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! |
|
Archives: Nov.
5-11, 2007
Voters reject ballpark initiatives in Sarasota, Brighton;
approve them in Helena and Avon
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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Ballpark
initiatives were shot down by voters in Sarasota, Fla., and Brighton, Col., and
approved by residents of Helena, Mont. In Sarasota, the close rejection
(4,431-4,206) of a city referendum that would raise $16 million in property
taxes for a refurbishing of Ed Smith Stadium
means the Cincinnati Reds will be shopping for a new spring home. We assume it
also means the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League) will be
seeking a new home as well. The project began as a new spring-training complex
next to the current Reds complex, but after development partners failed to
materialize the project was scaled back to a $53 million renovation of
Ed Smith Stadium
and the adjoining complex. We're guessing Reds officials have already talked
with Indian County officials about a move to Dodgertown after the Los Angeles
Dodgers shift spring operations west in 2009; we're also guessing a move to
Arizona isn't out of the question, although it would be problematic. In the past
officials with Disney World have sought to bring another team to
Champion Stadium, though that
presents some financial issues for all involved. More from the
Sarasota Herald Tribune and
the Enquirer. In Brighton, voters weren't interested in paying for a
4,000-seat ballpark for an independent American Association team: a referendum
was shot down by a wide margin -- 65 percent to 35 percent. The ballpark would
have funded via a small rise (0.2 percent) in the local sales tax. There's been
a lot of talk in Denver suburban communities about wanting baseball, but we're
guessing the large margin may dissuade officials in the likes of Castle Rock
from bringing a proposal to the electorate.
More from the
Brighton Blade and the
Rocky Mountain News. In Helena, voters overwhelmingly approved a $7.85 million
parks-improvement bond Tuesday, with about 71 percent of the ballots cast in
favor of the funding. Part of the proceeds will be used on a renovation of
Kindrick Legion Field, the home of the Helena
Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League), which will include expanded clubhouses, a new
playing field, new bleachers and new light fixtures.
More from the Helena Independent Record. In Avon, Ohio, voters approved a
0.25 percentage point boost in the city income tax to fund a sports and
recreation center at SR 611 and Interstate 90. The issue won by 2,171 votes to
1,557 votes, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of
Elections. Part of the proceeds could fund a new ballpark for an independent
Frontier League team.
More from the Morning Journal.
Early
Reno ballpark plan showcases shops
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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A
preliminary design for Reno's new ballpark for the relocating Tucson Sidewinders
(Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) shows the playing field dug into the ground to
create an amphitheater effect and more shops and restaurants, including rooftop
dining overlooking the ballpark. The baseball field will be 16 feet below ground
level to give the crowds a better view. The first design showed the field at
ground level. Using the excavated dirt, builders will create a series of small
hills beyond the outfield for fans to sit in the grass. East of that, a public
walkway would be built along the Truckee River. The design shows shops and
restaurants in the fire station building at Second Street and Evans Avenue. The
building will be renovated for more shops, restaurants and rooftop dining. In
other Reno news, Reno Councilman Dwight Dortch has been hired as spokesman for
the city's new team.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark already
bringing business to Reno;
Triple-A baseball OK'd for
Reno;
New Reno team: Fierce or
friendly?;
Reno approves new
downtown ballpark;
Reno council OKs downtown ballpark deal;
Baseball owners could get tax break;
Two sites OK'd for Reno ballpark;
Two Reno ballpark sites to go before city planners;
PCL approves Sidewinders sale; Reno gets site;
Reno officials want 8-acre site near Evans Avenue
for ballpark;
Reno City Council to consider plan to build new
ballpark;
It's all over but the blaming;
Sidewinders sold; expected to be in Reno in '09;
Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed;
Washoe County approves PCL ballpark;
Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball;
Guinn OKs bonds for marina;
State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project;
Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina
project;
Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise
in Reno;
Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team
Overseas travel may curtail
Dodgers' last spring at Dodgertown
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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There's
one big reason why more spring schedules have not been released at this
relatively late date: MLB is still working out what teams would play when in
China and Japan. Particularly affected this could be the Los Angeles Dodgers,
who could be playing March 15-16 in China. If that happens, the Dodgers will
break the major-league camp at Dodgertown, play the China series and then spent
the rest of spring training at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, sharing it with the
A's. If this happens it will disappoint a lot of Dodgers fans who were planning
on one last spring in Dodgertown; they'd basically be getting two last weeks.
We're guessing the players union may also have something to say about a spring
training spent in Florida, China and Phoenix.
GMs vote to recommend use of replay
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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General
managers moved a step closer toward pushing Major League Baseball to join the
NFL, NBA, NHL and some college football conferences by recommending the use of
replays to help umpires on home run and foul calls Tuesday. In a vote more
symbolic than substantive at the annual general managers' meetings, the GMs
voted 25-5 in favor of recommending the use of replay. It's doubtful replay
could be approved for next season. Commissioner Bud Selig, who has been against
the use of replay in the past, will study the matter further. Even if he
approves it, the 30 owners and the players' and umpires' unions would have to
give their OK.
RELATED STORIES:
Limited form of replay
supported by several GMs
Marlins ballpark negotiations continue
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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Major
League Baseball President Bob DuPuy said he remains hopeful the Marlins will
secure a ballpark deal by the end of the year, despite recent tensions between
the team and local leaders over the Orange Bowl site. As we first reported, the
Marlins were pulling back on their financial contribution to the new plan
because they argue Orange Bowl site won't yield as much in revenues as a
downtown site (something that might be debatable, particularly where parking
revenues are concerned). "The level of contribution the team makes has to be
commensurate with what they believe they're going to be able to generate from a
new ballpark and be viable,'' said DuPuy. We've also heard from some local
officials the Marlins say there's no way they can pay $207 million in upfront
money and a lease for the new ballpark and want local officials to seek another
source of revenue, perhaps from the state. In any case, DuPuy sounds like he
think a Dec. 13 deadline is doable.
More from AP, the
Miami Herald
and the
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
RELATED STORIES:
Marlins' share
key to ballpark deal;
DuPuy: Marlins
ballpark top priority;
Ho hum: Marlins hand
county yet another ballpark deadline;
Marlins may get $50
million for new ballpark;
DuPuy meets with
Crist about new Fish ballpark, says MLB will make use of Dodgertown;
Marlins about to
bring ballpark deal in from the bullpen;
Selig receptive to Orange Bowl site for new
Marlins ballpark;
UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins
ballpark;
Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not
settled;
University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08;
Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?;
Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring
training;
Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark:
muted;
State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when
session ends;
Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins
ballpark;
Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix;
Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes
late in legislative session;
New Marlins ballpark
bill likely to strike out;
State House endorses $60 million for Marlins
ballpark in Miami;
Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short;
Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy;
Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on
downtown ballpark
DLR, Stewart Sports group nab Topeka ballpark planning
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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The
City of Topeka has chosen DLR Architects and Stewart Sports Group, both of
Omaha, to develop design concepts and explore options for a multi-purpose,
minor-league ballpark. The firms will conduct two public design forums,
tentatively scheduled for January, with the ultimate goal of gauging Topekans'
interest in and ideas for a new ballpark. Stewart Sports Group is a startup
consulting firm headed by Doug Stewart, former GM of the Omaha Royals (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League).
Twins ballpark design clears big hurdle with quick board vote
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved the design of a
new downtown Minnesota Twins ballpark
by a 6-1 vote. There wasn't much debate on the issue, and the only negative vote
came from Penny Steele, who would have opposed whatever design was presented to
her. The Star Tribune says this was a big hurdle, but that's rather overstating
the case: it was a formality at best.
RELATED STORIES:
New info on Twins
ballpark unveiled;
Final price tag for
Twins ballpark land: $28.5 million;
Mediator will try
to find a ballpark land solution;
Hennepin County makes insulting offer to Twins
ballpark landowners;
Landowners make settlement offer in Twins ballpark
dispute;
Twins finally hold groundbreaking for new ballpark;
Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark
parcel;
A new dispute on ballpark
land figures;
Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says
condemnation panel;
Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site;
Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on
value of ballpark site;
Taxpayers' costs
for Twins ballpark may be going up;
Ballpark land was low-balled;
Ballpark designers seek green label, but say
effort alone counts;
Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say
owners;
Twins ballpark
draws development interest;
Pohlads lining up land near ballpark;
Hennepin
County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad;
Twins, Hennepin
County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins;
County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is
confidential;
Twins
unveil ballpark plans;
Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote
slated for today;
Twins ballpark meeting is delayed;
Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins
ballpark;
Twins moving ahead
with ballpark plans;
Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal;
Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises;
Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?;
Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins
pay more;
County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark
site remain in a holding pattern;
County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark;
Official says changing site of Twins ballpark
would mean delays;
A great ballpark divide;
Twins postpone ballpark unveiling;
Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new
ballpark site;
Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark
unveiled;
Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose;
sides still apart on price;
Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark
design;
Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look;
Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins;
New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin
County shoppers;
Ballpark players ironing out use, development
agreements;
Twins release more details on new ballpark;
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews;
Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis
Can-Am Association proposes one-year sublease in Ottawa
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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The
independent Can-Am Association may have already released a 2008 schedule, but
they're not giving up on placing a team in Ottawa next season. The league has
proposed to the City of Ottawa it sub-lease Lynx Stadium to a franchise for next
summer while the City and the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League)
resolve their legal issues. Can-Am commissioner Miles Wolff has written a letter
to the City and is leaving the door open until Nov. 14 for a sub-lease
arrangement. The Lynx have yet to officially inform the City of their departure
for Allentown, Pa., next season and the two sides are involved in countersuits
over the lease.
RELATED STORIES:
Ottawa issues
ultimatum to Lynx; deadline passes;
Wolff 'hopeful,' if
not optimistic about 2008 Ottawa team;
Can-Am talks with city can't
go into extra innings;
Lynx Stadium roof
project and Can-Am baseball to co-exist: proponent;
League makes first
pitch to councillors over Lynx Stadium;
Developer hopes to help settle dispute between
Lynx, city;
Spirit gives up ghost in Lynn;
Ottawa to land Nashua Pride?;
Shuttle off to Lynx Stadium?;
Honestly, you can't really blame him;
Wolff: Don't close down Lynx Stadium
Reds to stay on WLW
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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Cincinnati
Reds games will remain on WLW-AM (700) under a new five-year contract through
2012 that will generate more advertising revenue and marketing opportunities for
the club. But to Reds fans, the games should sound the same -- with WLW
continuing to produce the games described by Marty and Thom Brennaman and Jeff
Brantley, said station executives. Under the new deal, announced Tuesday, the
Reds will sell almost all advertising during the games, plus pregame and
postgame shows, the club announced.
SJ Giants,
city sign lease through 2013
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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The
San Jose City Council today approved a five year lease extension to keep the San
Jose Giants (High Class A; California League) playing at Municipal Stadium
through the 2013 season. Terms of the agreement include the ability for the San
Jose Giants to sell stadium naming rights and pursue on-site development options
in an effort to fund much needed capital improvements at the ballpark. The
contract also establishes a new stadium capital fund and grants the San Jose
Giants certain development options on site, subject to City Council approval.
The City will provide a one-time contribution of $200,000 to the newly created
fund. All additional funding will come from the San Jose Giants and through
naming-rights proceeds.
McHenry study put to public
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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A
once-unreleased feasibility study that drove McHenry County College’s
controversial Health, Wellness and Athletic Complex and an accompanying ballpark
for an independent Frontier League team was made public this week, more than
eight months after it first was presented to the college board. Project
consultant Mark Houser and EquityOne Sports Development first presented the
board with the proposal in February. But it was not released to the public
because of what college officials declared "trade secrets." The plan showed the
complex losing money its first five years before becoming profitable. The plan
was rejected by Crystal Lake because of concerns about traffic and pollution;
we're not entirely sure the finances were as big issue an issue as this article
purports, as Crystal Lake officials were never asked to contribute and McHenry
County College would have financed the whole project on its own.
More from the Chicago
Daily Herald.
RELATED STORIES:
MCC expansion plan
worth second look;
Crystal Lake Council
bats down MCC expansion;
Executives go to
bat for plan;
Ballpark
opposition organizes in Crystal Lake;
Will Crystal Lake
let MCC play ball?;
Building a ballpark
tests a community;
Crystal Lake rejects MCC expansion plan, new
ballpark;
Crystal Lake wants outside opinion on ballpark;
Crystal Lake bats around ballpark;
Major boom for minor-league ball;
McHenry County College, Frontier League close to
agreement for new ballpark;
McHenry County pulls off a double play;
MCC ballpark for
Frontier League gets OK;
McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility;
Plans for minor league team 'moving in right
direction'
Ballpark Notes
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) announced that Phil
Warren will return as Manager for the Frontier League club in 2008. The club
also announced it is bringing back Randy Martz for his second season as
pitching coach and Darin Kinsolving as hitting/bench coach. Warren
enjoyed great success in his first season as a professional field manager. The
St. Louis native led the Grizzlies to a franchise-record 64 wins and a West
Division title. The club’s 64-29 record was the second-best regular season mark
in league history....The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies
(Class AA; Eastern League) are teaming up for the 10th consecutive season to
bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a
Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
For the first time in the event’s history it is being held in November and a
live band will perform. A civilian vehicle convoy, blood mobile and much more
will also be part of the event....Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern
League) manager Matt Walbeck has reached a tentative agreement with the
Texas Rangers to become their third-base coach next season....Lowell Spinners
(short season; NY-Penn League) broadcasts are returning to WCAP 980 for
the 2008 season....
Contractor sues for Columbus ballpark bid
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Construction
of the new Columbus Clippers (Class AAA;
International League) ballpark hit a delay yesterday after a judge told
Franklin County commissioners they couldn't award a $5.9 million contract to
start pouring concrete. In a lawsuit filed yesterday, Lithko Contracting Inc. of
Hamilton, in southwestern Ohio, said the commissioners rejected its "lowest and
best" bid to curry favor from labor unions. Lithko is a nonunion employer. Its
only competitor, Baker Construction, uses union labor and bid $17,500 higher.
Ohio is providing $7 million toward the $55-million Huntington Park, set to open
in the Arena District in 2009.
Photo tour of new Nats ballpark
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback)
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There
aren't many new ballparks opening in 2008, so the premiere of Nationals Park,
the future home of the Washington Nationals, will be an important event. WUSA's
Dan Guzman reports the obvious: that there's a lot of work to be done on the
facility, which is slated to open in April. The big work is done; what's left is
the finishing work. The issue in April won't be the state of the ballpark
(though, inevitably, some parts of the new ballpark will be incomplete); the
issue will be parking and Metro access.
RELATED STORIES:
Nationals make
effort to address parking woes at new ballpark;
On deck: Playing field for
new Nats ballpark;
Goals unmet on ballpark
construction jobs for D.C. workers;
RFK is full of concrete
memories;
Nationals choose
Centerplate to manage concessions at new ballpark;
Lessons for the
Lerners: what to steal from other ballparks;
Nats ballpark to have extensive seating for
wheelchairs;
Metro, District and Nationals talking possible
'ballpark fare';
Signing off on the last beam;
Top price for ducats at new Nats ballpark: $400;
Nationals' transition extends off field;
National crisis: Capital franchise in turmoil;
Ballpark brings hope but no guarantee;
Nationals
ballpark 'on time, on budget' for 2008 opening;
Future
distinctly on rise for Nationals;
District not over park cap;
New Nats ballpark to feature cherry blossoms
beyond left-field fence;
As ballpark rises, battles over land continue;
For Nats' home, a rapid ascent;
Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say;
Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark
upgrades;
With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money;
D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages;
The D.C. ballpark parking debate;
Severe penalties await city if parking garages
aren't provided, Gandhi warns;
Ballpark garages proposal rejected;
Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight
over new Nats ballpark;
New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for
2008 opening;
Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC
ballpark;
Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking;
DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in
country;
Legislation would revive condo and garage
development at new DC ballpark;
New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking;
D.C. parking issue threatens budget;
Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat;
Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk
Wizards to play at T-Bones park next season
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Kansas
City’s Major League Soccer club will announce today that it will play its home
games for the next two seasons at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, home to the Kansas
City T-Bones (independent; Northern League). The Wizards could not continue
playing at Arrowhead Stadium, which has been its home since the team’s inception
in 1996, because of renovations. OnGoal LLC, the Wizards’ ownership group,
remains focused on getting a deal done for a soccer stadium at the site of the
former Bannister Mall in southeast Kansas City. The proximity of
CommunityAmerica Ballpark to the entertainment options at Village West is
something the Wizards would like to replicate if they can build a permanent
home.
Sarasota to vote on renovation of Ed Smith Stadium
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback)
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More
on today's bond referendum in Sarasota providing $16 million for a renovation of
Ed Smith Stadium
for continued use by the Cincinnati Reds as a spring-training home. Jeff
Maultsby, director of Florida operations for the Cincinnati Reds, said the team
has done everything possible to try and inform voters about the proposed plans
for the ballpark. During the past few weeks, Maultsby and representatives from
the Reds organization have met with homeowners associations and community groups
to get the team's message out to the people. In other municipal elections,
Helena (Mont.) voters are deciding on a parks improvement bond that would
provide funds for a renovation of Kindrick Field, the home of the Helena Brewers
(rookie; Pioneer League), while voters in Brighton, Col., will be asked to
approve a 0.2-cent increase in the sales tax rate to finance a 4,000-seat
ballpark for an independent American Association team.
RELATED STORIES:
Sarasota
officials mum on ballpark property tax;
Reds ballpark
decision delayed;
For Reds, no rush to vacate Sarasota;
Reds spring ballpark deal dealt a major blow;
Ballpark negotiations over; now to sell it;
Reds official sizes up Sarasota;
Replacement for Dodgers in Vero may be near;
Sarasota approves Ed Smith project vote;
Ballpark issues in Sarasota;
Reds spring ballpark plan hinges on 3 votes;
Significantly scaled-back plan is weighed for
Reds' spring home;
Why Sarasota may spurn baseball;
What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?;
Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach;
New Reds spring-complex deal on life support;
Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy;
Task force confident in Reds ballpark deal;
Finance plan for Reds spring-training facility in
place -- maybe;
Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex;
Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex
cost;
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
Frontier hopes new field will shorten rain delays
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Countless
baseball players complained about the rocky infield at Frontier Field when
soccer's Rochester Rhinos played soccer there from 1996-2005. These days, the
baseball-only ballpark is more than living up to that billing. A major
renovation project has left the stadium field with no grass, and enough gravel
to overflow a landfill. The field replacement is part of a stadium renovation
project being funded by a $2.4 million pool. The Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA;
International League) paid $800,000 and Monroe County added $1.6 million via a
state grant.
Limited form of replay supported by several GMs
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback)
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Several
MLB GMs say they will support reviews of calls via instant replay, in at least a
limited form. The most likely use being whether home runs stayed fair or went
foul, and whether balls went over fences or hit the top and bounced back. "It
depends on how it affects the pace of the game,'' said Padres General Manager
Kevin Towers. "If it doesn't draw out into balls and strikes and tagging guys at
second base, then it might work.'' There is no timetable yet on when baseball
might implement instant replay, if at all. The GMs are meeting in Orlando;
here's a look at the four newest GMs from USA Today.
Stadium consultants ordered to document expenses more completely
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When
consultants on the renovation of Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums seek expense
reimbursements, they should specify the purpose of those expenses, officials
agreed Monday. The Jackson County Sports Complex Authority decided to have the
consultants use consistent expense forms in the wake of a flap over expenses for
the Kauffman project. Stadium renovations are being paid mostly from county
sales tax dollars. John Loyd, a construction consultant who represents the
Royals, submitted expenses well within the limits of his contract but did not
state how they were related to the project. For instance, he billed for working
group lunches and for furnishings for his construction site trailer.
Ballpark Notes
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The
Sports Turf Managers Association named Isotopes Park the best
playing surface in professional baseball, as part of the organization’s annual
awards announced today. The honor is the latest in a series of accolades
garnered this year by the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) and head groundskeeper Jarad Alley, who was named top
groundskeeper in the PCL in August. Alley, who has been with the ‘Topes
since the team’s inception in 2003, presided over the field during the Triple-A
All-Star Game at Isotopes Park this July as well as maintained the field’s
pristine condition despite a particularly arduous monsoon season in Albuquerque.
Including the Triple-A All-Star Game, an entire Isotopes season, a full slate of
New Mexico Lobos baseball games, and numerous other events held at the ballpark,
the field played host to 130 separate events in 2007 and 118 baseball or
softball games. In related news, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA;
Eastern League) Head Turf Manager Eric Blanton has been named the 2007
Double-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year by the Sports Turf Managers Association
(STMA) and Minor League Baseball....The Lexington Legends (Low Class A;
Sally League) have named Andy Shea as the team’s new general manager.
Shea succeeds Kevin Kulp, who stepped down from the same post to pursue
other opportunities. Shea joined the Legends in 2005 as a ticket sales
representative prior to being named assistant general manager in 2006. Shea
graduated from Boston College with a degree in Marketing and Human Resources.
Andy played one and a half years of baseball at Boston College before shoulder
surgery ended his career. He hails from Philadelphia. The Legends made three
additional front office moves. Luke Kuboushek was promoted to assistant
general manager; Seth Poteat becomes the new director of marketing; and
Beth Ann Goldenberg assumes the role of director of ticket operations....Tacoma
Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) Assistant General Manager
Kevin Kalal is leaving to become the facilities director at Bellarmine Prep.
Franklin: No thanks to the Sounds
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Franklin
mayor-elect John Schroer called off talks between his city and the Nashville
Sounds (Class AAA; International League), saying his priorities for the city
don't include a new ballpark. Franklin is basically a bedroom community for
Nashville, and Schroer says there's little reason to talk when a ballpark is
probably outside the realm of financial possibility. The decision leaves the
Sounds without one alternative to a new ballpark; the team still talks about a
new downtown ballpark, but Nashville city officials don't seem particularly
eager to pursue anything at the moment.
RELATED STORIES:
Sounds' suit says bank
wrongly took funds;
Nashville mayoral candidates support downtown ballpark;
Sounds ballpark enters mayoral debate;
Architectural firm sues Sounds;
Bank pulls money from Sounds' account to pay
legal, other fees;
Metro halts funds to Sounds;
Could Sounds leave Nashville?;
Sounds GM Yaeger criticizes Struever Bros. as
"wrong partner";
Struever,
Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal;
Struever, Sounds
now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal;
Struever would build Sounds ballpark;
Sounds, Struever keep swinging for a ballpark solution;
Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster;
Metro concerned about progress of Nashville
ballpark deal;
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
Baseball study: Sale of SWB Yankees risky
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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A
137-page analysis from The Lieb Group, commissioned by Northeastern Baseball
Inc., says what NBI and its supporters have been saying for more than a year:
selling the community-owned Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League) asset to private owners would likely be the first step
toward losing the franchise -- which, the study adds, has been undervalued by
the county and potential suitors. Officials with Northeastern Baseball, the
nonprofit corporation that served as the driving force behind securing the
Triple-A franchise 20 years ago, do have an axe to grind: they argue that the
sale of the team to Mandalay Baseball could lead to either the team leaving or a
fight over a new ballpark. The sale of the team to Mandalay would come with what
appears to be an iron-clad 20-year lease and an offer to sell the team back to
Lackawanna County at the end of the lease. We're also guessing there's a little
envy here: Mandalay and the New York Yankees took a money-losing team and turned
things around, to the tune of profits going back into Stadium Authority coffers.
Whether this study -- which is lacking a lot of key data, something that's
admitted by its author -- will be enough to cause the county to back out of the
deal remains to be seen.
RELATED STORIES:
Cordaro claims a
role in minor-league turnaround;
Is PNC Field debt-free?
Sides disagree;
Commissioners postpone decision on baseball suit;
Yankees set to break attendance record;
Law firms hired in Yankees flap;
Mandalay eyes expansion;
Value of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees questioned;
Sale of Harrisburg franchise raises questions
about Yanks;
Luzerne County
officials finally out of the bullpen;
County rejects Triple-A agreement;
Potential sale of SWB Yankees approved;
Luzerne County explores options on baseball deals;
Blaum wants 1986 ballpark contract honored;
Potential sale of the SWB Yankees approved;
Lackawanna
County minority commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off county;
Yanks filling seats in Moosic;
Once again, it’s all
about the Yankees;
New for 2007: PNC Field;
Work on Lackawanna County
Stadium progresses;
New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees;
End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium;
Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty;
Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows;
Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax;
New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark
priorities;
Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in
minor-league teams;
Will Moosic get a new ballpark?;
Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management
firm heading to Moosic;
Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna
County Stadium today;
Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and
Pens;
It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to
Scranton a done deal?;
Authority will consider giving Cordaro power;
Yankees to SWB?
Marion owes it to the Miners
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Retail
sales (and corresponding tax revenues) in Marion, Ill., are up significantly
this year, and local officials say a big factor in that is the presence of the
Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League). In its inaugural
season, the Southern Illinois Miners posted a league record turnout of 259,392
people, an average of 5,086 per game. They played 51 homes games at Rent One
Park, including 18 in June and 14 in July. Both were big months in terms of
overall sales in Marion. In June, sales were up about $8 million, or 16 percent.
In July, sales jumped by about $6.2 million, or 12.8 percent.
The Southern adds more.
Ballpark figures top city concession haul
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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New
York City made more money out of Yankee
Stadium parking last year that it did from the rest of the ballpark. Newly
compiled Parks Department figures show the city collected $3 million in parking
concession fees at the historic stadium in fiscal 2007 -- $700,000 more than the
$2.3 million the Yankees paid to lease the entire facility during that 12- month
period. Officials attributed the topsy-turvy numbers to deals made by City Hall
over the years, particularly during the Giuliani administration, that allow the
Yankees to deduct the cost of improvements at the stadium from their rent
payments, as well as costs associated with planning for
the new ballpark, now under
construction.
RELATED STORIES:
For Yankees, the
numbers game goes on;
Taxpayers footing
bill for Yankees' lavish spending, group says;
Sponsorships
available -- inside the ballpark, that is;
Approach of winter a
big factor in NYC ballpark race;
Finales set for
Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium;
Progress report: New York's new ballparks;
The stadium chase;
Yankees, Mets won't
sell seat licenses; ballpark funds in place;
Whole new ballgame;
Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated
junk;
Bronx group goes to court vs. new Yankee Stadium;
New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark
bonds;
New York Agency approves ballpark financing for
Yankees, Mets;
MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea;
Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?;
NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets
ballpark bonding bills;
Squeeze play on Mets ballpark;
Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie
Robinson;
New Mets ballpark deal is stalled;
Squeeze play on the Mets;
Strike one for new Mets ballpark;
Mets park's name will fetch millions;
Mets unveil plans for new ballpark;
Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks;
City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks;
State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets
ballparks
Penn State to pay $47,000 in ballpark back taxes
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The
Centre County Assessment Appeals Board decided that Penn State must pay the
county $47,000 as part of an in-lieu-of-tax agreement for Medlar Field at
Lubrano Park. The decision ends a yearlong dispute between the county and the
university regarding the amount of in-lieu-of-tax payments Penn State owes on
the ballpark. Here's the deal: Penn State is exempt from property taxes, but
pays fees on campus facilities leased to private entities. In this case, the
ballpark is leased to the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League).
The county was seeking property taxes to the tune of $233,000 annually, arguing
the Spikes basically controlled everything at the ballpark, but the appeals
board rejected that logic to arrive at the smaller figure.
More from the
Centre Daily Times.
This vote is a no-brainer
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Doug
Fernandes says a renovation of Ed Smith Stadium
for continued use by the Cincinnati Reds as a spring-training home is a
no-brainer: when your home needs repairs, you fix it. But it's not that simple:
asking voters to approve a property-tax hike to pay for ballpark improvements is
always risky, especially when the Red really have a limited impact on the
community: the team is a mediocre March draw and the Sarasota Reds (High Class
A; Florida State League) are a nonfactor. This will be a chance for Sarasota
voters to decide if they really want spring training, because we're guessing the
Reds will bolt otherwise. More from the
Cincinnati Enquirer.
RELATED STORIES:
Sarasota
officials mum on ballpark property tax;
Reds ballpark
decision delayed;
For Reds, no rush to vacate Sarasota;
Reds spring ballpark deal dealt a major blow;
Ballpark negotiations over; now to sell it;
Reds official sizes up Sarasota;
Replacement for Dodgers in Vero may be near;
Sarasota approves Ed Smith project vote;
Ballpark issues in Sarasota;
Reds spring ballpark plan hinges on 3 votes;
Significantly scaled-back plan is weighed for
Reds' spring home;
Why Sarasota may spurn baseball;
What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?;
Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach;
New Reds spring-complex deal on life support;
Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy;
Task force confident in Reds ballpark deal;
Finance plan for Reds spring-training facility in
place -- maybe;
Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex;
Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex
cost;
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
Elfstrom Stadium renovation bids still higher than expected
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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After
restructuring the bid process in the hopes of cutting costs, Kane County Forest
Preserve officials learned Friday that the lowest bid for
Elfstrom Stadium topped $12.1 million.
That's a million more than the first round of bids and more than double the
amount committed by the forest preserve. Officials from the forest preserve and
the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) organization plan to meet
next week to discuss the project. Both parties said they remain committed to
overhauling the Geneva stadium, but it's unclear at this point which
organization will back up its commitment with cash.
County questions some expenses by Royals representative in ballpark renovation
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Expenses
submitted by a Kansas City Royals contractor who oversees the club’s interests
in the renovation of Kauffman
Stadium have raised some eyebrows in Jackson County government. The Royals
and the Chiefs are each allowed to have someone monitor
Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead renovations at
taxpayers’ expense under their contracts with the county, which owns the
stadiums.
Ballpark gets OK on delay, increase
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The
Springdale City Council on Friday approved an $880,000 increase in the
construction contract for Arvest Ballpark, under construction as the new home of
the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) and extended the
completion deadline by two weeks, from March 1 to March 15. The decisions were
made to accommodate the installation of concession equipment, which was not
included in the general construction contract. The $32 million ballpark features
6,200 seats, a party deck and 25 luxury suites.
City seeking bids for demolition of Tiger Stadium
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The
Detroit Economic Growth Corp., a development arm of the city, issued a request
for proposals last week seeking a demolition contractor to raze most of Tiger
Stadium, the former home of the Detroit Tigers. Contractors have until Nov. 20
to put in bids. The plan calls for razing about 90 percent of the ballpark
structure, preserving the playing field for youth baseball and other activities,
saving a small portion of the ballpark near home plate and redeveloping the land
ringing the field as residential housing and stores. The Old Tiger Stadium
Conservancy, a Corktown neighborhood group, is working with the city on plans
for creating the community center.
Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered
Ballparks listings.
RELATED STORIES:
Fans shell out $2
million for Tiger Stadium seats;
Nonprofit
submits plans for saving part of Tiger Stadium;
Tiger Stadium
auction a $192,729 home run;
Online auction of
Tiger Stadium memorabilia runs through October;
A new vision for Tiger Stadium;
Harwell heats up Tiger Stadium pitch;
Harwell: I can save Tiger Stadium;
Tiger Stadium to be torn down;
Tiger Stadium demolition plan close to vote;
Wreck the old park; praise the new one;
Detroit City Council delays action on Tiger
Stadium demolition;
City: Revisit Tiger Stadium plans;
Today's video: The final days of Tiger Stadium;
Tiger Stadium plan hits a snag;
Tiger Stadium's fate divisive;
Tiger Stadium: Up for auction?;
Tiger Stadium outta here by '08;
Time running out for Tiger Stadium;
Dave Wright: Time to let Tiger Stadium go;
Razing memories of 95-year-old Tiger
Stadium before demolition work begins;
Final farewell planned for Tiger Stadium;
Old house is hard to forget;
Once a baseball cathedral, Tiger Stadium now sits
in disrepair;
Memories of Tiger Stadium;
Tiger Stadium demolition delayed;
Progress is in the ballpark;
Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger
Stadium;
Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off
under city plan;
Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be
built on historic site;
Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is;
Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen;
Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination;
8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger
Stadium fix;
Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium;
Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium;
Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed;
Hope fades for Tiger Stadium;
Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium;
Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark;
City should tear down Tiger Stadium;
Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?
Thunder staff focuses on hockey season with an eye on baseball
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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Horn
Chen, the owner of the Wichita Thunder (CHL), one of the few minor-league sports
organizations ever to strike it rich in Wichita, will try next spring to do what
the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) were unable to do in recent
years: Make professional baseball once again a viable option. And that means an
office staff of 16 -- including three mainstays from the Wranglers organization
-- are juggling minor league hockey and baseball this fall, while keeping a
mindful eye on the National Baseball Congress World Series, which it will lease
from the city of Wichita. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the
yet-to-be-named baseball team will be competing in the independent American
Association, with a yet-to-be-determined manager and yet-to-be-determined
roster.
Ski/snowboard event held at AT&T Park
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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First
opera, now snowboarding. Esurance ICER AIR 2007, the first big-air ski and
snowboard event held in a ballpark in the United States, drew 33,000 spectators
to AT&T Park, the home of the San Francisco
Giants, over two days. Olympic medalists and X Games ski and snowboard champions
competed on a 100-foot high jump that extended from the top of
AT&T Park's scoreboard to second base. The ski
and snowboard jump was covered with over 200 tons of man-made snow that
withstood unseasonably warm temperatures in the mid-70s.
Game over: Is New Haven just not a sports town?
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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The
demise of the New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am Association) at
Yale Field has many local observers
wondering if pro sports can work in the town. In the past 108 years, 29 minor
league baseball and hockey teams have come and gone -- seven of them in the past
20 years alone. Most of them were in New Haven. While we think it's a load of
hooey to suggest that a team must own its own ballpark to survive (as naively
and inaccurately suggested by a Sports Business Journal reporter), clearly there
was a facility issue in New Haven.
The New Haven Register tries to figure things out.
RELATED STORIES:
Apathy doomed
Cutters from start;
New Haven County
Cutters folding
Glendale racing to finish baseball facility by Feb. '09
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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More
on the tight construction schedule for a new spring-training complex in
Glendale, Az., for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox.
Construction has already begun, and construction officials say they should be
ready for a February 2009 opening. One change: the lease between the teams and
Glendale will be amended to lift penalties the city must pay should the complex
not be totally completed.
Touch all the bases
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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When
city planners envision a lively neighborhood surrounding a ballpark, they're
probably thinking about Wrigleyville, the area surrounding Wrigley Field, the
home of the Chicago Cubs. Even though the Cubs' season is long over, the
partying goes on at Wrigleyville's many watering holes: out-of-town
college-football fans gather to watch their favorite teams on Saturdays and
pro-football fans hit the bars on Sunday. Yeah, it would seem odd for us to hit
Murphy's Bleachers without the Cubbies in town, but that's the point: in the
offseason these become neighborhood hangouts.
Former manager recalls Temple Eagles baseball
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Temple Eagles may have only had a six-year run in the Class B Big State League,
but what a glorious run. At a time when Temple’s population was about 21,000,
the Eagles drew nearly 250,000 fans in 1950 and ’51. Out of 512 minor league
teams, the Eagles were fourth nationally in paid attendance in 1950 and second
in 1951. The team’s popularity relative to the size of its market caught the
attention of the Sporting News, which named Bill Hayes "Executive of the Year"
for the more than 400 teams in the lower classifications.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Nov. 5, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Atlantic City Surf (independent; Atlantic League) announced the hiring of
Egg Harbor Township native Barry Kraus as community relations director
for the 2008 season. Kraus will oversee the club’s efforts in partnering with
area organizations and participating in community events throughout the Atlantic
City region. Kraus will also function as an account executive, expanding the
club’s presence in the business community. Kraus spent the 2007 season as the
Surf’s director of emergency medical services. He is also an emergency medical
technician with the Galloway Township ambulance squad and Northfield rescue
team. Kraus is a 1998 graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School....Mark
Wiley is the new pitching coach of the Florida Marlins....John
Russell is the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He managed the
Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) last season. Russell's had
an interesting career. He made his way up the Minnesota Twins'
minor-league system and was projected as a managing prospect, but the Bucs let
him go two years ago when he served as their third-base coach...The San
Francisco Giants and KNTV/NBC 11 announced a three-year broadcast
partnership that gives NBC 11 the exclusive over-the-air rights to broadcast
Giants games through the 2010 season....Eight staff members for the Great
Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) have received promotions within
the organization, Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau
announced today. Tammy Brinkman has been promoted to Assistant General
Manager of Finance. Brinkman, previously the Director of Accounting, has seen
her responsibilities steadily increase with the Loons and the Michigan Baseball
Foundation. The Bay City resident will also continue to handle human resources
for the organization. Ann Craig is the team’s new Assistant General
Manager of Retail and Guest Services following a successful tenure as Director
of Retail Operations. Craig’s leadership of The Loon Loft team store at Dow
Diamond and Loons.com has led to sales ranking amongst the top teams in all of
Minor League Baseball. She is also a leader in the Loons’ customer service
efforts. Patti Tuma, of Midland, has been promoted from Office Manager to
Director of Business Operations. Following a successful career as a teacher with
Midland Public Schools, Tuma has become a vital part of the Loons’ day-to-day
business operations and will continue taking on greater responsibilities.
Saginaw-native Karrie Sells has been promoted to Director of Sponsorships
from Sponsorship Manager. In her role, she is responsible for all interaction
between the Loons and their corporate partners. Under her leadership, the Loons
far exceeded expected revenues for sponsorships in 2007. Chris Lones will
now serve as the Loons’ Director of Production after previously holding the
title of Video Production Manager. He oversees the Loons’ in-game video
presentation and will continue to gain greater responsibility for the Loons’
overall in-game production. Lones, an Osceola, WI native, resides in Midland.
Keith Winter has been added to the Loons’ full-time staff as the Loons’
Assistant Groundskeeper and Stadium Operations Manager. Winter previously was a
part-time assistant groundskeeper. He will report to both Head Groundskeeper
Matt McQuaid and Director of Stadium Operations Greg Kigar for his dual role
with the Loons. Emily Schafer has been hired as a Corporate Account
Executive following a successful internship with the Loons’ marketing
department. The Saginaw native and graduate of Central Michigan University
replaces Scott Tenney, who has left the Loons to pursue another
opportunity in Minor League ticket sales with the Lexington Legends. Ben
Gurnee of Bay City has been hired as the Loons’ Marketing Manager. He will
report to Loons Assistant General Manager of Marketing and Promotions Chris
Mundhenk and will have additional responsibilities coordinating mascot
appearances. Gurnee also served as an intern in the marketing department during
the 2007 season.
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