Recent
Visits |
O'Brien Field, Peoria Chiefs
The minor-league baseball season may be over, but
the far-flung correspondents of Ballpark Digest
still have a boatload of ballpark visits to share
with you over the next few weeks. We kick off the
series with Gus
Venditto's photos of O'Brien
Field, the home of the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A;
Midwest League).
With a wraparound
concourse and trademark palm trees in the
outfield, O'Brien Field is regarded as one of the
nicest facilities in the Midwest League. It
features all you'd expect from a modern ballpark:
an outfield berm for family seating, 20 suites,
party decks and a massive scoreboard.
Keyspan Park, Brooklyn
Cyclones
How do you
honor the contributions of Brooklyn to baseball
history after the borough went without
professional baseball for the better part of 50
years? If you're Fred Wilpon and you own the New
York Mets, and you're a Brooklyn-born baseball
lover with the money and power to place a
minor-league team right in Coney Island where the
history of baseball and hot dogs intersect with
the Atlantic Ocean and famous boardwalk
attractions, you build Keyspan Park, the home of
the Brooklyn Cyclones (short season; NY-Penn
League). After six seasons, it's still one of the
great ballparks of minor-league baseball:
Visitors will
immediately recognize that a minor-league ballpark
in the middle of a metropolis makes for a unique
experience -- and putting one into the middle of
Coney Island is almost overwhelming.
Finch Field, Thomasville
HiToms
Finch
Field, the home of the Thomasville HiToms, was
extensively renovated before the 2006 season,
and the
resulting transformation is nothing short of
amazing. Finch Field went from a ballpark with an
uncomfortable grandstand and a lot of history to a
great little ballpark with a comfortable
grandstand, improved concessions and a boatload of
charm. Plus, the HiToms and the local community
managed to achieve this extreme makeover for $1.4
million -- surely one of the biggest ballparks
bargains in recent years.
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The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2006 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
owners. |
Broadcasts |
Virtually every MiLB team now streams broadcasts over the
Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
More
on Internet radio and TV broadcasts here! |
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Archives:
April 9-15, 2006
New Mets ballpark deal is
stalled
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If
the New York Mets didn't anticipate this
happening, they haven't paid attention to the
history of New York City politics over the last
200 or so years. The team and local Queens
political figures are at loggerheads over how the
Mets will give back to the community after gaining
approval on
a new ballpark
to replace
Shea Stadium.
Never mind the majority of the costs of the new
ballpark will be borne by the team: the city will
be committing land and infrastructure costs (so
there's a sense of entitlement), and the New York
Yankees did set a precedent by promising millions
in community spending as a condition of city
approval of the
new Yankee
Stadium. So far, the Mets have rejected a $1
million request for community support, countering
with a $200,000 offer. A million is cheap compared
to what the Yankees are paying; the two sides are
talking, but we're guessing the Mets will cave
fairly quickly.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Ballpark Visit: Citizens
Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies
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Is
Citizens Bank Park the best ballpark in baseball?
While its location keeps it from being considered
the best overall ballpark, it certainly is right
up there. In fact, there is no reason why Citizens
Bank Park shouldn’t be sold out every night: the
ballpark is lovely and the Phillies field a
competitive team.
The abundance of small touches -- Ashburn Alley,
above-average concessions, public art -- and some
unique design decisions make Citizens Bank Park by
far the most interesting ballpark in the majors.
Environmental measures could
increase new Nats ballpark costs
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The
cost of building the new Washington Nationals
ballpark could increase by millions of dollars if
the project is to be certified as environmentally
friendly. In a letter obtained by WTOP Radio, the
D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission says
adding the necessary features could cost as much
as $10 million. The city's goal is to
minimize water pollution, reduce waste and save
energy. D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission
spokesman Tony Robinson tells WTOP the agency is
seeking outside grants to offset the costs of
meeting those standards.
RELATED STORIES:
Nats, city officials long for owner;
For some fans, D.C. ballpark designers whiffed
big-time;
D.C. officials unveil Nationals ballpark design;
At long last, a D.C. ballpark deal;
D.C. exempt on Nationals ballpark overruns;
MLB signs lease for new Washington Nationals
ballpark
Robinson tired of RFK
Stadium talk
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Jose
Vidro says the Washington Nationals management is
ignoring problems with
RFK Stadium -- namely, that the fences are too
far out, calling it an "airplane field." Now,
the New York Mets hit four homers there yesterday,
which would indicate to many that the ballpark
dimensions aren't really an issue. And Nats
manager Frank Robinson, who sounds extremely
frustrated with his slow-starting team, says any
complaints are unwarranted. Nats President Tony
Tavares,
who got into a shouting match with Vidro before
yesterday's 13-4 loss, says there's no way the
team can change the fence dimensions in the midst
of the season.
Tulsa, Rockies
extend affiliation deal
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The
Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) and the
Colorado Rockies announced today that they have
extended their affiliation agreement for an
additional four years. The new agreement between
the two organizations means the Drillers will
continue to operate as the Double A affiliate of
the Rockies until at least through the 2010
baseball season.
More on affiliate status here.
"We could not be more pleased with the great working
relationship that we have with the Colorado
Rockies," said Drillers Executive Vice President
Chuck Lamson. "Our first three years with the
Rockies have more than met our expectations. From
the level of communications we have to the
competitive teams, they have been a first-class
organization for us to be affiliated with."
The Drillers became the Double A affiliate of the Rockies in
September of 2002, following a 26-year partnership
with the Texas Rangers. The Drillers have produced
winning records in each of their three seasons
with the Rockies, and have won first-half
championships in each of the last two seasons. As
a Rockies affiliate, Tulsa has compiled the best
overall record in the Texas League in both the
2003 and 2005 seasons.
Vegas' big league pitch
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More
on the suitability and unsuitability of Las Vegas
as a MLB market. On the plus side: there's a lot
of people and money flowing through Sin City, with
1.8 million residents and 40 million visitors a
year. On the minus side: it's only the #48 media
market, well behind San Antonio. We do know
Oakland A's managing partner recently hinted at
Las Vegas
being a possible destination for his team should
an Alameda County ballpark not work out. Don
Logan, the GM of the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League), doesn't believe the market
is yet ready for big-league baseball.
Bees hope makeover is an
instant classic
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Larry
Miller, the owner of the
Salt Lake Bees (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League),
went retro in a big way at Franklin Covey Field:
The insides of Franklin Covey can now be called
Cooperstown Concourse as 44 portraits -- 20 more
in suites -- of Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb,
Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax and others will hang
from pillars. The Bees, who began their season on
the road last week, will present three Hall of
Fame moments during the game, including a classic
radio call of a historical moment. Salt Lake is
even bringing back the knothole club, for kids age
12 and under, that includes T-shirts and game
tickets.
More from the Deseret News.
PCL announces 2006 Hall of
Fame inductees
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The
Triple-A Pacific Coast League of Professional
Baseball Clubs officially announces today the
newest members of its historic Hall of Fame. This
year's distinguished list of seven PCL greats
represent over 100 years of service in the league
spanning from 1921 to the present day. The
celebrated class is compiled of such prominent
individuals as former manager Tommy Lasorda,
former players Eddie Basinski, Dominic "Dom"
DiMaggio, Bert Ellison, Dario Lodigiani, Bill
Schuster, and the current PCL Statistical
Historian Bill Weiss.
Plenty of options for Tiger
Stadium
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Despite
the statements from city officials about the
inevitability of Tiger Stadium being torn down,
that future is not assured for a variety of
reasons. There have been several proposals to
renovate the facility, but city officials (with
the backing of the politically powerful Ilitch
family) seem hell-bent on tearing down the 1912
ballpark, which opened the same day as Fenway
Park. Ironically, many real-estate experts say the
Tiger Stadium site is too small for big-box
development: usually retailers look for sites of
20 acres or so, and the Tiger Stadium site is only
10 acres. What is needed: a statement from the
Tigers that they want to see Tiger Stadium
renovated and preserved.
A film on attempts to preserve Tiger Stadium
premieres April 24.
More
on Endangered Ballparks here.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
Hadlock's new pavilion
seating the latest tie to good old Fenway
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The
Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League)
opened the U.S. Cellular Pavilion at Hadlock Field
Thursday before the season opener. The pavilion,
which sits beyond the right-field wall, is
patterned after the seats on Fenway Park's Green
Monster. The new section adds 10 rows of pub-style
seating, with 393 seats. It is the largest
expansion at Hadlock since a 500-seat section was
added down the left-field line. The addition makes
Hadlock the fourth-largest ballpark in the Eastern
League, with 7,368 seats.
Grapefruit League sets
attendance mark
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Spring
training games in Florida set an attendance record
this year, drawing more than 1.6 million fans to
18 parks while the New York Yankees led the way
with an average crowd of 10,124. In March, 274
games were played in Florida with crowds averaging
5,855, the Florida Sports Foundation said
Thursday. The attendance total of 1,603,393
surpassed the mark from 2005 by nearly 5,000. The
Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota
Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Devil Rays
set overall attendance records in 2006. Five teams
topped 100,000. This was the eighth consecutive
year the Yankees drew more than 10,000 fans a
game.
Saints announce
2006 promotional schedule
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The
ever-entertaining St. Paul Saints (independent;
American Association) announced their 2006
promotional schedule. Many of the promotions are
pegged on team co-owner Mike Veeck, including
tributes to Eddie Gaedel (the midget made famous
by Bill Veeck), a Mary Frances Veeck/White Sox
Tributes and VHS Demolition Night, the natural
followup to Disco Demolition Night. Also on the
agenda: a Bill Murray bobblehead night. The
promotion that might raise the most local fuss:
the Love Boat Anniversary Party, a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the TV
show. The Love Boat here is the Minnetonka Queen,
and the unique color scheme of the boat (gold and
purple) may remind fans of another well-known Twin
Cities area vessel that has been in the news.
Weather doesn’t dampen
Clinton’s party
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In
addition to christening a renovated ballpark
Thursday night, the Clinton LumberKings (Class A;
Modwest League) also broke in the new drainage
system at Alliant Energy Field. A crowd of more
than 2,500 was on hand to watch the LumberKings’
home opener against Kane County before a
thunderstorm suspended play in the middle of the
sixth inning with the Cougars leading 8-2. The
game was suspended because Kane County scored
seven runs in the top half of the inning to rally
for a lead before play was halted.
Sox radio pact may top $12m
per year
Posted April 14, 2006 (feedback)
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The
multimillion-dollar bidding war to secure radio
rights to Red Sox baseball is virtually certain to
pump more money into the team at a time when
stations in other cities are refusing to increase
payments for play-by-play broadcasts. The battle
between Boston's dominant sports station, WEEI-AM,
and the owner of radio station WBOS-FM over which
will walk away with the right to air Sox games
once again demonstrates the enormous marketing
power of the team. WEEI's contract with the team
expires this year, and the Sox have taken bids
from radio stations for several months, but they
have no deal yet. In their new contract, the terms
of which are still being worked out, the Sox are
likely to earn at least $12 million a year --
nearly as much as the $13 million paid annually to
the Atlanta Braves, and more than the New York
Yankees' current $10 million deal, though that is
expiring this year. (Thanks to John Cerone.)
Bulls and ballpark ready for
season
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The
Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) may
have suffered through a losing season last year,
but that didn't stop fans from coming out in
droves -- a team-record 520,371 packed
Durham
Bulls Athletic Park. New at the ballpark this
season: "Wool E. Bull's International Café" will
increase offerings different from the traditional
ballpark hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks. And
a "Healthy Hits" stand will offer fruits and
vegetables and even a bit of organic fare. Also,
the former concourse souvenir stand will be
converted into a sports bar-type lounge for season
ticket holders.
Anybody out there? Echoes
hollow at Dolphin Stadium
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Some
in baseball are comparing this year's edition of
the Florida Marlins to the 2001 Montreal Expos,
where a skinflint owner slashed payroll and
marketing the team solely to hardcore baseball
fans, resulting in record-low attendance figures.
The comparisons are apt: Jeffrey Loria has a
distinct way of doing business, and that involves
punishing a market that doesn't build him a new
ballpark. Yesterday the Marlins sold 8,191 tickets
to another matinee, and some think the Fish will
end up being close to the Expos' 7,935 fans a game
from 2001.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Blacksnakes report brisk sales for inaugural
season
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The
St. Joe Blacksnakes (independent; American
Association) announce that they are sold out of
outfield wall signs at
Phil Welch Stadium
for the 2006 season and that other available
corporate sponsorships are selling briskly.
Season tickets in the chairback seats are selling
quickly, too. Out of 504 box seats in the stadium,
there are only 64 seats remaining for sale to
season ticket holders. "We are extremely pleased
with the support the community has shown so far.
While we were optimistic in January that the area
would be supportive, we have been pleasantly
surprised at the enthusiasm," said Duane Miller,
general manager of the Blacksnakes.
Ballpark Notes
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An
RBI double from Eddy Martinez-Esteve of the
Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern
League) in the 10th inning powered the Defenders
to a 5-4 win over the Trenton Thunder on
Thursday night. The paid crowd of 7,069 was the
largest for a home opener in the 13-year history
of the Thunder franchise. The previous high on a
home opener was 6,994 in the 1995 season. The last
time Trenton had a sellout for a home opener was
2001. That team was 0-9 heading into that
game....Tonight Siena College and Le
Moyne College will play the first-ever
Division I college baseball game at Joseph Bruno
Stadium in Troy, N.Y. Game time is 6:30 p.m. The
ballpark is home to the Tri-City Valley Cats
(short season; NY-Penn League).
A's close to deal for
Fremont ballpark, officials say
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The Oakland A's are in the final stages of
negotiating to build a new ballpark in Fremont on
land leased by Cisco Systems Inc., a city official
said. The team's co-owner Lew Wolff wants to build
a ballpark village including thousands of homes
and a retail center on a 143-acre parcel of land,
Fremont City Manager Fred Diaz said. Diaz, along
with Fremont City Council members and Daren
Fields, the city's economic development director,
met April 3 with Wolff to discuss the possible
deal. The move would allow the A's to not only tap
its East Bay fan base, but also get closer to
businesses and fans in Silicon Valley without
infringing on the San Francisco Giants' South Bay
territorial rights. However, the move could
present its own set of problems -- with the main
one being transportation. The site for the
proposed ballpark is about five miles away from
the Fremont BART stop, a direct contrast to the
A's current home, which features nearby BART and
Capitol Corridor stops. Whether the A's actually
move ahead immediately with a new ballpark (as
opposed to other development) remains to be seen:
the A's and the team's current landlord, the
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority,
are in preliminary negotiations for a contract
extension at
McAfee
Coliseum. While the deal would keep the A's in
town until at least 2010 and possibly until 2013,
it appears likely that the team will have an
option to leave without penalty after that, if it
relocated inside Alameda County.
RELATED STORIES:
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick
wants Tiger Stadium razed
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Detroit Mayor Kwame
Kilpatrick said he'll make a final decision on
Tiger Stadium's fate in May. But he all but
confirmed Tuesday that the ballpark will be, in
broadcaster Ernie Harwell's trademark line, long
gone. Showing how far along his thinking had
progressed on the issue, Kilpatrick said he's
gotten estimates that enough memorabilia could be
salvaged from the ballpark and sold to pay for the
demolition at no cost to the city. David Malhalab,
a retired Detroit police officer who is among
those trying to save the stadium, said Kilpatrick
has failed to consider legitimate plans to save
it.
More on our Endangered Ballparks page.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
Squeeze play on the Mets
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Some City Council members are trying to "extort"
community benefits from the Mets before approving
tax-exempt bond financing tied to the
team's
future ballpark, Mayor Michael Bloomberg charged yesterday.
"We can't just turn every development project into
the opportunity for a handful of elected officials
to say, 'I want you to give some things to my
friends' companies,' " the mayor said. ". . .
Every development project . . . cannot be an
excuse to extort money from the developers." The
Mets plan to replace
Shea Stadium with a
state-of-the-art facility to open in 2009 on what
is now an adjacent parking lot. In return, Queens
lawmakers have demanded a community partnership
similar to what the Yankees agreed to for their
future stadium.
Some accuse the Mets of being bad neighbors.
More from the Daily News.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Grizzlies
unveil changes to Grizzlies Stadium
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The Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) highlighted the new features to Grizzlies
Stadium and showcased their improvements at their
first Media Open House. The new features in the
ballpark include a completely renovated team
store, new items to the Kids’ Fun Zone such as an
inflatable slide, 28-foot rock-climbing wall and
maze and an overhaul of the owner’s suite. The
media also had the opportunity to sample one of
the new food items available to fans this season,
Peach Melba "Grizzlies Paw." Peach Melba is fresh
peach, hand-dipped vanilla ice cream with
raspberry sauce drizzled on top.
Dodger Stadium as IRL race
site?
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Indy Racing League and
Dodger Stadium officials
are exploring the possibility of holding a
road-course race in the area surrounding the
stadium. Dodgers senior vice president of
communications Camille Johnston confirmed Monday
that IRL officials are proposing a race that would
use the parking lot and access roads on the
streets in Elysian Park. IRL vice president of
public relations John Griffin said the race likely
would be held in March, with a 2007 event being a
remote possibility.
Sviggum says
Twins bill will get fair shake
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Minnesota
Speaker of the House
Steve
Sviggum tells Sid Hartman the proposal for a
new Twins ballpark in downtown Minneapolis
will get a fair hearing in the Legislature in
coming weeks. There's no state money involved in
the project -- it will be mostly financed by a
0.15 percent sales tax (excluding food, clothing
and medicine purchases) in Hennepin County -- and
the real point of contention will be whether the
Legislature allows the tax levy without a
countywide referendum, which is the current law.
So far the issue has not been contentious, though
there are some anti-tax conservatives and
anti-ballpark liberals who will raise a fuss once
the issue comes front and center.
RELATED STORIES:
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Senate panel OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Twins ballpark initiative resuming;
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 ballpark lunch ends on glum note;
Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome;
Small-market Twins might be on verge of being
overrun economically;
Expect a plan but no ballpark;
Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark;
Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be
renewed;
Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for
Twins ballpark;
Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Don't leave Twins special session up in air;
Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark;
Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot;
Twins could be hot commodity;
Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court
case;
Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins;
Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty;
Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark;
Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed;
Minnesota special session may not include Twins
ballpark;
Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if
approval is delayed;
Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota;
Twins ballpark may slip this year;
Will special session be called to pass Twins
ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping;
Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark;
Possible Twins site has new life;
Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota;
Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share;
Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins
ballpark;
Few want to pay for Twins ballpark;
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
Decision on new
Major League affiliation for Red Barons still
months away
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The
folks in Lackawanna County apparently were hopeful
about luring the Pittsburgh Pirates as a parent
team for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons
(Class AAA; International League), but the
decision by the Pirates to extend their current
PDC with the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA;
International League) would preclude that shift.
The Phillies have all but announced they'll be
changing affiliations when their current deal with
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ends at the end of this
season. Team and county officials are pulling
together a plan to attract possible suitors, but
the courtship process follows a stringent time
line that starts with the season’s end. The
logical replacement would be the Baltimore
Orioles, who are expected to lose their
affiliation with the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) should the team be sold and
moved. More on our
Affiliates page.
Stars, fans will mingle
during All-Star break
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Though the plans aren't final, the Pittsburgh
Pirates are hinting at some big things for this
summer's All-Star Game, to be held at
PNC Park.
Plans for Pittsburgh are still developing but will
involve the city's bridges and perhaps its
buildings and rivers. The city's face lift also
could include wrapping abandoned buildings with
the All-Star Game logo, Mayor Bob O'Connor said.
Communities throughout a 10-county region will be
involved in the outreach effort. Before the game,
O'Connor said he wants to rid streets of
panhandlers, toughen laws on public drunkenness,
plant flowers and pave roads.
Fair Grounds Field turns 20
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Fair Grounds Field, the home of the
Shreveport Sports (independent; American
Association), is now 20 years old. Once considered
a jewel of the minors, Fair Grounds Field was
built before Dunn Tire Field and Oriole Park at
Camden Yards, two events that radically changed
ballpark design. Twenty years after Shreveport had
a $3.5 million stadium request on the ballot, the
Arkansas Travelers will be moving into a $32.5
million stadium in North Little Rock, Ark., in
2007. While newer stadiums have come with the
proverbial bells and whistles, Fair Grounds Field
did have a renovation in 1999 with additional sky
box room, the press box being moved to the fourth
floor and bullpens being moved past the outfield
wall. It doesn't sound like anyone is clamoring to
spend tens of millions on a new ballpark to
attract an affiliated team -- leaving the market
to the Sports.
Reggie interested, but Loria
is not selling
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Hall
of Famer Reggie Jackson said Wednesday he has
approached Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria about
purchasing a portion of the team, but Loria does
not appear interested. Jackson and his three
investment partners have failed in several
attempts to buy teams, including the Oakland
Athletics and the Minnesota Twins last year.
Jackson said his group would be interested in
owning either minority or majority interest in the
Marlins, and he has broached the issue to Loria in
the past "about trying to do something if anything
ever arose. I know Jeff. I feel I have a good
relationship with him." One issue with Jackson:
he's quite upfront about his desire to bring a
team to Las Vegas, so it's doubtful he would be a
passive investor.
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San Antonio officials get an invite
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ballpark;
Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San
Antonio lures Marlins;
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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
Someday I'll get to see the
Suns play
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Columnist
Tim Rowland checks out the Hagerstown Suns (Class
A; Sally League) and the changes they've
implemented for the 2006 season. The biggest is
the addition of a plaza outside Municipal Stadium,
which includes a new team shop and ticket stands.
The other changer: the overhauling of
orange-and-black caterpillar mascot Woolie B.
Opener's upbeat, but Devil
Rays need to win
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The
Tampa Bay Devil Rays began the season with a boom,
selling out
Tropicana Field, but if crowds are to
consistently full the Trop the team needs to win
-- something they've never done. Many of the
changes, such as free parking, a history display,
a good cleaning and a new sound system, should
sustain the team for most of the first half of the
season. But if the Devil Rays are in last place
and noncompetitive at the All-Star break, look for
the crowds to wither.
RELATED STORIES:
Same old Rays? Not today
Fisher Cats' owner 'loves
the thrill of the business...'
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Art
Solomon gets to preside over his first home opener
as the majority owner of the New Hampshire Fisher
Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) tonight at 6:35
when they open their third season in Manchester,
against the New Britain Rock Cats at
Merchantsauto.com Stadium. Solomon admitted to
such a youthful exuberance last week before the
Fisher Cats even played a game. Now the team has
six games on the road under its belt and is
expecting to be greeted at home tonight by a crowd
of upwards of 5,000 people and temperatures in the
mid-50s.
More on the Fisher Cats here.
Young Marlins
lose game and fan interest
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How
quickly fans forget. The Florida Marlins drew an
announced crowd of 8,994 to the second game of the
season at
Dolphin Stadium, and most of the ballpark was
empty. It's understandable that Jeffrey Loria
doesn't want to put any money into the team, but
the Marlins are dangerously close to becoming a
joke in the sporting world: we think the Fish have
already crossed the line where they are insulting
long-time fans.
Minor-league teams give
Maryland's entertainment industry a boost
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Prince
George’s Stadium, the largest minor league park in
Maryland with 10,000 seats, has become a strong --
albeit seasonal -- economic engine for Bowie. The
same can be said for Maryland’s other minor league
baseball teams and stadiums, in Frederick,
Hagerstown, Aberdeen and Salisbury, as the
baseball season opens, boosting revenue prospects
for area businesses. And next year, a sixth
Maryland minor league team is expected to take the
field, in Charles County.
Charles County
ballpark receives state funding
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Speaking
of Charles County: the project received funding as
the state legislative session came to an end: $2.3
million for a 4,500-seat ballpark, to be named the
Regency Furniture Stadium, in St. Charles. State
officials have included language in the budget to
guarantee the remaining $4.7 million of the
state's portion of the ballpark funding next year.
California, USF to play in
first collegiate game in AT&T Park
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California and San Francisco will play in the
first collegiate game in
AT&T Park in honor of
former Dons' coach Dante Benedetti, who died in
November at age 86 after a long illness. The Dante
Benedetti Classic is scheduled for April 25 at 1
p.m., before the Giants host the New York Mets
later that night. Benedetti is credited for saving
the school's baseball program from elimination in
the late 1960s. He coached the team for 16 years
for an annual salary of $1 and also used his own
money to purchase baseball equipment for
underprivileged kids around the city. Speaking of
the Giants: Delivery company DHL said
Wednesday it signed a deal to sponsor the San
Francisco Giants, the seventh major league team it
advertises with. DHL didn't say how much it paid
for the right to advertise in the team's ballpark
and fan magazine. It will also get a promotional
DHL theme night game during the season.
College Baseball Hall of
Fame announces nominees for first class
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The
College Baseball Foundation announced today the
names of 46 all-time collegiate baseball greats --
22 former players, 12 coaches and 12 veteran
candidates, who comprise the 2006 Ballot for
induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
The ballot was e-mailed earlier to the
eighty-member Hall of Fame Voting Committee, who
will participate in two rounds of elimination
votes in order to pare these legendary names to
the final list of first-ever Hall of Fame
Inductees. You'll recognize most of the names; the
question will be how voters will ever be able to
winnow down the lost.
Ballpark
Notes
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Dave
Duquette Jr., the nephew of owner and former
Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette, will
replace Richard Murphy as the director of
operations for the Pittsfield Dukes (NECBL).
Murphy left the team on April 6 to become the vice
president and general manager of the Tri-City
ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League).
Duquette, 23, is a 2005 UMass graduate with a
bachelor's degree in sport management....Paul
Chiofar joins the Boise Hawks (short
season; Northwest League) as the radio
play-by-play announcer for the 2006 season after
working for four of the last five seasons in the
California League with the Modesto A's,
Modesto Nuts and the Bakersfield Blaze.
He has also handled radio duties for the New
Haven Ravens (Class AA; Eastern League) and
the Tri City Posse (independent; Western
Baseball League).
Hennepin County board OKs
revised Twins ballpark plan
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A divided Hennepin County Board of Commissioners
approved
a revised Minnesota Twins ballpark
proposal yesterday that increases the project's
budget to $522 million, and sets up a key showdown
at the State Capitol. The board voted 4-3 to
increase the county's total construction
commitment for the proposed stadium in downtown
Minneapolis to $392 million. The Twins would pay
$130 million, or about a quarter of the ballpark's
construction. Hennepin County needs permission
from the state to levy a 0.15 percent sales tax
(excluding food, clothes and medicine) to pay for
the ballpark as well as avoid a countywide
referendum on the matter; the House Tax Committee
is expected to discuss the matter next week.
More from the Pioneer Press.
The dour Joe Soucheray comments as well.
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Twins laying off threats, for now;
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Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again;
Twins ballpark lunch ends on glum note;
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Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be
renewed;
Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for
Twins ballpark;
Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
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Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins;
Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty;
Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark;
Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed;
Minnesota special session may not include Twins
ballpark;
Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if
approval is delayed;
Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota;
Twins ballpark may slip this year;
Will special session be called to pass Twins
ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping;
Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark;
Possible Twins site has new life;
Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota;
Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share;
Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins
ballpark;
Few want to pay for Twins ballpark;
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
Loria wants Marlins' fate
decided soon
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Standing in the corner of the Florida Marlins'
clubhouse an hour before their home opener
Tuesday, owner Jeffrey Loria renewed his threat to
move the team. Loria said the Marlins will find
another home if they're unable to swing a deal
soon for a new ballpark in South Florida; the team
has already said it won't stay at
Dolphin
Stadium. And he
acknowledged that talks with local officials
remain at a standstill, as a flirtation with San
Antonio failed to stir local officials to sweeten
their financial offer for a new ballpark. We're
guessing Loria knows San Antonio is not the answer
-- local officials are delusional if they think
they can build a new ballpark for $300 million,
and there's no way the Fish will land a good
cable-TV contract -- but his options are few as
Las Vegas continues to be off-limits and Portland
elected officials show no interest.
More from the Miami Herald
and the
San Antonio Express-News.
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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;
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stadium options;
Norfolk session pleases
Marlins;
Possibility of Marlins
ballpark deal called remote
Construction starting on
Midland ballpark
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A ceremony was held yesterday to commemorate the
start of construction on a new 5,488-seat
ballpark in Midland, Mich, to house the relocated
Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest
League) next season. More than 100 people from the
Tri-Cities attended a ceremony as officials served
ballpark-style food and gave away goodie bags with
peanuts, bubble gum and baseballs. Dow Chemical
has purchased naming rights to the ballpark; the
privately financed ballpark is being funded by
local foundations, Dow Chemical Co. and Dow
Corning Corp.
Rumors trail A's search for
new ballpark
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Is
Oakland A's managing partner Lou Wolff merely using
Fremont as a pawn while he seeks a more lucrative
new ballpark in
Oakland, Las Vegas or San Jose?
That's the suspicion in this article,
as Wolff continues to negotiate for Cisco-owned
land in Fremont while meeting with Fremont
city leaders. There is some logic to assuming
Wolff might be holding Las Vegas in his hip
pocket: it would explain why the Florida Marlins
have not received permission from MLB officials to
negotiation with Sin City reps.
Indians, Pirates extend
player development deal
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The
Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International
League) signed a two-year extension on their
player development contract (PDC) with the
Pittsburgh Pirates, the club announced Tuesday
afternoon. The new agreement will run through the
2008 season. Indianapolis posted a 78-66
regular-season record in 2005 -- its first season
as a Pirates affiliate. The Triple-A Indians also
qualified for postseason play for the first time
since 2000, advancing to the International League
Governors' Cup Finals. Fourteen players were
promoted from Indianapolis to the big leagues
during the 2005 campaign. Pittsburgh's 2006
Opening Day roster also included 12 individuals
who played for the Tribe a season ago.
More on affiliation
deals here.
Fans take themselves out to
the Nats ballgame
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The Washington Nationals ended up about 1,000
tickets short of selling out
RFK Stadium yesterday
-- not bad for a team that started the season
slowly. (We're guessing Dick Cheney, who threw out
the first pitch, wasn't exactly a draw: the vice
president's approval rating have dipped below 20
percent in recent months, and
he received a decent amount of boos when he
delivered the pitch,
much to the delight of the tabloids and
the chagrin of the Washington Times.)
We're guessing the Nats will be in a lull period
before a new ballpark is built: fans tend to
ignore teams with new ballparks in the works until
the season before the ballpark opens. (A
new local owner may spur interest in the team,
though.) It may be easier to get to Nats games
this season: Metro is experimenting with express
trains that skip some stops to speed riders on to
special events. Metro offered baseball fans
express trains Tuesday,
dubbed Fastball Express, for the Washington
Nationals' home opener,
though some fans were confused. It sounds like
the Nats and Aramark upgraded the food offerings
at RFK Stadium: good thing, because they
sucked last season.
Ripken's insight benefits
Augusta
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A crowd of 5,239 was on hand to see
the beginning of the Ripken era for the Augusta
GreenJackets (Class A; Sally League).
From
the new party pavilion deck down the right field
line to the kids' inflatable fun zone in left,
Ripken baseball has put a touch of class in Lake
Olmstead Stadium. Energy was circulating through
the record 5,239 fans like the breeze from six
massive propeller fans underneath the bleacher
canopies.
RELATED STORIES:
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Famed voice of Yankee
Stadium sorely missed
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Legendary
Yankee Stadium announcer Bob Sheppard
missed his first Opening Day in more than a half
century with a minor hip injury -- and fans said
yesterday his trademark booming voice was missed.
Sheppard, 95, had never missed a home opener since
he started working as the Bombers' public address
announcer in 1951. He hurt his hip at home Monday
night and hopes to return by the next homestand.
More from the New York Times. Ed Lucas, who
hasn't missed an Opening Day in 51 years,
was
there.
Connecticut fans could find attending a Yankees
game easier once a new ballpark opens if a
proposed Metro North facility is built.
RELATED STORIES:
Yankee Stadium still has special allure
Catfish fans come out, but
will it continue?
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The Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally
League) got off to a good start at its Golden Park
home opener, drawing a crowd of 2,765. New GM Ken
Clary was handing out schedules and working the
crowd, but he and owner David Heller have the
tough task of selling the team while opening
looking for a new home elsewhere. We're not sure
Columbus is the perfect place for Class A
baseball, but we'd love to be proven wrong.
Upstairs at
Fenway Park
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A
world away from the gritty bleacher seats and
snaking sausage lines, the inhabitants of the
exclusive new EMC Club yesterday did something
that once would have been unthinkable at
Fenway
Park: They sat in a restaurant with white
tablecloths, nibbled sesame-seed tuna (pan-seared
with a roasted tomato and ginger sauce for $32),
and sipped pinot grigio. The Red Sox's new
$275-a-game haven is perfectly designed to appeal
to the rich, the very rich, and the merely well
connected. The little touches are everywhere.
Valet parking attendants stand ready to take
ticket holders' cars. Heaters above the seats --
think french-fry warmers -- protect the bigwigs
from Boston's often-chilly weather. They can be
escorted to batting practice and visit the Green
Monster to get their photos taken. Even the
restrooms come with fresh flowers and scented
soap. No troughs here.
More from the Boston Herald.
Renovated Fenway eateries
stepping up to the plate
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We'll miss the grimy and cramped
atmosphere, but many fans will probably prefer the
renovated Cask and Flagon, a popular watering hold
across the street from
Fenway
Park and a
must-visit for many fans. The result is a more
open bar and restaurant complete with 60
high-definition plasma screen televisions so that
fans never have to miss a second of the game. Even
if you have to go to the bathroom you’re covered:
screens are being installed in the restrooms.
Other local pubs and restaurants have been
upgraded as well. (Thanks to John Cerone.)
Jacksonville eyes MLB spring
training 2007
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The
Jacksonville Economic Development Commission’s
Sports and Entertainment Board is working to bring
a pair of major league teams to the
Baseball Grounds
of Jacksonville for a
spring season-ending series. The board is
targeting teams a little further down MLB's
pecking order: the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Florida
Marlins and Washington Nationals, midlevel teams
that would charge from $100,000 to $150,000 a
piece in appearance fees. A similar arrangement
exists in Las Vegas and has been profitable both
for the city and the teams involved.
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for Casa Grande;
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Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
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contract;
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Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
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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
Nine years enough to shed
daylight on tradition
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Home openers tend to be taken for granted by some
teams. Take the Arizona Diamondbacks, who don't
seem to do much special at
Chase Field for opening
day past some additional music. True, no one does
Opening Day like Cincinnati, where a traditional
weekday parade precedes the game, or the Yankees,
where Opening Day is a time-honored ritual. The
Diamondbacks toyed with the idea of moving the
Opening Day game to the afternoon, but decided
against it.
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Kind move helps cancer-stricken fan heal
New Busch Stadium has its
own quirks
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Now that the St. Louis Cardinals have played a few
games at
the new Busch Stadium, the players have
started to identify some of the quirks there. The
biggest one is due to the new ballpark's open
design: the wind will be much more of a factor
there than in the more enclosed old Busch Stadium.
That's good news for fans: cooling breezes will be
there throughout much of the season, as it could
get pretty toasty at the old Busch in August. The
outfield fence is lively, keeping balls in play,
and foul territories at
the new Busch Stadium are smaller than at the old
Busch: good news for fans (they're closer to the
action) and batters, bad news for pitchers.
RELATED STORY:
Fans revel in new Cardinals ballpark;
Ready or not....;
Ballpark Visit: Busch
Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
Arlington gets
first peek at town center next to ballpark
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After
12 years of looking at empty green fields and vast
parking lots circling the Texas Rangers’ home,
Arlington residents can now see the first drawings
of a town center planned next to
Ameriquest Field.
The designs are "85 to 90 percent final,"
according to developer Yaromir Steiner, who will
talk about the project at an Arlington
Conservation Council meeting Wednesday night. The
first phase, which will have more than 1.1 million
square feet, will replace the parking lots on the
ballpark’s west and south sides.
Carneal in fine
form for his 51st season as broadcaster
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Herb
Carneal showed up at the
Metrodome Tuesday night
for the beginning of his 51st season broadcasting
baseball games. Carneal, who turns 83 this year,
has called Twins games on the radio since 1962 --
their second season in Minnesota -- after spending
time as an Orioles broadcaster. He needs a walker
to get around, his voice is not as strong as it
was and his role is limited -- to the first three
innings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games
as well as weekday afternoon starts.
High Point University
baseball complex to be named Williard Stadium
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Coy Williard, president of Williard-Stewart
Inc., and his wife, Susan, have donated $1 million
to High Point University to name the baseball
complex Williard Stadium in honor of Williard’s
late father, Coy O. Williard Sr. Williard Stadium
will feature 500 chair-backed seats, a press box,
special guest seating, concessions and marketing
areas, and restrooms. Construction on the stadium
will begin after the current baseball season ends
and is expected to be complete before the 2007
season gets under way.
Fans revel in new Cardinals
ballpark
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Yesterday
was a good day to be a scalper in St. Louis, as
fans swamped
the new Busch Stadium to witness the grand
opening of the ballpark.
There were more buyers than sellers outside the
ballpark, and nosebleed seats were going for
upwards of $160. Fans reported themselves pleased
with the new ballpark; after years of attending
games at the old Busch Stadium, they seemed happy
to be in a real ballpark -- which pretty much
confirmed our original look at the ballpark.
Red Schoendienst gave his approval.
Players seemed pleased, too, but they realize
there will be some work in learning about the
ballpark's twists.
It seemed like all of St. Louis's movers and
shakers were at the game. (To make thing
better, the Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee
Brewers 6-4.) For those who wonder about the
connection between ballparks and economic
development, the folks in St. Louis say
the ballpark is an important cornerstone for the
redevelopment of a moribund downtown, with
several projects big and small already in the
works. Would this redevelopment come without a
ballpark? It's a chicken-or-the-egg scenario, to
be sure, but it's hard to think it all would have
happened without the Cardinals.
More from the Kansas City Star.
RELATED STORY:
Ready or not....;
Ballpark Visit: Busch
Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
Ballpark Visit: RFK Stadium,
Washington Nationals
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The
Washington Nationals open their second season
today against the New York Mets at RFK Stadium,
one of the
original cookie-cutter stadiums: a circular
facility designed to host both pro football and
baseball, with the fences and stands reconfigured
depending on the use.
While RFK is a serviceable ballpark, it's not a
great facility, and while it holds pleasant
memories for those of us lucky to see Washington
Redskins games in the 1980s, it is seriously
lacking when it comes to baseball. Good thing it's
a temporary facility while D.C. builds a real
ballpark.
House-hunting for Marlins on
hold, for now
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After
a month of flirting and San Antonio offering up a
letter jacket, the Florida Marlins have decided
not to go steady with the Alamo City and will wait
before making any moves toward a possible
relocation. One issue is that the Marlins have not
received permission from MLB to explore a move;
the other is that the Marlins brass seems to
genuinely want to work on a new ballpark solution
in Miami. Marlins ownership met with San Antonio
political leaders during the team's opening games
at Houston's Minute Maid Park, and those San
Antonio officials now sound pessimistic about the
chances of luring the Fish to the 37th-largest
television market.
Eleven Marlins will be seeing Dolphin Stadium for
the first time tonight
-- such as
it is -- but the rest of Miami
doesn't seem to care,
reports Dan Le Batard.
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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;
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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
Canaries to
hold tryouts during exhibition game
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The
Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American
Association) are holding tryouts in an unusual
way: Nine winners selected in a pregame workout
will be given the chance to play for the Canaries
in the game against Sioux City. The tryout begins
at 11 a.m. and is open to anyone over the age of
18 that has purchased a ticket to the exhibition
game. Each of the amateurs selected will get the
opportunity to play one inning in right field and,
if fortune permits, they may even get a chance at
the plate.
Politics, tax tangle Twins'
quest for new park
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State
approval of a new sales tax in Hennepin County to
help pay for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark looks
likely to pass, leaving Hennepin County
Commissioners the task of working out the finances
with the Twins. Estimates for the new ballpark
have risen since the county first proposed a 0.15
percent sales tax increase (excluding food,
clothes and medicine) to help pay for the downtown
Minneapolis Warehouse District ballpark.
Ballpark proponents held a rally yesterday at the
site of the proposed ballpark.
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votes to pass;
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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 ballpark lunch ends on glum note;
Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome;
Small-market Twins might be on verge of being
overrun economically;
Expect a plan but no ballpark;
Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark;
Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be
renewed;
Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for
Twins ballpark;
Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Don't leave Twins special session up in air;
Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark;
Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot;
Twins could be hot commodity;
Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court
case;
Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins;
Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty;
Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark;
Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed;
Minnesota special session may not include Twins
ballpark;
Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if
approval is delayed;
Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota;
Twins ballpark may slip this year;
Will special session be called to pass Twins
ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping;
Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark;
Possible Twins site has new life;
Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota;
Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share;
Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins
ballpark;
Few want to pay for Twins ballpark;
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
Yankee Stadium still has special allure
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For
the Kansas City Royals, today's game has special
meaning: they're playing the New York Yankees at
the Bronx Bombers' home opener. Opening Day at
Yankee Stadium is unlike Opening Day anywhere
else: the tradition of the years really comes
tumbling forth. The last time the Royals won there
was Aug. 6, 2002, so there will be a little
pressure on many of the young Royals, who are off
to a decent start under Buddy Bell.
Kind move helps
cancer-stricken fan heal
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Jason
Kurtz is throwing out the first pitch at the
Arizona Diamondbacks home opener at
Chase Field today.
He's definitely not the biggest celebrity in the
Valley at the moment -- that would be Masters
champ Phil Mickelson -- but his story is the best:
a Stage 3 cancer victim, Kurtz underwent months of
chemotherapy and radiation therapy to stall the
disease. One bright moment in his therapy: a visit
to Chase Field and being upgraded to the best
seats in the house. Kurtz credits the upgrade as a
key moment in his therapy, and the Diamondbacks
are honoring his recovery today.
Hottest ticket in town
leaves many out in the cold
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The
Boston Red Sox have already sold 2.5 million
tickets this season, and the demand doesn't seem
close to abating. The Sox also made the fateful
decision not to air any games over local
television, broadcasting them instead on NESN for
financial reasons. This leads some to wonder
whether the Red Sox aren't cutting fans off the
team, a move that could bite them in coming years.
Swing, city spar over
finances
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The
city of Davenport has threatened to close John
O'Donnell's doors, or not grant a new liquor
license this year, if Seventh Inning Stretch, the
owners of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Class A;
Midwest League) doesn't pay $415,241 owed for
ballpark renovations. Last week the city council
tabled a motion last week granting a liquor
license renewal for Seventh Inning Stretch in an
effort to compel the group to pay money owed to
the city.
North Little Rock ballpark
builders face challenges
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Construction
is well underway on the new Dickey-Stephens
ballpark in North Little Rock, scheduled to open
next season as the home of the Arkansas Travelers
(Class AA; Texas League). Crews are working on a
massive excavation project to handle any drainage
issues at the site. The biggest issue so far:
Crews have to stabilize the site in order support
the ballpark's foundation. These complications
have helped swell the ballpark's cost from $28
million to $32 million. Meanwhile,
the City Council approved a financial plan to use
all net income from the ballpark's ticket and
concession sales, luxury suite rentals and other
sources for the city to pay off a loan to cover
construction costs above the budgeted $28 million.
The financial plan allows the city to avoid
sacrificing any design features and keeps the
ballpark on schedule for the Arkansas Travelers
minor league team to begin play there in April
2007.
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difficulty;
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New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park;
Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field;
Travelers' home coming into focus;
NLR sets ballpark previews;
NLR projects set fast, sure course;
NLR ballpark planners get right to work;
North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike
for new ballpark;
Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs'
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is in doubt;
Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought;
Travs ballpark development moves forward;
Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled;
New home for Arkansas Travelers?;
Little Rock ballpark near river in works;
Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans
Retire #6? One Pesky problem
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There's
some sentiment for the Boston Red Sox to retire
#6, worn most famously by Johnny Pesky. The Red
Sox have criteria for retiring a number: the
player must have played for the Red Sox for 10
years and be inducted into the National Baseball
Hall of Fame. Pesky meets neither criteria, but
his number wouldn't be retired purely because of
what he did on the field during his seven seasons
with the BoSox: it would be retired for Pesky's
long service with the club as a player, coach and
spokesperson.
Is tonight final fling for
Smith-Wills?
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Ole
Miss and Mississippi State meet tonight at 6:30
for the 27th consecutive season at Jackson's
Smith-Wills Stadium for the Mayor's Trophy game,
but it would be the last fling there as the
management of Trustmark Park, the home of the
Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League),
make a play to host the game next season. Each
team brings home $25,000 from the game, and
Trustmark Park can probably outbid the Smith-Wills
management for the game.
Same old Rays? Not today
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The
Tampa Bay Devil Rays unveiled upgrades to
Tropicana Field last night, and the fans responded
by coming out in droves. The biggest change was
adding free parking and tailgating to the mix, but
once inside we're guessing the fans were pleased
with the simplest of changes: a good cleaning of
every seat, floor and aisle. Monday night's game
against the Baltimore Orioles was only the fourth
sellout in team history, and the first in two
years, with official attendance of 40,199 -- 54
percent higher than last year's home opener, which
drew 26,018. Other changes: more than 200
flat-screen televisions displaying game action in
the concourses and the installation of memorabilia
from the Ted Williams Museum on the ballpark's
ground floor. Sadly, something didn't change at
the Trop: the Devil Rays lost.
More from the Tampa Tribune.
D.C. Sports Commission close
to RFK naming deal?
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D.C.
Sports and Entertainment Commission chairman Mark
Tuohey says the commission is very to a
naming-rights deal for
RFK Stadium, the temporary
home of the Washington Nationals. Of course, the
commission was very close a year ago to a
$2-million-a-year deal, so who knows. It appears
baseball isn't close to awarding the Nats to a new
owner: A review by the bidders of the final
construction documents and other information for
the new ballpark still needs to take place, so no
final numbers have been presented by bidders,
though Bud Selig promises a deal is close. The
Nats open their home season tonight (amid
concerns about the team's popularity waning),
and
some small improvements have been made to RFK
Stadium.
Ripken era begins for
GreenJackets
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Cal
Ripken Jr. will throw out the ceremonial first
pitch at tonight's home opener for the Augusta
GreenJackets (Class A; Sally League), beginning a
new era for minor league baseball in Augusta.
Ripken is president and CEO of Ripken Baseball
Group, which purchased the GreenJackets last year.
In recent months, the new ownership has overhauled
the staff, refurbished facilities and has worked
to increase fan appeal. So far it has paid off.
Tonight's game against the Greenville Drive is
sold out and expected to draw the largest Lake
Olmstead Stadium crowd in team history.
Smokies bank on promotions
to improve attendance
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The
Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) are
expanding their promotions this season to stem the
tide of declining attendance at Smokies Park. The
team drew 242,163 in 2005. That represents a third
consecutive decline and the lowest total since the
Smokies moved to the $20 million stadium off I-40
and Highway 66 (Exit 407) in 2000. More fireworks,
player signings and live acts like Myron Noodleman
and the Zooperstars are counted on to bring more
fans to the ballpark.
Sand Gnats eye
100,000 in attendance
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Turn
Back The Clock Night has always been one of the
most popular promotions for the Savannah Sand
Gnats (Class A; Sally League). So, the team will
turn back the clock and embrace its history this
season with the goal of reaching the 100,000 mark
in attendance. Professional baseball has been
played in Savannah since 1904 and Grayson Stadium
was built in 1946, making it the oldest ballpark
in the Sally League. In honor of that, the Sand
Gants will wear throwback uniforms all season at
home. The uniforms aren't from any particular era,
but will have a 1960s' look -- white with black
pinstripes with Savannah written in green cursive
across the chest, longer sleeves and baggier pants
with knee-high stirrups.
Keaton rips
Bucs before throwing out first pitch
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Actor
Michael Keaton, the local son who threw out the
ceremonial first pitch, was bitingly critical of
the franchise's ownership shortly before the home
opener today at
PNC Park, accusing the Pirates of
not spending enough on players and of taking their
fans for granted. The Pirates' payroll of $47.6
million -- up nearly $13 million from last season
-- ranks 26th among the 30 teams in Major League
Baseball. The team had the second-largest crowd in
PNC Park history and made several free-agent moves
in the offseason, bringing in Joe Randa and Jeremy
Burnitz and trading for Sean Casey.
Profitable Indians enter pivotal year
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The
Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International
League) have one of the winningest franchises in
minor league baseball -- at least financially.
Since 1973, the AAA franchise has been in the
black. And, despite new challenges, the team hopes
to maintain that streak this year. But operating
expenses that have escalated much faster than
revenue in recent years have put all minor league
teams on guard, and this season is seen as crucial
for the survival of many of those franchises
across the country. With Indians' season-ticket
sales down 7 percent at
Victory Field from last year, single-game
ticket sales and promotions will be critical,
Indians officials said. On the upside, group sales
are up about 7 percent from last year, Indians
officials said, signaling an improving corporate
climate that could offer an important revenue
boost.
Umps' union: strike one!
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A
strike by minor-league umpires continues, as
replacement officials, called in with urgency due
to an ongoing strike by about 220 professional
Minor League umpires, a struggle that began when
their previous labor agreement expired on November
30. Early reports indicate the replacement umps
aren't heavily impacting games -- but we've also
heard managers and coaches have been asked to curb
their tongues in an effort not to bring too much
attention to the replacements.
RELATED STORIES:
Minor-league umpires on strike
Osaka Dome to be sold to
Orix
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Orix
Corp., the owner of the Orix Buffaloes
professional baseball club, is expected to strike
a deal this month to buy the Osaka Dome baseball
stadium. Osaka City Dome is the public-private
sector entity operating Osaka Dome. The company is
now under court-led rehabilitation proceedings,
with lawyer Urata named as its administrator.
Under a rehabilitation plan announced by Urata in
March, Osaka Dome will be sold to a private-sector
company for about 9 billion yen. Osaka Dome, which
opened in March in 1997, became the home field for
the Orix Buffaloes last year, following the merger
of the Orix Bluewave and the Kintetsu Buffaloes,
both of the Pacific League.
Ballpark Notes
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The
Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International
League), Time Warner Cable and Comporium
Communications announced that a major portion
of Knights radio broadcast audio feeds will also
be available on select stations on both cable
carriers. Those tuning in to both Time Warner
Cable and Comporium Communications will hear the
audio feed from the Knights radio flagship
partner, WFNA 1660-AM. Time Warner (162,000
households) subscribers can tune into channel 199
on their digital service while Comporium
Communications (55,000 households) subscribers can
tune to channel 21 to hear all the live game
action. Matt Swierad will be entering his
16th season in professional baseball and his ninth
season as the play-by-play voice of the Charlotte
Knights. Swierad has broadcasted over 2,000 minor
league baseball games and was the 2005
International League All-Star Broadcaster.
Mike Pacheco will join Swierad for all 72-home
games for the second consecutive season....Chris
Mongiardo is the new pitching coach for the
Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent;
Northern League). Mongiardo served as manager of
the Richmond Roosters (independent;
Frontier) League for the past three seasons. He
also served as the Roosters pitching coach in
2001-'02 as the club won league championships both
years.
Ready or not....
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The new Busch Stadium officially opens today as
the Cardinals host the Milwaukee Brewers. The
ballpark is still definitely a work in progress:
besides the construction going on next door at
Ballpark Villages (a mixed-use development on the
site of the old Busch Stadium), large sections of
the new ballpark are unfinished, and it may not be
until well after the All-Star Game before
everything is up and running. Bernie Miklasz writes
about the opening as a once-in-a-lifetime
experience; to a true Cardinals fan, it probably
is. After starting the season on the road,
Cardinals players are looking forward to a home
game after being swept
by the Cubs The ballpark isn't the only
change for the Cards:
old pro John Rooney is the team's new radio voice.
RELATED STORY:
Ballpark Visit: Busch
Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
Ballpark Visit: Tropicana
Field, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
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We'll
give the new ownership of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
a lot of credit for spending $10 million on
upgrades to Tropicana Field. Fans will see the
changes tonight; they include a new sound system,
a thorough cleaning of the whole place, repainted
concourses and revamped bathrooms. (Other changes,
including upgraded suites, will be competed as the
season progresses.) Now, having said that,
Tropicana Field isn't a great place to see a
baseball game, and we suspect the future of
baseball in Tampa Bay lies in a new ballpark, not
further changes to a dated facility.
Bob Wirz: Two indy vets
experience highs, lows on Opening Day
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Former Fargo-Moorhead RedHawk Chris Coste
went
19-for-41
in spring training with the Philadelphia Phillies,
but a .805
slugging percentage and a .500 on-base percentage
weren't enough to earn him a ticket north after
the Phils acquired veteran outfielder David
Dellucci. For former Heartland Leaguer Brian
Sweeney, Opening Day was considerably sweeter, as
he made the San Diego Padres roster. Bob Wirz
talks with both.
New for 2006:
MerchantsAuto.com Stadium
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Fisher
Cats Stadium, the home of the New Hampshire Fisher
Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), has a new name:
MerchantsAuto.com Stadium. Fisher Cats owner Art
Solomon and Merchants Automotive Group President
Stephen Singer announced the new name. No word on
the terms of the deal, although a city-funded
study says the rights are worth $250,000 yearly.
Solomon says it's a long-term deal; the two sides
will also be doing some charity work as well.
Strike one for new Mets
ballpark
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The
New York City Council's finance committee is
threatening to cancel a hearing on
a proposed new
Mets ballpark following a secret meeting
between members of the Council's Queens delegation
and Mets officials at
Shea Stadium.
During the Friday meeting, the Queens Council
members unleashed a torrent of concerns, with many
complaining that the Bloomberg administration and
the team had kept the Council in the dark for too
long. Council members also raised concerns about
traffic congestion, parking during construction
and their desire for the team to give back more to
the Queens community.
More on the finances of the Mets ballpark deal
here.
Raymond Keating dissects the ballpark deals in New
York City and says they'll cost too much for
taxpayers.
RELATED STORIES:
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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
Hope fades for Tiger Stadium
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Southfield mortgage banker Harry Glanz toured
Tiger Stadium with city officials March 31, saying
he wants to go ahead with an 11th-hour plan to
scale back the ballpark to 15,000 seats and use it
for youth sports, shopping and conventions. But
George Jackson, chief operating officer of the
Detroit Economic Growth Corp., the man who
ultimately could recommend razing what some
consider hallowed ground, said the tour proved
nothing and that the game plan is still to tear
down the classic ballpark, which opened on the
same day in 1912 as Fenway Park (events
overshadowed by some other big news from the day:
the sinking of the Titanic). Fans and
preservationists have lambasted Jackson, claiming
he repeatedly ignored viable plans to reuse the
park. Glanz is forming a group that would pay for
maintenance at the old ballpark while he puts
together a more comprehensive development plan.
More
on our Endangered Ballparks page.
RELATED STORIES:
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?
Bold plans for CSUB may
involve Blaze, Dodgers
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Cal State Bakersfield continues to look at a new
on-campus ballpark, but some other parties are
interested in signing up as a tenant: the
Bakersfield Blaze (Class A; California League) and
the Los Angeles Dodgers have met with CSUB
officials to express strong interest. The Blaze
have been working toward a new facility for years,
and the Dodgers are looking at a move of
spring-training facilities and affiliates westward
-- and a move into the California League would be
the perfect move for the team.
Don't you forget about me:
Schools that refuse to go away
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Some
college baseball teams have been so sporadically
inconsistent this year it's hard to determine if
they are worthy of serious conversation or simply
another flavor of the week. But as the season
creeps deeper into April it looks like a handful
of schools have truly given us something to talk
about. Glen Strandberg looks at the rising
Wolfpack of North Carolina State and the sinking
Gamecocks of South Carolina in his weekly column
on college baseball.
New Wrigley Field bleachers
a hit with fans
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Chicago
Cubs fans seemed pleased with the changes to
Wrigley Field,
unveiled at the team's home opener on Friday. Fans
were not only impressed with the new amenities --
the new concession stands, restrooms and seats --
but were happy the $13.5 million in changes did
not alter the feel of the old ballpark. Another
new area is the Batter's Eye Lounge, which
resembles a large skybox set just behind the
juniper bushes in center field. Normally reserved
for private parties, on Friday it was full of Cubs
executives and others who contributed to the
renovations in some way. The only fans who may not
be pleased: the changes slightly block the views
from the rooftop clubs surrounding the ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Looks nice, but at what price?
Cardwell says
spring-training attendance remains consistent in
Florida
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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David
Cardwell, executive director of the Grapefruit
League Association, expects final attendance
numbers from Grapefruit League games in 2006 to be
right around where it was in 2005 -- just short of
1.6 million. The Washington Nationals, who train
in Viera, were the only team in Florida to
experience a significant drop in attendance --
almost 40,000 spectators -- from 2005 to 2006.
Caldwell says that's due to a sophomore slump, but
the real reason is simple: the MLB geniuses
running the Nationals decided to run spring
training out of Washington and declined to
contract with the Brevard County Manatees (Class
A; Florida State League) to run the show. As a
result the schedule was released late,
season-ticket brochures went out just before
spring training started, and ticket sales started
just before the first game. It was a disaster.
Attendance in Arizona was down sharply: At
Peoria Stadium, where the Seattle Mariners and San
Diego Padres play, fans purchased about 200,000
tickets during the monthlong season, an 11 percent
drop from last year. Meanwhile, at Surprise
Stadium, which hosts the Kansas City Royals and
Texas Rangers, fans bought 153,700 tickets, a 7
percent decline. Overall, attendance was down
nearly 9 percent from 2005.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Manatees making big changes for 2006
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Buck
Rogers, GM of the
Brevard County Manatees (Class A; Florida
State League). Rogers is one of the most
enthusiastic baseball people on the face of the
earth, and he's now operating under different
circumstances: new ownership has given Buck wide
leeway to run things as he sees fit.
In other words, Buck is blowing things up and putting them
back together in a most interesting way.
The first change is a different structure for season-ticket
holders. For $280, a season ticket gets you one
(1) guaranteed seat with your name on it and a
Season Ticket Holder Card that's good for free
parking on the paved lot next to Space Coast
Stadium, 20 percent off merchandise sales at the
souvenir stand, 20 percent off all group ticket
orders, 30-minute early entrance on giveaway
nights to get the giveaway item without waiting in
line, free admission to all Manatees road games
(part of a league-wide deal), free home playoff
tickets, and 70 blank-date tickets to allow you to
attend games on the night that you choose. If a
season-ticket holder wants to bring 69 friends on
opening night and burn all 70 tickets, that's OK.
Also, just about the entire ballpark is now general admission
seating, opening up the areas that were always
reserved for scouts, visiting VIPs, etc. A new
free, supervised Kids Zone play area has
inflatables for the younger fans and a new arcade
for teens.
Getting into the ballpark should also be a smoother process.
Parking is now free, and tickets will be available
via mobile ticket sellers between the parking lot
and main gate.
This is just a short summary of what Buck has going on this
summer. We're pretty excited about it: the best
thing about minor-league baseball is the direct
interaction with fans, and all the changes
outlined here are in direct response to enhancing
the fan experience.
More on the Manatees' plans from Florida Today.
Following another losing
season, Orioles' ticket sales lag
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Season-ticket and group sales for the
Baltimore Orioles at
Oriole Park are down this season from last
year, Over the last five seasons, the Orioles have
averaged between 1.3 million and 1.5 million in
season-ticket sales. The club sold a total of 2.6
million tickets last year, down from 3.7 million
sold in 1997 -- the Orioles' last winning season.
The team puts the blame on the move of the
Nationals to Washington, but there are a myriad of
factors: in the offseason the team didn't add any
high-profile free agents, with the
Orioles' best player, Miguel Tejada, openly
agitating for a trade. Plus, the team is a mess on
the field and could conceivably finish last in the
AL East.
Bisons, ballpark remain
diamonds for downtown
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When we discuss retro urban ballparks, we tend to
overlook the granddaddy of them all: Dunn Tire
Stadium, the home of the Buffalo Bisons (Class
AAA; International League). Going into the Buffalo
Bisons' April 14 home opener, the Triple-A
baseball team has attracted more than 15.7 million
fans since the stadium opened in 1988 as Pilot
Field. It has served as a cornerstone of a new
wave of downtown development that has included
such sports facilities as the Flickinger Center
natatorium and HSBC Arena as well as residential
units and new commercial properties.
Willis, ballpark deal key
issues for Marlins
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Ken
Rosenthal says it's a certainty the Marlins will
trade Dontrelle Willis and somehow ties this into
the team's drive for a new ballpark. The move
would be made because of Willis's future salaries,
but to be honest one doesn't seem to relate to the
other -- as Marlins president David Samson
accurately argues. Rosenthal also argues that MLB
needs to help the Marlins build a ballpark in
Miami, but that doesn't seem likely at all: the
NFL loans money to team to build ballparks using
gate receipts formerly paid to visiting teams, and
in general the NFL just has a ton more money than
MLB does. Having MLB help the Marlins out while
ignoring the needs of the Twins, Athletics and
Devil Rays would also cause quite the uproar among
owners.
Dolphins change name of
stadium to Dolphin Stadium
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Speaking
of the Fish: though it doesn't seem to be
acknowledged yet by the Florida Marlins, there's a
new name for
Dolphins Stadium: Dolphin Stadium The Dolphins
announced Saturday that they are dropping the "s"
and renaming their home field Dolphin Stadium as
part of an effort to embark on a new branding
strategy. The team also unveiled its two
high-definition replay screens and announced
partnerships with Perry Ellis International
(uniform supplier) and Burger King during an
"appreciation day" gathering for season-ticket
holders. We're pretty sure the Marlins will need
to follow suit, but we're guessing there were more
than a few pissed folks in the Marlins front
office with the timing of the move.
Suns
announce Hagerstown Trust Plaza
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The
Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League) have sold
naming rights to the new Plaza at Municipal
Stadium: Hagerstown Trust Plaza. The new plaza
will greet all fans as they enter the ballpark.
"We're thrilled to be partnering with Hagerstown Trust," said
Suns President/General Manager Kurt Landes. "They
understand the importance of supporting baseball
in our community and value the positive impact
that the Plaza will have for Hagerstown’s citizens
and for their customers."
Constructed by the City of Hagerstown, with support from the
Suns, the Hagerstown Trust Plaza hosts the team’s
new ticket office, souvenir store and fan services
booth. The Plaza’s official opening, and the
announcement of Hagerstown Trust’s sponsorship,
occurred during at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on
Friday. The Hagerstown Trust Plaza provides a
friendly, new face to Municipal Stadium. The
improved amenities are a dramatic change for Suns
fans and other visiting guests or tourists.
Hungry like the Wolff
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Lew Wolff, managing partner of the
Oakland Athletics, chats about his efforts to
bring a new ballpark to Fremont, a community south
of Oakland and considerably closer to San Jose and
the rest of Silicon Valley. He does bring up the
threat of moving the team elsewhere -- "I don't
want to speculate, but there are opportunities
outside the state of California. Other teams are
looking at other cities" -- but he's pretty clear
about wanting to make a Fremont deal work and
leaving
McAfee Coliseum.
Bonus: he's already saying the team's not
interested in a retro facility.
RELATED STORIES:
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Angelos turns up Comcast
volume
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Baltimore
Orioles
owner Peter Angelos lambasted Comcast Corp. for
monopolistic practices and implored the cable
giant to televise Washington Nationals games
during a congressional hearing yesterday on the
standoff that has left 1.3 million D.C.-area
households unable to watch their home team. In
sometimes biting language, Angelos told the House
Committee on Government Reform that he negotiated
a reasonable compensation package when the
Montreal Expos moved to Washington and that
Comcast is refusing to do business with his
Mid-Atlantic Sports Network because it fears
competition for its Comcast SportsNet.
New Knights GM has zeroed in
on sponsors in the drive for profits
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA;
International League) have suffered through the
worst of all worlds in recent years: no one seems
very excited about
Knights Stadium, and debate
over a new ballpark in Charlotte proper has been
overshadowed by talk about the Florida Marlins
possibly moving to town. New GM Dan Rajkowski has
managed to turn things around: Corporate
sponsorships grew by 30 percent this off-season,
including a new 10-year deal with Carolinas
HealthCare System worth $135,000 this year and
escalator clauses increasing annual payments to
$164,000 over the life of the contract. Group
ticket sales, the lifeblood of many minor-league
teams, are up 15 percent.
Stadium vote
sets 'pros' in motion
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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After Jackson County voters
approved the 25-year, three-eighths-cent sales tax
for Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium
renovations, the business side of the equation was
set in motion. Lawyers prepared requests for
architects' qualifications, bankers drew up bond
documents, and government officials pondered whom
to hire for new jobs created by new stadium
leases. The Chiefs and Royals could begin
spending tax-supported bond money for facility
renovations as soon as Sept. 1; the county has the
option of issuing bonds in increments or borrowing
the full $425 million obligation immediately and
investing unspent money until the teams need it.
One issue:
there's really no road map for renovations in
place yet.
RELATED STORIES:
Royals win funding for Kauffman Stadium
renovations; voters reject rolling roof;
Royals bring out big guns on eve of stadiums vote;
Kauffman to get All-Star Game if renovations are
approved;
Royals unveil Kauffman Stadium renovation plans;
Teams say upgrades will make stadiums 'brand new';
Is Kansas City stadium tax good deal for voters?;
Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark
taxes;
Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City
ballpark;
Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof;
Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand;
Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for
Kauffman Stadium;
Future of Truman complex now up to voters;
Royals agree to ticket surcharge;
Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?;
Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for
Kauffman Stadium;
Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians;
Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way
to voters;
Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal;
Sizing up challenge of raising the roof;
Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium;
Kauffman Stadium to get roof?;
Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal;
Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark;
Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in
voters' hands;
Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision;
Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate
cost;
Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check;
Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark;
Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark;
Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark;
Residents point out KC stadium benefits;
Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at
‘listening tour’;
Kansas City negotiator fired after comments;
KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs
War Memorial
Stadium plan includes renovations, upgrades
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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War Memorial Stadium, the
former home of minor-league baseball in
Greensboro, could see new life under a plan that
would use $7.8 million in city money to renovate
the facility for high-school, college and youth
baseball. When Greensboro approved a new ballpark
for the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally
League), local preservationists worried that War
Memorial would be torn down or left to rot. The
plan fulfills city pledges to fix up and restore
the old stadium.
Twins,
commission give new life to aging digs
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Minnesota Twins continue to work toward a new
ballpark, but until then must generate revenue
from the Metrodome. The Twins really have never
had a good deal at the 'Dome: the Vikings have
controlled the suite leases from the beginning,
and the Metropolitan Sports Commission has
controlled the concessions. Still, the Twins and
the commission have made some progress in
generating more revenue for the team, such as
adding a group suite in left field and added some
premium seats. The Twins are one of four MLB teams
to share a facility with a pro football team.
Here's a look at
Jerry Bell, the Twins' president who's leading the
charge for a new ballpark.
New team, old ballpark in
Amarillo
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League
Baseball) return in May with a new league and new
ownership, but still the same old ballpark. Potter
County Memorial Stadium is nearly 50 years old,
and has been through more face-lifts than Joan
Rivers. In 2004, the ol' gal had long quit being
charming and simply turned into decaying. Seats
from Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium were
purchased to remove the last of the aging wooden
seats. The playing field, with West Texas A&M and
River Road currently using it, is probably as good
as it's been, or ever will be. The long-term goal
for GM Mark Lee and the United League leadership:
procuring a new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
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
San Antonio
mayor says MLB push won't sack NFL effort
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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It is a real problem for San
Antonio: it's pretty clear football-happy sports
fans would prefer to
have
the NFL place a team in San Antonio, but so far
only MLB's Florida Marlins have shown any interest
in the city. And if baseball proponents are
successful in landing the Fish, there's virtually
no chance of the NFL moving a team into what would
be a crowded small market. Mayor Phil Hardberger
insists that he has no intention of punting his
NFL game plan regardless of what happens with the
Marlins, but former Mayor Henry Cisneros believes
there's still a chance the New Orleans Saints
could end up in San Antonio, no matter what
happens next season.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Lynx called for icing
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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A
scheduled doubleheader at Lynx Stadium, the home
of the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International
League), was called off when the tarp covering the
field was frozen. The double dip against the
Louisville Bats was postponed because of a
formation of ice -- estimated at three centimeters
thick -- on the tarp covering the infield at Lynx
Stadium. It prevented the grounds crew and Lynx
staff members from removing the carpet in time for
a 1:05 p.m. start.
Cigars, martinis and jazz on
the menu at Pirates' Montecristo Club
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The Pittsburgh Pirates continue
their development of premium spaces inside
PNC Park with the addition of the Montecristo Club.
Under a licensing agreement with Fort
Lauderdale-based cigar maker Altadis U.S.A. Inc.,
the Montecristo Club was named after one of the
company's cigar brands. Fans can buy a single game
ticket to the club for $70. Included in the price
is a game ticket in sections 207 or 208, a Romeo
and Julietta, Don Diego or other premium cigar, a
martini or other premium drink and a gourmet
buffet. A full season ticket to the club is
$4,800. The Devil Rays already feature a cigar bar
at Tropicana Field, and in general it's been a
success in cigar-happy Tampa Bay.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark Visit: PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates;
What's new at PNC Park?
The pitch: $11M overhaul for
Durham Athletic Park
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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More on the bid by Struever Bros. Eccles &
Rouse Inc., a developer known for remaking
historic properties throughout the country, to
redevelop the 5.4-acre, city-owned
Durham Athletic
Park site. SBE&R would build a 200,000-square-foot office,
retail and residential facility on the southern
side of the DAP site. SBE&R also says it would
create a partnership with other local property
owners to develop land around the athletic park.
In 1926, the park became home to the Durham Bulls,
which became one of the most famous minor league
baseball teams in the nation. The 1988 movie "Bull
Durham" was filmed at the DAP, bringing national
recognition to the Bulls and the ballpark itself.
RELATED STORIES:
DAP's historic value may help renovation plan;
Durham gets $11M bid to modify historic ballpark;
NCCU may play next season at Bulls ballpark; will
look to DAP for the future
Giants ballpark upgrades to
make hot-dog and beer lines shorter
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The San Francisco Giants have unveiled the
most comprehensive upgrades to
AT&T Park since it
opened in 2000. The team added a new concession
area near right field and renovated the upscale
lounge under the park's lower-level seating area.
In the ballpark's 68 luxury suites, the team
installed new furniture, countertops, carpet and
flat-panel televisions. The ballpark also replaced
rotating signs facing the field with electronic
signs.
AT&T signs deal as
presenting sponsor for National Baseball Congress
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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AT&T signed a one-year deal as title
sponsor for the National Baseball Congress
tournament that also gives the communications
company signage and promotional announcement
rights during 2006 Wichita Wranglers (Class AA;
Texas League) home games at
Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium. It is the first big deal for the NBC
since 1999; terms of the NBC package were not
disclosed.
In memoriam: Billy Hitchcock
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Billy
Hitchcock, a major league infielder during the
1940s and '50s who went on to manage three teams,
died at 89 on Sunday. Hitchcock spent more than 40
years in professional baseball as a player,
manager, scout, coach and minor league executive.
He was an infielder with five clubs between 1942
and 1953. In 1951, he hit .306 in 77 games for the
Philadelphia Athletics. He managed the Detroit
Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves in
the 1960s.
Let there be light in
Mankato
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Franklin
Rogers Park, the home of the
Mankato MoonDogs
(summer collegiate; Northwoods League), will see
some improvements this offseason. The biggest: a
new lighting system. Other changes include a new
center field batter’s eye, and MoonDogs-funded
installation of 200 backrest seats. The individual
seats will be affixed to the center sections of
grandstand bleachers.
Reggie Jackson, Mariners
stars help dedicate revamped Stan Rister Stadium
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Normally we don't cover the opening of a Babe Ruth
ballpark, but this one seems pretty special. Reggie
Jackson, Seattle Mariners players Jeremy Reed and
Willie Bloomquist, and ex-M's Dave Valle and Bret
Boone were part of the dedication ceremonies for
the stadium. Jolene (Rister) McCaw, daughter of
the late Stan Rister, and her husband Bruce McCaw
funded the renovation, made necessary when
arsonists burned down a portion of the old
ballpark in 2001.
Baseball Notes
Posted April 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Representatives
of Wilson Team Sports from Chicago and
Oregon will be visiting Pringles Park, the
home of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class
AA; Southern League) this week to test a new type
of softball bat. Known as the "Juice," or the
"Silly Stick," the new DeMarini bat combines an
Evolution-composite handle with an end-loaded
Stacked composite barrel. Not yet approved for ASA
play, the "Juice" is the first DeMarini bat that
needs to be broken in; like some competitor bats,
the “Juice” gets livelier after a few hits. On
April 11th and 12th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm,
select softball players from West Tennessee will
gather at to take batting practice with the
“Juice.” They will then compare this high-tech new
bat with two models from Wilson competitors.
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