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Archives: Jan. 1-7, 2008

New Yankee Stadium goes up, but Bronx still seeks benefits
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When the New York Yankees came to a final agreement for a new Yankee Stadium, the team would give roughly $1.2 million a year, starting when the work began, to various community groups through a special panel. But nearly 17 months after construction began, as workers race to complete the new Yankee Stadium by opening day 2009, none of that money has been distributed, and the group responsible for administering it has never met. The Yankees say they've placed the money in an escrow account and are waiting for the city to act; Bronx borough president Adolfo Carrión Jr. won't comment, which leads one to believe there are some New York City politics playing out totally unrelated to the Yankees.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Mallards ballpark renovation now estimated at $5.6 million
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to renovate Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), prompting team and city officials to take a second look at the project, which would include the installation of new bleachers and a reorientation of the playing field. The City Council approved a $4 million financing package for the project in its 2008 capital budget, including $800,000 in city money to renovate the aging bleachers and a $1.2 million city loan to the Mallards, with the remainder to be covered by the team. This leaves a $1.6 million funding gap -- which is probably pretty doable, according to the team officials we've chatted with -- but the larger issues involves politics, as Alderman Michael Schumacher says there should be a study of how the project impact the local area. As anyone who's been around Madison know, projects there can get "studied" to death. The team is still looking at a 2009 timetable for completing the project.

Delegation uninterested in Rays' wish
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The 12 members of the Pinellas County legislative delegation don't seem interested in carrying water for the Tampa Bay Rays as they seek $60 million in sales-tax rebates ($2 million a year for 30 years) for a new waterfront ballpark on the current Al Lang Field site in downtown St. Petersburg. None of the legislators interviewed was in favor of the proposal, much less sponsoring it. The Rays have said all along this wasn't an essential part of the ballpark funding package, and they've done little to lobby members of the Pinellas County delegation. Contrary to what this article reports, the current plan for Miami-Dade County is to seek similar funding for a new Florida Marlins ballpark; don't be surprised if Gov. Charlie Crist pushes for both and adds some additional venues to the mix to broaden the appeal.
    RELATED STORIES: 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?

Braman makes pitch against new Fish pond
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Luxury auto dealer Norman Braman doesn't want to see a new $525-million Florida Marlins ballpark -- so much so that he's buying airtime in Miami to rally public opinion against the project. Last month, county commissioners voted 9-4 in favor of the massive agreement with the city to finance billions in new downtown spending that would also help build the ballpark. Thursday's financing vote will include a detailed contract that, among other items, makes cost overruns the team's responsibility. Braman, as you'll recall, is the former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL).
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins to seek state aid for new ballpark; New ballpark could be suite deal for commissioners; Plan for Marlins ballpark gets support from Miami-Dade; Marlins funding closer to reality; Marlins' ballpark plan gets new life; New Marlins ballpark funding plan proposed; Marlins: Ballpark woes led to trade; Marlins ballpark negotiations continue; Marlins' share key to ballpark deal; DuPuy: Marlins ballpark top priority; Ho hum: Marlins hand county yet another ballpark deadline; Marlins may get $50 million for new ballpark; DuPuy meets with Crist about new Fish ballpark, says MLB will make use of Dodgertown; Marlins about to bring ballpark deal in from the bullpen; Selig receptive to Orange Bowl site for new Marlins ballpark; UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins ballpark; Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled; University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08; Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?; Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark

Ballpark bidding challenged again
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Franklin County commissioners, accused two months ago of trying to steer a construction contract on the new Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) ballpark to a union company, are being challenged by another low bidder crying foul for the same reason. Commissioners expect to hire W.G. Tomko on Tuesday, opening the county to a possible lawsuit that could delay construction of Huntington Park. TP Mechanical submitted the low bid for the plumbing job and a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning package, but county officials are splitting the jobs and awarding them separately. The $55-million ballpark is set to open in the Arena District for the 2009 baseball season, though that will be a fairly tight schedule.

Forest District seeks expansion of Elfstrom Stadium
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Kane County Forest Preserve District will go out for a third round of bids on the expansion of Elfstrom Stadium, home of the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League). The district and the Cougars want to add a second deck of seats and an overhang, more concession stands, more restrooms and more private skyboxes. They've budgeted $5 million for the work, but the first two rounds of bids yielded estimates of $12 million. It's hard to tell what the district expects to go differently this time, although now officials say they're more likely to see a bid of $10 million as being acceptable. More from the Kane County Chronicle.

Tunney wary of Wrigley deal
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Ald. Thomas Tunney, who represents Wrigleyville and whose participation was key in getting the area to agree to more Chicago Cubs night games, says he's skeptical about the prospects of the state buying and running Wrigley Field. One objection is philosophical -- there are private firms willing to step up and buy both Wrigley Field and the Cubs -- and the other is purely logistical, wondering how the state could afford to buy the facility. Here's why Sam Zell is so hot to have the state buy the Friendly Confines: he says the state can pay more than a private individual because the state can borrow money at a lower interest rate. It's purely a play to put more money into Sam Zell's pocket and does nothing to "protect" Wrigley Field: it already has historic-landmark designation and cannot be significantly be altered without an oversight process.
    RELATED STORIES: Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field; Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

Reno will get franchise, but with what affiliation?
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) move to Reno for the 2009 season, the team may have a new affiliate. Currently the Sidewinders are affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but that arrangement won't make logistical sense when the team is in northern Nevada. Reno is in Giants territory, but the team seems pretty happy with its Triple-A affiliate, the Fresno Grizzlies. It's way to early to discuss affiliate changes; we're guessing the Grizzles wouldn't have switched colors to the Giants colors if they didn't expect a longer-term relationship, however.

Merchandise director has high hopes for the Brewers
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You know your team is getting pretty good press coverage when the local business magazine does a big article on your new merchandise director. Here's a profile of Jill Aronoff, who joined the Milwaukee Brewers six months ago as director of merchandise branding. She joined the team in July after six seasons with the Oakland Raiders as director of marketing for The Raider Image, the Raiders' official team store. Currently, the team is expanding its retail operation by building a 3,100-square-foot store at the main entrance to Miller Park to go along with the 4,500-square-foot store now in the leftfield corner. The Brewers' retail sales increased 40 percent in the 2007 season, due in part to the team's on-field success.

Community must face up to future of Ed Smith Stadium
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kerry Kirschner, executive director of the Argus Foundation, says the city of Sarasota must face the consequences of the future of Ed Smith Stadium, the spring home of the Cincinnati Reds and the regular-season home of the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League). When the Reds leave -- and it seems inevitable they will -- the maintenance costs for the ballpark will rise from $500,000 annually to $1.3 million annually. In addition, local businesses will miss out on spring-training revenues.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Vice President of Baseball Operations Chris Hall is the new general manager and VP of baseball operations of the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association). "Chris Hall played an integral role in fielding a championship team for the Pride last season, all the while contributing to the Pride’s off-the-field efforts to raise the organization’s profile within the Nashua community. Through this experience, Chris has garnered a unique, working knowledge as to what is required to keep professional baseball alive and well in Nashua for years to come," said team owner John Stabile. Hall joined the Pride front office in 2006 as the vice president of baseball operations. While he conducted corporate sales and spearheaded community relations, he most notably worked hand in hand with manager Butch Hobson assembling Pride player personnel. After the Pride experienced some growing pains in making the leap from the Atlantic League to the Can-Am League in 2006, Hall identified and signed a number of players that went were instrumental in Nashua’s 2007 championship run....Bill Masse is the new manager of the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League). Joining Masse on the field staff will be hitting coach Terry Kennedy, pitching coach Steve Webber and athletic trainer Wade Yamasaki. Masse joins the Missions after serving last season as the manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), leading them to a 70-73 record. Kennedy most recently was the manager for the San Diego Surf Dawgs (independent; Golden Baseball League) in 2005, where he earned Manager of the Year honors in their inaugural season. Webber served as the pitching coach for Lake Elsinore (Class A; California League) in 2006-2007 and for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) in 2004-2005....Dan Rohn will return for his second season at the helm of the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and will be joined again on the bench by pitching coach Mike Caldwell and hitting coach Jim Bowie. Anthony Reyes will join the club as athletic trainer. Rohn’s first term in Fresno was highly successful, as he guided the Grizzlies to a 77-67 (.535) record in 2007, the second best winning percentage in franchise history....John Shoemaker return as manager of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League). Shoemaker is joined by hitting coach Luis Salazar, back for his second season in Jacksonville. Glenn Dishman makes his Jacksonville debut as pitching coach while Carlos Olivas returns to the Suns for his second season as athletic trainer....Megan Dimond is the new PR director for the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League)....Brian Irizarry is the new director of media relations & broadcasting for the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League). Irizarry will be the lead play-by-play voice for all 142 Defenders games this season. He will also handle all media relations and contribute to the organizations sales efforts. This year will mark Irizarry’s fourth year in minor league baseball as a front-office staff member. He began working in minor-league baseball during his college days for the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League) as the team’s public-address assistant. He joins the Defenders after spending the past three seasons (2005-07) with the New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am Association). He was group sales manager & broadcaster for the Cutters....Mike Sarbaugh has been named manager of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League). Sarbaugh will be joined on the staff by new pitching coach Tony Arnold, as well as returning hitting coach Lee May, Jr. Trainer Michael Salazar also returns for a second season....Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association) first-base coach Wayne Terwilliger will return for the 2008 season, the club announced today. It will be his 60th season in professional baseball and sixth year with the Cats.  Terwilliger, 82, was the team’s manager from 2003-05. He was named the Central League’s 2005 Manager of the Year after leading the Cats to a franchise-best 60 wins. The team eventually won the championship that year, their first of three consecutive league titles.  He stepped down as manager following the 2005 season and joined the Cats’ coaching staff two months later.  On June 27, 2005, Terwilliger turned 80 years old and joined the legendary Connie Mack as the only two 80-year-old managers in baseball history. When he took over the Cats in 2003, he became the oldest skipper in minor-league history....Scott Bush, who began his baseball career as an intern with the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) four years ago, has returned to run the team’s corporate sales department. The 25-year-old Bush joins the Saints from the Stockton Ports (High Class A; California League), where he spent the last two years first as director of special events and then as as director of corporate sales....Rick Heines is the new pitching coach for the Waterloo Bucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Currently Heines is in his first season as an assistant coach at Purdue University....The Stewart Sports Group announced five teams -- the Lakewood BlueClaws (Low Class A; Sally League), Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League), Wilmington Blue Rocks (High Class A; Carolina League), Midland RockHounds (Class AA; Texas League) and New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) -- have signed up as customers for the the new Stewart Sports Group Call Center, which will work as an extension of each team’s ticket sales staff to reach more prospective customers. Stewart Sports Group provides sales and marketing services to sports teams as well as ballpark development services to communities. The firm is assisting the City of Topeka, Kansas as it develops a vision for a new ballpark.....

Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field
Posted Jan. 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In a major reversal, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says he's open to the idea of having a state agency acquire and renovate Wrigley Field. When the idea was originally floated late last year, Daley was against it, saying the state and the city had better things to do with their money than own and run another ballpark. We've heard stories of some backroom politicking going on in recent days, as longtime Daley supporter Sam Zell -- now the owner of Tribune Co. and the many trying to divest the Cubs, Wrigley Field and a stake in a sports cable network -- did some personal lobbying. Zell thinks he can sell Wrigley Field separately for far more than he'd get if it were part of a package, but there's an awful lot of moving parts here: whoever landed the Cubs would need to agree to a Wrigley Field lease before they actually acquired the team. Perhaps more money in the long run, but a lot of headache in the short term, and we can't imagine potential new owners could make the deal work by opening day -- Zell's target for closing the transactions.
    RELATED STORIES: Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

Vote on new Charlotte ballpark delayed
Posted Jan. 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A vote by Mecklenburg County commissioners on a new Uptown ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) was delayed after legal issues were raised. Basically, a developer named Jerry Reese is trying to submarine the project in court, saying money spent by the county from the proceeds of a bond issue on the project breaks a local law prohibiting county assistance for a new ballpark. Reese filed a third lawsuit yesterday; his first two were rejected by the courts, but his whole angle in killing the new Knights ballpark is that he thinks Major League Baseball would then be interested in the market, though no serious follower of the business of the game thinks Charlotte is MLB territory yet. The issue isn't whether the county will win -- based on the first two legal decisions, the county would appear to be on solid footing -- but rather that other spending from the bond proceeds (like local school construction) could be held up. The vote is now scheduled for Jan. 15.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Full Nevada Supreme Court taking 'baseball rule' case
Posted Jan. 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nevada Supreme Court is poised to decide whether stadium owners should be held liable when fans are hit by baseballs or suffer other game-related injuries while sitting in the stands at Nevada sporting events. A three-judge panel issued a brief order Dec. 28 saying all seven justices will decide the case with no additional oral or written arguments. No date was set for a ruling. The key question is whether Nevada should be added to a list of states adhering to the so-called "baseball rule" that limits liability of ballpark owners and managers, lawyers for both sides said Wednesday.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 3, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Former TAMIU assistant baseball coach Jon Hinkel has joined the executive staff of the Laredo Broncos (independent; United League Baseball), effective immediately. Hinkel will oversee new business development for the Laredo Broncos as well as other community programs available to the Broncos. Hinkel may also see some time on the field this summer as a hitting coach....The Inland Empire 66ers (High Class A; California League) announced its coaching staff for 2008. Dave Collins is manager, and he'll be joined by pitching coach Charlie Hough, hitting coach John Valentin and trainer Possum Nakajima....The Little Falls Miners (summer collegiate; NYCBL) announced the promotion of Travis Heiser to the club’s general manager position. Heiser replaces Hoffman Wolff, who took a position as director of operations with the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Can-Am Asscociation); Wolff remains as Miners’ president and NYCBL secretary. Miles Wolff will remain as the club’s chairman and Dan Moushon as the Miners’ chief operating officer. Justin Gordon returns as the team's coach. A native of Canajoharie, N.Y., and head baseball coach at St. Johnsville (N.Y) High School, Heiser spent 2007 as the Miners’ volunteer assistant coach....Quentin Berner is the new assistant general manager of the Rochester Honkers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Berner, 25, joins the Honkers after spending four months as the General Manager of the Rochester Fire (ABA). Prior to the Fire, Berner was an account executive with the Detroit Ignition (MISL)....Mako Oliveras returns as manager of the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League). Pitching coach Ricky Bones also returns for a second straight season. Luis Natera, also no stranger to NYSEG Stadium, will serve as the B-Mets' hitting coach....Lorenzo Bundy returns as manager of the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Mike Easler returns for his second season as the hitting instructor, while Jim Slaton was named pitching coach. Greg Harrel, the Dodgers' Athletic Training Coordinator, will return for his second season....

Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark
Posted Jan. 2, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Omaha Civic Auditorium and another parking lot adjacent to the Qwest Center have emerged as the frontrunners for the site of a new ballpark in Omaha for the NCAA College World Series and potentially the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). City officials hesitated to deem them the frontrunners, although it's clear a site initially preferred by Mayor Mike Fahey is out of the running for serious contention. Initially Fahey had promoted Lot D adjacent to Qwest Center as being a perfect location, but Qwest Center officials vociferously opposed that choice, saying it would prevent them from expanding the facility in the future. (Conversely, the folks who run the Qwest Center and the Civic Auditorium aren't yet speaking out about losing the auditorium.) A different parking lot, Lot C (next to the Hilton hotel), is now pushed as a potential ballpark site. It, too, has some drawbacks: it won't be the most scenic of locales and it would force the city to close a street. The Civic Auditorium site has some obvious drawbacks: it sits on a small lot next to the freeway and doesn't have a lot of parking. On the other hand, the 53-year-old building has lost some tenants the last few years -- the AHL's Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights bailed at the end of last season and women's teams from Creighton are moving to on-campus digs -- and while it still draws a lot of smaller acts, it may not be financially feasible to update it further: upwards of $5 million is needed for basic upgrades and another $15 million for suites, concessions and club seating. Also still in play: a renovated Rosenblatt Stadium, which will probably end up being the most cost-effective solution.
    RELATED STORIES: Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

Marlins to seek state aid for new ballpark
Posted Jan. 2, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Miami-Dade County and the Florida Marlins will be seeking a state sales-tax rebate for a new ballpark on the Orange Bowl site, according to to the 2008 legislative agenda approved by the county commission in December. It's not exactly a secret -- we've reported several times that the relief will be sought in the upcoming legislative session -- but it's sure to be a point of contention as the state faces some huge financial issues, including the collapse of a state fund that's severely limited financial resources for local units of government. Though the final form of the rebate hasn't been settled, we're guessing it will be similar to the $2 million annual payment made to the managers of other state sports facilities, including the Miami Dolphins (NFL) for Dolphin Stadium. This is one of the reasons why the Marlins haven't made a final commitment to the ballpark funding plan: the front office wants to see what happens with this request from the state. MLB.com, not surprisingly, is pimping for the new ballpark. More from Miami Today and the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: New ballpark could be suite deal for commissioners; Plan for Marlins ballpark gets support from Miami-Dade; Marlins funding closer to reality; Marlins' ballpark plan gets new life; New Marlins ballpark funding plan proposed; Marlins: Ballpark woes led to trade; Marlins ballpark negotiations continue; Marlins' share key to ballpark deal; DuPuy: Marlins ballpark top priority; Ho hum: Marlins hand county yet another ballpark deadline; Marlins may get $50 million for new ballpark; DuPuy meets with Crist about new Fish ballpark, says MLB will make use of Dodgertown; Marlins about to bring ballpark deal in from the bullpen; Selig receptive to Orange Bowl site for new Marlins ballpark; UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins ballpark; Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled; University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08; Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?; Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark

Mecklenburg County set to approve Knights ballpark tonight
Posted Jan. 2, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Unless something goes terribly awry, tonight Mecklenburg County will approve a lease for a new ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League). Under the proposal, the Knights would pay $1 annually for just under 8 acres of county land bounded by South Graham, West Fourth and South Mint streets and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The lease would last for 49 years, and could be renewed twice for 25 years each. The hard work for the county is already done in the form of legal victories, land swaps and acquisitions. The next major step will come from the Knights, who are financing the actual ballpark construction to the tune of $40 million. The Knights currently play at Knights Stadium in nearby Fort Mill, S.C. More on Dan Rajkowski, who is spearheading the ballpark plans for the Knights.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Twins, ballpark authority to spend $2.5M on "green" features
Posted Jan. 2, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority will be spending $2.5 million on design changes allowing the team's new ballpark to be designated with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The ballpark authority will spend $1 million, while the Twins will spend the rest. The state legislation authorizing the new ballpark mandated the Twins seek LEED certification if economically feasible, and we're guessing the duo decided to live up to the terms of that agreement. The Washington Nationals will be seeking LEED certification for Nationals Park when it opens; Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the home of the Penn State baseball team and the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) was the first ballpark to receive LEED certification.
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Wahconah Park renovation plans proceed
Posted Jan. 2, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Armed with $775,000 in state and local funding, the city of Pittsfield plans to begin the Wahconah Park Improvement Project shortly, but the planned renovations will not be completed until 2009, according to a city official. The roof, which was installed when the grandstand was built in 1950, is slated for replacement. Changes to the main structure of the historic 3,100-seat ballpark also will include locker room renovations and upgrades to the patrons' bathrooms, which have not been significantly altered since 1951. The costliest part of the plan will be improvements to the parking lot, which often floods during rainstorms. Improvements to the often inoperable parking lot, including adding drainage, will total $275,000. Other parts of the plan include construction of a 1,500-square-foot open-air picnic pavilion with seating for 75 people and landscape improvements along the entrance to the grandstand. A new scoreboard is being ordered because the current one, installed in 1989, is difficult to find parts for and repair, according to the project's plans. The Pittsfield Dukes (summer collegiate; NECBL) currently play at Wahconah Park, but the city refused to entertain a long-term lease for the team, and we're guessing some in city government want to make another run at independent baseball. Ironically, much of the proposed renovation is along the lines of what Jim Bouton wanted to do before his plan was rejected.

Billings ballpark receives $328,000 in federal funds
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The new home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League) will receive $328,000 in federal funds (less than what the Montana senatorial delegation requested), and Parks Director Mike Whitaker said the money will be used for several items that couldn't be paid for with the original project budget. Whitaker said the ballpark still needs a scoreboard and a sound system, and the city will need to replace the sidewalk on North 27th Street. The project's steering committee will decide how to spend the money, but Whitaker said the scoreboard and the sound system are probably the top two priorities.
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Cubs, Mesa discussing HoHoKam lease extension
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The Chicago Cubs and the Mesa Sports Association are discussing a new contract for the team's use of HoHoKam Park for spring training. While HoHoKam Park is one of the larger facilities in spring ball, it's not one of the nicest, but we're guessing the Cubs really don't want to leave. The local business journal reports that the association may be looking for a new food concessionaire; we're a little surprised because the current vendor, Ovations, came in a few springs ago and really spiffed things up.

Tigertown dorm getting $1-million renovation
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Speaking of spring training: Rodda Construction began work on what will be a $1 million renovation on Fetzer Hall, the three-story players and coaches dormitory at the Detroit Tigers' Tigertown complex in Lakeland. The Tigers organization will pay for the renovations. Fetzer Hall is named for John Fetzer, who owned the Tigers from 1961 to 1983. It was built in 1971. It is used by players on the Tigers' five minor league teams, visitors to the various baseball training camps and some trying out for the team during spring training. The building as well as the complex itself is operated year-round.

2008 key for future of Bowling Green TIF area
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It's a pretty ambitious plan for downtown Bowling Green: $236 million in bonds to pay for a new minor-league ballpark, a 790-space parking garage, Circus Square Park and a downtown hotel, has been under discussion in various forms for several years. In its approved version, the 100-acre district includes the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center and a large private residential and commercial development next to Western Kentucky University. Given the financial markets, the project isn't necessarily a done deal, despite the funding source: master developer Alliance Corp. of Glasgow will be issuing $136 million in bonds. Ballpark boosters want to see a 2009 opening.

Yankee Stadium parking fees to double by 2010
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When the New York Yankees move to a new ballpark, fans will be paying more for practically everything -- including parking. Fans can expect to pay $29 for ballpark parking during home games starting in 2010 -- more than twice last year's $14 rate. Those who want valet service will pay $40 -- a sharp increase over today's $30 rate. The projected hikes were revealed in the fine print of a $237 million Wall Street bond offering that the city Industrial Development Agency issued two weeks ago to finance the creation and refurbishing of nearly 9,000 parking spaces for the new ballpark. Then again, true fans wouldn't be caught dead doing anything other than taking the subway to game anyway. One of the highlights at the new ballpark should be the planned visit by Pope Benedict XVI.
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Designers plan intimate, family-friendly ballpark
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The new Avon (Ohio) ballpark for an independent Frontier League team will offer intimate seating for 3,500 and many amenities that will make it stand out in the community, according to the architect team slated to design the ballpark. Christopher Wynn, director of design at Cleveland-based Osborn Architects and Engineers (yes, the Osborn frm), said the project -- which could cost as much as $9 million -- will have family-friendly amenities while still drawing on the design concepts of turn-of-the-century ballparks. It will be similar in size and capacity to Champion Window Field, home of the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League).

Michael Kalt: He deals to build fields
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Here's a profile of Michael Kalt, the former senior economic development adviser for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who is now spearheading the new-ballpark effort for the Tampa Bay Rays. (The Rays are proposing a new waterfront ballpark on the current Al Lang Field in downtown St. Petersburg.) Kalt was central in getting new ballparks approved for the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, and you can see the same sort of approach used by Kalt in Tampa Bay: no direct funding of the ballpark is being requested, and there's been a lot of work wooing local and state officials.
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Batavia seeking deal to retain Muckdogs
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This article from the Buffalo News makes it sound like the Batavia Muckdogs (short season; NY-Penn League) are in danger of moving in 2008, but we've been told there's little chance that will happen. What has happened is that officials with the team and the NY-Penn League have talked with an established minor-league operator to run the team and then possibly purchase it. If the team is sold, there's little chance the team will stay in Batavia.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 2, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Juan Bustabad is the new manager of the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League). This will be Bustabad’s 12th season as a minor-league manager and his seventh year managing in the Dodgers’ organization. Bustabad’s staff will include 21-year major league veteran Danny Darwin as pitching coach. Garey Ingram, a former Dodgers infielder, returns for his second season as the Loons' hitting coach....The Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) announced the hiring of account executives Tara Reedy and Steve Young to their front-office staff. Reedy, 25, graduated with a degree in Sport and Leisure Studies at The Ohio State University. Young, 23, who hails from Stow, OH, graduated with a degree in marketing from Kent State University....The Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League) will present nearly $13,000 this holiday season to help a family in need. With the establishment of The Alexander Montoyo Fund on December 10, the Biscuits sought to help the family of their former manager Charlie Montoyo, whose second son Alexander was born two months ago with a congenital heart defect. Two open heart surgeries and standing vigil at a Los Angeles hospital hundreds of miles from home have been very expensive to the family....