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Archives: Dec. 3-9, 2005

Miami-Dade seeks solution for a Marlins ballpark
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Miami-Dade County Commissioners pushed Thursday for one more stab at salvaging a deal to help the Marlins build a ballpark, perhaps next to Dolphins Stadium with the help of Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga. Commissioners asked County Manager George Burgess to meet with the Marlins to analyze whether any ballpark options remain. Later Thursday, Burgess met with Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy to see if a deal is still possible. Talks have focused on whether a deal can be struck with Huizenga, who, sources say, has offered 15 acres and about $50 million for a ballpark near Dolphins Stadium. It's unclear precisely how a deal would be structured, but even with the Marlins and county participating a funding gap that might be as high as $100 million remains. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Bad marriage brings fire sale, suitors; Marlins begin relocation tour in San Antonio; Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins; Seven cities express interest in Marlins; Miami City Manager: Samson lied about Marlins' share; Goodman: Las Vegas is interested in Marlins; Marlins will explore relocation; Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand; Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Council set to debate lease agreement, cost estimate
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The D.C. Council today is expected to get its first look at two things critical to defining the future of baseball in the District: a lease agreement for a new ballpark along South Capitol Street and a new cost estimate for an alternative site near RFK Stadium. The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission and MLB have signed off on the lease. Meanwhile, D.C. Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi plans to submit a new estimate for construction at the RFK site, complete with an analysis of the economic development potential there. The two items are expected to set off a flurry of debate on a heavily divided council, which now has just 12 days to decide whether baseball along the Anacostia River will become a reality.
    RELATED STORIES: New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million; Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says; Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark; MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark; Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.; D.C. lease talks stumble; New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal; D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed; Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts; D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today; Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark; Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan; Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council debate on financing looms; D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal; Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council

Canaries to issue bobblehead commemorating ill-fated implosion
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Well, you can tell the planning for the 2006 is well underway when team start issuing press releases regarding their promotions. We received one from that creative crew at the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association), announcing the team is planning to give away a miniature Zip Feed Bobble Building during the 2006 season. For those not glued to CNN or MSNBC, the Zip Feed demolition made for amusing watching when a demolition crew failed to fell it. It also allowed many of us, especially North Dakotans, to joke about the rather diminutive tower being the tallest building in South Dakota.

York ballpark tax plan carries caution flags
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An offer by the York County Industrial Development Authority to have the county and the local school district portion out a $100,000 payment in lieu of taxes -- with a 2 percent annual escalation to begin in the sixth year of a 20-year agreement -- is being met with some skepticism among school-board members, who wonder whether the new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team would indeed be exempt from local property taxes. If it is, the payment is a good deal; if not, the payment is far lower than property taxes would yield. And therein lies the rub.
    RELATED STORIES: York ballpark property could shrink; York board questions ballpark payments; Ill-timed epiphany on York ballpark; Bottom of the 18th for York ballpark; Brenner goes to bat for York ballpark; York ballpark on life support?

Marion baseball still seen as possibility
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After losing a Midwest League team on a vote of team owners, city officials in Marion continue to debate how to proceed after already committing to a new ballpark. Despite what has been said in the last few months, it now appears the Sally League or the American Association might be a viable alternative to the Midwest League, though the territory would also be a stretch for the Sally League (although that might change with some other potential franchise moves). The decision by the Midwest League to both reject the territory and the Simmons ownership application came after a contentious debate, but in the end every team but one sided with the Midwest League leadership.
    RELATED STORIES: $16 million ballpark needs league of its own; Midwest League rejects Marion

Newark Bears and NJIT announce partnership
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders baseball team will play their home games at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home of the Newark Bears (independent; Atlantic League), beginning in the spring of 2006. This agreement coincides with a previous announcement the college would be expanding its baseball athletic program and moving up to NCAA Division I. The Bears also announced a pretty cool promotion in association with New York Yankees manager Joe Torre: "The Minor League, Major League Call Up" gives the opportunity for four lucky fans to attend a Saturday evening Newark Bears game, have an overnight stay at a New York Hotel, and then attend a Sunday afternoon New York Yankees game, where the fans can sit in Joe Torre’s personal seats. On top of the special promotion, Torre also purchased 250 to go towards the Newark Bears Corporate Care program, which is set up for underprivileged children to attend a game during the summer. In kind, the Newark Bears will donate another 250 tickets to Joe Torre’s Safe At Home Foundation.

New Jersey bill protects ballparks from injury lawsuits
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Ballpark operators would not be held liable if foul balls and errant bats injure fans anywhere in their ballparks under a proposed law unanimously approved by a New Jersey Assembly committee Thursday. The proposal was put together in response to a state Supreme Court ruling issued in September. That ruling granted Louis Maisonave of Newark the right to sue for injuries he received when a line drive struck him in the eye during a 1999 Newark Bears (independent; Atlantic League) game at Riverfront Stadium. Since Maisonave was at a concession stand and not in the stands at the time of the incident, the court ruled his lawsuit was legitimate.

USF seeks Big East baseball tourney
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The University of South Florida  will submit a bid to host the Big East tournament in May at the Bright House Networks Field, the home of the Clearwater Threshers (Class A; Florida State League) and the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Bulls had sought to host the tournament at Legends Field in Tampa, but the dates (May 24-28) conflicted with the Tampa Yankees' minor-league schedule. Instead, the Bulls hope to bring the tournament to Bright House Networks Field, a 7,500-seat ballpark that opened last year.

Feud between Samson, Miami city manager continues
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Marlins President David Samson and Miami City Manager Joe Arriola continued their bickering over what's gone wrong in the development of a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins. Some of it is quite silly: Arriola for some reason doesn't think rent paid on a new ballpark should be credited as a contribution by the Marlins, while Samson is trying to spin his team's actions in the most positive light. But Arriola did cross the line when he told Samson and owner Jeffrey Loria they should sell the team: no business owner should be subject to that sort of condition on government assistance.

Petco Park architect receives big honor
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New Mexico architect Antoine Predock, known for designs that grow out of their environs in the American Southwest, was named Thursday the winner of the 2006 American Institute of Architects' Gold Medal, the highest honor the organization gives an architect.  His projects range in scale from Petco Park, the San Diego Padres ballpark, to the Turtle Creek House in Dallas, completed in 1993 for a client with a passion for bird-watching.

Class presents baseball team project for Terre Haute
Posted December 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the city were to somehow revitalize its downtown area, attract hotel developers and find someone other than taxpayers to renovate the ISU ballpark, then professional baseball might have a shot in Terre Haute, reported a class at Indiana University whose project is determining whether professional baseball is a good fit for the city. We're not so sure the project is as feasible as the students think (that's an awfully large wish list; while they're at it they might as well wish for chocolate-mart dispensers on every corner), but good luck to them.
    RELATED STORIES: Students pitch bringing pro baseball to Terre Haute

$16 million ballpark needs league of its own
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The issue for Marion, Ill., officials is how to proceed now that the Midwest League rejected an application from attorney John Simmons to move the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League) to Marion. Construction has already begun on the ballpark, and the most logical plan would be to lease it to an independent league -- the Frontier League and Northern League would be the logical choices. No doubt Marion would have been an outlier and added to travel expenses for league teams, and MiLB is under a mandate of sorts to decrease travel wear and tear on players. Does this open up a move of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League) to Marion, now that the Midwest League has expressly said Marion is not in the league's territory? (Yes, we know the Sally League has said no to the move once because of geographical concerns.) More from the Marion Daily Republican and the Southern Illinoisan.
    RELATED STORIES: Midwest League rejects Marion

Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A meeting of the Republican majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives saw the caucus come out in favor of addressing various stadium issues, including a proposal for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, in the 2006 session, rather than in a special session. No surprise: the notion of a special session has been dead for a few weeks now. The question is whether legislators will support a new ballpark during an election-year session (both the House and the Senate are up for election in fall 2006); a recent special election won by pro-ballpark Democrat in a swing district may have changed some minds on that issue, however.
    RELATED STORIES: Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Ripkens form GreenJackets ownership group
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cal and Bill Ripken have pulled together a team of current and former professional baseball players to share ownership of the Augusta GreenJackets (Class A; Sally League), with an eye on buying more franchises in the future. (Interestingly, the deal doesn't include the Aberdeen Ironbirds.) The roster of investors now owning shares in the GreenJackets through Baseball Enterprises LLC includes Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Kirby Puckett, as well as current Oriole third baseman Melvin Mora and former Orioles Dennis Martinez, Jason Johnson, David Segui and Mike Boddicker. Nice to see Kirby Puckett resurfacing: after he won a highly publicized sexual-assault case in 2003, he moved away from Minnesota and cut ties with the Twins and baseball.
    RELATED STORIES: GreenJackets unveil new logos, Web site

Bad marriage brings fire sale, suitors
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Linda Robertson says goodbye and good riddance to the Florida Marlins after the team traded yet another starting player, Juan Pierre: six starters have been traded in 14 days, and Miguel Cabrera is the only player left from the 2005 opening-day lineup. If Jeffrey Loria and David Samson meant to shake up the Miami populace, it worked, but the problem is many city leaders were alienated by these actions. Bob DuPuy will be down in Miami today to meet with county officials and presumably see if there's a way to close the $100 million funding gap that currently exists. But let's be real: support in Miami for pro baseball has never been overwhelming. Meanwhile, Marlins season-ticket holders are upset they can't get their money back for 2006 ducats -- and to make the decision worse, the Marlins raised ticket prices for next season. Here's one report that MLB will consider moving some Marlins series to San Juan or Monterrey if attendance drops.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins begin relocation tour in San Antonio; Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins; Seven cities express interest in Marlins; Miami City Manager: Samson lied about Marlins' share; Goodman: Las Vegas is interested in Marlins; Marlins will explore relocation; Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand; Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Silver Hawks still on Kernan wish list
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Former Indiana Gov. and South Bend Mayor Joe Kernan indicated Wednesday that he is still interested in being an owner of the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League), after the Midwest League rejected a proposed move of the team to Marion, Ill. (Interesting timing, especially when you consider Midwest League counsel Dick Nussbaum was head of South Bend's department of law under Kernan and served as general counsel to Kernan when Kernan was South Bend mayor and Indiana governor.) Also rejected was the ownership application of attorney John Simmons; although Alan Levin and Palisades Baseball retain ownership of the South Bend team, league officials said that Simmons can resubmit his application to transfer ownership if he so chooses.

New day brings end to old Busch
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At about 12:24 a.m. today, the last remaining section of Busch Stadium came tumbling down to the cheers and honks from a crowd of onlookers. The occasion was marked by a hail of fireworks set off from the middle of the construction site. By the time the last piece came down, many of the people who braved the cold temperatures to say goodbye had already left. But some families stayed until the very end. Workers still have several weeks of clearing rubble and grading to make way for new the Busch Stadium, rising just to the south.

Minor-league baseball inquiries continue in Port Charlotte
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Director Laura Kleiss Hoeft said there are still several groups interested in bringing a minor league-type baseball team to play 30 or more games at the Charlotte Sports Park during the summer months. The former spring home of the Texas Rangers will play host to a pro Korean team next spring, and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays still retain some interest into moving their spring-training facilities there. We know of at least one independent minor league looking into placing a team there for 2007 as well.

Without new ballparks, poorer teams face extinction
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An excellent point is made in this article: by any measure, New Jersey's Meadowlands makes the most sense as an ultimate destination for the Florida Marlins. The Meadowlands management is itching to build a ballpark as part of a larger development overhaul, and the Madison Square Garden Network would presumably be willing to pay upwards of $50 million for TV rights to a team now that the Yankees and Mets are set up with their own cable outlets. However, the author is wrong when he says no one is yet muttering the "C" word, contraction: we've mentioned it here, and we've heard it from more than one person close to baseball.

New Greenville ballpark construction underway
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction is well underway on the new ballpark for the Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League) on the West side of downtown Greenville. Team officials say construction is about three weeks ahead of schedule. The sod for the field is expected to be laid the first of February. The Drive is an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and the new ballpark will appropriately resemble Boston's Fenway Park, complete with a Green Monster in left field.

Sounds weak
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The local alternative weekly looks at the prospects of a new ballpark for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), with a plan currently before the city's Metro Council. There are some legitimate issues raised here about the tax-increment financing used to build the ballpark, but the larger theme is how small-town politics -- and in this instance, officials in Nashville are acting like they run a small town -- can affect a project like a new ballpark, which many don't consider an essential governmental service. Meanwhile, the public will get a chance to discuss what the new Sounds ballpark will look like, during discussions at a Dec. 15 public meeting.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Marlins bait
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a look at the long and twisted history of finding a home for the Florida Marlins, going all the way back to H. Wayne Huizenga's ownership of the team. Basically, the author lays out all the blame for the current mess on Huizenga, pointing out Broward County is already paying for a new arena to house another Huizenga team, the NHL's Florida Panthers, while the state is paying for baseball improvements to Dolphins Stadium -- in other words, Huizenga's already grabbed the low-lying fruit when it comes to government facility funding. Greg Stoda argues the Fish should either take up Huizenga on his offer of land for a new ballpark or explain why they're turning it down.

Pilots, board close to ballpark lease
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After the chairman of the Peninsula Stadium Authority threw the Peninsula Pilots (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) out of War Memorial Stadium in mid-September, Hank Morgan was worried that the Pilots had played their last game in Hampton. But the authority and the Pilots are now close to a four-year lease that could lead to the ballpark's revitalization. Some funding responsibilities will be shifted -- the Pilots will maintain the facility in lieu of a lease payment -- and money now contributed by Hampton and Newport News will instead be used to fund renovation projects.

STMA announces minor-league turf awards
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Dennis Klein, Brad Detmore, Chris Ralston and Ken Kopinski are the overall classification winners in the Sports Turf Manager of the Year Awards for Minor League Baseball. The awards are sponsored by the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) who honored the winners today at the Baseball Winter Meetings. Klein of the Pacific Coast League Round Rock Express is the Triple-A winner. Detmore of the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Texas League was selected as the best at the Double-A level. Ralston of the California League Bakersfield Blaze was rated tops in the Class A group. Kopinski of the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League is the winner from the short-season circuits. You can see a full list of the winners here.

The latest building salesmen look like the others
Posted December 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A proposal for a megadevelopment in San Antonio containing a  NASCAR track, golf resort, retail center, hotels, a movie theater complex, a rodeo village, a Major League Baseball park and an NFL stadium just looks too good to be true, especially when the details are so vague. There are some projects just too big to be tackled without government subsidy; this would appear to be one of them.

Brick to be renamed
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We've mentioned this before, but here are some more details on the renaming of SBC Bricktown Ballpark, the home of the Oklahoma RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), to AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. However, the SBC naming rights agreement with the ballpark has expired, so there is a possibility that some other corporate name could be attached to the stadium. The RedHawks' 13,066-seat home was Bricktown Ballpark in 1998, then was changed to Southwestern Bell Park, Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark and, on Feb. 15, 2002, SBC Bricktown Ballpark.

Students pitch bringing pro baseball to Terre Haute
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More on the class project at Indiana State to bring pro baseball to the city. We know the Frontier League has shown some interest in the idea, although this article hints (probably quite incorrectly) that affiliated ball would be interested as well. The team would play at ISU's own Sycamore Field. That would mean renovations to the complex, including expanding parking and seating.

A legend of the past gets shot at Hall
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James Donaldson may be the best baseball player you've never heard of, but the African-American great is close to a significant award. Donaldson, a flame-throwing, knee-bending lefthander, pitched for a barnstorming team called All Nations that made several appearances in small Minnesota towns starting around 1912 -- eight years before the formation of the Negro Leagues. As a barnstormer, Donaldson went 80-5 (which, to be blunt, wasn't that unusual for the era: remember, he was playing townballers in rural Minnesota, and the competition wasn't that great), but the bigger factor today lies in the recognition of his peers; the In 1952, the Pittsburgh Courier ran a list of the greatest black players ever and Donaldson was on the list, and N.Y. Giants manager John McGraw once called him the best player he ever saw. He's nominated in a special National Baseball Hall of Fame election to recognize former greats of the Negro Leagues and earlier.

Baseball's Monte Irvin is Essex MVP
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Speaking of former Negro League greats, Monte Irvin might be recognized by Essex County officials, as there's a proposal to rename Orange Park in Orange as  "Monte Irvin Orange Park." The proposal will go before the freeholder board tonight for first reading and could be finalized next week. If approved, county officials plan a renaming ceremony in April for Irvin, his family and his old teammates. In addition to the name change, the county will assemble a committee to determine the best way to honor Irvin inside the park, be it a statue, a plaque or some other memorial. Irvin made his mark with the Newark Eagles and later joined the New York Giants.

Marlins begin relocation tour in San Antonio
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins began their search for a new home in earnest Tuesday, with team president David Samson traveling to San Antonio to meet with area officials who showed them potential ballpark locations around the city and discussed plans to finance a ballpark. Judge Nelson Wolff, the godfather of baseball in San Antonio, said a new ballpark could be financed with a voter-approved extension of the hotel and car-rental taxes county voters agreed to raise to pay for the San Antonio Spurs' arena. At the same time, some Miami-Dade County officials held out hope of keeping the team in South Florida, perhaps in a new ballpark near Dolphins Stadium that might be financed with the help of stadium and Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga. While a deal is not completed, sources say Huizenga has offered land and cash toward a deal. More from Cox News Service.
    RELATED STORIES: Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins; Seven cities express interest in Marlins; Miami City Manager: Samson lied about Marlins' share; Goodman: Las Vegas is interested in Marlins; Marlins will explore relocation; Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand; Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Midwest League rejects Marion
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In a move that stunned many, the Midwest League rejected an application by attorney John Simmons to buy the South Bend Silver Hawks and move the team to Marion, as the league -- with the backing of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues -- turned away Marion as a territory. Marion officials are still hopeful about the ballpark being completed and an independent team move to town, but Simmons can't participate in that: as owner of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League), he cannot own an independent franchise. The matter isn't dead: Simmons can reapply for ownership and reapply to move the team, and one scenario has this happening for the 2008 season. People are pretty tight-lipped about what actually happened, but one take has Midwest League President George Spelius following through on his vow to prevent Marion's entry to the league unless it came on his terms, since it didn't originate through his office. The larger trend we've noticed -- and one not limited to the Midwest League -- is an increasing disconnect between owners (who have millions on the line) and league officials (who do not have millions on the line). In at least one instance we know of a franchise move being approved over the strong objections of league officials, and another where a group of owners recruited a new owner without the participation of the league office. It's a matter of control: some owners view league presidents and commissioners as being increasingly irrelevant.
    RELATED STORIES: Group awaiting the words 'play ball': Final approval on sale of South Bend baseball team may come next month; Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday; Marion ballpark expected to be ready in 2007; Victory Sports announces Northern League team for South Bend; Ballpark funding draws some boos; Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for Marion; Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'; Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

Washington stadium choices are threefold
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Thomas Boswell looks at the Washington, D.C., ballpark situation and declares there are three choices available to city officials: plow ahead with a new ballpark and assume there will be long-term benefits for the District, renovate RFK Stadium and watch the Nationals fade into meaninglessness, or build a less expensive ballpark at the RFK site, which will keep the Nats happy but do little for the community as a whole. He's obviously advocating the first option, but he does point out one thing: some things that need to be done anyway for a gentrifying area, such as repaved streets and an expanded Metro stop, is disingenuously being lumped into the ballpark project. Pseudo populist Tony Kornheiser says a $700 million ballpark in D.C. should be the equivalent of the Taj Mahal.
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Ballpark at Xanadu is thrown a curveball
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The proposal to bring a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team at Xanadu, the huge mixed-use development at the Meadowlands, is in jeopardy after the developer, the state and team owner Steve Kalafer reached an impasse on funding issues. A state pledge to provide $10 million in state funding may be in jeopardy if the new Jon Corzine administration fails to honor it, but Kalafer says he'll take the state to court to force the grant. Xanadu officials say they'll have a ballpark there no matter what (hello, Eastern League!); Kalafer says he merely wants all sides to honor an calling for the team to pay $700,000 yearly in rent, but under the deal currently offered by Mills/Mack-Cali, Kalafer would have to pay about $1.5 million in rent each year, but would keep all the money from tickets, concessions and naming rights for the ballpark.

D.C. Council fails to cap ballpark costs
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The D.C. Council yesterday narrowly rejected an effort to cap costs for a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals at $535 million and force the city to include all infrastructure and financing costs in that total. The council voted 8-5 in favor of two emergency measures designed to outlaw any and all expenditures for the project outside the $535 million to be borrowed for the stadium on South Capitol Street. However, nine votes were required for passage. The issue has less to do with the ballpark than the feeling among some councilmembers that they were not adequately informed about changes to the project over the past few months. Mayor Anthony Williams reiterates his pledge costs will not exceed the $535 million cap. More from the Washington Post.

Looking for hero? Haney's your man
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Franklin Haney's offer  to cover costs overruns up to $200 million above the $535 million figure the city had proposed for a new Southeast ballpark for the Washington Nationals (providing he has the chance to purchase land near the ballpark for private development, of course) is looking pretty good these days to D.C. officials, but it's not clear whether MLB officials really care. Apparently the Fred Malek ownership group has quietly made a similar offer, however, and you can bet other groups are considering it as well.

Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Three bills relating to the proposed new ballpark for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in downtown Nashville along the Cumberland River passed the Metro Council on the first of three readings. There had been some concern the voting would be deferred, which would be unusual for first reading. You can expect some fireworks at a later meeting; last night's meeting mainly concerned a new ethics plan for councilmembers.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Marlins visit San Antonio; Portland absent
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
So far David Samson's Search for Subsidies doesn't include a stop in Portland, but Oregon Sports Authority president Drew Mahalic expects one in the future. It's not clear how much support there is in Portland for a publicly funded ballpark: Although Mayor Tom Potter has said he is willing to help bring in the Marlins, he has no interest in committing public dollars to stadium financing efforts. Again, at the Winter Meetings, the discussions we had with baseball folks all centered around Las Vegas as the frontrunner to land the team.

Marlins' makeover troubling for baseball
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
By peddling players and shopping for a new team, the Florida Marlins are turning into what every mayor in an MLB city fears: a team unconcerned with locals. You'd think Bud Selig would have more to say about the Marlins and what they're doing, but when asked about franchises in a press conference he talked more about the future of the Minnesota Twins than the Marlins -- indicating he think the Marlins are done in South Florida. (However, Bob DuPuy will be heading to Florida tomorrow to discuss the situation with Marlins officials.)

Roger Dean Stadium wins from Professional Baseball Field of the Year from STMA
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Roger Dean Stadium, the spring home of the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins and the regular-season home of the Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerhead (both Class A; Florida State League), won the Professional Baseball Field of the Year award from the Sports Turf Managers Association. Between February and September, Roger Dean Stadium hosts around 170 ball professional baseball games and that makes it really tough on the turf.

PGE Park plan omits fair wages
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to bring new fiscal stability to the operation of PGE Park, the home of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) has hit a snag: Negotiators who worked out a proposed five-year contract to have the PCL and the new owners of the Beavers run the facility neglected to include any assurances that workers will get paid a fair wage. Under the city's fair wage ordinance, such workers must receive at least $10.28 an hour in salary and benefits. Without subsidies from the city, most seasonal workers at PGE Park would earn something close to minimum wage. It sounds like some city officials are willing to let the issue slide.

New Frontier League awaits Otters in 2006
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the 2006 version of the independent Frontier League, where two teams are on hiatus and a new team, the Traverse City Beach Bums, is entering the league. Commissioner Bill Lee expects the Beach Bums to draw what Mid-Missouri and Ohio Valley did combined, leading to an overall attendance boost in the league. Lee said the Frontier League will be back to 12 teams -- and possibly 14 -- in 2007. Possible expansion sites include Owensboro (Ky.), Springdale (Ark.), Lee's Summit (Mo.), Fairmont (W.V.), Butler (Pa.) and Terre Haute (Ind.).

This O's fan wants to turn the whole town orange
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After watching his favorite team suffer through one of its worst seasons ever, 22-year-old Towson University student James Baker has decided diehard Baltimore Orioles fans like him need to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Or at least on their chests. So, along with organizing what he hopes will be a new hardcore fan group -- The Flock -- he's created two Orioles-themed T-shirts that he's offering over the Internet. Without mentioning the word "Orioles" or depicting the team's official mascot, Baker has come up with two designs that some think conjure up more team spirit than any approved apparel available through the team or Major League Baseball. Heh. We predict he won't have a problem with the Orioles, but we're betting MLB AM is already looking at a way to demand a third of the revenues as royalties.

Baseball Notes
Posted December 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Grady Little is back in the managerial ranks, taking the reins of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As you'll recall, Little was the Boston Red Sox manager run out of town after leaving Pedro Martinez too long in a playoff game. Little replaces Jim Tracy, who went on to take the top job in the Pittsburgh Pirates dugout....Stan Hough is the new manager of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association). It will be his third season with Fort Worth after serving as the team’s hitting instructor and third base coach for the previous two years. He succeeds veteran skipper Wayne Terwilliger who retired following the Cats’ 2005 Central Baseball League championship season. Hough was named to the Cats’ coaching staff on March 8, 2004 and briefly stepped in for a six-game stint as interim manager in July of that season when Terwilliger underwent surgery....The Toronto Blue Jays gave general manager J.P. Ricciardi a three-year contract extension that takes him through 2010.

New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cost estimates for the new Washington Nationals ballpark could reach $700 million, as local officials attempt to account for every cost associated with the project. Officials stressed that the new estimates are preliminary and take into account all potential costs, including $41 million for underground parking, $20 million to upgrade the Navy Yard Metro station and $12 million to rebuild nearby roads. They added that some of the work might not have to be paid for by the city or done at all. Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi is working on a final accounting in order to compare the costs of the Anacostia waterfront site versus a new ballpark next to RFK Stadium, The D.C. Council has approved only $535 million for the project, and leaders say they have no intention of raising that number. More from the Washington Times.
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Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga has offered land and money to help the Florida Marlins build a ballpark next to Dolphins Stadium, but an agreement appears unlikely, a person close to Huizenga said Monday. Huizenga made the Marlins a substantial offer a month ago but may soon rescind the proposal. Building a ballpark next to Dolphins Stadium would have several factors in its favor. There's considerable undeveloped land -- owned by Huizenga -- and the area between Miami and Fort Lauderdale is close to three expressways and near the center of the sprawling South Florida megalopolis. Of course, the devil is in the details -- as in how much land and how much money was involved -- and neither is specified here.
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Trades tough on Loria
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jeffrey Loria says breaking up the Florida Marlins has been a rough experience. The team has lost between $80 million and $100 million since he bought the franchise four years ago, so when talks with the City of Miami for a retractable-roof stadium -- and the revenue streams a new ballpark would provide -- officially ended this fall, Loria said he had to cut costs drastically. The final destination of the Marlins was a hot topic at the Winter Meetings yesterday, and the consensus among those we met was Las Vegas having the best shot at the team; Portland and Charlotte were rarely mentioned, though Bob DuPuy has some issues with sports books in Vegas. The Stuart News argues Palm Beach should take a shot at the team, keeping it in South Florida. Ray McNulty argues Marlins fans have no one to blame but themselves; we're not quite so sure the fans are totally to blame, as Dolphins Stadium isn't exactly the best place to view a baseball game, and McNulty probably hasn't watched too many games from the stands -- as opposed to the air-conditioned press box. Dave George argues the Marlins should join the Florida State League.

Sierra Nevada Baseball group still pressing for Sparks ballpark
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Leaders of the Sierra Nevada Baseball group say they remain optimistic about the chances of landing a Triple A baseball team in Sparks and the developer of a mall planned there says he'll proceed with or without baseball. Backers estimate the ballpark will cost about $16 million, not counting the land. A franchise would cost $10 million to $15 million. Three years ago, Sierra Nevada Baseball counted on the project being funded by a bond issue. The bonds would have been retired with team and ballpark revenues and a rental car tax. But two years ago, backers lost one bond insurer and discovered no other insurance company was willing to ensure the ballpark bonds without a government guarantee. RED Development officials say they'd prefer to do the project with a ballpark but are willing to go ahead without one.
    RELATED STORIES: Sparks ballpark on hold; backers upbeat; Sparks council OKs permit for retail center

Big 12 discussing permanent championship sites
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Big 12 Conference is discussing a plan to keep its championship games at a single site, which bodes well for Oklahoma's Bricktown Ballpark. Contracts are being drawn up that will keep the Big 12 tournament at Bricktown Ballpark through at least 2010 and possibly 2012. The tourney has been fairly successful in Oklahoma City. Speaking of college tourneys: The Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) and the JEDC Sports and Entertainment Board announced today that ticket packages for the 2006 ACC Baseball Tournament at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville are now on sale. The 2006 tournament, to be held May 24-28, will be the second in Jacksonville, following the 2005 Championship, which shattered ACC attendance records and saw the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets win the title over a host of top college baseball teams. Tickets for the entire tournament are being sold through the Jacksonville Suns ticket office. Dugout box seats are $175 for the five-day tournament, while home-plate box seats cost $105 and general admission tickets are $75.

Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Negotiators expect to conclude the talks for a new 25-year leases for the Kansas City Royals to stay in Kauffman Stadium with the teams by Dec. 19, Mike White, an attorney for the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, told the Jackson County Legislature on Monday. White said the price tag for upgrades to Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums would be more than $400 million. Voters likely will see two ballot issues, with one issue covering improvements to the stadiums and a second for either a rolling roof at the complex or a stationary roof for Arrowhead. It is still possible that the Legislature will place three items on the ballot, with voters getting a chance to vote separately on Kauffman and Arrowhead stadium overhauls.
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With stadium video boards, seeing is believing
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
These days it's impossible to go to a major-league sports event and not be dazzled by the wide array of display technologies used. Huge video boards push products and services while providing fans various forms of entertainment. Even close-up replays of dance-team routines are shown in slow motion. These displays are making their way down to the minor leagues, for good reason: they attract fans and are a sizzle to attract sponsors.

Baseball Notes
Posted December 6, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Scott Steinmann returns as manager of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Class A; Midwest League). The 32-year-old Steinmann guided the Rattlers to a 76-63 record last season and a spot in the Midwest League Championship Series, where they fell to South Bend in five games....

Yankees reportedly lost up to $85 million
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Apparently George Steinbrenner isn't sitting on an unlimited pot of money: the Yankees lost between $50 million and $85 million last season, and that number could increase if a consultant hired by MLB decides they undervalued their television rights. The Yankees currently charge the YES Network about $60 million a year to broadcast games, but the consultant is expected to say the rights are worth far more. If he does, that will mean the Yankees will be required to make up the difference and put more money into the revenue-sharing fund. The Yankees had overall revenues of roughly $335 million in 2005 (including the $60 million from YES), but after their $200 million payroll in addition to operating costs, they will pay $75 million in revenue sharing and $33 million in luxury tax, which is based on 40% of payroll over $128 million. (The Yankees would have paid a lower tax rate, but because they were over the luxury tax threshold for the third straight year they were required to pay 40 percent.)

Sparks ballpark on hold; backers upbeat
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Planning for a mixed-use development in Sparks, Nevada, will go on for now within a minor-league ballpark for a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team. Two groups are talking to the Pacific Coast League about making a deal for a team and Reno is its top choice for a new franchise, according to league officials. Both groups remain optimistic that if a franchise is granted, the ballpark will be built. Ah, the old conundrum: whether a city should build a ballpark before a team is formally moved. See Allentown for the perfect way to handle this issue: announce the move of the team too early and you've got a lame-duck franchise for two years. We've heard the Tacoma franchise is involved in discussions.
    RELATED STORIES: Sparks council OKs permit for retail center

Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Most observers assumed the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) had conquered its most serious hurdle by winning the approval of Mayor Bill Purcell for a new downtown ballpark, but there's one huge issue to face: a politically, geographically and racially diverse collection of Metro Council members is already expressing concerns about the Sounds' proposal to put a $43 million, city-owned ballpark on the old Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant site. A group of councilmembers are wondering whether a ballpark is the best use for a prime site and city resources. The Sounds are seeking tax-increment financing for the project.
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Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The District of Columbia's tentative lease agreement with Major League Baseball for a new ballpark removes "huge hurdles" and could end the push to move the site to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium grounds, according to D.C. Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp. Still, Cropp said she could not guarantee that the council will approve the lease, which is expected to be sent to council members this week. City sources said baseball officials have made a number of concessions, including agreeing to meet the city's request for $20 million to help pay for construction and a letter of credit to be used in the event of a labor dispute or a terrorist attack. In return, baseball officials asked for a concession from the city, the nature of which has not been disclosed. Once a lease is approved, MLB can go ahead with a sale of the team.
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Las Vegas ready to make a sucker bet
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Miami Herald speaks out against a possible move of the Florida Marlins to Las Vegas, saying it would be a sucker bet for the city to build a ballpark. It's actually hard to say what the point of this column is: the argument is that pro baseball will never work in Miami because of the climate and the inability of government to finish construction of a project on time and under budget, but the columnist doesn't want to see the team move, either. The status quo clearly won't work in Miami -- and despite what Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria may have done in Montreal, the team's game plan in Miami has been sound -- but that's what's argued for in this article. Dan Le Betard points out the arguments pro and against a new Miami ballpark.
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The obstacles in bringing a major-league team to Vegas
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There are many obstacles to bring a major-league baseball team to Las Vegas, argues Jeff German: tourists shouldn't be relied upon as the prime audience for the team (true enough), and the overall market may not be large enough to support a team (again, true enough). There really are two issues with Las Vegas: whether there's the corporate support to fill the suites and ad packages (which may be true: away from the casinos Vegas is doing well, and tourists never see that side of the region), and whether there's the population to support a team (a much iffier proposition). Any evaluation needs to take the explosive growth in the region into account, of course, and it's that growth potential that sets Vegas apart from Portland or Charlotte.

Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Anyone questioning the mood of the electorate in Minnesota should note the results of a special election for a State Senate seat earlier this month. A DFLer (in Minnesota, it's the Democratic-Farmer-Liberal party, not Democrats) and a Republican were running for the seat in largely conservative suburban Hennepin County. The DFLers supported the current plan for funding a new Twins ballpark through a 0.15 percent sales tax, while the Republican -- who had years of distinguished public service in the area -- opposed the plan and made an issue of it in the campaign. The DFLer, Terri Bonoff, won.
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Couple behind Yonkers baseball project buys Bluefish
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An ownership group trying to bring minor-league baseball to Yonkers recently repurchased a controlling stake in the independent Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League, but said the investment will not affect the group's pursuit of a team in Westchester. The Yonkers ballpark project, however, has stagnated since it was first proposed three years ago. Struever Fidelco LLC, the entity that would build a 6,500-seat ballpark on city property off of downtown Getty Square, has not yet initiated a supplemental environmental study with the City Council required to build the facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Bridgeport Bluefish sold to local group

Both sides must give a little to save Jaxx
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A proposed lease from the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) meets many of the conditions set by the city for the use of Pringles Park, but both sides should give up more, argues the Jackson Sun. The city isn't thrilled with the team setting a price of $12.5 million for the team -- that's pretty high, and we've heard the city has been approached by potential owners who would be interested in buying the team should the city buy it and flip it -- and the paper argues the Jaxx should commit to up to four more years. Jaxx management is in a corner, and the proposed agreement isn't a bad way to resolve the situation.
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Baseball Notes
Posted December 5, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dave Trembley is returning as field manager for the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) in 2006. Trembley will have new coaches working with him at Ottawa in 2006. Larry McCall will move up from the Bowie BaySox (Class AA; Eastern League) as pitching coach, and Dallas Williams, a former Baltimore Orioles No. 1 draft pick, rejoins the organization as the Lynx field coach....Team President Pat Filippone has been appointed chief executive officer of the recently constructed Fresno Baseball Club, LLC. The promotion comes on the heels of the purchase of the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) by FBC from the Fresno Diamond Group on October 13....Steve Decker will be back as manager of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (short season; Northwest League) for the 2006 season....Dave Brundage was named manager of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) for 2006, replacing Dan Rohn, who leaves after five seasons as the winningest manager in franchise history.

Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark
Posted December 3, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In the end, Mark Tuohey was right. MLB and the District of Columbia reached a tentative agreement on a lease for a new Washington Nationals ballpark that includes an additional $20 million payment from baseball officials and a compromise on another key provision. Negotiators will continue discussions, but the deal could be wrapped up and delivered to the D.C. Council early next week, said Tuohey, chairman of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission. City sources said agreement has been reached on the District's two key demands, the $20 million payment to cover rising construction costs and a letter of credit from baseball ensuring lease payments would be made in case of disaster or a baseball labor crisis. The lease is critical because the District will not issue construction bonds and MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has said baseball will not sell the Nationals until the deal is completed.
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