Recent
Visits |
Dickey-Stephens Park,
Arkansas Travelers
If you're going to
replace a legendary ballpark, you had best make
sure the replacement is a worthy successor. In the
case of Dickey-Stephens Park, the new home of the
Arkansas Travelers is a worthy
successor to Ray Winder
Field, the team's longtime home. While
Dickey-Stephens Park doesn't have many quirks or
much history yet, if opening night was any
indication the place will surely be full of life
for decades to come. Perfectly situated on the
shores of the Arkansas River with downtown Little
Rock as a scenic backdrop, Dickey-Stephens Park is
a community resource of the best kind.
Ray Winder Field was
the home of the Travs for more than 70 seasons;
we'd be very surprised if future editors of
Ballpark Digest didn't return to Dickey-Stephens
Park in 70 years and find the place as lively as
ever.
Clark-LeClair Stadium, ECU
Pirates
East
Carolina has the pleasure of playing at Clark-LeClair
Stadium, one of the better newer facilities in
college baseball. Clark-LeClair was built at a
cost of $11 million -- all from private donations
raised by the ECU Educational Foundation. The
magnitude of the place is immediately apparent as
you approach the main gate, and once inside no
aspect of the facility disappoints. Jim Robins
takes in a Pirates game.
Doak Field at Dail Park, NC
State Wolfpack
It is always a fine thing when a college
ballpark fits in just right with the scale and
expectations of the baseball program it serves.
This is particularly true when you look at Doak Field
serving as home to the NC State Wolfpack. Most years,
NC State features a handful of potential major
leaguers on squads with an expectation to reach
the NCAA Tournament (four straight years, 7 of
past 10). The fit is right -- the rebuilt Doak
Field at Dail Park is entirely worthy of the
high-caliber Wolfpack program.
|
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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
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Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
2002 Attendance
By league
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
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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! |
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Archives:
Jan. 15-21, 2006
State agency
approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The board of the Empire State Development Corp.
approved preliminary plans for new ballparks for
the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. The
new Mets ballpark would be comprised of seven
levels with 42,500 seats and standing room for
1,600, with 50 to 60 suites. The cost of the
project is estimated at $600 million, with $444.4
million for the ballpark itself and the remainder
for infrastructure such as parking. The new
Yankees ballpark will include five levels with
about 53,000 seats, standing room for 1,000 and 60
suites. The total project cost is estimated at
$1.2 billion, including four new parking garages
and new parkland. The ballpark itself would cost
$800 million. Next up is a period for public
comment, then final approval by the development
corporation. After that, the matter will go to the
Public Authorities Control Board. State approval
is needed because infrastructure work will be paid
by New York taxpayers.
More from the Gotham Gazette.
RELATED STORIES:
Bronx beep playing hardball on new Yankee Stadium
plan;
Yank prez hits foes of stadium;
Carrion to unveil plan for parkland lost to Yankee
Stadium project
Marlins,
Hialeah to talk about new ballpark
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The Florida Marlins and Hialeah Mayor Julio
Robaina will meet next week to discuss the
possibility of building a ballpark in the city,
Robaina confirmed Wednesday night. Robaina said
Marlins representatives arranged the meeting. He
mentioned three possible sites for a ballpark:
Hialeah Park racetrack and an area west of
Interstate 75, which are both privately owned; and
Amelia Earhart Park, which is Miami-Dade property.
Hialeah is Florida's fifth-largest city (who
knew?) and some see a new ballpark as a boost to
the area, but others oppose any taxpayer support
for a ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Norfolk could get back in the game;
A few details could help lure baseball;
Relocation game in early going as Marlins
officials visit Portland;
As Marlins go fishing, there's no bite here;
Portland baseball backers eye Coliseum as stadium
site;
Miami 'SuperSite' plan put on hold;
Miami-Dade seeks solution for a Marlins ballpark;
Bad marriage brings fire sale, suitors;
Marlins begin relocation tour in San Antonio;
Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins;
Seven cities express interest in Marlins;
Miami City Manager: Samson lied about Marlins'
share;
Goodman: Las Vegas is interested in Marlins;
Marlins will explore relocation;
Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand;
Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma;
Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins;
Marlins deserve better market;
Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home
and hurricane shelter;
Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal;
New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down
Orange Bowl;
Marlins, city end ballpark talks;
Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution
could be "months" away;
Selig: Marlins need new ballpark;
Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark
options;
Marlins shortfall still unresolved;
Ballpark talks in Florida;
Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be
pitched to Marlins;
Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark
financing;
June deadline for Marlins ballpark;
Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in
Florida;
Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las
Vegas smacks its lips;
Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds
down;
Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy;
Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new
ballpark isn't built;
The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee;
Marlins may get new lease at
Dolphins Stadium;
Huizenga remarks help
undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature;
Marlins' ballpark plan gets
resistance -- again;
Las Vegas still willing to
gamble on baseball;
Miami-Dade OKs financing for
$420 million Marlins ballpark;
Poll finds little support
for public funding of Marlins ballpark;
Tentative Marlins ballpark
deal announced;
State open to Marlins
ballpark proposal;
Miami gives Marlins ballpark
the nod
Big pitch:
Charlotte ballpark, Major League Baseball?
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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Representatives from baseball's Florida Marlins
will visit Charlotte in the coming weeks as they
consider relocating the team to a proposed uptown
ballpark, a real estate lawyer told Mecklenburg
County commissioners Wednesday night. Whether the
plan is realistic is another matter. Jerry Reese
has been pitching a 38,000-seat ballpark as a
centerpiece for what he calls The Brooklyn
Renaissance Project, an ambitious plan that would
redevelop an entire quadrant of uptown Charlotte.
The plan has generated little traction in
Charlotte, but throwing a MLB team into the mix --
instead of the original target, the Charlotte
Knights (Class AAA; International League) --
apparently was the magic pixie dust needed to make
county officials pay attention. Reese says the
entire project will cost $600 million to $700
million, but that may be low: a retractable-roof
ballpark will cost $450 million at the least, and
the redevelopment of 15 square blocks with housing
and office space won't be cheap, either.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Medlar Field on
schedule for May 31 completion date
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park,
scheduled to be the home of the Spike College
Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) this season
and Penn State next season, is 60 percent
completed and should be open in time for the
Spikes season. On the playing field, the top soil
is in place. The sod will be laid in the spring.
The outfield wall will rise to 18.55 feet behind
right field, a height established to match the
year Penn State was founded.
Nats ballpark
concessions, consensus elusive
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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As D.C. Council chairwoman
Linda Cropp works to build a compromise lease for
a new Washington Nationals ballpark, she's finding
many are hardening in their positions, with only
one publicly admitting she's willing to make any
changes to the proposal as it stands. Several
council members yesterday said the cap on the
District's contribution for the proposed
$667-million ballpark in Southeast is the major
sticking point: some are willing to raise that
cap, while former Mayor Marion Barry talks of
scrapping the entire deal and starting anew. Given
MLB's stance in seeking an arbitrator to settle
the issue, that simply won't happen now.
RELATED STORIES:
D.C., MLB pick mediator in ballpark dispute;
Cropp proposes 'compromise' on Nats ballpark;
New D.C. ballpark: DOA?;
City may put cap on Nats ballpark lease;
MLB to seek arbitration over D.C. ballpark;
Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done;
Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark;
Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease;
Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year;
D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed;
Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease;
MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site;
D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions;
True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget;
Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark;
New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million;
Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp
says;
Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark;
MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark;
Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.;
D.C. lease talks stumble;
New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal;
D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed;
Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels
cuts;
D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on
Council;
Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease;
D.C. to seek more money from MLB;
It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week;
MLB, District close to lease;
Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut;
MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders;
Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed;
Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia;
D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark;
D.C. ballpark property owners balking;
D.C. landowners face deadline today;
Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark;
Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan;
Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council
debate on financing looms;
D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal;
Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will
earn less, though;
MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats;
As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker;
D.C. lease progress is slow;
MLB is thinking locally for Nats;
Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is
done;
MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon;
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon;
Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics;
D.C. ballpark architect has towering test;
Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark;
Cropp still talking private financing for D.C.
ballpark;
D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor
Ledecky;
Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest
ticket;
Problems at RFK typical of District;
Washington's team is political football;
Issues continue to build at RFK;
Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost
from Supreme Court;
Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee;
D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers;
Is D.C. private financing finally dead?
Finalists for Nats ownership due soon;
Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.;
Gandhi defends ballpark figures;
Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council
Tweaked bill
intended to reap major-league payoff for Norfolk
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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A bill in the Virginia House of Delegates would
require the state government to forward state
taxes generated at a major-league sports facility
to the city to pay off the arena or ballpark debt.
That would include income, sales and corporate
taxes. Though it could be used by any Virginia
city, the bill is geared to help Norfolk land the
Florida Marlins or another MLB team. The revenues
from the tax rebate could pay for a third of the
costs of a ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Norfolk could get back in the game
SkyChiefs
determined to make peace with county
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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Though a second mediation session between the
Syracuse SkyChiefs (Class AAA; International
League) and Onondaga County over Alliance Bank
Stadium didn't yield a final agreement, the two
sides will meet again in a few weeks. SkyChiefs
general manager John Simone says the team wants to
settle the financial issues between the two sides
and move on. The dispute centers on which side is
going to pay for certain items at Alliance, such
as utilities, maintenance projects, and repairs
and renovations. The county owns the $29.3 million
stadium, and the SkyChiefs are the primary tenant.
RELATED STORIES:
Field of broken promises in Syracuse;
Second SkyChiefs mediation called off;
SkyChiefs, county seek ballpark solution;
SkyChiefs' entrenched board facing tough lineup
Judge urges
Angels, Anaheim to settle
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter Polos is
urging the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the
city of Anaheim to settle their lawsuit and has
directed the two sides to mediation. Polos also
said he would consider rejecting the city's claim
that the team's marketing and merchandising
practices are in violation of the stadium lease.
If he did, the city still could argue that the
team name does not properly include Anaheim.
RELATED STORIES:
First witness called in Anaheim's lawsuit against
Angels;
Despite talk, no signal of Angels making move;
Anaheim may plan on Angels move in 2016
Angels close to
purchase of Spanish-language station
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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The Angels are close to an agreement to buy a
50,000-watt radio station that is expected to air
the team's Spanish-language broadcasts this
season, according to the Los Angeles Times. As the
Angels seek to expand their audience through
Southern California and generate additional
revenue from broadcasting, the deal could
represent a step toward the team's owning a radio
and television outlet within three years. The
radio station, 830 AM, airs Spanish-language
programming. The Angels, in search of an outlet
for their Spanish broadcasts, would buy 830 AM and
air their games there.
Michigan
Baseball Foundation signs purchase agreement for
D-Rays
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The Michigan Baseball Foundation formally signed a
purchase agreement to buy the Southwest Michigan
Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League) and will move
the team to a new ballpark in Midland, Mich. next
season. Three Rivers Corporation in Midland has
been hired to be the general contractor for the
ballpark, using designs generated by HOK
Sport+Venue+Entertainment. The purchase must be
approved by MLB, MiLB and the Midwest League, but
don't expect any bumps: Midwest League president
George Spelius says Midland is a good geographic
fit for the league.
RELATED STORIES:
New Midland ballpark a big -- and exciting --
undertaking;
It's official: Midland group buying SW Michigan
D-Rays;
Owner says he's discussed moving Battle Creek team;
Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball
team;
Will Midland get minor league baseball team?
Jackson County,
Royals to finalize lease for Kauffman Stadium
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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Jackson County Legislators expect to have a new
lease agreement with the Kansas City Royals in
their hands by Thursday, and called a special
meeting on Friday to discuss it. The lease would
require Jackson County citizens to pass a 3/8 cent
sales tax to raise about $400 million for
renovations at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.
The teams will contribute an additional $100
million, and the state will add $50 million.
RELATED STORIES:
Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians;
Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way
to voters;
Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal;
Sizing up challenge of raising the roof;
Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium;
Kauffman Stadium to get roof?;
Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal;
Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark;
Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in
voters' hands;
Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision;
Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate
cost;
Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check;
Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark;
Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark;
Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark;
Residents point out KC stadium benefits;
Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at
‘listening tour’;
Kansas City negotiator fired after comments;
KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs
MLB
"guardedly optimistic" Cuba will be cleared for World
Baseball Classic
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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MLB COO Bob DuPuy says baseball officials are
"guardedly optimistic" about the chances of the
Bush administration allowing the Cuban national
team to participate in the World Baseball Classic
this March. The administration initially withheld
permission on the basis of the embargo against
Cuba, but international baseball officials warned
they'd pull their support of the tourney if Cubans
were not allowed to participate. From what we hear
it would not surprise anyone in baseball or
government if the administration changed course.
RELATED STORIES:
Rodriguez changes course, will play in World
Baseball Classic;
Drawing players a "Classic" problem;
Cubans hopeful team will play in World Baseball
Classic;
World Baseball Classic brouhaha over Cuba
escalates;
Ticket sales suspended for World Baseball Classic
in Puerto Rico;
Venezuela proposes hosting part of World Baseball
Classic;
Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball
Classic
Phils hope
bigger ballpark will lure pitching
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The Philadelphia Phillies are moving the fences
back at Citizens Bank Park in order to create a
more pitcher-family ballpark. While the foul pole
will remain 329 feet from home plate, the
left-field fence is being angled back five feet,
leaving the left-center field power alley at a
listed 374 feet. The wall is being raised to 10.5
feet from 8 feet. Moving the fence has caused the
removal of 196 seats, or two rows from Sections
141 to 146, and the team is estimating there will
be up to 20 fewer homers hit at Citizens Bank Park
this season. Last season, 201 homers were hit at
Citizens Bank Park, the fifth-highest total in the
majors, and the Phillies were one of three teams
(with the Reds and Blue Jays) that allowed 100
homers or more at home.
Petco
reconfiguration in progress
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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While the Phillies are moving fences back, the San
Diego Padres are moving them in The section of the
Petco Park outfield that came to be known as
"Death Valley" won't be quite so unforgiving this
season. A construction crew on Tuesday continued
work toward razing the fence in right-center field
as part of a winter project that will shave nine
feet off the imposing distance from home plate.
The new fence, which is scheduled to be completed
by mid-March, will run in a straight line from
center to right field, eliminating the elbow that
jutted out to 411 feet. The longest distance in
the ballpark will now be 402 feet, to both the
left-center and right-center gaps. The Padres
don't expect many more homers to be hit in that
area, actually, but it should cut down on the
griping from Padres players.
Baseball's
return now in hands of Macon council
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The city of Macon and the independent South Coast
League have worked out a tentative lease agreement
to bring professional baseball back to the city in
2007. The proposed lease agreement, which has been
referred to the Macon City Council's Public
Properties Committee, must be approved by the full
council. That approval would clear the start-up
independent league to begin play at Luther
Williams Field next year. If the deal passes, the
league would pay the city $10,000 upon signing the
contract, and $9,000 for the subsequent two years.
There also would be a $10,000 security deposit
should the league fold in midseason or fail to
make any other payments. The league would get all
revenues it generates for the first two seasons
from advertising, ticket sales and concessions,
including alcohol. During the third season, 3
percent of the gross would be paid back to the
city.
RELATED STORIES:
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
You can be
honest and strike out
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
(discuss)
After Florida Marlins officials visited Portland
to assess the area for a possible move, Mayor Tom
Potter reiterated his statements about not wanting
any public funding of a new ballpark. This earned
him a rebuke from Oregon Stadium Campaign
organizer Drew Mahalic, who posted a response on
the group's website suggesting that Potter a)
didn't know what he was talking about, b) hadn't
given the group a chance to brief him before the
Marlins' visit and c) was dead wrong when he
suggested that Portlanders aren't interested in
bringing a ballclub to town. The larger issue:
Potter as a rule opposes any large public funding
projects and is working to divert city funds into
smaller, community-based public-private
partnerships.
Area fans offer
support for college baseball league
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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A sampling of former Elmira Pioneers (independent;
Can-Am Association) fans yields some support for a
new New York Collegiate Baseball League team
playing at Dunn Field this season. The new team --
also the Elmira Pioneers -- is being put together
by former Pios GM Tom Sullivan. The college
league, which would have 13 teams with the
addition of Elmira, gives players who haven't
signed a professional contract the opportunity to
develop their skills at a higher level, gain
experience with wooden bats, and play in front of
pro scouts.
More on the proposed team here.
RELATED STORIES:
College league OKs team in Elmira;
Community key to future of baseball in Elmira;
Pioneers fans vow to seek new team;
No Pioneers in 2006;
Can-Am Association will play at Skylands Park this
summer
BayBears, South
Alabama enter partnership
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League)
and the University of South Alabama have announced
they are joining forces to provide year-round
entertainment to the Mobile and surrounding
communities. Effective immediately, the Mobile
BayBears staff will be involved with South
Alabama’s efforts in group sales, community
activities and promotions. The BayBear and Jaguar
staffs will now collaborate on everything from
national anthem singers to halftime entertainment
at South Alabama basketball games.
Bright House
Networks Field to host Big East baseball
championships
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The Big East Conference, in conjunction with the
Clearwater Threshers (Class A; Florida State
League), announced that the 2006 Big East
Conference Baseball Championship is scheduled at
Bright House Networks Field for May 23-28. The Big
East increased its baseball membership to 12 teams
in 2006 with the addition of the University of
Cincinnati, University of Louisville and
University of South Florida. The league's top
eight teams based on regular-season finish in the
conference standings will qualify for the
double-elimination event.
The Net is not
the end-all in the news
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Jackson Sun, obviously stung by the fact we've
scooped them every step of the way regarding the
sale of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class A;
Southern League), takes a shot at us because we
reported on two articles quoting Seth Bernstein
saying he was buying the Diamond Jaxx and moving
them to Orlando. No great mystery on the source of
the information: we passed along links to stories
from a New York newspaper and an Orlando TV
station both reporting the same thing. We also
were openly skeptical about the veracity of the
reports. But the fact that two legitimate news
outlets were reporting the same thing
(independently one of another, to boot) certainly
merits a mention, and this was nothing remotely
close to gossip: two news organizations quoted the
same guy about his intent to buy the Jaxx and move
the team. Too bad the Sun needs to stoop to
inaccuracy and innuendo to smear a competitor.
UPDATE: The newspaper is issuing a correction
and clarification tomorrow.
RELATED STORIES:
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx to Orlando?;
Jaxx, city settle lease deal;
Council OKs 3-year Jaxx lease at Pringles;
Bennett: Jaxx bid not ploy to move;
Name of bidder in sale of Jaxx becomes public;
Bennett to buy Diamond Jaxx;
Council pushes back Jaxx lease deadline; potential
buyer emerges;
Baseball's future in Jackson up in air;
Council faces Jaxx's lease pitch;
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx to Macon?;
Both sides must give a little to save Jaxx;
Deal would keep Jaxx in
Jackson for two years;
Jaxx submit second lease for city's OK;
City keeps getting in way of baseball success;
City's demands could force Diamond Jaxx out on
Dec. 15;
Bottom line in Jackson hasn't met expectations
Baseball Notes
Posted January 19, 2006 (feedback)
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Bob Socci, the radio voice of the
Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) since the team’s inception in 2003, has
joined the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA;
International League) in the same capacity as
play-by-play broadcaster. The ‘Topes are currently
in the final stages of determining a new person to
serve as broadcaster during the 2006 season. Both
teams are owned by Ken Young. Socci is also
the lead broadcaster of the United States Naval
Academy’s football and men’s basketball teams....Jay
Yennaco has been named the pitching coach of
the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am
Association) for the 2006 season. He played for
the Pride in both 2002 and 2004 after graduating
from Pinkerton Academy. Yennaco was drafted
by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the
1995 draft. Before joining Nashua, the
right-handed pitcher also played for the Pawtucket
Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) and
spent time with the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League)....The Kansas City Royals
have finalized their minor-league coaching and
training staffs for the 2006 season. Six of the
seven affiliate managers will return for the 2006
season, including Royals Hall of Fame second
baseman Frank White at the Wichita
Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League). Jeff
Carter moves over from the Twins organization
to take the reins at the High Desert Mavericks
(Class A; California League). Mike Jirschele,
now entering his 17th season as a coach in the
Royals minor-league system, will return for his
fourth season in his second stint as manager of
the club's top affiliate, the Omaha Royals
(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), where he'll be
joined by former Royal Tom Burgmeier as
pitching coach. Jim Gabella and Brian
Rupp will return to the Burlington Bees
(Class A; Midwest League) and the Idaho Falls
Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League),
respectively, for their third seasons. Lloyd
Simmons, the winningest coach in junior
college baseball history, will manage the Arizona
rookie club for the fourth straight season, while
Julio Bruno returns for his sixth year as
skipper of Salcedo, the club's affiliate in
the Dominican Summer League. Have a personnel move
or team news you want to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
West Tenn
Diamond Jaxx to Orlando?
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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We're not quite sure whether this is inaccurate
reporting or an investor speaking out of line.
Seth Bernstein, president of Stromberg, a
subsidiary of Paychex Inc., says he's buying the
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League)
and will move the team next season to a new
ballpark complex in Orlando. Previous reports had
Timothy Bennett's Overtime Sports (which does have
an Orlando office, by the way) buying the team.
We're not quite sure how seriously to take the
article -- Bernstein claims to be talking with
Davey Johnson about managing the team, and anyone
buying the Jaxx would realize the parent team (in
this case, the Cubs) provides the manager. Then
again,
Orlando's WFTV is reporting the same thing,
presumably independently of the Times-Union, an
update New York newspaper. UPDATE: The West
Tenn Diamond Jaxx front office issued the
following:
The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx responded today to an article in
an Orlando, Florida publication in which an
individual identified as Seth Bernstein indicated
that he is purchasing the franchise and relocating
the team to Orlando, Florida. In this article, Mr.
Bernstein also indicated that former Major League
Manager Davey Johnson would manage the club. At
the same time, the team confirmed that terms of a
new lease had been agreed to that would permit the
team to remain in Jackson.
A team spokesman stated: "Mr. Bernstein’s claims that he is
purchasing the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx and
relocating the team to Orlando after the 2006
season are erroneous. No such agreement was ever
reached; indeed no such offer was ever made.
Moreover, Orlando is not a Southern League
territory but rather is enveloped in the Florida
State League’s territory. Therefore, if Mr.
Bernstein wishes to purchase a Minor League
franchise and relocate it to Orlando, he would
need to discuss the matter with Mike Moore, the
President of Minor League Baseball, and
representatives of the Florida State League. We
are aware of no such discussions by Mr. Bernstein
or anyone acting on his behalf. Further, it is
important to note that our franchise is a Chicago
Cubs affiliate and that the Chicago Cubs handle
all field -- staff and player -- personnel matters
-- and we are aware of no communications between
the Cubs and Mr. Johnson.
"At the same time, the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx are pleased to
announce that we have come to an agreement with
the City of Jackson, TN on a new three year lease
agreement that would keep AA Southern League
Baseball in Jackson. After gaining the support of
our City leaders, the Team’s principal focus is to
make baseball work in Jackson. Our 2006 season
will begin at Pringles Park on April 17th against
the Mississippi Braves and we look forward to
working with the Jackson community to have a
successful season both on and off the field."
RELATED STORIES:
Jaxx, city settle lease deal;
Council OKs 3-year Jaxx lease at Pringles;
Bennett: Jaxx bid not ploy to move;
Name of bidder in sale of Jaxx becomes public;
Bennett to buy Diamond Jaxx;
Council pushes back Jaxx lease deadline; potential
buyer emerges;
Baseball's future in Jackson up in air;
Council faces Jaxx's lease pitch;
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx to Macon?;
Both sides must give a little to save Jaxx;
Deal would keep Jaxx in
Jackson for two years;
Jaxx submit second lease for city's OK;
City keeps getting in way of baseball success;
City's demands could force Diamond Jaxx out on
Dec. 15;
Bottom line in Jackson hasn't met expectations
Nashville
Sounds one vote away from new ballpark
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League) won a critical vote from the
city's Metro Council last night, as the team's
proposal for a new downtown ballpark was passed by
a 21-12 margin in its second reading. In
Nashville, proposals must pass three votes, and
generally the second vote is the most important. The project will be
financed with private bonds and tax-increment
financing rather than public money. If final
approval comes Feb. 7, the Sounds and their
development partner, Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse
of Baltimore, can start building the ballpark and
surrounding condominiums and shops. The team says
it hopes to play its first game in the new stadium
in April 2007. The Sounds are pretty clear on what
this proposal means: without it,
the team would be forced to move from the
substandard Greer Stadium. More from
Nashville City Paper.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Name could be
big change for Devil Rays
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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The
new owners of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are
considering a radical makeover of the team that
could include a name change. The team occasionally
receives some grief about the reference to the
devil in the name, and there certainly is some
baggage associated with it. One name we've heard
tossed around: the Tampa Bay Tarpons, a reference
to a baseball's past in the area. Decisions must
be made quickly: there's a March 31 deadline to
notify MLB of a possible change and all the
details must be finalized by May 31.
RELATED STORIES:
New Rays executive focuses on the Trop;
Outback chief feels hope, fear for Rays;
Making a tip-top Trop
D.C., MLB pick
mediator in ballpark dispute
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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Former Detroit mayor Dennis Archer was approved by
MLB and D.C. officials to work out differences
regarding a new ballpark for the Washington
Nationals. MLB involved a mediator clause in the
agreement when the D.C. Council failed to approve
a lease for the ballpark before the end of 2005.
Archer served two terms as Detroit's mayor -- from
1994 to 2001 -- during which the municipal stadium
authority built a $300 million stadium for the
Detroit Tigers. As in Washington, Comerica Park
was touted as a catalyst for urban redevelopment.
Archer is a long-time political ally of D.C. Mayor
Anthony Williams, but
he's also a well-respected lawyer and judge and a
known quantity to MLB officials.
John Rolfe adds his snark to the mix.
RELATED STORIES:
Cropp proposes 'compromise' on Nats ballpark;
New D.C. ballpark: DOA?;
City may put cap on Nats ballpark lease;
MLB to seek arbitration over D.C. ballpark;
Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done;
Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark;
Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease;
Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year;
D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed;
Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease;
MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site;
D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions;
True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget;
Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark;
New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million;
Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp
says;
Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark;
MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark;
Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.;
D.C. lease talks stumble;
New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal;
D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed;
Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels
cuts;
D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on
Council;
Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease;
D.C. to seek more money from MLB;
It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week;
MLB, District close to lease;
Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut;
MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders;
Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed;
Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia;
D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark;
D.C. ballpark property owners balking;
D.C. landowners face deadline today;
Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark;
Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan;
Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council
debate on financing looms;
D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal;
Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will
earn less, though;
MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats;
As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker;
D.C. lease progress is slow;
MLB is thinking locally for Nats;
Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is
done;
MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon;
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon;
Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics;
D.C. ballpark architect has towering test;
Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark;
Cropp still talking private financing for D.C.
ballpark;
D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor
Ledecky;
Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest
ticket;
Problems at RFK typical of District;
Washington's team is political football;
Issues continue to build at RFK;
Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost
from Supreme Court;
Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee;
D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers;
Is D.C. private financing finally dead?
Finalists for Nats ownership due soon;
Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.;
Gandhi defends ballpark figures;
Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council
Rodriguez
changes course, will play in World Baseball
Classic
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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After some heavy lobbying from MLB officials and
union leaders, Alex Rodriguez has decided to play
for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic,
adding some life to what has been a floundering
enterprise. He made the announcement on
his Web site:
"In recent weeks, following dialogue with caring
friends and players, both Dominican and American,
I reached the conclusion that if I played in the
Classic, I would play for the United States and
honor my American citizenship." Still, the WBC
faces some huge obstacles: the Cuban team still
has not been cleared to play (with the
International Baseball Federation threatening to
pull its sanctioning of the tourney if approval is
not granted), tickets have not yet gone on sale
for games in Japan or Puerto Rico, and sales have
been slow for the Arizona games. Plus, unless we
missed some big announcement, no television rights
to the tourney have been sold.
More from the San Diego Union-Tribune
and
NBC Sports.
RELATED STORIES:
Drawing players a "Classic" problem;
Cubans hopeful team will play in World Baseball
Classic;
World Baseball Classic brouhaha over Cuba
escalates;
Ticket sales suspended for World Baseball Classic
in Puerto Rico;
Venezuela proposes hosting part of World Baseball
Classic;
Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball
Classic
College league
OKs team in Elmira
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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New York Collegiate Baseball League owners voted
unanimously over the weekend to bring a franchise
to Elmira's Dunn Field this season. The ballpark
was left open after the Can-Am Association decided
to place a team in Sussex County and suspend the
independent Elmira Pioneers. Former Pios GM Tom
Sullivan said is putting an ownership group
together for an NYCBL team -- which he said would
also be called the Pioneers (bad, cheap move, Tom; forge
a new identity with a new name) -- and already has
willing investors from out of town. But Sullivan
said he is trying to bring in local backing, and
he and Elmira Mayor John Tonello believe that can
happen.
RELATED STORIES:
Community key to future of baseball in Elmira;
Pioneers fans vow to seek new team;
No Pioneers in 2006;
Can-Am Association will play at Skylands Park this
summer;
No team on deck to replace Cardinals at Skylands
Park;
Skylands back in the game;
Can-Am close to placing team in Skylands Park;
Can-Am Association not done for 2006;
Skylands might stay teamless;
Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006;
Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short;
New owners, league possible for Pride;
Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit;
Can-Am Association considers Nashua;
Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson
First witness
called in Anaheim's lawsuit against Angels
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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City Manager Dave Morgan, the first witness called
in Anaheim's lawsuit against the Los Angeles
Angels of Anaheim over the team's name, testified
Tuesday that replacing Los Angeles with Orange
County in the team name would not satisfy the
ballpark lease, which calls for "Anaheim" to be in
the team's name. When Disney made the original
deal with the city, no one anticipated a future
owner would try and use two geographical entities
as part of the team name, as it had never been
done before in major-league baseball. (It has been
used in other sports, like the NBA's Kansas
City-Omaha Kings, but there was one crucial
difference: that team actually played home games
in both Kansas City and Omaha.)
More from AP.
RELATED STORIES:
Despite talk, no signal of Angels making move;
Anaheim may plan on Angels move in 2016
County Council
mulls a nonprofit to own, operate ballpark
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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Richland County officials are intrigued by the
notion of a nonprofit owning and operating a new
ballpark in suburban Columbia for the Columbus
Catfish (Class A; Sally League) -- so much so that
they've directed staff to look into what would be
involved. the move would put professionals, not
county staff, in charge of managing the $37
million ballpark. The proposal from developer Alan
Kahn is part of a larger development: under the
plan, the county would finance the ballpark, with
revenues coming from the team's $500,000/year
lease and tax-increment financing.
RELATED STORIES:
Nonprofit ownership of Richland County ballpark
eyed;
Richland County Council may take up ballpark at
retreat;
Who’s paying for this financial adviser, anyway?;
Richland County has more pressing needs than
baseball park;
Richland County ballpark plans move forward;
Taxpayers deserve open debate about proposed
ballpark;
Richland County Council should hold stadium
discussions in open session;
Private investors should finance new Richland
County ballpark;
Catfish already have one fin out of Columbus;
New plans for Richland County ballpark unveiled
Rock Cats may
stick around for 20 years
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart says he is close
to signing a new contract with the New Britain
Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) that will
keep the team at New Britain Stadium for 20 years.
Terms of the lease agreement have not been
disclosed, but officials from both the team and
city hall said they expect to sign a final
contract within two weeks. The deal will culminate
negotiations that have lasted nearly a year and a
half. Attendance at the Rock Cats' games has
increased each year for five years, reaching
338,000 in 2005.
Bonuses offered
to Jackson Countians
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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Jackson County residents will get price breaks on
some Royals and Chiefs games if county voters
approve Kauffman and Arrowhead stadium overhauls,
negotiators said Tuesday, but that good news was
met with criticism of a plan to charge more for
parking in order to partially pay for the
improvements. County residents are being asked to
pay a three-eighths-cent sales tax to fund complex
improvements.
Off the agenda:
Hand-to-throat combat
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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A
debate over invoking eminent domain over a
proposed ballpark in York, Pa. turned ugly when
City Councilman William Lee Smallwood grabbed
fellow board member Joe Musso around the throat
with both hands and banged his head into the tile
wall of the third-floor men's room after Smallwood
perceived a personal attack on Smallwood's wife,
Janis Rozelle. In a 3-2 vote, the council
authorized using eminent domain if negotiations to
acquire 25 properties needed to build a 5,260-seat
stadium fail. The bigger issue -- and one not
addressed at this meeting -- is whether the
Atlantic League will receive property-tax relief
because the ballpark is being built by a
development corporation.
Redbirds may
play in Cards' new park
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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The Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League), an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals,
may play in exhibition game that would serve as a
"soft" opening for the new Busch Stadium. The
Redbirds would likely play another of St. Louis'
minor-league affiliates, probably on April 2 or 4,
in what would be the first event at the Cardinals'
46,000-seat ballpark.
Pacific
baseball to play 12 games at Banner Island
Ballpark
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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University of the Pacific Director of Athletics
Lynn King announced today that the University has
come to an agreement with the City of Stockton for
the Pacific baseball team to play its first 12
home games at Banner Island Ballpark, the home of
the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League).
Construction on Pacific's Klein Family Field has
been delayed due to inclement weather, which will
postpone the Tigers¹ home opener until April 5
against Stanford.
Baseball Notes
Posted January 18, 2006 (feedback)
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Former American League Rookie of the Year Pat
Listach has been named the new manager of the
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern
League). Joining Listach on the Diamond Jaxx
coaching staff are pitching coach Mike Anderson,
hitting coach Tom Beyers and trainer
Matt Johnson....Chris Cron is back for
his second tour as manager of the Birmingham
Barons (Class AA; Southern League). He's
joined by hitting coach Andy Tomberlin,
pitching coach Richard Dotson and trainer
Joe Geck....Ivan DeJesus is the new
manager of the Greeneville Astros (rookie;
Appalachian League), replacing Russ Nixon.
Pete Rancont, Bill Ballou and
J.D. Shields will continue in their same
capacities with the Greeneville team in 2006.....Ken
Joyce returns for his second season as the
manager of the Lansing Lugnuts (Class A;
Midwest League). Also returning: hitting coach
Charles Poe. New this season: pitching coach
Tom Singore and trainer Chris Vernon. Have a personnel move
or team news you want to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
Cubs unveil
information about Wrigley Field renovations
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Egalitarianism appears to be dead in the
Wrigley
Field bleachers, as the Chicago Cubs announced
plans for the renovation of baseball's most famous
seating area, home to the Bleacher Bums. The
biggest change: the addition of 253 seats with
backs on them, built in the far right-field
bleachers and sold on a reserved basis as
"bleacher box seats." (Of course, if they are
regular seats, then they're not bleachers.) There
is some other tinkering with the bleachers, such
as the move of the non-alcohol section and the
addition of a center-field restaurant.
RELATED STORIES:
Knothole peek may pique interest
Official
promises to deliver Nats ballpark
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Mark Tuohey, the head of the D.C. Sports and
Entertainment Commission, remains confident a deal
can be reached between MLB and the District of
Columbia over a new Washington Nationals ballpark
despite some positioning on both sides that could
change the terms of the original agreement. He
expects to have a new deal all but finished and
D.C. Council support locked up for a vote on the
critical ballpark lease early next month.
RELATED STORIES:
Cropp proposes 'compromise' on Nats ballpark;
New D.C. ballpark: DOA?;
City may put cap on Nats ballpark lease;
MLB to seek arbitration over D.C. ballpark;
Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done;
Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark;
Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease;
Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year;
D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed;
Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease;
MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site;
D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions;
True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget;
Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark;
New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million;
Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp
says;
Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark;
MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark;
Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.;
D.C. lease talks stumble;
New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal;
D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed;
Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels
cuts;
D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on
Council;
Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease;
D.C. to seek more money from MLB;
It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week;
MLB, District close to lease;
Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut;
MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders;
Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed;
Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia;
D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark;
D.C. ballpark property owners balking;
D.C. landowners face deadline today;
Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark;
Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan;
Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council
debate on financing looms;
D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal;
Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will
earn less, though;
MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats;
As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker;
D.C. lease progress is slow;
MLB is thinking locally for Nats;
Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is
done;
MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon;
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon;
Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics;
D.C. ballpark architect has towering test;
Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark;
Cropp still talking private financing for D.C.
ballpark;
D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor
Ledecky;
Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest
ticket;
Problems at RFK typical of District;
Washington's team is political football;
Issues continue to build at RFK;
Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost
from Supreme Court;
Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee;
D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers;
Is D.C. private financing finally dead?
Finalists for Nats ownership due soon;
Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.;
Gandhi defends ballpark figures;
Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council
Norfolk could
get back in the game
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Norfolk, Va., has emerged as a contender for the
Florida Marlins, with team officials reportedly
planning a visit there in the future. William
Somerindyke Jr., whose effort to lure the Montreal
Expos to Norfolk failed, said he has been in
contact with the Florida Marlins. Marlins
officials have already visited San Antonio and
Portland; the team also plans visits to Charlotte,
Las Vegas, Monterrey, and northern New Jersey,
according to the Miami Herald. One issue sure to
pop up: Norfolk's proximity to Washington, D.C.
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Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home
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New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down
Orange Bowl;
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Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution
could be "months" away;
Selig: Marlins need new ballpark;
Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark
options;
Marlins shortfall still unresolved;
Ballpark talks in Florida;
Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be
pitched to Marlins;
Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark
financing;
June deadline for Marlins ballpark;
Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in
Florida;
Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las
Vegas smacks its lips;
Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds
down;
Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy;
Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new
ballpark isn't built;
The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee;
Marlins may get new lease at
Dolphins Stadium;
Huizenga remarks help
undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature;
Marlins' ballpark plan gets
resistance -- again;
Las Vegas still willing to
gamble on baseball;
Miami-Dade OKs financing for
$420 million Marlins ballpark;
Poll finds little support
for public funding of Marlins ballpark;
Tentative Marlins ballpark
deal announced;
State open to Marlins
ballpark proposal;
Miami gives Marlins ballpark
the nod
Council should
give Nashville ballpark their support
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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The Nashville City Paper comes out with an
endorsement of a financing plan for a new downtown
ballpark for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA;
Pacific Coast League). The project will be
financed with private bonds and tax-increment
financing rather than public money. Metro has
pledged to provide $500,000 annually toward
maintaining the ballpark (the city also currently
pays for maintenance on Greer Stadium), but the
Sounds will pay the remaining $1 million annually
it will cost to keep up the building and grounds.
The issue is whether a ballpark is the best use
for a prime downtown site; the argument here is
that it is.
Joe Biddle of the Tennessean endorses the deal as
well. The team also announced it has enlisted
three minority-owned businesses to be involved
in the organization’s proposed ballpark-building
efforts.
RELATED STORIES:
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
New Nashville
ballpark might offer $2 parking
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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One big issue confronting the Nashville Sounds
(Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) as they pursue a
new downtown ballpark: providing affordable
parking for fans used to free parking at Greer
Stadium. The solution: a deal with the Metro
Sports Authority to provide $2 parking at the lots
surrounding the Coliseum, across the Cumberland
River from the proposed ballpark. The deal would
provide 2,000 spaces during Sounds games.
Evans: MLB
won't pay more for Nats ballpark
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Jack Evans, a key member of the D.C. Council
supporting a new Washington Nationals ballpark,
says there's no way MLB will agree to cover cost
overruns on a new ballpark if it doesn't control
the project. Evans said the council was still two
votes shy of getting the seven needed to approve a
lease for the ballpark and that he was still
unclear what would sway stadium opponents. Placing
a cap on the city's costs for the ballpark -- an
idea put forth by several council members who have
opposed the project -- is only possible if another
party agrees to pay for cost overruns. This once
again shows why MLB was a little greedy and
shortsighted in not selling the Nats and letting
an owner handle these issues.
GreenJackets
double sales
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Nothing like a new sheriff in town to stir up the
locals. Benefiting from an ownership change to the
Ripken Baseball Group in October, the Augusta
GreenJackets (Class A; Sally League) have sold
approximately 800 season ticket packages as of
Monday, general manager Nick Brown said. Last
year's base was under 400. By the time the season
stars, the season-ticket base could be tripled.
RELATED STORIES:
Ripkens form GreenJackets ownership group;
GreenJackets unveil new logos, Web site
Nonprofit
ownership of Richland County ballpark eyed
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Richland
County officials continue to debate a proposal to
bring a new ballpark for the Columbus Catfish
(Class A; Sally League) to their area without
exposing taxpayers to any risks. A few ideas were
thrown out at a county meeting: a nonprofit would
actually own the ballpark, the developer would set
aside revenues to ensure adequate cash flow and
owner team owner David Heller said he’d give
the county ownership of the team if he relocated
before his 25-year lease ended.
RELATED STORIES:
Richland County Council may take up ballpark at
retreat;
Who’s paying for this financial adviser, anyway?;
Richland County has more pressing needs than
baseball park;
Richland County ballpark plans move forward;
Taxpayers deserve open debate about proposed
ballpark;
Richland County Council should hold stadium
discussions in open session;
Private investors should finance new Richland
County ballpark;
Catfish already have one fin out of Columbus;
New plans for Richland County ballpark unveiled
Baseball fans'
fun won’t cost you a cent
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Dwight Jaynes makes a huge assumption: that
a new Portland ballpark for an MLB team won't cost
taxpayers a thing. Why is this a huge assumption?
There's no ballpark-financing plan in place yet:
there is $150 million on the table thanks to a tax
on players and front-office personnel, but that
leaves about $200 million that must come from
somewhere. To proclaim that a new ballpark won't
cost taxpayers a cent without any funding plan in
place seems a tad premature.
Drawing players
a "Classic" problem
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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After MLB officials told the press they would have
a preliminary roster of 60 players for the U.S.
team slated to play in the World Baseball Classic,
it was more than a little embarrassing when the
actual roster turned out to be only 42 players, as
announced yesterday.
Alex Rodriguez, who MLB officials are heavily
lobbying to participate, isn't listed on the
roster, and others, like Roger Clemens, have said
publicly they're not sure about their level of
commitment. And some of the names clearly aren't
the best players out there: you can't argue that
Al Leiter is one of the top American-born
pitchers.
RELATED STORIES:
World Baseball Classic brouhaha over Cuba
escalates;
Ticket sales suspended for World Baseball Classic
in Puerto Rico;
Venezuela proposes hosting part of World Baseball
Classic;
Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball
Classic
Cubans hopeful
team will play in World Baseball Classic
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Cubans are hopeful that their national team will
get a chance to play in the inaugural World
Baseball Classic despite a U.S. government
decision threatening to exclude the communist
island nation. MLB officials were in Cuba last
week to discuss the logistics of the tournament
with Cuban baseball officials. MLB officials
submitted another application to allow Cuban
participation after the initial application was
rejected by the Bush Administration. It wouldn't
be surprising if permission is granted, however.
New Midland
ballpark a big -- and exciting -- undertaking
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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With the announcement Midland (Mich.) investors
were seeking the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
(Class A; Midwest League) also came information
about the proposed ballpark. It won't be big
(5,000 seats, with your standard berm seating and
luxury boxes), but the downtown riverfront
location should be a big bonus.
In addition, a family picnic and playground area
will be built behind the right-center-field fence.
The Michigan Baseball Foundation is expecting to
break ground this spring and hopes to have the
facility finished and ready for baseball by April
2007,
pending city approval.
Local baseball fans were thrilled with the
announcement, as
are potential job-seekers and vendors.
More from Don Winger.
RELATED STORIES:
It's official: Midland group buying SW Michigan
D-Rays;
Owner says he's discussed moving Battle Creek team;
Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball
team;
Will Midland get minor league baseball team?
Stockton teams
compete for fans
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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The Stockton Ports (Class A; California League)
had a pretty successful debut last year at Banner
Island Ballpark, setting a franchise record for
attendance and presumably making more money than
in past years. This season may be more of a
challenge: with the opening of Stockton Arena next
door, there are new hockey and arena-football
teams, and presumably more competition for fans
and sponsorship dollars.
Baseball
statistics: history or property?
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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A company that runs fantasy
sports leagues is
asking a federal court to decide whether major
leaguers' batting averages and home run counts are
historical facts that can be used freely or
property that can be sold. In a lawsuit that could
affect the pastime of an estimated 16 million
people, CBC Distribution and Marketing wants the
judge to stop Major League Baseball from requiring
a license to use the statistics. CBC says the
minute the game ends the stats are historical
facts and not subject to MLB ownership; MLB,
unsurprisingly, is taking a ham-handed approach
and saying anything associated with the game is
its property. (This position extends beyond
fantasy sports: it should also scare anyone
performing historical research on baseball.) The
existing case law might differ with MLB's stance: there would be
appear to be at least three precedents dooming MLB
to failure. The first,
Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Company,
held that basic facts cannot be copyrighted. The second,
NBA v. Motorola, held that game
information cannot be copyrighted and upheld
Motorola's right to broadcast NBA game information
via pager and Internet. The third,
Baltimore Orioles, Inc. v. Major League Baseball
Player's Assn., held that broadcasts can
be copyrighted but game performances cannot.
More from the San Antonio Express.
Charlotte turns to
funding plans for ballpark
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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In general, response to a proposal by the
Charlotte City Center Partners to being a
privately financed ballpark to the city's Third
Ward has been positive: though the deal is
complicated and relies on the Charlotte Knights
(Class AAA; International League) financing a
ballpark, most say there really is only one major
obstacle. The deal calls for the city to make $5
million in infrastructure improvements to the
ballpark site, and city officials say they can't
come up with that kind of money without inflicting
pain in some other part of the budget.
RELATED STORIES:
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
UA polishes up
diamond
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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The University of Arizona is making $510,000 of
improvements to Kindall/Sancet Stadium this
offseason, with a new scoreboard, playing field,
seating berms, pitching mounds and a halo around
home plate. Probably worth a visit if you're
heading down to spring training in Tucson anyway.
County behind
in count to put Clippers in new ballpark by '08
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Franklin County is behind in its plan to build a
new ballpark for the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA;
International League) by the 2008 season, as the
plan to hire by Jan. 1 a project manager,
architect and construction manager has already
slipped. The county did authorize $11.5 million in
county-backed bonds to finance acquisition of the
ballpark site, but other funding sources are up in
the air: county officials plan on lobbying for
city and state funding as well. The new ballpark
will be built in the city's Arena District.
RELATED STORIES:
Franklin County buys land for new Clippers
ballpark;
Car sales at the Coop floated as reuse idea
Community key
to future of baseball in Elmira
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Elmira, N.Y. officials and baseball fans are
contemplating the 2006 season without the Elmira
Pioneers (independent; Can-Am Association). The
only real alternative is a New York Collegiate
Baseball League team, but Pioneers GM Tom Sullivan
says the Can-Am Association is contemplating a
rookie-level league in 2007 that could conceivably
include an Elmira team. The new league would be a
short-season league with lower salaries. There
really should be baseball at Dunn Field: the issue
is making it work financially, and
the NYCBL would
seem to be a perfect tenant. If baseball is to
work in Elmira,
it needs to be a year-round proposition.
Here's an argument for Dunn Field sitting empty
this summer.
Local baseball fans may need to hit the road to
see live action this summer.
RELATED STORIES:
Pioneers fans vow to seek new team;
No Pioneers in 2006;
Can-Am Association will play at Skylands Park this
summer;
No team on deck to replace Cardinals at Skylands
Park;
Skylands back in the game;
Can-Am close to placing team in Skylands Park;
Can-Am Association not done for 2006;
Skylands might stay teamless;
Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006;
Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short;
New owners, league possible for Pride;
Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit;
Can-Am Association considers Nashua;
Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson
New Sussex
baseball team rapidly readying for season
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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With the 2006 season already fast approaching, GM
Ben Wittkowski faces the daunting task of fielding
a new Can-Am Association team at Skylands Park to
replace the New Jersey Cardinals (short season;
NY-Penn League). Former Cardinals fans and
sponsors are being approached to extend their
support to the new team. The team also plans
upgrade for Skylands Park: team offices,
clubhouses, bathrooms, concession stands, field
lighting and picnic areas will be updated and
improved.
RELATED STORIES:
No Pioneers in 2006;
Can-Am Association will play at Skylands Park this
summer;
No team on deck to replace Cardinals at Skylands
Park;
Skylands back in the game;
Can-Am close to placing team in Skylands Park;
Can-Am Association not done for 2006;
Skylands might stay teamless;
Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006;
Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short;
New owners, league possible for Pride;
Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit;
Can-Am Association considers Nashua;
Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson
While Marlins
struggle, Huizenga gets richer
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Whoever wrote the law allowing H. Wayne Huizenga
to receive $2 million years in state funding even
after he sold the Florida Marlins should be fired.
The taxpayer support was specifically meant for
improvements to Dolphins Stadium to make it more
baseball-friendly, and although improvements were
definitely made, Huizenga has never itemized how
he's spent the money -- which could keep flowing
to him even if the Marlins move.
Field of broken
promises in Syracuse
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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When the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International
League) were proposing taxpayer assistance to
build a new ballpark in the 1990s, Onondaga County
and state officials were told how the Chiefs would
operate a new facility with heavy promotion and
community use. In the nine years since the team
moved into $29.3 million P&C Stadium (now Alliance
Bank Stadium), attendance and season tickets sales
have dropped, and the restaurant became an
occasional party room. Onondaga County and the
SkyChiefs are in mediation over the future of the
ballpark, but there appears to be some other
contractual obligations the team has not
performed, such as an annual marketing report.
SkyChiefs officials have said the team has made
money for 36 consecutive years, which is proof
their marketing works. The SkyChiefs have had
operating losses in five of their nine years at
the new stadium, but they turned a profit in those
years primarily because of interest earned on
investments of $1.7 million.
RELATED STORIES:
Second SkyChiefs mediation called off;
SkyChiefs, county seek ballpark solution;
SkyChiefs' entrenched board facing tough lineup
Seat licenses
hike fans' bottom lines
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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The Boston Red Sox are raising ticket prices for
the most expensive seats at Fenway Park: Fans with
long-term contracts for the antique ballpark’s new
fieldside seats will see their prices escalate to
more than $26,000 per season, per seat, from about
$22,000 now. That’s a jump from $275 a game, per
seat, to nearly $330 by 2009. In addition, the Sox
are instituting seat licenses, a controversial way
to raise funds. Sox officials say the licenses are
a way to avoid MLB's revenue-sharing system and
not really a personal seat license.
NL site plans
due for public comment
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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The Sayreville (N.J.) Economic Redevelopment
Agency will soon give the public a chance to see
and comment on the potential options for the
former National Lead site, as several developers
pitch their plans. The Spector Group will unveil
plans to turn the once-industrial site into
"Beacon Pointe," a pedestrian- and public
transportation-friendly area with a lengthy
esplanade, hotel and conference center, nighttime
activities, a minor-league ballpark, an aquarium,
a large-scale marina and a performing arts center,
as well as retail shops and restaurants.
At McCoy,
talent is groomed on field -- and in the booth
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Apparently the best way to make it to the majors
as an announcer is to work Pawtucket Red Sox
(Class AAA; International League) games. Dave
Jageler, who broadcast PawSox games last season.
is expected to be named to the Washington
Nationals broadcast team today. He joins former PawSox broadcasters Dave Flemming (San Francisco
Giants), Andy Freed (Tampa Bay), Don Orsillo (Red
Sox), Gary Cohen (New York Mets) and Dave Shea
(Washington) as former Pawtucket employees to work
in the majors.
Former
Steelheads owner talking stock
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Bruce Portner lost quite a bit of money owning the
defunct Solano Steelheads (independent; Western
Baseball League): the team and a new ballpark
opened in 2000, but three years later Portner was
in a legal battle with his contractors (he would
end up selling the team to them) and then he faced
a more important battle: he was diagnosed with
Hodgkin's Lymphoma on Jan. 3, 2004. After a year
of treatment, he's now cancer-free.
Baseball Notes
Posted January 17, 2006 (feedback)
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Jack Lind is the new manager of the
Lexington Legends (Class A; Sally League).
He'll be joined by longtime Legends pitching coach
Charley Taylor, while hitting coach
Rodney Linares and trainer Mike Smith
also return in 2006. Lind comes to the Houston
Astros organization after two seasons with the New
York Mets. The 59-year old guided the 2004 Capital
City Bombers to an Sally League-best record of
89-47....The Gateway Grizzlies
(independent; Frontier League) announced that
Jason Roeslein, the former "Director of Fun"
for the Grizzlies has been hired as the on-field
host for the 2006 season. Roeslein, who is a
groups sales executive for the St. Louis Blues,
returns to GMC Stadium after moving to the Blues
in September. He replaces Jake Ashley, the
on-field host since 2003....The new manager of the
Hagerstown Suns: Frank Cacciatore.
Cacciatore, a longtime Montreal Expos' hitting
instructor, most recently spent the 2005 season as
hitting coach for the Harrisburg Senators (Class
AA; Eastern League). Hitting coach Luis Natera
and pitching coach Shawn Barton return
to Hagerstown in 2006 after helping lead the Suns
to a South Atlantic League North Division title
last season. Trainer Matt Hunter also
returns to the Suns in 2006 as well after having
been selected as the trainer for the Sally League
North Division All-Star squad in 2005....Bobby
Holland is the new GM of the Potomac
Nationals (Class A; Carolina League). He
replaces Jay Richardson, who resigned
following the 2005 season. Holland, who spent the
2000 season as the director of ticket operations
for the then-Potomac Cannons, comes to the
Nationals from Clear Channel Entertainment where
he was the director of marketing for The Cellar
Door Companies at the Nissan Pavilion....Razor
Shines moves up to manager of the Charlotte
Knights (Class AAA; International League) after
managing the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern
League) last season, when he was named manager of
the year in the SL. Juan Nieves returns for
a second season in Charlotte as the pitching
coach, Tack Wilson has been named hitting
coach and Scott Johnson returns as the
trainer for the Knights....Rafael Santana,
who won a World Championship with the New York
Mets in 1986, was named manager of the
Winston-Salem Warthogs (Class A; Carolina
League). J.R. Perdew returns to
Winston-Salem as pitching coach after serving in
the same capacity for the Kannapolis Intimidators
(Class A; Sally League) last season. Perdew served
as pitching coach for the Warthogs from 2002-2004.
Former Warthogs' outfielder Ryan Long was
named hitting coach. Josh Fallin, the 2005
Carolina League Trainer of the Year, will return
for his sixth season as the Warthogs' athletic
trainer, while Raymond Smith will serve as
the Warthogs' strength and conditioning coach. Have a personnel move
or team news you want to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
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