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Archives: March 3-9, 2008

Cubs would share the Cell if Wrigley is remodeled
Posted March 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Chicago Cubs would share US Cellular Field with the Chicago White Sox while Wrigley Field is being renovated under one scenario being considered by team, according to Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney. This assumes the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which already owns US Cellular Field, will take control of Wrigley Field and oversee up to $400 million in renovations. We're not sure White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf would be thrilled with this, but then again everyone has a price. Kenney also says the team can change the lettering on the iconic marquee at Clark and Addison, arguing the team will assert First Amendment rights to changing the sign, which is protected via a historic preservation designation. We're not lawyers, but we're a little dubious of the First Amendment in this context, particularly since commercial speech -- and really, this is what we're talking about here -- enjoys far fewer safeguards than do editorial entities, as the right to assert commercial speech certainly is not absolute. Again, none of this is particularly good news if you're a ballpark fan. More from the Chicago Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Dispute over spoils could derail new Fish pond
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We alluded to this yesterday, and now there's more news about a dispute over what local governmental unit gets to patrol a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins -- a dispute that could delay or even derail the project. We're talking about some serious spoils here, as law-enforcement agencies stand to make millions in overtime pay from the Marlins. The fight is between City of Miami and Miami-Dade County police departments, and so far the two sides are at an impasse. Politically, it makes little sense for either government to back down, especially when the local police unions carry a lot of clout. You're probably thinking this is a silly issue and one that doesn't rise to the level of threatening the project. It probably doesn't, but it certainly has the potential to be a knock-down fight that could delay things. Remember, the agreement between the local governmental units and the Marlins comprises only the broad outlines of a deal: most of the fine details -- like this -- still need to be negotiated, and there are a few others that could delay the ballpark as well, such as whether the county will relax its environmental rules on new construction. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Deadline approaching on Goodyear pitch to Reds
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Next Thursday marks the end of an exclusive negotiating period between the Cincinnati Reds and the city of Goodyear over a potential move of the Reds to a new spring-training facility in Arizona. The estimate for enlarging a facility slated to be used by the Cleveland Indians beginning in 2009 is $32 million, and the city must identify funding sources for the enhancement in order to lure the Reds. It may not be easy to identify any revenue sources: development in Goodyear has lagged in recent months, there's no money in the state fund for spring-training facilities, and a plant to ask the state for money appears to be a nonstarter. Meanwhile, Jeff Maultsby, who spearhead the attempt by the Reds to obtain public funding of renovated Ed Smith Stadium, has been hired by the city to work on economic issues -- like trying to retain the Reds. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune quotes Reds officials as saying the team will move if Goodyear can come up with the money and says Sarasota may make a play for the Baltimore Orioles, whose minor leaguers already train in Sarasota.
    RELATED STORIES: Sarasota County offers $17.6 million toward Ed Smith Stadium renovation; New Arizona spring-training venues on schedule; Reds eye move west; Sarasota delays decision on Ed Smith Stadium improvements; Reds ask about Lee County as possible spring-training home; Sarasota to woo Reds; Reds exploring spring move to Arizona; Orioles on their way to Dodgertown?; Community must face up to future of Ed Smith Stadium; New Dodgers/ChiSox training facility still up in the air

Will new Gwinnett County ballpark require tax hike? Maybe
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Gwinnett County officials have maintained public funding of a new ballpark for the relocated Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) won't require any property tax hikes, but records obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicate tax hikes were indeed discussed by county officials and there's the chance the mill rate will be increased from .80 to 1.00 in 2009, the maximum under the law. We're looking at a lot of technicalities here, but the bottom line is that the county is raising reserves in the county recreation fund to help pay for the ballpark, and an increase in the mill rate will be needed to fund ongoing operations and build back a reserve. Budget surpluses may negate the need for a tax increase. Still, locals are wondering what other surprises are waiting for them once more details are released.
    RELATED STORIES: Gwinnett County responsible for all ballpark maintenance; Do the numbers add up on new Gwinnett County ballpark?; Gwinnett County back to secret deals; Wilder's take on move troubles Braves official; After Braves lease, what happens in Richmond?; It's official: Gwinnett County building new ballpark for R-Braves; R-Braves: Going, going, gone?; New Richmond plan: tear down Diamond and build new ballpark -- but will the Braves be around?

Pirates unveil plans for new PNC Park restaurant
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pittsburgh Pirates unveiled renderings of the new restaurant entertainment space located above PNC Park's left-field bleachers. The club partnered with Aramark to transform the new space formerly occupied by Outback Steakhouse into a game-day dining and bar option for all fans with a ticket and a non-game-day event and entertainment destination. The new left-field restaurant, which has not yet been named, will offer a casual dining and sports bar atmosphere with wait service and will be open to all ticket holders before, during and after games beginning with the Pirates' home opener on April 7 at 1:35 p.m. against the Chicago Cubs.

Lights on at McKechnie Field tonight
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tonight will be the first night game at McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Crews were at the ballpark today making last-minute adjustments to the lights, making sure the ballpark was evenly lit. McKechnie Field is the last ballpark in the Grapefruit League to receive lights; it's part of a renovation of the ballpark and Pirate City, where dorms have been renovated. UPDATE: Rain marred the proceedings.

Dave Matthews Band to play some ballparks this summer
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It doesn't look like there will be a mega ballpark tour from a high-profile performing artist this summer (a la Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson), but the Dave Matthews Band is performing in several ballparks this summer as part of a larger tour: Busch Stadium (June 7), Joe Riley Park (July 4), Louisville Slugger Field (Aug. 1), AutoZone Park (Aug. 2), AT&T Bricktown Ballpark (Aug. 13) and Raley Field (Aug. 25). You can find ticket information here.

Jaxx sale still pending
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The sale of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) is still pending, as a Nashville ownership group is still putting together the final touches on its agreement to buy the team, and it doesn't sound like anything will be resolved before start of the season -- especially when baseball's governing bodies still need to sign off on the deal.

Anti-ballpark group: Rays are illegally lobbying St. Pete officials
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We have now officially reached silly season in discussions of a new $450-million waterfront ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays on the Al Lang Field site. A local anti-ballpark group, St. Pete Preserve Our Wallets and Waterfronts, has raised the specter of illegal lobbying by the Rays. What alleged backroom deals were made by the Rays and St. Pete officials? There are none. The group is alleging illegal lobbying because the Rays handed out T-shirts referencing a website listing Hines as working with the Rays on a redevelopment of Tropicana Field. This amounts to illegal indirect lobbying of the city. (You can read the letter here.) There are lots of legitimate issues to discuss when it comes to a new ballpark and a redevelopment of this magnitude, but to allege illegal lobbying because of a website address on a T-shirt is just plain silly; it also delegitimizes opposition to the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Public responds to Rays' ballpark proposal; Rays sweeten pot for new ballpark with additional upfront money; Opposition to new Rays ballpark growing?; St. Pete newspaper: errors plague Rays ballpark debate; Proposal for Al Lang park land conversion tabled for Rays ballpark plans; City lays out vision for Tropicana Field site; So, let's say the Trop's for sale....; Opponents say Rays, manatees don't mix; Rays will not seek state aid for new ballpark; Rays brass willing to be stakeholders in Trop site; It's outta here! But what's next?; Parking for proposed Rays ballpark an issue; Key player in Rays ballpark proposal won't show his hand; Rays' land request for ballpark may be hard to fill; Rays unveil plans for new ballpark; Rays: New ballpark could pump $1 billion into local economy; Rays ballpark plan kept secret for months; Land under the Trop is a developer's dream; Tampa Bay ballpark cost looms as curveball; Rays on the bay?

Chiefs present marketing plan to county
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League) presented its 2008 marketing plan to Onondaga County -- a condition of the team's lease at Alliance Bank Stadium -- and the plan was received without a comment from the board. It's the first time in 11 years the Chiefs have submitted the plan. The team will be pushing the installation of grass at the ballpark to fans, as the team scrapped artificial turf in the offseason. More from the Syracuse Post-Standard.

Bettman shoots down notion of outdoor NHL game at Wrigley
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Well, that idea lasted all of a day. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was in Chicago for meetings, and in a press conference he dismissed the notion of the Chicago Blackhawks hosting a game at Wrigley Field. The NHL is not likely to hold more than one outdoor game a year, and there are other teams who want an outdoor game: the New York Rangers are looking at a game at Yankee Stadium and the Detroit Red Wings are looking at a game at Michigan Stadium. The Yankee Stadium idea makes sense: the game could be held next winter after the Yankees end their run there (eliminating any turf issues), and the old ballpark could go down in history as being the only venue to host MLB, NFL and NHL games before it's torn down. More from the Chicago Sun-Times.

Reese: Charlotte is missing out with new Knights ballpark
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Developers always engage in a little hyperbole in order to make a point, and Charlotte's Jerry Reese is no exception. As you'll recall, Reese is the local developer opposing a new ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League), arguing that the city should instead push his vision of a billion-dollar development featuring a 40,000-seat retractable-roof ballpark. In this article from the Charlotte Observer Reese lists the things the city will miss out on if the Knights go ahead with their privately financed ballpark: a million square feet of retail, over a million square feet of office space, a luxury hotel, a new aquatic center, a renovated convention center, lots of new housing, and much, much more. Who knew one little Triple-A ballpark was preventing such progress! It's not, of course, and Reese is promising pie-in-the-sky plans in lieu of a new Knights ballpark. The new Knights ballpark, by the way, is already in line to host the ACC conference tourney.
    RELATED STORIES: Reese still believes in big-league ballpark for Charlotte; Reese files suit against Knights ballpark project; county may countersue; Study: local business will buy into Knights ballpark plan; Mecklenburg County approves new Charlotte ballpark; Reese offers to settle lawsuits over new Knights ballpark; Vote on new Charlotte ballpark delayed; Mecklenburg County approves land swap for new Knights ballpark; With lease deal close, Knights ready ballpark plans; Appeal filed in Charlotte land-swap case; Charlotte ballpark lawsuit tossed; Council action aids Charlotte baseball deal; Knights say downtown site squeeze is OK; Much up in air with uptown baseball plans; County waves Knights toward uptown; County details Knights ballpark numbers; Knights now pushing to get ballpark in play by 2009; Charlotte approves Knights ballpark deal; Knights in talks on financing new ballpark; Schools agree to role in land swap for baseball; County moves forward on Knights ballpark plan; A new season for Knights, but same old battles; More time wanted for Charlotte baseball deal; Officials: Arts sale not about sports; Ballpark land swap still in play for reshaping Charlotte; Could new Charlotte ballpark be delayed by lawsuit?; Land deal for Charlotte ballpark advances; Diehl plans fight over Charlotte ballpark; Mecklenburg County set for baseball deal role; Charlotte Council seeks answers on baseball; Uptown park for Knights makes sense; Charlotte council gets update on baseball plan; Chamber: poll shows overwhelming support for Knights ballpark; Backers urge: Make noise for Charlotte ballpark; A slow curve in Charlotte; Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible; Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee ballpark construction; Hard days for Knights; Knights see more fans, but lag league; Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new ballpark; Knights meet with potential architects; Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte; The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte; Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark; Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?; Third Ward residents object to new Knights ballpark; Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5 million; Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of real estate; Arts package heads the agenda for city funding, but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan; Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers; Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark

Rosenblatt defenders give Omaha mayor an earful
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Over 300 residents of south Omaha showed up for a public forum featuring Mayor Mike Fahey over the plan to dump Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in favor of a new downtown ballpark, and most of them weren't pleased with the plan. There's a lot of passion for Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in south Omaha, and many residents have been attending the College World Series for decades. So far the city is moving ahead with the ballpark plans: MECA, the organization that runs the Qwest Center, will be approaching the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and Creighton University over new leases. Still a big problem: where to find overt $40 million in private donations.. More from SW Iowa News.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

All-you-can-eat plans at ballpark gain momentum
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
How many of you eat every meal at an all-you-can-eat buffet at a ballpark? Not many past some folks in the front office, we're guessing. So that's why this article in USA Today is supremely silly, quoting dieticians about the dangers of gorging yourself at a ballpark. Of course the buffets of burgers and hot dogs aren't good for you. Neither are the steaks at Morton's, the soft serves at Dairy Queen and the triple Whoppers at Burger King. No one is saying those should be a staple of any daily diet, and no one is saying a fan should get every meal from the gorging stations at the ballpark.

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charleston RiverDogs announced the hiring of two new staff members: Jamie Ballentine assumes the role as the first director of mascot development, while Danny Reed takes over as the new assistant director of media relations. A 2006 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in marketing, Ballentine served as the school’s celebrated mascot, "Cocky," for four years, and was named the Capital One Mascot of the Year in 2003. Since 2005, he has played the character “Smart Cat” for South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV), which promoted physical education for the state’s child contingent. He has also garnered experience in the business world as the marketing director at Chick-fil-A restaurants in Columbia, helping the franchise gain national attention for possessing one of the top 10 mascot cows in 2007.  Reed will be responsible for hosting the pre- and post-game radio broadcasts for ESPN Radio 910 AM as well as serving as the team’s media relations assistant. He graduated summa cum laude from Waynesburg University (Pa.) in May 2007 with a B.A. in communication....Joe Buck is walking away from any play-by-play duties for the St. Louis Cardinals. It will be the first time in 47 years there's no Buck in the Cards' broadcast booth....Kirk Goodman is now GM of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) He already was vice president of its baseball operations for Main Street Iowa, owners of the team. He replaces Ben Burke, who has left the team....

Plans in place to raze Yankee Stadium
Posted March 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New York City officials are finalizing a plan to raze the current Yankee Stadium after the new Yankee Stadium opens, though no formal dates has been set. Officials with the city's Department of Parks and Recreation expect it to be a low-key affair, to be sure, and officials from the National Baseball Hall of Fame don't expect to see a lot of treasures from the old place. Why? Because most of the current Yankee Stadium dates back to the 1970s when it was basically rebuilt. Treasures from the original Yankee Stadium, including Babe Ruth's locker, are already in Cooperstown. Also, many of the historic elements of the ballpark, like the iconic outfield monuments, are going to the new Yankee Stadium. To be sure, there will be plenty of tears shed when the current Yankee Stadium is torn down to make way for three baseball fields. But the current Yankee Stadium isn't quite the historic gem that some thing -- which is why New York City preservationists (who are among the most passionate in the world) never rallied to keep it. More from USA Today.
    RELATED STORIES: Updated cost of new Yankee Stadium: $1.3 billion; Activists decry development plans around Yankee Stadium; New Yankee Stadium goes up, but Bronx still seeks benefits; Yankee Stadium parking fees to double by 2010; For Yankees, the numbers game goes on; Taxpayers footing bill for Yankees' lavish spending, group says; Sponsorships available -- inside the ballpark, that is; Approach of winter a big factor in NYC ballpark race; Finales set for Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium; Progress report: New York's new ballparks; The stadium chase; Yankees, Mets won't sell seat licenses; ballpark funds in place; Whole new ballgame; Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated junk; Bronx group goes to court vs. new Yankee Stadium; New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark bonds; New York Agency approves ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets; MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea; Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; 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

Clippers ballpark construction delayed again by lawsuits
Posted March 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Contractors in the Columbus area apparently are a litigious bunch, as construction of Huntington Park, the new $55-million home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League), could delayed once again because of threatened lawsuits from spurned bidders. The latest lawsuit comes from a contractor rejected in their bid to land the painting contract. The Painting Co., a nonunion shop, says in the lawsuit Franklin County commissioners are using rules written by unions in an unlawful attempt to bar nonunion shops from the project. The county, meanwhile, says its rules about barring firms cited for not paying prevailing wages are clear. It's the fourth lawsuit against the county for its bidding guidelines. Meanwhile, a local state rep -- who happens to be a Republican -- is calling for the state to withdraw its $7 million in aid for the ballpark to punish the county board of commissioners -- which happens to be controlled by Democrats. It's hard to see the state pull the grant so late in the process.
    RELATED STORIES: Judge: County has discretion in awarding ballpark contracts; Judge blocks Columbus ballpark contract; Judge won't stop ballpark contract; Ballpark bidding challenged again

Pima County tentatively approves expanded ballpark funding
Posted March 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Arizona's Pima County tentatively approved a plan to expand the taxing ability of the local stadium authority in an attempt to keep spring training in Tucson. Currently the Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies train in Tucson, but the White Sox plan a move to the Phoenix area, which would free the Rockies and the Diamondbacks to consider a move as well. Renovating Hi Corbett Field, the spring home of the Rockies, to the tune of $20 million is a stated priority for the authority, while there's also been talk of a new downtown ballpark -- something that may interest the Triple-A Pacific Coast League after the Tucson Sidewinders move to Reno. Still, there are a lot of hurdles to be overcome in keeping spring training in Tucson: it's all about the facilities and the ability to generate revenues for MLB teams. More from AP.
    RELATED STORIES: Pima County considers authority to retain spring training

Daley not sold on sale of Wrigley Field
Posted March 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, a key player in the proposal by the Chicago Cubs to sell Wrigley Field to a state ballpark authority, didn't sound too pleased about the prospect of removing the ballpark's historic designation to make it easier to make changes there. He also didn't sound too pleased about giving up sales-tax revenues in order to help finance the project put more money into the Tribune Company's pockets. If Daley opposes the deal, there's little chance it will happen -- and it doesn't sound like he's enthusiastic, to say the least. More from the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. Meanwhile, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority says it would spend $400 million to upgrade Wrigley Field, including upgrades to concessions, luxury suites and entertainment areas. It also sounds like the Tribune Co. is backing down on its plan to keep naming-rights revenues before selling ballpark. More from the Chicago Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Wrigley Field eyed for outdoor NHL game
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The NHL is itching to hold an outdoor hockey game in Chicago, and currently league commissioner Gary Bettman has his eyes set on Wrigley Field. There would be some history in the making -- as far as we can tell it would be the only facility to ever host MLB, NFL and NHL games -- but we're not entirely sure the Wrigley Field groundskeepers would be thrilled with the potential turf damage, and then there's the whole issue of opening the old facility in the midst of winter. The better venue would be Soldier Field, and the NHL did try to schedule a game there before being rebuffed by the Chicago Park Board. One plus: the president of the Chicago Blackhawks, John McDonough, formerly held the same position with the Chicago Cubs. More from the Canadian Press.

Hannibal tentatively approves work on Clemens Field
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The Hannibal City Council gave initial approval to Hannibal Sports and Entertainment LLC to lease Clemens Field and bring in a Central Illinois Collegiate League franchise. The group, which includes former MLB GMs, will spend about $2 million to upgrade the facility for use this season. More from the Quincy Herald Whig.

Increased renovation costs cause Wausau officials to look at new ballpark
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Increased renovation costs at Athletic Park, the home of the Wisconsin Woodchucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), is causing Wausau officials to consider the possibility of building a new ballpark for roughly the same cost. The Marathon County Health Department is already forcing the team to move concession stands to permanent structures, and with some issues with the facility's restrooms, the city is looking at almost $600,000 for very basic changes. With other changes needed to the historic facility, a new ballpark may be in the works. More from the Wausau Daily Herald.

Fish fans: Will new ballpark lead to better team?
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Baseball owners tend to be a little deceitful when it comes to pushing for public funding for a new ballpark: one reason always cited is that the increased revenues from the facility will lead to higher payrolls, which in turn should lead to better teams. But really, there's no link between team records and the newness of the facility: the Florida Marlins managed to win two World Series in Dolphin Stadium (that would be two more than the high-payroll New York Mets have won in recent years), and in the last five years the Minnesota Twins and the Oakland A's have sported better records than the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds. So that's why we feel a little sorry for Florida Marlins fans, who expect to see a huge payroll increase when a new ballpark opens. Will there be one? There's nothing in the Marlins' lease to force the team to put more funds toward payroll, and Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has been pretty explicit about not putting more money toward players until the new ballpark opens. We're not sure Loria won't be tight with a dollar even when there are more of them in his hands. Greg Cote is skeptical. Miami Today points out the Marlins ballpark deal isn't final and could collapse if the team tries to overplay its hand in negotiations and there's continued opposition from local police officials.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 6, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent South Coast League named its managers for the 2008 season. Chad Parker is the new manager of the Macon Music; he was the team's bench coach and director of operations last season. Reggie Harris is the new manager of the Anderson Joes. Gregg Mucerino is the new manager of the Aiken Foxhounds; he was an assistant with the Bradenton Juice last season. Buddy York, a coach for the team last season, is the new manager of the South Georgia Peanuts.....Devin McIntosh is the new manager of the Thunder Bay Border Cats (summer collegiate; Northwoods League)....Joe Loncarich is the new manager of corporate marketing for the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League). Joe, a Davenport native, joins the River Bandits from the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics and the WNBA's Seattle Storm, where he worked in the inside sales department. Joe also is a writer for KFFL.com's fantasy baseball division....Desi Wilson will replace Ricardo Medina as hitting coach for the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A: Midwest League). Medina will need shoulder surgery which leaves him unable to throw batting practice during the season so he will stay in Arizona to work with the young minor leaguers.....Ryan Levendoski and Erich Pfohl have joined the coaching staff of the Mankato MoonDogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League)....

The rape and pillage of Wrigley Field
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A game plan for the state of Illinois to obtain Wrigley Field is emerging, and it's not a pretty picture if you're a ballpark fan or an Illinois taxpayer. Former Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson, head of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, says the state will make an offer on the Friendly Confines next week, but he's not sure what the offer will be: he's waiting to hear from owner Sam Zell what that price will be. Zell, for his part, is shopping around naming rights -- there's word of him asking $400 million over 20 years -- and will pocket that money before selling Wrigley Field. The state then would buy the ballpark and oversee renovations. Thompson isn't exactly saying what renovations are needed -- there are probably some structural issues that need addressing; after all, we're talking about a 94-year-old ballpark -- and how the state plans to pay for those renovations after Zell sucks all the money from the naming-rights deal. (Speaking of naming rights: Thompson sounds like a realist after admitting the Wrigley Field name will be retained in some fashion. There's a lot of risk for any company affixing its name to Wrigley Field.) The way this deal is structured is a guarantee there will be opposition: Thompson wants to see the city relax its historic-landmark designation for the ballpark and give up future sales-tax revenues generated there. There are plenty of ways to update a classic ballpark to generate more revenue while retaining all the charm of the original (see Fenway Park for a perfect example), so the notion of renovating Wrigley Field in and of itself isn't too terrible, but the notion that preservation guidelines must be relaxed is a red flag the state may be foreseeing some changes that don't fit within the Wrigley Field ethos. There are so many hurdles before the state assumes ownership of Wrigley Field: Wrigleyville residents must be persuaded to relax their opposition to dropping the historic designation, Mayor Richard Daley and the Chicago City Council must be persuaded to abandon historic designation and sales-tax revenues, and the state General Assembly must be persuaded to actually pay for the acquisition. Messing with an icon is serious business, and we're not sure Zell -- who must do business in town with his continued ownership of the Chicago Tribune and WGN -- has shown sound business judgment in pursuing this path. Privately, we've heard at least one potential ownership group think they think the Cubs will be worth less than Zell anticipates if Wrigley Field is not part of the deal. More from the Chicago Sun-Times. More from the Chicago Tribune on the perils of selling naming rights.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

McHenry County College officials: new ballpark is dead
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We were under the impression McHenry County College was not interested in pursuing a ballpark for an independent Frontier League team, but apparently investors say they have a shot at persuading Lake Crystal officials to approve a plan. College officials, on the other hand, say they don't plan on pursuing a ballpark; they are appealing the Lake Crystal decision to block development of campus land that could include the facility. More from the Northwest Herald.

Condo slowdown might affect MerchantsAuto.com Stadium finances
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The big trend in ballpark finances these days is to dedicate money from non-baseball sources toward paying debt on a new or renovated facility, but there's a danger in being too optimistic in budgeting -- something they're finding out in Manchester, where tax revenues from condos was dedicated toward paying down debt on MerchantAuto.com Stadium, the home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). Chinburg Builders has only sold 14 of 24 luxury townhouses adjacent to the ballpark and is postponing plans to build more. The resulting tax-revenue shortfall may cause city officials to cover debt service on the ballpark. More from the Union Leader.

Kansas City to withdraw Truman Sports Complex funding?
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kansas City officials are looking at withdrawing the city's annual payment of $2 million toward the Truman Sports Complex, which contains Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals. Technically, the ballpark isn't even in the same county as Kansas City, but the entire complex is predicated on the belief that it benefits the entire region, hence the regional funding. The funding is present in the 2008 city budget; any changes would be for 2009. More from the Kansas City Star.

Pima County considers authority to retain spring training
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pima County Board of Supervisors County is looking to create a sports and tourism authority in an attempt to keep spring training in Tucson. There's currently a stadium authority in Tucson, but it basically pays off the debt on Tucson Electric Park. A new authority would levy new taxes in order to build new facilities and potentially renovate existing ones. Currently three teams train in Tucson -- the Colorado Rockies train at Hi Corbett Field and the Chicago White Six and Arizona Diamondbacks train at Tucson Electric Park -- but the White Sox plan a move to Phoenix (exactly when is up in the air) and the Rockies have discussed a move to Goodyear. Renovating Hi Corbett Field to the tune of $20 million is a stated priority for the authority, while there's also been talk of a new downtown ballpark -- something that may interest the Triple-A Pacific Coast League after the Tucson Sidewinders move to Reno, though we suspect the Golden Baseball League will have a team in Tucson minutes after the Sidewinders leave. There are a lot of hurdles toward keeping spring training in Tucson, as there's no doubt the White Sox are leaving. (Leases with the Diamondbacks and the Rockies allow the teams to leave if only two teams remain in Tucson.) The 110 or so miles between Phoenix and Tucson is seen as a detriment. Also, the limited air service to Tucson is also a negative; the Reds and the Indians both rejected potential moves there because of the lack of direct service between their cities and Tucson. It will take more than a renovation of Hi Corbett Field for Tucson to keep spring training; Pima County officials had better think big or go home. More from the Arizona Daily Star.

Fans flood ticket lines for Nats tickets
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nothing like a new ballpark to revitalize interest in a lagging franchise, as fans flooded ticket-ordering lines yesterday in search of ducats to Nationals Park, the new home of the Washington Nationals. Demand was high enough to knock out the phone lines, and Opening Night did indeed sell out. We're not entirely sure the interest in the new ballpark is translating to the team -- attendance at spring training has been fairly iffy. More from the Washington Post.
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Dominican Republic officials: give us WBC games or we'll stay home
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baseball officials from the Dominican Republic told ESPN Desportes reporters they want to host games in any round as a condition of their participation in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. That appears to be news to WBC officials, who are on track to awards first-round games to non-U.S. cities (Mexico City, San Juan, Tokyo and Toronto are the early favorites to land games), with the second and final rounds slated for California. What seems to irk Dominican officials is that their request to host games was ignored completely.

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 4, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) Chief Financial Officer Bob Larkins announced his resignation last week, ending a 14-year career with the franchise. Larkins is leaving to take a sales job with Pioneer Manufacturing in Cleveland. Originally from Three Rivers, Michigan, he joined the Aeros in 1994 following two years in Butte, Montana. He graduated from Ohio Northern University in 1990 with a degree in Sports Management/Marketing, and was a linebacker on the Polar Bears football team for three seasons. In a related move, the Aeros promoted Ken Fogel to Assistant General Manager. Fogel joined the Aeros staff in October as the Director of Public Relations and Corporate Sales and will continue to oversee those departments....The Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) announced the club’s front office staff for the 2008 season. The 2008 front office features a number of off-season promotions and new hires. Ed Attalla rejoins the Suns as Director of Field Operations after a brief stint with the University of Florida. Attalla returns to the Baseball Grounds as a four-time winner of the Southern League Field Turf Manager of the Year award (2003-2006). Promoted in the offseason were Amy Delettre, Victoria Eure, Matt Glancy, and Casey Nichols, all Administrative Assistants in 2007. Delettre moves to Box Office Manager after spending prior seasons with the Suns as Box Office Assistant and Sunbeam. Eure, a recent graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland with a BS in Journalism and Public Relations, is now Director of Merchandise. Glancy, a New Jersey native and graduate of the University of North Florida with a degree in Sport Management, takes the role of Director of Stadium Operations. Nichols, who attended St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and received a BS in Management, assumes the role of Director of Sales and Promotions. New additions joining the Suns staff are Director of Community Relations, Katherine Jeschke, and Director of Food & Beverage, Chris Peters. Jeschke, from Albany, GA, graduated in 2007 from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Sport Management. She spent the 2007 season with the Triple-A Round Rock Express. Peters, from Clearwater, FL, has a Bachelors degree in Business Management and a Masters degree in Sport Management from the University of Florida, and most recently worked with the Ft. Myers Miracle. Also joining the front office this season are Account Executive Charles Smith and Administrative Assistants Joseph Vitale and Kim Watson....The Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) announced the NCAA Division II Men’s Baseball Championship will be held at their home facility, GCS Ballpark in Sauget, IL. May 24-31, 2008. The NCAA Division II Championships Committee has approved the recommendation of the NCAA Division II Baseball Committee that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the University of Missouri-St. Louis co-host the event in conjunction with the Grizzlies and the Village of Sauget.

St. Pete mayor: Patience required on new Rays ballpark
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
St. Petersburg Mayor Rich Baker has been fairly quiet during public deliberations of a new $450-million waterfront ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays on the Al Lang Field site, and in an opinion piece for the St. Pete Times he advises more patience. Development projects like this take time to complete, and Baker is right to point out there's one huge piece of data needed before anyone can make an informed opinion: whether a redevelopment of Tropicana Field will yield enough revenues to partially fund the new ballpark. If it's close, we would expect the Rays to up the ante and close the gap, but if it's not close, then another source of revenue will need to be identified -- and that could mean a request to taxpayers. It's smart politics for Baker not to embrace the Rays' proposal too tightly -- and we don't expect any quick decisions about the fate of the new ballpark.
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Gwinnett County responsible for all ballpark maintenance
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The deal struck by the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) and Gwinnett Country just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter for the R-Braves as more details are released. Today's sweetness concerns maintenance on the ballpark as well as a possible circumvention of the lease. The R-Braves originally wanted to sign only a 15-year lease for the ballpark, but Gwinnett County officials squashed that idea (one of the few they did, apparently), saying the bonds required to finance construction needed to be set at 30 years. So, in an apparent compromise, the pair came to an agreement on a maintenance plan calling for the county to spend at least $500,000 (on average) annually on ballpark maintenance, with the R-Braves making requests to be approved by the county board. Now, given that every penny the county is receiving from the ballpark is going back into debt service (and we do mean every -- there will a budget crisis if there's any sort of revenue shortfall), that money needs to come from somewhere else, and county officials seem to be a little cavalier about identifying that revenue source. If the maintenance comes up short, the R-Braves have the right to move the team in 15 years, and as of right now the wording on this point is a little vague, saying the county must maintain a "high-quality" venue. Interestingly, a final agreement between the R-Braves and the county is still not completed, and this area is one where the county expects to see firmer language in place.
    RELATED STORIES: Do the numbers add up on new Gwinnett County ballpark?; Gwinnett County back to secret deals; Wilder's take on move troubles Braves official; After Braves lease, what happens in Richmond?; It's official: Gwinnett County building new ballpark for R-Braves; R-Braves: Going, going, gone?; New Richmond plan: tear down Diamond and build new ballpark -- but will the Braves be around?

Why Wrigley Field should retain landmark status
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The issue of Wrigley Field possibly losing its landmark status is beginning to be a contentious issue in architecture-conscious Chicago, where preservationists are starting to line up against Sam Zell's proposal to drop the designation so changes can be made to the Friendly Confines. Zell's proving to be quite the barbarian when it comes to the Cubbies and Wrigley Field; his position basically is that the pair are assets to be auctioned off to the highest bidder and to hell with the feelings in the local community. But Zell is coming close to turning fans off the Cubbies, a team sold on charm as much as anything else, and he hasn't figured out he runs the danger of devaluing the team. Jim Litke rips Sam Zell for being, well, stupid. Zell's proposal to mess with the name of the ballpark has also caused locals to question his integrity, but this columnist says naming-rights changes are inevitable. No, they're not, and Wrigley Field is one of the great brands in all of American marketing, not just baseball: this weekend we caught a telecast of Wonder Pets (for those of you without children, it's a show for toddlers) set at Wrigley Field , and the assumption was that a three-year-old would know that Wrigley Field is where baseball is played. Neil Hayes naively argues Commissioner Bud Selig and other MLB owners won't have much of a say as to who lands the Cubs. Right.
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Silverdome to be converted to ballpark?
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pontiac Silverdome, the former home of the Detroit Lions (NFL), would be converted to a ballpark under a proposal from Nikco Riesgo, who played four games for the Montreal Expos in 1991. The city of Pontiac is soliciting redevelopment plans for the now-shuttered facility, and Riesgo is pitching the idea of using it as the base of a new international baseball league, Global Baseball, while sharing revenues from the venture with the city in lieu of rent. Riesgo's plan calls for the sale of naming rights to the facility, as well as the sale of broadcast and Internet rights. Hey, it's worth a shot; he can put a team in Olympic Stadium while he's at it. More from the Detroit Free Press.

Almost 30,000 attend college games at PGE Park
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're seeing more and more college baseball games played at pro venues; this is also the time of year when we see a lot of tourneys. The most successful college-baseball event so far this season in a pro venue may be the inaugural Papé Grand Slam, which drew 29,332 fans to Portland's PGE Park over a three-game series between the Oregon State and Georgia baseball teams. Sunday’s game attracted a series-high 11,166 fans to PGE Park, as the typical, early-spring weather gave way to sunny skies for the closing contest. The special series, which opened Friday evening, drew an average of 9,777 fans per game as Portland-area baseball enthusiasts and Oregon State backers overwhelmingly responded to the unique opportunity to watch the pair of top-level collegiate teams in action.

Ybarra proposes new ballpark complex in Sterling
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Larry Ybarra, a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, is proposing a ballpark complex in Sterling, located in west-central Illinois. The plans for the for-profit facility are in the early stages, but his tentative plan is to first build the facilities for a baseball academy and soccer fields and then add the ballpark later on. He's discussed this with Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee, who sounds pretty noncommittal: with a total budget for the entire complex set at $8 million, it's hard to say that a facility suitable for minor-league ballpark could be built, and you need to go a long ways out from Sterling to reach a population of 100,000. More from SaukValley.com.

Midwest League All-Star Game sold out
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The final 500 tickets to the 2008 Midwest League All-Star Game, to be held at the Dow Diamond, have been sold yesterday morning during the Loons’ Ticketpalooza, an event held at Dow Diamond to kick off the first day of single-game ticket purchases. "I continue to be impressed and grateful for the support shown by the community for our organization," said Loons President and General Manager Paul Barbeau. "The 2008 All-Star Game, powered by Dow Corning is going to be a tremendous event for our community and we appreciate the outstanding support shown by our fans for the event."

Moores: Daughter will someday own team
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
John Moores, the owner of the San Diego Padres, sat down with the San Diego Union-Tribune to discuss his tenure as owner of the team and what lies in the future. He sounded pretty enthused about the state of things, saying the team was profitable and that Petco Park had made a difference in downtown San Diego. He also reiterated his belief that daughter Jennifer will someday own the team, though that feeling is somewhat clouded by his ongoing divorce proceedings.

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chris Marx, a student assistant Coach at the University of Southern Indiana, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Fayetteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). Marx played for the SwampDogs in the 2005 season, Manager Darrell Handelsman’s first, starting 24 games at second base....The River City Rascals (independent; Frontier League) are pleased to announce their partnership with Blue Sky Creamery as the "Official Ice Cream" for the 2008 season. Lucky dogs; we're big fans of the brand....