Recent
Visits |
Al Lang Field, Tampa Bay
Rays
St.
Pete's Al Lang Field has been in the news a lot
lately, but for the wrong reasons: the Tampa Bay
Rays will train there one last time in 2008 before
shifting spring operations to Charlotte County in
2009, and the old ballpark is slated to be torn
down to make way for a new waterfront home of the
Rays. Now, Al Lang Field isn't the same venue it
was in the 1940s and 1950s when it was a landmark
in spring training, but it's still a great place
to catch a spring-training game. We hope the Rays
catch the spirit of the original Al Lang in their
designs for a new ballpark, For the rest of us, a
trip to Al Lang Field will be a mandatory event in
Spring Training 2008.
Trustmark Park, Mississippi
Braves
There's
nothing wrong with Trustmark Park, the home of the
Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League).
The wraparound concourse, luxury
boxes, big scoreboard and varied concessions are
all standard issue for a new minor-league ballpark
these days. So why aren't we more excited about
the two-year-old ballpark? Because there's nothing
unique about it: except for a few Southern menu
items at the concessions, there's nothing to link
the ballpark to its surroundings. At a Mississippi
Braves game, you could be watching a game anywhere
-- and going local is one of the great joys of the
minor leagues. Dustin Mattison reports.
Alliance Bank Stadium,
Syracuse Chiefs
The
biggest news at Alliance Bank Stadium, the home of
the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International
League): the current artificial turf will be
replaced by real grass. That's good news for
Syracuse baseball fans in terms of aesthetics, as
well as players who need to field on an old,
sometimes unpredictable surface. Otherwise,
Alliance Bank Stadium is a perfectly serviceable
ballpark: the Chiefs front office does things the
old-fashioned way (i.e., not much in terms of
between-innings shenanigans), but the ballpark is
a comfortable place to watch a game, and the food
is pretty good. Steve Kapsinow reports.
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The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
owners. |
Broadcasts |
Virtually every MiLB team now streams broadcasts over the
Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
More
on Internet radio and TV broadcasts here! |
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Archives:
Jan. 29-Feb. 4, 2007
Florida legislative leaders
back tax help for sports
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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Florida taxpayers could foot the bill for up to
$540 million worth of facilities construction and
renovations for Florida's nine major-league sports
teams under a plan that has won a preliminary nod
from Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders.
The Florida Marlins would be eligible for up to
$60 million in funding from the program. The
legislative proposal would require teams to
disclose how the money is used and mandates they
repay the state if the team moves. Several teams
have already received state aid; the proposal from Crist would make all nine major-league teams
eligible for another round at what's being sold as
a sales-tax rebate. Given there are some serious
financial issues facing the state -- including the
future of Florida's insurance in the wake of
hurricanes -- you can bet there will be some
serious opposition to $540 million in state
sales-tax rebates.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Wilder letter demanded deed
to Diamond
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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In a letter on Wednesday to the regional authority
that says it owns The Diamond, the home of the
Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League),
the city demanded the deed to the facility.
Yesterday, however, Mayor L. Douglas Wilder backed
away from the demand, according to the chairman of
the Richmond Metropolitan Authority. Chesterfield
and Henrico counties are equal partners with
Richmond on ownership and maintenance of the
ballpark, but with the demand Wilder has
apparently instilled a little bad blood into
discussions over a new facility for the Braves.
RELATED STORIES:
Officials hold brief meeting on ballpark options;
Baseball talks a sign of hope?;
Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard;
Status quo endures at The Diamond;
Diamond's status is still uncertain;
Polishing the Diamond;
Atlanta just might hold all the cards;
Braves sell out The Diamond -- thanks to American
Idol;
Wilder tells council that Richmonders have no
problems with Diamond;
City, R-Braves see need for new talks;
City of Richmond, Braves down to last few swings;
Richmond talks about new ballpark -- without the
R-Braves; What
do the Braves mean to Richmond?;
R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals;
Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered;
Communications breakdown in Richmond;
Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark;
Wilder worries about silence from Braves;
Developer joins ballpark initiative;
Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond;
Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says;
Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three;
R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or
we're history;
Minor attractions in Richmond;
Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom;
New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes
debate;
Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom
seems dead;
Atlanta Braves may be up for sale;
News expected in Richmond ballpark situation;
Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark;
Developers threaten historic slave-trade site;
Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects;
Richmond ballpark gets financial backer;
Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond;
Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?;
Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark;
Braves again make pitch for ballpark;
Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?;
City says 'show me the money' for arts center and
ballpark;
Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid
transaction;
Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site,
economics, financing;
Wilder quits role in Richmond group;
Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark;
Braves getting outside pitches;
Braves or bust?;
Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?;
Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details;
Richmond ballpark questions remain;
Richmond Braves assume role as developer;
New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom;
Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged
Richmond area;
Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.;
Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom
ballpark;
The Boulevard blues
Mets want All-Stars to light
up new park
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The New
York Mets have put in their request to host the
All-Star Game, but that won't happen until 2011 --
and even that might be a stretch. The St. Louis
Cardinals are slated to host the event in 2009,
and given that Bud Selig has expressed his
determination to alternate host cities between
leagues, that would put the Mets in the queue for
the 2011 game. But there are many who want to see
the Arizona Diamondbacks host the game at Chase
Field, and the San Diego Padres are also expected
to make a push to host the game. That could
conceivable put the Mets in line to host in 2015.
We don't expect MLB to wait that long to throw its
annual showcase in the world's media center,
however.
Once again, it’s all about
the Yankees
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
renaming of Lackawanna County Stadium to PNC Field
didn't please everyone in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre,
as some feel too much emphasis is being placed on
the affiliation of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Yankees (Class AAA; International League) with the
New York Yankees. Indeed, the northeast regional
president of PNC Bank -- a native of Scranton, no
less -- admitted the $1.1 million naming-rights
purchase was due more to the Yankees than anything
having to do with the minor-league club. More on
the deal, which also calls for the installation of
PNC ATMs in the ballpark and a payout system where
the New York Yankees, Mandalay Sports and the
county divvy up the revenues equally, from the
Scranton Times-Tribune.
RELATED STORIES:
New for 2007: PNC Field;
Work on Lackawanna County
Stadium progresses;
New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees;
End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium;
Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty;
Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows;
Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax;
New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark
priorities;
Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in
minor-league teams;
Will Moosic get a new ballpark?;
Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management
firm heading to Moosic;
Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna
County Stadium today;
Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and
Pens;
It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to
Scranton a done deal?;
Authority will consider giving Cordaro power;
Yankees to SWB?
Mets look to explore Ghana
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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story)
(discuss)
The New
York Yankees established a training facility in
China, and the New York Mets are heading in a
different direction: Ghana.
Mets general manager Omar Minaya was part of a
contingent of major-league representatives who
traveled yesterday to the African nation of Ghana
on a four-day goodwill tour. The group, which
includes major-league executive Bob Watson, Hall
of Famer Dave Winfield, former Dodger players
Dusty Baker and Reggie Smith, and former Mets
pitcher Al Jackson, will distribute baseball
equipment and conduct clinics, with the intent of
generating interest in the sport.
Delegation seeks funds for
Harry Grove Stadium renovations
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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story)
(discuss)
Frederick County lawmakers are seeking $2 million
in state funding for renovations to city-owned
Harry Grove Stadium, the home of the Frederick
Keys (High Class A; Carolina League). The $2
million request in state money for the ballpark
may replace $500,000 in funding cut by the county,
Weldon said. Originally, Comcast -- which owned
the Keys baseball team before selling it to
Maryland Baseball Holding -- lobbied the city,
county and state to contribute $9 million to
refurbish the facility. A new board of county
commissioners struck the $500,000 from the fiscal
2007 budget in December 2006.
Team pushing ahead on
mixed-use ballpark plan
Posted Feb. 2, 2007 (feedback)
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The
developer working with the independent American
Association on a mixed-use development that
includes a new ballpark says it will drop all
options for a downtown Dallas facility and will
instead work with surrounding communities on the
project. Transwestern's Urban Advisory Group,
working since June 2006 to assemble the site,
doesn't sound confident of having something in
place by the 2008 season; the mixed-use
development was slated to have retail space, the
ballpark and 1,400 apartments on 20 acres of land.
RELATED STORIES:
Ownership group revises Dallas ballpark plans;
Homeless center
plan may doom proposed Dallas ballpark
Governor boosts ballpark
funding formula
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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story)
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In a
complicated deal like the one envisioned by MLB,
Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami to finance
a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins, the devil
is in the details -- as this inaccurately upbeat
article on progress shows. First, none of the
three main players have stepped up to increase
their contributions to the ballpark project;
all they've done is work to identify other funding
sources. Touted in this article is the potential
of including Community Redevelopment Authority
money, but CRA board members have been adamantly
on the record as opposing any such support. Gov.
Charlie Crist has expressed general interest in
state funding for a ballpark (indeed, despite the
headline and the breathless tone of the "scoop,"
Crist already expressed support for the project
last month), but the real power is with the
Florida Legislature -- and it remains to be seen
whether the projected $2 million yearly payment
toward a ballpark is viable. (Two issues: whether
the Marlins would qualify for a second bite at the
apple -- Dolphin Stadium already receives funds
targeted for the baseball team -- and whether
expanding it would leave the door open for other
sports franchises, like the NBA's Orlando Magic,
to request the funds.) And it's doubtful whether a
new retractable-roof ballpark would come in at
$420 million, a number the Marlins have used for
several years now. So the devil is truly in the
details, and a lot of things need to happen before
any ground is overturned in downtown Miami for a
new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Vancouver Canadians sold
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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For a
reported $7 million, Fred Herrmann has sold the
Vancouver Canadians (short season; Northwest
League) to Vancouver business leaders and baseball
fanatics Jake Kerr, managing partner of Lignum
Forest Products LLP, and Jeff Moody, executive
chairman of A&W Food Services Canada. The two men
have formed the Vancouver Professional Baseball
Partnership to manage the team and operate
venerable Nat Bailey Stadium. With a long-term
renewable lease from the park board and pending
approval from Major League Baseball, Kerr and
Moody have made plans to spruce up the old place
and continue the summer tradition of pro-ball at
the Nat. The group plans to make the
Nat Bailey Stadium
exterior look like it did when it opened, with
flags, graphics and baseball art. A baseball
museum will be set up to display memorabilia.
There will be more barbecue space, additional
parking, an improved children's play area, a
renovated concourse and enhanced food offerings.
Snag in talks delays hearing
on project
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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A snag in
negotiations over Ballpark Village, the proposed
development next to
Busch Stadium, the home of the
St. Louis Cardinals, forced a City Hall hearing to
be canceled on Wednesday, a move that threatens to
delay the project for more than two months. The
mayor's office attributed the holdup to haggling
over legal language. A key alderman said the delay
came from significant changes sought by the
developer. Neither city officials nor members of
the Cardinals' development partner would say what,
exactly, was being discussed. Five bills regarding
Ballpark Village were submitted Friday to the
Board of Aldermen. The measures are aimed at
helping the Cardinals and their development
partner, Baltimore-based Cordish Co., get more
than $115 million in public subsidies for the $387
million first phase of the project. Plans for
Ballpark Village include six blocks of stores,
condos and restaurants on the land next to the new
Busch Stadium, the same spot where the old
ballpark once stood. The Cardinals own the real
estate and have teamed up with Cordish, a firm
that has built urban entertainment districts
around the country.
New for 2007:
PNC Field
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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Lackawanna
County Stadium, the home of the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League), has a new name: PNC Field.
The Pittsburgh-based financial services firm is
paying $1.1 million for a three-year naming-rights
contract. New signage will be in place when the
Yankees open their season in April. It's an
amazing turnaround for a franchise that many had
written off for dead just a year ago: with a new
parent, new management team, new naming-rights
revenue and ballpark renovations in the works,
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre may be one of the new
hotspots in minor-league baseball this coming
season.
RELATED STORIES:
Work on Lackawanna County
Stadium progresses;
New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees;
End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium;
Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty;
Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows;
Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax;
New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark
priorities;
Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in
minor-league teams;
Will Moosic get a new ballpark?;
Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management
firm heading to Moosic;
Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna
County Stadium today;
Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and
Pens;
It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to
Scranton a done deal?;
Authority will consider giving Cordaro power;
Yankees to SWB?
Renovation work on Pirate
City begins
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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Demolition work has started on the dormitories at
the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor-league spring
complex in Bradenton, where a new housing unit is
to be built by February 2008. The dormitories and
offices needed to be razed after a mold problem
that forced the building to be closed in May 2005.
The new, three-story building will include offices
and 82 housing units, 10 more than in the old
complex. With the state of Florida contributing
$15 million to the project, the Pirates will get
new housing for their minor league players, an
additional practice field, a renovated and
expanded clubhouse, an expanded parking lot and
new fencing. The project also includes an
upgrading at McKechnie Field, the Pirates'
spring-training ballpark that is located about
four miles from the minor-league complex.
RELATED STORIES:
Florida finalizes five spring-training grants;
Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie
Field;
Florida makes preliminary decision on state
spring-training grants;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities
Springdale ballpark
construction budget approved
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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The new Springdale ballpark for the relocated
Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) will
carry a strong bench when construction starts,
with a reserve of $2.8 million. The City Council,
in a special meeting Wednesday, approved a
construction budget for the baseball stadium that
leaves $2.8 million in reserve. The budget calls
for construction expenses of $48.09 million and
available funds of $50.935 million. The city
expected to have slightly less than $50 million
available for construction, said Mayor Jerre Van
Hoose. The extra funds came from two sources. The
bonds sold to raise money for the project received
premium prices and the city deposited the bond
money and drew better-than-expected rates on
certificates of deposit. Allowing for the time
when the funds will be needed, projections call
for the bond money to draw $1.5 million in
interest.
RELATED STORIES:
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;
Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers;
Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team
talks;
Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations;
Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep
Wranglers;
Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with
them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer;
Wichita pitching to keep team;
Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale;
Springdale vote certification put on hold;
City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with
new ballparks;
Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner;
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Rowan County won't partner
with sports complex
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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The City of Kannapolis and the Kannapolis
Intimidators (Low Class A; Sally League) are
looking at a multimillion-dollar sports complex at
Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium.
But Rowan County, which owns a majority of the ballpark, will not go along with
the plans.
RELATED STORIES:
Sport complex at
Kannapolis ballpark in the works
Outdated Yankee Stadium
should be history
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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Another
screed against
Yankee Stadium. We're fairly
hardcore when it comes to ballpark preservation,
but we couldn't muster up enough indignation to
oppose the demolition of
Yankee Stadium and the
construction of a new one across the way. Why?
Because the current
Yankee Stadium really isn't
the same as the original
Yankee Stadium; that one
died in the 1970s. The best things about the
current Yankee Stadium are the memories and the
fans, and both presumably will be in abundance
when the new Yankee Stadium opens.
RELATED STORIES:
MLB, Yankees
officially announce 2008 All-Star Game plans;
It's official: Yanks
to host '08 All-Star game
Putting the squeeze on
college baseball
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss)
A columnist
for a Honolulu newspaper complains about the
college season starting later next season --
practices will begin February 1, to be exact -- as
a way to level the playing field for northern
colleges. It will compress the college-baseball
season: the new rule will force schools to cram
their 56-game regular season into a tighter time
frame. Instead of 16 weeks over which to spread
the 56 games, next year will mean jamming them
into 12. That's still not the greatest solution,
but this is a situation where there weren't any
great solutions: staying with the status quo would
have continued hurting northern schools (giving an
incredible recruiting advantage to warm-weather
schools), and extending the season into June would
cost too much money.
USC delays ballpark building
start to June
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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University
of South
Carolina baseball coach Ray Tanner still expects
to open next season at the team’s new ballpark,
even though groundbreaking has been delayed until
this summer. The pre-construction phase of the
project, estimated at $24 million, has taken
longer than expected. Bids go out today for
demolition of buildings on the property, the area
at the intersection of Blossom and Williams
street. That means the construction of the
yet-to-be-named facility will not start until June
or July, according to Tanner. But USC officials
have maintained that once groundbreaking takes
place, the ballpark can be finished in time for
the Gamecocks to play there in February 2008.
RELATED STORIES:
USC riverfront
ballpark clears hurdle, could open in 2008
Lynx to honor
highlights in team history
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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This is the
last season for the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League), as the franchise is moving
next season to Allentown, Pa. The team is doing a
survey of fans to select the highlights of the
previous 14 seasons of baseball.
As future Lynx players shake off an off-season’s
worth of rust, Lynx staff will pore over the
entries and pick the best, the funniest, the most
heartfelt memories to be featured in the 2007
edition of Grand Slam Magazine, the Lynx program
and yearbook. Check out the team's Web site for
more information.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 1, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League)
have filled out their full-time employee roster
with a pair of new faces: Video Production
Director Eric Long and Events Coordinator
Heith Tracy-Bronson. The installation of a
video scoreboard for the 2007 season necessitated
the addition of an accomplished and talented
expert in the field that the team discovered in
Long. Prior to joining the B-Mets, this
Pennsylvania State University graduate with a
degree in film worked for the Reading Royals
(ECHL) and the Lancaster Barnstormers
(independent; Atlantic League). To complete his
academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree in
sports management from Ithaca College,
Tracy-Bronson fulfilled an internship with the
ballclub throughout 2006. A lifelong resident of
Broome County, this 27-year-old Whitney Point High
School alumnus and Binghamton resident will help
in the team’s focus on enhanced atmosphere of fun
at the ballpark through sponsorships, group sales
and promotions....Broadcasters Tom Hamilton
and Mike Hegan have signed contract
extensions with the Indians Radio Network.
Hamilton, entering his 18th season with the
Indians, signed a five-year extension to do games
through the 2011 season....
CRA board members: Look
somewhere else for ballpark funds
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A plan to
use community redevelopment funds to help pay for
a downtown Miami ballpark for the Florida Marlins
has already hit a snag:
A majority of members of the Miami Community
Redevelopment Agency said they would not support
using agency money to close a funding gap for the
project on nine acres downtown. Officials from MLB,
Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami have been
working to close a funding gap between existing
revenue sources and the cost of a retractable-roof
ballpark. Using CRA money was a plan thrown out by
county and city officials -- apparently without
consultation with agency officials. There's still
a good chance some sort of state funding will come
through (Gov. Charlie Crist has already spoken
generally in favor of state aid), so the project
is certainly not doomed.
RELATED STORIES:
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
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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
Ivy Walls,
Ripken Baseball among four bidders for Harrisburg
Senators
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Two established minor-league operators, Ivy Walls
Management and Ripken Baseball, were among the
four bidders for the Harrisburg Senators (Class
AA; Eastern League). City officials aren't
releasing the names of the other two bidders,
citing confidentiality requirements. From what
we've heard the bids did not approach the city's
asking price of $16 million -- a number apparently
plucked from the air by Mayor Stephen R. Reed
because the city still owes $6.7 million on the
franchise and has a citywide budget gap of 7.2
million. The team's current home, Commerce Bank
Park, is actually seen as a liability by many
financial observers, comments from the bidders not
withstanding. Ivy Walls owns the Lexington Legends
(Low Class A; Sally League) and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League); Ripken Baseball owns the Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn
League) and the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League).
RELATED STORIES:
Reed: Interest in
Senators' sale is on rise;
Harrisburg to sell
Senators
Royals' training-system
proposal upsets county
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The
Kansas City Royals want to install a
state-of-the-art video training center at
Kauffman
Stadium -- complete with new control room,
hardware and software -- at a cost of $900,000.
The catch: The team expects taxpayers to foot the
bill as part of the $250-million overhaul of
Kauffman
Stadium. Jackson County officials say they
don’t begrudge the Royals getting better, but some
of them question paying for the system with
voter-approved bonds. County Executive Mike
Sanders said he "absolutely" questions public
funds going for the project because it does not
directly benefit fans. Sanders has asked county
attorneys to review whether the lease with the
Royals requires paying for the video and computer
project with bonds.
Lookouts home due a new name
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BellSouth
Park, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class
AA; Southern League) since 2000, could be renamed
AT&T Field or AT&T Stadium within a couple of
weeks. "All indications are that it will be AT&T
something," Lookouts owner Frank Burke said
Tuesday. Since cups, pocket schedules and tickets
for the 2007 season must be produced soon, Burke
is eager to learn the new name. Burke said the
schedules and tickets have a relatively quick
turnaround, but ordering cups requires an
eight-week lead time. The renaming of Bell-South
Park became likely last summer when BellSouth
shareholders overwhelmingly approved a buyout by
AT&T.
RCN rips IronPigs' TV deal
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Cable provider RCN issued a statement Tuesday
criticizing the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA;
International League) and Service Electric for
their exclusive agreement to broadcast all of the
team's home games. The company called the team's
10-year deal with Service Electric, the only other
cable company that serves the Lehigh Valley,
exclusionary and a disturbing precedent. The
agreement will create the IronPigs Television
Network. Starting opening day in April 2008, the
network will broadcast live all 72 home games of
the Philadelphia Phillies' top minor league
affiliate. The games will reach nearly 1 million
subscribers on Service Electric TV2 and three
other networks.
RELATED STORIES:
IronPigs
announce landmark TV deal
MLB, Yankees officially
announce 2008 All-Star Game plans
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Major
League Baseball, the City of New York and the New
York Yankees jointly announced on Wednesday that
the 2008 major league All-Star game would emanate
from Yankee Stadium in 2008. New York Mayor
Michael Bloomberg and baseball commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement at City Hall. This AP
dispatch is a tad off in the details: many in the
baseball-history world do not consider the current
Yankee Stadium to be the original
Yankee Stadium,
which opened in 1923 -- the mid-1970s renovation
made extensive changes that removed most of the
original facility.
RELATED STORIES:
It's official: Yanks
to host '08 All-Star game
Pro baseball returning to
Montreal?
Posted Jan. 31, 2007 (feedback)
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We're
written before on attempts by the independent
Can-Am Association to bring professional baseball
back to Montreal, and here's an update. Robert
Poirier says he is moving forward with the
construction of a 5,000-seat ballpark, with luxury
boxes, in suburban Boisbriand, a town conveniently
located along the Laurentian Autoroute. He plans
on calling the team the Montreal Royals -- which
is more than a tad sacrilegious to us, considering
the noble history of the original International
League Montreal Royals -- and play could begin as
early as next season.
A suitable facility has prevented minor-league
ball from returning:
Olympic
Stadium is too expensive and
Jarry Park
isn't usable for baseball.
Stars in hard hats
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Here's a look at the roster of construction
workers currently plying their trades at the new
Washington Nationals ballpark. Most of them are
veterans of ballpark construction, with experience
that includes
Jacobs Field, Comerica Park and
University of Phoenix Stadium. It's interesting to
see many of the construction workers are sports
fans; one can't help but note the economics of the
game -- partially fueled by expensive ballparks --
make it increasingly difficult for fans like these
to afford more than a game or two each season.
RELATED STORIES:
Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say;
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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
We
need your help: North Carolina photos
Posted
Jan. 31, 2007 (feedback)
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As many regular readers of
this site know, we're in the process of doing a
book on North Carolina ballparks. We need your
help in this stage of the book's development:
acquiring photos, media guides or programs from
old minor-league, college and industrial-league
ballparks and teams in North Carolina. (By old, we
mean older facilities; we have plenty of photos of
current ballparks, but thanks to all of you
offering access to your current ballpark photos.)
Have a collection you'd like to share with the
rest of the world? No payment would be involved,
but free copies of the title, prominent credit and
everlasting fame would certainly be part of the
mix.
Drop us a line if you think you might have
something of interest.
Storm cited as
local business of the year
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Local businesses were recently recognized for
their economic and charitable contributions in
2006 at the 58th Annual Lake Elsinore Valley
Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner and Awards
Ceremony. The Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A;
California League) took home top honors as they
were named the 2006 Large Business of the Year,
edging out their neighboring competitors including
Lowe’s, Costco, and Wells Fargo Bank. "We’re proud
to be recognized for our efforts and
accomplishments during the past year, but this
award is also an inspiration to exceed
expectations in 2007. Our goal is always to be
among the best run organizations not only in Minor
League Baseball, but in the community as well,"
said Storm General Manager Chris Jones.
Ownership group revises
Dallas ballpark plans
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Apparently
plans for a downtown Dallas ballpark aren't quite
dead, as Scott Berry of Southern Independent
Baseball continues to work on city funding of the
project, which would house an independent American
Association team. (Or an independent United League
Baseball team; though this article concerns the
American Association, we're guessing ULB will be a
player in the process before all is said and
done.)
Still, there doesn't seem to be a lot of meat on
those plans yet -- and we're assuming once a
formal plan is in place funding issues will pop up.
RELATED STORIES:
Homeless center
plan may doom proposed Dallas ballpark
Tigers, Mud
Hens extend PDC through 2010
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The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has
extended its working agreement with the Toledo Mud
Hens (Class AAA; International League) for two
years, extending the agreement through the 2010
season. "We are thrilled and delighted to be
entering into this agreement to extend our
affiliation an additional two years,” Tigers
Director, Minor League Operations Dan Lunetta
said. “The Mud Hens represent everything a major
league organization looks for in an affiliate
relationship and this is and has been a perfect
fit for each other for many years and hopefully
for many more years to come. Toledo is an integral
part of our developmental process and the fan
support we have received has certainly played a
role in the success of our back-to-back
championships."
Fort Wayne ballpark just a
start in renewal endeavor
Posted Jan. 31, 2007 (feedback)
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The
argument here is that a new downtown ballpark for
the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest
League) is the start in an urban renewal process.
Now, ballparks don't always drive a lot of
economic revival in a downtown, and even when they
do there can be multiple years between the opening
of a ballpark and any economic activity. But
ballparks certainly have worked well in other
downtown markets when it comes to economic
development -- Dayton, Memphis -- and the feeling
here is that a ballpark is the first step in a
longer process.
RELATED STORIES:
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plan;
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Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
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Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark
EKU unveils
plans for new campus ballpark
Posted Jan. 31, 2007 (feedback)
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Eastern Kentucky University announced plans to
construct a new $2 million ballpark. The new
ballpark will be located at the current home of
the Colonels, adjacent to Alumni Coliseum. The
name of this pristine park is still to be
determined; however, the playing surface will
remain Turkey Hughes Field. The new facility will
feature chairback seating, bleachers and two patio
areas. A refurbished field, netted back stop and
new outfield fence will also add to the modern
feel. Although lighting is not included in the
original renderings, it will be considered with
appropriate financial support.
Sam Houston
ballpark to be named after Don Sanders
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Houston entrepreneur and philanthropist Don
Sanders has donated $1 million to establish an
endowment fund to enhance the baseball program at
Sam Houston State University, Sanders's alma
mater. The university recently received word that
the Texas State University System Board of Regents
had approved the naming of SHSU's one-year-old
ballpark in honor of Sanders. Sanders is founder
and chairman of the investment firm Sanders Morris
Harris. He is a former owner of the Houston Sports
Association and the Houston Astros Baseball Club
and currently, along with Nolan Ryan, is co-owner
of Ryan-Sanders Baseball. Ryan-Sanders Baseball
owns the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific
Coast League) and the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class
AA; Texas League).
UK looking at new ballpark
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The best season in the 102-year history of
Kentucky baseball has been followed with a
refurbished Cliff Hagan Stadium. A video
scoreboard and right-field deck are among the
improvements for a team that won a school-record
44 games last year, along with a share of the
Wildcats' first Southeastern Conference
regular-season title. However, renovation may be
just a temporary fix for a capacity- and
parking-pinched home. Speaking at the team media
day yesterday, Coach John Cohen confirmed
speculation that a new ballpark is being seriously
considered for one of three sites on Alumni Drive,
to be completed within two years.
City balances CWS beer,
neighbors' good cheer
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Anyone who has attended the College World Series
knows that the party doesn't stay inside the gates
of Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium. Streets lined with
tailgaters, merchandise tents, beer gardens and
other businesses help create a festival atmosphere
outside the ballpark. Alcohol is not allowed
inside Rosenblatt Stadium during the CWS. What's fun for
college baseball fans isn't always fun for
residents who live in the area, some of whom have
complained about noise, litter, traffic and
revelers urinating in their yards. Two members of
the Omaha City Council are now searching for ways
to lessen the negative impact of the tournament on
homeowners, and they hope to unveil a plan in
several weeks.
Tennessee announces upgrades
to Lindsay Nelson Stadium
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The University of Tennessee Athletic Department
announced plans for improvements to Lindsey Nelson
Stadium. With the addition of a lead contribution
from Robert M. Lindsay, a long time supporter of
Tennessee athletics, the UT administration is able
to move forward with plans to upgrade the
14-year-old ballpark. Construction on the facility
will be completed in two phases. Phase I, which
will begin in June once the baseball season is
complete, will include a new clubhouse, locker
room, weight room, batting cages, coaches offices
and additional seating down the first-base line.
Phase I will be completed prior to the 2008
baseball season. Phase II, upon funding approval,
will include resurfacing the playing field, a new
press box with elevator and additional permanent
stands down the third-base line.
In memoriam: Bing Devine
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Bing Devine, who transformed the St. Louis
Cardinals and the New York Mets into World Series
champions in the 1960s in a career spanning seven
decades as a baseball executive, died Saturday in
St. Louis. He was 90. Devine played only a
few games in professional baseball -- as a second
baseman in the low minors -- but he became a
highly successful judge of talent in the major
leagues. In his first stint as the Cardinals'
general manager, Devine shaped their World Series
champion teams of 1964 and ’67, and the ’68
National League winners. He also created the
foundation for the Mets' stunning championship
season of 1969.
In memoriam: Art Fowler
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Art Fowler, who became George Steinbrenner’s
sixth, ninth, 17th and 26th Yankees pitching coach
in a turbulent baseball pairing with his often
hired and fired manager and drinking buddy Billy
Martin, died Monday in Spartanburg, S.C. He
was 84. Fowler, a native of Converse, S.C., made
his major-league pitching debut with the
Cincinnati Reds in 1954 and also pitched for the
Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels,
appearing often in relief. He had a career record
of 54-51. He was also pitching coach for Martin
during his tenure with the Minnesota Twins and
Detroit Tigers.
Ballpark Notes
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Grant Dorn has been promoted to pitching
coach for the Washington Wild Things
(independent; Frontier League) coaching staff in
2007. Dorn was a member of the coaching staff
during the 2006 season as first base and infield
coach. Dorn pitched for the Wild Things in
2004 when he went 4-5 in 79 innings pitched,
allowing 89 hits, and striking out 74 with a 4.52
ERA....The Corvallis Knights (summer
collegiate; West Coast Collegiate) announced that
all home games and most road games for the 2007
season will be broadcast on KTHH (990 AM),
with Oregon State athletic broadcaster Mike
Parker handling the play-by-play....Jim
Bowie returns as hitting coach for his third
consecutive season with the Fresno Grizzlies
(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Former Giants
pitcher Mike Caldwell will become the
team's pitching coach and Jim Simmons will
take over as the athletic trainer.
Rangers might build bunker
suites
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The Texas Rangers are considering building five
bunker suites that wrap behind home plate at
Ameriquest Field. Also under consideration is the
introduction of a new ultra-premium ticket package
that would contain 16 field-level seats. The
Rangers hired marketing consultant PC Sports and
sports architect HKS, the Dallas-based firm that
helped design the Arlington ballpark, to study the
issue and determine the investment and revenue
return, said Rick McLaughlin, Rangers executive
vice president of business operations. If they
give the Rangers the thumbs-up, construction would
span the next two off-seasons and be completed for
the 2009 season. There's currently one bunker
suite built for George W. Bush when his ownership
group controlled the team (Tom Hicks currently
uses it). The new bunkers would be twice the size
of the original 500-square-foot unit, McLaughlin
said.
New museum part of
Winston-Salem ballpark?
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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There's
now talk of making a Carolina League Hall of Fame
museum
part of a new ballpark for the Winston-Salem
Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League). The
ballpark project being pushed by Mayor Allen
Joines and developer Billy Prim would anchor a
$189 million residential and commercial
development. Inserting a museum into the project
would certainly raise the project's popularity,
and it could lead to a nice little baseball-museum
trail in North Carolina: there's already a North
Carolina baseball museum in Wilson, and MiLB
officials are talking about a minor-league museum
in Durham Athletic Park. The Winston-Salem
franchise is the only one in the Carolina League
that has been with the league since its inception
in 1945.
RELATED STORIES:
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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
Draft environmental review
for Twins ballpark unveiled
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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A draft environmental review of the new Twins
ballpark contains details about everything from
jammed intersections to bad odors. The large scale
of the ballpark project requires Hennepin County
to create an environmental impact statement (EIS)
that evaluates the project’s prospective impact on
the neighborhood and suggests how to mitigate that
impact. The study encompasses air quality, traffic
congestion, site contamination, lighting, noise
and construction-related impacts. The biggest
issue for many Minnesotans: the ballpark will be
located next to a rather large garbage burner, and
the assumption is that bad smells from the
facility will waft into the ballpark. The study
found some evidence of odors, but the conclusion
is that they are barely detectable.
The new ballpark is apparently helping the Twins
sell some tickets this season as well.
RELATED STORIES:
Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose;
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design;
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New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin
County shoppers;
Ballpark players ironing out use, development
agreements;
Twins release more details on new ballpark;
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Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis
IronPigs
announce landmark TV deal
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International
League) and Service Electric Cable TV, Inc. (SECTV)
have officially announced an agreement to televise
all IronPigs home games on a four-station network
starting in 2008. In addition to the games airing
on SECTV TV2, the telecasts will also be carried
live on Service Electric Cablevision, Blue Ridge
Cable and WYLN35. It is believed the IronPigs will
become the first minor-league baseball team ever
to have its entire 72-game home schedule
televised. "We are extremely excited about this
partnership -- not only for the IronPigs and
Service Electric, but for our fans and sponsors,"
said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. "We
want to offer our community and fans as many Major
League amenities as possible. To offer a service
like this allows for everyone to follow the
IronPigs closely regardless of how many times they
can make it to the ballpark." The deal also
provides for SECTV to be the team’s Official
Communications Provider. The IronPigs will utilize
SECTV for all phone, high-speed internet and cable
television services inside the new ballpark.
LSU ballpark project pushed
back
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The upcoming college baseball season might not be
LSU’s last in the current Alex Box Stadium.
Construction, scheduled to begin last fall, won’t
start until at least late March because of delays
to a design upgrade and to state bureaucracy, LSU
officials said. The Tigers could open the 2008
season in the present Alex Box Stadium and move
into the new Alex Box Stadium weeks later. The
worst-case scenario: LSU would delay the move
until the 2009 season if the logistics of
switching venues in-season are too problematic for
the university and for fans. Local architecture
firm Grace & Hebert Architects is working on the
design in conjunction with DLR Group.
Vero Beach mayor speculates
on future of Dodgertown
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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Vero Beach
Mayor Tom White hints about other teams looking to
relocate spring-training operations to Dodgertown
after the Los Angeles Dodgers move spring
operations to Arizona in 2009. That may be a
little hard to believe: while there's a lot to
like about Dodgertown (the practice fields and
support facilities are very good) there's also a
lot to dissuade teams from a move:
Holman Stadium
is in pretty bad shape and there's few of the
amenities MLB teams and fans expect during spring
training. He also hints at converting it to an NFL
training camp.
Costs for new Travelers
ballpark rising
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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North Little Rock officials say the cost of
building a new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers
(Class AA; Texas League) has gone up by about
$250,000. The Dickey-Stephens Park ballpark in
North Little Rock will replace
Ray Winder Field in
Little Rock, the long-time home of the Travelers.
Seats, the playing surface and scoreboard will be
installed at the new park within the next month,
and the ballpark is scheduled to open April 12.
The park was estimated to cost $32,000,600.
Revised figures, including the increase, are to be
presented to the North Little Rock City Council
this month.
Hotel holds the key to
downtown plans
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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There's a lot of sentiment against a new downtown
ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A;
Midwest League), but public officials say it's
partly because most people do not understand the
financing plan. This article lays out the
financing plan: basically, there's the potential
for a larger downtown redevelopment that includes
a new downtown hotel, and increased tax revenues
from the hotel will help pay off the bonds for a
new ballpark. The hotel is a $120-million project,
but it is tied somewhat to the new ballpark.
Meanwhile, Allen County commissioners agreed
Friday to work with Fort Wayne and Indiana
University-Purdue University Fort Wayne officials
to
study the use and costs of maintaining Memorial
Stadium if a downtown ballpark is built.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark's future subject to study;
Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark;
Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark
plan;
Ballpark's future is far from certain;
Building the public square;
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?
A very full home plate
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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Now that
the Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn
League) are under new ownership (the New York
Yankees) and management (Mandalay Sports), things
appear to be changing, beginning with the 2007
ticket plans. One offers all-you-can-eat ballpark
fare (hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, soda
and water) for $15 per seat, per game. The package
also includes regular season-ticket holder
benefits, including tickets to the New York
Yankees Old-Timers' game at the St. George stadium
on July 8; an invitation to a VIP event and game
at Yankee Stadium, and a free gift. And for
devotees of all Yankees: Staten Island
season-ticket holders and package buyers will have
a chance to purchase regular season tickets to
Bronx Bomber games the day before they go on sale
to the general public.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 29, 2007 (feedback)
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Lancaster Barnstormers
(independent; Atlantic League) pitching coach
Rick Wise will return for a third season and
Glenn Murray will be the team’s new hitting
coach, the team announced today. Wise and Murray
will join manager Frank Klebe on the bench
for the 2007 season. Wise, 61, is the only
pitching coach in Barnstormers history. He played
18 seasons in Major League Baseball, becoming the
only pitcher to throw a no-hitter and hit two home
runs in a game, and he has spent the past 22
seasons as a coach. In 2006, his staff posted a
league-best 75-51 record with a combined 4.15 ERA.
Murray brings a wealth of Atlantic League
experience to the coaching staff having played for
the Nashua Pride from 1999-2005. He is the
league’s career leader in home runs (158) and RBIs
(528)....The Shreveport Sports
(independent; American Association) field staff
will have some familiar faces for the 2007 season.
Bob Flori will return for his third season
as the Sports manager. The Sports finished 54-39
last year under Flori and won the South Division
first-half title. Shreveport then lost to league
champion Fort Worth in the first round of the
playoffs. Eddie Gerald will return as the
hitting coach and first base coach for the 2007
season. This will be Gerald’s second season with
the Sports. The newest member of the 2007 staff
will be pitching coach Bert Snow. Snow, who
has been a starting pitcher for the Sports the
past two seasons will assume the dual role of
pitcher and pitching coach for the Sports.
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