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Archives: April 23-29, 2005

Lee: Florida Senate unlikely to take up Marlins, spring-training proposals
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Florida Senate President Tom Lee today said there's virtually no chance his body will take up consideration of a bill funding a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins as well as four spring-training facilities. According to Lee, about 30 of the 40 senators are dead-set against the $2 million yearly sales-tax rebate for the Marlins, with the additional spending for spring-training facilities and a NASCAR hall of fame in Daytona making things worse. The House passed the measure overwhelmingly and Gov. Jeb Bush says the measure deserves a hearing in the full Senate -- two events that probably more firmly entrenched the recalcitrant Lee's opposition to it.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins ballpark funding gets to first base; Florida House passes bill to help pay for Marlins stadium in Little Havana; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins bid for ballpark thrown a curveball; House panel chief throws Marlins a familiar curve; Senate panel backs tax subsidy for Marlins ballpark; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Interns Wanted: August Publications
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're looking for summer interns to help up out on specific Web and publishing ventures this summer. The preference will be for interns working out of our Minneapolis Warehouse District offices. Specific duties include research and some writing, with flexible part-time hours. There is the possibility of hourly pay; we will also help you acquire internship credits if they are offered by your college. For more information, drop us a line.

Ports unveil new ballpark
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The newest addition to the baseball world: Banner Island Ballpark, the home of the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League). A sellout crowd of 5,278 was on hand to see the Ports hold on for a 7-4 win over the San Jose Giants. The crowd was impressive considering the weather: it rained up through Thursday afternoon before letting up in time for the game. Crews were working up to the last minute before the gates opened, but that's pretty normal for a new-park opening. Tom Volpe, the owner of the Ports, was pretty pleased by opening night, as were the fans. (The lovely photo below, by the way, is by George Stecker. We expect to be posting some more shots of opening day next week.)
    RELATED STORIES: Stockton's ballpark -- a field of dreams; Banner Island moniker not official; Last-minute preparations at new Stockton ballpark; Governor vetoes visit to Ports' home opener; Stockton panel calls for audit of ballpark project

Rybak withholds endorsement of ballpark plan
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak declined Thursday to endorse the Hennepin County-Minnesota Twins plan for a ballpark in the Warehouse District -- no surprise, as his involvement in the planning has been zero because there's simply no role for the mayor in a weak-mayor governmental entity to be negotiating on a county-funded project. We're also guessing R.T.'s nose is out of joint because he wasn't asked to be part of the photo op when the Twins and Hennepin County Commissioners announced the ballpark-funding plan. He's probably also upset that his absence was noted by no one.
    RELATED STORIES: Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan

Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) announced its intention to work with a developer on a large project that includes a new ballpark, the rest of the development world put the desired parcel of land in play and submitted competing proposals to the city. Like the Braves, they see big potential demand for new housing and retail space in the Bottom. Unlike the Braves, most don't see a ballpark as helping to spur development. The city is happy because the development offers come with concrete funding proposals -- something the city is still anticipating from the Braves.
    RELATED STORIES: City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

Bob Wirz: Rocker latest baseball personality to give Indy leagues a publicity boost
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's something new at Ballpark Digest. Bob Wirz, former public-relations director for the Kansas City Royals and chief spokesman for two MLB commissioners, now authors a subscription newsletter, "The Independent Minor Leagues—Where Winning Matters." We'll be running an excerpt from his newsletter each Friday. Today's topic: the arrival of John Rocker -- a noted New York hater as a major leaguer -- now takes up as a pitcher with the Long Island Ducks (independent; Atlantic League).

Missouri athlete tax bill in trouble
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In Missouri, a bill to tax out-of-state athletes and entertainers and then distribute part of the proceeds to sports facilities, including Kauffman Stadium, is in trouble after 84 House members says the money would be better spent on other more pressing needs, such as health care for the poor. Of course, should Missouri lose a professional sports team or two -- like the Kansas City Royals -- there will be no out-of-town athletes to tax.

Springdale Chamber announces plans for sports park
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the plan to bring an independent Northern League franchise to Springdale (Ark.), a metro area that also draws on the populations of Fayetteville and Bentonville. As it ends up, the press release we received yesterday on the issue made something sound more eminent that it really is: the Springdale Chamber of Commerce is coordinating a year-long study before any commitment is made to a $10 million ballpark and an adjoining hockey arena. A year to study, a year to construct...that actually sounds a little tight.
    RELATED STORY: Springdale announces ballpark for Northern League franchise

An idea pops up, a rally begins, baseball returns
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last night the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) made their debut in Bridgewater, where the expansion team won 6-2 over the Somerset Patriots. Many in Lancaster trace the origins of Clipper Magazine Stadium to a 2002 public meeting where Ed Drogaris, a developer who specializes in finding uses for old buildings, suggested building a ballpark on an old Norfolk Southern location. No one thought it was a good idea, but Grogaris kept at it until there was consensus regarding a new ballpark.

Washington Nationals try to reach out to black community
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One sore issue among the black community in Washington, D.C. was their treatment by the old Washington Senators: the team was one of the last to racially integrate and the Griffith family never made an effort to market to blacks, preferring instead to receive rent from Negro League teams like the Homestead Grays. The Washington Nationals are attempting to counter this history with a marketing campaign designed to reach out to D.C.'s black community,  including a fund-raiser to commemorate the anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers and working with various sponsors to refurbish baseball and softball fields at three inner-city parks. Frank Robinson, baseball's first black manager, has also been promoting the team via visits to schools and YMCAs in the area.

Pitchers in charge at RFK -- for now
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
So far RFK Stadium, the home of the Washington Nationals, has been a pitchers' park: no surprise, as the dimensions are rather spacious and the park played that way when the Washington Senators were a tenant. The issue is whether the park will change once the temperatures start to rise; historically, the humid nights in D.C. were attributed to the ballpark continuing to be a pitchers' park during Augusts and Septembers as well. Perhaps the players expecting things to change this summer shouldn't be anticipating too much change.

Cell tickets moving at faster clip
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Here's what a fast start can do for a major-league team: the Chicago White Sox are seeing a surge in ticket sales at US Cellular Field after the team jumped out to an early lead in the American League Central. The team is expecting some big crowds for a weekend series against the Tigers, while advance sales for Sammy Sosa's return to Chicago as a member of the Baltimore Orioles are strong as well.

Plan B, Threshers unveil TV ad campaign for 2005
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With Phillies Hall-of-famer Mike Schmidt not returning as manager of the Clearwater Threshers (Class A; Florida State League), the team needed a new subject for their 2005 TV Ads. So the Threshers turned to Plan B Branding to produce humorous commercials focusing on their "overly dedicated" staff. One ad features "Cliff the Clubhouse Manager" meticulously scrubbing team jerseys with a toothbrush, before he thoughtlessly places the soapy brush in his mouth to show off his spotless work. Another ad stars "Opie the Goundskeeper" who jumps off his ride-a-long mover to clip a single blade of grass the mower missed. (You can view a third spot here as well.)

NESN broadens its broadcasts
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
NESN is making some changes to its pregame Red Sox broadcasts in order to broaden its appear past Red Sox fans. For starters, the team brought in celebrity chef Todd English to do a cooking segment featuring the preparation of flat bread chili dogs and jalapeno popcorn. English says he'll make a combination of live and taped appearances, and might even do some traveling with the team to check out restaurant scene in cities such as Washington.

Baseball in Bangor gets the ax
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the decision by the Bangor Lumberjacks (independent; Can-Am League) to fold up shop after efforts to procure a buyer fell through. It sounds like the league stepped in to protect the fiscal integrity of the league: by rescinding the franchise, they could then control who could buy a team in the future, rather than leaving it up to a disinterested seller. The plan is to field a road team for the season and work on an eighth team for 2006. Officials in Bangor, which put public funds into a remodeling of the ballpark at Winkin Complex, are disappointed at the loss of a tenant.
    RELATED STORY: Can-Am League terminates Bangor franchise

Woman injured during A's game files lawsuit
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It's funny this lawsuit wasn't filed sooner. Attorneys for the California woman hit by a chair during last September's fracas between Rangers pitchers and Oakland fans filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking undisclosed actual and punitive damages against the club, three pitchers and the company that provided security at McAfee Stadium in Oakland. The suit may be overreaching, however: it names the Rangers specifically for negligence and for assault for failing to properly discipline the pitchers.

Broncos christen new stadium today
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Time for another new ballpark opening: the Santa Clara Broncos host Gonzaga tonight in the last game at multipurpose Buck Shaw Stadium, and Saturday the two teams will play the first game in Stephen Schott Stadium. The $8.6 million ballpark, made possible through a $4 million gift from former Oakland A's owner Stephen Schott, seats 1,500 and includes training, practice and equipment facilities.

Baseball Notes
Posted April 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League) announced the formation of a first-ever radio network that air Saints’ games. Twin Cities-based WLKX-FM (95.9) will team with WQPM-AM (1300) out of nearby Princeton to broadcast 96 games as well as any post-season contests. In addition, KDDG-FM (105.5), based in St. Cloud, will air a selected schedule of games. Kris Atteberry returns for his fourth season as the team’s lead play-by-play man. In addition to the games on the network, all games can be heard on the team’s website at www.saintsbaseball.com. In addition, all 48 home games at Midway Stadium will be televised. Anthony LaPanta returns for his 12th year as the lead play-by-play man. Dana Kiecker, the ex-Boston Red Sox pitcher, will again join LaPanta in the booth and provide color analysis as will Barry Wohler, the former University of Minnesota pitcher who spent five years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, advancing as far as AAA ball. This will be Wohler’s first summer with the Saints. Comcast Cable and KSTC-TV (Channel 45) will share the TV load again this summer. Comcast will air the 40 Monday-Saturday games and KSTC will handle the eight Sunday telecasts.

Site of Twins' future ballpark doesn't smell like garbage
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the biggest issues concerning a potential new Minnesota Twins ballpark is its proximity to a large garbage burner. At one point proponents were talking about moving it elsewhere in Hennepin County, but now the plan is to incorporate it in the ballpark design: electricity generated by the plant could be used to power the ballpark, while water heated by the burners could be piped to warm the grandstand and the field. (Despite what you would assume, the area around the garbage burner doesn't smell like garbage -- the August Publications office is only a few blocks from the facility, and we've never noticed anything out of the ordinary -- while air quality is unaffected by the burning garbage, which scrubs the output air clean.) Also proposed: showcasing renewable energy with wind vanes (the ballpark location is in a pretty active wind tunnel) and using recyclable containers for concessions. More from AP.
    RELATED STORIES: Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan

Springdale announces ballpark for Northern League franchise
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
National Sports Services announced its intention to build a 6,000-seat ballpark in Springdale, Ark., for an independent Northern League franchise, with an opening slated for 2007. Participating in the project: HOK Sports + Venue + Entertainment (S+V+E), International Facilities Group, Convention, Sports & Leisure, and Anderson Economic Group. Springdale may not be a larger city, but it's close to Bentonville, home of Wal-Mart and several other corporate offices.

Marlins ballpark funding gets to first base
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the vote by the Florida House to authorize a $2 million yearly sales-tax rebate to the Florida Marlins as part of new-ballpark funding. The House passed the measure in a pretty convincing manner -- 90-28 -- but Senate President Tom Lee later dubbed the measure a ''long shot'' in his chamber, tossing the team's bid for a Miami ballpark into turmoil with little more than a week left in the legislative session. Procedurally, the Senate would need to waive its rules to hear the House measure, and there may not even be enough support to do that, even though Gov. Jeb Bush says the bill deserves a fair hearing.
    RELATED STORIES: Florida House passes bill to help pay for Marlins stadium in Little Havana; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins bid for ballpark thrown a curveball; House panel chief throws Marlins a familiar curve; Senate panel backs tax subsidy for Marlins ballpark; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Can-Am League terminates Bangor franchise
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Can-Am League Board of Directors voted to terminate the membership of the Bangor Lumberjacks. Bangor club ownership had announced that they would not be able to operate for the 2005 season. The league will operate an eighth team as a road team for the 2005 season. The team will be known as the Grays, a name taken from one of the inaugural Can-Am League teams of 1936. The schedule as already released will remain intact. However, those games originally scheduled for Bangor will be played at the home of the team scheduled to be the visiting team; the Grays will be the home team for those games.

New and improved: Our broadcasts page!
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sometimes things are done to scratch an itch. We had an itch in the Ballpark Digest offices the other day when we were wondered if a game was scheduled to be televised that day. Turns out there's really no place listing national broadcasts on ESPN, WGN, TBS or FOX on a given day. So we put together a season-long listing of national TV broadcasts and added it to our information on listening to radio broadcasts on your computer. All in all, we think our new and improved Broadcasts page is the place to go when you need a baseball fix fast and can't make it out to the ballpark. We'll also be adding our recommendations of the best broadcasters on the Web as the season goes along.

Uecker is still having fun as he celebrates 50 years in baseball
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of broadcasts: Bob Uecker, the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, is celebrating 50 years in baseball. To those of you who know him only through the Major League movies or his television series, you'd be surprised if you listen to him broadcast a game: he's all business, interspersing baseball stories with a great play by play. He's definitely in the upper echelon of current MLB play-by-play voices, on a level with Vin Scully and Herb Carneal.

Stockton's ballpark -- a field of dreams
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tonight is opening night for Banner Island Ballpark, the new home of the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League). Regular readers of the site will have seen a lot of articles over the last two years about the project, so we're actually pretty excited about the opening. This article from the San Francisco Chronicle profiles the new ballpark and its place as a revitalizing force on Stockton's waterfront. More on opening-night ceremonies from the Stockton Record.
    RELATED STORIES: Banner Island moniker not official; Last-minute preparations at new Stockton ballpark; Governor vetoes visit to Ports' home opener; Stockton panel calls for audit of ballpark project

Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the debate between Natwar M. Gandhi, the District of Columbia chief financial officer with a reputation for fiscal integrity, and ballpark opponents over his estimates of the land-acquisition costs for a new Washington Nationals ballpark. Gandhi says his numbers are accurate, while opponents say they do not take into account rapidly rising property values in the area. Of course, the property values are appreciating because of the ballpark -- not because people want to live next to the sex bars and porn joints currently dominating the area -- and at some point fair-market valuations cannot rise because that rewards land speculators and not the honest landowners in the area. Meanwhile, it doesn't suck to be Jim Bowden these days: among other blessings, his contract as GM of the Washington Nationals was renewed.
    RELATED STORIES: D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Fund established for Florence Freedom lien holders
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League) may have new ownership, but there are still unpaid bills associated with the previous regime. To address the situation, the city of Florence, Ky., and the new Freedom owner have set up a $1.9 million fund to help pay off those who did work on Champions Field without compensation.

Fenway fans remake ballpark
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though the Boston Red Sox front office has initiated many of the recent and planned improvements to Fenway Park, the actual design work is being done by the Somerville architecture firm of D'agostino-Izzo-Quirk. The firm, led by Sox fan and principal Charles Izzo of Cambridge, has drawn up plans for the upgrades and expansions the ball club recently announced will take place by 2006, including the addition of roof-level seats and a makeover of the classy .406 Club over home plate. 
    RELATED STORIES: Red Sox unveil four additions to Fenway Park; Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A large redevelopment plan in Richmond that could include a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) appears to be in limbo while proponents prepare an in-depth marketing study. The city says it doesn't want to proceed with a new ballpark until it has more data about the extent of the project and exactly what it would cost taxpayers (which, apparently, is a little more than the zero-dollar cost originally touted by the developers).
    RELATED STORIES: Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

Braves pleased with attendance after first week in Mississippi
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Management of the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League) are pleased with the team's attendance at the team's new home, Trustmark Park. The weather was not cooperative, and management anticipated weeknights would be slow at first, but the team drew 3,924 fans a game, good for third in the league. Work continues on a Bass Pro Shop near the ballpark; you can bet attendance will pick up a little when that store is finished.

Sharks can draw on Drew, spruce-ups
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The Camden Riversharks (independent; Atlantic League) open their season on a high note after suffering some setbacks the last few years. For starters, they signed MLB holdout Stephen Drew, who was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks but never agreed to terms with the club. Secondly, the team has financially rebounded from near-bankruptcy in 2004 to being on a solid financial footing, with ballparks improvements planned for the near future.

Ballparks cover all the bases by adding concepts, items
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We've covered much of this in the last few weeks, but here's a look at some of the new food offerings in ballparks across the country. At PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the newest offers are beef and lamb gyros, while boomer favorite Big Boy burgers are now available at Comerica Park. (Thanks to John Cerone.)

What you'll pay for ballpark food in Lancaster
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of ballpark food: the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) announced their food prices for 2005. Prices for basic food items at the Clipper Magazine Stadium will be slightly higher than at minor league ballparks in Harrisburg and Reading, according to information supplied by the three ballparks.
    RELATED STORY: Barnstormers unveil concessions menu

On the ball: New Greensboro ballpark the place to be
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on First Horizon Field, the new home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League), which apparently has turned into the place to see and be seen in Greensboro. If you want a lot of detail on how the ballpark works (before we post our own review, natch), this is the place to go.

Navigators reaching out to shoreline community
Posted April 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
To broaden their appeal, the Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) are marketing the team to the shoreline areas of Connecticut: Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford and Branford. It's a natural move: baseball fans there need some outlet (though some do attend New Britain Rock Cats) games, and since Norwich proper is one of the smallest markets in Class AA baseball, stretching the market is central to survival.
    RELATED STORIES: New Navigators owner ensures "Knock-Out" season; DiBella wants to keep 'Gators in Norwich; New Navigators owner wants release clause; New Navigators owner, others to greet fans at practice start; Eastern League debates Navigators’ future; Navigators hoping to stay in Norwich; Norwich Navigators have been a good neighbor; City to appoint panel to work out lease for Dodd Stadium; Gators' prospective new owner feels shunned by COG; Wheels are in motion for DiBella to purchase Norwich Navigators

Florida House passes bill to help pay for Marlins stadium in Little Havana
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to rebate $60 million in state sales taxes to help build a $420-million retractable roof ballpark for the Florida Marlins passed the Florida House Wednesday morning. After almost an hour of debate, the House voted 90-26 on the economic development proposal (HB 173) with the funding for the ballpark, along with millions of dollars for other pro sports projects, including a NASCAR Hall of Fame in Daytona and funding for new or renovated spring-training facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota and Winter Haven, as well as reimburse Port St. Lucie for improvements to Tradition Field. The measure must now be passed by the state Senate and signed by Gov. Jeb Bush, who has indicated tentative support for the measure.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins bid for ballpark thrown a curveball; House panel chief throws Marlins a familiar curve; Senate panel backs tax subsidy for Marlins ballpark; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Ballpark Visit: Coors Field, Colorado Rockies
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It doesn't seem like Coors Field is already ten years old, but the landmark ballpark has aged its first decade exceptionally well: though the Rockies have struggled on the field, Coors Field still attracts baseball fans from throughout the region and delivers a great ballpark experience. Coors Field has also become an essential element of the Denver LoDo experience, still a part of one of the great urban renaissance stories of the last twenty years.

Field of dreams not short on magic
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Speaking of the Rockies: Coors Field is 10 years old this season. It's been a roller-coaster ride for the franchise, which saw the team make the playoffs relatively early in the team's history only to see things crumble with some pricey and ill-advised investments in veteran players. Today the Rockies are a last-place team playing in a first-class facility.

Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County Commissioners delayed by one week a vote on a new 0.15 percent countywide sales tax to fund a new Minnesota Twins ballpark behind Target Center in the city's Warehouse District. Four of the seven commissioners have already endorsed the plan, so many observers -- and commissioners opposing the plan -- expect it to pass. The Minnesota Twins would contribute $125 million toward construction costs of the $478-million ballpark (and receiving rights to concession, naming-rights, gate and suite revenues), with other funding coming from a county-wide 0.15 percent sales tax (clothing, grocery food and medical supplies excluded) that will underwrite $350 million in debt. More on the economics of the deal from the Twins' viewpoint. Ill-informed curmudgeon Joe Soucheray even endorses the financing plan.
    RELATED STORIES: Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan

D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Natwar M. Gandhi, the District of Columbia chief financial officer with a reputation for fiscal integrity, defended himself from charges by ballpark opponents who say his land-acquisition cost estimates for a new Washington Nationals ballpark was underestimated by as much as $100 million. Ballpark opponent David A. Catania, a D.C. Council member, says he doesn't think Gandhi is "capable of conducting a study on this in a truthful and honest fashion." Gandhi's estimates, done in conjunction with Deloitte & Touche, estimate market-rate property values, potential costs from eminent-domain proceedings and environmental remediation expenses, and then add a buffer of contingency costs beyond that; Catania's cost estimates apparently come from the back of an envelope.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

MLS officials: DC United played on irregular field
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Major League Soccer officials say DC United might have played a game Saturday night on a lopsided pitch, as two officials walked off the two sidelines at RFK Stadium and reported a six-foot difference in length. Now, league officials were quick to point out this was an unscientific measurement, but the larger issue for MLS and DC United is having to share RFK with the Washington Nationals and receiving inferior treatment.
    RELATED STORY: RFK field passes inspection by MLB official

Mediation fails for Angels, city
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Both sides probably aren't surprised by this. Mediation to resolve differences over the renaming of the Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ended with no agreement on anything. City officials say they offered compromises but the Angels refused to consider any changes. The city says the renaming violates the spirit of the team's lease, which calls for the word Anaheim to be part of the team's name. One good idea that was rejected: the team would be called the Los Angeles Angels and the ballpark name would revert from Angel Stadium to Anaheim Stadium. A trial over the issue is scheduled to start Nov. 7.

St. Paul goes down swinging in Twins bid
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With Minneapolis the apparent winner in the contest with St. Paul to land a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, St. Paul officials say they're free to focus their attention on other things. Truth be told, Mayor Randy Kelly and his crew didn't make much of an effort this year to land a ballpark; sure, they circulated a plan that called for the state and the Twins to pick up most of the costs of a new ballpark, but everyone knew the plan was a nonstarter. Now St. Paul can get down to what officials should have been considering for a couple of years: a new ballpark for the St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League).

Jays revenue higher but team and stadium show loss in pre-season
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Toronto Blue Jays lost $14.1 million for parent company Rogers Communications in the first three months of the year, but that number is relatively meaningless when you consider most of that was spent on infrastructure investments for Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome): $6 million alone was spent on a new scoreboard.
    RELATED STORIES: Blue Jays deliver new advertising pitch; Top to bottom, old SkyDome gets a new look; Toronto Blue Jays to buy SkyDome; Pie-in-the-SkyDome; SkyDome renamed Rogers Centre; extreme makeover planned

Land rights granted for Fort Worth urban village
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fort Worth (Texas) City leaders agreed Tuesday to extend a lease-to-buy option for about 33 acres of vacant north-side land to Carl Bell, owner of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central Baseball League), to create a $500 million-plus complex of townhouses, offices, stores and parks, dubbed Cats' Island, surrounding the team's home, LaGrave Field. The project could include a museum featuring former Cats player and manager Bobby Bragan's sports memorabilia.

Ballpark could be key for York
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The York Daily argues that a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team would be an economic plus for the community. Now, we all know about the "studies" arguing that ballparks merely take in entertainment dollars that would be spent elsewhere, but on a macro level there's a lot of appeal for a city to want to move spending from an affluent part of town to a not-so-affluent area -- and the model for York is nearby Lancaster, where Clipper Magazine Stadium has attracted new investment to a part of town needing some TLC.

Banner Island moniker not official
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Stockton officials and management of the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) are still debating the proper name of the team's new ballpark, slated to open tomorrow night. The team is going with the name of Banner Island Ballpark, but the city has placed generic signage on the ballpark (calling it Stockton Ballpark) in hopes of attracting naming rights. The city doesn't want to see a formal name in case naming rights are sold; the team says it has to market the team and the new ballpark.
    RELATED STORY: Last-minute preparations at new Stockton ballpark; Governor vetoes visit to Ports' home opener; Stockton panel calls for audit of ballpark project

Barnstormers unveil uniforms
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of uniforms: the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) unveiled uniforms for their inaugural season. The home white jerseys feature “Lancaster,” written in red cursive and outlined in blue and sand, slanted across the chest. The jerseys and white pants are trimmed in red. A navy blue cap with the script “baseball L” will be worn at home. The road jerseys are grey and also feature “Lancaster” across the chest. The red lettering, outlined in blue, on the road jerseys is block style and arched, rather then slanted. A navy cap with a red brim will be worn on the road, along with grey pants, trimmed in red. From left to right: Matt Scheuing in Alternate Navy, Manager Tom Herr in Home Whites and Aaron Herr in Road Greys.

Mayor wants to rename baseball field after Mays
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A day after the Hagerstown newspaper criticized Hagerstown city officials for not properly honoring Willie Mays, William M. Breichner called for honoring Willie Mays at Municipal Stadium, the home of the Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League), by renaming the field Willie Mays Field (an idea floated here yesterday, by the way).
    RELATED STORY: Willie Mays flap irks many, brings Hagerstown bad p.r.

Wood it be good for the game?
Posted April 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another thoughtful piece on the use of metal bats in college baseball and whether it would good for college programs to move back to wood. Quite honestly, the biggest argument for metal -- that they are cheaper to use in the long run -- loses some of its luster when college programs are investing in multimillion ballparks (that in turn generate a lot of revenue) and can easily afford to buy wood bats.

Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County will vote today on a new sales tax to fund a new Minnesota Twins ballpark behind Target Center in the city's Warehouse District. The Minnesota Twins would contribute $125 million toward construction costs of the $478-million ballpark (and receiving rights to concession, naming-rights, gate and suite revenues), with other funding coming from a county-wide 0.15 percent sales tax (clothing, grocery food and medical supplies excluded) that will underwrite $350 million in debt. A early head count shows support of the measure from four county commissioners -- enough for passage -- but the real battle will be in the Minnesota Legislature, where some suburban Hennepin County legislators either oppose ballpark funding altogether or want to see a referendum on the issue. Gov. Tim Pawlenty finally stopped straddling the fence and came out in favor of the plan after everyone else did all the heavy lifting. The Star Tribune's Doug Grow comes out with a tired and predictable column opposing the ballpark because it enriches a millionaire.
    RELATED STORIES: Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan

Tech baseball awaits NCAA approval to play in Wolfforth
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Planning proceeds on a new ballpark in Wolfforth, Texas, that would house a professional baseball team and the Texas Tech Red Raiders, pending approval from the NCAA. Lubbock County Commissioners granted a one-year waiver on property taxes for the ballpark. Construction on the ballpark began April 2, and organizers are still shooting for a 2007 openings. Apparently the idea of buying a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team and moving it to Lubbock has been dropped; the goal now is either a Class AA Texas League team (which seems doubtful, as no team appears to be up for sale) or an independent Central Baseball League team.

SOS for Yankee fans: Save Old Stadium
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This was fairly predictable: a sportswriter issued a call to save Yankee Stadium from the dreaded march of progress. The thing is, it's hard to summon a lot of nostalgia for Yankee Stadium as it stands now: the ballpark was rebuilt in the 1970s, and it's not quite The House That Ruth Built, no matter what Steve Politi argues otherwise. The issue is whether a rebuilding of the ballpark made any sense -- and it was considered by the team -- but in the end it's more cost-effective to build a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Bronx Beep goes to bat for new Yankee Stadium; Inside the deal for the new Yankee Stadium; It's back to the future for the Yankees; Lots of ideas for Yankee Stadium; Yanks 90% toward new home; Stadium games in NYC: give and take and speculation; Macomb dams Yankees; New York's sports economy; Brooklyn beep ready to play ball with the Yankees

Roadrunners, city work out differences on Edinburg ballpark lease
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Edinburg Roadrunners (independent; Central League) and the city of Edinburg have reach an agreement to keep the team at Edinburg Baseball Stadium, albeit on a yearly lease rather than a long-term deal. Yesterday  the team paid the Edinburg Economic Development Corp. the remaining balance from 2004 on a loan for the outfield scoreboard at the city-owned stadium, and last week the team brought its accounts current with the city on its base lease as well. Because progress has been made, the city is allowing the team to play and train at the ballpark while lease negotiations go on.
    RELATED STORIES: City, university ballpark deal dead because of financing; Roadrunners pay rent; city still says no; Season in question after council cancels Roadrunners’ lease

RFK field passes inspection by MLB official
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bob Watson, MLB's vice president of on-field operations, visited RFK Stadium after the field was converted from a soccer pitch to a baseball diamond and declared the playing surface to be in fine shape. The pitchers' mound, however, did not receive the same seal of approval: after complaints from Washington Nationals pitchers, the team brought in Doug Lopas, the chief groundskeeper from their Viera, Fla., spring-training facility, to rebuild the mound. D.C. United players, on the other hand, were not very thrilled with the condition of the field.

Two EL franchises might be on move
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Actually, Jed, it's three. If you read Ballpark Digest regularly, you know that new homes are being sought for the Erie SeaWolves and the Norwich Navigators of the Eastern League. How active these efforts are remain to be seen, but you should add a third team to the mix: if the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) are indeed moved to Harrisburg, then the Harrisburg Senators will need to find a new home as well.

Last-minute preparations at new Stockton ballpark
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Crews were out making last-minute preparations at Banner Island Ballpark, the new home of the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League), scheduled to open on Thursday night. Crews today are expected to test the toilets, which means manning each one and flushing simultaneously. It sounds like everything is ready to go, but there surely will be some last-minute failures and unexpected events. One of the more distinctive elements of the new ballpark: a mini-Green Monster.

Giants are not getting busy signal at SBC Park
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Even though the paid attendance at SBC Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants, is down only slightly this year, there are significantly more no-shows at games. There are many reasons for the dip -- the shine is off the new ballpark in its sixth year, while the absence of Barry Bonds will certainly deter some casual fans.

"Baseball fanatic" mining a diamond
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the work bringing an independent Central League team to Aurora, Colorado. National Sports Services, the company that is launching the team and funding construction of an $8 million ballpark near Buckley Air Force Base. The Greenwood Village sports consulting and development firm said it plans to raise $3 million to get the Aurora franchise up and running. Most of the money will come from The Owners Suite Fund, a venture-capital fund created by company principals to own and operate more than 10 minor-league sports franchises nationwide. Aurora will be the group's first franchise.

Willie Mays flap irks many, brings Hagerstown bad p.r.
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the debate in Hagerstown over a proposal to rename a street after Willie Mays. Veterans were upset about renaming the only street in town honoring veterans, and they may have a point: yes, Mays did indeed make his professional debut in Hagerstown and suffered some racial abuse, but he did so while playing for Trenton, and it was the only game Mays actually played in Hagerstown. Perhaps a more fitting honor would be to rename Municipal Stadium to Willie Mays Stadium, or Willie Mays Field at Municipal Stadium.

Here's the Bear truth -- minor baseball, major magic
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Despite a lovely ballpark and some former major leaguers on the roster over the years, the Newark Bears (independent; Atlantic League) have never garnered a big following or huge crowds during the team's existence. Now, with a new ownership group and new management, the Bears are expecting great things when the season starts next week -- and hoping that great crowds will follow.

Baseball nicknames needed; good ones a dying breed
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When researching our book on Pacific Northwest baseball, it struck us that baseball was a lot more colorful in the old days when it came to nicknames: the Seattle Rainiers of the old Pacific Coast League, for instance, featured players like "Kewpie" Dick Barrett and Walter "Boom Boom" Beck, with visiting teams featuring the likes of "Jigger" Statz and "Sad Sam" Gibson. Today the player nicknames are pretty lame: A-Rod just reeks of a marketing decision made in an agent's office, while Pronk -- Travis Hafner's nickname -- is just a pale imitation.

Hogs do great Box office
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As LSU plans a replacement ballpark for Alex Box Stadium, they have a blueprint for development: a renovated Baum Stadium, the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Baum Stadium is awash in cardinal and white, not purple and gold, but its luxury suites, spacious concourse, major-league locker room and first-class indoor batting facility represent everything LSU lacks at Alex Box Stadium.

Demolition ready to begin at War Memorial Stadium
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Now that the Greensboro Bats (Class A; Sally League) have left War Memorial Stadium and taken up residence at a new ballpark as the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the city is looking at making some changes there. Specifically, the outfield wall is coming down, to be replaced with an eight-foot chain-link fence with a yellow cap and windscreen. The new fence will be more suitable for the college and Little League teams playing there.

Baseball Notes
Posted April 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Windy City ThunderBolts (independent; Frontier League) announced the return of Beggars Pizza as a key ingredient to this season's fan favorite menu. Fans will be able to taste the freshness, as Beggars turns up the heat in 2005 by installing their own pizza ovens right at the Beggars Pizza/Edy's Ice Cream Kiosk in the Kids Zone.

Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As predicted here two weeks ago, the Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County (the state's largest county, containing all of Minneapolis and several large suburbs) came to an agreement regarding funding of a new Minnesota Twins ballpark behind Target Center in the city's Warehouse District. The Minnesota Twins would contribute $125 million toward construction costs of the $478-million ballpark (and receiving rights to concession, naming-rights, gate and suite revenues), with other funding coming from a county-wide 0.15 percent sales tax that will underwrite $350 million in debt. According to a letter sent to Hennepin County officials, the Twins offered to pay $40 million immediately and another $85 million before the ballpark opens in 2009. No state funds would be used for the project -- although the State Legislature does need to give Hennepin County permission for local taxation, which is expected to be approved (although some anti-tax Republicans are likely to raise a fuss). Meanwhile, county officials and the Twins are honing their wish list for the ballpark: while conceptual drawings have been released, the county is asking that specific features be added, such as adding radiant heat to the field and grandstand by warming water at an adjoining garbage burner and then piping it to the ballpark -- a move that could eliminate the need for a covered ballpark, saving $100 million on construction costs.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan

Omaha Royals seek new ballpark in downtown Omaha
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You've seen us hint at this several times in the last six months, but here's the official announcement from the city of Omaha regarding a plan for downtown Omaha that calls for a new Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark anchoring an 80-block redevelopment. There's a huge catch: the city says it doesn't have the money for a new ballpark, and the Royals and Creighton University (a planned co-tenant) are noncommittal about financial support (though we hear Creighton is a little more financially committed than school officials are saying in public). NCAA officials say they have no problem with a new Royals ballpark -- and would indeed welcome it as a way to decrease wear and tear on Rosenblatt Stadium, the home of the College World Series.

Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Legislature is entering crunch time for this session, and some pretty powerful leaders are opposing the Florida Marlins' bid for $60 million over 30 years in a state sales-tax rebate. Arguments on both sides are fairly predictable: opponents say teams owned by millionaires should not receive a public subsidy, while proponents say the Marlins are important to the quality of life in Miami and deserve the same support other state teams receive. Lost in the arguments: a Marlins funding bill also contains funding for the renovation or new construction of spring-training facilities in Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and Winter Haven.
    RELATED STORIES: Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins bid for ballpark thrown a curveball; House panel chief throws Marlins a familiar curve; Senate panel backs tax subsidy for Marlins ballpark; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Fenway beer sales bring profits, problems
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Boston Red Sox added 16 new beer stands this year to Fenway Park, and so far beer sales are up 20 percent. That's the good news: the bad news is the increased beer consumption is translating into more fan rowdiness, as businesses and residents close to the ballpark report more fans causing problems in the neighborhood after games.

Stockton panel calls for audit of ballpark project
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Stockton City Council has authorized spending $100,000 on an audit of the construction costs surrounding budgets, expenses and cost overruns on the $115.8 million Stockton Events Center, which includes a new ballpark for the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) and a arena for an ECHL team. Not much chance the team will be blamed for anything: bad weather and poor planning were certainly to blame, and one can only hope the auditor will ask some city officials why plans for the ballpark were changed midstream to upgrade it to Class AAA specs. More on the ballpark's opening, scheduled for Thursday. More on the great expectations raised for downtown Stockton by the ballpark.

Ballpark fallout worries residents
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Some residents of the Southwest D.C. area where officials want to place a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals say they're concerned how the development will change the neighborhood: it may impact affordable housing, while other worry that minority contractors won't receive enough business. Yes, take this all with a grain of salt as objections like these are raised to every major development in D.C., but in the end attention must be paid on some level. It's interesting that the Washington Times took an anti-ballpark stance when reporting on the public meeting: WTOP Radio took a more positive approach and said neighbors contributed useful ideas to ballpark development. More on the ballpark design from the Washington Examiner.
    RELATED STORIES: Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Barnstormers sell out season opener, report strong ticket sales
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) officials sold out their inaugural game at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Saturday morning, after individual game tickets for all 70 inaugural season home games went on sale, according to team officials. A limited number of seats still remain for the second game of the Opening Series celebration against Atlantic City, scheduled for May 12. The May 12 game will include many of the festivities planned for the home opener, including a post-game fireworks show. Over 300 people were in line at the Clipper Magazine building at 11:00 a.m., with the first in line being Keith Scheuing, father of Barnstormers pitcher Matt Scheuing. Keith arrived at Clipper Magazine shortly before 3:00 a.m. and proudly purchased four tickets for the May 11 opener eight hours later.

City, university ballpark deal dead because of financing
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An attempt by Edinburg to sell Edinburg Baseball Stadium to the University of Texas-Pan American died in the Texas Legislature for a lack of support. The city sees the ballpark as a drain, with debt payments of roughly $550,000 a year comprising a large part of the city's budget. The ballpark is also home to the Edinburg Roadrunners (independent; Central League), but the team's status at the ballpark is uncertain after city officials demanded the team become current on debt.
    RELATED STORIES: Roadrunners pay rent; city still says no; Season in question after council cancels Roadrunners’ lease

Keeping score is fading skill
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's your yearly lament at the fact that fewer fans are keeping score at MLB games. True, it seems like fewer fans are keeping score when compared to 20 years ago. But with the new MLB scoreboards providing a wealth of information, there's less of a need to personally keep score. I also see fewer folks at ballgames with portable radios listening to the play-by-play.

Ballpark's off-field fare almost as good as game
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mike O'Brien checks out the amenities at Hammons Stadium, the home of the Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League), and simply loves everything. The intro movie to the game is fabulous. The music between innings and before the game is well-selected. The food is tasty. About the only thing he really doesn't like is the placement of the smoking area; he's also disappointed there's no speed-gun readout.

Baseball Notes
Posted April 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chris Carminucci is the new field manager for the Bangor Lumberjacks (independent; Can-Am League). Carminucci was the hitting coach for the Lumberjacks last season. Before joining the Lumberjacks Chris was assistant baseball coach at St. John’s University, where his duties included hitting instruction and coaching of outfielders/infielders. Prior to St. John’s Chris was head coach of the Global Institute of Technology in New York City (A Division 1 Junior College) for three years. Carminucci also coached in the Cape Cod League in 2003 as hitting instructor for the Brewster Whitecaps. Carminucci coached first and third base and was a member of the staff that guided the Whitecaps to the division championship....The Washington Wild Things (independent; Frontier League) announced that Kevin Pincavitch will join the team as pitching coach for the 2005 season. Pincavitch graduated from Mapletown High School and California University of Pennsylvania. Pincavitch was originally signed by the LA Dodgers as an undrafted free agent in June of 1992 from Cal U. He remained with the Dodgers’ organization from 1992-1997....