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Archives: June 11-17, 2006

Alizadeh completes purchase of Portland Beavers
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The Pacific Coast League (PCL), the Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers today announced that the sale of the professional baseball and soccer franchises to Portland Baseball Investment Group, LLC (PBIG), has been completed, ending one of the most drawn-out sagas in the business of minor-league baseball.
    In March 2005, the PCL, which assumed operation of the franchises prior to the 2004 season, announced that an agreement was reached to sell the teams to PBIG. Today’s announcement finalizes all aspects of the ownership transfer. It was a complicated deal to settle claims from all investors; the sale had been held up when creditors, the PCL and Alizadeh disgreed over specific settlement with debtors.
    PBIG consists of top-level business executives; chief among those investors are majority owner Abe Alizadeh, a real-estate developer and restaurateur who owns and operates a number of T.G.I. Friday's locations in Oregon, and Portland native and minority investor Jack Cain.
    Alizadeh is the general partner of Sacramento, Calif.-based Kobra Properties with a diverse portfolio in commercial and industrial real estate, restaurants, and now, professional sports. The Alizadeh family owns and operates 55 Jack in the Box restaurants and several T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants in California and Oregon, including the Portland metro area. Alizadeh serves as the president of the Jack in the Box Association of Franchises, Inc., and is chairman of the board of the National Franchisee Purchasing Cooperative, Inc. More from the Oregonian.
    RELATED STORIES: Portland ballpark deal may already be done; City extends deal letting league operate PGE Park; Portland delays 2005 lease for Beavers; Stingers sold to Larry H. Miller; Drammis to pursue Portland?; Update on Portland Beavers ownership; PGE Park: What went wrong?

Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off under city plan
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The baseball temple known as Tiger Stadium could be leveled by next February, and a massive fire-sale of all its artifacts and contents is eyed for this fall. Detroit officials on Friday spelled out more details of a still-conceptual plan to raze the landmark at Michigan and Trumbull in favor of a $40 million to $70 million mixed-use development of condos and shops that would leave the playing field intact. The city said it hopes the project would be complete by spring 2009, 10 years after the Tigers left for Comerica Park. So far, though, officials have no developer or architects. Seats, signs and other artifacts would be removed around September and should be up for sale to the public by October; in a cruel twist, the proceeds from the sale would be used to tear down the ballpark. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
    RELATED STORIES: Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site; Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

Codey questions Xanadu's future
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Former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey, now president of the state Senate, is questioning the future of the Xanadu retail project in the Meadowlands, partly because Mills Corp. and Mack-Cali have failed to close on a deal for a new ballpark with Steve Kalafer, owner of the Bergen Cliff Hawks (independent; Atlantic League). The project was approved in early 2003, but only four tenants are in place, and the opening date has been pushed back to no sooner than mid-2008. Mills Corp. says it's living up to the terms of its deal by building a ballpark and seeking a tenant via bids; state and local officials say the original deal was for Kalafer and the Cliff Hawks to occupy the ballpark, even though that apparently was not contractually laid out.
   RELATED STORY: Developer wants to open way for other teams; 'Frustrated' by ballpark delays; Don't let Mills renege on Bergen ballpark; A ballpark deal, but with a big 'if'; Xanadu price tag to rise; opening could be year late

Nats sale targeted for July finalization
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Major League Baseball officials say they remain hopeful the sale of the Washington Nationals would be completed by early next month, thus officially allowing the Lerner family to take control of the team. Officials are working feverishly to complete the $450 million sale before the end of June, but the process is likely to seep into early July. A completion before the All-Star break is likely. The finalization of the sale will allow the 29 teams that bought the franchise -- then the struggling Montreal Expos -- for $120 million in 2002 to recoup some their investment. According to people familiar with the sale, each of the 29 teams will receive just less than $3.5 million each from the $450 million. That would still leave about $350 million -- just less than half of which will be used toward fees and debt associated with the team's sale -- and the remaining money (believed to be close to $200 million) will be placed into a "war chest" in the event of a labor dispute or strike.
    RELATED STORIES: Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project; Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking; Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M; Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new ballpark; D.C. ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but concerns linger; D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball; The Nationals' wish list; Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking; Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening'; Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full approval expected today; Nats ballpark design up in the air; It's official: Lerner nabs Nats; MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking controversy
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Mayor Anthony Williams is asking the D.C. Council for permission to sell city land at the new Washington Nationals ballpark site to a developer who would build more than 900 parking spaces -- both above ground and below ground, a possible solution to a controversy that has dogged the project in recent weeks. The proposal, sent by Williams to the council late Friday afternoon, also includes housing and retail. The Nationals want plenty of above-ground parking surrounding the ballpark; the city would prefer below-grade parking to allow development above.

Curve Baseball LP a well-organized ownership group
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The roots of professional baseball coming to State College go back to April 2, 2002. At 1:49 a.m., a group of investors formed by Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg completed its purchase of the Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League) from Bob Lozinak and Tate DeWeese. At 10 a.m., Greenberg, Todd Parnell and assistant general manager Rick Janac met in a Blair County Ballpark suite with Penn State athletics director Tim Curley and former director of major gifts Pete Liske to discuss a new ballpark for Penn State. Tuesday, Curve Baseball will open Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, a $31.4 million ballpark built with state, private and university money, when the State College Spikes play the Williamsport Crosscutters (both short season; NY-Penn League). More from Centredaily.com.

Medlar Field offers a scenic blend
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The next new ballpark to open in the minors this season: Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the $31.4 million home of the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League). It sounds like the ballpark, designed by L. Robert Kimball and Associates and the DLR Group of Kansas City, will be a great addition to the baseball world. The red brick matches the Jordan Center and the pale stones resemble the ones found at Beaver Stadium. Kimball designed the football program’s East Area locker room facility, and the baseball programs recruiting needs were a major factor in Medlar Field’s design. The look is completed with the view of Mount Nittany in the background.

Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand
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The Minnesota Twins spent $95,500 lobbying state legislators to support a proposal for a new ballpark in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District, ultimately spending $6 million over the last decade to push for a new home. This year's total was surprisingly low, though AP makes it sound like the Twins broke the banks on the effort. The Twins weren't even close to the top lobbying spending at the Minnesota State Legislature this past session: Education Minnesota, the teachers' union, ended up spending almost a million dollars. Speaking of the new Twins ballpark:  The Minneapolis City Council has selected former councilwoman Joan Campbell as its representative for the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, Twins officials said. The authority will oversee the construction and operation of a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in the Warehouse District.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Leesburg may rekindle baseball legacy
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You wouldn't expect this, but Leesburg -- located in central Florida, between Orlando and Ocala -- has quite the baseball history. The city is hosting a Florida Collegiate Summer League fame on June 4, and the league is hoping to place a team there next season. The game will be played at Pat Thomas Stadium, originally known as Baseball Island of Venetian Gardens. The WPA-era ballpark opened in 1937 as the home of the Leesburg Gondoliers of the Florida State League: the ballpark was built on an island, and visitors needed to walk across a bridge to get there. Alas, the waterways surrounded the ballpark were filled in during the 1950s.
    RELATED STORIES: College stars coming to play in Leesburg

Fort Collins' minor-league teams have varied fiscal success
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It would appear Fort Collins, Col., is a good area for minor-league sports, with the Colorado Eagles (CHL) continually selling out games. The Fort Collins Foxes (summer collegiate; Mountain Collegiate Baseball League) aren't as successful, drawing 350 fans a game to Colorado State University's Ram Baseball Field. The low attendance can be partially explained by the lack of lights at Ram Baseball Field, forcing the team to begin games at 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. Owner Kurt Colicchio says the team lost money last season; only one team in the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League actually made money. It sounds like the MCBL might have a lot of potential, but a little more aggressive approach (like spending some money to put in lighting at Ram Baseball Field) may be in order. You can't succeed at the summer-collegiate level without a little chutzpah.

Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site
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The final days of Tiger Stadium are approaching fast and if city officials get their way, stores and condos will replace the one-time home of baseball legends Ty Cobb and Al Kaline. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick intends to demolish the 94-year-old ballpark soon to make way for a mixed-use development of 150 condos atop 40-50 retail shops on the 8.5-acre site. This isn't so much a plan as an intention: the city must seek bids for the plan that would maintain the original entrance of the ballpark as a gateway and leave the baseball diamond as a park for Little League games and festivals. Many Detroiters say the mayor and the owners of the Detroit Tigers are embarrassed by the continued presence of Tiger Stadium and are not willing to entertain any offers for preservation, including one plan that would scale the ballpark down to its original Navin Field configuration for a minor-league baseball team. Whether the plan comes to fruition remains to be seen: The city has yet to secure developers, and the mayor has announced more than one grand development plan in the last year that never came to bear. George Jackson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., says that if the issue came to a vote, Detroit residents would overwhelmingly vote to demolish the ballpark. We beg to disagree. More from the Detroit Free Press. Nolan Finley says it's time to tear down the classic ballpark and move on. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
    RELATED STORIES: Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

Developer wants to open way for other teams
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Mills Corp. said Thursday it will seek bids from prospective minor-league teams for a baseball park at its Xanadu retail and entertainment complex -- a move adamantly opposed by local elected officials, the chairman of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority's baseball subcommittee and the owner of the Bergen Cliff Hawks (independent; Atlantic League). There's a lot of bluster from all involved here, but the real issue is exactly what Mills Corp. is contractually obligated to do as part of its Xanadu redevelopment. Since there's no deal with the Cliff Hawks and nothing specific in the Mills/New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority designating the Cliff Hawks as the lease holder for the new ballpark, it could be argued Mills is entirely within its rights (and, more importantly, its fiduciary responsibilities to shareholders) to seek proposals from other teams. More from the Newark Star-Ledger.
   RELATED STORY: 'Frustrated' by ballpark delays; Don't let Mills renege on Bergen ballpark; A ballpark deal, but with a big 'if'; Xanadu price tag to rise; opening could be year late

Selig: Baseball is committed to stopping drug abuse
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In an open letter to baseball fans, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig says baseball is committed to stopping drug abuse but is constrained because there's a lack of a test for human growth hormone (HGH). In response, MLB is funding a study of HGH and how to detect it. Critics have charged the funding for this program is woefully inadequate, but in the letter Selig says MLB is willing to increase funding to launch other studies and research in the field. HGH is the dirty little secret of professional sports: many allege athletes in other sports use HGH as well, but the current blood tests are limited. The issue, as always, is whether MLB really wants to know whether its players use HGH. Selig says yes, but actions speak louder than words, and it takes more than just a vague pledge of additional funding to placate critics. Baseball has a chance to take a leadership role on this subject, but Selig's letter was anything but proactive.

Wilmington on minor-league baseball watch again
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Ken Jacobsen, a minority investor in the Wilmington (Del.) Blue Rocks (Class A; Carolina League), wants to bring baseball back to Wilmington, N.C. He wants to do it all -- buy an existing Class A Carolina League franchise and build a $25-$35 million ballpark -- using private investments. Pro baseball hasn't fared well in Wilmington in recent years, with both the Wilmington Waves (Class A; Sally League) and the Port City Roosters (Class AA; Southern League) both moving after failing to win support for new ballparks and playing temporarily at Brooks Field on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. We know of one Sally League owner eyeing Wilmington in recent months, and we're guessing there's another team that might be acquired for the right price should the owner decide to go the independent-baseball route. A local columnist thinks Jacobsen is for real, but local residents are skeptical.

Nader wants accurate study of D.C. ballpark cleanup costs
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Ballpark gadfly Ralph Nader is calling for a more accurate study of the costs of environmental cleanup at the site of the Washington Nationals' new ballpark on the Anacostia River, saying it's needed to provide an accurate accounting of the project's true costs. Nader made his request in a letter to Mayor Anthony Williams. The city has authorized spending $3 million on cleaning up unexpected environmental problems when 53 unreported oil tanks were found under the soil. This is grandstanding of the worst kind: the site needed to be cleaned up no matter what was built there (and given development patterns in D.C., the area would have been gentrified sooner than later), so to say this was a hidden cost of the ballpark is breathtakingly hypocritical coming from an avowed environmentalist.
    RELATED STORIES: Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project; Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking; Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M; Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new ballpark; D.C. ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but concerns linger; D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball; The Nationals' wish list; Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking; Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening'; Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full approval expected today; Nats ballpark design up in the air; It's official: Lerner nabs Nats; MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

Flyers to allow online voters to guide team in second half of season
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We first reported on this in 2002, so you can ignore anyone telling you this is some kind of scoop. LivePlanet, formed by film stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is teaming up with MSN Originals to Webcast Fan Club, where the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) will allow Internet voters to determine batting lineups, fielding positions and the pitching roster for the second half of the club's season. To say this could be ripe for abuse is an understatement: if I were a Joliet Jackhammers fan and my team were hosting the Flyers, I'd sure as heck work my butt off to make the weakest pitcher on the team tabbed as the starter and find every way possible to cripple my opponent. The Northern League received a huge black eye last season when the Kansas City T-Bones attempted to let XBox players call the shots during a game. We're really amazed league officials and other owners allowed this travesty -- it makes a joke of the game on the field.

Bob Wirz: Indy baseball spawns jobs off the field, as well
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We often focus on Independent Baseball as a launching pad for on-field careers, but it can also serve the same purpose for off-field personnel as well. The 30 major-league organizations now have about 100 employees who have developed at least a portion of their experience in the Independent leagues: scouts, coordinators, coaches, and managers.

UNC Charlotte to renovate ballpark for 2007 season
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The University of North Carolina Charlotte is renovating its current ballpark (Tom and Lib Phillips Field) and renaming the new ballpark Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium after Mariam Cannon Hayes, who donated $5.9 million toward the facility. The renovations, designed by Overcash Demmitt Architects, include an flag-pole-lined entrance from behind home plate, seating accommodations for over 1,000 people (including over 500 chair-back seats), a press box with radio and TV booths, major league-style in-ground dugouts, hospitality suites, concessions and restrooms. The ballpark will be equipped for television broadcasts and will be surrounded by brick columns and wrought iron fencing. Two aspects of the current ballpark -- hillside seating and the picnic area along the right-field foul line -- will be retained.

DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark
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Major League Baseball COO Bob DuPuy was in South Florida on Thursday to meet with Marlins officials about the team's ballpark efforts, according to a Miami Herald. Not much is happening on the Marlins ballpark front: a proposal to build a new ballpark in Hialeah is still an iffy proposition, as there's a funding gap of at least $100 million (and probably more now that steel and concrete prices continue to rise) between what government officials can pay, what the Fish are offering and what the ballpark will actually cost. Miami-Dade County tax collector Ian Yorty has said it will be a while before it can be determined how much revenue can be raised from a property tax on a proposed Hialeah industrial park.
    RELATED STORIES: Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats; Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will visit as planned with Florida park talks continuing; Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss; Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson; New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in Hialeah; Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark site in Hialeah; Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins; Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San Antonio move; Wolff plans to give Marlins a deadline; Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon; House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now; Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins; Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?; San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner; Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Ports' suit: right down the foul line
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The grand jury report blasting Stockton officials for a lack of oversight on construction of Banner Island Ballpark for the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) also suggests the Ports got a good deal on the lease, and columnist Michael Fitzgerald says the Ports are therefore wrong to sue the city over the ballpark. Fitzgerald may be nitpicking: it's pretty clear the city didn't keep up on its end of the deal when it came to the final product, as city officials scrapped plans for a second deck with luxury seating. (Plans were changed when city officials decided to make a play for a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team.) In addition, the city hasn't sold naming rights, and Banner Island Ballpark was not completed on time. None of these facts are in dispute, so really the only question is over damages. Fitzgerald says the Ports are making money, so they should be happy. But that's not the way contracts work in the real world, and some sort of settlement will be necessary. We're guessing this gets settled out of court: the team probably doesn't want to see its financial records made public in a lawsuit (and we're guessing the folks in St. Pete don't want to see that, either), and the city would probably want to cut its losses.
    RELATED STORIES: Report targets Stockton City Council over cost of waterfront project

Instincts have made Finley a major dealer in the minors
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Joe Finley's had a pretty good run in minor-league baseball: he's been successful with two New Jersey franchises -- the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Lakewood BlueClaws (Class A; Sally League) -- and he's on the verge of his biggest deal: bringing a Class AAA International League team to a new ballpark in Allentown, Pa. He als was elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Minor League Baseball at the group's annual spring meeting. (Thanks to John Cerone.)

Theme nights and giveaways
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The Philadelphia Inquirer lists the best giveaways of the minor-league season. You've read about most of them here, like the "Love Boat" giveaway from the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association), the Bode Miller guaranteed loss night presented by the Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League) and the plunger giveaway night presented by the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League).

Lake Elsinore Storm to give away Tom Cruise bobble-couch
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Here's one promotion that should have been on the preceding list. One June 30 the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League) are giving away a Tom Cruise bobble-couch to the first 1,500 fans at the ballpark. As you'll recall, Tom Cruise displayed his love for Katie Holmes by jumping down on a couch during the taping of a Oprah Winfrey interview. In addition, the Storm has planned several Tom Cruise-themed events and activities throughout the night. In tribute to the recent silent birth of TomKat baby Suri, there will be a completely "Silent Inning," where no batters will be announced, no music played, and the fans will be encouraged to "be silent and make all physical movements slow and understandable." Other planned activities will include a couch-jumping contest, a Scientology information and sign-up booth, as well as a look back at Cruise’s career in film and tabloids.

Sounds to give away TiVos on Father's Day
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Here's another promotion that should have been on the preceding list. The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will salute fathers in the crowd on Sunday evening at Greer Stadium by distributing vouchers for a free TiVo unit to all dads that attend the team's 6 p.m. game against the Oklahoma RedHawks. In addition, several fans will receive a TiVo unit along with a free service plan throughout the game as part of the promotion.

Royals respond to credentials flap
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The Kansas City Royals, responding to a rising tide of criticism, said Thursday the credentials of two radio reporters were revoked because of "decorum" and not because they asked difficult questions. "It is being widely reported that the Kansas City Royals revoked the 2006 season credentials of two radio reporters last week for asking tough questions. The Royals have never stated this as fact," said an unsigned blog on the team Web site. It's probably not the best of idea to address a controversy on an unsigned blog; this won't go away because of that.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB won't get involved in Kansas City credential flap

Aces starter pulls double duty as exec
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Buddy Bengel wears two hats in the baseball world. He's a pitcher for the Alexandria Aces (independent; United League Baseball), compiling a decent record so far this season. He's also vice president and part owner of the New Bern River Rats (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). When working toward an MBA at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., he wrote a senior thesis containing a business plan for an imaginary college wooden bat league in his home town of New Bern, N.C. He entered it into a business-plan competition, and it not only received high marks, it ended up being the blueprint for the River Rats team he owns along with his parents, Steve and Sabrina Bengel.

Isotopes welcome 2 millionth fan to Isotopes Park
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Alicia Flores-Gallegos of Albuquerque walked through the turnstiles at Isotopes Park Thursday night before the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) game against the Round Rock Express and helped the team make history, becoming the 2-millionth fan in franchise history. Immediately upon her entrance, she was greeted by Orbit, who was brandishing a giant bouquet of balloons, and ‘Topes General Manager John Traub, who immediately informed her she was the lucky fan. With a crowd of 7,859 on hand to watch Albuquerque wrap up its series with Round Rock, the team has now drawn a total of 2,004,135 since Isotopes Park opened in 2003, and 268,822 already this season. On August 6, 2004, John Dexter became the 1-millionth fan to attend a game at Isotopes Park, a milestone that was reached after just 126 games. Tonight, the team achieved its second million fans plateau in fewer games, reaching the milestone after 122 contests.

Kernan thriving at the Cove as head of Silver Hawks
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Joe Kernan, the former mayor of South Bend and former governor of Indiana, is enjoying his days running the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League), as he and a group of unnamed investors are waiting for final MiLB and MLB approval to purchase the team. He and his group landed the Silver Hawks from Alan Levin under some trying circumstances -- the future of the team was in doubt when potential buyer John Simmons wanted to move it to Marion, Ill., before being turned down by Midwest League officials -- but so far things have gone smoothly for the group.
    RELATED STORIES: Major construction of Marion ballpark to begin mid-June; Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks; Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to Simmons; Midwest League reconsidering Marion application; Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet; Marion baseball still seen as possibility; $16 million ballpark needs league of its own; Midwest League rejects Marion; Group awaiting the words 'play ball': Final approval on sale of South Bend baseball team may come next month; Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday; Marion ballpark expected to be ready in 2007; Victory Sports announces Northern League team for South Bend; Ballpark funding draws some boos; Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for Marion; Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'; Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

We haven't been very, very good to baseball
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Here's a call for Jackson, Miss., to keep Smith-Wills Stadium from being torn down to make way for a new facility for arena football. It's not as though there's a whole lot of baseball being played at Smith-Wills Stadium these days -- pro baseball ended there last season when the Jackson Senators (independent; Central Baseball League) fell apart -- and the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League) play in nearby Pearl. This really isn't a lament for Smith-Wills Stadium; it's a lament for the author's lost youth.

College stars coming to play in Leesburg
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The summer-collegiate Florida Collegiate Summer League is holding a game at Leesburg's Pat Thomas Stadium, a former spring-training facility where Hank Aaron and Pete Rose once played. Leesburg was also home to Class A Florida State League teams between 1937 and 1968. The game will introduce the three-year-old wooden-bat league to baseball fans in Leesburg. The league expects Leesburg to have a FCSL franchise in 2007. The Leesburg area is generally booming, with the nearby Villages expected to have over 100,000 residents in the near future.

West Coast Collegiate Baseball League begins season tonight
Posted June 16, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Well, most of the teams are starting tonight, anyway -- there was a game between Aloha and Bend last night. But the summer collegiate West Coast Collegiate Baseball League begins play tonight with a full slate of games. The league had a pretty successful inaugural 2005 season, and we're guessing things will go even better this season.

Funds for Copeland Park improvements passes first hurdle
Posted June 16, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
La Crosse would set up a special fund for donations for restroom and lighting improvements at Copeland Park, the home of the La Crosse Loggers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) if other city leaders agree with the the Park Board’s unanimous vote Thursday. The lights have gone out at three or four night games, owner Dan Kapanke told the board. "They have come back on, but someday they might not." In addition, he said, the Northwoods League is considering a TV contract with ESPN, which won’t come to La Crosse unless the lighting is adequate.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 16, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame, created four years ago by The Post and Courier and the Charleston RiverDogs (Class A; Sally League) to recognize professional athletes who have reached stardom while playing in Charleston, has been redesigned to include amateur players. The adjustment was made to honor as many deserving individuals, regardless of their playing status, who are truly worthy of induction into the Hall of Fame. In addition, teams will also be considered for enshrinement. The Hall of Fame is located inside Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

Detroit to announce Tiger Stadium plan soon
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city will announce its plans within a few weeks for historic Tiger Stadium, largely vacant since the Detroit Tigers moved out in 1999, a spokeswoman for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said today. Details of the plan, including the developer, nature of the project and timing of the announcement, were not immediately known. City officials have openly lusted for a developer to come in and tear down the venerable old ballpark, which opened on the same day as Fenway Park did in 1912. However, preservationists have proposed scaling the ballpark back to its original Navin Park dimensions and use it for minor-league baseball. From the likes of this announcement, it doesn't sound like the preservationists will prevail. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
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Charles County ballpark construction bids come in over budget
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Efforts to build a minor league ballpark in Charles County to house the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League) have stalled after construction bids came in as much as $7 million, or 33 percent, over the $21 million budget. Two local construction companies submitted proposals to the county, and both were over budget. In a move aimed at keeping within the stated allowance, the county has asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to rebid the project to firms nationwide. If the second round of bids comes in on schedule and within budget, construction could begin this fall, with the team beginning play as early as next summer, officials said.

Sales tax revenue worries Miller Park board
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With sales-tax revenue continuing to fall below forecasts, members of the Miller Park stadium board are becoming increasingly nervous that they may not be able to retire the stadium sales tax in 2014. At issue is the 0.1 percent sales tax that is collected in Waukesha, Milwaukee, Racine, Washington and Ozaukee counties and the board's stated goal that it wants the tax to end in 2014. The revenue is used to retire the debt on the financing of Miller Park. Through the first five months of this year, the district has received $9.9 million in sales tax distributions from the state, nearly $1.2 million below projections. Compared with the first five months of last year, distributions are down 0.5 percent, district figures show. A longtime opponent of the tax says it should sunset in 2014 no matter what.

Bradenton officials wary of South Coast League proposal
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Bradenton city officials will need more details from the South Coast League before they would consider allowing an independent minor league team to play at McKechnie Field during the summer months. Jamie Toole, chief executive officer of the South Coast League, has contacted city officials in hopes of landing a franchise in Bradenton and using the venerable facility, the spring-training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The issue for city officials: they don't want to spend money on attracting a pro league when they think they can schedule youth tournaments and other events at the ballpark. It's expected lights will be installed at McKechnie Field in the next year, which would make the facility more marketable. The South Coast League has already placed a team in Charlotte County, and travel considerations make another team in southwest Florida a priority.
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Montreal's Parc Jarry is site of reunion
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All that now remains of Parc Jarry, the original home of the Montreal Expos, is the press box and grandstand. And on a diamond near the old park, three former Expos -- Andre Dawson, Steve Rogers and Warren Cromartie -- were reunited earlier this week for a charity softball game to benefit Lou Gehrig's disease research. The playing field is now center court at Uniprix Stadium. Parc Jarry -- or Jarry Park for non-Francophiles -- was a "temporarily" facility that served as the home of the Expos until the opening of Olympic Stadium.

Revolution, White Roses lead York name contest
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The York "Name Your Team" contest has reached its midway point, with only 12 days remaining for fans to help choose the team name, and the voting among fans is extremely close, according to team officials. After the first half of the "Name Your Team" contest, Revolution and White Roses have emerged as the early fan favorites among the five finalists. (The White Roses was the longtime name of minor-league baseball in York.) Choppers and Steel Horses have also received considerable support, while Dukes currently trails among the over 1,500 total votes received. Fans can vote until June 26 by visiting the team’s website, at any area Rutter’s Farm Store or by mail.
    RELATED STORIES: No grand slams among new York team names; York team name finalists announced

A tip of the cap to pro baseball
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In the back-and-forth debate over immigration reform, one footnote likely to be overlooked is the fact that Major League Baseball works closely to bring in young players from Latin America. The approach has allowed the sport to foster young stars and a new fan base, according to Tim Wendel in USA Today. This season, more than one quarter of the players on U.S. major-league teams are foreign-born. At the minor-league level, overseas players make up 45 percent of the roster openings, with the majority coming from the Dominican Republic, which is the top exporter of baseball talent. Fans who might object to day laborers have little problem cheering on immigrant stars.

'Frustrated' by ballpark delays
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An ongoing feud between the owner of the Bergen Cliff Hawks (independent; Atlantic League) and the joint developers of the Xanadu project has become a nuisance, the state senator for the Meadowlands district said Wednesday. The issue isn't the ballpark per se -- it's the ability of Xanadu developer Mills Corp. to put together financing for the project, and they see the ballpark as being an unnecessary part of the development now. Still, with both sides filing lawsuits, it may be a while before anything happens, and that's not good for either.
   RELATED STORY: Don't let Mills renege on Bergen ballpark; A ballpark deal, but with a big 'if'; Xanadu price tag to rise; opening could be year late

Cracker Cats, Vipers brawl ends up as forfeit
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There's more than a little animosity between the Calgary Vipers and the Edmonton Cracker Cats (both independent; Northern League). Bitter words and accusations of damaging respective clubhouses from last season were replaced by beanballs and brawling in a meeting Tuesday night between the teams at Foothills Stadium. The end result of the massive fight was the Cats being forced to forfeit the game due to a depleted roster after three players were ejected. Sadly, the fracas didn't do anything to stir interest at the box office: the Vipers reported 462 tickets sold to last night's rematch, though a few fans may have stayed home because of the Stanley Cup Finals game.

Talkin' baseball with Fay Vincent
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Fay Vincent has a new book out --  "The Only Game in Town: Baseball Stars of the 1930s and 1940s Talk About the Game They Loved" -- but more importantly is the project he's funding with his own dime. In  conjunction with the National Baseball Hall of Fame Vincent coughed up his own cash, pulled together a video crew, and for the past decade interviewed ball players at the rate of four or five a year. Those video files will be digitized and for decades to come fans can go to Cooperstown and punch up the Warren Spahn files, see images of Spahn, and select portions of his interview that interest them.

Where the game is not the thing
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) is one of the big successes in minor-league baseball, selling out every game since 1999. The team does the usual between-innings stuff -- wrestling sumos, a Frisbee dog -- and then usually comes up with another promotion to garner national headlines, such as the Jack Kerouac bobblehead giveaway. This year's preseason promotion was top-shelf: the team offered to replace jerseys and caps of area Little League teams named after the hated New York Yankees.

Cardinals would like to extend relationship with Spikes
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St. Louis Director of player development Bruce Manno said Wednesday that the Cardinals would like to extend their relationship with the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) beyond this season. Curve Baseball managing partner Chuck Greenberg said the future of the affiliation between the Spikes and Cardinals will be discussed later this season. The Spikes begin league play Tuesday against the Williamsport Crosscutters at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

New restaurants opening near Corpus Christi ballpark
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The area around Whataburger Field, the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League), is seeing new development in terms of restaurants and possibly a hotel. The Brewster Street Ice House just opened up last Friday and today is their first day serving food, while another restaurant is a few weeks away from opening. Meanwhile, there is also talk of a new hotel/retail complex in the area as well. City officials sold the public on a ballpark partially based on development like this.

Captains score with appreciation of fans
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though there's been a political uproar over the financing of Classic Park, it's not been enough to keep fans away from Lake County Captains (Class A; Sally League) games: the team is still drawing well (annually among the league leaders in attendance) and hosting the Sally League All-Star Game on Tuesday. In fact, a recent survey done of all Sally League fans placed Lake County at the top of the list in terms of fan satisfaction. The success of the Captains would also seem to blow away the argument that minor-league baseball can't thrive with a major-league team down the road.
    RELATED STORIES: Sally League All-Star Game to be televised

O'Doul's legacy, and Hall of Fame hopes, alive
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When considering Lefty O'Doul as a potential Hall of Famer, there are many intangibles to consider. He had some great seasons, but he played in 970 games over 11 seasons (including one where he was primarily a pitcher). He was more important as a player and manager in Pacific Coast League -- serving as the face of the San Francisco Seals for many years -- and as a goodwill ambassador for baseball in Japan. Is that enough to warrant election to the Hall of Fame? Maybe, but probably not. Still, the topic should be discussed at length on Saturday night at San Francisco's United Irish Cultural Center, where it'll be "Lefty O'Doul Night."

SEC baseball has record season in attendance
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Even before NCAA Super Regional tournaments began, the Southeastern Conference had already breezed through its “Pack the Parks” campaign to draw in 1.5 million fans during the 2006 season. Not only did the conference reach its mark, but with Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss hosting Super Regionals and a little less than 37,000 to go, the SEC could be on track to draw in a staggering 1.6 million for the year -- more than any conference in college baseball history. Before tallying Super Regional crowds, the attendance record sits at 1,563,079, which is two times more than the next closest conference.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 15, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) announced today that senior account executive Talmadge Nunnari has been promoted to general manager and will take over the day-to-day business operations for the team. George Stavrenos has decided to leave the team to pursue other career opportunities. Nunnari is currently in his fourth season with the Pelicans after starting out with the organization as a player helping the Pelicans win the 2002 Southeastern League Championship. Nunnari is a Pensacola native....

Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The parent company of the New York Yankees took out a $240-million loan, leading some to wonder how financial secure the Bronx Bombers really are. Owner George Steinbrenner reportedly borrowed through parent company Yankee Global Enterprises because of MLB debt rules capping the team’s borrowing at $25 million. That loan came after an $85 million loss posted by the Yankees last year, triggered in part by a sky-high payroll and a crushing league revenue-sharing bill. Meanwhile, the team is preparing to pitch in $800 million toward a new ballpark to replace the aging Yankee Stadium. The baseball world is sometimes oblivious to the ways of the financial world, and it could be much of this is standard corporate business practices. Plus, Steinbrenner has managed to keep his assets separated -- the YES Network, which broadcasts Yankees games and could be worth upwards of a billion dollars, isn't technically part of the Yankees corporate empire.
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Report targets Stockton City Council over cost of waterfront project
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City leaders failed Stockton by allowing former City Manager Mark Lewis too much power in construction of Banner Island Ballpark and arena, ultimately costing taxpayers millions more than it should have, a report said. The San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury’s scathing annual report filed Monday with the San Joaquin County Superior Court scolds the City Council for a long list of problems overseeing the $67 million Events Center Project that inflated to a total of $99 million. The grand jury admonished the council for allowing Lewis to change the seating layout for Banner Island Ballpark while ignoring consultants and city staff or Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) owner Tom Volpe, the grand jury found. Lewis wanted the city to pursue a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team and made changes to the ballpark configuration -- some later reversed -- to meet Class AAA seating requirements. With Volpe and the Ports currently suing the city over the construction of Banner Island Ballpark, this report would seem to be damning evidence. More from columnist Michael Fitzgerald.

Twins ballpark spending plan outlined
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County officials outlined a tentative $5 million spending plan Tuesday to begin work on a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District. Though a formal vote on the plan isn't expected until next week, it would authorize the county to hire consultants, begin acquiring land for the stadium, negotiate a development agreement with the Twins, review designs for the stadium, produce an environmental impact statement and begin work on an estimated $90 million in surrounding infrastructure.
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Danbury taking minor-league pitches again
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Danbury (Ct.) Mayor Mark Boughton says he has been approached by private individuals who want to bring a minor-league baseball team to the city. Danbury considered building its own minor-league ballpark from 2002 to 2004 for an independent Northeast League (now the Can-Am Association) team. The developers of the former Union Carbide land at Interstate 84's Exit 2 offered to build the city a ballpark when they announced their plans in July 2002, but that plan fell through. Danbury is already a pretty decent minor-league-hockey market. We're assuming it's an independent-team owner investigating the market. Though Floyd Hall previously had an interest in the market, it could be someone looking at an Atlantic League team, which is looking to expand its footprint north. We know of another Massachusetts municipality in addition to Leominster approached by reps from the Atlantic League on the possibility of a new ballpark.

Ryan, Clemens provide minor advantages, too
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Perhaps the best relationship between a major-league club and their minor-league affiliates is in Texas, where the Houston Astros have benefited greatly from a partnership with Ryan-Sanders Baseball and signing affiliate deals with the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League). Players head regularly to both teams in rehab assignments, and Nolan Ryan himself helps out on the coaching front.

Allentown ballpark plans moving forward
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Allentown (Pa.) planning officials approved plans for a $34-million ballpark on the city's east side yesterday. Lehigh County would own the 43-acre home of the relocated Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) -- slated to be a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate -- and lease the space to Joe Finley and Craig Stein for $700,000 a year. A condition of the city planning commission's approval requires Lehigh County to resolve any issues revealed in a traffic study still under review by city consultants. The timeline calls for construction bids to be let in anticipation of a 2008 opening date. More on how the move to Allentown should help the Phillies. MLB rules prohibit the Phillies from commenting on the Allentown situation, and we're guessing that when the season ends the Phillies will have a lot more to say, including a few surprises. More from the Morning Call.
    RELATED STORIES: Allentown baseball plans, team announced

Moore reorganizes Royals front office
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This didn't take long: new Kansas City Royals GM Drayton Moore has made several changes in the front office. Dean Taylor, a former member of the Royals front office and former Milwaukee Brewers GM most recently serving as assistant general manager of the Cincinnati Reds, is the new vice president-baseball operations/assistant general manager. Muzzy Jackson is the new vice president-player personnel/assistant general manager; he's in his 15th season of professional baseball and has been assistant general manager of the Royals since 1999.

Tradition Field revamps almost complete
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Parking modifications are almost done and seating remodeling is in the works at Tradition Field, the home of the St. Lucie Mets (Class A; Florida State League) and the spring home of the New York Mets, as the county and a local advocate for the disabled come closer to a compromise of the facility's Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. Palm City resident Leonard Wein sued the county in March, claiming seating for the disabled is inadequate and handicapped parking is dangerous at the ballpark. The county is making most of the changes he asked for, staying in compliance with ADA guidelines.

D.C. landscape architects support underground parking for Nats ballpark
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Leaders of the Potomac chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) support placing parking facilities for the new Washington Nationals ballpark underground in order to encourage mixed-use development around the ballpark.
    "We support the commitment by the Nationals owners to creating a 'total fan experience' with the new ballpark and believe that putting the parking underground will be critical to their success" said Heather Hammatt Modzelewski, president of the Potomac Chapter ASLA. "The stadium site was selected specifically to draw development to that part of the city. The ballpark is a tremendous long-term investment for the city and it should leverage mixed-use development that will create a vibrant neighborhood year-round-not just on game days six months of the year."
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New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Approving the extension of a sales tax to pay for a new $33 million ballpark is a sound investment in the economic future of Springdale (Ark.), according to city leaders speaking at a rally yesterday. The Springdale Chamber of Commerce organized a luncheon to sway 250 members of the city's Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions clubs to help get out the vote for a July 11 special election that will decide whether Springdale can sell bonds based on that sales tax to build the ballpark in the hope of attracting a minor-league baseball team. No team has committed to the move, although local officials have had talks with a Class AA Texas League team, presumably the Wichita Wranglers. Here's an argument against the new ballpark from a Springdale sportswriter.
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A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the debate in Fort Wayne over the future of 15-year-old Memorial Stadium, the home of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Class A; Midwest League). The larger point here is that older buildings are quite often economically obsolete before they are physically obsolete, and they get town down all the time. The trick is deciding which buildings are economically obsolete and which ones are worth saving. Fort Wayne officials want to use a ballpark as an economic development tool for downtown, and their argument is that Memorial Stadium has served its purpose, but it's time to move on to a newer facility.
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Convicts clean up after Tornadoes
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Minimum-security inmates from the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction in West Boylston have been cleaning up at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, the home of Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am Association), after the team’s home games since the start of the Tornadoes' second season last month. Jail administrators decided to provide the convict labor after being approached by city officials, who helped bring the independent Can-Am League team here in 2005 and have promoted the team as an economic development initiative.

Sox of the South
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Boston Globe seems to have quite the love affair with West End Field, the new home of the Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League). They should: the ballpark is one of the most stunning new facilities in recent years, both for the ballpark itself and the prominent place it occupies in the resurgence of an important Southern city. We're guessing the front office of the Atlanta Braves is probably kicking itself right about now for abandoning Greenville for Pearl, Mississippi: while attendance in Pearl is already down, attendance in Greenville is surging and the ballpark is making national headlines.
    RELATED STORIES: Leave, and they will build it; Baseball Web site gives West End Field top grade; A city getting it right

Ray Winder Field to add wireless Internet
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Better late than never. Ray Winder Field, the longtime home of the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), is adding wireless Internet access via a deal with AT&T. Current AT&T customers will be able to access wireless at Ray Winder Field at a discounted price. However, the Travelers will hand out a limited supply of free day passes good for 24 hours. The ballpark will close in September, with the Travelers moving to a new ballpark in North Little Rock for the 2007 season.

Anaheim Valencias were all about fun
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Here's your nostalgia for the day: an article about the 1947 Anaheim Valencias, a team in the Class A Sunset League affiliated with the Sacramento club in the Pacific Coast League. The Sunset League consisted of Anaheim, Riverside, Ontario, El Centro, Las Vegas and Reno. The first professional baseball team in Orange County history played at LaPalma Park and finished in first place in '47, forging an 81-59 record.

Best pitch for minor league Rox isn't a fastball. It's an oddball.
Posted June 14, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Times must not make it out to too many minor-league games, treating the promotions from the Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am Association) as being unique. They are very clever, but they're not that much from what the St. Paul Saints staff is doing in St. Paul, John Kuhn is doing in Sioux Falls, Buck Rodgers is going in Brevard County, Kurt Landes is doing in Hagerstown, or even what Vern Stenman is doing in Madison. Clever and irreverent, sure.

Ballpark Notes
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Grizzlies Stadium, the home of the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), hosts its first soccer game on July 12 when the Fresno Fuego hosts the Orange County Blue Star at 7:30 p.m. The match was announced by the Grizzlies/Falcons ownership group this afternoon during a press conference at Grizzlies Stadium. Promotions for the game include free team posters to the first 3,000 fans, youth soccer opening ceremonies and a post-game fireworks extravaganza. Tickets for the event are $7....The Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association) will honor CBS Evening News anchor and Face The Nation host Bob Schieffer at LaGrave Field on Friday, June 16 with a special "Bob-blehead doll" as part of Bob Schieffer Appreciation Night. The Cats face the Pensacola Pelicans at 7:05 p.m. and will hold a pre-game ceremony honoring Schieffer beginning at 6:45 p.m. Schieffer will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The Cats will be giving out 1,000 Bob Schieffer Bob-bleheads Friday night through a lottery system. Schieffer, who grew up in Fort Worth, attended Cats’ games at LaGrave Field in the 1940s and ‘50s. He attended North Side High School and TCU.

Cubs are not for sale, say Tribune Co. officials
Posted June 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tribune Company is going through a restructuring of sorts, but officials there say they have no plans to sell the Chicago Cubs or Wrigley Field. Published reports during the weekend said longtime Cubs player Ernie Banks and another investment firms had talks with the Cubs about a purchase, but the discussions came at the request of Banks, This isn't the first time Banks has talked about buying the Cubs: he approached the Wrigley family in 1981 before the team and the ballpark were sold to Tribune Company. Banks met with Tribune Co. executives May 23 to discuss buying the team, but was rebuffed. As you might expect, the New York City tabloids went nuts over the prospect of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani buying the Cubs; too bad it's not true.

Time sought for scrutiny of York ballpark
Posted June 13, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Before giving its blessing to a proposed ballpark in downtown York for an independent Atlantic League team, the city planning commission wants time to review a stack of engineering reports, impact studies and intricate design details, right down to the planting of trees and where people are expected to park. Monday, the planning commission delayed a decision on a land development plan until July, when they will see if 49 issues raised by the city's planning department and engineer are addressed. The planning commission is expected to consider a recommendation for the ballpark project July 12. The city council is to make a final decision at its Aug. 2 meeting. The project is under a tight deadline: construction could begin as soon as September, with a June 2007 completion date.
    RELATED STORIES: York team name finalists announced; York hopes to duplicate Lancaster Barnstormers' success; Owner fights seizure for York ballpark; HARB OKs razing for York ballpark; State grant brings York ballpark nearer; Review unlikely to derail York ballpark; Preservation voice needed on York ballpark project?; Sharing the history behind York's ballpark site; Lease deal set for York ballpark; York board questions ballpark payments; Ill-timed epiphany on York ballpark; Bottom of the 18th for York ballpark; Brenner goes to bat for York ballpark; York ballpark on life support?

Jackie's name for ballpark?
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The New York Daily News continues its campaign to name the new New York Mets ballpark after Jackie Robinson, who reintegrated baseball when he took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. No major league baseball ballpark is currently named after a player, and many of the country's other sports venues sold naming rights to corporate sponsors. The issue is money: with the Mets putting up the costs of constructing a ballpark, city and state leaders don't have much leverage, and there doesn't seem to be any talk of the city buying naming rights to the ballpark -- naming rights that are expected to yield upwards of $10 million a year for the Mets. Fred Wilpon could probably settle the debate by saying Robinson's name will be part of the ballpark name -- like Robinson Field at Met Life Stadium -- but that's a little premature.
    RELATED STORIES: NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Lynx left in tough spot
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With all the excitement over baseball returning to Allentown, the flip side is more painful: the loss of baseball in Ottawa. The Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) will be a lame-duck franchise for the 2007 season, operating as an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, before moving to Allentown for the 2008 season. Baseball was once the hot spot in Ottawa, with the Lynx setting minor-league attendance. But that excitement left Ottawa long ago. Ironically, Canada's good showing in the World Baseball Classic and the emergence of Canada-born stars like Justin Morneau and Erik Bedard are leading to a resurgence of the sport north of the border. Ottawa's loss will leave Canada with just one affiliated minor-league team: the Vancouver Canadians (short season; Northwest League). Perhaps the guys behind the ill-fated Canadian Baseball League were just a little ahead of their time: you could put together a pretty good circuit -- or, even better, a good summer collegiate circuit as the counterpart to the Western Baseball League -- centering on teams in eastern Canada: Ottawa, London, etc.
    RELATED STORIES: Allentown baseball plans, team announced

Blacksnakes GM resigns
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Duane Miller, the first general manager of the St. Joe Blacksnakes (independent; American Association) has resigned from his position, citing personal reasons and is no longer with the organization. The St. Joe native’s resignation comes just after the team completed their first month of play.
    "We would like to thank Duane for his contribution to the Blacksnakes in our inaugural season and wish him the best in his future endeavors," said Mark Schuster, managing general partner. Until the team brings in a new general manager, Schuster will oversee the day-to-day operations.
    The Blacksnakes are 12-17 through the first month and nine games back in the North Division. St. Joe is averaging 1,531 fans per home game, which is eighth in the ten-team league.

MLB won't get involved in Kansas City credential flap
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The two radio personalities/reporters -- WHB’s Bob Fescoe and KCSP’s Rhonda Moss -- who had their media credentials revoked last week by the Kansas City Royals won’t be getting any relief from Major League Baseball. Patrick Courtney, vice president of public relations for MLB, said by phone Monday that he was aware of the situation after receiving a call from Moss last week. But Courtney said he doesn’t foresee MLB stepping into the matter. The pair had their credentials yanked last Friday, one day after a somewhat contentious news conference held by the Royals to introduce new general manager Dayton Moore. The early portion of the news conference was dominated by questions directed at David Glass and his handling of the Allard Baird firing.

Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs
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The Cobb Field Advisory Committee on Monday recommended that the City Council ask voters to approve a $12.5 million bond issue for a new downtown ballpark to replace aging Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). The new proposal being recommended to the council is $2.5 million less than the preliminary estimate presented recently in a consultant's feasibility study. Among the major items eliminated from the original plan were corporate skyboxes and a community room for a combined cost of about $1 million. Although the committee recommends excluding skyboxes from the bond issue, the luxury seating could be added to the stadium under a proposal to have customers -- likely corporations with deep pockets-- pay for them ahead of time. Other features eliminated from the original proposal include a sun shade over the third-base bleachers for a savings of $226,536, saving $108,000 by eliminating a concrete walkway around the stadium's exterior, a $51,000 reduction in the cost of a building that would house management and ticketing operations, and $175,059 in savings on a scoreboard. They may want to reconsider that elimination of a concourse ringing the field: that's usually one of the most-loved features of a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORY: Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Council likely won't fund D.C. baseball office
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D.C. Council members yesterday said they are not likely to appropriate the $750,000 Mayor Anthony A. Williams needs to fund the city's new Office of Baseball, saying they already have committed enough public money to the Washington Nationals' new ballpark project. The goal of the office: streamline communication between ballpark stakeholders, including the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission and the Anacostia Waterfront Corp. (AWC). Council chair Linda Cropp says the sports commission already has been tasked with running the ballpark project. She said she would support forming an Office of Baseball under existing agencies but does not want to give them additional funding.
    RELATED STORIES: Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project; Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking; Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M; Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new ballpark; D.C. ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but concerns linger; D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball; The Nationals' wish list; Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking; Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening'; Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full approval expected today; Nats ballpark design up in the air; It's official: Lerner nabs Nats; MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

ULB officials pleased with successful start
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The first season for United League Baseball is going well, ULB chief operating officer Byron Pierce said Monday. Going into the start of a six-game home stand tonight with the first of three games against league leader Edinburg, the Alexandria Aces are averaging 1,638 fans at renovated Bringhurst Field through 15 home dates. That ranks fourth in the league behind Amarillo (2,560), Edinburg (2,066) and Harlingen-based Rio Grande Valley (1,685). Laredo's average attendance is 1,498, and San Angelo's average is 1,267. League officials are planning a new ballpark in Laredo, which should boost attendance there.
    RELATED STORIES: Coyotes win out in Edinburg -- for now; United League Baseball owners relocate to Edinburg; Roadrunners continue fight with Edinburg; Legal order blindsides Edinburg: exactly who will control ballpark?; New for 2006: the Laredo Broncos; Name for ULB's Laredo team to be announced next week; New for 2006: The Edinburg Coyotes; Edinburg schedule, GM set for ULB; Rowdy is roadkill; No baseball in Edinburg in 2006?; City of Edinburg vs Roadrunners heats up; New United League team in Amarillo to retain Dillas name; Biancalana to manage; New problems for Edinburg Roadrunners; Moore decides to stay in Edinburg with new team, league; Tredaway decides to remain with CBL; Roadrunners, Edinburg make first bankruptcy court showing; Roadrunners seek bankruptcy protection; Lawsuit keeps ’Runners on life support; United Sports seeks privately financed ballpark in Amarillo; Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study; Baseball is back in Amarillo; Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future
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The construction of a downtown baseball complex would likely lead to the demolition of Memorial Stadium, the current home of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Class A; Midwest League). Members of the BaseballPLUS Committee, a group of community leaders investigating the feasibility of a downtown baseball ballpark, Monday said there would be no real use for Memorial Stadium on Coliseum Boulevard if a new ballpark were built. Randy Brown, general manager of the Coliseum and a committee member, said it costs about $1 million per year to operate the stadium. If the Fort Wayne Wizards left the stadium for a new venue, that cost could drop to about $500,000 per year, but there would be no way for him to make up those costs. The issue is whether Memorial Stadium is economically obsolete and whether a new downtown ballpark can stimulate economic development, as it has in cities like Dayton.
    RELATED STORIES: New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Fullerton Building Center buys naming rights to Lumber Lounge
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Fullerton Building Center will be the new sponsor of the Lumber Lounge party area at Alliant Energy Field, the home of the Clinton LumberKings (Class A; Midwest League). The Lumber Lounge will now be referred to as the "Fullerton Lumber Lounge." The "Fullerton Lumber Lounge" is a crowd favorite at Alliant Energy Field and is available to rent for business and individual group outings.
    Fullerton Building Center will also be sponsoring a new ticket promotion for the remainder of the season. Fans can bring in any receipt from Fullerton Building Center to a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday regular season home game and receive half price admission on a general-admission ticket.

Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark
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In an effort to draw support for a tax-financed minor league ballpark, the Springdale Chamber of Commerce is launching a more aggressive promotional campaign extolling the virtues of bringing a professional sports franchise to Northwest Arkansas. An election scheduled for July 11 will give city residents a chance to vote on a referendum that proposes to extend a 1-percent sales tax, which in turn is expected to generate $50 million for a 7,000-seat ballpark and improvements to infrastructure at the southwest corner of 56th Street and Watkins Avenue. No team has committed to the move, although local officials have had talks with a Class AA Texas League team, presumably the Wichita Wranglers.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

RiverHawks offer speed dating at ballpark
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Many other teams -- in both MLB and MiLB -- offer singles night at the ballpark, but here's an unusual twist: the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) are featuring Speed Dating Night at every Tuesday night game. The idea of speed dating is efficiency -- to give each single the opportunity to meet as many other singles as possible in a limited amount of time. Each person will have about five minutes with a partner before switching to somebody new. At the end of the event, if people choose to have further contact, the RiverHawks will be able to facilitate a second meeting. The event runs 5:45-6:45 p.m. before Tuesday games.

Sally League All-Star Game to be televised
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The Class A South Atlantic League and the Lake County Captains have announced that the 2006 South Atlantic League All-Star Game at Classic Park on June 20 will be televised live on Adelphia Cable of Northeast Ohio and in eleven states across the Southeast on Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS). The 47th annual SAL All-Star game will be played at Classic Park in Eastlake, Ohio, home to the Lake County Captains, the SAL affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The game will be shown to over 350,000 homes in the greater Cleveland area on Adelphia Channel 15. In addition, CSS will provide a live broadcast of the game to 4.5 million households across the Southeast, including SAL markets in Asheville, NC, Augusta, GA, Charleston, SC, Columbus, GA, Greenville, NC, Hickory, NC, Lexington, KY, Rome, GA, and Savannah, GA.

No grand slams among new York team names
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Here's another column questioning the appeal of the five finalists for the team name of a proposed new York team to play in the independent Atlantic League. The finalists -- Choppers, Steel Horses, Dukes, Revolution and White Roses -- do make some sense when you stop to think about them, but great team names don't require you to think about them. The variations on motorcycles -- Choppers, Steel Horses -- do make the most sense in terms of marketing and sponsorships, though, especially when you consider Choppers also works in a baseball context.
    RELATED STORIES: York team name finalists announced

Great Falls White Sox hit town today
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Now that the college baseball season is almost over and the MLB draft completed, the final professional leagues to start play will open their seasons shortly -- the rookie-level Appalachian and Pioneer Leagues. For a town like Great Falls, a group of players hitting the airport together is a big deal. About 20 players are expected to report for work today, including more than a dozen who will fly in from the Chicago White Sox's extended spring training in Tucson. The White Sox open their season June 20 after some practices at Centene Stadium. The short-season leagues -- Northwest League and NY-Penn League -- also start next week.

Ballpark Notes
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Former big-league pitcher Pedro Borbon is the new pitching coach for the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (independent; United League Baseball). Borbon, 38, pitched for a number of Major League Baseball organizations from 1992 to 2003. The last major league team he pitched for was the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003. Last year, he pitched in the minor leagues in Class AA and AAA ball, along with a stop in an independent league. Borbon is a native of the Dominican Republic.

Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project
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If you're shelling out $450 million for a baseball team, you'd probably want some control over one of your biggest assets: a new ballpark. That's the case in D.C., where the new ownership of the Washington Nationals is stepping up its campaign to control more of the new ballpark design and building process. In theory, the battle at the current time is over parking ramps in the area (Nats ownership wants more above-ground parking; the city wants less underground parking). But the largest issue is whether the new ballpark can open for the 2008 season. Given that site preparation and full ballpark plans aren't yet fully completed, many already question whether a 2008 opening is feasible; if the Lerner group asks for more changes to the site and the ballpark, there's virtually no chance a 2008 opening date can be met.
    RELATED STORIES: Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking; Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M; Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new ballpark; D.C. ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but concerns linger; D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball; The Nationals' wish list; Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking; Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening'; Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full approval expected today; Nats ballpark design up in the air; It's official: Lerner nabs Nats; MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

Allentown baseball plans, team announced
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As we've been reporting for months, the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) will be playing the 2007 season as an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and then be moving to Allentown, Pa., for the 2008 season. The 7,000-seat ballpark, on former Agere Systems property between American Parkway and Union Boulevard, will have a "big-league feel in a very small, intimate setting," said Joe Finley, who along with Craig Stein will own a portion of the team and manage it and the ballpark. Stein owns the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League), and he and Finley jointly own the Lakewood Blue Claws (Class A; Sally League), both affiliated the Phillies. Twenty suites will run along the upper level of the ballpark, while a party area behind home plate will be available for rental. Picnic areas will be set up, and the entry plaza will feature a bar, barbecue pits and grills and other concessions. The Allentown Planning Commission on Tuesday will review development plans for the proposed ballpark, which is being designed by HOK. We'll bring you renderings and other ballpark information later this week. More on the affiliate situation here.

Red Barons fans say it's all for love of the game
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With Allentown officials confirming the Philadelphia Phillies will be switching their affiliation to the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) in 2007 and a new Allentown ballpark in 2008, the future of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League) became a little fuzzier. Early speculation has the Baltimore Orioles -- the current MLB affiliate of the Lynx -- shifting to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but don't be surprised if the Washington Nationals make a play for an affiliate closer to the team's base of operations. And don't be surprised if some tongues start wagging over the future of the Red Barons. Per-game attendance dropped to 6,457 in 2001, rose to 6,580 in 2002, then dropped to 6,476 in 2003, 6,105 in 2004 and 5,725 in 2005 -- the lowest per-game attendance in club history. For 2006, the Red Barons rank 10th of the 14 teams in the International League, according to official minor-league attendance figures. The team has a per-game attendance of 4,909 in 29 games this season, although attendance usually rises once school ends. Without a Phillies affiliation, many assume attendance will slide even further. There's no doubt affiliated baseball will work in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre -- the question is whether the International League will work.

Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million
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Corporate suites, a restaurant/tiki bar and seating for up to 2,000 in an outfield picnic area are among the features of a proposed Sarasota spring-training complex for the Cincinnati Reds. Then there's the price: $54 million to $62 million, depending on where it's built, according to figures released by the Sarasota officials. The plan currently calls for a 6,500-seat ballpark (shown below) with room for 1,500 to 2,000 spectators on an outfield berm, where families can picnic and watch the game. The price for a new ballpark and spring-training complex is about $54 million if it's built across the street from Ed Smith Stadium, $62 million if built elsewhere. Finding money to play for it all is the issue: there is potentially $15 million state funds (the Florida Legislature approved $75 million for five spring-training complexes, but Gov. Jeb Bush has not yet signed or vetoed the legislation).
    RELATED STORIES: Osceola County wooing Indians; Could Indians end up training at DisneyWorld?; 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

Owlz, Angels extend PDC
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The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Orem Owlz (rookie; Pioneer League) announced the extension of the teams’ Player Development Contract through 2010. The previous agreement was set to expire after the 2008 season. "We are pleased to announce this two-year extension of our player development contract with Orem through the 2010 season,” said Tony Reagins, Angels’ Director of Player Development. “Our working partnership with the entire Owlz' organization has been an extremely positive one and we look forward to more success, both on and off the field, in the years to come.” Tom Kotchman, the winningest active manager in Minor League Baseball, will return to manage Orem for his 6th season -- and his 23rd in the Angels' organization -- after leading the team to its second consecutive Pioneer League Championship in 2005. Since the team’s arrival to Utah County in 2001, Kotchman’s teams have won five divisional titles and competed for a championship each year. More on the affiliate situation here.

Activist fans feel no Twins appreciation
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David Hoch and Joe Marble are Minnesota Twins who conducted their own high-profile campaign for a new ballpark: they've collected signatures and made films about baseball and, Minnesota, at one point becoming involved with promoter Paul Ridgeway. The pair are upset they weren't invited to the onfield ceremony at Metrodome when Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the state legislation enabling a new ballpark; Twins president Dave St. Peter says not everyone key to the success of a ballpark could be present for the ceremony. (True enough: we know of people a lot more key to the success of the lobbying effort not present on the field.) The Twins are planning a reception and an in-game party in the right field terrace suite on July 19 to reward supporters like Hoch and Marble, but they're not pleased with a free ticket to a Tampa Bay Devil Rays game. We're guessing the pair feel like useful fools.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote
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Thirteen polling sites will be operating July 11 when voters determine whether a sales tax extension will fund construction of a minor-league ballpark in Springdale. At question is extending a 1-percent sales tax to pay up to $46 million for a ballpark to be occupied by an as-yet-unnamed baseball team, though it's widely rumored to be the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League). Construction is expected to require $33 million, with the remainder going toward engineering and design fees, contingency fees, and $4 million toward the purchase of 40 acres at the southwest corner of 56th Street and Watkins Avenue.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Restaurant boom may pay Safeco Field bonds early
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Because of King County's thriving restaurant business, the bonds that helped pay for Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners, could be paid off four years earlier than expected. When Safeco Field was built in 1999 at a cost of $517.6 million, bonds worth $325 million were earmarked for the project -- paid with a combination of taxes to be collected through 2016. But King County finance director Bob Cowan says he's certain now that the Safeco Field bonds will be paid off by 2013 and maybe by 2012, thanks to more folks dining out in King County. The money to pay off the bonds comes from three sources: a half a percent tax on food and beverage sales, a 2 percent car-rental tax, and a 0.017 percent sales tax.

Ballpark site work to continue in Marion
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This week crews will be repairing silt fences, finishing drainage work and moving dirt in preparation for phase two of construction on a new ballpark in Marion, Ill., consisting of installation of concrete and steel. Southern Illinois Baseball Group officials are still working toward a 2007 opening date for the ballpark, a project pushed by local attorney and businessman John Simmons. After MiLB officials rejected a proposal to move the South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League) to Marion, Simmons was put in the position of seeking an independent team as a tenant for the ballpark. Remember, as the owner of an affiliated team -- the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League) -- Simmons cannot own an independent-league team, per MiLB rules. The Frontier League is the logical match for Marion, though we know reps for Simmons has approached Northern League and American Association officials.
    RELATED STORIES: Major construction of Marion ballpark to begin mid-June; Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks; Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to Simmons; Midwest League reconsidering Marion application; Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet; Marion baseball still seen as possibility; $16 million ballpark needs league of its own; Midwest League rejects Marion; Group awaiting the words 'play ball': Final approval on sale of South Bend baseball team may come next month; Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday; Marion ballpark expected to be ready in 2007; Victory Sports announces Northern League team for South Bend; Ballpark funding draws some boos; Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for Marion; Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'; Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

FBI seeking to hush Bonds' ex-girlfriend in MLB steroid probe
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A battle is erupting over investigations into alleged steroid use by Barry Bonds and other MLB players. FBI agents asked Barry Bonds' ex-girlfriend not to cooperate in Major League Baseball's steroid probe while a federal grand jury investigates whether the Giants slugger lied under oath about drug use. Attorney Martin Garbus says agents asked Kimberly Bell not to assist former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell in the independent investigation he is heading. The larger issue is who controls the investigation: Bonds and other players probably won't want to cooperate, either, and while it's admirable Bud Selig appointed Mitchell to investigate, their hands are tied while a federal investigation is ongoing.

Frontgate outfits suite at Great American Ball Park
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Home-furnishings retailer Frontgate has partnered with the Cincinnati Reds to create America's first Frontgate Outdoor Luxury Suite. Available to the general public through the Reds' group ticket sales department, the Frontgate Outdoor Luxury Suite at Great American Ball Park features high-end outdoor furniture found in America's finest homes, including chaise lounges, outdoor rugs and beverage tubs. Located above the owner's suite above home plate, the new luxury suite will remain open the rest of the season. Frontgate also has agreed to the title sponsorship through the 2008 baseball season, which includes updating the decor and furniture offerings each year.

Fundraising begins for McDermott Field renovations
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Plans to renovate McDermott Field, the home of the Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League), appear to be underway. The City Council has granted the Chukars an additional $400,000 from general funds. Now all the team has to do is come up with their share of the bargain: $250,000. Chukars ownership has already promised $50,000, leaving $200,000 to go. If all goes as planned, construction will begin following the final game this season.

Yuma scores first television deal in Golden Baseball League
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The independent Golden Baseball League announced the Yuma Scorpions have reached an agreement with Adelphia Cable and Arizona Western College to televise four games this season. This marks the first television broadcast deal for the league. As part of the partnership, Arizona Western College will provide the broadcasters and their AWC TV Services crew to team with Adelphia engineers to show the games live on Adelphia Channel 28 in Yuma. The first broadcast was last Saturday night; future broadcasts are scheduled for July 21, Aug. 19 and Aug. 26. Jim Howell will handle the play-by-play, with Patrick Cunningham doing color.

It's time for a new vision at Wrigley Field
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a call for the quaint, old-fashioned center-field scoreboard at Wrigley Field to be replaced by a modern videoboard. The reason: you can't see replays during Cubs games. Mike Veeck, whose father planted the famous outfield ivy and installed outfield bleachers, says Bill Veeck would have embraced a modern video scoreboard -- after all, he did install the famous exploding scoreboard at Comiskey Park. We're not sure the elder Veeck would embrace video, though: the Cubs seem to be doing just fine without video replay, and there are plenty of Cubs fans who come to the ballpark precisely because there's no videoboard or exploding scoreboard. The Cubs front office isn't totally made up of Luddites: the team has installed state-of-the-art wireless phones for communications between the dugout and the bullpens.

Don't let Mills renege on Bergen ballpark
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Or, rather, don't let Mills renege on a tentative deal to build a ballpark on financial terms favorable to me. Steve Kalafer, the owner of several independent Atlantic League teams, puts pen to paper in an effort to drive some public opinion toward his proposal to have Mills Corp., the folks behind the Xanadu complex in New Jersey's Meadowlands, build a ballpark for the Bergen Cliff Hawks. Mills is not without culpability in this matter -- in winning the rights to the $1.3 billion complex, the firm did say a ballpark would be part of the complex, though in the end Meadowlands officials didn't secure that intention to a contract and in face explicitly released Mills from that commitment -- but in the end a team really can't force anyone to build a ballpark against their will, and Mills probably won't follow through on a ballpark without some sort of state subsidy.
   RELATED STORY: A ballpark deal, but with a big 'if'; Xanadu price tag to rise; opening could be year late

Clemens plays to packed house in Corpus Christi
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Roger Clemens 2007 prep tour made a stop in Texas, where he suited up for the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League) in a second minor-league start. Clemens left the field to a rousing ovation from baseball fans in Astros country. He threw 73 pitches, 52 of them for strikes, two of them for sharp singles in the fifth and sixth innings. Clemens lost his no-hitter on the 50th pitch of the breezy Gulf Coast night. Clemens threw 10 more pitches and played three more innings than he did Tuesday in a start for the Lexington Legends (Class A; Sally League) before a ballpark-record 9,222 fans at Applebee's Park. The official count in Corpus Christi was 9,022. Nolan Ryan, an owner of the Hooks, reflects on the changes in baseball since he pitched -- in those days, for instance, pitchers rarely went to the minors on a rehab assignment.
    RELATED STORIES: Clemens brings record crowd to Lexington; Clemens to begin season in Lexington

Minor-league baseball in PacNW on upswing
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With opening day approaching June 19, minor league baseball team owners in Everett, Tri-Cities, Yakima and Spokane expect robust attendance this year based on advance sales of season tickets and group tickets. Season-ticket sales for the Everett AquaSox, Tri-City Dust Devils, Yakima Bears and Spokane Indians are up across the board. Group sales at all four clubs, which are part of the eight-team Northwest League, are also on the rise. Although overall attendance for the eight teams hasn't broken the 1 million fan mark since 2000, the league has averaged 877,571 over the past five years.

The minor leagues -- a summer job that pays like one
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On a monthly basis, minor-league baseball players aren't paid a whole lot -- they receive the big money as signing bonuses. But not all do, especially college seniors with little negotiating leverage. This story is about two minor leaguers in the San Francisco and Oakland farm systems, and how they are handling life playing for the Sacramento River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and San Jose Giants (Class A; California League). Then again, these players are in affiliated ball: Ryan Webb of the Long Beach Armada (independent; Golden Baseball League) would give anything to be in their shoes.

In memoriam: Moe Drabowsky
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Moe Drabowsky, the prankster pitcher who delighted in putting pythons in teammates' shoes and wound up as a World Series star for the Baltimore Orioles when they won their first championship in 1966, is dead. He was 70. Drabowsky died Saturday at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center in Little Rock, spokeswoman Liz Caldwell said Sunday. He had been ill with multiple myeloma, the Orioles said. Drabowsky was a top-rate prankster, the kind you don't see in baseball anymore.

RiverDogs go veggie
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charleston RiverDogs (Class A; Sally League) upgraded their concessions offerings with a signature veggie hot dog: the Grateful Dead Dog (it was supposed to be the grateful dog, but the printer made an error and team officials thought it was funny so they kept it). The Grateful Dead Dog is a piece of lavash, painted with humus and a Jamaican relish, topped with a veggie dog. In addition, the team now sells a veggie dog topped with vegetarian chili.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 12, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announced manager Tim Foli has been granted a leave of absence after leaving Thursday night's game against the Nashville Sounds in the first inning, suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion. No date has been set for a return. Scott Little, who is the Washington Nationals' field coordinator in charge of all the minor league teams, will serve as interim coach during Foli's absence....The Colorado Rockies have announced that Dave Hajek will be the new hitting coach for the Modesto Nuts (Class A; California League). Hajek will fill the hitting coach vacancy that was left open when Glenallen Hill assumed the manager responsibilities for the Nuts. Dave Hajek is in his third year in professional coaching after making his coaching debut with the Asheville Tourists in 2004. In 2005 Asheville posted the second-highest batting average in the South Atlantic League with a .274 clip, the highest team average since 1999. A former second baseman, the 38-year old retired after the 1999 season following a 10-year pro career. Hajek compiled a .301 minor league average with 43 homers and 526 RBI. Hajek briefly played in the major leagues with the Astros, playing five games in 1995 and eight games in 1996.