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Archives: June 18-24, 2006

D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to build parking garages and condos next to the new ballpark under construction in southeast D.C. for the Washington Nationals faces one huge hurdle: no one knows who will pay for it. It was originally reported the developer, Western Development, would eat the costs of 1,225 parking spots as a condition of winning the development rights next to the ballpark, but this article (perhaps inaccurately, from what we've heard) intimates this is not the case. The city set aside a small sum for parking in the area, and paying for the estimated $300-million-plus for parking ramps would threaten the $611-million cap on ballpark construction. The owners of the Nats are still unsure whether 1,225 parking spots will suffice and would like to see a back-up plan; they'd like to see 5,000, though future development in the area may lead to many more parking spots.
    RELATED STORIES: Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking; Nats sale targeted for July finalization; D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking controversy; Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project; Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking; Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M; Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new ballpark; D.C. ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but concerns linger; D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball; The Nationals' wish list; Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking; Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening'; Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full approval expected today; Nats ballpark design up in the air; It's official: Lerner nabs Nats; MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nothing like the whiff of a move to make a municipality act. Wichita officials say they're willing to look at improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium now that it's more widely know the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) are looking at a move to Springdale, Ark. On GM Eric Edenstein's wish list: replacement of the artificial turf, widening of concourses, new concession stands, the addition of a group/deck area, and the construction of new clubhouses. The Wranglers' lease runs through 2009, and it gives the city the option to buy the team at fair-market value should the lease be broken, although officials now say that's not under consideration. Springdale voters will decide next month whether to extend a one-cent sales tax to pay for a $33-million ballpark. If the Rich family does decide to keep the team in Wichita, there aren't many options for Springdale to attract affiliated baseball: the Texas League would be made up of teams playing in newer ballparks and tied with long-term leases, there's no Class A circuit in the region, and there's no way Springdale is a Class AAA market. The independent American Association would seem to have a stake in whatever happens: Wichita or Springdale would fit right into the league's footprint. The Wichita Eagle's editorial page says fans should show up to support the team.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking directly to the press for the first time, Rev. Ronnie Floyd says he supports a new ballpark in Springdale, Ark., but wishes it would not serve alcohol. That's a much more nuanced stand than was portrayed yesterday by ballpark opponents, who claimed Floyd was withdrawing his support for the $33-million project, which goes to public referendum next month. Now, having a Baptist pastor oppose alcohol is like having a dog oppose a cat: everyone expects it. And Floyd's current stand would be very consistent for a Southern Baptist, saying alcohol is a "possible detriment" to a new ballpark. The economics of baseball and ballparks doesn't really work without the sale of beer. The bigger issue, which we anticipated yesterday, is that ballpark opponents latched onto Floyd as a way to sway public opinion against a new ballpark; Floyd's more nuanced statement would seem to have nipped that in the bud. Springdale is seen as an attractive market because the entire region -- led by Wal-Mart's huge presence in nearby Bentonville -- is booming. But with boom times come other issues, and ballpark advocates may be a little out of touch with a community that's rapidly changing. More from the Springdale Morning News.

New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There is a lot of misinformation about the new spring-training funding from the state of Florida in a program designed for cities and counties to retain their MLB teams. Take this article: it reports the state will supply only $7 million under the plan to build a new spring ballpark and complex for the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota. For starters, local units of government must apply for one of five slots (which sets up a competition should more than five units apply), so the funds are not assured. Secondly, the sales-tax rebate comes out to $15 million over 30 years, not $7 million (and not 20 years, as we erroneously reported originally). So, taking out our handy napkin for some back-of-the-napkin calculations, it would appear there is currently $46 million available for the project: $15 million from the state, $6 million from the Reds, $10 million from the city of Sarasota, and $15 million from the county. That leaves a manageable $8 million shortfall, which could be addressed by a scaling back of the project. (Raising the county sales tax past a half-cent doesn't seem to be possible under the law authorizing the sales-tax rebates.) 
    RELATED STORIES: 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 DisneyWorld?; 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

A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
At least this article gets some stuff about spring-training funding correct. The sales-tax rebate program would appear to be the tool needed to keep the Cleveland Indians training in central Florida, whether it be at Winter Haven or Disney World. Winter Haven officials are already saying good riddance to the Indians, but Polk County officials -- who have already set up a funding mechanism for a new Indians complex -- isn't so sure it wants to write off the economic benefits of spring training.

FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp runs into trouble
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With little local backing so far and more questions than answers about the $45-million plan, time is running out for Florida Atlantic University's proposed major league spring training camp. Craig Angelos, FAU's athletic director, pitched his idea for a new Boca Raton baseball stadium and ball field complex in a June 1 memo to local government officials and business groups. Until now, no one has committed to supporting the proposal.  The plan calls for a $45 million complex built on FAU and Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District land with a combination of state money, county hotel bed tax revenue and private investment or donations. A new 7,000-seat stadium could go up on Spanish River Boulevard east of Interstate 95. In theory, a local unit of government could apply for $15 million in state funding under a sales-tax rebate plan passed by the Florida Legislature this session, but that requires a major-league team to commit to FAU, and so far that's not happened.

Topeka baseball study striking out
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The second phase of a study designed to determine the feasibility of pro baseball in Topeka may be ending prematurely after the city council took no action on whether to earmark $7,500 to pay the city's half of the $15,000 needed to finance the feasibility study's second phase. The council didn't appreciate hearing the second phase would lead to a $40,000 third phase, which led some swing votes on the council to switch from supporting it to opposing it. Preliminary findings from Barrett Sports Group indicated support for a new ballpark -- which they inevitably do, no matter where the study is taken -- and the later phases are designed to determine specific levels of support. With a population of 122,377 in 2000, it would seem the third-largest city in Kansas would be capable of supporting independent baseball.
    RELATED STORIES: Consultant: Potential Topeka team would want new ballpark

Panel considers upgrades to Dodd Stadium
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With new ownership of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) injecting life into Dodd Stadium, the Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority is looking at some upgrades to the ballpark. The Defenders would like to see the purchase of a scoreboard camera, new carpeting in certain parts of the ballpark and new picnic tables. But the authority only agreed to suggest to the City Council to re-carpet the home and visiting clubhouse and the umpire's room. Some other improvements will be mandatory: currently the lighting at Dodd Stadium doesn't meet MiLB guidelines.

Videoboard to brighten Bears' ballpark
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New this season at Yakima County Stadium, the home of the Yakima Bears (short season; Northwest League): a 12-foot by 16-foot videoboard. On game nights, the board will show live video of between-inning contests involving fans, blooper clips and movie clips that tie in with various sound effects. The Bears ownership paid for the $300,000 videoboard. A state grant will pay for new lighting and playing surface for the 2007 season. More on Ken Wombacher, GM of the Bears.

Ballpark improvements key addition for E-Twins
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Riverside Stadium, the home of the Elizabethton Twins (rookie; Appalachian League), was spiffed up before the start of the season. The entertainment stage and entrance was completely redone by Lowe's Home Improvements' volunteer staff during the offseason: the entrance gate was painted red and a patriotic theme applied to the stage. The E-Twins have promotions scheduled for every game this season, including five Sunday night home games during which fans will receive free admission by bringing a church bulletin to the ballpark.

T-Bones put mullets on deck
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's Redneck Weekend at Community America Ballpark, the home of the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League). The highlight: the first Redneck Wine and Cheese Festival, where spray cheese, Ritz crackers, Hostess desserts and box wine will be served. Other events include a performance Friday by country performer Chris Beck, an appearance Saturday by ex-WWF wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and on Sunday the Redneck Skills Competition. That will have two-person teams competing in in events like changing tires and reeling in fish from 100 yards out.

Opening night a big hit for fans at Auburn
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It was close to a capacity crowd when the Auburn Doubledays (short season; NY-Penn League) began their season at Falcon Park. To make it better, the Doubledays pulled out a 4-3 win over the Batavia Muckdogs. One sad note: Leo Pinckney, Auburn's King of Baseball, is currently in Mercy Health and Rehabilitation Center and couldn't make it to his usual Falcon Park seat along the first base line. The man for whom the Doubledays' field and division is named is a mainstay at the park. Pinckney, who was instrumental in bringing minor league baseball to Auburn, has served as the team and New York-Penn League president.

'Nothing like baseball at The Nat'
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Vancouver Canadians (short season; Northwest League) began play yesterday at Nat Bailey Stadium before 2,022 fans at a matinee. Nat Bailey is one of our favorite ballparks in the minors: opening in 1951, Nat Bailey has been the home to Pacific Coast League and Northwest League teams ever since. The Canadians schedule a lot of afternoon games, which seem to work well in the Vancouver market.

Mark Light Field renovation hits snag
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A three-part renovation of Mark Light Field, the home of the University of Miami Hurricanes, has slowed down after the second $12-million construction phase came in late and over budget. Phase one -- which included seating modifications, new dugouts, new stadium lights and utility infrastructure -- was completed at the end of February, five weeks into the season. It appears phase two -- which will run a new sewer line from the stadium to UM's new on campus apartments, renovate the restrooms and build out the shell of the stadium's grandstands that will house the team's new clubhouse -- is running behind schedule. The existing structure under the stadium will be torn down within the next week to begin that phase. Phase three of the project, expected to begin at the end of next season, will involve building a new press box and VIP suites, finishing the clubhouse (which will feature a new locker room, training rooms, a video room, academic support areas and a weight room), and renovations of the Ron Fraser building, which currently houses all Miami's baseball offices.

McBride Stadium getting busier
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
McBride Stadium, the former home of the Richmond Roosters (independent; Frontier League), is seeing some action this summer as the Cincinnati Steam (summer collegiate; Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League) is playing two games there this weekend and looking at six or seven more next summer. If Steam management were smart they'd look at a move to Richmond fulltime: the crowds at Roosters games may not have been large enough to support pro baseball, but they're probably more than adequate for a summer collegiate league. The Steam currently plays in two facilities, which is always a recipe for disaster.

Pro softball team hopes to catch on
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Can women's pro softball catch on? The Philadelphia Force (who play at Allentown's ECTB Stadium) is part of the seven-team National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Although the Force's record isn't stellar -- 3-5 coming into the weekend -- the team has proven to be a draw, attracting more than 1,000 fans showed up for their first home game, a 3-1 loss to the Connecticut Brakettes on June 10. This weekend the team is hosting the Chinese National Team, which should also be a draw.

Baseball Notes
Posted June 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Thunder Bay Border Cats (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced that John Michael Herrera has been promoted to the position of field manager for the remainder of the 2006 season. Herrera, a native of Abilene, Texas and assistant coach at New Mexico State University, takes the reigns from Brad Stromdahl, who earlier this week departed to take a full-time coaching job with Georgia State College....Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) pitcher Rusty Begnaud was hospitalized in serious condition last night after diving headfirst into a swimming pool and suffered a fracture of his vertebrae. Going into surgery Begnaud was paralyzed from the chest down....

MLB, players work out deal linking All-Star Game, WS home-field advantage
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Home-field advantage in the World Series this year will again go to the league that wins the July All-Star Game, owners and players agreed Tuesday. Originally a two-year experiment in 2003 to make the Midsummer Classic more attractive to fans and more meaningful for the teams, the idea was extended last season. Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of the All-Star Game having meaning, though many fans did express interest in a game that means something, and Fox Sports certainly welcomed the added meaning to what had become a stale exhibition. The American League has taken the All-Star Game all three times, and the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox have swept the World Series the last two years after starting at home. Florida won in 2003 despite opening the Series at Yankee Stadium. This year's game will be played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Spikes add to county's rich baseball heritage
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) opened Medlar Field at Lubrano Park last night before a capacity crowd of 5,570 fans to wide acclaim. It was a typical new-ballpark opening: less than two hours before game time workers were still hanging the banners of the other teams in the league, taping down electrical cables and unveiling signage. The Spikes lost to the Williamsport Crosscutters, 5-3, in the only bad part of the evening.
    RELATED STORIES: Spikes finally open season after whirlwind 13 months; Holdovers say State College experience a 'step up' from 2005 in New Jersey; Curve Baseball LP a well-organized ownership group; Medlar Field offers a scenic blend; Cardinals would like to extend relationship with Spikes; Owners see niches for both Spikes, Curve

Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County voted Tuesday to begin spending money to build a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District, but not before watching as the project's critics unveiled what may be a summerlong attempt to contest every decision. In the first significant meeting since the Legislature approved the $522-million, 42,000-seat stadium last month, the County Board approved a $5 million spending plan that would begin work that includes land acquisition, environmental studies and a development agreement with the team. Two members of a ballpark authority have already been appointed, but opponents are still making their presence felt by objecting to every small decision on the project; a protester was asked to leave the council chambers, and one county commissioner was reduced to tears when once again explaining her opposition to the project.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Filippone resigns as CEO of Fresno Grizzlies, will return to Stockton
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) CEO Pat Filippone has resigned from his position to take the position of president with the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) and 7th Inning Stretch, LLC effective July 10.
    "I want to thank the Fresno Baseball Club for the opportunity, and I'm excited for this new opportunity in Stockton," Filippone said. "It's difficult to leave this staff and community that I hold so fondly."
    Filippone is currently in his third season with the Grizzlies and first year as the team’s CEO after being named the club’s president in September 2003. Filippone's success in Fresno is highlighted by the team turning an operating profit for the first time in Grizzlies history in 2004-05. He also started the Grizzlies Community Fund non-profit corporation that has raised over $100,000 for local charities over the last two years. The Grizzlies have also set a single-game franchise attendance mark on July 4 during each of the last two seasons.

New season dawns for SI Yankees, with ownership change on horizon
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A deal calling for Stanley and Josh Getzler to sell their majority ownership of the Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) to parent team and minority investor New York Yankees is in place, with the Getzlers reportedly selling their part of the team for a little more than $2.5 million, based on a franchise valuation of $5 million. (Hal Steinbrenner, owner of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, owns 49 percent of the franchise.) There are probably other changes on the way: yesterday the team informed the College of Staten Island (CSI) that it would not renew its $23,000 contract to hire students to broadcast season games through the college radio station, WSIA. The franchise has been beset with financial problems: an audit conducted by the city comptroller in April found the team failed to report attendance figures accurately and owed the city $570,202 in electricity, water, sewer and late-fee payments.

City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is a load of crap. We've been reporting since last fall that the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) was the team exploring a possible move to Springdale, Ark., if city voters approve funding for a new ballpark. We know Wichita city officials have read our reporting, so this is not exactly a new development for them. The situation: the Wranglers' lease at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium runs through 2009, and if the Wranglers attempt to break the lease the city has the right of first refusal to buy the team at a fair market price. (It would be logical, however, to assume the American Association would rush into Lawrence-Dumont Stadium should the Wranglers move.) More from the Wichita Eagle, which tries to pin down how much the Wranglers would be worth if the city wanted to buy the team. (Probably close to $10 million, based on recent Texas League franchise sales.) Speaking of Springdale: The Rev. Ronnie Floyd has withdrawn his support for the proposed ballpark after learning of plans to sell beer at the minor-league ballpark. Since beer is now served at every minor-league ballpark, it's a little odd the good reverend is just learning of this fact now. We're guessing that this has little to do with beer and everything to do with local politics: an opponent of public financing has now glommed onto the beer issue, saying there's no way underage drinking can be controlled at a ballpark. And Floyd is a big-time political operative, recently losing an election as president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Book-Cadillac, Tiger Stadium deals bring hope
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's easy for us ballpark fans to sit back and demand something be done with Tiger Stadium. But in the real world there are real consequences to important decisions, and the decision by Detroit city officials to tear down most of the ballpark and seek a developer to build condos and retail may end up being the best one for locals. In this article there are comments from local residents who could benefit from the redevelopment of Tiger Stadium, and they're the ones who must put up with a deteriorating ballpark and rundown neighborhood every day. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
    RELATED STORIES: Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger Stadium; Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off under city plan; Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site; Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

Duncan Park down to 9th inning, 2 outs
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Duncan Park, the former home of various minor-league teams in Spartanburg and the current home of the Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League), may be abandoned or torn down after city officials made it plain they were not interested in maintaining the facility next year. Opened in 1926, the facility is one of the oldest wooden ballparks in the country and contains seating salvaged from Shibe Park. The owner of the Spartanburg Crickets (Southern Collegiate Baseball League), who formerly played at Duncan Park, wants to take over management of the facility, which is currently managed by the Stingers. The issue is money: the ballpark runs with a public subsidy as it is, and the city doesn't want to throw good money after bad.

Cubs a winner for Tribune Company
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tribune Company, owner of several media properties (Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, WGN-TV, WGN Radio) as well as the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field, is under some pressure from shareholders to diversify; in particular, the Chandler family (who built up the Los Angeles Times to a national powerhouse) wants to break up the company, saying there's little synergy between the newspapers, broadcast outlets and sports teams. They may be right, and that sort of talk is leading people to wonder how much the team and Wrigley Field is really worth. A baseline figure of $450 million has been thrown out there -- which seems absurdly low with Wrigley Field in the mix -- and we're guessing the real price is closer to $600 million, depending what sort of broadcast deals are in place. However, the Cubs are responsible for what little corporate synergy there is in the Tribune Company -- Cubs games are staples of broadcast schedules and revenues for local and national WGN broadcasts as well as WGN Radio -- and we're guessing that if the Tribune Company is indeed broken up, the Cubs would remain with the Chicago operations.

Renegades, county near lease extension
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League) and Dutchess County are close to a deal that will keep the team at Dutchess Stadium for the next 10 years. The Goldklang Group, which owns the Renegades, is operating with a one-year extension that ends after this season. Under the new lease, the county will make some improvements to the ballpark, including the installation of a new field.

Marlins' recent tear largely unnoticed
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins have been on a tear lately, winning nine in a row and moving up to third place in the National League East. Not bad, considering the team's payroll -- $15 million -- is less than Alex Rodriguez makes in a year. The fans in Miami don't seem to be too excited about having a young, thrilling team in their midst: the Fish are drawing only 11,000 fans a game at Dolphin Stadium, by far the worst in the National League. At some point things must break in Miami: either ownership decides a new ballpark just won't happen, or the team ponies up additional money to make a new ballpark reality. Other MLB owners will undoubtedly put on some pressure: between revenue sharing and broadcast teams, the Marlins are assured of turning a profit without having to attract many fans to the ballpark.

In a new ballpark, give me the grassy banks
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If Fort Wayne does go ahead and build a new downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Class A; Midwest League) to replace Memorial Stadium, columnist Reggie Hayes says it should be built along the lines of Victory Field, the home of the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League). Hayes would rather see the team stay at Memorial Stadium, but if there is a new ballpark, he wants a wraparound concourse, grass berms in the outfield, and an upper deck. Sounds like he really wants Fifth Third Field, the home of the Dayton Dragons (Class A; Midwest League) -- not a bad ballpark to lust after.
    RELATED STORIES: A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Burger sandwiched in donut is hit at ballpark
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) gained a lot of press early in the season when they announced the creation of "Baseball's Best Burger," a 1,000-calorie monstrosity featuring a Black Angus burger topped with sharp Cheddar cheese and two slices of bacon, surrounded between a sliced Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut and served in a Krispy Kreme hat, all for $4.50. The Grizzlies have had the last laugh: they've been selling between 200 and 250 of these monsters at each home game. 
    RELATED STORIES: Grizzlies add burger in a doughnut for 2006 season

Pensacola council could set park vote date
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Pensacola (Fl.) City Council members on Thursday could set a date for voters to have a say on a $70 million downtown waterfront development project. The City of Pensacola canvassing board on Tuesday forwarded to the council a report that validated signatures on a petition for a referendum on the Community Maritime Park project. The plan includes a multiuse ballpark for the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association); a maritime museum and educational center; a conference center; office and retail space; and open public space.

Is Fraser Field really the worst place on earth?
Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On last weekend's ESPN Sunday night baseball broadcast between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves, ESPN's Peter Gammons relayed comments from former North Shore Spirit (independent; Can-Am Association) pitcher and current Braves reliever Kenny Ray in which Ray claimed Fraser Field was the "worst place on earth" and said that the Spirit had four trailers instead of lockers. The Spirit front office took umbrage at the comment and invited Gammons to come see Fraser Field for himself. Truth is, Fraser Field isn't the worst professional park we've seen, and Ray might have been exaggerating a tad -- he's made a remarkable comeback this season, and taking a shot at the Spirit was out of line.

Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes Posted June 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush today signed a bill authorizing $75 million in sales-tax revenues to five municipalities seeking to build new or expand spring-training complexes. The bill, which received widespread support in the Florida Legislature, sets up criteria where counties or local units of government can seek $15 million in state funds. You can expect Sarasota to apply to the program to fund a new spring-training complex for the Cincinnati Reds; you can expect Bradenton to apply improvements to McKechnie Field and Pirate City, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates; you can expect Fort Lauderdale to apply for improvements and an expansion of spring-training facilities for the Baltimore Orioles; and you can expect Port St. Lucie to apply for improvements to Tradition Field, the spring home of the New York Mets. The wild card concerns the Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The legislation specifies five funding slots, but there are more than five municipalities eligible for funding. St. Petersburg officials have been quiet about improvements to Al Lang Field, and Winter Haven officials are not thrilled about working with the Indians on a replacement to Chain of Lakes Park (the current spring home of the Tribe). There's a plan where the Reedy River Improvement District -- which is basically the company-influenced governmental unit managing Disney World -- would apply for funds and then build a complex on land donated by Disney. The Indians would then play their spring games in The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports. We've read the bill Bush signed, and unless we were steered to the wrong bill AP is wrong about some of the facts -- no five teams are actually named in the legislation, and the process to land the state funds is not so simple as laid out here. You can expect to see a lot of jockeying for the money, however. One part of the legislation requires teams to sign long-term leases to stay in Florida. If the Indians and the Orioles do sign long-term leases, that basically relegates the Los Angeles Dodgers to stay in Florida. There has been talk about three Phoenix-area communities looking to have the Dodgers shift spring operations to Arizona, but MLB requires teams move in pairs from Florida to Arizona for scheduling purposes, and without another team willing to move, the Dodgers will need to live up to the terms of their long-term lease at Vero Beach's Dodgertown. More from the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Lakeland Ledger and the Bradenton Herald, as well as a fairly inaccurate article from the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Osceola County wooing Indians; Could Indians end up training at DisneyWorld?; 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

Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams today announced plans to build a mix of underground and above-ground parking next to the new Washington Nationals ballpark in Southeast Washington as part of a complex that will include shops, restaurants, 660 condominiums and a New York City-based hotel. The first two levels of both structures would be restaurants and shops and on top of those would be four levels of parking -- totaling 925 spots -- wrapped by condominiums. Another eight levels on top of that would be more condos, including 140 units priced below market value for lower-income residents. Also in the mix: developers are in discussions to bring a W Hotel to the complex. The parking should cost more than $325 million, but the developer, Herbert S. Miller, president of Western Development, will eat those costs as part of his deal with the city. The new owner of the Nationals, Ted Lerner and his family, wanted all above-ground parking in order to meet the 2008 ballpark opening date, while Williams wanted underground parking to preserve development rights around the ballpark. This may not seem like a huge issue, but it is: the whole point of D.C. politicians going out on a limb to support a new ballpark was to accelerate the development of Southeast D.C., and if the area around the ballpark is surrounded by above-ground parking, there's no way the lucrative retail and restaurants can generate tax revenues for the city. Plus, the willingness of the Lerners to compromise on this point bodes well for the ballpark, a project definitely on the fast track.
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Columbia ballpark plan gets cautious approval
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Columbia (Mo.) City Council approved a nonbinding agreement Monday with Columbia Professional Baseball to move ahead with plans to build a new stadium complex for the Mid-Missouri Mavericks (independent; Frontier League), but not before fields are found for the teams that normally play on the American Legion field and the American Legion approves the plan. The two-part plan will start with the construction of the ballpark and parking lot. The second phase, which will cost Mavericks owners and brothers Brad and Gary Wendt an additional estimated $5 million, will include restaurants, lodging, retail, entertainment, and office area.
    RELATED STORIES: Council mixed on Mavericks’ proposal; Columbia ballpark plan goes to public; Making a pitch for new home in Columbia; Mavericks pitch new ballpark to Columbia

Brewers' fans receive suite deal
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Milwaukee Brewers have added two new themed party suites that the franchise hopes will be just as popular as the new right-field picnic area. The two new suites are located on Miller Park's club level and down the right-field line. Designed for group outings, the suites are themed after the 1982 American League champion Brewers and the 1957 World Series champion Milwaukee Braves. The suites were created from the space occupied by the Tommy G. Thompson Conference Room, which was used by members of the Miller Park stadium-district board, as well as two unused suites. The Brewers have made a number of changes to Miller Park this season; we were down there recently and will be updating our Miller Park page shortly.

Funding dominates Cobb discussion
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Billings Mayor Ron Tussing says attracting some private donations toward construction of a replacement for Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League), would make the project more palatable to voters who must approve the project via referendum. A committee changed with designing the replacement has already trimmed the price tag down from $15 million to $12.5 million by eliminating skyboxes and other amenities, and some city council members want to see more money raised by baseball supports to bring that figure down further. Organizers say volunteers are ready to begin private fundraising, but only if the council decides to place the bond issue on the November general election ballot.
    RELATED STORIES: Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams; Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Giants facility $2.4M in the red in Scottsdale
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction of Scottsdale’s spring training baseball facility at Indian School Park is $2.4 million over budget. And if the City Council does not approve spending the money now, it could mean the new facility won’t be finished in time for the 2007 training season. Crews are slated to reconstruct the existing training, therapy and player locker room, build a new clubhouse, add a new cooler system to the existing batting tunnel, and finish reconstruction of two baseball fields and a practice field, according to a city staff report.

Arkansas town woos Wranglers
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Wichita Eagle finally catches up to our reporting on the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) looking at a move to Springdale, Arkansas. Nothing here we've not reported: Springdale is looking to put a referendum on a fall ballot calling for a tax to be extended to pay for a new ballpark, and if it happens, the Wranglers would be interested in a move should the tax be approved. Wichita hasn't been a good market for minor-league baseball in recent years, though the front office has turned around the National Baseball Congress, a national summer collegiate tournament. The Wranglers' lease at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium runs through 2009, and there is a clause allowing the city to buy the team at a fair-market value should the team try to break the lease. We're guessing there are some ways around that: the team could conceivably move and continue running the NBC in Wichita without breaking the lease. And we're guessing the ballpark wouldn't sit empty for too long should the Wranglers move: it would be a perfect market for the independent American Association. Bob Lutz looks at why the Wranglers don't draw better and makes some suggestions for improving that, including construction of a new ballpark.
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Beautiful ballpark for a lousy team
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a reason why sportswriters make lousy evaluators of ballparks: because they're always more concerned about the specifics of the team than the surroundings. Take this column on PNC Park, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's certainly one of the most gorgeous ballparks in the major leagues: we were rather impressed with it, as have most fans. Yet the sense in this article is that the place is marred because the Pirates have posted losing records since moving there. Teams and players come and go, but ballparks remain.

Another Sally All-Star game here? Perhaps
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It sounds like the owners of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) are looking at putting together a bid to host a future Sally League All-Star Game. Charleston hasn't hosted a Sally League All-Star Game since 1989, when the then-Charleston Wheelers hosted the match at Watt Powell Park before a sellout crowd. This year's Sally League All-Star Game in in Eastlake, Ohio, the home of the Lake County Captains.

Mariners hoping fans dig Long Ball Lounge
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Seattle Mariners are testing a new concept at Safeco Field on July 1 and 3: the Long Ball Lounge. The Long Ball Lounge is the group suite area directly above the Hit It Here Cafe in right field. Depending on sales, it could include as many as four suites with a capacity of 320 fans. A $30 ticket will provide game admission in unassigned suite seating; an all-you-can-eat buffet of ballpark fare (kosher hot dogs, barbecue beef sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, chips, popcorn, cookies, fruit); and a complimentary beverage (soda, beer or wine).

Wackiness has replaced winning as lure for fans
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Texas League All-Star Game is being played tonight at Ray Winder Field, the home of the Arkansas Travelers until the team moves to Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock next season. The game gives NWAnews.com a chance to ruminate on how minor-league baseball has turned from a sport to an entertainment where a sport is only part of the action. Really, the transition came decades ago: the minor leagues have always featured wackiness as part of the promotion. It's no coincidence the largest crowd in minor-league history came at the Orange Bowl at an event orchestrated by Bill Veeck. More on the Texas League All-Star Game here. The folks who run the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League) understand this. Speaking of All-Star Games: the Class A Midwest League All-Star Game will be held at John O'Donnell Stadium tonight.

A sign for the times in Des Moines
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the big changes at Principal Park, the home of the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), was the addition of a hand-operated scoreboard. Iowa Cubs general manager Sam Bernabe, who has been on the job 23 years, remembers hand-operated scoreboards from his youth and sounds slightly amazed they've made a comeback. The I-Cubs added a nice twist: numbers are hung by winners of a nightly promotion.

Spikes finally open season after whirlwind 13 months
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
At 7:05 p.m., Brad Furnish will toss a pitch to a Williamsport Crosscutter -- a fastball if he has his way -- and the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) will become the newest organization in Minor League Baseball. Though the roots of baseball in State College goes back several years, most of the work in coming up with a new ballpark, buying a team -- the former New Jersey Cardinals -- and establishing a fan base. The move of the Cardinals was the biggest change in the NY-Penn League this offseason; here's a look at the rest.
    RELATED STORIES: Holdovers say State College experience a 'step up' from 2005 in New Jersey; Curve Baseball LP a well-organized ownership group; Medlar Field offers a scenic blend; Cardinals would like to extend relationship with Spikes; Owners see niches for both Spikes, Curve

IronBirds still have steel grip on fan base
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League) are expecting to sell out their entire season once again. That would make five straight seasons where Cal Ripken Jr.'s team has sold every seat for the year; the Dayton Dragons (Class A; Midwest League) are actually ahead of the IronBirds when it comes to consecutive sellouts, but that doesn't diminish what Ripken and crew have achieved in the Baltimore suburb. The IronBirds averaged 6,350 per game last season in a ballpark that seats slightly more than 6,000, and there's a waiting list of 1,400 for season tickets. The renewal rate for current holders is above 90 percent, so many of them face a wait.

Baseball lover is a natural for keeping this field a gem
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's your annual ode to groundskeepers, the people who really make baseball go. Russ Washegesic is head groundskeeper at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, the home of the Tri-City ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League). He gets good marks from the ValleyCats on-field staff for putting down a smooth field, and he says there's only one job that could tear him away from Troy: working for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Battle of the ballparks
Posted June 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Brooklyn Cyclones and the Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) both begin their 2006 seasons tonight as well. The New York Daily News looks at their homes -- Keyspan Park and Richmond County Bank Ballpark, respectively -- and compares their promotions and attractions. Keyspan Park is one of the great stories in minor-league baseball: the team draws phenomenally well. Ironically, the Yankees have posted the better record of the two teams in the last few years, winning the league championship last season.

Hearing red in St. Louis: the end of free broadcasts?
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Are free broadcasts of MLB games on their way out? Maybe not in all markets, but we're seeing some teams decide that the marketing advantages derived from free on-air broadcasts of games aren't worth any lost revenue. Take, for example, the St. Louis Cardinals, who ended its longtime agreement with KMOX radio and bought an interest in 5,000-watt KTRS, whose signal sometimes barely reaches his home in Shiloh, Ill. -- all of 15 miles from Busch Stadium. Now, long term, it may have made sense for the Cards to buy a radio station, set it up in the new Ballpark Village, and control the revenues, especially when you don't care about the regional and national coverage offered by a big-watt clear-channel stadium. But short term the move alienated many Cards fans. And the days when a broadcast partner was crucial to the success of an MLB team my be over; some fear XM Radio, a paid service, may be the future. Says David Pearlman: "Every local contract has now been greatly diluted." Pearlman is a former CBS Radio official who's the president of Lexington, Mass., media-consulting group Pearlman Advisors.

Clinton shows off ballpark's new look
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Clinton LumberKings (Class A; Midwest League) held a rededication of Alliant Energy Field this past weekend. The most noticeable changes of the $3.8 million renovation for the fans are a grass berm seating area outside the left–field line with a covered picnic area set on top and the Lumber Lounge area beyond the right–field wall. Next to the berm are a new batting tunnel and a children's play area. Between the two picnic areas is a brand new green scoreboard, which is flanked by two light standards and the tops of a pair of riverboats on the Mississippi River.

Planners plot a whole new Southeast to avoid urban renewal's dismal past
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One big issue for Washington, D.C. city planners is how to leverage the construction of a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals into a larger urban-renewal plan. Urban renewal in D.C. has a spotty track record, to be sure, but anyone spending time there in the last few years can't help but be impressed with the economic vigor seen every day as formerly run-down areas of the city are being redeveloped. D.C. planners have some pretty good models for ballpark-based urban renewal -- like what happened with San Diego's Petco Park -- and it should be interesting to see how the area looks in a decade.
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Sounds keep the faith
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though a Faith Night promotion has been implemented by many other minor-league ballparks and is being extended to the major leagues this season, it's instructive to go back to where the promotion started -- Greer Stadium, the home of the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) -- to see how it is doing. The Sounds have been throwing a Faith Night celebration in one form or another since 1998, and the format remains the same: a concert by a contemporary Christian artist, a biblical bobblehead giveaway and a testimonial by a Sounds player. In its fifth year, the promotion remains as popular and newsworthy as ever.

Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger Stadium
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group looking to scale back Tiger Stadium to its original Navin Field configuration -- comprising around 15,000 seats in the main grandstand -- and then redeveloping the rest of the 8.3 acres never had a chance to succeed: the city refused to allow them further access to the ballpark to develop a plan. Since the city has been hellbent on tearing down Tiger Stadium anyway, that lack of access is not surprising. Nor, when you consider the sad history of ballpark after the Tigers moved, is it surprising that the city blew off the preservationists and then went with a plan that calls for the destruction of most of the ballpark -- but does so without any interest at all from developers. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
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Volcanoes Stadium ready for 10th season
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (short season; Northwest League) begin their home season this Saturday night, and the team made many changes to Volcanoes Stadium. The biggest addition to Volcanoes Stadium is the giant video board in right field, dubbed the Volcanotron. Fans will see everything from player images and statistics to baseball highlights. It should also be easier to get to the ballpark with area roads now opened.

Holdovers say State College experience a 'step up' from 2005 in New Jersey
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The five holdovers from the New Jersey Cardinals beginning this season with the State College Spikes (both short season; NY-Penn League) say the ballpark experience at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is already light years beyond what they experienced at Skylands Park: the New Jersey ballpark was remote (visiting teams traveled 45 minutes to a hotel) and not in the greatest of conditions, with an uneven playing field and small clubhouses. More from the Altoona Mirror.
    RELATED STORIES: Curve Baseball LP a well-organized ownership group; Medlar Field offers a scenic blend; Cardinals would like to extend relationship with Spikes; Owners see niches for both Spikes, Curve;

Busch's league
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's one of the most positive articles written about the new Busch Stadium we've seen outside of St. Louis. Most of the positive attitude doesn't come from the ballpark itself -- which we were not thrilled with -- but rather with the ballpark potentially transforming downtown St. Louis. We agree the ballpark is still a work in progress: by the time Ballpark Village is developed, we expect downtown to look a lot different thanks to the ballpark -- and we expect to upgrade our rating of Busch Stadium.

Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Billings Gazette opines on a replacement for Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). There's no way Cobb Field can survive, sad to say: there's just too much of the ballpark that's rotted away to make renovation feasible. And given the popularity of the Mustangs, who regularly rank near the top of the Pioneer League in attendance, a replacement is a given. But exactly how much to spend is the issue: a $15 million bond issue failed, although there was a majority of those polled supporting a $12.5 million bond issue. The editorial is pretty insightful: city planners reached the $12.5 million figure by taking skyboxes out of the equation (these can be presold outside the main budget), and given the price of concrete and steel these days, it's hard to come up with a facility that meets MLB/MiLB guidelines for much less.
    RELATED STORY: Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Bronx board is shuffled after rejecting new ballpark
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Politicians play hardball in New York City, as members of a Bronx community board are finding out. After going on the record opposing a new New York Yankees ballpark, many on the board are not being reappointed. Bronx borough president Adolfo Carrión Jr. is being accused of casting aside opponents of the new ballpark in a show of political revenge: he strongly supported the project -- which did get the support of the City Council and is awaiting U.S. Park Service and IRS approval -- and the setback was viewed as being politically embarrassing for Carrión. So his response was to not reappoint opponents of the ballpark. Considering Carrión fosters mayoral aspirations, the move was surprisingly ham-handed and could come back to haunt him later.
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Whitecaps owner Lew Chamberlin: Bat Man
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lew Chamberlin is pretty well-regarded in Grand Rapids: as the owner of the West Michigan Whitecaps (Class A; Midwest League), he brought baseball to Grand Rapids on his own dime (or, rather, with business partner Denny Baxter) without seeking public financing for a new ballpark. Chamberlin sounds like quite the hands-on owner: he moved the Madison Hatters to Grand Rapids and the crowds have never stopped coming out to Fifth Third Field.

Crosley Field: Field of dreams
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cincinnati residents still have a very fond spot in their hearts for the former home of the Cincinnati Reds, Crosley Field. It's amazing what sorts of things people remember at a long-gone ballpark: the memories here don't concern game action or on-field exploits, but rather who they went to the ballpark with and who they bought hot dogs from. Howard Wilkinson has his old memories of the old place.

Diamond deal still in the works
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another deadline to finish talks on selling The Diamond, the home of the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League), and building a nearby entertainment hub came and went last week. Still, Lake Elsinore officials said a deal to transfer operation of the ballpark to a developer and to build an entertainment complex on surrounding land is being hammered out. City Council members may consider extending the deadline again at a Redevelopment Agency meeting later this month, Mayor Bob Magee said. Officials said they could not comment on specifics of the talks, which are held in closed session, but he made it clear the city would not continue discussions on a deal if it were not imminent.

Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need
Posted June 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The group planning a new ballpark in Springdale says Northwest Arkansas has become a hot spot for entertainment development, and professional baseball fits right in. The proposed ballpark features 6,000 permanent seats, space for 2,500 fans on grassy areas and room for as many as 30 sky boxes. A children’s playground and recreational space for company and community events also are planned. The $50 million estimate for the project includes $33 million for construction and $11 million for road, water and sewer improvements and to buy land. The issue is whether Springdale can support Class AA baseball -- the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) are said to be interested in discussing a move -- and locals say the fast-growing region is in desperate need of entertainment options.
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