken Rosenthal says the franchise is in deep disarray just months before the team is slated to move into a new ballpark.

Horizon to broadcast entire Paints home schedule
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Helping the Chillicothe Paints (independent; Frontier League) celebrate their 15th season of local baseball, Horizon View will bring the games to its customers with live coverage of every home game. "Horizon is making a major commitment to the future of our organization," said Bryan Wickline, Paints’ Vice President and General Manager. "We’re looking forward to giving the community another opportunity to follow Paints' baseball, and we hope to attract new fans that may not have been able to see a Paints' game otherwise." The Paints will be the first team in the Frontier League to have all regular season home games telecast live. The deal between the Paints and Horizon includes a five-year broadcast agreement. The voice of the Paints, Ryan Mitchell, will call all the action from V.A. Memorial Stadium beginning with the first home game on Friday, May 25 at 7:05 p.m.

Mets fan gets jail time and ballpark ban
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A New York Mets fan has been sentenced to 15 days in jail and barred from Shea Stadium and Citi Field for three years after pleading guilty yesterday to shining a high-powered flashlight at two Atlanta Braves players during a night game at Shea Stadium last month. The fan, Frank Martinez, 40, of the Bronx, was sentenced for interfering with a sporting event.
    RELATED STORIES: Spectator arrested at Shea Stadium for beaming Braves pitcher

Ballpark expense will work out
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The local newspaper comes out in favor of a $11-million renovation of Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). We concur. A renovated ballpark -- complete with all the revenue-generating goodies every owner expects -- is key to keeping the Oaks in Visalia. There are probably better markets out there than Visalia, so you've got to give ownership for trying to work out a deal in Visalia.

Drinking starts in the clubhouse
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The chance that St. Louis Cardinals reliever Josh Hancock may have been drinking before his fatal car accident last weekend is causing many in baseball to question whether drinking after games is appropriate. Last year Oakland A's GM Billy Beane barred beer from the clubhouse and caught a lot of flak from traditionalists, but the facts surrounding Hancock -- he had crashed a car earlier last week after he was seen drinking in a local watering hole -- may cause some to reconsider their stances. More from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. UPDATE: This issue will not be going away any time soon. Apparently there were more issues with Hancock than the team originally admitted, and Walt Jocketty steps out to do some limited damage control.
    RELATED STORIES: In memoriam: Josh Hancock

Foxes to build new ballpark
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The Fort Collins Foxes (summer collegiate; Mountain Collegiate Baseball League) announced plans Tuesday to build a new ballpark in time for the 2008 season. The Foxes have scheduled a 2 p.m. news conference May 8 to unveil their plans. Foxes owner and president Kurt Colicchio said the team will play this summer at Colorado State University's Ram Field, the Foxes' home the past two seasons. The MCBL began in 2005. Fort Collins is one of the MCBL's four original teams, along with the Greeley Grays, Laramie Colts and Cheyenne Grizzlies. A fifth team, the Parker Xpress, will make its debut this year.

Game time in Lorain
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Lorain wanted to be a baseball town. The city officially has its wish. Two baseball leagues will play their upcoming seasons at the Pipe Yard Stadium in Campana Park this summer. The Northern Ohio Semi-Professional Baseball League, out of Westlake, will play 25 doubleheaders between May 22 and July 26 and a tournament July 4th weekend. Meanwhile, the Erie Shores Collegiate League has signed up to play during the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before July 4th. "We have so many things in the works that I can't talk about now, but the least of my concerns is getting activity for the park," said Bob Renney, director for the city Parks Department, which helps run the facility off Meister Road.

Thanks to Rey Carrion for the photo.

Pilot error doomed Lidle flight
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Bad piloting doomed New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and his flight instructor, federal investigators said yesterday in their final report on why the duo's plane crashed into an Upper East Side apartment building. Lidle and Tyler Stanger misjudged how much space they needed to make a U-turn over the East River moments before their plane slammed into 524 E. 72 St., the National Transportation Safety Board said. The two "did not aggressively bank the airplane throughout the turn, nor did they use the full available width of the river," the NTSB said in a statement that blamed the crash on "inadequate planning, judgment and airmanship." After months of investigation, the NTSB could not determine whether Lidle or Stanger was at the controls of the Cirrus SR20, which had no flight-data or cockpit recorder.

New ballpark eats in Pensacola
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The Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) unveiled new food items at a public event yesterday. Three concession areas will be operating at the park this season. The first facility will be the permanent University of West Florida concession building to the left of the main entrance. Also, mobile kitchen trailers will be located down the left field line near the kids play area and behind the main grandstands, he said. New at the ballpark: healthy wraps and vegetarian selections.

Murcer returns to his baseball family
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Bobby Murcer returned to his position as a TV commentator for New York Yankees game broadcasts on the YES Network following his late December surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumor. Murcer, 60, said he's back to his normal work schedule. He plans to broadcast 50 games this year, and he has no doubt about his stamina.

Pirates season-ticket sales down 20 percent
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The Pittsburgh Pirates' sales of season tickets, a process that is pretty much complete after the opening month, is at 8,900 full-season equivalents and will finish at "approximately 9,000," according to Brian Chiera, senior director of marketing and sales. The previous year, that number was 11,320, spelling a 20 percent loss. The drop is the most dramatic since 2002, the year after PNC Park opened -- the total was 17,062 in the record-setting inaugural season -- and the new number will be the lowest since 2004, when it was 7,752.

MTSU ballpark 'slightly behind' schedule
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MTSU's new ballpark might not be completed by opening day of 2008. The process for a $5 million renovation to Reese Smith Field is "slightly behind schedule," according to MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro. MTSU hoped to break ground on the facility immediately following BlueCross Spring Fling, which ends May 26. Instead, the start of construction will likely be delayed until mid-June at the earliest. MTSU will not open a 30-day bidding process for contractors until next week.

Ballpark Notes
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The independent New York State League announced the signing of its first manager for the 2007 season. Former Proctor High School player and three-time All-Star Dave Cash has agreed to manage the Utica Brewmasters entry in the league. "We welcome Dave to the league and back to Utica," said NYSL Commissioner Jay Acton. "He gives our league tremendous credibility and we thank him for choosing to work with us in developing this Mohawk Valley professional showcase." The four-team league will play a 50-game schedule this summer at Murnane Field beginning July 3 and ending August 31. Cash had been a manager and instructor in the Baltimore Orioles organization for the past ten years. Cash plans to be in Utica in June to assist with tryout and organizational duties with the league.

Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix
Posted May 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A new twist has emerged at the Florida Legislature as proponents of more state funding for a new Florida Marlins ballpark now want to tie money to proceeds from an expansion of gambling in the state. The deal would work like this: The House hates gambling but wants to give a $60 million subsidy to the Marlins to build a retractable-roof ballpark. The Senate doesn't care for the Marlins ballpark but has already voted to allow parimutuels throughout the state to put in slot machines. So each chamber would hold its nose to pass a bill it dislikes to get something it badly wants. This is a huge deal on many levels, and given the Florida legislative session is set to end on Friday, there's doubt as to whether it could pass -- but it gives a flicker of life to Marlins ballpark funding, which had been written off as dead a day before. More from the Palm Beach Post.
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Uptown baseball step due tonight?
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The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) are still pushing to play ball in a new uptown ballpark by 2009. But that hinges on pending land swaps and an $8 million economic development grant from Mecklenburg County. The board of commissioners is expected to approve the land-swap agreements tonight. But that's just the first step. County officials are trying to assemble a number of key properties in uptown, including Spirit Square, a cultural arts center. The goal is to package and sell the land to private developers for a commercial and residential development. To do this, commissioners must cut deals with the city and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which own some of the land. None of this is impossible to do, but when you combine a larger number of public entities involved (each with their own agenda), you do get a complex situation. The bottom line is that there doesn't seem to be much public opposition to a new ballpark -- the Knights are willing to pay all construction costs if they can acquire free land, and fans seem to be tired of making the trek to Fort Mill to see a game) -- and that always helps a lot.
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Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy
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The city of Sarasota has suspended its efforts to secure a private development investment to close a $10 million funding gap for a new Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex. The city will not move forward in the process until officials determine how proposed property tax cuts pending in the state legislature will impact the city’s budget, interim city manager Peter Schneider said Monday morning, but practically speaking the delay may end up killing the project, leaving the Reds free to search for a new spring-training home. The city inked a deal with the Reds last year that would keep the baseball team training in Sarasota for another 30 years as long as the team gets a new complex estimated to cost $54 million. The $10 million in private investment was seen as a way to close a funding gap between what the Reds, state and local government would pay for the facility. More from the Bradenton Herald.
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Portland may extend lease with Sea Dogs
Posted May 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Portland City Council is considering a $3 million lease extension that would keep the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) at Hadlock Field until at least 2028. The 15-year extension would increase the Sea Dogs' rental payments on the Park Avenue ballpark and give the minor-league team a $1.7 million clubhouse at no additional cost to Portland taxpayers. The clubhouse for the Boston Red Sox-affiliated team would be built under the right-field stands and pavilion. The team's clubhouse is now in the Portland Exposition Building next door. While some councilors are ready to approve the proposed agreement, others question whether it's the best deal possible.

Willets Point's last man standing defiantly
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On the west side of 126th Street, the New York Mets are building themselves a new home, while three blocks away, in the rutted exhibit of planned urban neglect known as the Iron Triangle, Joe Ardizzone is just trying to save his old one. The higher the concrete towers and steel framework of Citi Field rise, the lower the hopes of Ardizzone sink. Ardizzone says there is no way the city or the Mets or any combination of the two will evict the one and only resident of Willets Point, N.Y. The Mets want to clean up the area around the new ballpark -- the Iron Triangle contains a lot of rusting metal in its junkyards -- but local business leaders are fighting the move. More on the new ballpark from the New York Times.

Bowling Green getting closer to bringing in minor-league team, ballpark
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Bowling Green city commissioners took a formal but tentative step toward a $200-million downtown redevelopment project last week, a deal that would bring a minor-league baseball team to a downtown ballpark for a Class A team, build a parking garage and commercial development, and even expand to bring projects on or near Western Kentucky University’s campus under a special tax district. The original proposal for a TIF district covered only the downtown blocks suggested for a ballpark, parking garage, hotel, Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center and Circus Square Park, and was estimated to include about $119 million in development. Expanding it to include more projects, such as the proposed Boulevards at Bowling Green commercial and residential redevelopment next to Western’s campus on Center and Kentucky streets, will push the TIF district over a crucial threshold, said Rick Kelley, chairman of baseball-promoting organization Play Ball! ’05. Art Solomon, owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), has committed to bring a team to Bowling Green as early as 2008, playing at WKU's Nick Denes Field if necessary. More from the Bowling Green Daily News.
    RELATED STORIES: Baseball coalition to swing for OK; Baseball owner makes the pitch in Bowling Green

Visitors spent $170 million during spring training
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Out-of-state Cactus League fans spent an estimated $170 million in Arizona this year, up 54 percent from 2003, according to preliminary results of a fan survey conducted this spring. Attendance increased 14 percent during that time to 1.2 million fans, with nearly three out of five fans coming from out-of-state. FMR Associates of Tucson did the survey of more than 2,400 fans over several weeks in March for the Arizona Office of Tourism and Cactus League Association. The overall economic impact of Cactus League baseball has grown to nearly $311 million, from $202 million four years ago. That includes a multiplier effect added to the direct visitor spending of $170 million.

In memoriam: Edo Vanni
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It is impossible to write about the history of baseball in the Pacific Northwest -- or of the Pacific Coast League in general -- without discussing Edo Vanni. In his lifetime, Vanni was employed by every Seattle baseball franchise except the Mariners, who, in recognizing his contribution to the game, were compelled to offer him a lifetime pass. Vanni died Monday of congestive heart failure at a Bellevue assisted care facility. He recently turned 89. Vanni was best known as the last original member of the Seattle Rainiers, the PCL franchise that operated from 1938 to 1964 and maintained a permanent hold on him. He was a rookie right fielder for the first Rainiers team and managed the final one. He served as general manager for the Seattle Angels, which operated from 1965 to 1968. When the big leagues finally came to town in 1969, Vanni was installed as director of group ticket sales and special events for the Seattle Pilots. His baseball résumé also included playing or managing stints, or both, in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Victoria, Wenatchee and Yakima, and one year away from the Northwest, in Birmingham, Ala. As a player, he was known as a hard-nosed hustler who never shied away from a fight. More from the Seattle Times.

In Bronx, ballpark change no facade
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It seems a little ironic that one of the most impassioned pleas to keep the current Yankee Stadium comes from a Baltimore sportswriter, but here it is, as Peter Schmuck argues against a new ballpark. We'd argue, of course, that the current Yankee Stadium isn't the same as the original Yankee Stadium -- that old ballpark ceased to exist in the 1970s -- and that what's there now isn't worthy of historic preservation. That most of New York City seems to agree tells volumes: a city known for its commitment to historic preservation hasn't seen any protests against the idea of tearing down the current Yankee Stadium. More on the new ballpark from the New York Times.

Oaks' attendance way up
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Through Sunday’s game, the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) are on pace to draw almost 100,000 people this season, which would be a heck of an accomplishment for a team that plays in the smallest ballpark in the California League and has long ranked at or near the bottom of the league in attendance. Oaks president Tom Seidler said before the start of the season that the goal was 80,000 in attendance. Through 10 home games, the Oaks have averaged 1,417, putting them on pace to draw 99,190 people for the season. The Oaks usually have hovered around 60,000 fans a season

Final report due in Cory Lidle plane crash
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Six months after the fiery plane crash that killed New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle, there is scant hard evidence to explain exactly what led to the accident in the heart of New York City. The 34-year-old righthander was killed Oct. 11 after finishing the baseball season with the Yankees. His flight instructor, Tyler Stanger, also died when Lidle's plane slammed into a midtown Manhattan high-rise. The National Transportation Board was to meet Tuesday to review a final report on the accident, but documents show investigators have had surprisingly little to go on.

Play ball -- and make money
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Mary-Jane Foster is CEO of the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League). A charter member of the Atlantic League, the team begins its tenth season May 4 in the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. A year ago co-founders Foster and husband Jack McGregor bought out majority owner Mickey Herbert, who left to become CEO of managed-care company ConnectiCare. The team hopes to make 2007 its first profitable season.

Family business: Skip Caray joins son in Rome Braves' radio booth
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Going from the major leagues to low-Class A ball is usually viewed as a massive demotion. Skip Caray considered it a pleasure. The legendary Atlanta Braves broadcaster was at State Mutual Stadium on Sunday, and joined his son, Josh, in the Rome Braves' (Low Class A; Sally League) broadcast booth for several innings of Rome’s game against the Savannah Sand Gnats.

Reinsdorf close to purchase of H-Sens
Posted April 30, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A deal to sell the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) to International Facilities Group, L.L.C. of Northbrook, Ill., appears imminent, with an announcement coming this week, sources close to negotiations told the Patriot-News. IFG, behind managing director Michael Reinsdorf, son of Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, outlasted and outbid several competitors to purchase the minor league baseball club from the city of Harrisburg, the sources said. Barring any unexpected developments, sources disclosed that only minor contractual issues remain before an agreement is finalized.
    RELATED STORIES: Talks continue between Reinsdorf, city over Sens deal; Mayor: Harrisburg negotiating with one firm for sale of Senators; City still in talks to sell Senators

Guilty plea widens baseball's steroids scandal
Posted April 30, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A former New York Mets clubhouse assistant pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in San Francisco to distributing performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of former and current Major League Baseball players for a 10-year period, the latest blow to a sport that has been battered by the issue of steroid use. Kirk Radomski, 37, who worked as a bat boy, equipment manager and clubhouse assistant for the Mets from 1985-95, admitted to selling banned drugs, including anabolic steroids, amphetamines and human growth hormone, from 1995 through 2005, according to a plea agreement filed in the United States District Court in the Northern District of California. More ominously for baseball: Radomski has been working with federal steroids investigators since that raid, according to Matt Parrella, an assistant United States attorney. Assisting those investigations typically includes providing background information, going undercover, recording telephone conversations and setting up transactions that are monitored by authorities. No doubt we'll see the feds name names at some point; the issue is to the extent Radomski can name names.

Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session
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In what's become an annual tradition, a state funding plan for a new Florida Marlins ballpark is coming down to the wire, with the current legislative session slated to end this Friday. The state House has already approved a $60 million sales tax rebate to cover a gap in the ballpark's financing plan. But the final say will come from the Senate, which has been far less supportive of the idea in a tight budget year. Also, it has far meatier issues facing votes in the session's final week, including a $70 billion-plus state budget and possibly a major property tax cut package.
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O-Royals make lemonade out of lemons with "Alex Gordn" bobblehead
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Alex Gordon may have skipped over the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) on his way to the bigs (though his .162 average coming into Sunday would seem to portend a trip to Rosenblatt Stadium soon), but that didn't stop the O-Royals from holding a bobblehead giveaway Saturday night. It didn't go quite the way O-Royals officials anticipated: when the bobblehead came from the manufacturer, it featured a misspelling of Gordon's name. All fans who receive the misspelled bobblehead Saturday night also received a voucher for a correct one. And, to poke a little fun at the error, the Royals Powerade team members handed out "O's" to the first 1,500 fans who received the bobblehead.

Aberdeen ballpark deal may be redone
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After weeks of exploring the sale of Ripken Stadium, the home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds (short season; NY-Penn League), the mayor of Aberdeen said he believes a restructuring of the original agreements between the city and Cal Ripken Jr. may be the more likely remedy to stem the city's losses. A 2006 report showed the six-year-old ballpark could need $2 million worth of repairs in the next five to 10 years. To date, the city has not set aside any money for the fund because of annual losses that have topped as high as $400,000. Under a new funding agreement, Ripken could provide the city with money to offset losses until revenue from peripheral development comes in, Simmons said. Ripken, in turn, could possibly receive a percentage of that revenue once the cash starts arriving. The city will probably bring in a consultant to work out a deal.
    RELATED STORIES: Aberdeen ballpark deal is taking shape; Senator pushes plan for Ripken Stadium; Aberdeen may sell Ripken ballpark

Steinbrenner: Yankees are not for sale
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The latest suitor for the New York Yankees has apparently been told by owner George Steinbrenner that the team is not on the market. According to a report in the New York Post, Cablevision Chairman Chuck Dolan dined with Steinbrenner about two weeks ago and raised the issue of a possible purchase of the Yankees. Steinbrenner -- not missing a beat -- immediately shot the notion down. Cablevision already owns Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and some minor-league operations. With the Yankees in some turmoil -- in last place and with Joe Torre's job on the line -- we can't see Steinbrenner selling now, especially before a new ballpark is slated to open.

Funds and games for the A's
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More on Cisco Field, the proposed new home of the Oakland Athletics, replacing McAfee Coliseum. What managing owner Lew Wolff has planned is pretty remarkable: he's planning a very small facility (now around 32,000 seats, apparently) that seems to designed to use high tech to coax every potential dollar out of a patron. For instance, here's what Wolff says about what happens before the game: "In the batter's-eye area in center field, that will open up into a public park where fans can look into the stadium before the game and watch batting practice. At game time, the area will close up and we'll provide either a feed of the game if it's sold out or a movie for people to enjoy. The area will also open up to our version of Yawkey Way, about a half-million square feet of shopping areas." Of course, the team will do everything electronically so you don't have nasty things like ticket scalpers.
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Downtown Yonkers renewal plan pitched
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Developers seeking to transform downtown Yonkers will host a public presentation this week to follow up two last week. The information campaign is part of Struever Fidelco Cappelli's efforts to win public and government support for reinventing four large parcels around City Hall. The $1.5 billion proposal includes uncovering parts of the Saw Mill River, which runs under downtown. It will be the topic of a Thursday luncheon hosted by the partnership of three developers during Yonkers Business Week. The extensive redevelopment project includes a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team.

In memoriam: Josh Hancock
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St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Josh Hancock was killed early Sunday morning in an accident on Highway 40 (Interstate 64), just east of Compton Avenue. Hancock's Ford Explorer slammed into the rear of a tow truck that was parked in the far left westbound lane shortly after 12:30 a.m. The tow truck driver, who was seated in the vehicle at the time, was unhurt. He told police that his emergency lights were on, and that he honked his horn when he saw the Explorer approaching in his rear view mirror. St. Louis police chief Joe Mokwa said the truck driver saw Hancock's SUV swerve just before it hit the tow truck. Alcohol is not considered to be a factor in the accident. The Cardinals canceled Sunday night’s game against the Cubs, and will reschedule it for a date later this season.

McHenry County pulls off a double play
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Whether Illinois's McHenry County can support two new ballparks remains to be seen. The details on both: McHenry County College is moving ahead with a plan for a 6,500-seat ballpark anchored by an independent Frontier League team, while a group in nearby Harvard is proposing a privately financed ballpark to house a four-team summer-collegiate league, to the tune of $3 million. Think about it: the proposal is to spend $3 million on a facility that will host 40 summer-collegiate games.
    RELATED STORIES: MCC ballpark for Frontier League gets OK; McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility; Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

Safeco Field views: Going ... going ... gone?
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From the upper concourse of Safeco Field, dubbed "Lookout Landing," fans can enjoy spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, ferries crossing Elliott Bay and the Space Needle soaring above Seattle's skyline. But these iconic vistas could be partly blocked by new office and residential towers that developer Greg Smith hopes to someday build just northwest of the ballpark. Smith said new buildings, with restaurants and shops at street level and hundreds of people living above them, could help create a bustling stadium district and enliven nearby Pioneer Square. Truth be told, the view from Safeco Field has already been marred recently with the addition of a hotel and Qwest Field beyond left field; we're guessing some sort of additional development is inevitable.

Ballpark concerts strike chord
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Outdoor concerts like the one being planned for Lynx Stadium this summer -- with several opening acts and headliners Nickelback -- are offering the poorly attended facility a glimmer of hope. "We feel strongly this is Ottawa's answer and solution to an outdoor amphitheatre," said Lynx general manager Kyle Bostwick. Lynx owner Ray Pecor, who leases the ballpark from the city, says the facility lose $1 million a year since 2000 due to low attendance at Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) games. Though the Lynx are headed to Allentown for the 2008 season, the future of Lynx Stadium isn't necessarily dire: if the facility can be scaled down for an independent Can-Am Association team, baseball and concerts could make for a solid future.

Visalia faced with paying for ballpark
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Faced with a ballpark renovation that's at least twice as expensive as originally anticipated, city officials are now focusing their attention on how to pay for the work. City Council members unanimously approved major reconstruction at Recreation Park, the 61-year-old home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). But while baseball fans cheered, the city left unanswered the biggest question: Where will the estimated $11.6 million come from? Depending on which financing option the city chooses, the price could go up even more -- to perhaps as much as $14 million.
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League boss makes move for ballpark
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Dave Kaval, CEO of the independent Golden Baseball League, has long been interested in Vacaville, and that interest seems only to have intensified since closure of Travis Credit Union Park was announced last week. Kaval has wanted to bring a professional independent minor league baseball team to Vacaville for years, and said Friday, that desire has not waned. The league wants to place a team in the park for the 2008 season; it sounds like a win-win for all involved.
    RELATED STORIES: Former owner cries foul; city balks; Officials: Vacaville can't save ballpark

Bisons GM is a fixture at Dunn Tire Park
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Mike Buczkowski, one of the longest-tenured employees of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League), joined the team in 1987 when games were played in War Memorial Stadium on Jefferson Avenue. He is the longest-serving general manager in its 122-year history. He assumed his current post in 1993 and also is the longest-tenured sports general manager in Buffalo. Ask him about walking into Dunn Tire Park and he'll tell you that it isn't a job but rather, a labor of love. Baseball is his life. He said his wife, Alice, and their two children are the only things that supplant his love for the game.

Could new ballpark save Oakland County's Summit Place?
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An independent-baseball ballpark has been proposed by a group of Waterford businessmen as a way to rejuvenate Summit Place, a mall in Oakland County. To say that Detroit is an untapped market for minor-league baseball is an understatement: the Tigers may have killed previous proposal for competition, but there are too many cities and municipalities looking to add baseball to the mix. The independent Frontier and Northern leagues have worked those markets in the past.

New concrete at Centene turns old park into a gem
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The rebuilding of Centene Stadium, home of the Great Falls White Sox (rookie; Pioneer League), is pretty much complete after years of work. Perhaps 100 yards of new cement has been poured in recent weeks as workers renovate the area down the right-field line that formerly housed old wooden bleachers. That rotting wooden grandstand is gone, and so is the equally outdated dugout on the first-base side. Instead there's new, wide-open, concrete-reinforced spacious digs for the visiting team and two new picnic areas directly behind where once the bleachers stood.

Independent thinking good for region's fans
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Peter Kirk of Opening Day Partners says his group is working to bring new independent Atlantic League franchises and teams to Northern Virginia and Montgomery County. Baseball in the Washington, D.C. tends to be a littlel dreary; there's a reason why the Washington Nationals and the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) both were seeking new ballparks in recent years.

Lane Field's legacy
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The former site of Lane Field, the longtime home of the original San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League from 1936 to 1957, is now a parking lot on the San Diego waterfront. The Port of San Diego, which owns the 5.7-acre parcel, is looking at a proposal from a private developer to turn the site into a cruise-ship terminal and retail center. The argument here is for the developer to note the history of the ballpark with some sort of marker or statue, perhaps of Ted Williams, who began his pro career as a teenager with the Padres when the ballpark opened.

An aerial view of San Diego's Lane Field and ships in the harbor, July 29, 1936.
Photo courtesy of the San Diego Historical Society.

Speed dating in the stands
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This isn't a new trend, but one coming to several ballparks this summer: speed dating. The idea is simple: a group of singles has short chats with members of the opposite sex, and at the end of the evening results are tallies -- with the desired outcome a future date. This story concerns speed dating at home games of the Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am Association). To be honest, a few GMs have told us speed dating works well the first few times and then the novelty wears off.

New USC ballpark will need a rally to make it on time
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The State's Ron Morris says it will be a stretch to see a new ballpark at the University of South Carolina open on Feb. 22, 2008. USC officials say it's doable, but they admit they're a little nervous about the prospects. With site work still being done on the $28 million project, USC will need every potential work day to complete the project; a stretch of unseasonably wet weather could delay the project. Still, it wouldn't be the end of the world if the ballpark wasn't totally completed on Opening Day -- truth be known, not all baseball facilities are -- and it wouldn't be the end of the world if the Gamecocks played some nonconference games at Sarge Frye Field.
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Boone confident ballpark will be expanded
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Ole Miss athletic director Pete Boone said he's well aware that there's a financial problem with the proposed expansion of Oxford-University Stadium. The program was surprised when it received bids from construction companies interested in renovating and expanding the baseball stadium two weeks ago. Instead of the $10 to $12 million estimate established by Jackson-based architecture firm Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons, two companies placed bids around $18 million. Boone said he, the administration and the architects are trying to figure out why the two bids for the project were $6 million higher than projected.
    RELATED STORIES: Plans to revamp UM field in limbo

Atmosphere and success drives support -- inside, outside ballpark
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Self-professed "computer geek" Greg Allen and his friends are trying to preserve a valuable slice of nature. It's a modest green square outside the left-field fence at the Ole Miss ballpark, Oxford-University Stadium. And it's a great place to watch a college game for free. On a recent Sunday, Allen and Company were under tents they'd pitched on Friday afternoon in their usual spot, with a good view of the Rebels' baseball field. A proposed renovation of the ballpark could eliminate this vantage point.