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Archives: March 12-18, 2007

Marlins ballpark funding bills advance
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Boosting baseball fans' hopes the Florida Marlins may get a new home, two key legislative panels on Thursday approved a $60 million sales tax rebate to help the Fish build a new ballpark. The last critical piece of funding needed to pay for a new ballpark with a retractable roof, the money would come directly from sales tax revenues generated by the team and concessions inside the venue; it would also extend the same sales-tax rebate to the other eight major-league teams in Florida, a move supported by Gov. Charlie Criss. The article is highly misleading: the bills in question (528/544 in the Senate) do not specify a downtown Miami ballpark and could be applied to any new ballpark, as the team and not the local municipality is the beneficiary of the state largesse. It could, obviously, be applied to a new ballpark built at the Orange Bowl site -- a site now favored by most Miami-Dade elected officials, but one we hear is opposed both by MLB and the Marlins. This would make an interesting battle if MLB and the Fish won the larger battle for state funding and then lost out on their preferred downtown site. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks; New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play; Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl; Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark; County unveils Marlins financing plan; Marlins ballpark funding at first base; Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000; Florida legislative leaders back tax help for sports; Governor boosts ballpark funding formula; CRA board members: Look somewhere else for ballpark funds; Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds; Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal; Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal; Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark; Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins ballpark deal in downtown Miami; DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami ballpark; Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats

New ballpark on tap for Tulsa Drillers?
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two developers are vying for property in the east-end area of downtown Tulsa, and it's unclear whether one will be victorious or whether both projects can coexist -- or even if they are viable proposals. The players are Global Development of Washington, D.C., and Downtown Tulsa Developers LLC, owned by Claremore real estate developer John Williams. Global's plan includes a new ballpark for the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) and hotels to lure people into the area. Sources say Williams' plan includes a Wal-Mart. To be blunt, we're not quite sure how seriously to take this: Global has proposed many high-profile developments -- a new Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) ballpark in that city's Shockoe Bottom district and a new DC United (MLS) stadium -- but has not followed through on a single one, to our knowledge. Plus, there doesn't seem to be much of a outcry to replace Drillers Stadium, the largest ballpark in Class AA ball.

In memoriam: Bowie Kuhn
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Bowie Kuhn, 80, a lawyer whose first job in baseball was operating the old Griffith Stadium scoreboard while growing up in Washington and who would go on to serve as commissioner of baseball during a particularly tumultuous time in the game's history, died March 15 of pneumonia at St. Luke's Hospital in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. He had heart surgery in October 2004. During his 15-year tenure, the second-longest among nine commissioners, Major League Baseball expanded into Canada, realigned its two leagues into divisions and instituted a playoff system. Kuhn presided over a tradition-laden sport that transformed itself into a high-profile entertainment business, complete with free agency (one of Kuhn's first tasks as commissioner was dealing with the Curt Flood situation) and soaring salaries for players, huge TV revenue and five work stoppage.

County appealing to leagues
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McHenry County College is exploring an expansion project which, MCC president Walt Packard said, could include a baseball stadium built to accommodate a minor league team, and the reporters at the Northwest Herald are meaning this literally, talking with commissioners from the independent Frontier and Northern Leagues. The reporters are on the wrong track. From what we've heard the interest at MCC isn't actually with indy leagues, but rather with summer-collegiate leagues -- specifically, the Northwoods League and the Central Illinois Collegiate League, which may or may not exist in its current form after this summer -- the CICL is down to four teams, and at least one of those teams has had discussions regarding a move to another summer-collegiate league.
    RELATED STORIES: Would minor-league team be hit at McHenry Community College?

Frederick aldermen approve ballpark lease offer
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frederick's Board of Aldermen approved a new lease Thursday to allow the Frederick Keys (Low Class A; Sally League) to use Harry Grove Stadium for the next two years. If Keys ownership signs the lease, it will be effective April 6. Harry Grove, built in 1990, is owned by the city and leased to the Keys. Negotiations to renew the lease have been ongoing since fall 2006. The lease would be a two-year term, ending March 31, 2009, with the option of a five-year renewal. Rent would be $16,500 for the first year, $17,000 for the second year. One issue left up in the air: the status of proposed improvements to the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Delegation seeks funds for Harry Grove Stadium renovations; Harry Grove Stadium: An economic key to the city? Alderman: Frederick could lose Keys team; City, county to discuss Keys' ballpark renovation funding

Defenders, Norwich at odds about Dodd Stadium money issues
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The Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) are calling upon two City Council members to help resolve issues that could delay improvements at Dodd Stadium before the start of the 2007 baseball season next month. At issue are improvements the city is required to make under the terms of the lease agreement with the Defenders and roughly $100,000 in back rent the team apparently owes the Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority. The issue surfaced at Wednesday's stadium authority meeting when a motion to spend $91,000 to replace floors and carpeting in the ballpark's clubhouses was tabled. Authority Chairman Michael Jewell acknowledged Thursday the authority is required under the lease to complete the work, but doesn't have the money to do it.

Ballpark fan-tastic place to do business
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In the West Valley, Cactus League ballparks host more than the average baseball fan enjoying cold drinks and hot dogs. Venues in Surprise and Peoria both house plush sky suites that the cities use to entertain high-profile developers and investors. Officials claim that the unique baseball experience forms an impression, and is an event their elite business guests remember down the road when they later consider where to invest their time and money. On average, Surprise hosts about 300 business guests a season in its economic development suite at Surprise Stadium. The city spends around 5 percent of a reported $100,000 marketing budget to entertain and feed the guests. Officials in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa reported that they do not typically use their box seating for economic development purposes.

Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)

Renovations will give women, men equal number of toilets
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The St. Louis Cardinals plan to achieve potty parity at Busch Stadium by opening day this year. The ballpark's restrooms are being renovated to provide as many places for women as men by April 1, St. Louis Cardinals president Mark Lamping said. The changes will put the ballpark in compliance with a state law the ballpark's architects didn't know existed last year. Enacted in 1995, the law requires that sports facilities and other large public venues have as many toilets for women as it has toilets and urinals for men. But as the ballpark neared completion last year, the architectural firm that designed the ballpark, HOK Sport, reported men had nearly 40 more toilet options than women in public restrooms.

'We'll be ready for baseball'
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Dow Diamond, the home of the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League), was bustling with activity under bright sunshine on Tuesday. But no baseballs were hit, no vendors were hawking peanuts and programs, no ballplayers took the field, and no fans showed up to cheer them on. On Tuesday, the stadium housed more than 200 construction workers performing a wide variety of tasks: installing electrical lines and heating ducts, laying bricks to form a fireplace in the concourse, installing permanent seating, painting, raising fencing for the centerfield backdrop, finishing drywall, and continuing to raise the six mammoth light towers.
    RELATED STORIES: Loons sell out season opener in 21 minutes; Progress on Loons ballpark at fast pace; Mild weather helps Midland ballpark construction; Solar panels to help power ballpark for Great Lakes Loons; Ballpark could connect with shoppers; New for 2007: Dow Diamond

New for 2007: AT&T Field
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The home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League) has a new name and a new look. AT&T and the Lookouts today announced that AT&T Field will be home to the team. Local elected officials joined representatives from AT&T and the Lookouts to unveil the new name and logo, which reflect the recently approved merger between AT&T and BellSouth Corp. New stadium signage will be installed before the team’s home opener on April 11.
  "It's great for Chattanooga and for the Lookouts to have such a high-profile association with one of the world’s largest and most respected companies," said Frank Burke, president and general manager of the Chattanooga Lookouts. "AT&T Field properly conveys baseball tradition and the family-oriented focus of our team. We look forward to working with our friends from AT&T, and we anticipate a smooth transition to AT&T Field."
    Formerly BellSouth Park, AT&T Field is a privately funded facility. The 6,100-seat ballpark opened in April 2000. In addition to serving as home of the Lookouts, AT&T Field hosts other local community events, including the HeartWalk and the Choo-Choo-Challenge bike race.  AT&T Field is AT&T’s fifth naming rights venue. Others include: AT&T Park in San Francisco; AT&T Center in San Antonio; AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City; and Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Community redevelopment money is not a carrot to be dangled in front of Florida Marlins or Major League Baseball officials -- or anyone looking to dip into the resources to back efforts disguised as development projects, Miami City Commissioner Tomas Regalado said. Regalado's comments followed City Manager Pete Hernandez' announcement at a Miami-Dade County Commission meeting last week that $15 million in CRA funds was earmarked for the project. Regalado proposed a resolution for the Miami Community Redevelopment Agency board -- the five Miami city commissioners -- "clearly stating that no CRA funds should be used for the project of the baseball stadium, the port tunnel, the performing arts and the streetcar," he said. "It's on the draft agenda (for March 26). Even if it's pulled for some reason, I will bring it as a pocket item anyway" calling for a vote even though it doesn't appear on the agenda. A majority of the CRA board voted informally last month to reject a proposal to spend agency money on a ballpark. More from Miami Today.
    RELATED STORIES: New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play; Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl; Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark; County unveils Marlins financing plan; Marlins ballpark funding at first base; Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000; Florida legislative leaders back tax help for sports; Governor boosts ballpark funding formula; CRA board members: Look somewhere else for ballpark funds; Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds; Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal; Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal; Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark; Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins ballpark deal in downtown Miami; DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami ballpark; Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats

Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark
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If a new baseball park is built in downtown Fort Wayne, the owners of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) promised Wednesday to offer some tickets cheaper than those now offered. Executives from Hardball Capital, the new owner of the Wizards, spoke to several groups Wednesday about the Harrison Square proposal. The $125-million public-private partnership includes a new downtown hotel, condominiums, shopping and a city-owned baseball stadium. Hardball would be responsible for much of the condo and shopping development part of the project. Jason Freier, Hardball’s CEO, responded to a question about the possibility of escalating ticket prices in a new ballpark. While not offering specifics on prices, Freier said the cheapest seats at a downtown ballpark would be cheaper than the cheapest seats at Memorial Stadium on Coliseum Boulevard. Why? Volume. More on Freier's comments, which included a discussion of who would run the ballpark after it opens.
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B-Mets showcase menu changes
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Maines Paper & Food Service corporate executive chef Jake Hizny, who works on food offerings at Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) games, unveiled some potential new menu items: meatball subs; carved turkey and prime rib sandwiches; tacos; spring rolls; deep-fried pickle spears; pizza; quesadillas; chicken dumplings with plum sauce; and orange-glazed chicken. We're a little surprised the B-Mets weren't already selling pizza at the park; the others sound great as well.

A swing toward wooden bats
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North Jersey baseball officials who banned non-wood bats months or even years ago welcomed New York to the club on Wednesday and said they sensed the momentum in the bat debate swinging in their direction. The New York City Council's vote to prohibit metal bats from high school baseball games could also give a boost to a similar measure in New Jersey, said Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, D-Middlesex, a sponsor of the Garden State bill that would apply to all children under 18. The wood-bat movement started in earnest last summer when a ball hit by a metal bat struck Steven Domalewski of Wayne, then 12, in the chest and stopped his heart. Another factor, perhaps more important to supporters of wooden bats, was brought up by New Jersey officials: a wood bat represents baseball in its purest form.
    RELATED STORIES: USA Baseball: Metal bats are as safe as wooden bats; New York City moves toward ban on metal high-school bats

Jackets have been just the ticket for owners
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The recent wave of box-office success for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League), which began with the team's sale to Ripken Baseball Group prior to last season, doesn't seem to be subsiding. With less than a month to go before the GreenJackets' home opener, the team's front office staff already has surpassed last season's record for season ticket sales. General manager Nick Brown said more than 1,400 packages have been sold so far, exceeding last year's total by about 200.

Sand Gnats commence work on new scoreboard
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Work on the new video scoreboard at Historic Grayson Stadium, the home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), begins today. The first step in the installation will be removing the top of the right-centerfield wall to make room for the scoreboard, which will be larger than the current scoreboard. The wall will also be moved to create an even surface for the base of the scoreboard. The scoreboard was built offsite by Texas Star Sports and will feature a nearly 300-square-foot video board, digital temperature and pitch speed and an analog clock. A new manually operated scoreboard on the leftf-ield wall will show the line score.

SWB trolleys set to roll again
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It was warm, sunny, and there were signs that trolleys will soon return to the rails between downtown and PNC Field, the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League). Workers are busy getting the line ready for its first runs April 1, cleaning switches and checking lights in the 4,747-foot-long Laurel Line tunnel that carries the tracks beneath Crown Avenue in South Scranton. The 81-year-old suburban Philadelphia trolley will run directly to the ballpark, now that an 1,800-foot extension from the Lackawanna County Visitors Center, formerly the line’s southern terminus, extended service to a new station and maintenance facility on the ballpark grounds. This year, a $15 package deal will be offered to every Sunday home game from May 13 through Aug. 19. For that price, riders will receive a game ticket, round-trip trolley ride and a Yankees hat. Seating is limited to 50. Free parking will be available on Laurel Line Drive in downtown.

Rose bet on Reds 'every night'
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Not only did Pete Rose bet on the Cincinnati Reds when he was the manager, he bet on them every night to win. Rose said John Dowd, whose report on Rose's gambling habits led to Rose's banishment from Baseball in 1989, was correct when he wrote in the Dowd Report that Rose bet on the Reds nightly. "I bet on my team every night," Rose told ESPN's Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann. "I didn't bet on my team four nights a week. I was wrong." Rose's position has evolved: after initially denying the totality of the Dowd Report, he now he admits it didn't go far enough in addressing his gambling problem. We're guessing Rose has figured out he had no shot at the Hall of Fame as things stood; while we doubt coming clean will help in that regard, it probably will help Rose rehabilitate his image. He's not totally frozen from baseball: he's the subject of a new exhibit in the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum at Great American Ball Park.

New Alex Box Stadium delayed until 2009
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LSU officials confirmed the new Alex Box Stadium won’t be ready until the 2009 season, so the Tigers will play their 2008 schedule in the existing ballpark. “I’m a little bit disappointed,” said first-year LSU coach Paul Mainieri, who said he heard the news Wednesday, “but I also understand things happen and there can be delays with construction. Myself and the players will just have to wait another year, that’s all." A long list of state facilities projects in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, plus LSU’s decision to add amenities to the design of the ballpark, delayed the timetable for the ballpark, which was previously scheduled to open before the 2008 season. The DLR Group is designing the new facility.

New for 2008: the Alexandria Aces
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No, not the existing Alexandria Aces of the independent United League Baseball, but the new Alexandria Aces, which will play summer-collegiate baseball at Del Ray's Four Mile Run Park, the former home of the Alexandria Dukes (High Class A; Carolina League), located in the Washington, D.C. area. The team's ownership group includes Pat Malone, who previously ran the Loudoun Battle Cats before folding the team. Still to be announced: the team's league.

Ballpark Notes
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Nelson Norman is the new hitting coach for the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League). Norman will fill the position previously held by Steve Dillard, who was promoted to the Palm Beach Cardinals (High Class A; Florida State League). Norman planed for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos in his major-league career. Originally from San Pedro de Marcoris, Dominican Republic, Norman has spent the past three years managing in the Dominican Summer League....Jonathan Hurst is the new pitching coach for the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League). Dan Murray, who was originally announced as the Gnats pitching coach last month, will be reassigned to the St. Lucie Mets (High Class A; Florida State League). Hurst was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1987 and traded to Montreal for Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd in 1991. He pitched 10 innings for the Mets in 1994 and also spent some time pitching in Japan.

New for 2008: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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Rich Baseball Operations today announced the Northwest Arkansas Naturals as the name of the future Class AA Texas League franchise. The team, which will relocate from Wichita, Kansas following the 2007 season, will debut in a new ballpark in Springdale beginning in April 2008. The team name Naturals represented what became the most popular name suggested and voted for during the team naming contest. A key element in the popularity of Naturals is the tie to Arkansas’ slogan, "The Natural State." The regional designation of Northwest Arkansas was selected to reinforce the growth of all of the surrounding communities, and the coming of age in the region. We're hoping to see Mr. Natural as the team's mascot.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

New Nats ballpark to feature cherry blossoms beyond left-field fence
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The Washington Nationals' new ballpark will feature a grove of cherry trees beyond the left-field seats, flowers lining the wall above parts of the outfield and a high-definition scoreboard spread over right field, all designed to give the ballpark in Southeast Washington a signature look. (The cherry blossoms in D.C. are noted each spring nationally; 3,000 cherry trees were given to Washington, D.C. in 1912 by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo.) Nats President Stan Kasten said the $611 million, 41,000-seat ballpark that the city is building for the team is on schedule for its 2008 Opening Day inaugural. Team owner Ted Lerner has said he will spend tens of millions to upgrade many of the ballpark's amenities, including an outfield restaurant plaza, stone finishes behind home plate, bathrooms and glass partitions in the luxury suites, and the installation of a high-definition scoreboard. One goal is to have a giant baseball above the two-story outfield sports bar capable of projecting 360-degree replays of home runs and other highlights.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Tuck here, lift there, 10-year-old TEP looking new
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With two teams in for spring training and a regular-season tenant in the form of the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), Tucson Electric Park is a heavily used facility between February and September, so it's no surprise maintenance can be an issue at times. This spring the Pima County Stadium District replaced the pads on the outfield wall, repainted the front gates and luxury boxes, updated the Diamondbacks' and White Sox's clubhouses and improved the stadium lights for night games. Those expenses came in addition to a wall-to-wall cleaning in February and the recent purchase of new air conditioners, icemakers, tarps, nets and screens. Over at Hi Corbett Field, the district spent $194,000 on improvements before this year's first pitch was thrown. The 70-year-old stadium's renovations ranged from the practical -- a new batting cage and practice field for the Colorado Rockies -- to the mundane. Nearly $40,000 of the money was spent to upgrade the telephone system, install new washers, dryers, and buy icemakers for the clubhouses.

Experts say IronPigs will be a success
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There will always be naysayers in a market when a new baseball team appears, and that's the case in Allentown, where some are predicting doom and gloom for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, slated to begin play in 2008. Some point out to the continued success of Joe Finley and Craig Stein with their other teams -- Stein owns the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League), Finley owns the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League), and jointly they own the Lakewood BlueClaws (Low Class A; Sally League) -- and project the same level of success.

Billings ballpark design allows future amenities
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The new downtown ballpark that will replace Cobb Field as the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) by summer 2008 won't include luxury boxes, but it is being designed to include foundations that will allow corporate-sponsored or privately financed skyboxes to be added later. During a conference call with Tom Tingle of HNTB Architecture Inc. of Kansas City, the committee in charge of the ballpark design said they preferred a design putting skyboxes about 14 feet above the ground-level concourse that will ring the ballpark. The skyboxes would be built behind rows of seats along the first-base and third-base lines. HNTB provided drawings of two other configurations for skyboxes. One features a two-level design that includes some luxury seating built at the concourse level. Another showed skyboxes atop the ballpark's restrooms and concession stands.
    RELATED STORIES: Plan for new baseball park has sunken, realigned field; Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track; Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear; Billings voters approve new Mustangs ballpark; Donors pitch $210K more toward new ballpark; Join local teams in support for new ballpark; Three groups, family pledge $200K for maintenance of new Cobb Field; New vote on an old park; Two more pitch in on new Cobb Field; Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement; Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign; Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings ballpark; Cobb backers unveil campaign; Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field; Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot; Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field; Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field; Funding dominates Cobb discussion; Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams; Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Mesa wants more of spring-training pie
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Spring training may or may not be a boom for the Valley of the Sun, but Mesa officials want a bigger slice of the pie. The city runs HoHoKam Park, the spring home of the Chicago Cubs, and earned about $675,000 last year from items sold at the ballpark, including parking spots, program advertising, concession sales and ticket surcharges, and the city sees an overall boost of about $700,000 each March when comparing restaurant, bar and sales tax receipts to February. For Mesa, which depends on sales tax to bolster its coffers each year, the challenge is how to keep more of the millions that fans spend in the Valley each March in the city. The issue becomes more pressing in light of the city's financial crunch and the $3 million Mesa spends to operate HoHoKam Park each year, which returns about $1.2 million in revenue. Bringing in Ovations to run concessions has already yielded results -- sales of $230,000 on March 4 doubled the previous record for concession sales on a single day -- but city officials say more is needed.

Texas Tech planning expansion of Dan Law Field
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In a move that signals the impending death of a ballpark project in Wolfforth, Texas Tech announced plans to expand Dan Law Field with an estimated $10 million to $17 million in improvements, including a switch to artificial turf, additional concessions areas, a new press box and eight luxury suites. Tech had not ruled out proposals for off-campus ballpark sites included in Wolfforth and Lubbock economic development plans, but university weren't optimistic about those projects coming to fruition.

Lookouts to announce ballpark name change
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As a result of the recent merger between AT&T and BellSouth, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League), known as BellSouth Park since its gates opened in 2000, will officially change its name to reflect the business direction of the merging companies. A press conference disclosing the name change will be held at the ballpark on March 15 at 11 a.m.

Test finds Miller Park bathroom sewage could be going to river
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Testing Tuesday showed at least one sanitary sewer pipe from Miller Park bathrooms could be misconnected, sending waste into a storm sewer that empties into a nearby river, officials said. The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District scheduled the testing after a genetic marker for human fecal bacteria was found in 12 samples of storm water from the pipe that discharges into the Menomonee River, a Lake Michigan tributary. Sanitary sewers are supposed to be separate systems that carry waste to treatment plants. Colored dye that was poured into sinks in the ballpark showed up in a storm sewer. Bathrooms inside a police office in the ballpark's basement and a private suite on an upper level also had been tested.

Wizards' owner steps up to bat for Harrison Square
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Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) owner Jason Freier was in Fort Wayne to pitch development for Harrison Square, which would include a new ballpark for his team. The project has met with some local opposition, with some saying public dollars could be better spent elsewhere. Freier's firm, Hardball Capital, is offering $5 million toward the cost of the ballpark and $18 million toward the rest of the development -- a pretty sizeable investment in downtown Fort Wayne.
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Sky Sox to install new scoreboard
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As part of the continued renovations of Security Service Field, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are installing a brand-new scoreboard from Daktronics over the next week. The dismantling of the existing scoreboard began last week and the project will be completed in time for the Sky Sox exhibition game with the Colorado Rockies on Friday, March 30.
    The scoreboard will remain in the same location, left-center field, but will receive a complete overhaul including many new features that will only enhance the already exciting atmosphere at Security Service Field. These new components include a LED video board, digital line score, and a fully-animated ribbon board as well as seven back-lit illuminated ad panels. The lone piece of the old scoreboard that will remain is the fan-favorite mountain scene that will be retrofitted on to the top of the new display. It will continue to light-up and celebrate all Sky Sox home runs and victories.

Washo pitches consultant to aid baseball talks
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In a move earning him a stern rebuke from the majority, Lackawanna County Minority Commissioner Mike Washo renewed warnings about the potential loss of Triple-A baseball Tuesday. Announcing a plan to have outside consultants "assist the county" in the negotiating process with management firm Mandalay Baseball Properties, Washo contended Majority Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro isn’t doing enough to protect public ownership of the franchise. He worries that a purchase option included in draft documents would require “the transfer of complete control of our franchise” to Mandalay. The majority chided Mr. Washo’s remarks as a cynical political move carelessly lobbed out too late in the negotiating process to make a difference anyway. The option for Mandalay to purchase the team was well-documented; we reported it here, the local newspapers reported on it, and Washo actually voted for it -- twice.
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Spartanburg Stingers considering a move to Hendersonville, N.C.
Posted March 14, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Displaced from Duncan Park Stadium because of the poor condition of the ballpark, the ownership of the Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) is looking at a move to Henderson, N.C., a city between Spartanburg and Asheville. The Stingers will play this season at Russell C. King Field Wofford College, but this is considered a short-term move until a new venue can be arranged, either in the form of a renovated Duncan Park Stadium or a facility elsewhere. The city of Hendersonville is considering a $750,000-$1 million renovation to the ballpark at Green Meadows Park to bring the Stingers to that city for 2008. The team would consider signing a $15,000 10-year lease for summers in the park, if the city would put in additional seating, move the outfield fence back and update the lighting, among other improvements.

USA Baseball: Metal bats are as safe as wooden bats
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Given the recent move by New York City officials to ban metal bats in high-school games, we thought it would be illuminating to bring you USA Baseball's position on metal bats. This press release was originally issued on Jan. 25, 2007, and it addresses what USA Baseball considering misperceptions about metal bats, pointing out that manufacturers must meet safety standards and ensure balls hit off a metal bat do not travel faster than those hit off wooden bats.
    RELATED STORIES: New York City moves toward ban on metal high-school bats

New for 2007: Regions Park
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The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and Regions Financial Corporation, Birmingham’s largest bank, announced a naming-rights deal for Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, which will be known as Regions Park, effective immediately. The nine-season agreement will last through the 2015 calendar year, and includes a myriad of ballpark sponsorship and other opportunities for Regions.
    The Birmingham Barons, Regions, Hoover Parks and Recreation Board, and the City of Hoover will partner to continue to make Regions Park the most used and versatile sports facility in Alabama. The ballpark is currently nearing completion of a two-phase renovation. The upgrades to the 20-year-old facility include adding a second-tier to both the baseball and football press boxes, replacing over 3,000 box seats, extensive changes to the façade and main entrance of the ballpark, renovated restrooms and a new lighting system.

Bullfrogs adding party deck to Joannes Stadium
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The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced the addition of a fan deck at historic Joannes Stadium. A partnership has been finalized with Triangle Distributing of Green Bay, and the newest amenity to Joannes Stadium will be known as the "Leinies Northwoods Deck." The 4,084-square-foot, multi-tiered deck will be constructed down the right-field line. Construction will start in the next couple of weeks and will be completed in time for the Bullfrogs' first game on June 4.
    The Leinies Northwoods Deck is expected to hold about 400 people and will bring capacity at the former minor-league ballpark to just over 2000. The fan deck is a staple in the Northwoods League and offers the fans a unique opportunity to see the game from a different view and allows the team to cater to larger group outings. "This is the first of many improvement we have planned for Joannes Stadium, our goal is to make this historic ballpark a place for all of Green Bay and the surrounding communities to gather and enjoy America’s pastime," states Bullfrogs Owner and President Jeff Royle.
    The Leinies Northwoods Deck will cost $25 and children under 12 are $15. Admission to the deck includes a game ticket with food and beverage being all-you-can-eat. Additional major renovations projects are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Input sought on Pewaukee recreation area
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Residents are being asked to weigh in today with their recreational ideas for a sports complex that will be developed on 59 acres along Highway 74 and Lindsay Road in Pewaukee, located in suburban Milwaukee. One part of the plan could involve a new ballpark .Earlier this year, the Lake Country Baseball Group proposed a private-public partnership with the city that would bring a baseball league franchise to Waukesha County. Chad Bauer, president of Lake Country Baseball Group, is looking for about six acres of city parkland on which to build a 1,500-seat ballpark. The ballpark would be paid for by private investors and would be home to a summer-collegiate Northwoods League team.
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Ballpark Notes
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Phoenix-based engineering firm CMX has announced the hiring Chris Nations as Vice President of Business Development for its CMX Sports Engineers division. In his newly created position, Nations will lead the business development and marketing for CMX Sports. He has more than 12 years of sports facility design and project management experience including serving in athletic administration at University of Maryland, Arizona State University, Santa Clara University and Indiana State University. Most recently, he served as Director of Design and Construction for International Coliseums Company, overseeing all aspects of design, construction and procurement for over $400 million in projects. He is a graduate of Indiana University and earned his master’s degree from Indiana State.

County gives OK to Warthogs ballpark
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 in favor of tax incentives worth up to $12.5 million over 25 years to support mixed-use development at the proposed ballpark complex -- a commitment that ensures the development and the new ballpark will happen. Billy Prim, the project's lead developer and a co-owner of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League), said after the vote that the county's support ensures that he will move ahead with the project. He said he plans to meet with architects and construction teams to make final plans. He has said that building on the ballpark could start as soon as late spring or early summer. The Warthogs currently play at Ernie Shore Field, and part of the financial plan calls for the sale of that facility to Wake Forest.
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Business group supports A's move
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A powerful South Bay business group has thrown its support to Cisco Field in Fremont. The Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a San Jose commerce organization that counts the region's elite companies among its 210 members, announced Monday that it supports the Oakland A's plan for a Fremont ballpark and a surrounding housing-retail "village." The group said the large mixed-use development would have a positive economic impact on the region, and also touted the benefit of adding 2,900 homes to the area.  Estimated to cost as much as $500 million, Cisco Field would have Major League Baseball's smallest capacity at 30,000 to 34,000. The baseball-only facility in Fremont would be the centerpiece of the ballpark village concept, which would feature shops, restaurants, parking and a hotel, in addition to the housing.
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New York City moves toward ban on metal high-school bats
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New York City would become one of the first cities in the country to prohibit the use of metal bats in high school baseball games, under a bill that a City Council committee approved yesterday and that the full Council is considered all but certain to pass tomorrow. The issue has sharply divided youth baseball leagues, coaches, players and fans. Industry groups have hired lobbying and public relations firms to oppose the bill, while parents of players severely injured by balls hit off metal bats have given tearful testimony in support of it. Even players from Major League Baseball, which uses only wood bats, have taken positions: Mike Mussina, a Yankees pitcher, is against the ban; John Franco, a former Mets pitcher, is for it. One metal-bat manufacturer, Easton, has promised a legal challenge, saying metal bats are no more dangerous than wood bats. North Dakota has already banned metal bats; you can expect other states and municipalities to follow suit.

Would minor-league team be hit at McHenry Community College?
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A new ballpark to be built as part of McHenry County College’s expansion could become home to minor-league baseball. MCC President Walt Packard and Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley said Monday that plans were being studied regarding the feasibility of bringing a team to McHenry County, northwest of Chicago and due east of Rockford. Given that the summer-collegiate Northwoods League has targeted that region for expansion, we're assuming there's some interest there. We'd be surprised if the independent American Association or Northern League would be interested, and Crystal Lake is only 46 miles from Rockford, which already has a Frontier League team.

Dickey-Stephens Park almost ready
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Work on Dickey-Stephen Park, the new home of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), continues, and team officials expect the ballpark to be ready in time for Opening Day -- mostly. The park will seat 5,700 fans and there will be room for up to 10,000 with the outfield and berm areas. The traditional Travelers organ will be right behind home plate. An onsite restaurant complete with a bar may not be ready for opening day, but it will be finished soon as well. Even the sales of luxury boxes have gone better than expected.

Comerica Park: What's in a name?
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With Comerica Bank moving its headquarters from Detroit to Dallas -- the result of executives feeling an anti-business bias in Michigan -- many are calling for the bank to give up its naming-rights deal for Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. Comerica signed a 30-year, $66-million naming-rights deal with the Tigers in 1998. It's unknown whether there's a contractual loophole giving the Tigers an escape clause should the financial institution uproot its home base from Detroit. The advice here is that the Tigers keep the money; it's not as if there's a long line of corporate suitors waiting to pay $66 million in a naming-rights deal.
    RELATED STORIES: Bank's name will stay on ballpark

Ballpark committee plans meeting today
Posted March 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The steering committee overseeing a new ballpark for the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) will meet today. Park planner Mark Jarvis said the committee will hold a conference call with officials from HNTB Architecture of Kansas City, Mo. HNTB is designing the new ballpark in cooperation with CTA Architects Engineers of Billings. The meeting is open to the public. Among the design elements to be discussed is where to locate corporate-sponsored skyboxes, Jarvis said. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new ballpark has been scheduled for 10:45 a.m. March 21 at Cobb Field.
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Patriots unveil luxury suites
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Commerce Bank Ballpark's new luxury suites are like a cushy living room with a full view of the field. Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) management unveiled the ballpark's first complete luxury suite Monday. It's one of 20 of the high-end boxes renovated for the 2007 season, which starts May 4. The organization went with a country club look for the $250,000 project. Each suite will have silver chafing dishes sitting on mahogany credenzas; an overstuffed leather couch and two matching armchairs surrounding a glass table; and sconces sitting on either side of prints of historic baseball moments. Suite 317 features an image of Pittsburgh Pirates great Roberto Clemente.

Akron's Canal Park could get brighter
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Last year it was a new scoreboard; this year, the home of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) needs brighter field lights. The Akron City Council agreed Monday night to place the city's $50,000 request to replace the lights on next week's consent agenda, a list of routine items typically approved with a single vote. Minor League Baseball authorities inspected Canal Park last autumn and identified three building-related problems that fall under the city's maintenance responsibilities: Women's restrooms lacked purse shelves (the city has already installed shelves near the paper towel dispensers); vertical posts at each dugout needed padding (the city has padded them); and field lighting was inadequate. (the most expensive problem).

Spear named AIA fellow
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HOK Sport's Joe Spear, designer of 10 MLB ballparks in a 29-year career, was designated a Fellow by the American Institute of Architects. "This is an architect who is thorough, thoughtful and responsible, and whose clients trust him implicitly," said Antoine Predock, FAIA. Predock sponsored Spear’s submission for Fellowship, and the two worked together on the design of Petco Park in San Diego. The AIA College of Fellows, founded in 1952, is composed of members of the Institute who are elected by a jury of their peers. The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Out of a total AIA membership of nearly 81,000, there are fewer than 2,600 distinguished with the honor of fellowship. Spear will be officially inducted into the AIA’s College of Fellows on May 4, 2007.

Conflict for Katz?
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Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz -- who also happens to own the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) -- is ruffling some feathers by going after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) and bending the truth about the team's financial situation, painting a much more dire picture than even the city's chief financial officer does. Basically, Katz says the team is in terrible financial trouble, even though the official record indicates otherwise. The way out of the mess is to privatize the team. There's only one potential buyer of the team: David Asper of CanWest Global, who happens to be the major corporate partner of the Goldeyes (remember, the team plays at CanWest Global Park). Conflicts of interest appear to abound.

Northern League interested in Saskatoon
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Independent Northern League Commissioner Clark Griffith says his league is interested in placing a team in Saskatoon as a bridge city to struggling franchises in Edmonton and Calgary. There are a number of hurdles: no local ownership group exists, Cairns Field (which seats 3,500) would need an overhaul, there's still some bad blood over the failed Canadian Baseball League team, and many in the local sporting world don't think a team would succeed. If Saskatoon were added, we're talking about some nasty bus trips: it's more than eight hours from Winnipeg to Saskatoon, and seven hours from Saskatoon to Calgary.

Rascals games may be shown on cable station
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The River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) hope to score big on the city's public cable television station. The team, which plays in the city's T.R. Hughes Ballpark, has asked permission to televise its home games live on local Charter Cable Communication's Channel 21. Officials expect to pass a resolution approving the arrangement before opening day on May 25. The city anticipates offering the airtime free of charge. Under the proposal, the franchise would provide its own cameras and broadcast personnel. At times when the city televises its meetings live, the team will show replays later or cut into games in progress.

New for 2008: the Pipe Yard
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The official name for the expanded ballpark in Lorain, Ohio is the Pipe Yard. The Pipe Yard was chosen as the name by officials at U.S. Steel Lorain Tubular, which donated $250,000 to the city in exchange for naming rights earlier this year. In the Campana Park ballpark, the two yellow foul posts will be made from steel tubing constructed at the Lorain plant. In January, the county commissioners agreed to the give the city $175,000 for canopied bleachers that have space underneath for concession stands and offices. The stadium will be open in time for Cleveland State University, which will use the ballpark, to play its first home game on April 3.

New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins' latest hope for a new ballpark focuses on two publicly owned properties: one, the old football stadium in Little Havana; the other, a nine-acre plot in downtown Miami that could prove costly. County Manager George Burgess recently proposed spending $490 million to build a 37,000-seat ballpark with 60 suites and a retractable roof on what now is mostly a parking lot just north of Government Center. County commissioners rejected that plan and instead endorsed the idea of building the ballpark on the current Orange Bowl site, conditional on the University of Miami moving home games to Dolphin Stadium. If the Hurricanes stay, they're want money to renovate the Orange Bowl (money promised in the past by local officials) -- and chances are good that money will be diverted from ballpark funding sources. So at some point local officials must choose one project or the other. Complicating things: the need to move some existing projects, like the Children's Courthouse, from the downtown Miami site -- projects that have their own boosters on the county board. It's an increasingly complicated issue, but the bottom line is that there's plenty of opposition to a downtown ballpark -- and if the 'Canes decide not to move to Dolphin Stadium (a decision should be made in the next 45 days), the prospects for a new ballpark at all would be seriously diminished. Interestingly, MLB officials and the Marlins front office has been pretty quiet about recent developments.
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A better Cheney Stadium?
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The new owners of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) hope to transform 47-year-old Cheney Stadium with a $15 million mix of requested state tax dollars and private contributions. The private share of the project could include box suites at field level, a new club level with windows built atop the stands, and a raised berm behind the outfield wall where families could watch games for cheap. (A rendering of the proposed upgrades is shown below.) The Tacoma request is part of a larger effort by all five of the Washington cities with minor-league ballparks to secure state help to renovate ballparks. The others are Everett, Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Yakima. The cities' combined request is $18 million, of which Tacoma’s share would be $7.5 million. The bulk of the state dollars for Cheney Stadium would go toward upgrading the concessions area and replacing a grandstand roof that no longer meets seismic codes. Some state money could also go toward a planned video board in the outfield to show replays and other scenes during the games.

Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
All is well, citizens of Minneapolis; all is well. That's the image Sid Hartman wants to create after a meeting with Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad regarding funding of a new downtown ballpark for the Twins. As you'll recall, development of the ballpark is halted while Hennepin County and a group of landowners tussle over the worth of a key plot of land -- Hennepin County says the land is worth $13.35 million, while the landowners have pegged the price at $21 million (though this figure is a little fuzzy). Sid floats a trial balloon: the land purchase will go forward and a court will later decide on the true value of the land, with the Twins possibly covering any price difference. We say possibly because this is one of those classic Pohlad offers: it's made quietly, and everyone is supposed to assume the best. But given that talks have all but collapsed -- the Twins have stopped taking with the landowners because the team refuses to formally commit to any cost overruns -- we're entering a phase where all sides have hardened their positions and waiting for someone else to blink. Two other downtown sites continue to be evaluated by the county, and with the Twins and the county reworking their lease agreement on a new ballpark, one could emerge as a new site within the next few months. Contrary to the headline, the Pohlads have not yet stepped up to the plate with a formal offer they're willing to make in writing -- and Sid shows himself once again a shill for the powers that be. More from Minneapolis Downtown Journal.
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Board may offer Prim $12.5M
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After months of closed-door meetings about a proposed downtown ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League), Forsyth County commissioners are ready to listen to the public about an economic incentives deal. Commissioners will present an offer at their Monday night meeting that would give developers as much as $12.5 million in tax incentives over 25 years to support mixed-use development at the ballpark complex. If all goes well, commissioners could vote on the deal that night. The county's funding is the final piece of the puzzle for Warthogs co-owner Billy Prim, who is spearheading the development.
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Brewers to look at adding more amenities to Miller Park
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Milwaukee Brewers are considering additional improvements to Miller Park, including a new scoreboard, as part of the team's drive to increase attendance and fan spending. Mark Attanasio, the team's principal owner, said Brewers officials are looking at adding food or arcade games to the outfield concourse of Miller Park, and have had preliminary discussions with the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District to install a new scoreboard in center field. Stadium district officials have set aside $8 million from the $395 million construction of Miller Park for replacing the scoreboard.

Officials: Arts sale not about sports
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One potential issue has arisen in a complicated set of land swaps designed to bring a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark to uptown Charlotte: the potential sale of Spirit Square, an arts center in the city. Basically, Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte decided last year to sell the building, and since then the county has dedicated some of the proceeds from that sale toward infrastructure improvements near the ballpark. Some arts leaders are now saying the building is being sold to fund the ballpark -- not true, according to elected officials -- in an effort to rally citizens behind continued public ownership of the space. In this case, perception is more important than reality -- which is why some damage control must be done. The Knights signed a two-year extension to play at Knights Stadium through 2008 and quite possibly into 2009.
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Signing of Matsuzaka likely helping interest in Japanese baseball grow overseas
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Doubtful, actually. The wishful thinking here is that with the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka Americans will begin paying attention to Japanese baseball. Americans just aren't going to care about Japanese baseball because American sports fans don't follow sports in other nations; major global events like the World Cup and the Tour de France are niche (at best) events in the United States. If anything, the defection of Dice-K could be a nail in the coffin of Japanese baseball: if there's a large enough market, you can expect MLB to steal the biggest stars and launch Japanese operations. Think what happened to the Negro Leagues once Jackie Robinson broke the color line, and you can imagine what could happen in Japan.

What we still have here is a failure to communicate
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The problem seemed minor -- the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) wanted to hold an event at the Holman Stadium luxury boxes for local business leaders, but the event was cancelled because the city refused to turn on the water to the ballpark. Why they did so is up for debate: city officials said cold weather was to blame (a rather iffy reason if you check weather temps for the last week), but Pride owner John Stabile says it was because the city refused to ask local union workers to do the work. Stabile says his team is treated shabbily by city officials, and most observers agree with that assessment; he's also threatening to move the team to Boston. The Pride has always had a hard time in Nashua despite playing in a historic ballpark, and things don't seem to have the potential of working out.

Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With a $10 million gap in a $54-million funding plan for a new Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota, local officials are looking at scaling back the project. The Reds say they need more room, but conceivably the area around the current training complex can absorb more training fields. We're a little surprised no one is bringing up the most obvious solution: renovating Ed Smith Stadium and expanding into the open lots surrounding the current facility.
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Harrison Square is a true home run
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jack Swarbrick, former chairman of the Indiana Sports Corp., comes out in favor of a new downtown Fort Wayne development featuring a new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). He's touting the total package, saying people can't pick and choose among what they like and dislike: "In the ongoing public discussion of the merits of the Harrison Square proposal, it is imperative that the project be viewed as an integrated development package. That is what was recommended and that is what the city has done. Any analysis that chooses to focus solely on the financing of a single element of the project is disingenuous at best and intentionally misleading at worst. For example, Hardball Capital [owner of the Wizards] is not investing $5 million to build a $30 million baseball stadium for its team. It is investing approximately $20 million to help build the stadium, residential condominiums and retail." More meetings are scheduled for this week.
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Atlantic League has drug testing
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The way Sovereign Bank Stadium, the new home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), is laid out, potentially someone could hit a ball into Codorus Creek, which runs near the ballpark. But chances are pretty good they won't, and league officials joke it's because of the league's drug-testing program, which mirrors the drug testing used by minor-league baseball. More on the Revolution from the York Dispatch.

Packers' hope has faded
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Unless someone has about $20,000 or more to burn, it appears the Salinas Valley Packers (summer collegiate; California Coastal League) team is history. Owners Craig and Lisa Baker, discouraged after two years of low attendance, announced about a month ago they will not return for a third season. If a buyer can't be found, Salinas will be without organized baseball for one of the few summers since 1949. This is what your $20,000 will buy: one barbecue grill, one mascot costume (Screwball), about 30 slightly worn team uniforms and jackets, a public address system, a couple of laptop computers, a kitchen freezer and more.

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frank Mentesana is the new director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball). A graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx, Mentesana spent four years working at the school’s National Public Radio station, WFUV 90.7 FM. In that time, he announced men’s and women’s basketball as well as football, and also served as a beat reporter for various professional teams in the area such as the Mets and Rangers.