ADVERTISE! | Ballpark Digest | The Baseball Directory | NWLfan | College Baseball Digest | Ballpark Digest Tickets
Spring Training Online | Arena Digest | Football Stadium Digest | August Publications
Search | League Histories | Bookshelf | Forums | Endangered Ballparks | Ballparks of the Past | About | Newsletter | Contact

Archives: Jan. 15-21, 2007

Developer: Sounds ballpark plan in no jeopardy
Posted Jan. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and their partners in a proposed downtown ballpark are divided over when construction could begin, with the Sounds reiterating that unless work starts in February, the project might not make enough money to repay lenders. But Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, the Baltimore firm that has teamed with the Sounds to build a ballpark and mixed-use neighborhood on First Avenue South, said it was spending thousands of dollars a day to make the ballpark happen. Representatives of the developer said they expected to wrap up financing and designs for the project no later than April 15. But Glenn Yaeger, the Sounds' general manager, reiterated that the team wants construction to begin no later than next month. That would allow the team to begin play at the start of the 2008 Class AAA baseball season. More from Nashville City Paper.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds; Sounds fail to file lease legislation; Council approves lease extension for Nashville ballpark development; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds project; Sounds' project team huddles to nail down a deal; Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new ballpark; Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon; Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches; Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in Nashville; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal; Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and fan-friendly; Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new ballpark; Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say; Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds ballpark; Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank project; Sounds send commitment letter to Council; Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in stadium; Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority work on ballpark; Sounds are rounding third; Sounds remain at bargaining table; Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark; Council should give Nashville ballpark their support; Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

Richmond officials to discuss new ballpark today
Posted Jan. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Richmond-area officials are meeting today to develop a game plan for a new home for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA: International League). They are to look at options to satisfy the Braves' desire for a new home within what Richmond officials envision as a vibrant sports and entertainment district on land the city owns along North Boulevard at Hermitage Road. The meeting will include representatives from Hanover County, as well as from the city and counties of Henrico and Chesterfield, which operate The Diamond through the Richmond Metropolitan Authority.
     RELATED STORIES: Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard

Legion plans to negotiate with Wendts
Posted Jan. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Members of the local chapter of the American Legion voted last night to begin formal negotiations with the Mid-Missouri Mavericks (independent; Frontier League) on a $10-million ballpark complex in east Columbia. The move is a small step in a process that likely will involve months of detailed discussions among Legion officials, team owners and Columbia leaders. However, the vote also is the first tangible step taken by any of the groups since the Columbia City Council approved general plans for the park in June. Mavs owners Brad and Gary Wendt have proposed building the ballpark at city-owned American Legion Park, off Broadway and east of Rustic Road. The Legion donated the land to the city in 2000 with the stipulation that the 16 acres be kept as a park.
    RELATED STORIES: Columbia ballpark plan goes to public; Making a pitch for new home in Columbia; Mavericks pitch new ballpark to Columbia

A's owner raises more questions than answers
Posted Jan. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the largest audiences to attend a Fremont City Council meeting crowded the city chambers Tuesday night to hear what Oakland Athletics' owner Lew Wolff would pitch. Many thought Wolff would give a presentation for his proposed ballpark village in Warm Springs. However, the baseball executive revealed little more than what was announced at Cisco Systems' headquarters last November. What Wolff did present was a series of "What if" questions that he hopes he can answer in coming months. When asked what his village might look like, Wolff explained he had experts who might be able to answer that better, and that this was not the time to do so.
    RELATED STORIES: Wolff seeks tax rebate for new ballpark village; Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed Fremont ballpark; Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark; If Selig's coming, A's must be going; Wolff ready to go public on ballpark; Cisco blending tech and baseball; Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont; Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?; More meetings with A's slated after new year; Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's; A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Uneasy at first, Mets embrace their New Orleans connection
Posted Jan. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An affiliation with the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) wasn't the first choice of the New York Mets front office, but it's beginning to look like things will work out well for both teams. New Orleans plays in the Pacific Coast League, famous for its far-flung cities and brutal road trips. Many big-league teams considering New Orleans for minor-league operations were concerned about the travel, the temptations on Bourbon Street and the post-Katrina logistics. But the Mets are embracing the new relationship in unexpected ways. They have donated $650,000 to causes in New Orleans since the hurricane. They wrote a check last week for $20,000 to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation for Little League fields. They are planning for Zephyrs players to work regularly with Habitat for Humanity.

Mitchell warns owners to cooperate with drug probe
Posted Jan. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell warned baseball owners that a lack of cooperation with his investigation into steroid use will "significantly increase" the chances of government involvement. Speaking to owners at baseball's quarterly meetings, Mitchell said he intends to interview active players and raised the possibility that Congress or other government authorities could compel testimony. Mitchell cannot compel testimony. He warned the clubs that Congress or other federal or state authorities which do have subpoena power could get involved.

Wolff seeks tax rebate for new ballpark village
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff this week dropped the first hint of the type of public financial aid he'll be seeking to move the team to Fremont: a rebate of some of the new taxes his ballpark village would produce. Wolff told the Fremont City Council on Tuesday night that financial assistance would be limited to "county and city revenues generated by the ballpark village and our other development." The A's owner gave no details on the mechanism for getting back his taxes or the amounts of money he's seeking, but the implication is clear: the team will be asking for the equivalent of tax-increment financing for the project. It's also clear he's seeing some sort of TIF for the entire project, not just the ballpark; that would run into some serious money for Fremont. More from the San Jose Mercury News. Meanwhile,  Wolff is looking to purchase 25 additional acres near the Oakland A's planned Fremont ballpark site, a move that would give him control of nearly 200 acres on which to build his ballpark village concept, he said Wednesday. The possible land purchase was one piece of new information the A's co-owner told reporters in a conference call a day after his first appearance at a Fremont City Council meeting. The A's were given a mostly positive reception from council members and residents at Tuesday's meeting, when dual themes emerged: There was excitement and optimism that the ballclub's possible move to Fremont will benefit the city, followed by clear acknowledgment that many details on several fronts still need to be fleshed out. To help address those concerns, the A's have hired consultants, Economic Research Associates, to deliver an economic study illustrating how the ballpark village will add millions in tax revenue to city coffers.
    RELATED STORIES: Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed Fremont ballpark; Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark; If Selig's coming, A's must be going; Wolff ready to go public on ballpark; Cisco blending tech and baseball; Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont; Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?; More meetings with A's slated after new year; Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's; A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Unless builders get shovels into the ground in a few weeks, the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) say a new downtown ballpark won't be ready for the 2008 season as originally projected. "We are on a tight construction schedule, but we can do it if we get in the ground in early February," the team's general manager, Glenn Yaeger, said Wednesday. "There is very little room for error." The Sounds recently finalized a $23 million loan from multiple banks as part of the team's responsibility in the Memorandum of Understanding signed last February between the city, the Sounds and the Sounds' private development partner, Baltimore-based Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse. The remaining piece of the financial puzzle is the $20 million of the construction fund for which Struever Bros. must secure financing.
    RELATED STORIES: Sounds fail to file lease legislation; Council approves lease extension for Nashville ballpark development; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds project; Sounds' project team huddles to nail down a deal; Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new ballpark; Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon; Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches; Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in Nashville; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal; Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and fan-friendly; Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new ballpark; Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say; Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds ballpark; Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank project; Sounds send commitment letter to Council; Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in stadium; Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority work on ballpark; Sounds are rounding third; Sounds remain at bargaining table; Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark; Council should give Nashville ballpark their support; Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

Goodyear inks deal on spring-training facility
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City leaders and top brass from the Cleveland Indians celebrated finalizing details that finance a new spring-training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. With the smell of hot dogs wafting through the air, the City Council unanimously approved on Wednesday an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority that will pay for half of the $75 million-spring training facility. The 10,000-seat stadium and spring training fields will be part of a mixed-use development called Ballpark Village. The stadium is planned for the southeast corner of the future Goodyear City Center at Estrella Parkway and Yuma Road, and is slated to open in 2009.
    RELATED STORIES: Goodyear eyes noted ballpark designer; Indians fan thrilled by new facility plans; $80 mil for baseball taps out sports authority; White Sox to delay Phoenix move?; Arizona commission to fund both proposed spring-training facilities; Glendale offers spring-training plan; Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark; county is next
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Winston-Salem City Council voted 8-0 last night to approve spending $29 million over 25 years to help pay for a downtown ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League), spur urban redevelopment and remove urban blight. The vote marked approval of the city's largest incentive package to date and came after residents expressed opposing views for nearly an hour. Developer Billy Prim -- an owner of the Warthogs -- said previously that he can't move the project ahead without financial help from Forsyth County. But he may have to lower his request for $14 million from the county because officials said that they are not prepared to give him what he has asked for. Scott Sexton comments on the challenges facing city officials and developers. More from the Triad Business Journal.
    RELATED STORIES: Joines: Protect ticket revenue; Council considers city help with moving expenses; Prim's word is his bond; Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote; Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan; County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark; W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

Allentown ballpark begins to take shape
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lehigh County's Glenn Solt didn't let the soggy, still-unfrozen mud caking his shoes Wednesday spoil his vision of opening day at the city's new ballpark, slated to open in 2008 as the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League). "Right here you can set your blankets and sandwiches up," the county's capital projects manager said of what will be a grassy slope for seating past the centerfield and left-center walls.  The $48.4 million project mostly resembled an earthen depression covered in spots with icy ponds during a Wednesday tour of the ballpark construction site. But out past the leftfield area, two concrete walls rose to form an entrance for concerts and other on-field activities. Along the planned third-base line, another concrete wall is in place as part of the home-team dugout. Site topography allows for better, roomier team facilities along third base than the usual home-team side. More from the Allentown Morning Call. Nick Fierro weighs in. Video from WFMZ.
    RELATED STORIES: Revised Allentown ballpark cost released; Affiliated baseball finally comes to Valley; Allentown breaks ground on new ballpark; International League approves sale of Lynx; Lynx poised to leap after 2007

Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Despite reports that Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami-Dade County officials are close to a deal to partially fund construction of a downtown ballpark for the Florida Marlins with Community Redevelopment Agency money, the agency's director and chairman say the mayor has not contacted them. The mayor's plan involves expanding the Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency's boundaries to include the 9 acres next to the Stephen P. Clark Center targeted for a ballpark. But the agency would need to approve such a move, and Executive Director James Villacorta said he has not heard from Diaz about the possibility. The first step toward expanding the Community Redevelopment Agency boundary would be a study of the site to prove it fits the agency's criteria for blighted conditions, Villacorta said. After subsequent public hearings, the agency board, which is composed of city commissioners, must approve the expansion before county commissioners vote.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Springdale City Council approves ballpark design
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Springdale (Ark.) City Council approved the design of a new ballpark for the relocated Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) while meeting as the finance committee Wednesday night. The ballpark, designed by HOK Sport, uses native stone and wood to give it a natural feel. Two members asked for the architects to give the council an option to use brick instead of stone for the facade, believing brick to be more traditional and durable. HOK is determining the probable cost of the ballpark, which has to come in below the $33 million approved by the voters in a July election. A 1 percent sales tax backed a bond sale to finance the facility. If the estimate comes in too high, the architects would have to change plans to lower expenses. HOK plans to deliver a budget for the project to the council next week.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers; Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team talks; Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations; Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep Wranglers; Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with them; Wranglers' dugout can be the pits; Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon; City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer; Wichita pitching to keep team; Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale; Springdale vote certification put on hold; City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with new ballparks; Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner; Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading; Who could step up to the plate to keep pro baseball in Wichita?; Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark funding; Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?; Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence; City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move; Arkansas town woos Wranglers; Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need; New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say; Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark; Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote; Springdale ballpark details still under construction; Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale ballpark tax; If Springdale ballpark built team will follow, planners are told; Royals’ farm club seeks home?; Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball; Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark funding options; Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark; Springdale ballpark site under contract; Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries; Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter; Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark; Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

City Council OKs Petco Park refinancing
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The San Diego City Council on Jan. 16 approved a refinancing of the city’s high-interest bonds for Petco Park through a private placement arranged with Bank of America. The city had planned to refinance the 2002 bonds, which carry a 7.66 percent rate, since 2004. But revelations about non-disclosures of expenses related to its employee pension plan triggered federal investigations and delayed annual financial audits that prevented the city from tapping into the public bond markets. Mayor Jerry Sanders said the proposed alternative to the public market refinancing will save the city about $3.7 million annually, or $93 million during the 25-year term. More from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Good riddance to the House Ruth Didn't Build
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This opinion piece follows what we've been saying all along about the plan to replace the current Yankee Stadium with a new ballpark: the current ballpark is not the same as the original Yankee Stadium -- the House That Ruth Built -- and should not be venerated as such. There are some hardcore Yankee fans who oppose the new ballpark because they view the current facility as being one and the same as the old one. The fact these opponents haven't gained any traction suggests the New York sporting public -- a very educated one, we think -- knows better than to buy into the false nostalgia.
    RELATED STORIES: Judge dismisses lawsuit on new Yankees ballpark; 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

Hoppers eye home as a potential buy
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
By nearly every account, the move of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) move to First Horizon Park two years ago has been a financial hit. But the sweetest deal -- one that benefits the minor-league baseball team and the city -- may still be in the works: The Grasshoppers' contract to lease First Horizon Park allows the team's owners to buy the ballpark within the next 18 years for the original construction price of $23.5 million. The team's lease agreement for First Horizon, which received scant attention when a downtown ballpark's merit was being debated, might offer an upside to the team and the city. Team officials said this week that they likely will exercise that option within the next decade, meaning they will buy the ballpark for a steal if development around the ballpark continues as planned and the facility's value increases.

Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark plan
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Five million dollars is a lot of money. But to City Councilman Tom Smith, it’s not enough to justify the city’s plan to spend $25 million more on a new downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). "If building stadiums downtown is a trend, the funding pattern should be a trend, too," said the First District Republican, noting that Atlanta-based Hardball Capital’s proposed contribution represents a considerably lower percentage of the total cost than private investors have contributed to other minor-league ballparks built in recent years. "The city should ask for more money [from Hardball], and if we don’t see it, I’ll have a problem [voting for the project]."
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark's future is far from certain; Building the public square; Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime; Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans; Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne; Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is unpopular; Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal; Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember; Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a ballpark; Playing ball downtown; We need to build ballpark downtown; Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?; Learning by example from Dayton; Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium; A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Fenty joins D.C. ballpark's fans
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The District of Columbia's $611 million ballpark for the Washington Nationals might be the most politically contentious project in recent memory, but as the ballpark's opening in early 2008 approaches, more and more city officials seem to be coming on board. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty was front and center Tuesday as city leaders and Nationals officials broke ground on an expansion of the Navy Yard Metro Station to handle game  crowds. So were D.C. Council members Phil Mendelson and Jim Graham. All three had voted against the ballpark funding package several times, with Fenty among the fiercest opponents during his tenure on the council.
    RELATED STORIES: Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark upgrades; With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money; D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages; The D.C. ballpark parking debate; Severe penalties await city if parking garages aren't provided, Gandhi warns; Ballpark garages proposal rejected; Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight over new Nats ballpark; New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for 2008 opening; Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC ballpark; Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking; DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in country; Legislation would revive condo and garage development at new DC ballpark; New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking; D.C. parking issue threatens budget; Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat; Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk

GreenJackets ticket sales up again
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Season ticket sales for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League) upcoming season are on pace to exceed last season's record-setting numbers, assistant general manager Tom D'Abruzzo said Wednesday. Last season, the GreenJackets, low Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, tripled their season ticket-holding base at Lake Olmstead Stadium from less than 400 to about 1,200. D'Abruzzo said the team, which is owned by Cal Ripken Jr. and the Ripken Baseball Group, offers a variety of ticket plans. GreenJackets general manager Nick Brown said the team is optimistic it will surpass last year's total by the end of this month.

Pirates can expect profits, not wins
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's a "natural progression," new Chairman Bob Nutting said, referring to his taking over the top reins of the Pittsburgh Pirates from Kevin McClatchy, who will be CEO. The change is no sharp break from the past. The Pirates will keep salaries low by baseball standards while trying to build from within. As for winning games, however, one hardly sees how staying the course is a "natural progression" for breaking the team's 14-season losing streak. Attendance last season was 1.86 million; the National League posted a record average of 2.6 million. Still there is every indication the Pirates are putting enough people in seats to make money.

Giants to install new hi-def scoreboard
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The San Francisco Giants and AT&T announced that they will install a new Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision scoreboard at AT&T Park, to be unveiled to the public at the beginning of the 2007 baseball season. Construction of what will be they call the highest-quality outdoor scoreboard in the nation and one of the five largest scoreboards in baseball is currently underway and will be completed by the end of March. The board will stand 103' wide by 31' 6" high and feature a 32 by 9 aspect ratio for the main viewing area, capable of displaying side-by-side traditional high-definition images or one "giant" image. The board will also feature a four-foot high strip below the main board to accommodate text or graphics. Additionally, the Giants and AT&T are renovating the existing scoreboard control room and replacing it with a Sony control room to support the Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision Display.

Sand Gnats unveil new scoreboard
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) released plans for upgrades to Historic Grayson Stadium for the 2007 season. Highlighting the renovations is a new scoreboard. The scoreboard, which will feature a video board measuring nearly 300 square feet, is to be constructed and installed by Texas Star Sports. It will replace the current scoreboard which was installed for the 1984 season. Other improvements Sand Gnats fans can expect to see for the 2007 season will be a new sound system, new field lights and the demolition of the left-field bleachers. The bleachers have been condemned by the city, and have not seated fans in years.
    The scoreboard will measure 45 feet high and 63 feet wide. In addition to the video board, the scoreboard will feature an analog clock along with digital readings of temperature and pitch speed. The brick outlined scoreboard includes six advertising panels. Balls, strikes and the line score will be located on the scoreboard at field level.

ULB Winter League launches Friday
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
History will be made -- weather permitting -- Friday as the United League Baseball-sponsored Winter League begins its season with two games. Players who will be a part of the four-ball club league have been working out this week despite chilling temperatures not too far above the freezing mark. On Friday, Winter League baseball will become a reality with two games to be played at Harlingen Field, the first one at 3:30 p.m. and the second one at 7 p.m. The Laredo Broncos will square off against the Edinburg Coyotes in the afternoon game, while the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings of Harlingen will play the Brownsville Toros in the nightcap.

Canaries can't improve nest -- yet
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Sioux Falls won't remodel the visitors' locker room at Sioux Falls Stadium -- at least not in the near term. City council members Tuesday voted down a request that the city ante up $200,000 to remodel the room. Officials with the parks and recreation department and the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) baseball club had hoped to fast-track the project in time to finish it by July, when the city hosts the league' all-star game. Canaries officials offered to extend their lease with the city by two years, and they agreed to pay $10,000 to design a new locker room -- one to give players more room and a bathroom/shower facility compliant with federal regulations.
    RELATED STORIES: Canaries seek $200,000 to remodel locker room

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Brazos Valley Bombers (summer collegiate; Texas Collegiate League) announced that Mike Lieberman has been named the team’s first-ever general manager. A veteran in the baseball business, Lieberman has already begun work in the Bombers front office in preparation for the team’s inaugural season. The Bombers are not the first team Lieberman has guided from inception. In 2005, he drew the challenge of launching a Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am Association) franchise that came into being a scant four months before Opening Day. Despite overwhelming odds, the Tornadoes became an instant success, drawing sellout crowds and winning a league championship in their inaugural season.... The Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) have announced a five-year agreement with Louisville’s Real Sports Radio leader, WKRD-AM 790, to be the radio home of Bats baseball for the foreseeable future. 790 WKRD will broadcast all 144 Bats regular season games, both home and road, as well as any playoff games Louisville may appear in. Programming will also include a half-hour pregame show prior to all Bats games. In addition to the 790 WKRD broadcast, Bats fans will also be able to access live broadcasts via the Bats website at www.batsbaseball.com....The Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League) have promoted Greg Rauch to President/General Manager. The honor coincides with the promotion of Biscuits Assistant General Manager Patrick Day to General Manager of the Lansing Lugnuts (Low Class A; Midwest League). Professional Sports Marketing, a Chicago-based company owned by Tom Dickson and Sherrie Myers, owns both teams. With the departure of Day, Biscuits Director of Ticket Sales Travis Burkett will assume the entirety of Montgomery Biscuits ticket sales. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Rauch was named Co-General Manager of the Biscuits upon their inception in 2004, serving in that capacity until he was named General Manager before the 2006 baseball season. Prior to coming to Montgomery in 2004, Rauch worked for eight years for the Lugnuts, eventually serving as General Manager.  In the 2006 season, Rauch oversaw a record number of fans walk through the gates at Riverwalk Stadium, including 7,454 fans in attendance for the Southern League All-Star Game. For his efforts, he was honored as the 2006 Southern League Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year. Originally from Western Massachusetts, Day arrived in Montgomery in 2004 after spending five years in Charleston, West Virginia, where he also worked his way up to General Manager. With the Biscuits, Day managed the entire ticket sales operation and was responsible for individual single tickets sales and group sales....The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) announced that Marc Bombard will serve as manager for the 2007 season. The team also announced that pitching coach Juan Nieves and hitting coach Tack Wilson will return to the Knights. Bombard enters his 23rd season as a minor-league manager. He has spent 34 years in professional baseball, spending last season as first base coach for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is no stranger to the International League having managed at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2005 and with Indianapolis from 1993-95 when the team was part of the American Association. This will mark Nieves' 3rd season as pitching coach in Charlotte, his 9th with the White Sox organization. Wilson begins his 2nd season in the White Sox organization and in Charlotte....Brian Murphy, a 26-year-old assistant coach at Division II Bryant University in Rhode Island, has been named manager of the Battle Creek Bombers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League)....The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) announced their coaching staff for the 2007 campaign. Rafael Santana, shortstop for the World Series Champion New York Mets in 1986, will make his Southern League managerial debut. Santana will be joined by returning pitching coach Richard Dotson, and returning athletic trainer Joe Geck, as well as conditioning coach Adam Tischler in his first season with the Barons. The Barons hitting instructor will be announced at a later date. Santana, 49, will begin his ninth season in the White Sox organization and his 13th in minor-league baseball. Santana comes to Birmingham after making his managerial debut at Winston-Salem in 2006, where he compiled a 66-72 record. Dotson, 45, starts his sixth year in the White Sox organization and third in the Magic City as the Barons pitching coach. Geck, 33, returns for his seventh season as the Barons trainer, and 15th year in the White Sox organization. Tischler, 25, begins his third season in the White Sox organization, and first in Birmingham....

St. Louis gets 2009 All-Star Game
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The 2009 All-Star Game will be played at Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement last night at the 49th annual dinner hosted by the St. Louis chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. No surprise: Selig had promised the game to St. Louis citizens if they supported a new ballpark, and the only issue was how soon the baseball-happy city would host the game. It will be the fifth time the All-Star Game has been played in St. Louis; Sportsman's Park hosted the game in 1940, 1948 and 1957, while the previous Busch Stadium hosted the 1966 midsummer classic. The award is conditional on the Cards making certain improvements to the ballpark (detailed in the next story). UPDATE: Though it's been rumored for months, apparently MLB officials are ready to name Yankee Stadium as the host of the 2008 All-Star Game.

Busch upgrades to cost Cardinals more than $3 million
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Busch Stadium may be only one season old, but the St. Louis Cardinals are spending more than $3 million on facility upgrades to improve the fan experience. Plans call for additional escalators, seating and restrooms to be in place for Opening Day in April. Improvements to the press box are also in the works. The Cardinals also are turning temporary seats installed for the 2006 playoffs into permanent fixtures. The plan calls for 143 seats to extend from the dugouts toward the outfield in foul territory at field level. Team officials also are considering seat additions in previously designated standing-room locations. The Cardinals also have completed work on a conference center within the ballpark. Three private conference rooms overlooking the intersection of Clark Avenue, Stadium Plaza and Eighth Street are available for companies and organizations to meet before games. The center targets corporate customers who want to use an outing at a game as a functional business gathering.

Ballpark has new hue
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Space Coast Stadium, the spring home of the Washington Nationals and the regular-season home of the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League), is undergoing some major repairs this offseason. Since Brevard County commissioners committed $2.6 million in tourist taxes to stadium improvements, contractors have been working feverishly to implement them. That includes weekends, through the holidays and even under the lights. Key improvements to the 14-year-old facility include replacing the old teal seats -- a color that dates back to when the Florida Marlins called Viera their spring training home -- with new dark blue seats. Hand rails are being painted bright red, interior walls are getting a dark gray makeover, and fresh coats of red and blue paint will adorn the ballpark's exterior.

MLB revives Marlins' push for new ballpark
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the recent developments surrounding efforts to land a new downtown Miami ballpark for the Florida Marlins. There's no doubt MLB officials have been working the hardest on the plan: they recognize Miami as a key market for the growth of the game and have done all the grunt work -- taking out land options and wooing state and local officials -- to make it work. By contrast, the management of the Florida Marlins has been pushed aside to an extent after some rather crude attempts to blackmail local officials into action, beginning with an awkward visit to San Antonio and culminating with ill-fated ballpark plans in Pompano Beach and Hialeah. Currently MLB is waiting the results of a study determining the exact costs of a retractable-roof ballpark; the number tossed around is $500 million. Even at that number the state will need to step in with some sort of funding.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Debt issue added to mix
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A public-private plan to build a ballpark near downtown Winston-Salem would leave the city paying debt on two ballparks at the same time, a scenario that was not mentioned last month when officials first presented the plan. When it was first discussed, officials said that the sale of Ernie Shore Field would help pay for the new stadium. But they didn't say that the long-term debt owed by the city on Ernie Shore Field, the current home of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League), is estimated to increase to $4.1 million by the time it is paid off in nearly 20 years. The anticipated sale of Ernie Shore Field is expected to provide the city with a large part of the revenue -- more than $8 million over the course of 25 years -- that officials say would be needed to pay for the new ballpark. For the debt on Ernie Shore Field, no money from the sale would be used. Scott Sexton asks why the average Winston-Salem citizen should support the deal. A vote on the project is expected tonight.
    RELATED STORIES: Joines: Protect ticket revenue; Council considers city help with moving expenses; Prim's word is his bond; Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote; Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan; County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark; W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

That warm feeling in Lakeland
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You can bet Joker Marchant Stadium will be rocking next month when the surprising Detroit Tigers head down to Lakeland's Tiger Town for spring training. If you're heading to Florida for spring training, strongly consider a trip to Lakeland: Tiger Town is one of the great venues of spring training, and with the Tiger surprisingly contending for a divisional crown last season there's plenty of excitement surrounding the franchise.

Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on a meeting last week where community representatives grilled reps from the Minnesota Twins about the design of the new downtown Warehouse District ballpark. The city councilperson for the area, Lisa Goodman, took the Twins and architects HOK Sport to task for not going with a retro design, and while the team has been pretty steadfast in public displaying a modern design, the whole thing is a little premature, as the Twins are simply not ready to unveil a final design. Really, what's going on is here is the continued politicization everything connected with the ballpark. Considering there's very little retro in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark apart from the Ford Centre (unless you consider Target Center and the garbage burner to have a retro design), the criticism isn't entirely valid.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed Fremont ballpark
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oakland A's co-owner Lew Wolff has purchased an office park on 18 acres north of the proposed Cisco Field ballpark site, giving Wolff and the team control of roughly 170 acres of south Fremont property as the team ramps up its efforts to move there from Oakland. Wolff is expected to give an overview Tuesday evening of some of those plans to the City Council and residents in the ballclub's first public Fremont meeting. Wolff confirmed on Friday that he bought the Fountains Business Park, at 42300-42898 Albrae St., north of Auto Mall Parkway. The office park has six buildings.
    RELATED STORIES: Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark; If Selig's coming, A's must be going; Wolff ready to go public on ballpark; Cisco blending tech and baseball; Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont; Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?; More meetings with A's slated after new year; Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's; A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Harry Grove Stadium: An economic key to the city?
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In December, Frederick County retracted $500,000 budgeted for Harry Grove Stadium improvements in fiscal 2007, reasoning the money, which had resulted from better-than-expected impact fee revenue, would be better spent on other infrastructure needs. Now, the city, which owns and leases the ballpark, and the state, are the only remaining partners in the expected $7 million to $9 million renovations, with Frederick putting in $2.1 million in fiscal 2007 and $1 million for fiscal 2008, and Annapolis forking over $2 million in both years. That leaves the owner of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League), Ken Young, needing to evaluate how much he wants to put into the aging ballpark. Complicating things: the team's lease ends on March 31, and city officials say they want a new lease to yield more revenues for the municipality. Here's a history of the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Alderman: Frederick could lose Keys team; City, county to discuss Keys' ballpark renovation funding

Buyer in the works for Cubs?
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bids for the Tribune Company -- which owns the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and WGN TV/Radio, among other assets -- are due by the end of business tomorrow, but so far there's only one serious bidder emerging: a group composed of three private equity firms -- Madison Dearborn Partners of Chicago, Apollo Management of New York and Providence Equity Partners of Rhode Island. The consortium has long been viewed as a contender for Tribune because of Madison Dearborn's Chicago roots and its reported interest in hometown assets such as the Cubs and WGN-TV. Former Tribune Chief Executive John W. Madigan was a Madison Dearborn partner until he took a leave of absence in the fall and later resigned. Tribune's control of the Cubs could be viewed as particularly attractive to Madison Dearborn CEO John Canning, a onetime college catcher and avid baseball man who has said he would like to own a major league team. Canning already is an investor in several minor-league teams -- he has interests in the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League), among others -- and has a minority interest in Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers.

Relocating a team to Portland makes sense
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The argument here is that if a MLB does relocate, Portland is the perfect market. Really, the issue is whether any team will relocate in the near future: MLB is determined to keep the Marlins in Florida, and the lease at Tropicana Field makes relocation troublesome for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. It does make sense: depending on the measuring, Portland is the #23 television market in the United States, lagging Pittsburgh but ahead of Milwaukee, Cincinnati and Kansas City. (Alas, the Tampa Bay market is #12, so a move would be problematic.) Still, Portland is not the largest TV market to lack major-league baseball -- Orlando and Sacramento are both larger -- but many of the arguments laid out here are quite valid. The buzz surrounding Las Vegas as a possible home for MLB seems to have died down in recent months, boosting Portland's chances.

Padres break ground on new Dominican academy
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The San Diego Padres and HOK Sport unveiled a new concept for baseball academies designed to meet the special needs of future Major Leaguers from the Dominican Republic. The design firm, along with officials from the San Diego Padres and the Dominican Republic, will break ground on a new baseball training academy for the Padres in San Cristobal.
    "Training facilities in the Dominican Republic are becoming more popular among Major League Baseball clubs," said David Bower, AIA, HOK Sport principal in charge of the project. "But the level of detail and atmosphere of the Padres’ training academy sets a new mark for projects of this type around the world."
    The 15-acre training academy will provide players with a complete environment crucial to their well-being as they develop the skills necessary to become professional baseball players in the United States. It will feature two regulation-size practice fields, one half-field, batting tunnels, an 18,000-square-foot players’ residence to accommodate up to 60 players, a 5,000-square-foot managers'/coaches' residence, administrative offices, a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, weight and training rooms, dining hall, and classrooms for learning English language and customs.
    The complex, situated in a campus-like format, takes advantage of a hilltop site to maximize views of the Caribbean while incorporating native materials and landscape to achieve the resort-like experience.

UNO invests in lights for ballpark
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There will be Friday-night lights for University of New Orleans baseball this season. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, too. The school is investing some $113,000 to install temporary lighting at Ron Maestri Field this season because the state's restoration of the permanent lighting system heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina would not be complete until after the end of the regular season in May. The team will play 21 of its 33 home games at night, starting with the Feb. 13 home opener against Southern.

In memoriam: Dick King
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dick King, who helped bring minor league baseball back to Montgomery with the Wings in 2001 and who famed baseball executive Bobby Bragan once called the "the Bill Veeck of the minor leagues," has died. He was 87.  King was a longtime professional sports executive, including years of service at all levels of professional baseball, including the majors. He held management and executive positions at the major league level with Cincinnati, Cleveland and the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, he was executive director responsible for all business operations of the club. On the day King died, he received a phone call from Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, according to business associate Frank Evans of Montgomery.

JMU plans new ballpark
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
James Madison University hopes to begin construction on a new baseball and softball complex on the grounds of the old Harrisonburg High School within 30 months. The JMU Board of Visitors decided Friday to request an amendment to the governor’s state budget that would provide $5 million for the facility. Now, the school will wait to hear from the state legislature. Increasing seating capacity to at least 3,000 would allow JMU to host NCAA regionals, something it can’t do at 1,200-seat Long Field. In 2002, McFarland said, the NCAA was interested in hosting a regional at Madison but couldn’t because of inadequate seating. The proposed ballpark would replace Memorial Stadium. Built in 1948 as a home for the Harrisonburg Turks of the Valley League, Memorial Stadium was named for the 139 area veterans who died in World War II. It was paid for by donations.

MCBL adds a fifth team
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Parker is the latest member of the summer-collegiate Mountain Collegiate Baseball League, becoming the fifth team in the league. The new team is listed on the league's Web site but does not yet have a nickname or coach. It will play its home games at Double Angel Ballpark, a community facility in Parker. Original members of the league, which began play in 2005, are the Cheyenne Grizzlies, Greeley Grays, Laramie Colts and the Fort Collins Foxes.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Brazos Valley Bombers (summer collegiate; Texas Collegiate League) introduced Kevin Moulder as the team’s head coach for the 2007 season. Moulder, an assistant coach with the University of Central Missouri, brings to the Bombers a championship resume and a strong coaching background for the club’s inaugural season. Moulder joins the Bombers after enjoying tremendous success this past summer with the Laramie (Wyo.) Colts of the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League. In his first turn as head coach, Moulder guided the Colts to a 32-18 (.640 winning percentage) record and captured the league title....Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) General Manager Dave Echols has announced that Jim Pfander, who has served as the club’s director of promotions the past two seasons, has been promoted to assistant general manager. Pfander will continue with his promotional responsibilities for the team....Don Sutton is the new color analyst for Washington Nationals broadcasts.