Reds close to striking deal for Arizona move
Posted March 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cincinnati Reds are close to a spring-training move to Arizona after announcing the city of Goodyear has procured $33 million in financing toward the expansion of a facility to be shared with the Cleveland Indians. (The Indians are moving west next spring; the Reds would follow in 2010.) No one is saying where money is coming from, but Reds officials sounded pretty confident that a deal would be struck. The move would place 15 teams apiece in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues. During our recent spring-training journeys we chatted with some front-office folks who weren't thrilled with the potential scheduling conflicts presented by the odd numbers, but apparently the commissioner's office has backed away from intervening. More from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
    The Reds will be leaving Sarasota, and the issue facing officials there is whether another MLB team will move to Ed Smith Stadium. Curiously, the two names that popped up in our discussions were the Baltimore Orioles and the Milwaukee Brewers. The future of the Orioles in Florida is cloudy. First, the team is waiting to hear from the FAA whether a proposed renovation of Fort Lauderdale Stadium will be approved (it's an FAA issue because the complex abuts the local airport). If the Orioles are denied permission to renovate, they'd be looking to move to Vero Beach's Dodgertown -- where they signed a nonbinding option to play in 2008 should the Los Angeles Dodgers move west -- or Sarasota, where the Orioles have their minor-league camp. (It used to be common for the major-league and minor-league spring camps to be held in different cities; today only the Orioles do it that way.) Milwaukee's limited interest was curious: true, Sarasota is much closer to Milwaukee -- by more than 500 miles. And Maryvale Baseball Park is a plain-jane facility with limited revenue potential, to say the least. In a sense, Milwaukee's presence in Arizona is more a series of quirks and inertia than anything else: the Seattle Pilots trained there for obvious reasons, and when Bud Selig's group plucked the team from bankruptcy court the team was in the midst of spring practices. Selig wintered in Arizona; hence the team's continued presence there. Still, the move of either team to Sarasota would be a long shot. More from the Herald-Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Deadline approaching on Goodyear pitch to Reds; Sarasota County offers $17.6 million toward Ed Smith Stadium renovation; New Arizona spring-training venues on schedule; Reds eye move west; Sarasota delays decision on Ed Smith Stadium improvements; Reds ask about Lee County as possible spring-training home; Sarasota to woo Reds; Reds exploring spring move to Arizona; Orioles on their way to Dodgertown?; Community must face up to future of Ed Smith Stadium; New Dodgers/ChiSox training facility still up in the air

Augusta mayor announces push for new downtown ballpark
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To the surprise of no one, Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver today announced a committee charged with the future of a downtown ballpark for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League) has indeed concluded the project is viable. The city has been working with Ripken Baseball, owners of the GreenJackets, on the proposal for a downtown complex that would include the ballpark and more, as you can see by the renderings below. Funding the project is the next big issue: the city may look at revenue bonds or general obligation bonds, which would need to be approved by voters. Renderings courtesy of Ripken Management and Design.

Cubs selling naming rights; Wrigley name will stay
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The Chicago Cubs are shopping around naming rights to specific parts of Wrigley Field but will likely retain the historic ballpark's moniker, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs are emulating the model used by the New York Yankees for Yankee Stadium, where the team kept the powerful brand name of the ballpark and are instead affixing naming rights to areas like the upper deck; the naming rights would be reflected in ballpark signage, tickets and (we're guessing) radio and TV broadcasts. Names of potential sponsors like Walgreen's and State Farm are being thrown around, and Bill Wrigley says there's the chance his firm would look at some sort of deal, but he didn't sound too enthusiastic. Selling naming rights is a delicate issue: while the ballpark originally was re-named for Cubs owner William Wrigley, it did serve as a de-facto naming-rights deal for the confectionary giant at a time when MLB rules prohibited naming-rights deals. Today, the Wrigley Field name is woven into the Windy City fabric, and the Cubs apparently came to their senses and decided against selling a total naming-rights package (or, what's more likely, is that no one stepped up to pay $400 million for the entire packages). Still, the team expects to yield $20 million a year for 20 years from the combination of naming-rights deals -- and that's a lot of ching for a team already experiencing a healthy cash flow. The Los Angeles Tribune takes a few potshots at their new corporate overlords over the naming-rights deal. The Chicago Sun-Times continues its gleeful criticism of new Cubs owner Sam Zell and its chief rival in the local media market.
    RELATED STORIES: Cubs would share the Cell if Wrigley is remodeled; Daley not sold on sale of Wrigley Field; The rape and pillage of Wrigley Field; Why Wrigley Field should retain landmark status; Tunney: Tribune Co. playing hardball with city; State: City must relax Wrigley Field landmark status if sold by Cubs; Zell's insistence on selling Cubs, park separately slowing sale; Cubs: Wrigley should pay for Wrigley Field naming rights; Cubs sale probably won't happen until after end of season; Tunney wary of Wrigley deal; Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field; Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

Red Wings to run Muckdogs in 2008
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The Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) will be running the Batavia Muckdogs (short season; NY-Penn League) on behalf of the Genesee County Baseball Club, the not-for-profit entity that owns the team. Not-for-profit is an understatement: the Red Wings will pay off the debt incurred by the club (around $150,000, according to some estimates) and receive all the proceeds from daily operations. Muckdogs GM Dave Wellenzohn will remain on staff, but all other functions will be run out of Rochester with existing staff. The move is billed as an attempt to save baseball in Batavia, but it may take more than the Red Wings' expertise: Dwyer Stadium isn't much of a ballpark, and any long-term solutions would likely include a renovation of some sort. More from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

Mets to go green in Citi Field
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Green is trends in baseball right now, and the Mets let us know about some of the green initiatives taking place at Citi Field, their new home for 2009. Some of them are features found both in Nationals Park and the new Minnesota Twins ballpark, such as energy-efficient lighting and low-flow plumbing, while some of them are pretty unique. For instance, the Mets' administration building will be topped with a "green roof" -- where a layer of dirt and grasses are used to insulate the facility year-round.
    RELATED STORIES: Citi Field taking shape; Billy Joel to play last concert at Shea Stadium; 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; 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

Letter: NCAA neutral on new Omaha ballpark
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A letter from NCAA facilities honcho Dennis Poppe indicates the organization isn't pushing for a replacement for Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, according to Omaha city councilman Garry Gernandt -- a stand confirmed by NCAA spokesperson Bob Williams. The letter, dated two weeks ago, says the NCAA favors neither a renovated Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium nor a new downtown ballpark. This is entirely consistent with what NCAA officials have told us off the record: they sounded perfect happy staying at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. City officials brushed off the letter sent to Jack Diesing Jr., a key proponent of the downtown ballpark, as being dated and coming before the city's presentation to NCAA officials. Perhaps, but our conversations came after that presentation as well. It's fine to want a new downtown ballpark, but it's being sold through the unrealistic fear that the College World Series might leave rather than any principled arguments for the proposal. More from NTV.
    RELATED STORIES: Parking issues at play at proposed Omaha ballpark; Rosenblatt defenders give Omaha mayor an earful; Omaha formally commits to 24,000-seat downtown ballpark; Should Omaha tell to NCAA to live with Johnny Rosenblatt?; Committee recommends new downtown Omaha ballpark; MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land; Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?; O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Audubon Society opposes Tampa Bay ballpark proposal
Posted March 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Petersburg Audubon Society is opposing a new $450-million waterfront ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays on the Al Lang Field site, saying the plan to fill in part of the harbor violates environmental guidelines. This objection has been raised by others, and we're probably going to see some sort of lawsuit should voters approve an alternative use for the Al Lang Field site in November. That area of the Tampa Bay is considered a state aquatic reserve. More from the Tampa Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Public responds to Rays' ballpark proposal; Rays sweeten pot for new ballpark with additional upfront money; Opposition to new Rays ballpark growing?; St. Pete newspaper: errors plague Rays ballpark debate; Proposal for Al Lang park land conversion tabled for Rays ballpark plans; City lays out vision for Tropicana Field site; So, let's say the Trop's for sale....; Opponents say Rays, manatees don't mix; Rays will not seek state aid for new ballpark; Rays brass willing to be stakeholders in Trop site; It's outta here! But what's next?; Parking for proposed Rays ballpark an issue; Key player in Rays ballpark proposal won't show his hand; Rays' land request for ballpark may be hard to fill; Rays unveil plans for new ballpark; Rays: New ballpark could pump $1 billion into local economy; Rays ballpark plan kept secret for months; Land under the Trop is a developer's dream; Tampa Bay ballpark cost looms as curveball; Rays on the bay?

Biscuits, Rays extend affiliation
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The Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League) and the Tampa Bay Rays have a verbal agreement to extend their player development deal through 2010, according to team owner Tom Dickson. The affiliation has been a good one for both sides: the Biscuits have been Southern League champs the last two season. More on the current affiliation situation here.

Feds deny use of key parking garage to Nats fans
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We've known all along parking would be a challenge at Nationals Park, the new home of the Washington Nationals, and it appears the challenge is even greater thanks to a decision from the federal government -- yes, the one still led by former Texas Rangers owner George W. Bush -- to deny any access to a 1,060-stall garage near the ballpark. The Feds are not going to allow evening access to the ballpark because of national security concerns. Whether the concerns are valid is debatable -- most of the federal employees using the ramp work for the Department of Transportation -- and Marc Fisher seems skeptical there's any real cause concern.
    RELATED STORIES: Crews pick up pace to renovate Metro station; Nationals ready for opening of new ballpark; Land acquisitions push up price of new Nats ballpark; Parking to be limited near new Nats ballpark; Nationals to open regular season at home on March 30; DC ballpark neighbors fear fan inundation; PNC Bank buys naming rights for Nationals' seats; Nats to open new ballpark March 29; Photo tour of new Nats ballpark; 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

Ballpark Notes
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Twenty-five non-profit organizations representing nine Mid-Michigan counties have been selected to receive the inaugural Michigan Baseball Foundation grants. The amount awarded totaled $100,500. The Michigan Baseball Foundation was formed in 2006 by a group of community leaders led by Bill Stavropoulos. The Foundation’s mission is to revitalize and reinvigorate the Mid-Michigan region and promote greater economic and civic prosperity through the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) and the operation of Dow Diamond. One of the key components of the Foundation’s mission is to give back to the community through grants and other donations.... Chuck Domino, a 26-year veteran of the baseball business, was inducted into the Berks County Business Hall of Fame on March 12, 2008 at the annual dinner for Junior Achievement. Domino is president of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League), its non-profit entity Baseballtown Charities and Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League). The honor was presented to Domino by the Greater Reading/Lehigh Valley Chapter of Junior Achievement. Junior Achievement is a national organization that uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential....The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) is conducting online and text message voting for the name of their new puppy. The Thunder's golden retriever Chase, and his partner, Cyndarella, had a litter on January 26. The Thunder are keeping one of the dogs to be trained as Chase's sidekick around the ballpark.  Thunder fans were invited to visit www.trentonthunder.com to suggest a name for the new puppy. Hundreds of names were nominated and now fans are asked to cast their vote for one of the top 5 most suggested names. The five finalists are: Lightning, Derby, Catch, Champ and Slider.

Rays: Plenty of parking for new downtown ballpark
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The Tampa Bay Rays released a study indicating there's plenty of parking in downtown St. Petersburg should the team build a new $450-million waterfront ballpark on the Al Lang Field site. Parking is an issue with many residents: businesses don't want to see all available spots used up by fans, and local residents want to be able to park on the street. The Rays say 12,000 parking spots are available within three-quarters of a mile of the Al Lang Field site -- enough capacity should the 34,000-seat ballpark be sold out. We suspect private investors would also pick up some of the slack; we'd be very surprised if the Hilton Hotel across the street didn't turn the current parking lot into a ramp. More from the Tampa Tribune. Also, the Rays submitted a formal plan for the new ballpark to the city of St. Petersburg; it doesn't deviate from the preview we've already posted.
    RELATED STORIES: Public responds to Rays' ballpark proposal; Rays sweeten pot for new ballpark with additional upfront money; Opposition to new Rays ballpark growing?; St. Pete newspaper: errors plague Rays ballpark debate; Proposal for Al Lang park land conversion tabled for Rays ballpark plans; City lays out vision for Tropicana Field site; So, let's say the Trop's for sale....; Opponents say Rays, manatees don't mix; Rays will not seek state aid for new ballpark; Rays brass willing to be stakeholders in Trop site; It's outta here! But what's next?; Parking for proposed Rays ballpark an issue; Key player in Rays ballpark proposal won't show his hand; Rays' land request for ballpark may be hard to fill; Rays unveil plans for new ballpark; Rays: New ballpark could pump $1 billion into local economy; Rays ballpark plan kept secret for months; Land under the Trop is a developer's dream; Tampa Bay ballpark cost looms as curveball; Rays on the bay?

No bull: iconic sign leaving DBAP
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We're a little surprised by this, to be honest. The Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) are removing the iconic bull sign used in Bull Durham from the concourse at Durham Bulls Athletic Park pending a decision on where the bull will end up. That bull was such a large part of the revival of minor-league baseball triggered by Bull Durham, so we're a little amazed to hear Bulls officials discuss tearing it down and selling it piecemeal to collectors. Really, there are only three places the Bull belongs: back in Durham Bulls Athletic Park, back in the original Durham Athletic Park if a minor-league museum from MiLB comes to be, or in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. As part of other changes in Durham Bulls Athletic Park the current outfield bull is being removed, to be replaced by a double-sided new bull visible from the outside of the ballpark. The current bull will take the place of the Bull Durham bull in the Durham Bulls Athletic Park concourse. More from the Raleigh News-Observer.

A's to reopen part of McAfee Coliseum upper deck
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The Oakland A's made plenty of news last season when they closed down the upper deck of McAfee Coliseum to shrink seating capacity at the ballpark. This year they're once again playing with that capacity with a plan to open the sections behind home plate. There's a catch: this will be the site of an all-you-can-eat area, as the A's join several other MLB and MiLB teams in providing what's proving to be a popular offering. The A's will limit the sections open in the upper deck to 990 seats.

O-Royals to open picnic area at Rosenblatt Stadium
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The Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announce the opening of a new outdoor picnic area in 2008 at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. The U.S. Cellular Home Run Porch, located in the bleachers in straight-away center field, will be the only area of the ballpark where fans can enjoy an outdoor picnic and enjoy watching a Royals game at the same time.  The U.S. Cellular Home Run Porch will have a seating capacity of 250 fans.

Parking issues at play at proposed Omaha ballpark
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Officials with the city of Omaha and the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which will managed a proposed downtown ballpark for the NCAA College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), say they've addressed most of the parking issues posed by the 26,000-seat facility, except for one: how to pay for it. It will cost at least $4.6 million to keep the current parking capacity at the Qwest Event Center. We're also seeing some hidden ballpark costs beyond the $140 million identified by the city, as officials want to add more freeway exits to the area. We are not entirely sure ballpark proponent Jack Diesing Jr. is correct when he says Omaha will lost the College World Series if a new downtown ballpark isn't built; we've had some informal discussions with NCAA officials that would strongly indicate otherwise; what they say in off-the-record private discussions is a whole lot different than what Diesing says. Some Omaha city councilmen agree with our assessment.
    RELATED STORIES: Rosenblatt defenders give Omaha mayor an earful; Omaha formally commits to 24,000-seat downtown ballpark; Should Omaha tell to NCAA to live with Johnny Rosenblatt?; Committee recommends new downtown Omaha ballpark; MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land; Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?; O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Recommendations for Augusta ballpark to be unveiled Thursday
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The Augusta Downtown Baseball Exploratory Committee will present its findings regarding a potential new ballpark for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League) this Thursday. We hear the committee will indeed call for a new downtown ballpark -- indeed, that's what groups like this usually do -- as well as specify a funding mechanism. More from WRDW. Speaking of the 'Jackets: The team has already set a franchise record by selling over 1,800 season seats for the 2008 season during this off-season.  The GreenJackets surpassed the 2007 season seat total of 1,608 and continue to increase ticket sales as interest in the team continues to rise. With over 1,800 already sold expectations are high that the GreenJackets may hit 2,000 season seats sold.

Sky Sox, Rockies extend affiliation
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The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Colorado Rockies have extended their Player Development Contract through the end of the 2010 baseball season, team officials announced today. The two-year agreement extends from October 1, 2008 until September 30, 2010. The Rockies have been affiliated with the Sky Sox since 1993, the Rockies very first season. The 15-year partnership has seen great success as more than 225 players have split regular season time between the Sky Sox and Rockies and, in 2007, 22 of the Rockies 25-man World Series roster were former Sky Sox. In addition, the Sky Sox have reached the playoffs three times over that span and won the PCL Championship in 1995. More on the current state of affiliations here.

MiLB unveils "Long Ball Program"
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Minor League Baseball has formed a partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to form "The Long Ball Program," an initiative to generate interest in baseball in the African-American community. Important aspects of the program include celebrating the achievements of African-Americans throughout the history of baseball; using the platform of Minor League Baseball to spearhead education programs in the African-American community; and teaching the youth to play and foster an appreciation for baseball and to create career opportunities in the game.
    The program’s first official event will take place tonight at the Philadelphia-Cincinnati spring training game at Bright House Networks Field, regular season home of the Florida State League Clearwater Threshers. Children attending the game through the program will receive T-shirts, pre-game recognition on the field and the opportunity to interact with players.
    The Brooklyn Cyclones recently discussed the Long Ball Program as part of Coney Island’s 1st Annual Black History Month Celebration event held at KeySpan Park. Other Long Ball events will be held at Minor League Baseball ballparks throughout the year.

Castle Rock council asks for public input on new ballpark
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Officials in Castle Rock, Col., want input from the public before moving ahead with a proposed 0.025 sales-tax hike, which would raise $22.5 million toward construction of a new ballpark for an independent American Association franchise. It's an interesting strategy: the town council decided to commission a survey of residents before deciding to put the issue to voter via a public referendum. More from YourHub.com.

Yankees sign Crystal to one-day contract
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We've bemoaned gimmick signings like this in the past, so we'll be consistent and kvetch a little about the plan by the New York Yankees to sign actor/director Billy Crystal to a one-day contact so he can play in tomorrow's exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies. But we will cut the Yankees and Crystal a little slack, if only because Crystal directed one of the best baseball movies ever made, 61*. Crystal will wear number 60, which will be his age when he celebrates his birthday on Friday. Many New York City sportswriters were a little horrified by the spectacle of the Yankees stooping to a publicity stunt more associated with independent-league baseball, but we're not sure the Yankees are doing this for the press. More from the Detroit Free Press. Speaking of the Yankees: the chatter continues over the potential of Yankee Stadium hosting an NHL game before it's torn down. That would be historic: while there are venues hosting regular-season NBA, MLB and NFL games in the past (like the Metrodome), no one has hit the trifecta with the NHL.

Pirates go green at PNC Park
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No, this isn't a reference to an upcoming St. Patrick's Day game at McKechnie Field. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the launch of the club's new greening initiatives program, which has been branded "Let's Go Bucs. Let's Go Green." The program integrates greening initiatives, sustainable business practices and educational outreach. The program's launch marks the beginning of a dedicated effort by the Pirates and their PNC Park partners CB Richard Ellis, ARAMARK and Levy Restaurants to be more environmentally conscious and to strengthen their collective commitment to go green when possible moving forward, according to Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. Elements include a recycling program at PNC Park that will capture the more than 760,000 plastic bottles and aluminum cans that are distributed during the baseball season. The club will place 180 recyclable containers, including 90 contour bottle-shaped receptacles, throughout the ballpark with the program's logo. The Pirates will also capture other discarded bottles and cans through collections by game day staff at the end of each game. Cleaning crews known as the "Green Team" will then conduct a separate sweep of the ballpark to pick up all remaining recyclable goods prior to the daily cleaning of the ballpark.
    Beginning with the 2008 season, both of PNC Park's concessionaires, ARAMARK and Levy Restaurants, will be using corn-based beverage cups. The companies will also eliminate most of the non-biodegradable materials that were being used in utensils, plates, napkins and food carriers to serve fans in years past.
    All paper used in the ballpark, including in the Pirates front office, will be more environmentally friendly, including all bathroom paper products and office paper, including copy paper, team stationary and business cards. The club will eliminate its use of about 33,000 Styrofoam cups each year, encourage all of its employees to print on both sides of paper when possible, separate office trash in order to recycle all dry waste paper products, and print its various publications on FSC certified paper.
    The Pirates are also taking steps to make the ballpark more energy efficient by installing motion detectors in 86 specific locations, using the lowest voltage lights possible in ballpark signage and switching to more energy efficient bulbs moving forward.

River Bandits finalize list of names for new mascot
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The finalists have been unveiled in the ongoing Name the Mascot contest, as the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced on Monday the remaining names that will be voted on over the next 11 days.
    The new mascot is fashioned after the playful and mischievous raccoon that is the focal point of the team's new logo and identity. The raccoon, which is being created by Scollon Productions in White Rock, South Carolina, will feature a black fedora with a red hatband along with the signature red bandana. He will wear a jersey similar to that worn by River Bandits players during home games at Modern Woodmen Park.
    The final four names are: Rascal, Rocky, Roscoe, Smokey and Woody. (No Bandit, alas, though we think Smokey is a pretty clever name. Get it? Smokey and the Bandits? The guys running the scoreboard video would have a field day showing clips from that popular series of movies.)
    From March 10-21, fans will be able to vote between the above finalists by logging on to any of the following websites: www.riverbandits.com, www.wqad.com, or www.qconline.com.

Thunder unveils new mascot, needs name
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The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) announced that the team will have a new character at the ballpark this season. The still-to-be-named character will make its first public appearance courtesy of Applebee’s Restaurants on Kids Opening Day on Sunday, April 13.
    Fans are invited to visit www.trentonthunder.com to suggest a name for the new character. The Thunder will be collecting suggestions until April 2, 2008 at which point one lucky fan who suggested the winning name will win a prize pack of Thunder tickets and merchandise valued at over $500. If the winning character name is submitted by more than one person, the winner will be chosen by a random drawing. There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest.
    The new character is modeled after the Thunder’s new alternate logo that was unveiled last August. The voting has been active on www.trentonthunder.com for a couple weeks and hundreds of suggestions have been made. The Thunder will also accept name suggestions at select Thunder community appearances between now and April 2.

New Billings ballpark ahead of schedule
Posted March 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction of a new ballpark for the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) remains ahead of schedule; a relatively mild winter means the construction of the five buildings in the ballpark is roughly two months ahead of schedule, and installation of the irrigation system could happen later this month. The new ballpark will also be home to college and American Legion programs; it replaces venerable Cobb Field. More from KTVQ.
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2008: Dehler Park; Ballpark shapes up, stays on schedule; Warm weather allows headway on new Billings ballpark; It's a bittersweet moment for fans of Cobb Field; RIP: Cobb Field; Last baseball game in Cobb Field is in the books; Tonight's the last night for Cobb Field; An extra inning to raise funds for new Billings ballpark; Billings looks at cutbacks to new ballpark; Tight schedule for Billings' new ballpark; Council awards ballpark contracts; City looks to cut cost of ballpark; Ballpark bids throw curve to officials; City OKs ballpark bond bids; Park plans head for home; City, Mustangs watching ballpark plans; Old-time ballplayers join groundbreaking for new Billings ballpark; Billings ballpark design allows future amenities; Plan for new baseball park has sunken, realigned field; Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track; Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear; Billings voters approve new Mustangs ballpark; Donors pitch $210K more toward new ballpark; Join local teams in support for new ballpark; Three groups, family pledge $200K for maintenance of new Cobb Field; New vote on an old park; Two more pitch in on new Cobb Field; Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement; Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign; Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings ballpark; Cobb backers unveil campaign; Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field; Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot; Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field; Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field; Funding dominates Cobb discussion; Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams; Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Giants unveil two new party suites at AT&T Park
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The San Francisco Giants are spending $3.5 million this offseason on upgrades to AT&T Park, including the addition of two larger party suites that will cost groups up to $17,000 to rent for a game. The Legends Club, located down the left-field line on the club level, can hold 120 people and can be split into two smaller suites. The McCovey Cove Loft is smaller -- seating 40 -- and is built into the right-field wall. More from the San Francisco Business Times.

I-Cubs plan Miracle League ballpark next to Principal Park
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The Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are working with local groups to bring a Miracle League ballpark, designed for handicapped children, next door to Principal Park in Des Moines. This would be the first facility of its kind in the state. The half-million-dollar facility is designed for physically and mentally handicapped children, with a rubberized, smooth turf. You see these facilities popping up across the nation, but this is one of the first in conjunction with a pro baseball team. More from the Des Moines Register.

Mariners declare $17.8 million profit for 2007
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The Seattle Mariners earned a profit of $17.8 million last season, according to numbers provided to the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District (PFD). The profit came despite a $113-million payroll, the sixth-largest in MLB. Team officials noted increased attendance at Safeco Field -- helped substantially by a winning team -- being responsible for the rising profits.

Lehigh Valley: $70 million to launch team, ballpark
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At the end of the day it will cost Joe Finley and Craig Stein, the owners of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League), around $70 million to launch the team and the ballpark. That includes the money spent to buy the Ottawa Lynx franchise, but even so that's a staggering amount of money and really reflects the way the business of minor-league baseball has changed in the last decade. More from the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Barons announce new scoreboard
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The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and Daktronics will team up to provide Regions Park, home of the Barons, with a new integrated scoring and video system to be installed prior to the 2008 season. The new system will feature a Daktronics LED (light emitting diode) video display. The video screen will measure approximately 35 feet wide by 15 feet high with the capabilities to present live and recorded video images, colorful animation, and graphics. Below the primary video screen, Barons players and fans will be entertained and informed by another video display of similar size. This display will be used mainly to show lineups, game statistics, out-of-town game information and much more.

Avon moving ahead with new ballpark
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The city of Avon (Ohio) is moving ahead with a new ballpark, with the current plan for an independent Frontier League team slated to take up residence next season. Funding for the ballpark is in place, but plans for the facility still need to be finalized, and we're guessing the mayor is going to find out the amenities he craves -- like lots of brickwork -- might cost more than is budgeted. Meanwhile, in nearby Lorain, the new Pipe Yard ballpark was a success last season, hosting 110 games and providing a home for Cleveland State. More from the Morning Journal.

South Coast League interested in Harrisonburg
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Officials from the independent South Coast League are interested in placing a team in Harrisonburg's Memorial Stadium in 2009, home to James Madison University and the Harrisonburg Turks (summer collegiate; Valley Baseball League). JMU controls the facility and has a promise to lease the ballpark to the Turks. We're not sure all three teams could play there, but that's certainly part of the talk, and the size of the market would make it suitable for indy baseball. We think it's bad karma for a pro outfit to displace a summer-collegiate team: just look at what happened when the St. Joe Blacksnakes pushed the St. Joe Saints from Phil Welch Stadium. More from the Daily News Record.

New Marshall U ballpark plans on hold
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Plans for a new Marshall University ballpark are on hold, according to university officials, who say there's no funding or timetable for a new facility. The Thundering Herd has been the Wandering Herd in recent years; some games are played at local high-school fields, while others are played at Charleston’s Appalachian Power Park, home of the West Virginia Power (Low Class A; Sally League), about 50 miles from campus. Marshall is in a major baseball conference -- Conference USA -- but recruiting will be hard if the situation remains the same. More from WSAZ.

Ballpark Notes
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John Jackson is the new assistant general manager of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) for the 2008 season. This will be Jackson’s first year in Savannah and his fifth in professional sports.  Jackson, a native of Beardstown, Ill., joins the Gnats after spending last season with the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League), where he worked in corporate sales and marketing. Prior to his work with the Chiefs, he spent two seasons with the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). He also spent time working for the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League....The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) announced two additions to the front-office staff: Rob Gardenhire is the team's new manager of ticket sales while Cheryl Northness is the club's new office manager....Wagner College will play its home games at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George....Award-winning Kinston Indians (High Class A; Carolina League) head groundskeeper Tommy Walston is leaving the team after 12 years on the job. Walston is moving on to East Carolina University where he will be the turf grass manager for ECU’s new north recreational complex....The Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A: Midwest League) and Tri-City Brewing Company of Bay City are unveiling Loons Summer Ale this season at the Dow Diamond. The Loons and Tri-City Brewing will be hosting a launch party to formally introduce the new beverage on March 27 at the Kingfish Restaurant, 1019 North Water Street in Bay City....