Recent
Visits |
Al Lang Field, Tampa Bay
Rays
St.
Pete's Al Lang Field has been in the news a lot
lately, but for the wrong reasons: the Tampa Bay
Rays will train there one last time in 2008 before
shifting spring operations to Charlotte County in
2009, and the old ballpark is slated to be torn
down to make way for a new waterfront home of the
Rays. Now, Al Lang Field isn't the same venue it
was in the 1940s and 1950s when it was a landmark
in spring training, but it's still a great place
to catch a spring-training game. We hope the Rays
catch the spirit of the original Al Lang in their
designs for a new ballpark, For the rest of us, a
trip to Al Lang Field will be a mandatory event in
Spring Training 2008.
Trustmark Park, Mississippi
Braves
There's
nothing wrong with Trustmark Park, the home of the
Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League).
The wraparound concourse, luxury
boxes, big scoreboard and varied concessions are
all standard issue for a new minor-league ballpark
these days. So why aren't we more excited about
the two-year-old ballpark? Because there's nothing
unique about it: except for a few Southern menu
items at the concessions, there's nothing to link
the ballpark to its surroundings. At a Mississippi
Braves game, you could be watching a game anywhere
-- and going local is one of the great joys of the
minor leagues. Dustin Mattison reports.
Alliance Bank Stadium,
Syracuse Chiefs
The
biggest news at Alliance Bank Stadium, the home of
the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International
League): the current artificial turf will be
replaced by real grass. That's good news for
Syracuse baseball fans in terms of aesthetics, as
well as players who need to field on an old,
sometimes unpredictable surface. Otherwise,
Alliance Bank Stadium is a perfectly serviceable
ballpark: the Chiefs front office does things the
old-fashioned way (i.e., not much in terms of
between-innings shenanigans), but the ballpark is
a comfortable place to watch a game, and the food
is pretty good. Steve Kapsinow reports.
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The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
owners. |
Broadcasts |
Virtually every MiLB team now streams broadcasts over the
Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
More
on Internet radio and TV broadcasts here! |
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Archives:
Feb. 19-25, 2007
Forsyth County commits to
new Warthogs ballpark
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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Forsyth County
officials announced that the
county would be willing to give as much as $12.5
million in tax incentives over 25 years to support
the commercial part of a new city development,
which will include a new home for the
Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina
League). The county's economic-incentive offer
would not give any public money to the ballpark
itself. In addition, the county would not take
over ownership of the ballpark after 25 years,
leaving the city of Winston-Salem as the eventual
owner. Warthogs owner and project developer Billy
Prim says he'll accept the county's offer, even
though it's a little less than the $14 million he
was seeking. There are still a lot of steps to be
taken before the project is a reality, including
the sale of
Ernie Shore
Field
to Wake Forest.
RELATED STORIES:
Prim: I'll run figures in offer;
County's ballpark offer in;
New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?;
Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark;
county is next;
Joines: Protect ticket revenue;
Council considers city help with moving expenses;
Prim's word is his bond;
Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote;
Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan;
County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark;
W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since
it has no creek;
Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark
meeting;
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Fair officials respond with
new spring-training plan
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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A
consultant's plan quietly being shopped around by
Sarasota Agricultural Fair Association leaders
shows a new spring training ballpark, clubhouse,
offices and practice facilities for the Cincinnati
Reds at the fairgrounds on Fruitville Road --
along with a hotel, modern arena and conference
center. There are some major problems with the
plan: the Reds would need to keep the current
training complex as the home for their minor
leaguers, since there are only two practice fields
envisioned at the fairgrounds. Still, the plan has
some potential, especially since the current plan
is in doubt because it relies on $10 million
coming from a developer -- and none have stepped
forward.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Matthews wins Ford C. Frick
Award
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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Kansas City Royals broadcaster Denny Matthews is
this year's winner of the Ford C. Frick Award,
given annually to a broadcaster in recognition of
a long and distinguished career. Matthews will
join fellow Kansas Citians George Brett and Joe
McGuff in the hall. Brett was inducted in 1999,
and McGuff, former editor and sports editor of The
Kansas City Star, was inducted into the writers’
wing as the recipient of the J.G. Taylor Spink
Award. Matthews joined the Royals in 1969. The
award itself dates back to 1978 when Mel Allen and
Red Barber were the first recipients.
More from Matthews from Joe Posnanski.
Pirates
to install new scoreboards at PNC Par
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that the ballclub will install a larger video display for
its main scoreboard and add a new light emitting
diode (LED) fascia display that will span
PNC Park's upper deck. The new main scoreboard
display will have the capability of more than
doubling the size of the current video display, as
well as splitting into multiple windows to show
lineups, statistics, out-of-town game information,
animation, video clips and much more. The LED
display will provide fans with the latest in-game
information, up-to-the-minute player and team
statistics and pitch counts, which has been a
desired feature for many Pirates fans. Both
systems are from Daktronics. The existing video
display on the main scoreboard will be
disassembled and reconfigured, with additional new
display modules, to form a "ribbon" LED video
display across
PNC
Park's upper deck. The new ProAd fascia display will span 960 feet from foul
pole to foul pole and measure approximately 3 feet
in height.
Dodgertown to ghost town
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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Next spring
will be the last time the Los Angeles Dodgers
train in Vero Beach's
Dodgertown, the definite end
of an era. The Dodgers were the first team to
approach spring training on a logical basis,
taking over a former military base in the small
Florida city and building dorms and training
facilities. The move isn't final yet -- despite
what others have reported, Vero Beach officials
aren't totally committed to letting the Dodgers
walk away with $15 million of debt remaining on
the Dodgertown books after renovations -- and
there's the chance the Dodgers could be the only
inhabitants of a Glendale spring-training
facility, at least for the first few years. Vero
Beach officials say they'll seek another team for
spring training, but he most likely outcome is the
redevelopment of the complex.
More from SI.com.
RELATED STORIES:
For Dodgers, spring is in the Arizona air;
Five firms in line to design Glendale
spring-training facility;
Goodyear inks deal on spring-training facility;
Goodyear eyes noted ballpark designer;
Indians fan thrilled
by new facility plans;
$80 mil for baseball taps out sports authority;
White Sox to delay Phoenix move?;
Arizona commission to fund both proposed
spring-training facilities;
Glendale offers spring-training plan;
Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out;
Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox;
County not eager to
match baseball largess;
State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from
Tucson;
Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag;
Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for
spring training;
Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale;
A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix;
Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark
funds;
What could the future hold for Dodgertown?;
Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training
to Valley;
Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to
development;
Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility
Play ball in Leominster
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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The local newspaper comes out in support of the
plan for a new minor-league ballpark in
Leominster, a city in the greater Boston area.
Some city officials believe the details of the
project -- which could include two restaurants, a
hotel and convention space, and perhaps
interactive sports activities such as batting
cages -- could be ironed out this year.
Construction would begin next year, with baseball
being played in 2009. No word yet on the league
setting its sights on the city, although there
were previously discussions between city officials
and the independent Atlantic League.
RELATED STORIES:
Leominster ballpark work may start in '08;
Leominster ballpark dreams take shape;
State financing sought for minor-league ballpark
in Leominster;
Danbury taking minor-league pitches again;
Leominster councilors delay ballpark study
Safeco Field offers a
semi-suite alternative
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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The Seattle Mariners are doing what many teams are
doing: converting luxury boxes into party areas.
They are destroying eight of
Safeco Field's luxury
suites, which were constructed less than eight
years ago at great expense, and opening up the
space as a mega-suite, giving Mariners fans an
additional option. The All-Star Club, located just
beyond first base, opens as the team joins the
ranks of teams de-emphasizing the traditional
luxury boxes in favor of new alternatives. The
All-Star Club is sold on a season-ticket basis
only, though fans can buy partial-season tickets
for as few as 10 games. Tickets work out to
between $100 and $125 per person per game,
depending on seat location and number of games
purchased. That gets you parking, a reserved seat
in front of the suite, and access to a gourmet
food spread similar to what is served in the
Diamond Club. The only thing that costs extra is
alcoholic beverages, available at a cash bar.
RELATED STORIES:
So long to the suite life
Goldeyes to
honor Terry Hind with commemorative jersey patch
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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Terry Hind, the GM of the original Winnipeg
Goldeyes of the original Northern League, who
passed away last month at age 86, will be honored
by the current Goldeyes (independent; Northern
League) this summer with a shoulder patch on
Winnipeg's home white and Sunday red jerseys. It
is the first such distinction since the Goldeyes
returned to action in 1994. Hind was general
manager of the Goldeyes from 1954-1964 when they
were an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals,
overseeing three championship teams during that
time. He took his talents to the CFL's Winnipeg
Blue Bombers for five years when the Goldeyes left
but returned to baseball as the general manager of
the Winnipeg Whips (Class AAA; International
League) in 1970 and 1971. The patch, which is
baseball-shaped, features the letters TH and the
years 1920-2007. It will be worn on the right
sleeve of both jerseys above an existing Canadian
flag patch.
Time to honor teams, players
and 'The Sarge'
Posted Feb. 23, 2007 (feedback)
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Today is the home opener for the University of
South Carolina at Sarge Frye Field, and more than
likely it's the last season opened for the
Gamecocks in their longtime home, as a new
ballpark is in the works. Sarge Frye was a
longtime groundskeeper at USC, and he'll be
honored this season with a large photo and banner,
as well as a series of events.
County looking
at two new sites for Twins ballpark
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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In another sign the deal for a new Minnesota Twins
ballpark is falling apart, county officials have
quietly begun evaluating two alternative sites for
the facility: Star Tribune-owned land west of the
Metrodome and the current site of the Minneapolis
Farmers Market, on the west side of downtown
Minneapolis not far from the current new-ballpark
site. Whether or not these early explorations will
yield anything certainly remains to be seen, but
they do indicate Hennepin County officials think
there's the strong chance the current deal could
collapse. Another sign things are to hell in a
handbasket:
owners of land needed for the facility blamed
Hennepin County on Wednesday for stalling the
project. "The ballpark project can begin right
now if Hennepin County simply does what it said it
would do," said a press statement from landowners'
representatives Rich Pogin and Bruce Lambrecht.
We're not quite sure we agree with this
assessment, as the county has from the beginning
used a figure of $13 million or so for this
particular lot when budgeting land-acquisition
costs, with the most recent offers exceeding that.
And the pugnacious attitude exhibited by Pogin and
Lambrecht recently hasn't won them many friends in
Hennepin County or in the public eye, with many
wondering whether the partners and attorney Dan
Rosen really are capable of negotiating a deal
fair to all. (There are some deep, deep divisions
here, much deeper than anyone in the press is
saying; some are political, some are personal.)
RELATED STORIES:
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
New Hampshire
awarded 2008 EL All-Star Game
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Eastern League President Joe McEacharn and the
member clubs of the Eastern League announced that
the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will play host to
the 2008 All-Star Game. The game is
scheduled to be played at MerchantsAuto.com
Stadium in Manchester, New Hampshire on Wednesday,
July 16th, 2008, pending Eastern League schedule
approval.
The 2008 Eastern League All-Star Game will feature a
collection of the top talent from
the Northern Division taking on a roster of
Southern Division All-Stars. Each of the All-Star
rosters will consist of 24 players, with each
Eastern League franchise being represented by at
least one pitcher and one position player.
"The 2008 Eastern League All-Star Game provides the League
and its member clubs the
opportunity to bring something special to a city
that shows tremendous support to their hometown
team," McEacharn said. "We are looking forward to
showcasing the Major League stars of tomorrow to
the outstanding fans."
Baseball returns to NC
Central after three decades
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Gerald
Ford occupied the Oval Office in 1975 when North
Carolina Central University last played
intercollegiate baseball. While the 38th President
is no longer among us, the NC Central Eagles have
finally returned to the diamond. They've landed in
a pretty good spot, too: Durham Bulls Athletic
Park.
Jim Robins drops in for a look and
provides some shots of the work being done at BDAP
as well.
A scolding for Oriole Park
officials
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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In a scathing report released yesterday, state
auditors scolded the Maryland Stadium Authority
for a variety of management moves, including the
payment of $42,000 for less than an hour of
consulting services to a former executive director
who left under an ethical cloud. The authority
oversees Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of
the Baltimore Orioles. In other conclusions, the
auditors said the state agency did not adequately
pursue $1.7 million in rent the state believes is
owed by the Orioles but disputed by the team. The
Orioles say they have paid all rent due for
2002-2003 and that they are negotiating with the
stadium authority for rent owed for 2004-2005. The
sides disagree on how much money the club owes for
advertising signs in the ballpark. The team pays
rent based on a percentage of various revenues,
including ballpark ads.
Sounds must make decisions
regarding downtown ballpark
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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With a new-ballpark deal in Nashville becoming
increasingly tenuous, the argument here is that
the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) must decide how much they need a new
$48-million facility and whether they can come up
with the money to cover any overruns. Sounds
management has suggested either Metro or developer
Struever Bros., Eccles & Rouse come up with the
additional funds, but that may be a stretch: Metro
leaders are firm in keeping the Sounds true to the
original deal, and we're guessing Struever's lack
of movement on the project means they're running
into financial problems as well.
RELATED STORIES:
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
The new Yankee Stadium --
boon and dust
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Construction in the city is at a peak with a huge
number of developments around town. Whether you
like it or not, if you live near one of the big
projects dust, noise and traffic are more part of
your life than ever. WNYC's Elaine Rivera takes a
look at the cost of the
new Yankee Stadium for
Bronx residents living nearby -- for some there's
the inconvenience of noise, while others must deal
with the dust generated from any large-scale
development.
Rowan to pursue ownership
agreement with Kannapolis
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Amazingly, there's never been a formal documenting
who actually owns
Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium, the
home of the Kannapolis Intimidators (Low Class A;
Sally League). Now that there's talk of developing
a baseball academy on the site or even selling the
ballpark, Rowan County commissioners think it's
about time to put pen to paper. The commissioners
voted unanimously to enter into an ownership
agreement with Kannapolis. The city and county
have agreed in principle to share ownership of the
stadium property -- with Rowan County owning 75
percent and Kannapolis owning 25 percent, but no
official agreement to that effect has been signed.
More from the Salisbury Post.
RELATED STORIES:
Rowan County won't partner with sports complex;
Sport complex at
Kannapolis ballpark in the works
Wolff busy moving ahead with
ballpark plans for A's
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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More on Oakland A's managing owner Lew Wolff and
his work on a new Fremont ballpark. In November,
the A’s unveiled plans to move south and build a
long-awaited ballpark they hope will soon
transform the small-market club into a big spender
and a more popular choice for fans in the Bay Area
while remaining affordable. The A’s, in
partnership with Cisco Systems, Inc., agreed to
purchase 143 acres of land from Cisco in suburban
Fremont, about 20 miles south of their current
home at the Coliseum. The team intends to break
ground in the coming years on a new ballpark to be
called Cisco Field, with a goal of opening in time
for the 2011 season.
RELATED STORIES:
A's tout Cisco Field in ticket mailer;
Will global warming swamp AT&T Park, new A's
ballpark?;
A's owner not sweating lack of BART at Fremont
ballpark site;
A's owner raises more questions than answers;
Wolff seeks tax rebate for new ballpark village;
Oakland A's owner buys office park near proposed
Fremont ballpark;
Fremont, A's continue talks for new ballpark;
If Selig's coming, A's must be going;
Wolff ready to go public on ballpark;
Cisco blending tech and baseball;
Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont;
Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?;
More meetings with A's slated after new year;
Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's;
A's detail Fremont
plans down to the letter;
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
The Japanese gyroball
mystery
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Daisuke Matsuzaka says he doesn't throw one
in games, but that doesn't stop some entrepreneurial
baseball folks from Japan to come to spring
training and sell the locals on the notion of the gyroball, which is basically a slider that doesn't
break. It's actually not all that unique -- it's
used extensively in cricket, according to Robert
Adair -- and the man who claims to have invented
the pitch was in Phoenix to drum up interest in
the pitch. (A telling detail: he tried to
copyright the pitch.) It seems to work best as a
change-of-pace pitch; it also seems to work more
as a threat than a reality.
Arizona Winter
League ends on high note, will return in 2008
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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The Golden Baseball League (GBL)
announced that the Arizona Winter League ended in
fine style as a record crowd of 3,231 fans watched
the Yuma Scorpions comeback and win the inaugural
Arizona Winter League championship over the Canada
Miners in the bottom of the ninth by a score of
7-6 on Friday night. Following the game and
throughout the weekend, 35 Arizona Winter League
players signed contracts for the upcoming season
to play in the Golden Baseball League, the New
York State League, and even one with the Baltimore
Orioles. Including the 13 that arrived with
contracts in place for 2007, this brings to 48 the
number of AWL players that will report to
professional spring training camps under contract
this year. League officials also announced the
four-team winter league based at Yuma's Desert Sun
Stadium will return next year.
Wolff buys NYCBL franchise
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Miles Wolff, a leader in independent baseball and
the owner of the Burlington Royals (rookie;
Appalachian League) and the Quebec Capitales
(independent; Can-Am Association), has purchased
the Little Falls franchise in the
summer-collegiate New York Collegiate Baseball
League. The team is being renamed the Little Falls
Miners. There are some familiar faces in the mix:
Dan Moushon will be the team's vice president,
while GM is Hoffman Wolff. Besides his ownership
duties, Wolff is commissioner of the independent
Can-Am and American associations.
For Stockings, retirement
becomes a day at the park
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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Longtime Vacaville residents Beverly and Joe
Stocking emerged from retirement over the winter
to take control of business operations of the
Solano Thunderbirds (summer collegiate; California
Collegiate League). It represents a switch within
the family that has owned the team, which features
top college baseball prospects from across the
nation and plays a summer schedule in Travis
Credit Union Park. The Stockings, who created the
fuel-distributing company BC Stocking, and the
baseball squad's manager, Phil Swimley, now
comprise the entire team ownership.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 22, 2007 (feedback)
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The Rockford RiverHawks (independent;
Frontier League) announced they have hired
Travis Stephen as their new head
groundskeeper. Stephen, 30, left a similar
position with the Clinton Lumberkings
(Class A; Midwest League) in order to join the
RiverHawks. Stephen, a native of Bellesville,
Ohio, attended Ohio University and Ohio State
University. He graduated from the latter
institution in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in
turf management and a minor in meteorology. While
with the OSU staff in 2001-05, Stephen was
responsible for maintenance at all athletic
facilities, including football, baseball and
soccer stadiums.
Marlins ballpark funding at
first base
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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The effort
to finance a $500-million ballpark in downtown
Miami for the Florida Marlins received a boost
Tuesday when the Senate Commerce Committee
unanimously approved two bills that would provide
$60 million in state money for the project. The
votes mark the earliest in the year that
legislators have taken action on state funding for
a ballpark. Even with Tuesday's votes and support
from Gov. Charlie Crist, state funding is far from
guaranteed. The request comes during a tight
budget year and as another bill being drafted
would help all nine of the state's professional
franchises each receive a $60 million sales tax
rebate. The cost to the state in lost sale tax
revenue could total $540 million. More from
the Palm Beach Post, which is optimistic about
final state funding, and
the Miami Herald, which is pessimistic.
Given the reaction of some Miami-Dade County
commissioners to the proposed downtown location,
the Herald may be onto something.
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Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
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ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
Struever says Sounds
ballpark will be built
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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Bill Struever, the CEO of Struever Bros., Eccles &
Rouse (SBER), the Baltimore firm planning a
roughly $200 million hotel-office-condo project to
surround a proposed Nashville Sounds (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League) downtown ballpark, said
Tuesday he believes the ballpark will happen and
said the company is willing to work with the
Sounds to get the ballpark done. That may be a
more difficult task than it appears: because of
delays the cost of the ballpark -- now estimated
at $43 million -- will most certainly go up, and
Sounds GM Glenn Yaeger says the city or Struever
should chip in to compensate for a higher price.
Struever declined to comment on the issue, and
Metro officials are adamant about not paying
anything more toward the ballpark. There are some
other issues surrounding the facility, including
the issue of who will do the final design and
whether the Sounds and Struever can complete
financing.
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team huddles to nail down a deal;
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Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
fan-friendly;
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ballpark;
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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;
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work on ballpark;
Sounds are rounding third;
Sounds remain at bargaining table;
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Council should give Nashville ballpark their
support;
Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark
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Sounds ballpark vote delayed;
Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark;
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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;
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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
Coming soon to the Trop:
Florida-friendly landscape
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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The Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball Foundation will
soon begin sprucing up the trench that separates
Tropicana Field from the parking lot in hopes of
making it less of a moat and more of a stream.
Encouraging tailgating in the parking lots
highlighted how bleak some of the landscaping was,
said Silverman. With a $225,000 grant from the
Pinellas County Environmental Fund, the team's
foundation will plant 200 native trees and 5,000
shrubs as a demonstration project of
Florida-friendly landscaping. The team will also
contribute $300,000 in cash and marketing for the
project. There's another new feature at the Trop:
a new installation of FieldTurf should play slower
than the old one.
Weather slows down York
construction schedule
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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Though the snow and ice that hit the York area
this week have slowed construction of Sovereign
Bank Stadium, the new home of the York Revolution
(independent; Atlantic League), some work on the
ballpark continues. A layer of ice covers much of
the construction site, but behind a tent of
plastic sheeting, masonry work continued
yesterday. A single storm will not necessarily
throw off the construction schedule, said Eric
Menzer, vice president for construction manager
Wagman Construction. But a few more weeks of cold
and wet could hurt the project, Menzer said.
Though the schedule allows for a bit of winter
weather, weeks of wet and cold could delay some
work, such as pouring the concrete for a seating
bowl.
MLB doffs wool caps, adopts
new synthetic material
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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On opening day, Major League Baseball will doff
the traditional wool cap in favor of a new
polyester blend model designed to wick away sweat
before it can stream down a player’s face. The
change is part of commissioner Bud Selig’s focus
on boosting player performance, a Major League
Baseball official said, and follows a general
trend toward moisture-managing "performance"
materials in sports apparel. Of course, the notion
of selling new and improved hats must also make
Selig and New Era officials pretty happy as well.
Texas opens in renovated
Disch-Falk Stadium
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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When Kyle Russell dove to snag a pop fly in right
field Tuesday, he didn't land on the plush, dark
grass of the Dell Diamond. Instead, Russell landed
face first on rock-hard, unforgiving AstroTurf and
received a harsh reminder that Texas was indeed
back at UFCU Disch-Falk Field for good. Though the
turf didn't force Russell to dive for the ball, it
sure made it look like it hurt when he landed.
More than just AstroTurf welcomed the Longhorns to
Disch-Falk on Tuesday, and the construction
workers who watched the game from right field were
a reminder that the stadium is still a work in
progress, but Danks said he was glad to be back on
campus.
Pelicans
solicit fan commercials for 2007 campaign
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American
Association) are holding the “Where Everyone Plays
TV Commercial” contest, similar to the Super Bowl
ads, for the Pelicans 2007 ad campaign. Groups or
individuals are invited to submit a fully edited
and produced 15-20 second TV commercial for the
opportunity to win a cash prize, a pair of season
tickets, and a Pelicans merchandise package. The
winning spot will also be aired throughout the
Pelicans season. “Where Everyone Plays” is the
team’s theme for the season. The theme spotlights
the games, promotions and events that happen at
and around a Pelicans game and includes the young
little leaguer to the young-at-heart and everyone
in between. The deadline to submit a commercial is
Friday, March 23 at the Pelicans office located at
4920 North Davis Highway..
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 21, 2007 (feedback)
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The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A;
Carolina League) and Cumulus Radio Broadcasting
of Myrtle Beach have reached an agreement to
broadcast all regular and post-season action on
ESPN Radio 93.9 FM, 93.7 FM, and 1050 AM “The
Team” throughout the 2007 season. In addition,
each and every Pelicans game can be heard live on
the internet at the official website of the
Pelicans,
www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com. Ryan Ibbotson
returns for his fourth season behind the
microphone in the Pelicans radio booth....
Cash 'isn't there' for new
P-Nats ballpark, supervisors say
Posted Feb. 20, 2007 (feedback)
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Facing
a severe budget crunch and diminishing revenue, a
majority of the members of the Prince William
Board of County Supervisors say they are unlikely
to approve funding for construction of a ballpark
for the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina
League). Plans have been drawn up for a modern,
$22.5 million ballpark to replace G. Richard
Pfitzner Stadium, a deteriorating, 22-year-old
county-owned ballpark with aluminum bench seats
near the county government office complex. The new
ballpark would be built on the same site and
financed by bond sales, the cost of which would be
split by the owner of the Class A minor league
team and the county. Team owner Art Silber has
said that he needs the 6,500-capacity ballpark
built by 2008 or he might have to consider moving
the team. In order to be ready for 2008, the
county would have to approve it this spring.
Pitch in, Twins
Posted Feb. 20, 2007 (feedback)
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The
St. Paul Pioneer Press says Hennepin County and
the Minnesota Twins should make a deal with a
group of recalcitrant land owners to acquire the
needed land for a new downtown Twins ballpark.
Probably pretty good advice, but there are now
strong personalities in play, and what may make a
lot of sense in theory would require one or more
folks to swallow their pride to make a deal. One
source of frustration is the unwillingness of the
land owners to actually name a price for their
land; really, that needs to happen before any
further negotiations can take place. We also don't
think there's a lot of political fallout if
Hennepin County had to go back to the Minnesota
Legislature to get approval for another downtown
site.
Diamond vision bogs down for
Newberry
Posted Feb. 20, 2007 (feedback)
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Newberry
College has faced a lot of adversity in its
attempt to build a new ballpark. Their old
ballpark was torn down to make room for new dorms,
but the planned new ballpark was slowed down by
red tape (it's on a wetlands site) and increasing
costs.
With the proposed ballpark near the Newberry
campus still under construction, college officials
have arranged to play "home" games at the old
Greenville Municipal Stadium, the former home of
the Greenville Braves (Class AA; Southern League)
and the Greenville Bombers (Low Class A; Sally
League). To offset the cost of having to play 25
home games some 40 miles from campus, the
athletics department significantly increased its
baseball travel budget to $100,000.
Official says changing site
of Twins ballpark would mean delays
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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Moving the new Minnesota Twins ballpark project to
another location would make it unlikely that the
ballpark would be finished by 2010, according to Ed
Hunter, the project manager for the Minnesota
Ballpark Authority. The owners of the property
near the Target Center and officials with Hennepin
County have reached a stalemate on the land’s
purchase price. County officials said they might
seek other locations for the $522-million project,
which includes a 40,000-seat ballpark. The next
few weeks will be crucial, as Hennepin County
officials decide whether to bring the landowners
to court for eminent-domain proceedings or if they
go for a new location.
More from Tom Powers and
the Pioneer Press.
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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
New Reds training facility
in some doubt
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The deal
for a new $54-million Cincinnati Reds
spring-training facility is in serious danger of
collapsing, as Sarasota officials are having
a hard time finding a private developer to contribute
$10 million to the project. Sarasota and the Reds
went ahead with the deal without a developer in
place in order to qualify for $15 million in state
funding for the project, which was preliminarily
approved. A final agreement must be done by May to
secure the state funds.
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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
City still in talks to sell
Senators
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The
four bidders for the Harrisburg Senators (Class
AA; Eastern League) have been identified by the
local newspaper as Ivy Walls Management, Ripken
Baseball, International Facilities Group/Beacon
Sports Capital and Professional Sports Marketing,
and we've heard the two finalists are Ivy Walls
Management and Professional Sports Marketing. All
four are involved in baseball: Ivy Walls
Management owns the Omaha Royals (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League) and the Lexington Legends
(Low Class A; Sally League); Professional Sports
Marketing owns the Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA;
Southern League) and the Lansing Lugnuts (Low
Class A; Midwest League); Ripken Baseball owns the
Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League)
and the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally
League); and International Facilities Group is
owned by Michael Reinsdorf, who has consulted on
other baseball projects, including U.S. Cellular
Field.
Lehigh Valley officials
score ballpark money
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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Lehigh County officials secured a money-saving
deal this week to pay for a new ballpark for the
Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International
League), thanks to a timely financial assessment
and five commissioners braving icy roads.
Financial advisers for the county lined up
investors Tuesday and Wednesday to buy $31.48
million in bonds to pair with state grants for the
$48.4 million project, county Administration
Director Thomas S. Muller said. Team owners Craig
Stein and Joe Finley have agreed to pay the county
$1.29 million in lease payments over 30 years.
That will pay off an $18.12 million taxable bond.
The other $13.36 million bond is tax-exempt and
will be paid off with hotel taxes. The new bond
rating helped increase the taxable bond amount,
meaning the county will need to draw only about
$92,000 a year from the hotel-tax fund instead of
the $182,000 projected.
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Lynx poised to leap after 2007
Field of dreams or field of
schemes?
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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Blair Kamin rips the Chicago Cubs for their plan
to add advertising to the outfield wall of Wrigley
Field. It's one thing to put up billboards and
other signs in the park, but the Wrigley Field
playing area has been free of ads since 1920
(indeed, the outfield wall sported ads for only
three seasons) except for the rotating TV signs
behind home plate, but the deal with Under Armour
puts ads in the field of play (ed -- error
corrected). The
irony is that the Cubs are well-aware of how much
of an impact those ads will have -- but are now
hiding behind some lawyerly explanations.
RELATED STORIES:
Cubs show tradition the door with ad deal
Leominster ballpark work may
start in '08
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The
on-again, off-again ballpark project in
Leominster, Mass., is apparently on again as city
officials are making the rounds with plans for a
sports complex in an effort to remake the old
landfill area just off Routes 2 and 190. Officials
expect to have the details of tenants and a
funding plan in place this year, with construction
starting next year and the area open by 2009.
Leominster officials had been talking with the
independent Atlantic League about a team, and
while the area would seem to fall outside the
league's footprint (indeed, the independent Can-Am
Association has a far greater presence in the
Boston area), adding two teams to the Boston area
isn't out of the question for the Atlantic League.
RELATED STORIES:
Leominster ballpark dreams take shape;
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in Leominster;
Danbury taking minor-league pitches again;
Leominster councilors delay ballpark study
Charlie Crist's just not
batting 1.000
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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Florida
Gov. Charlie Crist comes under some criticism for
suggesting state aid be extended to sports teams
-- including the Florida Marlins and potentially
the Tampa Bay Devil Rays -- for facility
construction and renovation. Crist isn't
portraying the half-billion in spending as a
quality-of-life
issue, but rather as an economic issue. The
problem with that is obvious: using a sports
facility as an economic driver is a dicey issue.
There's some evidence that a ballpark can work as
an economic in very specific circumstances (think
San Diego or Denver), and it certainly has more
economic impact than a Wendy's (the specious
argument used in this article), but Crist is
overselling what a new Marlins ballpark can do.
RELATED STORIES:
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sports;
Governor boosts ballpark funding formula;
CRA board members: Look somewhere else for
ballpark funds;
Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects
seeking CRA funds;
Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal;
Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for
ballpark deal;
Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark;
Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins
ballpark deal in downtown Miami;
DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami
ballpark;
Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins;
New downtown Miami site explored for proposed
Marlins ballpark;
MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new
Marlins ballpark;
Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins;
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats
Sidewinders on the block?
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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There's
no doubt many in minor-league baseball believe the
Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) are on the block. But what's in much more
doubt is the rumor the team will be moving to a
new ballpark in Reno for the 2008 season. For
starters, it would be a huge stretch to see a new
ballpark in Reno, considering RED Development
hasn't put together a final financing plan for a
mixed-used development. (This article suggests RED
would own the team, which is highly unlikely.)
Sidewinders owner Jay Zucker has apparently
talked to many potential buyers in the past, and
the team still plays at Tucson Electric Park, so
draw your own conclusions.
MLB announces
2007 rule changes
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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MLB's rules
committee has come out with its rules changes for
the 2007 season. The biggest change is how
statistics and suspended games are handled.
Before, a game called with the score tied in the
bottom of the fifth inning or later was to be be
replayed in its entirety, though player statistics
count from the tie game counted. The new rule
states a game stopped when tied in the bottom of
the fifth will be suspended and resumed before the
next scheduled game between the same two clubs,
though it could be finished on the road if no more
games remain at the original club's home park. If
no more games are scheduled between the two teams
and there are playoffs implications, a full game
will be played. (This is currently the system in
minor-league baseball.) Other rule changes clarify
how errors are scored; how defensive indifference
should play during a stolen base; the addition of
a 10-game suspension to any position player
umpires say is scuffing the baseball; and
prohibits position players from catching a foul
ball in the dugout (they may reach into the
dugout, but not actually enter it).
Barons announce 2007
Rickwood Classic
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League)
announced this year's Rickwood Classic will be
played on May 30 at 12:35 p.m., with the
Jacksonville Suns in town. Rickwood Field is
touted by the team as the oldest ballpark in
America (a designation some might dispute), and it
was the team's home since the Barons brought
baseball back to Birmingham in 1964.
As in past years, the Rickwood Classic will celebrate a
particular era of Birmingham’s baseball history.
In 2007, the Barons will celebrate their
affiliation with the Kansas City A’s organization
in 1964 and 1965, which coincides with the first
two years of existence for the Southern League.
Barons players will don the gold, road uniforms of
the 1964 Birmingham Barons. The Jacksonville Suns
will wear their uniforms from the 1967 team that
featured Hall-of-Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.
Rickwood Field was vacant for two seasons before the Barons
were reborn in 1964 in the newly
formed Southern League. Rickwood saw stars such as
Bert Campaneris, Tony LaRussa, Dave Duncan,
Rene and Marcel Lachemann, and manager John
McNamara during this time period.
ULB to continue
Texas Winter League next year
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The independent United League Baseball announced
it will continue the Texas Winter League in 2008,
despite some bumps in the road this year. Four
teams played an abbreviated pay-for-play season
in
Harlingen. "It can only get better," said Craig
Brasfield, president and chief operating officer
of the Winter League and ULB. "We did not do
nearly as well as we hoped financially, due to the
terrible weather, but the purpose of the league
was accomplished." A total of 16 players were
signed by the ULB for its regular summer league
play, with more expected to be drafted as summer
nears. For those keeping score at home, the
Brownsville Toros snared the first winter-league
title.
So long to the suite life
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The
argument here is that sports teams are suffering
because they're converting suites into other
premium spaces. But the people quoted here
actually counter that presumption: Seattle's Bob
Aylward says the decision to eliminate some suites
in favor of party areas resulted in increased
revenue. (The trick is understanding most sports
facilities deal with unsold inventories most of
the time.) There are some solid business reasons
as to why business entertainment (and not just at
sports games) is on the wane, and this article
points out how sports teams are focusing a little
less on corporate sales and more on individual
premium sales.
Heart and Seoul of spring
training
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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You can find spring training in more places than
just Florida and Arizona. If you're in Hawaii, you
can see the Hanwha Eagles of Korean professional
baseball
train at Central O'ahu Regional Park. Korean
baseball has some links to Hawaii -- the LG Twins
formerly trained there as well -- and those links
could be expanded in the future, as Korean
baseball authorities explore sending players to
Hawaii Winter Baseball.
Pulaski goes to bat at
Calfee Field
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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You've got to give the Appy League officials some
credit: they worked like heck to come up with a
replacement parent team for
Pulaski
after Toronto pulled its affiliation. The locals
aren't pleased, especially after they stepped
forward to renovate Calfee Field over the last few
years. We expect the Appy League to continue to
look for a replacement -- playing with nine teams
is OK for one year but not acceptable on a
long-term basis -- so Pulaski may not be lacking
pro baseball for a long stretch.
RELATED STORIES:
Appalachian League to operate with nine teams in
2007;
Pulaski searching for sub;
Pulaski loses Jays as parent; negotiations
underway for replacement;
Blue Jays inform Appy League of plan to pull from
Pulaski
Amsterdam to
host 2007 NYCBL All-Star Game; Dittman comes
aboard as owner
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Amsterdam Mohawks made lots of news last week.
First, it was announced the team is hosting the
2007 New York Collegiate Baseball League All-Star
Game at July 6 at Shuttleworth Park. The park is
in the midst of a five-year renovation plan that
will see seating increased to 3,000; already
installed is a brick backstop and blue seats from
Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium. It was also
announced that Dave Dittman, formerly the owner of
the NECBL's Newport Gulls and Vermont
Mountaineers, is the new co-owner of the
franchise.
University of Michigan names
area near ballpark after Wilpon family
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The
University of
Michigan announced that New York Mets owner Fred
Wilpon and his wife, Judy, have given the
university $12 million through their foundation,
which includes $5 million to create a sport injury
prevention center, $3 million for need-based
scholarships, and a previously announced $4
million gift for improvements at the baseball and
softball stadiums. At their regular monthly
meeting Thursday, U-M regents named the area
around the ballparks as the Wilpon Baseball and
Softball Complex after Fred Wilpon's parents,
Frances and Nathan Wilpon.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 19, 2007 (feedback)
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The Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A;
Sally
League) announced that WICL Cool 95.9FM, a
Prettyman Broadcasting station, will serve as the
new flagship station for Suns’ radio broadcasts.
The two year deal covers all baseball games during
the Suns 2007 and 2008 seasons. All 140 games each
season will air live on Cool 95.9FM, marking the
club's first foray into FM radio in the tri-state
community. In addition, all games are available
over the Internet at www.hagerstownsuns.com....Local
performer and composer Jeremy Hegg is the
new organist for the Sioux Falls Canaries
(independent; American Association) for the 2007
season. Hegg will run the team’s music operations
during all 48 home games....The Tennessee
Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) have named
Mick Gillispie as the radio play-by-play
announcer on the Smokies Radio Network for the
2007 season. Gillispie, a native of Westminster,
Maryland, joins the Smokies after two years with
the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA;
Southern League) as their secondary radio
announcer behind long-time announcer Larry Ward.
Mick will join the Smokies officially on March
15....The independent South Coast League
announced a league-wide agreement with Victory
Custom Athletic as the Official Uniform of
the SCL for the inaugural 2007 season. Victory
currently supplies on field uniforms for more than
20 different independent teams throughout the
United States, and is also the league supplier for
both the Golden Baseball League and
United League Baseball. In addition to being
the SCL's exclusive uniform provider, Victory will
partner with South Coast League to pay tribute to
the Negro Leagues with a “Throwback” uniform
promotion in each market during the season.
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