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Archives: June 24-30, 2007

Council unanimously approves Dodgers, Sox spring-training plan
Posted June 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Glendale (Az.) City Council unanimously approved spring-training accords on Tuesday, a major play in bringing the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox to Phoenix's West Valley in 2009. That the Los Angeles Dodgers are finally leaving Vero Beach's Dodgertown after decades of a happy relationship should sadden traditionalists, but it really doesn't make any sense for a West Coast team to train in Florida: it's a lot of work for the team and it's not fair for the Los Angeles fans. The big issue will be whether the White Sox will be at the new facility when it opened in 2009. The team's lease for Tucson Electric Park calls for some pretty stiff penalties if it's broken, and efforts to find a replacement team so far have come up short. The article raises the possibility of one more team moving from Florida to Arizona (the Cincinnati Reds are in play when it comes to spring-training facilities), but we really doubt MLB would allow a single team to move, giving both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues an odd number of teams: schedule would be a nightmare, and you'd end up seeing a lot of split-squad games. More on the specifics of the agreements. More from TCPalm, which discusses the Reds' situation and the possibility of moving to Dodgertown.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Former owners of ballpark land guaranteed $25 million
Posted June 27, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The group that owned eight acres needed for the Minnesota Twins' new ballpark will receive at least $25 million for the condemned land from Hines Interests, regardless of what Hennepin County will pay for it, an executive for Hines, a Texas-based developer, testified Tuesday. An appraiser hired by the Hennepin County said the 20-year-old parking lot between the county incinerator and Target Center is worth $17.23 million. And attorneys for the county, which has claimed the land, say the Rapid Park parking lot would be valued at about $8.98 million by county tax assessors; in contrast, attorneys for Hines and Land Partners II say the parcel is worth more than $65 million. Hines agreed last year to pay local land-owning group Land Partners II $25 million plus an additional 22.5 percent of anything the county agrees to pay for the land above $25 million.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Chasing the Cubs
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Back in January we noted there was one leading contender to land the Chicago Cubs: Madison Dearborn Partners, led by John Canning Jr., a onetime college catcher and avid baseball man who has said he would like to own a major league team. Canning already is an investor in several minor-league teams -- he has interests in the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League), among others -- and has a minority interest in the Milwaukee Brewers. Fortune is reporting that Canning is Bud Selig's choice to buy the Cubs once Sam Zell has control of the Tribune Company. Not a surprise: Bud likes a certain comfort level with whom he does business, and Canning is a known entity thanks to his involvement with the Brewers. Bud won't have final sale over a buyer -- as a publicly traded firm, the Tribune Company will need to get the most it can for the team, and that could lead to a bidding war -- but you can't underestimate Selig's influence in the process.

Mandalay eyes expansion
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Manaday Baseball Properties, the sports-management company running the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), is exploring developing the real estate around PNC Field but is not ready to say exactly what it plans to do. After obtaining the approval of the county Stadium Authority, County Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro negotiated an agreement that gives SWB Yankees LLC, an affiliate of Mandalay, the option to buy the Triple-A Yankees for at least $13 million and maybe as much as $16.4 million. Mandalay officials have said they would wait to decide on buying the team until at least after the season so they could get a handle on franchise operations and assess their needs. The purchase option agreement requires the county and SWB Yankees to negotiate a separate agreement that grants SWB Yankees the exclusive right "for the development and redevelopment" of the 50-acre ballpark site. This article was submitted by a reader. To submit a story or item of interest for consideration, send an email to editors@augustpublications.com.
    RELATED STORIES: Value of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees questioned; Sale of Harrisburg franchise raises questions about Yanks; Luzerne County officials finally out of the bullpen; County rejects Triple-A agreement; Potential sale of SWB Yankees approved; Luzerne County explores options on baseball deals; Blaum wants 1986 ballpark contract honored; Potential sale of the SWB Yankees approved; Lackawanna County minority commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off county; Yanks filling seats in Moosic; Once again, it’s all about the Yankees; New for 2007: PNC Field; Work on Lackawanna County Stadium progresses; New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees; End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium; Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty; Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows; Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax; New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark priorities; Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in minor-league teams; Will Moosic get a new ballpark?; Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management firm heading to Moosic; Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna County Stadium today; Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and Pens; It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to Scranton a done deal?; Authority will consider giving Cordaro power; Yankees to SWB?

Baseball team sued over food vendor disputes
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A concessionaire is suing the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) for the alleged nonpayment of about $270,000, as well as purported efforts to sever its service contract at Alexian Field. Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services has filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against Schaumburg Professional Baseball LLC, the company that operates the team. The lawsuit alleges not only that the Flyers owe Aramark money, but that team officials and representatives have sought to keep the vendor from fulfilling its contract, which expires Sept. 30, 2015. Here's a much more detailed account of the lawsuit and the accusations of harassment from the Chicago Tribune.

Reno City Council to consider plan to build new ballpark
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Reno City Council on Wednesday will consider entering into talks with an investment group over construction of a downtown ballpark. Council members will discuss a plan to create a ballpark district, which would include a ballpark as well as restaurants, shops, offices and housing. City Manager Charles McNeely said SK Baseball, which recently purchased the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) with plans to move the franchise to Reno, has indicated it would prefer a downtown ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Why Sarasota may spurn baseball
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As spring training came to an end last year, there was unanimous political support to build a new baseball complex for the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota. All five city commissioners and all five county commissioners were on board. Today, the $54 million project is a political longshot, perhaps as unlikely as an appearance by the last-place Reds in this year's World Series. Less than half of the financing is in place, and prospects of raising the rest are growing dimmer. Even the $10 million pledged by the city has been criticized by two city commissioners. It's pretty clear the Reds are in play, and they have a number of options. Staying in Ed Smith Stadium is one of them, though that's more a victory for inertia than any strategic planning. Leaders in Vero Beach have already raised the issue of a move to Dodgertown. The White Sox are looking for a team to replace them at Tucson Electric Park, and a move to the Cactus League would set up a spring rivalry with the Cleveland Indians, although it's not clear whether MLB would allow the move if it means an odd number of teams in both Florida and Arizona. And don't be surprised if Disney brings up a potential move to the Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports.
    RELATED STORIES: What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?; Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach; New Reds spring-complex deal on life support; Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy; Task force confident in Reds ballpark deal; Finance plan for Reds spring-training facility in place -- maybe; Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex; Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex cost; 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

Visalia ballpark renovations OK'd
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Visalia city leaders approved a plan Monday to pay for a ballpark renovation by shifting some of Visalia's cash reserves and borrowing the rest, using income from the ballpark to make the expected loan payments. The Visalia City Council adopted changes to its 2007-08 budget that include a financing plan to rebuild the 61-year-old Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). Preliminary cost estimates are about $11.6 million to upgrade the deteriorating ballpark. Earlier this year, officials anticipated borrowing about $10 million for the ballpark, incurring debt payments that would boost the total cost over 30 years to perhaps $18 million. Basically, the ballpark will be rebuilt over the next two years; specific construction plans and detailed budgets still need to be worked out.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark expense will work out; Oaks' attendance way up; Visalia faced with paying for ballpark; Council OKs $11.6 million for Visalia ballpark renovation; Visalia ballpark renovation to cost $6 million more; Oaks release renderings of Recreation Park enhancements

Glendale close to $80.7-million ballpark deal
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Glendale officials, in the final stretch, hope to knock home deals to make spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox a reality. The City Council tonight, in its last meeting before summer recess, is expected to finalize details to open an $80.7 million spring-training site in 2009. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who is in town as the Dodgers play the Diamondbacks, is expected to attend tonight's council meeting. They also detail leases with the two teams with stiff fines for the White Sox if the team is unable to get out of its contract with Pima County, leaving the Glendale facility underused. The White Sox are walking a tightrope here: it should be very difficult to find a team to move to Tucson Electric Park, and the team runs the risk of paying a large penalty to Pima County to break its lease.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Major boom for minor-league ball
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With six teams from Rockford to Gary already slugging it out for first place in the hearts of fans in the Chicago area -- and two more teams elsewhere in Illinois -- two proposals to bring new ballparks to the Chicago suburbs would add five new minor-league clubs to the mix. Organizers say there is enough interest to justify the expansion, but many in baseball wonder if the expansion isn't based on overly optimistic financial projections. One plan would bring a new independent Frontier League team -- and a $26 million sports complex -- to the McHenry County College campus in Crystal Lake. The college would build the complex and pay for it in part through a 20-year lease with the baseball team, according to developer Mark Houser, one of the partners in the effort.  Another proposal would start a four-team league in tiny Harvard, in the northwest corner of McHenry County. Discussion of that project just began. But if approved, it will create a privately funded $3 million ballpark by 2009 with seating for 6,000 fans in a village of about 9,000 residents. More from the Northwest Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: McHenry County College, Frontier League close to agreement for new ballpark; McHenry County pulls off a double play; MCC ballpark for Frontier League gets OK; McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility; Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

Could Indy someday be host for CWS?
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The College World Series has ended for the summer, but Susan Williams is still keeping one eye on Omaha, Neb. That's where college baseball's championship series has been played since 1950, and where it's under contract to be for the next three seasons. But with Omaha mulling renovating or replacing venerable Rosenblatt Stadium, and with the NCAA's director of the event not discounting a move to a new city, might the NCAA's hometown of Indianapolis fit the bill? Williams, president of the Indiana Sports Corporation, said she had not thought much about the prospect until receiving a call last week from a reporter asking if the city might be interested. Her answer was yes . . . but conditionally, because NCAA officials, whom she talks to often, have given her no indication the event is open for bids.
    RELATED STORIES: New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Meet the Mets' new home!
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Beyond the bleachers at Shea Stadium, construction crews have spent months drilling and hammering away at the Mets' new ballpark -- and here's a look at what they've accomplished so far. Queens' next field of dreams, Citi Field, isn't set to open until the 2009 season, but it's taking shape faster than a Jose Reyes' run around the bases. Metal girders are forming decks of seats where the next generation of Mets faithful can wear their orange and blue with pride. And the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, where fans will enter the state-of-the-art ballpark, has risen as a tribute to the man who broke baseball's color barrier in 1947. Here's a look at the new ballpark, with renderings and recent construction shots.

Revitalization destination: Gary
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nestled at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Pennsylvania Street in a rundown area of downtown Gary, just a home run south of the Toll Road, U.S. Steel Yard is an oasis of chalk-lined green grass, a picturesque and amenity-filled ballpark that is one of the few things bringing people into town at a time so many are leaving. Things seem to be settling down for the Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League) after a tumultuous offseason; Bill Terlecky is now VP/GM, but the issue remains whether Gary residents will embrace baseball.

Yankees sign sponsorship agreement with China's Yili Group
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Yankees signed Yili Group Holding Co., China's biggest dairy products company, to a sponsorship agreement, the first between a Major League Baseball team and a Chinese company. Yili will have advertisements at Yankee Stadium and in the game programs, the team said in a news release. Financial terms of the sponsorship weren't disclosed. The Yankees last week became the first major-league team to sign Chinese players: left-handed pitcher Kai Liu and catcher Zhenwang Zhang, both 19. The Yankees sent four executives to the country in January to complete a partnership with the Chinese Baseball Association. Major League Baseball is trying to expand the sport in China, the world's most populous nation, and may stage games there next year. One wonders how good an idea this really is: New Yorkers are famously chauvinistic about all things New York, and there's really no reason for the Yankees fan base to care about ice cream made in China. Consumers are increasingly on the lookout for the local and the authentic, and the Yankees, it seems, run the risk of diluting their brand with a move to being an international player.

City pressed for more details on Harrison Square
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Members of the Fort Wayne City Council aren’t the only ones with questions about Harrison Square, the downtown development that includes a new $30-million ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). A week ago today, Ronald Reinking, a Fort Wayne accountant, sent a letter on behalf of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation to the city’s Redevelopment Commission asking for more financial information about the $125 million-to-$160 million downtown revitalization project.
    RELATED STORIES: Hardball unveils more ballpark details; A home run for downtown; City ready to deal with developers; 6-3 vote favors new Wizards ballpark; City offers details of Harrison Square deal; Fort Wayne ballpark deal needs more private money; Ballpark deadline looming in Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne City Council divided on downtown ballpark; Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark; Wizards' owner steps up to bat for Harrison Square; 'A few more pros than cons'; Downtown Fort Wayne ballpark: pro and con; Developer submits proposal for downtown Fort Wayne hotel; Fort Wayne ballpark just a start in renewal endeavor; Ballpark's future subject to study; Poll backs downtown development, not new ballpark; Some on council aren't buying Fort Wayne ballpark plan; Ballpark's future is far from certain; Building the public square; Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime; Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans; Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne; Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is unpopular; Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal; Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember; Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a ballpark; Playing ball downtown; We need to build ballpark downtown; Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?; Learning by example from Dayton; Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium; A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark

Last-chance league
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's an AP piece on the independent South Coast League, opening this season with some definite successes: the Macon Music is averaging 2,295 fans a game, with Charlotte County and South Georgia averaging over 1,350 a game. The one blight has been the performance of the Bradenton Juice; league officials moved 15 games from the team's home at Manatee Community College because of "scheduling conflicts."

Is it time to dig up dirt at Wrigley?
Posted June 26, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
While the Chicago Cubs' plan to resurface Wrigley Field has been put on hold indefinitely, bench coach and former shortstop Alan Trammell said it's an issue that must be addressed in the near future. "They do [have to resurface] for the fact that the field crowns so much somewhere around third base," Trammell said. "I know that coming in here, I talked to (third-base coach) Mike Quade about the fact that you have to be careful making the turn around third."People don't realize [it's sloped] because when you're looking at the field, you're looking at the ivy, the scoreboard, the grandstands, and it's beautiful. But the field itself, as far as that goes, needs to be worked on."

Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In an opening statement that was somewhat breathtaking in its audacity, the attorney for an investment group that owns a key parcel for the new Minnesota Twins ballpark says the land is now worth $65.375 million, $48 million more than a valuation done by Hennepin County putting the value at $17.1 million. In a condemnation hearing held this morning Dan Rosen, the lawyer representing Land Partners II, says the land is worth upwards of $63.375 million, but his group would be willing to accept $55.1 million. That's way above what both Land Partners II and Hennepin County said the 10-plus acres was worth three years ago, when an option was negotiated by the pair based on a $12.95 million valuation. More from the Star Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Replacing the Wranglers
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Independent baseball representatives checked out Wichita's Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in its typical state Friday morning. Empty seats dominated the view, as they do during most Wichita Wranglers games. The men touring the ballpark think they can fill those seats next season with a brand of baseball not directed by a major-league affiliate. We're now seeing some potential ownership groups emerging. One would have United League baseball owning the team, much as it owns all the teams in its league. Local attorney Harvey Sorensen is part of a group representing the Northern League; local investors would put up the money but the ownership of the Kansas City T-Bones would actually manage the franchise on the group's behalf. Harvey Sorensen, a Wichita lawyer representing the Northern League. Lincoln Saltdogs president Charlie Meyer and Wichita Thunder hockey club general manager Chris Presson represented the American Association and Thunder owner Horn Chen. Though the Continental League and the Golden League had expressed interest, we don't expect them to put in bids for the ballpark. One big issue still at play: whoever lands the lease will also run the National Baseball Congress. Another issue: we've heard the United League has been talking recently to Topeka officials about a new ballpark there; adding both Wichita and Topeka would make logistical sense for that league.
    RELATED STORIES: Northern League, American Association to court investors for Wichita team; NBC deal in the works; Wichita to court baseball leagues; Ballpark bids under estimates; New for 2008: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals; Officials dig baseball; Springdale ballpark construction budget approved; Springdale City Council approves ballpark design; Springdale commission approves new ballpark; Wranglers GM has new challenges; City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont lease; Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third baseball option; Council looks at ballpark design; Commissioners begin planning improvements around ballpark site; Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass; League approval slow but expected for move of Wranglers; Springdale approves Wranglers lease; Texas League executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease; Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to public; Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of Wranglers; City told only voters decide ballpark's user; Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark; What's new in Wichita?; Wranglers president says move is nearly official; Wranglers agreement down to one item; City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008.

New Hawks owners plan ballpark upgrades
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Memorial Stadium will receive a makeover in time for the 2008 season, but the owners of the Boise Hawks (short season; Northwest League) are exploring the feasibility of building a new 3,500- to 4,500-seat ballpark in the future. The team has plans to install from 76 to 80 seats behind home plate prior to next year's home opener, barring unexpected hang-ups. The Diamond Club project will add approximately 20 boxes of four seatseach that will increase Memorial Stadium's seating capacity to around 3,432. The $60,000 to $100,000 cost of the project will come from outside sales. Hawks GM Todd Rahr said the project will help fund possible future ballpark enhancements such as a brick facade, a sun screen over the first-base line bleachers, a video scoreboard and a 6,000- to 7,000-square-foot building down the left- field line that could be used year-round for events other than baseball. Still, this is all a prelude toward a new ballpark: the team's new owners say they've been talking with local communities about a ballpark. Memorial Stadium isn't technically in Boise -- it's in Garden City -- and moving the team to a downtown ballpark sure would be a nice addition to an already vibrant area. We were at Saturday night's game at Memorial Stadium and found the visit to Boise to be a delightful experience; a full account will appear later this week.

Tiger Stadium: Up for auction?
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Representatives of Schneider Industries, a St. Louis auction firm chosen by the city to handle the sale, will visit Detroit this week to plan the details. A sale would be a prelude to demolition and redevelopment of the Tiger Stadium site. Dan Rosenthal, Schneider's chief of operations, said the key to a successful stadium sale is to mine the ballpark for any possible memorabilia, even the most unlikely. The Detroit City Council must still give its blessing to a sale, a move that probably won't happen for another month, at least. But if the council gives its OK, that transformer and thousands more pieces of Tiger Stadium will be offered at auction to memorabilia seekers.
    RELATED STORIES: Tiger Stadium outta here by '08; Time running out for Tiger Stadium; Dave Wright: Time to let Tiger Stadium go; 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?

Ballpark upgrade may be twin bill
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The price is likely to rise once again for plans to rebuild Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League). Renovation of the 61-year-old ballpark was approved by the Visalia City Council in April at an estimated cost of $11.6 million. But that price, and the council's approval, was based on doing the work in one fell swoop during the 2007-08 offseason, saving a projected $1.8 million from spreading the project out in phases over two seasons. Last week, as City Council members approved spending $1.2 million for an architect, engineer and construction manager, it was revealed the project is being planned in two phases after all. The ambitious renovation program is intended to bring the aging stadium up to standards required by Major League Baseball for its minor-league affiliate teams. That includes demolishing and rebuilding the grandstand berm and building new seating sections, VIP lounges, team offices, new concessions and restrooms and other facilities along the right-field line. Our John Moist recently took in a game at Recreation Park; we'll post his report soon.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark expense will work out; Oaks' attendance way up; Visalia faced with paying for ballpark; Council OKs $11.6 million for Visalia ballpark renovation; Visalia ballpark renovation to cost $6 million more; Oaks release renderings of Recreation Park enhancements

Today's video: San Francisco Giants pregame video
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This video from Dimension X Design was done for the San Francisco Giants and highlighted on the team's new HD scoreboard. Dimension X Design works with over 70 clients in all major sports to provide in-game entertainment for teams on their video boards as well as commercial production. 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.

Will baseball work at McHenry Community College?
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The question here is whether an independent Frontier League team will thrive at a new 6,500-seat ballpark at McHenry Community College in suburban Chicago. We continue to be a little mystified by the deal: expecting an independent Frontier League team to generate $250,000 and 10 percent of the take for annual rent payments seems to be quite the tall order, especially when it's predicated on attendance of 4,000 fans a game.
    RELATED STORIES: McHenry County College, Frontier League close to agreement for new ballpark; McHenry County pulls off a double play; MCC ballpark for Frontier League gets OK; McHenry to vote on new ballpark; private group looks at area facility; Plans for minor league team 'moving in right direction'

Drive awarded 2010 Sally League All-Star Game, Southern Conference tourney
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West End Field, the home of the Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League), will be home to two major events in upcoming seasons: the 2010 Sally League All-Star Game and the annual Southern Conference tourney, beginning in 2009. The Southern Conference tourney will be moving from Charleston, S.C., where it has been held for the past 16 years, to Greenville. School boosters and baseball fans from the 11 SoCon colleges will come to the Drive’s home field during the third week in May to see their teams play.

New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Omaha has won acclaim as college baseball's mecca, but the city now wonders what kind of shrine will satisfy the baseball gods deep into the future. Perhaps a new ballpark -- one to better serve the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the College World Series -- could be erected, with the features of trendy minor league parks and enough seats for the big show every June. Mayor Mike Fahey has suggested a north downtown ballpark be built to keep the CWS in Omaha for the long term and provide a more intimate, modern home for the Royals. Here's a look at the sorts of things you could expect from a new Omaha ballpark -- and most would be implemented to serve the O-Royals, not the NCAA.
    RELATED STORIES: Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Perfect! The S.I. Yanks deliver
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If word of mouth moves across Staten Island at its usual rate, the new management team for the Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) may be able to take the rest of the summer off. The highly anticipated season home opener took place last night at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George, and 7,171 fans were treated to a picture-perfect venue that ran like clockwork and had as much hometown atmosphere as a backyard cookout.

Fenty tours ballpark site, rallies workers
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Under a clear blue sky perfect for a baseball game, 500 construction workers responsible for one of the most expensive and most important projects in the District took a break yesterday for a quick pep talk. They wore hard hats and neon reflector vests, sitting in rows on concrete slabs that will one day soon become the first-base stands of the Washington Nationals' $611 million ballpark. Speaking of the ballpark: a topping-out celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, July 11, 2007; we're going to try and be there to take some progress photos.
    RELATED STORIES: Top price for ducats at new Nats ballpark: $400; Nationals' transition extends off field; National crisis: Capital franchise in turmoil; Ballpark brings hope but no guarantee; Nationals ballpark 'on time, on budget' for 2008 opening; Future distinctly on rise for Nationals; District not over park cap; New Nats ballpark to feature cherry blossoms beyond left-field fence; As ballpark rises, battles over land continue; For Nats' home, a rapid ascent; Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say; Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark upgrades; With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money; D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages; The D.C. ballpark parking debate; Severe penalties await city if parking garages aren't provided, Gandhi warns; Ballpark garages proposal rejected; Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight over new Nats ballpark; New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for 2008 opening; Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC ballpark; Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking; DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in country; Legislation would revive condo and garage development at new DC ballpark; New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking; D.C. parking issue threatens budget; Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat; Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk

No tickets -- or love of baseball -- required
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Most Friday nights when the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) play baseball at home, two lawyers and their spouses head to the Hilton Garden Inn for dinner and drinks on the patio. Then they walk next door to the ballpark to watch the Fisher Cats from their seats directly behind the visitors dugout. Baseball is a big hit on the patio overlooking Merchantsauto.com Stadium along the Merrimack River. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats call the stadium home for 71 games from April through September, and the 142-seat patio is the last spot for food or drink before hitting the ballpark.

Stadium District pays off Chase Field debt 19 years early
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The Maricopa County Stadium District will pay the remaining balance on its portion of Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. erasing the final debt for the ballpark. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved the final payment of $15 million, including more than $9 million in interest. The final payment was not expected for 19 years. By taking care of the payment early, the county saved taxpayers more than $9.5 million in additional interest.

Pro baseball league kicks off in Israel with broadcast culture shock
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Puzzled broadcasters calling the first professional baseball game in Israeli history struggled with rendering baseball lingo into the holy tongue of Hebrew. After a valiant effort at translating some of the terms, they gave up -- lacing their broadcast with Hebrew-accented versions of ball, strike, out, majors, pitcher and base hit. Otherwise, the game looked and sounded like real baseball on a minor league level, though it seemed as out of place in the Holy Land as polo in Manhattan. There were no peanuts, no Cracker Jack, no "Star-Spangled Banner." Three thousand fans cheered as the Modiin Miracles beat the Petah Tikva Pioneers, 9-1 on Sunday. More from the Palm Beach Post and the Jerusalem Post.
    RELATED STORIES: The homegrown talent of the IBL; Baseball in Israel is no joke; Baseball goes to bat in Israel: Duquette aids fledgling IBL

Official: Ballpark fire was set on purpose
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A fire that damaged Old Orchard Beach's abandoned baseball park, the former home of the Maine Guides (Class AAA; International League), was set on purpose, an official said. Firefighters were called at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday to The Ballpark, where the skyboxes at the top of the stadium was engulfed in flames, said Deputy Fire Chief Normand Gagnon. Firefighters were at the scene for about two hours. The town-owned ballpark was built in the early 1980s and was the home to minor league baseball teams for several years. It later became a venue for musical concerts, but it hasn't been used in many years.

Few Expos memories left in Montreal
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There's little evidence of the Montreal Expos at Olympic Stadium; in fact,  the only place where the retired numbers of the team are noted is at Bell Centre, the home of the Montreal Canadiens (NHL). The Washington Nationals don't seem to honor the franchise's records -- the three retired Expos numbers are back in use, which means the team is ignoring honors bestowed to the likes of Rusty Staub and Gary Carter -- which is a shame: at times Montreal was one of the most interesting and unique franchises in the majors.

In memoriam: Rod Beck
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Rod Beck, one of the more colorful characters in baseball history, was found dead Saturday in Scottsdale, Ariz., and police are investigating the cause. Life went fast for Beck shortly after his 13-year career ended during the 2004 season. Beck, who posted 286 saves for four major-league teams, is survived by two daughters and a lifetime worth of former teammates, writers and memories. He drove an 1980s-style van during his early playing days in San Francisco but gained even more fame with a motor home that he parked next to Sec Taylor Stadium during his brief stint with the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) while making a comeback in 2003 after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his right elbow.

Can Orioles thrive under MacPhail?
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hiring Andy MacPhail to run the Baltimore Orioles was a gutsy move for owner Peter Angelos; the hiring sends a signal that Angelos is ready to turn over management to pros and withdraw from the proceedings. Perhaps; we're not sure Angelos' personality will let him withdraw completely, but he does appear to be slowing down a little (we've had the chance to observe his actions in a non-baseball context recently). MacPhail will have something to prove: while he'll likely be able to fill Oriole Park as he once filled Wrigley Field, he's not had the magic touch when it comes to success on the field.

Minor league teams swing for profits in N.J.
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This article purports to look at the business side of baseball in the Garden State, but curiously limits things to the independent Can-Am Association and Atlantic League. Here's the short version of the article: there's no coverage of affiliated teams; the Newark Bears, Sussex Skyhawks and New Jersey Jackals all lose money; the Somerset Patriots make money.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) surpassed the 10-million-fan milestone at The Diamond Saturday night. The Braves needed 6,747 fans to reach the 10 million mark prior to Saturday’s contest against Durham; 7,559 fans, the third-largest crowd this season, turned out to celebrate the achievement and a 5-4 Braves win. Only seven other Triple-A clubs have hosted ten million fans in their current parks. Braves officials closely monitored the gates as the target drew near. The Braves identified Sherrilyn Midget of Midlothian as the lucky fan. Braves staff surprised Midget and her family at the end of the third inning with an array of celebratory prizes.