Recent
Visits |
Memorial Stadium, Fort Wayne
Wizards
There's nothing much distinctive about
Memorial Stadium, the home of the Fort Wayne
Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League): it doesn't
have a signature ballpark element, nor is it an
attraction on its own. Mike Nutter, the energetic
general manager of the Wizards, seems to
understand this. From a small but efficient
merchandise shop just inside the main door to an
usher who actually retrieved a foul ball and
handed it to a kid, one gets killed with little
kindnesses. No one thing stands out alone but add
it all up and you walk away with the feeling
people were actually glad you came to visit --
deficiencies in the ballpark not withstanding.
Fifth Third Field, Toledo
Mud Hens
The
home of the Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA;
International League),
Fifth Third Field is an impressive
edifice that seemed to have been carved out of
stone. The fact that it has helped turned Toledo's
warehouse district into the place to be during the
summer is one of the more impressive feats of the
young 21st century. In its sixth year of business,
Fifth Third has become one of the must-see stops
on the minor-league tour. After all, how can you
not like a park where the standing-room seats are
some of the best in the house and there is a
statue honoring kids peeping through the fence
watching a game? Dave Wright
shares his recent visit to Fifth
Third Field, while Jim Robins tells why the public
art at the ballpark may the finest in all of
minor-league baseball.
Comerica Park, Detroit
Tigers
OK,
so it's not Tiger Stadium; in fact, it's the
opposite of Tiger Stadium in every way, as if
Tigers owner Mike
Ilitch had ordered the architects to do everything
diametrically the opposite of how things were done
at Tiger Stadium. On those terms, Comerica Park
may be a disappointment to long-time Tigers fans.
On its own merits, however, Comerica Park is a
decent facility that isn't too subtle about
wanting to get the most revenue possible out of
your wallet. Detroit native Dave Wright reports on
his visit to Comerica Park.
|
|
Features |
2007 Ballparks
Arkansas
Calgary
Idaho Falls
Marion, Ill.
Midland, Mich.
York, Pa.
2008 Ballparks
Billings
Lehigh Valley
LSU
Madison, Wis.
(renovations)
Springdale, Ark.
Southern Maryland
University of South
Carolina
Washington, D.C.
2009 Ballparks
Charlotte County, Fla.
Columbus, Ohio
Glendale, Az.
Goodyear, Az.
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Pensacola,
Fla.
Winston-Salem
2010 Ballparks
Kansas City
(renovations)
Minnesota
Oakland
Athletics
Ballparks of the Past
Colt
Stadium
Crosley Field
Durham Athletic
Park
Ebbets Field
Griffith Stadium
Huntington Avenue
Grounds
Jack Russell
Jarry Park
Joannes Field
L.A. Coliseum
Metropolitan
Stadium
Muehlebach
Field
Municipal Stadium
(Kansas City)
Sicks' Stadium
Tinker Field
War Memorial
(Greensboro)
Photo Galleries
Piedmont League
Book Excerpts
The Last Good Season
2006 Attendance
By average
By team
Affiliated - average
Affiliated - league
Affiliated - total
Indy - average
Indy - total
2005 Attendance
By average
By team
2004 Attendance
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
2003 Attendance
MLB attendance
By league
League overview
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
2002 Attendance
By league
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
|
The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 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! |
|
Archives:
Dec. 11-17, 2006
Glendale offers
spring-training plan
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Glendale officials
made their pitch for spring-training facility
funding from the Arizona Sports and Tourism
Authority to an ASTA subcommittee, but the plan
did little to clear the waters as that city and
Glendale and Goodyear compete for state money.
Goodyear wants money for a new Cleveland Indians
facility, while Glendale is seeking funds for a
Los Angeles Dodgers/Chicago White Sox complex. The
authority has only enough money to fully fund one
facility, but a subcommittee chairman says one
possibility is to partially fund both facilities
-- which may doom them both, as they both rely
heavily on state funds.
One
complicating factor: Goodyear's deal with the
Tribe ends Dec. 31, and in theory the Indians
could negotiate with Florida cities to remain in
the Grapefruit League. The only way a move for the
Dodgers works is if another Grapefruit League team
makes the move, as MLB will not allow an odd
number of teams in each spring-training state.
While authority officials say the potential move
of the Chicago White Sox from their lease at
Tucson Electric Park is not an issue, we've heard
otherwise: the White Sox would love to see the
Indians move into TEP, but the Indians see a move
to Glendale as a backup move and might not seek an
Arizona move at all if Tucson was the only option.
RELATED STORIES:
Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out;
Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox;
County not eager to
match baseball largess;
State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from
Tucson;
Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag;
Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for
spring training;
Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale;
A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix;
Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark
funds;
What could the future hold for Dodgertown?;
Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training
to Valley;
Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to
development;
Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility
Fremont kicks off
negotiations with the A's
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Fremont
officials met with A's owner Lew Wolff and his
team Thursday morning in the first kick-off
session to determine how to bring a $500-million
ballpark and surrounding retail and housing units
to the city in about five years. City Manager Fred
Diaz said the meeting at City Hall put in place a
process for moving forward in negotiations with
the unprecedented project, which the A's have
vowed to pay for with private money. The city and
A's plan to meet twice a month for up to six
months; the next meeting is Jan. 11. And a public
work session with the city council will follow
soon after that. Apparently nothing substantive
was actually discussed; the event was more of a
meet and greet that including talk of some basics
of the development.
RELATED STORIES:
A's detail Fremont
plans down to the letter;
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Could Cal Ripken become
Orioles owner?
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Ken
Rosenthal is reporting talks between Baltimore
Orioles owner Peter Angelos and former O's great
Cal Ripken Jr. include a gradual sale of the team
to a group that includes Ripken. Angelos is also
talking with other potential buyers, and the sale
price could approach $800 million when you include
a cable network with the rights to Orioles and
Washington Nationals games. Ripken may not know
the business of major-league baseball, but
certainly knows the business of baseball: Ripken
Baseball owns the Aberdeen IronBirds (short
season; NY-Penn League) and the Augusta
GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League) and is
one of the two firms vying to purchase the
Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League).
Angelos denies the story.
County rejects land swap
proposal
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Rock County Board voted overwhelmingly to
reject a land swap offer from Mulder Dairy Farms
on Thursday night, putting an end to a plan for a
new Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League).
The board voted 27-2 to reject the offer at the
end of a three-hour meeting. Mulder Dairy Farms
had proposed trading 331 acres in La Prairie
Township and $8.3 million for 465 acres of the
county farm at highways 14 and 51 in Janesville
Township, but the disparity in land values was too
much for boardmembers to ignore. This likely will
fuel talk about a move of the Snappers, who
currently play at
Pohlman Field.
RELATED STORIES:
Snappers land deal appears dead;
Deadline nears for moving Snappers to LaPrairie;
Beloit ballpark proposal hits snag;
New deal cited for land swap;
Snappers, fairgrounds deal proposed
Japanese may follow
Matsuzaka to Boston
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Let's face
it: offseason player signings are designed as much
to sell tickets as help a team win on the field,
and on both counts the signing of Daisuke
Matsuzaka would appear to be a home run for the
Boston Red Sox. Tourism Massachusetts, a nonprofit
marketing group, estimates
20,000 Japanese tourists will spend $100 million
to see
Matsuzaka
pitch at Fenway Park. While it's very true
Japanese baseball fans follow players (just ask
how the bottom line of the Seattle Mariners was
affected by the signing of Ichiro Suzuki), the
impact in Boston may be overstated -- there's
already a heavy demand for Red Sox tickets, so
it's not like Boston has a huge unsold inventory.
The impact may be more pronounced when the Red Sox
are on the road and playing on the West Coast.
Bill Reynolds is tired of big-buck deals.
Looking for rays of light
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
After
announcing plans to move a three-game series
against the Texas Rangers to
The Ballpark at Disney's
Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando,
Tampa Bay Devil Rays officials discussed their
plans to appeal to Orlando and central Florida.
For starters, an increased number of games will be
broadcast in the Orlando market -- 67, as opposed
to 25 in 2006. And D-Rays ownership says they'll
do some other promotions in the area. Less than 10
percent of fans attending games at
Tropicana Field
came from central Florida, and obviously the team
would like to raise that figure.
More from the Bradenton Herald and
the St. Petersburg Times.
RELATED STORIES:
Rays make it official: May 15-17 series to be
played in Orlando;
Expanding their reach statewide;
Rays say it's just a timeshare, not a relocation
bid;
Devil Rays' visit would be fun for baseball fans;
Rays eye games in Orlando
Nationals obtain financial
flexibility
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Washington Nationals are doing something many
thought impossible: the current ownership is
spending less on payroll than MLB did during its
tenure as team owners. Washington has saved money
either by trading or not re-signing Alfonso
Soriano, Livan Hernandez, Jose Guillen, Brian
Lawrence, Ramon Ortiz, Jose Vidro and Tony Armas
Jr., and the club's $63 million payroll from
Opening Day 2006 could plummet to as little as $36
million by Opening Day 2007. We're talking about a
last-place team in D.C. next season unless
something unlikely happens.
More from Thomas Boswell.
Bouton bringing 'base ball'
to Stamford
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Jim Bouton made his pitch to Stamford's Parks and
Recreation Commission last night to bring vintage
"base ball" -- as it was originally spelled -- to
Stamford's Cubeta Stadium in August. The
four-day Vintage Base Ball World Series will bring
the game back to its 19th-century roots, complete
with baggy uniforms, fat-handle bats and "lemon
peel" stitched balls that will be caught with
miniature gloves. Bouton previously held a similar
event at Pittsfield's Wahconah Park.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 15, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Darin Everson is the new manager of the
Jamestown Jammers (short season; NY-Penn
League). He served as hitting coach of the
Jupiter Hammerheads (High Class A; Florida
State League) last season; before that he managed
the Wisconsin Woodchucks (summer
collegiate; Northwoods League). Charlie Corbell
Jr. will serve as pitching coach, while the
hitting coach will be Johnny Rodriguez....Gregg
Langbehn is the new field manager of the
Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League)
in 2007. Pitching coach Charley Taylor,
hitting coach Alex Eckelman and trainer
J.D. Shields will join Langbehn in
Lexington....Manager Keith Mitchell and
pitching coach Bryan Eversgerd will return
for their third season with the Swing of the
Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League),
while Steve Dillard will be back for his
second year as hitting coach....Manager Dave
Clark, hitting coach John Tamargo Jr.
and trainer Jamey Snodgrass will return for
the third consecutive season with the Corpus
Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League).
Stan Boroski replaces Joe Slusarski as
the Hooks' pitching coach...Stan Cliburn
returns as skipper of the Rochester Red Wings
(Class AAA; International League). Returning
as pitching coach is his twin brother Stan
Cliburn and bench coach Rich Miller....Joe
Ferguson is the new manager of the Camden
RiverSharks (independent; Atlantic League). He
was known as a hard-nosed catcher during his days
with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was frequently
discussed as a possible MLB managerial
candidate....Jackie Moore returns as
manager of the Round Rock Express (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League); he's the only manager
in the history of the team, which formerly played
in the Class AA Texas League. Joining him:
pitching coach Burt Hooton, hitting coach
Ron Jackson and former Memphis Redbirds
manager Danny Sheaffer as
infield/third-base coach....
Sarasota, county OK Reds
ballpark pact
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The city of
Sarasota and Sarasota County have less than five
months to forge an agreement about how to replace
Ed Smith Stadium
with a new spring-training
facility for the Cincinnati Reds, which would also
serve as the home of the Sarasota Reds (High Class
A; Florida State League). By signing the
agreement, the county agreed to provide $17.6
million in bed tax money for the new
spring-training complex. The city agreed to
provide $10 million and foster an $8.6-million
private sector investment. Most of the rest of the
money is expected to come from the state and the
Reds. Wednesday's agreement, which came after
months of back-and-forth from the city, the county
and the Reds, was met with loud cheers from all
sides. Reds officials called the move a step
toward keeping the club -- which once looked like
a prime candidate to move its spring training
operations to Arizona -- in Florida. The Reds
would commit to a 30-year lease as part of the
deal.
More from the Charlotte Sun-Herald and
the Bradenton Herald.
RELATED STORIES:
Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close;
Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run;
Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training
deal with Orioles;
Bonita won’t pursue baseball spring training;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new
Reds spring facility;
County tees up for baseball hearing;
Orioles make pitch for $37 million renovation of
Fort Lauderdale Stadium;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility;
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch;
Indians express interest;
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Snappers land deal appears
dead
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A
complicated land deal that would yield the site of
a new ballpark for the Beloit Snappers (Low Class
A; Midwest League) is all but dead after
appraisals showed a wide gap in values between the
parcels. Although the Rock County (Wis.) Board of
Supervisors is not scheduled to vote until
Thursday on the proposed land swap, pursuers of
the deal are expecting a loss. Privately owned
parcels were valued at about $3.8 million while
the county-owned land -- projected as the ballpark
site, among other things -- was estimated at about
$14.4 million. Not surprisingly, the owner of the
lesser parcel slammed the appraisers, but no one
is calling for a reappraisal. The Snappers play at
Pohlman Field, a facility that doesn't meet
baseball standards, and the team's future in
Beloit would seem to be in serious doubt if a new
ballpark is not forthcoming.
More from the Janesville Gazette.
RELATED STORIES:
Deadline nears for moving Snappers to LaPrairie;
Beloit ballpark proposal hits snag;
New deal cited for land swap;
Snappers, fairgrounds deal proposed
Stadium authority meets with White Sox, Dodgers
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers
had their first formal meeting with the Arizona
Sports and Tourism Authority today in their bid to
build a spring-training facility in Glendale,
slated to open in spring 2009. The public meeting
was the
first time the Glendale group -- which includes
both teams -- has met with the authority since
submitting its proposal Dec. 1. The White Sox
currently train at
Tucson Electric Park. To leave
before their contract with Pima County expires in
2013, the White Sox would have to find a
replacement team. Another complication: the
Cleveland Indians have a deal with Goodyear to
train there, and both projects are seeking ASTA
funding.
RELATED STORIES:
Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out;
Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox;
County not eager to
match baseball largess;
State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from
Tucson;
Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag;
Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for
spring training;
Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale;
A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix;
Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark
funds;
What could the future hold for Dodgertown?;
Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training
to Valley;
Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to
development;
Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility
Rays make it
official: May 15-17 series to be played in Orlando
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Tampa
Bay Devil Rays announced this morning a May 15-17
series against the Texas Rangers would be shifted
from Tropicana Field to
The Ballpark at Disney's
Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando, the
spring home of the Atlanta Braves and the former
home of the Orlando Rays (Class AA; Southern
League). The move wasn't made for financial
reasons -- indeed, the Orlando ballpark holds only
12,000 fans, even when cramming as many as
possible onto berms -- but for marketing reasons,
as D-Rays ownership seeks to expand its fan base
into central Florida.
RELATED STORIES:
Expanding their reach statewide;
Rays say it's just a timeshare, not a relocation
bid;
Devil Rays' visit would be fun for baseball fans;
Rays eye games in Orlando
New for 2007: the Battle
Creek Bombers
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Northwoods League executives unveiled the name of
the summer-collegiate league's new name: the
Battle Creek Bombers.
The yet-to-be-completed logo will involve a
mosquito, most likely wearing an old bomber hat
that pilots wore in World War II. Despite
discussions with possible investors, for the first
season in Battle Creek, the league office in
Rochester, Minn., will run the club. The hope is
that the Bombers will be purchased, preferably by
someone in the area, in time for Season Two.
C.O.
Brown Stadium was formerly home to the
Southwestern Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A;
Midwest League) franchise.
(Disclaimer: Kevin Reichard sits on the Board of
Advisors of the Northwoods League.)
RELATED STORIES:
Northwoods League finalizes plans for Battle Creek;
Battle Creek approves Northwoods League lease;
It's construction season for city's new NWL club;
Northwoods League expands to Green Bay, Battle
Creek;
League close to deal with Battle Creek;
Green Bay approves lease of Northwoods League team;
Kramer withdraws bid for Prior Lake Northwoods
League team;
NWL team for Joannes takes another step;
Prior Lake City Council answers questions about
Northwoods;
Prior Lake Council puts brakes on Northwoods
League plan;
Who's on deck in Battle Creek?;
Northwoods League group to take next step;
No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay;
Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete;
Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease;
Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?
City hires consultant to
assist on Lawrence-Dumont lease
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The city of Wichita is spending $11,500 for a
consultant to help find a replacement for the
Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League). City officials plan to send out
a request for proposals as soon as they finish
negotiations to allow Rich Baseball Inc. to break
the Wranglers' lease at
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
Steve Stern, a Jacksonville, Fla.,-based
consultant with HVS International, a hospitality,
entertainment and sports consulting firm, is
helping the city develop the RFP. We would expect
at least two independent leagues to express
interest in the process, and potentially two more.
RELATED STORIES:
Wranglers owner says team was Wichita's third
baseball option;
Council looks at ballpark design;
Commissioners begin planning improvements around
ballpark site;
Wranglers' move big hit with Royals owner Glass;
League approval slow but expected for move of
Wranglers;
Springdale approves Wranglers lease;
Texas League executives scrutinize proposed
Springdale lease;
Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to
public;
Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move
of Wranglers;
City told only voters decide ballpark's user;
Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch
for ballpark;
What's new in Wichita?;
Wranglers president says move is nearly official;
Wranglers agreement down to one item;
City negotiating terms with Wranglers;
Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team;
Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers;
Wranglers to move in 2008;
Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers;
Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team
talks;
Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations;
Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep
Wranglers;
Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with
them;
Wranglers' dugout can be the pits;
Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon;
City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer;
Wichita pitching to keep team;
Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale;
Springdale vote certification put on hold;
City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with
new ballparks;
Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner;
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Traffic concerns dominate
Winston-Salem ballpark meeting
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Concerns about traffic, crime and displacing
residents dominated a meeting last night about the
proposed ballpark at the western edge of downtown
Winston-Salem for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High
Class A; Carolina League). Developer Billy Prim,
Mayor Allen Joines, Council Member Molly Leight
and other city officials met with about 75
residents from West Salem, and other nearby
neighborhoods, at Green Street United Methodist
Church. Perhaps the most common concern was
traffic as residents wondered whether those headed
to the ball game would clog their neighborhoods
with cars.
If the land is approved for rezoning, construction
could start after April 1 and would take at least
a year.
More from News 14.
RELATED STORIES:
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
IDB approves Sounds ballpark
extension
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Metro and
the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) have taken another step toward extending
deadlines that could save a deal for a new
ballpark. The Industrial Development Board (IDB)
on Wednesday unanimously approved an amendment to
the city's memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
the Nashville Sounds and Baltimore developer
Struever Bros., Eccles & Rouse to extend the
deadline for closing the city-to-Sounds property
lease to the team for building a new downtown
baseball stadium from Dec. 31 until April 15,
2007. The vote is the second of three the Sounds
need to secure the extension.
RELATED STORIES:
Metro agrees to deadline extension on Sounds
project;
Sounds' project
team huddles to nail down a deal;
Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new
ballpark;
Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon;
Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches;
Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in
Nashville;
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal;
Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
fan-friendly;
Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new
ballpark;
Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say;
Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds
ballpark;
Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank
project;
Sounds send commitment letter to Council;
Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in
stadium;
Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority
work on ballpark;
Sounds are rounding third;
Sounds remain at bargaining table;
Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark;
Council should give Nashville ballpark their
support;
Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark
project;
Sounds ballpark vote delayed;
Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark;
Sounds move ahead with ballpark design;
Sounds weak;
Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on
Council;
Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on
council;
Many good questions raised over Sounds deal;
Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan;
Downtown merchants rally for Sounds;
Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal;
Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to
spark development;
Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark;
Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan;
Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size;
New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt;
Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until
fall;
Sounds deal stalls, but still in play;
City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan;
Sounds ballpark negotiations slow;
Will ballpark make SoBro soar?;
Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark;
Sounds win city approval for new ballpark
Lehigh Valley
adds three new staffers
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA;
International League) have added three employees
to their front office staff. Former Dorney Park
Director of Sales & Promotions Howard Scharf joins
the team as Assistant General Manager-Ticketing,
Danny Tetzlaff is the new Assistant General
Manager-Marketing and Matt Provence is the new as
Director of Media Relations.
"I’m certainly excited about our latest additions," said
Lehigh Valley General Manager Kurt Landes. "The
varied backgrounds of these three newcomers will
help us make significant strides as we begin to
cater the IronPigs experience into our community."
Howard Scharf returns to Allentown where he previously spent
nine years working for Dorney Park & Wildwater
Kingdom from 1986-94. Although this will be his
first experience in professional baseball, the
Philadelphia native has 20 years experience
working in the amusement/family entertainment
business. In addition to his years with Dorney
Park, Scharf worked with Six Flags in Gurnee,
Ill., Flint, Mich., and Jackson, N.J., where he
was Director of Sales & Promotions from 1995-97.
Most recently, Scharf was working as a consultant
in marketing and product development in Sandy
Hook, Conn. The graduate of Ursinus College
(Collegeville, Pa.) will serve as an Assistant
General Manager overseeing the ticket department.
Danny Tetzlaff comes to Allentown after being honored as the
2006 Pioneer League Executive of the Year as
President/General Manager of the Casper Rockies
(Advanced Rookie). The native of Winston-Salem,
N.C., spent five seasons with Casper (2001,
2003-06) along with one season with New Haven
Ravens (Eastern, AA) in 2002. During his two-year
stint as Rockies General Manager, Casper
experienced the nation’s fourth-largest attendance
jump (32.8%) of the 150 National Association of
Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL) teams that
did not move into a new stadium. A graduate of
University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Tetzlaff
served five years as a sales manager for Detroit
Diesel prior to his time in baseball. He will
serve as an Assistant General Manager overseeing
the marketing department.
Matt Provence spent the past two seasons as Assistant General
Manager for the Daytona Cubs of the Florida State
League (Advanced-A). While with Daytona, the New
Jersey native was part of a staff that was
recognized by Baseball America with the 2006 Bob
Freitas Award, which annually honors the most
outstanding organization in four different levels
of Minor League Baseball. Prior to his time with
the Cubs, Provence handled media relations duties
as the Director of Broadcasting for the Lynchburg
Hillcats (Carolina, Advanced-A) from 1998-2004.
The graduate of James Madison University
(Harrisonburg, Va.) officially began his
professional baseball career with the Norwich
Navigators (Eastern, AA) in 1997 after interning
with the New York Yankees broadcast team in 1995.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 14, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Sioux Falls Canaries (independent;
American Association) have hired Scott Lydy
as the team’s hitting coach for the 2007 season.
Lydy spent five seasons in the Oakland A’s
organization culminating with 41 games at the
Major League level in 1993. In his 13 year playing
career, the Arizona native played under managers
Tony La Russa, Japanese Home Run King Sadaharu Oh,
Bob Boone, and Tony Pena. As the hitting coach for
the Canaries, Lydy will work with hitters ranging
from veterans who have played in the Major Leagues
to rookies in their first year of professional
baseball. In 2006, the Canaries were last in the
American Association with a .270 team batting
average....Rich
Hyde is the new pitching coach of the
Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern
League)....Lamar Hunt, a founder of the
American Football League and the owner of the
Kansas City Chiefs, passed away yesterday after a
battle with prostate cancer. In the baseball
world, he was best known as the owner of the
Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs (Class AA; Texas
League) and the man behind the attempt to bring a
Continental League franchise to that area in the
early 1960s....Manager Dean Treanor returns
as manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes
(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) for the third
consecutive year. Steve Phillips will also
be back as Albuquerque’s hitting coach while
Rich Gale joins the 'Topes from the
Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Southern League)
to handle the pitching coach duties. Trainer
Steve Miller is also slated to return to the
Isotopes in 2007, reprising his role from a year
ago....John Cunningham, president of PGE
Park, the Portland Beavers (Class AAA;
Eastern League) and Portland Timbers, has accepted
a position as president of Block22, LLC, a
company that owns and operates the ECHL's Idaho
Steelheads and Qwest Arena, a state-of-the-art
sports and entertainment venue in Boise, Idaho.
Under Cunningham, who assumed his duties with PGE
Park and its teams in February 2005, the Beavers
and Timbers realized unprecedented growth,
including a substantial increase in ticket sales,
attendance, corporate partnerships and the number
of large-scale events held at the historic stadium
located in downtown Portland. Cunningham returns
to Qwest Arena (formerly Bank of America Centre),
where he previously served as the general manager
of the 5,000-seat facility....The Class A South
Atlantic League announced today that Alan
Stein, President and CEO of the Lexington
Legends, was re-elected to Minor League Baseball’s
Board of Trustees representing the South Atlantic
League. Stein, who was elected unanimously, will
serve a three-year term.....The New York
Yankees have named Torre Tyson, who spent the
past two seasons as hitting coach of the
Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally
League), as the new RiverDogs’ manager. Tyson, who
at 31 makes his managing debut, spent three years
as a player in the Red Sox organization before
joining the Yankees, where he played for three
seasons, reaching the AA level. After his playing
career, he spent time with the Yankees’ squad at
Staten Island before serving as the RiverDogs’
hitting coach for the past two seasons....Jim
Pankovits, the Carolina League’s 2006 Manager
of the Year, is returning to skipper the Salem
Avalanche. Joining Pankovits on the 2007
coaching staff will be Pitching Coach Larry
Pierson, Hitting Coach Chuck Carr and
Athletic Trainer Eric Montague....Pete
Rancont is the new manager of the Tri-City
ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League).
Joining Rancont will be pitching coach Don
Alexander returning to the ValleyCats for his
third season and hitting coach Joel Chimelis
returning for his second.
A's detail Fremont plans
down to the letter
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Oakland A's want to increase the number of
face-to-face meetings with city officials in
coming months with the goal of forging an
agreement to make Fremont the team's new home for
up to 40 years. The letter, from A's co-owner Lew
Wolff to Fremont City Manager Fred Diaz, provides
the first detailed glimpse into the ballclub's
communication with Fremont officials, revealing
more aspects of their plans to surround a new
ballpark with a mixed-use development similar to
San Jose's Santana Row. The letter, which Diaz
received Nov. 27, states that the A's want to meet
twice monthly with city officials for the next
three to six months to discuss further how to fund
the project "without the traditional level of
public subsidies."
We continue to hear a lot of skepticism in
baseball circles about whether the A's will end up
in Fremont or whether this is a bargaining
position relative to a new San Jose ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
New for 2007:
the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
In the end, the marketing allure of a parent team
was too much for team management to pass on, as
the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA;
International League) will take the field at
Lackawanna County Stadium in 2007. The Red Barons
moniker goes by the wayside. The name of the
franchise has been a hot topic since the September
announcement of the affiliation with the Yankees.
County and club officials considered many
alternatives, but in the end the decision was
driven by public commentary. To be honest, we
didn't expect a Yankees affiliation to be such a
shot in the arm for the former Red Barons
franchise; in the past year SWB was repeatedly
cited in baseball circles as a team possibly on
the move. Yes, the team will wear pinstripes --
here
are renderings of the new unis and cap designs. GM
Brian Cashman says
the Yankees will put more emphasis on the farm
system, which should benefit SWB fans down the
road.
More from the Scranton Times Leader
and
Jerry Kellar,
as well as background on the move.
RELATED STORIES:
End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium;
Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty;
Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows;
Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax;
New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark
priorities;
Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in
minor-league teams;
Will Moosic get a new ballpark?;
Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management
firm heading to Moosic;
Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna
County Stadium today;
Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and
Pens;
It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to
Scranton a done deal?;
Authority will consider giving Cordaro power;
Yankees to SWB?
PSU, county to discuss
ballpark
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Questions
about the financial arrangements at Medlar Field
at Lubrano Park may soon find some answers. Penn
State administrators and Centre County officials
have agreed to meet in person, county and
university sources said this week. At issue is
just how much revenue the county government can
extract from the $32-million ballpark, home to the
State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn
League) and the Penn State Nittany Lions. It sits
on Penn State property and was built with a
combination of state, university and private
funds.
Penn State
has an agreement to make payments in lieu of
property taxes on university developments leased
to private interests, and Centre County officials
want to see if the ballpark fits under this
agreement. (The Spikes aren't part of these
discussions; the issues are between the county and
PSU.)
Phils adjust to
hitter-friendly home
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Jamie Moyer signed a new two-year deal with the
Philadelphia Phillies in October and said the cozy
dimensions of hitter-friendly
Citizens Bank Park
had little bearing in his decision to return. The
Phillies made some changes to the ballpark last
season -- moving the fences back and raising them
-- to make it friendlier to pitchers. The Phils
say the changes cut down on the number of homers,
but there were more home runs at the Bank this
year than in its first two seasons -- 233 in 2006,
201 in 2005, and 228 in 2004. Of course, placing
Ryan Howard in the starting lineup might have had a little to
do with the offensive outburst.
Blue Crabs' starting season
stalls
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent;
Atlantic League), scheduled to begin play in the
2007 season, will not play until 2008 because of
ongoing ballpark construction delays, team
officials said yesterday. Plans for fast-growing
Southern Maryland's first professional sports team
have stalled because officials have been unable to
obtain bids for the ballpark that don't exceed
their $21-million budget.
The 4,500-seat ballpark to be built in Waldorf has
been billed as state-of-the-art, featuring a
carousel and corporate skyboxes. Its design
includes sloping red roofs reminiscent of the
region's historical tobacco barns.
The Wilpon and Steinbrenner
families
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Are we
seeing a changing of the guards at the Yankees and
Mets? We may be, as Jeff Wilpon (son of Mets owner
Fred Wilpon) and Stephen Swindal (George
Steinbrenner's son-in-law) are stepping out and
assuming more prominence in public dealings with
their teams. For Jeff Wilpon, it's a coming home
of sorts: in the past few years he's spent his
time working mainly on minor-league projects, like
the Brooklyn Cyclones (short season; NY-Penn
League) and spring training. Stephen Swindal has
been a managing partner of the Yanks for several
years, but he works out of Tampa and his
background is with one of Steinbrenner's shipping
companies.
Corporate types ruin
baseball
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Furman
Bisher argues corporate ownership of major-league
teams is a bad thing, though we're not quite sure
what Bisher sees as an alternative -- he also
takes a shot at Ted Turner, whose management of
the Atlanta Braves was anti-corporate in oh so
many ways. Really, the argument is silly. The
Twins aren't owned by Carl Pohlad, but Carl Pohlad
Inc.: a $2.8-billion entity that also manages
Pepsi bottling plants, an asset-management firm
and an airline. You may complain about the Tribune
Co.'s stewardship of the Chicago Cubs, but those
of us with a longer memory remember how bad the
Cubbies were at the end of Wrigley ownership and
what a dull place
Wrigley Field was. All
major-league baseball is under corporate control.
City outlines routes to
proposed Warthogs ballpark
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
City and state transportation officials envision
making Broad Street and Peters Creek Parkway the
primary routes for traffic from Business 40 to the
proposed baseball stadium just outside downtown
Winston-Salem. Traffic heading to the ballpark
from the west will be routed past the Peters Creek
Parkway exit to the Broad Street exit, while
traffic headed from the east will be directed past
Broad Street to the Peters Creek exit, and then up
First Street to ballpark parking. The approach is
one of several factors that make city officials
believe that, based on preliminary analysis, they
will not have any major problems in handling
traffic as folks head to Winston-Salem Warthogs
(High Class A; Carolina League) games at a
proposed new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
A peek at the future of
Charlotte's Third Ward
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Charlotte
officials have big plans for the city's Third
Ward. Atlanta-based Novare Group envisions about
1,400 units -- including 150 hotel suites --
combined with street-level shops and restaurants
on a park proposed in a public-private land swap.
Put that together with a proposed new Charlotte
Knights (Class AAA; International League)
ballpark, and you've got the makings of new
projects that will dramatically change the area.
RELATED STORIES:
Diehl plans fight over Charlotte ballpark;
Mecklenburg County set for baseball deal role;
Charlotte Council seeks answers on baseball;
Uptown park for Knights makes sense;
Charlotte council gets update on baseball plan;
Chamber: poll shows overwhelming support for
Knights ballpark;
Backers urge: Make noise for Charlotte ballpark;
A slow curve in Charlotte;
Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible;
Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee
ballpark construction;
Hard days for Knights;
Knights see more fans, but lag league;
Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new
ballpark;
Knights meet with potential architects;
Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte;
The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte;
Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark;
Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?;
Third Ward residents object to new Knights
ballpark;
Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5
million;
Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of
real estate;
Arts package heads the agenda for city funding,
but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan;
Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers;
Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark
Farmer wraps up testimony on
12th day of Jaxx trial
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Another 75 minutes of testimony finally ended the
questioning for Jackson Mayor Charles Farmer on
Tuesday in the dispute over contracts between the
city and former West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA;
Southern League) president David Hersh, whose
multi-million dollar suit against the city alleges
breach of contract and unjust enrichment over
promises made when the Jaxx moved to Jackson.
There are some old grudges coming to light here:
the basic issue is whether Farmer (in his official
role as mayor) tried to get Hersh to sell the team
at a reduced price after reneging on a $3.5
million loan. Speaking of the Jaxx: the team is
still on the market, but we didn't hear a lot of
interest in any purchases (and several scenarios
were floating around, including one where the
Lozinaks would retain a chunk of the team) when hanging out at the
Winter Meetings.
City, county to discuss
Keys' ballpark renovation funding
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
County
commissioners last week retracted $500,000
budgeted in fiscal 2007 toward Harry Grove
Stadium's $7 million to $9 million renovations.
That retraction resolution came from Commissioner
John L. Thompson Jr., a frequent critic of using
public money to support private corporate
entities. He argued the funds would be better
spent on infrastructure projects such as schools.
Funding for the improvements, which include
replacing the playing field, bringing the stadium
up to American Disabilities Act standards and
adding amenities such as a new ticket office,
press box and cafe, was originally envisioned as a
cooperative effort by state, county and city
governments.
RiverHawks ink
new marketing deal: they love the sound of
breaking glass
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Rockford
RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) signed a
new two-year marketing deal with Window World.
Among the key elements of the advertising pact is
a nightly in-game promotion centered around the
Window World Window, to be located just behind the
outfield wall. If a player breaks the glass with a
home run, one lucky fan will win free windows.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 13, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Stan
Hough, who guided the Fort Worth Cats
to the 2006 American Association
Championship, will return for the 2007 season, the
club announced. It will be Hough’s second season
as the team’s manager and fourth year overall with
the club. He was the team’s hitting instructor
from 2004-05....Gabe Kapler will be the new
manager of the Greenville Drive (Low Class
A; Sally League). Kapler takes over for Luis
Alicea, who was named first base coach of the
Red Sox on November 29. Kapler, who has nine
seasons of major league service, announced his
retirement Tuesday afternoon and was subsequently
named the Drive manager....The new manager of the
Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally
League): Tommy Herr. Herr, a lifelong
resident of Lancaster, Pa., spent the past two
seasons managing the Lancaster Barnstormers
(independent; Atlantic League), leading them to a
championship in 2006. Hitting Coach Jerry
Browne and Pitching Coach Paul Menhart
come to Hagerstown in 2007 after working together
on the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally
League) staff in 2006....Manager Randy Knorr,
Coach Troy Gingrich and Trainer Sean
Wayne will return to the Potomac Nationals
(High Class A; Carolina League) staff for the 2007
season. The announcement was made by Potomac
Nationals Vice President and General Manager
Bobby Holland....Former Harrisburg Senators
(Class AA; Eastern League) player Scott Little
returns to the team as manager for the 2007
season. Little becomes the first former player to
return to City Island as the team’s leader on the
field. Little played in Harrisburg during the 1988
season and was named the team’s MVP. Also named to
the 2007 Senators staff: Hitting Coach Tim
Raines, Pitching Coach Rick Tomlin and
Athletic Trainer Beth Jarrett. Little will
take the spot of John Stearns, who was
promoted by the Washington Nationals to
guide the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA;
International League)....Arnie Beyeler is
the new manager of the Portland Sea Dogs
(Class AA; Eastern League) for the 2007 season.
Beyeler replaces Todd Claus as Portland’s
skipper. Beyeler becomes the ninth manager in Sea
Dogs history....The Newark Bears
(independent; Atlantic League) announced they have
named former major-league infielder Wayne
Krenchicki as the club’s new manager for the
2007 season. Krenchicki becomes the fifth manager
in the history of the Bears franchise. Krenchicki
has managed every season in the Atlantic League
since it’s inception in 1998, including the past
six seasons with the Camden Riversharks....Chad
Epperson will be the manager of the
Lancaster JetHawks (High Class A; California
League) for the 2007 season, the first JetHawks
manager of the club’s new partnership with the
Boston Red Sox. Epperson has three years of
managerial experience with the Red Sox
organization, all at the Class A level. Former
big-league pitcher Bob Kipper will serve as
the pitching coach with veteran hitting coach
Dave Joppie as the third member of the
coaching staff. Jon Jochim will serve as
the JetHawks trainer in 2006....The independent
South Coast League announced the promotions of
Steven Tricarico and Omar Roque.
Roque will be rejoining the league office as the
Vice President of League Operations while
Tricarico will take over as General Manager of the
Charlotte County Redfish, a title formerly
held by Roque. Roque, 27, returns to the
league office in Conyers after helping the
Charlotte County franchise get off the ground. As
the former Redfish GM, he was instrumental in
building and developing relationships within the
surrounding community. Roque began his tenure with
the SCL as Director of Public and Media
Relations....New manager of the Vermont Lake
Monsters (short season; NY-Penn League):
Darnell Coles....New manager of the
Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American
Association): Mac Seibert, who replaces
Kash Beauchamp, who left the team after last
season....New manager of the New Hampshire
Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League):
Bill Masse...."Pop" Warner is the new
manager of the Springfield Cardinals (Class
AA; Texas League). Joining him will be Pitching
Coach Blaise Ilsley, Hitting Coach Joe
Cunningham and Athletic Trainer Brad LaRosa,
all three of whom were with the S-Cards in 2006.
$250 million overhaul to
transform Dolphin Stadium
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Florida Marlins may have a season or two to
benefit from the Miami Dolphins spending $250
million on a renovation of
Dolphin Stadium.
Renderings on display on the club level show an
airy, modern venue with 360,000 square feet of new
space dotted with fancy bars, plush furniture and
lots of high-definition TVs. Each rendering,
however, says the work is "subject to change."
After the Super Bowl next spring, work to fill in
the new concourse areas will begin. The club level
is scheduled to be completed in time for the
Dolphins' 2007 season; with the rest of the
renovation expected to be finished by the end of
2009, stadium officials said. Among the areas
planned for improvement, according to the
Dolphins: Adding 360,000 square feet of enclosed
space; building new restaurants, clubs and
gathering places; upgrading existing luxury
suites; installing field seats; and providing
flat-screen hi-definition TV monitors throughout
the stadium.
State tourism panel aids
Sparks marina project
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Nevada
Commission on Tourism unanimously ruled Monday
that at least half of the sales tax generated by a
$1 billion retail-entertainment project planned in
east Sparks would be generated by out-of-state
visitors, a key step in gaining crucial financing
for the project. The Legends includes 1.35 million
square feet of retail and entertainment space
planned near I-80 and Sparks Boulevard that would
feature a 1,000 room resort-casino and possibly a
Triple A ballpark, though we hear the ballpark is
the iffiest part of the project: RED Development
reportedly is still searching for more funding
sources specifically for baseball. Plus, there's
the issue of whether there's a Class AAA Pacific
Coast League team available; Tucson's name came up
more than once at the Winter Meetings.
Baseball talks a sign of
hope?
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Bob Lipper
is cautiously optimistic about an announcement by
Richmond
Mayor L. Douglas Wilder about the possibility of
keeping the Richmond Braves (Class AAA;
International League) in town through either a
remodeled Diamond or new ballpark. Renovations are
easier to sell to the public -- even if all you're
doing is bulldozing the old facility and building
on the same site -- but R-Braves management has
been pretty firm about the need for a new
facility. We're not expecting anything to happen
too quickly, despite the announcement of a 2008
deadline.
RELATED STORIES:
Plans pitched for R-Braves ballpark on Boulevard
W-S finance committee
recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The finance committee of Winston-Salem's City
Council voted yesterday to recommend incentives of
up to $29 million for a proposed ballpark for the
Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina
League) and mixed-use development on the western
edge of downtown. The full council is expected to
vote on the incentives at its Jan. 3 meeting.
Developers are asking city and county taxpayers
for up to $43 million for the first phase of a
development that they say will attract $189
million in private investment over 15 years. The
city's share of the proposed incentives would be
$29 million, and the county's share would be $14
million. The ballpark would be built first,
followed by the rest of the development. City
officials expect to recoup the up-front incentives
by taking in $10.3 million from surcharges on
baseball tickets, $8.7 million from Wake Forest
University's planned purchase of
Ernie Shore Field
(an amazingly high figure) and $2.3 million in
property taxes on the new ballpark.
Some local residents and business owners don't
like the project, however. One other benefit
to the new ballpark:
a lowering of the crime rate.
RELATED STORIES:
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Slippery Rock
Baseball to hold "name-the-team" contest
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Slippery Rock Professional Baseball, the newest
member of the independent Frontier League, has
announced the structure for its “Name the Team”
contest. Butler County Radio Network (WBUT 1050
AM, WISR 680 AM, and WLER 97.7 FM) will be
administering the contest on behalf of the team.
Through Sunday, December 17, fans are invited to
e-mail (srprobaseball@yahoo.com), fax
(724-738-4974), or mail their submissions to the
ballclub. Four finalists will be announced on
Monday, December 18, and fans will be able to vote
for their choice at www.insidebutlercounty.com
through Sunday, December 31. A drawing
amongst the fans who submitted the winning name
will take place to determine the contest winner,
who will receive four reserved tickets to Opening
Night, be introduced during the pregame ceremonies
along with the team, and participate in the
ceremonial first pitch. In order to qualify for
the contest, fans must include their name, mailing
address, and phone number on their entry.
Pulaski searching for sub
Posted Dec. 12, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
One topic at last week's Winter Meetings: the
future of the Pulaski club in the rookie
Appalachian League. The
Toronto Blue
Jays decided to end their affiliation with the
team, leaving the league to find a replacement
parent, form a co-op team or forge on with a
nine-team league -- a scheduling nightmare. It
sounds like there may potential new parents for
2008, so making it through this coming season will
be a challenge. Pulaski is the sort of town that
should be rewarded by the Appy League and baseball
in general: residents there have supported the
team and paid for ballpark upgrades when asked.
Twins release more details
on new ballpark
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Minnesota Twins released more details about their
new downtown Minneapolis ballpark to the public,
and it's clear the designers are facing some
serious challenges in cramming a MLB ballpark into
only eight acres of land. It will be a cozier
ballpark than Metrodome on many levels. For
starters, the field dimensions will be slightly
more intimate than in the Metrodome currently:
left-field line, 339 feet; left-center field, 377
feet; 404 feet, center field; 370 feet,
right-center field; and 328 feet, right-field
line. The outfield fence will be eight feet high
in left and center field, going to 14 feet in
right field. The seating capacity has been set at
around 40,000, down from the original estimates of
42,000. One thing not announced: whether there
will be a signature feature to the ballpark. We
hear there will be. Think duality.
RELATED STORIES:
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews;
Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins
ballpark;
Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all
but done;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
New ballpark in
Winston-Salem a go
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The city of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem
Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) owners
Billy Prim and Flip Filipowski have reached
agreements that mean a new ballpark for the team
could be open by the spring of 2008. Lee Garrity,
Winston-Salem's city manager, said a finance
package will go to the city's finance committee on
Dec. 11. If approved, it would then head to city
council on Jan. 3, and demolition and site work
could begin soon after that. The $22.6 million
ballpark and 30 acres of office, retail,
residential and restaurant space, as well as a
movie theater, are expected to generate about $170
million in public and private investment. The city
is proposing an $11 million investment, with $10
million of that being borrowed and paid back over
20 years. The city will pay back the money through
what it receives from Warthogs ticket surcharges,
by selling Ernie Shore Field to Wake Forest
University and through taxes on the land and
ballpark.
More from News 14.
RELATED STORIES:
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
San Jose still ponders
illusory ballpark
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Three months after Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff
declared that moving to San Jose "is not an
option" and a month after he announced plans to
take the team to Fremont, San Jose is still
spending taxpayers' money studying how to build a
downtown ballpark; this time $20,000 for the
completion of an economic impact study. San Jose
officials may want to be a little more optimistic:
we heard from several folks over the last 10 days
that we should not assume Fremont will land the
A's despite the announcement of Cisco Field and
that the Giants still may end up negotiating with
the Athletics and sell the territorial rights to
San Jose.
RELATED STORIES:
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Syracuse
reverts to Chiefs name
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
No
more Syracuse SkyChiefs, as the team is reverting
back to the original Syracuse Chiefs
(Class AAA; International League), this time with
a railroad theme. The Syracuse ballclub was
originally christened the "Chiefs" in 1934 when
the team moved from Jersey City. The Chiefs' new
logos honor the railroads that shipped goods
manufactured in Syracuse all over America. The new
look includes a steam locomotive, a vintage
engineer mark, and the word "Chiefs" stylized from
the golden era of manufacturing. The Chiefs' new
official colors, Blue, Black, Silver and Graphite
pay tribute to Syracuse's long-standing
affiliation with the Toronto Blue Jays. Plan B.
Branding provided the identity.
Transit teams try to solve
Cisco Field 'challenges'
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Oakland A's owners and Fremont officials, aware
that traffic and public transportation top the
list of concerns surrounding the planned Cisco
Field ballpark, have held joint meetings in recent
months with Bay Area transit agency leaders in a
quest to solve those issues. At least three
"roundtable meetings" beginning in late August
brought leaders from BART, Capitol Corridor,
Altamont Commuter Express and AC Transit with
officials from the ballclub and the city of
Fremont, said David Kutrosay, deputy director of
Capitol Corridor, a 15-year-old commuter train
system. All parties acknowledged that the Fremont
ballpark site near Pacific Commons shopping center
has none of the myriad public transportation
options enjoyed by San Francisco's AT&T Park or
Oakland's McAfee Coliseum.
Plans pitched for R-Braves
ballpark on Boulevard
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Richmond is ready to play ball with the 60 acres
of prime real estate it owns around The Diamond.
And the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International
League) are ready to talk about staying at a new
or renovated ballpark on North Boulevard, Mayor L.
Douglas Wilder told The Times-Dispatch. Wilder
will meet this week with the regional authority
that owns The Diamond in preparation for renewed
talks with the Atlanta Braves organization about a
new or refurbished minor-league ballpark on the
Boulevard. He met with Braves executives last
month and expects talks to resume in January. To
accommodate a new ballpark, Richmond will move its
sprawling public works and maintenance operation,
which has been a major obstacle to rejuvenating
the warehouse district that lies at a key gateway
to the city.
Deal for new Reds
spring-training facility close
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Local officials are set to approve their first
formal agreement to build a new spring-training
facility for the Cincinnati Reds and keep
professional baseball in Sarasota. The two
governments have talked for months about building
a new ballpark to keep the Reds and the Sarasota
Reds (High Class A; Florida State League) in town,
but talks have lacked the teeth of a binding
agreement. A proposed agreement, on which the city
and county are poised to vote Wednesday, would
spell out the responsibilities of both parties in
building a planned $54 million facility near Ed
Smith Stadium. The agreement includes securing a
new 30-year lease with the Reds.
RELATED STORIES:
Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run;
Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training
deal with Orioles;
Bonita won’t pursue baseball spring training;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new
Reds spring facility;
County tees up for baseball hearing;
Orioles make pitch for $37 million renovation of
Fort Lauderdale Stadium;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility;
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch;
Indians express interest;
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Metro agrees to deadline
extension on Sounds project
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Lawyers for Metro, the Nashville Sounds (Class
AAA; International League) and Struever Bros.
Eccles & Rouse reached a compromise Friday to
extend a Dec. 31 deadline for the $43 million
downtown ballpark project. Karl Dean, Metro law
director, said the city had agreed to give the
Sounds and Struever Bros. until April 15 to
finalize financing commitments, construction plans
and other measures needed to close developers'
lease for the 12-acre ballpark site on First
Avenue South. The original deadline was Dec. 31,
2007. The city and the developers also reached a
compromise on a legal issue over the site, once
home to the Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant.
Metro officials dropped a demand that Struever
Bros. and the Sounds assume all environmental
liability for the site, which will still be owned
by the city, and the developers promised they will
not sue the city if any environmental problems
arise. Officials say the Sounds are still on track
for a 2008 opening,
though it should be during the midseason.
RELATED STORIES:
Sounds' project
team huddles to nail down a deal;
Sounds get jump-start on ticket sales for new
ballpark;
Sounds ballpark developer needs to score soon;
Ballpark financing not set as deadline approaches;
Struever mulling ballpark-area changes in
Nashville;
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal;
Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
fan-friendly;
Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new
ballpark;
Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say;
Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds
ballpark;
Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank
project;
Sounds send commitment letter to Council;
Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in
stadium;
Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority
work on ballpark;
Sounds are rounding third;
Sounds remain at bargaining table;
Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark;
Council should give Nashville ballpark their
support;
Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark
project;
Sounds ballpark vote delayed;
Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark;
Sounds move ahead with ballpark design;
Sounds weak;
Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on
Council;
Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on
council;
Many good questions raised over Sounds deal;
Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan;
Downtown merchants rally for Sounds;
Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal;
Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to
spark development;
Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark;
Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan;
Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size;
New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt;
Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until
fall;
Sounds deal stalls, but still in play;
City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan;
Sounds ballpark negotiations slow;
Will ballpark make SoBro soar?;
Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark;
Sounds win city approval for new ballpark
Nats work on improvements to
Space Coast Stadium
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
Washington Nationals are working on improvements
to their spring-training home, Viera's Space Coast
Stadium, which also houses the Brevard County
Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League).
Recently, Brevard County commissioners committed
$2.6 million in tourist taxes for a new roof and
canopies, interior and exterior paint jobs and
improved drainage. Also planned is the replacement
of the facility's 5,348 teal seats, a holdover
from when the Florida Marlins trained in Viera.
The seats are being replaced with fans' safety and
comfort in mind. And while they're at it, the
color of the seats will be changed to dark blue
and the railings painted red to match the
Nationals colors.
Parties expect Dodgers, Sox
deal to pan out
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Take this
article with a huge grain of salt, as it's mostly
spin by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago
White Sox on the prospect of moving
spring-training operations to Glendale, a suburb
of Arizona. The Dodgers will need to pay millions
to Vero Beach to pay off loans connected with
recent renovations of Dodgertown -- something
that's very doable. However, for the White Sox to
break their lease at Tucson Electric Park, the
team will need to find a replacement. For
logistical reasons, a team from Florida will need
to move west, but there really aren't many
Grapefruit League teams looking at a move. Cited
here as possibilities are Cincinnati (which,
considering the Reds are signing a 30-year lease
to stay in Sarasota, is laughable), Baltimore (a
long shot, as the O's and Fort Lauderdale were
approved for $15 million in state funds for a
ballpark renovation), Houston (another long shot,
as the team is committed to a long-term lease at
Osceola County Stadium) and Florida (which has us
rolling on the floor). Many insiders still tell us
the most likely scenario has Cleveland Indians and
Los Angeles Dodgers sharing a Glendale facility;
right now the Indians and the White Sox are
engaged in a staredown, and the loser will
probably end up in Tucson.
Redbirds, MLB
announces annual Civil Rights Game
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The
World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals will
play the Cleveland Indians in the inaugural Civil
Rights Game at Memphis's AutoZone Park, preceding
the opening of the 2007 season. According to MLB
officials. the Civil Rights Game, which will be
held annually, will pay tribute to one of our
country's most significant eras of social change
and honor Major League Baseball's involvement in
the historic struggle through which legendary
African-American players broke barriers and made
important contributions to American society. The
inaugural Civil Rights Game will be played on
March 31, 2007.
More from the Memphis Commercial Appeal
and
Memphis Business Journal.
Expanding their reach
statewide
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Tampa
Bay Devil Rays are expected to formally announce
the move of a regular-season series with the Texas
Rangers to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of
Sports in suburban Orlando. For the D-Rays, the
move of the series is one in a series of steps
designed to broaden the franchise's appeal past
Tampa-St. Pete. In addition, the D-Rays are moving
a spring-training facility to Charlotte County and
setting up a High Class A Florida State League
there as well.
RELATED STORIES:
Rays say it's just a timeshare, not a relocation
bid;
Devil Rays' visit would be fun for baseball fans;
Rays eye games in Orlando
Judge grants O's bid to
block video screen purchase
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A Baltimore Circuit Court judge granted the
Baltimore Orioles' request for a temporary
restraining order barring the
Maryland Stadium Authority from ordering a new
$1.5 million video screen for Oriole Park at
Camden Yards. While the team wants a new video and
audio system for Camden Yards, it contends that
the upgrade -- replacing just the video screen
portion of the scoreboard -- is less than what is
called for in the lease agreement and a change
that team attorney Alan M. Rifkin compared to
"replacing an eight-track system with a new
cassette system, when what you need to do is take
the time to create a DVD system."
Developer would reportedly
pay Anaheim thrice NFL's offer
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
A developer
is offering the city of Anaheim more than $150
million for the right to build an elaborate
high-rise retail, office and residential complex
near Angel Stadium, three times what a
professional football team would pay to build an
arena on the site, according to sources familiar
with the plan. The 53-acre parcel, now used mostly
for parking, has attracted wide interest from
builders who hope to capitalize on the city's
sports venues, the baseball stadium and the Honda
Center arena. The land is also one of two
Southland sites the National Football League is
considering for a return to the Los Angeles
market.
RELATED STORIES:
Destined for development;
Developers pitch hotel, sports, retail for Angel
Stadium area
Solar panels to help power
ballpark for Great Lakes Loons
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The new home of the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class
A; Midwest League) will use solar energy to help
power the minor league ballpark. Dow Corning Corp.
and Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. have donated 168
solar panels located outside of Dow Diamond's
right field fence and adjacent to the outfield
parking lot. The panels are designed to generate
enough energy to operate the stadium's scoreboard.
Hemlock Semiconductor makes the polycrystalline
silicon that is the main component of the panels
and Dow Corning makes protective coatings.
New for 2007:
Anderson Joes
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The fans have spoken, and the Anderson Joes are
their choice as the newest team in the independent
South Coast League. The Joes were one of four
finalists voted on by the fans of Anderson in a
recent “Name the Team” contest. The winning
design references former big leaguer "Shoeless"
Joe Jackson who earned his nickname while playing
a ballgame in Anderson, SC. In 1908, Joe was in
Anderson and wore a new pair of spikes that had
rubbed blisters on his feet, so he wanted to sit
out for that game. However, his team was short
some players and he had to play. Joe tried to play
in the new spikes, but because they hurt his feet,
Joe took the spikes off and played in just his
socks. He came up to bat, hit a triple, and as he
was pulling up at third, an Anderson fan hollered
"You shoeless son of a gun you!" The name stuck.
And there's a little cheekiness involved: one of
the proposed names for the Greenville Drive (Low
Class A; Sally League) was the Greenville Joes.
RELATED STORIES:
New for 2007: South Georgia Peanuts;
South Coast League announces Anderson franchise;
New for 2007: the Aiken Foxhounds;
New for 2007: The Bradenton Juice;
New ballpark potential block for SCL team;
Baseball crowds in Aiken could be going to the
dogs;
New for 2007: The Charlotte County Redfish;
Manatee Community College, South Coast League
agree to ballpark lease;
South Coast League reaches lease with Albany;
South Coast League announces Aiken franchise;
City may go other route on bringing professional
baseball to town;
Bradenton officials wary of South Coast League
proposal;
Jackhammers' owners eyeing a league: their own;
Charlotte County approves South Coast League lease;
SCL looking at Beaufort County;
South Coast League proposing play at Port
Charlotte in 2007;
South Coast League announces ownership group;
Sanford rejects South Coast League bid;
South Coast League fails to reach agreement in
Sanford;
Macon City Council approves baseball contract;
Baseball's return now in hands of Macon council;
League looking to bring pro baseball to Greenville;
South Coast League contacts Wilmington officials;
Macon moves toward bringing baseball back to the
city;
Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?;
Macon ponders two baseball proposals;
City explores baseball's return to Macon;
Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton;
South Coast League announces 2007 launch
Surprise tries to maintain
its lead in spring-training game
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Nailing
down a spring training team is the first step for
Goodyear and Glendale. Surprise is a few steps
ahead. With a training facility and two Cactus
League teams already in the bag, Surprise is
looking at how it can compete for game attendance
and tourism dollars down the road. The city plans
to intensify marketing in the hometowns of its
current teams, the Kansas City Royals and Texas
Rangers. Really, the way for Surprise to attract
more fans is to continue to grow: when Surprise
Stadium opened the surrounding area was basically
made up of agricultural land, but recent
development makes the area much more attractive
for visitors.
Gwinnett explores
minor-league baseball
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Gwinnett (Ga.) officials are exploring financing a
minor-league ballpark for a Class A team,
according to Scott Morris, director of economic
development for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
Several groups, including the owners of the
successful Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL), have
expressed interest in running the team. Logically,
a ballpark may be an easier sell than landing a
team: the Atlanta Braves control the territory (Gwinnett
is basically suburban Atlanta), and with the sale
of the team still in the works, Braves officials
have given off plenty of hints that they're not
interested in dealing with many issues surrounding
minor-league ball. Independent baseball -- we
assume in the form of the South Coast League -- is
also a possibility.
Northwoods
League finalizes plans for Battle Creek
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The summer-collegiate Northwoods League officially
announced plans for its 14th team in Battle Creek,
Michigan to join the League for the 2007 season.
The yet-to-be-named expansion team, which will be
owned and operated by the Northwoods League, joins
fellow expansion city Green Bay, WI for the
circuit’s 14th season of play. Battle Creek
becomes the first League affiliate in the state of
Michigan, joining Wisconsin (5 teams), Minnesota
(6), Iowa (1), and Thunder Bay, Ontario (1).
Current NWL Director of Operations, Rick Lindau,
has been named the team’s first general manager.
Lindau has been with the League since April 2004
and helped coordinate a previous league expansion
in 2005 and earlier this year with the Green Bay
affiliate. Many of the team’s details, including
nickname and logo, will be finalized in the
upcoming weeks.
(Disclaimer: Kevin Reichard sits on the Board of
Advisors of the Northwoods League.)
RELATED STORIES:
Battle Creek approves Northwoods League lease;
It's construction season for city's new NWL club;
Northwoods League expands to Green Bay, Battle
Creek;
League close to deal with Battle Creek;
Green Bay approves lease of Northwoods League team;
Kramer withdraws bid for Prior Lake Northwoods
League team;
NWL team for Joannes takes another step;
Prior Lake City Council answers questions about
Northwoods;
Prior Lake Council puts brakes on Northwoods
League plan;
Who's on deck in Battle Creek?;
Northwoods League group to take next step;
No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay;
Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete;
Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease;
Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?
Can the Summit get back on
top?
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
There's always a low-level buzz about minor-league
ball coming to the Detroit suburbs, and here's
another proposal to build a minor-league ballpark
to boost the fortunes of Oakland County's Summit
mall. Whether or not it's ever going to be close
to reality is another issue: the proposal came as
part of a larger community meeting.
Paterson to
hold Larry Doby Day
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium in conjunction
with the Paterson Public Schools, the City of
Paterson and the New Jersey Community Development
Corporation (NJCDC) announced that Wednesday, Dec.
13, 2006, will mark the first annual Larry Doby
Day celebration throughout the City of Paterson,
New Jersey. Born Lawrence Eugene Doby on December
13, 1924, Doby lettered in four sports at
Paterson’s Eastside High School: baseball,
basketball, football, and track. It was at
Hinchliffe Stadium in 1942 that Doby tried out for
the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues and was
signed to a contract, thus launching his Hall of
Fame career. Doby, who became the American
League’s first black baseball player, will be
honored with a wreath ceremony at 1 p.m. at Larry
Doby Field in Eastside Park. The celebration will
culminate with an evening event at NJCDC, 32
Spruce Street, 3rd floor, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All
events are free and open to the public. The
Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium, which launched its
stadium-history website this past September
(www.hinchliffestadium.org), is a non-profit
organization supporting the revitalizion of
historic Hinchliffe Stadium through awareness of
its stellar national historic significance. Larry
Doby Day will kick off their year-long gala
celebration, as 2007 marks the 75th anniversary of
the stadium's dedication in 1932. Hinchliffe
Stadium was home to both the New York Black
Yankees and the New York Cubans of the Negro
League.
Pitch and
Hit Club awards dinner lineup announced
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Bob Watson, Maury Wills, Pete Vonachen and John
McDonough, president of the Chicago Cubs, are just
some of the more then 20 baseball celebrities
receiving awards at the 61st Annual Pitch and Hit
Club awards dinner to be held on Sunday, January
28, 2007 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention
Center. The lineup for the traditional Chicago
baseball events includes a cocktail party, former
and current MLB players and coaches signing
autographs for free, a silent auction, team
mascots in attendance, and Nancy Faust playing
music during the cocktail party. Tickets are
currently on sale; call Chip Sobek at
219/865-9442 or e-mail i22chipster@sbcglobal.net.
Ballpark
Notes
Posted Dec. 11, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Kris Atteberry was hired by the
Minnesota Twins to serve as pre-game and
post-game host on the team’s new radio network. He
will be heard before and after all Twins games and
provide in-game updates from the Twins’ new studio
in downtown Minneapolis. Atteberry was the voice
of the St. Paul Saints (independent;
American Association) for five seasons, handling
both television and radio duties during his
tenure. A graduate of Stanford University,
Atteberry, 34, began his broadcasting career as
sports director of a small radio station in Cody,
WY where he spent two years. He was hired by the
Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; Northern
League) as their lead play-by-play announcer in
1999 before joining the Saints prior to the 2002
season....Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A;
Midwest League) General Manager Mike Nutter
was presented with “The Friends of Baseball Chapel
Award” at the 105th annual Baseball Winter
Meetings in Orlando. The award is presented annual
to the individual or organization that makes
strides in advancing Baseball Chapel.
|
Ballpark Digest Newsletter |
Want to receive news from Ballpark
Digest in your inbox?
You can sign up here! |
Contribute |
Want to show your appreciation for
Ballpark Digest?
Then consider a voluntary subscription or donation for the expenses of running the site. All the funds
collected from donations will go directly back to improving
Ballpark Digest. Read
more here. |
|