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.
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!
Fish $4M in debt, Katz says
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The
Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) made a profit last year but are
about $4 million in debt, majority owner Sam Katz said, responding to criticism
about a sworn statement claiming the ball club can't afford to repay the Crocus
Investment Fund's receiver. After four days of getting publicly hammered over
his assertion the baseball franchise is not financially capable of paying
interest of $434,000 in Crocus loans, Katz went on the offensive, claiming
Winnipeg media are deliberately confusing the public about a complex legal
issue. "It was pretty sad and pathetic when I heard people try to make the
Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball club the scapegoat for the millions lost by Crocus
shareholders," said Katz, rejecting the notion the ball club has compounded the
financial woes of investors in the disastrous fund, which was placed in
receivership in 2005. Katz said the Winnipeg Goldeyes turned a profit last year,
but declined to name a dollar figure, stating the team's shareholders are well
aware of the amount. It's too soon to say whether the team is in the black or
red in 2007, he added. But thanks to the club's ballpark lease and purchases of
new equipment such as a $1-million scoreboard, the team remains $4 million in
debt. Perhaps we were wrong when we advised Katz to make some public statements
about what was going on; this probably won't help him, and expressing a little
sympathy for the 34,000 Manitobans who lost their investment in the Crocus Fund
wouldn't hurt, either. RELATED STORIES:Katz says he tried to
settle debt;
Hearing to decide fate
of "explosive" Crocus report;
Fish fry Crocus
shareholders;
Goldeyes'
financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?
Portland: Choose baseball or soccer for PGE Park
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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If
the owners of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) want move
forward with Major League Soccer, then the baseball team will need to look for a
new home, according to MLS President Mark Abbott. The mantra at MLS is that new
teams must have soccer-specific facilities, and MLS soccer would mean changes to
PGE Park. Soccer is a big sport in Portland:
the Portland Timbers (also owned by the Beavers) are a solid draw, and most
observers assume MLS would be a solid draw. It's not clear whether Abbott's
declaration will actually change things: Portland isn't considered a
front-runner to land an MLS franchise in 2009 expansion. Still, the fact it
reached the stage where Abbott is comfortable making such an assertion means
scenarios for a new ballpark certainly have been discussed.
Whataparty! Hooks to add $250K deck
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When
the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) start their 2008 season, fans
will notice a new addition near the first-base line of Whataburger Field that
can be rented for private parties. The $250,000 party deck is made possible
through a fund set aside for maintenance of Whataburger Field. Before the field
was built, the $250,000 sat in a city fund for economic development. Once the
field was completed, the city of Corpus Christi became its owner. The Hooks will
repay the $250,000 through supplemental lease payments.
Memories, not ballpark, hold the magic for fans
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As
the city of Detroit debates the future of Tiger Stadium, a Baltimore writer
shares his thoughts on the role of ballparks past and present. In the case of
Baltimore, Memorial Stadium was torn down after the Orioles moved, with the
demolition placed in the ocean and the site used for a senior community, a
popular YMCA and Babe Ruth Plaza.
SAL pays tribute to Moss
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We've
been working hard on a book covering the ballparks of North Carolina (let
us know if you want more details; a formal announcement will come next
week), so we've become quite familiar with the history of the South Atlantic
League, whose roots can be tracked back to the 1940s when it was the Western
Carolina League, later merging with the Tar Heel League and taking on the
present moniker some years later. John Henry Moss has been around the league
since 1948, when he was elected president of the Western Carolina League, and he
was honored for his 50 years of service at a league luncheon in Asheville
yesterday.
Warthogs plan festive ceremony for ballpark
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) announced plans yesterday
to formally break ground on the team’s $22.6 million downtown baseball stadium
on Oct. 30. The public is invited to the ceremony, which will be from 5 to 7:30
p.m. and include food, live music and fireworks. Ryan Manuel, the general
manager of the Warthogs, said he hopes to draw 1,000 people to the
groundbreaking, but could draw more based on a special guest whose name he
declined to reveal. Manuel did say that the guest was a national figure who
would "speak on behalf of Warthogs baseball." The 5,500-seat ballpark is on
track to open in April 2009.
In memoriam: Billy Berroa
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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Billy
Berroa, New York Mets Spanish Broadcaster on Radio WADO 1280 AM, passed away
Wednesday in his native country of the Dominican Republic following a long
illness. He was 79. Berroa, who was in his second tour as an announcer for Mets
Spanish broadcasts, began announcing Major League Baseball games in 1963. In
2007, Berroa, along with fellow WADO announcer and Mets Hispanic Broadcast
Coordinator Juan Alicea, had been scheduled to broadcast 25 television
simulcasts on Cablevision's Spanish language tier. Unfortunately, early in the
year an illness forced him to return to his home in Santo Domingo to be with his
wife. Recognized as one of the most important Spanish voices in both
broadcasting and the Mets organization, Berroa was inducted into the Dominican
Republic's Sports Hall of Fame on October 17, 1998.
Ballpark
Notes
Posted Oct. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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For
a second consecutive year, the Springfield Cardinals have been named
Texas League Organization of the Year. "We are very honored to have the
wonderful support of Cardinals fans throughout Southwest Missouri," said Vice
President/General Manager Matt Gifford. "It's humbling for our staff to receive
this award in back-to-back years, but the fans should definitely get a lot of
the credit." "Every member of our staff gives their all throughout the season,
so it's very rewarding to see all their hard work be acknowledged." Despite five
home games being lost to rain, the Cardinals drew over 480,000 total fans and
averaged 7,078 fans per game in 2007, the second-highest total in all of
Double-A....The Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association)
and manager Steve Shirley have come to terms on a new contract which will
keep Steve as the team’s skipper and player procurement director through the
2009 season. "Steve did a tremendous job for us in 2007," said Canaries General
Manager Matt Hansen. "We feel it is important to secure Steve as our manager, as
we look to build on our winning season and provide our great fans with a
consistent winner on the field." Shirley managed the Canaries to a 53-43 season
in 2007. The season was the Canaries second winningest season in club history,
and featured the team’s best half, as the Birds went 31-17 in the first half....Daniel
Blank is the new head groundskeeper at Dunn Tire Park, the home of
the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League).Blank will
replace Kari Allen, who resigned at the end of the 2007 season to take a
position at Benedictine University. Blank, 33, spent last season as the
head groundskeeper at Regions Park for the Birmingham Barons
(Class AA; Southern League)....
Katz
says he tried to settle debt
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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Winnipeg
Mayor and Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) owner Sam Katz says
he tried repeatedly to sit down with the court-appointed receiver for the Crocus
Investment Fund to discuss a settlement on outstanding interest payments but was
refused at every turn. Katz said despite allegations he has refused to make good
on the Goldeyes' debt to Crocus, numerous attempts were made to meet with Russ
Holmes of Deloitte and Touche to work out a settlement. Even with this admission
-- and note Katz didn't try to settle the balance until after the fund failed --
Katz faces
two problems as the public uproar continues over unpaid loans to a failed
Manitoba investment fund. The legal issues are real -- a class-action lawsuit
will prominently feature the $1.3 million in unpaid loans and interest incurred
by the Goldeyes -- but the political issues are now becoming more prominent.
In addition, some Manitoba politicians
are asking why the Goldeyes needed the loans in the first place if the
team was as successful as owners claimed. With an amazingly favorable lease --
$1 a year in rent and $400,000 coming back in rebates from the city -- and what
appears to be solid revenues, questions abound.
It's also brought attention to
Katz's personal finances, as outlined in his divorce papers. Now, we're not too
thrilled with the public rifling through divorce papers, but the local
newspapers did hold off until his personal finances became an issue with the Goldeyes
loans. RELATED STORIES:Hearing to decide fate
of "explosive" Crocus report;
Fish fry Crocus
shareholders;
Goldeyes'
financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?
Easy answer hard to find for ballpark
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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Everyone
assumed that the University of Oregon would be building a ballpark for its
reinstated baseball program, but it sounds like officials there would rather
play at a renovated Civic Stadium, which would be shared with the Eugene
Emeralds (short season; Northwest League). The issue is money: the athletic
department will be stretching its finances to build a new arena, and it may be
much cheaper to renovate Civic Stadium. The local school district, which owns
the ballpark, clearly wants to sell it, but school-board officials say they'll
accept less than top dollar for the right deal. Civic is placed on the National
Register of Historic Places, which causes some to wonder whether it can be
modernized, but that designation was not designed to prevent modernization and
can be worked around.
Group buys land for new ballpark
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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More
on the plan to bring an independent Frontier League team to Waterford Township
in Michigan. The deal isn't as final as earlier reported indicated: the
investment group exercised a $40,000 purchase option on the property with the
current site ownership group on Oct. 5 and has now turned to evaluating the site
to make sure it's suitable for a proposed $9-million, 3,900-seat ballpark.
Chances are pretty good the project will proceed, however. Construction of the
ballpark -- tentatively entitled Diamond at the Summit while naming rights deals
are being discussed -- could start in June. If everything go as planned,
construction will likely take no longer than 11 months, and that the park could
be open as early as mid- to late-April 2009. It will sport artificial turf to
allow for events throughout the year. RELATED STORIES:Waterford
ballpark is a go
World Series tickets only sold online
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Colorado Rockies have abandoned their plans to sell World Series tickets in
person by a lottery system, opting instead for online purchases only. The team
announced the new plan on Wednesday, saying online sales would be more fair. It
could be tough going, though, for fans without Internet access. Tickets
originally were to go on sale at Coors Field and Rockies' Dugout Stores in the
Denver area at 10 a.m. MDT Monday, as well as online.
Shreveport Sports renew lease for Fair Grounds Field
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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Shreveport
Sports (independent; American Association) officials announced on Tuesday that
the organization agreed to a five-year lease option and remain at Fair Grounds
Field through the 2012 season. The team's original lease for Fair Grounds Field
expired at the end of the 2007 season with two five-year options available. The
team also holds an option for another five-year period following this current
agreement. The Sports will serve as host for several upcoming events, including
the Louisiana High School State Athletic Association Class 4A state baseball
championships in 2008 and 2009, along with plans for concerts and other events.
Still the Swing, at least for now
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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For
now, the name of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League) will
remain the same. The Midwest League club planned to announce the winner of its
Your Team, Your Name contest in early October, but the selection of the club’s
new nickname won’t be announced until the sale of the franchise is complete. The
Midwest League and MiLB have signed off on the deal; all that remains is MLB
approval, which has been pretty slow in the last six months.
Board approves settlement between O's, Stadium Authority
Posted Oct. 18, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Board of Public Works this morning approved a settlement between the Orioles and
Maryland Stadium Authority, which clears the way for new audio and visual
systems at
Oriole Park at Camden
Yards. Officials from
both sides say they plan to have the new systems in place by Opening Day 2008,
but acknowledge it will be a tight schedule. Under the agreement, the stadium
authority would contribute $3.75 million to pay for an expanded, high-definition
screen and scoreboard. The authority would also drop disputed claims for $1.5
million in past rent owed by the Orioles, according to a 23-page settlement
document. RELATED STORIES: O's, MSA reach tentative
deal on video screen
MLBPA loses appeal of fantasy-stats case
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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A
federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling Tuesday that lets a fantasy
baseball company use players' names and statistics without paying a licensing
fee. In a 2-1 decision, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled that
CBC Distribution and Marketing Inc. doesn't have to pay the players, even though
it profits by using their names and statistics. The Major League Baseball
Players Association had argued that companies like CBC are essentially stealing
money from players, who charge big fees to endorse things like tennis shoes and
soft drinks. The ruling could have a broad impact on the fantasy league
industry, which generates more than $1.5 billion annually from millions of
participants. The surprise is that the appeal actually garnered the support of a
single judge (though, in fairness, he didn't actually oppose the decision -- he
merely held that CBC should have fulfilled a licensing deal with MLB Advanced
Media): there's a wide range of case law stating that facts cannot be
copyrighted; only their presentation. (Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Company
held that basic facts cannot be copyrighted, while
NBA v. Motorola held that game
information cannot be copyrighted and upheld
Motorola's right to broadcast NBA game information
via pager and Internet. Finally,
Baltimore Orioles, Inc. v. Major League Baseball
Player's Assn. held that broadcasts can
be copyrighted but game performances cannot.)
MLBPA lawyers also argued that the use of the names in a fantasy game was
tantamount to an endorsement, but the court dismissed that argument. MLBPA
lawyers say they are evaluating their options, which could include an appeal to
the U.S. Supreme Court. RELATED STORIES: MLB wants fees from
online fantasy leagues;
Baseball
statistics: history or property?
Hearing to decide fate of "explosive" Crocus report
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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An
upcoming report from the Crocus Investment Fund's receiver promises to be
"explosive" and may get to the bottom of several unanswered questions, including
some surrounding the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League), says a
Winnipeg man who heads a class action lawsuit to recover shareholder money.
Deloitte and Touche recently completed a report into the "manner in which the
business and affairs of Crocus were conducted" by combing through the fund's
records. A court hearing is scheduled for next Thursday where Court of Queen's
Bench Justice Deborah McCawley will advise the receiver about who should get
copies of the report and when. At issue: why the Goldeyes ownership ownership
has not repaid more than $1.3 million in outstanding loans and interest. One
thing to keep in mind: the Goldeyes investment was one small part of the Crocus
portfolio, and no one is suggesting the unwillingness of the Goldeyes ownership
to repay the loan directly led to the fund's collapse. Still, it's one thing for
an unsuccessful business to default on a loan -- investment funds deal with that
sort of thing regularly -- and it's another thing for a seemingly successful
business like the Goldeyes to not pay up. Owner Sam Katz says the team's never
been in a financial position to replay the loans, but as the mayor of Winnipeg
and head of a very public company Katz is a very convenient target for those
outraged with how the fund was run. RELATED STORIES: Fish fry Crocus
shareholders;
Goldeyes'
financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?
New for 2008: Harlingen White Wings
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (independent; United League Baseball) will now be
known as the Harlingten WhiteWings and have a new general manager, Dave Kost.
"As of today, we will be known as the Harlingen WhiteWings and it is our hope
that the great people of this city will grab this team and take ownership," Kost
said. "We will be rolling out new team logos, uniforms, and a more fan and kid
friendly mascot." Kost comes to Harlingen after spending the last two seasons in
Amarillo as the assistant general manager of the Amarillo Dillas. During his
tenure with Amarillo, the Dillas set United League attendance records in both
2006 and 2007.
Downtown Bowling Green continues its makeover
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Bowling
Green officials say they've received approval for a TIF district in their
downtown that would fund a variety of projects, including a minor-league
ballpark. Art Solomon, who would own the team, is expected to exercise an option
to purchase the team by Oct. 22; after that we can expect some sort of
announcement.
Most Heartland trustees OK with beer sales at ballpark
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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Most
Heartland Community College trustees said they would not object to beer sales at
a ballpark the school would share with an independent Frontier League team. A
proposal floating in the Twin Cities to bring a minor league baseball franchise
to Normal suggests the club might build its ballpark on Heartland’s Raab Road
property. The ballpark would be privately owned, but Heartland would use it in
exchange for leasing the land for it. The debate is a pretty standard one: some
trustees are concerned that minors will have access to the beer, and the
potential owners of the team say they'll make sure that issue is addressed.
Kauffman Stadium renovation work to begin this week
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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Wrecking
crews will begin tearing down parts of Kauffman
Stadium Thursday, including the towering centerfield scoreboard with its
trademark Royals crown. Workers will also start demolishing two of the four
concrete spiral ramps that visitors have used to reach Kauffman’s upper deck
since the ballpark opened 35 years ago.
Kauffman is undergoing a $250
million face-lift that will include wider concourses, more restrooms, food
stands and entertainment areas and a new scoreboard -- 106 feet by 86 feet --
that is billed as the largest in the world. It will be up in time for the 2008
season.
Brett Sports negotiating to buy Bellingham Bells
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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Brett
Sports is in negotiations to buy the Bellingham Bells (summer collegiate; West
Coast Collegiate Baseball League). Brett Sports is an established minor-league
operator, owning the Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League), the High
Desert Mavericks (High Class A; California League), the Tri-City Dust Devils
(short season; Northwest League), and the Spokane Chiefs team. The organization
plans to keep the Bells in the WCCBL. We're seeing some minor-league operators
make their way into the summer-collegiate field; last year Miles Wolff purchased
a team in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.
Baby Bombers make the plate bigger
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) are expanding their
all-you-can-eat plan to every game this upcoming season, at $15 a pop. Like last
year's popular plan, the package offers unlimited hot dogs, burgers, chicken
sandwiches, water and soda at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George.
More importantly, the team is putting up real condiment bars as opposed
to handing out those annoying mustard packets. Remember -- the little things
count.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 17, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss) Chad
Tredaway, Baseball America’s top independent league manager in 2001, has
been named the new manager and player personnel director of the Fort Worth
Cats (independent; American Association). Tredaway, 35, last managed in 2004
with the Edinburg Roadrunners in the Central Baseball League. He guided the
Roadrunners to championships in 2001 and 2004. Edinburg made the playoffs in all
five years of Tredaway’s tenure. He was the Central League’s Manager of the Year
four times from 2001-04. The past two seasons, Tredaway served as the director
of baseball operations for the Coastal Bend Aviators (independent;
American Association) while running the family business....Jeff Cammann
will return for his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Fayetteville
SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). The former star player at
Emporia State and current first-year assistant coach at Cochise College will
work with the infielders and outfielders, while also focusing on base running
and defensive technique. The coming year will mark the sixth year in which
Cammann and SwampDogs manager Darrell Handelsman have spent the summer
together....The Washington Nationals named John W. "Squire" Galbreath
II as assistant general manager, baseball administration. Galbreath has
served as director of baseball administration for three seasons. His recent
duties have included overseeing all financial matters and budgets pertaining to
baseball operations....Jeff Bittiger is the new director of player
procurement for the River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League).
Bittiger has previously worked for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
(independent; Northern League) as the assistant of player personnel. With the
franchise since 1993, Bittiger has helped put together teams that have made the
NL playoffs 14 times, appeared in eight league championship finals and won four
league championship crowns. He'll still work with the Redhawks in their player
personnel department as well as working with the Oakland Athletics as a scout.
Lawsuit planned against Aviators' owner
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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Nueces
County commissioners are moving forward with plans to file a lawsuit against the
owner of the Coastal Bend Aviators (independent; American Association).
The county attorney said she plans to file suit against Aviators owner, Horn
Chen, within the next couple of weeks, but the county must first break its ties
to the team by terminating its lease agreement. This will allow the county
to move forward with its plans to find a new team (both United League Baseball
and the Continental Baseball League have expressed interest) to replace the
Aviators and secure the future of the $7 million ballpark, which seats 5,000.
This is why the American Association has been coy about whether the Aviators
will return next season: it's not because there's a chance it will happen, but
rather that the league doesn't want to lose the facility to a competitor.
Today's Video: Fresno Grizzlies Dancing Drag
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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This
video show between-innings entertainment from the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League). A group of four staff members choreographs the dances,
and the team features over six routines, ranging from OutKast to Justin
Timberlake. The video is the dance to the Jackson 5.
We've love to run your videos on the site; if your team did something noteworthy
and want to share it with Ballpark Digest readers, email us at
editors@augustpublications.com.
If you can, send us the actual video versus a link; it's easier for us to track
views if we can host the video.
Fort Wayne hires ballpark architect
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission on Monday approved a contract with a firm to
design the $30 million ballpark that serves as the centerpiece to the Harrison
Square development. The commission approved a $1.7 million contract with HOK
Sport, of Kansas City, Mo., to design and engineer the future downtown home of
the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). To comply with the tight
construction deadline -- the Wizards hope to play opening day in the new
ballpark in 2009 -- construction on the project is likely to begin before all of
the design work is completed.
Stoneman to step down as Angels GM; Tony Reagins to succeed?
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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Bill
Stoneman, who oversaw a transformation of the Angels franchise that included
their lone World Series title, will step down as the club's general manager
today. Stoneman, the ninth GM in Angels history, will leave his post and is
expected to take a spot as a front-office consultant. The team had called a news
conference for today saying there would be a "major announcement" but the Angels
declined to elaborate. We hear director of player personnel Tony Reagins is the
leading candidate to replace Stoneman; it would be highly unlike owner Arte
Moreno to mess with a winning formula. UPDATE: Yup, our source was right:
Reagins was indeed named to the post. Abe Flores replaces Reagins as
director of player personnel.
More from the Los Angeles
Daily News.
Goodyear hires pair to run future Indians ballpark
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Cleveland Indians won't be playing spring training games in Goodyear for a year
and a half, but the city already has hired two managers to run the future
ballpark. In the coming months, Stadium Manager Nathan Torres and Turf
Supervisor Sergio Lopez will watch over the ballpark's construction and assemble
a staff for the facility. The city is looking for four groundskeepers, and
eventually could hire a mechanic, an events programmer, someone to maintain
facilities and workers to maintain the fields, said Brian Barnes, deputy
director of public works.
Contract awarded for Rec Park's renovation
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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Work
may soon get under way on the oft-delayed renovation of Recreation Park, home of
the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). The 61-year-old, city-owned
ballfield is in line for a two-year modernization to bring it up to standards
required for minor-league facilities by Major League Baseball. The Visalia City
Council voted Monday to award a $144,808 contract to Hobbs Construction of
Fresno for demolition and site preparation along the right-field line near
Giddings Street. It's the first piece of a two-phase project that may eventually
cost $12 million or more. The first phase calls for a two-story building for
concessions, a team store, hospitality lounge, office space, ticket booth and a
new ballpark entrance.
A move toward MLB in North Jersey?
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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Jeff
Blair of the Globe and Mail think the retirement of George Steinbrenner will aid
the cause of those wanting to bring an MLB team to New Jersey; the sons, he
argues, would probably be more amenable to letting another team in the marker
because they'd be flush with all that new-ballpark money. Two words tell us why
Blair is delusional: debt service. The Yankees are paying for that new
ballpark, and if there's a chance the team would lose one cent of revenue to a
Jersey team the Steinbrenner boys would be stupid to allow another MLB in their
market.
Stadium Authority asks council to reconsider
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority asked the City Council to reconsider its vote
earlier this month to deny funding to move the outfield fences in at the Thomas
J. Dodd Memorial Stadium. The authority received approval from the council last
month for $610,000 in stadium improvement bond money, which included funding to
replace the playing field. But when the council approved a bid for that work,
the aldermen voted 5-2 to remove funding to move the outfield fences, feeling
the Connecticut Defenders Class AA; Eastern League) should pay for the fence
move.
Fish fry Crocus shareholders
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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More
on the outrage expressed by investors in the failed Crocus Fund about the
unwillingness of the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) ownership
to repay more than $1.3 million in outstanding loans and interest. One
complicating factor: owner Sam Katz says the value of the Goldeyes franchise has
declined more than 50 percent between 1999 and 2006, as problems within the
Northern League forced the value down to under $3 million from a $5 million
valuation. In divorce proceedings Katz said the drop in worth was due to a
contraction in the Northern League. We're more than a little skeptical of these
numbers. First, until 1999 the Goldeyes were playing at a football stadium with
limited revenue streams (limited concessions, limited signage, no suites), but
by 2006 the team was firmly ensconced at CanWest
Global Park with many revenue streams (concessions, suites, lots of signage,
etc.). At some level valuation must take revenue and profit into account.
Thanks to Andrew Collier of the Goldeyes for a clarifying note. RELATED STORIES:Goldeyes'
financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?
Nothing like a tasty export
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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One
of our favorite columnists, John Nagy, weighs in on the issues facing the
independent Northern League, specifically in the Canadian part of the story. The
two Alberta teams leaving the Northern League have some interesting challenges
facing them; there are meetings scheduled for this week and we've been told all
sides involved should have a much better idea of how the 2008 season will
unwind. Nagy's right that the summer-collegiate Northwoods League should work to
keep Thunder Bay in the fold, but we're not quite sure the Northern League would
be interested in a return: the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks existed in the old days
when 800 fans a game was enough to break even. We're virtually Port Arthur
Stadium could enough revenue to interest the Northern League today; we're not
even sure Port Arthur Stadium could hold enough fans to generate enough revenue,
especially with no suites in the mix. The Northern League is indeed at a
crossroads, but downsizing to the point where Thunder Bay is a viable market
probably won't fly with the other owners.
Park plan offers big payoffs
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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Voters
in Helena (Mont.) will be going to the polls next month to vote on a tax hike to
pay for park improvements. Part of the tax hike would go to improvements at
Kindrick-Legion Field, home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League):
replacement of failing light posts and outdated lighting with energy-efficient
fixtures, field repair, improvements to weathered wood bleachers and damaged
seating, updates to the clubhouses, resurfacing of the parking lots, and ADA
compliant accessibility improvements.
Hargrove expected to boost Jayhawk League's reputation
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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This
is great news for summer-collegiate baseball. Former Indians and Mariners
skipper Mike Hargrove will be back on the diamond next season as manager of the
Liberal BeeJays (summer collegiate; Jayhawk League). The former BeeJay a favor
to friend Bob Carlile, a member of the team's board of directors; Hargrove's son
lived with Carlile as a 2001 BeeJay. The Jayhawk League used to be one of the
top summer-collegiate leagues, but now distinctly lags the top two tiers of
leagues (Cape Cod, Northwoods, Coastal Plain, Florida, Alaska) in attracting
talent. We'll see if Hargrove's presence is enough.
More from Bob Lutz.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 16, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Los Angeles Dodgers have reunited with KABC AM 790 as their flagship
radio station, club owner Frank McCourt announced Monday. McCourt cited
the station's strong signal as one of the reasons for making the switch. He said
communicating with fans that aren't able to get to the ballpark is a team focus
as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary in Los Angeles next year.
With the change, the Dodgers will have a Sunday night DodgerTalk show. Also,
more spring-training games will be broadcast than in recent years, although not
every game will be carried. KABC was the Dodgers' radio home for 25 seasons from
1973-1997. Vin Scully, Rick Monday and Charley Steiner
remain as announcers....Matt McCay is the new manager of the
Thomasville Hi-Toms (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). He's
replacing Ryan McCurry....
Goldeyes' financial situation too shaky to pay Crocus loan?
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
CBC is reporting the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) has been
unable to repay more than $1 million in loans and interest from a failed local
fund because of a lack of profits. The Crocus Investment Fund has sued to regain
its investment, and in court proceedings majority owner Sam Katz made the
following statement in an April affadvit: "Until such time as the Goldeyes can
have a financially viable season and can pay the interest on the Crocus
debentures, it is not required to pay any interest to Crocus, or at this stage,
to the receiver. The Goldeyes simply cannot afford to do this at this time." The
fund, which subsequently went into receivership, attracted investments from more
than 34,000 Manitobans. The labor-sponsored venture-capital fund first invested
$600,000 to become a shareholder, then it made two loans to the Goldeyes, the
first in 1999 for $375,000, the second a year later for $59,000, working under
the assumption that a move into a new ballpark would improve the Northern League
team's finances. In terms of attendance the Goldeyes have been the most
successful independent-league team in recent years. For those keeping score at
home, Katz's was paid a salary of $216,788 in 2005, while ex-wife Baillie Katz
was paid $5,000 a month and the salaries of his nannies were also picked up by
the Goldeyes (a practice since discontinued). Not great PR to disclose your
nannies were on the payroll while not paying on such a broad-based investment.
Today's Video: The Dust Devils grounds crew
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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Here's
a video sent in by the entertainment crew of the Tri-City Dust Devils (short
season; Northwest League), as they strut their stuff while grooming the infield.
We've love to run your videos on the site; if your team did something noteworthy
and want to share it with Ballpark Digest readers, email us at
editors@augustpublications.com.
If you can, send us the actual video versus a link; it's easier for us to track
views if we can host the video.
Despite record, Brewers' profit won't top 2006
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
owners of the Milwaukee Brewers say profits for the team will be down a little
bit this season as more revenue is put into payroll (set this season at $68
million), an expanded front-office staff and upgrades at
Miller Park. Mark Attanasio, the team's
principal owner, said the ownership group will make a profit this season.
Attanasio, who led an investment group that bought the Brewers in 2005 for $220
million, has said the ownership group made $2 million to $5 million in profit in
its first two seasons. He declined to reveal specific revenue and profit figures
for the 2007 season. Boosted by all-time attendance, the Brewers saw 20 percent
increases in concession and parking revenue, while retail sales increased 30
percent compared with a year ago.
Gwinnett County continues exploration of pro baseball
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss) The
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce continues to explore the possibility of
minor-league baseball, with the topic coming up during a visit by local business
leaders to Frisco, Texas. ECHL hockey has been tremendously successful in this
Atlanta suburb, and local leaders want to replicate that success with baseball.
The Atlanta Braves have already indicated their opposition to an affiliated team
in Gwinnett County, but they may want to rethink that opposition. We've heard
local officials are very hot to bring in pro baseball, and if the Braves don't
watch it they could end up pushing a very desirable locale into the arms of
independent baseball (indeed, a Gwinnett County team would be an instant
flagship for the South Coast League). An affiliated team doesn't even need to be
a Braves affiliate; look at how the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern
League) thrive despite the lack of a Red Sox affiliation. An independent team
ain't gonna put a Braves ticket kiosk in their ballpark; an affiliated team
certainly could be required by the Braves to do so as a condition of the
territorial waiver.
Heirs taking control of the Yankees: report
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Steinbrenner boys have taken control of the New York Yankees, according to the
New York Post. Hank and Hal Steinbrenner will share leadership of father
George's beloved Bronx Bombers in an arrangement to be further ironed out at
top-level meetings in Tampa this week. Hank and Hal will have final say on
baseball decisions as well as the running of the YES Network and the
construction of the new Yankee Stadium.
Braves adding exclusive club
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Turner Field Dugout Club, slated to open
next season, will be some of the most expensive seats in the majors, going for
as much as $25,000. For that money, fans will get a close view of the action --
indeed, the seats will be closer to home plate (43 feet) than the pitcher is (60
feet, 6 inches) -- and access to a private underground lounge. Only 150 of these
seats will be sold. Ten other MLB teams have similar "dugout" sections, but the
Braves' club will be the smallest and the closest to home plate.
Suit chills Minute Maid Park
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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A
malfunctioning chilled water pipe system at
Minute Maid Park could cost as much as
$70 million to fix. The expensive repair job is at issue in a lawsuit filed by
the Houston Astros and the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority against
contractors involved in the design and installation of the system. According to
the suit, improper insulation is causing current condensation problems in the
pipe system that pumps chilled water to provide air conditioning at
Minute Maid Park.
UO, name the ballpark after Joe
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
argument here is that the University of Oregon should name its planned new
ballpark for alumni Joe Gordon, who some argue should be in the National
Baseball Hall of Fame. We're not going to address that argument (though it is a
compelling one), but we don't think it's likely UO will name the ballpark after
Gordon. Why? Money. The athletic department will already be leveraged to fund
construction of a new arena, and it will be forced to monetize a new ballpark,
especially if the Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League) become
involved -- and that means a sale of naming rights, unless we see something like
Gordon Field at BigCo Stadium.
O's, MSA reach tentative deal on video screen
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Baltimore Orioles and the Maryland Stadium Authority have reached a tentative
agreement to avoid arbitration and spend $9 million to replace the video display
and audio systems at Oriole Park at Camden
Yards. Under the agreement, which won't become official unless the Board of
Public Works approves it Wednesday, the stadium authority would contribute $3.75
million to pay for an expanded, high-definition screen and scoreboard. The
authority would also drop disputed claims for $1.5 million in past rent owed by
the Orioles, according to a 23-page settlement document obtained by The Sun. The
Orioles would allow the authority to pay for the rest of the new video display
using $5.25 million from a $10 million fund reserved for ballpark improvements.
The team had previously said the stadium authority should not dip into the fund
-- awarded to the Orioles by an arbitrator in 2001 after a previous dispute with
the authority -- to pay for the screen.
New for 2008: Longview-Kelso WCCBL franchise
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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Strategic
Baseball Ventures (SBV) has been awarded a conditional expansion franchise in
the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL) for the Longview-Kelso (Wash.)
market at the league’s most recent fall meeting. In order to secure the
franchise, SBV must submit to the league by November 7 an agreement for a home
ballpark. SBV, which has been researching the Longview-Kelso market for some
time and has made several visits to the area, has narrowed the list of potential
homes to a pair of facilities: Lower Columbia College’s David Story Field in
Longview and Kelso Babe Ruth League’s Stan Rister Stadium. SBV has initiated
discussions with LCC, the City of Kelso, and Kelso Babe Ruth about terms of an
agreement and potential improvements to a home facility.
State Fair Board wants to tear down Cardinal Stadium
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Kentucky State Fair Board want to tear down Cardinal Stadium, the former home of
the Louisville Redbirds during its stints in the American Association and
International League. The 1956 stadium has sat empty most of the time since the
Redbirds moved to Louisville Slugger Field
and became the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League). The board
wants to tear down the stadium and build a new amphitheater; the cost of the
project is $46.75 million. If the measure fails, it won't be because anyone is
working to save Cardinal Stadium; it will be because the state didn't fund the
project.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 15, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss) New
Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am Association) GM Marie Heikkinen-Webb
was named to this year’s 40 under 40 club, an award given annually throughout
the greater New Haven area each of the past 14 years. The award is given to 40
business men and women under the age of 40 around greater New Haven in
recognition of their professional success and involvement in the
community....The summer-collegiate Northwoods League announced that
Marc Jerzak, Vice President of the St. Cloud River Bats, has been
named 2007 Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team
officials at the league's annual fall meetings last week in Green Bay, is given
annually to the league's outstanding executive. "Marc has worked his way up the
ladder and now been rewarded by his peers for his outstanding efforts. It is an
honor he is truly deserving of," said Dick Radatz, Jr., Northwoods League
President. Jerzak, 28, recently completed his sixth season in St. Cloud and
seventh in the Northwoods League overall....Valerie Venegas has left the
staff of the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association)....John
Bilbow is the new general manager of the Fort Worth Cats
(independent; American Association). Bilbow, 36, has been with the Cats since
2002 and served as the team’s assistant general manager this past season. Before
that, he was the vice president of sales and marketing for the Cats. Cats
President John Dittrich served as general manager in 2007. Dittrich will
continue on as the Cats’ president....Pete Lauritson is the new manager
of the Waterloo Bucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League).
Lauritson replaces former skipper Dan Fitzgerald. A native of Mason City,
Iowa, Lauritson was an assistant with the Bucks in 2007 and is entering his
fifth season as the hitting and outfield coach for the North Iowa Area Community
College baseball program....George McGonagle, president and general
manager of the Bluefield Orioles, has been named the 2007 Appalachian
League Executive of the Year by a vote of the Appalachian League's general
managers, field managers and umpires. McGonagle, who recently announced his
retirement, has been president and general manager of the Bluefield Orioles for
the past 18 years and has overseen major improvements to Bowen Field culminated
by the 2007 installment of the new playing surface and drainage system. Also,
David Lane, general manager of the Greeneville Astros, has been named
the recipient of the Appalachian League's Promotional Award of Excellence
as voted on by his fellow League general managers....Scott Hunsicker has
been named the 2007 Eastern League Executive of the Year. The 2007 season
marked Scott’s first as the general manager of the Reading Phillies, after
spending the previous nine seasons as the assistant general manager of the club.
Hunsicker will receive his award at the Baseball Winter Meetings. Under Scott’s
guidance the Reading franchise welcomed a league-high 466,385 fans to
FirstEnergy Stadium this season, the fourth highest attendance total in
franchise history and the sixth consecutive season the R-Phils have led the
Eastern League in total or average attendance....Matt Fonteno is the next
manager of the Battle Creek Bombers (summer collegiate; Northwoods
League). Fonteno, currently in his third season as an assistant coach at the
University of Nevada Las Vegas, takes over the reigns of the second-year club
from Brian Murphy, who guided the franchise in its inaugural season in 2007....
Brooklyn Cyclones General Manager Steve Cohen was named the 2007 New York-Penn
League Executive of the Year, following one of the club's most successful
seasons.
The Cyclones led the league in attendance for the seventh straight year, drew
its two millionth fan faster than any club in the classification's history, and
broke its own single-game attendance record three times (10,073). The Cyclones
drew 294,972 fans in 36 openings for an average of 8,194 per game (up from 7,820
in 2006), and filled the ballpark to over 100 percent capacity for the seventh
straight year. Brooklyn ranked 16th in all of minor league baseball in average
attendance, the only short-season team to place in the top 20....
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