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Archives: June 17-23, 2007

Chukars open new ballpark with SRO crowd
Posted June 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League) opened Melaleuca Field tonight with a standing-room-only crowd and a host of dignitaries -- including Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (shown below), who expressed his great affection for Idaho Falls in pregame comments -- on hand for the festivities. We'll have a full look at the new ballpark this weekend, but let's just say the team and its architects have created a great, great ballpark on a shoestring.

Dodgers near agreement on Arizona spring-training facility
Posted June 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are just a few steps away from a groundbreaking for a new spring-training facility in Glendale, Arizona. The Glendale City Council is expected to vote at a 9 p.m. meeting Tuesday on agreements concerning the two-team facility, which will most likely be shared with the Chicago White Sox depending on the resolution of the team's lease at Tucson Electric Park. The Dodgers have been training in Vero Beach since 1948. After the council votes -- a mere formality -- the process moves to the state level, and after that the groundbreaking can begin, likely by the end of summer or early fall, with opening planned for 2009.

Sally League selects Krupa as next president
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Low Class A South Atlantic League Board of Directors voted today to approve Eric Krupa as the next president of the league. Krupa will succeed John Henry Moss, the longest-tenured league president in Minor League Baseball, effective January 1, 2008. "We were fortunate to have had so many qualified applicants interested in serving the South Atlantic League," said Alan Stein, Chairman of the South Atlantic League Personnel Committee. "As a result of a thorough search process, we were pleased to endorse Eric as the candidate of choice for 'The League of Choice.'" Krupa, a native of Wyomissing, PA, has spent the past 10 years as the Director of Business and Finance at the headquarter office for the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues in St. Petersburg, Florida. A 1992 graduate of Lafayette College, he began his career in baseball in 1995 as the visiting clubhouse manager for the Reading Phillies (Class A; Eastern League). He left baseball to pursue a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Ohio University, and upon completion in 1996, he moved to Florida to work as an intern for Disney as they were opening their Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando. In 1997, he was hired by the Minor League Baseball office and moved to St. Petersburg.

New for 2008: Grand Prairie AirHogs
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Grand Prairie Professional Baseball announced the Grand Prairie AirHogs as the name of the future independent American Association baseball team. The team will play its first home game in May 2008.
AirHogs was chosen because it complemented the ballpark’s aviation inspired architecture and the local aeronautical industry. Mark Schuster, the Managing Partner of Ventura Sports Group who made the announcement, said. "In the same manner that air squadrons have unique recognizable nicknames, AirHogs will represent our team, organization and community.” AirHogs is a slang term by which military pilots sometimes refer to themselves. More from the Dallas News.

Swing sale passes crucial point as it gains Midwest League approval
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In the marathon process involved in purchasing a professional baseball team, the proposed sale of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League) cleared a major hurdle when Midwest League directors approved the sale of the club owned by Kevin Krause-led Seventh Inning Stretch to Mainstreet Iowa, a company headed by Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt. The transaction will not be complete until the governing body of minor-league baseball and the major-league commissioner’s office sign off on it, but league approval is considered the critical step in the process.

Ballpark redesign receives approval
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Jackson County Sports Complex Authority gave its nod Tuesday to the redesign of Kauffman Stadium. Unveiled to the public last month, the $250-million renovation will include larger concourses, more food outlets and restrooms, a new video scoreboard, a children’s play area, and places for fans to picnic and mingle. The authority, which oversees the county-owned ballpark, passed a resolution Tuesday approving the design. Jackson County taxpayers approved a 3/8 -cent sales tax in April 2006 to cover most of the Kauffman project and the $425 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium.

Boog-A-Dee Boo's selling beer until league obtains new license
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cold beer’s flowing again at minor league baseball parks in Harlingen and Edinburg, as the independent United League Baseball’s agreement with a Harlingen caterer allows the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings and the Edinburg Coyotes to temporarily sell beer and liquor, said Lt. Arthur Munsell of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in McAllen. The agreement with Kevin Dyer, owner of Boog-A-Dee Boo’s Burgers and Brews, allows the the catering company to sell beer and liquor at the ballpark until the league obtains a new license to sell alcohol, Munsell said.
    RELATED STORIES: United League teams in Texas likely to lose liquor licenses temporarily

Marshall planning new ballpark
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Local television station WOWK-TV is reporting on an agreement between CSX and Marshall University for land to build a proposed new ballpark. Sources say CSX will donate a seven-acre tract of land to Marshall University to build a new ballpark. Under the agreement, Marshall will have to take responsibility for remediation of the property under the supervision of CSX. The final work must be approved by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sources say if construction goes as planned, the new ballpark could be ready for baseball in two years.

UVSC, Owlz playing ballpark name games
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After years of uncertainty as to what to call the ballpark on the campus of Utah Valley State College, it was thought that the matter was put to rest with the renaming of the facility to Brent Brown Ballpark last week. However, the management and owners of the Orem Owlz, the minor-league tenant at the field since 2005, do not feel the same way about the issue. The Owlz have decided to continue referring to the field as the "Home of the Owlz," the same designation they have used since the Parkway Crossing deal fell through with UVSC two years ago. Owlz general manager Zachary Fraser said that there was an agreement between the team and UVSC concerning future naming rights; since the university did not, the team feels it has the right to ignore the new name.
    RELATED STORIES: UVSC announces ballpark donors

New MTSU ballpark over budget
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The cost of building MTSU's new ballpark was underestimated by more than $1.4 million, according to construction bids received last week. The lowest of four base bids received by MTSU was $5.4 million -- far more than the $4 million the university allocated for construction as part of $5 million raised for the project. The remaining $1 million is for designer fees and contingencies.

Cyclones to recreate final Ebbets Field pitch
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Prior to Sunday's 5 p.m. game at Keyspan Park, the Cyclones will help recreate the final pitch ever thrown at Ebbets Field when former Brooklyn Dodgers Danny McDevitt and Joe Pignatano take the field for the ceremonial first pitch (as well as sign autographs during the game).

Ripken baseball has new Ace in hole
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For the second year in a row, the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League has decided to expand. Just a week after the Herndon (Va.) Braves made their debut as the wood-bat summer league’s seventh team, the Ripken League announced it will add a second Virginia-based franchise, the Alexandria Aces, for the summer of 2008. Though a new franchise, the Aces will boast experience in the front office when they take the field for their inaugural season. Pat Malone, who has worked in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley Baseball League (also wood-bat) for the past six years with three different teams, will serve as the team’s president and general manager. The team chairman will be Don Dinan, part-owner and general counsel of the Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League).

Baseball comes to Wal-Mart country
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) moving to Springdale and playing as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the geography of the Texas League will change a little. Looking forward to the change is Arkansas Travelers head honcho Bill Valentine, who expects a great rivalry between his boys and the cross-state team. We'd be surprised if one doesn't develop: there's already a rivalry of sorts between regions in the state, and the Naturals should help amplify that.
    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

Hope for UW baseball's return?
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Doug Moe offers a way for the University of Wisconsin to bring back baseball as a varsity sport: follow the example of the University of California-Irvine. In 1999, the university put a referendum on the ballot during the student elections asking whether students wanted to pay an extra $99 a year each to bring back baseball. Significantly, it wasn't just baseball. The referendum also said the money would be used to establish women's programs in water polo and golf. It was called the "spirit fee" referendum, and it needed 60 percent of the student vote to pass. It got 62 percent.

Today's video: Why opera will never be America's Pastime
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There are no beer vendors for opera, which is why opera will never be America's Pastime. This commercial from the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) compares baseball to opera and, not surprisingly, comes down in favor of baseball. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Blair Field more than just a ballpark
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Blair Field was originally pushed by Long Beach Press-Telegram sports editor Frank Blair as a way for the city to attract a Pacific Coast League team, but that effort ended when the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to Los Angeles and displaced the PCL from the area. When Long Beach State made Blair its home in 1993, it opened a new door for the facility that would eventually include the scheduling of national college powers like Texas and Miami and the rise of the only true rivalry in the Big West, between the Dirtbags and Cal State Fullerton.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 21, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Baltimore Orioles announced that Andy MacPhail has been named President of Baseball Operations for the organization. In his new position, MacPhail will oversee all baseball operations of the ballclub. A member of one of baseball's most honored and respected families, MacPhail most recently has assisted Major League Baseball with a variety of projects after spending 12 years as president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Cubs. Prior to joining the Cubs, he served as executive vice president and general manager of the Minnesota Twins for nine seasons. His first move as grand pooh-bah already fell short: Joe Girardi turned down an offer to manage the club....The Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) expect to welcome their 10 millionth fan to The Diamond during their upcoming homestand starting Friday. The Braves need 13,889 more fans to reach 10 million at The Diamond since the park opened in 1985. There are seven minor league parks now in use that have hosted 10 million fans. Of those, only Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo (opened in 1988) is newer than The Diamond. 

Clippers ballpark plans unveiled
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The design for Huntington Park, the new home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League), was unveiled by the team and Franklin County yesterday. The design from 360 Architecture is set to revitalize the city’s urban core with its innovative design that accommodates the disabled and features various family-friendly facilities. The 200,000 square-foot, three-level building constructed from brick and steel will be green, utilizing an extroverted design approach that leads to a significant reduction in spaces requiring air conditioning. Huntington Park, set to open in the 2009 season. reclaims the blighted urban Brownfield site that is in desperate need of a cleanup. The design protects farmland and open green spaces surrounding the city. It also utilizes existing parking facilities serving the daytime workforce population resulting in a significant reduction in land-use. We'll have a full preview of the replacement for Cooper Stadium tomorrow; in the meantime here's more from the Columbus Dispatch.

Twins announce date for new-ballpark groundbreaking
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minnesota Twins, in conjunction with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and Hennepin County, announced that the official groundbreaking for the new downtown Minneapolis ballpark will be held Thursday, Aug. 2. The official ceremony and other commemorative events will take place at the downtown Minneapolis ballpark site, following the Twins-Royals game scheduled for 12:10 p.m. on Aug. 2 at the Metrodome. The ballpark site will open to the public at 5 p.m., with a free concert and other activities scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. The official groundbreaking ceremony will start at 7 p.m., with the event expected to conclude at approximately 8 p.m.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Today's video: Binghamton Mets promo
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This promotional video from the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) was done to promote a local community's night at the ballpark. It was shown during the game and has been shown since; it's a great example of how a team can do outreach with a local partner.. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Astros announcer Hamilton calls game in 54th ballpark
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Houston Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton thought back 42 years as he walked into Angel Stadium on Monday afternoon. There was a stake at home plate and little else around the field when Hamilton, then 38, visited on a tour with some folks from the Chicago White Sox in 1965. Since that visit, the Astros have played in two home ballparks -- the Astrodome and Minute Maid Park. Hamilton, a Hall of Fame broadcaster who has been calling games in the majors since 1953, stopped traveling full-time last season. He makes select trips to ballparks he has not visited, which is why he traveled with the Astros for the start of a three-game interleague series against the Angels on Monday night. Detroit's Comerica Park, Tampa Bay's Tropicana Field and Toronto's Rogers Centre are the only current big-league ballparks he has yet to visit.

Board seeks feedback on land swap for Charlotte ballpark
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners is expected today to set a public hearing for July 10 for residents to weigh in on an $8 million economic development grant for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League). Under a proposed agreement, the baseball team would build a $35 million ballpark uptown in exchange for an annual grant from the county of about $700,000 based on revenues, probably for 20 years. The grant would go toward public projects such as relocating Third Street, lighting and sidewalks.

Final touches at ballpark complete in time for first Osprey game
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If you go to the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League) home opener tonight at Ogren-Allegiance Park, you'll notice differences before you even walk in the (new) gate. There'll be no more house trailers. Anywhere. You'll get your tickets at one of three windows on the backside of an attractive cinderblock building, one of a handful of permanent structures that house concession stands, clubhouses and toilets, lots and lots of them. A new party deck, for private parties, looms over the visitors' bullpen in right field. And high above the centerfield fence beyond right center, on a platform installed last year to attract a real osprey: at least two real osprey.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Texas Rangers owner and chairman of the board Tom Hicks announced today he has given general manager Jon Daniels a one-year contract extension. Daniels contact with the club now runs through 2009. "I have always been a believer in JD and his management team," said Hicks. "While we are disappointed with our record this season, I know he can take the Rangers to where we want to be, a team that is consistently a contender." Daniels became the eighth general manager in Texas club history after being promoted to the position on October 4, 2005.

Jack Russell Stadium down to its final out
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another ballpark is no more. Jack Russell Stadium, the former spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies and regular-season home of the Clearwater Phillies (High Class A; Florida State League), is slated to come down this week. Really, all that's left is the grandstand and much of the infrastructure; the aluminum seats already are gone, and some of the railings have fallen to the concrete floor. In the end, the city just couldn't find a use for the historic ballpark; after the Phillies shifted spring-training operations to Bright House Networks Field, Clearwater had leased the facility to a baseball academy, but that situation wasn't sustainable. This ballpark hearkens back to the days when spring training was a more casual affair, located in small neighborhood facilities. Jack Russell Stadium is a prime member of our Endangered Ballparks.

York ballpark opens; early reports positive
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Taking in a game at York's Sovereign Bank Stadium is like apple pie á la mode without the ice cream. It's still enjoyable, but you can tell some of the ingredients are missing.  "It's just not ready yet," said York Revolution outfielder Peter Bergeron. "But it will be a great stadium when it is." Bergeron was speaking outside one of the trailers beyond the right field fence before Friday's home opener for the new Atlantic League team. The 11-year professional ballplayer and his teammates had to get dressed and ready for the game at the trailers because the stadium's clubhouses won't be ready until mid-July. Several aspects of the ballpark remain incomplete; however, fans said the experience was still very worthwhile. More from the Lancaster Sunday News and the Evening Sun.

Line forms and sleeps here to live near Nats ballpark
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wow. It's hard to argue that a new Washington Nationals ballpark hasn't already had a transforming effect in Southeast Washington when you see a story like this. For the past week and a half, five families been camped out in Southeast Washington, on a strip of grass surrounded by parking lots and rubble, with four other families in line for townhouses near the new ballpark. What was once a pretty bad part of town is now being transformed with new housing, retail and office space -- and the new ballpark is a big part of it.
    RELATED STORIES: Top price for ducats at new Nats ballpark: $400; Nationals' transition extends off field; National crisis: Capital franchise in turmoil; Ballpark brings hope but no guarantee; Nationals ballpark 'on time, on budget' for 2008 opening; Future distinctly on rise for Nationals; District not over park cap; New Nats ballpark to feature cherry blossoms beyond left-field fence; As ballpark rises, battles over land continue; For Nats' home, a rapid ascent; Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say; 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

Baseball cost: fair or foul?
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Taxpayers in Castle Rock and Brighton, Col., may have to put a price on their love of baseball as the independent American Association offers to place teams in the communities in exchange for ballparks. Earlier this month, American Association officials asked Castle Rock to build a 4,000-seat stadium worth up to $15 million. Brighton is considering a 4,000-seat ballpark with luxury suites and grass-berm seating for an additional 1,000 people. Similar ballparks have cost up to $18 million. The cities will conduct a joint study of the costs versus benefits, as well as community support.
    RELATED STORIES: Investors pitch baseball idea for The Ranch; Commissioners back study of ballpark at The Ranch; Another baseball contender in Fort Collins: the American Association; Ballpark battle beginning in Fort Collins?;  Foxes still seeking location for their new 'Den'; Minor-league baseball for Castle Rock, Col.?

Classic ballpark Bosse Field turns 92
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With baseball season in full swing, fans are once again flocking to Bosse Field to catch the Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League). Bosse Field was completed in 1915 at a total cost of $65,000. Named for then-Mayor Benjamin Bosse, it was, and still is, owned by the local School Board -- the first municipally owned athletic facility in Indiana. Opening Day was June 17, 1915 -- exactly 92 years ago today. Seating capacity was listed as 7,180, but attendance that afternoon was reported as 8,082. Fans paid 75 cents for box seats, 50 cents for grandstand, 25 cents for bleachers to watch the Evansville Evas defeat Erie, 4-0.

It's a whole new ballgame for Baby Bombers
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This has been quite the offseason for the Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League). The New York Yankees took control of the franchise and hired Mandalay Baseball Properties to run the show. In turn, the team's home has been upgraded: There's a high-definition LED video board, stretching 192 feet on the right-field fence, for entertainment and advertising purposes. There's a new 20-foot video scoreboard in left field, and every seat in the house has been power-washed and/or painted. A new Yankees Walk of Fame provides a lifeline to the parent team.

Wolff takes hands-on approach to A's Fremont ballpark
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lew Wolff is veering about as far as possible from the unofficial playbook for sports team owners. Instead of brazenly demanding public money for a downtown ballpark to replace outmoded McAfee Coliseum, the understated Los Angeles real estate developer and investor is asking officials in Fremont for zoning and building approval to construct an estimated $1.8 billion, 224-acre ballpark and mixed-use development. Funding for the project will derive mainly from tax-increment financing tied to the resale and development of the team-controlled land surrounding the ballpark. Backed in part by a 30-year, $120 million naming-rights agreement with Cisco, Wolff intends to build a high-tech ballpark featuring Cisco consumer products and advanced ticketing, media and concession technologies. The ballpark, is slated to contain just 32,000 seats. Opening is scheduled for 2011, though that remains subject to change.
    RELATED STORIES: A's Wolff sees new ballpark as super site; A's sign contracts for land in Fremont to build new ballpark; Entitlements key in funding Cisco Field; Study: A's ballpark worth $109 million to economy; Toxic hazard creates bump in road to new A's ballpark; A's tout Cisco Field in ticket mailer; Will global warming swamp AT&T Park, new A's ballpark?; A's owner not sweating lack of BART at Fremont ballpark site; A's owner raises more questions than answers; 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

Pelicans add bleachers to Coastal Federal Field
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Over eight years have gone by and hundreds of home run balls have sailed over the outfield wall at Coastal Federal Field, but no fan has ever had the chance to catch one of those majestic shots. That changed this past weekend when the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) added outfield bleachers -- the only ballpark in the historic Carolina League boasting an outfield seating option. "The new left field bleachers not only add capacity to Coastal Federal Field, but they also provide an aesthetic quality that was missing," said Pelicans General Manager North Johnson. "The way the bleachers wrap around toward the scoreboard gives the stadium a much more intimate feel and will bring our fans even closer to the action. We are looking forward to a Wrigley Field-type atmosphere beyond the left field wall."

Columbus ballpark to give jolt to economy
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A study shows good things are in store for Central Ohio's economy once work on a new ballpark for the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) gets into full swing this year. The economic influence from construction of Huntington Park in the Arena District will total more than $100 million over three years, says a study by the Columbus Chamber and Franklin County. The impact includes an estimated $45 million to be spent designing and building the county-owned ballpark as well as the ripple effect those dollars will have as they are spent in the economy.

ValleyCats close to completion on picnic pavilion NEW!
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tri-City ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League) have made significant progress on the construction of the new picnic pavilion down the right-field concourse at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. The privately funded pavilion will be completed by Opening Day, slated for this coming weekend.

O's get comfy in new digs
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Missoula is home to gadflies, barflies and now stadiumflies. Nearly 60 people braved a Sunday drizzle to get their first look at the nearly finished home of the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League) and inspect the new crop of talent, which practiced for the first time at Ogren-Allegiance Park. Fans weren't the only ones soaking in the new digs, which includes actual buildings on the ballpark deck instead of trailers and temporary plywood press boxes. Coaches noticed the changes, too, as well as the curious faces that came out.

Minor league = major impact
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the boys of summer back in Mercer County, area officials are hoping to hit another home run for the local economy. Having two rookie Appalachian League teams in town -- the Bluefield Orioles and Princeton Devil Rays -- generates an annual estimated revenue of between $6 million and $7 million for Mercer County. Both teams arrived this weekend in Bluefield and Princeton. More from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph.

Vandy wants to expand baseball facility
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ah, it's that time of year: Super Regional Fever. Vanderbilt officials were awestruck earlier this month when the school hosted an NCAA baseball regional for the first time. More than 3,500 vocal fans packed into Hawkins Field for four straight days, creating an environment on campus previously unmatched. Vanderbilt loved it and wants more. Tentative plans call for expansion of Hawkins Field, which has a capacity of just more than 2,000. The installation of temporary bleachers for the regional pushed capacity to more than 3,500.

Old Miss ballpark project still stalled by cost
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The trucks that were supposed to be pulling into Oxford-University Stadium are nowhere to be found right now. The construction noises that were supposed to be filling the air are missing, too. The renovation and expansion of Ole Miss' ballpark, which was scheduled to begin when the 2007 season ended and be completed in time for 2008, remains in the planning stages thanks to an unforeseen problem two months ago. The sparkling new ballpark, which was slated to include club level seats and raise capacity to nearly 10,000, was slapped with a price tag $6 million more than the program and project managers expected.

Today's video: Protecting kids at the ballpark
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This isn't as serious as it sounds: rather, this is a light-hearted look at how kids are treated well -- and supervised -- at Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida State League) games, in a spot from Plan B. Branding. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A few teams set some attendance marks over the weekend. Royce Huffman notched his second four-hit game in five days and Ray Chang drove in three runs as the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) treated area families to a 7-6 victory over the Salt Lake Bees on Father’s Day at PGE Park before 10,277, the largest crowd of the season....The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) set a few records Sunday. First, the Fisher Cats welcomed in a franchise-record 22,121 fans for the three-game series against the Erie SeaWolves, breaking the previous record of 21,096 set from June 16-18, 2006 vs. the Portland Sea Dogs. The 35,235 fans that witnessed the six-game homestand concluding Sunday also set a team record, breaking the previous mark of 34,288 set between July 18-24, 2005 vs. Akron and Portland....The Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League) will host two organic events during the 2007 baseball season. The first promotion, Positive Purpose Night, will be June 23 when the Storm meet the Inland Empire 66ers. This event will bridge into the Storm’s Goin’ Green celebration on July 20 when the team plays the High Desert Mavericks. The Storm will be the first team in baseball to present a promotional night encouraging health and sustainability. On this night the Storm team will be wearing green uniforms made of hemp material that will then be auctioned at the end of the game. The money raised will be gifted to a non-profit that’s helping to better our world. There will be a health and sustainability festival held before and during the baseball game. Healthy organic foods will be served at the concession stands, and periodic announcements will be made offering tidbits of information for developing healthy and lasting communities. To conclude the evening, the Storm will shoot off green fireworks. The Positive Purpose Night is the seed event for the cultivation of good deeds.