Simmy: Northern League is in trouble
Posted May 9, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Doug Simunic, one of the more astute observers of indy baseball and a man who is not shy about sharing his opinions on the state of things, is of the opinion the Northern League is in serious trouble and that he's ready to bail on his current team, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. "The Northern League can't go on with six teams. Absolutely not. From my standpoint, for Doug Simunic, I'll have to go look somewhere else," he told the Winnipeg Free Press's Gary Lawless, calling the Northern League the fourth-best indy league at best. With only six teams and no prospects for another (we hear the Frontier League is a strong contender in Normal and the American Association a strong contender in Topeka), the future of the league really must come in for a serious discussion. Really, we don't know where the league can expand; Clark Griffith, whose role in the league has been scaled back to scouting out new territories, reportedly has been looking at Wisconsin and Minnesota (the southern suburbs of Burnsville and Lakeville, specifically) locales for a new ballpark. We don't see it happen: between the Northwoods League and the Midwest League, virtually every good market (except maybe the Milwaukee suburbs) is occupied.

Veeck leaving the world of affiliated ball
Posted May 9, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mike Veeck, one of the savviest promoters in the world of baseball and a key player in the rise of independent baseball, has decided to embrace the independent lifestyle and is divesting himself of his holdings in affiliated teams, we've been told by those with an inside view of the action. Those holdings, as part of the Goldklang Group, includes stakes in the Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League) and the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) and will now consist only of ownership stakes in the St. Paul Saints and Sioux Falls Canaries (both independent; American Association), though he will retain his titles with the affiliated teams (for instance, he remains president of the RiverDogs). Now, we're not necessarily talking about some huge ownership percentages here -- his interests in indy teams has been far larger than his stakes with affiliated teams, according to those in the know -- so this isn't about the money. There's always been a tension between the N.A. and owners with foots in both camps, and Veeck was grandfathered in when the N.A. banned affiliated owners from investing in indy teams. But the tension remains, and some developments in recent weeks concerning the management of affiliated teams objecting to some plans Veeck had to visitings potential markets might have led to his decision. We think it's accurate to call this a message to the N.A.; whether it will make any difference remains to be seen, though we're guessing we could see Veeck take a more public approach to expansion opportunities with the American Association or even pop up as an owner in another indy circuit.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 9, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tim Harwood, whose pointed comments about the umpiring in the Northwoods League last summer briefly landed him in the doghouse, returns as the voice of the Waterloo Bucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Tim's actually one of the nicest guys you'll find in any broadcast booth, so we're happy to see him back....The independent Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced that China Olympic Team will play a three-game series versus GBL teams later this month in Long Beach and Yuma. Managed by former Los Angeles Dodger All-Star and Major League Manager Jim Lefebvre, the China National Team is a rising power in the baseball world in Asia with recent victories over Korea and will be one of the eight teams vying for gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The China National Team will face the Long Beach Armada in a two-game series at historic Blair Field on May 17-18. The team will then travel to Yuma and take on the Yuma Scorpions on May 21.

Braman lawsuit against new Marlins ballpark can move forward: judge
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A lawsuit filed by Miami auto dealer and former Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) owner Norman Braman challenging the $3-billion public-works plan that will yield, among other things, funding for a new Florida Marlins ballpark can proceed, as the judge held it legitimately concerned public aid to a private client. The deal, which is very complicated, diverts some land and revenue streams to help build the Marlins ballpark. Support for the new ballpark has been tenuous, to say the least, and with a judge allowing the lawsuit to go forward it will be interesting to see how county and city officials react -- especially when you consider Braman has a knack for winning lawsuits that question public spending on sports facilities.
    RELATED STORIES: Do Marlins have enough votes to finalize ballpark deal?; Dispute over spoils could derail new Fish pond; Fish fans: Will new ballpark lead to better team?; Will fans flock to new Fish pond?; City, county approves Marlins ballpark deal; Marlins ballpark inches closer to fruition; deal could be done by Thursday; Marlins ballpark plan hits parking snag; More specifics revealed on new Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami mayor swings for the fences with ballpark plan; Vote on new Marlins ballpark delayed; Braman makes pitch against new Fish pond; Marlins to seek state aid for new ballpark; New ballpark could be suite deal for commissioners; Plan for Marlins ballpark gets support from Miami-Dade; Marlins funding closer to reality; Marlins' ballpark plan gets new life; New Marlins ballpark funding plan proposed; Marlins: Ballpark woes led to trade; Marlins ballpark negotiations continue; Marlins' share key to ballpark deal; DuPuy: Marlins ballpark top priority; Ho hum: Marlins hand county yet another ballpark deadline; Marlins may get $50 million for new ballpark; DuPuy meets with Crist about new Fish ballpark, says MLB will make use of Dodgertown; Marlins about to bring ballpark deal in from the bullpen; Selig receptive to Orange Bowl site for new Marlins ballpark; UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins ballpark; Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled; University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08; Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?; Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy

Sounds ballpark legislation still alive
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Legislation that would establish a tax-increment financing for a new Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark is still alive in the current Tennessee legislative session. The Sounds basically did an end run around the city of Nashville to request the legislation -- a move that mightily pissed off Mayor Karl Dean and other Metro members, who said the Sounds should have presented the city with a comprehensive ballpark plan, including funding sources, before going to the Legislature -- and it's currently in a House budget subcommittee, though onlookers doubt it has enough support to pass out of there. With Nashville lobbyists explicitly opposing the measure, we imagine the onlookers are right. This might be the last chance the current owners of the Sounds have to make any sort of ballpark deal: giving the metaphorical finger to city government -- representing financial partners the team desperately needs to make a deal -- probably doesn't fall under the header of best business practices. More from Nashville City Paper.
   RELATED STORIES: Sounds propose state sales-tax rebate to pay for new ballpark

Centerplate reports $11.2 million loss; will look at options and eliminate dividends
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Concessionaire Centerplate reported a net loss of $11.2 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.0 million, or $0.36 per share, in the first quarter of 2007. The reason for the increased loss was pretty clear: operating income was down as revenue from new venues like Prudential Center couldn't offset losses in existing businesses, especially on the convention center site, while interest expenses rose. UBS Investment Bank is being brought in to look at the company's existing stock setup, but a sale of the company isn't out of the question as the stock price remains stuck under $5 a share.

New Topeka ballpark moving forward; Wolff visits market
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American Association commissioner Miles Wolff was on hand yesterday in Topeka to tour potential ballpark sites, including a downtown site that seems to be the preference of many in the decision-making chain, and check out the market. Topeka's one of those markets that certainly should be big enough to support pro baseball -- in 2004, the five-county area was home to almost 228,000 people, according to the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce -- but its location (fairly far from any suitable affiliated league), proximity to Kansas City and lack of a suitable venue has kept away interest. But now that the independent American Association is in the region (Lincoln and Wichita, specifically), a market like Topeka makes a lot of sense as both a regional play and a bridge for the northern and southern teams. The meeting between Wolff, deputy mayor Randy Speaker and consultant Doug Stewart was meant to bring Wolff up to date on what's going on with the ballpark plans. Many things are still up in the air -- like location and funding sources -- but it's safe to say this is the closest Topeka has come to professional baseball in a long time, as everyone involved is working toward a May 2010 opening. Speaking of ballpark plans: We've added Topeka to our list of upcoming ballparks (you can find the list in the left-hand column of this page). We've posted a rendering of the proposed facility, as well as three different configurations. More from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Thompson: We don't want to lose Wrigley name
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Former Governor Jim Thompson, who's heading efforts for the state of Illinois to buy Wrigley Field in his role as chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, says the ISFA would prefer to buy the historic ballpark as is, unencumbered by any new naming-rights deal. He added something we've heard as well: no one is interested in buying naming rights and being the firm that displaced the Wrigley name from Wrigley Field. Thompson is still working on a financial plan that would allow the IFSA to buy Wrigley Field without the use of taxpayer dollars, but so far the only feasible proposals include some sort of tax relief from the city of Chicago and a willingness by the city to relax its historic-preservation rules -- two things currently opposed by Mayor Richard Daley and key members of the city council. Information about the team's financials are being distributed to six potential buyers, but there's been a remarkable lack of activity on the sales front, as many are wondering if owner Sam Zell isn't pushing his luck by try to squeeze out too much for the Chicago Cubs, the ballpark and related assets; the credit issues affecting Zell will probably also affect potential buyers, and we're hearing the price for all the assets may not reach a billion dollars given the commercial credit squeeze. More from AP and the Chicago Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Could Cubs sale go into 2009?; Preservationist group comes out against state takeover of Wrigley Field; Cubs selling naming rights; Wrigley name will stay; Cubs would share the Cell if Wrigley is remodeled; Daley not sold on sale of Wrigley Field; The rape and pillage of Wrigley Field; Why Wrigley Field should retain landmark status; Tunney: Tribune Co. playing hardball with city; State: City must relax Wrigley Field landmark status if sold by Cubs; Zell's insistence on selling Cubs, park separately slowing sale; Cubs: Wrigley should pay for Wrigley Field naming rights; Cubs sale probably won't happen until after end of season; Tunney wary of Wrigley deal; Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field; Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

Marana pushing for new spring-training facility
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City officials in Marana, Az., continue to push for local funding of a new spring-training complex, as Pima County and the city of Tucson continue to grapple with the future of spring training in the area. Marana is located north of Tucson and previously made pitches for spring training (talks took place between the city and the Los Angeles Dodgers a few years ago). Officials with the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority, which is being formed to specifically address spring-training facilities, say Marana is the only community to show any interest in working on a new complex. We've not gotten a sense Tucson officials are too concerned about the issue, though they should be: the Colorado Rockies want serious improvements to Hi Corbett Field before committing to Tucson, the Chicago White Sox pretty much have given notice they're bound for Phoenix once their lease expires, and Arizona Diamondbacks officials say they're listening to other offers. But there's so much work to do -- right now the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority has no taxing authority, which needs to be approved by the state legislature -- Marana may be coming to the game a little too late. More from the Arizona Daily Star.
    RELATED STORIES: D-Backs: We'll listen to other spring-training offers

This week's podcast: Omaha and NCAA culminate mating dance
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On this week's podcast: Omaha throws in its lot with the NCAA; Sugar Land, Texas pushes for a new team; the Red Sox look at moving their spring-training complex; a new ballpark opens in Charles County; plans for a new ballpark are unveiled in Bowling Green; and the Golden League revives the El Centro Imperials -- at least for five games. Publisher Kevin Reichard and Senior Editor Dave Wright review the hot topics in the baseball and ballpark worlds in the weekly Ballpark Digest podcast. We've added the ability to listen directly to Ballpark Digest podcasts from the front page of the site: just click on the audio button in the box directly below this -- no need to load a media player or other software. The Ballpark Digest podcast has proven to be a popular feature of the site: according to the Feedburner stats it's been heard 11,558 (!) times via that service alone since Sept. 17, 2007. To directly subscribe to the feed using Firefox or Internet Explorer, go to this page and click on the "Subscribe Now" button. Comments are welcome. You can listen directly to the podcast on your own PC via this link (it's a standard MP3 file). More on Ballpark Digest podcasts here.

Today's video: Olbermann tours new Yankee Stadium, wets himself
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last night's big story on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann: his tour of the new Yankee Stadium, where the former ESPN anchor went out and personally filmed construction of the new ballpark. Yeah, the video is a little shaky, but this is a great view of the facility done by someone with a great love and passion for ballparks. We'll have several videos over the next few days, including a commercial from the San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball) and two spots from the Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida State League). Send in your videos and we'll post them to site: you can send your videos directly to editors@augustpublications.com. (Thanks to the loyal reader sending in this video, complete with catchy and appropriate headline!)

Olympic Stadium may get permanent metal roof
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Olympic Stadium, the former home of the Montreal Expos, may get a permanent metal roof as early as the end of the year, as the provincial government is committed to keeping the stadium and doing what it takes to make it economically viable. It could cost up to $70 million to add the new roof. As you'll recall, Olympic Stadium originally had a funky retractable Kevlar roof that never did work properly and was later left in a closed position. The stadium is still used for CFL playoff and Grey Cup games, as well as concerts and other events. More from the Montreal Gazette.

AppleSox eying larger ballpark
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The Wenatchee AppleSox (summer collegiate; WCCBL) are looking at moving from its present home at Wenatchee Valley College to a larger facility, Recreation Park. The AppleSox are bursting at the seams at WVC, and a move to the larger ballpark would make sense. The big issue: coming up with $400,000 to improve Recreation Park with new new grandstands, bathrooms, locker rooms and field improvements. More from the Wenatchee World.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Regions Park, the home of the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) since 1988, is set to welcome its 6 millionth Barons fan this Saturday, May 10, for Birmingham’s 7:05 pm contest with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. To mark the occasion, the Barons are hosing "6 Million Saturday." The team is just 128 fans away from the milestone, and the lucky fan will be welcomed with a party atmosphere when he or she enters the gates....The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) introduced their 2008 four-legged mascot: Boarack Ohama (Boar-AHK O-HAH-muh). For two long months, three candidates, Hillary Rod-ham Clinton, John Muckain and Ohama criss-crossed the Twin Cities in furious attempts to garner this nomination. Charges of pork-barrel politics and incessant mud-slinging marred a series of debates. Negative ads ham-pered each of the candidates throughout the chase....

Mallards push back ballpark redesign; will unveil new scoreboard, diner this season
Posted May 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to drastically change the field layout at Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), has been delayed until 2010 to give city officials and Mallards owners time to come up with a financing plan. That's not stopping GM Vern Stenman and crew from implementing several upgrades to the creaky old former home of the likes of the Madison Muskies and Madison Hatters (Mad Hatters! Get it?). First, Maynard's Restaurant (so named after the Mallards' mascot, Maynard), Maynard’s will feature 100 percent locally produced and prepared food items, including fresh (never frozen) burgers from Stoddard’s Meat Market in nearby Cottage Grove. "Maynard’s is something very close to my heart. The concept is modeled on a place I frequented growing up and we really hope our fans will enjoy the higher-quality local foods that we’ll serve," said Stenman. "There is something that just seems right about sitting down and enjoying a great burger and some beer-battered cheese curbs." (Yes, nothing says Wisconsin like cheese curds.) On a slightly more serious note, the team is adding an Amp Energy Vision Video Board for the 2008 season. For the first time Mallards fans will be able to check out instant replays of game action and more. Amp Energy Vision will also highlight player bio information, live video of in-between inning promotions, the Kiss Cam and more.

Ballpark Preview: Bowling Green
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Planning for a new Bowling Green ballpark is moving right along, as the city's planning commission has approved initial plans submitted by DLR Group. The plans for a 4,000-seat ballpark feature a brick facade, 10 suites, party decks, and a 150-capacity club behind home plate. The cost of the new ballpark, expected to house the relocated Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League), is now set at $28 million, with revenues coming from the establishment of a $100-million TIF district in downtown Bowling Green. Speaking of Columbus: the buzz in minor-league circles is that MiLB officials have prepared a tentative schedule for 2009 that puts Bowling Green and the Lake County Captains in the Low Class A Midwest League. There's been talk about a shift of two teams from the Sally League to the Midwest League for some time now, and while it's certain no decision has been reached, the fact such a schedule is said to exist says there's more chance of a move than ever before. On the one hand, it's clear Eastlake really is a Midwest League territory, and Bowling Green would be the only team in the Sally League not in the Eastern time zone; on the flip side, there are some natural territorial rivalries (like Lexington vs. Bowling Green) neutered with a league move. More renderings here.

Filmmakers to commemorate Shea with never-ending tribute
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Well, maybe not never-ending, though it might feel that way after Joseph Coburn and Katherine Foronjy interview long-time Mets fans for their Shea Stadium memories. The great thing (or not, depending on your tolerance for Shea Stadium memories), according to filmmakers, is that everyone who participates is guaranteed to be part of the final product. From the press release: "The best part of this video is that everyone makes the cut! According to the filmmakers, there will be no time constraints for this project so everyone who is interviewed will be included in the video. The directors said that they shot over 150 hours of video for Mathematically Alive and the worst part about it was making the cuts. They said they plan to use some of that extra video, but want Mets fans to meet up with them to talk about their best memories of Shea." Let's see: 150 hours or so of Mets fans reliving their fondest memories of Shea Stadium. Should be an event; it's slated for release the day before the final Shea Stadium game.

New Laredo ballpark still on hold
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The Laredo Broncos (independent; United League Baseball) are ready to move ahead on a $7.5 million ballpark project but are having a tough time receiving approval from the city. The city would actually build the ballpark and charge the Broncos $100,000 annually over 20 years. The Broncos would have use of the ballpark for 15 percent of the year, the rest of the time it would be used by the city, Laredo Independent School District, TAMIU and youth and community sports. We're not hearing about any big opposition to the project, but it does seem curious the city council keeps putting off a final decision one way or another.

Ballpark Preview: Charlotte County Sports Complex, Tampa Bay Rays
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The Tampa Bay Rays will open Spring Training 2009 at the second spring-training complex in team history, as the Rays shift operations south to Port Charlotte. Spring-training fans will recognize Charlotte County Sports Park as the former spring home of the Texas Rangers before the team moved to Arizona in 2003. They probably won't recognize the facility after it opens, as $27 million is spent on a complete makeover of the ballpark and the rest of the complex. The ballpark was stripped down to its concrete baseball and will be remade with new seating, a center-field tiki bar, outfield berms, a restaurant, new suites and family picnic areas down each line. In addition, a new entrance will greet visitors with a festive atmosphere. More renderings, information and construction photos within.

Heartland College expects to make ballpark decision in two weeks
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Three bids for a 3,500-4,500-seat ballpark costing between $10 million and $11.5 million were received by Heartland Community College, as officials there decide whether to move ahead with a minor-league ballpark or build a athletic complex on its own. The plan is to have one of the three bidding groups build the facility for college use as well; they represent the independent Frontier League and Northern League. (No groups associated with the independent American Association decided to enter a bid; Normal, Ill., is a little outside the American Association footprint and is a better fit for the other two indy leagues.) The new ballpark must be expandable to 6,000 and privately financed; the college will provide the land, although there's been talk of some additional tax support from Normal. More from the Bloomington Pantagraph.
    RELATED STORIES: Future of Normal ballpark, team should be clear in coming weeks

County, developer sign deal for sale of Cooper Stadium
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Franklin County and Arshot Investments agreed on the $3.3 million sale of Cooper Stadium, with the plan to convert the soon-to-be former home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) to a combination speedway, go-cart track and drag strip. For the most part the transaction went down smoothly; Arshot now has 17 months to arrange financing and close the deal. County commissioners were concerned the new owners could convert the ballpark to a gambling facility should gambling become legal in Ohio, but new owner William J. Schottenstein declined to promise that would not happen. Next season the Clippers will be moving to a new ballpark. More from the Columbus Dispatch.

Blair Field in need of repairs
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Blair Field, the home of the Long Beach State baseball team and the Long Beach Armada (independent; Golden Baseball League), is certainly showing its age as locals celebrate its 50th anniversary. Some ballpark upgrades, like a new scoreboard, are due this summer with the assistance of the GBL. But other improvements may have to wait: there are only two restrooms and sometimes there are problems with the plumbing, while the lighting has dimmed to the point where Long Beach State would have a hard time hosting a Super Regional. More from the Long Beach Press Telegram.

NCAA commits to 25-year Omaha ballpark lease
Posted May 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Our friends at the NCAA passed along word that the organization was prepared to sign a 25-year lease to hold the College World Series at a new downtown Omaha ballpark. The memo of understanding, signed by NCAA President Myles Brand, commits the NCAA to Omaha through 2035, first at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium through 2010 and the new ballpark thereafter. Let's break down the numbers.
    The city of Omaha is expecting the new facility to generate $9.6 million annually through naming rights (which the city expects to be priced at $750,000 annually), parking fees, suite revenue, concessions and ticket sales. Another $6.4 million will be raised annually through non-ballpark revenues, including keno revenues, hotel/motel taxes, and car-rental taxes. That puts the total revenue dedicated to the ballpark at $16 million. Of that, $6.5 million will go to annually debt service and $3.5 million to operating expenses and a ballpark upkeep fund. In addition, Omaha officials guaranteed the NCAA $5 million annually no matter what sort of revenues the College World Series generates. In the budget, there's an addition $1 million expected. If this reserve fund does happen, the NCAA would receive at least 80 percent and the city 20 percent, with the city's share capped at $350,000 and dedicated to ballpark maintenance and upgrades.
    To put it another way, the city of Omaha is raising taxes by $6.4 million annually and not seeing a dime of it go back into city coffers. Or, to put it an even different way, it's a pretty sweet deal for the NCAA, whose guaranteed take goes from $1 million annually (though in recent years the NCAA has received $3.3 million based on increased revenues from ticket sales and concession revenue) to $5 million. No wonder they're happy putting down roots in downtown Omaha.
    If you look at the numbers, there's an odd thing: left unmentioned are any potential revenues from leasing the ballpark to Creighton University or the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Indeed, as it's been described to us by those with inside knowledge there's no way the O-Royals could turn a profit based on the terms initially presented by the city. The two entities are conspicuous by the absence on the roster of an advisory committee overseeing ballpark design and construction: represented will be CWS Inc., the NCAA, Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (which will manage the facility), the city and -- get this -- big donors to the project. Now, undoubtedly there are things in the numbers we're missing. But based on this preliminary budget, it sounds like Omaha's ready to say goodbye to the Royals after making a decision to keep the CWS at any cost.
    UPDATE: We now know what will happen with Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium after earlier wondering why its future was not addressed in the city's figures. In a separate deal, Warren Buffett and Walter Scott will pick up the costs of demolishing the facility and paying off the bonds, which should cost close to $13 million. The land will go to the local zoo; plans for an expansion of the facility and the addition of more sorely needed parking are already in the works.
    RELATED STORIES: Omaha, NCAA reach agreement on new-ballpark lease; MECA approves ballpark deal; O-Royals lease not a sure thing; MECA approves ballpark deal; O-Royals lease not a sure thing; Omaha, MECA reach agreement on new ballpark; NCAA on board; MECA, city break off talks on new Omaha ballpark; Letter: NCAA neutral on new Omaha ballpark; Parking issues at play at proposed Omaha ballpark; Rosenblatt defenders give Omaha mayor an earful; Omaha formally commits to 24,000-seat downtown ballpark; Should Omaha tell to NCAA to live with Johnny Rosenblatt?; Committee recommends new downtown Omaha ballpark; MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land; Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?; O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Ballpark Visit: Municipal Stadium, San Jose Giants
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Built as a WPA project in 1942, Municipal Stadium, the home of the San Jose Giants (High Class A; California League), is a beautiful old park in a suburban setting. There are palm trees behind the outfield fence, and redwoods and other large trees all along the first-base side. The grandstand is reinforced concrete with art deco trim and extends from first to third, with stand-alone grandstands along the left-field and right-field lines. This is one of the finest parks in the California League to enjoy a ballgame, especially if you like older parks. It’s very fan friendly, especially for kids, and the team really goes out of its way to promote their long local baseball history. John Moist reports.

MiLB experiences April growth
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Minor League Baseball got off to a good start in a bid to break its all-time attendance record for the fifth consecutive season. The average crowd per playing date, through April, is up slightly from the 2007 total when the Minor Leagues drew 42,812,812 fans.
    The actual fan total in April was 6,665,662, the highest in the 107-year history of the industry. That total, however, was spread over more playing dates, since the season opened on Apr. 3 for most of the 11-full season leagues, the earliest the season has ever opened.
    The average crowd for the 1,780 playing dates was 3,745, an increase of 19 fans (0.5 percent) over April, 2007, when the 136 teams attracted 5,905,069 fans, the previous record for April.
    The International League, which went over the one million mark in attendance in April for the first time ever, had the largest increase among the domestic leagues. Its average crowd of 5,699 was an increase of 425 fans (8 percent). The total was bolstered by a new franchise. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, relocated from Ottawa, ranked second in the league with an average crowd of 7,164 for 12 playing dates.
    Other leagues registering increases were Mexican, up 9.3 percent; Texas, up 5.4 percent; and Carolina, which had a gain of 3.9 percent.

GBL revives El Centro Imperials
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The independent Golden Baseball League (GBL), in a partnership with the City of El Centro, is announced the return of the legendary El Centro Imperials to professional baseball after a 57-year layoff following their Sunset League title in 1950 and their last year as a member of the Southwest International League in 1951. The Yuma Scorpions, based about 60 miles away, will play a slate of five games as the El Centro Imperials in retro uniforms at Stark Field in El Centro, CA, the former Imperials home ballpark.
    "We are pleased to return such a storied team to professional baseball,” said Golden Baseball League Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "The City of El Centro has been tremendous to work with and this should be a great set of games for fans and families to enjoy."

GBL, Safeway extend sponsorship deal
Posted May 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced that Safeway has extended their leaguewide Presenting Sponsorship agreement with the GBL for two additional years. No terms for the deal were released, and we're not going to speculate: the original deal was worth either $1 million annually or for the entire course of the three-year commitment and did or did not include a valuation on things like in-store promotions, depending on who you talked with. Still, it was a major deal for the startup league, and its continuation is a good sign for the GBL.
    This extension continues the joint programs and benefit levels to both companies that were established in the original three-year agreement. Safeway has the exclusive rights to these programs and specific on-field activities. The company receives Presenting Sponsor credit on all Golden Baseball marketing and community affairs materials and has a major presence in each Golden Baseball League ballpark. Golden Baseball League teams will have the opportunity to work with their local Safeway stores in promoting the League and offer Safeway employees the opportunity to volunteer for various activities.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For the second consecutive year, KWKH (1130 AM) will carry Shreveport Sports (independent; American Association) baseball in 2008. The Sports will open the season Thursday at El Paso to start a four-game series. The home opener for the Sports will be Tuesday, May 13th with Grand Prairie. When there is a conflict on KWKH, the Sports will be moved to KEEL (710 AM). Dave Nitz will call the action for the sixth straight year for the Sports while Mark Cantrell will be assisting throughout the season. The Sports will also be carried on the internet at kwkhonline.com.

Local group buys Ottawa Can-Am franchise, changes name to Rapidz
Posted May 5, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Entrepreneurs Rick Anderson and Rob Hall have purchased the expansion Ottawa franchise in the independent Can-Am Association and changed the team name from Rapids/Rapides to Rapidz in their first branding move. The two Canadians, who are behind the online-video firm Zip.ca, paid $750,000 for the franchise and immediately set out to make some changes, including the change of the team name and a recasting of the logo. When the franchise was launched by Miles Wolff and crew there was talk of bringing in big-name investors like Lorne Michaels, but in the end the team was purchased by two guys whose first exposure to team officials was a meeting to discuss sponsorship opportunities for Zip.ca. The two plan on being hands-on owners. Though the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) left town with barely a whimper, many remember when Ottawa was a great baseball town, and the new owners have dreams of large crowds again at Lynx Stadium.

Early reports on Regency Furniture Park positive
Posted May 5, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Post checked out Regency Furniture Park, the new home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League), and proclaimed it a success. We'll be out later this season, a visit we're eagerly looking to based on this glowing report. The exterior is notable because of a distinctive red roof, while the interior of the ballpark is distinguished by an unusual suite design (some are at a high level, some are at field level) and a mini Green Monster.

Wilpon: Never considered moving Mets
Posted May 5, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Even when initial attempts to replace Shea Stadium failed, New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon never considered moving the franchise; he still hearkens back to the days when his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers abandoned Ebbets Field for Los Angeles. Wilpon is quite nostalgic about his Brooklyn youth -- a high-school classmate was Sandy Koufax -- and he's set out to re-create some memorable parts of Ebbets Field in Citi Field.
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R-Phils propose improvements to FirstEnergy Stadium
Posted May 5, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's older, things like party areas are crammed every nook and cranny, and the players amenities are less than dazzling. But FirstEnergy Stadium, the home of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League), is one of the most beloved ballparks in minor-league baseball. (You can get a feel for the ballpark from the photo below of the grandstand.) Craig Stein, the owner of the R-Phils, is proposing a $26-million renovation of the 57-year-old facility, which would include upgraded dugouts and clubhouse facilities, a new right-field grandstand and a new entrance. Stein wants the state to pay half the bill, with the cities and the R-Phils splitting the rest. More from the Reading Eagle.

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