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Archives: Aug. 5-11, 2007

Durham Athletic Park upgrade may cost more
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The price of becoming the center of the Minor League Baseball universe appears to be going up by $1 million. And initial indications Thursday were that the city might be willing to pay it. City Council members got their first look at the latest plan to renovate Durham Athletic Park, former home of the Durham Bulls and site of the film Bull Durham. Minor League Baseball would operate the old park after the city ponies up $5 million for renovations, including a state-of-the-art field, new clubhouses and dugouts and lots more bathrooms. City officials hope that would lead to a Minor League Baseball museum nearby. The proposed project is $1 million more than the $4 million earmarked for it in a 2005 voter-approved bond issue. The $1 million would come from the city's general fund and be spent on a picnic area, broadcast booth, umpires' clubhouse and other amenities. North Carolina Central has already committed to playing there.
    RELATED STORIES: Renovated Durham Athletic Park may be for only games; Minor League Baseball interested in DAP; Durham ballpark may get second wind; Businessman warns against remake of park area; Old ballpark renewal plan progresses

Bank pulls money from Sounds' account to pay legal, other fees
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Bankers for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) yanked $202,000 out of the baseball team's account last month to pay fees related to the failed effort to develop a new downtown ballpark, a team official confirmed Thursday. First Tennessee Bank, one of 12 banking partners in the failed ballpark venture, took the money out of a team operating account July 5, claiming the money was owed for legal and other fees, according to GM Glenn Yaeger. He said about $400,000 was in the account at the time. The Triple-A minor league Sounds are trying to recover money, and the loss won't affect team operations, he said. The Sounds and the city of Nashville are still at loggerheads over the status of a $250,000 payment owed to the Sounds for maintenance at Greer Stadium as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Metro halts funds to Sounds; Could Sounds leave Nashville?; Sounds GM Yaeger criticizes Struever Bros. as "wrong partner"; Struever, Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal; Struever, Sounds now have until 4 p.m. tomorrow to seal ballpark deal; Struever would build Sounds ballpark; Sounds, Struever keep swinging for a ballpark solution; Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster; Metro concerned about progress of Nashville ballpark deal; Sounds must make decisions regarding downtown ballpark; Struever says Sounds ballpark will be built; Amid ballpark questions, plan for two hotels unveiled; Sounds delay ballpark opening until 2009; Ballpark financing lag worries Sounds; Sounds fail to file lease legislation; Council approves lease extension for Nashville ballpark development; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds project; Sounds' project team huddles to nail down a deal; Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new ballpark; Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon; Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches; Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in Nashville; Sounds unveil ballpark plans; PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal; Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and fan-friendly; Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new ballpark; Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say; Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds ballpark; Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank project; Sounds send commitment letter to Council; Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in stadium; Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority work on ballpark; Sounds are rounding third; Sounds remain at bargaining table; Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark; Council should give Nashville ballpark their support; Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

The Yankees' ballpark windfall
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Fortune magazine takes a look at the economics surround the new Yankee Stadium, slated to open in 2009. Yes, the Yankees are paying $800 million to build the $1.2 billion facility (local governments are picking up the rest in the form of infrastructure improvements and tax breaks), but they stand to basically own a money-printing machine. If the Yankees do decided to take concessions inhouse (as is rumored) and maximize the sale of luxury boxes and naming rights to specific parts of the ballpark, the team could yield an extra $150 million a year -- and it will also give the Yankees some relief from MLB revenue-sharing provisions as well.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Nationals balk after funding pitch
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The Washington Nationals have contributed less than $8 million toward the construction of their new ballpark in the District, according to a report in the Washington Times, though club officials publicly said the team would spend as much as $50 million on ballpark improvements. The team's contributions include between $2.5 million and $3 million for an expansion of the ballpark's center-field restaurant, about $2 million to improve the ballpark suites and about $3 million to upgrade the scoreboard and video display. The article relies on unnamed sources; the officials sources say they've not tallied up what the Nats have spent.

'Steal' remark ruled exaggeration in mayor's defamation suit
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When former West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA;  Southern League) president David Hersh said former Jackson Mayor Charles Farmer was trying to "steal" his baseball team, it was exaggeration and not defamation, the Court of Appeals ruled on Wednesday. Farmer sued Hersh for defamation on Dec. 9, 2004. He claimed in part that "Hersh knowingly and repeatedly made false representations about Farmer's intentions with respect to the Jaxx. Specifically, Hersh represented to the media and others that Farmer attempted to 'steal' the team from Hersh." Hersh had testified that Farmer and some local businessmen offered him about $4 million, below market value, for the Jaxx in 2000. Farmer denied it. More from WBIR.
    RELATED STORIES: Hersh, city back in court today; Hersh, city bickering enters last inning; Farmer wraps up testimony on 12th day of Jaxx trial; City, Hersh crunch numbers; Suit over $112K is about more than money for both sides

SI Miners employees to meet with union reps
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Efforts to organize employees of the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League) are under way -- and somewhat surprisingly, a union official said, management is not crying foul. In fact, management is actually working with employees and the Laborers' union to offer union representation to about 80 Miners employees. Miners Vice President Erik Haag said the good relations between the union and Miners organization "start with our ownership. They recognize the union and the value it brings. Union labor is what got this ballpark done on time and looking like it does. We have a good relationship so far and I don't expect that to change." The union is also working with Aramark, which provides custodial and concession services at the ballpark, to organize their 100 to 150 employees at the ballpark.

MTSU reaches ballpark deal
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Middle Tennessee State has reached an agreement in principle for the construction of a $6.6 million ballpark. Work will begin "within a month," according to MTSU Athletic Director Chris Massaro. The $6.6 million cost is more than most of the base bids received by MTSU in late June. The lowest of those original base bids was $5.4 million by Olympian Construction Co. in Nashville, the same company that has agreed to this final plan. Massaro said the increased cost comes from modifications to the original base bid, so as to maintain the look of the original plan.

Road only gets tougher for SCL's homeless Juice
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The implication here is that the Bradenton Juice (independent; South Coast League), made into a road team at the end of this season, could end up a road team next season as well. It's probably a little too early to come to that conclusion, but you never know what's going to happen next season anyway.

University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08
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Miami city manager Pete Hernandez said Wednesday his "gut feeling" is that the University of Miami is inclined to move to Dolphin Stadium, and he told UM this week that it very likely would be permitted to escape its Orange Bowl lease and move there as early as next season if the school wishes. Several UM officials said they expect the matter will be resolved during an Aug. 21 meeting of the executive committee of the Board of Trustees. UM officials have been negotiating exclusively with Dolphin Stadium since early June and have resolved nearly all of their differences. Without the Hurricanes as a core tenant, more than likely the Orange Bowl will be torn down; the city of Miami wants to see it used for a Florida Marlins ballpark, though it's not clear whether the Marlins or MLB wants to see a ballpark at that location. Still, it appears that any hope of civic funding of the ballpark will depend on the use of that site, and we're guessing MLB will first stomp its feet and demand a downtown location before succumbing to the inevitable.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark; Loria is pining for a downtown ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding decision has ways to go; Door closed on use of Miami CRA funds for ballpark; Marlins ballpark funding bills advance; Regalado: CRA money shouldn't be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks; New Marlins ballpark in a squeeze play; Miami backs county on plan for new Marlins park at Orange Bowl; Orange Bowl reemerges as site of Marlins ballpark; County unveils Marlins financing plan; Marlins ballpark funding at first base; Charlie Crist's just not batting 1.000; Florida legislative leaders back tax help for sports; Governor boosts ballpark funding formula; CRA board members: Look somewhere else for ballpark funds; Marlins ballpark plan only latest of projects seeking CRA funds; Glitzy plans often pushed with funds for renewal; Agency head says city hasn't sought permission for ballpark deal; Crist backs state funding of new Marlins ballpark; Officials optimistic of finalizing Marlins ballpark deal in downtown Miami; DuPuy: Progress being made on new downtown Miami ballpark; Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats

Triple-A Baseball, Marvel team up on promotion
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Triple-A Baseball and Marvel Entertainment have teamed up for an exclusive partnership that brings together two true forms of Americana -- baseball and comic books. The first wave of the partnership hits throughout August where on select dates all 30 Triple-A teams will be handing out an exclusive baseball-themed comic book featuring Marvel characters Spider-Man, Iron-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Incredible Hulk.
    The book, entitled Triple-A Baseball Heroes, puts the Marvel Super Heroes in the middle of the Triple-A all-star event alongside the League’s ever-popular mascots. The book is penciled by Marvel artist Robert Adkins, inked by Rick Ketchum and Drew Geraci, and written by Chris Eliopoulos. The books will be available only at ballparks and will have the teams logo embossed on their particular cover. In addition, one of the top up and coming artists, British painter John Watson (Uncanny X-Men, Civil War: Frontline, Incredible Hulk) has created three variant covers for the events in Buffalo, Durham and Memphis. In each of those cities the cover of their book will be completely unique and exclusive to their cities.
    The Triple-A Baseball Heroes comic book sees Marvel’s legendary Fantastic Four and their children, Franklin and Valeria, enjoy a day off at the ballpark for a game between the International and Pacific Coast leagues. Peter Parker (Spider-Man) is also making a day of it with Aunt May and hoping to get in a few photos for the Daily Bugle as well. Additionally, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is on hand to throw out the first pitch. Seeing the excitement of the fans and the potential financial windfall, Stark also considers making an investment in the League; however, fans, players and heroes all get more excitement than they bargained for when the villainous Sandman appears and the Incredible Hulk is there to tag him out.

Rays roll out unique, in-ballpark animated series
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The very existence of baseball is being threatened by the Evil Umperor, a fallen umpire from the beginnings of baseball whose sole mission is to corrupt and destroy the game. Bent on promoting the virtues of winning at all costs even if it means cheating, the Umperor must be stopped... but who will rise to the challenge. It all comes to life on "Defenders of the Game," an animated series featured on Tropicana Field's video scoreboard at every Sunday home game of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In conjunction with One Sum Communications, the Rays have developed this unique feature targeted for youngsters in attendance at Tropicana Field. Animated likenesses of Rays players Scott Kazmir, Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford, Manager Joe Maddon and Senior Advisor Don Zimmer make up the cast of animated heroes. All provided voice-overs for their characters.

In the upper deck at Shea, passing time with America's pastime
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The story here, really, is how baseball is better marketing itself to women. The New York Mets and local needle arts stores sold more than 800 discounted tickets for last night's game at Shea Stadium against the Atlanta Braves, when people from all over the metropolitan area gathered to knit, crochet and embroider in the stands. Several teams have run this promotion (locally, it's been a hoot watching Ron Gardenhire make a pitch to embroiderers). The bigger issue is that the promotion has been very successful in bringing women to the ballpark. It's probably something the minor leagues should be looking at as well; this year we saw several teams record some solid box-office successes with promotions centered on raising funds for breast cancer (with pink unis and all), promotions geared mainly toward women.

Naturals hope to build fans in backyard of major-league affiliate
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We're not quite sure Springdale, Ark., is in the backyard of Springfield, Mo., but that's the premise here, as the local newspaper looks at the success of the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League). The St. Louis Cardinals are extremely popular in the Springdale area, so you can expect some good crowds when the S-Cards visit the Northwest Arkansas Naturals next season.

IronPigs announce radio network
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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) announced that all 144 games during their inaugural 2008 season will be broadcast live on the IronPigs Radio Network. WXLV 90.3 FM, located on the campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College (Schnecksville, Pa.) will serve as the flagship station. All broadcasts will also air on HD Radio on ClearChannel Broadcasting’s WZZO 95.1 HD-2, which will serve as the "Digital Home of the IronPigs."
    The live broadcasts, which will include extensive pre-game and post-game shows, can also be accessed online at wxlv.org, wzzo.com and ironpigsbaseball.com. Terms of either deal were not disclosed.
    Flagship station WXLV features a signal that reaches an estimated 295,000 households in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. The station is regenerating itself as "A Broadcast Service of Lehigh Carbon Community College" and with a new format of locally produced music and community affairs. LCCC signed a management agreement under the rules of the FCC in March 2006 with WDIY-FM and its licensee Lehigh Valley Community Broadcasters Association.

PETA announces top minor-league ballpark for veggie fare
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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced its first-ever ranking of the top 10 vegetarian-friendly minor-league ballparks. The top spot went to Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where fans can bet that there's no "bull" -- or cholesterol -- in that delicious veggie dog, veggie burger, or meatless burrito. Rounding out the vegetarian-friendly lineup are PGE Park (Portland Beavers), Harbor Park (Norfolk Tides), McCoy Stadium (Pawtucket Red Sox), AutoZone Park (Memphis Redbirds), Harry Grove Stadium (Frederick Keys), MerchantsAuto.com Stadium (New Hampshire Fisher Cats), Fifth Third Ballpark (West Michigan Whitecaps), Cheney Stadium (Tacoma Rainiers) and Frawley Stadium (Wilmington Blue Rocks). Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, grabbed first place in the major league ratings by offering an extensive vegetarian menu, including the new Philly mock-steak sandwich.

Twins announce new date for groundbreaking
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The Minnesota Twins have announced a new date for the second groundbreaking on a new downtown ballpark: Thursday, Aug. 30. Ceremonies are slated to start at 5 p.m. CT and go until 7 p.m. Fans attending the ceremony will have the opportunity to meet current Twins players and alumni. Commissioner Bud Selig and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty are also expected to attend. The original groundbreaking was cancelled after a bridge carrying I-35W across the Mississippi River collapsed during rush hour.

Revolution finish skyboxes, party suites
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The wait is finally over: all of the skyboxes and party suites will now be officially open at Sovereign Bank Stadium, the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League). Some of the skyboxes opened on July 22, but the rest awaited completion. Sovereign Bank Stadium also features five Party Suites that consist of different room sizes, all of which are available for rental even on non-game days. There are four smaller rooms, one main room and the ability to make one giant room. The Suites are able to hold groups from 15-250.
    The names of the rooms -- Keystone Room, Pennsylvania State Room, Tri-State Room, Piedmont Room and White Rose Hall -- were chosen to reflect the rich history of baseball in York from the 1880s through the 1960s. Each room will have a description explaining the meaning behind its name, which will carry through in its design and decoration.

Clermont to get FCSL team
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Following the Leesburg Lightning's victory in the Florida Collegiate Summer League championship game Sunday night in St. Petersburg, the league has announced it is expanding for the 2008 season. One of the new teams will be in Clermont. The Clermont team, which is co-owned by businessmen Tim Dye and Dan Decker, also will be joined in what will be the Central Florida division by an expansion team in Belleview and by the Orlando Hammers -- a team that was in the league before going on hiatus this season.

Baseball turf project hasn't started yet
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Completion of installation of a new playing surface at Les Murakami Stadium is now scheduled for Nov. 15. But the contract for the work has yet to be awarded, so the project hasn't started yet despite release of $2 million in state funds in May. The delays have resulted in Hawaii Winter Baseball not being able to play games at Murakami Stadium this season. It's not yet determined what the replacement for the 14-year-old AstroTurf will be; University of Hawaii baseball coach Mike Trapasso has requested FieldTurf.

Wichita buys NBC, begins negotiations for American Association team
Posted Aug. 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wichita could be the newest member of the independent American Association after the Wichita City Council unanimously agreed to begin negotiations with an ownership group led by Wichita Thunder (CHL) owner Horn Chen. (The American Association issued a press release saying the deal was done; it is not, and the league should have been a little more accurate in its public announcements.) At the same time the council agreed to buy the National Baseball Congress tournament from Rich Baseball for $1 million, while at the same time releasing the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) from their lease at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Given Chen's issues with Nueces County over his agreement for a new Coastal Bend Aviators ballpark, the city may want to make sure the terms of the deal are very specifically stated. More from the Wichita Eagle and the Wichita Business Journal.
    RELATED STORIES: NBC price tag pleases council; Wichita to choose American Association bid; Northern League, American Association to court investors for Wichita team; NBC deal in the works; Wichita to court baseball leagues; Ballpark bids under estimates; New for 2008: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals; Officials dig baseball; Springdale ballpark construction budget approved; Springdale City Council approves ballpark design; Springdale commission approves new ballpark; Wranglers GM has new challenges; City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont lease; Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third baseball option; Council looks at ballpark design; Commissioners begin planning improvements around ballpark site; Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass; League approval slow but expected for move of Wranglers; Springdale approves Wranglers lease; Texas League executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease; Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to public; Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of Wranglers; City told only voters decide ballpark's user; Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark; What's new in Wichita?; Wranglers president says move is nearly official; Wranglers agreement down to one item; City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008

Protectors of Al Lang Field cry foul over new land use rules
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Proposed land-use changes in St. Petersburg could lead to the demise of Al Lang Field, the longtime home to spring training in the city, but local officials say there's little chance the venerable ballpark could be torn down to make room for condos or other development. The Downtown Neighborhood Association says Al Lang should be classified with the city's other downtown parks. City officials in the economic development department say the land should instead be classified with the row of condos and shops on Beach Drive. The difference: there are serious height restrictions applying to park land, but not to condos. It would take quite an effort to tear down the ballpark and build condos there. According to the City Charter, the city could not sell the ballpark or lease it for more than five years without a citywide referendum. Then the City Council, Pinellas Planning Council, Pinellas County Commission and the state Department of Community Affairs would have to all agree to change its zoning status. Perhaps the bigger issue is what the city does with Al Lang. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are moving spring-training operations to Charlotte County in 2009, and there seems to be little appetite among MLB teams to move to St. Pete. It probably would make sense for an independent league or a summer-collegiate league to look at placing a team at Al Lang, and given its location we're guessing the city could do a better job in promoting it as a venue for college or youth tournaments. Al Lang Field is part of our Endangered Ballparks list.

Bonds breaks home-run record; now history to judge him
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Barry Bonds finally broke Henry Aaron's career home-run record, blasting #756 in the fifth inning of the Giants' 8-6 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. With one out and nobody on base in a 4-4 game, Bonds hammered a 3-2 pitch from left-hander Mike Bacsik into the bleachers to the right of straightaway center field at AT&T Park. Now ESPN and CNN can go back to covering things that matter. Excuse us for our callous attitude, but in so, so many ways the Barry Bonds saga has become one of the more boring topics in baseball, because there's really only issue to discuss: whether or not Bonds' record is tainted by his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. Yeah, we could criticize Bonds for his endless whining and unseemly martyrdom -- Hammerin' Hank broke the record under much worse circumstances, facing daily death threats in a racially different era -- and we could also take issue with MLB for not doing more to address the sport's drug issue one way or another, something Bud Selig is grudgingly admitting. (USA Today tries to say Bonds suffered as much as Aaron did; we'd disagree with the pathetic attempt at moral relativism. The only valid comparison we're willing to acknowledge: neither player started out as a home-run king.) In the end, though, Bonds bores us, and we're really just biding time until Alex Rodriguez surpasses Bonds. Fans bloody themselves diving after Bonds' home run; Darwin was right. Henry Aaron shows a lot of class in his video message for Bonds. More from the San Jose Mercury News. Photo by Jim Robins.

Duncan Park Stadium renovation plan released
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Donnie Love of the McMillan Smith & Partners architectural firm showed Spartanburg school trustees several aerial shots and schematic drawings of a renovation plan for Duncan Park Stadium, the former home to minor-league and summer-collegiate ball in the city. The complex will include a new main entrance, updated facilities for the disabled, updated locker rooms and batting cages. City officials decided in summer 2006 to close Duncan Park Stadium, citing safety issues at the aging facility, which opened in 1926. The district and the city have come to the table on several occasions during the past year and a half to discuss using the park, and they're still finalizing their recent agreement. Costs to renovate Duncan Park have yet to be determined, as it depends on the type of renovations and additions the ballpark will undergo, but you can expect it will be a minimum of $3 million. The city is willing to commit a certain amount, as is the school district, and the two entities will have to find a way to fill in the gap. Duncan Park Stadium is part of our Endangered Ballparks list.

Angels to change cleaning schedule after rat reports
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Cleaning crews at Angel Stadium plan to change their postgame schedule after food vendors were cited over 100 times for vermin violations in the past two years. Until now, cleaning crews wouldn't start removing leftover food and garbage from the stands until the morning after a game. Nighttime cleanups could begin as early as Tuesday, said Tim Mead, vice president of communications for the Angels. An investigation by The Orange County Register found Anaheim to be much more infested than any other Southern California baseball venue. Food safety experts said the violations might be related to Angel Stadium's practice of leaving discarded food on the ground for 12 or more hours after a game.
    RELATED STORIES: Angel Stadium hit with 118 vermin violations

Today's video: Coco Crisp crunched
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We couldn't resist this video of Boston's Coco Crisp being run over by the Mariner Moose at Safeco Field. Keep the videos coming in: We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Auditor may decide dispute over ballpark
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Manchester aldermen are putting pressure on city Finance Officer Bill Sanders to prove his claim that city taxpayers have been unknowingly footing a large chunk of the bill for Manchester's downtown ballpark. Sanders has agreed to provide the aldermen with documentation early next week. The city, meanwhile, is pursuing plans for an independent audit to review Sanders' contention that taxpayers have already spent $1.3 million on MerchantsAuto.com Stadium, home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). A former finance official who oversaw the $27.5 million ballpark project has denied the charge.
    RELATED STORIES: Former city official disputes ballpark report; Report: Fishers' ballpark hits taxpayers for $1.3m

Mets giving new home old feel
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There will be no need to watch for the first home run ball to land at Citi Field. It's already happened, as Carlos Delgado hit one out of Shea Stadium that landed in the Citi Field construction zone. The new park, taking form from the organized chaos beyond the outfield walls of Shea Stadium, is going up a bit ahead of schedule. It's close enough to the current ballpark for particularly long home runs, such as the one Carlos Delgado drove over the Mets bullpen in right, to bound right through what will soon be the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and right into the new facility, which looks more and more like a stadium each time the Mets return from a trip.
    RELATED STORIES: Mets fans want home run apple brought to new ballpark; The stadium chase; Construction shows Citi Field is on schedule; Yankees, Mets won't sell seat licenses; ballpark funds in place; Whole new ballgame; Willets Point's last man standing defiantly; Naming rights are all about the money; Boro buzzes with talk of new Mets ballpark; Mets break ground on new ballpark; New Mets ballpark to be called CitiField; 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; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

City approves rezoning for Warthogs ballpark
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The new downtown ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) got what it needed last night from the Winston-Salem City Council to move from the drawing board to the corner of Peters Creek Parkway and Business 40. The city council approved a request by the ballpark developers to rezone the site -- more than 28 acres. For Billy Prim, a co-owner of the Warthogs, the vote was one of the last major hurdles that he had to cross. It means that he can use the land for a project that he has been working on for the past three years.
    RELATED STORIES: City could save money on ballpark; Winston-Salem ballpark put off to 2009 season; County gives OK to Warthogs ballpark; Forsyth County commits to new Warthogs ballpark; Prim: I'll run figures in offer; County's ballpark offer in; New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?; Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark; county is next; Joines: Protect ticket revenue; Council considers city help with moving expenses; Prim's word is his bond; Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote; Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan; County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark; W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

Oriole Park cleanup crew, owner talk
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For three years, the group representing workers who clean up plastic cups, peanut shells, spilled beer and hot dogs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards has been fighting for higher wages and better working conditions. Each seeming breakthrough has fallen through. Now, the United Workers Association, a human rights organization in Baltimore, and the 800 workers it represents are stepping up their campaign. Through protests, rallies and concerts, they're calling on the state agency that owns Camden Yards to act by pushing for higher wages. Both sides met yesterday to discuss the issue.

Bleacher removal underway in Savannah
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Work is underway today to remove the left field bleachers from Grayson Stadium, home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League). The cement bleachers were a part of Municipal Stadium, originally constructed for the 1926 baseball season. Tickets have not been sold for the bleachers for at least the last six seasons. The Sand Gnats began a 10-day road trip Tuesday. The bleachers are expected to be completely demolished and removed in time for the Gnats next home game on Friday, Aug. 17 against the Kannapolis Intimidators. The left-field bleachers and the right-field line bleachers were the only pieces of Municipal Stadium to withstand the hurricane of 1940. The remainder of the ballpark was rebuilt for the 1941 season and christened William L. Grayson Stadium. While the right-field bleachers were renovated in the last 20 years to include the metal seats that remain today, the left-field bleachers have remained in their original cement state since 1926.

Brighton, Castle Rock join in baseball team search
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Brighton and the city of Castle Rock are in the search for a new minor-league ballpark as partners. Brighton City Manager John Bramble said the two entities are in the process of evaluating the benefits of a minor-league baseball facility in each community for two independent American Association teams Bramble asked the Brighton City Council for $57,000 to approve three studies – a market analysis, a financial analysis and an economic analysis. It sounds like Brighton will ask voters to approve a 0.2 percent sales-tax hike to pay for a ballpark; Castle Rock officials have no idea how they'd pay for one.
    RELATED STORIES: Baseball cost: fair or foul?; Investors pitch baseball idea for The Ranch; Commissioners back study of ballpark at The Ranch; Another baseball contender in Fort Collins: the American Association; Ballpark battle beginning in Fort Collins?;  Foxes still seeking location for their new 'Den'; Minor-league baseball for Castle Rock, Col.?

Area fans missing out on the Manatees
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Fewer than 1,000 people sprinkled the seats at Space Coast Stadium Sunday night to watch the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League) take on rival Tampa Yankees in nail-biter that ended with a 10th inning walk-off home run by Brevard County catcher J.R. Hopf. Those who have been to a few Manatees games know this is the rule, and not the exception. Non-fireworks games often feature crowds in the hundreds for a ballpark that holds more than 8,000. Perhaps the alligators are scaring off the fans.

Ground broken on new Alex Box Stadium
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LSU's new Alex Box Stadium baseball field is still overrun with bulldozers, piledrivers and mounds of dirt. But on Monday LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman was able to finally breathe a sigh of relief that the project, approximately 10 years in the making, officially took its first physical step toward reality. Media, athletic department personnel, planners and builders gathered for the official groundbreaking of the stadium, which officials hope will bring the college baseball program of the 1990s into the 21st century.

'A great match' for Freedom
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As the new general manager of the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League), Kari Rumfield will naturally root for the team, even when they play the River City Rascals -- which her husband happens to manage. Rumfield, 37, takes over the reins of the team after spending the last year with the Rascals. Her husband, Toby Rumfield, the Cincinnati Reds second-round pick in the 1991 draft, will continue to manage the Rascals, also a Frontier League team. This article was submitted by a reader. To submit an item for potential posting on Ballpark Digest, drop us a note.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 8, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wally Backman and the independent South Coast League have parted ways, bringing an end to one of the more colorful tenures in baseball history. Backman was hoping to use his post as manager of the South Georgia Peanuts as a springboard back into affiliated ball, but it sounds like he was a pretty frustrated soul: he had run-ins with umpires, participated in a press-box argument with another team's radio announcer, and ended up forfeiting a game when his team refused to return to the field after a brawl with rival Macon. He certainly commanded loyalty from his players, however. More from the Albany Herald. Want to share your news with the rest of the baseball community? Drop us a note.

Angel Stadium hit with 118 vermin violations
Posted Aug. 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You know, it's too bad Disney doesn't own the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim any longer; otherwise we could make a series of Ratatouille jokes. The team's home, Angel Stadium, was cited for 118 vermin violations that county officials logged at ballpark kiosks and restaurants over the last two-and-a-half years. Of those reports, 33 represent "major" violations, in which "rodent activity" was observed by health inspectors in a "critical area" of 18 ballpark food venues. In about the same period, San Diego's Petco Park had two vermin violations and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles had seven, records show. In the 412 routine inspections of Angel Stadium food venues conducted by the Health Care Agency since 2005, vermin violations were found 25 percent of the time. The issue: the ballpark isn't cleaned until the morning following a game. On a recent 6 a.m. tour of the ballpark -- 12 hours after the end of a day game -- Orange County Register staff observed nachos, peanuts, melted ice cream and ketchup-stained wrappers, among other edible refuse, lying on the floor of the stands. In kitchens, including the Diamond Club Kitchen and Bar, dirty dishes and pots were stacked on tabletops and in sinks. Counters were greasy and unwiped. Wilted lettuce and food products were left out on countertops.

Clippers land more sponsorships
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Two more big sponsors signed up for presence at Huntington Park, the future home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League). Time Warner Cable and American Electric Power Company Inc. have agreed to pay $3.5 million each for sponsorship packages at the ballpark, said Clippers General Manager Ken Schnacke. The Time Warner and AEP pledges push the corporate sponsorship total to $36 million, Schnacke said. That includes $12 million from Huntington Bancshares, $6 million each from Nationwide Insurance and the Columbus Dispatch and $5 million from Sodexho Sports & Leisure Services.

Cougars ballpark bids are rejected
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Kane County Forest Preserve District officials have rejected nearly 100 subcontracting proposals submitted earlier this year for a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion of Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva and will rebid the project this month in an attempt to contain costs. Still, they and the general manager of the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League), expressed optimism Friday the project will be started this fall and substantially completed before the start of the 2008 baseball season. The various low bids from an array of subcontractors each totaled more than $10 million, said district President John Hoscheit (R-St. Charles), or twice the $5 million limit agreed upon with the team. "The bids were not acceptable," he said.

Mets fans want home run apple brought to new ballpark
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There's the Big Apple -- and then there's the little apple that pops up at Shea Stadium when a New York Met hits a home run. When the New York Mets leave Shea Stadium for Citi Field in 2009, they may well get a shiny new apple for their shiny new ballpark, not the dented, faded and rickety home run emblem beloved by some fans. Some fans can't bear parting with the old apple and have started a Web site and a petition imploring the Mets owners to take the original along when they move to Citi Field. The Mets introduced the 582-pound piece of red plaster with a green leaf in 1980. It emerges from a plywood top hat.
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NCAA rules pose threat to Cape League
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We assume this will affect all the summer-collegiate leagues, not just the Cape Cod League. After new NCAA legislation goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2008 requiring baseball players be academically eligible for the fall in order to play in the spring, summer school will likely become less of a safety net and more of a necessity, sometimes even for good students. And while the hope and expectation is that players eventually will meet the new standards, the first few summers could see more players staying in school instead of playing in summer collegiate leagues.

Three independent leagues eying Waco
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Three independent leagues -- the American Association, United League Baseball and the Continental League -- are eyeing Waco as the location of a possible expansion franchise. Setting aside the Continental League for a second -- the league doesn't seem to have much traction, setting up shop in three high-school fields -- it's interesting to see how the American Association and United League Baseball approach the issue. The city has no interest in funding a ballpark, so a solution will require a privately financed ballpark. We're also a little skeptical about how realistic Waco organizers are: if they project attendance at 2,500 they probably won't get very far with the American Association, as we're guessing the break-even point for an AA franchise these days is closer to 3,000 fans a game. By contrast, we're guessing the break-even point for a United League team is closer to 2,000.

Park bonds on agenda
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Helena city commissioners on Monday night will determine the size and scope of multimillion-dollar park-improvement bonds proposed for the Nov. 6 election. The measures could bring in as much as $7.85 million for a massive upgrade of Centennial Park, a renovation and expansion of the Memorial Park pool facilities and improvements at Kindrick-Legion Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League). Commissioners are divided over how much money to ask from voters and exactly how to spend the funds. They’ll ask for public comments Monday night on the various proposals and decide whether the ballot will include one question for all three parks or separate questions for each facility. Money earmarked for Kindrick-Legion Field would be used for new lights and bleachers, renovation of the ball field and clubhouse, and improved parking.

Former city official disputes ballpark report
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Former Deputy Finance Officer Randy Sherman is firing back at the author of a new report alleging city tax dollars are being used to pay for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats' downtown ballpark. "He didn't do his research," Sherman said of the city's new finance officer, Bill Sanders. Sanders said he stands by his report. In a phone interview Friday, Sherman called the report "not anywhere near accurate," denying its claim that annual shortfalls have forced taxpayers to shell out $1.3 million for the ballpark's bond payments over the last three years. He accused Sanders of bungling the data, saying, "To this day, there is no problem. Everything is paid up to date."
    RELATED STORIES: Report: Fishers' ballpark hits taxpayers for $1.3m

Costner willing to help Omaha keep CWS at the 'Blatt
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Actor Kevin Costner is willing to help Omaha keep the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium -- if that's what the community wants, he said Friday. "I haven't necessarily agreed to do anything, but I'm in support of the stadium," he said from New Mexico, where he's shooting a movie -- a comedy called Swing Vote that he's financing, producing and starring in.  The city has submitted two plans to the NCAA to ensure the series stay in Omaha. One calls for a new downtown ballpark. The other calls for a major renovation of Rosenblatt Stadium, which was built in 1948 and became home to the series two years later. Both proposals call for ballpark being shared with the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). An NCAA response is expected this fall.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Sand Gnats help brand Savannah as destination for family fun
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The Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) are on course to set a season attendance record, breaking the 100,000 mark. Improvements to Grayson Stadium are seen as a factor: last season the ballpark received a small facelift thanks to a new painting, and this year the Sand Gnats invested in a new scoreboard. The City of Savannah and Chatham County agreed to fund $5 million worth of improvements to Grayson Stadium with SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) money. The bleachers in left field are being overhauled. By the beginning of the 2008 season, the entire field will have been reconditioned and the players will have a new training room. Those improvements should cost roughly $2 million, leaving $3 million for continued improvements to the ballpark.

Manatees welcome surprise visitor to ballpark
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The staff of the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League) had an expected visitor Sunday morning at Space Coast Stadium, shown at the left. Manatees GM Buck Rogers writes: "He was just hanging out while the cleaning crew was blowing down the stadium's seating bowl of trash from last night's game. Although he was only three feet long, we called Animal Control to catch and release him back into the wild away from the stadium. The wildlife guy said he probably crawled right up the ramp, right thru the main gate of the stadium. We've had to chase raccoons out a couple times this season after we've had the gates opened, but gators are a first. I know we have a larger one in one of our retention ponds; probably Mama, that they're also going to try to catch."

Baseball means business in Marion
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There’s little doubt that the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League) have been a hit with the fans of the region this summer. That’s evidenced by the fact that the Miners lead the Frontier League in attendance at about a 5,000-per-game clip. They’re also a hit with local businesses. Brent Marrs, manager of 17th Street Bar and Grill, is just a fly ball away from Rent One Park. He said there wasn’t much of an impact on his business at first, but traffic has picked up at the restaurant considerably over the last month. "At the start of the season, I think Miners fans wanted the whole ballpark experience and ate a lot of their meals there. Now, we get some pretty big crowds on game nights."

Ballpark homers: Brockton fans take Rox to heart
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There has been a positive connection between the Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am Association) and the fans who support them on a regular basis at Campanelli Stadium since the franchise's inception in 2002. The ballpark on Lexington Avenue has become a two-way street for fans meeting and getting to know Rox players as well as for players and the rest of the on-field staff who enjoy getting to know the folks up in the seats cheering them on. The Rox boast an avid fan base that has led their respective league in attendance for five straight seasons, including this year where attendance at Campanelli Stadium has been 124,817 -- over 23,000 more than the next closest club, the Quebec Capitales, even though the Rox have struggled at under .500.

Places of the heart: Missions Stadium
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In the spring of 1947, typical afternoon ballpark sounds of bats hitting balls and steel spikes scratching on dirt were blended with a decidedly non-baseball cacophony: the explosive collisions of hammers with nails, and the grinding of saws into wooden planks. But every afternoon at 4 p.m., half the racket at what would become Mission Stadium went silent, as worked broke to watch the San Antonio Missions in action. Thanks to a combination of local politics, poor planning and a power play in the offices of the Missions' owner and parent club, the St. Louis Browns, work on Mission Stadium continued throughout the 1947 season and up until opening day in 1948. But when the ballpark finally was complete, it was a showplace -- what The Sporting News called "the most-talked-about diamond plant in the land today." And in its 17 years, during one of the most tumultuous eras of minor-league baseball, it was the site for everything from San Antonio's only Dixie Series championship to the integration of professional baseball to the ultimate power play that left San Antonio without a ballclub.

Slugger Field staff must be on the ball
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Here's a look at the trials and tribulations faced by the staff of the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) during the course of a year. Some of the problems listed are pretty unique -- most teams don't need to deal with transformer malfunctions, cutting off power to Louisville Slugger Field -- while others are more mundane, such as planning for potentially disruptive weather.

Sliders playing baseball on slippery ground
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It's probably safe to say this isn't surprising news to most baseball observers. The Slippery Rock Sliders (independent; Frontier League) may be a one-year wonder, as the Sliders are understaffed, underfunded and underdogs every time they take the field. Manager Greg Jelks must split his time between developing the 21 rookies on his ball club and serving as its travel agent. General Manager Steve Tahsler is the only employee in the Sliders' front office on the campus of Slippery Rock University. His staff consists of college interns. FL Commissioner Bill Lee says the team will likely move after the end of the season, attracting about 660 fans a game.

The house that FedEx built
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If Daron Schoenrock had any doubts the University of Memphis would make a commitment to the school's baseball program when he took the job three years ago, they were erased Thursday with a $3 million handshake. FedEx Corp. executive vice-president and chief financial officer Alan B. Graf presented UofM athletic director R.C. Johnson with the funds for a major redesign of the Tiger baseball complex during a press conference Thursday at the school. FedEx's donation will allow the university to basically replace Nat Buring Stadium, which opened in 1972, by upgrading and expanding the grandstands and adding press facilities, private suites, a dressing facility and indoor pitching and batting areas, among other upgrades. A grand entranceway is also planned from the left-field parking area.