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.
|
|
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:
Feb. 26-March 4, 2007
Building a ballpark may
hinge on having the Twins pay more
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
We're
already hitting our first cost overrun in the construction of a new Minnesota
Twins ballpark, as Hennepin County officials tell the Twins ownership the
acquisition of a key downtown parcel will cost more than anticipated and that
the team may need to pony up some cash to close the deal. The county had
appraised a chunk of land owned by Land Partners II at around $13 million, but
it appears as though the owners have finally settled on a price of $21 million
or so for the land -- more than the county has budgeted. While the county and
the Twins talk, officials are evaluating other land parcels in Hennepin County,
but we continue to hear the two parcels identified here last week -- the
Minneapolis Farmers Market site and land owned by the Star Tribune west of the
Metrodome -- are the only serious contenders. (There's little chance the Twins
would acquiesce to a new ballpark in suburban St. Louis Park or Brooklyn Park.)
Some in the Twins camp argue the Star Tribune site is the best location anyway,
but some high-level team officials are also arguing for the Twins to pony up $8
million or so to close the deal. Complicating things: county officials are
finding the parcel is harder to develop than anticipated, as issues with a
neighboring train line and environmental issues with a creek running underneath
the property are complicating matters. No doubt it's a tough parcel to develop,
and many are realizing the chances of associated development in the area may be
limited -- a lot more limited than on the Star Tribune site, which is on the
edge of an up-and-coming neighborhood thanks to the presence of trendy
restaurants, lots of condos and the new Guthrie Theatre.
RELATED STORIES:
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
College baseball team bus
crashes; six dead
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A charter bus carrying a
college baseball team from Ohio plunged off a highway ramp early today and
slammed into the pavement below, killing at least six people and scattering
sports equipment across the road. The bus carrying the team from Bluffton
University toppled off the Northside Drive bridge onto Interstate 75, police
spokesman Joe Cobb said. At least six of the 35 people aboard were killed and
others were injured. Robin Bowlus, a college spokeswoman, said she couldn't
confirm whether the bus was the one that left Bluffton at 7 p.m. on Thursday but
she hasn't been able to reach anyone who had been on the team bus by cellphone.
Are Brewers looking at
Grapefruit League move?
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Here's
a rumor that's been making the rounds: the Milwaukee Brewers are looking at a
move to Dodgertown in Vero Beach once the Los Angeles Dodgers shift spring
operations to Glendale, Az. The Brewers have a lease at Maryvale Baseball Park
through 2012, and Brewers Vice President of Communications Tyler Barnes says
there's nothing to the rumors. We're guessing the rumors started with Vero Beach
officials, who are making the rounds of MLB front offices in an attempt to find
a replacement for the Dodgers. The Brewers couldn't move to Florida without a
current Grapefruit League team moving to Arizona; one scenario has the
Cincinnati Reds making the move if plans for a new Sarasota spring complex fall
through, setting up a natural spring rivalry with the Cleveland Indians. The
Brewers have trained in Arizona since entering the American League as the
Seattle Pilots.
American Association expands
to Grand Prairie
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
City of Grand Prairie, Texas, and the independent American Association will
announce their intention to build a minor-league ballpark and operate a team in
Grand Prairie today, contingent on voter approving a sales-tax hike. The
ballpark, set to open in 2008, 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). The city of Grand Prairie is
planning to present the voters on May 12 a proposition to build the ballpark
using a one-eighth cent sales tax. The city would own the ballpark and the team
would operate the facility. Roger Christoph and Mark Schuster,
the owner of the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Can-Am Association), the El
Paso Diablos (independent; American Association) and the St. Joe Blacksnakes
(independent; American Association) are among the investors. The new ballpark
will be less than six miles from Ameriquest Field, the home of the Texas
Rangers; it also presumably puts an end to talk of a downtown Dallas ballpark
for the league. UPDATE: American Association officials tell us More from the Dallas Morning News.
How will Selig sell the
Extra Innings deal to fans?
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
It
looks like MLB will delay the announcement of an
exclusive deal with DirecTV to offer the Extra Innings package, and the delay is
leading many to wonder whether baseball is having second thoughts. Forcing
baseball fans to switch from cable TV to DirecTV merely for the pleasure of the
TV packages rankles many, and MLB's ultimate strategy of pumping up MLB.com's TV
offerings may be flawed: who really wants to watch a baseball game on a computer
screen? There's sure to be some Congressional interest in checking out the deal
as well. The end game is wider distribution of a baseball channel, but that may
be wishful thinking: the NFL couldn't cram the NFL Network down cable carriers'
throats, and MLB has far less leverage than the NFL.
Auburn ballpark model for
ASU
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Arizona State University
is looking at remodeling
Packard
Stadium, and one potential model is Auburn's Plainsman Park. In 1996,
Plainsman Park underwent a $4.2 million renovation, and the result was a
facility hailed as one of the best in college baseball. Some early goals for the
baseball staff at Arizona State: an expanded press box and shaded seating. We've
visited
Packard
Stadium and found it to be a pretty good college facility.
Peter O'Malley predicts
China will become baseball power
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley
predicts China will become the next world baseball
power. O'Malley, who first came to China in 1980,
built the first ballpark in the country. Now he's
suggesting another milestone could be reached very
soon. "Japan, Korea and Taiwan all have filled the
Major Leagues with players," O'Malley said Friday
in Beijing. "China is going to come along, and
when China does they are going to blow by
everybody else -- they're going to knock them over.
My guess is there are several players here who are
ready to be signed after the Beijing Olympics --
I'll predict that."
The Chiefs and sports
marketing? Laugh it up
Posted March 2, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A
columnist for the Syracuse paper takes some broad shots at the management of the
Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League) for their lack of marketing
savvy. The criticism is pretty broad: the team is bad for switching to the
SkyChiefs name in an effort to distance itself from the old Native American
logo, and the team is bad to abandon the SkyChiefs name in an attempt to rebrand
the team with a locomotive theme. Criticism this broad isn't very useful, really.
Cuban and the Cubs: a pair
or a pipe dream?
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Gossip
website
Radar says Mark Cuban is desperate to buy the Chicago Cubs for $625 million,
a move the relatively transparent Cuban denies. We don't know, but we do know it
would be surprising for a sale to happen now and for that price. Tribune Co.,
the owner of the Cubs and Wrigley Field, is is play, with bids in for the entire
company, which includes the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, WGN TV
(local and cable), WGN
Radio and more. To split away the Cubs now doesn't make sense in the sales
process: it won't placate dissident shareholders
and won't hugely impact a very large transaction. Forbes estimates
the Cubs are worth $448 million, which may be about right: it's a iconic
franchise and a proven money machine that's been unable to fully monetize
attractive assets -- i.e., broadcast rights -- because of its relationship with
WGN, according to more than one MLB franchise consultant we've contacted. (Darren
Rovell doesn't think the Cubs are worth $448 million because its payroll was
expanded this season, but payroll is adjustable and players can be traded,
and we're guessing payroll was pumped in an effort
to win in order to increase the team's value. In a
situation where there are underperforming assets
at play, payroll would be a relatively minor
concern over the long haul. Remember, the key to
any deal this big is uncovering underperforming assets,
whether it's a baseball team or a
telecommunications company.) Cuban's name
seemingly comes up every time a team comes on the market -- he was
rumored as a buyer of the Pittsburgh Pirates last season and the Pittsburgh
Penguins last summer -- but he never seems to follow through.
Team decides to slow down
ballpark's renovation plan
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina
League) have decided to go about their renovations
of Coastal Federal Field at a more leisurely pace
than initially planned, with some of the proposed
changes being pushed off for at least another
year. A new state-of-the-art digital scoreboard
and video board should be up and running and the
elevated televisions should be installed in the
concourse and concession areas by Opening Day on
April 5. The visitor's bullpen is scheduled to be
relocated along the third-base line, into the area
just beyond the grandstand in the area formerly
called the Shark Tank. That will free up space
beyond the left field wall for the construction of
new bleachers designed to seat about 450. Put off
until 2008: a realignment of the fences and the
construction of a Power Alley Pub.
Thanks for your
continued support
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Thanks to the support of readers like you, August Publications
had its best month ever in February, serving more
than 823,000 pages across our network, a 46
percent increase from February 2006. Ballpark
Digest continues its steady growth -- up 23
percent when compared to a year ago --
with
Football Stadium Digest up 111 percent over a
year ago and
Arena Digest
up 86 percent over a year ago. Add in the best
month ever from Spring Training Online, and
you've got a lot of momentum.
Thanks once again for your continued support of
our little publishing house.
Heat on college baseball
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
No NCAA sport is under closer scrutiny for its
performance in the classroom than baseball.
Conditions unique to the sport contribute to its
problems, but even with these handicaps taken into
account, baseball underachieves when gauged by a
new academic measuring stick. The board was so
alarmed by baseball's academic profile last year
it considered immediately cutting the length of
the season. Instead, a 26-person committee was
formed to advance ways the sport can improve its
Academic Progress Rate without draconian
reductions. The APR, implemented in 2005, is the
NCAA's tracking device for all Division I sports.
That committee will address the NCAA board in
April.
Spring training begins,
White Sox talk about move
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
As the Chicago White Sox
begin
spring-training games in Tucson, the local
residents wonder how long the team will play at
Tucson Electric Park. As we're reported several
times, a move of the White Sox to Glendale into a
shared complex with the Los Angeles Dodgers isn't
a sure deal, at least for next spring: the
ChiSox's lease says the team must find a
replacement or pay a penalty estimated as $28
million. If the Sox cannot find a replacement,
team officials say they'll honor the lease, which
runs through 2012.
With it looking unlikely that any team will be
moving from Phoenix or Florida to Tucson any time
soon, the Sox may be staying in Tucson -- and in
this interview Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf says the
team will indeed honor the lease.
Stadium authority approves
naming rights for ballpark
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority on Wednesday gave its blessing to a $1.1 million
naming rights agreement with PNC Financial Services Group for PNC Field, the
home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League).
Board members voted 3-1 in favor of the pact, signed earlier this month by
Lackawanna County majority Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro. Meanwhile, a recent
proposal by minority Commissioner Mike Washo to refinance the authority’s debt
did not come up for discussion. Also not on Wednesday’s agenda: talk about the
status of a management agreement between the county and Mandalay Baseball
Properties, whom the county wants to run the team; a draft of the proposed
agreement between the two sides was not available.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
Loons sell out
season opener in 21 minutes
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Dow Diamond should be rocking on April 13 when
the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest
League) make their debut. The Loons put 1,000
tickets on sale this morning at 7 a.m. for the
season opener, and by 7:21 a.m. they were all
gone, despite fans being limited to eight tickets
per order. Tickets are still available for the
remainder of the season.
Officials dig baseball
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
wind was blowing out Wednesday for groundbreaking at 56th Street and Watkins
Avenue, the site of a new Springdale ballpark. The stiff wind from the west
would turn a fly ball into a homer, matching what speakers at the groundbreaking
called a home run for Springdale. The heavy hitters at the groundbreaking
included Springdale Mayor Jerre Van Hoose, Kansas City Royals owner David Glass
and Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) owner Bob Rich. The Wranglers
signed a lease to move the minor-league team to the stadium when the 2008
Double-A Texas League season starts. Three shifts of dignitaries shoveled dirt
in the wind, in front of more than 100 people.
RELATED STORIES:
Springdale ballpark construction budget approved;
Springdale City
Council approves ballpark design;
Springdale commission approves new ballpark;
Wranglers GM has new challenges;
City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont
lease;
Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third
baseball option;
Council looks at ballpark design;
Commissioners begin planning improvements around
ballpark site;
Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass;
League approval slow but expected for move of
Wranglers;
Springdale approves Wranglers lease;
Texas League executives scrutinize proposed
Springdale lease;
Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to
public;
Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move
of Wranglers;
City told only voters decide ballpark's user;
Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch
for ballpark;
What's new in Wichita?;
Wranglers president says move is nearly official;
Wranglers agreement down to one item;
City negotiating terms with Wranglers;
Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team;
Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers;
Wranglers to move in 2008;
Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers;
Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team
talks;
Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations;
Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep
Wranglers;
Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with
them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer;
Wichita pitching to keep team;
Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale;
Springdale vote certification put on hold;
City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with
new ballparks;
Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner;
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Unlikely ballpark for A's
advances
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
San
Jose's apparently futile but never-ending bid to land an MLB team inched forward
late Wednesday when a divided city planning commission approved an environmental
review of the downtown site that's been proposed for a ballpark. The
commission's 4-2 vote could be the last-ever public action on the ballpark plan
which otherwise died last year. That's when Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff declared
he wouldn't attempt to move to San Jose and started buying land in Fremont for a
new stadium and adjoining residential and retail development. The decision on
the environmental report could still be appealed to the city council by ballpark
neighbors who had urged the commission not to approve it because they said it
failed to adequately assess the impacts of noise, traffic and parking shortages.
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
Prim gives ballpark update
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) owner Billy Prim updated
business leaders on the status of the team's new ballpark. Forsyth County
commissioners will consider an incentives package related to a rebate of
property taxes at a March 12 meeting. The city has already approved an
incentives package, so the county's approval is one of the final pieces of the
financial puzzle on the multiuse development. Prim said it will take between 12
months and 14 months to construct the stadium for the Winston-Salem Warthogs,
and he hopes to break ground either in late spring or early summer. That means
the ballpark likely wouldn't be ready in time for the 2008 season.
RELATED STORIES:
Forsyth County commits to new Warthogs ballpark;
Prim: I'll run figures in offer;
County's ballpark offer in;
New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?;
Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark;
county is next;
Joines: Protect ticket revenue;
Council considers city help with moving expenses;
Prim's word is his bond;
Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote;
Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan;
County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark;
W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since
it has no creek;
Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark
meeting;
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Dodgers one year away from
leaving longtime spring-training headquarters
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are slated
to move to a new spring-training complex in Glendale, Az., in 2009. Yes, it's
the right move for the team and its fans -- let's face it, selling a California
resident on travel to Vero Beach in March is a challenge -- and while the
romantic notion of Dodgertown remains, Holman Stadium is not the best place to
actually watch a game. The Dodgers will be leaving decades of memories; we're
guessing Tommy Lasorda and a host of former Dodgers will be waxing especially
nostalgic next spring, though so far Tommy's had a pretty rough spring on many
levels.
RELATED STORIES:
Dodgertown to ghost town;
For Dodgers, spring is in the Arizona air;
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
Senators
banning trans fats from ballpark
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League)
announced today that the team will make a change
in its Commerce Bank Park concession stands -- a
healthy change. Effective opening day, April 12th,
Commerce Bank Park on City Island will make the
switch to zero-trans fat oil products used in
preparation of some of the more popular concession
menu items. All french fries and chicken tenders
will be cooked in a unique product that blends
specially formulated oils in order to provide a
more healthy serving of two of the most sought
after choices in the Senators’ operation. The
product has been tested and will not hinder the
flavor of these two ballpark favorites. As you'll
recall,
we covered the issue late last year when New York
City enacted a similar ban; we suspect many
ballparks will be making similar moves in the next
year.
Rebirth, renewal and spring
training
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Not
every spring-training game is just a game: some are events. That's the case when
the St. Louis Cardinals take the field at Roger Dean Stadium: the Cardinal
faithful make their way down to Jupiter and cheer on their team no matter what.
Some have been coming down since the Cards played at Sportsman's Park.
Ballpark Notes
Posted March 1, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA;
International League) have officially announced
two additions to the ticket department of their
front office staff. Scott Hodge has been
named Director of Ticket Sales and Amy Schoch
will serve as Director of Ticket Operations.
Hodge enters his fifth year in professional
baseball after spending the last three seasons as
the Director of Ticket Sales for Roger Dean
Stadium, the spring-training home of the St. Louis
Cardinals and Florida Marlins as well as Florida
State League Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter
Hammerheads. Schoch is returning to America's
Pastime after spending time working with Canada's
Pastime. Prior to her return to Minor League
Baseball, the Reading native spent four years with
the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)....Ira Liebman
is leaving the San Angelo Colts
(independent; United League Baseball) to accept a
job with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox
(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Liebman will be
the Director of Community Relations/Marketing and
be the "Face of the Sky Sox," including heavy
involvement in the community on radio and TV....
Kelcey Woods-Nord is the new ticket sales
and marketing manager for the Mankato MoonDogs
(summer collegiate; Northwoods League). In
addition to ticket sales, she will assist in the
development and production of the Northwoods
League All-Star Game and help expand the MoonDogs
market outside of the Mankato area....Joe
Charboneau is the new hitting coach for the
Chillicothe Paints (independent; Frontier
League). Charboneau debuted with the Cleveland
Indians in 1980 and was voted the American
League Rookie of the Year for his outstanding
rookie performance....
County unveils Marlins
financing plan
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Miami-Dade
County officials unveiled a funding plan for a new
downtown Miami ballpark for the Florida Marlins
today. The cost of the retractable-roof ballpark
is estimated at $490 million. At first glance the
Marlins appear to have upped their financial
commitment: After the Marlins pay $45 million up
front, the team would also repay the county $162
million in bonds issued by the county, through
rent; the county would pay another $145 million
from a combination of tourist taxes; Miami's input
would be $108 million from tourist taxes and
revenues that used to go to Miami Arena. The still
missing link: $30 million from the state
Legislature, though there are proposals to fund
the ballpark this session. The new ballpark would
seat 37,000 people, and have 60 suites and a
retractable roof. Its scheduled completion date is
2011.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Toxic hazard creates bump in
road to new A's ballpark
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The scope of Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff's Fremont
ballpark village continues to widen, as new
records reveal his pursuit of a fourth piece of
land beyond the initial 143 acres he intends to
buy from Cisco Systems. But city officials say
there's one property in particular he needs to
address to remove a potential hazard. Just across
the street from the envisioned ballpark village
site sits Scott Specialty Gases, a distributor of
highly toxic materials used in semi-conductor
manufacturing. Fremont officials advised Wolff
last year that he'd need to either relocate the
plant or find another way to mitigate the
potential hazard posed by a toxic gas cloud
floating over a ballpark filled with 32,000
people. Wolff and representatives of Scott Gas
declined comment.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Investigator urges Bonds to
aid probe of steroids
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Major League Baseball's top steroids investigator
has urged Giants star Barry Bonds and other
players tied to the BALCO drug scandal to submit
to interviews and turn over their medical records.
But Bonds' lawyer says the Giants star cannot
cooperate with baseball's steroids investigation
as long as he remains the focus of a possible
perjury indictment. In a Feb. 1 letter, George
Mitchell, the former U.S. Senate majority leader
who is threatening that Congress may intervene if
his investigation of performance-enhancing drug
use in baseball is thwarted by lack of
cooperation, urged Bonds and the other players to
cooperate for the sake of the game. Meanwhile,
Bonds says he's too exhausted to make the trip to
Mesa when the Giants open spring-training
games tomorrow. For the record, it's a whopping
9.6 miles between Scottsdale Stadium and Hohokam
Park.
Lackawanna County minority
commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off
county
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
There's a disagreement among Lackawanna County
commissioners as to how to approach the debt
surrounding PNC Field, the home of the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League). Mike Washo is calling on
the Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority to refinance
its debts and pay off its obligations to
Lackawanna County. In turn, the minority
commissioner said, bond proceeds could potentially
fund repairs at PNC Field, retirement of county
debt and perhaps help reduce property taxes.
Neither Washo nor authority chairman Anthony Lomma
on Monday could say exactly how much the authority
owes, though it is understood to be more than $10
million, and perhaps as much as $13 million.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
Space Coast Stadium ready
for relaunch
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Any concerns about
Space Coast
Stadium
being ready
for Saturday's spring training game between the
Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles can be
put to rest, according to Matt Blush, the man
overseeing the facility's renovations. Blush, who
is the director of capital improvements for the
Lerner Corporation, which owns the Nationals, said
Monday there is "no chance" the ballpark won't be
ready for Saturday's game. Construction will wrap
up on Friday morning. On Monday, a team of workers
was putting panels on the main roof and installing
the final sections of dark blue seats, which are
replacing the teal ones left over from when the
Florida Marlins trained in Viera.
Scottsdale facility lets
minor leaguers feel like Giants
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The biggest change in the Cactus League this
season: the upgrade of the practice facilities for
the San Francisco Giants. The complex at
Scottsdale’s Indian School Park represents the
final half of a two-year, $23.1 million renovation
of the San Francisco Giants’ two facilities. Last
spring, it was the big leaguers at Scottsdale
Stadium enjoying added practice fields and a
larger locker room. The Arizona Sports and Tourism
Authority, largely funded by tourists via rental
car and hotel bed taxes, contributed $20 million
to the upgrades, with Scottsdale paying the
remaining $3.1 million. One of the four fields
replicates the dimensions of the Giants’ home
ballpark, AT&T Park. Even the right field wall is
25 feet high, although homers sent this way splash
down on Hayden Road rather than in McCovey Cove.
Ballpark Visit: Doak
Field at Dail Park
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
It
is always a fine thing when a college ballpark
fits in just right with the scale and expectations
of the baseball program it serves. This is
particularly true when you look at Doak Field
serving as home to the NCSU Wolfpack. Most years,
NCSU features a handful of potential major
leaguers on squads with an expectation to reach
the NCAA Tournament (four straight years, 7 of
past 10). The fit is right -- the rebuilt Doak
Field at Dail Park is entirely worthy of the
high-caliber Wolfpack program.
Stateline residents discuss
future of Beloit Snappers
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League)
just may be one of the best hidden treasures Rock County has to offer; and
if the community doesn't recognize its value soon, it's only a matter of
time before the team disappears. Since Rock County rejected a proposed land
swap deal -- which could have provided a new ballpark on a plot of property
in the Town of LaPrairie -- between Mulder Dairy Farms and the county a few
months ago, the team has been looking at other options, Beloit Snappers
Board Chairman Dennis Conerton said. One option, obviously, involves a sale
and then move of the team. Problem is, there just aren't that many great
markets in the Midwest League left for the pickins; between the
summer-collegiate Northwoods League and the independent Frontier and
Northern leagues any suitable markets are long gone.
RELATED STORIES:
Snappers ballpark issue remains hot topic;
Snappers future in doubt;
Owners: Snappers could be sold if a new stadium
isn't built;
County rejects land swap proposal;
Snappers land deal appears dead;
Deadline nears for moving Snappers to LaPrairie;
Beloit ballpark proposal hits snag;
New deal cited for land swap;
Snappers, fairgrounds deal proposed
Elsewhere on August
Publications
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Here are the
notable headlines from other August Publications
sites. On
Football Stadium Digest, it looks like it's
the end of the road for the venerable Cotton Bowl,
as the annual game will be moving to the new
Dallas Cowboys stadium in 2010. At
Arena Digest,
the Seattle Sonics released arena renderings for a
proposed new Renton facility and trotted out Bill
Russell to argue the merits of public funding. On
Yellowstone Insider,
signs indicate the legendary
Steamboat Geyser may be ready to erupt for the
first time since May 2005.
Omaha considering CWS
alcohol limit
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Omaha would be wise to comply with the NCAA's
request to limit the amount of alcohol served
around Rosenblatt Stadium during the event,
according to city councilman Jim Vokal. Vokal said
he'll propose an ordinance at Tuesday's City
Council meeting that would limit to seven the
number of temporary liquor licenses allowed within
a half-mile of
Rosenblatt Stadium during the CWS.
This year's NCAA Division I baseball championship
tournament runs June 15 to 24 or 25. Seven
temporary licenses for beer gardens and beer tents
were issued for last year's CWS. While there have
been few, if any, alcohol-related incidents
reported in the ballpark, residents who live
nearby have complained about drunken fans and
loutish behavior.
Baseball goes to bat in
Israel: Duquette aids fledgling IBL
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Baseball: It’s kosher. In essence, that was the
message yesterday in New York, where former major
league players Ken Holtzman, Art Shamsky and Ron
Blomberg were introduced as managers in the
professional Israel Baseball League, which will
begin play on June 24. Among those also involved
with the IBL is none other than Dan Duquette, the
former Red Sox general manager who is the league’s
director of baseball operations. Between now and
June 24, when the IBL opens its inaugural season,
Duquette indicated that the IBL hopes to sign
roughly 130 players to fill the six rosters.
According to Duquette, roughly 80 players already
have been signed from eight countries, including
the United States, Canada, Venezuela, the
Dominican Republic, Australia, Venezuela, Belgium
and Israel.
More from the New York Post.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 27, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Ben
Burke is the new general manager of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low
Class A; Midwest League). Prior to coming to the Quad Cities, Burke spent five
years with the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League). Hired by the
Flyers as the Director of Finance, Burke quickly ascended to the position of
Director of Corporate Sales and eventually Assistant General Manager....The new
pitching coach for the Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League) is
Eduardo Villacis, taking over for 2006 coach Mark Thompson. The 27-year-old
began his career as a Rockie, signing with the club out of Venezuela in 1998...
Spring training gives Valley
tourism biggest month
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Pitchers and catchers may have begun reporting a
week or so ago, but real aficionados know the true
spring training begins today when the St. Louis
Cardinals host Florida Atlantic University at
Roger Dean Stadium. Dropping by and watching a
workout is OK -- you can get indeed get close to
players -- but at some point sitting around and
watching bunting drills is on the boring side.
Today's game is the only one on the schedule;
tomorrow the Tigers open with a traditional match
against Florida Southern at Joker Marchant
Stadium.
Most Grapefruit League teams swing into a full
schedule on Wednesday. (Cactus League games
don't start until Wednesday.) Local merchants are
happy to see the games begin: March is the biggest
tourism month for the Phoenix area, and it will
only grow in coming years. For a full set of
scheds -- MLB and MiLB -- as well as other
spring-training news, check our
springtrainingonline.com.
Jack Russell to avoid the
wrecking ball -- for now
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Jack Russell Stadium, once marked for
redevelopment after the Philadelphia Phillies
relocated their spring training site three years
ago, could extend its baseball legacy for five
more years. The Winning Inning, a private baseball
academy, is negotiating a lease extension with the
city of Clearwater to remain at the 52-year-old
ballpark. The academy offers youth and adult
training programs and also fields amateur baseball
tournaments at the 16-acre complex. City officials
issued two requests for proposals to convert the
stadium site for commercial use or affordable
housing, yet residents of the surrounding North
Greenwood neighborhood were unable to reach a
consensus on those ideas. No new proposals have
been presented over the last two years.
County officials, landowners
of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
No
talks are going on between Hennepin County and a
recalcitrant band of landowners who control a key
parcel of land for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark.
As we reported last week, county officials are
quietly looking at two alternate sites, and both
sides believe that if a a deal is to happen, it
needs to happen in the next six weeks in order to
meet construction deadlines. The landowners have
gone on a PR push: in this article they appear to
be offering arbitration to clear up a dispute over
the condition of the land; they appear to have
settled on a value of $21 million for the parcel,
but this has not officially been conveyed to the
county. Really, you have folks on both sides of
the equation who are perfectly capable of playing
hardball and perhaps relishing the opportunity to
get back at some perceived political slight from
years gone by. You can view an interview with Rich Pogin,
a rep for the landowners,
here.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Springdale plans ballpark
groundbreaking
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The first toss at the Springdale ballpark will be
a shovel of dirt -- not a baseball. The
groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 2 p.m.
Wednesday, at the ballpark site on the corner of
Watkins Avenue and 56th Street in Springdale.
Construction schedules call for the stadium to be
completed by March 1, 2008, when the Wichita
Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) move in to
prepare for the season. Team owners Bob and Mindy
Rich will participate in the ceremony, along with
Springdale city officials. County judges and city
mayors from Benton, Carroll, Madison and
Washington counties have been invited to attend.
RELATED STORIES:
Springdale ballpark construction budget approved;
Springdale City
Council approves ballpark design;
Springdale commission approves new ballpark;
Wranglers GM has new challenges;
City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont
lease;
Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third
baseball option;
Council looks at ballpark design;
Commissioners begin planning improvements around
ballpark site;
Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass;
League approval slow but expected for move of
Wranglers;
Springdale approves Wranglers lease;
Texas League executives scrutinize proposed
Springdale lease;
Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to
public;
Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move
of Wranglers;
City told only voters decide ballpark's user;
Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch
for ballpark;
What's new in Wichita?;
Wranglers president says move is nearly official;
Wranglers agreement down to one item;
City negotiating terms with Wranglers;
Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team;
Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers;
Wranglers to move in 2008;
Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers;
Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team
talks;
Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations;
Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep
Wranglers;
Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with
them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer;
Wichita pitching to keep team;
Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale;
Springdale vote certification put on hold;
City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with
new ballparks;
Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner;
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Marlins giveaway
idea won't go away
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Carl Hiassen weighs in on the debate over public
funding of a new Florida Marlins ballpark. There
are many public officials lining up to give
sales-tax rebates to facility owners across the
state, with one proposal giving $540 million in
tax-rebated to every major-league operator; the
Marlins would use the money toward a new ballpark.
Hiassen doesn't think the Marlins can survive in
South Florida even with a new retractable-roof
ballpark, but we're guessing he's wrong: there's a
lot of passion for baseball in Miami, and once
Jeffrey Loria is out of the way (which surely must
happen at some point) you'll see that passion
reignited.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Phils' Triple-A minor
leaguers faced with spending 2007 season in Ottawa
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
For
25 lucky guys the six-and-a-half weeks of toiling
in the Florida warmth will be rewarded with a
ticket to the cooler climate of Philadelphia at
the end of March. For most of the other invitees
to big-league camp, the cold reality of
minor-league ball is about to get even colder. For
a season the Phillies will field a farm team in
Ottawa, before the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) franchise shifts to
Allentown, Pa. It's pretty cold in Ottawa in
April, so you can expect some players to be a
little disappointed when camp breaks.
RELATED STORIES:
Lehigh Valley officials score ballpark money;
Allentown ballpark begins to take shape;
Revised Allentown ballpark cost released;
Affiliated baseball finally comes to Valley;
Allentown breaks ground on new ballpark;
International League approves sale of Lynx;
Lynx poised to leap after 2007
Daytona ball broke color
barrier
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Throughout the 2007 season, baseball will
commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jackie
Robinson breaking the color lines in America's
game. April 15 has been designated "Jackie
Robinson Day," saluting the day Robinson debuted
in the major leagues as a member of the Brooklyn
Dodgers. The real breaking of the color barrier
came in 1946, when Daytona Beach hosted the first
integrated game in modern professional baseball
history at City Island Ballpark, now Jackie
Robinson Ballpark, the home of the Daytona Cubs
(High Class A; Florida State League). Robinson
took the field as a member of the Montreal Royals
of the International League; he had previously
been barred from other spring-training venues,
with officials threatening to lock the team out
rather than allow Robinson on the field.
Tigers: Time to change their tune?
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Detroit Tigers hope to replace their signature
tune, We're All Behind Our Baseball Team," with
something a little more modern. It's one thing to
abandon Tiger Stadium, but it's another to leave
behind a song that's been part of the Tigers
experience since 1968. The last time the Tigers
tried to replace a song -- "Thank God I'm a
Country Boy," for the record -- they were roundly
booed.
Rapaglia will run operations
at ballpark
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
When the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St.
George debuted in June of 2001, Sandy Rapaglia
wished he was involved. That wish has been
answered. The 40-year-old Annadale resident has
been named the ballpark's executive vice president
of operations by Mandalay Baseball Properties, the
Los Angeles-based company selected by the New York
Yankees last November to run the Staten Island
Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League). In 1994,
Rapaglia was the operations manager for the World
Cup soccer matches played at Giants Stadium. That
success and the enjoyment of that experience led
to the formation of his consulting business.
Ballpark upgrades a hit
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Mark Lerner last walked around
Space Coast
Stadium
in early December, when the Washington Nationals'
spring training facility still looked more like
the home of the Florida Marlins. The seats were
teal, the exterior of the ballpark was teal and
silver and certain areas were becoming
structurally unsound. When Lerner returned
yesterday and saw for the first time the massive
renovations that have taken place in less than
three months, he could barely believe his eyes.
Space Coast
Stadium
has been given a $3 million
makeover. Under the advisement of the Lerners,
Brevard County footed the bulk of the bill for
renovations, though the family put up about
$400,000 of its own money to make sure everything
got done in time for this week's exhibition
opener.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark has new hue
Otters unveil
new logo
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier
League) announced the release of a new logo. The
image replaces all previous logos utilized by the
team and will be a constant fixture in the years
ahead. "We wanted a fresh image for the team that
would strike a rapport with our fans," said new
Otters GM Deana Johnson. "It's important to evolve
with the times and create a distinct image that is
synonymous with the Otters, and we feel the new
logo will do just that." Merchandise
sporting the new logo is available for purchase at
the team's home, Bosse Field.
City secures funding for
Point Stadium turf
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The city of Johnstown expects to be rolling out
the green carpet as early as spring to a host of
new activities at Point Stadium. City Manager Curt
Davis said Friday that the city has procured the
money – about $800,000 – to install an artificial
surface for the recently renovated ballpark. The
funding was pooled from government sources on the
county, state and federal levels. The possibility
of bringing a minor league baseball team in as an
anchor tenant isn’t outside of consideration,
Davis said. But the city would approach any such
deal with caution.
The endgame of Japanese
baseball -- respect
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
We occasionally receive a request to cover
Japanese ballparks, and until we make our grand
tour -- something we hope to do next season --
you'll need to follow the travels of a USA Today
reporter as he makes the rounds of Japanese
ballparks. It sounds like there are some quirky
aspects to these ballparks, such as the infield
arrangements.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 26, 2007 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Mike Hart has been named hitting coach for
the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally
League) while Dan Murray will assume the
role of pitching coach. Hart, who spent last
season as the hitting coach for the Washington
Nationals Double-A affiliate in Harrisburg, enters
his 22nd season as either a manager or a coach in
professional baseball. Prior to his work with the
Senators, Hart worked for two seasons as the
hitting coach at Triple-A New Orleans. In 2005,
the Zephyrs finished the year with a .290 batting
average, which ranked third in the Pacific Coast
League. As a player, Hart spent 12 years in the
minor leagues for seven different organizations.
Murray joins the Sand Gnats coaching staff after
spending the last two seasons as the pitching
coach for the Kingsport Mets (rookie; Appalachian
League)....Alan Roach, the public-address
voice of Coors Field, has stepped down from
his ballpark duties due to family responsibilities
and other professional opportunities, according to
the Colorado Rockies....The Corpus
Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) and
Clear Channel Radio have announced a
three-year agreement for the official English and
Spanish broadcasts of Hooks games. The
announcement was made by Nolan Ryan and Jim Lago
of Lago in the Morning on News Radio 1360 KKTX and
simulcast on Clear Channel's other Corpus Christi
stations. All 140 regular season Hooks games will
be broadcast in English on News Radio 1360, KKTX-AM,
and all 70 home games will be broadcast in Spanish
on KUNO, La Preciosa, 1400 AM. The agreement
includes any exhibitions and post-season games.
The Texas League All-Star Game, set for June 26,
is part of the package....Jeff Isom is the
new manager of the Helena Brewers (rookie;
Pioneer League). The indy-ball veteran was most
recently manager of the Traverse City Beach
Bums (independent; Frontier League)....
|
Ballpark Digest Newsletter |
Want to receive news from Ballpark
Digest in your inbox?
You can sign up here! |
Contribute |
Want to show your appreciation for
Ballpark Digest?
Then consider a voluntary subscription or donation for the expenses of running the site. All the funds
collected from donations will go directly back to improving
Ballpark Digest. Read
more here. |
|