No fallout expected from Red Sox strike
Posted March 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig isn't expected to levy any penalties against Boston Red Sox players, who delayed an exhibition game Wednesday in protest of the payment structure for the team's trip to Japan. The team refused to take the field at City of Palms Park for a nationally televised game against Toronto and threatened to boycott the overseas trip after it was discovered the coaches and staff were not being paid a $40,000 appearance fee for the trip; the Red Sox has been told otherwise during negotiations. The Red Sox ownership agreed to pay the $600,000 in appearance fees to solve the stalemate, although some of that will be reimbursed by MLB.
    To say this was handled sloppily by MLB and the Players' Association is an understatement. Promoters offered MLB $11.5 million for a season-opening series, $2 million less than what the Yankees-Devil Rays season-opening series attracted in 2004. But a baseline of sorts was set when each player, coach and staffer making the trip received an appearance fee of $40,000. The Red Sox expected the same baseline, but the "solution" posed by MLB and Players' Association was to cut the coaches and staffers out of the equation; the Red Sox were then told players could take less in appearance fees to make up the difference. Understandably, the Red Sox didn't like that solution; hence the short-lived strike. More from the Boston Globe.
    RELATED STORIES: Red Sox head to Japan after protest, delay of exhibition game

HWS purchasing Scrappers
Posted March 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Mahoning Valley Scrappers (short season; NY-Penn League) are being purchased by HWS Baseball, the group that also owns the Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League) and the Modesto Nuts (High Class A; California League); Bill Shannon, who is part of this group, also owns the Columbia Blowfish (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). The team is being purchased from Alan Levin and Palisades Baseball. Technically, Palisades and HWS will run the team together for the next three seasons before ownership is taken over by HWS. No changes are expected in the Scrappers front office. The transaction must be approved by MiLB and MLB.

Today's video: Tribune punks Sun-Times over Wrigley naming rights
Posted March 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Chicago Tribune punked the Chicago Sun-Times in a contest held by the Sun-Times designed to poke fun at Chicago Cubs owner Sam Zell over the possible sale of naming rights to Wrigley Field. The contest encouraged readers to submit videos basically mocking Zell for his openness to selling naming rights to a Chicago icon; it also allowed the Sun-Times to make fun of the Tribune. Fair enough; taking shots at your chief rival is a tradition in the newspaper world. The winner was...the Chicago Tribune, who put an editorial-page intern into stealth mode and submitted a video in her name, though Tribune newsroom staffers participated in the fun. Below is the video, along with an explanation from the Tribune. More from the Los Angeles Tribune. Speaking of videos: it's that time of year again when teams are releasing videos and commercials for the upcoming season. Send them to us via email, and we'll post them here for the baseball world to see. For a variety of reasons we'd prefer you email us the actual video and not a link.

City accelerating improvements to Grayson Stadium
Posted March 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Savannah will accelerate improvements to Grayson Stadium as a result of the pending purchase of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) from John Simmons by Hardball Capital. The biggest change: the installation of new concessions facilities, which wasn't planned until the 2009 season, but the new owners say improved concessions offerings is a key part of their future plans. Improvements to the ballpark, which included the removal of decrepit bleachers and the installation of a new playing field and drainage system, is being funded through $5 million raised by a local sales tax.
    We didn't go into this yesterday, but the sale of the Sand Gnats marks the departure of John Simmons from the ranks of affiliated owners. That's a shame: Simmons is a well-respected businessman, and Simmons was certainly enthusiastic about a future running baseball teams after the purchase of the Sand Gnats and a potential purchase of the South Bend Silver Hawks (Low Class A; Midwest League). But the purchase of the Silver Hawks fell through after he was denied permission to move the franchise -- good news if you're a South Bend baseball fan -- souring him on the way MiLB does business. Meanwhile, his foray into indy ball, the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League, was a huge success. More from the Savannah Morning News.
    RELATED STORIES: Hardball Capital, local investors buy Sand Gnats

Cracker-Cats not for sale -- yet
Posted March 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owners of the Edmonton Cracker-Cats (independent; Golden Baseball League) say there's no offer from local businessman Troy Barnes and a set of Toronto investors to buy the team -- but their response is largely semantic: since there's no written offer, they say, there's technically no offer. We would be surprised if Dan Orlich and Ericka Cruise passed on any solid offer to buy the team: their tenure in Edmonton has been marked by dissension and front-office in-fighting, with other owners brought in occasionally to smooth things over. Currently there's no GM, and it doesn't look like the team has done much to prepare for the 2008 season. More from the Edmonton Sun.

Yay! Fried bologna!
Posted March 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) unveiled their new food items for the upcoming season. High on the list: a fried German bologna sandwich, topped with cheddar cheese and grilled onions, served on a kaiser roll. Them's good eats. More from the Toledo Blade. Let us know about your new ballpark offerings; send us an email and we'll pass the news along.

Hardball Capital, local investors buy Sand Gnats
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) have a new set of owners, as Hardball Capital announced today that it is the lead investor in a new ownership group that has reached an agreement to acquire the team. The Sand Gnats’ ownership will be a partnership between Hardball Capital and a group of local, Savannah-based owners. The purchase is subject to approval by Major and Minor League Baseball and the South Atlantic League.
    Hardball Capital is an Atlanta-based group specializing in the ownership and operation of Minor League Baseball franchises. It currently operates the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League), and previously owned and operated the Salem Avalanche (High Class A; Carolina League).
    Hardball will be partnering with a group of local owners committed to seeing the Sand Gnats flourish and become a significant asset for the Savannah community. Minor and Major League baseball have an extensive vetting process for new owners; Hardball Capital is currently working with its Savannah-based partners to complete the documentation necessary for them to be approved as owners. Once that process has been completed the local owners will be announced.
    Hardball Capital’s other partners in the Sand Gnats ownership will be Scott Polhemus and Grant Morain, both of Atlanta-based Backstop Ventures. Polhemus and Morain will be active in the operation of the Sand Gnats. The current Sand Gnats front office, led by General Manager Bradley Dodson, will continue to run the team’s day-to-day operations.

River Bandits unveil new unis
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) unveiled new uniforms at a Modern Woodmen Park press conference.
    Modeled by members of the St. Ambrose University baseball team, the four new uniforms were showcased to represent home, road, alternate and batting practice jerseys.
    The home top is a sleeveless white uniform with red trim and buttons down the front that will be worn over black shirts. The chest features script lettering with the word “River” in black above the word “Bandits” and red with a black outline, while the back has black numbers with red trim.
    The road uniforms are red with white script on the front and white numbers with black trim on the back. The chest features the words “Quad Cities” written in script, with an image representing Centennial Bridge above the word “Quad.” There is also black trim on the sleeves
    On both uniforms, the numbers are sized consistently on the back.
    While the home and road tops have a classic look, the alternate and road jerseys have an edgy, exciting feel to them. Both are black with large alternate logos on the upper left chest and a patch of the interlocked “QC” logo on the left sleeve.
    The alternate top is a button-down with red trim around the neck, on the sleeves, and down the front. It features an oversized version of the popular “ball guy” logo on the upper left chest and has white numbers with a red outline on the back.
    The batting practice jersey is a moisture management pullover with red trim on the sleeves. The oversized logo on the upper left chest is the River Bandits second alternate, featuring only the head of the raccoon seen in the new River Bandits’ logos. The back of the shirt is black with white numbers.

Yankees, city find it more expensive to replace parkland
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the selling points for a new Yankee Stadium was a promise by the New York Yankees and the city to replace parkland displaced by the new ballpark. That plan is still happening, but the price tag has jumped by 50 percent, from $128 million to $190 million. In the end, the city will have 28 acres of new parkland, but it may take a little longer than anticipated: one project has been delayed after officials discovered an undocumented underground oil tank on one site. More from Newsday.
    RELATED STORIES: Plans in place to raze Yankee Stadium; 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

Pirates finally play under the lights at McKechnie Field
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The first attempt to play under the newly installed lights at McKechnie Field was rained out, but the Pittsburgh Pirates finally got in a game last night under the lights. (We caught it last night on the dish; pretty cool.) The game was a sellout -- the combination of the lights and the visiting New York Yankees was pretty powerful -- and it was historic. Never before had a night game been played at McKechnie Field; it was the last spring-training ballpark to have lights installed.

Knights receive more time for site prep work
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) were granted more time by Mecklenburg County to do prep work on the site of a new ballpark in Uptown Charlotte. The project has been delayed a little: the Knights are still putting together a ballpark financing deal (under the terms of the agreement with the county, the county will supply the land and the Knights will pay for the ballpark), and the final land swap on the project needs to be completed. As always, attorney Jerry Reese was on hand to threaten a lawsuit; county officials didn't seem to be too concerned. More from the Charlotte Observer.
    RELATED STORIES: Reese: Charlotte is missing out with new Knights ballpark; 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

Fans to determine fate of "Eliot Spitzer" night
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Macon Music (independent; South Coast League) garnered quite a few headlines after the team announced Eliot Spitzer Night at Luther Williams Field, a promotion designed to poke fun at the philandering governor. But apparently there's been a little pushback for the promotion (which, to be honest, grew a lot uglier after the Music announced the plan, and which may not be too noteworthy by May), and the Music is asking fans to decide whether to go ahead with the promotion. Anyone interested can vote at Music website.

Storm offers media-relations post to Bonds
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This was inevitable. The Lake Elsinore Storm (High Class A; California League) have officially offered employment to Barry Bonds. The former San Francisco Giants left fielder has been searching far and wide this off-season for a new team. The Storm's offer includes a cushy Media Relations position (with slight pay cut from $19.3 million), full use of baseball facilities and of course expanded cubicle space with barcalounger and plasma TV. “We just think the way he has handled the media with such grace over the years that he would be a perfect fit in our media relations department,” said Chris Jones, Storm General Manager.
    Bonds is currently residing in his Bel Air estate and training in Los Angeles a short drive from The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. With a newly renovated Diamond Club Restaurant and a permanent parking space already reserved for ESPN “reporter” Pedro Gomez, the Storm offer a perfect location for a press conference to re-launch his big league career.

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 20, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low Class A; Midwest League) signed a new three-year broadcast partnership with the Regional Radio Group and WYEC Your Easy Choice 93.9 FM. "We’re thrilled to be moving over to the FM dial with such a great radio partner," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We felt it was important to upgrade our flagship station and ensure that fans can follow River Bandits baseball with a clear connection on a reliable station. WYEC also has a very wide reach that will come in crystal clear in the Quad Cities and a huge portion of western Illinois. Introducing our product to that region is an important way to broaden our fan base." The easy listening station 93.9 WYEC is one of nine owned by Illinois-based Miller Media Group, which also operates WKEI Newstalk 1450, WJRE Hogg Country 102.5, and WGEN Newstalk 1500, as well as stations in Taylorville, Pana, Sheblyville, and Clinton. More from the Quad Cities Times....Speaking of the River Bandits: the team will be unveiling new uniforms today....The San Angelo Colts (independent; United League) are offering season tickets to the first five people who visit a local tattoo shop and receive a Colts tattoo....Anderson Joes (independent; South Coast League) General Manager Garrett Ball has resigned. Taking his place on an interim basis will be current assistant general manager Jody Sellers. Ball resignation also means he is stepping down as the VP of South Carolina Baseball Operations....Joe Livingston is the new Director of Groups and Ticket Sales for the South Georgia Peanuts (independent; South Coast League). Livingston makes his way to middle Georgia by way of Maryland, where he worked for the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League)....East Carolina University freshman and Lenoir County native Nathan Perry is the new public-address announcer for the Kinston Indians (High Class A; Carolina League). He replaces longtime K-Tribe public address announcer Jeff Diamond....We reported on this when it was first announced, but it bears noting: FSN and the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announced the complete television schedule for the 2008 season, which includes a slate of 20 Beavers games televised throughout FSN’s five-state territory. The Beavers’ FSN television schedule begins on Opening Day, as Portland faces the Fresno Grizzlies live from PGE Park at 7 p.m....The Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) announced the hiring of three full-time staff members for the 2008 season. Blake Bostelman, formerly with the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League) has been hired as the Suns Director of Stadium Operations and Head Groundskeeper. Nick Bilksi has been hired by the Suns as the Director of Food and Beverage for 2008. Ryan Mock is the new Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Assistant Broadcasters Justin Murphy and Christian Bruey will partner with Ryan Mock on the air throughout the 2008 season. Also, Cliff Eiland was hired as the Clubhouse Manager for the 2008 season.

Dodgers close to leaving Dodgertown
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're still waiting for the official word, which is expected this week, but all signs are that the Los Angeles Dodgers will be leaving Vero Beach, Holman Stadium and Dodgertown this summer and move operations to a new Glendale, Az., complex. We're a little more conservative than other media outlets about predicting that the Dodgers will be in the Cactus League for Spring Training 2009, as the Dodgers are awaiting word from the ballpark contractor as to whether the complex will be open next year. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt certainly sounded like he was ready to back up the moving trucks: "Some elements may transfer well there, but, that said, Arizona has its own style, its own feel. The copper and cactus and Camelback culture has a western feel all its own. We'll start a new history there, one that comfortably welcomes families who can make a five-hour drive or catch a one-hour flight," he said in a press release. "But the stories and the legends live in Dodgertown's lounge, dining room, photos, street signs, and even in the light posts with those baseballs on top. It would be wonderful to capture the friendliness, the spirit, and the love of the game that is inherent here and bring it home with us.
    "It's a real estate opportunity, which I of course love. We can create a plan to make this happen before too long."
    One element holding things up: whether the Chicago White Sox will indeed be moving north from Tucson in 2009. The White Sox have a lease on Tucson Electric Park for 2009 calling for a rather sizable penalty should the team leave, and officials have been unsuccessful in persuading another MLB team to take over the lease. One scenario we continue to hear floated by baseball officials is the move of the Dodgers in 2009 and a delayed move by the White Sox in coming years.

Ballpark Visit: Tempe Diablo Stadium / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The best ballparks in Arizona for Cactus League baseball are by and large the old ones -- like Scottsdale Stadium, Phoenix Municipal Stadium and Hi Corbett Field. All have been significantly updated through the years, but they still retain a historic charm. Chief among these older ballparks is Tempe Diablo Stadium, currently the spring home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It opened in 1968 and was the spring home of the Seattle Mariners between 1977 and 1993; it was then renovated and then became the spring home of the Angels. When it opened, one of the best things about the ballpark was its scenic location next to the buttes of Tempe; that's still true today despite some dramatic renovations to the ballpark. Kevin Reichard heads to Tempe for some fun in the sun.

New ballpark pitched for downtown Dallas
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent United League Baseball is once again pitching a new ballpark for downtown Dallas as part of a convention-center hotel development. This isn't the first time the ULB has approached Dallas officials about a downtown ballpark; in 2006 reps from both the ULB and the independent American Association made their pitches for a ballpark, with another Pacific Coast League ownership group quietly involved as well. The latest proposal from ULB founder John Bryant would meet the specifications for the project to be a mixed-use development.

Ballpark Preview: Arvest Park, Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Locally procured Ozark stone and brick will greet visitors at Arvest Ballpark, slated to open in April 2008 as the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Built in a little over a year -- the groundbreaking took place on February 28, 2007, with the Naturals taking occupancy of the ballpark in early March 2008 -- the new ballpark should be a stellar addition to Texas League ballparks. Look here for a fuller description and more renderings/photos of the new Springdale, Ark. ballpark. Speaking of Naturals news: the team announced the name of the furry, baseball-loving sasquatch mascot pictured at the right will be known as "Strike." Several hundred entries were submitted in our “Name the Mascot” contest in January. After the contest was completed, Naturals staff members selected from the top-five most frequent names submitted along with five other ‘wild-card’ entries. Tanner Winn, from Happy Hollow Elementary School in Fayetteville, was the lone child who submitted the name Strike. Seven-year old Tanner will receive one game’s worth of ‘VIP’ treatment from the Naturals, including joining the team on the field for batting practice, sitting in super premium seating for the game with three of his friends, and also will have the opportunity to throw a ceremonial first pitch before the game.

Doubts linger over Nats
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals expect to draw 3 million fans a year, but team officials sound increasingly pessimistic about doing it this season. Nationals Park is slated to open at the end of the month, and while the design seems to incorporate all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a modern MLB ballpark -- center-field concessions area, plenty of suites, a slick design -- pessimists are wondering if the Nationals aren't going to come up well short of expectations. Certainly the parking situation isn't the best, as the team acknowledges there are a very limited number of parking spots within walking distance of the ballpark, forcing many fans to use the Metro at a station that probably can't handle the capacity. Then there's the team performance on the field: GM Jim Bowden has remade the roster, key performers like Ryan Church and Brian Schneider are gone, and the team can't abide with a disinterested Austin Kearns too much longer. It will probably be a rougher year than you'd expect for the Nats, especially if the team doesn't roar out of the gate. More from the Washington Business Journal. The team should pick up some press when President George W. Bush throws out the first pitch on March 30. He did the same when the Expos moved to Washington, D.C.
    RELATED STORIES: Feds deny use of key parking garage to Nats fans; Crews pick up pace to renovate Metro station; Nationals ready for opening of new ballpark; Land acquisitions push up price of new Nats ballpark; Parking to be limited near new Nats ballpark; Nationals to open regular season at home on March 30; DC ballpark neighbors fear fan inundation; PNC Bank buys naming rights for Nationals' seats; Nats to open new ballpark March 29; Photo tour of new Nats ballpark; Nationals make effort to address parking woes at new ballpark; On deck: Playing field for new Nats ballpark; Goals unmet on ballpark construction jobs for D.C. workers; RFK is full of concrete memories; Nationals choose Centerplate to manage concessions at new ballpark; Lessons for the Lerners: what to steal from other ballparks; Nats ballpark to have extensive seating for wheelchairs; Metro, District and Nationals talking possible 'ballpark fare'; Signing off on the last beam; Top price for ducats at new Nats ballpark: $400; Nationals' transition extends off field; National crisis: Capital franchise in turmoil; Ballpark brings hope but no guarantee; Nationals ballpark 'on time, on budget' for 2008 opening; Future distinctly on rise for Nationals; District not over park cap; New Nats ballpark to feature cherry blossoms beyond left-field fence; As ballpark rises, battles over land continue; For Nats' home, a rapid ascent; Nats ballpark cost tops cap, council members say; Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark upgrades; With new Nats ballpark, name of the game is money; D.C. Council approves ballpark parking garages; The D.C. ballpark parking debate; Severe penalties await city if parking garages aren't provided, Gandhi warns; Ballpark garages proposal rejected; Fenty promotes aboveground parking to end fight over new Nats ballpark; New Nats ballpark construction on schedule for 2008 opening; Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC ballpark; Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking; DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in country; Legislation would revive condo and garage development at new DC ballpark; New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking; D.C. parking issue threatens budget; Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat; Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk

West Chester considers ballpark
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials in West Chester, Pa., are debating the merits of a $20-$35 million, 4,000-seat ballpark and have hired a consultant, architect Alan Adler, to do a feasibility study. It's not clear what level of ball is being considered; the size and the price tag does suggest Class A ball or the independent Atlantic League, but there would be some territorial issues involving affiliated ball. The West Chester mayor is certainly enthusiastic about the project, however. More from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

IronPigs will culminate journey begun in 1992
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Talk about perseverance. When the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) begin play the end of this month, Craig Stein will finally be completing a journey started in 1992 when, as the owner of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League), he explored bringing a team via The Ballpark project with Northampton County Executive) Bill Brackbill, purchasing the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) for a move. In the end, Stein and partner Joe Finley persevered in bringing affiliated baseball to Allentown, convincing the Phillies to waive their territorial objections and convincing Lehigh Valley to partially finance the construction of Coca Cola Park. You can read the whole interview at the Morning Call.

Lamping leaves Cards; DeWitt is replacement
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mark Lamping, who ensured the St. Louis Cardinals stayed on budget during the construction of Busch Stadium -- though some argue the value engineering for the project led to a compromised facility -- has left the team and joined the company overseeing the construction of the new Meadowlands stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets (both NFL). His replacement as president: Bill DeWitt III, who has worked for the team since 1996. DeWitt's major challenge will be launching the delayed Ballpark Village next to Busch Stadium, ensuring that Centene does indeed follow through with its decision to move headquarters there.

Augusta newspaper: go slow on new ballpark
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Augusta Chronicle is advising the city move slowly on a proposed $31.8 mixed-use development for the downtown riverfront that would include a new ballpark for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League). Now, there's some bad reporting here -- the Boston Red Sox did not pay $12 million toward Fluor Field, the home of the Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League), and it's a disservice to Andrew Zimbalist to invoke his name as an opponent of all ballpark development, especially now that he seems to acknowledge there are intangibles connected to a ballpark  -- but the central premise is correct: the city should take a long, hard look at what it wants to do with the downtown real estate. That no one is exactly rushing with a redevelopment plan should be a sign of what the market thinks, however.

Bids for Tropicana Field redevelopment to be opened tomorrow
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of St. Petersburg is opening bids for the redevelopment of the current Tropicana Field site tomorrow, and city official are expecting to receive multiple bids. Proceeds from the site redevelopment would go toward a new $450-million waterfront ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays on the Al Lang Field site. So far only Hines, the Houston developer working in conjunction with the Rays, has discussed its plans for a development featuring housing, retail and office space, but other nationals development firms have toured the site and made inquiries of city officials. The Rays want to see $300 million raised from such a redevelopment, which would be put toward the ballpark; the team would pay the rest of the cost of a new facility. More from the St. Pete Times. Folks at the neighboring Mahaffey Theatre aren't thrilled by the prospects of a ballpark next door.
    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?

Oaks hold groundbreaking for ballpark addition
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) and the city of Visalia held a groundbreaking for an addition to Recreation Park today. The $11.6 million improvements package includes fans enhancements, including a VIP lounge, new concession stand, new restrooms, children’s play area and administrative offices.

Billy Dehler profiled
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As any regular reader of this site knows we're a little saddened when a traditionally named ballpark -- like Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) -- loses its moniker in a naming-rights deal. But there's something truly perfect about the new Billings ballpark to be named for Billy Dehler, a long-time booster of Legion ball in Montana and Minnesota. His son, Jon Dehler, bought naming rights to the new ballpark and decided to honor his father. The Billings City Council will consider the naming rights later this month, but we'd be very surprised if Dehler Park isn't the unanimous choice. More from the Billings Gazette.
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2008: Dehler Park; Ballpark shapes up, stays on schedule; Warm weather allows headway on new Billings ballpark; It's a bittersweet moment for fans of Cobb Field; RIP: Cobb Field; Last baseball game in Cobb Field is in the books; Tonight's the last night for Cobb Field; An extra inning to raise funds for new Billings ballpark; Billings looks at cutbacks to new ballpark; Tight schedule for Billings' new ballpark; Council awards ballpark contracts; City looks to cut cost of ballpark; Ballpark bids throw curve to officials; City OKs ballpark bond bids; Park plans head for home; City, Mustangs watching ballpark plans; Old-time ballplayers join groundbreaking for new Billings ballpark; Billings ballpark design allows future amenities; Plan for new baseball park has sunken, realigned field; Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track; Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear; Billings voters approve new Mustangs ballpark; Donors pitch $210K more toward new ballpark; Join local teams in support for new ballpark; Three groups, family pledge $200K for maintenance of new Cobb Field; New vote on an old park; Two more pitch in on new Cobb Field; Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement; Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign; Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings ballpark; Cobb backers unveil campaign; Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field; Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot; Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field; Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field; Funding dominates Cobb discussion; Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams; Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

South Atlantic League to honor Moss in 2008
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Low Class A South Atlantic League will honor President Emeritus John Henry Moss throughout the 2008 season. The league's board of directors voted at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Nashville to retire the uniform number 50 throughout the league. According to South Atlantic League records, the only other number retired league-wide is the number 42 honoring Jackie Robinson, which was retired throughout
Minor League Baseball in 1997.
    The celebration of Moss's career will continue as the "2008 Celebration Tour" is hosted at each of the league's 16 ballparks. Each club will honor John Moss during a pre-game ceremony. A cast bronze plaque will also be installed in each stadium to honor the contributions that John has made to the Western Carolinas/South Atlantic League over the past 50 years. The "2008 Celebration Tour" is scheduled to begin in Rome, GA, on April 18-19 and continue through August 2, when the final celebration will take place in Charleston, West Virginia. The complete Celebration Tour Schedule is included below.
    A change will also made to the league logo. "To commemorate John's 50 years of service, we thought it was appropriate to change the league's logo to gold," said Eric Krupa, the new
president of the South Atlantic League.
    John Moss organized the Western Carolina League in 1947. He ran the league for two years before moving north and working in the Detroit Tigers farm system for the next 10 years. Upon returning to North Carolina in 1959, John was recruited to re-organize the Western Carolinas League. After the 1979 season, the league reinstated the South Atlantic League name, which had been dormant since 1964. John Moss retired as South Atlantic League president at the end of 2007.

River Bandits crank on the promotions
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new owners of the Quad Cities River Bandits certainly are cranking on the promotional schedule this week, with something planned for every home game. There's a separate promotional theme for every game as well. For the new owners, it's a pretty blatant attempt to make over the image of the franchise, which suffered in recent years; the team's many moves, including a renaming of the ballpark to Modern Woodmen Park, seem to be paying off with enthusiasm in the community. More from the Quad Cities Times.

Booze at new Gwinnett County ballpark prompts state debate
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A debate over allowing beer and alcohol sales at a new Gwinnett County ballpark for the relocated Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) has turned into a state-level affair. The battle is between Republicans who want to see more beer sales on Sunday and those who generally oppose Sunday beer sales but wouldn't mind making an exception for a ballpark. So far the House and Senate have two different versions of a bill concerning this -- one calls for a referendum, the other doesn't -- and the governor is weighing in on the issue as well. More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The AJC is covering the issue closely; here's a backgrounder on the park.
    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?

Muckdogs bailout pleases fans, business community
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The decision to contract the operations of the Batavia Muckdogs (short season; NY-Penn League) to the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) has local businesses and baseball fans pleased. The team has a debt of $150,000 on the books -- with two local firms responsible for two-thirds of the debt -- and the Red Wings should bring a new level of fiscal responsibility to the proceedings. Still, we're not quite convinced that the team is long for Batavia, as we know of several ownership groups seeking a franchise in that circuit. More from the Buffalo News.
    RELATED STORIES: Red Wings to run Muckdogs in 2008

Boulton profiled in Portfolio
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The history of minor-league baseball may have been changed forever when the New York Mets wouldn't allow the owners of the Albany-Colonie Yankees, led by Frank Boulton, move the team to Long Island. Boulton sold his interest in the team and launched the independent Atlantic League, and his Long Island Ducks is a cornerstone of the circuit. If the Atlantic League hadn't formed, the old Northwest League would have been able to get into better markets, but it's easy to play what-if. More from Portfolio.

Riesgo pursues ballpark bid for Silverdome
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nikco Riesgo, who played four games for the Montreal Expos in 1991, is pursuing his dream of converting the Silverdome to a ballpark and plans on meeting this week with Pontiac officials. The former home of the Detroit Lions (NFL), the facility is slated for redevelopment and costs the city about $1.5 million in annual maintenance. Riesgo would launch an independent international league (we're pretty convinced he has Olympic Stadium in his sights as well) and use the proceeds from naming and broadcast rights to generate the annual maintenance costs. More from the Detroit Free Press.
    RELATED STORIES: Silverdome to be converted to ballpark?

Ballpark Notes
Posted March 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) finalized its coaching staff, announced today by manager Chris Hoiles. Sammy Snider comes to York after spending the last 27 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles in various capacities. Snider was with Baltimore for all 10 seasons of Hoiles’ Major League career, where the two became friends, even roommates. Snider first joined the club in 1980, helping with batting practice, infield and the bullpen....Former Major League player, scout and coach Charles "Boots" Day has been named the hitting coach of the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League), manager Von Hayes announced today. Day, who has more than 40 years of baseball experience, will join 12-year pro and two-time Manager of the Year Von Hayes and 23-year coaching veteran and 18-year pro Rick Wise on Lancaster’s bench for the 2008 Atlantic League season.