Sarpy County
pitches more woo at O-Royals
Posted July 25, 2008 (feedback)
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Omaha
Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) President
Alan Stein was in suburban Omaha to meet with
officials from Sarpy County and local business
leaders about the potential of a new ballpark
there. With the city of Omaha building a new
downtown ballpark for the College World Series and
tearing down Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium after the
2010 season, the O-Royals need to find a new home.
Negotiating a lease at the new downtown ballpark
will be a challenge -- Omaha and MECA, which is
managing the new ballpark, will pretty much need
every dollar generated by the ballpark for debt
service, leaving little left over for a tenant --
and the O-Royals have already received permission
from MiLB to explore a move to Vancouver and
suburban Houston as well. Negotiations between the
O-Royals and MECA are ongoing, and Sarpy County is
awaiting a survey to determine the feasibility of
baseball in suburban Omaha. As a pure market,
Omaha is a pretty good one, and we're guessing
Stein and company would prefer to stay there.
Mets close to
selling out suites in new ballpark
Posted July 25, 2008 (feedback)
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The
New York Mets are close to selling out all 49
suites at Citi Field, with only one remaining
unsold. It was always a struggle for the Mets to
sell suites at Shea Stadium -- they're located
beyond the outfield fences, with a
less-than-optimal view of the action -- but the
allure of a new ballpark is way too strong for
corporations in the region to withstand. Plus,
suites at the new ballpark are a bargain of sorts:
they're going for between $250,000 to $500,000
annually, while suites at the new Yankee
Stadium are priced between $600,000 and $850,000.
Today's video:
Brawl in Dayton
Posted July 25, 2008 (feedback)
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Last
night's brawl between the Dayton Dragons and the
Peoria Chiefs (both low Class A; Midwest League)
at a game in
Dayton last night has some serious consequences
that we'll be tracking. A hit batsman in the top
of the first led to some retaliation in the bottom
of the first, and after some rough play on the
basepaths both teams went at it. At the end of the
day, Dayton shortstop Zack Cozart was forced from
the game after being nailed in the head by a
pitch, Peoria second baseman Gian Guzman is gone
for the season after running into pitcher Julio
Castillo in a moment of the aforementioned rough
play, and a fan was hospitalized after he was
struck by a ball thrown by Castillo into the
stands in a subsequent melee. The umps tossed 15
players and both managers -- an action that was
later overturned by the league office, allowing
the game to resume without pitchers being forced
to play in the outfield -- but we're guessing
there will be some more suspensions announced
today. In addition, Castillo was arrested and
jailed after being charged with felonious assault.
If you're interested in hearing full audio,
check out the YouTube version, but turn down the
sound: it's not safe for work.
More from the Dayton Daily News. In other
crime news, a Visalia Oaks (High Class A;
California League) was cancelled
because of a police standoff a block from the
team's home, Recreation Park.
American
Association officially rejects offer of
interleague play from Northern League
Posted July 25, 2008 (feedback)
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The
independent American Association officially
rejected a proposal from the independent Northern
League for interleague play next season. Not a
surprise: there wasn't much enthusiasm for
interleague play from AA owners in the past, and
whatever support the plan had from St. Paul Saints
owners and management dissipated when the Northern
League announced an expansion into Burnsville,
Minn.
In this article, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks owner
Bruce Thom is quoted as saying he would prefer
expansion to interleague play if he had to choose
between one or the other, which makes a lot of
sense: moves into Burnsville and Topeka would be a
considerable boost to the circuit, although we're
guessing he wouldn't mind a home series or two
with the Saints or the Sioux Falls Canaries. What
cannot be underestimated is the high level of bad
feelings from owners and commissioners in both
leagues; though the Northern League had explored a
move into the Twin Cities in the past, many in the
American Association saw the courting of a
Burnsville team as a deliberate provocation. Now,
an impartial mediator could probably smooth over
the feelings and come up with a structure to
please everyone (whether it be interleague play or
a merger), but given the personalities on both
sides, we don't see it happening.
Mass transit
finally reaches Dodger Stadium
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Considering
Dodger Stadium's
urban location, it's amazing mass transit has
never actually served the ballpark -- but then
again Los Angeles isn't exactly known as a hotbed
for public transit. Starting today, Dodger fans
can travel for free on a shuttle running between
Union Station and
Dodger Stadium
on game days. Fans living in the greater Los
Angeles area can now take various rail and bus
services from throughout the region to Union
Station. Shuttle service begins 90 minutes before
every home game for the rest of the season, and
concludes one hour after the game ends. Fans will
be dropped off outside of Lot G near Autograph
Alley behind the pavilions at
Dodger Stadium.
Cuban, Ricketts
and Aaron/Kemp group five final bidders for Cubs,
Wrigley Field: AP
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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Three
groups have been invited by the Tribune Co. to
submit revised bids in a second round. The three
groups are led by Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's
Dallas Mavericks; the Ricketts family, who started
the firm that eventually became part of TD
Ameritrade Holdings; and Sports Acquisition
Holding Co., a company launched by Henry Aaron and
former congressman Jack Kemp. The top bids
apparently were at or above a billion
dollars -- something we've been predicting for
months -- and the other bidders who proposed a
price of under a billion dollars have not been asked to come back
for a second round. That includes John Canning
Jr., a minority investor in the Milwaukee Brewers
and a close acquaintance of Bud Selig's. The groups are vying to land the
Cubs, Wrigley Field and a stake in a cable sports
network.
More from AP. UPDATE:
Reuters is reporting there are actually five
final bidders, with real estate executive Hersch
Klaff and media investor Leo Hindery also
receiving green lights. MVC Capital Inc Chairman
Michael Tokarz is reported to be part of the
Sports Acquisition Holding Company bid, as are
Andrew Murstein and Fred Malek. There apparently
are also three separate bids for Wrigley Field as
well.
Fairgrounds
rejected as site for new Red Sox training camp;
attention turns to other Sarasota sites
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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With
the Sarasota County Commission voting against a
proposal to move the Sarasota County Fairgrounds
to Twin Lakes Park -- paving the way for a new
Boston Red Sox spring-training camp at the 90-acre
site -- the county is not looking at other sites
for a new facility. The Red Sox have expressed
great willingness to move spring-training
operations to Sarasota -- especially with the lure
of land for development and a free ballpark -- and
with that in mind the county is looking at other
parcels, including a cement plant closer to
downtown Sarasota. While the Twin Lakes Park site
was desirable in terms of size, neighbors lobbied
against a plan to move the Red Sox there, saying
they didn't want the traffic and noise. On the
other hand, the new parcel under consideration --
at Central Avenue and 10th Street, near the
waterfront -- is already a commercial parcel and
unlikely to generate opposition from neighbors.
Apparently the Ed Smith Stadium site is still in
the mix as well. Given that Lee County or Fort
Myers has been unable to put together a financial
package to keep the Red Sox, the team's training
facility is really Sarasota's to lose.
More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
This week's
broadcast: Mark Cryan discusses ballparks of North
Carolina
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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On
this week's Ballpark Digest broadcast: Mark Cryan,
author of
Cradle of the
Game: Baseball and Ballparks in North Carolina.
Yes, we know that's a little incestuous, but
Mark's a great storyteller, and in this broadcast
he talks about his own background, including some
time spent setting up the Coastal Plain League.
Also on this week's broadcast: we present the big
news stories of the week, and Kevin Reichard
discusses his recent trip to Davenport's Modern
Woodmen Park. 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 broadcast on your own
PC via this link
(it's a standard MP3 file).
More on Ballpark Digest
broadcasts here.
Chiefs plan
plenty of hoopla for Wrigley Field game
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League)
announced numerous activities taking place on July
29 as they face the Kane County Cougars at
Wrigley Field. It
is the Chiefs' first game at a Major League
ballpark and what is believed to be the first
minor-league game to take place at
Wrigley Field in
the park’s 94-year history.
Most of the entertainment will be familiar to minor-league
fans -- Birdzerk, ZOOperstars, dizzy-bat races,
yada yada yada -- but the real showstopper should
be the seventh-inning stretch, when Dutchie Caray
and Pete Vonachen will sing the traditional "Take
Me Out to the Ballgame" in honor of Harry Caray,
celebrated Cubs announcer. Anyone who watched the
late Caray back in the day knows about Dutchie,
his wife, and of course Vonachen is one of the
great men of minor-league baseball: he's a former
owner of the Chiefs and his son, Rocky Vonachen,
is Chiefs president and GM. Players from both
teams will be signing autographs prior to the
game, while following the game kids 14 and under
can run the Wrigley Field bases. We're expecting a
lot of media coverage: it will be Chiefs manager
Ryne Sandberg’s first return to Wrigley in
uniform, and his coaches for the game include
former Cubs Bob Dernier and Carmelo Martinez.
The Chiefs are on a roll: earlier in the week the team
announced that another franchise sales record had
been broken, as the 2008 sales staff surpassed the
previous group sales revenue mark set last season.
"This is a great accomplishment for our organization and it
truly has been a team effort. From when we started
our group push back in September, our staff has
had a goal we’ve been working toward and it takes
a lot of hard work and long hours to put together
such a successful season," said Joe Wagoner, Vice
President of Sales. "I can’t say enough about the
focus and determination that the staff has had to
get to where we are today and hopefully where we
will be, by the end of this season. It’s a lot of
fun for everyone to be setting records for an
organization that has such a rich history."
Two new group party areas on the concourse level and one new
nightly rental suite have helped the sales staff
break the group sales record. New for 2008 are the
Left Field Landing in the outfield berm and the
Hot Corner Club, a concourse party area located
directly behind section 113. In addition to those
group areas, the Chiefs staff is also selling the
newly decorated Lippman’s Furniture Suite on a
nightly basis. The past off-season also saw
decorating upgrades in the Mark Grace and Greg
Maddux Luxury Suites plus a complete remodeling of
the former MVP Room.
Final
decision on Marlins ballpark case not expected until September, putting
construction schedule in doubt
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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While
the courtroom portion of Norm Braman's suit challenging the funding plan for a
new Florida Marlins ballpark is over, the case probably won't be decided until
September. Court Judge Jeri
Beth Cohen is withholding a final ruling on the core of Braman's argument --
that the funding plan serves a "paramount public purpose,"
which removed the need for a public referendum -- until two Florida Supreme
Court decisions on the same topic are decided. For those familiar with legal
proceedings, a delay like this isn't that unusual, but for the Marlins and
Miami-Dade County there are some important ramifications: it's highly unlikely
any final agreements will be worked out to allow construction to begin and, even
though Marlins president David Samson argues otherwise, it is very much within
the realm of possibility the ballpark could be subject to a referendum.
More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
RELATED STORIES:
Marlins trial
centers on viability of team -- but no one can see the books;
Judge tosses most of Braman ballpark-funding suit;
Braman lawsuit against new Marlins ballpark can
move forward: judge;
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
Thunder, Mercer
County extend ballpark lease
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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A
new 10-year contract has been signed between
Mercer County and the Trenton Thunder (Class AA;
Eastern League), keeping the team at Waterfront
Park through 2023.
The new deal, which was negotiated for over more than a year,
restructures some responsibilities of both parties
in order to simplify the operation of the team and
County-owned Waterfront Park. The 10-year contract
extends the team's lease at the stadium from 2013
to 2023.
The original contract was signed in 1993 and was set to
expire in 2013, but both the Thunder and the
Mercer County Park Commission, which operated the
stadium, agreed to renegotiate a new contract
early. Both Thunder and Mercer County officials
were interested in keeping the team in Waterfront
Park, and worked cooperatively for the last year
to ink a new contract.
"The Thunder is thrilled and honored to be able to extend our
lease arrangement with Mercer County for an
additional 10 years," said Thunder co-owner and
President Joe Finley. "We could not have a better
partner than Mercer County and our relationship
with Brian Hughes and the Freeholder Board has
been terrific. We look forward to many good years
to come at Mercer County Waterfront Park."
The agreement was unanimously approved by the Mercer County
Board of Chosen Freeholders July 17. It brings
several changes from the previous contract which
were created to allow for a more seamless
operation, according to Park Commission Executive
Director Kevin Bannon.
In the past, Waterfront Park had been completely managed by
Mercer County and the County Park Commission, from
building maintenance to cleaning to groundskeeping.
Under the new contract, the Thunder will take over
a majority of those responsibilities for a flat,
$25,000 fee paid by the County. This new agreement
allows the team more control over the operation of
the field and stadium, and allows the County to
devote more time and resources toward the upkeep
of the building and grounds.
In addition, a new rental fee agreement will simplify the
portion of revenue the County receives from the
team, replacing the old and complicated "formula"
method for revenue sharing outlined in the
previous contract.
Mandalay: New SWB ballpark still a goal
Posted July 24, 2008 (feedback)
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Larry
Freedman, executive vice president of legal and
business affairs for Mandalay Baseball Properties,
says a new ballpark for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Yankees (Class AAA; International League) is still
a goal for his organization. Mandalay and the New
York Yankees are running the franchise on behalf
of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties and have been
success in drawing fans to PNC Field. Therein lies
a conundrum for Mandalay: because fans are turning
out to PNC Field in higher numbers, it's harder to
argue the need for a new facility, especially one
costing between $35 million and $50 million.
Plus, public officials don't seem too enthusiastic
about finding $35 million in the state capital
budget;
even the lawmaker who officially requested the
funding is lukewarm.
BayBears to
move Aaron childhood home to ballpark
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League) are
moving Henry Aaron's childhood home to Gas Light
Park, next to Hank Aaron Stadium, and renovate it
for use as a museum honoring Aaron. The home will
be donated to the city of Mobile by the Aaron
family; it's where Hank, his late brother Tommie
and other siblings grew up. The BayBears will pay
to renovate the house for use as a museum (a local
firm will move the house from the city's
Toulminville neighborhood free of charge), as well
as all ongoing costs. The house is slated to be
moved this October, renovated in the offseason and
then open along with the BayBears for the 2009
season -- good timing, as Aaron will celebrate his
75th birthday next year.
More from the Press-Register.
Cubs
bidding could reach a billion dollars: Reuters
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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We've
been saying for more than a year now bidding for the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field
and a stake in a local sports-cable network could easily reach a
billion dollars, and apparently Reuters
finally agrees with is. In this story
Reuters looks at bidding for the package -- initial bids were due Friday --
and the groups involved. Many of them have already been identified (groups led
by John Canning Jr., Mark Cuban, Don Levin, Sports Properties Acquisition Corp
and the family of Joe Ricketts), and apparently you can add real-estate
developer Hersh Klaff to the list. We continue to hear the Canning group is
considered the leader in ownership circles: a minority investor in the Milwaukee
Brewers, he's well-known in the commissioner's office and has the wherewithal to
come through with a bid big enough to please Cubs owner Sam Zell. One other note
of interest: we hear actor Bill Murray and baseball entrepreneur Mike Veeck are
not part of any current bidding group, though there were discussions in the
past.
Fort Wayne
ballpark taps into contingency fund; still on budget
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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The
contingency fund for construction of a new Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A;
Midwest League) is down by a half-million dollars after the city's Redevelopment
Commission approved spending money on unexpected costs, including soil removal.
Officials say the ballpark construction is still on budget, with $1.5 million
remaining in the contingency fund -- and remember, unanticipated costs are why
there's a contingency fund in the first place.
More from the Journal-Gazette.
Naturals
introduce "Funnel Dogs"
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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Alas,
these weren't on the menu when we first visited
Arvest Ballpark. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League)
have introduced Funnel Dogs to the world, melding the nitrates found in your
average hot dog with the deep-fry fat of a funnel cake. Hmm...when we describe
it like that it doesn't sound that good. Let's use what Frank Novak at the
Naturals sent along: "This delectable treat combines two very important staples
of ballpark and concession fare: funnel cakes and hot dogs. Funnel dogs
incorporate the juiciness of a warm dog with the sweet taste of funnel cake
lightly coated with powdered sugar." That's why Frank's a PR pro and we're a
cynical journalist. Only $3.50 at Naturals games.
Marlins trial
centers on viability of team -- but no one can see the books
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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A
key issue in the court case challenging public funding of a new Florida Marlins
ballpark centers on economic development and whether the ballpark fits under the
umbrella of necessary public spending. Alas, no one seems to know how the Fish
will benefit from a new ballpark, as the team refuses to open its books to any
expert, even those ostensibly on the same side as the team. Tony Villamil,
former economic advisor to then-Gov. Jeb Bush and a expert retained by
Miami-Dade County, asserted in six hours of testimony that the team would not be
viable in the Miami market without a new ballpark, but admitted in cross
examination he has no current financial figures for the team (he was basing his
testimony supplied in 2001 by former owner John Henry). Even the judge presiding
over the proceedings was a little credulous about the testimony.
More from the
Miami Herald and the
South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
RELATED STORIES:
Judge tosses most of Braman ballpark-funding suit;
Braman lawsuit against new Marlins ballpark can
move forward: judge;
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
Thunder goes after Sonics fans
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) have announced a special promotion
designed to ease the pain for fans of the NBA's Seattle Supersonics, who will
move to Oklahoma City for the upcoming season. According to Oklahoma City media
outlet KOCO-TV, the city's relocated NBA team will be named the Oklahoma City
Thunder for the 2008-09 season.
The Trenton Thunder are now offering a complimentary ticket
to any Seattle Supersonic fan. To receive a free ticket, fans must stop by the
box office at Waterfront Park and be wearing their Seattle Supersonic hat,
jersey, t-shirt or other merchandise. Each Seattle fan will receive one free
ticket based on availability.
"We just want to help ease the pain for Sonics fans worldwide
and offer them a night of fun with the Thunder here in Trenton," said Thunder
General Manager Brad Taylor. "We can't blame Oklahoma City for choosing the best
nickname in all of sports and certainly wish them well."
DAP renovations
start today
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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A
$5 million renovation of Durham Athletic Park, the former home of the Durham
Bulls in its Carolina League days, begins today. The ballpark is one of the most
storied in the minors, basically serving as the outdoor set for Bull Durham,
which gave minor-league baseball a shot in the arm 20 years ago. The first round
of renovations will clean up the place, install a new field, and establish space
for a MiLB umpire training facility. The ballpark will also be home to the North
Carolina Central University college team. Not covered in this round of
renovations: a much-discussed minor-league-baseball museum.
Fisher Cats,
Canaries, Patriots set attendance records
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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At
least three teams set attendance records in the past week, two with the
assistance of All-Star games. A Merchantsauto.com Stadium record crowd of 8,762
attended the Eastern League All-Star Game, hosted by the New Hampshire Fisher
Cats. The attendance shattered the previous mark of 8,227 fans for a Fisher
Cats/Erie SeaWolves game on June 16, 2007.
"We want to thank the greatest fans in baseball for helping
us make tonight an unforgettable night for everyone involved, from the players
and coaching staffs to our special guests visiting from all over the Eastern
League," said Fisher Cats owner Art Solomon. "Words cannot truly express how
thankful we are for the incredible amount of effort put forth by our staff,
which spent over a year planning for this two-day event and worked countless
hours to help make it a reality."
In Somerset, a crowd of 8,290 -- an Atlantic League All-Star
Game and Commerce Bank Ballpark record -- was on hand last Wednesday night in an
event hosted by the Somerset Patriots.
In South Dakota, the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent;
American Association) set an attendance record when 5,721 fans showed up for a
July 17 games against the Grand Prairie AirHogs.
And, of course,
large crowds are following David Ortiz around as he rehabs with Boston's
minor-league affiliates: big crowds were on hand at the homes of the Pawtucket
Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs in the last week.
Aramark axes
Wayne, the Ice ... Cold ... Beer Guy
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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Wayne
McMahon, known to many Toronto Blue Jays fans as "Wayne (the Ice ... Cold ...
Beer Guy)" because of his unique selling style as a roaming vendor, has been
fired by Aramark after selling a 22-year-old woman beer without checking her ID.
McMahon says the dismissal is out of proportion to his offense -- he's passed
several other similar tests
in recent years -- and many fans have taken up his
cause. These days, concessionaires are extremely nervous about violation, and it
sounds like McMahon was caught up in a set of new rules.
More from the Toronto Sun.
In memoriam:
Jerome Holtzman
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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Jerome
Holtzman, whose love of baseball manifested itself time and time again during a
long and distinguished career culminating in an appointment as MLB's official
historian, passed away last Saturday. He was 81. Holtzman rose from copy boy to
baseball beat writer at the Chicago Sun-Times, beginning the latter stint in
1957 at a time when MLB's western boundary was St. Louis and the game was
centered on the East Coast. He spent time with the Chicago Tribune as a
columnist and was inducted into writers area of the National Baseball Hall of
Fame's in 1989. His book, "No Cheering in the Press Box," is one of the great
books of baseball.
Joel, McCartney
close down Shea Stadium concerts in style
Posted July 22, 2008 (feedback)
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A
pudgy Billy Joel, a forever youthful Paul McCartney and a host of friends (Tony
Bennett, Garth Brooks)
closed down the concert history of Shea Stadium in style, treating a
sold-out house to decades of memories. The Beatles inaugurated the stadium rock
concert with a 1965 concert before 55,000 screaming fans; before that no other
rock band had been big enough to draw a sellout crowd to a large stadium. Sadly,
the legendary promoter who brought the Beatles to Shea -- Sid Bernstein --
had to skip the final concert because no one thought to invite him.