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Archives: Aug. 12-18, 2007

Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bud Selig opened the door Thursday to the possibility the Florida Marlins could relocate if they are unable to hammer out a deal to build a retractable-roof ballpark in South Florida. You've got to give Bud credit for terrible timing: the future of the South Florida sports scene is on hold until the University of Miami decides whether to move to Dolphin Stadium, which would open the Orange Bowl as the site of a new Marlins ballpark. Marlins President David Samson also displayed a high dose of disingenuousness in saying the Marlins were under the gun because they need to vacate Dolphin Stadium by 2010; Dolphins owner Wayne Huigenza has stated he'd be open to extending the Marlins' lease. The bigger story is the frustration felt by MLB officials over the whole Marlins situation: city of Miami, state and Miami-Dade County officials have refused to roll over and give into MLB's demands for state funding of a new downtown ballpark. The best MLB can expect is partial county funding of a new ballpark on the Orange Bowl site -- a significantly lesser plan. More from the Palm Beach Post.

Norwich wants makeover for Dodd Stadium
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City officials want to spend $190,000 to resod the playing field and $100,000 each to move in the fences and renovate the bathrooms as part of a $610,000 upgrade designed to make Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium more hitter-friendly and more inviting to fans. Some of the changes, which would be paid for by a bond issue requested by the city's Baseball Stadium Authority, are required in accordance with the city's lease with the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League). But the cost could prove to be controversial among taxpayers, since the Defenders are about $200,000 behind in their lease payments to the city, and attendance, despite rising slightly this year, has dropped over the past several years to among the lowest in its league.

Texas Collegiate League sues seven teams in effort to preserve league
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Texas Collegiate League Chairman and Chief Executive Gerald Haddock on Tuesday sued the seven teams that told him they did not intend to return next year. "We are all under agreement that we are not going to play under this business model," said Jeff Najork, general manager of the Duncanville Deputies. "There is no way any of us will come back. It sounds like to me that we can't lose any more money." Haddock, a Fort Worth investor and former minority owner and general counsel for the Texas Rangers, said in his lawsuit that the teams' action is a "textbook example of an illegal group boycott" and a violation of Texas antitrust laws. In the lawsuit, filed in Tarrant County civil court Tuesday, Haddock is asking the court to block any effort by the teams to form a new league using the same concepts as the TCL. Haddock places the value of the TCL at more than $3 million.
The Denton Outlaws, Duncanville Deputies, Coppell Copperheads, Colleyville LoneStars, Wichita Falls Roughnecks, Mineral Wells Steam and Weatherford Wranglers were named in the lawsuit; not included were the Brazos Valley Bombers and McKinney Marshals. More from the Bryan-College Station Eagle.

Coors Field view dispute goes into extra innings
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A property just behind the left-field wall at Coors Field could see a 14-story building, potentially blocking that signature view of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Denver's Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend a zoning change for a property at 2010 Delgany Street that would allow for a 14-story building, but local businesses and the ballpark authority oppose the project. They want the Denver City Council to strike out the zoning change by designating the view a view plane -- offering an unobstructed view from a designated location, such as the one from the west steps of the State Capitol. The City Council still must approve the zoning change, so the debate will continue.

Officials: No progress on bringing ballpark
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Despite township officials' efforts to cover all bases in planning for a ballpark complex on New Jersey's Route 33, bringing the project to fruition has proven to be a whole other ballgame. Township Environmental Protection Manager John Riggs said the ballpark for an independent Atlantic League was supposed to be built with no public funds from the township or county. However, the developers ended up looking for money from both entities, for infrastructure and other components of the project. Steve Kalafer, owner of the Somerset Patriots and Newark Bears (both independent; Atlantic League, wanted to establish a team in southern Middlesex County, Riggs said. The ballpark was to be the central feature of what would be called Monroe Marketplace, located on westbound Route 33 near Applegarth and Perrineville roads.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark Heritage Day to be held August 25
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League) and Volusia County Government are teaming up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball with "Jackie Robinson Ballpark Heritage Day." In 1946, Major League Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier at City Island Ballpark in Daytona Beach as a member of the Montreal Royals, the top farm team of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The ballpark was the site of the first racially integrated spring training game in modern baseball history. Robinson was promoted to the Dodgers in 1947. Four thousand seats to the August 25 game, Daytona Cubs vs. Vero Beach Devil Rays, are available to the public at no charge and can be picked up at any Volusia County library. (Branch locations are listed at www.volusia.org/library.) The tickets are available at Volusia County libraries on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sky Sox to hold "Rai Henniger Day"
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Colorado Springs Sky Sox are very happy to announce that Sunday, August 26 will be Rai Henniger Day at Security Service Field. The Sky Sox will take on their division rivals, the Salt Lake Bees, that day in a 1:05 p.m. match-up as they wrap up their 2007 regular-season home schedule.
    As part of the day’s festivities, the Sky Sox will hold an in-game silent auction and post-game live auction of sports memorabilia with all proceeds benefiting the Rai Henniger Family Fund. The Sky Sox will also donate a portion of the day’s ticket proceeds to the fund so fans will be able to help the Hennigers just by attending the game.
    Also as part of the celebration, the entire Sky Sox front office staff will don Hawaiian shirts in honor of Rai’s home state. Fans in attendance are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt as well. The already scheduled promotions of 25-cent hot dogs and "The Shirt Off Our Backs" will also be a part of the day. Henniger was seriously injured in a pyrotechnic accident while setting up for a recent Sky Sox baseball game in May.
    RELATED STORIES: Fund set up for Henniger family; Injured Sky Sox personality "a treasure"; Sky Sox worker seriously hurt in accident

Bob L. Head winner to appear at PGE Park Saturday
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the cleverest promotions in minor-league baseball this season will come to a head Saturday when Bob L. (Leroy) Head will appear at Saturday's Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) game at PGE Park. Bob L. Head, who hails from Maquoketa, Iowa, was selected by fans from three finalists to have his own bobblehead likeness cast as the center of Saturday’s Bob L. Head promotion at PGE Park. The first 2,000 fans in attendance at Saturday’s game will receive a Bob L. Head bobblehead. In February, the Beavers launched a nationwide search for people named Bob L. Head, looking for the ultimate candidate to star in the team’s Esurance Bob L. Head promotion. The team narrowed the list to three finalists in May and, in true democratic fashion, put it up to the fans through a popular vote on the team’s website. Nearly 30,000 votes were cast over a two-week span, and Bob Leroy Head of Maquoketa, Iowa, emerged victorious after garnering more than 50 percent of the vote. He'll also be appearing at John O’Donnell Stadium for an Aug. 24 Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League) game.

In memoriam: Sam Pollack
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sam Pollock, best known as the GM of the Montreal Canadiens during their glory days in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away yesterday in Toronto at the age of 81. Pollock was best known for his stint with the Habs, but he also had tied to the baseball world, serving on the Board of Directors for the Toronto Blue Jays in the nineties before serving as the Chairman and CEO for the ball club from 1995 to 2000. He was a current and active member of the Board of Directors for the Jays Care Foundation, serving as the vice chairman.

WU plans upgrades to sports facilities
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Washburn University is preparing to undertake nearly $3 million in renovations to its athletic facilities, including improvements to Falley Field, which has had no significant improvements since opening in 1990. An artificial turf infield will be installed along with new batting cages and bullpens at a cost of $458,175. The entire infield, including base paths and the batter's box, will be Field Turf. The only dirt will be the pitcher's mound. The outfield will remain natural grass.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 17, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cleveland Indians today broke the two-million mark in tickets sold for games at Jacobs Field this season for the 13th time in franchise history, and the first since 2005. It also marks the earliest point to reach the two-million plateau in a season since 2002.

Sports authority approves ballpark
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The group giving the biggest chunk of money for Glendale's proposed spring-training ballpark gave final approval on Wednesday, rounding one of the final bases to bring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox to Phoenix's West Valley. The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority will contribute two-thirds, or roughly $54 million, of the funding for an $80.7 million ballpark. The facility will be designed with 12,000 permanent seats and 3,000 lawn seats, making it the second-largest in the Cactus League. Sports-authority board member John Benton said pairing two major-league teams would be a boon for the Cactus League and the economy. A city-commissioned study showed the storied ballclubs would give an annual $15 million jolt to the local economy with the long-coveted Dodgers being one of the league's biggest draws. While the ballpark will most certainly go forward, there's still some doubt as to when the White Sox arrive. The team's contract with Pimo County commits them to spring training at Tucson Electric Park, and so far there's been no talk about a settlement of that contract or a replacement team.
    RELATED STORIES: Council unanimously approves Dodgers, Sox spring-training plan; Dodgers near agreement on Arizona spring-training facility; 'Main Street' economic engine for spring training; Cactus League aims to reclaim fan base; $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; 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; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona

Two sites OK'd for Reno ballpark
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
SK Baseball officials intend to make a decision around Labor Day whether to build a Triple-A ballpark in downtown Reno or at the Grand Sierra Resort, after winning approval of both sites Wednesday night. The special-use permits approved by the Reno Planning Commission will go before the Reno City Council only if there is an appeal. The project, rushed through the planning process, must meet an Oct. 1 deadline to have permits to be eligible to use revenue from a 2 percent car rental tax, yielding $24 million over 20 years, to build the ballpark for the relocated Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).
    RELATED STORIES: Two Reno ballpark sites to go before city planners; PCL approves Sidewinders sale; Reno gets site; Reno officials want 8-acre site near Evans Avenue for ballpark; Reno City Council to consider plan to build new ballpark; It's all over but the blaming; Sidewinders sold; expected to be in Reno in '09; Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed; Washoe County approves PCL ballpark; Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball; Guinn OKs bonds for marina; State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project; Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina project; Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise in Reno; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

Death, destruction beats a shiny new ballpark
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're a little surprised to see such a piece of dreck carried by Bloomberg, which usually features well-researched news. The argument here is that the new Minnesota Twins ballpark should not be funded with local revenue, with the money instead diverted bridge maintenance -- a stand prompted by the collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. Furthermore, writes Scott Soshnick, it's unseemly for the Twins to have a new ballpark when people died in a tragedy. Let's begin by looking at how the ballpark is being funded: a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County. Soshnick's apparent suggestion is to scrap that funding, have the Twins pay for the entire cost of the ballpark and then divert the money toward bridge inspections. Aside from the dubious constitutionality of the proposal (the funding of the public highway system is spelled out in the State Constitution, and it doesn't include local sales taxes), it's virtually impossible that the Minnesota Legislature and Hennepin County would approve such a dramatic act and then ask voters to change the Constitution. Furthermore, there is money in the state budget for bridge inspections, but as a culture we promote new roads over maintenance, and it's time to change those priorities. Incredibly, Soshnick ends his rant by saying Minnesotans have to choose between baseball or bridges. Such a Manichean view devalues the tragic deaths that occurred when the bridge collapsed; it's silly to say that we can't have safe bridges if we have a new ballpark.

Miners set Frontier League attendance record
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On Wednesday, 4,132 fans attending the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League) game and set Frontier League history. The team has now drawn 218,285 paying customers, a new single-season record, shattering the old mark of 217,500 set by the Gateway Grizzlies in 2004. There are still eight home games remaining, and if the team averages about 5,000 fans per contest, the Miners should finish upwards of the 250,000 mark.

Ballpark Village still seeking $115M subsidy
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) has put Ballpark Village, the development planned by the St. Louis Cardinals next to the new Busch Stadium, on its Aug. 21 agenda. Last month, during MDFB's regular monthly meeting in Jefferson City, Mo., the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) recommended that the first phase of the Ballpark Village project receive $26.8 million for the first of two funding components, according to Chase Martin of Cordish Co.

11 set hunger strike over pay at ballpark
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Eleven current and former temporary workers who will begin a hunger strike Sept. 3 to secure higher wages for those who pick up the trash at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. The hunger strike announced yesterday is the latest move by the United Workers Association to pressure the Maryland Stadium Authority to meet its demand for better pay. Oriole Park at Camden Yards workers typically earn $7 an hour. They're asking for at least Baltimore's living wage of $9.62, even though the city's minimum wage doesn't apply to the workers since the ballpark is state owned.
    RELATED STORIES: Oriole Park cleanup crew, owner talk

Ducks' Offerman suspended after assault charges
Posted Aug. 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jose Offerman has been suspended indefinitely by the Atlantic League after a wild bat-swinging incident Tuesday night in Bridgeport, Conn. The Long Island Ducks infielder was arrested after charging the mound and injuring two players with his bat in the second inning of the Ducks' 13-12 win. Offerman had homered on the game's first pitch. He came to bat in the second inning and after a first-pitch strike, he was hit on the left calf by left-hander Matt Beech. Bat in hand, after initially taking a couple steps toward first base, he charged the mound, taking three swings at Beech and also hitting catcher John Nathans in the back of the head during his backswing. According to Bridgeport police, Beech broke the middle finger of his right hand and Nathans suffered a concussion. Offerman, Beech and Bluefish manager Tommy John were ejected after order was restored. Nathans remained in the game but upon returning to the dugout at the end of the inning, he passed out. Police arrested Offerman in the visiting clubhouse, allowing him to dress before taking him from the stadium in handcuffs. He was charged with two counts of assault in the second degree and posted $10,000 bond.

Two Reno ballpark sites to go before city planners
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Reno Planning Commission will be asked tonight to approve permits for a new ballpark for the relocated Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in downtown Reno and at the Grand Sierra Resort. SK Baseball has applied for special-use permits to build at both 10-acre sites and faces an Oct. 1 deadline to have an approved site to take advantage of a countywide 2 percent car rental tax that would help pay for the ballpark. Since April 2004, that tax has accumulated more than $6 million. While more detailed studies for water, sewer and parking are to come, the plans submitted are for a $35-$45-million ballpark seating 6,500 people and providing space for another 3,500 on the lawn. The city planning staff recommends approval of the sites. City planners and officials are hot for the downtown site.
    RELATED STORIES: PCL approves Sidewinders sale; Reno gets site; Reno officials want 8-acre site near Evans Avenue for ballpark; Reno City Council to consider plan to build new ballpark; It's all over but the blaming; Sidewinders sold; expected to be in Reno in '09; Announcement on Reno's Triple-A team delayed; Washoe County approves PCL ballpark; Reno is closer to Triple-A baseball; Guinn OKs bonds for marina; State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project; Sparks Council OKs proposal for 92 acres of marina project; Officials still hold hope for Triple-A franchise in Reno; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

Sounds ballpark enters mayoral debate
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One mayoral candidate thinks he can get a deal done with the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) for a new minor-league ballpark. The other is a die-hard baseball fan "intrigued" by a downtown ballpark but less certain about its prospects. Whoever claims the mayor's office next month, Bob Clement or Karl Dean, almost certainly will be dealing with the Sounds and their hopes for a downtown ballpark to replace aged Greer Stadium. As you'll recall, a deal to bring the Sounds a downtown ballpark collapsed, but many don't think Mayor Bill Purcell was working with the team in good faith. Still, the team has had some financial issues raised by vendors (see next item), and there's probably a credibility issue involved now. The team plans to reload and hopes a deal that could not be closed under Purcell can find new life with the next mayor and Metro Council.
    RELATED STORIES: Bank pulls money from Sounds' account to pay legal, other fees; Metro halts funds to Sounds; Could Sounds leave Nashville?; Sounds GM Yaeger criticizes Struever Bros. as "wrong partner"; Struever, Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal; Struever, Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal; Struever would build Sounds ballpark; Sounds, Struever keep swinging for a ballpark solution; Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster; Metro concerned about progress of Nashville ballpark deal; 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

Architectural firm sues Sounds
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Architectural firm HOK Sport has sued the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) for not paying its bill for design work on the failed downtown riverfront ballpark. The firm is seeking $723,862 for the work, plus interest of $78,954. Sounds GM Glenn Yaeger says the lawsuit was the first step toward mediating the conflict of opinions between the team and HOK. "We're close," he said of working the issues with HOK. "We're working out with them the amount of fee for what we feel was completed. They have a different opinion." According to exhibits in the lawsuit, HOK had completed 100 percent of the concept and schematic design and 50 percent of design development. The construction documents would have cost another $1.16 million. All told, HOK would have received a fee of $3 million for the ballpark work.

IronPigs unveil uniforms, caps, additional logos
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) unveiled their official uniforms, on-field caps and alternate logos on Wednesday at the State Theatre in Easton, Pa. The team revealed five sets of uniforms that will be donned by its players: a home uniform, a road uniform, a Saturday uniform, a Sunday uniform and an alternate jersey (i.e. batting practice top). Each uniform consists of a separate on-field cap; we'd expect the Saturday cap (shown here) to sell particularly well. If you want to see for yourself, here's a PDF of the uniforms and caps and a PDF of the alternate logos.

Topeka announces design competition for new ballpark
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Topeka (Kan.) has announced a design competition for a new multi-use ballpark, with submissions due at the end of September. We've reported on interest from the independent American Association and United League baseball in the market, and the city apparently feels it's in a position to make a new ballpark happen. It's a smaller ballpark -- 1,800 fixed seats and 700 benchback seats in main seating bowl, berm seating for 500 at a minimum, eight luxury boxes and 12 open-air suites, and ultimately expandable -- and there are other criteria that makes it clear we're talking about a pro ballpark. Cash prizes will be offered as follows: 1st place, $5,500; 2nd place, $4,500; and 3rd place, $3,500. These funds will be provided from private contributions from the business community through GO Topeka, the economic development arm of the Greater Topeka Chamber. You can read a PDF of the criteria and entry form here.

Beavers awarded 2009 Triple-A All-Star Game
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The Portland Beavers, PGE Park and the city of Portland will play host to the 2009 Triple-A All-Star Game and its surrounding events. The multiple-day event will take place in July 2009 and feature elements that showcase the city of Portland and the entire state of Oregon on a national stage. The Triple-A All-Star Game, which will be celebrating its 22nd year in 2009, features the top players from Minor League Baseball’s top two leagues -- the Pacific Coast League and International League -- in a head-to-head contest that is annually broadcast to a national television audience on ESPN2. In recent years, the game has evolved from a one-day competition into a week-long, city-wide celebration. Additional events planned surrounding the 2009 Triple-A All-Star Game in Portland include a home run derby and skills competition, All-Star Fan Fest and autograph sessions, All-Star Gala, All-Star Luncheon and several other events to mark the historic event.
    "The 2009 Triple-A All-Star Game will be a national showcase for the city of Portland, our rich baseball tradition and our outstanding fans," said Merritt Paulson, owner and president of the Beavers. "We are honored to be selected by Triple-A Baseball as the host city, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to showcase Portland and our wonderful ballpark during this prestigious event."
    This will be the first time the combined Triple-A All-Star Game will be played in Portland. The city played host to Pacific Coast League All-Star Games in 1945, 1956 and 1962 previously.

ValleyCats awarded 2008 NY-Penn League All-Star Game
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The Tri-City ValleyCats announced that Joseph L Bruno Stadium will play host to the 2008 New York-Penn League All-Star Game. This is the fourth All-Star Game in NYPL history and will showcase the best prospects from the league’s respective National League and American League affiliates. "The ValleyCats are honored to have been selected as the host of the New York-Penn League 2008 All-Star Game," said ValleyCats President Bill Gladstone. “This is a clear recognition of the importance of the Capital Region and our Troy home at Joe Bruno Stadium on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College. We welcome the support of our fans and sponsors which will be critical to the success of this prestigious event."  The announcement was made during the 2007 All-Star Game at Dutchess Stadium on Tuesday night.

New Hampshire "Primaries" to be held Aug. 25
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The name created a stir when first announced, so it's fun to watch the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) embrace the dubious legacy of the New Hampshire Primaries. New Hampshire will host the first in the nation "Primaries" for one night only -- Saturday, August 25, at Merchantsauto.com Stadium. As you'll recall, New Hampshire’s Double-A Eastern League franchise was originally named the Primaries on November 6, 2003. Within days, a petition asking for a name change led to a "Name The Team" contest that brought the New Hampshire Fisher Cats into existence on December 3, 2003. "New Hampshire’s primaries have played a major role in shaping our country’s history," said New Hampshire Fisher Cats President and General Manager Rick Brenner. "In keeping with our franchise’s proud history, we can’t wait to bring our fans what they have never been able to see before –the New Hampshire Primaries take the field." The Primaries will be wearing specially designed game worn jerseys for this unique game.

D-Backs respond to fans
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With a team makeover and a competitive squad, the Arizona Diamondbacks have seen attendance rise this season, but it sounds like many fans are still dissatisfied with the state of affairs with the franchise. We've known the team to be a pretty good community player, and it does sound like fans are pretty fussy: they live in the middle of the desert and complain that Chase Field is too hot. (They're also complaining about too much glitz at the ballpark; in our experience there's not enough.) It also hurts when Luis Gonzalez, who left the team under not-so-great circumstances, is having a pretty good year for the Dodgers.

The good, bad and ugly in Battle Creek
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With affiliated ball leaving Battle Creek after the end of last season, many in baseball are curious to see how the summer-collegiate Northwoods League fared at C.O. Brown Stadium. The answer: OK, but things could have been better. Battle Creek is an interesting market: they never really took to affiliated baseball (the Midwest League team known at various times as the Michigan Battle Cats, the Battle Creek Yankees and the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays never attracted much of a following), but it would seen the Northwoods League, with its short season, would be a better fit. The Bombers finished the season second-to-last in league attendance, averaging 847 fans over 33 home dates at C.O. Brown Stadium, but a crowd of more than 4,000 for a nationally televised match on ESPNU gave the league hope for the market. Really, the only way for the Northwoods League to work in Battle Creek is to establish another Michigan team to mitigate the travel to the rest of the league cities in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Speaking of the Northwoods League: the playoffs are underway, and there were some real fireworks in Duluth last night as St. Cloud took a pair of games in the divisional championship series.

In memoriam: Phil Rizzuto
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Phil Rizutto, a Hall of Fame shortstop who was better known during his time as a Yankees broadcaster, passed away Monday night. He was 89. "Scooter," as Rizzuto was known during his playing days, joined the Yankees in 1941 and played 13 seasons (he missed three while in the Navy during World War II) until 1956, when the Yankees cut him on Old-Timers’ Day. He said he didn't belong in the Hall of Fame, and there was something to that -- many argue that if he hadn't played for the Yankees and instead toiled for the Washington Senators, he wouldn't have been inducted -- but you could argue he belongs in the Hall for a myriad of reasons: he was a core player on a dynasty, and his career as a broadcaster brought a human face to the game. No, he wasn't a great broadcaster, either, but he was fun to listen to and surely loved the game.

NCAA announces changes for 2008 College World Series
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The 2008 Men’s College World Series will start on Saturday, June 14, with the first game of the MCWS Finals beginning on Monday, June 23, under a new schedule announced by the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee. The new schedule has the MCWS concluding on Tuesday, June 24, or Wednesday, June 25.
    "The Saturday start will allow participating teams an extra day to prepare for the Series, while providing flexibility during the Regional and Super Regional rounds in the event of weather delays," said Dennis Poppe, NCAA managing director for baseball and football. "The new schedule also provides more competitive equity for the teams playing in the series, especially for those advancing through the losers’ brackets."
    Under the new schedule, games will begin Saturday, June 14 with the "if necessary" game(s) being played Saturday, June 21. No games are scheduled to be played on Sunday, June 22. Team autograph sessions, Fan Fest activities, the Opening Ceremonies celebration and fireworks will be held on Friday, June 13.

Baseball makes a pitch in Israel
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It's been a rough start for the independent Israel Baseball League: attendance has been low (some games draw only a few dozen fans, mostly American expatriates, with Israelis conspicuous by their absence) and all league games are played at three facilities that wouldn't pass for Legion fields in the United States. Still, founder Larry Baras is optimistic about the future of his league, and it sounds like he'll be back for another shot next season.

No backup plan for UH baseball
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier said yesterday there is no backup facility for the UH baseball team if it can't open next season at Les Murakami Stadium. He said one isn't needed at this point. Frazier expressed confidence that a new playing surface will be installed in time for the Rainbows to play their entire home season at the on-campus venue, although a contractor has yet to be secured and a bid for the actual surface hasn't been awarded. The circumstances have forced coach Mike Trapasso to scrounge local high schools to find facilities for fall practices.
    RELATED STORIES: Baseball turf project hasn't started yet

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight's Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) game against the Pawtucket Red Sox. Ambassador Wilkins, who has held the position of American ambassador to Canada since June 2005, will be making his third annual appearance on the Lynx Stadium mound. He will take to the field tomorrow night at approximately 6:55 p.m. and throw to Lynx outfielder Matt Padgett....USA Baseball announced that Jake Fehling has been hired to lead USA Baseball’s Media & Public Relations Department. Fehling comes to USA Baseball from CoSport where he served in the sales and marketing department. It is his second stint with USA Baseball and he begins work immediately at USA Baseball’s Executive Offices in Durham, North Carolina. Fehling, a native of Southern Pines, N.C., worked in USA Baseball's marketing department from 2003 – 2005, where he was responsible for the development and execution of the organization’s local marketing plan during its first two summers in North Carolina. In his new role with USA Baseball, he will oversee all media & public relations including serving as the organization’s contact for media inquiries, press releases and other official organizational communication. Fehling will also be responsible for overseeing the organization’s press officers who travel with the National Teams on an annual basis and the development of the organization’s new public relations strategy....The Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League Baseball) entered their last regular season home game last night against the Laredo Broncos needing just 3,819 fans to attend to reach 150,000 for the year. Sunday was the last of the Corporate Buyout Games with Leal’s Mexican Restaurant sponsoring the evening. With 7,081 faithful in attendance, the Dillas got the number they needed with 3,262 to spare....For those taking the train to Fenway Park, good news: five fare vending machines will be installed in there by Friday.

Progress report: New York's new ballparks
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Newsday looks at the progress being made on the two new MLB ballparks in New York City. As has been reported in various spots, the New York Mets seems to be slightly ahead of the New York Yankees in the construction, but at this point the difference is so slight that it's not expected to affect the opening of either park in 2009. (Judge for yourself: a reader sent in the image below showing construction of the new Yankee Stadium.) One note on each new ballpark: the dimensions in the new Yankee Stadium will remain the same as in the current ballpark, while the dimensions in Citi Field will be slightly different than those currently found in Shea Stadium: The Mets want a pitcher-friendly park like Shea; the right- and left-center alleys will be 8 to 12 feet deeper, the distance down the lines will be 3 to 8 feet shorter; the deepest part of centerfield will be 408 feet, not 410.
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Swing to rename team through contest
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League) will be no more after this season, as the owners announced a name-the-team contest. The contest will be a two-phase process, both of which will offer fans the opportunity to have a major impact on the new name. During phase one, which began over the weekend, fans can submit ideas for a new team name through ballots available in the Quad-City Times, on the Swing of the Quad Cities website, and at John O’Donnell Stadium. Throughout the remainder of the season, fans can get an idea of the names that are rolling in by coming to home games at John O’Donnell Stadium. Some of the more popular nominated names will be displayed on the video board, and fans will be able to show their preference by cheering for their favorite nominee. Nominations will be accepted until August 31, at which point the most popular names will be whittled down to five finalists by a Rename the Team Committee. The committee will consist of Main Street Iowa’s Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt, select suiteholders and season ticket holders, and corporate sponsors.

Hawk Ford Field now Standard Bank Stadium
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Windy City ThunderBolts (independent; Frontier League) and Standard Bank and Trust Co. announced today that Hawk Ford Field will now be known as Standard Bank Stadium. Built in 1999, the former Hawk Ford Field was home to the Cook County Cheetahs until 2004 when the team came under new ownership and became the Windy City ThunderBolts. According to Larry Kelley, President and CEO of Standard Bank, "We are very happy to associate ourselves with the Windy City ThunderBolts. As a locally owned bank, we are proud to display our dedication and commitment to the community through this sponsorship." Terms of the deal were not announced.

Fenty shifts funds to get art for new Nats ballpark
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
District government leaders are now in general agreement that commissioning and purchasing artwork for the Washington Nationals’ new ballpark will not violate the $611-million construction cap. Mayor Adrian Fenty has moved to shift $770,000 from the city’s equipment leasing fund and into the budget of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which will use it to purchase artwork, including sculptures, for the 41,000-seat stadium. Adorning the ballpark with extras, whether it be art or hands-free plumbing fixtures, has been a matter of some contention in recent months. First, D.C. Council Member Kwame Brown struck $850,000 from the arts commission’s fiscal 2008 budget, fearing the expenditure would bust the ballpark cap.
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Duncan Park Stadium plan to benefit city and schools
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A unique partnership between the city of Spartanburg and Spartanburg School District 7 to use Duncan Park Stadium is being lauded as a win-win situation for the students and the community. School trustees voted last week to work with the city to renovate the historic ballpark, ending nearly two years of deliberations over the park's future. Architect Donnie Love, who specializes in historic preservation for McMillan Smith and Partners, has created conceptual plans for how the ballpark will look when the work is complete (a rendering is shown below). the facility will be completely renovated, including work planned on the plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, heating and air conditioning, new siding, rebuilding locker rooms and shower facilities, reconstructing the dugouts and making building code changes. The main entrance will get a face-lift, and a new entrance will be added on the lower level. Duncan Park Stadium is part of our Endangered Ballparks list.
    RELATED STORIES: Duncan Park Stadium renovation plan released

Today's video: Superhero Night in Brooklyn
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Saturday was Superhero Night at KeySpan Park, as the world's finest heroes flew into the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones (short season; NY-Penn League). From Batman to the Flash, Wolverine to Supergirl, Captain America to Radioactive Man, Clark Kent to Ghost Rider, and just about every hero in between, the defenders of the earth were all at the Cyclones game on Saturday. Before the game, a costume contest was held, with the winner -- Little Wonder Woman -- throwing out the first pitch (with some help from her dad). Anyone in costume was then invited onto the field to stand with the Cyclones players for the National Anthem, and after the game, the costumed heroes were invited to run the bases. Cute promotion, and it looks like the staff enjoyed it as well. Keep the videos coming in: We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Fisher Cats set all-time single-season attendance record
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) established the franchise’s single-season attendance record for the fourth consecutive year tonight when 5,901 witnessed the Fisher Cats/Altoona Curve game at Merchantsauto.com Stadium. The Fisher Cats have drawn 303,840 fans in 2007, and with 12 home games remaining, are on track to shatter the previous mark of 300,049 fans set in 2006. In 2005, the team hosted 279,566 fans after drawing 215,961 fans in the team’s inaugural season at Gill Stadium. "This has been a truly unforgettable season for our organization, and we have the greatest fans in baseball to thank for allowing us to reach this milestone," said Fisher Cats President/General Manager Rick Brenner. "Our staff has done a terrific job in raising the bar in 2007, and preparation is already underway to host an amazing All-Star celebration all season long in 2008."

IronPigs take to the stage at State Theatre to unveil uniforms
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) are holding an unusual event tomorrow: a Uniform Unveiling and StyleShow at Easton's State Theatre. The 3:30 p.m. event, free and open to the public, will feature 10 personalities from six local radio stations in a modeling competition for charity in what Lehigh Valley general manager Kurt Landes calls a "combination of America's Next Top Model and American Idol." Those in attendance will also have the chance go home with the first edition of one of the team's five jersey styles by participating in a charity auction. In addition, Landes said the team will also "unleash our entire family of logos" to go with the corporate logo unveiled last winter and issue updates on the construction at Coca-Cola Park and other team business.

Q&A with Richard Andersen
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Richard Andersen is responsible for the daily operations at Petco Park, as well as the maintenance of it and future improvements to it. He has dealt with everything from the taste of the hot dogs to trash recycling since the ballpark opened. Here he answers questions about the home of the San Diego Padres, including concerns about traffic and navigating the ballpark. Meanwhile, the ballpark is proving to be a financial success for the city, especially where non-baseball events are concerned. The city's cut of Petco Park's nonbaseball revenue is expected to grow in coming years, with a multiyear contract for rugby and a potential multiyear deal for motocross in 2008. The city receives 70 percent of the revenue from nonbaseball events at Petco Park during the Padres' offseason, with the team getting 30 percent.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 13, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) fans are helping support the environment as well as their favorite team this season at GCS Ballpark. To help promote recycling, Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation (ABRC) has provided more than 20 recycling bins that are placed throughout the ballpark for fans to recycle their aluminum bottles. After the season the Grizzlies and ABRC will donate the proceeds from the recycled containers to the Gateway Grizzlies Children's Charities, which include: Hospice of Southern Illinois, St. Louis Sports Commission, Kids Caring for Kids, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Illinois.