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Archives: Oct. 8-14, 2007

Vipers, Cracker-Cats officially leave Northern League
Posted Oct. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Calgary Vipers and Edmonton Cracker-Cats are not part of the independent Northern League as of yesterday, but the issue is whether they jumped or whether they were pushed. A press release from the two Alberta teams says they pushed out by the league after refusing to each put up $500,000 letters of credit. Northern League Commission Clark Griffith told the Fargo Forum they were not pushed and insinuated they left of their own accord: "We were not pushing them out of the league. We very much wanted them back." (He said the same thing to the Edmonton Sun.) That distinction may become important should any legal battles arise. Here's the deal: we're guessing the Northern League constitution says every team must put up letters of credit, with the commissioner having the discretion to return them after a certain amount of time (say, three years). When the two Alberta teams were asked to put up the letters of credit, we're guessing they demanded that every other team do so as well per the league bylaws, but not every team has done so (and, indeed, at least one of the other teams is in no financial position to do so). We're be very surprised if Calgary and Edmonton owners weren't looking at their legal options -- which is why they were saying they were forced out and the league says they left of their own accord.
    One thing the Alberta teams are looking at: joining the independent Golden Baseball League, which currently has eight teams in California, Nevada and Arizona. The theory is that the league can expand to Washington State and Canada to create a "prairie" division that includes the two Alberta teams. Indeed, there are some decent open venues across the area -- Victoria, Regina and Saskatoon -- but it's not clear whether this is prime baseball territory, as the independent Canadian Baseball League failed to make it through a single season with teams in these cities. Two reasons the GBL might succeed: its payroll requirements are more modest than those of the Northern League, and its season doesn't start until after the college baseball season ends, opening the possibility of playing in college ballparks and concentrating its season when the weather is most amenable. Still, moving north of California has been a challenge for the GBL: between the Pacific Coast League, the Northwest League and the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League most of the best venues are already occupied. (This was also a challenge for the Northern League a few years ago when Calgary and Edmonton joined the league; the original plan was for additional teams in the west.) And given the league's track record, we can't count out the distinct possibility that the northward expansion will work -- though attempting to launch by June 2008 will be a huge challenge.
    And where does this leave the Northern League? With six teams for 2008. Team owners admit there's virtually no chance for expansion this coming season, and we don't see many prospects (or open venues) for 2009, either. Between the Midwest League, the American Association, the Frontier League and the Northwoods League most of the attractive markets in the Northern League footprint are taken. Also, the league is a victim of its own success to a certain extent. Owners like Winnipeg's Sam Katz insist on a high salary cap in an effort to push "name" players, and it takes a larger facility and bigger crowds to support that salary requirement. In contrast, the Frontier League boasts a considerably more modest salary cap, which means those leagues can succeed in cities like Evansville. We fully expect Northern League officials to directly approach both those leagues about interleague play or the future placement of teams (indeed, some backdoor discussions have already taken place), but the salary cap is going to be a huge issue. Personality issues will also be at play, but that problem can be finessed. More from the Winnipeg Sun, the Calgary Sun, and the Edmonton Sun.

Hennepin County, landowners reach agreement on settlement for Twins ballpark land
Posted Oct. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We received word last night that Hennepin County and the owners of a key parcel of land for the new Minnesota Twins ballpark reached an agreement on a valuation, a disagreement that saw the two sides go through arbitration, mediation and the cusp of a court battle. The gap between the two sides was pretty side: the landowners wanted more than $65 million (a highly unrealistic number) and initially Hennepin County offered around $13 million (another highly unrealistic number). A three-member panel of mediators came to the conclusion that the land was worth $23.8 million, but a dissident member of the panel said the land's value was closer to $33 million. We've been told the final value agreed to is closer to the $33 million proffered by the dissident arbitrator. A press conference will be held Monday to announce the specifics of the deal.
    RELATED STORIES: Mediator will try to find a ballpark land solution; Hennepin County makes insulting offer to Twins ballpark landowners; Landowners make settlement offer in Twins ballpark dispute; Twins finally hold groundbreaking for new ballpark; Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark parcel; A new dispute on ballpark land figures; Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says condemnation panel; Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site; Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on value of ballpark site; Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up; Ballpark land was low-balled; Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts; Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; 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

Waterford ballpark is a go
Posted Oct. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group of Waterford (Mich.) business owners has struck a deal to build a 3,900-seat ballpark behind the long-struggling Summit Place Mall and plans to install an independent Frontier League team. The group, known as Baseball Heroes of Oakland County, paid $1.7 million for 10 acres of property from Timana LLC, a Los Angeles-based company that owns the mall at Telegraph and Elizabeth Lake roads. Timana also will have a minority stake in the team. The group plans to build a $9-million ballpark park with artificial grass to host the new team in the Frontier League. Rob Hilliard, managing member of Baseball Heroes, said the group will reveal the team's name once a trademark is issued.

Tiger Stadium battles ongoing
Posted Oct. 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Detroit is moving ahead with plans to tear down historic Tiger Stadium, but a group arguing to save part of it has until Monday to turn in a conservancy plan. The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy and Hall of Fame broadcaster and Detroit icon Ernie Harwell are proposing to scale the ballpark down to 3,000 or so seats and retain the playing field, dugouts and locker rooms while adding a sports museum. The rest of the site would presumably go for retail, commercial space and housing, but it's not clear whether this is wishful thinking from economic-development types (remember, for years the city was pushing for big-box retailing on the site -- a passion not shared by big-box retailers). A contract to demolish the ballpark could be awarded this month. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
    RELATED STORIES: Online auction of Tiger Stadium memorabilia runs through October; A new vision for Tiger Stadium; Harwell heats up Tiger Stadium pitch; Harwell: I can save Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium to be torn down; Tiger Stadium demolition plan close to vote; Wreck the old park; praise the new one; Detroit City Council delays action on Tiger Stadium demolition; City: Revisit Tiger Stadium plans; Today's video: The final days of Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium plan hits a snag; Tiger Stadium's fate divisive; Tiger Stadium: Up for auction?; Tiger Stadium outta here by '08; Time running out for Tiger Stadium; Dave Wright: Time to let Tiger Stadium go; Razing memories of 95-year-old Tiger Stadium before demolition work begins; Final farewell planned for Tiger Stadium; Old house is hard to forget; Once a baseball cathedral, Tiger Stadium now sits in disrepair; Memories of Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium demolition delayed; Progress is in the ballpark; Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger Stadium; Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off under city plan; Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site; Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

Fenway Park top Boston attraction: tourism group
Posted Oct. 12, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The top attraction for folks cruising the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Web site? Fenway Park. Now, it's a little sad that the city with arguably the greatest concentration of historic sites -- Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, any number of stops on the Freedom Trail -- has as it's biggest draw a ballpark. But there's a lot of history in Fenway Park (fitting within the general Boston vibe), but what's really interesting is how that interest translates to year-round visits. More on what's going on around Fenway Park in terms of development.

Charlotte ballpark lawsuit tossed
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A lawsuit challenging land swaps that will lead to an Uptown ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) have been dismissed by a Mecklenburg County judge. Local developer Jerry Reese, who wants to bring Major League Baseball to Charlotte, challenged the land swaps, arguing that local taxpayers were shortchanged because the land swaps occurred between city, county, and school entities, cutting developers out of the action. Judge Lindsay Davis rejected that logic after city, county and school officials argued they were entitled to make private land deals without offering parcels to the public. There's still the threat of an appeal and a separate lawsuit, but this ruling paves the way for final design on the project to be completed. The Knights are paying for the new $35-million ballpark, which could open as soon as 2009.
    RELATED STORIES: Council action aids Charlotte baseball deal; Knights say downtown site squeeze is OK; Much up in air with uptown baseball plans; County waves Knights toward uptown; County details Knights ballpark numbers; Knights now pushing to get ballpark in play by 2009; Charlotte approves Knights ballpark deal; Knights in talks on financing new ballpark; Schools agree to role in land swap for baseball; County moves forward on Knights ballpark plan; A new season for Knights, but same old battles; More time wanted for Charlotte baseball deal; Officials: Arts sale not about sports; Ballpark land swap still in play for reshaping Charlotte; Could new Charlotte ballpark be delayed by lawsuit?; Land deal for Charlotte ballpark advances; Diehl plans fight over Charlotte ballpark; Mecklenburg County set for baseball deal role; Charlotte Council seeks answers on baseball; Uptown park for Knights makes sense; Charlotte council gets update on baseball plan; Chamber: poll shows overwhelming support for Knights ballpark; Backers urge: Make noise for Charlotte ballpark; A slow curve in Charlotte; Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible; Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee ballpark construction; Hard days for Knights; Knights see more fans, but lag league; Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new ballpark; Knights meet with potential architects; Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte; The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte; Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark; Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?; Third Ward residents object to new Knights ballpark; Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5 million; Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of real estate; Arts package heads the agenda for city funding, but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan; Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers; Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark

Sources: Schuerholz to resign
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
AP is reporting that Atlanta Braves Executive VP/GM John Schuerholz will be stepping down from the position at the end of the baseball season but could remain with the organization as a senior advisor. The 67-year-old Schuerholz has been with the team since 1991 and oversaw an amazing run where the Braves won 14 straight divisional championships. His emphasis was on the farm system: Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur and Javy Lopez were all products of Braves farm teams. Schuerholz managed to cut payroll under Time Warner, and we'd be surprised to see new owner Liberty Media expand payrolls any time soon.

Nevada high court mulls 'baseball rule'
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You see these lawsuits pop up occasionally, and this time it's the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) involved. Kathleen Turner, a bookkeeper at a Las Vegas auto shop, was struck by a foul ball as she sat at a table in a mezzanine beer garden above the third-base line, and her resulting injuries required reconstructive surgery. Lawyers for the 51s say there were plenty of warnings at Cashman Field: signs at the turnstiles, a screen to protect fans behind home plate, plexiglass in front of club boxes, a liability notice on ticket stubs, and aired public address warnings to watch for batted balls. One Clark County District Court judge has already thrown out the lawsuit; this is the appeal to the state Supreme Court. This has popped up as an issue in other states, most notably New Jersey. It seems the best way to address this isn't through the courts (which can get expensive, although we're guessing insurance carriers are picking up a good chunk of the costs), but legislatures.

Texas Collegiate League reorganizes with four teams
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The ownership of the Texas Collegiate League is passing from the Haddock Foundation to four teams -- Brazos Valley Bombers, Coppell Copperheads, McKinney Marshals and Wichita Falls Wranglers -- that will will operate the TCL cooperatively, together establishing rules and plotting for the league’s growth. As you'll recall several teams left the TCL after the 2007 season, saying they didn't agree with the league's business model; league owner  Gerald Haddock then filed suit against the defectors to prevent them from launching a competing league.
    RELATED STORIES: Wranglers cease operations; Texas Collegiate League sues seven teams in effort to preserve league

Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The controversial plan to build a new downtown ballpark for the NCAA College World Series and possibly the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will have its first public hearing this morning as the MECA board meets. MECA is the organization that runs Qwest Center, the arena that potentially be located next to the proposed ballpark. Meanwhile, Mayor Mike Fahey named a seven-member committee to analyze and react to all the ballpark options, including building a downtown stadium and rebuilding Rosenblatt Stadium. It doesn't sound like there's much public support for levying a 2 percent entertainment tax to build a $117-million ballpark; a better (and much cheaper) idea would be to renovate Rosenblatt Stadium purely for use by the NCAA and move ahead with a new ballpark for the O-Royals.
    RELATED STORIES: Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; 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

Harrisburg out of baseball business today
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It took a little longer than everyone expected -- leading to some buzz in minor-league circles -- but today the agreement by Michael Reinsdorf to buy the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) is expected to be announced as final after MiLB and MLB officially enter their approvals. In May Reinsdorf agreed to buy the H-Sens for a league-record $13.25 million and signed a lease that should been the Senators in Harrisburg for the next 29 years.

Twins land battle back in court today
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The legal dispute over the value of a parcel of land where the new Minnesota Twins ballpark is being built is back in court today after the two sides failed to reach an agreement in recent mediation. Not a surprise. What is a surprise is that the landowners argue in their court papers the land is worth at least $65 million. A three-member panel of mediators came to the conclusion that the land was worth $23.8 million, but a dissident member of the panel said the land's value was closer to $33 million. Basically, the landowners are seeking to start the whole process over, this time in a court setting. It seems highly unlikely that the landowners will actually receive $65 million for the land -- according to several real-estate experts we talked with, the consensus value was $25 million or so -- but we can expect a lengthy court battle unless current talks yield a tangible result.
    RELATED STORIES: Mediator will try to find a ballpark land solution; Hennepin County makes insulting offer to Twins ballpark landowners; Landowners make settlement offer in Twins ballpark dispute; Twins finally hold groundbreaking for new ballpark; Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark parcel; A new dispute on ballpark land figures; Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says condemnation panel; Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site; Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on value of ballpark site; Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up; Ballpark land was low-balled; Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts; Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; 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

Diamondback fans are still waiting to catch the fever
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're more than a little astounded to see the first National League Championship Series game at Chase Field featuring the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies didn't immediately sell out. It's not as though there's a bigger sports story in Phoenix, and the rise of the Diamondbacks is a great story. In fact, both teams in the series make for great stories: the teams certainly know one another (they both train in Tucson), and they both overcame some lean years and built with youth.

Coors Field view debate put on hold
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Denver City Council planning committee granted a request Wednesday from Coors Field and the Colorado Rockies to delay until Nov. 14. a scheduled hearing of a proposal to limit the height of buildings around the ballpark. "We just want to focus on baseball," said Gina London, the spokewoman for Denver Metropolitan Major League Baseball Stadium District -- Coors Field's owner. Bill and Paula Leake want to rezone their land north of the Coors Field to allow a building of up to 14 stories. Opponents of the rezoning, including the district, say it would block mountain views from the Coors Field. They want an ordinance to limit building height around Coors Field.
    RELATED STORIES: A stadium district foul

Cracker-Cats daily management turned over to Capacity Group
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Daily management of the Edmonton Cracker-Cats (independent; Northern League) is being turned over to Capacity Group, a Calgary consulting firm led by Darren Parker, Travis Tinning and Craig Burak. Parker will be the new COO of the franchise, assuming control of daily operations. The Capacity Group was also involved with the Calgary Vipers (independent; Northern League) in 2007 on a marketing relationship. (Darren Parker is the son of Russ Parker, the former owner of the Calgary Cannons of the Pacific Coast League and a veteran sports operator.) Not quite sure what this means in terms of the team's future in the Northern League; tomorrow a conference call may determine if the Alberta teams leave the league.

Ballpark opposition organizes in Crystal Lake
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group of citizens have formed to oppose a proposed expansion of McHenry Community College that would feature a new ballpark for an independent Frontier League team. Their concerns: traffic (of course) and increased pollution in Crystal Lake. The Crystal Lake City Council will consider a zoning variance for MCC’s expansion proposal at a 5:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted, 8-0, not to recommend the project, and in order to be approved, five out of seven City Council members will need to vote yes.
    RELATED STORIES: Will Crystal Lake let MCC play ball?; Building a ballpark tests a community; Crystal Lake rejects MCC expansion plan, new ballpark; Crystal Lake wants outside opinion on ballpark; Crystal Lake bats around ballpark; Major boom for minor-league ball; McHenry County College, Frontier League close to agreement for new ballpark; McHenry County pulls off a double play; MCC ballpark for Frontier League gets OK; McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility; Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

As he heals, Sky Sox official looks to his 'family' to succeed
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Rai Henniger is still on the mend after suffering an fireworks accident in May where he lost his left eye and part of his face. He was preparing fireworks for a show at Security Service Field on May 12 when a still-unexplained explosion left him seriously injured. As you might expect, he's following the playoffs closely -- he knew many of the Colorado Rockies when they spent time with his team, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) -- and he's spending a lot of time with family.

Futile on field, Cubs still worth $660 million
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The value of the Chicago Cubs could have risen by 10 percent -- from $600 million to $660 million -- after the team made the playoffs, according to some sports economics experts. Numbers like these are fairly worthless, though; the value of the team will be determined by the marketplace anyway, and we're expecting that the price of the Cubs, Wrigley Field and a cable stake will end up being around a billion dollars by the time any transaction is culminated next year, based on some discussions we've had with financial folks.

Arizona Winter League expands with Palm Springs franchise
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Arizona Winter League (run by the independent Golden Baseball League) is adding a Palm Springs franchise to the mix, with Andrew Starke, owner of the summer-collegiate Palm Springs Power, owning the expansion team. It will begin play in January 2008; the coach is Gary Templeton. The rest of the 2008 lineup will be announced later. Last winter the AWL played with four teams at the Ray Kroc complex and Desert Sun Stadium in Yuma.

U.S. Treasury opposes tax-exempt bond financing for sports facilities
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a rich irony in having an official from the Bush administration telling Congress that tax-exempt bonds should not be issued for the construction of sports facilities; after all, President George W. Bush personally benefited from this sort of financing when he owned part of the Texas Rangers and sold the stake after Rangers Ballpark in Arlington opened. Testifying before a House sub-committee, Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy Eric Solomon said, "the ability to use government bonds to finance stadiums with significant private business use" is a "structural weakness" in the targeting of the tax exemption toward state and local capital and infrastructure investments. The larger issue is that officials say the exemptions cost the federal government money.

Urinals prized more than lockers in auction of Tiger Stadium memories
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fans have until 11 a.m. Saturday to bid on more than 700 items from Tiger Stadium, which is slated for demolition. The items for sale include World Series banners, players' lockers, dugout benches and section and exit signs. Since the auction began Sept. 16, the high bids on all the items total about $100,000, said Dan Rosenthal, chief operating officer for auction company Schneider Industries of St. Louis. He said he expects that total to soar in the final hours before Saturday's deadline. Lockers are selling slowly, but items like urinals, section and exit signs were drawing larger-than-expected bids.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 11, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
C.J. Thieleke will return as manager of the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) in 2008 to manage the club for a fourth season. The Madison, Wis. native led the team to a 38-29 record this past season that included a Northwoods League record 16 straight victories from July 23 to August 9. His career record now stands at 120-91 (.568). Prior to being promoted to Manager in 2005, Thieleke was an assistant coach with the Mallards for two seasons, including the team’s 2004 Championship season. Thieleke was the 1994 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and played at the University of Iowa for three seasons before spending two seasons in the Minnesota Twins organization....

Dodgers to bid on hosting WBC games
Posted Oct. 10, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bidding to host 2009 World Baseball Classic games at Dodger Stadium, in a move endorsed by the county Board of Supervisors. A list of potential sites will be released next month and the final lineup awarded in December. From what we've heard there will be quite the crowded lineup to host games: Palm Beach's Roger Dean Stadium, Orlando's Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, San Diego's Petco Park and Anaheim's Angel Stadium are in the bidding process for sure, and this doesn't even cover baseball operators in Monterrey, Japan, and China looking to participate. The initial World Baseball Classic wasn't run very well -- it was thrown together, too intrusive on spring training, and had a noticeable impact on the regular-season performances of some of the participants -- but it sounds like the 2009 tourney will take lessons learned from the inaugural tourney in order to create a less-intrusive contest.

Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax
Posted Oct. 10, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group of Omaha restaurant owners is launching a public-relations campaign today in opposition to a proposed 2 percent entertainment tax to help pay for a $117-million ballpark for the NCAA College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The additional tax would boost the sales tax at Omaha bars and restaurants to 9 percent. We've really not gotten much sense of a groundswell of support for Mayor Mike Fahey's plan for a new downtown ballpark, and it's hard to see a constituency beyond the insiders who want to see the College World Series retained at any price. Indeed, the city seems to be bidding against itself in order to retain the tourney, as the current proposal goes far beyond the NCAA's initial wish list. If we were in charge in Omaha, we'd save taxpayers $40 million by fixing up Rosenblatt Stadium for the CWS, help the Omaha Royals build a new ballpark, and leave some valuable downtown real estate open for development that could actually yield property taxes. Everyone wins. With the current plan, Fahey is playing with fire: we can't see the O-Royals contributing a dime toward a ballpark they can't fully monetize, and it would not be surprising to see the team look at some greener pastures. Personally, we really love Vancouver as a city and a sports market. Apparently the fight is being played out on local Burger King marquees as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; 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

Guinness declares Clinton ballpark as world's oldest
Posted Oct. 10, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Guinness Book of World Records has declared Fuller Field in Clinton, Mass., as the oldest continuous used baseball diamond in the world after determining baseball has been played there since 1878. A dog-eared map from that year showed the field listed as the location of the "Clinton Base Ball Ground." We're not so sure the Guinness and SABR folks have it right: Labatt Park in London, Ont., has hosted baseball since 1877, and we're guessing there are a few more fields that can be traced back to that era as well. We've tended to shy away from discussions of oldest ballpark and oldest ballfield (though we get queries about those topics regularly from readers); if you think your local ballpark or ballfield is the oldest, let us know; we already know about the like of Warren Ballpark and Cardines Field.

For Yankees, the numbers game goes on
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It's sounding more and more like the New York Yankees got caught with their fingers in the cookie jar in regards to receipts turned in to the city to ostensibly offset planning expenses for the new Yankee Stadium. (The Yankees are allowed to deduct $5 million a year in rent for the current Yankee Stadium in exchange for picking up these planning expenses.) But a review of the receipts submitted by the Yankees -- obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request from Good Jobs New York, a labor group opposed to public subsidies for the ballpark -- showed the Yankees seeking to deduct some very questionable "expenses," including gasoline bought by the grounds crew, legal fees on unrelated matters and the cost of shipping batting helmets to Tampa. Some of the expenses dubbed questionable by Good Jobs New York may actually be legitimate, though, and related to the marketing of luxury suites. (It all depends on what parameters are spelled out in the agreement between the city and the team.) We're awaiting a full audit to turn up the real amount the Yankees can deduct. Meanwhile, some are upset about the latest deal that benefits the Yankees: free parking spots.
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Topeka issues new ballpark guidelines
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The city of Topeka has issued new guidelines for architects wishing to submit plans for a new ballpark: this time the pitch includes the possibility of the design possibly being adapted for use in a renovation of Falley Field at Washburn University. Not a surprise: the independent American Association has looked at putting a team into Falley Field before deciding to place a team in St. Joseph. You can read through the new guidelines here (warning: it's a larger PDF). Given the league's growth strategy (they want to be up to 16 teams in the next few years), you can figure out who's involved and who's not involved.

Rec Park renovations may stretch into Oaks season
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The second phase of the Recreation Park renovation project, with a $11.6 million price tag, has yet to get under way -- despite the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) playing their last home game almost a month ago -- and may not be entirely completed when the team opens next year's home schedule April 17. The second of the three construction phases calls for right-field improvements, including new restrooms, a concession stand, a new scoreboard and team administrative offices. There will also be new bullpens built beyond the outfield fence. Construction is expected to start at the end of the month. Meanwhile, Oaks owner Tom Seidler announced the team name would stay the same through next season.

Missions named BA minor-league team of the year
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Baseball America has named the San Antonio Missions the Minor League Team of the Year for 2007. The Missions won their 11th Texas League Championship and their fourth in 11 years. This season was their first as the Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. "We are thrilled to be recognized as the Minor League Team of the Year. It is a well-deserved honor for our players and one that the City of San Antonio and our loyal fans can be very proud of," said Missions President Burl Yarbrough. "We are appreciative of everything the Padres have done this season and they have proven to everyone that they are committed to bringing championship baseball to San Antonio."

Hagerstown City Council seeks county's help with Municipal Stadium repairs
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The Hagerstown City Council will ask the Washington County Commissioners to commit $15,500 to pay for upgrades at Municipal Stadium. If the commissioners agree, $10,500 would be used to help repair the infield at the stadium, and $5,000 would be used to install a phone system in the bullpen, said Karen Giffin, the city's director of community affairs. During its Tuesday work session, the council originally discussed asking the commissioners to contribute only $5,500 to help repair the infield, which is expected to cost about $35,500.

The latest on the Northern League
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A conference call Friday will determine whether Calgary Vipers and Edmonton Cracker-Cats leave the independent Northern League. If you look at the Vipers website, you'll see any reference to the Northern League has been scrubbed -- no graphics, no links, no nothing -- and that may give us an idea of what may happen. Other Northern League owners want each Alberta team to offer up a $500,000 payment (a performance bond, of sorts), which is unprecedented in Northern League history. though there's some issue as to whether actual bonds were required (which the Vipers claim in a press release) or letters of credit, which are commonly requested in the baseball world and certainly would not be an unusual thing for the Northern League to request. One can't really tell if the Northern League owners do want the Alberta teams to leave on their own, rather than forcing them out; we suspect there's a legal distinction there, and it seems like the circuit faces challenges either way. (Plenty of challenges, as it turns out; we've heard Northern League owners are not the most united of groups right now anyway.) Meanwhile, we've heard that prominent Northern League officials have approached officials of teams within the American Association about a partial merger in 2009, where the non-Chicago teams would make the leap with some of their old comrades in arms. That would make some operational sense, but you've got some old feuds still in play and some bad feelings back from when they all parted ways in the first place. An American Association with Winnipeg, Fargo-Moorhead and Kansas City does make a lot of sense, however. More from the Gary Post-Tribune.

On deck: Playing field for new Nats ballpark
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Officials overseeing construction of the Washington Nationals' new ballpark said they will start installing the playing field as soon as the end of this month, another key step in the completion of the $611-million project. Workers from Clark Construction and its subcontactors are finishing work on the ballpark's two drainage systems and plan to lay sod within the next 2½ weeks, said Matt Haas, project executive with Clark. The stadium's sod will consist of bluegrass grown in New Jersey and installed by Carolina Green Corp. of Indian Trail, N.C., and District-based RBK Construction.
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T-Bones could share park with Wizards
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CommunityAmerica Ballpark, the home of the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League), could also become the temporary home of the MLS Kansas City Wizards. "Right now, the belief is yes, it will happen," said T-Bones general manager Rick Muntean. "But I should caution that there is nothing signed yet, and we are still in negotiations. But the feeling is it will happen." The Wizards, though, are far less committal. "We are still having talks regarding two potential sites," said Wizards executive vice president Greg Cotton. "But because of confidentiality agreements, I can’t really comment beyond that." Soccer and baseball are a hard fit unless there's the ballpark is big enough and there's artificial turf in place. Then there are the revenue implications: In MLS, the central league office controls half of the field-level signage (the side you see on TV broadcasts), which doesn't leave much for the home team to begin with. The Wizards are seeking a temporary home until a new stadium can be built.

New Bern suspends operations
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The New Bern River Rats (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) have suspended operations for 2008 as the team owners, the Bengel family, explores options for the 2009 season. New Bern plays at a high-school facility and was unsuccessful in persuading city officials to build a new ballpark. Meanwhile, the Forest City Owls -- the relocated Spartanburg Stingers -- will be unveiling a logo today.

Ballpark Notes
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The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) announced a series of promotions and additions to their front office. In all, six members of the current front office earned promotions, the club welcomed the arrival of three new members, and three former interns were given full-time positions. The following front office members were named as new department directors: Mike Ramshaw, Executive Director of Sales; Danielle Matteau, Director of Public Affairs; Dennis Meehan, Director of Ticket Sales; Mike Murphy, Director of Media Relations/Ticket Sales Account Executive; and Ross Rodriguez, Director of Stadium Operations. The following staff members are taking over new positions: Stephanie Livoli, Merchandise Manager/Ticket Sales Account Executive; Michaela Sweet, Marketing Manager/Ticket Sales Account Executive; Morgan Crandall, Community Relations Manager/Ticket Sales Account Executive; Kathryn Mitchell, Officer Manager/Ticket Sales Account Executive; Jeremy Roop, Ticket Sales Account Executive; Matt Moore, Stadium Operations Assistant; and Justin Smith, Ticket Sales Account Executive....The Worcester Tornadoes have been named the 2007 independent Can-Am League Organization of the Year, as voted on by league coaches and media representatives. "Since joining the Can-Am League, Worcester has been an outstanding member and for the 2007 season, the league is proud to recognize the Tornadoes as the best organization," said Can-Am League Commissioner Miles Wolff. "They have an outstanding staff and have set new standards in their operations that other clubs now hope to emulate." Much of the work behind the scenes was spearheaded by Tornadoes President and General Manager R.C. Reuteman and Assistant General Manager of Operations Jorg Bassiacos.....For the second-straight season, the Lincoln Saltdogs have been honored by the American Association as the league’s Organization of the Year. The award was determined by a vote of coaches and media personnel taken at the conclusion of the season and named at the recently concluded league meetings in Pensacola....Buddy Bell has been named the Chicago White Sox's Director of Minor League Instruction, effective November 1. Bell, 56, spent the last two-plus seasons as manager of the Kansas City Royals after being hired on May 31, 2005. He also managed the Detroit Tigers (1996-98) and Colorado Rockies (2000-02)....The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) announced the addition of Carol McGraw as the club's new Director of Sponsorship Sales. McGraw is a longtime resident of Myrtle Beach and has spent the past 12 years as a local radio account executive with CoastLine Communications and Fidelity Broadcasting. In her new role as Director of Sponsorship Sales, she will oversee all sponsorship sales and promotional opportunities with the Pelicans at BB&T Coastal Field.

Northern League shrinks by two; AA faces uncertainty in 2008
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The Calgary Vipers and the Edmonton Cracker-Cats threw down the gauntlet and announced they were looking at leaving the independent Northern League. The declaration came after the Northern League meetings last week in Minneapolis, where the two Alberta teams were presented with an ultimatum: turn over $1 million in bonds to the league office or be written out of the 2008 schedule. The move was not a surprise -- we've heard some Northern League officials were really hot to set up cross-league play with the independent American Association this season in order to facilitate the loss -- but it will be extremely hard for the Northern League to go forward with just six teams scattered from Winnipeg to Gary, Indiana. (Just what Sam Katz wants to see: more Simmy.) The language in the press release was pointed. "The number of professional minor league baseball teams in all of Canada has dwindled to five," said Edmonton owner Dan Orlich. "Yet Edmonton and Calgary have maintained a 100 year history of pro ball. The Cracker-Cats, successfully opening three seasons, have created a continuing tradition. No amount of Northern League intimidation and bluster will discourage the opening of another 33 seasons in Edmonton." We're guessing some sort of litigation will be the next step as Calgary and Edmonton owners pursue their options: they still hold franchises in the Northern League and have rights under those agreements. We're still skeptical of a plan to move the teams to the independent Golden Baseball League, where the teams are centered in California, Utah and Nevada. More from the Winnipeg Sun and the Edmonton Sun.
   Meanwhile, some uncertainty hangs over the American Association. League officials announced a 10-team lineup that for the moment omits St. Joe and Coastal Bend; we suspect the omissions will be permanent as Coastal Bend has basically shut down operations and St. Joe exists mainly for scheduling purposes. The South Division will consist of the El Paso Diablos, Fort Worth Cats, Grand Prairie Airhogs, Pensacola Pelicans and Shreveport Sports. The Lincoln Saltdogs, St. Paul Saints, Sioux City Explorers, Sioux Falls Canaries and the as-yet-unnamed Wichita will comprise of the North Division. The move into Wichita and Grand Prairie will help balance the circuit; we would also not be surprised to see a meeting of minds and have at least some of the Northern League teams join their former American Association brethren in the future. But let's be honest: there are some awfully big egos here, and a swallowing of pride on both sides would be needed before progress is made.

Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan
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Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey says a new 23,600-seat downtown ballpark for the NCAA College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) is an "opportunity of a lifetime." The majority of the funding will come from a 2 percent entertainment tax, which received a chilly reception from some Omaha city council members who oppose any sort of tax hike. Fahey says he won't propose the tax hike until he has a 20-year agreement from the NCAA to keep the College World Series in Omaha, although that might be a tough sell as NCAA officials have been loathe to commit to more than five years, much less 20. The price of the new ballpark could be as low as $95.1 million and as high as $117 million, depending on the final design. We're not seeing how the math works here. City officials say a 2 percent entertainment tax would yield $3 million a year. Typically you see cities float 20-year bonds for ballparks, but under this math the tax would yield only $60 million -- which is way less than half the cost of the new ballpark when you factor in financing costs. (We weigh in in more detail with the Sunday Omaha World-Herald.) So where will the rest of the money come from? The NCAA has made clear it won't pay for a new facility. The ownership of the O-Royals say they're not sure how much they want to participate on the financial end: the ballpark is being built for the NCAA and the team hasn't had much input on the design. So in our view the announcement by the mayor raised more questions than it answered; we'll be eager to see how he budgets the proposed ballpark (shown below).
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Hendry has sale to work around
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After being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the playoffs, the Chicago Cubs now need to plan for the 2008 season under some pretty uncertain circumstances. This article from the Chicago Sun-Times details how Cubs GM Jim Hendry has a slew of issues in building for next season. Most notably: there's finally some acknowledgement that the sale of the team, Wrigley Field and cable assets is moving slower than some have anticipated and that a sale won't be completed this year. We've been saying that all along: the disposition of the baseball assets is merely one part of a very complicated sale of Tribune Co. (it's an ESOP, which essentially means the company is going private), a sale that's been delayed because of turbulence in the credit market, the presence of the FCC in the transaction (indeed, the FCC is making some noise about requiring the Tribune reevaluate its status on exemption from local-ownership rules) and how Sam Zell is structuring his purchase (letting other people finance it while he controls the outcome). Then you have the actual sale of the baseball assets: Tribune Co. still hasn't determined how the package will be sold (separately or together), and Major League Baseball still hasn't winnowed the list of potential owners. Some of this can be resolved rather quickly (though the commissioner's office seems to be moving slowly on a number of fronts, including a final disposition of the spring schedule and the sale of several minor-league teams), but the big issue -- the actual sale of Tribune Co. -- is one that certainly won't be resolved in the next few months, and some expect that the Tribune Co. may still be owning the Cubs Opening Day 2008. We told you so; billion-dollar deals don't just happen overnight. In some other fascinating news from the Sun-Times, former baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth says he prevented the Cubs from tearing down Wrigley Field after invoking the "best interests of the game" clause. More on Wrigley Field from MSNBC.
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Foreman says Arvest Ballpark on schedule for completion
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Construction of Arvest Ballpark, the new home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) is on schedule to meet the Feb. 29, 2008 completion date, according to the project’s foreman. The Naturals will play their first game in the new venue April 10 of next year. A tour of the construction site Thursday revealed the progress made since the city of Springdale awarded the $ 32. 1-million contract to Crossland Construction of Kansas in June. The excavation and site work portion of the project has been completed, carving the facility’s foundation into the pastoral landscape at the intersection 56th Street and Watching Avenue in Springdale. The process of building the 6,500-seat venue is underway. Project foreman James Farmer estimated that 30 percent of the entire project is finished. Here's a sneak peak at how the ballpark will look; we'll put up more renderings in a day or so.
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Fight for land near Nats' ballpark goes to extra innings
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The rationale for the public funding of the new Washington Nationals ballpark was simple: District leaders saw the ballpark as the centerpiece of a large Southeast Washington redevelopment akin to the Inner Harbor development in Baltimore. The plan was never carried out very well -- essentially, the Anacostia Waterfront Corp., an independent government agency, issued calls for development around near the ballpark on land the corporation didn't control -- and now some of the initial development partners are looking at lawsuits in order to extricate themselves from the mess. The larger story is how ballparks can be used as development anchors: they can (witness San Diego and Denver on the major-league front), but the lesson seems to be that someone who knows what they're doing should be in charge of the development. Meanwhile, it sounds like the Nats won't be able to sell naming rights this season.
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Ottawa issues ultimatum to Lynx; deadline passes
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The legal wrangling over the future of Lynx Stadium hit a bump when an ultimatum deadline from the city to to the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) passed. Earlier last week, city lawyers sent the ballcub a letter asking them to inform the municipality as to what its plans are for next season by 4 p.m. Friday. However, the official word from the city's legal department was "no comment," regarding whether or not they heard from the Lynx. Todd Burke, the lawyer representing the ball club, told says there is no basis for the city to assert the Lynx have in any way not fulfilled its part of the contract. It's no secret that the Lynx will be moving to Allentown next season; the issue is whether a Can-Am Association team can play out the remainder of the lease. The city says no. More from the Ottawa Citizen.
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Could the Mets come to Syracuse?
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In theory, discussions of new affiliations are strictly verboten until the end of next season, but we all know there are some backwater communications going on as teams look at their options. This report covers the possibility that the New York Mets could switch affiliates from the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) to the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League) after the 2008 season. There's a chunk of the Syracuse baseball community unhappy with the team's affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays, and a move to the Mets would certainly make sense from a marketing viewpoint. Publicly, the Mets have expressed nothing but happiness with their affiliation with the Zephyrs. We also suspect the Cleveland Indians will seriously look at moving their Class AAA affiliate to Columbus, leaving Buffalo open; either Syracuse or Buffalo would be a good fit for the Mets or the Blue Jays.

MLB revenues approaching NFL level: officials
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No wonder Bud Selig says MLB is in the midst of a Golden Era: The final revenue figures for 2007 still are being calculated, but Selig said the projection is $5.6 billion to $5.8 billion. The NFL produced $5.7 billion in revenue in 2005 and is expected to rise to about $6.3 billion this year. Of course, this is comparing apples and oranges, as MLB has probably triple or quadruple the overhead the NFL does. NFL teams don't maintain farm systems, they don't pay nearly as much in salaries, and they play only 16 regular-season games.

Chlapaty's Dubuque ballpark proposal one worth rooting for
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The local newspaper comes out in favor of a proposal from local son Joe Chlapaty to build a ballpark in the city's port area for a Low Class A Midwest League team. Really, there's not much to oppose: there's no plan to speak of, and Chlapaty is looking to build the ballpark himself, though we suspect he'll be asking the city for the land at some point. We're reported on the availability of the Beloit Snappers and their chances of landing in Dubuque.
   RELATED STORIES: Pro baseball back in Dubuque?

Brooklyn has moved on since Dodgers left 50 years ago
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There aren't many reminders in modern-day Brooklyn about the many decades of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the rich role the borough played in the development of baseball. Indeed, Brooklyn was a early hotbed of the game: There were 71 teams playing in the borough by the late 1850s, and native Henry Chadwick wrote a rule book of the game and is credited with inventing the box score. These milestone -- as well as key moments in Dodgers history, like the signing of Jackie Robinson -- are commemorated at the Brooklyn Baseball Gallery at KeySpan Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones (short season; NY-Penn League). But aside from a few markers showing the location of Ebbets Field and the Dodgers offices, there's little to remind people today about the colorful and beloved Dodgers.

State approves funds for Fort Wayne development
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A $120-million development project in downtown Fort Wayne to be built around a new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) has cleared a major financing hurdle. The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance approved a $45.9 million bond for the Harrison Square project last week, city officials said. The approval allows the city to back the bond with property taxes, which city officials say should help the city get a reduced interest rate on the debt. Deputy Mayor Mark Becker said to win state approval, the city had to prove it would not use general property taxes on the project. Becker said the project instead would rely on revenue from other sources, including economic development income taxes.

Marriage and baseball: a perfect match?
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The emergence of the ballpark as a hot dating venue also means that it's becoming a hot marriage venue as well, either for proposals or actual ceremonies. As some readers of this site know, I proposed to my lovely bride within the confines of Newman Outdoor Stadium, the home of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (independent; Northern League). Earlier in the ballpark's history current Phillie and former RedHawk Chris Coste was married there. The management of the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) claim the record for most marriage proposals in a season, and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) are giving away the first-ever on-field wedding at Coca-Cola Park, which will be held Friday, August 8, 2008. The winning couple will receive a wedding along with an estimated $18,000 in wedding services – which include photography, wedding rings, wedding cake, teeth-whitening and much more. In addition, the winning couple’s reception will take place in a THP Party Porch during the game. Several in-game wedding-related events are planned and the evening will be capped by a fireworks extravaganza. (Registration forms are available online at the IronPigs website.) We're also seeing the ballpark as a popular site for weddings and receptions; here are a few photos from a wedding hosted by the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) at Sovereign Bank Stadium; the wedding was held on the infield, followed by a reception in the concourse and a celebration at the game.

Rockies pledge full playoff share to Coolbaugh family
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Another reason to cheer for the upstart Colorado Rockies: the team decided to award a full playoff share to Amanda Coolbaugh, the widow of Mike Coolbaugh, killed earlier this season by a foul ball while coaching first base for the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA: Texas League). In addition, the Rockies hung Coolbaugh's jersey in their dugout for Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs and brought in Coolbaugh's sons, Jake and Joey, to throw out the first pitch. Guys like Coolbaugh, who play for next to nothing and stay in the game after their cup of coffee in the majors, make baseball the great sport it is because they're in it for the right reasons. Very classy moves on the parts of the players and the front office.

Indy officials on Bush Stadium: Raze it or redevelop it?
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City officials are stepping up efforts to redevelop the Bush Stadium site. The mystery is what might come next for the former home of the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League) -- options that could range from demolition to some kind of rebirth. Mayor Bart Peterson sparked speculation last week when he told listeners on WIBC-AM (1070) that the time had come to tear the ballpark down, but that would be a complicated process. Because the ballpark is on the National Register of Historic Places, that could restrict any action to demolish it, especially if federal money is used. The ballpark has sat unused for eight years. Its most sports-prominent tenants have either moved or gone out of business, and its surrounding neighborhood is changing in response to the expansion of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis to the south.

Pro sports' absence from ballpark a financial drain
Posted Oct. 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Smith-Wills Stadium, the former home of the Jackson Senators (independent; Central League), now sits empty most of the year and received $150,000 annually in city support. It's costing Mississippi Baseball Club LLC, which manages and leases the facility, money as well. The stadium has lacked a substantial draw since the Jackson Senators announced in January 2006 their four-year run was over. Since, Con Maloney and Calvin Wells, principals of MBC, have been waiting for input from the city before determining their next move. Their lease expires Jan. 31, 2010. With the presence of the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League) in nearby Pearl it's hard to see pro baseball working.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) today named Adam Gladstone as Head of Baseball Operations. The new position in the York front office represents a structural change in baseball operations for the Revolution. “We’re taking a more traditional approach to our baseball operations as we move into our second season,” Revolution president Jon Danos said. “Chris Hoiles showed great promise in his first year as manager, and we feel the connections he and Adam have across baseball will put us in a great position to win this year.” Gladstone and Hoiles will oversee all baseball operations for the Revolution. The two will work together to assemble the 2008 roster and scout and procure talent for the club. A former professional umpire, Gladstone served as director of player procurement for the Somerset Patriots championship teams in 2003 and 2005 and was part of the baseball operations staff of the 2006 Atlantic League champions, the Lancaster Barnstormers. In a related move, the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) named Keith Lupton as Vice President of Baseball Operations, the team announced today. The move represents a structural change in the Barnstormers baseball operations. Lupton, in consultation with the Barnstormers field manager, will oversee all baseball operations for the Barnstormers, including assembling the 2008 roster, scouting and procuring talent. He is currently leading the Barnstormers search for a new manager. Lupton has nearly 30 years of experience in baseball operations and has received Executive of the Year honors in the Carolina League, Eastern League and South Atlantic League. Lupton was instrumental in assembling the Barnstormers 2006 championship team. Danos said Baseball and Sports Associates, which coordinated Revolution and Barnstormers baseball operations in 2007, will no longer be involved in assembling team personnel....The independent American Association awarded future All-Star games to the St. Paul Saints (2008), the Grand Prairie Airhogs (2009) and the Pensacola Pelicans (2010)....The independent South Coast League announced that VP of SC Operations and Anderson Joes General Manager Garrett Ball has been awarded the 2007 Steve Malliet South Coast League Executive of the Year Award. The award was voted on by league and individual club executives at the conclusion of the 2007 season....Jim Duquette, Vice President of Baseball Operations, has resigned his position after two years with the Baltimore Orioles. Not a surprise after Andy MacPhail was brought in to run things....