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Archives: April 23-29, 2007

New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It didn't take long for this balloon to pop, as Florida legislative observers predicted there is little chance the state Senate will take up the measure passed Thursday in the state House that would help build a Miami ballpark for the Florida Marlins. Some senators are blunt about it: "'It won't be heard,'' said Sen. Dan Webster, the Winter Garden Republican who controls whether the bill comes up for a vote in his chamber. The bill, which would give the team a $60 million tax subsidy at the rate of $2 million a year for 30 years, passed the House on an 86-24 vote. The Senate is considering a different bill that would give the Marlins and two other professional sports teams a one-time payment of $32.6 million. That bill appears dead, having failed to make it out of committee, and no one is pushing the Marlins legislation otherwise in the Senate. Now, last-minute surprises frequently happen during the final days of a legislative session. But unless something dramatically changes, the Marlins will need to figure out a new ballpark financing plan that doesn't include state money. More from the Sun-Sentinel.
    RELATED STORIES: State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; Door closed on use of Miami CRA funds for ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding bills advance; Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks; New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play; Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl; Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark; County unveils Marlins financing plan; Marlins ballpark funding at first base; Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000; Florida legislative leaders back tax help for sports; Governor boosts ballpark funding formula; CRA board members: Look somewhere else for ballpark funds; Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds; Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal; Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal; Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark; Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins ballpark deal in downtown Miami; DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami ballpark; Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats

Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman declaring an upcoming eminent-domain trial will be "World War III in the condemnation process," construction of a new Minnesota Twins in downtown Minneapolis entered a new phase after the team and the county officially closed on a 400-page-plus contract. With the county poised to take a key land parcel via eminent domain and then litigating the value of the land in court, there's really only one more substantial impediment to the ballpark construction beginning: an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and it sounds that agreement is almost done. (There are some other small things to be worked out, like the location of a bike trail running next to the ballpark from the Minneapolis waterfront.) The eminent-domain court battle should be fascinating: Dan Rosen, who represents Land Partners II, is known for an aggressive style, and Freeman doesn't back down from a fight. You can now expect an August groundbreaking after site preparation work is launched. More from the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press.
    RELATED STORIES: County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

MCC ballpark for Frontier League gets OK
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With board trustee approval, officials planning to build a ballpark on the McHenry County College campus for an independent Frontier League team now are turning to the city of Crystal Lake to approve the next steps of their $26-million project. F. Peter Heitman, the head of McHenry County Professional Baseball, the investment group behind the team that would play in the stadium, said he was not worried about an announcement of a second private group’s developing plans to build a 2,000-fixed-seat ballpark with 2,000 lawn seats in Harvard. On Thursday, the McHenry County College Board of Trustees voted, 8-0, to approve a Health, Wellness and Fitness Center that includes a 6,500-seat ballpark, which trustees said would vastly improve the athletic and academic standing of the college.
    RELATED STORIES: McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility; Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

Sosa homers at record 44th ballpark
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here is a record that may not be broken. The Texas Rangers' Sammy Sosa homered in his 44th ballpark last night with a dinger off Cleveland's Paul Byrd at Jacobs Field. There are only two current ballparks where Sosa hasn't homered: the new Busch Stadium and RFK Stadium. The Rangers aren't slated to play at either ballpark this season, so his record may stall out for a while. To break this record a player would need to have a long career, play in both leagues, and play at a time when a lot of new ballparks were opening.

Lee's Summit considers new ballpark
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the proposal to build a $10-million ballpark at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit. The college is working with developer David Gale, who had previously worked with the independent Frontier League on ballpark proposals for the area, and most assume the Frontier League to involved here. However, we hear reps from a team in the independent Northern League have also contacted Gale about the possibility of working with that league on the proposal; Lee's Summit is considered a decent market in the Kansas City suburbs, and having a Northern League team there would also protect the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League).
    RELATED STORY: Longview looking at minor-league ballpark

Citizens Bank adds to fan experience
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Citizens Bank paid the Phillies $57.5 million to name the team's new South Philadelphia ballpark Citizens Bank Park when it opened in 2004. But for fans, the most important development may have been the creation of the Citizens Bank Ballpark Bankers program, which is another component of a marketing strategy designed to link the lending institution to the Phillies and boost the company's customer-friendly image. The bank employees roam the park and its Ashburn Alley performing random acts of kindness such as welcoming guests and taking free instant photos of families to immortalize their trip to the park. Before the games, the Ballpark Bankers use golf carts to give some fans a lift from their cars to the gates and generally serve as goodwill ambassadors at the ballpark.

Unearthing a diamond: Miners' ballpark a work in progress
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A walk through the new ballpark for the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League) reveals there is much to be done before next month's Opening Day, but fans can rest assured that minor league baseball will arrive, as scheduled, in Marion. There are concrete aisles and metal railings in the stands, just no seats. The outfield wall -- especially the monster-like portion in right field that fans will undoubtedly love -- is just a menacing white slab for now. The playing surface is still a muddy section of what was a barren field sandwiched between Interstate 57 and a continually-growing business center. By the time the Miners play their home opener May 29 against the Frontier League's defending champion Evansville Otters, there will be seats in two concourses, an enormous video scoreboard covering that white slab and a Sportexe playing surface for players to call home.

Clevelanders work to bring kosher franks back to ballpark
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
While fans can still find kosher concession stands at Jacobs Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians, these stands are no longer under kosher supervision. Tom Sudow and Earl Lefkowitz, who helped create the stadium’s first kosher stand in 1998, are working to bring back glatt kosher hotdogs to The Jake. Meanwhile, the pair have come to an interim solution. Starting this week, the Indians will offer kosher meals (a chicken-finger platter and chicken sandwich) from Contempo Cuisine at their Subway stand located at section 149. Va’ad Harabanut Hachareidi, a kosher organization run by Cleveland Rabbis Yehuda Blum and Moshe Garfunkel, will ensure the meals adhere to strict standards.

Tourists giving away money to boost attendance at McCormick Field
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's not quite as dire as you think. Because the real Opening Night at McCormick Field on April 13 was cold and played under the threat of rain, Asheville Tourists (Low Class A; Sally League) officials are holding a Second Opening Night when the team returns home Monday. For the 7:05 p.m. start against Greenville, money and savings bonds will be given away, some college kids get in free and some draft beer will be available for $1.

Hole uncovered in sock story
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is the sort of story we know is supremely silly but can't help but notice anyway. Orioles broadcaster Gary Thorne raised a huge fuss in Red Sox Nation when he said on the air that Curt Schilling in the 2004 postseason wore paint, not blood, on his sock and that catcher Doug Mirabelli had told him so. Schilling, as you might imagine, was incensed by this and also used it as a way to take a shot against the Boston media Turns out Mirabelli didn't actually say that directly to Thorne; Thorne has retracted the statement. Being Red Sox Nation is involved, we're sure this isn't the end of the story.

Often-ignored get TV moment
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A month-old central Ohio sports television network is hoping it can unearth a new niche in the crowded cable landscape. Columbus Sports Network hit the airwaves -- and all three local cable TV systems -- a month ago. Its first live game featured the Arena Football League’s Columbus Destroyers. Plans also call for the broadcast of Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) down the road.

Bullfrogs announce second phase of Joannes Field renovation
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announce that Phase 2 of their Joannes Baseball Stadium Renovation Project is well underway. Phase 2 of the renovation project features a new 650-square-foot Press Box and Media Center with a Fan Suite book ending each side. The Press Box and Media Center will house the new state of the art sound system being installed at the facility and each of the Fan Suites will accommodate a group of 6-10 people and will be available for rental at each Bullfrogs home game. Each Fan Suite will feature air conditioning and catered food selections from various local restaurants. Phase 2 also features the installation of 235 seat-back stadium chairs. These chairs are an upgrade to the existing bleacher seating. The seats feature an ergonomic design to create additional comfort for the fan. The installation of the Stadium Seats brings the facilities upgraded seating to just under 600 including the premium Dugout Club Seats.

The house that Patterson built
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mike Patterson won over the hearts of Gonzaga University players, coaches and fans last June when he agreed to donate the remaining money needed to make the new ballpark a reality. At the facilities dedication ceremony on Friday, Patterson, 69, charmed the large crowd of more than 1,500 with humor, acknowledging everyone who made key contributions toward the project's success. The new ballpark has received some glowing reviews from players and fans.

Ballpark Notes
Posted April 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent South Coast League announced a league-wide partnership with Glitnir Ticketing beginning with the 2007 season. Glitnir Ticketing will provide the South Coast League with state-of-the-art Box Office and Internet ticketing systems and technologies to be used throughout the league. Fans will be able to select and get the exact seats they want for the games they want with just a few clicks of their mouse. Glitnir Ticketing will also provide commerce modules that will allow the SCL teams to display and sell merchandise online. Fans will be able to browse team stores with real-time inventory tracking and purchase items often only found at the ballparks. Have some news to share with the baseball community? Drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com; you can also use that address for your team or organization's regular email distribution.

State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida state House on Thursday overwhelmingly endorsed a $60 million plan to help build a new home for the Florida Marlins in Miami. In a 86-24 vote, the House approved the last critical piece of funding needed to construct a new ballpark with a retractable roof. The state money would come directly from sales tax revenues generated by the team inside the venue.  Miami-Dade County and City of Miami officials, who have worked out a $490 million financing proposal with the team and Major League Baseball, estimate the new stadium could generate up to $9 million a year in new sales tax for the state. Up to $2 million of that sales tax money for each of the next 30 years would stay in Miami to help pay off the facility. The measure doesn't specify a location, and Miami officials continue to be at loggerheads with MLB and the Marlins front office over a downtown venue versus one built at the Orange Bowl, should that site become available. The Senate will decide if the measure passes; it already has the support of Gov. Charlie Criss.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; Door closed on use of Miami CRA funds for ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding bills advance; Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks; New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play; Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl; Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark; County unveils Marlins financing plan; Marlins ballpark funding at first base; Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000; Florida legislative leaders back tax help for sports; Governor boosts ballpark funding formula; CRA board members: Look somewhere else for ballpark funds; Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds; Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal; Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal; Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark; Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins ballpark deal in downtown Miami; DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami ballpark; Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats

Twins to ink ballpark lease today
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two weeks after revealing the design for a new downtown Minnesota Twins ballpark, the forces behind the project are ready to ink the deal dictating who does and gets what when the place opens in 2010. The Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority are expected today to sign off on the lease that binds the franchise to a three-decade stay and grants the team almost every dollar generated within its walls. The Twins get to keep all revenue from ticket sales, advertising, naming rights, tours and concessions during baseball games. It must share 10 percent of net revenues from nonbaseball events with the authority. The team will be charged $900,000 in annual rent, with a portion of that subject to inflation. The money will flow into a maintenance fund. One interesting twist: the agreement also gives the Twins the power to implement a personal-seat program. Twins officials say they've not decided if they're going to do so (some members of the front office are vehemently against it, we hear), and we're guessing many Minnesota sports fans would have a conniption if the Twins did indeed implement PSLs given the large county subsidy for the ballpark. Meanwhile, the first court date concerning the price tag for a key plot of land was this morning, and even though it was a routine scheduling, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman managed to dub the upcoming trial "World War III in the condemnation process." Great.
    RELATED STORIES: County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Apartments in the outfield? I-Cubs toy with idea
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Only base runners head for home at Principal Park, the home of the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but that changes if a unique housing proposal gets off the ground in the months ahead. I-Cubs owner Michael Gartner wants to put condos or apartments at Principal Park. Which means you could sit on your deck and watch a triple-A baseball game. There are some ballparks where apartments abut the property -- lots of folks sit out on their decks outside AutoZone Park to watch Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) games -- but this would be the first time the housing units (as opposed to the hotel rooms at Rogers Centre) would be integrated into the park, as far as we know.

Nationals to deliver tickets to cell phones
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals announced that the Nationals have become the first major organization in the United States to deliver event tickets to mobile phones. The technology is provided by MLB-owned Tickets.com following a successful test of the system during the 2007 spring-training season. Nationals fans who purchase tickets on the team's Website can choose to have their tickets delivered to a mobile phone, via a MMS or picture message. The "digital ticket" is then scanned from the phone at a designated gate, allowing fans to quickly enter the ballpark. It's been a stated goal of MLB to eliminate paper tickets; their argument is that it's more convenient for fans to not have to mess with those silly pieces of paper. Of course, there is a dark side to this: it's impossible to scalp (or, as we like to say, resell on the secondary market) a paperless ticket.

McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The day before McHenry County College trustees planned to vote on a minor-league ballpark for an independent Frontier League team, private investors announced they have been working for years to build a similar ballpark in Harvard. The investors include a former GM, Bill Larsen, and a 1986 Crystal Lake Central High School graduate, would build a 2,000-seat ballpark with lawn seating for 2,000 more, city officials said Wednesday. A rookie-league team would start playing about 40 games a year there in 2009, officials said. The ballpark also would host high school and amateur games, and an adjacent Miracle Field for disabled children would be done by summer 2008. We're highly dubious about the group's ability to bring this plan to fruition, to be honest. More from the Chicago Tribune and the Northwest Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

Devil Rays ticket sales sluggish
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This surprises us. Sales for a three-game series May 15-17 between the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Texas Rangers at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports are lagging behind expectations, Disney and Rays officials said. "It's not where we anticipated where the sales would be at this juncture, but we're very optimistic there will be a strong surge of sales when we get to the games themselves," said Reggie Williams, Disney's vice president of sports attractions. Neither Williams nor Rays President Matt Silverman would say how many seats have been sold, but Silverman said the team will increase its advertising to boost sales. Rays officials want a sellout, which would mean over 11,000 fans a game. The Devil Rays are playing pretty well this season and the ballpark is a great venue, so we're a little confused as to what the D-Rays should do.

Baseball coalition to swing for OK
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Backers of minor-league baseball for Bowling Green are ready to make their pitch Thursday afternoon, seeking a formal commitment from the city to push ahead with a six-block redevelopment downtown to include a ballpark, hotel, parking garage and a mixture of residential and commercial properties. Developers would rely on a special tax district to fund much of the project -- and now are talking about expanding that beyond the six blocks in question to cover several blocks of redevelopment near Western Kentucky University. Art Solomon, owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), has an option to buy an affiliated team (in the Sally League, we hear) and is willing to sign a 20-year lease for the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Baseball owner makes the pitch in Bowling Green

Minor-league ball to Cuba?
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've reported on this in the past, so when The New York Times says it's a quiet movement, it's because reporters there have not noticed. Baseball is contemplating a strategy for teams to sign Cuban players in an effort to create an orderly system for acquiring talent from the island, according to three baseball officials and a scholar who was briefed on the plans. Baseball is also considering moving a minor-league team to Cuba and building training academies similar to those that nearly all teams have in the Dominican Republic. Of course, this is all predicated on the death of Fidel Castro and the assumption his successors would open the borders; Castro has shown remarkable resiliency, but most experts do think things will loosen up upon his passing.

Pewaukee rejects Northwoods League ballpark proposal
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Neighbors turned up in force to voice their concerns over conceptual plans for a new sports complex park on 60 acres in the northeast portion of Pewaukee, in suburban Milwaukee. As a result, a new ballpark for a summer-collegiate Northwoods League team will not be part of the new sports complex park, as the Park and Recreation Board determined the goals for the park were running contrary to the goals of the Northwoods League. However, board members left the opportunity open for a Northwoods League ballpark team to locate at another Pewaukee park, with Village Park one favored location.

State Legislature aims to fund several key Tacoma projects
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A lightened mood among state legislators working with a $2 billion budget surplus could result in funding for several key projects in Tacoma, according to an update yesterday during city council study session at City Hall. The top request for the city was money for Cheney Stadium, the home of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Operators of the ballpark would receive a second phase of funding totalling $2.5 million for infrastructure improvements and renovations. Over the last two years, the ballpark has benefited from $5 million in funding for similar work. No word on the requests for other ballpark improvements from state teams, but we assume they're faring equally well.

City ready to deal with developers
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the City Council’s blessing, Fort Wayne officials will begin intense negotiations with developers to make the Harrison Square project a reality, while separate discussions will begin in earnest to determine the fate of Memorial Stadium, the home of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). The council voted 6-3 Tuesday to approve the necessary financing for the $130 million public-private downtown development. The project includes a 250-room hotel with 900-space parking garage, 60 condominiums, 30,000 square feet of retail space and a $30 million city-owned ballpark as the new home of the Wizards. Deputy Mayor Mark Becker said the city will start meeting immediately with Hardball Capital, which owns the Wizards, and the downtown hotel developers.
    RELATED STORIES: 6-3 vote favors new Wizards ballpark; City offers details of Harrison Square deal; Fort Wayne ballpark deal needs more private money; Ballpark deadline looming in Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne City Council divided on downtown ballpark; Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark; Wizards' owner steps up to bat for Harrison Square; 'A few more pros than cons'; Downtown Fort Wayne ballpark: pro and con; Developer submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel; Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal endeavor; Ballpark's future subject to study; Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark; Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark plan; Ballpark's future is far from certain; Building the public square; Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime; Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans; Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne; Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is unpopular; Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal; Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember; Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a ballpark; Playing ball downtown; We need to build ballpark downtown; Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?; Learning by example from Dayton; Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium; A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark

Ballpark bids under estimates
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You don't see this very often. Bids for two projects at the new Springdale ballpark for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) baseball park came in under the engineer's estimate -- $1 million under, to be exact. The savings on the contract for building the parking lot and widening the roads would go to building the stadium itself. Funds to build the ballpark, adjacent roads and its water and sewer service come from a $50 million bond issue approved by Springdale voters in July 2006.
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2008: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals; Officials dig baseball; 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

Texting at the ballpark with Fan Text Mobile
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fan Text Mobile, LLC has entered into a partnership with all Triple-A and Double-A leagues and their respective teams to create a nationwide network of affinity-based mobile fan clubs. The agreement includes the International and Pacific Coast leagues of Triple-A baseball and the Eastern and Southern leagues of Double-A baseball.
    Fan Text Mobile will provide teams with independent mobile fan clubs starting in mid May. Fans will be invited to join a club by participating in promotions between innings at home games. Basic memberships will be offered free of charge through the support of advertisers. Upgrade options in content and frequency will be rolled out in June and enhanced at the request of club members. This unique positioning will provide companies interested in marketing on a local grassroots level a single point of entry for national, regional or local presence.

Former owner cries foul; city balks
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The former owner of the Travis Credit Union Park maintained Wednesday that millions of taxpayer dollars were invested in the facility, and if the city had accommodated him, there still would be baseball played there. The Stocking family, which operates the park, announced last week that the Vacaville facility would close at the end of next month due to financial difficulties. Bruce Portner, the original owner of the ballpark when the Solano Steelheads (independent; Western League) played there, took issue with recent statements by city officials that no public funds were used to construct the park. Between $1.6 million in cash for the purchase of right-of-way and $2.1 million in tax relief, Portner contends that there were $3.7 million worth of concessions made for park developers, the Kivelstadt Group, alone.

Ballpark Notes
Posted April 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League) welcomed its 2,500,000 fan to Applebee’s Park on Wednesday night. Ten-year old Brandon Fister of Lexington was met with confetti and gifts as he walked through the turnstiles at 6:42 p.m. The 2,500,000th fan came in the 12th game of the Legends seventh season. Fister received a personalized Legends jersey, dinner in the Maker’s Mark Club and will watch the Legends game with West Virginia from a luxury suite at Applebee’s Park. Fayette Heating and Air sponsored the event and rewarded (Name) with A Trane Clean Effects electronic air cleaner ($1,200 value) and a duct cleaning for up to 2 systems ($500-$1,000 value)....

Rangers oppose Grand Prairie ballpark
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This should come as no surprise to anyone. Texas Rangers president Jeff Cogen made it clear Tuesday that the major-league club does not support efforts to build a ballpark for an independent team in Grand Prairie. "We strongly believe that this proposed stadium will be counterproductive for both the Texas Rangers and the taxpayers of Grand Prairie," Cogen wrote in a letter delivered to the mayor and City Council members. Cogen said he wrote the letter after learning that city officials claimed during a public meeting Thursday that the Rangers back the project. Yes, it does seem rather far-fetched that the Rangers would support a $15-million ballpark for an independent American Association team within seven miles of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and Cogen was proclaiming what many felt was obvious. The proposal calls for a one-eighth-cent sales tax to pay for the new ballpark, subject to a May 12 referendum.
    RELATED STORIES: Grand Prairie to hold "name the team" contest; Plans for new Grand Prairie ballpark unveiled; American Association expands to Grand Prairie

6-3 vote favors new Wizards ballpark
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fort Wayne City Council approved a proposed downtown development project that includes a new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) by a 6-3 vote Tuesday night, allowing Mayor Graham Richard to finalize what he called the opportunity of a generation. The council’s decision came after 3 1/2 hours of public testimony, where supporters of the project overwhelmingly dominated the conversation. The council then discussed the issue for more than 90 minutes before voting to spend $26 million in county economic development income tax revenue that is vital to the financing of the project. Hardball Capital, owners of the Wizards, are investing $5 million in the ballpark and $14.5 million in an associated hotel development. The memorandum with the hotel developers says both sides will try to complete the final agreement by May 31. The agreement with Hardball -- contingent on a hotel agreement -- says construction on the ballpark must commence by Sept. 1 or Hardball would be allowed to back out of the deal.
    RELATED STORIES: City offers details of Harrison Square deal; Fort Wayne ballpark deal needs more private money; Ballpark deadline looming in Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne City Council divided on downtown ballpark; Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark; Wizards' owner steps up to bat for Harrison Square; 'A few more pros than cons'; Downtown Fort Wayne ballpark: pro and con; Developer submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel; Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal endeavor; Ballpark's future subject to study; Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark; Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark plan; Ballpark's future is far from certain; Building the public square; Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime; Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans; Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne; Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is unpopular; Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal; Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember; Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a ballpark; Playing ball downtown; We need to build ballpark downtown; Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?; Learning by example from Dayton; Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium; A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark

Flurry of interest in Dallas baseball renaissance
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two more players are joining the lineup for the proposed minor-league ballpark in downtown Dallas, while another player is getting back in the game. Scott Berry, president of Southern Independent Baseball who is working with the independent American Association, said his group will make a new presentation to city officials next month. Two more contenders are emerging. Former Congressman John Bryant heads a group from independent United League Baseball, which has been forming a plan for several months that it will present next month as well. Dallas-based Schlegel Sports has been quietly meeting with city officials about the proposed ballpark; the family-owned firm owns the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and would presumably work to bring an affiliated team into Dallas, as affiliated baseball rules prohibit the owner of an affiliated team to buy an independent team. Schlegel faces a slew of issues: the Rangers are already affiliated with the nearby Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League), and one must wonder if the Rangers would support a Class AAA team in downtown Dallas.
    RELATED STORIES: Team pushing ahead on mixed-use ballpark plan; Ownership group revises Dallas ballpark plans; Homeless center plan may doom proposed Dallas ballpark

Longview looking at minor-league ballpark
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The possibility of a minor league ballpark on the Longview College campus has resurfaced after two years on the shelf. Al Tunis, vice chancellor of Metropolitan Community College, was at MCC-Longview Tuesday afternoon discussing and fielding questions from staff on the issue. The meeting was for staff informational purposes only and was not a public meeting. Tunis said new circumstances surrounding the issue recently developed and prompted increased discussion in recent weeks. However, neither Tunis, representatives from the school nor the developer would comment on what those developments are. David Gale, who had previously worked on ballpark projects in Lee's Summit with the independent Frontier League, is involved in this effort.

Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Frontier League is ready to move on a new ballpark and team in Illinois's McHenry County, with investors backing the team are ready to hop on board. All each party needs is a place for such a team to play, and that might be coming soon. The McHenry County College board will vote Thursday on a $26-million, 90,000-square-foot Health, Wellness and Athletic Complex, which includes a 6,500-seat ballpark. If approved, Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee said an expansion team from McHenry County could join his league by the 2009 season. Peter Heitman is heading McHenry County Professional Baseball, a group of investors trying to land a team. More from the Northwest Herald.

Ballpark brings hope but no guarantee
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Times asks the inevitable question: will a new ballpark lead to success for the hometown team? It's certainly true that a new ballpark -- and the new revenue streams -- can be a factor in a team being more successful; just ask the Cleveland Indians (who have fared pretty well at Jacobs Field), the San Francisco Giants (always contending at AT&T Park), the Seattle Mariners (who have done pretty well at Safeco Field) and the San Diego Padres (likewise with Petco Park). The Pittsburgh Pirates (PNC Park) and Milwaukee Brewers (Miller Park), conversely, have stayed pretty bad in their new ballparks. Really, the lesson is that a new ballpark can certainly help a front office who was competent in the first place, but can't magically change the fortunes of a team that was screwed up to begin with. The Pirates and Brewers are still paying the price for inept leadership for years in old and new ballparks.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Council approves sale of bonds
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The City Council has approved the sale of $12.5 million in bonds to finance the construction of a new ballpark to replace Cobb Field as the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). The council unanimously approved the bond sale Monday with little discussion. Billings voters approved the ballpark bond issue last November. The bond sale was delayed from May 14 until June 11. City Administrator Tina Volek said the extra time is needed so she can finalize agreements with several private donors who are contributing $1.8 million toward the ballpark project.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Take me out to the ballgame for a brew
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Barry Shlachter writes a beer column for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and his column this week covers beer at the ballpark, centering on the offerings at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. They're not the greatest, with Shiner Bock being the only Texas-brewed beer available. He then runs down the beer offerings at other ballparks and asks us for advice; we recommended Milwaukee's Miller Park as a beer nirvana (with plenty of local beers on tap and in bottle), as well as the West Coast ballparks (AT&T Park, McAfee Coliseum, Safeco Field). He also says some nice words about The Complete Guide to Big League Ballparks.

City: Parking issues near ballpark will be addressed
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Parking congestion during Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) games has become a hassle for some residents and they want the City of Midland to take action. City Manager Jon Lynch said the city has received several calls about the situation from residents in areas north of Dow Diamond, which are closer to the new minor league baseball field than some of the designated parking areas that remain open during games. Options for limiting parking will be discussed in a future meeting with neighbors and officials from the Loons, Lynch said. The date for that meeting has not yet been set.

Blue Jays, CBC close in on TV deal NEW!
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The on-again, off-again television agreement between the Toronto Blue Jays and the CBC will be completed by the end of the week, according to sources close to negotiations. Barring an 11th-hour change, the CBC will air eight Blue Jays games this season, probably starting with back-to-back weekend games at home against the Colorado Rockies on June 23 and 24. The agreement, which was expected to be announced before the start of the baseball season, hit a snag over advertising issues. Insiders say the Jays and CBC could sign a multiyear deal that would have the schedule increase to 20 or 25 games in 2008, when the network will be without Canadian Football League content.

Summer's gonna be a blast with the Miners around
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Local interest is pretty high for the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League), who open their home schedule in a new ballpark next month. The local sports editor, of course, wonders how the local team will fare; most fans won't really care about how the Miners do on the field but they will enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Baseball surveys sent out
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Gwinnett’s vision for a minor league baseball park won’t move forward without some input from the public. This week, e-mail invitations were sent to hundreds of people asking them to complete an Internet survey about the idea, according to Gwinnett Center Director Preston Williams. The survey results will be included in the study being conducted by Convention Sports & Leisure International to determine the feasibility of building a local park. Using databases from the Gwinnett Center, the Chamber of Commerce and other groups, the survey is going out to people who are sports fans or have business interests in the area, Williams said.
    RELATED STORIES: Firm to weigh prospects of minor-league baseball to Gwinnett County; Gwinnett baseball back in the game; Whiff! Baseball study out on strikes; Gwinnett explores minor-league baseball

USC given green light to proceed with ballpark
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tuesday afternoon state regulators gave the University of South Carolina the green light to construct its new ballpark, but some changes may be on the way. Last week officials from the Department of Health and Environmental Control stayed the excavation permit on the site after a neighborhood group appealed the permit. That action effectively halted construction, but Tuesday the DHEC board declined to hear the appeal and reinstated the permit. However, a USC spokesman tells a local TV station the university is working with all interested parties to reach a consensus on what might be the best way to proceed.
    RELATED STORIES: Trees leave Tanner on a limb; Construction halts on USC's new ballpark

NYCBL to hold All-Star Game at Shuttleworth Park
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The summer-collegiate New York Collegiate Baseball League has announced that the Amsterdam Mohawks will host of the 2007 New York Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game. The game will be played on Friday, July 6 at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam, New York.  The 2007 New York Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game will pit the stars of the Eastern Division against the Western Division all-stars. The Eastern Division all-stars will include players from the Amsterdam Mohawks, Bennington (Vt.) Bombers, Glens Falls Golden Eagles, Little Falls Miners, Saratoga Phillies and Watertown Wizards. The roster of the Western Division all-stars will feature players from the Allegany County Nitros, Bolivar Athletics, Brockport Riverbats, Elmira Pioneers, Geneva Red Wings, Hornell Dodgers, Niagara Power and Webster Yankees. Each NYCBL team will be represented by at least two position players and one pitcher.
    All-star festivities at Shuttleworth Park will run all day on July 6 and include the league’s annual scout day, a home run derby and the playing of the All-Star Game. In addition, Shuttleworth Park will be hosting ParkFest2007 throughout the weekend. ParkFest 2007 will have many activities including live bands, rides, a "Best Pizza and Chicken Wing" contest, and fireworks.

New team has formula for success
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Larry Mahoney says a new summer-collegiate New England Collegiate Baseball League team will succeed when it starts play on the Husson College campus in Bangor beginning in the summer of 2008. Why? Lots of local ties. First, you have local ownership in the form of John Winkin, Mike Coutts, Mike Bordick and Peter Baldacci. Winkin wants it to have a local flavor so you can expect several University of Maine and Husson College players to be on the roster along with local players who are playing college ball elsewhere (like the University of Southern Maine’s Collin Henry of Penobscot).

Ballpark Notes
Posted April 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Waterloo Bucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced that Riverfront Stadium will be the site of the 2007 Midwest Classic Conference Tournament May 2 and May 3, 2007. Riverfront Stadium will welcome eight teams from the NAIA Midwest Classic Conference to take part in the two day event. The first session of baseball begins at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2. Upon completion, there will be a second game and that will close out the first session. There will be three games played on Thursday, May 3 in two separate sessions. The MCC Championship Game is slated for 7 p.m....The Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) benefit auction of the autographed Virginia Tech hats worn by the Braves for two games has generated more than $3,000 in bids in less than a week. The on-line auction at www.rbraves.com started following last Thursday’s 11-inning win over Louisville and runs through Sunday, May 3. Over 160 bids have already been received. The top bid for a player hat is currently $250 for Yunel Escobar. In addition to the hats, a Virginia Tech game worn batting practice top autographed by the entire 2007 R-Braves club has been added to the auction. 100% of the proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to honor the victims of the April 16 shootings at Virginia Tech.

New York City passes ban on metal bats
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Metal bats will be banned from high-school baseball in the nation's largest school system starting this September after the New York City Council on Monday overrode a mayoral veto of the bill. The measure outlawed metal bats under the theory that they produce balls with greater velocity and raise the risk of injury because of less reaction time. Opponents, including Little League Baseball, USA Baseball and equipment suppliers, say there is no evidence metal bats are more dangerous. In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed the bat ban this month, saying the issue should be left up to those who run the youth leagues, not the government. But the City Council overwhelmingly knocked down the veto by a vote of 41-4. This has been a contentious issue, to say the least: besides the arguments about the safety of metal bats, other argue they should be banned for aesthetic reasons. Indeed, going to a college game and hearing the ping of a metal bat just isn't the same as hearing the solid crack from a wood bat. (Indeed, we'd argue the use of wooden bats is one reason why the summer collegiate leagues do so well.) We do expect other municipalities and states to tackle this issue in the next few years, so the debate is far from over. In fact, "Don't Take My Bat Away," a newly formed group that claims to represent coaches, players, youth baseball enthusiasts and batmakers, announced today that it will file a lawsuit seeking to block a ban on all metal bats in high school age baseball games within the city. The lawsuit, to be filed within days, will seek an immediate and permanent injunction of the new law. We're a little wary of this group, as there was not a contact listed on the press release so we can't find out what companies and groups are truly behind it.
    RELATED STORIES: A swing toward wooden bats; USA Baseball: Metal bats are as safe as wooden bats; New York City moves toward ban on metal high-school bats

Council OKs $11.6 million for Visalia ballpark renovation
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Visalia City Council members unanimously approved an $11.6 million plan to rebuild portions of aging Recreation Park and help preserve the long-term future of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) franchise in Visalia. "You can either build a new stadium or take an old ballpark and try and make it better," Visalia Mayor Jesus Gamboa said. "I know $11.6 [million] is a lot of money, but Recreation Park is a community asset." The council also authorized staff to start a redesign of the renovation. The concrete-and-dirt berm supporting the current grandstand will not support the extra weight of a new level for suites and expanded press box, as called for in redesign plans, so it will be totally demolished. More from the Fresno Bee.
    RELATED STORIES: Visalia ballpark renovation to cost $6 million more; Oaks release renderings of Recreation Park enhancements

Pro sports survive and thrive after the storm
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Almost 21 months after Hurricane Katrina, pro sports in New Orleans have defied the odds. By any measure, they have bounced back and approaching normalcy on many levels. Case in point: the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) played their home opener in front of a sellout crowd of 10,342 fans at Zephyr Stadium. Overall the team has drawn 52,305 fans this season in eight openings, averaging 6,538 fans a game.

In memoriam: David Halberstam
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
David Halberstam, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and tireless author of books on topics as varied as America’s military failings in Vietnam, the deaths of firefighters at the World Trade Center and the high-pressure world of professional basketball, was killed yesterday in a car crash south of San Francisco. He was 73, and lived in Manhattan. In the baseball world, he was best known as the author of several books, including "The Summer of '49," "The Teammates" and "October 1964."

Contractor gets ready to dig in to Faber Field
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
St. Cloud River Bats (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) are moving -- but within the same sports complex, as they're moving from Dick Putz Field to next-door Faber Field. City Council members Monday approved and revised a contract with W. Gohman Construction of St. Joseph to upgrade the Faber Field facilities. The switch and upgrade will increase capacity to about 2,400 fans from about 1,000. Amenities include a bleacher section down the right field line, a 400-person sports deck down the left field line, and additional bathrooms and concessions facilities. A hospitality deck, which also can be tournament headquarters, will be built atop bathrooms behind the first-base dugout. Backrests will be added to the 1,050 grandstand seats.
    RELATED STORIES: Bats set to sell new Faber amenities

Ballpark staff ready for Yankees' return
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Such a high-class problem to have: On opening day, there were lines inside and outside PNC Field for the premiere of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), and those problems continued during the opening homestand. Those crowds -- who braved the cold weather -- showed the team that there were some flaws that needed mending, especially now that the team has sold out multiple games in advance for the first time in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise history. May 9, May 11 and July 4 have each sold out, and because of the July 4 sellout, the team has added a second fireworks show for July 5, meaning that night could quickly sell out as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Luzerne County officials finally out of the bullpen; County rejects Triple-A agreement; Potential sale of SWB Yankees approved; Luzerne County explores options on baseball deals; Blaum wants 1986 ballpark contract honored; Potential sale of the SWB Yankees approved; Lackawanna County minority commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off county; Yanks filling seats in Moosic; Once again, it’s all about the Yankees; New for 2007: PNC Field; Work on Lackawanna County Stadium progresses; New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees; End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium; Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty; Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows; Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax; New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark priorities; Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in minor-league teams; Will Moosic get a new ballpark?; Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management firm heading to Moosic; Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna County Stadium today; Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and Pens; It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to Scranton a done deal?; Authority will consider giving Cordaro power; Yankees to SWB?

Ballpark renovations on schedule for Anderson Joes baseball
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Renovations at Anderson Memorial Stadium are on schedule to be done for the May 18 season opener of the Anderson Joes (independent; South Coast League). When fans drive to the ballpark they will pass under new lighting already in place along White Street Extension and in the parking lot. New fencing made of a material that looks like wrought iron also is planned. Also, at the front of the ballpark, workers are nearly done creating a new, concrete plaza/entryway. An original brick marker remains, and a baseball-shaped, decorative structure of brick is planned for the plaza.

Canaries to grant wishes to fans during exhibition
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On May 7, the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) will spend the evening granting the baseball wishes of fans in attendance at their exhibition game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League).
    The first wish the Canaries are granting is for lifelong baseball fan Rob Hugelman. Fans may recognize Hugelman, a familiar face around the Birdcage, as the assistant umpire supervisor in the stands. Hugelman has never previously had the opportunity to umpire a professional baseball game because he is confined to a wheel chair. On May 7, the Canaries will help Hugelman achieve a lifelong dream, by becoming a part of the action for the evening as the first wheelchair-bound umpire in the history of professional baseball.
    On May 7, the team plans to take their wish-granting ways to the next level by granting the baseball wishes of several other fans in attendance. Fans who would like to have their wishes granted can submit their requests to the Canaries via e-mail at wish@canariesbaseball.com. Fans submitting wishes should include their name, telephone number, baseball wish, and a reason why their wish should be granted. Fans are limited to one wish per person, and wish request e-mails should be limited to 100 words or less.

Officials: Vacaville can't save ballpark
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
At least three city officials said Saturday they have no desire to take over Travis Credit Union Park, the home of the Solano Thunderbirds (summer collegiate; CCCL), which is set to close next month. Operators announced Friday that the park's tumultuous history would end May 31. Years of financial troubles caused the Stocking family, which operates the park, to retire from the business and cease operations. The announcement threw the future of some local events and the Solano Thunderbirds baseball team into uncertainty. The news also left some wondering if the city would step in. Any hope of the city assuming ownership of the ballpark was shot down by Mayor Len Augustine. More on Curtis Stocking's attempt to sell the ballpark.

Braves offer financing plan for tickets
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Atlanta Braves on Monday announced they have teamed up with GE Money to offer a 90-day same-as-cash financing plan on the purchase of full or partial season-ticket packages, which remain on sale. Of course, it could argued that virtually every baseball team offers a financing package for season tickets: it's called a credit card.

Ballpark Notes
Posted April 24, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Chillicothe Paints (independent; Frontier League) has announced that Greg Bigam has been named Coordinator of Group Sales and Special Events for the Paints’ 2007 season. Bigam’s duties will include, planning and organizing group picnics, birthday parties and team parties at the Paints’ games, and he is also heading the extensive planning needed for the Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA) 18-Under World Series that is to be held in Chillicothe July 1-9. Bigam, a lifelong resident of Pickaway County, has served as the Executive Director of Pickaway Metropolitan Housing Authority for 19 years. He is also well known in southern Ohio for his 25 years of sports broadcasting, including most recently as the co-host of the WKKJ, 94.3 FM Scoreboard Show on Friday nights, following the area high school football and basketball games. Greg also assists in the play-by-play broadcasting of the Paints’ games on WXIZ, 100.9 FM....RiverHawks Stadium, the home of the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League), will serve as the host site for the next month's inaugural Northern Athletics Conference Baseball Tournament. The NAC Baseball Tournament will run May 11-12 and will be co-hosted by the Rockford RiverHawks and the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The NAC, an NCAA Division III member conference, consists of 12 colleges and universities from Illinois and Wisconsin....Here's a notable promotion from the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League): Turn off your TV and come out to a ballgame at Chukchansi Park because the Grizzlies want to pay your cable bill. In honor of TV-Turnoff Week, April 23-29th, the Fresno Grizzlies are encouraging fans to turn off their TV's and spend time together and enjoy an evening of family fun at the ballpark. Fans who bring out their cable bills will receive $1 Field Level Reserved Tickets on Monday, April 23rd and Tuesday, April 24th. The Grizzlies will select one lucky winner each night and pay their bill for that month....

Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On a seven-year losing skid but starting with their best prospects ever for a second $60 million subsidy for a new ballpark, the Florida Marlins are yet again down to the late innings in the spring legislative session with the outcome in jeopardy. "I think it's a dead issue," Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster said last week of the chamber's newest sports subsidy plan. "I don't expect it'll be back up." With two weeks to go, though, supporters and opponents agree that anything can still happen with a proposal that, despite some passionate beliefs on both sides, is ultimately a minor issue in the scheme of things. You can expect proponents to keep pushing the issue -- indeed, a slightly different plan passed out of committee last week -- but the politics of the session are against the team, with the state looking to scale back services to vulnerable groups like mentally retarded children.
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Optimism grows for AAA baseball in Sparks
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Local politicians and developers of a shopping mall and entertainment center in Sparks, Nev. said Friday that they are increasingly optimistic they soon will attract a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team to the area. Kansas City's RED Development has been working on a 1 million square-foot outdoor retail project just east of Reno, and a centerpiece of the effort is a new ballpark. As we've reported in the past, the focus is on buying the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and moving them. The Sidewinders have quietly been on the market for a few years now.
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County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County said Friday it would not disclose how much more money the Minnesota Twins have agreed to contribute to help build a new ballpark in downtown Minneapolis because it is confidential under state law. County officials were responding to requests for details from the Star Tribune and two other local news organizations. Last week the county announced it would proceed with the 40,000-seat stadium in part because of private assurances from the team, which had previously agreed to contribute $130 million to the project, that it would provide more money. From what we've been told by some county insiders, the specific amount the team will contribute is flexible based on the final price of the land slated for an eminent-domain hearing.
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Council asked to pitch in more for Oaks ballpark
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Visalia City Council will be asked Monday night to approve an additional $6.5 million to complete the renovation of Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). When the city agreed to a major renovation of the ballpark in August, in exchange for a 10-year commitment by the Oaks to remain in Visalia, the cost was pegged at $5 million. The project was to be done in stages. The changes the council will be asked to approve Monday include completing the project in one phase, which, according to earlier figures from the city, would save $1.8 million. No estimate of when the project would be completed was available. The biggest reason for the cost increase: an earthen berm needs to be replaced, a cost that was unexpected when original estimates were done. The renovations will include a new grandstand, awnings for hot summer days, a new press box and six fan suites.
    RELATED STORIES: Visalia ballpark renovation to cost $6 million more; Oaks release renderings of Recreation Park enhancements

Sports world learns green is way to go
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Green long has been the color of sports because of the absurd amounts of money involved. Sports, though, can be a very wasteful endeavor, from the millions of gallons of water used to keep golf courses green and ski resorts wrapped in artificial snow to the thousands of miles teams fly on road trips. Or the mounds of paper used to produce media guides, news releases and box scores. Or the fertilizers that keep fields green while potentially contaminating groundwater. But a new shade of green rapidly is making its mark in the sporting world as teams, leagues and facility-owning municipalities answer the call to make a dent in the fight against global warming. Some are motivated by a desire to save the planet. Others see it as good PR or as a way to save money. Often, it's a combination of the three. The new Nationals ballpark takes going green to another level. The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission plans to make the ballpark the first major pro sports venue in the country to earn LEED certification -- which means it has to accumulate at least 26 points on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design scorecard compiled by the U.S. Green Building Council.

City, Mustangs watching ballpark plans
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The final chapter of Cobb Field's colorful 59-year history begins June 22 when the Billings Mustangs host the Missoula Osprey in their home opener. Look for Cobb Field commemorative logos on players' uniforms and plenty of special merchandise as baseball fans bid farewell to an aging icon. But Mustangs General Manager Gary Roller can't help thinking ahead to 2008, when the Mustangs plan to christen a new $12.5 million ballpark that will replace Cobb Field. "From our standpoint, we're concerned about the 2008 opener and whether the stadium is going to be done on time," Roller said. "The 2008 schedule won't be put together until this fall, and we'll stay on the road for the first eight to 10 days of the season. But at some point, we have to come home and play."
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Spectator arrested at Shea Stadium for beaming Braves pitcher
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A none-too-bright Mets fan was busted after allegedly pointing a high-powered flashlight into the eyes of opposing players from the stands at Shea Stadium. Frank Martinez, 40, of The Bronx, was accused of blinding pitcher Tim Hudson from a seat behind home plate Friday night, using a small Streamline flashlight.  Martinez also allegedly aimed the light at shortstop Edgar Renteria and second-base umpire Paul Emmel, who was forced to call a time out because he was rendered visually impaired, Queens DA Richard Brown said. Police charged him with interference with a professional sporting event and reckless endangerment. Former Bronx neighbors of Martinez, an exterminator, said the was thrown out of his Ericson Place apartment because of his Mets fanaticism.

Don't miss city's historic opportunity
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette comes out once again with an endorsement of a new downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League), saying the city has a unique chance to remake a moribund downtown with a hotel complex and ballpark. Says the editorialists: "Critics passionately argue for phantom alternatives. A water park. A skating rink. A fully enclosed multi-use arena. A development along the river. But where are the financing plans? Where are the developers willing to spend $5 million up front, as the Wizards owners will for the stadium, and $45 million more on building shops and housing? Critics offer a series of maybes. Mayor Richard offers a firm project with sound financing, committed developers and property in hand."
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Reds envy Clearwater's lively digs
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
By the time it was three years old, Ed Smith Stadium was already old-fashioned. Built for $8.5 million in 1989, the ballpark became obsolete by baseball standards in 1992, the year the Baltimore Orioles opened Oriole Park. An instant classic, the retro ballpark is credited with helping to launch a 15-year trend of sports teams demanding new and increasingly costly places to play. These fan-friendly ballparks can be attractions in themselves, boosting attendance and revenues with bigger concession stands, wider food offerings, spacious concourses, lawn seating and taverns overlooking the field, all aimed at encouraging fans to gladly open their wallets at the ballpark. The current model for the Reds: Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater.
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Napoli is main man in Toledo pro sports
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the purchase of the Toledo Storm (ECHL) in anticipation of a new downtown arena, the Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) are in the drivers' seat when it comes to sports in that city. And the man in the center of it all: GM Joe Napoli. Our Dave Wright had a chance to speak with Napoli about the hockey plan; we'll pass it along this week, but in the meantime here's a look at Napoli from the Toledo Blade.
    RELATED STORIES: Mud Hens confirm Toledo Storm purchase

Fenway’s home run derby: Property owners swing for fences
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
How much is a tiny gas station next door to Fenway Park worth? According to one of its owners, Charlie Giannakopoulos, its true value is more than $10 million. The Shell station at the corner of Boylston and Ipswich streets is the latest piece of real estate to hit the sales block amid a wave of development remaking the neighborhood around the 1912 ballpark. The Giannakopoulos family, which owns the station, has been testing the market -- hoping to cash in on a heated competition for property around Fenway Park between the Red Sox and high-powered condo developers, real estate executives said.

A mayor's dream
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
All you ever wanted to know about how the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) ended up in Holman Stadium as an Atlantic League team. Interestingly, the league was interested in using Holman Stadium as a neutral site until new ballparks came on line, but Nashua officials held out for their own team. (Thanks to John Cerone.)

Plans to revamp UM field in limbo
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ole Miss' plans to expand Oxford-University Stadium have been thrown a curveball after athletic director Pete Boone learned last week the project will cost roughly $6 million more than anticipated. Ole Miss received bids from construction companies interested in renovating and expanding the ballpark. Instead of the $10 to $12 million estimated, construction firms placed bids in the range of $18 million. Ole Miss -- along with Jackson-based architects Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons -- unveiled plans that would include 880 club-level seats located between first and third base. Box seats will increase from 400 to 1,700.

'The Box' will soon become a parking lot
Posted April 23, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Alex Box, which opened in 1938 under another name and renamed after a fallen WW II hero and LSU alumnus named Alex Box in 1943, will be leveled after the 2008 baseball season. A new Alex Box is expected to open 200 yards south of the old one before the 2009 season. Work on the 8,400-seat, $30 million-plus facility should begin in June. Alex Box also happens to be prime Tiger Stadium football parking ground. There is much money to be made there beginning in the 2008 football season. Bertman plans to make the Box lot a motor home parking area, which is the most expensive parking pass at about $600 a season. A spot at the old Box directly across Nicholson from Tiger Stadium will run you about $800 a year in 2008.