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Archives: April 2-8, 2006

Looks nice, but at what price?
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The Chicago Cubs will unveil changes to Wrigley Field today. The most dramatic: the expansion of the famed bleachers, including the addition of reserved seating at $54 a pop. The expansion of the bleachers will slightly harm some views from the surrounding houses; they'll also cut down on the balls hit out of the park and onto Sheffield and Waveland. The addition of a restaurant in the center-field batter's eye is sure to cause some discussion among the Cubs faithful. We're not too concerned about the changes (although the Cubs shouldn't have been so arrogant to add new speaker poles without city approval): Wrigley Field has always been a work in progress, and the changes are part of that evolutionary process.

Ballpark Visit: PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
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What happens when a small-market MLB baseball team decides to build a ballpark requiring an especially tight budget, an unusually short timetable, and yet demanding copious façade materials mined from halfway across the continent -- all drawn together into unique design specifications? In the case of the Pittsburgh Pirates, you reach your goals on time and within budget while achieving widespread acclaim and enhanced community support. In fact, baseball insiders universally agree that PNC Park is now the model for any small-market team in need of a new ballpark.

Zephyrs, fans show love in opener
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Professional baseball returned to New Orleans last night as the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) opened their season at Zephyr Field. As you'll recall, Zephyr Field was slightly damaged by Hurricane Katrina last summer. A sellout crowd of 11,006 was on hand to see the Zephyrs drop a 5-4 decision to the Round Rock Express. Yes, it was symbolic -- Tulane has been playing home games at Zephyr Field this spring -- but it was a great rally for a city still working to provide basic services to many citizens. It was also a triumph for owner Don Beaver, CEO Ron Maestri and the rest of the front-office staff; we reported on how the team stayed in business despite giving up the ballpark to FEMA for use as a landing facility, with much of the front office relocated for months.

Mets park's name will fetch millions
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The New York Mets may be able to sell the name of their new ballpark for about $10 million a year, the most in U.S. sports history, a group of bankers said. "New York is the largest demographic, the largest media market," said Gordon Saint-Denis, managing director of the sports advisory and finance group of CIT Group Inc. in New York. "The eyeball count is going to be huge; $10 million is not an outlandish number."  Currently Reliant Energy pays $9.3 million a year for the Houston Texans' stadium, while Coca-Cola pays $6.4 million a year for naming rights to Minute Maid Park. Meanwhile, an Australian firm is set to play a key role in the development of the ballpark. Lend Lease Corporation says its subsidiary, Bovis Lend Lease, is a 45 percent partner in a joint venture with Hunt Construction that is now in exclusive negotiations to provide construction management services for the project.
    RELATED STORIES: Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Fans fill Greenville's field of dreams
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There was a grand entrance when the Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League) opened West End Stadium last night: a door opened in the left-field Green Monster and out walked an actor impersonating Shoeless Joe Jackson, Greenville's most famous native. The actor stepped into the left-handed batter's box, made his famous home run swing and sent two rockets blazing toward the right field fence, where fireworks erupted in the early spring evening. The sellout crowd went nuts. Early reaction to the new ballpark was overwhelmingly positive: the design met with approval and the location near downtown was lauded. Local residents seemed amused by the opening.
    RELATED STORIES: New Greenville ballpark opens tonight; Put some South in your new Sox

Nats, city officials long for owner
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The ownership of the Washington Nationals is still up in the air, and many are a little frustrated about the situation: team officials want to determine their futures, players want some stability and city officials want a local point of contact. A new owner would also help promote the team, as apparently many fans are irritated about the off-season battles involving a new ballpark. MLB officials said an owner would be named after a lease for a new ballpark was signed. The issue has been quiet lately, but we're guessing there's been a lot of behind-the-scenes maneuvering in recent week. The front-runners are believed to include Jeff Smulyan, an Indianapolis communications executive who has teamed with several local businessmen and power brokers; the Washington Baseball Club, led by local businessmen Fred Malek and Jeffrey Zients; and a group led by the Lerner family, who own a prominent local real estate company. You can expect Stan Kasten to be a player in this by the time the team is sold. More from the Washington Post.
    RELATED STORIES: For some fans, D.C. ballpark designers whiffed big-time; D.C. officials unveil Nationals ballpark design; At long last, a D.C. ballpark deal; D.C. exempt on Nationals ballpark overruns; MLB signs lease for new Washington Nationals ballpark

Senators, Nationals extend player-development deal
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The Washington Nationals and the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) announced that their player development contract has been extended four more seasons. The current agreement between the Nationals and the Senators was set to expire at the end of the 2006 season. The new deal will extend the agreement until September 30, 2010. More on the overall affiliation status here.

Ballpark figures won't add up without Village
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The new Busch Stadium officially opens next Monday, but it will be at least a year before it has any economic impact on downtown St. Louis. In fact, some say it will be a drain on the local economy before the completion of Ballpark Village, the development slated for the site of the former Busch Stadium next to the new ballpark. Ballpark Village is envisioned by planners as an area that would encompass offices, shops, housing and other attractions. It would be built in phases between Clark Avenue and Walnut Street; it's also the economic component that makes Busch Stadium a worthy investment for the Cards.
    RELATED STORY: Ballpark Visit: Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals

Winston-Salem still looking at new ballpark
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Billy Prim, a co-owner of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (Class A; Carolina League), and Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines both say that not much has changed in talks about a possible ballpark since last year, but both said they continue to believe that it would be an important part of revitalizing the downtown. There have been recent meetings to discuss a ballpark, but so far nothing has come of them. Prim has talked to officials with Winston-Salem and Forsyth County about using public money to help pay for a ballpark and adjacent commercial and residential development. The overall price could be $40 million to $50 million, about $20 million of which would pay for a stadium.

Richmond talks about new ballpark -- without the R-Braves
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A town meeting last night to discuss the future of the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) and a possible new ballpark didn't yield any breathtaking ideas, except for one softball tossed by councilman William J. Pantele. Pantele, who represents the district where The Diamond is located, suggested extending the Braves' lease to run another four years and charging the team $1 rent per year. He also suggested creating a committee of government leaders, as well as the management of the Atlanta Braves and representatives of residents and the Richmond business community, to further study the issue. The issue: it doesn't sound like the city is really ready to offer anything past a site, the Fulton Gas Works, that no one thinks is appropriate for a ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: What do the Braves mean to Richmond?; R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals; Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered; Communications breakdown in Richmond; Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark; Wilder worries about silence from Braves; Developer joins ballpark initiative; Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond; Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says; Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three; R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or we're history; Minor attractions in Richmond; Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom; New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes debate; Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems dead; Atlanta Braves may be up for sale; News expected in Richmond ballpark situation; Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark; Developers threaten historic slave-trade site; Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects; Richmond ballpark gets gets financial backer; Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond; Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?; Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark; Braves again make pitch for ballpark; Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?; City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

Cape Cod League will accept expansion team pitches
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The executive committee of the Cape Cod Baseball League has decided to explore expanding the 10-team league. Chuck Sturtevant, a member of the league's executive committee and chairman of the expansion committee, confirmed yesterday that the league has authorized the expansion panel to continue fact-finding. The four communities that have expressed interest in an expansion team are Mashpee and Sandwich on the Cape and the off-Cape communities of New Bedford and South Plymouth. The league will not begin considering expansion until August, after the 2006 season, and more than likely the expansion teams would not begin playing until the 2008 season.

Quit picking on Shea!
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Here's a defense of Shea Stadium -- not because of its architectural value, but because of the important events that took place there over the years. The Beatles virtually invented stadium rock concerts at a landmark 1966 Shea Stadium concert, and the stadium hosted a slew of other landmark events: "The stadium was modern when modernity still seemed daring. It was outer-borough, working-class, anti-corporate, hippie almost, especially when you got an eyeful of the hairstyle Tug McGraw showed up in. This was the New York of Lindsay and Namath and the world's greatest World's Fair."

Burlington looks to sell naming rights to Community Field
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A committee has been formed to look into selling naming rights to Community Field, the home of the Burlington Bees (Class A; Midwest League). Chaired by Brian Tapp, executive director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, who is working closely with city councilman Bill Ell, the committee is exploring all of its options. Community Field will be part of any new name, say officials.

Big idea for Little League
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Though the New York Yankees have already won important approvals for a new Yankee Stadium, here's an idea for a way for the New York Yankees to improve community relations: directly fund every one of the borough's 14 Little Leagues. There are only 14 Little Leagues in the Bronx -- which doesn't seem like enough -- and the current Yankees pledge of community spending is ripe for corruption.
    RELATED STORIES: City Council backs plan for new Yankee Stadium; Ballpark or parkland? Vote due on new Yankee Stadium; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; 50M on deck for Bronx if Yankee Stadium OKd; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; New Yankee Stadium plan earns unanimous approval; New ballpark report: The Yankees win!; Yankees' pitchman; Bronx residents spar over removal of parkland at new Yankee Stadium site; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Bronx beep playing hardball on new Yankee Stadium plan; Yank prez hits foes of stadium; Carrion to unveil plan for parkland lost to Yankee Stadium project; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Kalamazoo signs 5-year deal with Kings
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The Kalamazoo Kings (independent; Frontier League) and the city of Kalamazoo have inked a new, five-year agreement for professional baseball to continue at Homer Stryker Field. The pact, approved by the City Commission this week, guarantees the city an annual revenue increase of at least $5,000 over the average annual compensation paid by the Kings in the previous five-year contract. The city's take will be tied to ticket sales or team profits, but is guaranteed to be not less than $21,000 a year.

S.I. Yanks getting head start on season
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Although the start of the New York-Penn League season is still two months away, the Staten Island Yankees are getting a head start on the season when they hold their "Back to Baseball Bash" Saturday at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be the first in a series of season-long promotions that the Baby Bombers will stage throughout the summer in an effort to improve on their reputation as the New York-Penn League's best team when it comes to promotions and marketing. The Yankees are pulling a switch on the Lowell Spinners, who made waves with a promotion that called for Little League teams using the Yankees monikers to turn in their uniforms and caps in exchange for Red Sox uniforms and caps. On Aug. 8 anyone who has some Red Sox apparel can hand it in at the gate in exchange for a free ticket (the clothing will go to a New England-based homeless shelter), and outside the ballpark there will be people who will provide willing parties with is described at "Johnny Damon haircuts." The S.I. Yankees may also be making some other news; the New York Yankees are selling a portion of the team; the selling price of a NY-Penn League team these days is around $5 million.

Eels get first hit
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The ownership of the proposed Plymouth Eels, Bay Colony, met with Plymouth (Mass.) selectmen to discuss their plans for a new ballpark.  If the zoning board of appeals grants Bay Colony the special permit necessary to build the proposed athletic complex, the town would join Brockton as the only municipalities in Southeastern Massachusetts with a minor league baseball team. Bay Colony plans to build a sports-and-entertainment complex on a 28.1-acre site adjacent to Sam’s Club at Colony Place. It would feature an outdoor stadium with 20 luxury boxes, a pavilion for families, an indoor sports facility with three fields for soccer and lacrosse, a 1,000-seat banquet facility and a 10,000-square-foot stand-alone restaurant center. The project would cost an estimated $14 million to $16 million. The team would probably play in the independent Can-Am Association, though the Atlantic League is also mentioned as a possibility.

Defenders start in style
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The Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) made their debut with some style and flair in a 5-1 win over the Portland Sea Dogs before 4,219 fans at Dodd Stadium. The team was formerly known as the Norwich Navigators, but in the offseason owner Lou DiBella overhauled operations with a new name, new colors, new uniforms and upgrades to Dodd Stadium. The fans seemed pleased with the changes.

Something new coming to a ballpark near you?
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The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A; Carolina League) opened their season last night with Myrtle Beach mayor John Rhodes throwing out the first pitch to Pelicans manager Rocket Wheeler. Considering how bad relations were between the previous mayor and the former Pelicans ownership, this was a big deal. In the inaugural 1999 season, Capitol offered to paint a watertower adjacent to the ballpark with the Pelicans' logo, at no cost to the city, to add some color and character to the big white dome. The city not only objected to providing free advertising space to a private company, but also wanted to charge the team rent to use it. With relations between the city and the team back on track, the plan is being revived.

No rain in Stockton; no free season tickets
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It didn't rain in Stockton last night, which means the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) didn't need to make good on a promotion where the team would give free season tickets to every fan in attendance should the game be rained out. Now, it's been rainier than normal in California this spring, but the forecast yesterday didn't call for rain -- and despite some cloudy skies, there was never a threat of rain, either.
    RELATED STORIES: Ports issue rain challenge with a big reward: free season tickets

Tourists play ball: McCormick Field reopens to delighted fans
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There were no replays on the new video scoreboard, no readouts on the pitch radar above left field, and the smell of fresh paint still lingered inside the Asheville Citizen-Times Clubhouse. But in general fans were pleased with the upgrades to McCormick Field, the home of the Asheville Tourists (Class A; Sally League), with 4,104 in attendance. This season the videoboard will show live spots, promos and commercials; next season video replay will be added.
    RELATED STORIES: Tourists playing 'beat the clock'

Ballpark showing potential after decade
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Arrowhead Credit Union Park, the home of the Inland Empire 66ers (Class A; California League), is finally spurring some nearby economic development 10 years after it was built. A key tenet in the construction of the $16.5 million ballpark was the belief that it would spawn a wave of economic development in a deteriorating area of the city. Adjacent to the facility, Arrowhead Credit Union plans a $30 million office complex that will consolidate headquarters and numerous operating functions now scattered across several San Bernardino locations.

As a business, Fisher Cats gain ground as season three begins
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It took a few years, but it looks like the business side of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) has hit full stride. Capitalizing on the accolades the new ballpark received last season -- many say it’s one of the finest in the minor leagues -- the team’s sales staff began their work last August. As a result, according to GM Shawn Smith, overall ticket sales (season, group and individual tickets) have already topped 141,000 -- a 50 percent increase over 2005 in year-to-date ticket sales.

Dukes' GM Murphy returns to old team
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Rick Murphy still owns a piece of the Tri-City ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League), and now he's going back to run the team. Murphy, 43, who had been running the business operations as the general manager of the Pittsfield Dukes (summer collegiate; NYCBL) since owner Dan Duquette moved the team from the Duquette Sports Academy in Hinsdale, left the team to return as the ValleyCats' vice president and general manager on Monday. Murphy replaces R.C. Reuterman, who stepped down after a year with the Troy, N.Y. team.

No cool down in sight for Hooks fever
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The Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) opened their second season in much the way they spent the first: with healthy crowds at Whataburger Field.  Twenty minutes before the first pitch, there was a line at the ticket window that ran into the street, and all that was left for the taking was a nice seat in the grass beyond the outfield walls. The place ended up being sold out, with an announced crowd of 6,803 on hand.

Myron Noodleman carries on a baseball tradition
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If it's the beginning of the minor-league season, it's time for the mascots to take center stage. Here's a look at Myron Noodleman, who works up to 70 nights a year at minor-league parks. Rick Hader came up with his Noodleman character in the late 1980s when he showed up in nerd regalia at a high school football game.

The bloom is off a once desert flower
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At one time Maverick Stadium, the home of the High Desert Mavericks (Class A; California League), was the class of the Cal League: 3,800 theater seats in a graceful bowl, located among the Joshua trees and open spaces of the High Desert burg of Adelanto. Today Stater Brothers Stadium is among the bottom among Cal League facilities, lacking amenities like luxury boxes, party decks, and more. There doesn't seem to be any call for renovations here past an expansion of the visitors' clubhouse, however.

California player struck by baseball loses lawsuit
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A player hit by a pitch during a college baseball game in California has struck out in his effort to win damages over the incident. California's top court ruled 6-1 against a lawsuit by Jose Avila, a student at Rio Honda Community College, who was struck by a pitch in a 2001 game against Citrus Community College. Both schools are in Southern California. According to his lawsuit, Avila's helmet was broken and he suffered pain and dizziness from the beaning. Avila sued both schools, the manager, the maker of his helmet and others. But in a decision that came during the opening week of the major-league baseball season, the California Supreme Court ruled against him.

Baseball Notes
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The New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announced that Cox Sports Television (Ch. 37) will broadcast 10 Zephyrs games live in 2006. CST will also return with Inside Zephyrs Baseball, which will make its debut at 6 p.m. Thursday, and will air every Thursday at that time with a replay at 9 p.m. on Mondays. The Zephyrs baseball broadcast team of Tim Grubbs, Paul Crane and Ron Swoboda will return in 2006, with Grubbs and Swoboda hosting Inside Zephyrs Baseball as well.

Mets unveil plans for new ballpark
Posted April 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Mets unveiled plans for a new ballpark to be built next to Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadow. As has been rumored for several months, the new ballpark will evoke memories of Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers and surely one of the best-remembered ballparks in baseball history. Seating 45,000, the new ballpark will be considerably more intimate than Shea Stadium, a multipurpose stadium design for both football and baseball, with 42 percent of the ballpark's seating located in the concourse (lower) level. Most pleasing for baseball fans: the main concourse will feature unobstructed views of the action, as concession stands, restrooms and service areas will be located next to the exterior walls of the ballpark.
    The ballpark will feature a retro design from HOK Sport; the exterior brickwork will be the same color as the Ebbets Field brickwork, while the seats will be a traditional dark blue and the exposed steel painted dark blue. Other amenities: wider seats; a variety of sit-down restaurants and bars; multiple picnic areas; and a permanent family-fun area. The dimensions will be fairly neutral: 335L, 379LC, 408C, 391RC, 300R, about the same as the current Shea Stadium dimensions. No work on the final name: the team is calling it Mets Ballpark, and while there's some popular sentiment to retain the Shea Stadium name (though we're guessing few Mets fans know who William Shea was), you can look for some sort of naming-rights deal. The new ballpark is scheduled for a 2009 opening. More renderings and information within.
    RELATED STORIES: Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Ballpark Visit: Shea Stadium, New York Mets
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Once pitched by New York planning legend Robert Moses as the stadium of the future and designed to coincide with the opening of the 1964 World's Fair, Shea Stadium has quite the storied history: No other stadium in history can lay claim to hosting two Major League Baseball teams (the Yankees and the Mets) and two National Football League teams (the Giants and the Jets) all in the same year, 1975, and the Beatles virtually invented stadium rock at a landmark 1966 concert. But age has not treated Shea Stadium well, and today the Mets are planning on a new ballpark.

City Council backs plan for new Yankee Stadium
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The New York Yankees' effort to build a new ballpark cleared its biggest hurdle today with a City Council vote in support of the team's ambitious plan to knock down the storied Bronx institution known around the world as the House that Ruth Built. The new stadium will be built on parkland directly across the street from the current Yankee Stadium. By a vote of 44 to 3, the council overwhelmingly authorized construction of the $800 million ballpark, despite opposition from several council members as well as parks advocates and residents in the surrounding community, which is among the poorest in the nation. These critics say the ballpark would take away valuable parkland in a neighborhood that already has too little, snarl traffic on game days and lead to more pollution. More from the New York Daily News.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark or parkland? Vote due on new Yankee Stadium; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; 50M on deck for Bronx if Yankee Stadium OKd; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; New Yankee Stadium plan earns unanimous approval; New ballpark report: The Yankees win!; Yankees' pitchman; Bronx residents spar over removal of parkland at new Yankee Stadium site; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Bronx beep playing hardball on new Yankee Stadium plan; Yank prez hits foes of stadium; Carrion to unveil plan for parkland lost to Yankee Stadium project; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

New Greenville ballpark opens tonight
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The Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League) open their new West End Stadium tonight. The 5,700-seat ballpark, designed by DLR Group, was constructed to fit into Greenville's downtown west end. The traditional brick and stone materials used in the ballpark match the local historic textile buildings. DLR Group is currently in the process of restoring an old firehouse near the Main Street entry to be used as a team ticketing booth and novelty store for fans. Inside the stadium, spectators can enjoy a large interactive video screen, a party deck, grassy berm seating and a group picnic area. More from the Greenville News.
    RELATED STORIES: Put some South in your new Sox

Mets, B-Mets extend affiliation
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The Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) announced a two-year extension of its player development contract with the New York Mets at the annual "Welcome Home Dinner" Wednesday night at the Binghamton Regency. The existing agreement was due to expire at the end of the 2006 season, but the extension ensures that New York will continue to furnish minor league players to the B-Mets through 2008. "The Binghamton Mets are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with our parent Mets," said Binghamton GM Scott Brown. "The bond between New York and Binghamton has never been stronger, and we look forward to contributing through player development to the success of the big league club." More from the Press & Sun-Bulletin. More on the state of 2007-2008 affiliations here.

What's new at PNC Park?
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The Pittsburgh Pirates made some changes to PNC Park this offseason. Among them: new ticket kiosks so fans can get into the park quicker; the addition of the Montecristo Club on the Club Level, which will offer drinks, premium cigars and live jazz and blues performances after Friday and Saturday night home games; a wider selection of hot dogs; and a display case for the 1979 World Series trophy, now in possession of the Bucs. (As you'll recall, there was a kafuffle a few years ago about the rightful owners of the trophy; a Pittsburgh club that was disbanding had the trophy and was threatening to put up for auction.)

What do the Braves mean to Richmond?
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Discussions over a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) have turned into the larger question of what professional baseball means for Richmond. Though Richmond is definitely a Class AAA market, the team hasn't performed well, finished 10th in league attendance last season and playing in what's become a subpar facilty. (The Braves claim to have lost $1 million last season; we're dubious, as team revenue exceeded $2.4 million in 2005.) Many argue the presence of the Braves is a quality-of-life issue; since there's seemingly no push for a quality ballpark, perhaps Richmond needs to lose baseball to gauge its true importance. And the Braves aren't afraid to pull the trigger on a franchise move, as the folks in Greenville learned. More from Richmond.com.
    RELATED STORIES: R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals; Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered; Communications breakdown in Richmond; Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark; Wilder worries about silence from Braves; Developer joins ballpark initiative; Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond; Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says; Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three; R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or we're history; Minor attractions in Richmond; Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom; New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes debate; Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems dead; Atlanta Braves may be up for sale; News expected in Richmond ballpark situation; Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark; Developers threaten historic slave-trade site; Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects; Richmond ballpark gets gets financial backer; Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond; Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?; Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark; Braves again make pitch for ballpark; Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?; City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?
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One big issue for the folks working to bring the Florida Marlins to San Antonio: whether the state is big enough for three MLB teams. The Rangers' Tom Hicks has partially signed off on the deal, but the Astros' Drayton McLane -- whose team actually does draw from San Antonio and Austin -- isn't so sure. Technically, the Astros won't have a say in whether the Fish move to San Antonio, but it's hard to see consensus-seeking Bud Selig approving a move over the objections of McLane when the city's questionable economic standing and the likely lack of a big TV contract are also in play. Meanwhile, MLB COO Bob DuPuy assured Mayor Phil Hardberger and County Judge Nelson Wolff on Wednesday that MLB soon would announce whether it believes San Antonio is a viable market for the Florida Marlins.
    RELATED STORIES: San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner; Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Kane aims to keep its Cougars
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Kane County Forest Preserve District officials are working on a deal to keep the Kane County Cougars (Class A; Midwest League) in Geneva's Elfstrom Stadium beyond 2010, when its contract expires. Under the deal the Cougars signed in 2001, the district receives 8 percent of total revenue from baseball operations and is paid a guaranteed $100,000 annually in parking revenue. Renovations under discussion: the addition of a second deck for suites that would also add some sorely needed shade to the facility.

Cal League to coaches: be prepared to umpire games
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With minor-league umpires on strike, leagues are scrambling to find enough replacement umps to cover the games opening in Classes A, AA and AAA tonight. The California League has contracted with regional college and high school associations to provide umpires. However, realizing there will be scheduling conflicts, the Cal League has told its managers to be prepared to put a coach on the field to serve as a base ump in an extreme situation. The AMLU organized in 2000, at which time it signed a five-year agreement with Minor League Baseball. Negotiations on a new contract began in November and focused on the umpires' demands for raises in base pay. Salaries average $10,000 at the Class-A level, $12,000 at Double-A and $15,000 at Triple-A for a 5 1/2-month season. The replacement umpires' names will not be announced, or even officially recorded in statistical reports.

Devil Rays may play name game
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The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have officially told Major League Baseball they are considering a name change, and the team has until May 31 to tell MLB if indeed there will be a new name for 2007. The issue is what the new name will be. One possibility: staying with Rays and dropping the Devil. If the Devil Rays adopt a new name, it will mark the first time a Major League Baseball team changed its name without moving to another city since the Houston Colt .45s became the Astros in 1965.

Ports issue rain challenge with a big reward: free season tickets
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The Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) have announced a "No Rainout Guarantee" for their Opening Night tonight at Banner Island Ballpark. Rain has been an issue in sunny California this spring (a San Diego Padres game was rained out Tuesday night, the first Padres rainout since 1998). With sunny forecasts on the horizon, the Ports encourage fans not to be scared away by recent thunderstorms. As part of the guarantee, any fan in attendance for Thursday's home opener at Banner Island Ballpark will receive a free season ticket for the rest of the season should the game be cancelled by rain. Alas, there's no rain in today's forecast. More from the Stockton Record.

Winner and losers in Tuesday's Jackson County vote
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Now that Jackson County voters have approved an increased sales tax to pay for renovations to Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals, it's time to look at what will happen. About $275 million is budgeted for the ballpark renovations, with taxpayers providing $250 million; in the long run, the tax will keep the Royals and the NFL's Chiefs in Kansas City, so sports fans are the big winners.
     RELATED STORIES: Royals win funding for Kauffman Stadium renovations; voters reject rolling roof; Royals bring out big guns on eve of stadiums vote; Kauffman to get All-Star Game if renovations are approved; Royals unveil Kauffman Stadium renovation plans; Teams say upgrades will make stadiums 'brand new'; Is Kansas City stadium tax good deal for voters?; Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark taxes; Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City ballpark; Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof; Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand; Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for Kauffman Stadium; Future of Truman complex now up to voters; Royals agree to ticket surcharge; Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?; Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for Kauffman Stadium; Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians; Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way to voters; Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal; Sizing up challenge of raising the roof; Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium; Kauffman Stadium to get roof?; Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal; Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark; Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in voters' hands; Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision; Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate cost; Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check; Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Met all set for 19th opener
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Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the home of the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League), will open today with some ballpark improvements, thanks to $2.5 million in current and future renovations designed to help keep SEC baseball and lure more events. Contractors are nearly finished with the first phase of work, which includes a drop ceiling in the concourse, new paint job, refurbished restrooms and banquet room, and murals and banners that showcase the Barons' history. That work cost about $740,000. The second phase, which will involve a redesign of ballpark entrances, press box expansion and replacing seats in the lower level, will begin after baseball season is over and is expected to cost $1.75 million.

Ticket prices climb, payroll drops in St. Louis
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Redbird Nation ain't gonna like this: average ticket prices at the new Busch Stadium are the third-most expensive in the majors (behind the Red Sox and the Cubs), while the team's payroll took a little cut, from $90.42 million in 2005 to $88.89 million in 2006. Now, in the Cards' defense, both are easily explained. The ticket prices are there for two reasons: someone has to pay for the new ballpark, and the market will bear the prices. In terms of payroll: the Cards had some major talent that deserved significant pay raises, and if you take away Larry Walker's 2005 salary of $12.6 million, you can argue the team is spending a little more on salaries, relatively speaking.

NLR mayor told ballpark business need not be public
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Meetings in North Little Rock where construction and funding plans for the $32.55 million taxpayer-funded ballpark are discussed do not have to be open to the public, City Attorney Paul Suskie said Wednesday in a letter to North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays. Suskie’s letter came in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette for access to such meetings. Dickey-Stephens Park, under construction next to the Broadway Bridge downtown, is largely being paid for by a city sales tax approved by North Little Rock voters Aug. 9. The city will own Dickey-Stephens Park, with the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) as its lone tenant and manager.
    RELATED STORIES: Travs ballpark plans intact, on track; Ballpark's rising costs to force a decision in North Little Rock; The future of Ray Winder Field under debate; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark has budget difficulty; Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park; New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park; Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field; Travelers' home coming into focus; NLR sets ballpark previews; NLR projects set fast, sure course; NLR ballpark planners get right to work; North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike for new ballpark; Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark; NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day; A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

RiverHawks ballpark construction hits home stretch
Posted April 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee gave the league-required formal approval to the Rockford RiverHawks’ new ballpark Wednesday in preparation for its scheduled first game on May 31. The stadium’s entryway arch was lifted into place this week and a crew that has reached about 50 percent completion of the job was in the bowl Wednesday installing seats. Installation of terrace box seats also has begun and lights have been turned on and tested.
    RELATED STORIES: Rockford RiverHawks overhaul ownership structure;

SJ Giants unveil improvements to Municipal Stadium
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The San Jose Giants (Class A; California League) are unveiling some improvements to Municipal Stadium, now one of the oldest ballparks in affiliated baseball. For starters, there's a new $500,000 videoboard, but new president and CEO Jim Weyermann made some additional changes, adding a mascot, gift shop, attractions in the kids' play area, and between-innings activities.

Don't forget about the college game at pro ballparks
Posted April 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We focus so much on the pro game here we've not spent much time talking college baseball, especially games played in pro facilities. But seeing a college game is usually a great way to take in a pro facility. The St. Paul Saints announced a University of Minnesota/University of St. Thomas game April 18 has been shifted from Siebert Field to Midway Stadium; bring your coats to that evening game. (The shift leaves the Gophers with only one game at Siebert Field this year: an April 19 match against Northern Iowa.) Southern Mississippi and Ole Miss drew 5,282 to Trustmark Park, the home of the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League), for an eagerly awaited matchup. (Southern Miss won, 13-6.). The game kicked off a run of at least 19 college baseball games scheduled this month for 7,200-seat Trustmark Park and 5,200-seat Smith-Wills Stadium, two competing venues that are or have been home sites for professional teams. The Charleston RiverDogs (Class A; Sally League) are hosting an April 25 "Throwback Game" as The Citadel hosts College of Charleston at 6 p.m. at Riley Park. Both teams will wear throwback uniforms, and both The Citadel and College of Charleston will use wood bats for this game.

Ballpark fixtures old and new on tap for second season opener
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It's the second season for Appalachian Power Park, the home of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League), and there are some changes afoot. The biggest change this season is the addition of the Power Alley Grill. The 200-seat restaurant, constructed in what was once a rundown warehouse adjacent to the ballpark, opened this week. Patrons can choose from a menu of appetizers, salads, burgers and sandwiches while enjoying a view of the ballpark from a bank of windows overlooking right field. And, of course, Toastman returns.

New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne
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Jason Freier and Chris Schoen will attend the Fort Wayne Wizards (Class A; Midwest League) home opener Saturday at Memorial Stadium, their first visit to Fort Wayne since the announcement of their group’s purchase of the team. Technically, the pair don't own the Wizards -- the league, MiLB and MLB needs to sign off on the deal -- but they've been working with team management to improve the game situation.

SW Mich D-Rays set to play its final season in Battle Creek
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This is the last year for the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League), as the team will be leaving C.O. Brown Stadium at the end of the year and move to a new ballpark in Midland, Mich. Jim Burton bought the first season tickets for the team when it moved to Battle Creek 12 years ago, and he'll be around this season for the last hurrah. It doesn't sound like pro ball will be back next season: the independent Frontier League already fields a team in nearby Kalamazoo, and the only other independent league that would be a fit for Battle Creek, the Northern League, hasn't shown an interest in the market.
    RELATED STORIES: Michigan Baseball Foundation to hold "name the team" competition; New D-Rays owners meet with Midwest League; Midland planners approve ballpark site plan; Michigan Baseball Foundation signs purchase agreement for D-Rays; New Midland ballpark a big -- and exciting -- undertaking; It's official: Midland group buying SW Michigan D-Rays; Owner says he's discussed moving Battle Creek team; Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball team; Will Midland get minor league baseball team?

Baseball Notes
Posted April 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Golden Baseball League announced a partnership agreement with Easton Sports that designates Easton as the Official Bat of the GBL. The two-year agreement includes purchasing, joint marketing and sponsorship activities between the two companies. The Golden Baseball League will purchase and supply the Easton Professional Grade Stix model bats to all of its players. Through the agreement, Easton will provide sponsorship funds to the league, provide complimentary baseball equipment, and schedule an official event of the famed Easton Bomb Squad Professional Softball Home Run Derby at two GBL games during the season....The Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League), in combination with Storm Internet, announced that Lynx Stadium will be a wireless internet hotspot for the 2006 season. Wireless internet will be available to fans in the seating bowl at Lynx Stadium during each of the 72 home games during the year. The announcement of wireless internet is particularly eventful this year, as the Lynx will be broadcasting their games over the internet at ottawalynx.com. In addition to the internet broadcasts, fans can follow along with the game using the new pitch-by-pitch gameday scoring system....Vice President Dick Cheney will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Nationals home opener Tuesday.

Royals win funding for Kauffman Stadium renovations; voters reject rolling roof
Posted April 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A sales-tax increase to renovate Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals, won approval from Jackson County voters by a 53-47 percent tally. The increased sales tax will raise $425 million over 25 years for renovating and refurbishing Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums, which opened in 1972 and '73. An additional $50 million would come from the state. Royals owner David Glass would kick in $25 million, and Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt would put in $100 million. It was a hot issue, with an above-normal turnout. Voters rejected an accompanying use tax to raise an additional $200 million for a rolling roof, which would make both stadiums climate-controlled and assure the city of the 2015 Super Bowl, but proponents say they'll take another run at voter approval. However, with the passage of the sales tax the Royals will sign a 25-year lease extension (committing the team to Kansas City through 2031) and presumably still be in line to host an All-Star Game.
     RELATED STORIES: Royals bring out big guns on eve of stadiums vote; Kauffman to get All-Star Game if renovations are approved; Royals unveil Kauffman Stadium renovation plans; Teams say upgrades will make stadiums 'brand new'; Is Kansas City stadium tax good deal for voters?; Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark taxes; Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City ballpark; Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof; Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand; Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for Kauffman Stadium; Future of Truman complex now up to voters; Royals agree to ticket surcharge; Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?; Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for Kauffman Stadium; Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians; Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way to voters; Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal; Sizing up challenge of raising the roof; Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium; Kauffman Stadium to get roof?; Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal; Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark; Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in voters' hands; Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision; Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate cost; Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check; Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Ballpark Visit: Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
Posted April 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new Busch Stadium is a utilitarian ballpark, a vast improvement over the old Busch Stadium: the views of downtown and the Arch are superior, the concourses and concessions are better, and the seats are more comfortable. In the end, improvement was all the Cardinals brass had to deliver -- and they succeeded. But Busch Stadium isn't a very flashy ballpark, and in the end it's not in the top echelon of MLB ballparks. We suspect the Cardinals and Redbird Nation really don't care: they're worried more about what happens on the field than attracting casual fans to the ballpark.

Key vote on new Yankee Stadium comes today
Posted April 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York City Council is set to vote today on a proposed new Yankee Stadium, which was approved by the city's Planning Commission in February. Under the new stadium plan, the Yankees would build a new ballpark modeled after the original structure built in 1923, provide more lower-deck seating and less upper-level seating, and increase from 18 to 60 the number of luxury boxes. The Yankees have pledged to foot the cost of construction; the state and city will pay for replacement parks and for infrastructure improvements, including new parking garages. The most contentious issue surrounding the new ballpark: the loss of public parkland. The Yankees plan to build over Macombs Dam Park, which is directly north of the stadium, and part of Mullaly Park. In an area with high asthma rates and dense development, green space is critical, park advocates say. Last night, opponents of the new stadium had a candlelight vigil in the park. The total cost of the project: $1.2 billion. The New York Daily News comes out strongly in favor of the plan.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark or parkland? Vote due on new Yankee Stadium; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; 50M on deck for Bronx if Yankee Stadium OKd; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; New Yankee Stadium plan earns unanimous approval; New ballpark report: The Yankees win!; Yankees' pitchman; Bronx residents spar over removal of parkland at new Yankee Stadium site; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Bronx beep playing hardball on new Yankee Stadium plan; Yank prez hits foes of stadium; Carrion to unveil plan for parkland lost to Yankee Stadium project; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Yankee Stadium transportation center proposed
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A new Yankee Stadium Multimodal Transportation Center in the South Bronx is being supported by Gov. George E. Pataki and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Mayor and the Governor have asked the MTA Board to present the plan at the April 26 MTA Board meeting to fund the project in the MTA Capital Plan. The new Yankee Stadium Multimodal Transportation Center would consist of two island passenger platforms and an overhead mezzanine. The existing railroad right-of-way must be widened and tracks relocated. Each platform will be long enough to accommodate a ten-car train and will have both stairway and elevator access to a large mezzanine above. The MTA 2000-04 Capital Plan included $5 million for design of this project. More from the New York Times.

Florida lawmakers approve spring-training facilities bill
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Legislation aimed at helping several Florida communities retain spring training agreements with teams whose deals are expiring soon moved through committees in the state House and Senate. The Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Devil Rays have contracts that expire within the next five years. (Out of that group, however, the only two teams who realistically could move are Cleveland and Baltimore: Cincy seems committed to Sarasota with the purchase of the Sarasota Reds, Tampa Bay would be stupid to move, and Pittsburgh has agreed to improvements to McKechnie Field sans state funding.) State officials want to prevent any further defections from Florida's Grapefruit League to Arizona. The Senate Government Efficiency Appropriations Committee approved the proposal on a 6-0 vote Tuesday. A similar measure in the House won approval in the Transportation and Economic Development Committee.
    RELATED STORIES: FAU considering a deal with Indians for spring-training complex; Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training complex; Moving away from tradition; Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses for Casa Grande; Tradition and economics in Florida; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding war; Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven contract; Dodgertown is a little less blue; State should spring for aid to teams; Glendale says it will be talking to teams about spring-training site; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks; Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training ballpark?; Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring training; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities; Lee County game for third team; Spring-training facility not in city's best interests; Baseball, stadium would benefit city; Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape Coral

Salem, Avalanche sell naming rights to ballpark
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The Salem Avalanche (Class A; Carolina League), in conjunction with the City of Salem, have announced the renaming of Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium to Lewis-Gale Medical Center Field at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. "Lewis-Gale Medical Center is an extremely successful company in Salem," said Salem City Manager Forest Jones. "Their accomplishments during the past several decades have been numerous, and we are tremendously honored to have this organization in our city. We would be hard pressed to find a better corporate citizen than Lewis-Gale. We are proud to be entering into this arrangement and look forward to a long-term agreement." Lewis-Gale Medical Center Field at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium opened in 1995 and is about to open its 12th season as home to the Salem Avalanche.

Fans like "human touch" at Rogers Centre
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The game plan for the Rogers Centre -- born as the SkyDome 16 years ago -- has been to revive the luster it once had with posh dining options and kid fun zones. A capacity crowd was on hand for opening night, but the real test will be the crowds tonight and beyond. Still, it sounds like the Blue Jays chose well in ballpark renovations: a new wine bar should certainly bring in a more sophisticated crowd, and the expanded kids' play area -- so sorely needed! -- should bring families back to the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: SkyDome -- uh, Rogers Centre -- spruces up for some new memories

GBL announces expansion team in St. George, Utah
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The independent Golden Baseball League announced that it has finalized a partnership with Dixie State College, and an expansion team in St. George, Utah will be added beginning in the league’s 2007 season. The yet-to-be-named team will return professional baseball to Bruce Hurst Field and be managed by former Major Leaguer and Utah resident Cory Snyder. The St. George team will be the league’s first franchise in the state of Utah. The defunct Western Baseball League formerly fielded a team in St. George.

Minor-league umpires on strike
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The Association of Minor League Umpires has announced a strike after negotiations between the union and MLB's Professional Baseball Umpires Corporation subsidiary were unable to work out a contract. Replacement umps will be calling games when the minor-league season opens tomorrow. The issue is money: MiLB says minor-league umpiring is more akin to an internship than a real job, and the minor-league umpires -- most of whom won't make the majors -- want to be paid a higher wage.

The Washington ballpark plan is no architectural home run
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Another dissing of the plans for a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals in Southeast D.C.: "Send the architects who produced the lackluster design for the Nationals' new ballpark back to the drawing board -- even if that means having the Nationals spend an additional season at RFK Stadium, the '60s-vintage, multipurpose concrete behemoth Major League Baseball regards as obsolete." Take it with a huge grain of salt: Catesby Leigh is a politically conservative architecture critic who thinks everything should be built in a traditional Federalist style and simply abhors anything with a whiff of the modern.

For openers, I-Cubs unveil renovated digs
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Finding a place to park the car will be harder for fans than finding a place to park their seat this season for Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) games at Principal Park. Once inside the ballpark, patrons will notice the first major improvements since the facility was rebuilt before the 1993 season. The biggest change: a hand-operated scoreboard. Other changes include a colorful video entertainment system, new seats, and an elevated area with picnic tables, a belly-up-to-the-fence bar and portable food and beverage stands.

Stein nixes business for pleasure
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Here's a look at Alan Stein, president and CEO of the Lexington Legends (Class A; Sally League), who is also guiding the acquisitions and sales of Ivy Walls Management, which has sold the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League) and purchased the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in recent months. Stein says the Ivy Walls strategy is to get to six to eight teams, with talks currently underway with three leagues.

Caps' field gets fan-tastic facelift
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The West Michigan Whitecaps (Class A; Midwest League) spend a million dollars this offseason to spruce up 13-year-old Fifth Third Ballpark. Among the changes: A newly constructed upper-level overhang with outdoor seating on the suite level, a center-field pavilion with a climate-controlled lower level and an open-air deck on the upper level that replaces the obsolete bleacher section, and an upgraded sound system.

Hoppers remake flawed left-field berm
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The Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) are "riding the wave" into their second season at First Horizon Park while looking out for fans riding the berm. The city's minor-league baseball franchise found little about which to complain after sending 407,711 customers through the turnstiles in 2005, doubling the Bats' final-season attendance at War Memorial Stadium. The hill beyond the left-field fence was the new ballpark's one glaring imperfection. The berm has been redesigned and rebuilt to provide more picnic space and a much better view in time for Thursday's opener against the Hagerstown Suns.

Royals bring out big guns on eve of stadiums vote
Posted April 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
George Brett, Buck O'Neil and Marcus Allen are just a few of the big names urging Jackson County voters to approve an increased sales tax to pay for improvements to Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. The sales tax would raise $425 million over 25 years for renovating and refurbishing Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums, which opened in 1972 and '73. An additional $50 million would come from the state. Royals owner David Glass would kick in $25 million, and Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt would put in $100 million. An accompanying use tax would raise an additional $200 million for a rolling roof, which would make both stadiums climate-controlled and assure the city of the 2015 Super Bowl; the NCAA is also dangling the possibility of a Final Four as well. The vote is today.
     RELATED STORIES: Kauffman to get All-Star Game if renovations are approved; Royals unveil Kauffman Stadium renovation plans; Teams say upgrades will make stadiums 'brand new'; Is Kansas City stadium tax good deal for voters?; Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark taxes; Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City ballpark; Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof; Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand; Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for Kauffman Stadium; Future of Truman complex now up to voters; Royals agree to ticket surcharge; Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?; Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for Kauffman Stadium; Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians; Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way to voters; Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal; Sizing up challenge of raising the roof; Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium; Kauffman Stadium to get roof?; Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal; Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark; Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in voters' hands; Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision; Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate cost; Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check; Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Ballpark Visit: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles
Posted April 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is correctly hailed as a trendsetter in ballpark design, the first retro ballpark in the major leagues. The retro look is perfectly aligned with the surrounding Baltimore neighborhood -- a warehouse and historic train station on one side, a residential neighborhood on the other -- making Oriole Park a must-visit for anyone who loves baseball and ballparks. We detail how to get the most from your Oriole Park visit, including visits to nearby museums highlighting Babe Ruth's birthplace and Maryland sports history.

Senate panel OKs Twins ballpark plan
Posted April 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minnesota Senate State and Local Government Committee passed along a bill giving Hennepin County permission to raise its sales tax to build a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District. The bill lifts a state requirement that the local tax hike be approved by voters; the 0.15 percent sales-tax increase would partially pay for a new ballpark, with the rest of the funds coming from the Twins. There are a raft of issues involved: the estimated price of a new ballpark is now at $500 million, and the previous budget agreed to by the Twins and Hennepin County was not that high. Also, the Twins have some leverage: a county judge ruled the Twins have no lease for the Metrodome and could in theory move or be contracted after the 2006 season. The bill was sent to the Taxes Committee, likely a much tougher Senate panel, where thorny issues of financing and referendums likely will be subjects of lengthy debate.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins ballpark initiative resuming; Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough votes to pass; Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in Minnesota Legislature; Twins laying off threats, for now; It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us; Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins ballpark lunch ends on glum note; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Small-market Twins might be on verge of being overrun economically; Expect a plan but no ballpark; Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; 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

San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner
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San Antonio officials met with Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria at last night's Astros-Marlins game, and it was quickly clear what could be a major sticking point in a move of the Fish to Texas: the lack of a big television contract in the nation's number-37 television market. Miami is a larger television market, and currently the Marlins have a great contract with Fox Sports Network Florida. The deal would be worse in San Antonio, as Fox Sports Net Southwest already broadcasts Astros and Rangers games. One option is to extend a San Antonio market in Mexico, but no one is holding out for huge revenues from there. Tom Hicks, owner of the Texas Rangers, says he has no problems with another Texas team. Meanwhile, Marlins president David Samson continues to tell Miami newspapers that the team's first preference is to stay in Miami. The Miami Herald's Greg Cote says it's time for Miami residents to take the Marlins' ballpark woes seriously. More from the Houston Chronicle.
    RELATED STORIES: Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Marlins say move to Charlotte possible
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The Florida Marlins acknowledged Monday for the first time that Charlotte is possible as a new home for the major-league baseball club. A Marlins executive told the Charlotte Observer he has spoken with local developers and elected officials about the team relocating to Charlotte. But team officials have no plans to visit until they know more about how a proposed uptown ballpark would be financed, said Claude Delorme, the club's senior vice president for stadium development. Elected officials were openly skeptical of the Marlins moving to Charlotte -- developer Jerry Reese has missed several deadlines to outline his plans for a new Marlins ballpark -- and say they'll continue working on a new ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League).

Rockford RiverHawks overhaul ownership structure
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The Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) announced a reorganization of its ownership and front-office leadership. Hawks Baseball LLC completed the acquisition of the assets of Rockford Baseball LLC, the owner of the RiverHawks. Under Hawks Baseball, Kurt Carlson of Rockford will serve as chairman and co-managing member of the team. Dennis Arouca of Wilmette is president and co-managing member. Arouca will have primary day-to-day leadership responsibility for team matters, and will act for the team in Frontier League matters. David Ciarrachi will serve as director of on-field operations and co-managing member, with primary responsibility for the manager, coaches and players.

Conference play starts to tell the real story in college baseball
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Most major conferences are now in the midst of conference play, and we're seeing the wheat start to separate from the chaff. South Carolina is now the #1 team in the land, according to Collegiate Baseball, while Cal State Fullerton and Old Dominion continue making some waves in the rankings. Glen Strandberg sums up last weekend's action.

College Baseball Foundation Honor Roll for April 4, 2006
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John Askins of the College Baseball Foundation presents the sixth honor roll of the 2006 season; the list highlights outstanding performances from the seventh week of the season.

Phillies can't fence them in
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So much for the new fences cutting down the number of homers at Citizens Bank Park: five were hit last night during the Phillies' home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. The left-field fence was moved back five feet and raised eight feet, and Phillies officials estimated it would cut down on the number of homers at CBP by 10 percent. A ball hit by Chase Utley that would have been a homer last summer was a double last night. The other homers, however, were all legitimate.
    RELATED STORIES: Fences pushed back at Citizens Bank Park

Time's up: Rebuild at Diamond or lose ballpark to the suburbs
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The ballpark situation in Richmond gets muddier every day, with city officials determined to push a ballpark at the Fulton Gas Works site and the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) cementing their opposition to the plan. The R-Braves continue to look at suburban sites, but the call here is for a renovation of the team's current home, The Diamond.
    RELATED STORIES: R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals; Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered; Communications breakdown in Richmond; Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark; Wilder worries about silence from Braves; Developer joins ballpark initiative; Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond; Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says; Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three; R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or we're history; Minor attractions in Richmond; Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom; New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes debate; Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems dead; Atlanta Braves may be up for sale; News expected in Richmond ballpark situation; Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark; Developers threaten historic slave-trade site; Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects; Richmond ballpark gets gets financial backer; Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond; Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?; Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark; Braves again make pitch for ballpark; Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?; City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

A's owner in Fremont for meetings
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Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff spent Monday morning in Fremont, talking to city council members in the city he's eyeing for a new ballpark. Wolff met individually with all five council members and Fremont's city manager in a series of private sessions at City Hall, introducing himself to several for the first time. Wolff is in talks with Cisco Systems over acquiring the technology company's interest in a vacant 143-acre parcel west of Interstate 880 and south of Auto Mall Parkway. Wolff, a Los Angeles developer, is looking for a site where he can build about 2,000 homes in conjunction with a ballpark, pouring profits from the housing sales into the ballpark in order to avoid seeking a financial subsidy from the public.
    RELATED STORIES: Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

SkyDome -- uh, Rogers Centre -- spruces up for some new memories
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The Toronto Blue Jays are unveiling C$12 million in renovations to Rogers Centre this season. The biggest change is a grand entrance installed at Gate 8, the first time there's been a "front door" to the ballpark. Other changes include a high-tech kids' play area and a kids-oriented concession stand, complete with a lowered counter and kid-friendly food items. Other upgrades include new concession stands, an upgraded club level and decorative elements in the concourse. Some fans were not happy about the changes: their front-row seats were shifted to the second row. More from CP. Here's a list of the ballpark improvements.

Cost to see a game takes a jump
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MLB ticket prices are up an average of 5.4 percent, with the Boston Red Sox having the highest average for the ninth straight season. Meanwhile, tickets to see the St. Louis Cardinals in the new Busch Stadium are going to be among the most expensive in the game. Tickets in the major leagues average $22.21, the Team Marketing Report said Monday, up from a revised average of $21.08 last year. The NFL averaged $58.95 last year, the NBA $45.92 this season and the NHL $41.19.

Kernan brings optimism to Silver Hawks
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After a tumultuous offseason that saw attorney John Simmons drop plans to buy the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League) and move the team to Marion, Ill., the Silver Hawks appear to be safely ensconced at Covaleski Stadium thanks to new owner Joe Kernan. Kernan had attempted to buy the team before, but his political career -- the former South Bend mayor was lieutenant governor when the sitting mayor died -- got in the way.
    RELATED STORIES: His labors gave birth to Cove; Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks; New deal possible for Silver Hawks; Midwest League attorney under review; The fate of the Silver Hawks still undecided; Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to Simmons; Midwest League reconsidering Marion application; Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet; Marion baseball still seen as possibility; $16 million ballpark needs league of its own; Midwest League rejects Marion; 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

Remembering Travs before Ray Winder
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Even though it seems Ray Winder Field, the home of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), has been around forever, there are plenty of Little Rock baseball fans who remember when Travelers Field (as it was originally known) opened in 1932. Many remember Travelers games at old Kavanaugh Field, originally called West End Park, on a site now occupied by part of the Little Rock Central High School facilities.
    RELATED STORIES: Travs ballpark plans intact, on track; Ballpark's rising costs to force a decision in North Little Rock; The future of Ray Winder Field under debate; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark has budget difficulty; Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park; New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park; Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field; Travelers' home coming into focus; NLR sets ballpark previews; NLR projects set fast, sure course; NLR ballpark planners get right to work; North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike for new ballpark; Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark; NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day; A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

Calgary Dawgs strike out on new ballpark
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The Calgary Dawgs (summer collegiate; Western Major Baseball League) struck out on their plan for a new ballpark in High River near Calgary, with the local board deciding not to participate in the plan. At its March 27 regular meeting, High River town council agreed to a memorandum of understanding between the Dawgs and the three municipalities and had approved providing $500,000 for infrastructure. As one politician said: "This offer [for the ballpark] is like someone offering you a Cadillac, and leaving you to have to pay for the insurance and repairs." I don't know about you, but if someone offered me a new Cadillac for free, I'd gladly assume the cost of insurance and repairs. As you'll recall, the Dawgs suspended operations for the 2005 after being frozen out of Foothills Stadium by the Calgary Vipers (independent; Northern League).

Miller Park is full of fans, high hopes on opening day
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There's nothing like a win to get the home crowd going, but it sounds like opening day at Miller Park was a success even without the victory by the Milwaukee Brewers. The brats were being grilled in the parking lot, and inside the ballpark fans were impressed with the changes put in place by the team's relatively new ownership, including a new picnic area and the new LED fascia displays.

Beavers change the lineup at PGE Park
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The Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) renovated one of the suites at PGE Park to be more kid-friendly, adding children's books, toys and a stack of DVDs. The suite, designed as a place where families can take their kids when they've tired of watching the baseball game, is among several changes -- including renovations, ticket price increases and new marketing initiatives -- designed to boost revenue, create buzz and increase fan interest as Portland's minor-league baseball team kicks off its regular season Friday. The remodeling is far more modest than the $38.5 million renovation for seismic reinforcement and luxury suite construction in 2001 -- which led to steep losses for the team, unpaid rent to the city and, ultimately, a takeover of the Beavers by the Pacific Coast League. The sale of the team is still up in the air. Meanwhile, we've heard resumes are flying out of PGE Park.

Now that's a Yankee swap
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When the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) offered to trade Spinners uniforms and caps for Yankees uniforms, the team was expecting more than a few takers. But yesterday's turnout at LeLacheur Park was probably better than the Spinners expected, with more than 40 of the 62 teams seeking to swap their New York duds for new Spinners garb showing up. In the first Yankees Clothing Drive, 75 navy-and-white uniforms were dumped, along with a handful of hats, as part of the Spinners' Yankees Elimination promotion. The ultimate goal is to convert all Little League Yankees teams into Spinners teams. The Spinners are paying all expenses for the swap, estimated at $20,000.

New Busch should be a star
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Fans in St. Louis will be able to see the first game at Busch Stadium tomorrow when FSN Midwest broadcasts a game between the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League) and the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The ballpark should have some spectacular vistas, a sweeping view of the Old Courthouse and the Arch, which are visible beyond the outfield walls. We'll be there tomorrow night; look for photos and a review on Wednesday. (If you're interested in attending, there may be seats available.) The issue of how well the ball will carry at the new ballpark was settled by Albert Pujols, who launched a christening homer that cleared the bleachers in left field and landed somewhere beyond the ballpark. Tony La Russa said it landed in an open area, where concession stands are; other say it cleared the ballpark. More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel and AP.

Finley elected chairman of MiLB Board of Trustees
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Joe Finley was elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) for Minor League Baseball at the group’s annual spring meeting. Sam Bernabe was elected as the new Vice-Chairman and Ken Carson was re-elected as Secretary. All will serve two-year terms.
    Finley, who is managing partner of the Trenton Thunder, has represented the Eastern League on the BOT since 1997. He moved up from vice chairman to succeed Mike Tamburro of Pawtucket, who remains the International League representative on the Board. Finley is also managing partner of the Lakewood BlueClaws of the South Atlantic League.
    Bernabe, president and general manager of the Iowa Cubs, has represented the Pacific Coast League on the BOT since 2000. Carson, general manager of the Dunedin Blue Jays and director of Florida operations for the Toronto Blue Jays, has represented the Florida State League since the BOT’s inception in 1992.

Changes abound, with comfort in mind
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Ballpark Digest makes the New York Times! Here's a look at the changes in MLB ballparks for the upcoming season, and the first quote in the article comes from Kevin Reichard, editor of Ballpark Digest: "The common theme in all this is creating new premium seats out of old space." The biggest news in the MLB ballpark world this offseason was the construction of new Busch Stadium, but the Cubs and the Dodgers added and revamped season, while the D-Rays are making $10 million in improvements to Tropicana Field.

Dodger Stadium to show off $20 million renovation
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Speaking of ballpark changes: the Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled renovations to Dodger Stadium this past weekend during the annual Freeway Series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. All 50,000 seats were replaced. The seat colors will match the variety of original colors when the ballpark opened. Down the first and third base lines, box seating has been installed, with each box containing four, six or eight seats and a table to make dining easier. The box seats were a response to last year's new seating down the baselines, which drew criticism for their poor sightlines and lack of legroom. About 500 seats and some aisles were removed in an attempt to solve those problems. More from AP.

Giants add fascia display system to AT&T Park
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Speaking of ballpark changes II: ANC Sports Enterprises announced a multi-year agreement with the San Francisco Giants to supply and control a state-of-art SMARTVISION light-emitting diode (LED) fascia system at AT&T Park. ANC's 25mm SMARTVISION display will animate over 450 feet of AT&T Park's lower level fascia, replacing the first and third base fascia rotational signage. The 45-inch high signage system contains a 170-degree viewing angle, providing real-time statistics, advertising messages and in-game animations to the entire ballpark.

Cubs sell Wrigley bleachers' naming rights
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Speaking of ballpark changes III: Anheuser-Busch signed a multiyear agreement with the Cubs to rebrand the hugely beloved -- and recently expanded -- bleacher seats at Wrigley Field as the "Bud Light Bleachers." The move marks a significant expansion of a sponsorship agreement A-B has had with the Cubs dating back more than 25 years. Bud Light signs will greet Cubs fans at the bleacher seat entrance at Waveland and Sheffield. Sepia-toned vintage ballpark photos with A-B product overlay also will be visible along the corridor leading to the bleacher seats.

Brewers set to unveil Miller Park improvements
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Speaking of ballpark changes IV: The Milwaukee Brewers made a slew of improvements to Miller Park for this season, including the addition of a right-field picnic area, new racetrack scoreboards, and retro Sundays, where the team will wear uniforms from Brewers teams of the past. Miller Park was already one of our favorite ballparks; we can't wait to see the changes.

Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio
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Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Sunday that discussions with San Antonio officials about the possibility of relocating the team there are serious. San Antonio has been trying to lure the team and county officials have offered to put up $200 million toward an estimated $300 million ballpark (a highly suspect figure, by the way) if voters approve extending a tax on hotel and car rentals. Loria has repeatedly said that the Marlins' would prefer to remain in South Florida, but he was less adamant about the issue on Sunday, saying nothing was really happening on the Florida front. He has said they will not remain in Dolphins Stadium past 2010. Meanwhile, baseball proponents in San Antonio are working to line up corporate interest in suites -- a huge selling point.
    RELATED STORIES: Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Golden Baseball League to add sponsor logos to uniforms
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The independent Golden Baseball League announced that Sierra Life Sciences of Reno has become the newest league-wide sponsor for the upcoming 2006 season. Details of the two-year partnership agreement, valued at a minimum of $380K, include an AlphaFlex Omega5 product logo patch on the sleeve of all GBL home and away uniforms and product for all interested GBL players. The patch element of the partnership is the first of a U.S. professional baseball league having such a sponsorship across all their teams for an entire season or more. The agreement is also the first uniform patch sponsorship in professional baseball since the Salt Lake City Trappers (rookie; Pioneer League) displayed Coca-Cola and Hardee’s patches on their sleeves during the 1991 and 1992 seasons.

Home, sweet homer: The new Mets ballpark
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Plans for a New York Mets ballpark have been under the radar as the New York Yankees have attracted their fair share of rancor over ballpark plans, but that should change as the Mets prepare to announce their ballpark plans this month. As described in the media guide, the new Shea, which will be built in the eastern parking lot of the current stadium, will depart sharply from the giant blue bowl that Mets loyalists have filled since 1964. For example, Shea II features a clear tip of the hat to Brooklyn's late beloved Ebbets Field in its exterior brick facade. According to the Mets media guide, there will also be a ring of steel supports around the proposed stadium that are meant to evoke the city's bridges as well as the team's connection to the five boroughs.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark or parkland? Vote due on new Yankee Stadium; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; 50M on deck for Bronx if Yankee Stadium OKd; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; New Yankee Stadium plan earns unanimous approval; New ballpark report: The Yankees win!; Yankees' pitchman; Bronx residents spar over removal of parkland at new Yankee Stadium site; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Bronx beep playing hardball on new Yankee Stadium plan; Yank prez hits foes of stadium; Carrion to unveil plan for parkland lost to Yankee Stadium project; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Simmons still making pitches to bring pro baseball to Marion
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Attorney John Simmons says he's still working to bring baseball to a new ballpark in Marion, Ill., despite being thwarted in his attempt to buy and move the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Sally League). He says he's looking at perhaps moving a Class A Sally League team there -- he already owns the Savannah Sand Gnats -- and he's discussed the issue with independent Northern League and Frontier League officials. As the owner of an affiliated team, he can't own an independent-league team, but there are probably some creative ways around that roadblock. More from the Marion Daily Republican.
    RELATED STORIES: Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks; New deal possible for Silver Hawks; Midwest League attorney under review; The fate of the Silver Hawks still undecided; Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to Simmons; Midwest League reconsidering Marion application; Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet; Marion baseball still seen as possibility; $16 million ballpark needs league of its own; Midwest League rejects Marion; 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

SkyChiefs lowball spending
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The spending habits of the Syracuse SkyChiefs (Class AAA; International League) are under scrutiny. The ball boys and the batboys who retrieve foul balls at Alliance Bank Stadium are instructed by SkyChiefs management to return the balls to the team. In other ballparks, ball boys and batboys routinely flip foul balls to fans. The players think that's silly. SkyChiefs players go out of their way to toss baseballs into the stands. Some players and coaches from the Buffalo Bisons even said they lob baseballs into the stands in Syracuse just to annoy SkyChiefs' management. The team does show a profit, but there are some in Syracuse who are starting to expect more from the team. Last season Syracuse's operating revenue of $2.16 million was $1.7 million less than Scranton's and $4.9 million less than Rochester's. When there are no decorations in the stands on Opening Day, when there aren't enough grounds-crew members to cover the field during a rain delay, or when a fan is denied a foul ball, there's a cost in reputation.

Fences pushed back at Citizens Bank Park
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The Philadelphia Phillies are pushing back the fences at Citizens Bank Park in an effort to decrease the number of homers hit there. Last year, in just its second season of operation, 201 homers were hit at Citizens Bank Park -- a figure that ranked fifth in the major leagues. In its inaugural season, there were 228 homers hit there -- a total that ranked third in MLB -- but still a far cry from the 272 that flew out of Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field in 2004. In the offseason, however, the Phillies made a decision to change the dimensions, to move the fences back in left field and to make them a bit higher.

Astros, Avalanche extend player-development contract
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The Salem Avalanche (Class A; Carolina League) and the Houston Astros have agreed to extend their partnership through the 2008 season. The original partnership that brought the Astros affiliation to Salem was set to expire after the 2006 season. "We have enjoyed our relationship with the Salem club and look forward to continuing it for many years in the future," said Astros assistant general manager and director of player development Ricky Bennett. "Kelvin Bowles and his staff run a first-class organization, and we are proud to have the Avalanche as a vital component of our player development efforts." In 2003, the Avalanche changed affiliation from the Colorado Rockies to the Houston Astros. Since that time four Astros -- OF Luke Scott, P Wandy Rodriguez, OF Charlton Jimerson and OF Todd Self -- have played in Salem and worked their way to the majors. More on our affiliations page.

Cardinals promise to even restroom numbers at Busch -- eventually
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The St. Louis Cardinals say new Busch Stadium will have potty parity after all, as Mark Lamping, the team president, released a written statement saying the Cardinals will make changes to the ballpark to comply with a Missouri law that requires an equal number of places for women to relieve themselves as men. The changes won't happen right away, though, as the team will monitor restroom usage and make changes accordingly. New Busch Stadium will have 77 public restrooms, compared to 54 at the old ballpark. The total does not include unisex bathrooms in 63 suites and several bathrooms on the service level not open to the public. But the new stadium, as of now, has 352 urinals and toilets for men in public areas, and 313 toilets for women.

New Boise Hawks nickname could catch nation's eye, produce big bucks
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The Boise Hawks (short season; Northwest League) are exploring changing its name, logo and color scheme, Hawks president and general manager Todd Rahr said. The franchise does not own the rights to the name "Hawks," which creates numerous obstacles in marketing the team. The franchise has been known as the Hawks since 1987, when minor league baseball returned to Boise after a nine-year hiatus. Several different franchises have settled in the city, beginning in 1939 when the team was known as the Pilots. Professional baseball teams in Boise have also been known as the Buckskins, Braves and A's. This isn't the biggest news associated with the Boise Hawks: from what we hear there will be some changes in the ownership structure, and the new name and colors will tie into that change.

New management hopes to turn Devil Rays into winner
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The new ownership of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have made news this offseason in an attempt to stir interest in the team: there will be free parking at Tropicana Field, and the team is investing $10 million in ballpark amenities, such as a new sound system, club lounge and upgraded suites. We were at Tropicana Field this past weekend, and the place needs a lot of work before the season opens: the new sound system was inaudible in the left-field bleachers.

Stadiums Q&A
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The Kansas City Star answers questions about the proposed renovation of Kaufman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals. A proposal to renovate the ballpark is before Jackson County voters later this month, and the issue is a hot one: opponents say an increased tax will unfairly enrich the Royals ownership, while ballpark proponents say the improvements are needed to keep Kauffman Stadium a jewel among ballparks. Jeffrey Spivak answers more questions here.

Put some South in your new Sox
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More on the new West End Stadium, the home of the Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League), designed as a miniature Fenway Park, complete with Green Monster and Pesky Pole. This $15 million mini-Fenway is part of a mixed-use development perched on the site of a former lumberyard in the red-bricked historic West End, and is a critical piece in the remodeling of the city. There's a lot of buzz about this new ballpark; we'll try to make it down as soon as we can this season.

Ports home ready for another storm of fans
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There's no doubt a gorgeous new ballpark gave a boost to the fortunes of the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League), and owner Tom Volpe is expecting more this season. Volpe said the team plans to market more to fans in Tracy, Lodi and other cities in the San Joaquin Valley, hoping to make itself a more regional club -- following the business models and studying some of the promotional ideas used other minor-league teams in Stockton.

Hotel project worries vendors by Oriole Park
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Construction of a city-financed hotel on the north side of Oriole Park at Camden Yards has transformed the gateway to the stadium, funneling many fans through a covered walkway and moving about 30 vendors a block or more from their coveted spot outside the park's north entrance on Camden Street. Vendors expect the move to cut sales, which rely wholly on foot traffic, and lower profits this baseball season.

Chiefs plant palm trees for 2006 season
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If it's April, it can only mean the annual planting of palm trees at O'Brien Field, the home of the Peoria Chiefs (Class A; Midwest League). For the fourth straight year, Kelch Turf Farms and Landscaping out of Kickapoo will plant the trees in the left field and left-centerfield berms. The palm trees have become a staple of O'Brien Field and their annual planting signals that the baseball season is just around the corner. The Chiefs and O'Brien Field started the tradition of Palm Trees in Peoria when the stadium opened on May 24, 2002 with 20 trees both inside and outside the stadium. The Chiefs switched to Queen Palms before the 2003 season as the Queens are better equipped to handle the changes in the Central Illinois climate. This season, as in 2004, the Queen Palms will be planted inside the stadium only as trees more indigenous to Central Illinois have been planted outside the stadium.

Warthogs, Grasshoppers already ahead of '05 figures
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Management of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (Class A; Carolina League) and the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) report they are already 10 percent or more ahead of sponsorship sales from last year. Going into the second year at First Horizon Park, sponsorship sales for the Grasshoppers are 10 percent ahead of last year, at slightly under $3 million. In Winston-Salem, sponsorship sales just cracked the $600,000 figure after reaching $450,000 last year.

Few at-bats left for Richmond mall site
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The Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) continue to say they're not thrilled with the idea of a new ballpark on the city's Fulton Gas Works site and instead want a new ballpark in Chesterfield County near Cloverleaf Mall, surrounded by shopping, entertainment and condos. But shopping and entertainment long ago fled this section of Chesterfield County near the city line. What remains is a strip riddled with vacant storefronts, "For Lease" signs, abandoned chain restaurants and a boarded-up gas station. And that doesn't include the increasingly barren Cloverleaf Mall. The Braves say they're talking with several suburbs about a move.
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FAU considering a deal with Indians for spring-training complex
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As we reported last week: Florida Athletic University in Boca Raton is studying the idea of building a ballpark to serve the school's team and become the spring-training home of the Cleveland Indians. The university needs to determine if there is land to accommodate a spring-training facility, which requires several fields for major and minor league players, as well as what a ballpark would cost and how it would be financed. The Indians currently train in Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes Park, but both sides say they would prefer not to continue that relationship. There's only been one meeting, and what happens may hinge on whether a proposal to fund spring training via state dollars passes the Florida Legislature; as the legislation is currently written, FAU would not be eligible for these funds, as the plan is designed to help cities currently hosting spring training to keep their teams. More from the Akron Beacon-Journal, which is reporting mild interest on the part of the Indians.
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'Best spring ever' at Scottsdale Stadium
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Speaking of spring training: a record number of baseball fans from turning out this month to see some of world's best players in the renovated Scottsdale Stadium. Attendance topped 176,000 fans for 14 San Francisco Giants games and four games involving the inaugural World Baseball Classic. That is nearly 14 percent higher than Scottsdale Stadium's previous Major League Baseball attendance record of 152,185 two years ago. These numbers are very misleading, though: The Giants drew 140,998 fans or an average of 10,071 for their 14 Cactus League games -- 4.8 percent below last year's attendance for 14 games. (Indeed, attendance was down across the Cactus League.) The attendance boost came as a result of the World Baseball Classic.

Ticket resales banned near Ameriquest Field
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A new ordinance makes it illegal to resell game tickets near Ameriquest Field, even if the buyer is paying face value or less. Undercover police officers near the Texas Rangers' ballpark will help enforce the ordinance, which took effect Thursday as part of an effort to make scalping and ticket scams easier to detect, police said; of course, the Rangers benefit greatly from the law as well: the team runs a Website to resell tickets. The Arlington City Council made selling tickets a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Each ticket sold will be considered a separate offense. It has always been illegal to scalp tickets, or resell them for more than face value. But before the ordinance, selling tickets for their original price or less was allowed.

DiBella excited about new things in Norwich
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Lou DiBella, the owner of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League), is excited about the upcoming season: his team has a new name, new colors and new uniforms. And, perhaps more importantly, a new attitude: DiBella brought in some pretty good people and turned them loose to market the team to the general region. Included in these changes is a brand new, state-of-the-art video scoreboard that should be installed and ready by Opening Day. There will also be a new food service provider at Dodd Stadium this season, as CulinArt will be introducing Nathan's hot dogs, Carvel's ice cream, and other major name-brand concession options.

Settling in at home
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Now that the Washington Nationals are beginning their second season at RFK Stadium, things should be normal for the players and the front office. The once nomadic Montreal Expos -- who played parts of the 2003 and 2004 seasons in Puerto Rico and Olympic Stadium -- have peace of mind now. But with the momentum created by 2005 gone, can this team come close to re-creating its first-half run? We hope so: the team overachieved the last few seasons under Frank Robinson, and everyone loves an overachiever. More on the Nats opener from the Washington Times.

Boosting the gate at Raley Field
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The folks who run Raley Field, the home of the Sacramento River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are fond of hearing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." But they wouldn't mind listening to Wagner's "Wedding March" or Dave Matthews' "Everyday" booming over the infield a few dozen times a year. More than just a summertime field of dreams for Triple-A baseball fans, Raley Field is a year-round business that, like other sports venues here and nationwide, competes for a host of gate receipts that have nothing to do with sports. As the River Cats launch their seventh baseball season tonight with an exhibition game against their parent team, the Oakland A's, officials are looking for home runs well beyond baseball, working to fill the stadium's 14,600 seats with everything from barbecues and weddings to rock concerts and corporate events.

Trying to get along famously
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The New York Yankees really do exist in a class by themselves, no matter how MLB is structured. This article talks about the special considerations when the Yanks sign a free agent: it's not enough to sign a good player -- the team goes after marquee names. Was Randy Johnson worth the big bucks purely as a baseball investment? Probably not. But as a marquee name added to promote the Yanks, he was worth every penny.

South Coast League announces ownership group
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The independent South Coast League formally announced its ownership group. Joliet Professional Baseball LLC, owners of the Joliet JackHammers (independent; Northern League), join current South Coast League Chief Executive Officer Jamie Toole and Chief Operating Officer Chris Allen with ownership interest in the South Coast League. Joliet Professional Baseball's majority shareholder, Pete Ferro, will serve as Chairman of the Board. Prior to founding the JackHammers, Ferro was a founding Director of Empress Casino Joliet and Empress Casino Hammond. Ferro began his career in the family-owned P.T. Ferro Construction Company in 1964 and ascended the ranks to the position of president.
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Canaries announce new presenting sponsor: First Premier
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The Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) announced that First Premier Bank/Premier Bankcard is the presenting sponsor of the Sioux Falls Canaries 2006 season. This agreement, the first of its kind in Canaries’ history, brings together a local South Dakota based organization with the baseball franchise. This announcement also marks the release of the Canaries 2006 Season Logo incorporating the logos of both the team and the financial institution. As presenting sponsor, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard will receive signage as well as its logo on all Canaries print publications and inclusion in all media advertising.

Ballpark Notes
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The South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League) have promoted assistant general manager Tim Arseneau to general manager of the Silver Hawks effective immediately. Arseneau, who is beginning his eleventh season in professional baseball and second tour with Silver Hawks, served as the director of operations (2001-02) before joining the Clearwater Phillies (Class A; Florida State League) in 2003. Arseneau also held the director of concessions position for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (short season; NY-Penn League)....The Lexington Legends (Class A; Sally League today that the Opening Day ceremonies will have a patriotic theme. The ceremonies will include a Black Hawk flyover, a swearing in of National Guard troops and an unfurled American flag covering the infield during the national anthem. Three of the impressive Black Hawk helicopters will soar above Applebee’s Park during the singing of the national anthem. One of the Black Hawks will land in centerfield allowing Major General Donald C. Storm, the 51st Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, to emerge for a special swearing in ceremony for National Guard Troops. Major General Storm will also throw a ceremonial first pitch before the game....The Frederick Keys (Class A; Carolina League) announced the hiring of Chuck Cannon as the head groundskeeper at Harry Grove Stadium. With the Keys, Cannon will be in charge of maintaining the field suitable to the standards of Minor League Baseball and the Baltimore Orioles. He will begin work on the field at Harry Grove Stadium immediately. Cannon will also be in charge of hiring and supervising any grounds keeping assistants, as well as taking care of field equipment and supplies, such as field tarps, screens, batting and pitching tunnels, dugouts, and more....The Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League) and HMS Technologies have teamed up to provide area high-school students whose parents currently serve overseas in the armed forces the opportunity to apply for the "Son or Daughter of a Serviceman Overseas Scholarship Fund." As part of the Suns' "Serviceman Overseas" promotion, HMS Technologies will donate $5 into the scholarship fund for each run the Suns score during the 2006 season....The Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) and Rogers Television 22 announced a 21-game television broadcast schedule for the 2006 season. This will be the 13th season that Ottawa fans will be able to watch Lynx broadcasts on Rogers Television 22. The 21 Lynx broadcasts include three games in May, five in June, three in July and eleven in August and September, when the Lynx will be working towards a playoff birth in the International League North Division....The Charleston RiverDogs (Class A; Sally League) will take the field for the first time at "The Joe" tomorrow as the fourth annual "Coastal Clash" pits the RiverDogs and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A; Carolina League). The yearly exhibition game that rotates between Charleston and Myrtle Beach began in 2003. The Pelicans have won the first three installments of the exhibition game. The rivalry earned its name, Coastal Clash, from a contest entry with the winning moniker submitted by Robert Hughes from Goose Creek....The Pittsburgh Pirates extended the contract of general manager Dave Littlefield through the 2008 season....Tony Tijerina, who is the Mets' minor-league field coordinator, was named the interim manager for the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League). Ken Oberkfell had surgery on February 15th to remove blood clots in his left leg....