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Archives: March 5-11, 2007

Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Following the lead of Miami-Dade County commissioners, the Miami City Commission voted unanimously Thursday to support a $490 million plan to fund a ballpark for the Florida Marlins somewhere in Miami and expressed support for placing it on the site of the Orange Bowl. Earlier this week, county commissioners raised the idea of a ballpark at the Orange Bowl if the University of Miami moves its football games to Dolphin Stadium. City commissioners said they liked the idea, but approved allowing Miami City Manager Pete Hernandez to negotiate the details of a financing plan without nailing down a specific location. A formal plan is expected by the end of April. There are some variables to this: MLB and the Marlins have not shown much enthusiasm for an Orange Bowl site, and no planning can be done until the University of Miami formally decides to move football games to Dolphin Stadium. Still, it's amazing how quickly MLB's preferred downtown site fell out of favor. More from AP.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Contract pushes forward Goodyear training facility
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baseball in Goodyear got another push forward today after the City Council approved a contract that taps Goodyear Baseball LLC to manage the design, development and construction of a new spring training complex for the Cleveland Indians. Goodyear-based developer Rose Properties Southwest, based in Goodyear, and sports developer JMI Sports, based in San Diego, make up Goodyear Baseball. The development team will work with the city to build a 10,000-seat spring training stadium for the Cleveland Indians on Estrella Parkway near Yuma Road. The agreement provides a framework of responsibilities for all parties involved in getting the $75-million complex ready by February 2009.
    RELATED STORIES: Cactus League aims to reclaim fan base; Five firms in line to design Glendale spring-training facility; Goodyear inks deal on spring-training facility; Goodyear eyes noted ballpark designer; Indians fan thrilled by new facility plans; $80 mil for baseball taps out sports authority; White Sox to delay Phoenix move?; Arizona commission to fund both proposed spring-training facilities; Glendale offers spring-training plan; Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

Baseball bends on TV plan, but doubts linger
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Major League Baseball does not like the terminology, but it appears to have buckled to pressure from devoted fans irate that the Extra Innings package of out-of-market games would be the exclusive property of DirecTV. MLB yesterday announced the anticipated deal, but with a notable, alternately hopeful and suspicious wrinkle: it will give cable operators and Dish Network, DirecTV’s satellite rival, until March 31 to make a final stab at retaining Extra Innings. Whether anyone can match DirecTV's deal remains to be seen: MLB officials haven't released the terms of the deal, and cable operators are already crying foul.
    RELATED STORIES: How will Selig sell the Extra Innings deal to fans?

Rattlers sell field-naming rights
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The selling of field-naming rights at Fox Cities Stadium to Time Warner Cable will generate funds for ballpark improvements for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League). The announcement was made yesterday at the 12-year-old Grand Chute venue. Terms of the 10-year deal, which calls for the ballpark to be known as Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium, could not be released per an agreement between the team and the company.

Spring tradition running down
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is a sad trend in spring training: fewer and fewer pitchers are running along the warning track during spring-training games. In general, pitchers are running less, and when they do some teams -- most notably the New York Yankees -- forbid them from running during a game. Too bad: there's a certain informality to spring training that resonates with many fans and players, and one of those informal actions involved pitchers on the training camp. There really aren't any safety issues -- we don't know of a pitcher ever nailed by a drive to the outfield -- so the concerns may be unfounded.

'A few more pros than cons'
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A few hundred people packed into the sanctuary of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church on Thursday night to voice their opinions and concerns about whether Harrison Square, a proposed mixed-used downtown development, is the right answer to revitalizing downtown. The centerpiece of the development: a new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). Those for the development pointed out the need for downtown revitalization; cons wondered whether it was efficient for the city to build another ballpark. More from the Journal-Gazette.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark

Reds' ballpark goes smoke free
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The Cincinnati Reds have decided to prohibit smoking at Great American Ball Park to comply with a statewide ban approved by voters last year. The team previously allowed smoking in seven designated areas on concourses and ramps. By city ordinance, smoking already was prohibited in seating areas. An employee who sees someone smoking will ask the person to stop and hand the violator a card describing the new law, vice president of ballpark operations Declan Mullin said. The new policy also prohibits fans from leaving the ballpark to smoke and then re-entering.

Coca-Cola hits home run for Valley baseball fans
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Major League Baseball does not like the terminology, but it appears to have buckled to pressure from devoted fans irate that the Extra Innings package of out-of-market games would be the exclusive property of DirecTV. MLB yesterday announced the anticipated deal, but with a notable, alternately hopeful and suspicious wrinkle: it will give cable operators and Dish Network, DirecTV’s satellite rival, until March 31 to make a final stab at retaining Extra Innings. Whether anyone can match DirecTV's deal remains to be seen: MLB officials haven't released the terms of the deal, and cable operators are already crying foul.
    RELATED STORIES: The ballpark, the market & the nickname; New for 2008: Coca-Cola Park

Coyotes to host Mexican-American Classic
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Edinburg Coyotes (independent; United League Baseball) announced in partnership with Texas Valley Baseball LLC that they will be hosting a two-day Mexican American Classic Baseball Event at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. The two competing teams will consist of an American team made up of current professional baseball players and the Vaqueros Laguna (Class AAA; Mexican Baseball League from Torreon, Mexico.
    The games will take place this weekend, March 10-11. The game on Saturday, March 10, will begin at 6:00 p.m. The game on Sunday, March 11, will be at 2:00 p.m.
    The entire current roster of the Vaqueros Laguna will participate in the two-game classic. The American roster will consist of current and former professional baseball players from the independent leagues of the United States and the Mexican League. Edinburg Coyotes pitchers Bric Steed and Julio Castro will participate for the American squad.

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 9, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The summer-collegiate Northwoods League named long-time Alexandria Beetles play-by-play announcer Curt Carstensen as its new Director of Operations. Carstensen spent the last five summers calling Beetles games and the last three as the team’s director of media relations. His five-year tenure as lead broadcaster in Alexandria had been the longest active streak in the league. He initially broke into the NWL as the official scorer for the Brainerd Mighty Gulls in 2000. Former Director of Operations Rick Lindau became the general manager of the expansion Battle Creek Bombers in January allowing for the opening.

Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A possible, but fairly minor fix is under consideration: building a parking ramp next to a proposed new Minnesota Twins ballpark that would over time generate more revenue for land acquisition. As you'll recall, Hennepin County is at odds with landowners over the price of a key parcel of land on the potential site of a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in Minneapolis's Warehouse District. The idea is to build a parking ramp with some sort of development on top, with the proceeds used to close that funding gap. Now, the idea isn't remotely new -- indeed, the Twins once included condo development as part of the ballpark's master plan, a development that mightily irked the dissident landowners who hope to develop property around the ballpark -- and it doesn't sound like Land Partners III, the group holding out, was actually consulted about this. The Star Tribune may be overselling the potential impact of this "development." The basic disagreement is that Hennepin County wants to pay $13.35 million for the land, and the landowners want $21 million or so (although this number is always a little fuzzy). The more likely option for progress is if the Minnesota Twins offer to fund the difference, and they've made a preliminary offer to the landowners. More from MPR, but take this report with a huge grain of salt.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Metro concerned about progress of Nashville ballpark deal
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Elected officials in Nashville is concerned about "the apparent lack of progress" by the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and their development partner toward meeting a key deadline in a ballpark building deal, a city attorney has told the team and developer. Larry Thrailkill, a private attorney hired by Metro, told the Sounds and Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse in a letter last week that “much is to be done and the time is short. The Sounds and Struever have to secure financing commitments and work out other details so they can finalize a deal by April 16 on the city-owned, riverfront land where they hope to build the ballpark and a mixed-use development. To get approvals for any amendments to the deal from the Metro Council and various city agencies and boards, the Sounds and Struever Bros. need to start making those requests this week, Thrailkill wrote. More from Nashville City Paper.
    RELATED STORIES: Sounds must make decisions regarding downtown ballpark; Struever says Sounds ballpark will be built; Amid ballpark questions, plan for two hotels unveiled; Sounds delay ballpark opening until 2009; Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds; Sounds fail to file lease legislation; Council approves lease extension for Nashville ballpark development; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds project; Sounds' project team huddles to nail down a deal; Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new ballpark; Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon; Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches; Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in Nashville; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal; Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and fan-friendly; Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new ballpark; Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say; Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds ballpark; Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank project; Sounds send commitment letter to Council; Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in stadium; Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority work on ballpark; Sounds are rounding third; Sounds remain at bargaining table; Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark; Council should give Nashville ballpark their support; Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

Time running out for Tiger Stadium
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Plans to save even a small portion of Tiger Stadium as a museum, memorial or community center appear to be in jeopardy. Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's plans, announced last June, to replace nearly all of the stadium with a ring of residential and retail development remain on track. The city intends to sell seats and other memorabilia this spring and start demolishing most of the stadium this summer or fall, if the City Council approves. Efforts to save the dugouts, perhaps the locker rooms, some seats, one entrance and a portion of the structure as a museum, community center or gateway for the Corktown neighborhood are running up against the hard realities of real-estate development. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
    RELATED STORIES: Razing memories of 95-year-old Tiger Stadium before demolition work begins; Final farewell planned for Tiger Stadium; Old house is hard to forget; Once a baseball cathedral, Tiger Stadium now sits in disrepair; Memories of Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium demolition delayed; Progress is in the ballpark; Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger Stadium; Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off under city plan; Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site; Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

S.I. Yanks add tickets to meet demand
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Robust ticket sales for the All-You-Can-Eat Pinstripe Plan from the Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) have led the team to open additional seating for the promotion at the Richmond County Savings Bank Ballpark at St. George. The move was prompted by the sale of more than 2,000 Pinstripe Plan tickets in a single month. The plan comprises three different sets of five Baby Bombers games, with ticket holders getting unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches soda and water at dedicated concession stands.
    RELATED STORIES: A very full home plate

Spring training always a money-losing business
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The argument is that because the Toronto Blue Jays lose about $1.5 million during spring training, every MLB team loses money during spring training. That's simply not the case. Some in MLB would have you believe everything to do with baseball is unprofitable (indeed, crying poverty is usually the first instinct when MLBers discuss business), but in recent years spring training has turned from red to black on the ledger books as teams take advantage of favorable leases on new facilities, the capturing of new revenue sources and greater demand for tickets. Add to that the lack of salaries (contracts don't kick in until the beginning of the season), and you have the recipe for a profitable month for most teams.

Ballpark cuisine as American as baseball
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Here's a look at the food offerings at Space Coast Stadium this spring for Washington Nationals matches. Most of the concession items are standard (although the turkey legs are still fairly unique), but concessionaire Ovations has upped the quality with grilled hot dogs and themed evenings featuring local cuisine. Also, six portable food locations were added to the ballpark this year to supplement the four fixed stands they've always had.

The ballpark, the market & the nickname
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Owners Joe Finley and Craig Stein talk about progress being made on the new ballpark for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League). As you'll recall, yesterday the team announced a naming rights deal for Coca-Cola Park, slated to open in the 2008 season. This article finds Finley and Stein discuss what's left to do before opening day. More on the naming-rights deal here. The IronPigs have a natural rivalry with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League).
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2008: Coca-Cola Park

Firm to weigh prospects of minor-league baseball to Gwinnett County
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Convention Sports & Leisure International, a Minneapolis-based company that specializes in providing financial and planning advice for stadium projects, was hired to do a study on the economic prospects of minor-league baseball in Gwinnett County in suburban Atlanta. Heck, we could write that study for free: a sports-happy populace will eagerly embrace minor-league baseball in the fast-growing region, but the biggest hurdle will be obtaining the cooperation of the Atlanta Braves at a time when the front office is distracted by the ongoing purchase of the team. Gwinnett County has its own distinct economy and could support Class AA baseball (West Tenn is still on the market, while we're hearing some whispers Huntsville may be available as well) easily.
    RELATED STORIES: Gwinnett baseball back in the game; Whiff! Baseball study out on strikes; Gwinnett explores minor-league baseball

Downtown Fort Wayne ballpark: pro and con
Posted March 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Normally we don't link to a lot of opinion pieces about ballparks -- everyone has an opinion, but many are just a lot of ill-informed noise -- but the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has done a pretty good job in assembling a host of voices pro and con about the proposed new downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). Chuck Surack, the owner of a downtown business and a baseball fan, says the new ballpark will improve the city's quality of life and help attract new businesses -- an attitude endorsed by other local businesspeople. Jim Cook argues the entire Harrison Square development, of which the ballpark is a prime component, will help revitalize downtown Fort Wayne. Other readers agree with the idea of downtown revitalization, but they'd rather see a water park or a soccer stadium built.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark

Rattlers, General Beer teaming for party deck
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The Wisconsin Timber Battlers (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced Wednesday it is partnering with General Beer Northeast of Little Chute to construct a party deck behind the right-field fence at Fox Cities Stadium. Dubbed the Miller High Life Deck, the addition is expected to hold about 300 people and will be made available for groups of 20 or more at a cost of $20 per person and $16 for children ages 12 and under. Included in the price will be a game ticket, an all-you-can-eat buffet and two complimentary beverages.

Elsewhere on August Publications websites
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Here are some headlines of note on other August Publications websites. At Arena Digest, the big news is that Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) are meeting with Pennsylvania officials about a new arena proposal after chatting yesterday with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. On Football Stadium Digest, plans for Cape Town's 2010 World Cup stadium are back on track. And, of course, the best of spring-training news is covered on Spring Training Online.

Ballpark Notes
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The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) have announced an agreement with WNEP 16 to televise four games in 2007, including one road game. Of the four games, two will be shown over the air on WNEP 16 and two will be carried on Newswatch Anytime, WNEP's digital channel. WNEP's broadcast schedule begins on opening night, April 5 vs. Norfolk at 7:00 p.m. on Newswatch Anytime followed by April 14 in Pawtucket at 1:05 p.m. (WNEP 16), May 11 vs. Columbus at 7:00 p.m. (Newswatch Anytime) and July 7 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Ottawa (WNEP 16). In addition, WNEP 16 will produce a half-hour special to air Wednesday, April 4th at 7:30 p.m. on the eve of opening night.

Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark
Posted March 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Several Miami-Dade County commissioners strongly opposed on Tuesday building a ballpark for the Florida Marlins north of the county government center and instead suggested the Orange Bowl location, if the University of Miami moves its football games to Dolphin Stadium. After raising concerns about the size of the nine-acre site east of Interstate 95 and just west of Metrorail and that it would mean securing a new spot for a planned Children's Courthouse, commissioners voted 11-1 to pursue a $490 million plan to finance a ballpark on a site to be determined.  The Orange Bowl in Little Havana will be added to the list of potential locations since the city of Miami has not yet nailed down financing to renovate the aging stadium and the Hurricanes are seriously considering a move to Dolphin Stadium. MLB, the Marlins and Miami-Dade officials are still working on a plan for a downtown ballpark; a fight is brewing over the use of Community Redevelopment funds for the project (Miami-Dade officials differ as to whether they will be needed), which leads one to believe funding plans for the new ballpark are more fluid than portrayed by the major players. More from AP and Miami Today.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

New for 2008: Coca-Cola Park
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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) and Coca-Cola of the Lehigh Valley have officially announced an agreement for the naming rights of the new IronPigs ballpark. The ballpark, to be known as "Coca-Cola Park" from this day forward, is currently under construction in East Allentown. Terms of the long-term, multi-year deal were not disclosed.
    "This is a significant day not only for the IronPigs and our partners at Coca-Cola, but for the entire Lehigh Valley," said IronPigs General Manager Kurt Landes. "The agreement provides Coca-Cola an identity with Minor League Baseball’s premier facility and the IronPigs with a substantial, well established partner with strong community ties. Coca-Cola has recognized the potential in associating its nationally renowned brand with our ability to provide fans the best, family-oriented entertainment experience available. It’s flattering and it challenges our staff to live up to Coca-Cola’s impeccable reputation and standing in the community."
    The agreement is of national significance, as Coca-Cola Park becomes the only professional sports venue in the United States named specifically after Coca-Cola. The construction of the $48.4 M facility started with groundbreaking ceremonies on September 6, 2006 and is scheduled to be completed by February 2008 and ready for Opening Day in April 2008.

Ballpark-bond refinancing set
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San Diego has agreed to financial terms with Bank of America that will allow the city to refinance its Petco Park bonds and save about $3.7 million a year in interest payments over 25 years. But the city will pay a penalty in the $156.6 million deal due to lingering doubts about the accuracy of its accounting. Failures to issue four annual audits since widespread errors were found in the city's 2002 books will force San Diego to spend $2.5 million in higher upfront fees -- to Ambac for bond insurance – and prevent it from saving an additional $546,000 a year in interest.

Team to appeal tax decision for Great Lakes Loons
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Representatives of the Michigan Baseball Foundation will appeal a ruling not to grant the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) tax-exempt status. The owners of the Midland team will meet with the Internal Revenue Service later this month. An M-B-F spokeswoman says the ruling will not affect the team, which opens its first season in Midland next month. The group will still be a nonprofit organization that donates its profits to local groups benefiting youth activities. The foundation sought the tax exemption because the Midland-area foundations provided start-up money to buy the team and build the Dow Diamond ballpark.

Bank's name will stay on ballpark
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Comerica Park will continue as the home of the Detroit Tigers, even if the city of Detroit is no longer home to Comerica Inc. Comerica Inc. holds the naming rights to the ballpark for another 20-plus years and does not anticipate any changes, spokeswoman Sara Snyder said. Comerica agreed to pay $2.2 million a year for 30 seasons, beginning in 2000, for the naming rights. The bank has a five-year option to continue the agreement when it expires after the 2029 season. Last year, the bank said its All-Star Game presence equated to $6.8 million in media exposure.

Ballpark Notes
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The Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) are the latest team to announce the removal of all trans fats from food items sold at its ballpark, in this case Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Bulls concessionaire Centerplate has worked to remove trans fat from several of the venues it serves. Joining the Bulls: the Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League) at Applebee's Park....Fox Sports Radio, KOPY 1070 AM in Alice, Texas, is the new radio home of the Coastal Bend Aviators (independent; American Association). Rich Tiner will do the play by play....

Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex cost
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In another effort to retain a deal they signed in December, which hinges on construction of a $54-million spring-training complex by 2010, the city of Sarasota and the Cincinnati Reds sides will hire consultants to find ways to reduce the venue's cost and find additional sources of funding. The city needs to land a contract for a private development near the 12th Street site in order to come up with its $10 million share of the complex's funding, and the deal as it stands now will probably collapse without that commitment. Minneapolis-based Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (hired by the city) and Pizzuti Solutions (hired by the Reds) will work together to analyze the stadium's funding sources, explore additional revenue options and make changes to the project in order to reduce the $54 million price tag. One possible outcome: a rebuilding of Ed Smith Stadium instead of a new facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Fair officials respond with new spring-training plan; New Reds training facility in some doubt; Florida finalizes five spring-training grants; Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie Field; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota; Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact; Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close; Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run; Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state; Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new Reds spring facility; County tees up for baseball hearing; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Reds swing and miss; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities

Plans for new Grand Prairie ballpark unveiled
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Local officials and reps from the independent American Association were on hand in Grand Prairie to unveils plans for a new ballpark, slated to open in 2008. The ballpark will be located between Lone Star Park and Nokia Theatre near I-30 and Belt Line Road, and will seat 6,000 (4,000 permanent seats, 12 luxury suites, 2,000 lawn/berm seats). Voters will be asked on May 12 to authorize construction via a one-eighth cent sales tax. Current plans for the $16 million project call for a swimming pool in right field overlooking the right field wall; a full service restaurant in left field; a kids; area off to the right with jump castles; a rock climbing wall and basketball courts. Despite our earlier speculation, the league says it will pursue a downtown Dallas ballpark, but we can't help but wonder whether the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex won't be saturated with ballparks and teams in Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, downtown Dallas and Frisco.
    RELATED STORIES: American Association expands to Grand Prairie

Group: Lubbock construction could entice tourists
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Nearly $200 million in new buildings and renovations could lure tourists to town and anchor Lubbock as a regional sports and arts hub, a citizen's task force proposed Monday. The Lubbock Entertainment and Arts Facilities Task Force outlined to the City Council new performing arts centers and sporting facilities to revitalize the city's entertainment venues. Among the recommendations: $32.5 million for a new ballpark and $20 million for a college baseball hall of fame. A group in Wolfforth has been working on a new ballpark for Texas Tech and a professional team, but those efforts seem to have stalled.

Salem still unsatisfied with X's lease issue
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The Sioux City Explorers (independent; American Association) are up to date in paying a $44,000 promissory note to the city of Sioux City, as part of an agreement negotiated in 2005 for Lewis and Clark Park, City Manager Paul Eckert said Monday. His comments came during a meeting with Rudy Salem, the citizen who has filed a complaint with the Iowa State Auditor's Office over the city's lease with the team. The auditor has not concluded its investigation. Salem said his calculations show the team owes the city at least $205,000 in back rent and in overdue attendance and parking payments, but that came from what both sides agree is a typo in the latest lease agreement, which calls for the team paying the city 5 percent of gross receipts in excess of $205,000.
    RELATED NOTES: City, X's go to extra innings

Ballpark, fans prepare for arrival of Anderson Joes
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The Anderson Joes (independent; South Coast League) are setting up for shop for their inaugural season, selling over 100 season-ticket packages and installing 1,500 seats at Memorial Stadium. Some residents say they welcome the chance to see some local baseball instead of heading to Atlanta's Turner Field or Greenville's West End Field.

ASU baseball to play March home games in Hickory
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Due to weather delays in the construction of Appalachian State University’s new Jim and Bettie Smith Baseball Stadium, Appalachian baseball will play its March home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, ASU director of athletics Charlie Cobb announced on Tuesday. L.P. Frans Stadium is the home of the Hickory Crawdads (Low Class A; Sally League). "While it’s disappointing that weather has caused us to push back our much-anticipated debut at Smith Stadium, we are fortunate to be able to showcase our program at a premier professional facility like L.P. Frans Stadium," ASU head coach Chris Pollard said. "We're grateful for the hospitality extended by David Haas of the Hickory Crawdads and Mack McLeod of Hickory Parks and Recreation and look forward to seeing a lot of Black and Gold at the ballpark in Hickory."

Ballpark Notes
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Jon Eddy is the interim director of public relations/media and broadcaster for the San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball), replacing Ira Liebman. Hired originally as Liebman's broadcast partner, Eddy came to the Colts after working for SportsNet New York and 91.7FM WMUH in Allentown, where he called Division III Muhlenberg College football, and men’s and women’s basketball for the FM station....The Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have signed a one-year agreement with Salem Radio Omaha, making News Talk 1420 AM KOTK the new home for Royals game broadcasts in 2007. All 144 Royals games will also continue to be broadcast on the team’s website, www.oroyals.com. To celebrate the new partnership, all fans who come to Rosenblatt Stadium on Saturday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to purchase single game tickets or pick up their season tickets will be treated to free hot dogs and Cokes, courtesy of Salem Radio Omaha.  Mark Nasser returns for his seventh season of broadcasting Royals games in 2007, which will mark his 14th season as an announcer in professional baseball....Tom Goodwin, the centerfielder on the last two Texas Rangers teams to make the playoffs, was hired Monday as manager of the Lewisville Lizards (independent; Continental Baseball League)....The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), along with Newsradio 910 WSBA, introduced Darrell Henry as the play-by-play radio broadcaster for the team’s inaugural season. The Revolution also introduced Stu Leppo as the on-field host for games at Sovereign Bank Stadium. Henry will serve as the primary broadcaster for all 126 Revolution games in 2007 on WSBA. A York native who will graduate from York College this May, Henry was selected after a three-month nationwide search which produced over 100 candidates from across the community and country.

Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?
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Sid Hartman reports that the Minnesota Twins front office is working to close the gap between what Hennepin County is willing to pay for a key parcel of downtown land slated for a new ballpark (around $13 million) and what Land Partners II is willing to accept (around $21 million, but that number is a lot fuzzier). It's not owner Carl Pohlad driving this -- it's his sons, who are working to make the ballpark work and are raising the potential of the Twins picking the cost overrun. The landowners are fairly resolute in wanting to see this decided in court, and many close to the situation don't see Hines Development or attorney Dan Rosen, representing the landowners, particularly interested in working out a deal. Meetings will continue this week; meanwhile, evaluation of two alternate downtown sites continues, and some in the Twins camp feel pretty strongly about moving the ballpark site to surface lots west of the Metrodome controlled by the Star Tribune.
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A shattered journey
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More on the bus crash in Atlanta that killed six, including four players from Bluffton University. All four of the players -- Tyler Williams, Scott Harmon, Cody Holp and David Betts -- were from Ohio. Also killed in the crash: Jerome Niemeyer and his wife, Jean. The six were killed when the bus toppled off the Northside Drive bridge onto Interstate 75. Twenty-nine others were hurt, two critically. The surviving players remember their ordeal. The crash occurred when the driver apparently mistook an exit ramp for another lane of freeway. The sad thing is that the accident may have prevented: local officials have known the Atlanta spot where the bus crashed is a high-risk area, with more than 82 other crashes recorded over the last 10 years. More from CNN.
    RELATED STORIES: College baseball team bus crashes; six dead

Cactus League aims to reclaim fan base
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Attendance was down at Cactus League spring-training games last year, so several teams have embarked on marketing campaigns designed to bring fans back to the ballpark. The drop isn't across the board -- the Cubs and the Giants continue to do extremely well -- but some teams are clearly less of a draw than they once were. Last spring the Arizona Diamondbacks drew only 66,000 fans to Tucson Electric Park -- off from a high of 110,000 in 2002, after the team won the World Series -- and this spring Tucson Electric Park is spending about $100,000 on radio, TV and billboard advertising to draw Southern Arizona fans to its facility. This year, the Pima County Economic Development and Tourism office has expanded its marketing reach into Northern Mexico through visitor centers in Hermosillo and newspapers, and is offering vacation getaways.

McKechnie gets an upgrade as complex readies for hard knocks
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McKechnie Field and Pirate City, the spring homes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are slated to get some needed improvements this summer in time for spring training in 2008. At McKechnie Field, lights will be installed, giving Bradenton the ability to host night games for the first time. The more dramatic changes are coming at Pirate City, where the city is building a new three-story dormitory facility with 82 units and a new office for the team. The existing clubhouse will be renovated, and another practice field will be added. The upgrades are thanks to a $15 million grant from the state designed to keep MLB teams in Florida.
    RELATED STORIES: Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie Field; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities

Loria optimistic about new Marlins ballpark
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Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Saturday that he is optimistic about the potential for a new ballpark. "I don't really want to talk about the political machinations that go on, but I can tell you we're optimistic," he said at Roger Dean Stadium. "I think we have a chance to do something special for the community, and I'm dedicated to try to get that done." MLB has been especially active in pushing a new ballpark for the Fish, and despite some potential roadblocks with a downtown site -- some funding sources, like Community Redevelopment funds, are in doubt -- it would appear the current plan is the best shot the Marlins have had for a new ballpark.
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As ballpark rises, battles over land continue
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As construction of the $611-million Washington Nationals ballpark proceeds rapidly near South Capitol Street and the Navy Yard, the city government and owners of small businesses displaced by the project are engaged in a protracted legal fight in Superior Court over a financial settlement for the land. The case is proceeding slowly, with the parties engaged in depositions and trials not likely to come until the fall, attorneys for the business owners said. When the District announced plans to build the ballpark, city attorneys began negotiating with 23 property owners to buy their properties. A handful of owners agreed to sell, but the majority held out for more money, and the city seized their land through eminent domain, though a court held the two sides must work toward a fair value for the land.
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Suns not a part of Dodgers' shake-up
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Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing to move their player and spring-training operations west, their Class AA affiliation is staying in Florida. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said the franchise is "very happy" with its team in Jacksonville and fully expects the Suns to remain a Dodgers affiliate long past the organization's expected transition to Glendale, Ariz., takes place after 2008.

Bisons to pitch the team's promotions with video billboard outside ballpark
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Downtown Buffalo is getting another electronic video billboard, courtesy of the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League). The team will erect a two-sided, 4-by-8-foot video display at the corner of Washington and Swan streets, in front of Dunn Tire Park, after winning approval from the Buffalo Planning Board. The $70,000, pole-mounted display will stand 14 feet above the sidewalk, and its screens will be visible to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Selig likes progress on A's ballpark
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Commissioner Bud Selig made his annual visit to Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Saturday, as he continues his tour of major league camps, but his yearly message changed. Selig, who for years had used the visit to hammer home his opinion that the A's needed a new stadium to thrive, indicated he's optimistic the team has solved that issue with the purchase of a 143-parcel of land in Fremont. The land, purchased from Cisco Systems, is intended to be the future home of Cisco Field, the centerpoint of a baseball village. "Owner Lewis Wolff tells me they're making progress," Selig said. "I think they're very much on track, and it would be disappointing if they weren't."
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Revitalized downtown Tucson should include ballpark
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Patrick Darcy makes the case for a new downtown Tucson ballpark. There are some solid reasons for it, but there are many more reasons against it. First, Pima County is still paying off Tucson Electric Park, and having the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) move won't help pay down that debt. Second, MLB teams are looking to leave Tucson, with the White Sox working to get out of the TEP as soon as possible, so any new ballpark would be unused in the busiest sports time of the year. Finally, there's no indication the University of Arizona is interested in playing ball downtown.

Yakima ballpark upgrades put on hold
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A plan to improve Yakima County Stadium, the home of the Yakima Bears (short season; Northwest League) has been pushed back to the on-deck circle. County commissioners last week rejected bids to upgrade lighting, level and resod the playing surface and adjust the outfield fences. Two bids the county received in January exceeded the $750,000 the Legislature earmarked for the project. County officials now will seek separate bids on the lighting and the fencing, leaving the condition of the playing surface to be dealt with later.

New locker rooms finally under construction at Phil Welch Stadium
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Thanks to money pushed through by the St. Joseph City council, construction on locker rooms is finally underway at Phil Welch Stadium, the home of the St. Joe Blacksnakes (independent; American Association). Teams will now be able to shower at the stadium after games. The project started about a month ago but ran into some problems. Construction was delayed because the original locker room location wasn't safe. Crews noticed a natural stream that could have caused problems to the building. New facilities mean good news for ball players.

City makes pitch that 1915 game set crowd record
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What's the biggest crowd ever to see a baseball game? Seems like there's no "official" answer to that. The largest crowd to see any MLB game was 93,105 at the Los Angeles Coliseum for a May 7, 1959 exhibition between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. The largest crowd for a World Series game was 92,706 for a 1959 match at -- where else? -- the Los Angeles Coliseum. Some folks in Cleveland are pushing for a a Oct. 10, 1915 amateur contest between Cleveland's White Autos and the Omaha Luxus that drew 115,000 to Brookside Park to be recognized as the largest baseball crowd on record. Trouble is, there's really no body to make such an award: the National Baseball Hall of Fame doesn't track such records, and MLB is concerned only with MLB.

Global MLB is on the horizon
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Will MLB ultimately have an Asian division that leads to a true World Series? Some in baseball think it's inevitable. Many Japanese players are making a mark in the United States, and managers like Bobby Valentine thinks the starters for most Japanese teams would be starters in the United States as well. Beyond that, Valentine thinks MLB expansion to Japan makes business sense. It probably would: baseball in Japan is not marketed very well, and many see a lot of potential with a truly well-run operation. For cultural reasons MLB would probably need to work out some sort of agreement with the existing Japanese teams -- just coming in and setting up teams would be impossible -- but we could see something happen within the next decade.

New ballpark in Hiroshima looking good for 2009 season
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The city of Hiroshima recently unveiled plans and an artist's conception image of a new ballpark for the Hiroshima Carp. The facility is expected to open in time for the 2009 season, and it promises to be one of the best ballparks in Japan -- or anywhere else, for that matter. The new ballpark will replace Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, used by the Carp since 1957, and its completion will leave the Hanshin Tigers' Koshien Stadium and Tokyo's Jingu Stadium, home of the Yakult Swallows, as the only old ballparks regularly used by the Japanese teams.

Baseball in Israel is no joke
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Though it may have been just a dream for Larry Baras for many years, the Israel Baseball League has some serious support behind it. Former Expos and Red Sox GM Dan Duquette is in charge of player acquisition, but the bigger story may be who Baras recruited for the board of advisors: MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, former Brewers CEO Wendy Selig-Prieb and current New York Yankees president Randy Levine.
    RELATED STORIES: Baseball goes to bat in Israel: Duquette aids fledgling IBL;

Schiller becomes baseball's point man for the Olympics
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Harvey Schiller is the new head of the International Baseball Federation. The former head of the U.S. Olympic Committee has a tall task: convincing Olympic officials to reinstate baseball after it's scheduled to be dropped after the 2012 Summer Games. His first task will be convincing MLB officials to allow pros in the games -- a difficult task, given the timing of the games and the success of the World Baseball Classic last spring.

Ballpark Notes
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The San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball) have announced that Mary Larson, who previously served as the team's director of marketing, has been promoted to assistant general manager. Also joining the team: former Cedar Rapids Kernels (Low Class A; Midwest League) Marketing Consultant Ken Franz, named the Colts' new director of sales....The Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) announced that former Washington Nationals public address announcer Jim Clarke will serve the same post at Pfitzner Stadium for the upcoming 2007 season. Clarke filled in as the PA voice for the P-Nats on an interim basis during the 2006 season....