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Archives: Sept. 17-23, 2007

Ballpark Digest announces inaugural Awards of Distinction
Posted Sept. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Three ballparks, one sports management organization and a longtime league president are receiving top honors this week with the announcement of the inaugural Ballpark Digest Awards of Distinction. (You can listen to editors making the announcements here.)
    New Ballpark of the Year honors are shared by Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, Ark. and Dow Diamond in Midland, Mich. The award for Best Ballpark Renovation goes to Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Organization of the Year is awarded to Mandalay Sports Entertainment for successes recorded by franchises Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Staten Island Yankees, Dayton Dragons, Hagerstown Suns, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the Erie SeaWolves. South Atlantic League founder and president John Henry Moss received the individual Award of Distinction.
    New Ballpark of the Year: Dickey-Stephens Park, designed by HKS Sports Entertainment Group and built by East-Harding/Hensel Phelps Construction, features an interesting and unique railroad theme. The new home of the Arkansas Travelers includes a stunning view of downtown Little Rock, a landmark clock tower and affordable concessions.
    New Ballpark of the Year: Dow Diamond, designed by HOK Sport and built by Three Rivers Corp., is built on a grand scale with fireplaces on each side of the concourse and fire pits in the outfield – a unique reflection of mid-Michigan’s rural character. Home to the newly established Great Lakes Loons, Dow Diamond includes a two-tiered fan shop and self-contained concourse.
    Best Ballpark Renovation: Melaleuca Field, formerly known as McDermott Field, now features a gorgeous grandstand and group seating areas with a generous amount of brick work throughout the ballpark, making for an inviting and warm, classic feel. Home to the Idaho Falls Chukars, the extensive renovations designed locally by architect Kevin Bodily of Nielson, Bodily and Associates were accomplished on a tight budget.
    Baseball Organization of the Year: Mandalay Sports Entertainment not only breathed some new life into two struggling baseball communities in 2007, but recorded increased attendance numbers at all six of its baseball franchises. Working jointly with the New York Yankees, Mandalay turned operations around both at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Staten Island. They join the Dayton, Hagerstown, Frisco, Las Vegas, Rancho Cucamonga and Erie franchises as quality baseball operations with a growing attendance trend line and – not coincidentally – strong reputations for putting the fans’ experience first.
    The 2007 individual Award of Distinction: John Henry Moss, founder and president of the South Atlantic League, has overseen the Sally League and its predecessors for half a century and kept the baseball tradition alive through some very lean times. With 50 years of experience since he founded the eight-team Western Carolina League in 1948, the longest-serving minor-league president in history plans to step down at the end of this year. Moss not only nurtured the league through reorganization and many difficult years a generation ago, but in more recent years he has expanded the sweep of South Atlantic League with franchises located from Georgia to Ohio.
    Ballpark Digest received a total of 32 nominations for the inaugural Awards of Distinction. In addition to the award winners, several finalists received recognition. Those finalists include: Joe Faber Field – home of the St. Cloud (Minn.) River Bats, Damaschke Field – home of the Oneonta (NY.) Tigers, and Joannes Stadium – home of the Green Bay Bullfrogs, all three vying for Best Ballpark Renovation; and Rent One Ballpark – home of the Southern Illinois Miners in Marion, for New Ballpark of the Year.
    The 2007 Ballpark Digest Awards of Distinction will be formally presented in early December at baseball’s winter meetings in Nashville.
    "Baseball takes great pride in John Henry Moss and his five decades of accomplishment, as well as the collective efforts of so many who contributed to the tremendous successes at Mandalay Sports Entertainment and the award-winning ballparks in North Little Rock, Midland and Idaho Falls," said Kevin Reichard, founder of BallparkDigest.com. "We thank everyone who participated in the nomination process, and appreciate the opportunity to present these well-deserved 2007 Awards of Distinction."

Indians to sell naming rights to Jacobs Field, hire IMG
Posted Sept. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cleveland Indians are selling the naming rights to their ballpark and hired sports management company IMG to conduct the search. The Indians play at Jacobs Field, which was named after owner Richard E. Jacobs when it opened in 1994. Jacobs, who sold the team in 2000, owned the rights through the 2006 season. The club was talking to potential rights-buyers and decided to look for outside help four or five months ago, said Vic Gregovits, the Indians' senior vice president for sales and marketing. The deal probably won't be as much as it could have been when the ballpark opened; fans will likely continue calling it The Jake no matter what name is hung on the outside.

Today's video: Lehigh Valley IronPigs commercial
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Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Michael Bourn lend their talents to this TV spot hawking season tickets for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League), who begin play next season. Noteworthy: Howard showing his toughest IronPig snarl. We'd love to post your videos and share them with the baseball world; just email them to us at editors@augustpublications.com. You can view all the videos in our collection here.

Crystal Lake rejects MCC expansion plan, new ballpark
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McHenry Community College hit a snag in efforts to expand its campus Wednesday night when a Crystal Lake panel voted down the college's plan. Citing concerns about traffic and flooding, the Crystal Lake planning and zoning commission voted not to recommend approval to the city council. The expansion plan includes a new ballpark for the college team and an independent Frontier League team. The panel doesn't have the final say; the city council does. More from the Northwest Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: 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'

Dodgers, Padres, Mariners could play in China
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The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners are being considered by Major League Baseball for possible exhibition games in China during spring training. The games would be played during the second week of March, two baseball officials familiar with the planning said Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the trip was still in the planning stages. Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, has pushed for the games, which would be played at the ballpark built for next year's Olympics in Beijing.

Winston-Salem prepares for new ballpark
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A small army of backhoes, bulldozers and dump trucks is making tough work look easy, leveling steep, kudzu-lined slopes to clear the site of Winston-Salem’s planned downtown ballpark. The future home of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League), construction on the new facility could start in mid- or late November. At that pace, the 5,500-seat ballpark will probably be ready for the Warthogs by the time the 2009 season starts -- weather permitting.
    RELATED STORIES: City approves rezoning for Warthogs ballpark; City could save money on ballpark; Winston-Salem ballpark put off to 2009 season; County gives OK to Warthogs ballpark; Forsyth County commits to new Warthogs ballpark; Prim: I'll run figures in offer; County's ballpark offer in; New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?; Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark; county is next; Joines: Protect ticket revenue; Council considers city help with moving expenses; Prim's word is his bond; Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote; Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan; County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark; W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

Fort Wayne suite buyers named
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Thirty-two northeast Indiana companies have purchased suite-level seats in the new downtown Fort Wayne ballpark. The 15 suites available for purchase are sold out, each for a minimum of five years. Most of the companies did not purchase a full season package, said Jason Freier, CEO of Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) owner Hardball Capital LLC. There are 16 suites in the ballpark, which is part of the Harrison Square project. One suite will be held open for single-game rentals. More from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Meanwhile, there's been a snag in issuing bonds for the project, though the reasons for the delay are external.

Approach of winter a big factor in NYC ballpark race
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It takes an aggressive voice to cut through all the noise in the New York City media, and apparently the New York Sun has decided it will cut through the noise by hinting that the openings of the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field could be delayed because of potentially bad weather this winter. Not sure there's any reason to question that the ballparks will open on time in 2009: we did some asking around and every indication is that things are on schedule at both facilities. In other words, take this article with a huge grain of salt. Speaking of the Yankees: team officials announced that as of yesterday they have sold a franchise-record 4,262,761 tickets for the 2007 season, surpassing their previous paid-attendance record of 4,243,780 set in 2006. Through the first 76 games played at Yankee Stadium this season, the Yankees lead the Major Leagues in total home attendance (4,000,924) and average home attendance (52,644), and have outdrawn the American League average by more than 21,000 fans per game. There have been 45 sellouts at Yankee Stadium thus far in 2007, including a stretch of 21 consecutive sellouts from 7/22-9/3.
    RELATED STORIES: Finales set for Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium; Progress report: New York's new ballparks; The stadium chase; Yankees, Mets won't sell seat licenses; ballpark funds in place; Whole new ballgame; Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated junk; Bronx group goes to court vs. new Yankee Stadium; New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark bonds; New York Agency approves ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets; MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea; Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

RFK is full of concrete memories
Posted Sept. 20, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Thomas Boswell shares his memories of the great moments at RFK Stadium now that the Washington Nationals are playing their last homestand of the season. We were lucky enough to hang around RFK Stadium during a Washington Redskins (NFL) Super Bow season; during that time the stadium was filled with pure passion when the 'Skins were in town, and we're not sure we've seen anything close to what fans exhibited back then. There aren't that many Washington Senators or Nationals memories to note, really; Frank Howard cranked some memorable drives there and Ted Williams showed a surprising skill at managing, but the team never captured the imagination of local fans. It's likely the place will be torn down, which is too bad: it's probably the only multiuse stadium that actually worked for multiple sports and featured a unique architectural flair.
    RELATED STORIES: Nationals choose Centerplate to manage concessions at new ballpark; Lessons for the Lerners: what to steal from other ballparks; Nats ballpark to have extensive seating for wheelchairs; Metro, District and Nationals talking possible 'ballpark fare'; Signing off on the last beam; Top price for ducats at new Nats ballpark: $400; Nationals' transition extends off field; National crisis: Capital franchise in turmoil; Ballpark brings hope but no guarantee; Nationals ballpark 'on time, on budget' for 2008 opening; Future distinctly on rise for Nationals; District not over park cap; New Nats ballpark to feature cherry blossoms beyond left-field fence; As ballpark rises, battles over land continue; For Nats' home, a rapid ascent; Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say; Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark upgrades; With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money; D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages; The D.C. ballpark parking debate; Severe penalties await city if parking garages aren't provided, Gandhi warns; Ballpark garages proposal rejected; Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight over new Nats ballpark; New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for 2008 opening; Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC ballpark; Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking; DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in country; Legislation would revive condo and garage development at new DC ballpark; New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking; D.C. parking issue threatens budget; Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat; Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk

Kasten working to sell premium seats
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Washington Nationals fans willing to spend thousands of dollars for a luxurious experience at the team's new ballpark still have a chance. Team president Stan Kasten said he is still working to sell some premium seats at the new stadium and that some luxury suites also remain available. Kasten said he expects all suites and premium seats to be sold out by Opening Day. Meanwhile, the process of relocating existing season-ticket holders into seats at the new ballpark will continue until at least November.

Vipers eye Golden horizons
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The owners of the Calgary Vipers and the Edmonton Cracker-Cats are now openly looking at moving to the independent Golden Baseball League from the independent Northern League. The tentative 2008 Northern League schedule has the two teams playing each other 32 times to avoid travel expenses; it's hard to see how the two teams could sell those game effectively. It's not as though the Golden League is that much closer, but if you're thinking long-term there's a lot more potential open markets between Alberta and the GBL footprint than between Alberta and Winnipeg. Still, the loss of two teams would present some problems for the Northern League, as it would be down to six teams.

More renovations in the works at Grayson Stadium
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The city of Savannah has begun working on the latest improvement to Grayson Stadium: a completely new playing surface. The plans for the home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) include installing new irrigation and drainage systems, laser grading the field and resodding the grass. Renovations to Grayson Stadium over the next two years will be funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which was passed one year ago today. The improved field could be completed as early as Thanksgiving. The first step in replacing the field is removing the current playing surface. This is being done currently by city workers. The final four steps are installing a drainage system, installing sprinklers, leveling the field and sodding the field. The city is individually bidding out each of the final four steps to outside firms. The renovation plans for this offseason also include new light poles and a new building to be constructed northeast of the leftfield foul pole, facing Bee Road. The building will feature a batting cage, a weight room, laundry facilities and new offices.

Prospective Swing owners still waiting
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An anxious wait continues for the prospective owners of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A: Midwest League). Heller and his business partner, Bob Herrfeldt, continue a wait that began nearly two months ago for the major league commissioner’s office to sign off on Mainstreet Iowa’s purchase of the club from Seventh Inning Stretch, the Kevin Krause-led organization which has operated the Midwest League franchise since 1998. The Midwest League and the N.A. have approved the purchase. A review of the Control Interest Transfer document by major league legal counsel and the signature of commissioner Bud Selig is the final step in baseball’s three-tier approval process.

The game's on at ballpark's Diamond Club
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The buzz is back in Phoenix, where the Arizona Diamondbacks have quietly posted the best record in the National League and attracting fans back to Chase Field. One big reason for the fan resurgence is the Diamond Club, a nightclub-style seating area behind center field, offers baseball fans a chance to feel as though they're in an incredibly well-lit Scottsdale club, albeit one where it's OK to spill your beer and drop peanut shells on the floor. It has low, cushy seating in Sedona red and sand shades, Top 40 and hip-hop background music and upscale touches such as steak tacos, a gourmet salsa bar and little bowls of Asian cracker snack mix. Like a bar, there are no beer guys, cotton-candy girls or hot-dog vendors. Unlike a bar, you don't have to be 21 to get in. It's populated by the buxom and beautiful, the hard-bodied and handsome.

Atlantic League's season likely to get longer
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With the expected addition of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, the Atlantic League is expected to add 14 games to its 2008 schedule -- increasing its regular-season format from 126 games to 140. Each franchise will play 70 games at home and 70 on the road and the format will likely be similar to the one the league used in the 2005 season when the travel-only Road Warriors were replaced by the Lancaster Barnstormers. While the season will be longer, the teams will actually lose a couple of home games: this year the presence of a road team forced the league to schedule 72 "home" games for each team.

Unsustainable Spirit
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More on the impending demise of the North Shore Spirit (independent; Can-Am Association.) Nothing's been officially stated by owner Nick Lopardo, but every indication is that he's going to fold up shop and leave Fraser Field empty once again. Perhaps the lesson to be learned here is that you can do things the right way and still come up short. In that circuit, there's a real chance the Nashua Pride could fold as well: we just can't summon a lot of optimism that the team can raise $800,000 in limited equity, and the local newspaper sounds gloomy as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Spirit gives up ghost in Lynn

Wichita team name on hold
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The name-that-team contest for Wichita's independent American Association baseball team is over, but don't expect an announcement until next week. Wichita Pro Sports, the new name for the Thunder hockey team and baseball team, moved across Maple Street last week from the Wichita Ice Center to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Thunder GM Chris Presson has been busy with baseball and hockey meetings, as well as meeting with the baseball team's local owners. He's also working on finalizing the lease with the city of Wichita for Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and the National Baseball Congress.
    RELATED STORIES: Wichita buys NBC, begins negotiations for American Association team; NBC price tag pleases council; Wichita to choose American Association bid; Northern League, American Association to court investors for Wichita team; NBC deal in the works; Wichita to court baseball leagues; Ballpark bids under estimates; New for 2008: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals; Officials dig baseball; Springdale ballpark construction budget approved; Springdale City Council approves ballpark design; Springdale commission approves new ballpark; Wranglers GM has new challenges; City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont lease; Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third baseball option; Council looks at ballpark design; Commissioners begin planning improvements around ballpark site; Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass; League approval slow but expected for move of Wranglers; Springdale approves Wranglers lease; Texas League executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease; Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to public; Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of Wranglers; City told only voters decide ballpark's user; Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark; What's new in Wichita?; Wranglers president says move is nearly official; Wranglers agreement down to one item; City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008

Ballpark Notes
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The International League announced Louisville Bats President Gary Ulmer has been named the 2007 IL Executive of the Year. He is the first staff member in franchise history to win the award. "Gary's selection is not only a reflection of his leadership with the club, but should be viewed as a testament of the entire organization," said IL president Randy Mobley. "Under Gary's leadership, the organization has reached and sustained a level of success that many others strive to attain." In the eighth season of play at Louisville Slugger Field in 2007, attendance numbers once again led the IL, with 653,915 fans coming through the gates, an average of 9,210 fans per game. It was also the third highest total in all of Minor League Baseball. The 2007 attendance is the third most in ballpark history, trailing only the opening season of 2000 (685,863) and 2002 (658,856)....The River City Rascals (Frontier League) have announced that all-time wins leader Steve Brook will take over as pitching coach for the 2008 season. Brook, 26, spent the last four years with the Rascals and over that time put up a 33-17 career record. The right-hander broke Aaron Ledbetter’s franchise record of 24 wins this last season and his 33 wins ranks third all-time in the Frontier League. He also won the 2007 Fran Riordan Citizenship Award from the Frontier League and the lifetime achievement award from the River City Rascals Booster Club....The independent South Coast League announced the promotion of J.D. Hardin to the newly formed position of Chief Development Officer. Hardin, who had previously held the title of Account Executive/Ticketing Manager of the Macon Music franchise, will transition to the league office in his new role....

A's revised plan for ballpark village gets warmer reception
Posted Sept. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Pleased that the Oakland A's agreed to move a school site closer to future homes and showed a willingness to add office space to their proposed "ballpark village," Fremont city council members Tuesday night gave owner Lew Wolff and his son Keith a warmer reception than they did two months ago, when a first iteration of their development plan raised major concerns. The revised plan is "a step in the right direction," Councilwoman Anu Natarajan told the Wolffs at a 2 1/2-hour study session devoted to reviewing the A's plans. An urban planner by training, Natarajan had offered the sharpest criticism of the prior plan for failing to show much variety in the types of housing it would offer. The A's are seeking approval for a 32,000-seat ballpark, which would anchor a new multiuse village of homes and shops on about 200 acres west of Interstate 880 and south of Auto Mall Parkway. The latest plans call for 3,150 new condominiums, townhomes and apartments, along with a retail center, elementary school, and potentially 300,000 square feet of office space. More from the San Francisco Chronicle.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium
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Kevin Costner calls it a "field of dreams" for baseball fans who gather there each summer for the College World Series. The actor will appear in a commercial starting on Wednesday that seeks support to keep the series at Rosenblatt Stadium instead of the city's plan to build a bigger facility. "The College World Series calls Rosenblatt its home," Costner says in the commercial, which he made for free. "It's a tradition as strong as baseball itself." Rosenblatt Stadium -- which seats 23,145 -- is in need of at least $25 million in improvements, according to CWS Inc., the local organizing body for the event. NCAA officials, who want the summer contest to keep growing, suggested that if Omaha were going to spend that much to renovate Rosenblatt, they should consider a new ballpark. Omaha officials want to keep the series in the city no matter what it takes, and are worried that tradition alone won't convince the NCAA. Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey agreed last month to back a proposal for building a new 25,000- to 30,000-seat ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Today's video: Omaha Royals commercials
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Speaking of Rosenblatt Stadium: the Omaha Royals (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) sent along four commercials they aired during the 2007 season. There's a nice recurring theme in the spots; you'll also enjoy them if you want to see Alan Stein on camera. (To see the other three spots, go to this web page.) We'd love to post your videos and share them with the baseball world; just email them to us at editors@augustpublications.com.

Mets and Zephyrs form strong bond
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When the affiliation deal between the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the New York Mets was announced, many in baseball felt it would be a temporary one until the Mets could find a farm team closer to home. But during the course of the season we've heard from insiders that the relationship has worked out pretty well and both sides are pleased -- something they both admit in this article. Now, the proof will be in the pudding next offseason when there's the annual affiliation scramble. We expect some level of shakeup on the Triple-A level: we'd be surprised if Cleveland doesn't seriously consider an affiliation move to Columbus, which would leave Buffalo up for grabs -- and it would make some branding and logistical sense for the Mets to have another presence in upstate New York. For now, however, the Zephyrs and the Mets are still in that honeymoon phase.

Brewers will break attendance record
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Team officials announced Tuesday that, based on the frequency of ticket sales, the Milwaukee Brewers will break the 2001 mark of 2,811,041 tickets sold. Only five other times in franchise history -- 1983, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006 - -have the Brewers gone over 2 million tickets sold. Of course, 2001 was the year Miller Park opened.

It's a bittersweet moment for fans of Cobb Field
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The demolition of Cobb Field began yesterday morning, and fans of the grand old ballpark were on hand to see the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) one last time. Cobb Field had a rather interesting history. It's named for Robert Cobb, the owner of the Pacific Coast League's Hollywood Stars, in recognition of his efforts to bring organized professional baseball to Billings. Today, Cobb is better known as the founder and owner of the legendary Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood and as the man who claimed to have invented the Cobb Salad. Cobb Field will be replaced in 2008 with a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: RIP: Cobb Field; Last baseball game in Cobb Field is in the books; Tonight's the last night for Cobb Field; An extra inning to raise funds for new Billings ballpark; Billings looks at cutbacks to new ballpark; Tight schedule for Billings' new ballpark; Council awards ballpark contracts; City looks to cut cost of ballpark; Ballpark bids throw curve to officials; City OKs ballpark bond bids; Park plans head for home; City, Mustangs watching ballpark plans; Old-time ballplayers join groundbreaking for new Billings ballpark; Billings ballpark design allows future amenities; Plan for new baseball park has sunken, realigned field; Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track; Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear; Billings voters approve new Mustangs ballpark; Donors pitch $210K more toward new ballpark; Join local teams in support for new ballpark; Three groups, family pledge $200K for maintenance of new Cobb Field; New vote on an old park; Two more pitch in on new Cobb Field; Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement; Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign; Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings ballpark; Cobb backers unveil campaign; Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field; Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot; Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field; Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field; Funding dominates Cobb discussion; Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams; Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Kauffman Stadium to get bigger video board
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Royals fans won’t have to wait until renovation of Kauffman Stadium is complete in 2010 to see a very big change. A huge new video board -- twice the size of the current scoreboard in center field -- should be in place for the start of the 2008 season, officials said Tuesday at a meeting of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. The authority on Tuesday approved agreements for design of the video board, two smaller boards above each bullpen and a so-called ribbon scoreboard at the perimeter of the stands.

Orioles' attendance woes hurt all of Baltimore
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In the three years since the arrival of the Washington Nationals, attendance at Baltimore Orioles games has steadily declined. In 2005, the Orioles drew 2.6 million -- more than a million fewer than their glory years. A year ago, they drew 2.1 million. This year, with a week’s worth of games remaining, they’ve drawn 1,972,627. That’s an average of about 27,000 people a night -- compared with the 45,000 they used to average. We're not so sure the Nats are to blame: the team's performance has been lackluster and there have been no improvements to Oriole Park at Camden Yards over the years.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 19, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fayetteville SwampDogs have been honored today as the 2007 Coastal Plain League Organization of the Year. For the first time in franchise history, the SwampDogs were recognized by the league as the top organization. In 2007, the SwampDogs held parties on 31 nights at "The Swamp" that nearly 60,000 people attended. The SwampDogs organization made great strides in 2007 in areas such as: community relations, attendance, advertising sales, marketing and fan relations....The Washington Nationals announced that they have created a new division, Nationals Ballpark Enterprises, to develop and market non-baseball events at the new ballpark and that they have hired Bari Lurie as the Director of Ballpark Enterprises. Ballpark Enterprises expects to become a vital new addition to Washington's entertainment and hospitality industry. Ballpark Enterprises will manage the event planning and rental of all venues in the new Ballpark for non-game day activities and events, such as private receptions, corporate meetings, trade shows, tours, concerts, etc. In addition to the use of the Ballpark's hospitality venues such as the President's Club, PNC Diamond Club and Stars and Stripes Club, every area of the new ballpark will be available to create an opportunity for unique and memorable events....Albuquerque Isotopes GM John Traub has been named Pacific Coast League Executive of the Year by his peers for guiding the ‘Topes through a successful 2007 season that included the Triple-A All-Star Game.  In addition to the acclaimed Triple-A All-Star festivities, under Traub’s stewardship the Isotopes averaged more than 8,000 fans a game for the fifth straight year, ranking them in the top five in the 16-team PCL in each year of the team’s existence....David Kelly, color announcer for the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), will not be returning next season. Steve Selby remains as play-by-play announcer.

Goodyear unveils design for new spring-training facility
Posted Sept. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Goodyear certainly isn't thinking small when it comes to the design of a new spring-training facility for the Cleveland Indians slated to open in 2009: The small (56,000 residents) Phoenix suburb is going to create a new downtown with the spring-training complex as the anchor of what they hope will be a city complete with restaurants, high-tech enterprises, hotels and a vibrant night-life scene. The ballpark itself features 8,000 fixed seats, 500 premium seats, 1,600 berm seats, 400-seat party area and six suites. More renderings and info about the new facility here. More from the Arizona Republic here and here.
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Can R-Braves score on success?
Posted Sept. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Richmond Braves are playing in the Triple-A championship series after winning the International League crown, and with the team's success some are wondering if it will help the team procure a new ballpark. It obviously can't hurt, as fans tend to feel better about hosting a winning team. For any new ballpark, strong community relations are a must, and the R-Braves seem to have made headway in that area the past few years, considering the front office is working under the handicap of having faceless out-of-town ownership.
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Oakland to pitch revised ballpark plan
Posted Sept. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oakland A's representatives will return to the Fremont City Council tonight to present the latest changes to their ballpark village plan. New wrinkles to the proposal, added at the request of council members in July, include taller residential buildings near the ballpark and available space for research and development businesses, A's co-owner Keith Wolff said. Also, in deference to the school district, a proposed elementary school no longer will be planned to go next to the Tri-City Landfill. The ballclub will incorporate additional comments from the council into a final development application that it hopes to submit to the city by the end of the month, Wolff said.
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Heartland interested in minor-league ballpark plan
Posted Sept. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill., would welcome a ballpark on its campus as long as it could accommodate the college's other sports. Under the plan, Heartland would make land available for a fee and devote some money currently earmarked for athletic facilities to the ballpark, but the majority of the funds would come from a private investor. Local residents are talking with the independent Frontier League about a team.
    RELATED STORIES: Would minor-league baseball play in Bloomington/Normal?

Pride looks ahead
Posted Sept. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yesterday residents held a parade to honor the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) on its victory in the league championship series, but underneath the festivities was the nagging question of whether the team would return. Owner John Stabile says he's too busy celebrating to attend to business matters, which is a little curious: if you're going to sell $800,000 in limited partnerships, you'd want to be striking while the iron is hot, and there's nothing like a little post-championship euphoria to make the sell a little easier.
    RELATED STORIES: Pride to return in 2008 -- maybe

Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 18, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Morgan West is the new GM of the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Frontier League), replacing Rick Rungaitis, promoted as the team's new VP in charge of sales. West spent three years as AGM/director of operations for the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League)....Michael Showe is the new GM of the Bluefield Orioles (rookie; Appalachian League), replacing George McGonagle, who retired at the end of the season. Showe spent the last 11 years with the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), most recently as director of stadium operations and head groundskeeper....Bruce Froemming is retiring as a MLB umpire at the end of the season. He's worked the most number of years as an ump in the majors, though Bill Klem worked more games....

Tribune may sell off Cubs assets piecemeal
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that its parent, the Tribune Co., may sell off the assets of the Chicago Cubs -- the team, a share of a local cable sports network, and Wrigley Field -- separately, rather than as a package. It's been estimated the package could go for a billion dollars, and a final sales price could be even higher if sold separately. A concern for Tribune Co. officials is a concern we've raised here: the Tribune Co. has a fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders to get the highest possible price for the assets, but MLB famously loves to anoint a buyer and then is less concerned with the final sales price (i.e., John Henry's purchase of the Boston Red Sox). In the case of the Cubs, we've heard Bud Selig has basically appointed the John Canning group as the leading contender to land the team; the two have ties from Selig's days in Milwaukee. But when MLB anoints a buyer, it doesn't give the seller much in the way of negotiating space. By breaking the deal into three or more parts, it gives the Tribune Co. more leverage in the non-team assets. Again, if you've reading this site's coverage of the Cubs sale, you'd have seen these concerns raised before -- which is why this news isn't a total shocker.
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Rarely seen financials show Braves doing well
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baseball teams hate releasing financial information that shows if they are profitable or unprofitable. Even public corporations like News Corp. or Time Warner obscured the real numbers associated with their teams. Liberty Media, apparently, has no problem in telling the world how the Atlanta Braves are doing.  For the first time on Aug. 24, Liberty disclosed financial data about the team that appears to indicate that the Braves, whom Time Warner claimed was a money-loser, play on the black side of the ledger. In a consolidated statement for the first six months of the year, Liberty says that the Braves had revenue of $50 million and "operating cash flow of $12 million." That's pretty good, especially when you consider several large payments, such as MLB's $30 million in television-money revenue sharing, were to be recorded later in the season. Operating cash flow excludes capital expenses and does not include losses when accounting for the depreciation and amortization of player contracts. Under IRS guidelines, a company can write off half of the sale price because of the depreciation in the value of player contracts, amortize it over five years and claim the loss. The bottom line: the Braves are in very good financial shape no matter what Time Warner claimed when it owned the team.

Nationals sign lucrative deal with Centerplate
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The assumption here is that the deal signed by the Washington Nationals with Centerplate to manage concessions at their new ballpark will end up being lucrative, but since neither side revealed any details, that assertion is merely an assumption. Here's how the deal went down. Negotiations began with the Nationals demanding 55 percent of the commissions, even though the typical commission rate is between 40 percent to 45 percent, excluding higher-ticket items like catering and retail. The team also proposed two options for structuring the contract: The club would invest all the capital required to operate food and retail, which would tilt the revenue split generously in its favor, or the third-party vendor would make the investment and receive the majority of concessions income since it would be assuming greater financial risk. We've been told the team actually did make the investment in the concessions, leading to a higher commission rate. Construction continues at the new ballpark: last week the team took batting practice there. Speaking of the new ballpark: The Nats announced that the press box in the new Nationals Park will be named the "Shirley Povich Media Center," in honor of the late Hall of Fame Baseball writer. A ceremony celebrating the dedication will be held soon after Nationals Park opens in 2008.
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New South Carolina ballpark won't be ready until 2009
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The University of South Carolina's new ballpark grew much more expensive -- more than triple its original expected cost -- and had its debut pushed back until 2009 on Friday. A panel of the university's board of trustees approved increasing the project's budget to $35.6 million, more than three times the original cost. The panel also was told the ballpark would not open for two more seasons, sending the baseball team back to Sarge Frye Field for one more year. When the university first announced its plans three years ago, the new field was to build next to the Colonial Center, where school's basketball teams play, at a cost of $10 million. In late 2005, university trustees approved plans for a 6,800-seat ballpark nearer the Congaree River with a $20-million price tag. Now the project was up to $28 million -- and that was before requesting the extra $7.6 million.

Aberdeen weighs ballpark parking fee
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The board that manages Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen will study assessing a $2 per car parking fee for minor-league baseball games and other events, part of an effort to solve financial woes the home of the Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League) has created for the city. The seven-member Ripken Stadium Management Board formed a subcommittee to look into the possibility last week. Though IronBirds baseball games have been sold out since the 6,000-seat ballpark opened in 2002, the ballpark has been a financial drain for the city. The Harford County community owes $6.7 million in ballpark-related debt, and millions in interest, on a payment schedule stretching to 2022. Speaking of Ripken Stadium: Texas Star Sports recently completed an LED videoboard installation there. The 6.5’ by 80’ videoboard is being controlled by the new Click Effects Fascia software/controller system. The Ironbirds are the first Minor League Baseball team in the United States to utilize the Fascia control system.

Cardinals, Blunt changing resale game
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Louis Cardinals will be introducing a ticket exchange for anyone holding a ticket, not just season-ticket holders, through the Prime Seat Club. What's more, those tickets may be sold for any price. So like the guys scalping tickets on the corner outside the ballpark, sellers can collect whatever the market will bear. Although sellers might be able to get more than face value for their tickets next season, they also will have to pay a new 10 percent service charge on the seats they sell. Buyers will have to pay a 15 percent service charge based on the price of the tickets they buy, down from 20 percent this year. Also, the Cardinals are eliminating the one-time $35 Prime Seat Club membership fee buyers had to pay each season to purchase tickets through the Web site.

Decision to open ballpark seen as success
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The decision to open Sovereign Bank Stadium, the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), turned out to be the right one, according to city and team officials. In fact, on the business side, the team exceeded expectations. "Our numbers were awesome," Revolution general manager Matt O'Brien said. We visited the ballpark recently (our review will be up this week) and would concur: it was still a very inviting place to take in a game, and we can't wait to return next season when the place is completed. More from the York Dispatch.

Rogers files complaint against union organizers
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Both sides in the attempt to unionize workers at Toronto's Rogers Centre are continuing to snipe at each other. Rogers Media and Delaware North Sportservice (which runs the concessions) have filed a complaint against the union behind the organizing drive, seeking to restrict union activity on Rogers Centre property. That move comes in response to a complaint by the union that the two companies have been intimidating workers.
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Contractors eye ballpark works
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Ballpark at Harbor Yard , the home of the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League) will sport a new look soon from repairs that include the application of stucco to all exterior cement-block surfaces. The new stucco finish is needed to correct water leaks around the ballpark. The 10-year-old ballpark has suffered water problems for years, officials say, and will need a $1 million facelift to fix them. The structure is owned by the city. On Friday, six contractors who might bid on the repairs job took a tour of the facility to get an idea of the extent of the work. The new coating for the ballparks cement block facade will change the look of the ballpark, although an effort will be made to retain the facility's appearance as much as possible, officials said.
    RELATED STORIES: Harbor Yard ballpark needs repairs

Bush Stadium decision on deck
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Indianapolis has initiated the redevelopment process for Bush Stadium, its shuttered sports landmark. The Metropolitan Development Commission has hired a pair of local firms for $25,000 to appraise historic Bush Stadium -- a first step toward reuse or, more likely, at least partial demolition. For most of the 20th century, the ballpark was synonymous with Indianapolis baseball. Its ivy-covered brick outfield wall was the inspiration for Wrigley Field’s. When Hollywood filmed “Eight Men Out,” Bush Stadium was the backdrop. But after the Indianapolis Indians departed in 1996 for Victory Field, the city struggled to find another use. Bush Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.

Online auction of Tiger Stadium memorabilia runs through October
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An online auction of a 680-item collection of Tiger Stadium memorabilia, including World Series banners and the home dugout urinal, is scheduled to run through mid-October. The auction opened Sunday morning, organizers said, but Internet traffic to the site was so heavy that some potential bidders couldn't access the auction portion of the Web site for part of the morning. People still were able to buy seats from the stadium on the Web site, and full access was soon restored, said Bob Rossbach, a media contact for St. Louis-based Schneider Industries, which is handling the memorabilia sale for the city of Detroit. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
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Resurrection sought for Hinchliffe
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A small group of fans of the historic but decaying Hinchliffe Stadium gathered Saturday to celebrate the arena's 75th anniversary and discuss how to make the stadium relevant again. Residents who attended the three-hour roundtable in the John F. Kennedy High School auditorium suggested creative ideas to raise funds and rally the public to support the stadium's rebirth: sponsoring a telethon, getting a celebrity spokesperson, selling T-shirts. Really, historic preservation is a more complicated process than just selling some T-shirts: it's a matter of finding a use for the facility and then identifying the funding sources. The stadium was once home to the New York Black Yankees of the Negro Leagues. Hinchliffe Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kinston Indians General Manager Shari Massengill has won the inaugural Calvin Falwell Award as the Carolina League Executive of the Year. The 2007 season marked Massengill's 11th season with the K-Tribe and second as General Manager. This season the Indians welcomed 115,195 fans, the biggest attendance at Grainger Stadium since 2001 and the second largest mark this decade. The attendance total eclipses last year’s total attendance of 112,253 fans, even with twice as many rainouts as last year. The K-Tribe also saw an increase in revenues across the board including ticket sales, concessions and sponsorship in 2007. Along with increases in attendance and revenues the K-Tribe increased their community involvement during the 2007 season by implementing the Tribe Tales reading program in local public schools and joining forces with the Lenoir County Boys and Girls club to help raise money and awareness. Massengill, a native of Kinston, has worked in a number of roles with the team during her tenure at Grainger Stadium including Director of Sales, Group Sales, and Assistant General Manager. She has played a large role in group sales, merchandise and was an instrumental member of the committee that designed the new picnic area at Grainger Stadium.