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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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!
Scoreboard will be dominant at new Allentown park
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The
Lehigh
Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) unveiled plans for what they
call the new ballpark's "signature piece," a 9 1/2-story high scoreboard that will
feature one of the largest video boards in minor-league baseball. Topping the
95-foot board will be a giant Coca-Cola bottle which will spout fireworks after IronPigs' home runs. The centerpiece of the scoreboard is the 20x50-foot LED
high-definition video board. At 1,000 square feet, it will be nearly double the
size of the 15x35-foot board (525 square feet) at Reading's FirstEnergy Stadium,
and more than triple the size of the board at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's PNC Field
(15x22, 330 square feet). In addition to videos such as player introductions and
promotions, the board will have the capability to use feeds from the team's own
cameras as well as tap into the feed from Service Electric broadcasts to run
replays and highlights. The photo below is taking from the grandstand; the new
scoreboard framing is to the right.
Pro baseball back in Dubuque?
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Joe
Chlapaty, a minority investor in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and a graduate of the
University of Dubuque, says he's interested in bringing pro baseball back to the
city to a new privately financed ballpark in the Port of Dubuque area. The
target for Chlapaty would be the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A: Midwest League);
the talk in minor-league circles is that the ownership group led by Dennis
Connerton is ready to throw in the towel after unsuccessful efforts to land a
new ballpark in the Beloit market. This isn't the first time in recent years
someone has eyed the Dubuque market: Michael Gartner, then owner of the Michigan
Battle Cats (Low Class A; Midwest League), made a plea for a publicly funded
ballpark, but voters rejected the plan via referendum.
More from the Telegraph
Herald.
The Detroit Tigers are roaring again
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The
Detroit Tigers have become a hot ticket, not to mention a real turnaround story
in a town hungry for comebacks. The team's resurrection isn't just on the field,
either. Not only is attendance up, but almost every patch of advertising space
in the stadium is sold out. Owner Michael Ilitch says he made money for the
first time last year since he bought the franchise in 1992. One reason is that
making it to the World Series last year helped double season ticket sales, to
more than 19,000 seats. Still, says Ilitch in a rare interview: "Building
baseball was tough for me. It's an expensive sport. You lose a lot of money."
UA Athletics skittish about skyboxes, Naturals
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We're
not sure to what extent the University of Arkansas is worried about the
impending presence of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League);
the team's entry into the local market will surely have some sort of impact, but
it's a little too early to make any sort of definitive judgment, and the local
business publication may be jumping to conclusions. Here's the deal: UA does a
pretty good job of selling luxury suites at Baum Stadium, Reynolds Razorback
Stadium and Bud Walton Arena, and the concern is that folks would rather buy
luxury suites at Naturals games. To some degree it may be an either/or decision
for a smaller business, but it sounds like the larger companies are looking to
lease suites at multiple venues.
'Go Cubs Go' -- An anthem reborn at Wrigley Field
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The
late Steve Goodman occupies a special place in the hearts of Cubs fans, penning
the immortal "Go Cubs Go," played at
Wrigley Field
after a Cubs win. Goodman, a Northwest Side native who began regularly attending
Cub games when he was 8, recorded "Go Cubs Go" in advance of the 1984 season,
just months before he died of leukemia at 36. Among the backup vocalists on the
refrain are former players Gary Matthews, Thad Bosley, Jay Johnstone, Jody Davis
and Keith Moreland -- dubbed "The Chicago Cubs Chorus" on the label. He also
wrote a song Dallas Green hated: "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request," about
dropping a "routine fly" at the "ivy-covered burial ground." Goodman knew he was
ill in 1981 when he wrote "Dying Cub Fan," a wry, bluesy salute to perpetual
failure at Clark and Addison, though he always insisted it wasn't
autobiographical.
Keys enjoy 'great year' under new ownership
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The
Frederick Keys (High Class A; Class-A team, an affiliate of the Baltimore
Orioles, welcomed an attendance spike this year that team officials are
attributing to field upgrades, including new sand-based sod and new ownership.
They said the new sod drew more major league players rehabilitating from
injuries, which in turn attracted more fans. And investments from the team’s new
owner are also fostering the growth, they say. Maryland Baseball Holding LLC,
led by Ken Young, purchased the Keys in November from Comcast-Spectacor, with
the intent to contribute to a $5.1 million renovation package for Harry Grove
Stadium. With help from the state and city of Frederick, new reserve seating and
field upgrades were complete before the season.
Wuerfel Park to sport Sport Turf
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Wuerfel
Sports Development President/CEO, John Wuerfel, announced today the company has
signed with GeneralSports Venue of Rochester (Mich.) to install GameDay XPe turf
at Wuerfel Park, home of the Traverse
City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League). "We knew before the end of the regular season we were going to
make the move to a sports turf field." said Wuerfel, "We just had to find the
right product and the right company for our park." Work began on the field on
September 11th when the red infield and warning tracks were bulldozed up and
briefly stockpiled before being trucked to their new homes. The red was donated
to two area high schools, Glen Lake and Leelanau St. Mary's. The playing field
has been lowered eight inches and compacted. Six inches of packed gravel will be
hauled in to serve as a base and the GameDay XPe turf will bring the field back
up to its original height.
A's played last KC game 40 years ago
Posted Sept. 27, 2007 (feedback)
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Forty
years ago tonight, a young Jim Hunter -- the fans called him Catfish --was in
the zone. Bottom of the ninth, two outs. The frustrated White Sox had managed
just three hits and no runs. Was it heat? A change-up? Whatever: Chicago first
baseman Tom McCraw liked what he saw and took a hack at Hunter’s offering.
Pop-up, foul territory. The game, second of a doubleheader at
Municipal Stadium, 22nd and Brooklyn,
was over. So was the tenure of the Kansas City Athletics, as owner Charlie
O'Finley moved the team to Oakland the following season.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 27, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss) Tony
Arnerich is returning as manager of the St. Cloud River Bats (summer
collegiate; Northwoods League). A former player with the Bats, Arnerich stepped
into a bad situation with the R-Bats in 2006 and led the team to the Northwoods
League crown this season....Matt Hoffmaster (Client Relationship
Manager/Merchandise) and Adam Lanzendorfer (Client Relationship Manager)
have accepted full-time positions on the front-office staff of the Reading
Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League). Both were interns with the club this
past season. Hoffmaster graduated from Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in
Sport Management this year. He interned with the Reading Phillies during his
sophomore, junior and senior years at Slippery Rock. Lanzendorfer graduated from
Lock Haven University in 2006 with a B.S. in Sport Administration. With the R-Phils
he’ll be involved in sponsorship sales, the Learning with Baseball school
program and the team’s speakers bureau....Brian Murphy will not return as
the manager of the Battle Creek Bombers (summer collegiate; Northwoods
League) next season. Murphy, who is in his third season as an assistant coach at
Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, led the Bombers in their inaugural season
in 2007....Ripper Hatch joins the Sacramento River Cats (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League) as Vice President of Ticket Sales. In this role,
Hatch will oversee all functions related to the sale of tickets for River Cats
baseball and all other events at Raley Field.
As a result of the addition of Hatch, longtime River Cats’ executive staff
member Andy Fiske's role will change to Vice President of Marketing and
Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Fiske will oversee all marketing,
advertising and promotions for the River Cats and
Raley Field...
Champaign-Urbana baseball franchise in works
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Matt
Perry, chief executive officer of Denver-based National Sports Services, is
working to bring an independent Frontier League team to Champaign-Urbana's
Illinois Field, the home of the University of Illinois. The venture is tied to
plans by Perry's group for an extensive renovation of Illinois Field by the time
the proposed team begins play, most likely in 2009. Steven Edelson, managing
director of Northbrook-based International Facilities Group, would be the
principal owner of the franchise. IFG has been involved in the development of
numerous sports stadiums and arenas, including U.S. Cellular Field and the
United Center in Chicago. the renovation would include a new seating bowl with
seating capacity of 3,000 to 4,000; group suites; administrative office space; a
new clubhouse or expansion of the current one; hospitality areas; additional
restrooms; new ticket windows and additional food and concessions facilities;
and a kids play area. The big issue: beer cannot be sold at the facility, and it
would take an act by the state legislature to overturn that law.
The folks in Bloomington-Normal who want to bring an independent Frontier League
team to Heartland Community College say this boosts their chances of succeeding.
More from the Springfield
Journal-Register. More
from the Belleville News-Democrat.
Champaign-Urbana baseball franchise in works
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Matt
Perry, chief executive officer of Denver-based National Sports Services, is
working to bring an independent Frontier League team to Champaign-Urbana's
Illinois Field, the home of the University of Illinois. The venture is tied to
plans by Perry's group for an extensive renovation of Illinois Field by the time
the proposed team begins play, most likely in 2009. Steven Edelson, managing
director of Northbrook-based International Facilities Group, would be the
principal owner of the franchise. IFG has been involved in the development of
numerous sports stadiums and arenas, including U.S. Cellular Field and the
United Center in Chicago. the renovation would include a new seating bowl with
seating capacity of 3,000 to 4,000; group suites; administrative office space; a
new clubhouse or expansion of the current one; hospitality areas; additional
restrooms; new ticket windows and additional food and concessions facilities;
and a kids play area. The big issue: beer cannot be sold at the facility, and it
would take an act by the state legislature to overturn that law.
The folks in Bloomington-Normal who want to bring an independent Frontier League
team to Heartland Community College say this boosts their chances of succeeding.
More from the Springfield
Journal-Register. More
from the Belleville News-Democrat.
Come opening day, no mud for these 'Pigs
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As
Coca-Cola Park, the future home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA;
International League), takes shape around him in an operatic cacophony of
pneumatic hammers, power saws and bulldozers, Bill Butler has grass on his mind:
Kentucky bluegrass, to be exact, enough to cover 80,000 square feet of infield
and outfield. Butler's worked for a number of minor-league teams as
groundskeeper -- the Bowie Baysox (Class AA; Eastern League), Myrtle Beach
Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) and Lakewood BlueClaws (Low Class A;
Sally League) -- and should have a fun time building the field from scratch.
Speaking of Coca-Cola Park: we toured the ballpark recently and will be posting
an account shortly. Meanwhile, the photo below should give you a little appetite
for seeing the new ballpark when it opens next season. Here's the grandstand; if
you look at field level you can see the unique dugout suites planned for behind
home plate.
Cities positioning for 2009 World Baseball Classic
Posted Sept. 26, 2007 (feedback)
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Planning
is underway for the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and cities and ballpark
operators are preparing their bids to host games at their venues. We've heard
officials with
Angel Stadium
and Petco Park
are eager to host the finals, and among the spring venues bids are being
prepared by the operators of Roger Dean Stadium
and the Ballpark at Disney's Wide
World of Sports, among others. A potentially intriguing bid
could come from Jose "Pepe" Maiz, the successful owner of
the Monterrey Sultanes who has said publicly he wants to see WBC games at
Estadio Monterrey. It would be a smart move by MLB to place games there; Mexican
baseball has been resurgent lately.
Pirates make it official: Huntington is new GM
Posted Sept. 26, 2007 (feedback)
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As
we reported last week, Neal Huntington is the new general manager of the
Pittsburgh Pirates, as the team officially introduced him to the press
yesterday. Huntington has spent 16 seasons in professional baseball. The past 10
seasons, he has served as a key member of the Cleveland Indians' management team
that rebuilt the Indians into a consistent winner by aggressively acquiring
young talent through the draft, the international market and trades, and
developing that talent through the minor-league system.
Bids for Norwich ballpark work top estimates
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Two
bids for replacing the playing field at Dodd Stadium came in higher than
expected Tuesday, and city officials said they would review the proposals
carefully before voting on approval the project. The city is required to replace
the 13-year-old playing surface this fall according to the lease with the
Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League). The Baseball Stadium Authority
estimated the project to cost about $190,000 and included it in a $610,000 bond
package approved Sept. 4 by the City Council. The city received two bids by
Tuesday's deadline, purchasing agent William Block said. Sports Turf Specialties
of Plainville, Mass., submitted a base bid of $222,476, with an added fee of
$16,195 to relocate portions of the outfield warning track. Landscape Creations
of Rhode Island, based in Wakefield, R.I., submitted a bid of $242,955 to
replace the playing field and $24,275 for the warning-track work.
Visa gizmo gives Giants fans new way to buy garlic fries
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Visa
has come up with another reason to get to AT&T Park early tomorrow night for
Barry Bonds' last home game as a San Francisco Giant: It's handing out gizmos
that will provide a futuristic way to settle a beer bet over whether Bonds will
send a farewell homer splashing into McCovey Cove. The first 1,000 fans entering
the Field Club level at AT&T Park will receive a free Visa Micro Tag, a device
the size of a keyless car remote that consumers can whip out instead of a credit
or debit card and wave near "contactless" payment terminals. The freebies will
be loaded with $15 and can be used at the ballpark's concession stands or
outside retailers such as 7-Eleven, McDonald's or Office Depot that have
tap-to-pay terminals. These devices are the wave of the future and we'd expect
many minor-league teams to adopt their usage in the future, though consumers
have seemingly been reluctant to use them; Exxon/Mobil, for instance, equips its
gas stations with contactless terminals but we seldom see anyone using the
payment fobs.
Indians likely to leave Winter Haven quietly
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In
1996, the city held a parade for the Cleveland Indians after the team reached
the World Series the year before. "There were TV cameras from all over the
world," said Commissioner Charlie Cone, who drives around town with an Indians
license plate on the front of his car. This year, many favor the Indians to
reach the World Series again after winning a division title. But don't plan on a
parade for the team or a party at Chain of Lakes Park. This will be the Indians'
last year in Winter Haven, as the team prepares for a move to Goodyear, Az., for
spring training 2009. And it is the city's last year to dump about $1 million
into spring training.
China to participate in Arizona Fall League
Posted Sept. 26, 2007 (feedback)
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We've
always found attending games in the Arizona Fall League to be a great way to
scout players and watch good baseball in a relaxed atmosphere, but here's an
added inventive to head to Phoenix before the end of the year: The Chinese
National Team will become the first international team to participate in the
Arizona Fall League. The 16th season of the AFL will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
Team China will play one game against each of the six teams in the Arizona Fall
League during the period of Oct. 25-31. Team USA, a national team of
non-40-man-roster players from MLB organizations, also will play one game
against each of the six Arizona Fall League teams. The results and statistics of
the Team China and Team USA games will count in the Arizona Fall League.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 26, 2007 (feedback)
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(discuss) Ed
Nottle is stepping down as manager of the Sioux City Explorers
(independent; American Association). He's been there for 10 of the franchise's
15 years of existence. Singing Ed makes a mark wherever he goes: he certainly
promotes whatever team he works for, but perhaps he wore out his welcome in
Sioux City: the team averaged 1,974 fans a game last season. No word on a
replacement; Ed says he wants to work somewhere next season, however....The
El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association) have renewed current
Field Manager Butch Henry's contract for the next two seasons. Henry
joined the Diablos organization in 2006 replacing former field manager Mike
Marshall at midseason. In 2007 the Diablos won the first half of the Southern
Division and clenched their first playoff spot in seven years....Monica
Ortega is the new vice president/general manager of the Tri-City Dust
Devils (short season; Northwest League). It makes Ortega the only female GM
in the Northwest League). Ortega, a native of Victorville, Calif., has spent the
past three seasons with the High Desert Mavericks (High Class A;
California League). The Brett brothers, who own the Mavericks and the Dust
Devils, moved the Mavs to Adelanto in 1991. Brent Miles, part owner of
the Dust Devils, will continue to serve as the Dust Devils' president....Corpus
Christi Hooks Assistant General Manager Michael Wood and Arkansas
Travelers Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Bill Valentine
were named co-execs of the year in the Class AA Texas League....The
Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League) announced several
promotions and additions to its staff. Sarah Cislo has been promoted to
assistant general manager -- promotions; Matt Almond has been named
director of sponsorships; Moira Mis has been named group sales
coordinator; and Nikki Stokes has added account executive duties along
with her promotions coordinator position....Mark Parent has resigned as
manager of the Chico Outlaws (independent; Golden Baseball League) and
will be replaced by hitting coach Jon Macalutas....
Cuban still interested in owning Cubs
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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Mark
Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, indicated Monday on Fox Sports Radio
that he was interested in buying the Chicago Cubs. "I'm going to try, but that’s
all I can say," Cuban told the radio station. "They made it real clear that I
can't comment on anything. Otherwise I would. But I had fun, I was at the game
the other night, it was a great comeback. That should tell you where my heart’s
at." Some in baseball and the media discount Cuban's chances of landing the Cubs
-- indeed, we were told by one prominent Chicago newspaper columnist
(erroneously) that Cuban wasn't going be allowed to bid on the team -- but they
shouldn't. The flamboyant Cuban may spin out of control occasionally, but in
recent seasons he's toned down his act, and he does have a cogent strategy when
it comes to the future of media and sports. The sale of the Cubs by the Tribune
Co. will be heavily scrutinized; because the sale of the team comes from a
public corporation, MLB may have a hard time dictating who actually ends up with
the team: Tribune Co. has a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders to get the
maximum value for the team. We hear a group led by John Canning Jr. is still the
frontrunner to land the team, but the valuation may be more than his group
anticipated as the market will set the price of the team. There's been a lot of
buzz surrounding the sale of the team:
New York Magazine says agent Scott Boras is hinting that Alex Rodriguez may sign
a free-agent deal with the Cubbies if he gets a chunk of the team (something
MLB will certainly not go for, as players are prohibited via the Collective
Bargaining Agreement in owning a team); given the limited market for Rodriguez's
services,
this may more be a matter of Boras trying to drive up the price of his client
and the case of an inexperienced writer pushing an "exclusive" with nothing
behind it. RELATED STORIES:
Tribune may sell off Cubs assets piecemeal;
Cubs sale a slow deal;
Chasing the Cubs;
Bidders: Cubs, Wrigley go together;
Cubs on the block
MLB sets yet another attendance record
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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For
the fourth consecutive year Major League Baseball on Sunday broke its all-time
attendance record. At the close of September 23, the total announced attendance
for 2007 is 76,215,082, eclipsing last year's final attendance of 76,042,787.
With seven days of the regular season remaining, MLB is assured of shattering
all prior attendance marks. Current projections are for a more than 4 percent
increase over last year's record. Now, before you send us nasty emails pointing
out the flaws in how baseball releases attendance figures, let us assure you
these numbers refer to tickets sold, not turnstile counts.
R-Phils to tear up the field --
literally
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The
Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) season may be over but the playing
field at FirstEnergy Stadium is going to see its share of hits this weekend and
ultimately take a big hit as well. The hits will come on Friday night from five
tribute bands in concert that pay homage to AC/DC, Journey, U2, Bon Jovi and
Aerosmith while the big hit happens on Saturday when the field will be trashed
after a demolition derby.
"We’re replacing our playing surface for the 2008 baseball
season so we decided to make getting rid of the old grass fun for the whole
family," said R-Phils general manager Scott Hunsicker. "Both of these shows give
fans a chance to get on this field one last time and cheer for some top notch
entertainment."
The R-Phils are going to destroy their field on Saturday
night by hosting a demolition derby right on the infield. While the infield
arena will make for spectacular views of the cars and field being wrecked, the
outfield grass will serve as the drivers’ pit area and will open to fans for one
hour pre-derby. The Smashin’, Bashin’, Field Trashin’ Demolition Derby is
presented by Pabst, Rock Hits Y-102 and J & J Demolitions.
Angels are winning, inc.
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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Beginning
with the hiring of Bill Stoneman and Mike Scioscia, ignited by the 2002 World
Series breakthrough and title under Disney and elevated to new baseball and
business heights since Arte Moreno bought the team in 2003 (revenue has about
doubled in that time, according to two people familiar with the figures), the
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization is now one of the most successful in
Major League Baseball, and the good times don't appear to be ending any time
soon at Angel Stadium. There have been
three division titles in the last four years, four playoff appearances in the
last six and five straight seasons of more than 3 million in red-clad
attendance. All that has helped turn the Angels into a revenue-sharing donor --
they gave $11 million to the industry pool in 2005 -- rather than many years as
an under-marketed and underachieving recipient. It is an unprecedented chapter
in the history of a franchise that often featured a revolving door to the
offices of the general manager and manager, an often shortsighted attempt in
misappropriated dollars and talent to win one for the Cowboy during the Autry
ownership, and an often miscalculated drive to compete with the Dodgers on the
marquee.
Cordaro named O-Royals GM
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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Martie
Cordaro is the new general manager of the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League). Cordaro, who served last season as the club’s assistant general manager
for business development is a nine-year veteran of Minor League Baseball.
Cordaro came to Omaha from Battle Creek, Michigan where he
spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons as the general manager for the Southwest
Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League), also owned by Ivy Walls
Management Company.
During the 2007 season, the Omaha Royals saw attendance grow
to a five year record high. Average attendance was 4,803, drawing 326,627 fans
during 68 home games. Cordaro orchestrated an agreement with Werner Enterprises
to be the Omaha Royals' season title sponsor, the first in the club’s history.
In addition, the organization recorded its highest total revenue since 2002.
Cordaro listed several goals he has for the 2008 season
include increased attendance, expanded community involvement and new promotions
to attract a greater variety of fans.
Cordaro also introduced his new management team. Kyle Fisher
has been named Vice President of Baseball Operations. Fisher is starting his
eighth year with the Royals. Eric Leach will join the Royals as Assistant
General Manager in charge of Group Sales. Leach is a native of Nebraska and a
graduate of Millard North High School. Leach has spent 10 seasons working in
professional sports, most recently with the Lexington Legends. In addition, Rob
Crain will be the club’s new Director of Marketing. Crain transferred to Omaha
in September of 2006 from another franchise team owned by Ivy Walls to work in
the Royals’ Marketing Department. And Jeff Gogerty has been named Director of
Ticket Operations. 2008 will mark Gogerty’s eleventh season with the Royals
having started with the team in 1998 as a bat boy.
Kauffman Stadium goal: more concerts
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One
of the reasons for the remodeling
of Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas
City Royals: being able to handle more concerts and non-game events. Mark Tilson,
marketing and sales vice president, joined the Royals staff earlier this year
after a stint at the San Diego Padres' Petco Park.
"Kauffman Stadium is going to be one of the premier venues in the Midwest,"
Tilson said. "There will be an initiative to have major concerts once again at
Kauffman." Plans include a hall of fame building in the left field area that
will include meeting facilities. A year-round restaurant and rooftop party deck
for 200 people will be on the right-field side and overlook the playing field.
Centene project doesn't help first phase of Ballpark Village
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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Despite
the fanfare Sunday surrounding Centene Corp.'s decision to move its headquarters
to St. Louis's Ballpark Village from Clayton, the $387-million first phase of
the project remains more promise than substance. Cordish Co., the
Baltimore-based developer of that project, has yet to announce a groundbreaking
date. Indeed, a general timeline has been pushed back twice -- the first time to
late summer or early fall from spring 2007, and most recently to as late as
early winter. Long touted as the crown jewel of downtown revitalization, the
Cordish development was slated to open by the July 2009 Major League Baseball
All-Star Game, to be hosted at Busch Stadium.
City repaid in Tiger Stadium case
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Detroit Tigers reimbursed the city of Detroit $3,600 because seats, turnstiles
and other items are missing from Tiger Stadium. The Tigers, the city and Detroit
police have been working together since Sept. 12, when the team said it became
aware of allegations about unauthorized access and possible larceny from the
shuttered ballpark. The club repaid the city on Friday. The team, which provides
security for the city-owned venue, said it suspended a security officer assigned
to Tiger Stadium based upon an internal investigation. An online auction of a
680-item collection of Tiger Stadium memorabilia, including World Series banners
and the home dugout urinal, is scheduled to run through mid-October.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 25, 2007 (feedback)
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The
independent South Coast League announced the promotion of Ric Sisler
to Vice President of Georgia Operations. Sisler had previously held
the title of General Manager with the Macon Music and will continue to oversee
the Macon market, along with the South Georgia market and assist in the pursuit
of expansion teams in the Peach State. In his new role, Sisler will be
responsible for developing ongoing relationships with the existing sponsors in
both Georgia markets, in addition to developing new and lasting partnerships.
His sales background will allow him to utilize those skills in teaching all
staff members the proper way to establish a solid fan base....Philadelphia
Phillies GM Pat Gillick says next season will be his last....The
short-season New York-Penn League has announced that Melissa
Slingerland of the Williamsport Crosscutters has been named the
2007 NY-P League Sports Turf Manager of the Year. Slingerland has served as
the Head Groundskeeper at Bowman Field in 2002-2003 and from 2005-2007. She
began her career on the Bowman Field crew in 1999. In 2004, Slingerland was the
Head Groundskeeper for the Single-A Charlestown RiverDogs.
Nationals end RFK era with big crowd, win
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Washington Nationals ended the RFK Stadium era with
a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies before the largest crowd of the year,
40,519. There were no riots marking the end of the Nats at RFK. As you'll
recall, a much smaller crowd was a lot rowdier in 1971 after Bob Short announced
he was moving his Washington Senators to Texas after the season; the locals
didn't appreciate the loss of the team and registered their disapproval. Next
season the Nats will play in a new ballpark in southeast Washington, but
RFK Stadium will go on as the home of MLS's DC
United.
Dave Sheinin says that with the loss of RFK StadiumShea Stadium becomes the worst venue in
major-league baseball. We're not so sure that's true: familiarity may lead to
disgust, but at least at Shea Stadium fans
are outdoors, but there are no views of the sun at our least-favorite MLB
facility, the Metrodome.
More from the Washington Times, the
Washington Examiner, the
Philadelphia Inquirer and
Marc Fisher.
Augusta developer wants contributions for new ballpark study
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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An
Augusta businessman hopes to raise $75,000 in private contributions to finance a
feasibility study for a downtown ballpark for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low
Class A; Sally League) that would include the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame's golf
gardens property. The proposed ballpark, with seating for 5,000 to 6,000 people,
would occupy parcels between 11th and 13th streets. The study would determine
whether the project would fit on the site and also answer questions such as
cost, funding options, parking and other factors. RELATED STORIES: Augusta ballpark
study might start soon
GCC offers assistance to ailing Dwyer Stadium
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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Genesee
Community College, which often tailors programs to meet local business and
cultural needs, is offering to help bail out financially troubled, city-owned
Dwyer Stadium. The GCC board of trustees has approved a memorandum of
understanding with the Batavia Regional Recreation Corporation, which operates
the stadium, that offers a variety of assistance, primarily to the Batavia
Muckdogs (short season; NY-Penn League). Mutual benefits include GCC interns
working in sports management, merchandising and media relations to reduce the
team’s payroll, while the college gets to use the stadium for GCC’s home
baseball games and gets a hands-on venue for its sports management program.
Pirates may be settling on Huntington as GM
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Pittsburgh Pirates are planning a news conference as early as Tuesday to
announce their new general manager, a sign they may have settled on Indians
executive Neal Huntington as their choice. Despite conflicting news reports that
Huntington was or wasn't the Pirates' pick, he emerged as the front-runner late
last week and there has been no sign since from the club that it has moved its
search elsewhere. He currently serves as a special assistant to Cleveland
general manager Mark Shapiro. Huntington, 37, would replace Dave Littlefield,
who was fired earlier this month after failing to produce a winning season since
being hired in July 2001. The Pirates were assured of their fifth season with 90
or more losses since 2000 when they lost 8-0 to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday,
their ninth consecutive loss.
Minors' quiet MVP ready to hang spikes
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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Mike
Moore, president of Minor League Baseball, has enjoyed a tenure of Franklin D.
Roosevelt proportions, elected to four consecutive four-year terms. And he has
served all 16 years to boot. Moore took office when the minors were just coming
out of an era of sagging revenues, some unreliable ownership and an abundance of
dilapidated ballparks, many built during FDR's Works Progress Administration. He
has transformed the operation into a booming industry that generates annual
gross revenues of some $500-million, re-packaged with a sense of family fun and
Americana. He's stepping down at the end of the year.
Student seeks Civic Stadium recognition
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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To
Natalie Perrin, a graduate student in historic preservation, nominating Eugene's
Civic Stadium for the National Register of Historic Places seemed like a natural
idea. The wooden ballpark, the current home of the Eugene Emeralds (short
season; Northwest League), is among the few remaining Works Progress
Administration-built stadiums left in the Northwest, she said. Eugene's Historic
Review Board on Thursday will evaluate the nomination, followed by an evaluation
2 1/2 weeks later by the state Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation. The
ultimate decision would be made by a National Park Service official in
Washington, D.C. There are a few issues here. First, the Ems have been talking
with local university officials about a shared facility. Secondly, those who
want to preserve the ballpark or restore it to its original look say the
designation could actually hurt. Designations like this can't really prevent
anyone from tearing down a ballpark, and they can add some red tape to the mix.
Fenway Park to go green --
and not just with the Monster
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Boston Red Sox are taking several steps toward
making Fenway Park
a more green facility -- green as in the
environment, not green as in the Monster. The team
will begin a partnership with the Natural
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and its vendors
by implementing a recycling program, improved
removal of refuse, and the consideration of solar
panels to reduce energy consumption. These
initiatives, and others, will take place over the
next five years, culminating in 2012. The club
already recycles behind the scenes, but the
program calls for staff to collect recyclable
items from fans as well as the installation of
recycling receptacles. Next season concessions
stands will offer more environmentally-friendly
food products, including locally-grown organic
produce. The Red Sox will also be installing more
energy efficient equipment and lighting and will
continue to use safe chemicals for field and park
maintenance. The Red Sox are also considering a
solar-panel installation to conserve energy.
More from the Boston Herald.
Visiting players say Wrigley
Field outfield is unsafe
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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It's
been likened to a pasture and a parking lot. The
outfield surface at
Wrigley Field has been taking hits from
opposing players because of its rough patches,
small holes and uneven terrain. The Cubs plan to
redo the playing surface in the offseason, but
should they get into the playoffs, there could be
questions about safety in the outfield. The
outfield grass was beaten down when two Police
concerts were held in early July at the
second-oldest ballpark in the majors.
New baseball park too costly
for Reading
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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The
daily Reading Eagle comes out against a new
downtown ballpark for the Reading Phillies (Class
AA; Eastern League) and for an additional
renovation of FirstEnergy Stadium. The decision is
a no-brainer: A new riverfront ballpark would cost
$67 million and generate $5.5 million in revenue
over 30 years while renovating FirstEnergy Stadium
in northwest Reading would cost only $26 million
and generate $5 million over the same period of
time, according to the study. In other words, if
the city would chose to build instead of renovate,
it would be spending an additional $41 million and
getting back only $500,000 over three decades.
Besides, the management of the R-Phils is not
pushing for a new ballpark. Despite the smaller
footprint, there are some things that can be done
to FirstEnergy Stadium; suites, for instance.
RELATED STORIES:
Reading mayor opposes building new ballpark
Carroll: McAfee Coliseum a
"pig"
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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San
Francisco Chronicle columnist -- and Oakland
resident -- Jon Carroll isn't too sad about the
prospect of the Oakland A's moving to Fremont,
saying a small ballpark in the southern suburb
would be a good fit. He saves his sharpest barbs
for McAfee
Coliseum, the team's current home: he calls it
"pig of a ballpark, with foul territories so large
that you could build a separate -- and nicer --
ballpark in them. The stuff I like about the A's
-- the quality of the team year in and year out,
the constant infusion of interesting young players
-- would stay the same because the management
would stay the same."
Grooming the grounds
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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While
a baseball game takes nine innings to complete,
keeping the playing surface in shape takes nearly
all day. Matt McQuaid, head groundskeeper for the
Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League),
and his staff work from early morning to late
after the last pitch is tossed maintaining Dow
Diamonds growing and playing surfaces. Taking the
groundskeeper job at Dow Diamond was a homecoming
of sorts for McQuaid. He worked renovating
ballfields as an intern during Comerica Parks
inaugural season and elsewhere before finally
landing near his home turf, so to speak, in
mid-Michigan.
Centene will move its HQ to
Ballpark Village
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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Clayton's
loss is downtown St. Louis' gain. Centene Corp.,
said today it is moving its headquarters from
Clayton to Ballpark Village. In return for the
promise of 1,200 new jobs to downtown within the
next five years, Centene will receive $78 million
in tax incentives from the city for the
approximately $250 million development with more
to come from state and federal programs.
Construction is scheduled to begin on the Centene
Centre complex in summer of 2008. Ballpark Village
is a development project spearheaded by the St.
Louis Cardinals next to the new
Busch Stadium.
It's time for city to sell
ballpark
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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The
Indianapolis Business Journal says it's time for
the city to sell Bush Stadium, the former home of
the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International
League), to a developer who will make the hard
decisions about tearing down the old ballpark. No
baseball is being played at the former Victory
Field, and there's really no prospect of finding
an alternate use for the facility in the near
future. We're guessing a developer will want to
raze the ballpark and possible use the striking
facade in some new development.
RELATED STORIES:
Bush Stadium decision on deck
Brooklyn marks 50 years
singing the Dodger blues
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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Today
will come and go without fanfare in Brooklyn this
year, and maybe that’s the way it should be. Who
wants to remember the bitter end to one of the
greatest stories in baseball history? There were
few enough witnesses the first time around. Only
6,673 of the loudest, proudest fans in sport
turned out on that gloomy day in 1957 when the
Dodgers played their last game at
Ebbets Field.
Those who came likened the game to a funeral. Oh,
the end wasn’t official yet. That wouldn’t come
until an announcement on Oct. 8. But everyone knew
it was coming, including organist Gladys Gooding.
Her game-day playlist included "Am I Blue?" "Don’t
Ask me Why I’m Leaving," and "After You’re Gone."
Of course, time does heal all wounds;
so does the presence of the Brooklyn Cyclones
(short season; NY-Penn League), which is quite
successful playing at
KeySpan Park.
More from the New York Daily News.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Sept. 24, 2007 (feedback)
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The
independent Golden Baseball League
announced that Reno Silver Sox General Manager
and League Director of Operations Curt Jacey
has been named the 2007 Golden Baseball
League Executive of the Year. Jacey is the
first member of the Reno Silver Sox organization
to win the award. Jacey has spent the past two
seasons with the Reno Silver Sox and was promoted
this season to general manager of the club. Curt
oversaw an expanded promotion schedule in Reno
that included The Famous Chicken and an Election
Night with real voting by local residents. In his
role as Director of Operations for the League,
Curt coordinated and managed all facets of the
League’s promotional items, merchandise vendors,
and League wide sponsor fulfillment....The
independent Atlantic League named the
Newark Bears’ John Brandt as General
Manager of the Year. Brandt oversaw the Bears'
complete turnaround in 2007, in which the team won
30 more games than in 2006 and actual attendance
increased by 10 percent. He has won Atlantic
League General Manager of the Year twice, winning
the award in 2002 with the Camden Riversharks....Rancho
Cucamonga Quakes Executive Vice President and
General Manager Gerard McKearney and
Stockton Ports President Pat Filippone
have been named as the co-recipients of the
California League Executive of the Year Award
for the 2007 season....
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