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Archives: Nov. 5-11, 2007

Voters reject ballpark initiatives in Sarasota, Brighton; approve them in Helena and Avon
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ballpark initiatives were shot down by voters in Sarasota, Fla., and Brighton, Col., and approved by residents of Helena, Mont. In Sarasota, the close rejection (4,431-4,206) of a city referendum that would raise $16 million in property taxes for a refurbishing of Ed Smith Stadium means the Cincinnati Reds will be shopping for a new spring home. We assume it also means the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League) will be seeking a new home as well. The project began as a new spring-training complex next to the current Reds complex, but after development partners failed to materialize the project was scaled back to a $53 million renovation of Ed Smith Stadium and the adjoining complex. We're guessing Reds officials have already talked with Indian County officials about a move to Dodgertown after the Los Angeles Dodgers shift spring operations west in 2009; we're also guessing a move to Arizona isn't out of the question, although it would be problematic. In the past officials with Disney World have sought to bring another team to Champion Stadium, though that presents some financial issues for all involved. More from the Sarasota Herald Tribune and the Enquirer. In Brighton, voters weren't interested in paying for a 4,000-seat ballpark for an independent American Association team: a referendum was shot down by a wide margin -- 65 percent to 35 percent. The ballpark would have funded via a small rise (0.2 percent) in the local sales tax. There's been a lot of talk in Denver suburban communities about wanting baseball, but we're guessing the large margin may dissuade officials in the likes of Castle Rock from bringing a proposal to the electorate. More from the Brighton Blade and the Rocky Mountain News. In Helena, voters overwhelmingly approved a $7.85 million parks-improvement bond Tuesday, with about 71 percent of the ballots cast in favor of the funding. Part of the proceeds will be used on a renovation of Kindrick Legion Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League), which will include expanded clubhouses, a new playing field, new bleachers and new light fixtures. More from the Helena Independent Record. In Avon, Ohio, voters approved a 0.25 percentage point boost in the city income tax to fund a sports and recreation center at SR 611 and Interstate 90. The issue won by 2,171 votes to 1,557 votes, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. Part of the proceeds could fund a new ballpark for an independent Frontier League team. More from the Morning Journal.

Early Reno ballpark plan showcases shops
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A preliminary design for Reno's new ballpark for the relocating Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) shows the playing field dug into the ground to create an amphitheater effect and more shops and restaurants, including rooftop dining overlooking the ballpark. The baseball field will be 16 feet below ground level to give the crowds a better view. The first design showed the field at ground level. Using the excavated dirt, builders will create a series of small hills beyond the outfield for fans to sit in the grass. East of that, a public walkway would be built along the Truckee River. The design shows shops and restaurants in the fire station building at Second Street and Evans Avenue. The building will be renovated for more shops, restaurants and rooftop dining. In other Reno news, Reno Councilman Dwight Dortch has been hired as spokesman for the city's new team.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark already bringing business to Reno; Triple-A baseball OK'd for Reno; New Reno team: Fierce or friendly?; Reno approves new downtown ballpark; Reno council OKs downtown ballpark deal; Baseball owners could get tax break; Two sites OK'd for Reno ballpark; Two Reno ballpark sites to go before city planners; PCL approves Sidewinders sale; Reno gets site; Reno officials want 8-acre site near Evans Avenue for ballpark; Reno City Council to consider plan to build new ballpark; It's all over but the blaming; Sidewinders sold; expected to be in Reno in '09; Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed; Washoe County approves PCL ballpark; Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball; Guinn OKs bonds for marina; State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project; Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina project; Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise in Reno; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

Overseas travel may curtail Dodgers' last spring at Dodgertown
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There's one big reason why more spring schedules have not been released at this relatively late date: MLB is still working out what teams would play when in China and Japan. Particularly affected this could be the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could be playing March 15-16 in China. If that happens, the Dodgers will break the major-league camp at Dodgertown, play the China series and then spent the rest of spring training at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, sharing it with the A's. If this happens it will disappoint a lot of Dodgers fans who were planning on one last spring in Dodgertown; they'd basically be getting two last weeks. We're guessing the players union may also have something to say about a spring training spent in Florida, China and Phoenix.

GMs vote to recommend use of replay
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General managers moved a step closer toward pushing Major League Baseball to join the NFL, NBA, NHL and some college football conferences by recommending the use of replays to help umpires on home run and foul calls Tuesday. In a vote more symbolic than substantive at the annual general managers' meetings, the GMs voted 25-5 in favor of recommending the use of replay. It's doubtful replay could be approved for next season. Commissioner Bud Selig, who has been against the use of replay in the past, will study the matter further. Even if he approves it, the 30 owners and the players' and umpires' unions would have to give their OK.
    RELATED STORIES: Limited form of replay supported by several GMs

Marlins ballpark negotiations continue
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Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy said he remains hopeful the Marlins will secure a ballpark deal by the end of the year, despite recent tensions between the team and local leaders over the Orange Bowl site. As we first reported, the Marlins were pulling back on their financial contribution to the new plan because they argue Orange Bowl site won't yield as much in revenues as a downtown site (something that might be debatable, particularly where parking revenues are concerned). "The level of contribution the team makes has to be commensurate with what they believe they're going to be able to generate from a new ballpark and be viable,'' said DuPuy. We've also heard from some local officials the Marlins say there's no way they can pay $207 million in upfront money and a lease for the new ballpark and want local officials to seek another source of revenue, perhaps from the state. In any case, DuPuy sounds like he think a Dec. 13 deadline is doable. More from AP, the Miami Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins' share key to ballpark deal; DuPuy: Marlins ballpark top priority; Ho hum: Marlins hand county yet another ballpark deadline; Marlins may get $50 million for new ballpark; DuPuy meets with Crist about new Fish ballpark, says MLB will make use of Dodgertown; Marlins about to bring ballpark deal in from the bullpen; Selig receptive to Orange Bowl site for new Marlins ballpark; UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins ballpark; Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled; University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08; Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?; Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark

DLR, Stewart Sports group nab Topeka ballpark planning
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The City of Topeka has chosen DLR Architects and Stewart Sports Group, both of Omaha, to develop design concepts and explore options for a multi-purpose, minor-league ballpark. The firms will conduct two public design forums, tentatively scheduled for January, with the ultimate goal of gauging Topekans' interest in and ideas for a new ballpark. Stewart Sports Group is a startup consulting firm headed by Doug Stewart, former GM of the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).

Twins ballpark design clears big hurdle with quick board vote
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved the design of a new downtown Minnesota Twins ballpark by a 6-1 vote. There wasn't much debate on the issue, and the only negative vote came from Penny Steele, who would have opposed whatever design was presented to her. The Star Tribune says this was a big hurdle, but that's rather overstating the case: it was a formality at best.
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Can-Am Association proposes one-year sublease in Ottawa
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Can-Am Association may have already released a 2008 schedule, but they're not giving up on placing a team in Ottawa next season. The league has proposed to the City of Ottawa it sub-lease Lynx Stadium to a franchise for next summer while the City and the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) resolve their legal issues. Can-Am commissioner Miles Wolff has written a letter to the City and is leaving the door open until Nov. 14 for a sub-lease arrangement. The Lynx have yet to officially inform the City of their departure for Allentown, Pa., next season and the two sides are involved in countersuits over the lease.
    RELATED STORIES: Ottawa issues ultimatum to Lynx; deadline passes; Wolff 'hopeful,' if not optimistic about 2008 Ottawa team; Can-Am talks with city can't go into extra innings; Lynx Stadium roof project and Can-Am baseball to co-exist: proponent; League makes first pitch to councillors over Lynx Stadium; Developer hopes to help settle dispute between Lynx, city; Spirit gives up ghost in Lynn; Ottawa to land Nashua Pride?; Shuttle off to Lynx Stadium?; Honestly, you can't really blame him; Wolff: Don't close down Lynx Stadium

Reds to stay on WLW
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cincinnati Reds games will remain on WLW-AM (700) under a new five-year contract through 2012 that will generate more advertising revenue and marketing opportunities for the club. But to Reds fans, the games should sound the same -- with WLW continuing to produce the games described by Marty and Thom Brennaman and Jeff Brantley, said station executives. Under the new deal, announced Tuesday, the Reds will sell almost all advertising during the games, plus pregame and postgame shows, the club announced.

SJ Giants, city sign lease through 2013
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The San Jose City Council today approved a five year lease extension to keep the San Jose Giants (High Class A; California League) playing at Municipal Stadium through the 2013 season. Terms of the agreement include the ability for the San Jose Giants to sell stadium naming rights and pursue on-site development options in an effort to fund much needed capital improvements at the ballpark. The contract also establishes a new stadium capital fund and grants the San Jose Giants certain development options on site, subject to City Council approval. The City will provide a one-time contribution of $200,000 to the newly created fund. All additional funding will come from the San Jose Giants and through naming-rights proceeds.

McHenry study put to public
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A once-unreleased feasibility study that drove McHenry County College’s controversial Health, Wellness and Athletic Complex and an accompanying ballpark for an independent Frontier League team was made public this week, more than eight months after it first was presented to the college board. Project consultant Mark Houser and EquityOne Sports Development first presented the board with the proposal in February. But it was not released to the public because of what college officials declared "trade secrets." The plan showed the complex losing money its first five years before becoming profitable. The plan was rejected by Crystal Lake because of concerns about traffic and pollution; we're not entirely sure the finances were as big issue an issue as this article purports, as Crystal Lake officials were never asked to contribute and McHenry County College would have financed the whole project on its own. More from the Chicago Daily Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: MCC expansion plan worth second look; Crystal Lake Council bats down MCC expansion; Executives go to bat for plan; Ballpark opposition organizes in Crystal Lake; Will Crystal Lake let MCC play ball?; Building a ballpark tests a community; Crystal Lake rejects MCC expansion plan, new ballpark; Crystal Lake wants outside opinion on ballpark; Crystal Lake bats around ballpark; Major boom for minor-league ball; McHenry County College, Frontier League close to agreement for new ballpark; McHenry County pulls off a double play; MCC ballpark for Frontier League gets OK; McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility; Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

Ballpark Notes
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The Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) announced that Phil Warren will return as Manager for the Frontier League club in 2008. The club also announced it is bringing back Randy Martz for his second season as pitching coach and Darin Kinsolving as hitting/bench coach. Warren enjoyed great success in his first season as a professional field manager. The St. Louis native led the Grizzlies to a franchise-record 64 wins and a West Division title. The club’s 64-29 record was the second-best regular season mark in league history....The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) are teaming up for the 10th consecutive season to bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For the first time in the event’s history it is being held in November and a live band will perform. A civilian vehicle convoy, blood mobile and much more will also be part of the event....Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) manager Matt Walbeck has reached a tentative agreement with the Texas Rangers to become their third-base coach next season....Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) broadcasts are returning to WCAP 980 for the 2008 season....

Contractor sues for Columbus ballpark bid
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction of the new Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) ballpark hit a delay yesterday after a judge told Franklin County commissioners they couldn't award a $5.9 million contract to start pouring concrete. In a lawsuit filed yesterday, Lithko Contracting Inc. of Hamilton, in southwestern Ohio, said the commissioners rejected its "lowest and best" bid to curry favor from labor unions. Lithko is a nonunion employer. Its only competitor, Baker Construction, uses union labor and bid $17,500 higher. Ohio is providing $7 million toward the $55-million Huntington Park, set to open in the Arena District in 2009.

Photo tour of new Nats ballpark
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There aren't many new ballparks opening in 2008, so the premiere of Nationals Park, the future home of the Washington Nationals, will be an important event. WUSA's Dan Guzman reports the obvious: that there's a lot of work to be done on the facility, which is slated to open in April. The big work is done; what's left is the finishing work. The issue in April won't be the state of the ballpark (though, inevitably, some parts of the new ballpark will be incomplete); the issue will be parking and Metro access.
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Wizards to play at T-Bones park next season
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Kansas City’s Major League Soccer club will announce today that it will play its home games for the next two seasons at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, home to the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League). The Wizards could not continue playing at Arrowhead Stadium, which has been its home since the team’s inception in 1996, because of renovations. OnGoal LLC, the Wizards’ ownership group, remains focused on getting a deal done for a soccer stadium at the site of the former Bannister Mall in southeast Kansas City. The proximity of CommunityAmerica Ballpark to the entertainment options at Village West is something the Wizards would like to replicate if they can build a permanent home.

Sarasota to vote on renovation of Ed Smith Stadium
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More on today's bond referendum in Sarasota providing $16 million for a renovation of Ed Smith Stadium for continued use by the Cincinnati Reds as a spring-training home. Jeff Maultsby, director of Florida operations for the Cincinnati Reds, said the team has done everything possible to try and inform voters about the proposed plans for the ballpark. During the past few weeks, Maultsby and representatives from the Reds organization have met with homeowners associations and community groups to get the team's message out to the people. In other municipal elections, Helena (Mont.) voters are deciding on a parks improvement bond that would provide funds for a renovation of Kindrick Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League), while voters in Brighton, Col., will be asked to approve a 0.2-cent increase in the sales tax rate to finance a 4,000-seat ballpark for an independent American Association team.
    RELATED STORIES: Sarasota officials mum on ballpark property tax; Reds ballpark decision delayed; For Reds, no rush to vacate Sarasota; Reds spring ballpark deal dealt a major blow; Ballpark negotiations over; now to sell it; Reds official sizes up Sarasota; Replacement for Dodgers in Vero may be near; Sarasota approves Ed Smith project vote; Ballpark issues in Sarasota; Reds spring ballpark plan hinges on 3 votes; Significantly scaled-back plan is weighed for Reds' spring home; Why Sarasota may spurn baseball; What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?; Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach; New Reds spring-complex deal on life support; Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy; Task force confident in Reds ballpark deal; Finance plan for Reds spring-training facility in place -- maybe; Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex; Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex cost; Fair officials respond with new spring-training plan; New Reds training facility in some doubt; Florida finalizes five spring-training grants; Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie Field; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota; Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact; Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close; Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run; Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state; Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new Reds spring facility; County tees up for baseball hearing; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Reds swing and miss; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities

Frontier hopes new field will shorten rain delays
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Countless baseball players complained about the rocky infield at Frontier Field when soccer's Rochester Rhinos played soccer there from 1996-2005. These days, the baseball-only ballpark is more than living up to that billing. A major renovation project has left the stadium field with no grass, and enough gravel to overflow a landfill. The field replacement is part of a stadium renovation project being funded by a $2.4 million pool. The Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) paid $800,000 and Monroe County added $1.6 million via a state grant.

Limited form of replay supported by several GMs
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Several MLB GMs say they will support reviews of calls via instant replay, in at least a limited form. The most likely use being whether home runs stayed fair or went foul, and whether balls went over fences or hit the top and bounced back. "It depends on how it affects the pace of the game,'' said Padres General Manager Kevin Towers. "If it doesn't draw out into balls and strikes and tagging guys at second base, then it might work.'' There is no timetable yet on when baseball might implement instant replay, if at all. The GMs are meeting in Orlando; here's a look at the four newest GMs from USA Today.

Stadium consultants ordered to document expenses more completely
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When consultants on the renovation of Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums seek expense reimbursements, they should specify the purpose of those expenses, officials agreed Monday. The Jackson County Sports Complex Authority decided to have the consultants use consistent expense forms in the wake of a flap over expenses for the Kauffman project. Stadium renovations are being paid mostly from county sales tax dollars. John Loyd, a construction consultant who represents the Royals, submitted expenses well within the limits of his contract but did not state how they were related to the project. For instance, he billed for working group lunches and for furnishings for his construction site trailer.

Ballpark Notes
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The Sports Turf Managers Association named Isotopes Park the best playing surface in professional baseball, as part of the organization’s annual awards announced today. The honor is the latest in a series of accolades garnered this year by the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and head groundskeeper Jarad Alley, who was named top groundskeeper in the PCL in August.  Alley, who has been with the ‘Topes since the team’s inception in 2003, presided over the field during the Triple-A All-Star Game at Isotopes Park this July as well as maintained the field’s pristine condition despite a particularly arduous monsoon season in Albuquerque. Including the Triple-A All-Star Game, an entire Isotopes season, a full slate of New Mexico Lobos baseball games, and numerous other events held at the ballpark, the field played host to 130 separate events in 2007 and 118 baseball or softball games. In related news, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) Head Turf Manager Eric Blanton has been named the 2007 Double-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) and Minor League Baseball....The Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League) have named Andy Shea as the team’s new general manager. Shea succeeds Kevin Kulp, who stepped down from the same post to pursue other opportunities. Shea joined the Legends in 2005 as a ticket sales representative prior to being named assistant general manager in 2006. Shea graduated from Boston College with a degree in Marketing and Human Resources. Andy played one and a half years of baseball at Boston College before shoulder surgery ended his career. He hails from Philadelphia. The Legends made three additional front office moves. Luke Kuboushek was promoted to assistant general manager; Seth Poteat becomes the new director of marketing; and Beth Ann Goldenberg assumes the role of director of ticket operations....Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) Assistant General Manager Kevin Kalal is leaving to become the facilities director at Bellarmine Prep.

Franklin: No thanks to the Sounds
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Franklin mayor-elect John Schroer called off talks between his city and the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; International League), saying his priorities for the city don't include a new ballpark. Franklin is basically a bedroom community for Nashville, and Schroer says there's little reason to talk when a ballpark is probably outside the realm of financial possibility. The decision leaves the Sounds without one alternative to a new ballpark; the team still talks about a new downtown ballpark, but Nashville city officials don't seem particularly eager to pursue anything at the moment.
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Baseball study: Sale of SWB Yankees risky
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A 137-page analysis from The Lieb Group, commissioned by Northeastern Baseball Inc., says what NBI and its supporters have been saying for more than a year: selling the community-owned Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) asset to private owners would likely be the first step toward losing the franchise -- which, the study adds, has been undervalued by the county and potential suitors. Officials with Northeastern Baseball, the nonprofit corporation that served as the driving force behind securing the Triple-A franchise 20 years ago, do have an axe to grind: they argue that the sale of the team to Mandalay Baseball could lead to either the team leaving or a fight over a new ballpark. The sale of the team to Mandalay would come with what appears to be an iron-clad 20-year lease and an offer to sell the team back to Lackawanna County at the end of the lease. We're also guessing there's a little envy here: Mandalay and the New York Yankees took a money-losing team and turned things around, to the tune of profits going back into Stadium Authority coffers. Whether this study -- which is lacking a lot of key data, something that's admitted by its author -- will be enough to cause the county to back out of the deal remains to be seen.
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Marion owes it to the Miners
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Retail sales (and corresponding tax revenues) in Marion, Ill., are up significantly this year, and local officials say a big factor in that is the presence of the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League). In its inaugural season, the Southern Illinois Miners posted a league record turnout of 259,392 people, an average of 5,086 per game. They played 51 homes games at Rent One Park, including 18 in June and 14 in July. Both were big months in terms of overall sales in Marion. In June, sales were up about $8 million, or 16 percent. In July, sales jumped by about $6.2 million, or 12.8 percent. The Southern adds more.

Ballpark figures top city concession haul
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New York City made more money out of Yankee Stadium parking last year that it did from the rest of the ballpark. Newly compiled Parks Department figures show the city collected $3 million in parking concession fees at the historic stadium in fiscal 2007 -- $700,000 more than the $2.3 million the Yankees paid to lease the entire facility during that 12- month period. Officials attributed the topsy-turvy numbers to deals made by City Hall over the years, particularly during the Giuliani administration, that allow the Yankees to deduct the cost of improvements at the stadium from their rent payments, as well as costs associated with planning for the new ballpark, now under construction.
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Penn State to pay $47,000 in ballpark back taxes
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The Centre County Assessment Appeals Board decided that Penn State must pay the county $47,000 as part of an in-lieu-of-tax agreement for Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The decision ends a yearlong dispute between the county and the university regarding the amount of in-lieu-of-tax payments Penn State owes on the ballpark. Here's the deal: Penn State is exempt from property taxes, but pays fees on campus facilities leased to private entities. In this case, the ballpark is leased to the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League). The county was seeking property taxes to the tune of $233,000 annually, arguing the Spikes basically controlled everything at the ballpark, but the appeals board rejected that logic to arrive at the smaller figure. More from the Centre Daily Times.

This vote is a no-brainer
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Doug Fernandes says a renovation of Ed Smith Stadium for continued use by the Cincinnati Reds as a spring-training home is a no-brainer: when your home needs repairs, you fix it. But it's not that simple: asking voters to approve a property-tax hike to pay for ballpark improvements is always risky, especially when the Red really have a limited impact on the community: the team is a mediocre March draw and the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League) are a nonfactor. This will be a chance for Sarasota voters to decide if they really want spring training, because we're guessing the Reds will bolt otherwise. More from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
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Elfstrom Stadium renovation bids still higher than expected
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After restructuring the bid process in the hopes of cutting costs, Kane County Forest Preserve officials learned Friday that the lowest bid for Elfstrom Stadium topped $12.1 million. That's a million more than the first round of bids and more than double the amount committed by the forest preserve. Officials from the forest preserve and the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) organization plan to meet next week to discuss the project. Both parties said they remain committed to overhauling the Geneva stadium, but it's unclear at this point which organization will back up its commitment with cash.

County questions some expenses by Royals representative in ballpark renovation
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Expenses submitted by a Kansas City Royals contractor who oversees the club’s interests in the renovation of Kauffman Stadium have raised some eyebrows in Jackson County government. The Royals and the Chiefs are each allowed to have someone monitor Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead renovations at taxpayers’ expense under their contracts with the county, which owns the stadiums.

Ballpark gets OK on delay, increase
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Springdale City Council on Friday approved an $880,000 increase in the construction contract for Arvest Ballpark, under construction as the new home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) and extended the completion deadline by two weeks, from March 1 to March 15. The decisions were made to accommodate the installation of concession equipment, which was not included in the general construction contract. The $32 million ballpark features 6,200 seats, a party deck and 25 luxury suites.

City seeking bids for demolition of Tiger Stadium
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Detroit Economic Growth Corp., a development arm of the city, issued a request for proposals last week seeking a demolition contractor to raze most of Tiger Stadium, the former home of the Detroit Tigers. Contractors have until Nov. 20 to put in bids. The plan calls for razing about 90 percent of the ballpark structure, preserving the playing field for youth baseball and other activities, saving a small portion of the ballpark near home plate and redeveloping the land ringing the field as residential housing and stores. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy, a Corktown neighborhood group, is working with the city on plans for creating the community center. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
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Thunder staff focuses on hockey season with an eye on baseball
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Horn Chen, the owner of the Wichita Thunder (CHL), one of the few minor-league sports organizations ever to strike it rich in Wichita, will try next spring to do what the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) were unable to do in recent years: Make professional baseball once again a viable option. And that means an office staff of 16 -- including three mainstays from the Wranglers organization -- are juggling minor league hockey and baseball this fall, while keeping a mindful eye on the National Baseball Congress World Series, which it will lease from the city of Wichita. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the yet-to-be-named baseball team will be competing in the independent American Association, with a yet-to-be-determined manager and yet-to-be-determined roster.

Ski/snowboard event held at AT&T Park
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
First opera, now snowboarding. Esurance ICER AIR 2007, the first big-air ski and snowboard event held in a ballpark in the United States, drew 33,000 spectators to AT&T Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants, over two days. Olympic medalists and X Games ski and snowboard champions competed on a 100-foot high jump that extended from the top of AT&T Park's scoreboard to second base. The ski and snowboard jump was covered with over 200 tons of man-made snow that withstood unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-70s.

Game over: Is New Haven just not a sports town?
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The demise of the New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am Association) at Yale Field has many local observers wondering if pro sports can work in the town. In the past 108 years, 29 minor league baseball and hockey teams have come and gone -- seven of them in the past 20 years alone. Most of them were in New Haven. While we think it's a load of hooey to suggest that a team must own its own ballpark to survive (as naively and inaccurately suggested by a Sports Business Journal reporter), clearly there was a facility issue in New Haven. The New Haven Register tries to figure things out.
    RELATED STORIES: Apathy doomed Cutters from start; New Haven County Cutters folding

Glendale racing to finish baseball facility by Feb. '09
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the tight construction schedule for a new spring-training complex in Glendale, Az., for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. Construction has already begun, and construction officials say they should be ready for a February 2009 opening. One change: the lease between the teams and Glendale will be amended to lift penalties the city must pay should the complex not be totally completed.

Touch all the bases
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When city planners envision a lively neighborhood surrounding a ballpark, they're probably thinking about Wrigleyville, the area surrounding Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. Even though the Cubs' season is long over, the partying goes on at Wrigleyville's many watering holes: out-of-town college-football fans gather to watch their favorite teams on Saturdays and pro-football fans hit the bars on Sunday. Yeah, it would seem odd for us to hit Murphy's Bleachers without the Cubbies in town, but that's the point: in the offseason these become neighborhood hangouts.

Former manager recalls Temple Eagles baseball
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The Temple Eagles may have only had a six-year run in the Class B Big State League, but what a glorious run. At a time when Temple’s population was about 21,000, the Eagles drew nearly 250,000 fans in 1950 and ’51. Out of 512 minor league teams, the Eagles were fourth nationally in paid attendance in 1950 and second in 1951. The team’s popularity relative to the size of its market caught the attention of the Sporting News, which named Bill Hayes "Executive of the Year" for the more than 400 teams in the lower classifications.

Ballpark Notes
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The Atlantic City Surf (independent; Atlantic League) announced the hiring of Egg Harbor Township native Barry Kraus as community relations director for the 2008 season. Kraus will oversee the club’s efforts in partnering with area organizations and participating in community events throughout the Atlantic City region. Kraus will also function as an account executive, expanding the club’s presence in the business community. Kraus spent the 2007 season as the Surf’s director of emergency medical services. He is also an emergency medical technician with the Galloway Township ambulance squad and Northfield rescue team. Kraus is a 1998 graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School....Mark Wiley is the new pitching coach of the Florida Marlins....John Russell is the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He managed the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) last season. Russell's had an interesting career. He made his way up the Minnesota Twins' minor-league system and was projected as a managing prospect, but the Bucs let him go two years ago when he served as their third-base coach...The San Francisco Giants and KNTV/NBC 11 announced a three-year broadcast partnership that gives NBC 11 the exclusive over-the-air rights to broadcast Giants games through the 2010 season....Eight staff members for the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) have received promotions within the organization, Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau announced today. Tammy Brinkman has been promoted to Assistant General Manager of Finance. Brinkman, previously the Director of Accounting, has seen her responsibilities steadily increase with the Loons and the Michigan Baseball Foundation. The Bay City resident will also continue to handle human resources for the organization. Ann Craig is the team’s new Assistant General Manager of Retail and Guest Services following a successful tenure as Director of Retail Operations. Craig’s leadership of The Loon Loft team store at Dow Diamond and Loons.com has led to sales ranking amongst the top teams in all of Minor League Baseball. She is also a leader in the Loons’ customer service efforts. Patti Tuma, of Midland, has been promoted from Office Manager to Director of Business Operations. Following a successful career as a teacher with Midland Public Schools, Tuma has become a vital part of the Loons’ day-to-day business operations and will continue taking on greater responsibilities. Saginaw-native Karrie Sells has been promoted to Director of Sponsorships from Sponsorship Manager. In her role, she is responsible for all interaction between the Loons and their corporate partners. Under her leadership, the Loons far exceeded expected revenues for sponsorships in 2007. Chris Lones will now serve as the Loons’ Director of Production after previously holding the title of Video Production Manager. He oversees the Loons’ in-game video presentation and will continue to gain greater responsibility for the Loons’ overall in-game production. Lones, an Osceola, WI native, resides in Midland. Keith Winter has been added to the Loons’ full-time staff as the Loons’ Assistant Groundskeeper and Stadium Operations Manager. Winter previously was a part-time assistant groundskeeper. He will report to both Head Groundskeeper Matt McQuaid and Director of Stadium Operations Greg Kigar for his dual role with the Loons. Emily Schafer has been hired as a Corporate Account Executive following a successful internship with the Loons’ marketing department. The Saginaw native and graduate of Central Michigan University replaces Scott Tenney, who has left the Loons to pursue another opportunity in Minor League ticket sales with the Lexington Legends. Ben Gurnee of Bay City has been hired as the Loons’ Marketing Manager. He will report to Loons Assistant General Manager of Marketing and Promotions Chris Mundhenk and will have additional responsibilities coordinating mascot appearances. Gurnee also served as an intern in the marketing department during the 2007 season.