Recent
Visits |
Al Lang Field, Tampa Bay
Rays
St.
Pete's Al Lang Field has been in the news a lot
lately, but for the wrong reasons: the Tampa Bay
Rays will train there one last time in 2008 before
shifting spring operations to Charlotte County in
2009, and the old ballpark is slated to be torn
down to make way for a new waterfront home of the
Rays. Now, Al Lang Field isn't the same venue it
was in the 1940s and 1950s when it was a landmark
in spring training, but it's still a great place
to catch a spring-training game. We hope the Rays
catch the spirit of the original Al Lang in their
designs for a new ballpark, For the rest of us, a
trip to Al Lang Field will be a mandatory event in
Spring Training 2008.
Trustmark Park, Mississippi
Braves
There's
nothing wrong with Trustmark Park, the home of the
Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League).
The wraparound concourse, luxury
boxes, big scoreboard and varied concessions are
all standard issue for a new minor-league ballpark
these days. So why aren't we more excited about
the two-year-old ballpark? Because there's nothing
unique about it: except for a few Southern menu
items at the concessions, there's nothing to link
the ballpark to its surroundings. At a Mississippi
Braves game, you could be watching a game anywhere
-- and going local is one of the great joys of the
minor leagues. Dustin Mattison reports.
Alliance Bank Stadium,
Syracuse Chiefs
The
biggest news at Alliance Bank Stadium, the home of
the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International
League): the current artificial turf will be
replaced by real grass. That's good news for
Syracuse baseball fans in terms of aesthetics, as
well as players who need to field on an old,
sometimes unpredictable surface. Otherwise,
Alliance Bank Stadium is a perfectly serviceable
ballpark: the Chiefs front office does things the
old-fashioned way (i.e., not much in terms of
between-innings shenanigans), but the ballpark is
a comfortable place to watch a game, and the food
is pretty good. Steve Kapsinow reports.
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The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
owners. |
Broadcasts |
Virtually every MiLB team now streams broadcasts over the
Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
More
on Internet radio and TV broadcasts here! |
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Archives:
March 5-11, 2007
Miami backs county on plan
for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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Following the lead of Miami-Dade County
commissioners, the Miami City Commission voted
unanimously Thursday to support a $490 million
plan to fund a ballpark for the Florida Marlins
somewhere in Miami and expressed support for
placing it on the site of the Orange Bowl. Earlier
this week, county commissioners raised the idea of
a ballpark at the Orange Bowl if the University of
Miami moves its football games to Dolphin Stadium.
City commissioners said they liked the idea, but
approved allowing Miami City Manager Pete
Hernandez to negotiate the details of a financing
plan without nailing down a specific location. A
formal plan is expected by the end of April. There
are some variables to this: MLB and the Marlins
have not shown much enthusiasm for an Orange Bowl
site, and no planning can be done until the
University of Miami formally decides to move
football games to Dolphin Stadium. Still, it's
amazing how quickly MLB's preferred downtown site
fell out of favor.
More from AP.
RELATED STORIES:
Orange Bowl reemerges as site of
Marlins ballpark;
County unveils
Marlins financing plan;
Marlins ballpark funding at first base;
Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000;
Florida legislative leaders back tax help for
sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
Contract pushes forward
Goodyear training facility
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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Baseball in Goodyear got another push forward
today after the City Council approved a contract
that taps Goodyear Baseball LLC to manage the
design, development and construction of a new
spring training complex for the Cleveland Indians.
Goodyear-based developer Rose Properties
Southwest, based in Goodyear, and sports developer
JMI Sports, based in San Diego, make up Goodyear
Baseball. The development team will work with the
city to build a 10,000-seat spring training
stadium for the Cleveland Indians on Estrella
Parkway near Yuma Road. The agreement provides a
framework of responsibilities for all parties
involved in getting the $75-million complex ready
by February 2009.
RELATED STORIES:
Cactus League aims to reclaim fan base;
Five firms in line to design Glendale
spring-training facility;
Goodyear inks deal on spring-training facility;
Goodyear eyes noted ballpark designer;
Indians fan thrilled
by new facility plans;
$80 mil for baseball taps out sports authority;
White Sox to delay Phoenix move?;
Arizona commission to fund both proposed
spring-training facilities;
Glendale offers spring-training plan;
Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out;
Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox;
County not eager to
match baseball largess;
State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from
Tucson;
Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag;
Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for
spring training;
Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale;
A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix;
Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark
funds;
What could the future hold for Dodgertown?;
Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training
to Valley;
Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to
development;
Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility
Baseball bends on TV plan,
but doubts linger
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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Major
League Baseball does not like the terminology, but it appears to have buckled to
pressure from devoted fans irate that the Extra Innings package of out-of-market
games would be the exclusive property of DirecTV. MLB yesterday announced the
anticipated deal, but with a notable, alternately hopeful and suspicious
wrinkle: it will give cable operators and Dish Network, DirecTV’s satellite
rival, until March 31 to make a final stab at retaining Extra Innings. Whether
anyone can match DirecTV's deal remains to be seen: MLB officials haven't
released the terms of the deal, and cable operators are already crying foul.
RELATED STORIES:
How will Selig sell the Extra Innings deal to
fans?
Rattlers sell field-naming
rights
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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The
selling of field-naming rights at
Fox Cities Stadium to Time Warner Cable will
generate funds for ballpark improvements for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low
Class A; Midwest League). The announcement was made yesterday at the 12-year-old
Grand Chute venue. Terms of the 10-year deal, which calls for the ballpark to be
known as Time Warner Cable Field at
Fox Cities Stadium, could not be released
per an agreement between the team and the company.
Spring tradition running
down
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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This
is a sad trend in spring training: fewer and fewer pitchers are running along
the warning track during spring-training games. In general, pitchers are running
less, and when they do some teams -- most notably the New York Yankees -- forbid
them from running during a game. Too bad: there's a certain informality to
spring training that resonates with many fans and players, and one of those
informal actions involved pitchers on the training camp. There really aren't any
safety issues -- we don't know of a pitcher ever nailed by a drive to the
outfield -- so the concerns may be unfounded.
'A few more pros than cons'
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A few
hundred people packed into the sanctuary of Good Shepherd United Methodist
Church on Thursday night to voice their opinions and concerns about whether
Harrison Square, a proposed mixed-used downtown development, is the right answer
to revitalizing downtown. The centerpiece of the development: a new ballpark for
the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). Those for the development
pointed out the need for downtown revitalization; cons wondered whether it was
efficient for the city to build another ballpark.
More from the
Journal-Gazette.
RELATED STORIES:
Downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark: pro and con;
Developer
submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel;
Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal
endeavor;
Ballpark's future subject to study;
Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark;
Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark
plan;
Ballpark's future is far from certain;
Building the public square;
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark
Reds' ballpark goes smoke
free
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Cincinnati Reds have decided to prohibit smoking at Great American Ball Park to
comply with a statewide ban approved by voters last year. The team previously
allowed smoking in seven designated areas on concourses and ramps. By city
ordinance, smoking already was prohibited in seating areas. An employee who sees
someone smoking will ask the person to stop and hand the violator a card
describing the new law, vice president of ballpark operations Declan Mullin
said. The new policy also prohibits fans from leaving the ballpark to smoke and
then re-entering.
Coca-Cola hits home run for
Valley baseball fans
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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Major
League Baseball does not like the terminology, but it appears to have buckled to
pressure from devoted fans irate that the Extra Innings package of out-of-market
games would be the exclusive property of DirecTV. MLB yesterday announced the
anticipated deal, but with a notable, alternately hopeful and suspicious
wrinkle: it will give cable operators and Dish Network, DirecTV’s satellite
rival, until March 31 to make a final stab at retaining Extra Innings. Whether
anyone can match DirecTV's deal remains to be seen: MLB officials haven't
released the terms of the deal, and cable operators are already crying foul.
RELATED STORIES:
The ballpark, the
market & the nickname;
New for 2008: Coca-Cola
Park
Coyotes to host
Mexican-American Classic
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Edinburg Coyotes (independent; United League
Baseball) announced in partnership with Texas
Valley Baseball LLC that they will be hosting a
two-day Mexican American Classic Baseball Event at
Edinburg Baseball Stadium. The two competing teams
will consist of an American team made up of
current professional baseball players and the
Vaqueros Laguna (Class AAA; Mexican Baseball
League from Torreon, Mexico.
The games will take place this weekend, March 10-11. The game
on Saturday, March 10, will begin at 6:00 p.m. The
game on Sunday, March 11, will be at 2:00 p.m.
The entire current roster of the Vaqueros Laguna will
participate in the two-game classic. The American
roster will consist of current and former
professional baseball players from the independent
leagues of the United States and the Mexican
League. Edinburg Coyotes pitchers Bric Steed and
Julio Castro will participate for the American
squad.
Ballpark Notes
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback)
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The
summer-collegiate Northwoods League named
long-time Alexandria Beetles play-by-play
announcer Curt Carstensen as its new
Director of Operations. Carstensen spent the last
five summers calling Beetles games and the last
three as the team’s director of media relations.
His five-year tenure as lead broadcaster in
Alexandria had been the longest active streak in
the league. He initially broke into the NWL as the
official scorer for the Brainerd Mighty Gulls in
2000. Former Director of Operations Rick Lindau
became the general manager of the expansion
Battle Creek Bombers in January allowing for
the opening.
Possible fix for Twins
ballpark impasse arises
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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A
possible, but fairly minor fix is under consideration: building a parking ramp
next to a proposed new Minnesota Twins ballpark that would over time generate
more revenue for land acquisition. As you'll recall, Hennepin County is at odds
with landowners over the price of a key parcel of land on the potential site of
a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in Minneapolis's Warehouse District. The idea is
to build a parking ramp with some sort of development on top, with the proceeds
used to close that funding gap. Now, the idea isn't remotely new -- indeed, the
Twins once included condo development as part of the ballpark's master plan, a
development that mightily irked the dissident landowners who hope to develop
property around the ballpark -- and it doesn't sound like Land Partners III, the
group holding out, was actually consulted about this. The Star Tribune may be
overselling the potential impact of this "development." The basic disagreement
is that Hennepin County wants to pay $13.35 million for the land, and the
landowners want $21 million or so (although this number is always a little
fuzzy). The more likely option for progress is if the Minnesota Twins offer to
fund the difference,
and they've made a preliminary offer to the landowners.
More from MPR, but take this report with a huge grain of salt.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Metro concerned about
progress of Nashville ballpark deal
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Elected
officials in Nashville is concerned about "the apparent lack
of progress" by the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League) and their development
partner toward meeting a key deadline in a
ballpark building deal, a city attorney has told
the team and developer. Larry Thrailkill, a
private attorney hired by Metro, told the Sounds
and Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse in a letter last
week that “much is to be done and the time is
short. The Sounds and Struever have to secure
financing commitments and work out other details
so they can finalize a deal by April 16 on the
city-owned, riverfront land where they hope to
build the ballpark and a mixed-use development. To
get approvals for any amendments to the deal from
the Metro Council and various city agencies and
boards, the Sounds and Struever Bros. need to
start making those requests this week, Thrailkill
wrote.
More from Nashville City Paper.
RELATED STORIES:
Sounds must make
decisions regarding downtown ballpark;
Struever says Sounds ballpark will be built;
Amid ballpark questions, plan for two hotels
unveiled;
Sounds delay ballpark opening until 2009;
Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds;
Sounds fail to file lease legislation;
Council approves lease extension for Nashville
ballpark development;
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds
project;
Sounds' project
team huddles to nail down a deal;
Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new
ballpark;
Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon;
Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches;
Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in
Nashville;
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal;
Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
fan-friendly;
Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new
ballpark;
Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say;
Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds
ballpark;
Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank
project;
Sounds send commitment letter to Council;
Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in
stadium;
Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority
work on ballpark;
Sounds are rounding third;
Sounds remain at bargaining table;
Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark;
Council should give Nashville ballpark their
support;
Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark
project;
Sounds ballpark vote delayed;
Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark;
Sounds move ahead with ballpark design;
Sounds weak;
Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on
Council;
Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on
council;
Many good questions raised over Sounds deal;
Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan;
Downtown merchants rally for Sounds;
Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal;
Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to
spark development;
Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark;
Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan;
Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size;
New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt;
Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until
fall;
Sounds deal stalls, but still in play;
City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan;
Sounds ballpark negotiations slow;
Will ballpark make SoBro soar?;
Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark;
Sounds win city approval for new ballpark
Time running out for Tiger
Stadium
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Plans
to save even a small portion of Tiger Stadium as a
museum, memorial or community center appear to be
in jeopardy. Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's plans,
announced last June, to replace nearly all of the
stadium with a ring of residential and retail
development remain on track. The city intends to
sell seats and other memorabilia this spring and
start demolishing most of the stadium this summer
or fall, if the City Council approves. Efforts to
save the dugouts, perhaps the locker rooms, some
seats, one entrance and a portion of the structure
as a museum, community center or gateway for the
Corktown neighborhood are running up against the
hard realities of real-estate development.
More
on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
Dave Wright: Time to let Tiger Stadium go
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Detroit
native Dave Wright spent many a day at Tiger
Stadium, but he's reached a logical conclusion:
it's time to let the long-time home of the Detroit
Tigers go: "It's painful to say goodbye to an old
friend. But there are times when practicality
needs to overcome sentiment. So it is that this
native Detroiter has come to a sad conclusion:
It’s time to knock down Tiger Stadium and end this
long nightmare. The Tigers have been safely
ensconced in Comerica Park since 2000. Let’s get
it done and move on....I
prefer to remember Tiger Stadium the way it was when it was alive – a vibrant
ballpark that served everybody well in the good times and the
bad. There were plenty of both during its 87-year
lifespan."
S.I. Yanks add tickets to
meet demand
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Robust
ticket sales for the All-You-Can-Eat Pinstripe
Plan from the Staten Island Yankees (short season;
NY-Penn League) have led the team to open
additional seating for the promotion at the
Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark at St.
George. The move was prompted by the sale of more
than 2,000 Pinstripe Plan tickets in a single
month. The plan comprises three different sets of
five Baby Bombers games, with ticket holders
getting unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken
sandwiches soda and water at dedicated concession
stands.
RELATED STORIES:
A very full home plate
Spring training always a
money-losing business
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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The
argument is that because the Toronto Blue Jays
lose about $1.5 million during spring training,
every MLB team loses money during spring training.
That's simply not the case. Some in MLB would have
you believe everything to do with baseball is
unprofitable (indeed, crying poverty is usually
the first instinct when MLBers discuss business),
but in recent years spring training has turned
from red to black on the ledger books as teams
take advantage of favorable leases on new
facilities, the capturing of new revenue sources
and greater demand for tickets. Add to that the
lack of salaries (contracts don't kick in until
the beginning of the season), and you have the
recipe for a profitable month for most teams.
Ballpark cuisine as American
as baseball
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Here's a look at the food offerings at
Space Coast Stadium this spring for
Washington Nationals matches. Most of the concession items are standard
(although the turkey legs are still fairly unique), but concessionaire Ovations
has upped the quality with grilled hot dogs and themed evenings featuring local
cuisine. Also, six portable food locations were added to the ballpark this year
to supplement the four fixed stands they've always had.
The ballpark, the market &
the nickname
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Owners
Joe Finley and Craig Stein talk about progress
being made on the
new ballpark for the Lehigh
Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League).
As you'll recall, yesterday the team announced a
naming rights deal for Coca-Cola Park, slated to
open in the 2008 season. This article finds Finley
and Stein discuss what's left to do before opening
day.
More on the naming-rights deal here.
The IronPigs have a natural rivalry with the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League).
RELATED STORIES:
New for 2008: Coca-Cola
Park
Firm to weigh prospects of
minor-league baseball to Gwinnett County
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Convention Sports & Leisure International, a
Minneapolis-based company that specializes in
providing financial and planning advice for
stadium projects, was hired to do a study on the
economic prospects of minor-league baseball in
Gwinnett County in suburban Atlanta. Heck, we
could write that study for free: a sports-happy
populace will eagerly embrace minor-league
baseball in the fast-growing region, but the
biggest hurdle will be obtaining the cooperation
of the Atlanta Braves at a time when the front
office is distracted by the ongoing purchase of
the team. Gwinnett County has its own distinct
economy and could support Class AA baseball (West
Tenn is still on the market, while we're hearing
some whispers Huntsville may be available as well)
easily.
RELATED STORIES:
Gwinnett
baseball back in the game;
Whiff! Baseball study out on strikes;
Gwinnett explores minor-league baseball
Downtown Fort
Wayne ballpark: pro and con
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback)
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Normally we don't link to a lot of opinion pieces
about ballparks -- everyone has an opinion, but
many are just a lot of ill-informed noise -- but
the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has done a pretty
good job in assembling a host of voices pro and
con about the proposed new downtown ballpark for
the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest
League). Chuck Surack, the owner of a downtown
business and a baseball fan,
says the new ballpark will improve the city's
quality of life and help attract new businesses
--
an attitude endorsed by other local businesspeople.
Jim Cook argues the entire Harrison Square
development, of which the ballpark is a prime
component,
will help revitalize downtown Fort Wayne.
Other readers agree with the idea of downtown
revitalization,
but they'd rather see a water park or a soccer
stadium built.
RELATED STORIES:
Developer
submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel;
Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal
endeavor;
Ballpark's future subject to study;
Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark;
Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark
plan;
Ballpark's future is far from certain;
Building the public square;
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark
Rattlers, General Beer
teaming for party deck
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The
Wisconsin Timber Battlers (Low Class A; Midwest
League) announced Wednesday it is partnering with
General Beer Northeast of Little Chute to
construct a party deck behind the right-field
fence at
Fox Cities Stadium. Dubbed the Miller
High Life Deck, the addition is expected to hold
about 300 people and will be made available for
groups of 20 or more at a cost of $20 per person
and $16 for children ages 12 and under. Included
in the price will be a game ticket, an
all-you-can-eat buffet and two complimentary
beverages.
Elsewhere on August
Publications websites
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Here are some headlines of note on other August Publications
websites. At
Arena Digest,
the big news is that Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) are
meeting with Pennsylvania officials about a new
arena proposal after chatting yesterday with Las
Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. On
Football Stadium Digest,
plans for Cape Town's 2010 World Cup stadium are
back on track. And, of course, the
best of spring-training news is covered on
Spring Training Online.
Ballpark Notes
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The
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League) have announced an agreement
with WNEP 16 to televise four games in
2007, including one road game. Of the four games,
two will be shown over the air on WNEP 16 and two
will be carried on Newswatch Anytime, WNEP's
digital channel. WNEP's broadcast schedule begins
on opening night, April 5 vs. Norfolk at 7:00 p.m.
on Newswatch Anytime followed by April 14 in
Pawtucket at 1:05 p.m. (WNEP 16), May 11 vs.
Columbus at 7:00 p.m. (Newswatch Anytime) and July
7 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Ottawa (WNEP 16). In addition,
WNEP 16 will produce a half-hour special to air
Wednesday, April 4th at 7:30 p.m. on the eve of opening night.
Orange Bowl reemerges as
site of Marlins ballpark
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Several Miami-Dade County commissioners strongly opposed on Tuesday building a
ballpark for the Florida Marlins north of the county government center and
instead suggested the Orange Bowl location, if the University of Miami moves its
football games to Dolphin Stadium. After raising concerns about the size of the
nine-acre site east of Interstate 95 and just west of Metrorail and that it
would mean securing a new spot for a planned Children's Courthouse,
commissioners voted 11-1 to pursue a $490 million plan to finance a ballpark on
a site to be determined. The Orange Bowl in Little Havana will be added to
the list of potential locations since the city of Miami has not yet nailed down
financing to renovate the aging stadium
and the
Hurricanes are seriously considering a move to Dolphin Stadium.
MLB, the Marlins and Miami-Dade officials are still working on a plan for a
downtown ballpark;
a fight is
brewing over the use of Community Redevelopment funds for the project
(Miami-Dade officials differ as to whether they will be needed), which
leads one to believe funding plans for the new ballpark are more fluid than
portrayed by the major players.
More from AP and
Miami Today.
RELATED STORIES:
County unveils
Marlins financing plan;
Marlins ballpark funding at first base;
Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000;
Florida legislative leaders back tax help for
sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
New for 2008: Coca-Cola Park
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The
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International
League) and Coca-Cola of the Lehigh Valley have
officially announced an agreement for the naming
rights of the
new IronPigs ballpark. The ballpark, to
be known as "Coca-Cola Park" from this day
forward, is currently under construction in East
Allentown. Terms of the long-term, multi-year deal
were not disclosed.
"This is a significant day not only for the IronPigs and our
partners at Coca-Cola, but for the entire Lehigh
Valley," said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes.
"The agreement provides Coca-Cola an identity with
Minor League Baseball’s premier facility and the
IronPigs with a substantial, well established
partner with strong community ties. Coca-Cola has
recognized the potential in associating its
nationally renowned brand with our ability to
provide fans the best, family-oriented
entertainment experience available. It’s
flattering and it challenges our staff to live up
to Coca-Cola’s impeccable reputation and standing
in the community."
The agreement is of national significance, as Coca-Cola Park
becomes the only professional sports venue in the
United States named specifically after Coca-Cola.
The construction of the $48.4 M facility started
with groundbreaking ceremonies on September 6,
2006 and is scheduled to be completed by February
2008 and ready for Opening Day in April 2008.
Ballpark-bond refinancing
set
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San
Diego has agreed to financial terms with Bank of
America that will allow the city to refinance its
Petco Park bonds and save about $3.7
million a year in interest payments over 25 years.
But the city will pay a penalty in the $156.6
million deal due to lingering doubts about the
accuracy of its accounting. Failures to issue four
annual audits since widespread errors were found
in the city's 2002 books will force San Diego to
spend $2.5 million in higher upfront fees -- to Ambac for bond insurance – and prevent it from
saving an additional $546,000 a year in interest.
Team to appeal tax decision
for Great Lakes Loons
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Representatives of the Michigan Baseball
Foundation will appeal a ruling not to grant the
Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League)
tax-exempt status. The owners of the Midland team
will meet with the Internal Revenue Service later
this month. An M-B-F spokeswoman says the ruling
will not affect the team, which opens its first
season in Midland next month. The group will still
be a nonprofit organization that donates its
profits to local groups benefiting youth
activities. The foundation sought the tax
exemption because the Midland-area foundations
provided start-up money to buy the team and build
the Dow Diamond ballpark.
Bank's name will stay on
ballpark
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Comerica Park will continue as the home of the
Detroit Tigers, even if the city of Detroit is no
longer home to Comerica Inc. Comerica Inc. holds
the naming rights to the ballpark for another
20-plus years and does not anticipate any changes,
spokeswoman Sara Snyder said. Comerica agreed to
pay $2.2 million a year for 30 seasons, beginning
in 2000, for the naming rights. The bank has a
five-year option to continue the agreement when it
expires after the 2029 season. Last year, the bank
said its All-Star Game presence equated to $6.8
million in media exposure.
Ballpark Notes
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The
Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) are the latest team to
announce the removal of all trans fats from food items sold at its ballpark, in
this case Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Bulls concessionaire Centerplate
has worked to remove trans fat from several of the venues it serves. Joining the
Bulls: the Lexington Legends (Low Class A;
Sally League) at Applebee's Park....Fox
Sports Radio, KOPY 1070 AM in Alice, Texas, is the new radio home of the
Coastal Bend Aviators (independent; American Association). Rich Tiner
will do the play by play....
Sarasota looking to cut
spring-training complex cost
Posted March 6, 2007 (feedback)
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In
another effort to retain a deal they signed in December, which hinges on
construction of a $54-million spring-training complex by 2010, the city of
Sarasota and the Cincinnati Reds sides will hire consultants to find ways to
reduce the venue's cost and find additional sources of funding.
The city needs to land a contract for a private development near the 12th Street
site in order to come up with its $10 million share of the complex's funding,
and the deal as it stands now will probably collapse without that commitment.
Minneapolis-based Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (hired by the
city) and Pizzuti Solutions (hired by the Reds) will work together to analyze
the stadium's funding sources, explore additional revenue options and make
changes to the project in order to reduce the $54 million price tag. One
possible outcome: a rebuilding of Ed Smith Stadium instead of a new facility.
RELATED STORIES:
Fair officials respond with new spring-training
plan;
New Reds training facility in some doubt;
Florida finalizes five spring-training grants;
Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie
Field;
Florida makes preliminary decision on state
spring-training grants;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota;
Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact;
Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close;
Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run;
Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state;
Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new
Reds spring facility;
County tees up for baseball hearing;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Reds swing and miss;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities
Plans for new Grand Prairie
ballpark unveiled
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Local
officials and reps from the independent American
Association were on hand in Grand Prairie to
unveils plans for a new ballpark, slated to open
in 2008. The ballpark will be located between Lone
Star Park and Nokia Theatre near I-30 and Belt
Line Road, and will seat 6,000 (4,000 permanent
seats, 12 luxury suites, 2,000 lawn/berm seats).
Voters will be asked on May 12 to authorize
construction via a one-eighth cent sales tax.
Current plans for the $16 million project call for
a swimming pool in right field overlooking the
right field wall; a full service restaurant in
left field; a kids; area off to the right with
jump castles; a rock climbing wall and basketball
courts. Despite our earlier speculation, the
league says it will pursue a downtown Dallas
ballpark, but we can't help but wonder whether the
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex won't be saturated
with ballparks and teams in
Arlington, Fort Worth,
Grand Prairie, downtown Dallas and Frisco.
RELATED STORIES:
American Association expands to Grand Prairie
Group: Lubbock construction
could entice tourists
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Nearly
$200 million in new buildings and renovations
could lure tourists to town and anchor Lubbock as
a regional sports and arts hub, a citizen's task
force proposed Monday. The Lubbock Entertainment
and Arts Facilities Task Force outlined to the
City Council new performing arts centers and
sporting facilities to revitalize the city's
entertainment venues. Among the recommendations:
$32.5 million for a new ballpark and $20 million
for a college baseball hall of fame. A group in
Wolfforth
has been working on a new ballpark for Texas Tech
and a professional team, but those efforts seem to
have stalled.
Ballpark Visit:
Clark-LeClair Stadium
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East
Carolina University has the pleasure of playing at Clark-LeClair
Stadium, one of the better newer facilities in
college baseball. Clark-LeClair was built at a
cost of $11 million -- all from private donations
raised by the ECU Educational Foundation. The
magnitude of the place is immediately apparent as
you approach the main gate, and once inside no
aspect of the facility disappoints. Jim Robins
takes in a Pirates game.
Salem still unsatisfied with
X's lease issue
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The
Sioux City Explorers (independent; American
Association) are up to date in paying a $44,000
promissory note to the city of Sioux City, as part
of an agreement negotiated in 2005 for
Lewis and Clark
Park, City Manager
Paul Eckert said Monday. His comments came during
a meeting with Rudy Salem, the citizen who has
filed a complaint with the Iowa State Auditor's
Office over the city's lease with the team. The
auditor has not concluded its investigation. Salem
said his calculations show the team owes the city
at least $205,000 in back rent and in overdue
attendance and parking payments,
but that came from what both sides agree is a typo
in the latest lease agreement, which calls for the
team paying the city 5 percent of gross receipts
in excess of $205,000.
RELATED NOTES:
City, X's go to extra innings
Ballpark, fans prepare for
arrival of Anderson Joes
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The
Anderson Joes (independent; South Coast League)
are setting up for shop for their inaugural
season, selling over 100 season-ticket packages
and installing 1,500 seats at Memorial Stadium.
Some residents say they welcome the chance to see
some local baseball instead of heading to
Atlanta's Turner Field or Greenville's
West End
Field.
Elsewhere on August
Publications websites
Posted March 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Here are some headlines of note on other August Publications
websites. At
Arena Digest,
the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) have officially
notified the city it intends to explore relocation
offers -- a decision that could see the Pens take
up residence in Kansas City or Houston as early as
next season. On
Football Stadium Digest,
you'll learn about how Chicago's plans for a
temporary stadium could change the way the Summer
Olympics are organized. On
Yellowstone Insider, it's the end of the
winter season in Yellowstone National Park, with
most facilities closing this weekend. And, of course, the
best of spring-training news is covered on
Spring Training Online.
ASU baseball to play March
home games in Hickory
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Due to
weather delays in the construction of Appalachian
State University’s new Jim and Bettie Smith
Baseball Stadium, Appalachian baseball will play
its March home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in
Hickory, ASU director of athletics Charlie Cobb
announced on Tuesday. L.P. Frans Stadium is the
home of the Hickory Crawdads (Low Class A; Sally
League). "While it’s disappointing that weather
has caused us to push back our much-anticipated
debut at Smith Stadium, we are fortunate to be
able to showcase our program at a premier
professional facility like L.P. Frans Stadium,"
ASU head coach Chris Pollard said. "We're grateful
for the hospitality extended by David Haas of the
Hickory Crawdads and Mack McLeod of Hickory Parks
and Recreation and look forward to seeing a lot of
Black and Gold at the ballpark in Hickory."
Ballpark Notes
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Jon
Eddy is the interim director of public relations/media and broadcaster for the
San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball), replacing Ira
Liebman. Hired originally as Liebman's broadcast partner, Eddy came to the
Colts after working for SportsNet New York and 91.7FM WMUH in
Allentown, where he called Division III Muhlenberg College football, and men’s
and women’s basketball for the FM station....The Omaha Royals (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League) have signed a one-year agreement with Salem Radio Omaha,
making News Talk 1420 AM KOTK the new home for Royals game broadcasts in 2007.
All 144 Royals games will also continue to be broadcast on the team’s website,
www.oroyals.com. To celebrate the new partnership, all fans who come to
Rosenblatt Stadium on Saturday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to purchase
single game tickets or pick up their season tickets will be treated to free hot
dogs and Cokes, courtesy of Salem Radio Omaha. Mark Nasser returns
for his seventh season of broadcasting Royals games in 2007, which will mark his
14th season as an announcer in professional baseball....Tom Goodwin, the
centerfielder on the last two Texas Rangers teams to make the playoffs, was
hired Monday as manager of the Lewisville Lizards (independent;
Continental Baseball League)....The York Revolution (independent;
Atlantic League), along with Newsradio 910 WSBA, introduced Darrell
Henry as the play-by-play radio broadcaster for the team’s inaugural season.
The Revolution also introduced Stu Leppo as the on-field host for games
at Sovereign Bank Stadium. Henry will serve as the primary broadcaster for all
126 Revolution games in 2007 on WSBA. A York native who will graduate from York
College this May, Henry was selected after a three-month nationwide search which
produced over 100 candidates from across the community and country.
Are Twins working to end
ballpark impasse?
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Sid
Hartman reports that the Minnesota Twins front office is working to close the
gap between what Hennepin County is willing to pay for a key parcel of downtown
land slated for a new ballpark (around $13 million) and what Land Partners II is
willing to accept (around $21 million, but that number is a lot fuzzier). It's
not owner Carl Pohlad driving this -- it's his sons, who are working to make the
ballpark work and are raising the potential of the Twins picking the cost
overrun. The landowners are fairly resolute in wanting to see this decided
in court, and many close to the situation don't see Hines Development or
attorney Dan Rosen, representing the landowners, particularly interested in
working out a deal. Meetings will continue this week; meanwhile, evaluation of
two alternate downtown sites continues, and some in the Twins camp feel pretty
strongly about moving the ballpark site to surface lots west of the
Metrodome
controlled by the Star Tribune.
RELATED STORIES:
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
A shattered journey
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More on the bus crash in Atlanta that killed six,
including four players from Bluffton University.
All four of the players -- Tyler Williams, Scott
Harmon,
Cody Holp and
David Betts -- were from Ohio. Also killed in
the crash: Jerome Niemeyer and his wife, Jean. The
six were killed when the bus toppled off the
Northside Drive bridge onto Interstate 75.
Twenty-nine others were hurt,
two critically.
The surviving players remember their ordeal.
The crash occurred when the driver apparently
mistook an exit ramp for another lane of freeway.
The sad thing is that the accident may have
prevented:
local officials have known the Atlanta spot where
the bus crashed is a high-risk area,
with more
than 82 other crashes recorded over the last 10
years.
More from CNN.
RELATED STORIES:
College
baseball team bus crashes; six dead
Cactus League aims to
reclaim fan base
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Attendance was down at Cactus League spring-training games last year, so several
teams have embarked on marketing campaigns designed to bring fans back to the
ballpark. The drop isn't across the board -- the Cubs and the Giants continue to
do extremely well -- but some teams are clearly less of a draw than they once
were. Last spring the Arizona Diamondbacks drew only 66,000 fans to
Tucson
Electric Park -- off from a high of 110,000 in 2002, after the team won the
World Series -- and this spring Tucson
Electric Park is spending about $100,000 on radio, TV and
billboard advertising to draw Southern Arizona fans to its facility. This year,
the Pima County Economic Development and Tourism office has expanded its
marketing reach into Northern Mexico through visitor centers in Hermosillo and
newspapers, and is offering vacation getaways.
McKechnie gets an upgrade as
complex readies for hard knocks
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McKechnie Field and Pirate City, the spring homes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are
slated to get some needed improvements this summer in time for spring training
in 2008. At McKechnie Field, lights will be installed, giving Bradenton the
ability to host night games for the first time. The more dramatic changes are
coming at Pirate City, where the city is building a new three-story dormitory
facility with 82 units and a new office for the team. The existing clubhouse
will be renovated, and another practice field will be added. The upgrades are
thanks to a $15 million grant from the state designed to
keep MLB teams in Florida.
RELATED STORIES:
Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie
Field;
Florida makes preliminary decision on state
spring-training grants;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities
Loria optimistic about new
Marlins ballpark
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Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Saturday that he is optimistic about
the potential for a new ballpark. "I don't really want to talk about the
political machinations that go on, but I can tell you we're optimistic," he said
at Roger Dean Stadium. "I think we have a chance to do something special for the
community, and I'm dedicated to try to get that done." MLB has been especially
active in pushing a new ballpark for the Fish, and despite some potential
roadblocks with a downtown site -- some funding sources, like Community
Redevelopment funds, are in doubt -- it would appear the current plan is the
best shot the Marlins have had for a new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
County unveils
Marlins financing plan;
Marlins ballpark funding at first base;
Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000;
Florida legislative leaders back tax help for
sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
As ballpark rises, battles
over land continue
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As construction of the
$611-million Washington Nationals ballpark proceeds rapidly near South Capitol
Street and the Navy Yard, the city government and owners of small businesses
displaced by the project are engaged in a protracted legal fight in Superior
Court over a financial settlement for the land. The case is proceeding slowly,
with the parties engaged in depositions and trials not likely to come until the
fall, attorneys for the business owners said. When the District announced plans
to build the ballpark, city attorneys began negotiating with 23 property owners
to buy their properties. A handful of owners agreed to sell, but the majority
held out for more money, and the city seized their land through eminent domain,
though a court held the two sides must work toward a fair value for the land.
RELATED STORIES:
For Nats' home, a rapid ascent;
Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say;
Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark
upgrades;
With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money;
D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages;
The D.C. ballpark parking debate;
Severe penalties await city if parking garages
aren't provided, Gandhi warns;
Ballpark garages proposal rejected;
Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight
over new Nats ballpark;
New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for
2008 opening;
Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC
ballpark;
Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking;
DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in
country;
Legislation would revive condo and garage
development at new DC ballpark;
New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking;
D.C. parking issue threatens budget;
Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat;
Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk
Suns not a part of Dodgers'
shake-up
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are
preparing to move their player and spring-training operations west, their Class
AA affiliation is staying in Florida. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said
the franchise is "very happy" with its team in Jacksonville and fully expects
the Suns to remain a Dodgers affiliate long past the organization's expected
transition to Glendale, Ariz., takes place after 2008.
Bisons to pitch the team's
promotions with video billboard outside ballpark
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Downtown
Buffalo is getting another electronic video
billboard, courtesy of the Buffalo Bisons (Class
AAA; International League). The team will erect a
two-sided, 4-by-8-foot video display at the corner
of Washington and Swan streets, in front of Dunn
Tire Park, after winning approval from the Buffalo
Planning Board. The $70,000, pole-mounted display
will stand 14 feet above the sidewalk, and its
screens will be visible to vehicular and
pedestrian traffic.
Selig likes progress on A's
ballpark
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Commissioner Bud Selig made his annual visit to Phoenix Municipal Stadium on
Saturday, as he continues his tour of major league camps, but his yearly message
changed. Selig, who for years had used the visit to hammer home his opinion that
the A's needed a new stadium to thrive, indicated he's optimistic the team has
solved that issue with the purchase of a 143-parcel of land in Fremont. The
land, purchased from Cisco Systems, is intended to be the future home of Cisco
Field, the centerpoint of a baseball village. "Owner Lewis Wolff tells me
they're making progress," Selig said. "I think they're very much on track, and
it would be disappointing if they weren't."
RELATED STORIES:
Toxic hazard
creates bump in road to new A's ballpark;
A's tout Cisco Field in ticket mailer;
Will global warming swamp AT&T Park, new A's
ballpark?;
A's owner not sweating lack of BART at Fremont
ballpark site;
A's owner raises more questions than answers;
Wolff seeks tax rebate for new ballpark village;
Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed
Fremont ballpark;
Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark;
If Selig's coming, A's must be going;
Wolff ready to go public on ballpark;
Cisco blending tech and baseball;
Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont;
Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?;
More meetings with A's slated after new year;
Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's;
A's detail Fremont
plans down to the letter;
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Revitalized downtown Tucson
should include ballpark
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Patrick Darcy makes the case for a
new downtown Tucson ballpark. There are some solid reasons for it, but there are
many more reasons against it. First, Pima County is still paying off Tucson
Electric Park, and having the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) move won't help pay down that debt. Second, MLB teams are looking to
leave Tucson, with the White Sox working to get out of the TEP as soon as
possible, so any new ballpark would be unused in the busiest sports time of the
year. Finally, there's no indication the University of Arizona is interested in
playing ball downtown.
Yakima ballpark upgrades put
on hold
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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A plan
to improve Yakima County Stadium, the home of the Yakima Bears (short season;
Northwest League) has been pushed back to the on-deck circle. County
commissioners last week rejected bids to upgrade lighting, level and resod the
playing surface and adjust the outfield fences. Two bids the county received in
January exceeded the $750,000 the Legislature earmarked for the project. County
officials now will seek separate bids on the lighting and the fencing, leaving
the condition of the playing surface to be dealt with later.
New locker rooms finally
under construction at Phil Welch Stadium
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Thanks to money pushed through
by the St. Joseph City council, construction on locker rooms is finally underway
at Phil Welch Stadium, the home of the St. Joe Blacksnakes (independent;
American Association). Teams will now be able to shower at the stadium after
games. The project started about a month ago but ran into some problems.
Construction was delayed because the original locker room location wasn't safe.
Crews noticed a natural stream that could have caused problems to the building.
New facilities mean good news for ball players.
City makes pitch that 1915
game set crowd record
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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What's the biggest crowd ever to see
a baseball game? Seems like there's no "official" answer to that. The largest
crowd to see any MLB game was 93,105 at the Los Angeles Coliseum for a May 7,
1959 exhibition between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. The
largest crowd for a World Series game was 92,706 for a 1959 match at -- where
else? -- the Los Angeles Coliseum. Some folks in Cleveland are pushing for a a
Oct. 10, 1915 amateur contest between Cleveland's White Autos and the Omaha
Luxus that drew 115,000 to Brookside Park to be recognized as the largest
baseball crowd on record. Trouble is, there's really no body to make such an
award: the National Baseball Hall of Fame doesn't track such records, and MLB is
concerned only with MLB.
Global MLB is on the horizon
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Will MLB ultimately have
an Asian division that leads to a true World
Series? Some in baseball think it's inevitable.
Many Japanese players are making a mark in the
United States, and managers like Bobby Valentine
thinks the starters for most Japanese teams would
be starters in the United States as well. Beyond
that, Valentine thinks MLB expansion to Japan
makes business sense. It probably would: baseball
in Japan is not marketed very well, and many see a
lot of potential with a truly well-run operation.
For cultural reasons MLB would probably need to
work out some sort of agreement with the existing
Japanese teams -- just coming in and setting up
teams would be impossible -- but we could see
something happen within the next decade.
New ballpark in Hiroshima
looking good for 2009 season
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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The city of Hiroshima
recently unveiled plans and an artist's conception image of a new ballpark for
the Hiroshima Carp. The facility is expected to open in time for the 2009
season, and it promises to be one of the best ballparks in Japan -- or anywhere
else, for that matter. The new ballpark will replace Hiroshima Municipal
Stadium, used by the Carp since 1957, and its completion will leave the Hanshin
Tigers' Koshien Stadium and Tokyo's Jingu Stadium, home of the Yakult Swallows,
as the only old ballparks regularly used by the Japanese teams.
Baseball in Israel is no
joke
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Though it may have been just a dream
for Larry Baras for many years, the Israel Baseball League has some serious
support behind it. Former Expos and Red Sox GM Dan Duquette is in charge of
player acquisition, but the bigger story may be who Baras recruited for the
board of advisors: MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, former Brewers CEO Wendy
Selig-Prieb and current New York Yankees president Randy Levine.
RELATED STORIES:
Baseball goes to
bat in Israel: Duquette aids fledgling IBL;
Schiller becomes baseball's
point man for the Olympics
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Harvey
Schiller is the new head of the International Baseball Federation. The former
head of the U.S. Olympic Committee has a tall task: convincing Olympic officials
to reinstate baseball after it's scheduled to be dropped after the 2012 Summer
Games. His first task will be convincing MLB officials
to allow pros in the games -- a difficult task, given the timing of the games
and the success of the World Baseball Classic last spring.
Ballpark Notes
Posted March 5, 2007 (feedback)
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The
San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball) have announced that
Mary Larson, who previously served as the team's director of marketing,
has been promoted to assistant general manager. Also joining the team:
former Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League) Marketing Consultant
Ken Franz, named the Colts' new director of sales....The Potomac
Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) announced that former
Washington Nationals public address announcer Jim Clarke will serve
the same post at Pfitzner Stadium for the upcoming 2007 season. Clarke filled in
as the PA voice for the P-Nats on an interim basis during the 2006 season....
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