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Archives: May 20-26, 2007

Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey says there's no hitch in the preliminary deal to bring a Triple-A baseball team to Washoe County in Nevada, although there won't be an official announcement of the purchase for at least two weeks. The Washoe County Commission approved a pre-development and finance agreement on May 15 with SK Baseball and Nevada Land for the design and construction of a stadium, and SK Baseball's Jerry Katzoff said he hoped to identify the franchise that would be moved to Washoe County for the 2009 season in a news conference this week in the city where the team is currently playing. Sales and announcements always take longer than many would like, so this isn't a total surprise. The speculation has centered on the team being the Tucson Sidewinders, where owner Jay Zucker has denied the team is on the market; one surprising name has been floated by some insiders, however.
    RELATED STORIES: Washoe County approves PCL ballpark; Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball; Guinn OKs bonds for marina; State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project; Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina project; Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise in Reno; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

New for 2007: Rent One Park
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League) will open their home history in a new ballpark with a new name: Rent One Park. The team sold naming rights to the new ballpark to a Southern Illinois business that rents and sells appliances, furniture and computers. Although financial terms were not made available, it was revealed that Rent One owner Larry Carrico has agreed to a 10-year contract with the team. In addition to the naming rights, the Rent One logo will be included on signage inside the stadium and be included on team merchandise.

City: Damaschke Field to be ready
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Renovations to Damaschke Field are nearing completion, and the ballpark is expected to be ready for the home opener of the Oneonta Tigers (short season; NY-Penn League) on June 22. Contractors on Thursday, working on new first-base line bleachers, used a small crane to lift aluminum flooring into position. At the opposite end of the ballpark, a separate set of workers leveled an area to where the old first-base line bleachers will be moved, replacing wooden bleachers. Other workers applied finishing touches to the inside of a new clubhouse and concession stand.

Giambi case turned over to Selig
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Commissioner Bud Selig likely will decide within a week or two exactly what to do, if anything, with Jason Giambi. The New York Yankees designated hitter was questioned Wednesday by management lawyers for recent comments in USA Today that could have been interpreted as an admission of steroids use. Selig probably will issue a statement even if he doesn't discipline Giambi, a baseball official familiar with the process said Thursday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the parties involved agreed not to discuss the matter publicly while Selig is deliberating. What likely will happen: Giambi will be publicly rebuked but not suspended.
    RELATED STORIES: Giambi meets baseball officials over steroids

New facilities in Vipers' plans
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With amateur sports struggling to find space, the Calgary Vipers (independent; Northern League) are stepping up with plans to build a pair of indoor practice facilities near their ballpark. City council Monday will be asked to extend the team's lease at Foothills Stadium and allow them to acquire an additional 3.8 hectares to build two training facilities that will primarily be used by amateur athletes.  If council approves the amended lease, the Vipers will begin building a 16,000-sq.-ft. indoor practice facility for baseball as soon as possible, while a similar sized structure that will accommodate indoor soccer and lacrosse would likely begin construction in October. Each facility will cost the club between $1.4 million and $1.6 million.

Take me out to the baggage check
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With Major League teams sticking to policies regarding the size of carry-ons allowed in the ballpark -- they must be softsided and no larger than 16x16x8 -- some entrepreneurs are addressing the issue of what fans do with cases that aren't allowed in. In the case of Ball Park Lanes on River Avenue, they're offering a luggage-check service: for $5 Yankees fans can store their luggage during the game at Yankee Stadium.

Pride working hard to make sure 10th season not last
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) drew 1,852 fans to their home opener at Holman Stadium, a pretty decent number bolstered by a good walk-up crowd. The Pride installed a new beer garden, which will help, and the long-awaited presence of Rich Garces (delayed by visa issues) will be a boost as well. Pride chief operating officer Jim Stabile said he wanted to see 8,000 fans come through the turnstiles for the four-game series against the Spirit that runs through Sunday. The weather, long an enemy of the Pride in its previous nine seasons, should be a strong ally, with 95-degree temperatures expected today. More from the Nashua Telegraph.
    RELATED STORIES: Stabiles take their best shot

New ideas for old ballpark
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The future of Durham Athletic Park -- the original home of the Durham Bulls when that team was a fixture in the Carolina League -- was discussed yesterday by Durham City Council members. Mayor Bill Bell says Minor League Baseball officials are enthusiastic about placing a museum at a renovated Durham Athletic Park, while also using the facility as a school for minor-league support staff. There are three plans on the table for renovating the venerable old ballpark; $4 million bond-backed funding is available. North Carolina Central University hopes to be playing there next spring as well, and it would be great if the current Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) played a game there each season, perhaps against a traditional foe like Charlotte.

Some new ideas for Cubs' old house
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The assumption here is that Wrigley Field will need to be updated by the next owners of the Chicago Cubs and the ballpark once the sale by the Tribune Company is final. We're not so sure: the team has already undertaken some subtle yet effective renovations the past few years, and the rest of the renovation --which includes a new parking ramp, team office and Cubs museum -- remains on the drawing boards, ready for implementation. The ideas here basically follow the Fenway Park model: rooftop seating, the closing of streets around the ballpark a la Yawkey Way, Jumbotrons on surrounding buildings and tapes music (as opposed to the organ music).

Crowds enjoy first 'Hounds home game
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Aiken Foxhounds (independent; South Coast League) opened their inaugural season last night with a crowd of 1,785 at Roberto Hernandez Stadium, and the crowd seems to enjoy the festivities. (They also saw the home team win a 12-inning thriller, 11-10 over the Anderson Joes, with Jeff Timmons homering off Will Krout for the winning run.) The South Georgia Peanuts had a bigger opening, with 3,270 fans in attendance. So far attendance averages are mostly respectable for a startup league: South Georgia at 3,270, Macon at 2,503, Aiken at 1,785, Charlotte County at 1,204, and Anderson at 700. (Bradenton has yet to play a home game and opens tonight.)  More from the Augusta Chronicle and the Anderson Independent Mail.

Chew on this: All you can eat at Dodger Stadium
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the all-you-can-gorge pavilion section in Dodger Stadium for Los Angeles Dodgers games. The Dodgers certainly have struck a nerve with the plan by filling some marginally popular seats, cleverly selling Old Buffet food at MLB prices. The Dodgers say the section has sold out eight times in 24 home games, with attendance averaging 2,000 in the 3,000 seats. Some other MLB teams, including Milwaukee, have discussed doing something similar next season, but turn loose some of those Brewers fans at a buffet and you run the risk of bankrupting the team.

Summer's here, it's Skyhawks time
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Also opening last night: the Sussex County Skyhawks (independent; Can-Am Association), whose first season at Skylands Park wasn't quite as successful as team officials anticipated. A crowd of 2,680 was on hand to see the Skyhawks take on the New Jersey Jackals (the Jackals would prevail in 10, 3-2); the team is shooting for an improvement over last season's average of 2,183, and new business practices -- like offering free parking -- should help.

Bowling returns to Miller Park
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If there's one major-league ballpark where you'd expect to see bowling, it's Milwaukee's Miller Park. And so you shall: On Oct. 28 the United States Bowling Congress Masters will take place at Miller Park with ESPN providing television coverage of the finals. Four lanes will be constructed primarily along the infield dirt from short right field to second base, a process which will take workers approximately 48 hours to install the lane set-up. In October of 2004, Miller Park also served as the site of the Masters finals.

Rainiers fire Lewis
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new owners of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have parted ways with longtime GM Dave Lewis. President of Schlegel Sports Group Mike McCall informed Lewis of the decision Thursday morning. "I just felt that where we need to go and what we need done in the next few years we needed to put someone in place who’s familiar with the ticket sales, sponsorship and game entertainment blue print we want to use," McCall said. "I think Dave understands that." Lewis has been offered another post within the organization.

2007 Mets ticket sales surpass 3 million
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Mets today announced that they have surpassed 3,000,000 in ticket sales for the 2007 season at Shea Stadium, marking the earliest time since 1989 that the Mets have exceeded 3 million tickets sold. By comparison, the Mets reached the same benchmark last year on July 5. To date, the Mets have had five sellouts and nine crowds in excess of 50,000.

Chasing her dream job
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Good for her. When the Tarrant County Blue Thunder (independent; Continental Baseball League) begins its season tonight at Cross Timbers Ballpark in Fort Worth, Michala Perreault will be there as the team's announcer. After jobs in computer consulting and naturopathic healing, Perreault set her sights last year on a long-abandoned goal to become a baseball announcer. Her efforts began in August with a two-day apprenticeship with announcers for the Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association), arranged by Vocation Vacations, a company that helps clients get a taste of careers in different industries.

Suit makes a wreck of personal responsibility
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Josh Hancock's family has filed suit against Mike Shannon's restaurant, alleging the bar served him too much alcohol, leading to his death. The opinion of Post-Dispatch columnist Bryan Burwell is that Hancock bears all the responsibility: this is "the story of a 29-year-old man who was drunk, speeding, had a tin of marijuana in the front seat, was driving without his seat belt buckled, was talking on a cell phone, and who failed to brake before he barreled into this flatbed with the emergency lights flashing."
    RELATED STORIES: Cops: Hancock drunk at time of accident; Drinking starts in the clubhouse; In memoriam: Josh Hancock

Boston College buys land from Archdiocese, plans new ballpark
Posted May 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston announced a $65 million deal yesterday to sell its administrative headquarters in Brighton to Boston College to complete a money-saving move to the suburbs. Boston College since 2004 has bought 46 acres of archdiocese property in Brighton for a total of about $107 million, including the ornate bishop's mansion. The college plans to build dormitories, a ballpark and a residence for 70 to 90 Jesuits.

Charles County approves bid for new AtL ballpark
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Charles County (Md.) commissioners cleared the way yesterday for pro baseball next spring, voting unanimously to accept a $19-million bid for construction of a new ballpark for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League). The ballpark, which will be built on the southern edge of Waldorf, carries a total price tag of $25.65 million, more than the county's stated $21 million budget for the project. But county officials said that they need to accommodate the rise in construction costs since that budget was set last year and that they are confident that revenue from the stadium will cover nearly all county expenses. Charles County will pay about one-third of the cost of the 4,500-seat ballpark (a rendering is shown below) -- $8.5 million -- with an equal amount coming from the team's owner, Maryland Baseball LLC. The state's share will be about $8.7 million. The General Assembly had committed to paying $7 million, but local officials said they have informed the county's delegation that the project will need more money. More from Delmarva Now.

Thunder sets attendance record with Clemens on the mound
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) set the franchise record for attendance at Waterfront Park last night as 9,134 fans watched the Thunder take on the Portland Sea Dogs, the Eastern league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox with Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens on the mound. Wednesday’s attendance is the highest total in Waterfront Park history, passing the 8,729 fans who watched the Thunder vs. the New Haven Ravens game on May 10, 2003 that featured Yankee SS Derek Jeter on a rehabilitation assignment. "What an incredible night," said Thunder General Manger Brad Taylor. "Once again Thunder fans proved that they are the best fans anywhere. Everyone who was here tonight will have a great memory to last a lifetime. We are truly grateful to be the Yankees’ Double A Affiliate."

Value of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees questioned
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A deal that would put the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees under private management cleared the first of three regulatory hurdles Wednesday. All of the International League’s 13 other members approved the plan, league President Randy Mobley said. Meanwhile, two board members of the Lackawanna County Multi-purposed Stadium Authority, which owns the local Triple-A team, called for a reconsideration of a purchase option agreement in the wake of last week’s sale of the Harrisburg Senators (Class AAA; Eastern League) for $250,000 more than the county could get if it sells the Yankees at the lowest contract price. Meanwhile, Luzerne County Commissioners continue their protest of the deal, saying they weren't involved despite owning half the franchise.
    RELATED STORIES: Sale of Harrisburg franchise raises questions about Yanks; Luzerne County officials finally out of the bullpen; County rejects Triple-A agreement; Potential sale of SWB Yankees approved; Luzerne County explores options on baseball deals; Blaum wants 1986 ballpark contract honored; Potential sale of the SWB Yankees approved; Lackawanna County minority commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off county; Yanks filling seats in Moosic; Once again, it’s all about the Yankees; New for 2007: PNC Field; Work on Lackawanna County Stadium progresses; New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees; End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium; Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty; Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows; Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax; New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark priorities; Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in minor-league teams; Will Moosic get a new ballpark?; Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management firm heading to Moosic; Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna County Stadium today; Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and Pens; It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to Scranton a done deal?; Authority will consider giving Cordaro power; Yankees to SWB?

Golden League sells Roadrunners to Snyder group
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Golden Baseball League, which until earlier this year owned all six of its member teams, has sold the startup St. George Roadrunners to Triple Play Group. That group includes former major leaguers Cory Snyder and Darin Kracl as well as Roadrunners general manager Rick Berry. Snyder will continue to manage the team -- something that you don't see much these days from an owner -- and work to acquire players.

Giambi meets baseball officials over steroids
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jason Giambi was still wearing a Yankees uniform last night, he was still their designated hitter and he was still immersed in a maelstrom about what he might or might not have put into his muscular body to help him as a player. But after Giambi met with representatives from the commissioner’s office yesterday in New York to discuss his tacit admission of steroid use in a USA Today article last week, he seemed a bit relieved. Giambi emphasized how he agreed to the meeting and how he hoped his cooperation would produce a positive outcome.

Clippers may consider clubhouse beer ban
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One issue that was unaddressed with the tragic death of Josh Hancock, who was killed while driving under the influence: how minor-league teams would deal with the issue of beer in the clubhouse. The Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) are considering a ban on beer in the Cooper Stadium (the team has beer on tap, but bottles are not allowed), and International League President Randy Mobley said the issue will be discussed during the July league meetings.

Silver Hawks sign 1-year lease
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city has signed another $75,000 one-year agreement with the South Bend Silver Hawks (Low Class A; Midwest League) to play at Coveleski Stadium this season. South Bend Professional Baseball LLC, the local management group for the Silver Hawks, paid the same amount to the city in last year's agreement. Money from the lease will go into a fund for ballpark operations, which is managed by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department. This year's agreement includes a $100,000 investment by the team for concessions equipment and other concessions improvements. The ballpark has a new concessions contractor this year. This story was submitted by a reader. To share a story or ballpark news, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

If the sun shines, they will come
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We don't spend a lot of time discussing attendance so early in the season because the numbers can be misleading: between school schedules and bad weather attendance in April and most of May is lower than everyone would like. In the case of the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League), attendance has been lower than average the first six weeks of the season, despite the team's outstanding record. After Memorial Day, however, GM Bruce Baldwin expects business to double.

Soaring loonie delights Blue Jays
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Toronto Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey and his colleagues have a routine they follow every morning in the office. "We check the boxscores first, then we check the attendance,'' Godfrey said yesterday between business meetings, "and then we check the dollar.'' Lately, the third part of that daily ritual has been yielding better and better news for the Blue Jays, who pay out almost all of their expenses in American dollars. Every time the Canadian dollar rises one cent they save $600,000 on a player payroll in the neighborhood of $90 million in U.S. dollars.

For 34 years, ballpark lax collecting tax
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) operated for more than 34 years without collecting a required 2 percent tax on concession fare sold at Ray Winder Field. As a result, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau didn’t collect what would have likely been hundreds of thousands of dollars from fans buying hot dogs and peanuts and Cracker Jack. Travelers chief executive Bill Valentine said Wednesday that he didn’t know the club should be collecting the tax until an accountant discovered the error during an audit in 2005.

Nutting pledges to upgrade Dominican facility
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Three decades after the Kansas City Royals made a big splash with the opening of foreign baseball academy, other MLB teams are finally following suit. Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting says his team will either build a new baseball academy in the Dominican Republic or upgrade its existing one. Meanwhile, the New York Mets have broken ground on a $7.5-million, baseball academy in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic scheduled to open in April 2008. The academy will include three regulation-size playing fields including one which will replicate the asymmetrical dimensions and wall height of Citi Field, the future home of the Mets that will open in April 2009. Speaking of the Dominican Republic: officials there still want to see an MLB exhibition game there.

Patriots expect 3,000,000th fan in mid-June
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) are expecting to welcome the team’s 3,000,000th fan to Commerce Bank Ballpark by the middle of June, with the team fewer than 65,000 fans away from the milestone. The Patriots will be able to determine the exact date of the 3,000,000th fan based on the attendance over the next few weeks. On the date of the expected arrival, the Patriots will monitor the traffic coming through the gates at Commerce Bank Ballpark to signify when the 3,000,000th fan has arrived. The 3,000,000th fan will receive a prize pack that includes a commemorative plaque, a Somerset Patriots jersey, a 2007 VIP Pass that includes four free tickets for every game for the remainder of the season, an team signed baseball and bat, 30 100 Grand candy bars, A Ceremonial First Pitch at the game that the 3,000,000th fan is reached, and a $300 shopping spree in the Patriots Gift Shop.

Stabiles take their best shot
Posted May 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You can't help but conclude that this will be a make-or-break year for the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association), with John Stabile in his second year of ownership. Last season Stabile says the franchise lost a half-million dollars, with attendance around 1,400 a game. Stabile has boosted the promotions this season and is shooting for 1,800 a game. More on the Holman Stadium experience here. More on the upcoming Can-Am Association season here. This story was submitted by a reader. To share a story or ballpark news, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Ballpark made in the shade
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When Tri-Cities Stadium opened in 1995, it featured one big quirk: it faced south, an orientation done on purpose in order to give fans of the Tri-Cities Dust Devils (short season; Northwest League) a view of the Columbia River and Kennewick's rooftops. But a south orientation, of course, runs counter to the transition ballpark setup, and short of realigning the ballpark -- something they plan on doing next year at Madison's Warner Park, by the way -- there's not a lot that can be done. But Mike Brightman, an architect for SCM Consultants of Kennewick, came up with a unique solution: building a steel structure behind the first-base section. When it's finished in about three more weeks, it will be ready to provide cool shade in time for the season that starts at home June 24. The $1.3 million structure, funded by state economic development dollars, will be 144 feet long. It will stand 90 feet high at its peak, arcing down to 75 feet at the ends. It will work similar to a Venetian blind. Eight-foot-wide slats will be angled to block the sun, but about a foot of space will separate them so the wind can pass through.

Ballpark Village is not home free yet
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Louis Cardinals insist their ambitious Ballpark Village is still on track to break ground later this year, but some potential obstacles are looming. For starters, the state still must sign off on millions of dollars in public subsidies. Other downtown projects could emerge as competition. And then there's the question of where to put 5,000 years of bowling history in the form of the International Bowling Museum, which currently shares a building with the St. Louis Cardinals museum next to Busch Stadium.
   RELATED STORIES: Clayco withdraws proposal for Ballpark Village project; Ballpark Village developer gets its way: It's the firm's call on condos; Snag in talks delays hearing on project

Park plans head for home
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Architects from HNTB Architecture in Kansas City and CTA Architects Engineers in Billings are working hard to prepare final drawings and documents so the new $12.5 million downtown ballpark can be put out to bid on June 11. If all goes as planned, construction will begin in late June or early July and the 3,500-seat ballpark will open in time for the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) home opener in 2008. The demolition of Athletic Pool is complete, and on Monday the City Council is expected to award a $71,971 bid to CMG Construction Inc. of Billings for the next round of excavation work on the new ballpark, which will replace Cobb Field.
    RELATED STORIES: City, Mustangs watching ballpark plans; Old-time ballplayers join groundbreaking for new Billings ballpark; Billings ballpark design allows future amenities; 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

Giants to simulcast opera at AT&T Park
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're seeing some sports being simulcast in nontraditional venues -- playoff hockey is a hot ticket in movie theaters in Canada -- so it's only right that ballparks host a nontraditional event. The San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Giants will bring opera to AT&T Park at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, with a live simulcast of Saint-Saëns's biblical epic Samson and Delilah. Through state-of-the-art technology, the performance will be transmitted in 1920x1080 high-definition live from the War Memorial Opera House stage to AT&T Park's Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision scoreboard. The highest quality outdoor scoreboard in the nation, it is also the first 32-by-9 aspect ratio outdoor high definition scoreboard in North American professional sports. Baseball fans and opera fans will have a chance to experience this free event with seating both on the field and in the stands, but fans must have a ticket to enter the ballpark. For further information visit www.sfopera.com.

Paulson, Portland a match
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the surprising sale of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) to Merritt Paulson, Manager of Shortstop, LLC, by California businessman Abe Alizadeh. No terms of the transaction were released, and we're guessing there's more to this story than we're being told. Alizadeh controlled the team for well under a year before getting the word out he was ready to sell; normally MiLB takes a rather dim view of franchises being flipped so fast, and if you read between the lines of this article even PCL President Branch Rickey III was a little taken aback by what transpired. Paulson has a lot of sports-marketing experience with the NBA, and we've always believed the Beavers were an underperforming franchise; it should be a good match. More from the Portland Business Journal.
    RELATED STORIES: Paulson to buy Portland Beavers

Commissioners OK plan to have Marlins change name, spring-training site
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins would conduct spring training in Homestead and change their name to the Miami Marlins as part of a deal for a new ballpark under a county commission committee's resolution passed last week. The resolution sponsored by Commissioner Dennis Moss, whose district includes parts of South Miami-Dade, sailed through an enthusiastic Miami-Dade Airport and Tourism Committee. This is all for show: the Marlins say they'll honor their spring lease at Roger Dean Stadium, which runs through 2022.
    RELATED STORIES: Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; Door closed on use of Miami CRA funds for ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding bills advance; Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks; New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play; Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl; Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark; County unveils Marlins financing plan; Marlins ballpark funding at first base; Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000; Florida legislative leaders back tax help for sports; Governor boosts ballpark funding formula; CRA board members: Look somewhere else for ballpark funds; Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds; Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal; Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal; Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark; Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins ballpark deal in downtown Miami; DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami ballpark; Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats

Fairgrounds possible new site for Sounds ballpark?
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The management of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds is apparently floating the idea of a new Nashville Sounds (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) ballpark on the 114-acre complex. No one from the Sounds apparently has been involved in any talks, and it sounds more like wishful thinking from the Fairgrounds management than anything real. This story was submitted by a reader. To share a story or ballpark news, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

New owner says Rascals will be a 'Whole new animal' this season
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Steve Malliet, the new majority partner and president of the River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League), got into the baseball business immediately after his playing career ended at the college level in 1992. By 1994, he was a general manager. In this article he talks with the local newspaper about the team's long-term future and what fans can expect this season.

Frontier League looking for controlled growth
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We admire the pluckiness of the independent Frontier League and its business model -- a focus on prospects with a lower payroll than most indy league -- but we're taking the contents of this article with a giant grain of salt. We suspect there's not a huge pile of expansion applications sitting on Bill Lee's desk, and from what we hear there's nothing happening in Holland, Mich., despite the assertion here. This story was submitted by a reader. To share a story or ballpark news, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Jeter wants to own a team after playing days end
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Derek Jeter has won four World Series rings. He has dated supermodels, but his dream is to be The Boss. Jeter revealed Tuesday he plans to buy a major league baseball team after he retires. "I would like to own a team," Jeter told New York's 1050 ESPN Radio prior to the Yankees' 7-3 loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday. "That would be kind of cool to get an opportunity to call some of the shots." Jeter then predicted he will achieve his goal. "I will do it one day," Jeter said.

Crackers-Cats owner hopes third season is the charm
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The saga of the Edmonton Cracker-Cats (independent; Northern League) saga has become more challenging for owner Dan Orlich. After two seasons in the Northern League, the baseball team has struggled on several fronts. Attendance has fallen, the team has never been in a playoffs race, and there has been some front-office upheaval. This year, they lost fan favourite Stubby Clapp, who took a coaching job with the Houston Astros organization. Orlich said the team needs 3,000 fans per home game to break even -- more than twice the 1,400 spectators the club averaged last season.

Report: Yankees Giambi failed amphetamines test
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jason Giambi failed an amphetamines test within the last year, the New York Daily News reported today. The newspaper reported that after the failed amphetamines test, Giambi is subjected to six additional tests for one year. The newspaper did not cite any sources in its report. Giambi declined comment to the newspaper before the New York Yankees' 7-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox last night. Yesterday, lawyers for the commissioner's office and the players' association held more conversations about a possible meeting with Giambi but it remained uncertain when or if such a gathering would take place.

Rockies owners must go
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a movement afoot among Colorado Rockies fans demanding Charlie and Dick Monfort and crew sell the team. The issue: fans -- and some columnists -- say the owners don't spent enough on the team and won't commit to winning. Coors Field is a great venue and there are some good players in their minor-league system, so perhaps a little patience is needed. Fans may have also been a little spoiled when the Rockies made the playoffs so early in their history.

UA baseball sets new attendance records during 2007 season
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The University of Arkansas set new records for actual and paid attendance at Baum Stadium for Razorback aseball games in 2007. The Hogs sold a record 233,350 tickets for an average of 8,047 tickets per game. Actual attendance during the 2007 was 165,298, also a school record. The average of 8,047 is a new national record for tickets sold. No school in the history of the NCAA has ever averaged over 8,000 tickets sold per game.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Wild Things (independent; Frontier League) announced Washington Federal Savings Bank has extended its partnership with the team. Washington Federal Savings Bank has been the team’s presenting sponsor since the Wild Things’ inception in 2002. As the team’s presenting sponsor, Washington Federal is entitled to recognition on ballpark signage, logo identification on player and staff uniforms, and in all marketing and press materials. Washington Federal Savings Bank, a century-old financial services company, has been locally owned and operated for more than 100 years....To share a story or ballpark news, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Royals, Jackson County outline renovations to Kauffman Stadium
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With a wrapaound outfield concourse, a high-definition scoreboard and smaller capacity of 39,000, the Kansas City Royals and Jackson County are poised to begin the $250-million makeover of Kauffman Stadium, the team's home since 1973. While the general layout of the ballpark won't change -- it's always been one of the most pleasant places in the majors to take in a ballgame -- HOK Sport is building on the original Kivett and Myers design by adding a lot in terms of fan amenities. The concourses on all three levels in the grandstand will be widened. An outfield concourse will finally link the fan areas next to each foul pole. More picnic-style seating in the outfield. We go over all the changes here.

Paulson to buy Portland Beavers
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We should find out more specifics today, but yesterday the Portland Beavers (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) announced the team (as well as the Portland Timbers soccer team) would be sold to Merritt Paulson, Manager of Shortstop, LLC and recently Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development at NBA Entertainment in New York. As part of the purchase, Merritt, 34, and his wife, Heather, are in the process of moving to Portland and will be full-time president of both teams. Paulson most recently made news in these pages when he attempted to bring a High Class A California League team to Petaluma, an effort that ultimately failed when officials there declined to make land available for a new ballpark. To say the team has had a troubled decade may be an understatement. Portland Family Entertainment bought the team and oversaw an ambitious expansion of PGE Park, but financial difficulties led the Pacific Coat League to basically repossess the franchise in 2004 and run the team through a holding company. After months of negotiations with creditors, the franchise was finally sold to the Portland Baseball Investment Group (led by California businessman Abe Alizadeh), a deal that was finalized in June 2006. The team's lease at PGE Park runs through 2010. The speculation, of course, is that financial problems forced the sale of the franchise. Portland Baseball Investment Group is slated to pay $180,000 in lease payment this season (and that number rises by $5,000 a year); they are also on the hook to pay Portland a total of $667,000 (spread out annually between 2007 and 2011) to basically cover bad debts incurred by Portland Family Entertainment. The deal must be approved by the Pacific Coast League, MiLB and MLB.

Metro-North will build train station at new Yankee Stadium
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's official: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced an agreement yesterday to build a Metro-North train station at the new Yankee Stadium, giving suburban fans their first direct mass-transit option to Yankees games. Under the agreement, the MTA and New York City will split the cost of the $91 million station, due to be completed when the new ballpark opens next door to the existing one in 2009. The MTA will pay $52 million and the city will contribute $39 million. The plan provides a huge relief to Yankees fans in the suburbs who are now forced to drive to the ballpark because of the lack of mass transit -- unlike their New York City counterparts who can take the subway. Metro-North estimates that between 6,000 and 10,000 people, almost all of whom now drive, will use the new station for games.

After hitting with voters, ballpark's on roll
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A mere three days after Grand Prairie voters narrowly approved a May 12 bond proposal to build a ballpark for an independent American Association team in time for the 2008 season, city officials began planning the first pitch. They met with the architect and looked over the proposed site. They met with Mark Schuster, managing partner of Ventura Sports, which will bring in the team. Officials got the ball rolling with construction crews, with work to begin by month's end even though the design is only partially done.
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Clayco withdraws proposal for Ballpark Village project
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Clayco has withdrawn its two-month-old proposal to the St. Louis Cardinals and Cordish Co. to be considered as the general contractor on their $387 million Ballpark Village development next to the new Busch Stadium. Bob Clark, Clayco's chairman and chief executive, said his design-build firm made the decision May 15 to free up resources for other projects. Still, Clayco's Ballpark Village withdrawal is notable given the company's long-standing relationship with the Cardinals. Clayco was the lead contractor for all maintenance and upgrade work at the old Busch Stadium for years and acts as the owners' project manager at the current ballpark.

Katz: Merger talks untrue
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sam Katz takes time off from his busy mayoral schedule to deny there are merger talks between the independent Northern League and Frontier League, something that Frontier League Commissioner also denies. Technically, we suspect they're both right. But we've been told by folks on both sides of the fence that there were some exploratory discussions a while ago instigated by Northern League teams looking for a fall-back plan should something happen to their league -- but they never rose to the level of the two leagues merging. Still, there's a little more smoke here than the Sun's Adam Wazny wants to acknowledge -- and the fact a Frontier League owner was willing to discuss it on the record should tell him there's something there.
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Approval of parking lots eases some worries for Southeast neighbors of new Nats ballpark
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The D.C. Zoning Commission voted last night to approve nearly 4,000 temporary surface parking spaces near the new Washington Nationals ballpark after city officials promised local residents that traffic would be blocked from three streets that could be used as short cuts. Residents of several neighborhoods near the ballpark in Southeast had complained that the city was moving ahead with parking plans without ensuring that they could travel in and out of their neighborhood on game days. The Nats will certainly need the boost from a new ballpark: the team is averaging only 22,044 fans per game at RFK Stadium.

Debate begins on ballpark economics
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland A's economic report on the proposed ballpark village in Fremont is "far better" than the 49ers' report presented to Santa Clara, according to Roger Noll, a Bay Area sports economist. However, Noll gives the report mixed reviews overall, knocking the study because its "analysis of fiscal impacts is about revenues only, and excludes costs." Released by the A's on May 8, the report asserts that Cisco Field and its surrounding mixed-use development of housing and retail would greatly increase tax revenues and generate about $109 million in direct economic impact to Alameda County. The A's and the city have already agreed to several guidelines concerning ballpark construction.
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Angels threaten Dodger dominance in Los Angeles
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hal Bodley is a little behind the times when he says the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are threatening Dodger dominance. For starters, the Dodgers aren't dominant in the greater Los Angeles market, not since the days when Arte Moreno bought the Angels and announced he was lowering beer prices. Since then enthusiastic crowds have been showing up to Angel Stadium. Both team draw extremely well, but the Dodgers certainly do not dominate the Los Angeles market.

Giambi: MLB silent so far
Posted May 22, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jason Giambi told Newsday last night that he had not had any contact from Major League Baseball since USA Today published his near-admission of steroid use on Friday. Giambi told USA Today: "I was wrong for doing that stuff. What we should have done a long time ago was stand up -- players, ownership, everybody -- and said: 'We made a mistake.'" MLB and the Yankees are trying to find out if they can punish Giambi in any way, either by a suspension or even by voiding his contract. The fact that he admitted only "doing that stuff" in the article and mentioned "steroids" in a separate sentence could help protect him.