Saints ballpark deal dead this
session?
Posted Feb. 22, 2008 (feedback)
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We
caught up with Julian Empson Loscalzo, one of the two lobbyists working for the
St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association), last night at Williams
Arena. He's been lobbying state legislators (along with Cynthia Jepsen) for
state funding of either a renovated Midway Stadium
or a new facility, and he sounded pretty pessimistic about how things were
going. First off: instead of asking for $25 million in bonding for the project (which
was originally requested by the city in their bonding request to the Minnesota
Legislature),
the current plan is to ask the state for $250,000 in planning money for a new
facility. This means the Saints will need to wait two years before they can
ask for bonding money for a new ballpark, as the Minnesota Legislature (with
rare exceptions) bonds only in even-numbered years. Plus, something that may
be more ominous for the Saints: the team and the city aren't close to an
agreement on what exactly should happen at a new
Midway Stadium. The city would like to see soccer and the Minnesota Thunder
(USL) as part of the equation, but understandably the Saints are fighting that
notion. In addition, there's never been a clear understanding of who would pay
what: the Saints say they'd pay fair market rent for a new ballpark, but
contrary to other erroneous media reports there's never been talk of the Saints
paying $10 million toward a $25 million ballpark -- as you can see,
the city's bonding request to the
Minnesota Legislature was quite explicit about the state picking up the
entire tab. Unless something changes -- and if you've ever met Julian, you know
he's a passionate baseball guy and certainly an optimist -- it's unlikely we
could see a Midway Stadium replacement in this
decade.
RELATED STORIES:
St. Paul proposes new $25
million facility for Saints
City, county approves Marlins
ballpark deal
Posted Feb. 22, 2008 (feedback)
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Yesterday
was a good day for the Florida Marlins. In the morning, on a 4-1 vote Miami city
commissioners approved the proposal for a new Florida Marlins ballpark, slated
to open in 2011. In the afternoon the Miami-Dade County Commission approved the
new-ballpark plan by a 9-3 margin. The afternoon vote wasn't quite as clean as
the margin would indicate; there are still some unresolved issues involving side
issues like what police force will suck up overtime to work Marlins games (the
issue was left open), and we can expect at least one legal challenge to the
plan, as local car dealer and former NFL team owner Norm Braman promised to
oppose the measure in court. The plan as it passed was the same as all sides
agreed to several weeks ago. Miami-Dade County will contribute $347 million
(mostly from tourist tax dollars) toward a new ballpark on the Orange Bowl site,
while the city of Miami will pay $23 million, including $10 million toward the
demolition of the historic football facility. (Lest you think the city got off
easy, it will pick up the costs of a $94 million parking ramp.) The Marlins have
stuck with their commitment of $155 million, with $120 million at the beginning
of the process and the rest due in $2.3 million in annual rent payments and
contributions toward capital improvements; the team will also cover any (in all
likelihood inevitable) cost overruns. Next up: negotiations with the Fish over
the specifics of the deal, including
management of construction and any environmental issues surrounding the Orange
Bowl site.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Bettis,
George join Pelicans ownership group
Posted Feb. 21, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) announced that former
National Football League greats Jerome Bettis and Eddie George have joined the
Pelicans ownership group, Myrtle Beach Pelicans LP. Aside from being fellow
All-Pro running backs and long-time friends, Bettis and George are both
represented by Marketing Agent/Business Manager Jahmal Dokes of Pro Life
Management and Entertainment, Inc., based in West Bloomfield, Michigan, who also
joins the Pelicans ownership group.
Bettis is also an investor in Curve Baseball LP, the
ownership group of the Pelicans’ two Pennsylvania-based sister-franchises, the
Altoona Curve (AA-Eastern) and the State College Spikes (Short-Season A-New
York-Penn). All three franchises are operated by Greensons Baseball.
"I can’t think of anything that stands as a firmer statement
of the strides taken by the Pelicans organization than partnering with two men
who have known nothing but unabashed success throughout their professional
life," said Pelicans’ President and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg. "We have
had an outstanding relationship with Jerome, and it gives us great pride that he
shares our excitement about Pelicans baseball to the level of not only getting
involved, but to also bringing in trusted friends and colleagues like Eddie and
Jahmal."
Angels to update iconic Big A
Posted Feb. 21, 2008 (feedback)
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If
you grew up as a kid watching home California Angels games, you remember the
230-foot-tall Big A in center field. That Big A is now positioned outside
Angel Stadium next to the freeway, within
easy view of the fans inside the ballpark, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
say they'll be doing some work on the structure. It will be repainted and the
lights will be replaced, and additional lighting will be installed in the halo.
Also, the electronic display board will be replaced by a smaller color
videoboard, which should decrease energy consumption by up to two thirds.
City to award bid for Recreation
Park work
Posted Feb. 21, 2008 (feedback)
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The
city of Visalia is awarding a construction project to the firm that bid slightly
higher on the base work but slightly less when all the city-specified options
are included. Seals-Biehle General Contractors of Visalia bid $8.681 million for
improvements to the right-field area of the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class
A; California League). The bigger issue is whether there will be enough money to
perform all the needed improvements to the ballpark: the city has allocated only
$11.6 million to the entire renovation project, and still to come is a
rebuilding of the entire grandstand.
More from the
Visalia Times-Delta.
Sanctions sought against Twins
ballpark appraiser
Posted Feb. 21, 2008 (feedback)
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This
is a little insidery, so we're not going to spend a lot of time on it. Hennepin
County is asking a judge to sanction of the land appraisers involved in the
legal dispute between the county and a group of landowners over the price of
land needed for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark. The county says appraiser Larry
Tucker didn't reveal his work with the law firm representing the landowners;
perhaps not so coincidentally Tucker's appraisal came almost $10 million more
than the appraisals from the other appraisers. In the end, the two sides agreed
on a price of $29 million. The county wants to see Tucker receive the $16,000 he
received for the appraisal and the law firm in question, Faegre & Benson, pay
$37,000 in lost fees. Now, it's a little unclear by neither Tucker or the Faegre
& Benson didn't disclose their ties, although at one point Tucker claimed they
had. And it's a little suspicious that Tucker's appraisal was 80 percent or so
higher than the price his compatriots (and many real-estate officials in the
area) thought was fair.
RELATED STORIES:
Cost of new Twins
ballpark rises by $22.4 million;
Twins see brisk sale in
suite sales;
Hennepin County
says ballpark appraisal process tainted by crooked evaluation;
Twins, ballpark
authority to spend $2.5M on "green" features;
Twins ballpark
design clears big hurdle with quick board vote;
New info on Twins
ballpark unveiled;
Final price tag for
Twins ballpark land: $28.5 million;
Mediator will try
to find a ballpark land solution;
Hennepin County makes insulting offer to Twins
ballpark landowners;
Landowners make settlement offer in Twins ballpark
dispute;
Twins finally hold groundbreaking for new ballpark;
Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark
parcel;
A new dispute on ballpark
land figures;
Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says
condemnation panel;
Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site;
Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on
value of ballpark site;
Taxpayers' costs
for Twins ballpark may be going up;
Ballpark land was low-balled;
Ballpark designers seek green label, but say
effort alone counts;
Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say
owners;
Twins ballpark
draws development interest;
Pohlads lining up land near ballpark;
Hennepin
County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad;
Twins, Hennepin
County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins;
County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is
confidential;
Twins
unveil ballpark plans;
Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote
slated for today;
Twins ballpark meeting is delayed;
Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins
ballpark;
Twins moving ahead
with ballpark plans;
Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal;
Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises;
Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?;
Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins
pay more;
County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark
site remain in a holding pattern;
County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark;
Official says changing site of Twins ballpark
would mean delays;
A great ballpark divide;
Twins postpone ballpark unveiling;
Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new
ballpark site;
Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark
unveiled;
Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose;
sides still apart on price;
Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark
design;
Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look;
Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins;
New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin
County shoppers;
Ballpark players ironing out use, development
agreements;
Twins release more details on new ballpark;
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews;
Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis
Wizards unveil new ballpark plans
Posted Feb. 21, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) unveiled new ballpark
renderings and asked for public feedback on some of the proposed amenities. At a
meeting tonight team officials will be asking fans about their preferences on
things like seat seat and brick styles. The team also announced some small
changes to the ballpark design, including the addition of a small amphitheater
beyond the center-field fence that could be used for events on non-game days.
We're working on getting the renderings and possibly a video for posting here.
More from the
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.
Rays sweeten pot for new ballpark
with additional upfront money
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Tampa Bay Rays are sweetening the pot in their bid for a
new $450-million waterfront ballpark
on the
Al Lang Field site by offering to pay
$150 million up front instead of $10 million annually. The Rays would privately
finance their contribution themselves, which would decrease the amount of money
local governmental bodies would need to finance and also ties the team even more
closely to the new ballpark. The Rays and the city are hoping a redevelopment of
the Tropicana Field site will yield the other $300 million needed for the new
ballpark. That doesn't necessarily ensure a new facility: there's still
outstanding debt on Tropicana Field and voters must approve the use of the
Al Lang Field site.
More from the St. Pete Times.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
This week's podcast:
How the Marlins pulled off a new ballpark --
without being nice about it
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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Featured
on this week's podcast:
This week's topics: The Marlins finally close on a
new ballpark; the University of Minnesota begins
fundraising for a Siebert Field replacement;
Bowling Green moves forward with a downtown
ballpark, Omaha settles on a downtown site, and we
post reviews of Rent One Park and Modern Woodmen
Park. Publisher
Kevin Reichard and Senior Editor Dave Wright
discuss the hot topics in the baseball and
ballpark worlds in the weekly Ballpark Digest
podcast. To directly subscribe to the feed using Firefox or Internet Explorer,
go to this page and click on the "Subscribe Now"
button, or use any of
the many tools for subscribing to
a podcast,
which are listed here.
(The most popular subscription method now: iTunes.)
Comments are welcome.
You can listen directly to the podcast on your own
PC via this link
(it's a standard MP3 file).
Rickwood Classic scheduled for May
28
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) and Friends of Rickwood announced
the details of the 13th Annual Rickwood Classic, which will be played on
Wednesday, May 28, at 12:35 p.m. Former Baron Jimmy Piersall, an outfielder on
the 1951-52 teams and 17-year Major Leaguer, will be in attendance at the game.
The first 1,500 fans through the gate will receive a vintage portrait of
Piersall from the 1952 season.
The team has traveled back to
Rickwood Field annually since 1996, and
as in past years, they will pay tribute to a team in Barons history. This
season, the squad will honor the 1951-52 teams affiliated with the Boston Red
Sox. The uniforms will be gray with "Birmingham" written across the chest in
blue script, and the hats will feature the red and black Boston Red Sox "B." The
Jacksonville Suns will wear their uniforms from the 1967 team that featured Hall
of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.
We were at last year's
Rickwood Classic; here's the story.
Public reaction to new Fish ballpark
plan: mixed, muted
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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It's
safe to say the new-ballpark funding plan in Miami for the Florida Marlins isn't
inciting too much passion among the public. Sure, the folks who are against any
public funding of sports facilities have trotted out the usual arguments (Greg
Cote of the Miami Herald addresses them here), and some readers have taken
us to task for not being positive enough about the ballpark (!), but in general
there's not been much opposition that we can see. (Talk radio doesn't seem to be
a haven for folks with strong feelings either way, based on our monitoring of
some popular local shows.) We're guessing Miami citizens
and Fish fans are taking a wait-and-see attitude toward the new facility.
Miami Today has
some more information on the deal; apparently there are some small details
that haven't been fully explained. There's one more provision in the deal that's
gotten little attention: the Marlins are agreeing to look at renovating a
ballpark complex in Homestead for use for spring training or a minor-league
franchise. As you'll recall, the city of Homestead built a spring-training
complex for the Cleveland Indians that was damaged by hurricanes, forcing the
team to move spring operations to Winter Haven. We're not sure whether this
clause will actually do anything, though we're not quite sure the Marlins are
that comfortable sharing a spring complex and a regular-season ballpark with the
St. Louis Cardinals and its High Class A Florida State League team.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Griffith: Normal could be ready by
2009 for baseball
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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Independent
Northern League commissioner Clark Griffith says the Normal, Ill. market could
be ready for professional baseball by 2009. That's quite an aggressive schedule,
considering there's no funding plan yet for a proposed ballpark at Heartland
Community College and no investors lined up. (Alan Sender, who has been working
on the team and the ballpark, has no investors lined up.) Can a new ballpark be
completed in a year? It depends on the ballpark; Northern League facilities tend
to be larger and more expensive than those in the Frontier League; the new
Marion ballpark cost only $18 million, but it is a signature Frontier League
facility. We suspect the talk of 2009 may be more suited to the Northern
League's need to expand from six teams than to the needs and capabilities of the
Normal market. Also, don't assume the Northern League has a lock on the market;
city and business leaders have also been talking with the independent Frontier
League (which would seem to be a better geographic fit), but from what we've
been told the American Association is out of the picture.
In memoriam: Bob Howsam
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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Bob
Howsam, whose participation in minor-league and major-league baseball as well as
professional football was groundbreaking on many levels, passed away yesterday
in Sun City, Az. He was 89. Howsam began his pro sports career in the
minors with the Denver Bears when that team was a Class A Western League
franchise; while he was there he was instrumental in the construction of Bears
Stadium, which was later expanded for use by the Denver Broncos and renamed Mile
High Stadium. He helped form the Broncos and the American Football League, and
after selling the Broncos he moved into professional baseball with the St. Louis
Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds, forming the Big Red Machine roster and
overseeing the team's move into Riverfront Stadium.
WBC field set
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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The
teams in the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be familiar to anyone paying
attention to the 2006 event, as invitations went out to Australia, Canada,
China, Chinese Taipei, Italy, Netherlands, Panama and South Africa, rounding out
the field of 16. Last year the teams making the second round of the tourney --
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States and
Venezuela -- were issued automatic invites. To be honest, we can't get too
excited about the playing field now. What we will follow more closely is the
announcement of the venues. We continue to hear
Petco
Park is the leading candidate to land the final rounds and that the Asian
venues should be the same. What may change is some of the first-round locations:
Rogers Centre apparently has a shot at landing
some games.
Huskies sign extension at Wade
Stadium
Posted Feb. 20, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Duluth Huskies (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) and the City of Duluth
announced a five-year extension of the team's lease for
Wade Stadium
has been officially agreed upon and signed. The current agreement
extends through the 2012 Northwoods League season. "It’s extremely exciting to
have the privilege of our players playing at 'The Wade' for five more years,"
said Northwoods League President, Dick Radatz, Jr. "It’s one of the most
celebrated stadiums at any level of baseball."
Committee recommends new downtown Omaha
ballpark
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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A
committee charged by Mayor Mike Fahey to chart out the future of ballparks in
Omaha is recommending construction a new downtown ballpark under the management
of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA) on parking
lots adjacent to the Qwest Center, as an often-tenuous deal came together at the
last moment when David Sokol, MECA chair, embraced the proposal after being told
his firm would oversee the new facility. The selection -- and the subsequent
agreement with MECA -- will make it easier for the mayor to proceed with a
funding plan, as well as making a final decision as to the future of
Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, the current home of the
NCAA College
World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). We reported
earlier today on the possibility of a breakthrough -- "But we also know the MECA is now
open to a new ballpark on its land if it retains management of the new ballpark"
-- and it appears the O-Royals have decided to throw in their lot with a new
downtown ballpark as well. Next up: a proposal for a new ballpark must be
presented to the NCAA, a $140-million funding plan must be worked out, the City
Council must sign off on all aspects of the plan, a specific lease and
management deal must be worked out with MECA, and the O-Royals and Creighton
Blue Jays must agree to leases. In other words, there's still a lot of work to
be dine.
RELATED STORIES:
MECA formally
opposes new ballpark on its land;
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falling apart?;
O-Royals ready to bail on
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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: Rent One
Park / Southern Illinois Miners
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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OK,
so it's a sea of FieldTurf. But that's not what
made Rent One Park a finalist for the best new
ballpark last season. The Southern Illinois Miners
was one of the biggest success stories in
baseball, shattering the Frontier League
attendance record with eight games to spare. The
ballpark, which cost only $18 million, has every
amenity you'd expect at this level of baseball: 14
suites, a huge picnic area, some funky outfield
seating areas, and a sprawling kids' play area.
But what makes Rent One Park unique, says Dustin
Mattison, isn't anything to do with the
architecture: the passion of the fans, who
wholeheartedly embraced the Miners, makes the
ballpark worth a visit.
New Marlins ballpark fate to be
decided Thursday -- maybe
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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After
years of false starts, bad plans and setbacks on the state level, it appears the
Florida Marlins -- or, rather, the future Miami Marlins -- are on the verge of a
new ballpark if Miami-Dade County and city of Miami officials agree on the
latest funding plan for a new 41,000-seat ballpark. The city council is
scheduled to debate the issue at 9 a.m., while county commissioners are
scheduled that same day at 1 p.m. Miami-Dade will contribute $347 million
(mostly from tourist tax dollars) toward a new ballpark on the Orange Bowl site,
while the city of Miami will pay $23 million, including $10 million toward the
demolition of the historic football facility. (Lest you think the city got off
easy, it will pick up the costs of a $94 million parking ramp.) The Marlins have
stuck with their commitment of $155 million, with $120 million at the beginning
of the process and the rest due in $2.3 million in annual rent payments and
contributions toward capital improvements; the team will also cover any (in all
likelihood inevitable) cost overruns. The team will sign a 35-year lease and
promise to give between 5 and 10 percent of any profits back to the city and
county if the team is sold within five years. Interestingly, the Marlins are
asking the county to waive its rules regarding "green" construction: Miami-Dade
mandates developers incorporate environmentally friendly building practices or
pay extra fees, and the Fish want the measure waived. Given that the Washington
Nationals and Minnesota Twins have gotten a lot of mileage out of green
construction in their new ballparks, we're a little surprised to see the Marlins
try to wiggle out of the requirements. The use of Community Redevelopment
Agencies funds for the new ballpark is causing some citizens to call for a halt
to the proceedings (and will probably cause some commissioners to vote against
the measure); local car dealer and former NFL team owner Norman Braman has
already threatened a lawsuit. While none of these things is individually a
dealbreaker, cumulatively they could force things beyond the Thursday meetings.
More from
South Florida Sun-Sentinel and
the Miami
Herald.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Reese still believes in big-league
ballpark for Charlotte
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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The
biggest opponent of a new Uptown ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA;
International League), who has file three lawsuits seeking to block the project.
Two of the lawsuits have been dismissed, but his lack of success hasn't stopped
Reese from arguing against the new Knights ballpark, arguing the city and
Mecklenburg County
should go for a $4 billion redevelopment he would spearhead. That, of course, is
a pretty big project for a city of Charlotte's size, and so far it's not
apparent that Reese has the wherewithal to finance something that major, let
along procure a MLB team to play there. (Indeed, now that the Fish are landing a
ballpark and the Rays on the verge of landing one, we think it's highly unlikely
an existing team would move or that MLB would expand.)
More from the Charlotte
Observer.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Red Sox looking at putting team in
Waynesboro?
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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A
local businessman wants to see a $20-million, 4,000-seat ballpark in downtown
Waynesboro, Va., and says he's received positive feedback from Boston Red Sox
officials about the possibility of the team placing a minor-league team there.
The BoSox entered the minor-league ownership ranks with a purchase of the
Salem Avalanche (High Class A; Carolina League), and of course tongues
will be wagging about the possibility of the Red Sox plunging further into the MiLB
ranks or seeking a Low Class A Sally League franchise.
Then again, this could all be speculation based on an offhand, encouraging
remark by someone on the Red Sox front office. Lee Landers, president of the
rookie-level Appalachian League, doesn't see affiliated ball in the area, which
also includes Harrisonburg, Staunton and Charlottesville.
More from the News-Virginian. (Edited 2/18; removes inaccurate reference
to Wilmington.)
SI Yankees unveil new logos
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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The
Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) unveiled new logos and
uniforms last week. This will be the first major change the team has undergone
since their second season when they went from wearing New York Yankees uniforms
to the ones they wore through last year.
"The purpose of the new logo is to give a fresh look to the
Staten Island Yankees for our 10th season on Staten Island," says team President
Joe Ricciutti. "We are honored to be part of this community. As a lifelong
Staten Islander, I am particularly proud that each logo, whether it’s on our
letterhead or on our uniform, demonstrates that the Staten Island Yankees are
indeed Staten Island's team."
In addition to the new logos (show below), a patch will adorn
the sleeve of every player on all of the uniforms: "S.I.N.Y.," along with five
stars, representing each of the city’s five boroughs. The center star is gold
and that star represents Staten Island.
From left to right: home, away, batting practice,
Sunday alt. 1, Sunday alt. 2.
Giants: No worries about losing
parking at AT&T Park
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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The
San Francisco Chronicle comes out in favor of the development of 16 acres of
parking lots next to AT&T Park.
Some fans may object to losing the parking spots, but the San Francisco Giants
front office doesn't seem to be overly concerned, pointing out that sellouts at
AT&T Park require only 3,300
parking spots because so many fans take mass transit to games. The Giants are
betting this number can be trimmed even more if more parking spots disappear.
It's an interesting approach to urban ballpark development and one that probably
should be studied more. Three groups, including one with the Giants involved,
announced their desire to participate. The city envisions converting parking
lots to a mixed-use development involving shops, parks, entertainment, arts,
housing and office buildings.
RELATED STORIES:
Giants make pitch for
AT&T Park development
Knology passes on renewal of
naming-rights deal
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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Officials
in Dunedin, Florida are seeking a new naming-rights deal for Knology Park, as
the cable and Internet-access provider informed the city they would not be
renewing their naming-rights deal. The city received $340,000 for naming rights
to what was formerly known as Dunedin Stadium at Grant Field. Given the relative
strength of the loonie and the close ties to the Toronto Blue Jays, perhaps city
officials should be looking north of the border for a partner -- say, Air Canada
or another airline bringing spring-training fans to Florida.
U of Minnesota to begin fundraising
for new ballpark
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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The
University of Minnesota will begin fundraising for a new on-campus ballpark
shortly, as university officials gave a go-ahead to begin the design as well.
The plan to build a new ballpark on the current
Siebert Field site and play at the
Metrodome while construction occurs. We're talking about what will be considered
a modest ballpark by NCAA standards: big enough to hold a Super Regional if need
be. The Carl Pohlad family, by the way, has already passed on donating enough to
procure naming rights for the new facility.
Taylor Stadium renovations planned
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The
University of Missouri is planning to renovate Taylor Stadium in time for the
2009 season. Some of the renovations are meant for the players -- like an
expanded clubhouse -- and some are meant for the fans, such as adding permanent
bleachers to the ballpark, which would increase capacity by up to 1,200. The
expanded clubhouse would be part of a new building beyond the right-field fence,
which would also house batting cages, coaches offices and an observation area.
Mizzou is a competitive program in the ultra-competitive Big 12 and drew
standing-room-only crowds when hosting NCAA Regionals last year. The additions,
which would also include a new outfield deck and more concessions, should push
capacity past 3,500.
More from the
Columbia Tribune.
Will
we ever see ballpark at Xanadu?
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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The
first rule in development is to get it in writing, which is why it's a
little difficult to have sympathy for elected officials now complaining about
the lack of a ballpark in the Xanadu shopping/entertainment complex in New
Jersey's Meadowlands. Steve Kalafer, owner of the Bergen Cliff Hawks
(independent; Atlantic League), says he had a deal with the developers to build
a ballpark and was willing to put in $5 million toward the project upfront. It's
pretty clear that there's some old-fashioned New Jersey politics at play here:
with Kalafer managing to snare an exclusive, the developers had absolutely no
leverage in trying to attract a better deal or an affiliated team. We don't
think it likely an affiliated team would have been cleared by the Yankees or the
Mets unless a Class A team was in play, but we'll never know. In any case, one
court has held the Xanadu developers never had a legally enforceable deal with
Kalafer to build a ballpark, and as a result so much of the political squawking
is just posturing.
More from
NorthJersey.com.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 18, 2008 (feedback)
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Steven
Davis will be the first voice of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals
(Class AA; Texas League), as all Naturals gamesbe broadcast live on flagship
station KURM/AM 790. Davis, 26, has spent the last three seasons with the
Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League). Along with his broadcasting
duties, he coordinated all media and public relations for the team. During the
past three off-seasons, Davis served as a television commentator for the
University of Kansas’ women’s basketball and the lead play-by-play broadcaster
for High School Football and Basketball games in Topeka. Davis’ father Bob spent
the past 11 seasons broadcasting for the Kansas City Royals and has logged 24
years broadcasting football and basketball at the University of Kansas....Jessie
Hays is the new ticket sales and marketing manager for the Mankato
MoonDogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). She spent the 2007 season
as assistant general manager of the Kinston Indians (High Class A;
Carolina League)....The Indians have announced her replacement as AGM: Janell
Bullock. Bullock is a graduate of East Carolina University and interned with
the Indians in 1998 and 1999 while attending ECU. From 2000-2004, she worked for
the Delmarva Shorebirds (Low Class A; Sally League) as the general
manager of merchandising and food service.....The Frederick Keys (High
Class A; Carolina League) announced the hiring of Kenny Collopy and
David Garvey to their front-office staff. Collopy joins the Keys as
stadium operations assistant after spending a summer with the Florence Freedom (inde