Wrigley Field to host New Year's Day game?
Posted May 30, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The NHL is taking a lesson from its TV partners and learning that reruns can be successful. The league and NBC got high marks for their performance on New Year's Day 2008 when Pittsburgh visited Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and so their pair have been in search of another outdoor venue for a hockey game. It was first suggested that Yankee Stadium might be the locale for a 2009 game but operating issues at the soon-to-be-defunct ballpark have apparently put the kibiosh on that idea. The latest rumor has Detroit facing Chicago at Wrigley Field. There seems to be good reason to think this could happen. Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough used to work for the Cubs and left on good terms. Chicago is an attractive market, and the Red Wings are one of the league's glamour teams. But there are also plenty of reasons to think this idea won't work. First of all, there is the matter of keeping Wrigley in good enough condition for a game 2-3 months after the last baseball game is played; let's face it, weatherizing an older place like Wrigley Field isn't the easiest of tasks, and to host a game at a ballpark in the midst of winter the basic utilities (like water) must be maintained. (The place hasn't been used out of baseball season since the Bears left after the 1970 season.) Also, Detroit might have to surrender playing at home on New Year's Eve, a tradition that dates back to the 1960s. The NHL is scheduled to make an official announcement on the subject next week. UPDATE: As we predicted, this isn't likely to happen, according to officials involved.

An argument in favor of proximity: Texas and Frisco
Posted May 30, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It seems to be a never-ending source of discussion in the baseball world: whether or not an affiliate minor-league club will work in the shadows of a major-league squad. There are still many in baseball who argue against it, saying that the minor-league team will draw business and dollars away from the major-league team. Still, the evidence seems to be strongly to the contrary, and a good case in point is the relationship between the Texas Rangers and the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League), which is close on many levels, to say the least -- Rangers front-office personnel can be often found at Dr Pepper Ballpark, and Rangers owner Tom Hicks has a financial investment in the area surrounding the ballpark. There are other instances where you have a strong minor-league operation in the major-league market -- Lowell and the Red Sox, Brooklyn and Staten Island and the New York City teams -- so we're not sure this is a valid argument any longer, though teams like the Detroit Tigers continue to invoke it. More on the finances of the RoughRiders from the Frisco Enterprise Star. On the flip side, the Rangers' attendance is down this year (though the schedule may have a lot to do with it), so perhaps the arrangement isn't as successful as everyone assumes.

D-Backs reaping the benefits of successful 2007 season
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The Arizona Diamondbacks are seeing a payoff to their successful 2007 playoff team and a division-leading squad this season: attendance is up 19 percent and concession sales are up almost 30 percent. The jump in concession sales is also attributable to the D-Backs lowering prices for many ballpark staples, including hot dogs and beer -- in fact, the team is making a point of offering at least one $4 14-ounce beer at every brew stand.

Ballpark Visit: AT&T Field, Chattanooga Lookouts
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This is the opposite of a cookie-cutter ballpark: AT&T Field, the home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League) was built on donated land that posed a few design challenges, to be sure. But what could have been a cramped ballpark ended up being a very unique design benefiting from a great location. Read more here.

Should Dunn Tire Park be renamed to honor former mayor?
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Let's face it: Dunn Tire Park is not the most inspiring of monikers for a ballpark. Yes, we know why cities and teams sell naming rights, but many feel the home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) is worthy of a more community-centric name. So it's no surprise to see some in Buffalo call for a renaming of the place to honor Jimmy Griffin, the former mayor who passed away last Sunday. Griffin was a key player in the decision to build what was then an untried concept -- a retro ballpark, a style that reverberates throughout the majors and minors -- and worked hard to promote baseball in his area. The Buffalo News suggests a name like Jimmy Griffin Field at Dunn Tire Park: it sounds like a win-win for all involved.

Atlantic Coast League looks at former SCL markets
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We're not unconvinced there's not a market for independent baseball in Southeast, though there certainly are some significant challenges, and the time may not be right. Still, that's not stopping Michael Harden from making the rounds of former South Coast League cities and pitching them on his concept for the Atlantic Coast League, which he says will be ready for a 2009 unveiling. We're also not quite sure about his business model, which calls for no names on the field and little between-innings entertainment in favor of pure baseball. He's also banking on a leaguewide radio deal and envisions centralized league ad sales instead of local deals. He's not the first one to pitch this model, but so far no one has succeeded, and surely history should teach us something. Here's an account of Harden's visit to Aiken, which is probably more of a Coastal Plain League market than a pro market.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 30, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Vice President Orlando Diaz has been promoted to the position of President of the Dominican Summer League. Diaz, who has been associated with the league for 24 years, will handle all the day-to-day operations of it, as well as other details. The Dominican Summer League is the largest in Minor League Baseball. Nearly every Major League organization is represented in the 37-team rookie league this year. Teams, which consist of young players from the Caribbean, play a 70-game schedule from May until August. Diaz began working with the league when it began as a four-team co-op one stocked by several MLB clubs in 1985. He moved into the league office three years later, after earning an accounting degree from the University of Santo Domingo....One of the coolest things about attending Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) games is seeing Miss Babe Ruth in action. Her new brother, Yogi Berra will be making his first public appearance tonight as the Hoppers take on West Virginia tonight. Fans overwhelmingly selected Yogi Berra in the online voting for what the name of Babe’s brother should be; it trumped JoJo DiMaggio and Hammerin’ Hank Aaron in a landslide. Yogi will be taking in his first professional baseball game, but will have to wait until after the game to make his first public appearance: Following the game and before the post-game fireworks, Babe will introduce her brother Yogi while running the bases....The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) are offering sno-cones with a twist: they are enhanced with vodka and comes in 11 different fruity flavors. "We made a commitment to upgrading our concessions menu when we took over this team, and this is another element of that process," said owner Dave Heller. "Our fans can come to the ballpark and have a wide variety of high-quality options, more than just staple ballpark foods like hot dogs and nachos." The new stand will celebrate its grand opening by offering half-price sno-cones on Friday. The 11 flavors of vodka to choose from are raspberry, watermelon, vanilla, lime, strawberry, black cherry, green apple, orange, cranberry, citrus, and blueberry. If fans want more than one flavor, they will be able to mix and match their favorite flavors to make the sno-cone of their dreams....The Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) will be retiring the number 50 in honor of league President Emeritus John Henry Moss. The Suns, with Moss in attendance, will retire the number on Friday prior to the game between the Suns and the Delmarva Shorebirds. Before becoming President Emeritus, Moss served as League President from 1959-2007. Along with the number-retiring ceremony, the Suns will be honoring Moss with a bronze plaque to be placed in Municipal Stadium, highlighting his 50 years of service to the South Atlantic League. Moss, who re-organized the Western Carolinas League in 1959 into what would later become the South Atlantic League, will be on hand at Municipal Stadium on Friday in his season-long tour of all 16 SAL ballparks....

State likely to drop bid to buy Wrigley Field
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The state of Illinois is likely to drop its bid to buy Wrigley Field, according to sources close to the sales process, because there are too many impediments to putting together a deal, including the lack of state money for a purchase. At least one potential ownership group has been told to expect Wrigley Field to be part of the bidding process, which will include the Chicago Cubs and a stake in a local sports cable network. While officials from the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority continue to want to negotiate the issue, they are not likely to reach a solution deemed realistic in the minds of Tribune Co. officials: without a funding plan and without the cooperation of Chicago city officials -- who have already warned they would not support a diversion of sales-tax revenue to the ISFA, nor will they support a weakening of the city's historic-preservation rules to allow extensive renovations of the facility -- there simply aren't any paths out there that would make sense for the ISFA and the Cubs.
    RELATED STORIES: Zell rejects state plan for purchase of Wrigley Field; will sell with team; Could Cubs sale go into 2009?; Preservationist group comes out against state takeover of Wrigley Field; Cubs selling naming rights; Wrigley name will stay; 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

Ballpark Visit: Modern Woodmen Park, Quad Cities River Bandits
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We revisit Modern Woodmen Park, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League). New this season: a hot-tub deck, Tiki bar/lounge/bed and more. Speaking of the Tiki Village (as the River Bandits are calling it): It certainly sounds like a unique space. All fans in the ballpark have access to the area, which will feature half-price Pina Coladas on Wednesday and Thursday and plenty of Jimmy Buffett music to celebrate its opening. In addition to Pina Coladas and a standard drink menu, themed beverages such as Mississippi Mai Thais and Tiki Bombs will also be served. And when a River Bandits player hits a "Tiki Bomb" – a home run that lands in or over the Tiki Bar – that drink will be offered for just $2 for the remainder of that inning. Guests in the Tiki area will also be able to order food from the barbeque pit located next to the nearby Jumer’s Casino Rock Island Hot Tub Deck. The Tiki Bed, also known as the “most comfortable seat in all of sports,” is a unique new spot designed to host cozy groups of six people or less. For just $90, groups can enjoy River Bandits games from the most luxurious seat in all of baseball, featuring a king size bed and a private wait staff to satisfy all of your food and beverage needs. A couples package is also available that includes champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and a candlelit dinner. Read more here.

Will conservancy group meet June 1 deadline to save Tiger Stadium?
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June 1 is one of the most important days in Tiger Stadium history: that's the deadline for Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy to come up with $369,000 to save a significant portion of the ballpark, as a demolition crew is ready to tear down the grand old ballpark and sell it for scrap. There's one big problem: the conservancy doesn't have the money and, barring a miracle, will come up short. One bright spot: U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, a Democrat from Detroit, is working on including renovation fund in the next federal budget. The total cost of renovation the original grandstand of the ballpark is $15 million -- chump change for the federal government, but a huge sum for a little nonprofit fueled more by passion and memories than any fiscal game plan. There have been some nibbles -- several corporations have said they'd be interested in moving to new office space next to a renovated ballpark, and one established minor-league operator explored bringing a summer-collegiate Northwoods League team to the Corner -- but nothing concrete has emerged, and city government has been too distracted by scandal and potential indictments to put together a game plan for Tiger Stadium survival. Indeed, the best chance of the ballpark standing is inertia: some local government officials say there's no hurry to tear it down anyway. Tiger Stadium is a prominent member of our Endangered Ballparks listings.
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Ballparks of the Past: Tiger Stadium
Posted May 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It opened the same day as Fenway Park, and for many years was considered a grander home for baseball. Detroit native Dave Wright put together a history of Tiger Stadium, a ballpark that could easily be torn down before the end of year. For decades Tiger Stadium was where Detroit residents met, shared good times, and took refuge from the divisions roiling the community. John Moist contributed photos of Tiger Stadium when it was still a working ballpark. Read more here.

Hunt poised to snare Marlins ballpark construction contract
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Yesterday we reported the Florida Marlins are poised to launch a PR blitz regarding their new ballpark, partially to offset the bad publicity expected from an upcoming court challenge to the way the ballpark is being funded. We're seeing some of that already, as we've been told Hunt Construction is poised to land the construction contract for the project. This isn't a surprise -- basically, Hunt has been the only firm to meet the criteria set up by the Marlins -- and things progressed to Hunt delivering a detailed bid. Team officials are discussing the final deal with Hunt and could make an announcement this afternoon. Things are still fluid regarding the ballpark design, as we reported yesterday, and we expect the team to announce some interesting changes in the next few weeks.
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Confirmed: Angels get 2010 All-Star Game
Posted May 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There was really little suspense surrounding Bud Selig's announcement today that the 2010 All-Star Game would be played at Angel Stadium: We were among the countless media outlets reporting it, and by the time Selig actually made the announcement it was a foregone conclusion as to what he would say. It is interesting to note that Pravda reported this morning like they had the scoop on what was going on. They didn't.
    RELATED STORIES: Angels, Dodgers poised to snare big events in the next several years

Sarasota pitches $70 million ballpark for BoSox; wants exclusive negotiating period
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A $70-million, 10,000-seat ballpark and spring-training complex is being dangled before the Boston Red Sox as Sarasota officials attempt to lure the team from Fort Myers. The new facility would be built from scratch (and not utilize the existing spring home of the Cincinnati Reds) and feature five practice fields, major- and minor-league clubhouses, and year-round offices for the Red Sox. The preliminary plan calls for a ballpark with a total capacity of 15,000 or so: 10,000 permanent seats, outfield berm area, and party decks down each line. The whole project would be funded by an increase in the local hotel tax -- a step county officials were unwilling to take to keep the Cincinnati Reds in town. In addition, we continue to hear the Red Sox are lining up investors to work with Fenway Ventures on an associated development that would include housing, hotels and retail, as the team envision a year-round destination. (Making room for a permanent home for the Ted Williams Museum, currently existing in scaled-back form at Tropicana Field, would be a nice touch.) The county will now ask the Red Sox for a 90-day exclusive negotiating period -- not uncommon these days. We're not hearing much from Fort Myers or Lee County officials about any attempts to match or exceed this offer; it's as though they really don't think the Red Sox will leave, and local officials admit they may not be able to match the Sarasota deal. Roger Drouin, who has been working this story hard, has more details here.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 28, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) announced the promotion of Mike Ramshaw to the position of Vice President of Sales. Ramshaw, 34, is in his second season with the Fisher Cats after coming aboard in the fall of 2006 as the Director of Ticket Sales. Following the 2007 season, Ramshaw was promoted to the title of Executive Director of Sales, incorporating corporate sales with his ticket sales responsibilities.  "Mike's rapid ascent through our front office speaks to how vital he has been to our development of strong business partnerships in the community," said Fisher Cats owner Art Solomon. "He has done a tremendous job in leading our talented sales staff to new levels of success, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion."...The first 2,500 people entering Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 31, will receive a Drag Kings Bobble Doll, forever immortalizing the premier infield-dragging dance crew in Minor League Baseball. The crew will be accompanied that night by a special Drag Kings performance to a song chosen by fans of the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).....The Stockton Ports (High Class A; California League) will host Canadian Tuxedo Appreciation Night at Banner Island Ballpark on Thursday when the Ports take on the High Desert Mavericks at 7:05 p.m. Ports fans and staff alike are encouraged to show their support for the Ports by donning the denim and committing a JOJO (Jean-On-Jean Offense). Urban Dicitonary.com defines the Canadian Tuxedo as "An outfit consisting of a denim jacket and denim jeans.” The Ports would like to utilize their platform and standing within the Stockton community to orchestrate the comeback of the Canadian Tuxedo. Fans who dress up will have the opportunity to be a part of the “Best Dressed” Competition with prizes for the winners. In addition, fans who accessorize their Canadian Tuxedo with flare from the 1980s (i.e. mullets, mustaches, REO Speedwagon T-shirts, etc.) will be awarded cool points and render the judging process biased and favorable toward their cause. Denim themed prizes will be given out at the game, as well as other themed promotions and entertainment. In addition, live music will be provided in a prior to the start of the game....

Pensacola proposes new funding method for waterfront ballpark
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Pensacola officials are proposing a new funding method for a Community Maritime Park that will include a new ballpark for the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association). The project has been in limbo ever since the Florida Supreme Court held voters must approve project where bonds will be repaid with the proceeds of funds from a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. The solution: use other city funds to pay for the park and then pledge the TIF funds to fill in those gaps in the budget. At first glance it seems like the city is playing a shell game of sorts, but then again this is a project voters have already approved once. The opening of the new HKS-designed ballpark is now projected for 2010; it's been held up by the legal issues surrounding the TIF financing but also because of difficulties raising $30 million from the private sector for the $70 million project.

Braman vows fight against new Marlins ballpark; team to retaliate with PR blitz
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Local car dealer Norm Braman says he's set and determined to follow through with his lawsuit challenging the way funding is set up for a new Florida Marlins ballpark. The trial is set to go July 1, and neither side shows any sign of letting up. Meanwhile, the Florida Marlins tell us plan to counter some of the inevitable bad publicity from the trial by pushing new-ballpark news the next few months, including a release of the ballpark plans (which will be different than what's been released to date) and holding special events in the community to muster public support. Still, Braman has a way of winning these cases (just ask the family of Joe Robbie), and surely some of the testimony in the case will be more than a little embarrassing -- but probably more for city and county officials than for anyone in the Marlins front office, but only because they don't embarrass easily.
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Ballpark Preview: New Pensacola Pelicans ballpark
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the renderings are accurate the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) will be playing in one of the most thematic ballparks built in Florida. Anyone who's spent time in the state will recognize the architectural vernacular here, as designed by HKS: this is pure plantation style. The ballpark is now slated for a 2010 opening. More renderings within.

Plans emerging for new Chester County ballpark
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A committee charged with bringing baseball to Chester County has identified nine possible sites for a new 4,000-5,000-seat ballpark that would also include a new Pennsylvania Baseball Hall of Fame and a Chester County Hall of Fame. The proposed price tag for the facility is $35 million, and as of right now it's envisioned as the home of an affiliated team (we keep hearing the NY-Penn League in conjunction with the project). We're talking about something several years down the pike: local officials haven't yet raised the $100,000 or so needed for a formal site evaluation, much less identifying funding sources for a new ballpark.

Ballpark Visit: Principal Park, Iowa Cubs
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Principal Park, the home of the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), is much like the city it is located in. It can’t seem to make up its mind what it wants to be. Parts of it are quite charming. Parts of it are very practical. And parts of it seem to be tossed in for no particular reason. It’s not the prettiest park in the state, but it may be the most practical -- and that quality goes a long ways in Des Moines. More photos and an account of our visit here. Still to come this week and next: Iowa City, Chattanooga, Springfield and Davenport.

Rays ballpark plan faces tough scrutiny
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The Tampa Bay Rays are finding some tough questioning as they continue their quest for a new $450-million waterfront ballpark on the Al Lang Field site in downtown St. Petersburg. The issues are many: local politicians say they're not being presented with a firm funding plan, with the Rays not doing a very good job of massaging public egos. Perhaps. But the big problem, and one that the Rays need to address, is that there's really no funding plan that can be voted up or down. Given that there are no political leaders stepping up to champion the cause, it's up to the Rays to present further information about what they want. The next deadline for the Rays: A June 5 St. Petersburg City Council meeting.
    RELATED STORIES: Parking key to new Rays financing plan; Rays unveil ballpark financing plan; Tampa Bay ballpark status: From simple to complicated in 30 seconds; St. Pete raises objections to Rays ballpark plan; Public: We want new Rays ballpark; 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?

Texas League reaches 100-million-fan mark
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The Class AA Texas League hit a great milestone Sunday: Over 100 million fans have attended Texas League games since attendance was first recorded in 1922. Since the league can trace its roots back to 1888, we're guessing they reached that mark unofficially many years ago, but it's still a great benchmark. Overall attendance is up in the circuit; it has helped that the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are drawing 5,050 a game, more than what they were drawing last season in Wichita.

Owls make marketing wave in NASCAR race
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The team hasn't yet played a game, but it's already making waves in the sports-marketing world. The Forest City Owls #52 Brad Teague car achieved it's third-best finish of the season after placing 28th in the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at the NASCAR-Nationwide Series race in Charlotte. Teague and Jimmy Means Racing partnered with the Owls during one of NASCAR's most prestigious race weekends.
    The team finished their second-best race of the year after completing 196 of 202 laps and placed 28th overall.
    The Owls logo was the “primary logo” on the blue 52 car and caught national exposure due to the race being broadcast on ESPN 2.
    "This was a great partnership for the Forest City Owls and Jimmy Means Racing because not only did it bring exposure to our team, but to the Coastal Plain League itself, said Owls General Manager James Wolfe.

Ballpark Preview: McNair Field, Forest City Owls
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
McNair Field, the new home of the Forest City Owls (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) -- the former Spartanburg Stingers, for those of you keeping score at home -- is set to open Thursday night. Named for former resident Bob McNair, owner of the Houston Texans (NFL), who bought naming rights and a whole lot more for $850,000, McNair Field is set to have 494 reserved seats in the grandstand that will also hold over 1,000 fans in general admission seating. The entire grandstand will be covered and will feature a state of the art press box to house game day operations, media personnel, and a home and road radio broadcast. Fans are encouraged to bring a blanket and take advantage of the grassy areas planned behind first base and third base for lounging on lazy summer nights. More renderings within.

Northwoods League unveils video site
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The summer-collegiate Northwoods League announced the launching of NorthwoodsLeague.tv, a new website designed to give NWL fans free access to watch every game and see exclusive video footage.
    New in 2008, each and every Northwoods League game will be broadcast live on the web with amazing streaming video. The NWL and CyaNet Sports have partnered on this project to allow fans from around the world to see Northwoods League games by doing nothing more than logging on to the web. There is no cost to view the games and all games, nearly 500 by season’s end, will be archived and available to watch at any time. In most cases, the home team’s radio broadcaster will provide the commentary.
    In addition to the game broadcasts, fans will be able to learn more about the League and its players by viewing exclusive video content added throughout the summer to NorthwoodsLeague.tv. Expect interviews with players and other team personnel, as well as ballpark tours and a taste of the fan experience that makes the Northwoods League what it is today.

Today's video: Binghamton Mets pregame video
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's the video the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) play at the start of every game. We especially like the use of the A-Team musical theme. We'll be showing videos daily for the next several days, including another from the Binghamton Mets, one from the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association), a new one from the Fayetteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) and another from the Inland Empire 66ers (High Class A; California League). We'd love to share your video with the baseball community, you can send them directly to us at editors@augustpublications.com.

Tulsa, city extend negotiating period for new ballpark
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) owner Chuck Lamson announced they have mutually decided to extend their exclusive agreement to negotiate terms to the bring the Drillers to a new ballpark in downtown Tulsa. The agreement, which was to have ended on May 30, will now extend for an additional 45 days.
    During this period, the Drillers will continue to talk exclusively with the City of Tulsa in regards to a new home for the team.
    Taylor and Lamson entered into the initial agreement on January 22 and talks have been taking place throughout the past four months.
    "The work to get the right stadium and the right deal for both the Drillers and the city takes time," said Lamson. "Our discussions have been very positive, and we are very encouraged by our progress but there are still items to be resolved regarding a stadium and its lease."
    The mayor said she hopes to have a final agreement to put forward by July 15 and has sought the support of private donors to fund a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Legislation would give boost to new Tulsa ballpark; Lodging leaders await specifics on proposed tax for new Drillers ballpark; Initial Drillers ballpark plan released; city waiting for more details; Drillers, city agree on ballpark talks; Drillers, Tulsa reach agreement on new downtown ballpark negotiations

Mantle museum eyed for OK City
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As Oklahoma City and Oklahoma RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) official discuss changes to AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, some very intriguing possibilities are emerging. The latest: the addition of a Mickey Mantle museum near the ballpark. Mantle's family was in Oklahoma City to scout things out, as they decide on the best location for a tribute to the Oklahoma native and former Yankee great. There's already a statue of the Mick at the ballpark and a Mickey Mantle Steakhouse across the street, so a museum would be a natural. More from the Oklahoman.
    RELATED STORIES: RedHawks explore changes to Bricktown Ballpark

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 27, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) announced the induction class for the team's Hall of Fame: pitchers Rollie Fingers, Burleigh Grimes and Satchel Paige, and Birmingham journalist Rubin E. Grant. A public ceremony announcing the class of inductees will be held prior to the Rickwood Classic, to be played at historic Rickwood Field this  Wednesday at 12:35 p.m. That's a pretty solid class of inductees, to be sure; one worthy of Cooperstown as well....The Baltimore Orioles named former major leaguer Richie Hebner as the manager of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League). Hebner joined the club in Kinston on Memorial Day. He had been serving as hitting coach for the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association). Former Keys manager Tommy Thompson left the team for personal reasons on May 16....Renaldo Lapuz will make a very special appearance at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie for the Grand Prairie AirHogs (independent; American Association) game on May 27. Yes, we're American Idol geeks, so we know all about Lapuz, who became an overnight sensation after his performance on the American Idol tryout episode taped in Dallas. He is known for his lavish costumes and his song, "We’re Brothers Forever." To honor Lapuz, who lives in the Dallas area, the Airhogs will have him sing the National Anthem prior to the Airhogs game against the Pensacola Pelicans. Lapuz will also sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch and he will be available to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.