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Archives: Aug. 19-25, 2007

Lessons for the Lerners: what to steal from other ballparks
Posted Aug. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Post's Marc Fisher visits a few other major-league parks and asks what lessons can be applied to the new Washington Nationals ballpark. It's probably a little late in the process for the Nationals to be looking at adding some big architectural features as he suggests, but at the core of his argument is something basic: the Nationals need to pay more attention to customer service and do the little things right. This isn't actually stealing from other ballparks; it's stealing from any other company that's successful in pleasing customers.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals' new ballpark progressing rapidly
Posted Aug. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It had better be, as the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) are moving to Springdale, Ark. next season and playing as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. GM Eric Edelstein reports in on the progress made on the new ballpark: "The entire field is now surrounded by the concrete walls which will divide it from the seats. The bullpens are carved out into the outfield wall, as well as the space where we’ll house our 1, 200-square-foot rolling concert stage. You read that correctly; there will be a full size concert stage permanently stored at the new ballpark." This is a fun time in building a new ballclub; it sounds like Eric's having a good experience.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Trenton Thunder unveil new logo, unis
Posted Aug. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) unveiled new logos and uniforms that will be used during the 2008 season at a press conference held in Waterfront Park’s Yankee Club and Conference Center on Thursday afternoon. The new primary logo features an animated cloud holding a lightning bolt and incorporates the navy blue found in the New York Yankees color scheme. The new alternate logo is an animated lightning bolt holding a bat to form a T. The new primary logo will be worn on the home and road team caps starting next season. The alternate logo will be used on the team’s batting practice caps. Fans are able to purchase merchandise featuring the new logo in the Thunder Company Store at Waterfront Park and online at trentonthunder.com. Caps, adult t-shirts, adult long-sleeve t-shirts, adult sweatshirts, adult polos, youth t-shirts, novelty baseballs and Thunder pennants are all available now. You can view the logo, alternate logo and uniform design in this PDF. More from phillyburbs.com.

Rai Henniger to make public appearance at Security Service Field
Posted Aug. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Rai Henniger will make his first public appearance since his accident this Sunday, August 26 at Security Service Field before the Colorado Springs Sky Sox final regular-season home game. The game, already dubbed as "Rai Henniger Day," is scheduled for a 1:05 p.m. start and Henniger will be on the field to address the crowd at approximately 12:50 p.m.. Also, as part of the day’s festivities, the Sky Sox will hold an in-game silent auction and post-game live auction of sports memorabilia with all proceeds benefiting the Rai Henniger Family Fund. The Sky Sox will also donate a portion of the day’s ticket proceeds to the fund so fans will be able to help the Hennigers just by attending the game. The auction will feature numerous items of memorabilia from both major and minor league sports including Major League Baseball, the NFL, NASCAR, college sports, the Sky Sox and much more.

RiverDogs set attendance record
Posted Aug. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For the eighth time in the 11-year history of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) have set a Charleston professional baseball attendance record for a single season. The old mark of 267,908, which was set in 2006, was broken Thursday evening when 4,341 fans clicked the turnstiles at The Joe to push the season attendance to 269,785 with four home games left to play. In 65 openings of the gates this season, the RiverDogs are averaging 4,151 fans per game. The RiverDogs started the year on the right foot, as 8,426 fans packed Riley Park on opening day to set a new pro baseball single-game record for the City of Charleston. On July 3, 7,931 showed up to witness an early Independence Day fireworks display.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Albuquerque Isotopes Head Groundskeeper Jarad Alley has been named Pacific Coast League Sports Turf Manager of the Year by vote of the League’s 16 field managers, the PCL announced today. Alley, who has been with the 'Topes since the team’s inception in 2003, presided over the field during the Triple-A All-Star Game at Isotopes Park this July and was instrumental in making it sparkle for a national television audience. It is the consistency of the surface that has drawn rave reviews from PCL managers, though, as Alley and his staff keep the grounds in premium condition despite playing host to an entire Isotopes season, a full slate of New Mexico Lobos baseball games, and numerous other events held at the ballpark....As a congratulatory reward for having made the playoffs this season, Lucchese Boot Company is awarding the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association) with a free pair of cowboy boots. The Diablos will be receiving their gifts on Friday morning....

New R-Braves ballpark on hold
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Richmond's search for a developer for the Boulevard has put any decision on a new ballpark on hold -- even though the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) offered more money for a deal. But despite the team's impatience, local government and business officials say they're relieved by a three-year lease extension this week for The Diamond that they hope gives everyone some breathing room. Richmond plans to hire a consultant next month to run a nationwide search for developers to transform the park and surrounding area along the Boulevard, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Harry E. Black said yesterday.
     RELATED STORIES: On Boulevard, but where?; Wilder letter demanded deed to Diamond; Officials hold brief meeting on ballpark options; Baseball talks a sign of hope?; Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard; Status quo endures at The Diamond; Diamond's status is still uncertain; Polishing the Diamond; Atlanta just might hold all the cards; Braves sell out The Diamond -- thanks to American Idol; Wilder tells council that Richmonders have no problems with Diamond; City, R-Braves see need for new talks; City of Richmond, Braves down to last few swings; Richmond talks about new ballpark -- without the R-Braves; What do the Braves mean to Richmond?; R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals; Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered; Communications breakdown in Richmond; Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark; Wilder worries about silence from Braves; Developer joins ballpark initiative; Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond; Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says; Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three; R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or we're history; Minor attractions in Richmond; Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom; New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes debate; Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems dead; Atlanta Braves may be up for sale; News expected in Richmond ballpark situation; Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark; Developers threaten historic slave-trade site; Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects; Richmond ballpark gets financial backer; Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond; Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?; Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark; Braves again make pitch for ballpark; Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?; City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

For Reds, no rush to vacate Sarasota
Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (discuss)
The city of Sarasota and the Cincinnati Reds are working to salvage a beleaguered spring-training deal after a key piece of the project's funding all but fell through this week. Some city commissioners have pronounced the plan to renovate Ed Smith Stadium dead if county commissioners do not approve $22 million to help pay for it, something that county officials said Tuesday was unlikely to happen. But Reds executives say the baseball team is in no rush to leave Sarasota despite the latest blow to their 30-year deal with the city. "All of our efforts are toward making this deal happen," said Dick Williams, director of business operations for the Reds. "Until we know for sure that it can't happen, we're going to do our best to find a deal."
    RELATED STORIES: Reds spring ballpark deal dealt a major blow; Ballpark negotiations over; now to sell it; Reds official sizes up Sarasota; Replacement for Dodgers in Vero may be near; Sarasota approves Ed Smith project vote; Ballpark issues in Sarasota; Reds spring ballpark plan hinges on 3 votes; Significantly scaled-back plan is weighed for Reds' spring home; Why Sarasota may spurn baseball; What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?; Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach; New Reds spring-complex deal on life support; 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

Facing the music: Swing owner-to-be hopes to connect with fans
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As fans enter John O’Donnell Stadium for a Swing of the Quad Cities (Class A; Midwest League) game these days, they are greeted on the concourse by a tall, slender man wearing a broad smile. He says “hello,” then listens intently to what the fan has to say after he tells him that he is the prospective owner of the Quad-Cities’ Midwest League franchise. Dave Heller has spent much of the summer with his ears and eyes open as he gets to know the Quad-Cities and as the Quad-Cities gets to know one of the two impending owners of a franchise in its 48th year of operation.

Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark parcel
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
No surprise here. The owners of the downtown Minneapolis site where Hennepin County is building a new Minnesota Twins ballpark said they will appeal this week's condemnation decision valuing their land at $23.8 million. Aron Kahn, a spokesman for the group, said Wednesday the appeal will be filed soon. The landowners had argued the parcel was worth $65.375 million. The appeal would put the matter before a jury. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman has said he wouldn't anticipate a trial starting before January or February, although there is a court date set for November.
    RELATED STORIES: A new dispute on ballpark land figures; Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says condemnation panel; Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site; Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on value of ballpark site; Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up; Ballpark land was low-balled; Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts; Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; 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

Inspectors call foul on Medlar Field food
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) didn't pass muster Aug. 6, when they lost to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. And neither did some food concessions at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, where a health inspection found multiple problems that same day, according to a recent state report. The unannounced inspection, conducted by the state Department of Agriculture, found 17 violations. Eleven of those were critical, according to the report. All but six of the violations were easily corrected and fixed while inspectors were at the ballpark.

Ensuring the promise of D.C.'s new ballpark
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Marc Fisher has a pretty good look at the economic impact of new ballparks and how it may play out in Washington, D.C. There are instances where sporting facilities have demonstrably improved areas -- witness the amazing construction happening around Petco Park and the revitalization of areas surrounding Coors Field, Safeco Field, and D.C.'s Verizon Center. But there's not been a lot of economic activity surrounding Comerica Park, Jacobs Field and Great American Ball Park, though in the case of GABP the criticism may be a little unwarranted, as it was built to replace an existing facility. (Also, Cleveland's problems go a lot further than anything that can be solved by a ballpark.) Still, this is a fair look at what hasn't worked and why the D.C. ballpark could be different.

Faraway faithful
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Red Sox Nation loves to travel; more than once in our baseball journeys have we experienced larger-than-normal crowds in places like Baltimore and Tampa Bay because Boston is in town. By one reading, the Red Sox are the biggest draw on the road, certainly equaling the Yankees these days. This story tells what happens when Red Sox Nation descends on Tropicana Field.

Lighting work begins on McKechnie Field
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The installation of lights at McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a big deal and not exactly dissimilar to the installation of lights at Wrigley Field. McKechnie Field is the last spring-training ballpark to have lights installed, and the Pirates will finally be able to schedule night games in March. Locals were interested in seeing how the lights would look at the ballpark; we'll be there in March as well.
    RELATED STORIES: A brighter future in Bradenton?; McKechnie light pole breaks upon unloading

Texas 30, Baltimore 3
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Even the highlights were ugly. With a 30-3 victory over the Orioles in the first half of a doubleheader, the Texas Rangers set a modern-era record for most runs scored by one team in a game. They easily trumped the previous club record, also set against the Orioles, of 26 runs in a 1996 contest. No team had scored 30 runs since 1897, when the Chicago Colts scored 36 against the Louisville Colonels on June 29, 1897. Third-base coach Don Wakamatsu waved so many runners home that he joked between games that he "may need some ice" for his left shoulder, but Wakamatsu also spent the last few innings giving the stop sign to every runner he could as Texas tried not to run up the score.

Welcome to the Gulf Coast League
Posted Aug. 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Beyond the outfield walls of spring-training facilities like Roger Dean Stadium, Gulf Coast League players haul their equipment to fields to prepare for noon games. These outposts are at the bottom of the minor-league system, with rules prohibiting players 20 years of age or older from having more than two years of professional baseball experience. The 16-team, three-division league is spread across Florida spring training sites, but the teams only play within their divisions. Teams rotate opponents, never playing the same squad on consecutive days. The clubs based in Jupiter (Marlins and Cardinals) and Port St. Lucie (Mets) don't cross the state and don't travel more than 100 miles north during the regular season. There are no overnight road trips. The average salary is $1,100 a month, but after clubhouse dues, living expenses and taxes, checks are only a few hundred dollars. Most players cram into apartments or rent rooms from host families.

Reds spring ballpark deal dealt a major blow
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Financing for a deal to keep the Cincinnati Reds spring-training camp in Sarasota fell apart on Tuesday when Sarasota County officials declined to commit finding for the project. With the move, it is all but certain that the county will not help finance a $45 million plan to renovate Ed Smith Stadium for the baseball team's spring training. The county's $22 million share was the deal's linchpin. Without it, the state's $7 million contribution also evaporates. The city still wants to see the Reds stay in Sarasota; Vero Beach, start your engines.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark negotiations over; now to sell it; Reds official sizes up Sarasota; Replacement for Dodgers in Vero may be near; Sarasota approves Ed Smith project vote; Ballpark issues in Sarasota; Reds spring ballpark plan hinges on 3 votes; Significantly scaled-back plan is weighed for Reds' spring home; Why Sarasota may spurn baseball; What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?; Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach; New Reds spring-complex deal on life support; 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

Beavers announce "name-the-team" contest
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're a little saddened to see this. As part of their ongoing exploration into a potential team-name change, the Portland Beavers are inviting fans to provide feedback and rankings for a list of five names, including the current moniker, at portlandbeavers.com. The list of new nicknames under consideration includes: Green Sox, Sockeyes, Thorns and Wet Sox (shown below). On the team’s website, fans are able to rank their choices -- along with the current name, Beavers -- in order of preference. Recognizing that fan input is integral in a decision of this nature, the team recently conducted an online survey and utilized additional methods of polling, collecting input from more than 5,000 fans regarding a potential name change for the Triple-A team.
    The Portland Beavers name -- also known as the Bevos or the Lucky Beavers -- is one of the oldest in professional baseball. It was first used in 1905, with the Beavers name replacing the Portland Browns in the Pacific Coast League. Portland was quite the baseball town in those days -- the Portland Green Gages competed against the Browns in 1903, playing in the Pacific National League, and the Portland Buckaroos played in the Pacific Coast International League under Beavers ownership -- and over the last 100 years it's become synonymous with baseball in Portland. We'd hate to see the name disappear as a result of a quest for more merchandising revenue, but holding a contest like this to stir up interest in the team isn't totally bad.

UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins ballpark
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Miami leaders reacted Tuesday with both disappointment and optimism to news that the University of Miami is leaving the Orange Bowl for nicer digs at Dolphin Stadium: disappointment at the end of a South Florida sports tradition, but optimism that the move might pave the way for a long-awaited new ballpark to house the Florida Marlins. While UM's decision doesn't mean that a new Marlins ballpark is a done deal -- the club released only a noncommittal statement Tuesday -- it does free up as much as $88 million that the city and Miami-Dade County had identified as money for renovating the Orange Bowl to keep the Hurricanes there. Here's what the Marlins said in the notably unenthusiastic press release: "The Florida Marlins remain focused on building a retractable-roof baseball-only facility in South Florida. We will continue to work diligently with both Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami on this partnership. The urgency of this situation has been further crystallized by today's decision by the University of Miami." More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
    RELATED STORIES: Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled; University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08; Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?; Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; 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

Harwell heats up Tiger Stadium pitch
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ernie Harwell is making some progress on his quest to save Tiger Stadium, the former home of the Detroit Tigers. Harwell and partner Gary Spicer now hope to add boxing matches and amateur football to the amateur baseball games they already planned for the site. And they want to include about 10 acres of vacant parking lots near the ballpark in their redevelopment effort, too. In broad terms, the duo would reduce Tiger Stadium to about 10,000 to 14,000 seats (essentially the original Navin Field configuration) and hold amateur baseball games and gospel music concerts there. In the concourse areas of the ballpark, they would operate at least two museums -- one focusing on Detroit-oriented music, another housing some of Harwell's vast collection of baseball memorabilia. They say about 10 local companies, including the Avanti Press greeting-card company, want to explore relocating their offices to a revamped ballpark. They also presented a letter dated Tuesday from Emanuel Steward, president of Kronk Boxing International, expressing interest in relocating to the stadium. Much of the initial money for what Spicer estimated as a $90-million renovation would come from local family foundations willing to donate. Other money would come from office leases and other revenue generated by the ballpark. More from the Detroit News. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
    RELATED STORIES: Harwell: I can save Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium to be torn down; Tiger Stadium demolition plan close to vote; Wreck the old park; praise the new one; Detroit City Council delays action on Tiger Stadium demolition; City: Revisit Tiger Stadium plans; Today's video: The final days of Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium plan hits a snag; Tiger Stadium's fate divisive; Tiger Stadium: Up for auction?; Tiger Stadium outta here by '08; Time running out for Tiger Stadium; Dave Wright: Time to let Tiger Stadium go; Razing memories of 95-year-old Tiger Stadium before demolition work begins; Final farewell planned for Tiger Stadium; Old house is hard to forget; Once a baseball cathedral, Tiger Stadium now sits in disrepair; Memories of Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium demolition delayed; Progress is in the ballpark; Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger Stadium; Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off under city plan; Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site; Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

Playing ball in downtown Tulsa
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) could be in a very enviable position: having two municipalities compete for the privilege of building the team a new ballpark. Jim Norton, president of Downtown Tulsa Unlimited, says downtown Tulsa is the perfect location for a new Drillers ballpark and has communicated that to team owner Chuck Lamson. Two downtown sites controlled by the Tulsa Development Authority could conceivably be the site of the ballpark. The Drillers have already signed a nonbinding agreement for a new ballpark in a nearby Jenks development, but the key here is nonbinding -- Lamson says a move to Jenks is far from a done deal.
    RELATED STORIES: Jenks may lure Tulsa Drillers

Condos are back at Ballpark Village
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tossing aside earlier misgivings, the St. Louis Cardinals now say that plans for Ballpark Village next to the new Busch Stadium will include condominiums. The move was announced at Tuesday's meeting of the Missouri Development Finance Board, which agreed to direct $29.6 million in state money to the project. With the approval, city and team officials say construction of the $387 million complex could begin in late fall or early winter -- a timetable that should allow for a large part of the project to open by July 2009, when the new Busch Stadium hosts Major League Baseball's All-Star Game.

Ex-Mets clubby talks to Mitchell about steroids
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kirk Radomski, the former New York Mets clubhouse attendant who admitted selling steroids to scores of major leaguers, recently has provided names of users in a meeting with baseball's lead steroid investigator, George Mitchell, according to SI.com. Radomski, awaiting federal sentencing after pleading guilty to distributing steroids to "dozens of major leaguers," quietly met with Mitchell and provided names of former steroid clients, sources said. Radomski's plea and agreement to cooperate has been seen by some MLB people as baseball investigators' big break in the case, and indications are that he was the star witness they hoped for.

Minor-league umps balk on credit checks
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minor-league umpires yesterday voted against allowing Major League Baseball to perform credit checks on them because they aren't big-league employees. Minor league umps, just like their major-league colleagues, are opposed to expanded background checks that the baseball commissioner's office wants to perform in the wake of the NBA's referee betting scandal. Members of the Association of Minor League Umpires, the labor union that represents more than 200 minor league umps, were briefed on discussions between MLB and the AMLU during a conference call yesterday. In a vote, umpires then refused to sign away privacy rights to MLB.

A brighter future in Bradenton?
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Businesses around McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, want to see what an economic catalyst the ballpark will be once equipped with lights. It is part of an $18-million project to be completed by spring training 2008. Rick Sisto, owner of the Ball Park Deli & Sub Shop, a family business for 28 years, said his business will stay open on game nights instead of closing at 6 p.m. "Our biggest draw is the ballpark and I would love to see the city just utilize it - concerts, junior college baseball," he said. "Lights would definitely help, in general, just cleaning up the area. I'd like to see the city...put in some streetlights, redo sidewalks. It would add a lot to this downtown area." Popi's Ballpark Cafe, owned by Gus Johnson, serves breakfast and lunch, but Johnson would consider keeping the restaurant open, too. His and Sisto's are the only restaurants around McKechnie aside from a Domino's Pizza next door.

Efforts start to save Puerto Rican league
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A weekend after the Puerto Rican winter league announced plans to cancel the season, efforts are underway to salvage part of the schedule. MLB executives and Puerto Rican officials will meet Sept. 6 to discuss the state of the six-team league, and some current players have expressed to their union a desire to keep alive a circuit that has played 70 consecutive seasons. About 150 players, most of them low-salaried minor leaguers, will be left without winter jobs if the league goes through with plans to call off the season, which were announced Thursday. In addition, MLB teams would be deprived of a reliable and convenient outlet for developing youngsters in the offseason.

Offerman challenges arrest in bat attack
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The minor-league pitcher involved in the fight for which Jose Offerman is facing two counts of second-degree assault after charging the mound with a bat has been suspended for his role in the incident. The independent Atlantic League also fined Matt Beech of the Bridgeport Bluefish an undisclosed amount. Long Island Ducks catcher Jared Price also was fined and suspended two games. Beech hit Offerman with a pitch Aug. 14 and the former major league All-Star infielder, who had homered in his first at-bat, charged the mound. During the ensuing melee, the middle finger on Beech's non-throwing hand was broken and Bridgeport catcher John Nathans suffered a concussion. An attorney for Offerman said Tuesday his client should not have been arrested for the attack, challenging charges that he struck Beech and Nathans with his bat. The description of the attack is reminiscent of another famous baseball brawl, when Giants Hall of Famer Juan Marichal crowned Los Angeles Dodgers catcher John Roseboro with a Louisville Slugger, touching off a 14-minute brawl between the two diamond rivals that ended with another Giants immortal, Willie Mays, helping the bleeding Dodger backstop off the field.
    RELATED STORIES: Ducks' Offerman suspended after assault charges

Steam, six other TCL teams file to pull out of summer league
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the decision by seven teams in the summer-collegiate Texas Collegiate League to withdraw. It's not clear whether the seven teams actually want to form their own league: some of the owners say they want to explore the notion, but a lawsuit filed by TCL Chairman and Chief Executive Gerald Haddock is trying to prevent that from happening. The summer-collegiate world is one that's rapidly changing: Haddock was thinking big and trying to emulate the Northwoods League and the Coastal Plain League, while the dissident TCL owners want to scale things back and operate on a more modest level.
    RELATED STORIES: Texas Collegiate League sues seven teams in effort to preserve league

Goldeyes think promotion is barking mad
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Management of the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) took a shot at their former Northern League rivals, the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association), for a promotion last night where the team gave away dog chew toys in the colors of the Atlanta Falcons and the No. 7 to the first 1,500 fans in attendance in honor of NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who is accused of funding a dogfighting gambling ring and torturing dogs that didn't perform in the fights.  "The reality is they are capitalizing on a bad situation. I love the St. Paul franchise, but that's what's happening," Goldeyes director of marketing Dan Chase said last night. "They've been know to do that in the past and I guess it works for them." For the record, we thought the promotion was crass: it had nothing to do with pleasing local fans and everything to do with gaining the team some cheap press. It worked.

The Hagy way
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yeah, "Wild Bill" Hagy could be a little loud, And crass. And embarrassing, if truth be known. But he represents the kind of passionate baseball fan that seems to be harder and harder to find at major-league ballparks. (Conversely, we run across them all the time in minor-league parks.) The Baltimore Sun says there's a disconnect these days between Orioles fans and the team: Oriole Park at Camden Yards is still a great place to watch a game, but the atmosphere there is considerable more corporate and straitlaced than it was in 1983 when you'd see Hagy incite the crowd with cheers.
    RELATED STORIES: In memoriam: "Wild Bill" Hagy

Ila Borders: One of the guys
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If she hadn't possessed some skill, the story of Ila Borders would be remembered today as an exercise in cynicism. But Borders could pitch, and her aversion to publicity as a hurler with the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) marked her as someone serious about the game. Borders pitched a decade ago for the Saints, the Duluth-Superior Dukes and the Madison Black Wolf in the Northern League; she retired after compiling a 2-4, 6.73 ERA record. What we most remember about her is the throng of kids -- mostly girls, but some boys -- following her around, seeking autographs. She was subject to a lot of attention both good and bad, and she handled it with a remarkable amount of grace and patience.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dave Burke will be taking over as GM of the Grand Prairie AirHogs (independent; American Association), leaving the same post with the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League). Burke brings over 16 years of sales and baseball management experience to the post. He was named Executive of the Year by the Florida State League in 2001 and also by the New York-Penn League in 2006....Kevin Davidson is the new coordinator of baseball operations for the independent South Coast League. Davidson, who has been with the company since October of 2006, had previously held the title of director of media relations. In his new role, he will act as a liaison for the players and managers in dealing with day to day issues. During the off-season, he will play a vital role in organizing tryout camps, hiring player personnel and officials, and overseeing the baseball operations department from the league level.

Woman rejects ballpark marriage proposal
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
File this under "man bites dog." During last night's Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Park, one potential bride apparently was caught by surprise with an unexpected marriage proposal. With the couple highlighted on the big screen, the mood soured after the man took a knee to offer an engagement ring. Wearing a brick-red replica Astros jersey, the woman appeared to angrily dump a bag of popcorn on the man before rushing up the stairs amid a chorus of boos. After the top of the sixth, the man left amid cheers from the sympathetic crowd. "If it was an act, she put on a good one," said manager Phil Garner. "She looked totally surprised and then totally mad."

Missouri panel approves Ballpark Village aid
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A $387-million plan to build shops, restaurants, offices and condominiums near the St. Louis Cardinals' ballpark won the backing Tuesday of a state board that dishes out financial aid. Approval by the Missouri Development Finance Board moved the long-proposed Ballpark Village significantly closer to reality. After the city of St. Louis issues revenue bonds, groundbreaking could occur yet this fall, said Cardinals senior vice president Bill DeWitt III. The goal is to have a substantial part of the project complete by July 2009, when Busch Stadium hosts the Major League Baseball All-Star game. The rest of the project could take several more years to finish.

Jenks may lure Tulsa Drillers
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The River District, a proposed $1 billion attraction on the west bank of the Arkansas River in Jenks, could also become the new home for the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League). The ball club's president, Chuck Lamson, said Monday the franchise had signed a nonbinding letter of intent with the River District Development Group to create a 7,000-seat ballpark within the 300-acre, multifaceted venue. The team's lease at Drillers Stadium ends at the end of the 2009 season. Although Lamson said nothing is final and that the baseball club hasn't ruled out other locations, including downtown Tulsa, the owners should have something more definite to say about the Jenks site within the next month or two as they work out lease details. Drillers Stadium has 11,000 seats -- which is actually too many, Lamson said. The Jenks site would have 7,000 seats with extra room for more hospitality and features that would make it a state-of-the-art ballpark as well as a destination point, with plenty of things to do before and after the game, he said.

D-Rays hold groundbreaking for new spring-training facility
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays broke ground on their $27.2 million spring training complex Monday in Port Charlotte. The facility, located on State Road 776, was once used by the Texas Rangers and is expected to be ready by February 2009. The Devil Rays currently play spring-training games at St. Pete's Al Lang Field and train at the Naimoli complex. But the team, hoping to expand its small fan base, will relocate its spring-training base 70 miles south of St. Pete in an effort to reach a new market. The new ballpark will feature a tiki bar, kids zone, berm, restaurant, suites and boardwalk patio. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see what happens with the Charlotte County Redfish (independent; South Coast League), in year one of a three-year contract to play at the ballpark. Charlotte County officials say they'll do everything to keep the ballpark open during construction, but it's hard to believe there won't be any inconveniences. Plus, the Devil Rays have talked about putting a High Class A Florida State League team there once construction is complete. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Eric Ernst, the Tampa Tribune and the News-Press.

A new dispute on ballpark land figures
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the valuation decision handed down yesterday in the matter of a key parcel of land for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark. It is a Byzantine tale, to be sure, but we're not sure it's as complicated as portrayed here, and before jumping to conclusions it would be best to talk to the grownups (i.e., county attorneys) involved in the process, rather than county commissioners and media reps for the landowners. We're not entirely sure the Star Tribune reporting is accurate here, however; one contentious issue has been attorneys' fees in the matter, and by our math the county does not owe millions in fees to Land Partners II and Hines, based on our discussions yesterday with state experts on eminent domain. But it depends on the definition of what constitutes an offer from the county.
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McKechnie light pole breaks upon unloading
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The baseball gods may not be too pleased with the decision to install lights at McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last field in spring training without lights, McKechnie Field is slated to have lights installed this month. A 130-foot, concrete-and-steel pole intended to go behind the right field bleachers, fell and broke into three pieces while being unloaded Monday. It was one of two light poles transported to the ballpark.

Norwich Council seeking answers on Dodd proposal
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Norwich City Council wants to see issues involving back-lease payments and equipment purchases resolved before it votes on spending $610,000 on improving Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium, the home of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League). Officials from the city's Baseball Stadium Authority explained the proposed expenditures during a public hearing Monday, saying timing was of critical importance. The major cost, $190,000 to resod the playing field at the minor league professional baseball stadium, must be done this fall, according to the city's lease with the Defenders. The authority hopes to put the project out to bid as soon as the council approves the ordinance. More from the Norwich Bulletin.
    RELATED STORIES: Defenders, city meet over rent bill

Westling to resign as SWB radio man
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kent Westling, the radio voice of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons and Yankees (Class AAA; International League) baseball team for the last 19 years, announced his resignation Monday night, effective at the end of the season. Westling broadcast the first Red Barons game on April 6, 1989, in Rochester and has been behind the microphone for more than 2,600 games. "After 19 years as the play-by-play broadcaster for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, I've accomplished all I set out originally to do," Westling said. “Now, I want to focus on a new professional challenge -- one that allows me to spend more time with my wife and daughter. Therefore, I’ve decided the 2007 season will be my final one."

In memoriam: "Wild Bill" Hagy
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Whatever happened to superfans, those colorful folks you'd find at every game at every major-league ballpark? Except for Cleveland's John Adams and Chicago's Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers, we can't really think of any, and the game is diminished by their absence. What got us thinking about this is the death of "Wild Bill" Hagy, a fixture at Baltimore Orioles games at Memorial Stadium. Here's what the Baltimore Sun said about Hagy: "You didn't have to know Hagy personally to appreciate him. He was the living, breathing, cowboy hat-waving embodiment of Baltimore that will always make you smile no matter where the world has taken you. He was blue-collar, pot-bellied and, indeed, wild. He had scraggly hair and matching beard, and a can of beer permanently attached to his hand. And he loved Dem Oreos -- especially those of Eddie and Singy, Flanny and Scotty Mac, Demper, The Earl and, eventually, Cal. If Orioles baseball was his religion, his pulpit was Section 34 -- a perch in the upper deck of his church, Memorial Stadium. It's where he and his disciples stood and cheered nightly and drank in, not just soaked in, Oriole Magic." Yeah, Wild Bill was pretty wild -- he threw more than one punch at a fan of an opposing team and he was barred from the ballpark after being told he couldn't bring in his own beer -- but he was colorful, and baseball could use a little of that color right now.

If it happens, it'll be quietly
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Then again, MLB really doesn't want superfans like "Wild Bill" Hagy any longer; MLB practices top-down marketing that doesn't call for any fan participation. Here the Chicago Cubs are shunning John Murray, whose "It's gonna happen" slogan has been embraced by long-time Wrigley Field denizens. Every year we post a story about a MLB dissuading fans from Why? Because MLB teams really do believe they're entitled to any revenue stream deriving from the sport. Yes, revenues and attendance are great right now, mostly due to some shrewd marketing and a proliferation of new ballparks. But when the shininess wears off (i.e., Baltimore), MLB will need to complete in an increasingly open environment where customers demand to be part of the process -- and we're not sure MLB has the tools to compete in that arena.

The Bisons downtown: 20 years, 20 personalities
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Buffalo News wraps up its three-part series on Dunn Tire Park, the home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League), with a look at notable personalities that inhabited the ballpark. Most of the names won't be of interest to anyone outside of Buffalo, but it's nice to see the late Joe Overfield and Bob and Mindy Rich getting deserved recognition.
    RELATED STORIES: Evaluating Buffalo's downtown ballpark

Rainout brings question: Real or fake grass?
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As rain pelted Consol Energy Park's outfield, causing puddles to form in the grass, Washington Wild Things (independent; Frontier League) owner John Swiatek could only look out the team's office windows and wonder. With rain in the forecast for the remainder of the six-game homestand against River City and the Gateway Grizzlies, would artificial turf -- whether it be FieldTurf, ProGrass or some other synthetic grass -- make a difference? It's no secret that artificial turf has been on Swiatek's wish list for several years.

Marshall baseball finds a new home -- for now
Posted Aug. 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Beginning sooner than later, Marshall University's non-conference home baseball schedule no longer should be nondescript. In an agreement with the YMCA Kennedy Center, Huntington St. Joe High School and the Tri-State Baseball Association, Thundering Herd baseball is working toward moving non-Conference USA games and practices to the new Kennedy Center field located nine miles from campus off W.Va. 2. When ready, the facility will replace University Heights, an off-campus field known primarily for its persistent flooding. University officials continue to work toward securing a permanent, on-campus ballpark, but unanimously view this move as an upgrade.

Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says condemnation panel
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A key parcel of land for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark is worth $23.8 million as decided by a three-person arbitration panel, much closer to the $17.23 million offered by Hennepin County than the $65.375 million value floated by land owners Land Partners II and Hines Interests, Inc. which holds an option on the property. The decision actually settled very little (it's nonbinding, so both sides can appeal), but a November trial could be avoided based on the earliest indications. Despite an automatic 48-hour cooling-off period for arbitration proceedings, public comments made by both sides indicated that avoiding a trial was possible. Meanwhile, Minneapolis Council member Lisa Goodman sent a strong signal to Hines Interests to settle the matter quickly. Goodman, who represents the ballpark site, said in any exclusive interview with ballparkdigest.com the arbitration award "seems fair" given that it is so close to the option price Hines paid to original owners Land Partners II. "It's time to move on -- and if the land owners do not do so -- they can forget coming back to the public for funding or financing for the North Loop development they claim to want to create on property they own surrounding the ballpark site," she said. Jim Robins has more on the arbitration decision and how it may play out.
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Independent leagues explore interleague play
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Northern League, American Association and Golden Baseball League have all talked about some form of interleague play in 2008 and 2009, according to several owners and GMs we've talked with. We may be on the verge of a drastic overhaul in the independent baseball world, as more than just these three leagues are stepping forward. Frontier League commissioner Bill Lee tells us that he'd be open to discussions of interleague play, while ULB's Brad Wendt says "'inter-league' play is great for minor league baseball, and United League Baseball is 100 percent open to any and all conversation." For the Northern League and the American Association, interleague play makes a lot of sense: having the St. Paul Saints visit the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks is a whole lot seasier than having the Saints travel to Pensacola. Interleague play between the Northern League's Alberta teams and the Golden Baseball League is a stretch: it's still over 19 hours from Calgary to the closest GBL city, and we're not sure the fans in Reno will be lining up to see the dreaded Edmonton Cracker-Cats. Nothing is final, and the parameters of the number of games and the participating leagues still remains to be determined. These discussions aren't new -- the Chicago-area teams in the Northern League have been looking at scheduling alternatives for months now -- but for the first time there seems to be a lot of optimism on both sides, particularly from Northern League owners Bruce Thom, Peter Young and Sam Katz. If you know the politics of indy ball, you may realize why the support of Thom and Katz is particularly important.

ULB scraps remainder of season
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent United League Baseball league announced that the final three games of the 2007 regular season have been cancelled for all six teams due to the impending threat of Hurricane Dean. This action is taken for the safety of fans, players, coaches, and front-office personnel. "With four of our teams playing in the Rio Grande Valley and the impending threat of Hurricane Dean hitting landfall in the Valley, pubic safety necessitates this action," said league president Craig Brasfield. The Edinburg Coyotes were to host the Laredo Broncos; the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings were to host the San Angelo Colts; and the Alexandria Aces were to host the Amarillo Dillas. All three series will not be played nor rescheduled.
    The first game of the United League’s Championship Series, featuring the Alexandria Aces and the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings, remains scheduled for Friday, August 24, at Harlingen Stadium.

GCC working on plan to help save Muckdogs
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Genesee Community College, which often tailors courses to meet the needs of local businesses, may help save professional baseball, which is now facing financial problems after nearly 60 years. The college board of trustees, the Batavia Regional Recreation Corp. and the Batavia Muckdogs (short season; NY-Penn League) are working on an agreement that would provide expertise and personnel -- but no cash -- to aid the team. The Muckdogs play in city-owned Dwyer Stadium, which is operated by Batavia Regional Recreation. The ballclub this year is showing a $66,000 operating loss, which officials blame on declining attendance, an increase in administrative expenses and added costs imposed under its contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Critics also cite a lack of oversight and poor financial monitoring by team officials.

South Coast League scraps 2007 All-Star Game
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent South Coast League has announced the cancellation of the 2007 All-Star Game, previously scheduled for Sept. 5, in Aiken, S.C. Instead, the inaugural SCL season will now conclude after the three game Championship Series for the Ferro Cup. The League issued the following statement about the announcement:
    It is unfortunate for the fans of the South Coast League to lose an opportunity like the All-Star Game. In retrospect, placing the event at the conclusion of the season was a poor decision. The event has not garnered the attention from fans, sponsors, and scouting personnel that we had originally anticipated. We want to reassure our fans that this decision was made to better the future of the South Coast League and we are poised to make 2008 a season to remember.
    The SCL will still announce a 15 man All-Star team, along with numerous other post season awards at season’s end.

Sounds consider Franklin move but still want downtown spot
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For the second time in several years, the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have been talking to Franklin city government about moving the minor-league team there. In 2001, the Sounds made overtures to city of Franklin and Williamson County officials about moving the team. At the time, the team also approached Sumner County officials about a move there. Yaeger says the team is still in the running for a ballpark at the site of the old Nashville Thermal Transfer Station on the riverfront downtown, calling it an ideal location. Larry Daughtrey says the city shouldn't be in the ballpark game.
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Baseball owners could get tax break
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
SK Baseball could receive a property tax break, in addition to rental car taxes, for its proposed Reno ballpark for the relocated Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) under an agreement the Reno City Council will consider Aug. 29. The tax reduction would be for a portion of property taxes that otherwise would go to the Reno Redevelopment Agency -- in other words, tax-increment financing. The downtown site and Grand Sierra Resort sites are within redevelopment districts. If downtown at the Freight House site, the ballpark could be part of a ballpark district covering 42 acres, Lewis said. A study by Keyser Marston Associates for the city expects the stadium to spur residential, office and retail construction that could raise $1.1 million in property taxes a year for the redevelopment agency and the ballpark would generate $440,000 in property tax dollars a year.
    RELATED STORIES: Two sites OK'd for Reno ballpark; Two Reno ballpark sites to go before city planners; PCL approves Sidewinders sale; Reno gets site; Reno officials want 8-acre site near Evans Avenue for ballpark; Reno City Council to consider plan to build new ballpark; It's all over but the blaming; Sidewinders sold; expected to be in Reno in '09; Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed; Washoe County approves PCL ballpark; Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball; Guinn OKs bonds for marina; State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project; Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina project; Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise in Reno; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

Defenders, city meet over rent bill
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) say the back rent bill owed to the city is less than half the $200,000 city officials have calculated, because the minor league baseball team has paid for numerous upgrades, repairs and new equipment needed to care for the playing field. Defenders attorney Glenn Carberry met this morning with Acting City Manager Joseph Ruffo, the city comptroller, to discuss the bills on the eve of a public hearing Monday on proposed $610,000 in capital improvements to the stadium. Carberry said the team really owes between $60,000 and $100,000 and "is working hard to make that up." The team replaced aging field equipment, painted portions of the stadium and replaced damaged carpeting in the skyboxes. Some expenses still have to be negotiated. For example, the Defenders took on the expense of creating Lou’s Lounge, a skybox bar with TVs and lounge tables, but Carberry said the team should be credited for replacing the carpeting, a city responsibility.

Yankees set to break attendance record
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sometime Monday or Tuesday night, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) officials expect the 560,455th fan of the season to stroll through PNC Field’s gates. And when he or she does, the Yankees will break the all-time franchise attendance record set in 1995. It has been, by most accounts, a remarkable run of success for the SWB Yankees business. The franchise hasn’t topped the 500,000 mark in attendance since 1993. But counting tonight’s game against Rochester, the team has sold out 21 games -- the Red Barons averaged just one or two per season in recent years -- and the Yanks have the fifth-highest season attendance in all of minor league baseball.

Crystal Lake wants outside opinion on ballpark
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Park board members are asking McHenry County College for time to hire an outside consultant who can offer a second opinion on the college’s expansion plan, which includes a new ballpark for an independent Frontier League team. Parks Director Kirk Reimer plans to send out requests Monday for a consultant who could analyze the impact that the college’s project could have on the city’s namesake lake. Board commissioners gave him until Aug. 30 to gather respondents’ résumés. Some residents are opposing the plan because of potential pollution in Crystal Lake.
    RELATED STORIES: Crystal Lake bats around ballpark; Major boom for minor-league ball; McHenry County College, Frontier League close to agreement for new ballpark; McHenry County pulls off a double play; 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'

York ballpark work not done yet
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
From the first day that fans walked into the Sovereign Bank Stadium, the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), officials believed that the construction of the ballpark would be finished much before the final game of the season. That will not be the case. Originally, contractors had projected that the stadium's construction would be complete by Thursday. The York Revolution's last home game will be played Sept. 13 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Now, contractors are expected to deliver the finished product, save for possibly the ballpark's front plaza area, on or before Sept. 28, said Blanda Nace, the stadium's project manager.

Safeco Field is a gadget-friendly ballpark
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's hard to get away from technology at the ballpark these days, and no team has embraced it more than the Seattle Mariners, who have launched several high-tech initiatives at Safeco Field. At Safeco Field, Nintendo, Verizon Wireless and others have built applications that allow fans to use devices to pay for parking, order food, play trivia games, send text messages or do any number of things to keep themselves entertained as a game moves along. It's no accident that the Mariners, this year enjoying one of their better seasons on the field, have become a leader in this area. For one thing, the M's are among a small number of teams owned by people from the high-tech sector, including Nintendo. The Northwest itself is laden with more tech-using folk than the country as a whole. And Safeco Field was designed and built to accommodate contemporary networking.

Evaluating Buffalo's downtown ballpark
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The whole retro/downtown trend in ballparks can be traced to Dunn Tire Park, the home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League). To mark the 20th anniversary of the ballpark the Buffalo News is presenting a three-part series on its impact on the area. It wasn't cheap -- built for $42 million in 1987 dollars -- and it was originally designed to be expandable should the city land a MLB team. Today there doesn't seem to be much appetite for MLB in Buffalo (no one has stepped up to urge the Florida Marlins to move north, for example), and locals seem pretty happy with how things stand now. In the second part of the series, the newspaper looks at the economics of the ballpark and finds most people -- including some noteworthy opponents of Buffalo city government -- pretty happy with how things turned out.

Red Sox expand their reach in sporting world through Fenway Sports Group
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Like striped bass in Boston Harbor, opportunities abound for Fenway Sports Group, a Boston Red Sox sister company that is expanding the team's marketing reach into college sports (working with Boston College on its move to the ACC), NASCAR auto racing, golf, concerts and even beach volleyball. The Red Sox famously dubbed the New York Yankees an "Evil Empire"; in truth, it's on the Boston ballclub that the sun never sets.

Rock Cats baseball no minor thing to fans
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are on a roll these days -- at the box office. Early this month, the Rock Cats broke a franchise record for sellouts in one season, and the team currently rank sixths in attendance in the 12-team Eastern League and averages 5,037 fans a game. When you evaluate the success of the Rock Cats, you need to remember how low that franchise was in pretty bad shape just seven years ago when Bill Dowling and Coleman Levy bought the team, averaging just 2,700 at New Britain Stadium.

Changes promised for ChiSox in spring training
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is good news for Chicago White Sox fans who travel to Arizona and have been disappointed when no stars make a road trip. Manager Ozzie Guillen says his starting pitchers will be making road trips next spring, as the organization's practice of hiding certain pitchers from American League opponents in Cactus League games will be ending, whether his pitchers like it or not. ''There's no reason to be hiding anyone,'' Guillen said. ''I want them to feel a baseball game right away, and that's what we've been missing. The guys that have to pitch that day, I [don't] want to put them in a 'B' game. I don't want to get up at 8o'clock in the morning and watch the same [stuff], a guy throwing 25 pitches, go home and say, 'OK, I did the job.' Those guys better prepare themselves to pitch."

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) has again topped the 200,000 mark in regular season attendance. With Saturday night’s crowd of 5035, Harrisburg’s 2007 season total stands at 201,497. The Senators have drawn more than 200,000 fans each year since baseball returned to City Island back in 1987. The 200,000 total this season marks the 21st season over that number and they have now accomplished the feat in each and every season of the team’s modern history. Harrisburg is the only double-A team to top the 200,000 fan mark, every year, for the past 21 years....The Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) have passed the 100,000 attendance mark for the fourth year in a row.  The RiverHawks passed the milestone during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Southern Illinois. Through 41 openings, the team has drawn 102,205 fans....Eben Yager is new GM of the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League). Current Renegades GM Dave Burke has taken the GM job with the Grand Prairie AirHogs (independent; American Association) and will leave his current post following the 2007 season. Yager is currently AGM with the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association)....