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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Field
Municipal Stadium
(Kansas City)
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(Greensboro)
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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
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Archives:
Oct. 8-14, 2006
New Nats ballpark
construction on schedule for 2008 opening
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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District of Columbia officials declared
construction of the new Washington Nationals
ballpark near the Anacostia River in Southeast is
moving expeditiously, even as city leaders and the
team are running out of time to build parking
garages. At the construction site, the lower
seating level of the 41,000-seat ballpark is
visibly taking shape. Workers from the
construction team of Clark, Hunt and Smoot
companies had set most of the 2,400 concrete piles
50 feet into the ground to provide the structural
foundation.
More from the Washington Times,
the
Washington Post and
AP.
RELATED STORIES:
Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC
ballpark;
Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking;
DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in
country;
Legislation would revive condo and garage
development at new DC ballpark;
Poor season raises stakes for new D.C. ballpark;
New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking;
D.C. parking issue threatens budget;
Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat;
Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk;
Abdo may team up with Miller in ballpark play;
D.C. ballpark project progressing well;
No more baseball giveaways in D.C.;
If you build it, don't build next to it;
Commission hears proposal on parking;
More funds might be needed to build garages next
to new D.C. ballpark;
D.C. developer sways the city with big bucks and
big ideas;
Lerner name means plenty, as Nats deal is closed;
Host of problems at new-look RFK;
MLB: D.C. government in default of lease agreement;
D.C. Council approves parking garage plan;
Nats announce 'Grand Reopening' for old RFK;
Environmental issues raise concerns on new Nats
ballpark;
D.C. mayor asks for ballpark plan approval;
D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles;
Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking;
Nats sale targeted for July finalization;
D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking
controversy;
Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project;
Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking;
Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M;
Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new
ballpark;
D.C.
ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but
concerns linger;
D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball;
The Nationals' wish list;
Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking;
Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening';
Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full
approval expected today;
Nats ballpark design up in the air;
It's official: Lerner nabs Nats
Northwoods
League expands to Green Bay, Battle Creek
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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The summer-collegiate Northwoods League officially
expanded to Green Bay's
Joannes Field and Battle
Creek's
C.O. Brown Stadium for the 2007 season,
bringing the league to 14 teams. Royle
Publications, a publisher and printer in Wisconsin
with plenty of Titletown ties, will own and
operate the Green Bay team.
No word on the owners of the Battle Creek team;
league officials say they'll run the team if they
must, but there are meetings set up next week in
New York with interested investors who have
experience owning and operating Class AA Eastern
League teams. One interesting twist: the league
has looked at transporting players via van on the
Lake Express ferry service between Milwaukee and
Muskegon across Lake Michigan.
The folks
in Battle Creek are
pretty pleased with the idea of a team replacing
the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class
A; Midwest League) next season.
More from the La Crosse Tribune.
RELATED STORIES:
League close to deal with Battle Creek;
Green Bay approves lease of Northwoods League team;
Kramer withdraws bid for Prior Lake Northwoods
League team;
NWL team for Joannes takes another step;
Prior Lake City Council answers questions about
Northwoods;
Prior Lake Council puts brakes on Northwoods
League plan;
Who's on deck in Battle Creek?;
Northwoods League group to take next step;
No quick decision on NWL team in Green Bay;
Radatz says Northwoods League TV deal is complete;
Green Bay, Northwoods League to discuss lease;
Northwoods League baseball coming to Green Bay?
A's expect short-term
Coliseum lease deal
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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A lease extension to keep the Athletics in Oakland
until they find a site on which to build a new
ballpark should be approved today by the team's
landlord. The extension would guarantee $2.8
million to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Authority and include incentives aimed at keeping
the team in Alameda County. If the authority
approves it, the deal will keep the A's as a
tenant at
McAfee
Coliseum through the 2010
baseball season. It also gives the team three,
one-year options that could extend the As stay in
Oakland through 2013. Should the team stay until
2013, the authority will make an additional $3
million in rent payments. In return, the A's will
keep control of concessions for all events at
McAfee
Coliseum, including Oakland Raiders games.
The deal allows the A's to cancel the lease
without penalties if the team leaves to use
another baseball facility in Alameda County.
More from the Contra Costa Times.
More on the potential move of the team to a new
ballpark in nearby Fremont.
RELATED STORIES:
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Snappers,
fairgrounds deal proposed
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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A new ballpark for the Beloit Snappers (Low Class
A; Midwest League) has reached the proposal stage,
as a plan has been presented to the Rock County
Board. Bill Watson of Mulder Dairy Farms is
offering three pieces of land totaling 346 acres
located near the Highway 11/Interstate-90 ramp in
return for the 421 acres of Rock County farm land
on the north side of Janesville. In addition to a
new ballpark, the land would be used for a new
Rock County fairgrounds, according to the
proposal. Local contributors have already offered
$7 million toward a new ballpark for the Snappers,
who play in antiquated
Pohlman Field.
More from the Janesville Gazette.
Experts blow
hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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With the Detroit Tigers poised to host the Oakland
A's in the ALCS on a night when temperatures are
expected to be on the chilly side,
the
question in Minnesota is how a
new Twins ballpark
would address fan comfort on a similarly chilly
night in downtown Minneapolis. As there's no roof
planned, the new ballpark is expected to address
the issue in some manner. Many in the Twin Cities
advocate piping hot water from an adjoining
garbage burner to generate ambient heat throughout
the seating area; there are some engineering
issues involved (indeed, early in the design
process HOK architects told the Twins it wasn't
possible, but the Twins persisted in pushing the
question), but it's a relatively straightforward
process. Piping in hot water would also be a
factor in the Twins seeking LEED certification for
the new ballpark. One other possibility is the
installation of heated seats, but the Twins don't
seem interested in that technology.
RELATED STORIES:
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins
ballpark;
Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all
but done;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Board reports
weighing new ballpark proposals
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The Sonoma-Marin Fair may invite other offers for
a minor league ballpark after a proposal from a
New York investor fell through. The fair has been
approached by "numerous parties" interested in
pursuing a baseball deal, board member Brian Sobel
said Wednesday. "I can't identify them, but I can
tell you they are legitimate," Sobel said. "They
are people who are in the business currently or
who have the expertise to put together a viable
plan." Merritt Paulson had proposed bringing in a
High Class A California League team to a new
ballpark on the fairgrounds; Paulson would have
privately financed the ballpark if the fair had
provided the land.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark plans strike out, but some hold hope;
Petaluma ballpark deal dead;
Sonoma-Marin Fair Board moves ahead with Petaluma
ballpark project;
Fair Board gets a look at Petaluma ballpark
details;
Petaluma may get Cal League team, ballpark
In memoriam: Cory Lidle
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle was killed
Wednesday when the small aircraft he was in
crashed into an apartment building on the east
side of Manhattan. The National
Transportation Safety Board said yesterday that
one of the two men in the plane, which was owned
by the Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle, had indicated
he intended to fly up the East River, turn around
and head south again. The statement was the first
official indication that the crash, which killed
Lidle, 34, and his flight instructor, Tyler
Stanger, 26, may have been part of a botched,
low-altitude U-turn. Lidle ended the season with
the Yankees after coming over in a midseason trade
with the Philadelphia Phillies; he also played for
the Mets, Tampa Bay, Oakland, Toronto and
Cincinnati.
Two more pitch
in on new Cobb Field
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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Two Billings-based businesses turned a double play
worth $1 million Wednesday with the announcement
of $500,000 donations each to replace
Cobb
Field,
the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer
League). First Interstate Bank and Wendy's of
Montana presented ceremonial checks made out to
"The citizens of Billings." The pledges reduce the
bonding needed to build the new baseball park to
$10.5 million. The donations come on the heels of
a $1 million pledge by Jon Dehler, a local
businessman, on Oct. 3. Billings voters have been
asked to approve general obligation bonding up to
$12.5 million to replace
Cobb
Field. The issue is
on the Nov. 7 ballot.
RELATED STORIES:
Musburger urges support for Cobb Field replacement;
Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign;
Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings
ballpark;
Cobb backers unveil campaign;
Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field;
Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot;
Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field;
Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field;
Funding dominates Cobb discussion;
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
ChiSox adding club level
to U.S. Cellular Field
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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The Chicago White Sox are converting the press box
on the mezzanine level of
U.S. Cellular Field into
a new club lounge featuring 220 premium seats,
with a lounge and restaurant-type food service.
The new seating area will retain the movable
windows of the press box. The seats will cost $250
each and will be available only in a full
season-ticket plan. The press box will move to the
second-tier mezzanine level on the fourth floor of
the stadium along the first-base side. The radio
and TV broadcast booths on the third level, above
the current press box, will remain in their
present site.
Ballpark could
add up to tax home run
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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For local schools and government, State College
Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) baseball
could yield a significant amount in annual
revenue. But the Centre County tax office won't
know how much until Penn State identifies the
details of lease agreements at Medlar Field at
Lubrano Park. County officials aren't sure exactly
who owns the ballpark itself, which sits on Penn
State property. The university, which considers
itself tax exempt, did not have an immediate
response to Exarchos' statements or the overall
issue. Under an in-lieu-of-tax agreement with the
county, Penn State is required to collect special
payments from commercial ventures that lease
university property. The payments, which Penn
State sends to the county, are based on local tax
rates.
A new ballpark
isn't always a blueprint for success
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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Evan Weiner builds up a straw man and then
(predictably) proceeds to knock it down. The
premise here is that building a winning baseball
team isn't predicated on a team playing in a new
ballpark, noting that five of the eight teams in
the playoffs play in older ballparks (Yankee
Stadium,
Dodger Stadium,
Shea Stadium,
McAfee
Coliseum and
Metrodome). Four of the five are
slated for replacement between now and 2010, with
only Dodger Stadium slated to remain. He's
absolutely right that smart management fuels
winning ballclubs; what he fails to note is that
in Minnesota and New York there are wealthy owners
willing to subsidize money-losing operations, and
he's also a little wrong to suggest that the
Yankees and Mets win because of smart management
-- they win purely because they have the financial
wherewithal to buy the better players.
Making sense of
new Baton Rouge ballpark
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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There's been talk of a new Baton Rouge ballpark
and Class AA team for a few years now; Nolan Ryan
as well as at least two other baseball ownership
outfits have checked out the market and talked
some with locals. The model being used by Baton
Rouge leaders is
Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home
of the Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International
League), where Bulls officials say $500 million in
local investment can be traced to the construction
of the ballpark. One looming issue: whether a
minor-league team can share a renovated Alex Box
Stadium with LSU. We're guessing not.
Council to vote on Dodd
Stadium improvements
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Norwich City Council will vote Monday to spend $84,000
left from a city bond for upgrades to Dodd
Stadium, the home of the Connecticut Defenders
(Class AA; Eastern League). The city's lease with
the Connecticut Defenders had called for the city
to tear out and replant the grass in the playing
field, but that project has been postponed for a
year to accommodate ESPN's filming at Dodd of "The
Bronx is Burning," an eight-part mini-series on
the New York Yankees and the summer of 1977. Team
officials, however, asked the city to address the
poor drainage along the outfield and foul
territory warning track before winter. Among the
improvements: improvement of the existing lighting
system and replacement of carpeting in clubhouses.
Sneak peek at the Travs' new
home
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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Hundreds of people packed into
Dickey-Stephens
Park, the new home of the Arkansas Travelers
(Class AA; Texas League), Thursday night giving a
feel for what the new ballpark will look like on
game day. There's still plenty of construction to
be done, but the ballpark is taking shape.
Travelers General Manager Bill Valentine was one
of the first in line to sign his name to a beam in
the ballpark. He says there are a lot of new
features at the ballpark including a wide open
promenade with plenty of room for fans to move
about.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark Preview: Dickey-Stephens Park, Arkansas
Travelers;
Goodbye to Ray Winder Field;
Baseball fans say goodbye to an old friend;
Spirits high during Travs' final season;
City seeks right pitch on Ray Winder future;
Ray Winder Field may be coming down;
Construction of ballpark in NLR gets running start;
Travelers GM offers up some new details on
Dickey-Stephens Park;
Last at-bat for Ray Winder Field;
Arkansas's Screen Monster:
One of baseball's great home-run alleys;
North Little Rock ballpark builders face
challenges;
Travs ballpark plans intact, on track;
Ballpark's rising costs to force a decision in
North Little Rock;
The future of Ray Winder Field under debate;
New Arkansas Travelers ballpark has budget
difficulty;
Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park;
New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park;
Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field;
Travelers' home coming into focus;
NLR sets ballpark previews;
NLR projects set fast, sure course;
NLR ballpark planners get right to work;
North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike
for new ballpark;
Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs'
ballpark;
NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day;
A rush act for NLR ballpark;
Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster
shot';
NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax;
NLR working on game plan for tax vote;
Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split;
North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash;
Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council;
Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says;
NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark;
Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock
after all?;
New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing
is in doubt;
Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought;
Travs ballpark development moves forward;
Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled;
New home for Arkansas Travelers?;
Little Rock ballpark near river in works;
Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans
Struever
mulling ballpark-area changes in Nashville
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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The mixed-use development slated to accompany the
Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
planned downtown ballpark may get a makeover.
Baltimore firm Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse is
making plans for a mixed-use project near the
proposed ballpark at the former site of the
Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant. At a luncheon
Thursday, Struever's local development director,
Michael Hayes, said his company is considering
lowering the number of condominiums around the
ballpark while beefing up the amount of office
space. Hayes emphasized that the potential changes
have not gained city approval and are still
preliminary.
RELATED STORIES:
Sounds unveil ballpark plans;
PCL president applauds Nashville ballpark deal;
Yaeger calls stadium plan flexible and
fan-friendly;
Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new
ballpark;
Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say;
Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds
ballpark;
Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank
project;
Sounds send commitment letter to Council;
Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in
stadium;
Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority
work on ballpark;
Sounds are rounding third;
Sounds remain at bargaining table;
Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark;
Council should give Nashville ballpark their
support;
Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark
project;
Sounds ballpark vote delayed;
Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark;
Sounds move ahead with ballpark design;
Sounds weak;
Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on
Council;
Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on
council;
Many good questions raised over Sounds deal;
Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan;
Downtown merchants rally for Sounds;
Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal;
Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to
spark development;
Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark;
Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan;
Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size;
New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt;
Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until
fall;
Sounds deal stalls, but still in play;
City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan;
Sounds ballpark negotiations slow;
Will ballpark make SoBro soar?;
Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark;
Sounds win city approval for new ballpark
Ballpark takes
over management of grill
Posted Oct. 13, 2006 (feedback)
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The West Virginia Power (Low Class A; Sally
league) and the Power Alley Grill are now on the
same team. The 6-month-old restaurant was opened
under the guidance of chef Robert Wong. Now the
restaurant will be under the ballpark’s
management, said Power General Manager Andy
Milovich. The change in management wasn’t
unexpected, Milovich said. Because the ballpark
needed to open the restaurant in such a short
time, Wong was brought into help, he said. His
help and management were only temporary and most
patrons didn’t even realize that the Power Alley
Grill wasn’t under ballpark management, he said.
Ballpark Notes
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The Rochester Honkers (summer collegiate;
Northwoods League) announced that Jake Poepl
and Reggie Grams have joined the front
office for the 2007 season. Poepl, 27, has been
the voice of the Rochester Honkers since 2005,
calling all home and road games on AM 1520, The
Ticket. Poepl’s off-season duties will focus on
sales, marketing, promotions and media relations.
During the season, he will continue to be the
voice of the Honkers calling all home and road
games. Grams, 22, joins the Honkers after spending
a summer with the Brainerd Blue Thunder
(summer collegiate; Northwoods League). He was
responsible for game day operations, concession
management and group sales....The Long Island
Ducks (independent; Atlantic League) announced
that general manager Michael Hirsch has
resigned to pursue career opportunities outside
the sports industry. The team also announced the
elevation of assistant general manager Michael
Pfaff to interim general manager and the
appointment of Doug Cohen to the position
of assistant general manager/Senior VP of
Sales....Steve Yaros, GM of the Delmarva
Shorebirds (Low Class A; Sally League), has left
to join the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) as
vice president of marketing....There are a few
changes in the Los Angeles Dodgers front
office. Roy Smith, vice president
of scouting and player development, resigned on
Friday to pursue other opportunities. And last
week farm director Terry Collins resigned
to sign a three-year deal to manage the Orix
Buffaloes in Japan....
Have some news to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
A's would have
to ditch tarps in World Series
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Though the Oakland Athletics didn't show a lot of
World Series flash last night in a 5-1 loss to the
Detroit Tigers in the ALCS, A's President Michael
Crowley said Tuesday that baseball's commissioner,
Bud Selig, told the team to remove the coverings
should the team make it to the World Series. The
tarps were put in place at the start of this season,
and removing them would increase
McAfee
Coliseum's capacity to about 47,000 should the
A's get past Detroit and face either the New York
Mets or St. Louis Cardinals, Crowley said. That
figure includes standing-room-only and would be
roughly 11,400 more than the crowd expected inside
McAfee
Coliseum for each game of the
sold-out American League championship series
against Detroit.
RELATED STORIES:
For now, A's upper deck will remain closed;
The making over of McAfee Coliseum
A's could move
away
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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As the Oakland Athletics entertain the Detroit
Tigers in the ALCS, columnist Mark Purdy
contemplates the potential for the A's to move to
a new ballpark in Fremont.
The
argument here is the San Francisco Giants should
be concerned about the team's move to Fremont,
which will make it a de facto Silicon Valley team
(in fact, the hot rumor is that the team will be
renamed the San Jose A's, even though San Jose
proper is Giants territory and the team won't be
playing in San Jose); the smarter course for the
Giants would have been to come sort of financial
deal with the A's and allow them to play in San
Jose.
Oakland officials, meanwhile, downplay the
possibility of the A's moving, even though
there's no effort among city leaders to keep the
team.
The Mercury News, on the other hand, comes out in
favor of a Fremont ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Buyers balk at
A's tickets
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Boo hoo. A flood of A's tickets on Craigslist,
StubHub.com and elsewhere left online sellers,
ticket brokers and stadium scalpers grumbling
Tuesday, some of them nonplussed by the weak
demand for a major sporting event. Online brokers
said they could barely unload many lower-priced
tickets at face value. At
McAfee
Coliseum before
the game, scalpers made half-hearted attempts to
sell tickets at exorbitant prices before
retreating to face value or lower and pleading for
offers.
Ballpark plans
strike out, but some hold hope
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A baseball investor and the Sonoma-Marin Fair have
parted ways after negotiations to build a
minor-league ballpark at the fairgrounds fell
apart. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the end
of baseball in or near Petaluma, some said. Fair
officials say they could have lost $260,000 a year
on the ballpark -- a figure that's a little hard
to swallow, considering Merritt Paulson said he's
build the ballpark and buy a High Class A
California League team. Paulson says he'll
continue to look for land in the Petaluma area;
other elected officials are urging the fair board
to rethink their decision to drop the baseball
plan.
RELATED STORIES:
Petaluma ballpark deal dead;
Sonoma-Marin Fair Board moves ahead with Petaluma
ballpark project;
Fair Board gets a look at Petaluma ballpark
details;
Petaluma may get Cal League team, ballpark
Angels release
spring-training schedule
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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It's
never too early to plan your spring-training
trips. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are first
out of the gate with a tentative 2007 schedule,
with games beginning March 1 and ending on April
1. For those keeping track at home, that means
pitchers and catchers should begin reporting on
Feb. 15 or so. We also have partial schedules for
several other teams; check out the schedule pages
on
Spring Training Online for more details.
White Sox have
new start time: 7-Eleven
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Chicago White Sox are changing the start time
for evening games at
U.S. Cellular Field to 7:11
as part of a sponsorship deal with
convenience-store chain 7-Eleven; the firm is
paying an average of a half-million dollars a year
to be the name behind the time. The shift to 7:11
at U.S. Cellular Field was not envisioned when the
team and 7-Eleven were working on the details of a
sponsorship deal that would have kept the starting
times at 7:05 and 7:35. But team executives said
that 7-Eleven wanted a new wrinkle to the more
traditional sponsorship they were working on,
which includes 25,000 giveaway coupons at each
game. Why the need for such a large sponsorship
deal? 7-Eleven purchased the White Hen chain of
convenience stores..
Musburger urges
support for Cobb Field replacement
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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National sportscaster and Billings native Brent
Musburger endorsed the project to rebuild
Cobb
Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs
(rookie; Pioneer League) when he spoke to the annual meeting of the
Billings Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. When
friends from his Billings childhood called to
invite him, Musburger said he didn't initially
know the issue was on the November ballot.
However, in negotiating his trip to Billings, he
heard about the ballot initiative to raise $12.5
million in bonds to build another ballpark for the
Billings Mustangs and the American Legion Royals
and Scarlets.
RELATED STORIES:
Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign;
Gaming operator donates $1 million toward Billings
ballpark;
Cobb backers unveil campaign;
Lots to learn about new plan for Cobb Field;
Bond issue for Cobb Field replacement on ballot;
Burns backs federal aid for Cobb Field;
Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field;
Funding dominates Cobb discussion;
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
New Marion
Frontier League team makes personnel announcements
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Southern Illinois Baseball Group (SIBG),
owners of the new independent Frontier League team
slated to play in Marion, introduced its inaugural
leadership team to the area and its fans
yesterday. Included in that group were Erik Haag
and Tim Arseneau, the team’s first general
manager. Haag, who has eighteen years experience
in the professional sports industry, has been
hired by the Simmons family to oversee their
sports businesses, including the startup of the
new team in Marion and a basketball training aid
company, Perfect Jumper. Prior to his new role
with the Simmons, Haag was Executive Vice
President of Palisades Baseball, overseeing all
three of Palisades’ minor league franchises.
Throughout his career Haag has overseen four
startup teams, including the Marion franchise.
The team’s inaugural GM, Tim Arseneau, comes to the area from
South Bend, where he served as the general manager
of the South Bend Silver Hawks (Low Class A;
Midwest League). Arseneau brings eleven years of
experience in Minor League Baseball, including
management stints with the Mahoning Valley
Scrappers (short season; NY-Penn League), the West
Virginia Power (Low Class A; Sally League), the
Clearwater Thrashers (High Class A; Florida State
League) and the Madison Black Wolf (independent;
Northern League).
RELATED STORIES:
Marion baseball gets 'tremendous response';
Ballpark gets team; Marion gets $1 million more;
It's official: Marion to join Frontier League in
2007;
Marion to join Frontier League;
Ballpark with no team going up in Marion;
Major construction of Marion ballpark to begin
mid-June;
Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks;
Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to
Simmons;
Midwest League reconsidering Marion application;
Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet;
Marion baseball still seen as possibility;
$16 million ballpark needs league of its own;
Midwest League rejects Marion;
Group awaiting the words 'play ball': Final
approval on sale of South Bend baseball team may
come next month;
Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday;
Marion ballpark expected to be ready in 2007;
Victory Sports announces Northern League team for
South Bend;
Ballpark funding draws some boos;
Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for
Marion;
Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna
allegation 'reckless';
Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion
baseball project;
Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher
crowd;
Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark
development;
South Bend to Marion;
No word yet on Marion ballpark construction;
Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League
team;
Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion;
Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new
Marion ballpark;
SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league
baseball;
Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily
Town reviews
ballpark plans
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Developer Jack Appelman has submitted plans to the
town for a 2,000-seat ballpark for the Bennington
Bombers (summer collegiate; NYCBL) with a
regulation-size baseball diamond, lighting,
artificial turf and a baseball museum. While
Appelman said he wanted to make sure running the
ballpark made fiscal sense, he called it "purely
philanthropic." The ballpark is being called
"Bennington Bombers Field" in submitted paperwork,
but that may not be its final name. The ballpark
will be run by the non-profit Applejack Foundation
and Appelman said various sponsoring and naming
opportunities would be available.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally
League) are replacing the infield grass at
Applebee’s Park for the first time and are
offering selections of the legendary field to
baseball fans. There’s a short supply so each fan
will be limited to three rolls. The field has been
the site for several historical events in
Lexington, including Roger Clemens’ return to
baseball on June 6th, 2006. Fans can pick up the
their commemorative sod on Saturday, October 14th
from 9:00am until 12:00pm behind the right field
scoreboard at Applebee’s Park....Steve Maddock
is the new field manager of the Schaumburg
Flyers (independent; Northern League). Maddock,
36, comes to the Flyers from the Winnipeg
Goldeyes, where he served as pitching coach
and director of player procurement last season.
Maddock replaces Flyers' skipper Andy McCauley,
who spent four seasons with the Flyers, compiled a
191-190 (.501) record, and took the Flyers to the
Northern League playoffs in 2003, 2004, and
2006....Dave Brundage is out as manager of
the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA;
International League)....Have some news to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
A's owner Wolff
buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Oakland Athletics owner Lewis Wolff has bought at
least three parcels in Fremont next to a site the
team has targeted for a new ballpark. "We have
been purchasing land in the area,'' Wolff said.
"If we go down there, we want to make sure we have
enough land.'' The lots, about 10 acres total, are
on Brandin Court along Interstate 880. They are
adjacent to a vacant, 143-acre site the A's have
said would be ideal for a new ballpark. Although
Wolff acknowledged his company has purchased the
land, he refused to say whether the team would
eventually relocate to Fremont.
RELATED STORIES:
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
K-Tribe
promotes Hays to AGM, creating all-female front
office
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Normally we don't prominently cover promotions for
assistant general managers, but this one is pretty
noteworthy: the Kinston Indians (High Class A;
Carolina League) announced that Jessie Hays will
take over as AGM for the organization. That makes
the duo of Hayes and GM Shari Massengill the only
all-female general manager/assistant general
manager combination in the minor leagues. Hays
earned the promotion after spending a year as the
K-Tribe's sales and media manager; she came to the
Indians after a stint with the St. Paul Saints
(independent; American Association) in 2005. Also
promoted was Katrina Carter, who moves up to the
sales and promotions manager position after
interning with the Indians during the 2006 season.
It takes a
baseball park to raise a village
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Petco Park
continues to be a huge magnet for consumers and
commerce alike. That’s the take of Chris Wahl,
vice president and partner of San Diego-based
Southwest Strategies LLC, and spokesman for the
Downtown Residential Marketing Alliance. This
group of businesses and civic leaders recently
launched a multimedia campaign to celebrate the
joys of living in downtown San Diego. Among those
joys is
Petco Park,
said Wahl. "What the ballpark has done is opened
up an entirely different part of downtown that
didn’t previously exist from a residential
standpoint," he said. "East Village has completely
taken off."
More on some of the specific new projects
surrounding Petco Park.
Triple word
play when naming new baseball team
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The Allentown Morning Call is certainly taking its
role as a sponsor of the "name-the-team-contest"
for the
new Lehigh Valley Class AAA International
League team slated to begin play in 2008; this is
the third column in three days where someone puts
forward an outlandish name. Today we have an
argument for the Lehigh Valley Corn. Yes, you
heard right. Apparently the ubiquity of corn in
modern society makes it a natural for the name of
a baseball team -- and the author never made
reference to a can of corn being an easy fly-ball
catch for an outfielder.
Here's yesterday's call for the team to be called
the Lehigh Valley Developers.
RELATED STORIES:
Lehigh Valley announces front-office personnel;
International League approves sale of Lynx;
Lynx poised to leap after 2007
Smokin' hot
tickets in St. Louis
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The hottest playoff ticket right now: any game at
Busch Stadium. The PR director for StubHub, a
reseller of tickets, reported that the average price
for Busch Stadium seats for the upcoming playoff
round had reached $546. The average price is more
than twice the average for tickets being sold to
home games in New York, Oakland and Detroit.
Remember, the MLB playoffs continue tonight as the
Oakland A's host the Detroit Tigers at
McAfee
Coliseum; the game begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Tomorrow night the National League Championship
Series begins with the St. Louis Cardinals
visiting the New York Mets at
Shea Stadium; the
game begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Eastern League
announces award nominees
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The Class AA Eastern League announced its nominees for the Minor
League Baseball postseason awards. Nominated for
the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year is
Reading Phillies Assistant General Manager Ashley Forlini, who supervises the team's internship
program and coordinates the between-inning
entertainment. Nominated for the Larry MacPhail
Promotional Trophy is the Reading Phillies
organization, as the club recently completed a
season which featured all of their normal
promotions and contributions to the community,
along with the opening of Gordon Hoodak Stadium at
Lauer’s Park on June 3, 2006. Nominated for the
John H. Johnson President’s Trophy is the Altoona
Curve, recognized as one of the top promotional
teams in all of Minor League Baseball and have
made strong commitments to the Altoona community,
raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and
making numerous player and mascot appearances for
local charities.
San Juan has
major ambitions to host big-league sports
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Despite a mixed record hosting Montreal Expos
games in 2003 and 2004, promoters see a bright
future in hosting MLB games at San Juan's Hiram
Bithorn Stadium. There's little chance of a team
moving to Puerto Rico: when the Expos drew well,
it was because local fans wanted to see Latin
American players, not because there's an intrinsic
interest in MLB baseball. (The same went for the
games played in San Juan as part of the World
Baseball Classic.) Promoters are talking with MLB
about moving a series or two to the island, and
you can bet the two teams will have plenty of
Latin American players.
In memoriam:
Dick Wagner
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Dick Wagner, a former president of the Cincinnati
Reds and Houston Astros who later became a top
executive in the baseball commissioner’s office,
died Thursday in Phoenix. He was 78. The cause was
injuries sustained in a 1999 car crash, his wife,
Gloria, said. Among the moves he helped engineer
with the Reds were the acquisition of pitcher Tom
Seaver from the Mets in 1977, the firing of Sparky
Anderson as manager in 1979 and the trade of
outfielder George Foster to the Mets in 1982.
Wagner also dealt Seaver back to the Mets after
the 1982 season.
CSU to play
ball in Lorain
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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The Cleveland State University baseball team has
signed a letter of intent to play all of its home
games in Lorain in 2007, Mayor Craig Foltin said
Monday. Foltin said CSU has agreed to supply the
labor to sod the infield and outfield at Campana
Park, on Ohio 58 between Meister Road and Ohio
611. Funds for the $21,000 sodding project will
come from a $98,000 county recycling grant, which
also will be used to build a new backstop and
install fencing around the field, Foltin said. The
Vikings will play at least one season in Lorain,
but Foltin said he hopes a three- or four-year
deal could be announced soon. An expanded Campana
Park has also been mentioned as the possible home
for an independent Frontier League team.
Grand Chute
likely to retain NCAA baseball tourney through
2009
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Grand Chute, Wis., has been recommended to receive
a new two-year bid that will keep the annual event
-- an area mainstay since 2000 -- at
Fox Cities
Stadium through 2009. Word of the extension won’t
be announced until the bid earns the expected
approval of the Division III Management Council,
which convenes next week. The extension means the
eight-team, double-elimination tournament,
co-hosted by Lawrence University and the
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, will have been
held at
Fox Cities
Stadium for 10 straight years
upon completion of this latest bid.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 10, 2006 (feedback)
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Salem Avalanche (High Class A; Carolina
League) Director of Broadcasting Adam Pohl
has decided to step down from his position after
two seasons as "Voice of the Avalanche." Pohl’s
tenure with the Avalanche included broadcasting
two Carolina League/California League All-Star
Games -- including the 2006 HCA Virginia All-Star
Game in Salem -- the first one-game playoff in
Carolina League history in 2005, a no-hitter back
on April 12th of the 2006 season, and Salem’s
historic stretch run to the 2006 playoffs which
included a franchise long 14-game winning streak.
Have some news to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
Fremont looking
more and more like future home of Oakland A's
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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Despite some seeming inactivity
in recent weeks, it looks like
Fremont will be the future home of the Oakland
Athletics, according to insiders. The A's are
buying up property around a 143-acre site out by
the old Baylands racetrack off Interstate 880 that
appears to be the preferred spot for a ballpark.
The site is now being leased by Cisco Systems, but
the company has no plans to build on it. One
reason to lay low: the A's ownership fears a gold
rush that would drive up the land prices, but that
might be a little too late now. The A's
are going it alone, looking to finance the
ballpark privately through nearby housing and
retail development; the only public assistance
involved (at this stage of the planning) will be
some sort of extension of the BART line and
roadwork for access.
RELATED STORIES:
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Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
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Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Louisville to
host 2008 Triple-A All-Star Game
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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The Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International
League) and the city of Louisville announced
Monday that Louisville will be the host city for
the Meijer 2008 Triple-A All-Star Game and
surrounding festivities. The Triple-A All-Star
Game features the top players from Minor League
Baseball’s top two circuits, the International
League and the Pacific Coast League. The game has
been annually broadcast nationwide on ESPN2 and
Sporting News Radio.
"We built Louisville Slugger Field as a jewelbox ballpark,
which has spurred tens of millions of dollars in
investment in the surrounding area, and now we
will showcase it to a national audience," Mayor
Jerry Abramson said. "This is an incredible honor
for an incredible ballpark, generating additional
exposure for our city."
"We’re honored to host this prestigious event featuring the
top prospects in all of Triple-A baseball playing
at Louisville Slugger Field," said Bats president
Gary Ulmer. "Fans have asked for this event since
Louisville Slugger Field opened and we’re very
excited to bring it to Louisville. It’s a great
opportunity for the city of Louisville to showcase
its world class facilities and amenities."
In addition to the game itself, Louisville will also host a
Home Run Derby, All-Star Gala, All-Star Fan Fest
and numerous other activities throughout the three
day celebration.
The 2008 contest will mark the second time the Triple-A
All-Star Game will be played in Louisville. In
1991, the National League affiliates defeated the
American League affiliates 3-1 before a crowd of
over 20,000 at Cardinal Stadium. Louisville will
become the first International League city to host
the event twice.
For now, A's
upper deck will remain closed
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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With the Oakland A's one series away from a berth
in the World Series, the team says the tarps on
the upper deck of
McAfee
Coliseum will remain
there for the time being. If the A's do reach the
World Series, it's expected that MLB will force
the A's to remove the tarps and open up the areas.
Attendance at A's games was down slightly this
season, but officials say they made it up via
increase revenues from the fans who did show up.
RELATED STORIES:
The making over of McAfee Coliseum
Longtime
employees call McAfee Coliseum home
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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One of the great pleasures of baseball is meeting
people like Press Lounge Louie, who has greeted
reporters and photographers for nearly 38 years as
they hit the buffet in the
McAfee
Coliseum press
lounge before an Oakland Athletics game. In his
regular uniform of glasses, sweater and and tweed
newsboy cap, Pieraldi serves as cashier, sitting
at the register by the door and checking
credentials to make sure you're supposed to be in
there. He's worked at the stadium since 1968, when
the A's moved to Oakland. He and several other A's
employees have been with the team for decades.
They'll be working this week during the second
round of the MLB playoffs.
Kane County
ballpark expansion could be delayed
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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Officials continue studying bids for the expansion
of Elfstrom Stadium, the home of the Kane County
Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) amid
speculation the renovation might not take place
until after the 2007 baseball season. The
renovation will include a second deck, suites and
about 700 to 800 more seats. It also will include
a covered concourse, more restrooms and concession
stands, and a larger souvenir shop. The big issue:
steel can't be delivered until December or
January, and officials may want to make the
changes after the season instead of running the
risk of disrupting a good portion of the Cougars'
2007 season.
RELATED STORIES:
Kane County ballpark expansion off to tentative
start;
Kane County Cougars sign on for at least 20 years;
Kane, Cougars close to new deal;
Cougars may get cozier confines
Study: Brewers
have significant economic impact
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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A new study puts the Milwaukee Brewers' yearly
economic impact at $327.3 million on the
five-county area over three years, but an economic
expert says the amount is inflated. The study was
done by the Institute for Survey and Policy
Research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
"The Milwaukee Brewers have a very significant
economic impact, part of which is quantifiable and
has been measured in this study, and another part
which is not quantifiable but is also of
significant economic importance," the report
states. But Marc Levine, director of the
UW-Milwaukee Center for Economic Development, said
the study was a "standard nonsensical sports study
that inflates the impact of spending on baseball."
Dayton's
ballpark was no home run for downtown
redevelopment
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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Well, considering
Fifth Third Field,
the home of the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A;
Midwest League), isn't in downtown Dayton, perhaps
the criticism in this article is a little
overstated. The area around the ballpark, which is
in an industrial part of Dayton, hasn't noticeably
been affected by the ballpark, and the issue for
Dayton's city leadership is how to bring growth to
that part of town. Their solution: a high-tech
office park and housing in the old warehouse
spaces. The larger context is whether a new
downtown ballpark in Fort Wayne would benefit that
area; the more apt comparison probably would have
been Toledo.
Don't doff the
spending cap
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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The Washington Post says the city shouldn't break
its $611 million spending cap on a new ballpark
for the Washington Nationals in southeast
Washington. The issue in recent days has been how
to pay for 1,224 parking spots promised to the
Nationals as part of the team's lease; D.C.
officials set aside $21 million for them, but the
cost to provide them will be at least $75 million.
Mayor Anthony Williams has proposed exceeding the
spending cap; the debate should continue this
week. It doesn't sound like the Lerner family,
which owns the Nats,
is willing to compromise at all on the issue of
parking and the 2008 season.
More on the Lerner family here.
RELATED STORIES:
Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC
ballpark;
Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking;
DC ballpark to be first LEED-certified ballpark in
country;
Legislation would revive condo and garage
development at new DC ballpark;
Poor season raises stakes for new D.C. ballpark;
New focus at D.C. ballpark: parking;
D.C. parking issue threatens budget;
Development plan near new Nats ballpark falls flat;
Garage plan at new D.C. ballpark at risk;
Abdo may team up with Miller in ballpark play;
D.C. ballpark project progressing well;
No more baseball giveaways in D.C.;
If you build it, don't build next to it;
Commission hears proposal on parking;
More funds might be needed to build garages next
to new D.C. ballpark;
D.C. developer sways the city with big bucks and
big ideas;
Lerner name means plenty, as Nats deal is closed;
Host of problems at new-look RFK;
MLB: D.C. government in default of lease agreement;
D.C. Council approves parking garage plan;
Nats announce 'Grand Reopening' for old RFK;
Environmental issues raise concerns on new Nats
ballpark;
D.C. mayor asks for ballpark plan approval;
D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles;
Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking;
Nats sale targeted for July finalization;
D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking
controversy;
Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project;
Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking;
Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M;
Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new
ballpark;
D.C.
ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but
concerns linger;
D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball;
The Nationals' wish list;
Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking;
Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening';
Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full
approval expected today;
Nats ballpark design up in the air;
It's official: Lerner nabs Nats
Missions are
hoping big changes mean bigger baseball crowds
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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After years of lobbying, the San Antonio Missions
(Class AA; Texas League) say a deal with the city
is nearly complete that would allow the team to
take over management of an aging city-owned Wolff
Stadium before next season. Missions officials
believe that important change, coupled with a new
Major League Baseball affiliation agreement with
the San Diego Padres, will help drive up
attendance for a team that has attracted fewer
than 280,000 fans in three straight seasons. The
Missions are based in the nation's seventh largest
city and play in a league that set an all-time
attendance record this season. But the Alamo City
team drew fewer than 278,000 fans -- an average of
roughly 4,000 per home game in a stadium that can
accommodate more than 9,000.
Appraisal delay
puts Twins new ballpark off schedule
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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Off schedule by a whopping two weeks, on a
ballpark slated to open in the 2010 season.
Schedules are in flux all the time on large
projects, and the Minnesota Twins seem to have put
a lot of flexibility in the planning for a
new downtown ballpark. It's hard to say a
two-week delay will have any real impact so early
in the process: ballpark planners could make up
one day a month for the next year and be back on
track two years before the ballpark is scheduled
to open.
RELATED STORIES:
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push on;
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Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins
ballpark;
Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all
but done;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Next stop:
Northstar, LRT and the new Twins ballpark
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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The vision for the
new Minnesota Twins' ballpark
in
the Minneapolis Warehouse District includes
thousands of fans arriving by the Northstar
commuter trains from northwest of the Twin Cities
and the Hiawatha light-rail line from the
southeast. The problem is that two train stations
and the ballpark must be shoehorned into a site
barely two blocks square while leaving space for
freight trains to run under a corner of the
ballpark. That adds up to a colossal engineering
challenge for the transportation planners and
ballpark designers, who hope to bring it all
together by 2010. One other challenge not
mentioned here: Bassett Creek flows underneath the
ballpark site, and city planners want to see it
uncovered.
Louisville
Slugger Field to upgrade scoreboard
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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When
the Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International
League) take the field next season,
there will be something big, bright and new at
Louisville Slugger Field. The old video display
will be replaced with a new ProStar video display,
designed and manufactured by Daktronics. The
ProStar display has the capabilities to show live
and recorded video, colorful animation and vivid
graphics. The video display will measure
approximately 18 feet high by 46 feet wide with
pixels on 23 millimeter spacing. ProStar® HD-ready
technology uses red, green and blue (RGB) light
emitting diodes (LEDs) to present images and
information with wide-angle visibility and
brightness.
Status quo
endures at The Diamond
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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There's a very simple why there's no talk of an
affiliation change for the Richmond Braves (Class
AAA; International League): the Atlanta Braves own
the R-Braves, so there's little chance of there
ever being an affiliation change. That means more
of the status quo in Richmond, where talk of a new
or renovated ballpark is on hold until the future
of the team is known. The Atlanta Braves and its
three minor-league affiliates are in the process
of being sold to Liberty Media by Time Warner, a
complicated purchase that could take several more
months. We continue to hear potential buyers for
the teams are being told to come back when the
purchase goes through; it doesn't sound like
Liberty Media really want to be in the
minor-league-baseball business.
RELATED STORIES:
Diamond's status is still uncertain;
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Braves sell out The Diamond -- thanks to American
Idol;
Wilder tells council that Richmonders have no
problems with Diamond;
City, R-Braves see need for new talks;
City of Richmond, Braves down to last few swings;
Richmond talks about new ballpark -- without the
R-Braves; What
do the Braves mean to Richmond?;
R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals;
Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered;
Communications breakdown in Richmond;
Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark;
Wilder worries about silence from Braves;
Developer joins ballpark initiative;
Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond;
Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says;
Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three;
R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or
we're history;
Minor attractions in Richmond;
Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom;
New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes
debate;
Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom
seems dead;
Atlanta Braves may be up for sale;
News expected in Richmond ballpark situation;
Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark;
Developers threaten historic slave-trade site;
Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects;
Richmond ballpark gets financial backer;
Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond;
Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?;
Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark;
Braves again make pitch for ballpark;
Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?;
City says 'show me the money' for arts center and
ballpark;
Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid
transaction;
Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site,
economics, financing;
Wilder quits role in Richmond group;
Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark;
Braves getting outside pitches;
Braves or bust?;
Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?;
Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details;
Richmond ballpark questions remain;
Richmond Braves assume role as developer;
New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom;
Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged
Richmond area;
Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.;
Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom
ballpark;
The Boulevard blues
Games over,
Rays business game plan, relationship building
ratchets up
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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The Tampa Bay Devil Rays plan to involve current
and future sponsors in their own business
decisions next season, starting with a symposium
aimed at connecting sponsor companies and team
executives. The first of what's planned as an
annual event is scheduled for early December at a
site to be determined. It would have Rays
front-office leadership explaining their goals to
sponsors and guest speakers addressing promotional
ideas with common topics such as Hispanic
marketing and conducting a forum for building
business. Attendees would leave with a binder full
of marketing ideas.
RELATED STORIES:
Few wins, but parking still free at the Trop;
Devil Rays exec calls business outlook bright
If you build it
in Pompano
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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The editorial board of the South Florida
Sun-Sentinel comes out in favor of a new Florida
Marlins ballpark in Pompano Park -- with a few
reservations, pointing out any ballpark proposal
is a long shot and wondering whether Pompano
officials have the financial wherewithal to build
a ballpark likely costing $500 million. Who will
pay? Pompano and Broward County officials say
they're working on a financing plan, but it's hard
to say locals will be happy about a hike in taxes
to benefit the Fish.
Michael Mayo has more.
RELATED STORIES:
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a
long shot;
Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins
ballpark;
Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future;
Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins;
Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale;
Buyers sue Miami Arena owner;
Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark
in downtown Miami;
Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami
ballpark proposal;
MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark;
Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to
end;
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats;
Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will
visit as planned with Florida park talks
continuing;
Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss;
Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson;
New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in
Hialeah;
Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark
site in Hialeah;
Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins;
Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San
Antonio move;
Wolff plans to give Marlins a
deadline;
Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon;
House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now;
Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins;
Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?;
San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner;
Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio;
Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?;
San Antonio officials get an invite
Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea;
City and county forming teams to lure Marlins;
San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold;
Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio
ballpark;
Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins
ballpark;
Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San
Antonio lures Marlins;
San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals;
Marlins move may spur border battle;
Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins;
San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for
Marlins relocation;
Marlins front office meets with Homestead
officials;
Marlins to Oklahoma City?;
Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade
might help fund a Marlins ballpark;
Owner laughs off idea of his
track as Marlins ballpark site;
Marlins, FAU to discuss
stadium options;
Norfolk session pleases
Marlins;
Possibility of Marlins
ballpark deal called remote
Safeco Field
isn't a cure-all, but it has bought the M's time
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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A new ballpark for an MLB team will ensure some
economic boost, but it won't necessarily ensure
fans continuing to swarm the ballpark. Such is the
case in Seattle, where the Mariners have seen a
drop in attendance at
Safeco Field: No. 1 in
attendance in 2002 to No. 15 in 2006 -- smack in
the middle of baseball's 30 teams. From 3.5
million to 2.4 million, from 43,700 a game to
30,000, from 92 percent occupancy to 64 percent.
The Mariners expect further woes at the box office
next season, and there doesn't seem to be a clear
plan to improve. Really, you could argue the
attendance is where it should be for a midmarket
team.
Memories of
Tiger Stadium
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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With the Detroit Tigers surging past an old and
decrepit New York Yankees in the first round of
the American League playoffs, you can bet there
will be more media attention on Jim Leyland's team
in the second round -- which means more media
attention on Tiger Stadium, slated for demolition
next year. Will all the media attention on the
venerable old ballpark, which opened the same day
as Fenway Park (the same day the Titanic went
down, by the way), sway city officials from their
plan to tear down the home of many great memories?
Probably not.
More
on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
RELATED STORIES:
Tiger Stadium demolition delayed;
Progress is in the ballpark;
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?
Ballpark
repairs go beyond surface
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
(discuss)
When city residents agreed to a new downtown
ballpark in Greensboro, they insisted the city
take care of
War Memorial Stadium, the venerable
long-time home of baseball in the city. To that
end, city leaders are proposing $5.5 million bond
for the ballpark's renovation, which would reduce
the seating capacity from 5,500 seats to 2,500
seats and include new batting cages, concession
stands and restrooms. The ballpark was built in
1926 and dedicated to Guilford County soldiers who
died in World War I. Once home to Greensboro's
minor-league baseball teams, the stadium now hosts
amateur games, and the N.C. A&T and Greensboro
College baseball teams play there.
In memoriam:
Frank Dolson
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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From this Philadelphia Inquirer: Frank Dolson, the
intensely passionate Inquirer columnist whose pet
subjects during the four decades in which he
lovingly immersed himself in sports included the
Penn Relays, Palestra basketball and, above all
else, baseball, died yesterday at 73 in the
hospital of his beloved alma mater, the University
of Pennsylvania. Upon retiring from the Inquirer
in 1995, he was hired by New York Yankees owner
George Steinbrenner as a special assistant.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 9, 2006 (feedback)
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Patrick Spence is the general manager of
the Outer Banks Daredevils (summer
collegiate; Coastal Plain League). Spence worked
this past summer as an intern for the Princeton
Devil Rays (rookie; Appalachian League)....
Have some news to share with the baseball
community? Send it to
editors@augustpublications.com.
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