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Archives: Oct. 15-21, 2007

Fish $4M in debt, Katz says
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) made a profit last year but are about $4 million in debt, majority owner Sam Katz said, responding to criticism about a sworn statement claiming the ball club can't afford to repay the Crocus Investment Fund's receiver. After four days of getting publicly hammered over his assertion the baseball franchise is not financially capable of paying interest of $434,000 in Crocus loans, Katz went on the offensive, claiming Winnipeg media are deliberately confusing the public about a complex legal issue. "It was pretty sad and pathetic when I heard people try to make the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball club the scapegoat for the millions lost by Crocus shareholders," said Katz, rejecting the notion the ball club has compounded the financial woes of investors in the disastrous fund, which was placed in receivership in 2005. Katz said the Winnipeg Goldeyes turned a profit last year, but declined to name a dollar figure, stating the team's shareholders are well aware of the amount. It's too soon to say whether the team is in the black or red in 2007, he added. But thanks to the club's ballpark lease and purchases of new equipment such as a $1-million scoreboard, the team remains $4 million in debt. Perhaps we were wrong when we advised Katz to make some public statements about what was going on; this probably won't help him, and expressing a little sympathy for the 34,000 Manitobans who lost their investment in the Crocus Fund wouldn't hurt, either.
    RELATED STORIES: Katz says he tried to settle debt; Hearing to decide fate of "explosive" Crocus report; Fish fry Crocus shareholders; Goldeyes' financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?

Portland: Choose baseball or soccer for PGE Park
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the owners of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) want move forward with Major League Soccer, then the baseball team will need to look for a new home, according to MLS President Mark Abbott. The mantra at MLS is that new teams must have soccer-specific facilities, and MLS soccer would mean changes to PGE Park. Soccer is a big sport in Portland: the Portland Timbers (also owned by the Beavers) are a solid draw, and most observers assume MLS would be a solid draw. It's not clear whether Abbott's declaration will actually change things: Portland isn't considered a front-runner to land an MLS franchise in 2009 expansion. Still, the fact it reached the stage where Abbott is comfortable making such an assertion means scenarios for a new ballpark certainly have been discussed.

Whataparty! Hooks to add $250K deck
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) start their 2008 season, fans will notice a new addition near the first-base line of Whataburger Field that can be rented for private parties. The $250,000 party deck is made possible through a fund set aside for maintenance of Whataburger Field. Before the field was built, the $250,000 sat in a city fund for economic development. Once the field was completed, the city of Corpus Christi became its owner. The Hooks will repay the $250,000 through supplemental lease payments.

Memories, not ballpark, hold the magic for fans
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As the city of Detroit debates the future of Tiger Stadium, a Baltimore writer shares his thoughts on the role of ballparks past and present. In the case of Baltimore, Memorial Stadium was torn down after the Orioles moved, with the demolition placed in the ocean and the site used for a senior community, a popular YMCA and Babe Ruth Plaza.

SAL pays tribute to Moss
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've been working hard on a book covering the ballparks of North Carolina (let us know if you want more details; a formal announcement will come next week), so we've become quite familiar with the history of the South Atlantic League, whose roots can be tracked back to the 1940s when it was the Western Carolina League, later merging with the Tar Heel League and taking on the present moniker some years later. John Henry Moss has been around the league since 1948, when he was elected president of the Western Carolina League, and he was honored for his 50 years of service at a league luncheon in Asheville yesterday.

Warthogs plan festive ceremony for ballpark
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) announced plans yesterday to formally break ground on the team’s $22.6 million downtown baseball stadium on Oct. 30. The public is invited to the ceremony, which will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and include food, live music and fireworks. Ryan Manuel, the general manager of the Warthogs, said he hopes to draw 1,000 people to the groundbreaking, but could draw more based on a special guest whose name he declined to reveal. Manuel did say that the guest was a national figure who would "speak on behalf of Warthogs baseball." The 5,500-seat ballpark is on track to open in April 2009.

In memoriam: Billy Berroa
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Billy Berroa, New York Mets Spanish Broadcaster on Radio WADO 1280 AM, passed away Wednesday in his native country of the Dominican Republic following a long illness. He was 79. Berroa, who was in his second tour as an announcer for Mets Spanish broadcasts, began announcing Major League Baseball games in 1963. In 2007, Berroa, along with fellow WADO announcer and Mets Hispanic Broadcast Coordinator Juan Alicea, had been scheduled to broadcast 25 television simulcasts on Cablevision's Spanish language tier. Unfortunately, early in the year an illness forced him to return to his home in Santo Domingo to be with his wife. Recognized as one of the most important Spanish voices in both broadcasting and the Mets organization, Berroa was inducted into the Dominican Republic's Sports Hall of Fame on October 17, 1998.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For a second consecutive year, the Springfield Cardinals have been named Texas League Organization of the Year. "We are very honored to have the wonderful support of Cardinals fans throughout Southwest Missouri," said Vice President/General Manager Matt Gifford. "It's humbling for our staff to receive this award in back-to-back years, but the fans should definitely get a lot of the credit." "Every member of our staff gives their all throughout the season, so it's very rewarding to see all their hard work be acknowledged." Despite five home games being lost to rain, the Cardinals drew over 480,000 total fans and averaged 7,078 fans per game in 2007, the second-highest total in all of Double-A....The Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) and manager Steve Shirley have come to terms on a new contract which will keep Steve as the team’s skipper and player procurement director through the 2009 season. "Steve did a tremendous job for us in 2007," said Canaries General Manager Matt Hansen. "We feel it is important to secure Steve as our manager, as we look to build on our winning season and provide our great fans with a consistent winner on the field." Shirley managed the Canaries to a 53-43 season in 2007. The season was the Canaries second winningest season in club history, and featured the team’s best half, as the Birds went 31-17 in the first half....Daniel Blank is the new head groundskeeper at Dunn Tire Park, the home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League). Blank will replace Kari Allen, who resigned at the end of the 2007 season to take a position at Benedictine University. Blank, 33, spent last season as the head groundskeeper at Regions Park for the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League)....

Ballpark already bringing business to Reno
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It will be more than a year until a new downtown ballpark opens in Reno for the relocated Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but some locals say its presence is bringing new investment to the city. Businessmen from San Francisco and Los Angeles just purchased the old Club Underground on Fourth Street, and there's talk of a coffee shop into one of the empty buildings across the street. While Fourth Street has never had a very good reputation, the baseball park may change that. Of course, it will take more than a few land transactions to turn around what's become a depressed downtown, but the early signs are encouraging.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Katz says he tried to settle debt
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Winnipeg Mayor and Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) owner Sam Katz says he tried repeatedly to sit down with the court-appointed receiver for the Crocus Investment Fund to discuss a settlement on outstanding interest payments but was refused at every turn. Katz said despite allegations he has refused to make good on the Goldeyes' debt to Crocus, numerous attempts were made to meet with Russ Holmes of Deloitte and Touche to work out a settlement. Even with this admission -- and note Katz didn't try to settle the balance until after the fund failed -- Katz faces two problems as the public uproar continues over unpaid loans to a failed Manitoba investment fund. The legal issues are real -- a class-action lawsuit will prominently feature the $1.3 million in unpaid loans and interest incurred by the Goldeyes -- but the political issues are now becoming more prominent. In addition, some Manitoba politicians are asking why the Goldeyes needed the loans in the first place if the team was as successful as owners claimed. With an amazingly favorable lease -- $1 a year in rent and $400,000 coming back in rebates from the city -- and what appears to be solid revenues, questions abound. It's also brought attention to Katz's personal finances, as outlined in his divorce papers. Now, we're not too thrilled with the public rifling through divorce papers, but the local newspapers did hold off until his personal finances became an issue with the Goldeyes loans.
    RELATED STORIES: Hearing to decide fate of "explosive" Crocus report; Fish fry Crocus shareholders; Goldeyes' financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?

Easy answer hard to find for ballpark
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Everyone assumed that the University of Oregon would be building a ballpark for its reinstated baseball program, but it sounds like officials there would rather play at a renovated Civic Stadium, which would be shared with the Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League). The issue is money: the athletic department will be stretching its finances to build a new arena, and it may be much cheaper to renovate Civic Stadium. The local school district, which owns the ballpark, clearly wants to sell it, but school-board officials say they'll accept less than top dollar for the right deal. Civic is placed on the National Register of Historic Places, which causes some to wonder whether it can be modernized, but that designation was not designed to prevent modernization and can be worked around.

Ballpark plans must overcome traffic problems
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the reasons why the Miami Dolphins moved from the Orange Bowl was a problem with traffic on game day -- a problem that exists to this day. If a new MLB ballpark is built on the Orange Bowl site that problem will need to be solved, and HNTB recommends a $12 million transportation plan. A plan to tear down the Orange Bowl to make room for a new Florida Marlins ballpark received a boost this week when a committee tentative recommended diverting $50 million in Orange Bowl renovation funds to the ballpark, but it's still a very unsettled deal. For starters, there still are no final numbers on what it will take to actually build a new ballpark: previous cost estimates assumed a downtown site and don't include any site prep work (tearing down the Orange Bowl) or additional land HNTB says is needed for expanded parking. Second, the Marlins have been silent about the new deal, and it's dangerous to assume the Fish will make the same financial commitment to an Orange Bowl ballpark as they tentatively promised for a downtown project ($45 million, $162 million in rent); we're guessing they will argue the new plan will yield less in revenues for the team. (Indeed, we've been told by someone close to the situation that another run at the Florida Legislature for additional funding is highly likely, but that could change.) This isn't close to being a done deal.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; 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

Group buys land for new ballpark
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the plan to bring an independent Frontier League team to Waterford Township in Michigan. The deal isn't as final as earlier reported indicated:  the investment group exercised a $40,000 purchase option on the property with the current site ownership group on Oct. 5 and has now turned to evaluating the site to make sure it's suitable for a proposed $9-million, 3,900-seat ballpark. Chances are pretty good the project will proceed, however. Construction of the ballpark -- tentatively entitled Diamond at the Summit while naming rights deals are being discussed -- could start in June. If everything go as planned, construction will likely take no longer than 11 months, and that the park could be open as early as mid- to late-April 2009. It will sport artificial turf to allow for events throughout the year.
    RELATED STORIES: Waterford ballpark is a go

World Series tickets only sold online
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Colorado Rockies have abandoned their plans to sell World Series tickets in person by a lottery system, opting instead for online purchases only. The team announced the new plan on Wednesday, saying online sales would be more fair. It could be tough going, though, for fans without Internet access. Tickets originally were to go on sale at Coors Field and Rockies' Dugout Stores in the Denver area at 10 a.m. MDT Monday, as well as online.

Shreveport Sports renew lease for Fair Grounds Field
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Shreveport Sports (independent; American Association) officials announced on Tuesday that the organization agreed to a five-year lease option and remain at Fair Grounds Field through the 2012 season. The team's original lease for Fair Grounds Field expired at the end of the 2007 season with two five-year options available. The team also holds an option for another five-year period following this current agreement. The Sports will serve as host for several upcoming events, including the Louisiana High School State Athletic Association Class 4A state baseball championships in 2008 and 2009, along with plans for concerts and other events.

Nonprofit submits plans for saving part of Tiger Stadium
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy has submitted its proposal to save a portion of the ballpark as the city moves forward with demolition plans for other parts of the aging structure. Demolition bids for most of the stadium will go out in about two weeks and could be approved in November with actual dismantling the following month, Brian Holdwick said Wednesday. The Conservancy wants to keep about 3,000 seats from dugout to dugout and the entire infield. The $10 million to $12 million project could be developed into a museum commemorating the city's sports history. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
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Still the Swing, at least for now
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For now, the name of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League) will remain the same. The Midwest League club planned to announce the winner of its Your Team, Your Name contest in early October, but the selection of the club’s new nickname won’t be announced until the sale of the franchise is complete. The Midwest League and MiLB have signed off on the deal; all that remains is MLB approval, which has been pretty slow in the last six months.

Board approves settlement between O's, Stadium Authority
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Board of Public Works this morning approved a settlement between the Orioles and Maryland Stadium Authority, which clears the way for new audio and visual systems at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Officials from both sides say they plan to have the new systems in place by Opening Day 2008, but acknowledge it will be a tight schedule. Under the agreement, the stadium authority would contribute $3.75 million to pay for an expanded, high-definition screen and scoreboard. The authority would also drop disputed claims for $1.5 million in past rent owed by the Orioles, according to a 23-page settlement document.
    RELATED STORIES: O's, MSA reach tentative deal on video screen

MLBPA loses appeal of fantasy-stats case
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling Tuesday that lets a fantasy baseball company use players' names and statistics without paying a licensing fee. In a 2-1 decision, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that CBC Distribution and Marketing Inc. doesn't have to pay the players, even though it profits by using their names and statistics. The Major League Baseball Players Association had argued that companies like CBC are essentially stealing money from players, who charge big fees to endorse things like tennis shoes and soft drinks. The ruling could have a broad impact on the fantasy league industry, which generates more than $1.5 billion annually from millions of participants. The surprise is that the appeal actually garnered the support of a single judge (though, in fairness, he didn't actually oppose the decision -- he merely held that CBC should have fulfilled a licensing deal with MLB Advanced Media): there's a wide range of case law stating that facts cannot be copyrighted; only their presentation. (Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Company held that basic facts cannot be copyrighted, while NBA v. Motorola held that game information cannot be copyrighted and upheld Motorola's right to broadcast NBA game information via pager and Internet. Finally, Baltimore Orioles, Inc. v. Major League Baseball Player's Assn. held that broadcasts can be copyrighted but game performances cannot.) MLBPA lawyers also argued that the use of the names in a fantasy game was tantamount to an endorsement, but the court dismissed that argument. MLBPA lawyers say they are evaluating their options, which could include an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB wants fees from online fantasy leagues; Baseball statistics: history or property?

Crystal Lake Council bats down MCC expansion
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Crystal Lake City Council on Tuesday batted down a proposal by McHenry County College to expand and build a ballpark for an independent Frontier League team at its Route 14 campus. Although a majority of four City Council members voted to approve the plan with some conditions, a super-majority of five votes was required because the Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission previously had voted, 8-0, to recommend that the proposal be denied. MCC was seeking a zoning variance for the expansion to build 50 percent impervious, or nonpermeable, surfaces on land falling within the Crystal Lake watershed. The first stage of the plan calls for the construction of a 90,000-square-foot Health, Wellness and Athletic Complex and a 6,500-seat ballpark, which would be leased to the Frontier League team to help fund the expansion. Traffic and pollution were the two big issues causing opposition to the project. It's not necessarily dead: the council also voted to allow the college to come back with a revised plan.
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More options introduced for new home of College World Series
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and his oversight committee will consider six possible sites as the home of the College World Series, including a previously proposed downtown site that's been the brunt of much criticism. Also on the list; a renovated or totally rebuilt Rosenblatt Stadium. Judging by the comments some committee members have made to the press, we'd be amazed if the body didn't end up recommending what the mayor wants: building a $117-million ballpark downtown, as five of the six proposed sites are downtown. It's not clear how the plan would be funded (a proposed 2 percent entertainment tax would cover more than half the cost, but we're a little dubious private donations and sponsorships would cover the rest), but it's clear the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) would not financially participate. Qwest Center officials say they don't want to give up land for the ballpark, also.
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Hearing to decide fate of "explosive" Crocus report
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An upcoming report from the Crocus Investment Fund's receiver promises to be "explosive" and may get to the bottom of several unanswered questions, including some surrounding the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League), says a Winnipeg man who heads a class action lawsuit to recover shareholder money. Deloitte and Touche recently completed a report into the "manner in which the business and affairs of Crocus were conducted" by combing through the fund's records. A court hearing is scheduled for next Thursday where Court of Queen's Bench Justice Deborah McCawley will advise the receiver about who should get copies of the report and when. At issue: why the Goldeyes ownership ownership has not repaid more than $1.3 million in outstanding loans and interest. One thing to keep in mind: the Goldeyes investment was one small part of the Crocus portfolio, and no one is suggesting the unwillingness of the Goldeyes ownership to repay the loan directly led to the fund's collapse. Still, it's one thing for an unsuccessful business to default on a loan -- investment funds deal with that sort of thing regularly -- and it's another thing for a seemingly successful business like the Goldeyes to not pay up. Owner Sam Katz says the team's never been in a financial position to replay the loans, but as the mayor of Winnipeg and head of a very public company Katz is a very convenient target for those outraged with how the fund was run.
    RELATED STORIES: Fish fry Crocus shareholders; Goldeyes' financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?

New for 2008: Harlingen White Wings
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (independent; United League Baseball) will now be known as the Harlingten WhiteWings and have a new general manager, Dave Kost. "As of today, we will be known as the Harlingen WhiteWings and it is our hope that the great people of this city will grab this team and take ownership," Kost said. "We will be rolling out new team logos, uniforms, and a more fan and kid friendly mascot." Kost comes to Harlingen after spending the last two seasons in Amarillo as the assistant general manager of the Amarillo Dillas. During his tenure with Amarillo, the Dillas set United League attendance records in both 2006 and 2007.

Downtown Bowling Green continues its makeover
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bowling Green officials say they've received approval for a TIF district in their downtown that would fund a variety of projects, including a minor-league ballpark. Art Solomon, who would own the team, is expected to exercise an option to purchase the team by Oct. 22; after that we can expect some sort of announcement.

Most Heartland trustees OK with beer sales at ballpark
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Most Heartland Community College trustees said they would not object to beer sales at a ballpark the school would share with an independent Frontier League team. A proposal floating in the Twin Cities to bring a minor league baseball franchise to Normal suggests the club might build its ballpark on Heartland’s Raab Road property. The ballpark would be privately owned, but Heartland would use it in exchange for leasing the land for it. The debate is a pretty standard one: some trustees are concerned that minors will have access to the beer, and the potential owners of the team say they'll make sure that issue is addressed.

Kauffman Stadium renovation work to begin this week
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wrecking crews will begin tearing down parts of Kauffman Stadium Thursday, including the towering centerfield scoreboard with its trademark Royals crown. Workers will also start demolishing two of the four concrete spiral ramps that visitors have used to reach Kauffman’s upper deck since the ballpark opened 35 years ago. Kauffman is undergoing a $250 million face-lift that will include wider concourses, more restrooms, food stands and entertainment areas and a new scoreboard -- 106 feet by 86 feet -- that is billed as the largest in the world. It will be up in time for the 2008 season.

Brett Sports negotiating to buy Bellingham Bells
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Brett Sports is in negotiations to buy the Bellingham Bells (summer collegiate; West Coast Collegiate Baseball League). Brett Sports is an established minor-league operator, owning the Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League), the High Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League), the Tri-City Dust Devils (short season; Northwest League), and the Spokane Chiefs team. The organization plans to keep the Bells in the WCCBL. We're seeing some minor-league operators make their way into the summer-collegiate field; last year Miles Wolff purchased a team in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

Baby Bombers make the plate bigger
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) are expanding their all-you-can-eat plan to every game this upcoming season, at $15 a pop. Like last year's popular plan, the package offers unlimited hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, water and soda at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. More importantly, the team is putting up real condiment bars as opposed to handing out those annoying mustard packets. Remember -- the little things count.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chad Tredaway, Baseball America’s top independent league manager in 2001, has been named the new manager and player personnel director of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association). Tredaway, 35, last managed in 2004 with the Edinburg Roadrunners in the Central Baseball League. He guided the Roadrunners to championships in 2001 and 2004. Edinburg made the playoffs in all five years of Tredaway’s tenure. He was the Central League’s Manager of the Year four times from 2001-04. The past two seasons, Tredaway served as the director of baseball operations for the Coastal Bend Aviators (independent; American Association) while running the family business....Jeff Cammann will return for his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Fayetteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). The former star player at Emporia State and current first-year assistant coach at Cochise College will work with the infielders and outfielders, while also focusing on base running and defensive technique. The coming year will mark the sixth year in which Cammann and SwampDogs manager Darrell Handelsman have spent the summer together....The Washington Nationals named John W. "Squire" Galbreath II as assistant general manager, baseball administration. Galbreath has served as director of baseball administration for three seasons. His recent duties have included overseeing all financial matters and budgets pertaining to baseball operations....Jeff Bittiger is the new director of player procurement for the River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League). Bittiger has previously worked for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks (independent; Northern League) as the assistant of player personnel. With the franchise since 1993, Bittiger has helped put together teams that have made the NL playoffs 14 times, appeared in eight league championship finals and won four league championship crowns. He'll still work with the Redhawks in their player personnel department as well as working with the Oakland Athletics as a scout.

Marlins may get $50 million for new ballpark
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins moved a step closer to getting the missing chunk of money they claim has held the team back from building a new ballpark for most of the past decade. A citizen's advisory panel charged with overseeing the distribution of billions of dollars in bond money agreed Monday to let the Marlins use $50 million, pegged for renovating the decaying Orange Bowl, to build a new ballpark. Tuesday, the Miami-Dade County Commission will take up a resolution by Chairman Bruno Barreiro instructing the county manager and the mayor to use all available money to negotiate with the ball club. This is some real progress, but there's one complication looming on the horizon: the cost estimates for a new ballpark are at least two years old are for a downtown ballpark, not one at the Orange Bowl site. It would behoove the Fish and their governmental partners to have a realistic estimate of what a retractable-roof ballpark would really cost before moving ahead with a specific financial plan.
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Lawsuit planned against Aviators' owner
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nueces County commissioners are moving forward with plans to file a lawsuit against the owner of the Coastal Bend Aviators (independent; American Association).  The county attorney said she plans to file suit against Aviators owner, Horn Chen, within the next couple of weeks, but the county must first break its ties to the team by terminating its lease agreement.  This will allow the county to move forward with its plans to find a new team (both United League Baseball and the Continental Baseball League have expressed interest) to replace the Aviators and secure the future of the $7 million ballpark, which seats 5,000. This is why the American Association has been coy about whether the Aviators will return next season: it's not because there's a chance it will happen, but rather that the league doesn't want to lose the facility to a competitor.

Today's Video: Fresno Grizzlies Dancing Drag
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This video show between-innings entertainment from the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). A group of four staff members choreographs the dances, and the team features over six routines, ranging from OutKast to Justin Timberlake. The video is the dance to the Jackson 5. We've love to run your videos on the site; if your team did something noteworthy and want to share it with Ballpark Digest readers, email us at editors@augustpublications.com. If you can, send us the actual video versus a link; it's easier for us to track views if we can host the video.

Fort Wayne hires ballpark architect
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on Monday approved a contract with a firm to design the $30 million ballpark that serves as the centerpiece to the Harrison Square development. The commission approved a $1.7 million contract with HOK Sport, of Kansas City, Mo., to design and engineer the future downtown home of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). To comply with the tight construction deadline -- the Wizards hope to play opening day in the new ballpark in 2009 -- construction on the project is likely to begin before all of the design work is completed.

Stoneman to step down as Angels GM; Tony Reagins to succeed?
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bill Stoneman, who oversaw a transformation of the Angels franchise that included their lone World Series title, will step down as the club's general manager today. Stoneman, the ninth GM in Angels history, will leave his post and is expected to take a spot as a front-office consultant. The team had called a news conference for today saying there would be a "major announcement" but the Angels declined to elaborate. We hear director of player personnel Tony Reagins is the leading candidate to replace Stoneman; it would be highly unlike owner Arte Moreno to mess with a winning formula. UPDATE: Yup, our source was right: Reagins was indeed named to the post. Abe Flores replaces Reagins as director of player personnel. More from the Los Angeles Daily News.

Executives go to bat for plan
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The local newspaper continues its look at the proposed independent Frontier League ballpark at McHenry County College, this time focusing on FL Commissioner Bill Lee and potential owner Peter Heitman. The merits of the project are clear -- Heitman and his investors will basically pay for the new ballpark via a rather generous lease ($250,000 annually) and some revenue sharing. There are some reasons to support the project -- the community will gain pro baseball -- and some reasons to oppose the project -- it may cause more pollution in Crystal Lake and create more traffic in the area. And, indeed, the opponents seem to have the upper hand, but some of their criticisms are just nutty. For instance, they like to portray the Frontier League as being unstable, but the opposite is true: every ballpark specifically built for the Frontier League over its 10-year history still has the team as its tenant.
    RELATED STORIES: 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'

Goodyear hires pair to run future Indians ballpark
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cleveland Indians won't be playing spring training games in Goodyear for a year and a half, but the city already has hired two managers to run the future ballpark. In the coming months, Stadium Manager Nathan Torres and Turf Supervisor Sergio Lopez will watch over the ballpark's construction and assemble a staff for the facility. The city is looking for four groundskeepers, and eventually could hire a mechanic, an events programmer, someone to maintain facilities and workers to maintain the fields, said Brian Barnes, deputy director of public works.

Contract awarded for Rec Park's renovation
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Work may soon get under way on the oft-delayed renovation of Recreation Park, home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). The 61-year-old, city-owned ballfield is in line for a two-year modernization to bring it up to standards required for minor-league facilities by Major League Baseball. The Visalia City Council voted Monday to award a $144,808 contract to Hobbs Construction of Fresno for demolition and site preparation along the right-field line near Giddings Street. It's the first piece of a two-phase project that may eventually cost $12 million or more. The first phase calls for a two-story building for concessions, a team store, hospitality lounge, office space, ticket booth and a new ballpark entrance.

A move toward MLB in North Jersey?
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail think the retirement of George Steinbrenner will aid the cause of those wanting to bring an MLB team to New Jersey; the sons, he argues, would probably be more amenable to letting another team in the marker because they'd be flush with all that new-ballpark money. Two words tell us why Blair is delusional: debt service. The Yankees are paying for that new ballpark, and if there's a chance the team would lose one cent of revenue to a Jersey team the Steinbrenner boys would be stupid to allow another MLB in their market.

Stadium Authority asks council to reconsider
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority asked the City Council to reconsider its vote earlier this month to deny funding to move the outfield fences in at the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium. The authority received approval from the council last month for $610,000 in stadium improvement bond money, which included funding to replace the playing field. But when the council approved a bid for that work, the aldermen voted 5-2 to remove funding to move the outfield fences, feeling the Connecticut Defenders Class AA; Eastern League) should pay for the fence move.

Fish fry Crocus shareholders
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the outrage expressed by investors in the failed Crocus Fund about the unwillingness of the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) ownership to repay more than $1.3 million in outstanding loans and interest. One complicating factor: owner Sam Katz says the value of the Goldeyes franchise has declined more than 50 percent between 1999 and 2006, as problems within the Northern League forced the value down to under $3 million from a $5 million valuation. In divorce proceedings Katz said the drop in worth was due to a contraction in the Northern League. We're more than a little skeptical of these numbers. First, until 1999 the Goldeyes were playing at a football stadium with limited revenue streams (limited concessions, limited signage, no suites), but by 2006 the team was firmly ensconced at CanWest Global Park with many revenue streams (concessions, suites, lots of signage, etc.). At some level valuation must take revenue and profit into account. Thanks to Andrew Collier of the Goldeyes for a clarifying note.
    RELATED STORIES: Goldeyes' financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?

Nothing like a tasty export
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of our favorite columnists, John Nagy, weighs in on the issues facing the independent Northern League, specifically in the Canadian part of the story. The two Alberta teams leaving the Northern League have some interesting challenges facing them; there are meetings scheduled for this week and we've been told all sides involved should have a much better idea of how the 2008 season will unwind. Nagy's right that the summer-collegiate Northwoods League should work to keep Thunder Bay in the fold, but we're not quite sure the Northern League would be interested in a return: the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks existed in the old days when 800 fans a game was enough to break even. We're virtually Port Arthur Stadium could enough revenue to interest the Northern League today; we're not even sure Port Arthur Stadium could hold enough fans to generate enough revenue, especially with no suites in the mix. The Northern League is indeed at a crossroads, but downsizing to the point where Thunder Bay is a viable market probably won't fly with the other owners.

Oakland's dream ballpark, or traffic nightmare?
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland A's are scheduled to present an updated plan for a new ballpark to Fremont officials at the end of the month, but we're not sure it's going to address one big point: how the team plans to handle potentially huge traffic and parking messes. The main highway from Oakland to Fremont is Interstate 880, or what locals call the Nasty Nimitz for its frequent traffic jams; we're guessing many loyal A's fans will stop attending games. But the A's sound like they're OK with that: there's a reason why they're working so hard to put the ballpark close to San Jose and the Silicon Valley.
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Park plan offers big payoffs
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Voters in Helena (Mont.) will be going to the polls next month to vote on a tax hike to pay for park improvements. Part of the tax hike would go to improvements at Kindrick-Legion Field, home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League): replacement of failing light posts and outdated lighting with energy-efficient fixtures, field repair, improvements to weathered wood bleachers and damaged seating, updates to the clubhouses, resurfacing of the parking lots, and ADA compliant accessibility improvements.

Hargrove expected to boost Jayhawk League's reputation
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is great news for summer-collegiate baseball. Former Indians and Mariners skipper Mike Hargrove will be back on the diamond next season as manager of the Liberal BeeJays (summer collegiate; Jayhawk League). The former BeeJay a favor to friend Bob Carlile, a member of the team's board of directors; Hargrove's son lived with Carlile as a 2001 BeeJay. The Jayhawk League used to be one of the top summer-collegiate leagues, but now distinctly lags the top two tiers of leagues (Cape Cod, Northwoods, Coastal Plain, Florida, Alaska) in attracting talent. We'll see if Hargrove's presence is enough. More from Bob Lutz.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reunited with KABC AM 790 as their flagship radio station, club owner Frank McCourt announced Monday. McCourt cited the station's strong signal as one of the reasons for making the switch. He said communicating with fans that aren't able to get to the ballpark is a team focus as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary in Los Angeles next year. With the change, the Dodgers will have a Sunday night DodgerTalk show. Also, more spring-training games will be broadcast than in recent years, although not every game will be carried. KABC was the Dodgers' radio home for 25 seasons from 1973-1997. Vin Scully, Rick Monday and Charley Steiner remain as announcers....Matt McCay is the new manager of the Thomasville Hi-Toms (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). He's replacing Ryan McCurry....

Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
While we've not been big fans of how Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey has approached the ballpark issues in his city, this is one ballpark project where it cannot be argued that an investment would merely rearrange existing spending, but more than half the fans attending the College World Series come from outside Omaha, according to studies from a Creighton University economists; he's also determined the CWS generates $25 million in direct spending and at least $2.3 million in local and sales taxes. Given that level of economic impact, it is arguable to level an additional 2 percent entertainment tax to partially fund a new $117-million ballpark.
    But to what end? We're looking at a situation where political missteps have morphed what could have been a relatively modest renovation of Rosenblatt Stadium into a $117 million project that's causing a rift in the Omaha community. Here's the deal: early on NCAA officials were willing to make a 10-year commitment to keeping the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium, the tourney's long-time home, if certain ballpark upgrades were in place -- nothing too elaborate. That was acceptable to many city officials, but the mayor and the head of the Omaha organization that runs the College World Series were pushing for a 20-year commitment. The NCAA then came back to the city (working off, we're guessing, a big push from the organization that runs the College World Series) with a huge, expanded list of demands for a new downtown ballpark, basically forcing the city into a corner. So what we've now got is a mayor pushing for a $117-million ballpark only partially funded by a local sales tax, which will yield $60 million (the remaining $40 or $50 million should come from private contributions and sponsorship sales). The new ballpark will also take a potentially attractive downtown parcel off the tax rolls and limit the future growth of the nearby convention center. And if the city sells every potential sponsorship at the new ballpark, it's hard to see why the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) would stick around; there's no way they can monetize the facility, but it's not clear whether the mayor's office is taking that into account. (We laugh at the prospect of an indy team moving in; knock yourselves out trying to make a dent in a 23,000-seat ballpark.) So the mayor turned what was a pretty decent offer from the NCAA into this political nightmare. Really, Omaha is bidding against itself; yeah, officials from Orlando and Indianapolis say they want to lure the College World Series, but when they see the price for doing so (it's not as though Victory Field can be expanded for the College World Series, and Orlando doesn't have $100 million or so sitting around after the city and the county committed to a billion-dollar-plus plan to build a new NBA arena and renovate the Citrus Bowl) they may not be as eager to play.
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Goldeyes' financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The CBC is reporting the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) has been unable to repay more than $1 million in loans and interest from a failed local fund because of a lack of profits. The Crocus Investment Fund has sued to regain its investment, and in court proceedings majority owner Sam Katz made the following statement in an April affadvit: "Until such time as the Goldeyes can have a financially viable season and can pay the interest on the Crocus debentures, it is not required to pay any interest to Crocus, or at this stage, to the receiver. The Goldeyes simply cannot afford to do this at this time." The fund, which subsequently went into receivership, attracted investments from more than 34,000 Manitobans. The labor-sponsored venture-capital fund first invested $600,000 to become a shareholder, then it made two loans to the Goldeyes, the first in 1999 for $375,000, the second a year later for $59,000, working under the assumption that a move into a new ballpark would improve the Northern League team's finances. In terms of attendance the Goldeyes have been the most successful independent-league team in recent years. For those keeping score at home, Katz's was paid a salary of $216,788 in 2005, while ex-wife Baillie Katz was paid $5,000 a month and the salaries of his nannies were also picked up by the Goldeyes (a practice since discontinued). Not great PR to disclose your nannies were on the payroll while not paying on such a broad-based investment.

Final price tag for Twins ballpark land: $28.5 million
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County will pay the owners of a key parcel of land used for the new Minnesota Twins ballpark $28.25 million, according to county officials. In addition, the owners of the Twins will kick in an additional $15 million toward the new ballpark, making the total contribution from the Twins $145 million. As you'll recall, Hennepin County and the local landowners have been engaged in a pretty nasty legal tiff: the landowners originally wanted $65 million but the county initially Hennepin offered around $13 million (both highly unrealistic numbers). A three-member panel of mediators came to the conclusion that the land was worth $23.8 million, but a dissident member of the panel said the land's value was closer to $33 million. It looks like the two sides split the difference to come up with the $28.25 million valuation, which ultimately is fair; as you'll recall our surveys of local real-estate experts pegged the value of the land at $25 million, so we weren't too far off. (Another indicator of how the two sides came at a valuation: Hennepin County offered $13 million initially, the Twins kicked in $15 million, and the landowners will get $28 million. Hmm. And County Commissioner Mike Opat, the lead negotiator for Hennepin County, seemed displeased with the decision at this morning's press conference. He should have been the happiest man in the county government center.)
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A's co-owner Wolff keeps anxious Fremont waiting
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fremont residents and officials alike are anxious for details about the ballpark village proposed by Oakland A's co-owner and managing partner Lew Wolff, which could conceivably bring their city of 210,000 a development featuring 3,000 residential units and more than 500,000 square feet of retail stores centered around a 32,000-seat ballpark featuring the latest high-tech gadgetry from Cisco Systems. Cisco, the San Jose computer network equipment giant, has a 30-year naming rights agreement with the A's worth $120 million and plans to install cutting-edge technology in the park to entertain and ease the way for fans while showcasing its products. Wolff said he hopes to file a development application with the city for Cisco Field and its accompanying village on 200 acres in the baylands of south Fremont sometime this fall -- which isn't as soon as Fremont officials would like.
    RELATED STORIES: Fremont not ready to declare proposed A's 'baseball village' utopia; A's revised plan for ballpark village gets warmer reception; A's ballpark village plan moves school away from the landfill; Preview of Oakland ballpark plan isn't a home run; Ex-mayor: Ballpark still makes no sense; A's ready to make noise and not just ballpark construction; A's ballpark vision takes shape; Wolff takes hands-on approach to A's Fremont ballpark; A's Wolff sees new ballpark as super site; A's sign contracts for land in Fremont to build new ballpark; Entitlements key in funding Cisco Field; Study: A's ballpark worth $109 million to economy; Toxic hazard creates bump in road to new A's ballpark; A's tout Cisco Field in ticket mailer; Will global warming swamp AT&T Park, new A's ballpark?; A's owner not sweating lack of BART at Fremont ballpark site; A's owner raises more questions than answers; Wolff seeks tax rebate for new ballpark village; Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed Fremont ballpark; Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark; If Selig's coming, A's must be going; Wolff ready to go public on ballpark; Cisco blending tech and baseball; Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont; Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?; More meetings with A's slated after new year; Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's; A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's

Today's Video: The Dust Devils grounds crew
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a video sent in by the entertainment crew of the Tri-City Dust Devils (short season; Northwest League), as they strut their stuff while grooming the infield. We've love to run your videos on the site; if your team did something noteworthy and want to share it with Ballpark Digest readers, email us at editors@augustpublications.com. If you can, send us the actual video versus a link; it's easier for us to track views if we can host the video.

Despite record, Brewers' profit won't top 2006
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owners of the Milwaukee Brewers say profits for the team will be down a little bit this season as more revenue is put into payroll (set this season at $68 million), an expanded front-office staff and upgrades at Miller Park. Mark Attanasio, the team's principal owner, said the ownership group will make a profit this season. Attanasio, who led an investment group that bought the Brewers in 2005 for $220 million, has said the ownership group made $2 million to $5 million in profit in its first two seasons. He declined to reveal specific revenue and profit figures for the 2007 season. Boosted by all-time attendance, the Brewers saw 20 percent increases in concession and parking revenue, while retail sales increased 30 percent compared with a year ago.

Gwinnett County continues exploration of pro baseball
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce continues to explore the possibility of minor-league baseball, with the topic coming up during a visit by local business leaders to Frisco, Texas. ECHL hockey has been tremendously successful in this Atlanta suburb, and local leaders want to replicate that success with baseball. The Atlanta Braves have already indicated their opposition to an affiliated team in Gwinnett County, but they may want to rethink that opposition. We've heard local officials are very hot to bring in pro baseball, and if the Braves don't watch it they could end up pushing a very desirable locale into the arms of independent baseball (indeed, a Gwinnett County team would be an instant flagship for the South Coast League). An affiliated team doesn't even need to be a Braves affiliate; look at how the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) thrive despite the lack of a Red Sox affiliation. An independent team ain't gonna put a Braves ticket kiosk in their ballpark; an affiliated team certainly could be required by the Braves to do so as a condition of the territorial waiver.

Economists question MCC ballpark plan
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Actually, the headline and premise of this article are completely wrong: one economist questions whether a team in the independent Frontier League should pay McHenry Community College $250,000 a year plus a share of the revenues to build a new ballpark on campus. Indeed, most of the opposition comes from Steve Stanek, a writer working for the Heartland Institute. So, to review, exactly one economist commented on the plan, and we're not entirely sure he's familiar with the lease. We don't actually think this is a good plan if the predictions of increased pollution in Crystal Lake are true, but this article is bogus.
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Heirs taking control of the Yankees: report
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The Steinbrenner boys have taken control of the New York Yankees, according to the New York Post. Hank and Hal Steinbrenner will share leadership of father George's beloved Bronx Bombers in an arrangement to be further ironed out at top-level meetings in Tampa this week. Hank and Hal will have final say on baseball decisions as well as the running of the YES Network and the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.

Braves adding exclusive club
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The Turner Field Dugout Club, slated to open next season, will be some of the most expensive seats in the majors, going for as much as $25,000. For that money, fans will get a close view of the action -- indeed, the seats will be closer to home plate (43 feet) than the pitcher is (60 feet, 6 inches) -- and access to a private underground lounge. Only 150 of these seats will be sold. Ten other MLB teams have similar "dugout" sections, but the Braves' club will be the smallest and the closest to home plate.

Naturals score with strong sales
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Northwest Arkansas appears eager for minor-league baseball. Eric Edelstein, general manager of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League), says individuals and businesses are snapping up multiyear ticket packages at Arvest Ballpark. The team has sold 12 of 22 available luxury suites, 852 "super premium" seats, which stretch from dugout to dugout in the first 10 rows, and two of four sponsorship slots on the scoreboard. Thanks to the Naturals for the aerial photo below of the ballpark construction.
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Suit chills Minute Maid Park
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A malfunctioning chilled water pipe system at Minute Maid Park could cost as much as $70 million to fix. The expensive repair job is at issue in a lawsuit filed by the Houston Astros and the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority against contractors involved in the design and installation of the system. According to the suit, improper insulation is causing current condensation problems in the pipe system that pumps chilled water to provide air conditioning at Minute Maid Park.

Tiger Stadium auction a $192,729 home run
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Despite what the Detroit Free Press headline says, we're not so sure this is a home run given what organizers expected an online auction of memorabilia ripped from Tiger Stadium to raise. By the time it closed Saturday morning, the online auction of more than 700 artifacts from the historic ballpark had drawn $192,729. All of that -- plus even more from the sale of seats -- is to go to the city to defray the coming cost of demolishing most of the stadium except a corner to be saved as a community center and memorial. The most expensive item auctioned: A piece of the fence from around the rooftop transformer hit by Reggie Jackson's home run in the 1971 All-Star Game. The piece of fence came with a photo of the stadium and a Reggie Jackson baseball card. The winning bid: $4,025. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
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UO, name the ballpark after Joe
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The argument here is that the University of Oregon should name its planned new ballpark for alumni Joe Gordon, who some argue should be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. We're not going to address that argument (though it is a compelling one), but we don't think it's likely UO will name the ballpark after Gordon. Why? Money. The athletic department will already be leveraged to fund construction of a new arena, and it will be forced to monetize a new ballpark, especially if the Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League) become involved -- and that means a sale of naming rights, unless we see something like Gordon Field at BigCo Stadium.

O's, MSA reach tentative deal on video screen
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The Baltimore Orioles and the Maryland Stadium Authority have reached a tentative agreement to avoid arbitration and spend $9 million to replace the video display and audio systems at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Under the agreement, which won't become official unless the Board of Public Works approves it Wednesday, the stadium authority would contribute $3.75 million to pay for an expanded, high-definition screen and scoreboard. The authority would also drop disputed claims for $1.5 million in past rent owed by the Orioles, according to a 23-page settlement document obtained by The Sun. The Orioles would allow the authority to pay for the rest of the new video display using $5.25 million from a $10 million fund reserved for ballpark improvements. The team had previously said the stadium authority should not dip into the fund -- awarded to the Orioles by an arbitrator in 2001 after a previous dispute with the authority -- to pay for the screen.

New for 2008: Longview-Kelso WCCBL franchise
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Strategic Baseball Ventures (SBV) has been awarded a conditional expansion franchise in the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL) for the Longview-Kelso (Wash.) market at the league’s most recent fall meeting. In order to secure the franchise, SBV must submit to the league by November 7 an agreement for a home ballpark. SBV, which has been researching the Longview-Kelso market for some time and has made several visits to the area, has narrowed the list of potential homes to a pair of facilities: Lower Columbia College’s David Story Field in Longview and Kelso Babe Ruth League’s Stan Rister Stadium. SBV has initiated discussions with LCC, the City of Kelso, and Kelso Babe Ruth about terms of an agreement and potential improvements to a home facility.

State Fair Board wants to tear down Cardinal Stadium
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The Kentucky State Fair Board want to tear down Cardinal Stadium, the former home of the Louisville Redbirds during its stints in the American Association and International League. The 1956 stadium has sat empty most of the time since the Redbirds moved to Louisville Slugger Field and became the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League). The board wants to tear down the stadium and build a new amphitheater; the cost of the project is $46.75 million. If the measure fails, it won't be because anyone is working to save Cardinal Stadium; it will be because the state didn't fund the project.

Ballpark Notes
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New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am Association) GM Marie Heikkinen-Webb was named to this year’s 40 under 40 club, an award given annually throughout the greater New Haven area each of the past 14 years. The award is given to 40 business men and women under the age of 40 around greater New Haven in recognition of their professional success and involvement in the community....The summer-collegiate Northwoods League announced that Marc Jerzak, Vice President of the St. Cloud River Bats, has been named 2007 Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the league's annual fall meetings last week in Green Bay, is given annually to the league's outstanding executive. "Marc has worked his way up the ladder and now been rewarded by his peers for his outstanding efforts. It is an honor he is truly deserving of," said Dick Radatz, Jr., Northwoods League President. Jerzak, 28, recently completed his sixth season in St. Cloud and seventh in the Northwoods League overall....Valerie Venegas has left the staff of the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association)....John Bilbow is the new general manager of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association). Bilbow, 36, has been with the Cats since 2002 and served as the team’s assistant general manager this past season. Before that, he was the vice president of sales and marketing for the Cats. Cats President John Dittrich served as general manager in 2007. Dittrich will continue on as the Cats’ president....Pete Lauritson is the new manager of the Waterloo Bucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Lauritson replaces former skipper Dan Fitzgerald. A native of Mason City, Iowa, Lauritson was an assistant with the Bucks in 2007 and is entering his fifth season as the hitting and outfield coach for the North Iowa Area Community College baseball program....George McGonagle, president and general manager of the Bluefield Orioles, has been named the 2007 Appalachian League Executive of the Year by a vote of the Appalachian League's general managers, field managers and umpires. McGonagle, who recently announced his retirement, has been president and general manager of the Bluefield Orioles for the past 18 years and has overseen major improvements to Bowen Field culminated by the 2007 installment of the new playing surface and drainage system. Also, David Lane, general manager of the Greeneville Astros, has been named the recipient of the Appalachian League's Promotional Award of Excellence as voted on by his fellow League general managers....Scott Hunsicker has been named the 2007 Eastern League Executive of the Year. The 2007 season marked Scott’s first as the general manager of the Reading Phillies, after spending the previous nine seasons as the assistant general manager of the club. Hunsicker will receive his award at the Baseball Winter Meetings. Under Scott’s guidance the Reading franchise welcomed a league-high 466,385 fans to FirstEnergy Stadium this season, the fourth highest attendance total in franchise history and the sixth consecutive season the R-Phils have led the Eastern League in total or average attendance....Matt Fonteno is the next manager of the Battle Creek Bombers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Fonteno, currently in his third season as an assistant coach at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, takes over the reigns of the second-year club from Brian Murphy, who guided the franchise in its inaugural season in 2007.... Brooklyn Cyclones General Manager Steve Cohen was named the 2007 New York-Penn League Executive of the Year, following one of the club's most successful seasons. The Cyclones led the league in attendance for the seventh straight year, drew its two millionth fan faster than any club in the classification's history, and broke its own single-game attendance record three times (10,073). The Cyclones drew 294,972 fans in 36 openings for an average of 8,194 per game (up from 7,820 in 2006), and filled the ballpark to over 100 percent capacity for the seventh straight year. Brooklyn ranked 16th in all of minor league baseball in average attendance, the only short-season team to place in the top 20....