ADVERTISE! | Ballpark Digest | The Baseball Directory | NWLfan | College Baseball Digest | Ballpark Digest Tickets
Spring Training Online | Arena Digest | Football Stadium Digest | August Publications
Search | League Histories | Bookshelf | Forums | Endangered Ballparks | Ballparks of the Past | About | Newsletter | Contact

Archives: Dec. 11-17, 2006

Glendale offers spring-training plan
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Glendale officials made their pitch for spring-training facility funding from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to an ASTA subcommittee, but the plan did little to clear the waters as that city and Glendale and Goodyear compete for state money. Goodyear wants money for a new Cleveland Indians facility, while Glendale is seeking funds for a Los Angeles Dodgers/Chicago White Sox complex. The authority has only enough money to fully fund one facility, but a subcommittee chairman says one possibility is to partially fund both facilities -- which may doom them both, as they both rely heavily on state funds. One complicating factor: Goodyear's deal with the Tribe ends Dec. 31, and in theory the Indians could negotiate with Florida cities to remain in the Grapefruit League. The only way a move for the Dodgers works is if another Grapefruit League team makes the move, as MLB will not allow an odd number of teams in each spring-training state. While authority officials say the potential move of the Chicago White Sox from their lease at Tucson Electric Park is not an issue, we've heard otherwise: the White Sox would love to see the Indians move into TEP, but the Indians see a move to Glendale as a backup move and might not seek an Arizona move at all if Tucson was the only option.
    RELATED STORIES: Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fremont officials met with A's owner Lew Wolff and his team Thursday morning in the first kick-off session to determine how to bring a $500-million ballpark and surrounding retail and housing units to the city in about five years. City Manager Fred Diaz said the meeting at City Hall put in place a process for moving forward in negotiations with the unprecedented project, which the A's have vowed to pay for with private money. The city and A's plan to meet twice a month for up to six months; the next meeting is Jan. 11. And a public work session with the city council will follow soon after that. Apparently nothing substantive was actually discussed; the event was more of a meet and greet that including talk of some basics of the development.
    RELATED STORIES: A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Could Cal Ripken become Orioles owner?
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ken Rosenthal is reporting talks between Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos and former O's great Cal Ripken Jr. include a gradual sale of the team to a group that includes Ripken. Angelos is also talking with other potential buyers, and the sale price could approach $800 million when you include a cable network with the rights to Orioles and Washington Nationals games. Ripken may not know the business of major-league baseball, but certainly knows the business of baseball: Ripken Baseball owns the Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League) and the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League) and is one of the two firms vying to purchase the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League). Angelos denies the story.

County rejects land swap proposal
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Rock County Board voted overwhelmingly to reject a land swap offer from Mulder Dairy Farms on Thursday night, putting an end to a plan for a new Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League).  The board voted 27-2 to reject the offer at the end of a three-hour meeting. Mulder Dairy Farms had proposed trading 331 acres in La Prairie Township and $8.3 million for 465 acres of the county farm at highways 14 and 51 in Janesville Township, but the disparity in land values was too much for boardmembers to ignore. This likely will fuel talk about a move of the Snappers, who currently play at Pohlman Field.
    RELATED STORIES: Snappers land deal appears dead; Deadline nears for moving Snappers to LaPrairie; Beloit ballpark proposal hits snag; New deal cited for land swap; Snappers, fairgrounds deal proposed

Japanese may follow Matsuzaka to Boston
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Let's face it: offseason player signings are designed as much to sell tickets as help a team win on the field, and on both counts the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka would appear to be a home run for the Boston Red Sox. Tourism Massachusetts, a nonprofit marketing group, estimates 20,000 Japanese tourists will spend $100 million to see Matsuzaka pitch at Fenway Park. While it's very true Japanese baseball fans follow players (just ask how the bottom line of the Seattle Mariners was affected by the signing of Ichiro Suzuki), the impact in Boston may be overstated -- there's already a heavy demand for Red Sox tickets, so it's not like Boston has a huge unsold inventory. The impact may be more pronounced when the Red Sox are on the road and playing on the West Coast. Bill Reynolds is tired of big-buck deals.

Looking for rays of light
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After announcing plans to move a three-game series against the Texas Rangers to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando, Tampa Bay Devil Rays officials discussed their plans to appeal to Orlando and central Florida. For starters, an increased number of games will be broadcast in the Orlando market -- 67, as opposed to 25 in 2006. And D-Rays ownership says they'll do some other promotions in the area. Less than 10 percent of fans attending games at Tropicana Field came from central Florida, and obviously the team would like to raise that figure. More from the Bradenton Herald and the St. Petersburg Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Rays make it official: May 15-17 series to be played in Orlando; Expanding their reach statewide; Rays say it's just a timeshare, not a relocation bid; Devil Rays' visit would be fun for baseball fans; Rays eye games in Orlando

Nationals obtain financial flexibility
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals are doing something many thought impossible: the current ownership is spending less on payroll than MLB did during its tenure as team owners. Washington has saved money either by trading or not re-signing Alfonso Soriano, Livan Hernandez, Jose Guillen, Brian Lawrence, Ramon Ortiz, Jose Vidro and Tony Armas Jr., and the club's $63 million payroll from Opening Day 2006 could plummet to as little as $36 million by Opening Day 2007. We're talking about a last-place team in D.C. next season unless something unlikely happens. More from Thomas Boswell.

Bouton bringing 'base ball' to Stamford
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jim Bouton made his pitch to Stamford's Parks and Recreation Commission last night to bring vintage "base ball" -- as it was originally spelled -- to Stamford's Cubeta Stadium in August.  The four-day Vintage Base Ball World Series will bring the game back to its 19th-century roots, complete with baggy uniforms, fat-handle bats and "lemon peel" stitched balls that will be caught with miniature gloves. Bouton previously held a similar event at Pittsfield's Wahconah Park.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Darin Everson is the new manager of the Jamestown Jammers (short season; NY-Penn League). He served as hitting coach of the Jupiter Hammerheads (High Class A; Florida State League) last season; before that he managed the Wisconsin Woodchucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Charlie Corbell Jr. will serve as pitching coach, while the hitting coach will be Johnny Rodriguez....Gregg Langbehn is the new field manager of the Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League) in 2007. Pitching coach Charley Taylor, hitting coach Alex Eckelman and trainer J.D. Shields will join Langbehn in Lexington....Manager Keith Mitchell and pitching coach Bryan Eversgerd will return for their third season with the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League), while Steve Dillard will be back for his second year as hitting coach....Manager Dave Clark, hitting coach John Tamargo Jr. and trainer Jamey Snodgrass will return for the third consecutive season with the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League). Stan Boroski replaces Joe Slusarski as the Hooks' pitching coach...Stan Cliburn returns as skipper of the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League). Returning as pitching coach is his twin brother Stan Cliburn and bench coach Rich Miller....Joe Ferguson is the new manager of the Camden RiverSharks (independent; Atlantic League). He was known as a hard-nosed catcher during his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was frequently discussed as a possible MLB managerial candidate....Jackie Moore returns as manager of the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League); he's the only manager in the history of the team, which formerly played in the Class AA Texas League. Joining him: pitching coach Burt Hooton, hitting coach Ron Jackson and former Memphis Redbirds manager Danny Sheaffer as infield/third-base coach....

Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Sarasota and Sarasota County have less than five months to forge an agreement about how to replace Ed Smith Stadium with a new spring-training facility for the Cincinnati Reds, which would also serve as the home of the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League). By signing the agreement, the county agreed to provide $17.6 million in bed tax money for the new spring-training complex. The city agreed to provide $10 million and foster an $8.6-million private sector investment. Most of the rest of the money is expected to come from the state and the Reds. Wednesday's agreement, which came after months of back-and-forth from the city, the county and the Reds, was met with loud cheers from all sides. Reds officials called the move a step toward keeping the club -- which once looked like a prime candidate to move its spring training operations to Arizona -- in Florida. The Reds would commit to a 30-year lease as part of the deal. More from the Charlotte Sun-Herald and the Bradenton Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close; Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run; Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles; Bonita won’t pursue baseball spring training; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new Reds spring facility; County tees up for baseball hearing; Orioles make pitch for $37 million renovation of Fort Lauderdale Stadium; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility; Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play; Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training shift; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Next up, location for Bonita spring-training ballpark; Several key issues for spring training in Bonita Springs; Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training; Spring-training queries abound; Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch; Indians express interest; Ballpark figures in Sarasota; Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring training; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Indians are likely headed for Disney; Reds swing and miss; Disney may open new world to Indians; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven; FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp runs into trouble; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Osceola County wooing Indians; Could Indians end up training at Disney World?; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature; Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida House; County money just part of Indians spring site's need; Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly at Dodgers; Polk County commits $23 million to sports facilities, including new Indians spring complex; Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move; Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding Cactus League shift; Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains consistent in Florida; Florida lawmakers approve spring-training facilities bill; FAU considering a deal with Indians for spring-training complex; Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training complex; Moving away from tradition; Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses for Casa Grande; Tradition and economics in Florida; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding war; Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven contract; Dodgertown is a little less blue; State should spring for aid to teams; Glendale says it will be talking to teams about spring-training site; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks; Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training ballpark?; Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring training; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities; Lee County game for third team; Spring-training facility not in city's best interests; Baseball, stadium would benefit city; Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape Coral

Snappers land deal appears dead
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A complicated land deal that would yield the site of a new ballpark for the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League) is all but dead after appraisals showed a wide gap in values between the parcels. Although the Rock County (Wis.) Board of Supervisors is not scheduled to vote until Thursday on the proposed land swap, pursuers of the deal are expecting a loss. Privately owned parcels were valued at about $3.8 million while the county-owned land -- projected as the ballpark site, among other things -- was estimated at about $14.4 million. Not surprisingly, the owner of the lesser parcel slammed the appraisers, but no one is calling for a reappraisal. The Snappers play at Pohlman Field, a facility that doesn't meet baseball standards, and the team's future in Beloit would seem to be in serious doubt if a new ballpark is not forthcoming. More from the Janesville Gazette.
    RELATED STORIES: Deadline nears for moving Snappers to LaPrairie; Beloit ballpark proposal hits snag; New deal cited for land swap; Snappers, fairgrounds deal proposed

Stadium authority meets with White Sox, Dodgers
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers had their first formal meeting with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority today in their bid to build a spring-training facility in Glendale, slated to open in spring 2009. The public meeting was the first time the Glendale group -- which includes both teams -- has met with the authority since submitting its proposal Dec. 1. The White Sox currently train at Tucson Electric Park. To leave before their contract with Pima County expires in 2013, the White Sox would have to find a replacement team. Another complication: the Cleveland Indians have a deal with Goodyear to train there, and both projects are seeking ASTA funding.
    RELATED STORIES: Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

Rays make it official: May 15-17 series to be played in Orlando
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays announced this morning a May 15-17 series against the Texas Rangers would be shifted from Tropicana Field to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando, the spring home of the Atlanta Braves and the former home of the Orlando Rays (Class AA; Southern League). The move wasn't made for financial reasons -- indeed, the Orlando ballpark holds only 12,000 fans, even when cramming as many as possible onto berms -- but for marketing reasons, as D-Rays ownership seeks to expand its fan base into central Florida.
    RELATED STORIES: Expanding their reach statewide; Rays say it's just a timeshare, not a relocation bid; Devil Rays' visit would be fun for baseball fans; Rays eye games in Orlando

New for 2007: the Battle Creek Bombers
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Northwoods League executives unveiled the name of the summer-collegiate league's new name: the Battle Creek Bombers. The yet-to-be-completed logo will involve a mosquito, most likely wearing an old bomber hat that pilots wore in World War II. Despite discussions with possible investors, for the first season in Battle Creek, the league office in Rochester, Minn., will run the club. The hope is that the Bombers will be purchased, preferably by someone in the area, in time for Season Two. C.O. Brown Stadium was formerly home to the Southwestern Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League) franchise. (Disclaimer: Kevin Reichard sits on the Board of Advisors of the Northwoods League.)
    RELATED STORIES: Northwoods League finalizes plans for Battle Creek; Battle Creek approves Northwoods League lease; It's construction season for city's new NWL club; Northwoods League expands to Green Bay, Battle Creek; League close to deal with Battle Creek; Green Bay approves lease of Northwoods League team; Kramer withdraws bid for Prior Lake Northwoods League team; NWL team for Joannes takes another step; Prior Lake City Council answers questions about Northwoods; Prior Lake Council puts brakes on Northwoods League plan; Who's on deck in Battle Creek?; Northwoods League group to take next step; No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay; Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete; Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease; Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?

City hires consultant to assist on Lawrence-Dumont lease
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Wichita is spending $11,500 for a consultant to help find a replacement for the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League). City officials plan to send out a request for proposals as soon as they finish negotiations to allow Rich Baseball Inc. to break the Wranglers' lease at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Steve Stern, a Jacksonville, Fla.,-based consultant with HVS International, a hospitality, entertainment and sports consulting firm, is helping the city develop the RFP. We would expect at least two independent leagues to express interest in the process, and potentially two more.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers; Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team talks; Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations; Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep Wranglers; Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with them; Wranglers' dugout can be the pits; Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon; City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer; Wichita pitching to keep team; Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale; Springdale vote certification put on hold; City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with new ballparks; Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner; Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading; Who could step up to the plate to keep pro baseball in Wichita?; Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark funding; Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?; Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence; City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move; Arkansas town woos Wranglers; Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need; New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say; Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark; Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote; Springdale ballpark details still under construction; Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale ballpark tax; If Springdale ballpark built team will follow, planners are told; Royals’ farm club seeks home?; Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball; Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark funding options; Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark; Springdale ballpark site under contract; Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries; Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter; Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark; Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Concerns about traffic, crime and displacing residents dominated a meeting last night about the proposed ballpark at the western edge of downtown Winston-Salem for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League). Developer Billy Prim, Mayor Allen Joines, Council Member Molly Leight and other city officials met with about 75 residents from West Salem, and other nearby neighborhoods, at Green Street United Methodist Church. Perhaps the most common concern was traffic as residents wondered whether those headed to the ball game would clog their neighborhoods with cars. If the land is approved for rezoning, construction could start after April 1 and would take at least a year. More from News 14.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

IDB approves Sounds ballpark extension
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Metro and the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have taken another step toward extending deadlines that could save a deal for a new ballpark. The Industrial Development Board (IDB) on Wednesday unanimously approved an amendment to the city's memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Nashville Sounds and Baltimore developer Struever Bros., Eccles & Rouse to extend the deadline for closing the city-to-Sounds property lease to the team for building a new downtown baseball stadium from Dec. 31 until April 15, 2007. The vote is the second of three the Sounds need to secure the extension.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Lehigh Valley adds three new staffers
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) have added three employees to their front office staff. Former Dorney Park Director of Sales & Promotions Howard Scharf joins the team as Assistant General Manager-Ticketing, Danny Tetzlaff is the new Assistant General Manager-Marketing and Matt Provence is the new as Director of Media Relations.
    "I’m certainly excited about our latest additions," said Lehigh Valley General Manager Kurt Landes. "The varied backgrounds of these three newcomers will help us make significant strides as we begin to cater the IronPigs experience into our community."
    Howard Scharf returns to Allentown where he previously spent nine years working for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom from 1986-94. Although this will be his first experience in professional baseball, the Philadelphia native has 20 years experience working in the amusement/family entertainment business. In addition to his years with Dorney Park, Scharf worked with Six Flags in Gurnee, Ill., Flint, Mich., and Jackson, N.J., where he was Director of Sales & Promotions from 1995-97. Most recently, Scharf was working as a consultant in marketing and product development in Sandy Hook, Conn. The graduate of Ursinus College (Collegeville, Pa.) will serve as an Assistant General Manager overseeing the ticket department.
    Danny Tetzlaff comes to Allentown after being honored as the 2006 Pioneer League Executive of the Year as President/General Manager of the Casper Rockies (Advanced Rookie). The native of Winston-Salem, N.C., spent five seasons with Casper (2001, 2003-06) along with one season with New Haven Ravens (Eastern, AA) in 2002. During his two-year stint as Rockies General Manager, Casper experienced the nation’s fourth-largest attendance jump (32.8%) of the 150 National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL) teams that did not move into a new stadium. A graduate of University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Tetzlaff served five years as a sales manager for Detroit Diesel prior to his time in baseball. He will serve as an Assistant General Manager overseeing the marketing department.
    Matt Provence spent the past two seasons as Assistant General Manager for the Daytona Cubs of the Florida State League (Advanced-A). While with Daytona, the New Jersey native was part of a staff that was recognized by Baseball America with the 2006 Bob Freitas Award, which annually honors the most outstanding organization in four different levels of Minor League Baseball. Prior to his time with the Cubs, Provence handled media relations duties as the Director of Broadcasting for the Lynchburg Hillcats (Carolina, Advanced-A) from 1998-2004. The graduate of James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.) officially began his professional baseball career with the Norwich Navigators (Eastern, AA) in 1997 after interning with the New York Yankees broadcast team in 1995.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) have hired Scott Lydy as the team’s hitting coach for the 2007 season. Lydy spent five seasons in the Oakland A’s organization culminating with 41 games at the Major League level in 1993. In his 13 year playing career, the Arizona native played under managers Tony La Russa, Japanese Home Run King Sadaharu Oh, Bob Boone, and Tony Pena. As the hitting coach for the Canaries, Lydy will work with hitters ranging from veterans who have played in the Major Leagues to rookies in their first year of professional baseball. In 2006, the Canaries were last in the American Association with a .270 team batting average....Rich Hyde is the new pitching coach of the Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League)....Lamar Hunt, a founder of the American Football League and the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, passed away yesterday after a battle with prostate cancer. In the baseball world, he was best known as the owner of the Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs (Class AA; Texas League) and the man behind the attempt to bring a Continental League franchise to that area in the early 1960s....Manager Dean Treanor returns as manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) for the third consecutive year. Steve Phillips will also be back as Albuquerque’s hitting coach while Rich Gale joins the 'Topes from the Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Southern League) to handle the pitching coach duties. Trainer Steve Miller is also slated to return to the Isotopes in 2007, reprising his role from a year ago....John Cunningham, president of PGE Park, the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Eastern League) and Portland Timbers, has accepted a position as president of Block22, LLC, a company that owns and operates the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads and Qwest Arena, a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue in Boise, Idaho. Under Cunningham, who assumed his duties with PGE Park and its teams in February 2005, the Beavers and Timbers realized unprecedented growth, including a substantial increase in ticket sales, attendance, corporate partnerships and the number of large-scale events held at the historic stadium located in downtown Portland. Cunningham returns to Qwest Arena (formerly Bank of America Centre), where he previously served as the general manager of the 5,000-seat facility....The Class A South Atlantic League announced today that Alan Stein, President and CEO of the Lexington Legends, was re-elected to Minor League Baseball’s Board of Trustees representing the South Atlantic League. Stein, who was elected unanimously, will serve a three-year term.....The New York Yankees have named Torre Tyson, who spent the past two seasons as hitting coach of the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League), as the new RiverDogs’ manager. Tyson, who at 31 makes his managing debut, spent three years as a player in the Red Sox organization before joining the Yankees, where he played for three seasons, reaching the AA level. After his playing career, he spent time with the Yankees’ squad at Staten Island before serving as the RiverDogs’ hitting coach for the past two seasons....Jim Pankovits, the Carolina League’s 2006 Manager of the Year, is returning to skipper the Salem Avalanche. Joining Pankovits on the 2007 coaching staff will be Pitching Coach Larry Pierson, Hitting Coach Chuck Carr and Athletic Trainer Eric Montague....Pete Rancont is the new manager of the Tri-City ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League). Joining Rancont will be pitching coach Don Alexander returning to the ValleyCats for his third season and hitting coach Joel Chimelis returning for his second.

A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland A's want to increase the number of face-to-face meetings with city officials in coming months with the goal of forging an agreement to make Fremont the team's new home for up to 40 years. The letter, from A's co-owner Lew Wolff to Fremont City Manager Fred Diaz, provides the first detailed glimpse into the ballclub's communication with Fremont officials, revealing more aspects of their plans to surround a new ballpark with a mixed-use development similar to San Jose's Santana Row. The letter, which Diaz received Nov. 27, states that the A's want to meet twice monthly with city officials for the next three to six months to discuss further how to fund the project "without the traditional level of public subsidies." We continue to hear a lot of skepticism in baseball circles about whether the A's will end up in Fremont or whether this is a bargaining position relative to a new San Jose ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In the end, the marketing allure of a parent team was too much for team management to pass on, as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) will take the field at Lackawanna County Stadium in 2007. The Red Barons moniker goes by the wayside. The name of the franchise has been a hot topic since the September announcement of the affiliation with the Yankees. County and club officials considered many alternatives, but in the end the decision was driven by public commentary. To be honest, we didn't expect a Yankees affiliation to be such a shot in the arm for the former Red Barons franchise; in the past year SWB was repeatedly cited in baseball circles as a team possibly on the move. Yes, the team will wear pinstripes -- here are renderings of the new unis and cap designs. GM Brian Cashman says the Yankees will put more emphasis on the farm system, which should benefit SWB fans down the road. More from the Scranton Times Leader and Jerry Kellar, as well as background on the move.
    RELATED STORIES: End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium; Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty; Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows; Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax; New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark priorities; Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in minor-league teams; Will Moosic get a new ballpark?; Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management firm heading to Moosic; Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna County Stadium today; Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and Pens; It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to Scranton a done deal?; Authority will consider giving Cordaro power; Yankees to SWB?

PSU, county to discuss ballpark
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Questions about the financial arrangements at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park may soon find some answers. Penn State administrators and Centre County officials have agreed to meet in person, county and university sources said this week. At issue is just how much revenue the county government can extract from the $32-million ballpark, home to the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) and the Penn State Nittany Lions. It sits on Penn State property and was built with a combination of state, university and private funds. Penn State has an agreement to make payments in lieu of property taxes on university developments leased to private interests, and Centre County officials want to see if the ballpark fits under this agreement. (The Spikes aren't part of these discussions; the issues are between the county and PSU.)

Phils adjust to hitter-friendly home
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jamie Moyer signed a new two-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in October and said the cozy dimensions of hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park had little bearing in his decision to return. The Phillies made some changes to the ballpark last season -- moving the fences back and raising them -- to make it friendlier to pitchers. The Phils say the changes cut down on the number of homers, but there were more home runs at the Bank this year than in its first two seasons -- 233 in 2006, 201 in 2005, and 228 in 2004. Of course, placing Ryan Howard in the starting lineup might have had a little to do with the offensive outburst.

Blue Crabs' starting season stalls
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League), scheduled to begin play in the 2007 season, will not play until 2008 because of ongoing ballpark construction delays, team officials said yesterday. Plans for fast-growing Southern Maryland's first professional sports team have stalled because officials have been unable to obtain bids for the ballpark that don't exceed their $21-million budget. The 4,500-seat ballpark to be built in Waldorf has been billed as state-of-the-art, featuring a carousel and corporate skyboxes. Its design includes sloping red roofs reminiscent of the region's historical tobacco barns.

The Wilpon and Steinbrenner families
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Are we seeing a changing of the guards at the Yankees and Mets? We may be, as Jeff Wilpon (son of Mets owner Fred Wilpon) and Stephen Swindal (George Steinbrenner's son-in-law) are stepping out and assuming more prominence in public dealings with their teams. For Jeff Wilpon, it's a coming home of sorts: in the past few years he's spent his time working mainly on minor-league projects, like the Brooklyn Cyclones (short season; NY-Penn League) and spring training. Stephen Swindal has been a managing partner of the Yanks for several years, but he works out of Tampa and his background is with one of Steinbrenner's shipping companies.

Corporate types ruin baseball
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Furman Bisher argues corporate ownership of major-league teams is a bad thing, though we're not quite sure what Bisher sees as an alternative -- he also takes a shot at Ted Turner, whose management of the Atlanta Braves was anti-corporate in oh so many ways. Really, the argument is silly. The Twins aren't owned by Carl Pohlad, but Carl Pohlad Inc.: a $2.8-billion entity that also manages Pepsi bottling plants, an asset-management firm and an airline. You may complain about the Tribune Co.'s stewardship of the Chicago Cubs, but those of us with a longer memory remember how bad the Cubbies were at the end of Wrigley ownership and what a dull place Wrigley Field was. All major-league baseball is under corporate control.

City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City and state transportation officials envision making Broad Street and Peters Creek Parkway the primary routes for traffic from Business 40 to the proposed baseball stadium just outside downtown Winston-Salem. Traffic heading to the ballpark from the west will be routed past the Peters Creek Parkway exit to the Broad Street exit, while traffic headed from the east will be directed past Broad Street to the Peters Creek exit, and then up First Street to ballpark parking. The approach is one of several factors that make city officials believe that, based on preliminary analysis, they will not have any major problems in handling traffic as folks head to Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) games at a proposed new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

A peek at the future of Charlotte's Third Ward
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Charlotte officials have big plans for the city's Third Ward. Atlanta-based Novare Group envisions about 1,400 units -- including 150 hotel suites -- combined with street-level shops and restaurants on a park proposed in a public-private land swap. Put that together with a proposed new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark, and you've got the makings of new projects that will dramatically change the area.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Farmer wraps up testimony on 12th day of Jaxx trial
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another 75 minutes of testimony finally ended the questioning for Jackson Mayor Charles Farmer on Tuesday in the dispute over contracts between the city and former West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) president David Hersh, whose multi-million dollar suit against the city alleges breach of contract and unjust enrichment over promises made when the Jaxx moved to Jackson. There are some old grudges coming to light here: the basic issue is whether Farmer (in his official role as mayor) tried to get Hersh to sell the team at a reduced price after reneging on a $3.5 million loan. Speaking of the Jaxx: the team is still on the market, but we didn't hear a lot of interest in any purchases (and several scenarios were floating around, including one where the Lozinaks would retain a chunk of the team) when hanging out at the Winter Meetings.

City, county to discuss Keys' ballpark renovation funding
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
County commissioners last week retracted $500,000 budgeted in fiscal 2007 toward Harry Grove Stadium's $7 million to $9 million renovations. That retraction resolution came from Commissioner John L. Thompson Jr., a frequent critic of using public money to support private corporate entities. He argued the funds would be better spent on infrastructure projects such as schools. Funding for the improvements, which include replacing the playing field, bringing the stadium up to American Disabilities Act standards and adding amenities such as a new ticket office, press box and cafe, was originally envisioned as a cooperative effort by state, county and city governments.

RiverHawks ink new marketing deal: they love the sound of breaking glass
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) signed a new two-year marketing deal with Window World. Among the key elements of the advertising pact is a nightly in-game promotion centered around the Window World Window, to be located just behind the outfield wall. If a player breaks the glass with a home run, one lucky fan will win free windows.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Stan Hough, who guided the Fort Worth Cats to the 2006 American Association Championship, will return for the 2007 season, the club announced. It will be Hough’s second season as the team’s manager and fourth year overall with the club. He was the team’s hitting instructor from 2004-05....Gabe Kapler will be the new manager of the Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League). Kapler takes over for Luis Alicea, who was named first base coach of the Red Sox on November 29. Kapler, who has nine seasons of major league service, announced his retirement Tuesday afternoon and was subsequently named the Drive manager....The new manager of the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League): Tommy Herr. Herr, a lifelong resident of Lancaster, Pa., spent the past two seasons managing the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League), leading them to a championship in 2006. Hitting Coach Jerry Browne and Pitching Coach Paul Menhart come to Hagerstown in 2007 after working together on the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) staff in 2006....Manager Randy Knorr, Coach Troy Gingrich and Trainer Sean Wayne will return to the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) staff for the 2007 season. The announcement was made by Potomac Nationals Vice President and General Manager Bobby Holland....Former Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) player Scott Little returns to the team as manager for the 2007 season. Little becomes the first former player to return to City Island as the team’s leader on the field. Little played in Harrisburg during the 1988 season and was named the team’s MVP. Also named to the 2007 Senators staff: Hitting Coach Tim Raines, Pitching Coach Rick Tomlin and Athletic Trainer Beth Jarrett. Little will take the spot of John Stearns, who was promoted by the Washington Nationals to guide the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League)....Arnie Beyeler is the new manager of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) for the 2007 season. Beyeler replaces Todd Claus as Portland’s skipper. Beyeler becomes the ninth manager in Sea Dogs history....The Newark Bears (independent; Atlantic League) announced they have named former major-league infielder Wayne Krenchicki as the club’s new manager for the 2007 season. Krenchicki becomes the fifth manager in the history of the Bears franchise. Krenchicki has managed every season in the Atlantic League since it’s inception in 1998, including the past six seasons with the Camden Riversharks....Chad Epperson will be the manager of the Lancaster JetHawks (High Class A; California League) for the 2007 season, the first JetHawks manager of the club’s new partnership with the Boston Red Sox. Epperson has three years of managerial experience with the Red Sox organization, all at the Class A level. Former big-league pitcher Bob Kipper will serve as the pitching coach with veteran hitting coach Dave Joppie as the third member of the coaching staff. Jon Jochim will serve as the JetHawks trainer in 2006....The independent South Coast League announced the promotions of Steven Tricarico and Omar Roque. Roque will be rejoining the league office as the Vice President of League Operations while Tricarico will take over as General Manager of the Charlotte County Redfish, a title formerly held by Roque.  Roque, 27, returns to the league office in Conyers after helping the Charlotte County franchise get off the ground. As the former Redfish GM, he was instrumental in building and developing relationships within the surrounding community. Roque began his tenure with the SCL as Director of Public and Media Relations....New manager of the Vermont Lake Monsters (short season; NY-Penn League): Darnell Coles....New manager of the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association): Mac Seibert, who replaces Kash Beauchamp, who left the team after last season....New manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League): Bill Masse...."Pop" Warner is the new manager of the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League). Joining him will be Pitching Coach Blaise Ilsley, Hitting Coach Joe Cunningham and Athletic Trainer Brad LaRosa, all three of whom were with the S-Cards in 2006.

$250 million overhaul to transform Dolphin Stadium
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins may have a season or two to benefit from the Miami Dolphins spending $250 million on a renovation of Dolphin Stadium. Renderings on display on the club level show an airy, modern venue with 360,000 square feet of new space dotted with fancy bars, plush furniture and lots of high-definition TVs. Each rendering, however, says the work is "subject to change." After the Super Bowl next spring, work to fill in the new concourse areas will begin. The club level is scheduled to be completed in time for the Dolphins' 2007 season; with the rest of the renovation expected to be finished by the end of 2009, stadium officials said. Among the areas planned for improvement, according to the Dolphins: Adding 360,000 square feet of enclosed space; building new restaurants, clubs and gathering places; upgrading existing luxury suites; installing field seats; and providing flat-screen hi-definition TV monitors throughout the stadium.

State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nevada Commission on Tourism unanimously ruled Monday that at least half of the sales tax generated by a $1 billion retail-entertainment project planned in east Sparks would be generated by out-of-state visitors, a key step in gaining crucial financing for the project. The Legends includes 1.35 million square feet of retail and entertainment space planned near I-80 and Sparks Boulevard that would feature a 1,000 room resort-casino and possibly a Triple A ballpark, though we hear the ballpark is the iffiest part of the project: RED Development reportedly is still searching for more funding sources specifically for baseball. Plus, there's the issue of whether there's a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team available; Tucson's name came up more than once at the Winter Meetings.

Baseball talks a sign of hope?
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bob Lipper is cautiously optimistic about an announcement by Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder about the possibility of keeping the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) in town through either a remodeled Diamond or new ballpark. Renovations are easier to sell to the public -- even if all you're doing is bulldozing the old facility and building on the same site -- but R-Braves management has been pretty firm about the need for a new facility. We're not expecting anything to happen too quickly, despite the announcement of a 2008 deadline.
     RELATED STORIES: Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard

W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The finance committee of Winston-Salem's City Council voted yesterday to recommend incentives of up to $29 million for a proposed ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) and mixed-use development on the western edge of downtown. The full council is expected to vote on the incentives at its Jan. 3 meeting. Developers are asking city and county taxpayers for up to $43 million for the first phase of a development that they say will attract $189 million in private investment over 15 years. The city's share of the proposed incentives would be $29 million, and the county's share would be $14 million. The ballpark would be built first, followed by the rest of the development. City officials expect to recoup the up-front incentives by taking in $10.3 million from surcharges on baseball tickets, $8.7 million from Wake Forest University's planned purchase of Ernie Shore Field (an amazingly high figure) and $2.3 million in property taxes on the new ballpark. Some local residents and business owners don't like the project, however. One other benefit to the new ballpark: a lowering of the crime rate.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Slippery Rock Baseball to hold "name-the-team" contest
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Slippery Rock Professional Baseball, the newest member of the independent Frontier League, has announced the structure for its “Name the Team” contest. Butler County Radio Network (WBUT 1050 AM, WISR 680 AM, and WLER 97.7 FM) will be administering the contest on behalf of the team. Through Sunday, December 17, fans are invited to e-mail (srprobaseball@yahoo.com), fax (724-738-4974), or mail their submissions to the ballclub. Four finalists will be announced on Monday, December 18, and fans will be able to vote for their choice at www.insidebutlercounty.com through Sunday, December 31.  A drawing amongst the fans who submitted the winning name will take place to determine the contest winner, who will receive four reserved tickets to Opening Night, be introduced during the pregame ceremonies along with the team, and participate in the ceremonial first pitch. In order to qualify for the contest, fans must include their name, mailing address, and phone number on their entry.

Pulaski searching for sub
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One topic at last week's Winter Meetings: the future of the Pulaski club in the rookie Appalachian League. The Toronto Blue Jays decided to end their affiliation with the team, leaving the league to find a replacement parent, form a co-op team or forge on with a nine-team league -- a scheduling nightmare. It sounds like there may potential new parents for 2008, so making it through this coming season will be a challenge. Pulaski is the sort of town that should be rewarded by the Appy League and baseball in general: residents there have supported the team and paid for ballpark upgrades when asked.

Twins release more details on new ballpark
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minnesota Twins released more details about their new downtown Minneapolis ballpark to the public, and it's clear the designers are facing some serious challenges in cramming a MLB ballpark into only eight acres of land. It will be a cozier ballpark than Metrodome on many levels. For starters, the field dimensions will be slightly more intimate than in the Metrodome currently: left-field line, 339 feet; left-center field, 377 feet; 404 feet, center field; 370 feet, right-center field; and 328 feet, right-field line. The outfield fence will be eight feet high in left and center field, going to 14 feet in right field. The seating capacity has been set at around 40,000, down from the original estimates of 42,000. One thing not announced: whether there will be a signature feature to the ballpark. We hear there will be. Think duality.
    RELATED STORIES: New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all but done; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand; Twins ballpark spending plan outlined; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis; Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight; supporters weren't; Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this week; Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening slated for 2010; Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark plan; Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't think Twins need new ballpark; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough votes to pass; Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in Minnesota Legislature; Twins laying off threats, for now; It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us; Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark;  Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) owners Billy Prim and Flip Filipowski have reached agreements that mean a new ballpark for the team could be open by the spring of 2008. Lee Garrity, Winston-Salem's city manager, said a finance package will go to the city's finance committee on Dec. 11. If approved, it would then head to city council on Jan. 3, and demolition and site work could begin soon after that. The $22.6 million ballpark and 30 acres of office, retail, residential and restaurant space, as well as a movie theater, are expected to generate about $170 million in public and private investment. The city is proposing an $11 million investment, with $10 million of that being borrowed and paid back over 20 years. The city will pay back the money through what it receives from Warthogs ticket surcharges, by selling Ernie Shore Field to Wake Forest University and through taxes on the land and ballpark. More from News 14.
    RELATED STORIES: Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Three months after Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff declared that moving to San Jose "is not an option" and a month after he announced plans to take the team to Fremont, San Jose is still spending taxpayers' money studying how to build a downtown ballpark; this time $20,000 for the completion of an economic impact study. San Jose officials may want to be a little more optimistic: we heard from several folks over the last 10 days that we should not assume Fremont will land the A's despite the announcement of Cisco Field and that the Giants still may end up negotiating with the Athletics and sell the territorial rights to San Jose.
    RELATED STORIES: A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Syracuse reverts to Chiefs name
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
No more Syracuse SkyChiefs, as the team is reverting back to the original Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League), this time with a railroad theme. The Syracuse ballclub was originally christened the "Chiefs" in 1934 when the team moved from Jersey City. The Chiefs' new logos honor the railroads that shipped goods manufactured in Syracuse all over America. The new look includes a steam locomotive, a vintage engineer mark, and the word "Chiefs" stylized from the golden era of manufacturing. The Chiefs' new official colors, Blue, Black, Silver and Graphite pay tribute to Syracuse's long-standing affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays. Plan B. Branding provided the identity.

Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oakland A's owners and Fremont officials, aware that traffic and public transportation top the list of concerns surrounding the planned Cisco Field ballpark, have held joint meetings in recent months with Bay Area transit agency leaders in a quest to solve those issues. At least three "roundtable meetings" beginning in late August brought leaders from BART, Capitol Corridor, Altamont Commuter Express and AC Transit with officials from the ballclub and the city of Fremont, said David Kutrosay, deputy director of Capitol Corridor, a 15-year-old commuter train system. All parties acknowledged that the Fremont ballpark site near Pacific Commons shopping center has none of the myriad public transportation options enjoyed by San Francisco's AT&T Park or Oakland's McAfee Coliseum.

Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Richmond is ready to play ball with the 60 acres of prime real estate it owns around The Diamond. And the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) are ready to talk about staying at a new or renovated ballpark on North Boulevard, Mayor L. Douglas Wilder told The Times-Dispatch. Wilder will meet this week with the regional authority that owns The Diamond in preparation for renewed talks with the Atlanta Braves organization about a new or refurbished minor-league ballpark on the Boulevard. He met with Braves executives last month and expects talks to resume in January. To accommodate a new ballpark, Richmond will move its sprawling public works and maintenance operation, which has been a major obstacle to rejuvenating the warehouse district that lies at a key gateway to the city.

Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Local officials are set to approve their first formal agreement to build a new spring-training facility for the Cincinnati Reds and keep professional baseball in Sarasota. The two governments have talked for months about building a new ballpark to keep the Reds and the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League) in town, but talks have lacked the teeth of a binding agreement. A proposed agreement, on which the city and county are poised to vote Wednesday, would spell out the responsibilities of both parties in building a planned $54 million facility near Ed Smith Stadium. The agreement includes securing a new 30-year lease with the Reds.
    RELATED STORIES: Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run; Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles; Bonita won’t pursue baseball spring training; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new Reds spring facility; County tees up for baseball hearing; Orioles make pitch for $37 million renovation of Fort Lauderdale Stadium; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility; Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play; Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training shift; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Next up, location for Bonita spring-training ballpark; Several key issues for spring training in Bonita Springs; Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training; Spring-training queries abound; Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch; Indians express interest; Ballpark figures in Sarasota; Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring training; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Indians are likely headed for Disney; Reds swing and miss; Disney may open new world to Indians; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven; FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp runs into trouble; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Osceola County wooing Indians; Could Indians end up training at Disney World?; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature; Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida House; County money just part of Indians spring site's need; Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly at Dodgers; Polk County commits $23 million to sports facilities, including new Indians spring complex; Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move; Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding Cactus League shift; Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains consistent in Florida; Florida lawmakers approve spring-training facilities bill; FAU considering a deal with Indians for spring-training complex; Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training complex; Moving away from tradition; Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses for Casa Grande; Tradition and economics in Florida; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding war; Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven contract; Dodgertown is a little less blue; State should spring for aid to teams; Glendale says it will be talking to teams about spring-training site; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks; Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training ballpark?; Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring training; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities; Lee County game for third team; Spring-training facility not in city's best interests; Baseball, stadium would benefit city; Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape Coral

Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds project
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lawyers for Metro, the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; International League) and Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse reached a compromise Friday to extend a Dec. 31 deadline for the $43 million downtown ballpark project. Karl Dean, Metro law director, said the city had agreed to give the Sounds and Struever Bros. until April 15 to finalize financing commitments, construction plans and other measures needed to close developers' lease for the 12-acre ballpark site on First Avenue South. The original deadline was Dec. 31, 2007. The city and the developers also reached a compromise on a legal issue over the site, once home to the Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant. Metro officials dropped a demand that Struever Bros. and the Sounds assume all environmental liability for the site, which will still be owned by the city, and the developers promised they will not sue the city if any environmental problems arise. Officials say the Sounds are still on track for a 2008 opening, though it should be during the midseason.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Nats work on improvements to Space Coast Stadium
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals are working on improvements to their spring-training home, Viera's Space Coast Stadium, which also houses the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League). Recently, Brevard County commissioners committed $2.6 million in tourist taxes for a new roof and canopies, interior and exterior paint jobs and improved drainage. Also planned is the replacement of the facility's 5,348 teal seats, a holdover from when the Florida Marlins trained in Viera. The seats are being replaced with fans' safety and comfort in mind. And while they're at it, the color of the seats will be changed to dark blue and the railings painted red to match the Nationals colors.

Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Take this article with a huge grain of salt, as it's mostly spin by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox on the prospect of moving spring-training operations to Glendale, a suburb of Arizona. The Dodgers will need to pay millions to Vero Beach to pay off loans connected with recent renovations of Dodgertown -- something that's very doable. However, for the White Sox to break their lease at Tucson Electric Park, the team will need to find a replacement. For logistical reasons, a team from Florida will need to move west, but there really aren't many Grapefruit League teams looking at a move. Cited here as possibilities are Cincinnati (which, considering the Reds are signing a 30-year lease to stay in Sarasota, is laughable), Baltimore (a long shot, as the O's and Fort Lauderdale were approved for $15 million in state funds for a ballpark renovation), Houston (another long shot, as the team is committed to a long-term lease at Osceola County Stadium) and Florida (which has us rolling on the floor). Many insiders still tell us the most likely scenario has Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers sharing a Glendale facility; right now the Indians and the White Sox are engaged in a staredown, and the loser will probably end up in Tucson.

Redbirds, MLB announces annual Civil Rights Game
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals will play the Cleveland Indians in the inaugural Civil Rights Game at Memphis's AutoZone Park, preceding the opening of the 2007 season. According to MLB officials. the Civil Rights Game, which will be held annually, will pay tribute to one of our country's most significant eras of social change and honor Major League Baseball's involvement in the historic struggle through which legendary African-American players broke barriers and made important contributions to American society. The inaugural Civil Rights Game will be played on March 31, 2007. More from the Memphis Commercial Appeal and Memphis Business Journal.

Expanding their reach statewide
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are expected to formally announce the move of a regular-season series with the Texas Rangers to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando. For the D-Rays, the move of the series is one in a series of steps designed to broaden the franchise's appeal past Tampa-St. Pete. In addition, the D-Rays are moving a spring-training facility to Charlotte County and setting up a High Class A Florida State League there as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Rays say it's just a timeshare, not a relocation bid; Devil Rays' visit would be fun for baseball fans; Rays eye games in Orlando

Judge grants O's bid to block video screen purchase
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Baltimore Circuit Court judge granted the Baltimore Orioles' request for a temporary restraining order barring the Maryland Stadium Authority from ordering a new $1.5 million video screen for Oriole Park at Camden Yards. While the team wants a new video and audio system for Camden Yards, it contends that the upgrade -- replacing just the video screen portion of the scoreboard -- is less than what is called for in the lease agreement and a change that team attorney Alan M. Rifkin compared to "replacing an eight-track system with a new cassette system, when what you need to do is take the time to create a DVD system."

Developer would reportedly pay Anaheim thrice NFL's offer
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A developer is offering the city of Anaheim more than $150 million for the right to build an elaborate high-rise retail, office and residential complex near Angel Stadium, three times what a professional football team would pay to build an arena on the site, according to sources familiar with the plan. The 53-acre parcel, now used mostly for parking, has attracted wide interest from builders who hope to capitalize on the city's sports venues, the baseball stadium and the Honda Center arena. The land is also one of two Southland sites the National Football League is considering for a return to the Los Angeles market.
    RELATED STORIES: Destined for development; Developers pitch hotel, sports, retail for Angel Stadium area

Solar panels to help power ballpark for Great Lakes Loons
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new home of the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) will use solar energy to help power the minor league ballpark. Dow Corning Corp. and Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. have donated 168 solar panels located outside of Dow Diamond's right field fence and adjacent to the outfield parking lot. The panels are designed to generate enough energy to operate the stadium's scoreboard. Hemlock Semiconductor makes the polycrystalline silicon that is the main component of the panels and Dow Corning makes protective coatings.

New for 2007: Anderson Joes
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The fans have spoken, and the Anderson Joes are their choice as the newest team in the independent South Coast League. The Joes were one of four finalists voted on by the fans of Anderson in a recent “Name the Team” contest.  The winning design references former big leaguer "Shoeless" Joe Jackson who earned his nickname while playing a ballgame in Anderson, SC. In 1908, Joe was in Anderson and wore a new pair of spikes that had rubbed blisters on his feet, so he wanted to sit out for that game. However, his team was short some players and he had to play. Joe tried to play in the new spikes, but because they hurt his feet, Joe took the spikes off and played in just his socks. He came up to bat, hit a triple, and as he was pulling up at third, an Anderson fan hollered "You shoeless son of a gun you!" The name stuck. And there's a little cheekiness involved: one of the proposed names for the Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League) was the Greenville Joes.
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2007: South Georgia Peanuts; South Coast League announces Anderson franchise; New for 2007: the Aiken Foxhounds; New for 2007: The Bradenton Juice; New ballpark potential block for SCL team; Baseball crowds in Aiken could be going to the dogs; New for 2007: The Charlotte County Redfish; Manatee Community College, South Coast League agree to ballpark lease; South Coast League reaches lease with Albany; South Coast League announces Aiken franchise; City may go other route on bringing professional baseball to town; Bradenton officials wary of South Coast League proposal; Jackhammers' owners eyeing a league: their own; Charlotte County approves South Coast League lease; SCL looking at Beaufort County; South Coast League proposing play at Port Charlotte in 2007; South Coast League announces ownership group; Sanford rejects South Coast League bid; South Coast League fails to reach agreement in Sanford; Macon City Council approves baseball contract; Baseball's return now in hands of Macon council; League looking to bring pro baseball to Greenville; South Coast League contacts Wilmington officials; Macon moves toward bringing baseball back to the city; Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?; Macon ponders two baseball proposals; City explores baseball's return to Macon; Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton; South Coast League announces 2007 launch

Surprise tries to maintain its lead in spring-training game
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nailing down a spring training team is the first step for Goodyear and Glendale. Surprise is a few steps ahead. With a training facility and two Cactus League teams already in the bag, Surprise is looking at how it can compete for game attendance and tourism dollars down the road. The city plans to intensify marketing in the hometowns of its current teams, the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. Really, the way for Surprise to attract more fans is to continue to grow: when Surprise Stadium opened the surrounding area was basically made up of agricultural land, but recent development makes the area much more attractive for visitors.

Gwinnett explores minor-league baseball
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Gwinnett (Ga.) officials are exploring financing a minor-league ballpark for a Class A team, according to Scott Morris, director of economic development for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Several groups, including the owners of the successful Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL), have expressed interest in running the team. Logically, a ballpark may be an easier sell than landing a team: the Atlanta Braves control the territory (Gwinnett is basically suburban Atlanta), and with the sale of the team still in the works, Braves officials have given off plenty of hints that they're not interested in dealing with many issues surrounding minor-league ball. Independent baseball -- we assume in the form of the South Coast League -- is also a possibility.

Northwoods League finalizes plans for Battle Creek
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The summer-collegiate Northwoods League officially announced plans for its 14th team in Battle Creek, Michigan to join the League for the 2007 season. The yet-to-be-named expansion team, which will be owned and operated by the Northwoods League, joins fellow expansion city Green Bay, WI for the circuit’s 14th season of play. Battle Creek becomes the first League affiliate in the state of Michigan, joining Wisconsin (5 teams), Minnesota (6), Iowa (1), and Thunder Bay, Ontario (1).  Current NWL Director of Operations, Rick Lindau, has been named the team’s first general manager. Lindau has been with the League since April 2004 and helped coordinate a previous league expansion in 2005 and earlier this year with the Green Bay affiliate. Many of the team’s details, including nickname and logo, will be finalized in the upcoming weeks. (Disclaimer: Kevin Reichard sits on the Board of Advisors of the Northwoods League.)
    RELATED STORIES: Battle Creek approves Northwoods League lease; It's construction season for city's new NWL club; Northwoods League expands to Green Bay, Battle Creek; League close to deal with Battle Creek; Green Bay approves lease of Northwoods League team; Kramer withdraws bid for Prior Lake Northwoods League team; NWL team for Joannes takes another step; Prior Lake City Council answers questions about Northwoods; Prior Lake Council puts brakes on Northwoods League plan; Who's on deck in Battle Creek?; Northwoods League group to take next step; No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay; Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete; Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease; Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?

Can the Summit get back on top?
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's always a low-level buzz about minor-league ball coming to the Detroit suburbs, and here's another proposal to build a minor-league ballpark to boost the fortunes of Oakland County's Summit mall. Whether or not it's ever going to be close to reality is another issue: the proposal came as part of a larger community meeting.

Paterson to hold Larry Doby Day
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium in conjunction with the Paterson Public Schools, the City of Paterson and the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) announced that Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, will mark the first annual Larry Doby Day celebration throughout the City of Paterson, New Jersey. Born Lawrence Eugene Doby on December 13, 1924, Doby lettered in four sports at Paterson’s Eastside High School: baseball, basketball, football, and track. It was at Hinchliffe Stadium in 1942 that Doby tried out for the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues and was signed to a contract, thus launching his Hall of Fame career. Doby, who became the American League’s first black baseball player, will be honored with a wreath ceremony at 1 p.m. at Larry Doby Field in Eastside Park. The celebration will culminate with an evening event at NJCDC, 32 Spruce Street, 3rd floor, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. The Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium, which launched its stadium-history website this past September (www.hinchliffestadium.org), is a non-profit organization supporting the revitalizion of historic Hinchliffe Stadium through awareness of its stellar national historic significance. Larry Doby Day will kick off their year-long gala celebration, as 2007 marks the 75th anniversary of the stadium's dedication in 1932. Hinchliffe Stadium was home to both the New York Black Yankees and the New York Cubans of the Negro League.

Pitch and Hit Club awards dinner lineup announced
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bob Watson, Maury Wills, Pete Vonachen and John McDonough, president of the Chicago Cubs, are just some of the more then 20 baseball celebrities receiving awards at the 61st Annual Pitch and Hit Club awards dinner to be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The lineup for the traditional Chicago baseball events includes a cocktail party, former and current MLB players and coaches signing autographs for free, a silent auction, team mascots in attendance, and Nancy Faust playing music during the cocktail party. Tickets are currently on sale; call Chip Sobek at 219/865-9442 or e-mail i22chipster@sbcglobal.net.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kris Atteberry was hired by the Minnesota Twins to serve as pre-game and post-game host on the team’s new radio network. He will be heard before and after all Twins games and provide in-game updates from the Twins’ new studio in downtown Minneapolis. Atteberry was the voice of the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) for five seasons, handling both television and radio duties during his tenure. A graduate of Stanford University, Atteberry, 34, began his broadcasting career as sports director of a small radio station in Cody, WY where he spent two years. He was hired by the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; Northern League) as their lead play-by-play announcer in 1999 before joining the Saints prior to the 2002 season....Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) General Manager Mike Nutter was presented with “The Friends of Baseball Chapel Award” at the 105th annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando. The award is presented annual to the individual or organization that makes strides in advancing Baseball Chapel.