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:
Aug. 20-26, 2006
Lynx poised to
leap after 2007
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In a move that surprises absolutely no one, the
ownership of the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) have informed the city of
Ottawa the team will not be playing in Lynx
Stadium after the 2007 season. We've already
repeatedly reported the Lynx will be the team
moving to
a new ballpark in Allentown for the 2008
season, so this notification was always a
formality. Lynx owner Ray Pecor is selling a
majority interest in the Lynx when the move to
Allentown occurs; the majority owner of the
relocated team hasn't been accurately reported
yet. Ottawa won't go without baseball for long:
the independent Can-Am Association has already
been in discussions to place a team at Lynx
Stadium for 2008.
More on Joe Finley, who is leading the charge for
the new Allentown ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Triple-A should be A-OK in Ottawa
Astrodome's
future may be as hotel
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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The
board governing Houston's Astrodome unanimously
gave the go-ahead to a private firm's plan to
spend $450 million reinventing the mostly dormant,
county-owned stadium into a convention hotel. The
hotel is planned as a four-star facility with at
least 1,000 rooms, a 2,100-space garage built
around two-thirds of the Dome's exterior and
restaurants, nightclubs and retail stores. The
entrepreneurs behind the project envision the
facility being a destination attraction, featuring
winding waterways and gondola rides. With its
vote, the court gave the the Harris County Sports
& Convention Corp., permission to sign a letter of
intent with Astrodome Redevelopment Corp. The
Astrodome, the first domed stadium in the majors,
opened in 1965 as the home of the Houston Astros.
Texas League
executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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Texas
League owners -- as well as a boatload of other
baseball types, if downloads from our site are any
indication -- are looking over the proposed lease
between Springdale, Ark., and the Wichita
Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) for a new
ballpark opening in 2006. (Here's the proposed lease, as released to the
press by Springdale officials.) If the league
approves the lease and the move, then relocation
must be approved by MiLB and MLB. That should not
be a problem, as the N.A. has for many months
considered Springdale a key market and was never
going to let an independent team move there -- in
fact, to keep Springdale an affiliated market, the
N.A. had tentatively signed off on a Class AA
Southern League team moving into the new ballpark
had the Wranglers deal fallen through. Meanwhile,
negotiations are still ongoing regarding the
Wranglers leaving
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium a year
before their lease expires in 2009;
city officials say that's OK so long as the
National Baseball Congress remains in Wichita.
This would also presumably open up the ballpark
for use by an independent-league team.
RELATED STORIES:
Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to
public;
Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move
of Wranglers;
City told only voters decide ballpark's user;
Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch
for ballpark;
What's new in Wichita?;
Wranglers president says move is nearly official;
Wranglers agreement down to one item;
City negotiating terms with Wranglers;
Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team;
Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers;
Wranglers to move in 2008;
Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers;
Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team
talks;
Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations;
Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep
Wranglers;
Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with
them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer;
Wichita pitching to keep team;
Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale;
Springdale vote certification put on hold;
City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with
new ballparks;
Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner;
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Anatomy of the
Devil Rays deal
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Here's a blow-by-blow look at how the Tampa Bay
Devil Rays came to a deal with Charlotte County
for a renovation of the Charlotte Sports Complex
for spring training. For the D-Rays, a move out of
Al Lang Field -- much as we love that ballpark --
makes business sense: they can expand their fan
base outside Tampa-St. Pete, and uniting training
fields and a ballpark at the same complex will
simplify planning. Assuming state funding of the
project comes through later this year, the D-Rays
will make the move south in 2009.
Some Tampa fans were not thrilled with the move,
saying it would inconvenience them to drive two
hours south to a game.
More from the Bradenton Herald.
RELATED STORIES:
Charlotte County approves Devil Rays
spring-training plan;
The Devil Rays in the details;
If Rays go, Al Lang could be reduced to memories;
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound
Commissioners:
County will have a say in Red Barons sale
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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All
three Luzerne County commissioners vowed Wednesday
to have a final say in a potential sale of the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA;
International League). Their statements came one
day after Lackawanna County Commissioner Robert
Cordaro announced Columbia Sports Capital, a New
York-based company, offered to buy the AAA
baseball franchise for $14 million. Cordaro and
fellow Republican Commissioner A.J. Munchak said
they were “not inclined” to sell the team, yet
would entertain offers. Columbia Sports Capital
officials, led by Greg Torborg, say they're
willing to sign a 20-year lease to remain in
Lackawanna County. More from the
Scranton Times-Tribune.
RELATED STORIES:
Investors eye Red Barons for $14 million
New ballpark
for Twins puts surrounding buildings in play
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With
a new Minnesota Twins ballpark slated to open in
the 2010 season, owners of properties surrounding
the ballpark site in downtown Minneapolis's
Warehouse District are looking to take advantage
of the momentum. Really, a lot of the speculation
for surrounding real estate has already taken
place -- the North Loop area is one of the hotter
real-estate markets in the city -- and what you're
seeing now is current owners debating how to best
leverage their existing investments.
RELATED STORIES:
Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins
ballpark;
Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all
but done;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Politics may
delay Frontier Field work
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A battle over borrowing for Monroe County projects
is tying up money for some construction work,
including a $1.6 million state grant to renovate
Frontier Field, the home of the Rochester Red
Wings (Class AAA; International League). James
LeBeau, the ballpark's director, said the state
grant is needed to replace the field, do
underground drainage work, re-roof a portion of
the stadium and repaint structural steel. The aim
was to start the work this fall, yet it may be
delayed because of the funding fight, he said. No
county money is going to the project.
More on the Red Wings and their assortment of
wacky promotions.
Miller Park
official says rust is an eyesore, nothing more
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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Five
years after
Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee
Brewers, opened for business, rust on the
right-field roof panel can be seen clearly from
the stands. Mike Duckett, executive director of
the Miller Park stadium district, said the rust is
an aesthetic issue, not a structural one. He said
the rusting has been inspected several times, most
recently last month. The solution: a sandblasting
of the blighted area, followed by a fresh coast of
paint.
Rockies,
C-Rockies extend affiliation
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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The Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League) and
the Colorado Rockies extended their current player
development agreement for two years, through the
2008 Pioneer League season. "We are very pleased
to continue our partnership with the Colorado
Rockies," said Danny Tetzlaff, President and
General Manager of the Casper Rockies. "With
several former Casper players matriculating to the
major leagues, we look forward to developing the
future stars for the Colorado Rockies. The front
office staff for Colorado has been fantastic to
work with and we couldn’t ask to be associated
with a more professional organization."
More on our
Affiliates 2006 page.
Old baseball
town starting to perk up as Tigers show season is
real
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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We
love it when original American League franchises
are showing signs of life and success. Fans seem
to believe the Tigers are for real: there's a true
sense of excitement around Comerica Park, and
Detroit has managed to sell out several games this
season. It also looks like the Tigers will keep
the buzz going through September; it's safe to say
there's never been a buzz at Comerica Park in
September.
New investor
gives hope to Xanadu
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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An
investment firm has agreed to pump up to $500
million into the Meadowlands Xanadu development
and secure additional financing. The firm, Colony
Capital Acquisitions, is expected to complete the
project by 2008 with the retail and entertainment
mix promised by Mills Corp. in 2003. One big issue
is whether Colony will step forward and build a
new ballpark for the Bergen Cliff Hawks
(independent; Atlantic League). Meadowlands
officials sound like a new ballpark is a done
deal, but given the lack of a specific lease for
the ballpark portion of the project and the lack
of information from Colony Capital, these
officials may be getting ahead of themselves.
RELATED STORIES:
Judge won't dismiss suit against Xanadu developers;
Xanadu won't kick out baseball team -- for now;
Developer wants to open way for other teams;
'Frustrated' by ballpark delays;
Don't let Mills renege on Bergen ballpark;
A ballpark deal, but with a big 'if';
Xanadu price tag to rise; opening could be year
late
Knit 1, hurl 2:
Stitching at the ballpark
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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What is it with knitters and baseball this year?
First the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) hosted a knitting event this season, and
now the Arizona Diamondbacks are doing the same
thing. Knitters (and those who crochet, do
needlepoint or work with fiber in artful ways) are
invited to the Arizona Diamondbacks' Sept. 9 game
at Chase Field against the St. Louis Cardinals. There, they will
be part of one major-league knitting circle, as
more than a thousand yarn enthusiasts are expected
to attend.
This sequel no
laughing matter
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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It's not been a good summer for the Durham Bulls
(Class AAA; International League): B.J. Upton was
arrested on drunk-driving charges, Elijah Dukes
was suspended for the rest of the season after an
argument with an umpire (he was also suspended
twice during the season after altercations with
coaches and teammates), and outfielder Delmon
Young was suspended for 50 games for arguing with
an umpire. So far the relationship with parent
team Tampa Bay has been good -- the Bulls have
consistently been a winner thanks to the veterans
signed by the D-Rays specifically for Durham --
but this season's problems have the Bulls front
office wondering whether re-upping the PDC between
the pair through 2008 was a good idea.
Whitecaps
winning, but fans not coming
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There
were hopes $1.3 million in offseason improvements
to Fifth Third Ballpark might help boost
attendance this season. The results are mixed.
Entering their final eight-game homestand, the
West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest
League) are on pace to set a club record for the
lowest attendance total during the 13-year history
of the franchise.
Canaries to
host 2007 AA All-Star Game
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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The Sioux Falls Canaries announced that the team
has been selected to host the 2007 American
Association All-Star Game. "We are proud to bring
next year's All-Star Game to Sioux Falls," said
Canaries General Manager Matt Hansen. "This event
will provide us with a great opportunity to
showcase our great city to fans and executives
from the entire league." The All-Star Game is the
first in the history of the Canaries and comes to
Sioux Falls during the team's 15th Anniversary
Season. Later this fall, the Canaries will
announce the date of the game and reveal the 2007
All-Star Logo.
Tickets for the 2007 American Association All-Star Game will
be included in all 2007 full season ticket
packages.
Pelicans,
T-Bones set attendance records
Posted Aug. 24, 2006 (feedback)
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The Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American
Association) set a new season-attendance record
last night, now set at nearly 71,000 with three
games remaining in the 2006 season. Also, the
Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League)
set a new club attendance record for the third
straight season. In just 43 home dates thus far,
the T-Bones have eclipsed their previous
single-season total attendance record of 244,414,
set just a year ago. After averaging 4,610
fans per game in their inaugural season in 2003,
the T-Bones have enjoyed steady attendance growth
over the past three years. Wednesday's crowd of
5,479 brought the 2006 total attendance to
249,884, for an average of 5,811 per game and a
26.1 percent increase since 2003.
Inflation slows
expansion plans at Wrigley
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Rising
costs have delayed plans by the Chicago Cubs to
begin construction this fall on a restaurant and
parking garage facility adjacent to
Wrigley Field,
but the team remains committed to the project, a
Cubs official said Tuesday. The team unveiled
plans for the building in 2001, when it also first
said it wanted to expand the bleachers and make
other ballpark improvements. The plans called for
a five-story multipurpose building, to be located
just west of Wrigley Field, with 400 parking
spaces, a restaurant, a museum, and retail shops
above ground, as well as underground workout
facilities for Cubs players. The Cubs made gradual
changes in the plans for this building over the
last year -- for example, dropping plans to place
an environmentally friendly green roof on the
building -- so the decision to postpone the
building completely is no surprise.
Charlotte
County approves Devil Rays spring-training plan
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Despite
some last-minute opposition, Charlotte County's
four commissioners all agreed that it was
advantageous for the county to spend taxpayer
dollars on a renovated spring-training complex for
the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who want to partner with
the county in building a $27.2 million event
center for not only spring training but
professional baseball and other sporting and
entertainment events. Unless something goes
terribly wrong, the D-Rays will be leaving Al Lang
Field after 2008 and take up residence in
Charlotte County for spring training 2009. The
plan needs only the commissioners' approval of an
additional one-cent addition to the tourism tax on
hotel and rental properties in the county plus a
successful grant request to the state for $15
million in sales-tax rebates. The project would
bring spring training back to Charlotte County in
2009; the Texas Rangers formerly trained at the
Charlotte Sports Complex.
More from the Sarasota Herald Tribune,
the Tampa Tribune, the
St. Petersburg Times
and
the Bradenton Herald.
RELATED STORIES:
The Devil Rays in the details;
If Rays go, Al Lang could be reduced to memories;
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound
Marlins
officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark
proposal
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Florida
Marlins front-office officials pull out the
Sergeant Schultz defense when asked about MLB's
plan to bring about a new downtown Miami ballpark
for the Fish. Really, they have no choice: they've
been negotiating in good faith with Hialeah
officials about a new ballpark in that city, but
with those efforts on life support (Hialeah
officials are in no better position to close a
funding gap than anyone else in the region), MLB
officials wisely decided to jump in and unveil
their own ideas on a downtown Miami ballpark. MLB
officials are farther along in the planning stages
than has been reported elsewhere: they already
have secured the land in downtown Miami (the Miami
Herald based its reporting on the subject from
competitors in the real-estate market), have been
working with an architect on a ballpark plan
(costing between $430 million and $450 million)
and are very serious about moving forward with
that location. Really, the choice is simple: to
attract the moneyed and glamorous crowd MLB needs
to succeed in Miami, a downtown Miami location
makes infinitely more sense than does a Hialeah
ballpark. Hialeah, Miami-Dade, Marlins and MLB
officials are meeting about the downtown location;
they're being joined by architects from HOK and
HKS.
RELATED STORIES:
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats;
Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will
visit as planned with Florida park talks
continuing;
Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss;
Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson;
New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in
Hialeah;
Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark
site in Hialeah;
Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins;
Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San
Antonio move;
Wolff plans to give Marlins a
deadline;
Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon;
House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now;
Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins;
Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?;
San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner;
Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio;
Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?;
San Antonio officials get an invite
Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea;
City and county forming teams to lure Marlins;
San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold;
Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio
ballpark;
Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins
ballpark;
Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San
Antonio lures Marlins;
San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals;
Marlins move may spur border battle;
Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins;
San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for
Marlins relocation;
Marlins front office meets with Homestead
officials;
Marlins to Oklahoma City?;
Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade
might help fund a Marlins ballpark;
Owner laughs off idea of his
track as Marlins ballpark site;
Marlins, FAU to discuss
stadium options;
Norfolk session pleases
Marlins;
Possibility of Marlins
ballpark deal called remote
Cleveland says no to Cape
Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a
possibility
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Cleveland
Indians President Paul J. Dolan says his team is
deep into negotiations with unnamed Florida and
Arizona cities, leading him to turn down an offer
to submit an outline of the team's spring-training
needs to Cape Coral, Fla. officials.
In a letter to Cape Coral Mayor Eric Fecihthaler
dated Aug. 18 (you can read it here), Dolan
says, "we believe it is impractical and possibly
inappropriate for us to engage another community
in these discussions." Bonita Springs is believed
to be the Florida city referenced by Dolan, with
Goodyear the city Arizona city referenced. Whether
the Indians are truly serious about moving to
Arizona remains to be seen: MLB has historically
required teams to move in pairs from the
Grapefruit League to the Cactus League for
scheduling purposes, but with a new Reds complex
in Sarasota looking more likely every day and
Tampa Bay very unlikely to move westward, every
other Grapefruit League team is tied to Florida
via a long-term lease -- though, we must point
out, leases can often be bought out.
RELATED STORIES:
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch;
Indians express interest;
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Investors eye
Red Barons for $14 million
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Lackawanna County Commissioners received a letter
from a group of New York-based investors
expressing interest in buying the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA;
International League) for $14 million. Among the
individuals involved in the proposal Tuesday from
Columbia Sports Capital is Jeff Barrett, chief
executive officer of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Penguins (American Hockey League). While there's
talk the group is a front for major-league
interests, the group's attorney flatly denies that
talk (and, indeed, a major-league team would be a
lot more subtle about a potential purchase). CSC
is one of five groups that have contacted the
county since last fall to express an interest in
buying the Red Barons, but the first to put a
proposal in writing. County officials say any
agreement to sell the team would have to include a
guarantee that it will remain in Lackawanna County
"in perpetuity" -- a clause we're guessing an
investor would not be interested in pursuing.
County steps to
plate for Reds spring ballpark plan
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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A
plan for a new spring-training complex for the
Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota received a boost when
county commissioners voted Tuesday to set a Sept.
13 public hearing on whether to raise the county's
bed tax to 4 percent from 3 percent to help pay
for the $53 million development, which would also
include new housing. The tax is expected to raise
$17.6 million over 20 years. The city of Sarasota
has already agreed to spend $9 million on the
project, while the Cincinnati Reds have pledged
$10 million and a state sales-tax rebate would
yield $15 million over 30 years.
More from the Bradenton Herald
and the
Charlotte Sun Herald.
Hialeah pitches
for Marlins ballpark
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Despite
some in the MLB hierarchy showing a clear
preference for a downtown Miami ballpark, Hialeah
officials say they'll continue to work on a
funding plan for a Fish park in that city. Hialeah
Mayor Julio Robaina says he's been told a downtown
ballpark is merely a backup plan and that Hialeah
remains the first option for the Marlins --
something that we seriously doubt, given what
we've been told by various sources. A Hialeah
location would pose some marketing issues for the
Marlins -- it's at the corner of Miami-Dade County
and freeways near the proposed location are
already busy during rush hour -- and it doesn't
sound like Hialeah officials have any proposals to
close a funding gap between the cost of the
ballpark and what the Marlins and Miami-Dade
County are willing to contribute.
Marlins
ballpark talk falls on deaf ears
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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You'll have to excuse Florida Marlins fans -- the
few left, anyway -- if they're not jumping up and
down after learning MLB was working to bring a new
ballpark to downtown Miami. They've been down this
road before: the Marlins floated several ballpark
plans over the past few years to no avail. Still,
the fact that MLB are asserting some control over
the process should be good news for Fish fans,
Miami is an important market as baseball attempts
to broaden its presence throughout Latin America,
and there's no doubt baseball should be part of
the Miami cultural sizzle. A specific plan for a
downtown Miami ballpark should bring Marlins fans
out of the woodwork; until then, it's all just
talk.
Springdale
officials present Wranglers lease to public
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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As we reported yesterday, Springdale, Ark.,
officials and the management of the Wichita
Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) came to an
agreement regarding a new ballpark lease, and
yesterday Springdale officials met with the press
and the public to explain the terms. The city
won't recoup all the costs associated with the
$50-million project via the lease, which is
expected to yield $8.3 million during its 20-year
lifespan. City officials were blunt about using
the ballpark as a way to improve the quality of
life in the rapidly growing Springdale area. The
Springdale City Council will discuss the proposed
lease at a work session tomorrow and then possibly
vote on it next Tuesday. Meanwhile, Wranglers
ownership and Wichita officials are still working
on an agreement that would allow the Wranglers to
leave a year early (the lease at Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium runs through 2009) but keep the National
Baseball Congress there, which presumably would
open up the ballpark for another tenant from an
independent league.
More from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
the
Wichita Business Journal and
the Wichita Eagle.
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Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
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Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Cashman:
Yankees are losing money
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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The
New York Yankees are losing money even as they're
winning games, General Manager Brian Cashman said.
The team's highest-in-baseball payroll,
revenue-sharing outlay and other expenses eclipse
its revenue, Cashman said in an interview on
Bloomberg radio's "On the Ball,'' to be aired this
weekend. Both Forbes and the New York Daily News
have estimated the Yankees are on the wrong side
of the ledger, so Cashman's comments aren't too
surprising. Whether a new ballpark helps this out
tremendously remains to be seen: we're sure the
Yankees will be able to increase revenues from
luxury boxes and sponsorships, but whether that
will outpace the cost of actually building the new
ballpark remains to be seen.
Yanks could
cash in on new ballpark
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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A
business columnist for the Boston Herald looks at
the new Yankee Stadium slated to open in 2009 and
how it will affect the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.
Maybe the timing isn't good for such a column
isn't good -- after all, the Yankees swept the
BoSox in a record-breaking series, and it had
little to do with increased revenues from a
new Yankee Stadium. We're guessing an aging George
Steinbrenner isn't doing this just for any
financial gain; legacy may be a prime ingredient.
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Ebbets' echoes in Queens;
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in...Pittsburgh?;
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Mets to go old school in new park
The poise of
summer: a day at Victory Field
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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As
more and more retro ballparks come online in the
minor leagues, there's nothing more refreshing
than a visit to one of the original retro
ballparks: Victory Field, the home of the
Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International
League). Really, the place has held up remarkably
well since it opened a decade ago, and there's no
reason to think the ballpark be any worse for wear
in another 10 years.
Opposition
turns out for hearings on new Twins ballpark
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Though most consider final approval of a financing
plan for a
new Minnesota Twins ballpark to be a
formality, that didn't stop opponents from
expressing their displeasure at a public hearing
held by the Hennepin County Board of
Commissioners. They also provided a fair share of
theater: for example, professional activist Leslie
Davis made a desperate grab for headlines by
refusing to leave the podium. Opposition comes on two levels:
general dissatisfaction with public funding of
sports facilities and the lack of a public
referendum on the ballpark plan. In previous years
ballpark opponents held some real political power,
but this year the opposition failed to put up an
effective lobbying effort. According to new county
forecasts, a married couple with two children and
a $75,000 annual income would pay an estimated $30
per year in sales taxes for the ballpark.
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sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
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Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
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supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
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slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
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Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
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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;
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Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Progress is in
the ballpark
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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On Tuesday, the City of Detroit moved on two
pieces of the plan to demolish Tiger Stadium and
replace it with a mix of housing and retail, a
project announced by Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in
June. The city's Economic Development Corp.
approved a plan to seek an environment consulting
firm to help deal with potential risks in
redeveloping the site. The board also agreed to
hire a firm to survey the site to produce legal
descriptions, locate all utility lines and do
other similar work. Still to be decided are when
some of the old ballpark's seats and other
memorabilia may be sold to the public, and when
demolition will start. The city is expected to
firm up the schedule for those steps this fall.
More
on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
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City should tear down Tiger Stadium;
Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?
Homes, ballpark
on the horizon for Sayreville?
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Housing
and a minor-league ballpark will now be permitted
uses in the waterfront redevelopment plan for the
National Lead site in Sayreville, N.J. Although
both components were included in the proposal by
conditional developer LNR Northeast Investment,
neither were previously permitted on the
400-plus-acre brownfields site. An ordinance
approved by the Borough Council on Monday has
changed that. The Planning Board OK'd the
amendment last month, but it also required
approval from the Borough Council.
Independence
means fans pick lineup
Posted Aug. 23, 2006 (feedback)
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Let's
catch up with the experiment allowing online
voters to pick lineups for the Schaumburg Flyers
(independent; Northern League). So far in the
second half the Flyers are 12-23 and in last place
after winning the first-half title. Fans don't
seem so smart: On the second day of the voting,
fans put the starting center fielder at first base
(where he hadn't played in four years), a backup
catcher at third base and a productive first
baseman on the bench. Since then the format has
been tweaked to somewhat diminish the
impulsiveness of the online voters. It's hard to
say the experiment is a success: it doesn't seem
to have generated any buzz anywhere.
Mets
announce all systems go for new ballpark
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The
New York Mets announced today that they have
completed and signed all agreements related to the
financing, development and construction
for their new
ballpark. The ballpark will open on Opening
Day 2009.
Today's news follows last week's announcement regarding the
successful offering of bonds to support the
ballpark project. The $613-million bond offering
was oversubscribed by a ratio of 5 to 1.
"Today's announcement makes our dream of building a new
ballpark for our team and fans a definitive
reality," said Mets' COO Jeff Wilpon. "We will now
move forward from site logistics work to an
aggressive construction schedule. Already in our
parking lot at Shea Stadium, piles are being
driven and excavation and foundation work is
beginning.
"We greatly appreciate the support of the City and State of
New York and our local elected officials as well
as our new bondholders, who all helped make the
development of this privately financed ballpark a
reality," added Wilpon. "We will have an
announcement about our ceremonial groundbreaking
event in the coming weeks."
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ballparks;
Mets to go old school in new park
Rich
Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of
Wranglers
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Rich family and the city of Springdale, Ark., have
come to an lease agreement
for a new ballpark in Springdale for use by the
Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League)
beginning in the 2008 season. Springdale officials
had traveled to Buffalo, N.Y., last week to meet
with Wranglers officials about the lease, and the
proposed lease came directly from these meetings.
It's pretty similar to what we've already
reported, but one potentially troublesome lease
clause was worked out by the two sides when
Wranglers ownership agreed to curtail their demand
to control the new ballpark year-round; instead,
the Wranglers will control the facility just
during the season (March 1-October 31) but will
keep space at the ballpark year-round and the city
retains the option to stage 10 events during the
baseball season. The terms: the Wranglers will pay
$325,000 per year (subject to annual adjustment)
as well as $.50 per ticket in excess of 300,000
during a season. The length of the lease: 20
years, with two options for five years apiece. It
also sounds like there already some candidates for
naming rights (which will be controlled by the
baseball team), though the names already approved
by the city were not distributed to the press. The
Springdale City Council will discuss the lease at
a work session this Thursday and then vote on it a
week from today.
Here's the proposed lease, as released to the
press by Springdale officials. We presume the
Wranglers will announce soon how will address the
remaining year (2009) on the team's lease for
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium as well as the future of
the National Baseball Congress.
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them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
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Wichita pitching to keep team;
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Springdale vote certification put on hold;
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baseball in Wichita?;
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funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
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Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
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City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
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New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
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ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
MLB ready to move on
downtown Miami ballpark
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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We've reported frequently over the last six months
about MLB's planning of a new downtown Miami
ballpark for the Florida Marlins -- activities at
odds with the Marlins' own plans for a Hialeah
ballpark -- and it appears the planning will come
to fruition shortly, from what we've been told by
several sources. MLB is ready to move forward on
plans for a new downtown Miami ballpark and is
calling in the prime players in the development in
for meetings in New York City next week. The plan
is for a new ballpark south of Miami Arena on a
site previously identified as having a ton of
potential by locals: it's close to mass transit in
the form of freeways, a downtown peoplemover and
Metrorail, as well as near a proposed stop for the
Florida East Coast Railway line currently in
development. Downtown Miami is a hot area, and the
new ballpark would piggyback on that trendiness
quotient. Next week MLB has scheduled meetings
with Marlins, Hialeah and Miami-Dade County
officials in New York City, and we expect the
funding of a new ballpark to be addressed in-depth
at that time, as MLB officials step in to evaluate
precisely what's happening in south Florida. A
previous cost estimate for a retractable-roof
ballpark was $430 million, but we're guessing the
price is now closer to $480 million, which makes
funding problematic: Miami-Dade County has already
pledged $120 million, and the Marlins have
promised $180 million in up-front commitments. The
two sides had previously looked at state funding
for the project -- something we hear will be
sought again, this time with a solid site and
design -- and don't be surprised if MLB officials
lean on the Marlins to bring in some additional
local investors to help push the project. MLB has
long envisioned Miami as being the sport's gateway
to Latin America, especially so now that it looks
like there will be an opening of Cuba in the next
decade, which is why officials are so keen to be
this involved in the planning and development
stages of a new ballpark. The Fish's lease at
Dolphin Stadium expires at the end of the 2010
season, so decisions about the team's future must
be made shortly.
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Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will
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Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea;
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San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold;
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San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for
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Marlins front office meets with Homestead
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Marlins to Oklahoma City?;
Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade
might help fund a Marlins ballpark;
Owner laughs off idea of his
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Marlins, FAU to discuss
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Marlins;
Possibility of Marlins
ballpark deal called remote
Ballpark Visit: Duncan Park
Stadium, Spartanburg Stingers
Posted Aug. 22, 2006
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Duncan
Park Stadium dates back to 1926 and is the perfect
example of a ballpark from that era: the wooden
grandstand is topped by steel trusses and a wooden
roof. Over the years a lot of players at all
levels -- ranging from Legion and textile-league
players to future Hall of Famers -- have called
Duncan Park Stadium home. However, the ballpark
will be closed indefinitely while the city and a
nonprofit group decide if preserving the ballpark
is financially feasible. We suspect it is -- and
we suspect that with a little love and promotion
Duncan Park Stadium can be a showcase for baseball
in the South.
Ballpark Visit: Russell C.
King Field, Wofford Terriers
Posted Aug. 22, 2006
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Located
on the Wofford College campus, Russell C. King
Field is a bucolic, modern ballpark. It features a
plaza in back of the seating area, as well as a
decent number of theater-style seats. In a nice
touch, the college sets up rocking chairs on the
plaza level during games. It's a good place to
watch a college game; there's also the strong
chance the ballpark will serve as the home of the
Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal
Plain League) for the 2007 season while the future
of Duncan Park Stadium is debated.
Ballpark Visit: Harley Park,
USC Upstate Spartans
Posted Aug. 22, 2006
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Harley Park, the home of the
University of South Carolina-Upstate baseball
team, serves both as a ballpark and a training
facility. The ballpark itself seats about 400 and
features a press box/concession stand in back of
the chairback seating. There's also small
concourse areas next to the press box/concession
stand for folks bringing in their own seating.
The ballpark also serves as the home of the
Spartanburg Crickets (summer collegiate; Southern
Collegiate Baseball League).
New 51s
ballpark may be in offing
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) are dusting off plans for a new ballpark,
talking about a project in North Las Vegas with
Mayor Michael Montandon and local developers.
According to a team spokesman, any new facility
built in the valley could be constructed with the
ability to build the ballpark out to major-league
specs. This could mean that the area that has the
new 51s ballpark may have the competitive edge of
becoming the home of a major league team if, or
when, Major League Baseball moves to Southern
Nevada. Mayor Oscar Goodman has repeatedly said
he's not interested in building a new ballpark for
the 51s and would rather focus on luring an MLB
team, but given the landscape in baseball, he
might be better off working to keep the 51s in
town. We presume that with these activities
Mandalay has decided to hang onto the 51s and
taken the team off the market. The new ballpark
would replace Cashman
Field as the home of the 51s.
Sarasota
pledges $9 million toward new spring-training
complex for Reds
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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Calming fears that Major League Baseball could
forever leave Sarasota, city commissioners on
Monday voted to commit $9 million to help build a
new spring training complex for the Cincinnati
Reds. The move is a crucial piece in the
$54-million funding puzzle: already committed to
the project are $10 million from the Reds,
potentially $15 million from the state, and $15
million from the proceeds of a county tourism tax
(endorsed
yesterday by two influential business groups,
and
due to be debated today). The final piece of
the funding puzzle will be $10 million from a
local developer for the rights to build a hotel,
restaurants and possibly retail as part of the
complex. The complex would be built at the current
site of a youth sports complex (which would be
relocated) at 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue;
Ed Smith Stadium, the current spring home of the
Reds, would be renovated and used for amateur
sports. If the complex becomes reality, the Reds
will sign a long-term lease for the facility; the
current lease expires in 2008.
More from the Bradenton Herald. More on why a
renovation of Ed Smith Stadium might not make
sense:
no one really knows what pollutants sit under the
grass.
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ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch;
Indians express interest;
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Storm destroys
Golden Park's center-field wall
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The center-field wall at Golden Park, the home of
the Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League),
was reduced to thousands of bricks scattered in
the outfield Sunday night during a rain and
lightning storm. A 150-foot section of the wall
crumbled during the storm, leaving a clean shot
from home plate to Fourth Street. The wall was
built in 1951, and age, deaths and the ghosts
apparently caught up with it. The cost to repair
the wall will be $40,000 to $60,000, and the storm
also caused 5,000 in damage to wooden advertising
signs in left field and about $2,100 in damage to
the field. There also was damage to the scoreboard
and lights that still has to be assessed. The
Catfish begin their final homestand of the season
Thursday night, and a temporary chain-link fence
will be used in place of the brick wall.
Rays' deal may
fizzle on new spring-training site
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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A deal to move the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to
Charlotte County for spring training could be in
jeopardy. Charlotte County hoteliers and the local
tourism bureau are lining up against a proposal to
use $15 million in tourist tax dollars to renovate
the county's outdated baseball complex for the
Rays. Both groups say the money could be better
spent attracting visitors still weary from the
effects of the 2004 hurricane season. The county's
Tourist Development Council formally rejected the
financing plan last week. Charlotte County
administrators and the Rays want the county to
raise the county's tourist tax to the state
maximum -- five cents for every dollar spent -- to
cover its share of the ballpark renovations.
According to team officials, the Devil Rays are
considering other locations if the Charlotte deal
falls through; Bonita Spring is debating building
a spring complex as well.
RELATED STORIES:
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Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Grasshoppers
poised to break attendance record
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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For the second straight year, the Greensboro
Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) will
break the all-time attendance record for
professional baseball in Greensboro. With only
five games remaining this season, the current
record of 407,711 is expected to be broken during
Friday night’s game against the West Virginia
Power. With this newest attendance record, the
Hoppers will join prestigious company within Minor
League Baseball. Only nine of the 28 teams with
new stadiums (built between 2000 and 2004) have
increased their attendance during year two.
Royals have
grand plans for Kauffman Stadium
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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Ballpark renovations don't get folks as excited as
new ballparks, but in the case of
Kauffman
Stadium, the Kansas City Royals are looking at
some fairly dramatic and exciting changes in
the
ballpark renovation project. On
possible change: overhauling the iconic
center-field crown scoreboard and turning the
whole thing into a high-definition video board.
Other potential changes: adding an amphitheater,
restaurants and bars behind right field for people
to hang out before, during and after games. The
renovated ballpark should also be more
comfortable, with more concession stands, wider
concourses and additional bathrooms.
RELATED STORIES:
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Kauffman Stadium work;
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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
Prior Lake
Council puts brakes on Northwoods League plan
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The Prior Lake City Council, scheduled to vote
last night on a proposal by former Minneapolis
Star Tribune publisher Joel Kramer to bring a
summer collegiate Northwoods League team to the
southwest suburb of Minneapolis, instead delayed
the vote indefinitely after local residents
registered their opposition to renovating
Veteran's Field. With the owners of Canterbury
Park, a horse track in Shakopee, also deciding put
the brakes on building a new ballpark for a
Northwoods League team, it appears the league will
not be expanding into the greater Twin Cities area
for the time being. Green Bay is on track to host
a team next season at
Joannes Field; also in play
are Bismarck, N.D., and Battle Creek, Mich.
RELATED STORIES:
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Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease;
Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?
Ballpark to install play
area safety net after accident
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic
League) will install a net in front of the
playground at Clipper Magazine Stadium to protect
children from foul balls like the one that struck
and injured a 5-year-old girl earlier this month.
The net will be installed on only one side of the
playground, which is located above the stadium
bleachers on the third-base side of the ballpark.
It is unclear how soon the net will be installed,
according to Barnstormers GM Joe Pinto, because
ballpark officials are still evaluating the styles
and prices.
RELATED STORIES:
5-year-old hit by foul ball suffers brain injury
Playing for
keeps near Petco Park
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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More development news in San Diego tied to the
opening of Petco Park, the home of the San Diego
Padres. Cisterra Partners is developing a tower
called DiamondView outside the ballpark's
right-field fence. DiamondView sits "a Mickey
Mantle tape measure home run" from home plate,
says developer Todd Anson, or 550 feet. Mantle's
longest homer is believed to have traveled 565
feet. The top of the building will feature "the
ultimate sky-box," a 5,000-square-foot, high-tech
boardroom with outdoor decks overlooking the
stadium. Tenants will be allowed to use it free of
charge. A second-floor health club and baseball
Hall of Fame-themed lobby are also in the works.
Most 'Birds
fans enjoy games, win or lose
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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We hear it time and time again that minor-league
baseball is a game of entertainment, as fans come
to the ballpark for the total experience, not that
they particularly care how their team performs on
the field. That seems to be mostly true at
AutoZone Park, the home of the Memphis Redbirds
(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League); although
season-ticket sales remain strong, the crowds seem
to have thinned out in recent weeks as the team
struggles on the field.
Sox eye swans'
site: Team looks at building, lot near Fenway
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The Boston Red Sox are eyeing another property
deal near Fenway Park
-- this time a two-acre parcel
on Boylston Street that could significantly expand
the team’s development options. A team spokesman
confirmed that the Sox have held talks that could
lead to the team leasing land owned by the Swan
family of Boston, which controls a parking lot and
commercial building next to the Boylston Street
Howard Johnson Hotel. That parcel would give the
team control of much of a whole block of property
next to the ballpark.
Sports always
transcends the crisis at hand
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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The independent Israeli Baseball League is moving
ahead with plans to launch next season, with
opening day for June 22, 2007. Yesterday 60
players were at the Duquette Sports Academy in
Hinsdale to try out for spots in the fledgling
league. Given the recent unrest in the Middle East
-- specifically, with Israel and Lebanon -- you'd
think a venture might be even riskier but founder
Larry Baras says baseball has a chance to be a
welcome diversion in Israel.
RELATED STORIES:
Baseball in Israel, Part II;
Notes from Israel
8-minute
rainfall suspends Winders
Posted Aug. 22, 2006 (feedback)
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Here's
a definite rarity: a Tucson Sidewinders (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League) game at
Tucson Electric Park
was suspended after an eight-minute rain delay.
The Sidewinders have had only three previous dates
this season postponed because of field conditions,
one because of a tarp team officials claim was
leaky. However, this rain came up out of the blue
-- literally -- and caught Sidewinders officials
offguard.
Yankees begin
construction on new Yankee Stadium
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The New York Yankees broke ground last week on
their new billion-dollar ballpark, slated to open
in the 2009 season, in the shadows of
The House That Ruth
Built -- or, at the very
least, The House That Was Rebuilt in the 1970s. All the usual suspects were there: George Steinbrenner
(in his
trademark white turtleneck, natch), Gov. George Pataki,
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others. The ceremony took place --
coincidentally, according to organizers -- on the
same date Babe Ruth died 58 years ago.
More from Newsday. The legal battle over
public participation in the new ballpark is far
from over: The Bronx community group "Save Our
Parks"
is planning to appeal a judge’s decision that
allowed the new ballpark to proceed. Mike Lupica says
it's time to leave George Steinbrenner alone.
Here's one of the many eulogies for Yankee Stadium,
but we can't share the sentiment: the Yankee
Stadium of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle
and Joe DiMaggio was torn down in the 1970s.
Here's another eulogy and
yet another.
Here's an article calling for the Yankees to keep
ticket prices sane in the new ballpark,
and
a rather vicious condemnation of the new ballpark
being a moneymaker for the Yankees -- even
though the Yankees are paying for most of the
costs of the new ballpark.
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bonds;
New York Agency approves ballpark financing for
Yankees, Mets;
MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea;
Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?;
NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets
ballpark bonding bills;
Squeeze play on Mets ballpark;
Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie
Robinson;
New Mets ballpark deal is stalled;
Squeeze play on the Mets;
Strike one for new Mets ballpark;
Mets park's name will fetch millions;
Mets unveil plans for new ballpark;
Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks;
City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks;
State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets
ballparks;
Ebbets' echoes in Queens;
At Mets' park, you'll think you're
in...Pittsburgh?;
State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets
ballparks;
Mets to go old school in new park
Ballpark Preview: Seaman
Stadium, Okotoks Dawgs
Posted Aug. 21, 2006
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The
Okotoks Dawgs (summer collegiate; Western Major
Baseball League), formerly the Calgary Dawgs, are
building a new ballpark for Spring 2007: Seaman
Stadium and Field House. Seaman Stadium was
designed by the firm of Elliott Workgroup
Architects (Salt Lake City). Craig Elliott of that
firm was responsible for the design of both
Franklin Covey Field, the home of the Salt Lake
Bees (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), and Orem
Stadium, the home of the Orem Owlz (rookie;
Pioneer League). The plans call for a ballpark
with clubhouses, press box, hospitality suites,
permanent seating for 2,000 fans, additional berm
seating and a family barbeque area, bringing the
total capacity in excess of 4,500 fans.
Ballpark Visit: Copeland
Park, La Crosse Loggers
Posted Aug. 21, 2006
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Copeland
Park, the home of the La Crosse Loggers (summer
collegiate; Northwoods League), has changed since
our initial visit to the first game played there:
the grandstand was expanded, a second log-cabin
group area was added to the outfield, and
another group area was added to the left-field
corner. But one thing has been constant: the
Loggers put on a great show and have been heartily
embraced by the greater La Crosse community,
making Copeland Park one of the best venues in the
summer-collegiate world.
New ballpark
would revive Snappers
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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By far the worst facility in the Low Class A
Midwest League,
Pohlman Field, the home of the
Beloit Snappers, would be replaced by a new
ballpark for the 2008 season. The former Legion
field doesn't come close to meeting MLB standards,
so the local ownership has only two options: build
a new ballpark or see the team move, something
that's been rumored the last few years. The team's
goal is to have a new facility ready for the 2008
season, which means it must have an official site
and most of the I's dotted and T's crossed within
the next few months to break ground sometime in
2007.
The tentative site sits along Interstate 90 and
Avalon Road between Beloit and Janesville;
that development is spearheaded by Jim Fitzgerald,
a former owner of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.
The team envisions a 4,000-seat facility with an
open concourse, different grades of seating, some
luxury suites, a picnic area and much more
parking. It also would be a drastic improvement
from when the original 21 investors put up $3,000
each for a complex that featured a diamond and
backstop, while a trailer served as the clubhouse
and there were no showers for the players. One
possible model for the new ballpark:
RiverHawks Stadium in Rockford.
Yankees get
lower rate than Mets on ballpark municipal bonds
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The New York Yankees and the New York Mets have
almost identical records, leading their divisions
in Major League Baseball. In the municipal bond
market, the Yanks are beating their crosstown
rivals. The teams raised $1.57 billion this week
to pay for new ballparks. The biggest portion of
each sale was a 40-year bond with the same credit
ratings, interest coupons and insurance against
default. The Yankees, leaders in the American
League's eastern division,
will pay a yield of
4.51 percent,
better than the 4.57 percent the
Mets, also at the top of their group in the
National League, obtained in a sale the day before.
RELATED STORIES:
Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated
junk
County, P-Nats
closer to a new ballpark
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors
could sign a memorandum of understanding as soon
as Sept. 19 with the county park authority and
Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) owner
Art Silber to build a new ballpark for the team,
said county spokeswoman Nikki Brown. A tentative
public-private partnership would have Silber and
the county splitting the projected cost of a new
stadium complex, said Assistant County Executive
Susan Roltsch. Past estimates place the cost at
$17.5 million.
Brown pledges
to stop Nats' new ballpark
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Candidate Michael A. Brown says that, as D.C.
mayor, he would stop construction of the
Washington Nationals' ballpark on South Capitol
Street and instead would refurbish
RFK Stadium for
the team. Whether he could do so is a matter for
debate: there's a signed lease between the Nats
and the city, and other city development is
predicated on the new ballpark. Brown, a lobbyist,
is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor in
the Sept. 12 primary.
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Commission hears proposal on parking;
More funds might be needed to build garages next
to new D.C. ballpark;
D.C. developer sways the city with big bucks and
big ideas;
Lerner name means plenty, as Nats deal is closed;
Host of problems at new-look RFK;
MLB: D.C. government in default of lease agreement;
D.C. Council approves parking garage plan;
Nats announce 'Grand Reopening' for old RFK;
Environmental issues raise concerns on new Nats
ballpark;
D.C. mayor asks for ballpark plan approval;
D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles;
Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking;
Nats sale targeted for July finalization;
D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking
controversy;
Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project;
Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking;
Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M;
Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new
ballpark;
D.C.
ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but
concerns linger;
D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball;
The Nationals' wish list;
Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking;
Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening';
Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full
approval expected today;
Nats ballpark design up in the air;
It's official: Lerner nabs Nats
North Johnson named GM of
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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North
Johnson is the new general manager of the Myrtle
Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League).
Johnson, who has served as the general manager of
the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A;
California League) for the past three seasons,
brings a wealth of knowledge and 28 years of
experience. Johnson will carry out his duties as
GM of the Quakes until the end of the 2006
baseball season before taking over the duties as
GM of the Pelicans in September.
Johnson returns to the Carolina League, where he was the
general manager of the Kinston Indians for 17
seasons from 1987 until 2003 and was tabbed as the
"Executive of the Year" three different times
during his tenure in Kinston (1988, 1994 and
2000). Under Johnson's eye the Indians received
the Bob Freitas Award in 1994, which recognizes
the Minor League franchise with the most
innovative, crowd-pleasing promotions in the
country.
Corporate welfare in D.C.
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The Washington Times contrasts the deal for a new
ballpark in the District of Columbia with the
financing for a
new Yankee Stadium. It's a bad,
bad comparison: New York City is spending about
$200 million on the projects, all on
infrastructure improvements that will also benefit
the Bronx. D.C., however, is spending close to a
billion dollars on the new Washington Nationals
ballpark when all is said and done, and while some
of that will surely benefit a formerly run-down
area of southeast Washington, most of it will
benefit the Nats owners. The difference: leverage.
NYC officials had leverage in turning down public
funding of a ballpark, but D.C. officials did not.
City told only
voters decide ballpark's user
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Building a ballpark for anything other than an
affiliated minor-league baseball franchise would
require approval from Springdale voters, the
city’s bond counsel said, which would seem to
preclude the city from working on a deal with an
independent-league team, according to Shep
Russell, of the Little Rock-based Friday, Eldredge
& Clark law firm. Springdale voters approved July
11 the extension of a 1 percent sales tax to pay
for a 6,000-seat ballpark. Mayor Jerre Van Hoose
has been negotiating basic terms of a lease
agreement with the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA;
Texas League); he was in Buffalo, N.Y., last week
to meet with Wranglers ownership,
but no word on how that meeting went.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette says Springdale
officials have botched up the entire process.
RELATED STORIES:
Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch
for ballpark;
What's new in Wichita?;
Wranglers president says move is nearly official;
Wranglers agreement down to one item;
City negotiating terms with Wranglers;
Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team;
Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers;
Wranglers to move in 2008;
Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers;
Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team
talks;
Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations;
Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep
Wranglers;
Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with
them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer;
Wichita pitching to keep team;
Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale;
Springdale vote certification put on hold;
City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with
new ballparks;
Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner;
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Where are the
tourists in St. Louis?
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Some local attractions and hotels wonder whether a
ticket squeeze at the new, smaller
Busch Stadium
has discouraged tourists from visiting Cardinal
Nation this summer. Certainly, steep gasoline
prices, sweltering heat, severe storms and road
construction have tattered St. Louis' welcome mat.
But those factors can't entirely explain an 8
percent dip in summer attendance at the St. Louis
Zoo, president Jeffrey Bonner said. Last year, 29
percent of the Zoo's out-of-town visitors attended
a Cardinals game; this year, the number has dived
to 14 percent.
RELATED STORIES:
High winds damage new Busch Stadium, injure 30;
Busch's league;
New Busch Stadium brings promise to downtown St.
Louis;
Cardinals enjoy seeing full house for first time
in new ballpark;
New Busch Stadium: The name remains the same, but
. . .;
Cardinals pledge to iron out lingering problems at
Busch;
Small fire breaks out in new Busch Stadium;
Arch-itecture;
Not everyone raving about the new Busch;
Busch foul poles will be replaced;
Backward, march;
New Busch Stadium has its own quirks;
Fans revel in new Cardinals ballpark;
Ready or not....;
Ballpark Visit:
Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
5-year-old hit
by foul ball suffers brain injury
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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A 5-year-old girl struck by a foul ball at the
playground area at Clipper Magazine Stadium, the
home of the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent;
Atlantic League), suffered a cracked skull and
brain injury. The injury to Brooke Nicodemus, who
also suffered bleeding of the brain, highlights
the potentially serious harm that fly balls can
cause. Fans are frequently struck in the stands
and assume the risk of injuries that occur there
under a long-honored legal doctrine, but we're
guessing this may be tested at some point: courts
may be reluctant to extend that legal risk onto
children playing in a remote area. With
encouragement from her parents, Brooke returned to
the ballpark for a tour on Saturday.
New spring
ballpark a win-win for Reds, Sarasota
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The
president of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of
Commerce and the executive director of the Argus
Foundation -- who are leading the planning of a
new spring-training complex for the Cincinnati
Reds -- make an argument on the editorial pages
for the new facility to replace Ed Smith Stadium.
Their argument is simple: city taxpayers will pay
only $10 million toward the costs of a $54 million
complex, with the rest coming from a countyside
tourism tax, state sales-tax rebates and land
leases. We're seeing some funny numbers thrown
around in this debate; we'd love to see an actual
budget.
RELATED STORIES:
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch;
Indians express interest;
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
The Devil Rays
in the details
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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With the possibility of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
shifting spring-training operations to Port
Charlotte, county commissioners may have to scrap
Charlotte Sports Park's $21 million master plan.
Last August, the county's Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board got a first glimpse of the master
"re-use" plan -- a 20-year blueprint that includes
amenities beyond the 5,400-seat ballpark that
anchors the 85-acre park. To secure the Devil
Rays' deal, the county must accelerate and enhance
ballpark renovation. The team is requesting, among
other things, outfield berms, redesigned seating,
and refurbished locker rooms, clubhouse and office
space.
More from John Fineran,
as
well as an opinion from the Desoto Sun Herald.
If Rays go, Al
Lang could be reduced to memories
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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For the first time since it opened in 1947, Al
Lang Field will be without a team if the Devil
Rays leave their waterfront spring training home
as planned in 2009. And if the Devil Rays go, Al
Lang -- with its idyllic views of Tampa Bay and a
storied history -- could be lost forever, too.
Last week, Mayor Rick Baker suggested for the
first time that the ballpark, now called Progress
Energy Park, may not be in the city's plans. No
surprise: downtown St. Petersburg is in the midst
of a renaissance, and Al Lang Field occupies a
pretty prime piece of real estate.
Triple-A should
be A-OK in Ottawa
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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At one time Ottawa was one of the top markets in
the International League, drawing sellout crowds
to Lynx Stadium. Today the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) have been identified as the
team slated to move to Allentown, Pa., for the
2008 season, and the independent Can-Am
Association is already making plans to lease Lynx
Stadium (or whatever it will be known as once the
Lynx leave). It will be a sad year for baseball
fans in Ottawa next season -- lame-duck seasons
are never pretty -- but we're guessing the Can-Am
Association will be a success: having Montreal and
Quebec regularly in town should launch some great
regional rivalries.
Small piece
described as insulation falls from Miller Park
roof
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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A small piece of what was described as insulation
fell from the roof of
Miller Park to the playing
field as the Milwaukee Brewers were playing the
Houston Astros. Tyler Barnes, the Brewers' vice
president of communications, said the insulation
piece which landed between the pitcher's mound and
second base Thursday night was similar to
Styrofoam and was light enough that the club did
not think it would have caused any injury if it
had hit a player or fan. Engineers were to inspect
the ballpark roof further to look for and
remove any other pieces that might be at risk of
falling.
Butler County
renovating historic ballpark in hope of luring pro
team
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Butler officials are hoping to again attract
minor-league baseball to the city -- and in the
process, spur redevelopment in their county seat
about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. The city wants
to spend about $5 million -- half of that from
city coffers -- to restore Pullman Park, the
former home to minor-league baseball in the city.
We've heard the independent Frontier League is
interested in placing a team in the historic
ballpark; we've also heard of one scenario that
places a Class A team in the ballpark (perhaps
temporarily) as well.
Twins ballpark
debate keeps going with deal all but done
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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All that's left for a
new Minnesota Twins ballpark
deal to be officially completed is one final vote
from the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners
endorsing the deal put together by the Twins and
the county, officially approved by the state.
Hearing on the matter have drawn a very small
number of protesters, and ballpark opponents admit
they're not spending a lot of time and effort on
building public opinion to their cause, and there
are no legal challenges to the ballpark financing
planned.
RELATED STORIES:
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
GOP primary
focuses on incumbent's ballpark vote
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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With primaries scheduled for Sept. 12 in
Minnesota, candidates challenging incumbents are
using public funding of the
new Minnesota Twins ballpark as a campaign tool. Actually, they're not
attacking the funding itself -- which is fairly
popular -- but the lack of a public referendum on
the funding. Whether this will have any traction
remains to be seen: there aren't many candidates
using the strategy (it's totally absent in any
statewide race), and we're guessing it won't be
much of an issue on Sept. 12.
Baseball on
deck in Topeka, but no one's talking
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten announced at the Topeka
City Council meeting last week that the city was
contacted with a proposal to bring a minor-league
team to the city and build a ballpark there. He
didn't provide any details about the proposal,
saying things were in a very preliminary stage --
and from what we hear, preliminary may be an
overstatement.
We'll tell you who's looking at the market: the
independent United League Baseball.
Dust Devils,
Rockies extend player-development deal
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The Tri-City Dust Devils (short season; Northwest
League) and the Colorado Rockies announced an
extension of their player-development deal through
the 2008 season. "The Colorado Rockies have been a
great partner of the Dust Devils," says Dust
Devils President Brent Miles. "They've provided
our fans with a quality baseball product and have
been wonderful for our staff to work with. We look
forward to more exciting years ahead as a Rockies
affiliate."
States Rockies Director-Player Development Marc Gustafson,
"Extending the PDC was an easy decision. Our
players enjoy coming to the Tri-Cities. The
facilities are as good as it gets in the Northwest
League, and we're excited about continuing our
relationship with the Dust Devils staff."
The Dust Devils have been affiliated with the Rockies since
their inception in 2001.
More on the current
affiliation status here.
It might be
time for Bears to pull plug on D-Backs affiliation
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The Yakima Bears (short season; Northwest League)
don't seem to get much out of their affiliation
with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and here's one call
for the Bears to sever the agreement. The Bears
are suffering through yet another miserable season
as a D-Backs team, and since the Bears hooked up
with Arizona in 2001, the team has had only one
winning season. During the six years in which
Yakima has been an Arizona affiliate, the Bears
have lost more than any of the seven other
Northwest League teams. And while Eugene and
Tri-City have also been without titles, all have
had at least two winning seasons.
West End Field
passes first test
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Bart Wright proclaims
West
End Field, the home of
the Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League),
a success. The team will easily surpass the
300,000 mark this season, as the new ballpark has
become an integral part of the downtown Greenville
experience. As you'll recall, there was a huge
debate in minor-league baseball over what team and
what ballpark plan would prevail; in retrospect,
MiLB made the correct call in awarding the market
to the Drive and their
West
End Field ballpark plan.
RELATED STORIES:
Drive sets Greenville baseball attendance record;
One Monster of a success in Greenville;
Fans flock to see downtown baseball in Greenville;
Sox of the South;
Leave, and they will build it;
Baseball Web site gives West End Field top grade;
A city getting it right
Secret to
IronBirds' success is putting fun in their games
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Though baseball attendance has dropped off at
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the sport is bustling
in Aberdeen. In the middle of their fifth
consecutive sold-out season, the Aberdeen
IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League) are
entrenched in fan support. About 1,400 people are
on a waiting list for season tickets to see the
club's home games.
Some call for
New Jersey to intervene to save Xanadu project
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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As the half-built, multibillion-dollar Xanadu
shopping and entertainment complex in the
Meadowlands unravels along with its parent
company’s finances, some top officials conceded
the failure on Thursday and called for New Jersey
to intervene, or even get rid of the developer. It
appears unlikely that the developer, the Mills
Corporation, can finish the $2 billion project at
the Meadowlands Sports Complex, and real estate
experts and stock analysts say it is hardly more
likely that the state can find another developer
to finish it as planned. Indeed, the more
financial challenges facing Mills, the less chance
you'll see a new ballpark for the Bergen Cliff
Hawks (independent; Atlantic League).
RELATED STORIES:
Judge won't dismiss suit against Xanadu developers;
Xanadu won't kick out baseball team -- for now;
Developer wants to open way for other teams;
'Frustrated' by ballpark delays;
Don't let Mills renege on Bergen ballpark;
A ballpark deal, but with a big 'if';
Xanadu price tag to rise; opening could be year
late
Viewpoint: Our city has
higher priorities than building a baseball park
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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More on a proposed new ballpark for the Pensacola
Pelicans (independent; American Association) as
part of a larger waterfront redevelopment project.
There's a large dose of bullcrap here -- this
statement, 'that only 13 cities with minor-league
baseball teams are on Money magazine's 2006 list
of the 100 "best places to live,' is highly
misleading, as many of the cities cited -- like
Eden Prairie, Minn., Scottsdale, Az., or Eagan,
Minn. -- are suburbs of a major-league market or
really, really close to a minor-league market,
like Cary, N.C. -- and by our math underestimates
the number of cities with minor-league baseball by
half. It's the sign of a very weak argument when
the author needs to resort to transparent
falsehoods to mislead readers.
RELATED STORIES:
When presented with facts, waterfront park is a
worthy proposal;
Sports museum in Pensacola gains steam
Who's on deck in Battle
Creek?
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Bill Larsen, the former GM of the Kane County
Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) who has been
involved with several aborted baseball leagues and
ventures in the last few years, is working to
bring a Northwoods League team to Battle Creek's
C.O. Brown Stadium. The ballpark will be free at
the end of the season when the Southwest Michigan
Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League) move to
Midland, Mich.
RELATED STORIES:
No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay;
Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete;
Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease;
Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?
Northwoods League group to
take next step
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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If Jeff Royle has his way, the Northwoods League
will have an expansion baseball team in Green Bay
next summer. Royle, who owns Ashwaubenon-based
Royle Publications, said Bill Landvatter, the
city's park and recreation director, will present
a Joannes Field lease agreement to the city Park
Committee on Tuesday. The league reportedly has
negotiated a buyout of the lease held by the Green
Bay Billy's, an amateur team that has played the
past nine seasons at
Joannes Field. Royle would
own about 80 percent of the new team. Chad Bauer,
who lives in Jackson in southeastern Wisconsin,
would be a minority owner.
RELATED STORIES:
No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay;
Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete;
Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease;
Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?
Young owner
proving naysayers wrong
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Andrew Starke, the 26-year-old owner of the
summer-collegiate Palm Springs Power, is making a
go of it in the desert. Now in its third season,
the Power is averaging 700 or so fans a game, with
larger crowds showing up for the season opener.
Dozens of corporate sponsors have signed up,
helping to boost the Power's operating budget from
roughly $250,000 to $500,000, which helps pay for
more than 30 full and part-time employees during
the season. Starke also made a good decision in
hiring the fiery Estevan Valencia, a proven winner
with the La Crosse Loggers (summer collegiate;
Northwoods League), to run the baseball side.
Some worry
SFA's ballpark will hurt area's beauty
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Stephen F. Austin State University's plan to build
a baseball and softball complex at the thickly
wooded corner of University Drive and Starr Avenue
has already drawn protests before the first tree
has been cut. Complaints surrounding the field's
construction focused on the wetlands that have
formed on the property and the possible
clear-cutting of trees. The proposed park would
sit among 22 acres at the bottom of a hill running
along the eastern edge of Nacogdoches. Water runs
into the flat area, creating wetlands and flowing
into a creek that courses through the heavily
wooded property.
Waggoner
holding out hope for new ballpark at Marshall
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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Marshall University's new baseball coach is
banking on a blend of pitching, defense and a
shiny new stadium to achieve Conference USA
prominence. University officials are close to
securing a wide-ranging facilities project that
will feature a student recreation center, a
dormitory, parking garage, softball facility
upgrades and the long-awaited ballpark.
Ark-Mo baseball
league kept Depression at bay
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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If the Wichita Wranglers
(Class AA; Texas League) do indeed move to
Springdale, Ark., it won't be the first time
professional baseball has been played in the area.
The Class D Arkansas State League played in
1934-1935 and, after expanding to the Ozarks,
under the Arkansas-Missouri League name in
1936-1940, featuring teams in Bentonville and
Fayetteville. As you might expect, it was a Class
D league that struggled during the Great
Depression: by the end a pile of debt doomed
baseball in the region. Still, it gave us teams
like the Fayetteville Educators and the
Bentonville Officeholders.
Ballpark
Notes
Posted Aug. 21, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League) are on
pace for a setting a new single season attendance
record. After 27 home games, Rockies season
attendance is up almost 20 percent over the 2005
season. With record crowds through the first four
home stands, the Rockies are expected to break
their attendance record, previously set at 53,000
in 2004. The single game attendance record was set
earlier this season on July 4th with 3,149 fans in
attendance. "Being in a smaller market, the crowds
in Casper have been tremendous," said Casper
Rockies General Manager Danny Tetzlaff. "We
hope to maintain this momentum as we finish the
2006 campaign."...Prior
to Saturday night’s game, the Charleston
RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) retired
the reserved seat at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
that was occupied by former co-owner T. Ashton
Phillips. In pregame, on-field ceremonies, the
Phillips Family, led by Ashton’s widow, LaVonne,
was present and co-owner Mike Veeck proclaimed
that the seat at Sec. 108, Row 2, Seat 1 would
never be sold again and is never to be
occupied....The
Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League),
have announced that Assistant General Manager
Greg Coleman will attempt a feat of baseball
endurance on Wednesday, August 30, 2006. Coleman
plans to round the bases at Mercer County
Waterfront Park, home of the Thunder, 500
times in an effort to raise funds for autism
research, education, and advocacy....The
Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern league)
enjoyed a record-setting weekend at the gates,
drawing a record total of 24,513 fans to Blair
County Ballpark for the club's three-game
series against the Harrisburg Senators. This
weekend's total attendance for the Friday,
Saturday and Sunday games at Blair County Ballpark
shattered the existing club record for a
three-date series by over 1,000 fans. The previous
franchise record attendance for a three-game
homestand was 23,411 from August 6-8, 2004....ESPN
baseball analyst Peter Gammons was at
Fenway Park Friday, his first visit to a
major-league ballpark since his brain aneurysm in
June....
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