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Archives: April 9-15, 2005

Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location
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The Minnesota Twins are changing course and are now backing a downtown Minneapolis location for a new ballpark. In the past the Twins management said they were agnostic about the location -- preferring to see whether St. Paul or Hennepin County could pull off financing a new facility -- but now the Twins, Hennepin County and the city of Minneapolis are all backing a location behind Target Center on the western edge of downtown, dubbed Twinsville by supporters. (You can see renderings of the new ballpark here.) We also hear the ballpark may end up being the greenest in the majors, with radiant heat installed under the grandstand (with the energy supplied by a garbage burner next to the ballpark) and some electricity generated from wind vanes. Politically, Hennepin County has the best shot at developing the ballpark: St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly is on the outs with both political parties after announcing he's running for reelection as an independent (the DFLers loathe him, the Republicans don't trust him), and the St. Paul legislative delegation has had little input regarding a new ballpark. Another sign St. Paul won't be pursing the Twins: we hear in recent weeks city officials have been gung-ho about developing a new ballpark for the St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League), without the participation of the University of Minnesota.

Greensboro unveils new ballpark
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We'll be visiting First Horizon Park, the new home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League), later this season. To whet your appetite, we have some impressions of the new ballpark from Mark Cryan, the GM of the Burlington Indians (rookie; Appalachian League). The photos are from Jeremy Auker, assistant GM of the Indians. Cryan's assessment: "In my opinion, the architects nailed it. It's not that different from other new parks being built, but I personally think the 'uniqueness' thing is overplayed by people in the industry; our fans usually only know our park and the one or two closest, so they don't need riverboats or any other gimmicks. They just need a nice, state-of-the-art ballpark that blends with the cityscape it's in and has a classic feel. This one does."

Downtown Columbus ballpark on deck
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Franklin County officials are ready to recommend a new downtown ballpark for the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League), with two task forces changed with determining the best location and find alternate uses for the team's current home, Cooper Stadium. The current preferred site is a plot of land in the city's Arena District; the estimated price tag is $55 million. Cooper Stadium was built in 1932 and renovated in 1976, the year before professional baseball returned to Columbus. Its luxury boxes are decked out in the era’s wood paneling and shag carpets, but its structural defects are worse, and county officials say it would cost more to retrofit the ballpark than build a new one. No surprise Cooper Stadium is already on our list of endangered ballparks.
    RELATED STORIES: Appraisals, financing survey next up for Cooper Stadium; IL satisfied with county's progress on ballpark issue; Revived 'Coop' may carry similar cost as new park; County may raze Cooper Stadium for new ballpark; Planners, neighborhood groups look at possible uses for Cooper Stadium; Study finds some support for downtown Columbus ballpark; With no cost study done, Columbus ballpark debate isn't over

Baseball capital
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The Washington Nationals opened their new home field at RFK Stadium with a 5-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks before a sellout crowd. The return of baseball to D.C. after a 34-year absence was marked by much pomp and circumstance, including a first pitch delivered from the mound by President George W. Bush, a former owner of the Texas Rangers, using a baseball from the last Senators game in 1971. (Brian Schneider, who caught that first pitch, likes RFK Stadium as well.) For those keeping score at home, the first pitch thrown by Nationals ace Livan Hernandez was a strike. Many former Senators were on hand, including Frank Howard, Mickey Vernon, Chuck Hinton, Roy Sievers and Eddie Brinkman. RFK Stadium will be home for the Nationals until 2008, when a new ballpark in Southeast D.C. is expected to be completed. Thomas Boswell reports that the old field was rocking -- probably more than it ever did for the Senators -- and is now the new place for D.C.'s power brokers to see and be seen, More from the Washington Times and the Baltimore Sun. Here's an account of the game from a reporter sitting in one of three white seats in the ballpark -- so marked because that's where Frank Howard hit the longest homers in ballpark history. Meanwhile, the D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission hopes to close a deal on a naming-rights deal for RFK Stadium by next week.
    RELATED STORIES: RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Gainesville mulls new ballpark for FSL team
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Gainesville (Fl.) officials are looking at raising local lodging taxes in order to build a new ballpark for a relocated Florida State League team. Main Street Baseball, which also owns the Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally League), has been negotiating with city officials for a new ballpark located next to Santa Fe Community College. The proposed ballpark would have seating for 3,000 and space for 2,000 more and would contain some unique amenities, including a kids' petting zoo of sorts in association with the community college. Main Street Baseball would buy an existing FSL team and move it to Gainesville.

New ballpark, new energy for the Power
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Last night was opening night for Appalachian Power Park, the new home of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League). A standing-room-only crowd of 5,354 was on hand to see the Power defeat the Hagerstown Suns. It appears as through the new ballpark will end up being a hitters' ballpark (as opposed to the team's former home, Watt Powell Field, which was definitely a pitchers' park), with a 359-foot power alley in right and not too much foul ground. More on the opening-day festivities from the Daily Mail.

House panel chief throws Marlins a familiar curve
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This is barely news: Rep. Fred Brummer (R-Apopka), already a passionate opponent of state a new ballpark said he read an economic analysis paid for by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and came away unimpressed. Of course, it's hard to imagine what sort of economic analysis could have possibly swayed Brummer: he's looking for evidence that a new ballpark would generate new spending and not merely relocate existing spending.
    RELATED STORIES: Senate panel backs tax subsidy for Marlins ballpark; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Eastern League openers a split
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Two Connecticut Eastern League teams played their home openers last night: the New Britain Rock Cats sold out a loss to Harrisburg, while 2,743 fans showed up to see the Norwich Navigators defeat Reading 7-2. For the Navigators, the crowd must have been encouraging: the crowd was 1,000 more than opening night a year ago, and the cold weather surely deterred other fans from attending the game. New owner Lou DiBella brought in a few attractions, including a parachutist and a lady daredevil. More from the Norwich Bulletin.
    RELATED STORIES: New Navigators owner ensures "Knock-Out" season; DiBella wants to keep 'Gators in Norwich; New Navigators owner wants release clause; New Navigators owner, others to greet fans at practice start; Eastern League debates Navigators’ future; Navigators hoping to stay in Norwich; Norwich Navigators have been a good neighbor; City to appoint panel to work out lease for Dodd Stadium; Gators' prospective new owner feels shunned by COG; Wheels are in motion for DiBella to purchase Norwich Navigators

Lawn almighty in Lancaster
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The Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) started laying down sod at Clipper Magazine Stadium yesterday and provided an update on ballpark construction. About 80 percent of 6,000 seats are in place, and the entire infield and foul territory has been sodded. Workers will begin installing strips of 4-foot-by-75-foot sod in the outfield this morning. In addition, there are other signs about the impending season opener: some advertising signs are up.

Push is on for ballpark projects
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Now that the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) have opened up a new ballpark, the surrounding neighborhood is undergoing changes as well. The first riverside townhouses are expected to be ready by October, and market demand will drive the schedule for building two proposed condo towers next to Fisher Cats Ballpark. Developer Eric Chinburg expects the two condo towers to be completed by 2007; he's on the hook for increased property taxes no matter what, so he has an inventive to develop.

Is Giants ticket base softening?
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When the San Francisco Giants financed SBC Park, they did so under two assumptions: a) the team would sell out games well into the future, with Barry Bonds as a draw; and b) the A's would eventually leave the Bay Area, leaving the market solely to the Giants. Now it looks like both assumptions are on shaky ground: the Giants failed to sell out weekend games for the first time in the six-year history of the ballpark, and the new A's ownership is putting a fairly spirited effort up toward construction of a new Oakland ballpark.

Dave Rosenfield: a major player in minor leagues
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Dave Rosenfield has been in baseball since 1956, first as GM of the Bakersfield Boosters (Class A; California League) and since 1963 as GM of the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA: International League) when the team was the Tidewater Tides and playing in the Sally League. He's also drawn up the International League schedule by hand for the last 36 years. He's a tough character -- he once required infants heading into the park to have their own tickets -- but associates say he's loyal and soft at heart.

Take 'em out to the ball game in Sacramento
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One of the most popular Pacific Coast League venues is Raley Field, the home of the Sacramento River Cats. This article details a visit to the ballpark, including the varied food offerings (no, you can't bring your own food into the ballpark) and what the kids can do when they're bored by the game.

Coors Field solution: Designated Pitcher rule
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Here's an interesting proposal to address some of the problems posed by Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies: allow visiting teams and the Rockies to add an additional pitcher to the major-league roster when they play in Denver. San Francisco Giants manager Felipe Alou actually likes the idea: one of his first managerial jobs came with the Denver Bears (Class AAA; American Association) and burned through his pitching staff regularly.

Pacific Coast League announces 2005 HOF inductees
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The Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame, the League’s highest honor, added seven more all-time greats today. This year’s class, led by former presidents "Pants" Rowland and Bill Cutler, represent over 75 years of the League’s storied history. Others named include outfielders Joe Brovia and John Frederick and pitchers Elmer Jacobs, Ray Prim, and Jack Salveson. Full list within.

Love-hate relationship: Wells needs to adapt to new digs
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Here's a hint for Theo Epstein: signing a free-agent pitcher who has loudly professed his hate for your home field might not be a good idea. David Wells has said repeatedly how much he hates Fenway Park, but his career numbers there really don't back up the hatred -- after starting out 1-8 at Fenway in his career he turned things around with a 7-2, 3.71 ERA record since -- and the Red Sox are hoping that he will continue that success. Wells relies on pinpoint control to win, and he'll need it at Fenway Park.

Baseball in her blood, GM job in her sights
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Fans of the Hickory Crawdads (Class A; Sally League) already know  Mindy Campos, who joined the staff two years ago and has performed many tasks at L.P. Frans Stadium. Her goal is to be a team GM, but she still has a ways to go: she still needs to graduate from high school and attend college at UNC-Wilmington.

Baseball Notes
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The Jackson Senators (independent; Central League) announced ESPN Radio 1240 will broadcast all the Sens action during the 2005 season. It was also announced that Reid Vance has joined the Senators staff as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Vance will broadcast all 94 regular season games plus any pre or post-season games of the 2005 season. He graduated from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and is expected to complete course work towards his Masters of Science in Communications this fall. He has more than nine years of play-by-play experience in college and high school sports and has won 17 Mississippi Association of Broadcasters awards for sports, public affairs and commercial production....The St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League) are scheduling a 5:30 a.m. game on Mother's Day, May 8, to allow fans to spend the entire day with their mothers. The game will be the earliest scheduled game in baseball history; fans will be allowed to sleep in the parking lot the night before the game....

Senate panel backs tax subsidy for Marlins ballpark
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Despite predictions that a Florida Marlins ballpark deal was dead in the water, a bill granting a $60-million state sales-tax rebate to build a new Miami ballpark cleared its first hurdle in the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. The measure, which passed by a 6-2 vote, was approved along with other measures seeking to to build a new stadium for the Orlando Magic, a NASCAR Hall of Fame and funding for new and renovated spring-training facilities. Despite the approval, there is significant opposition to the measure across party lines, despite the inclusion of multiple projects in multiple districts; Gov. Jeb Bush appears to be straddling the fence. More from the Sun-Sentinel, which also reports on a personal appeal from MLB President Bob DuPuy to the state Senate.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

RFK's field may be named for military
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As the Washington Nationals prepare for their first home game -- and the first regular-season game at RFK Stadium since 1971 -- D.C. officials are close to a deal to rename the park Armed Forces Field at RFK Stadium. Officials hoped to wrap up an agreement by the time the Nats take the field at 7:05 tonight for their first home game, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. President Bush is scheduled to throw out the first pitch before a crowd of 46,000. Under the new deal, the city will rename the ballpark free of charge to honor America's armed forces; the Department of Defense will pay for marketing and advertising at the park, but at a lesser rate than the $3 million the National Guard was willing to pay under a previous aborted agreement. As you might expect from anything new in D.C., there will be a protest outside the ballpark, calling for increased school funding and decreased sports spending. More from the Washington Post. More from the Toronto Sun reporting on the lack of a baseball culture in the District and the Baltimore Sun reporting on the workers making RFK suitable for baseball. Former MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn ran the hand-operated scoreboard for the original Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium as a kid in the 1940s; he'll be on hand as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

The last inning: A whole new ballgame in Southeast DC
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There's one big political issue facing D.C. officials as they work toward a new ballpark in Southeast D.C. for a new Washington Nationals ballpark: the displacement of gay-oriented businesses in the area. Southeast D.C. has evolved into a gay mecca with a series of bars, bathhouses and nude-dancing venues. Many gay activists in the area are fighting the ballpark and any redevelopment plans, but politically it may be an uphill battle: as some of the businesses feature sexually explicit activity, it will be hard to muster a lot of public sympathy for their cause. (And let's not discount the homophobia inevitably associated with the issue as well.) Still, this article is an excellent summary of the politics of the situation. More from the Washington Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Community groups lament ballpark talk
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Another community story and how a ballpark affects people not necessarily devoted to baseball. The city of San Jose cut back on spending in some of the city's poorest neighborhoods because of a decision by state leaders to divert some city property taxes to the state budget. Neighborhood leaders went ahead with the shift, but now some are upset that funding has not been restored and the city is moving ahead with a purchase of 10 properties as a potential home for professional baseball. (Not all neighborhood leaders are upset about a potential ballpark: some see it as a way to upgrade the area.) The cost for the 13.9-acre area could be up to $40 million.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Stars have home but no lease
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The Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) technically have no lease for the use of Joe W. Davis Stadium since the end of the 2003 season, merely working off the same terms as signed by the previous ownership. Miles Prentice, the team's principal owner, denied that the delay means the Stars are for sale or will be moved to a new city, but we've heard that the team has targeted by other cities and ownership groups as a potential sale or relocation candidate. In the mix for a Class AA Southern League franchise: Baton Rouge and Biloxi.

Businesses near PGE Park have only a field of dreams
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Business owners near PGE Park, the home of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), are wistful about the opening of the Washington Nationals in D.C. and lament the fact the Montreal Expos had a shot at playing this season in Portland. Now, whether that was really going to happen is debatable, but there's no doubt businesses like The Bullpen could have raised the price of a Hamm's Beer from the current $1.25. Fans may in for some further heartache when it comes to the Bevos: the agreement enabling an ownership change announced last month is undergoing some serious scrutiny and has been held up by MiLB officials, who worry that some changes under the deal -- including a change in concessionaire from Aramark to Centerplate -- might expose the Pacific Coast League to legal exposure.
    RELATED STORIES: Beavers announce new ownership group; If you love baseball, root for home team Portland Beavers to unveil new ownership group today; Portland ballpark deal may already be done; City extends deal letting league operate PGE Park; Portland delays 2005 lease for Beavers; Stingers sold to Larry H. Miller; Drammis to pursue Portland?; Update on Portland Beavers ownership; PGE Park: What went wrong?

Conroe says no to CBL ballpark
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The Conroe (Texas) City Council passed on a proposal by Southern Independent Baseball LLC to place an independent Central Baseball League team in a new $15 million ballpark. The idea was for the developer to use sales-tax revenue generated by a 200-acre development to fund the ballpark, but the city decided to use those tax revenues on other city needs instead.
    RELATED STORIES: Conroe City Council to discuss ballpark development plans; Conroe council taking "wait and see" approach to minor league baseball team

Charleston baseball enters era of Power
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Tonight is opening night for Appalachian Power Park, the new home of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League). The franchise has come quite a ways in the last two years: the Charleston Alley Cats went from playing in Watt Powell Field with out-of-town ownership to a team with a new moniker and new ballpark with local ownership. This article covers the long history of the franchise, while this one makes more comparisons between Appalachian Power Park and Watt Powell. More from the Charleston Daily Mail, including a look at the ballpark's luxury boxes.

New Navigators owner ensures "Knock-Out" season
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Boxing promoter and entertainment entrepreneur Lou DiBella was unveiled yesterday as the owner of the Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League), just in time for this year's season opener. As far as immediate changes, the team is instituting Gator Aid Bands: The new Navigator "Fan Van" will be visible throughout Southern and Eastern Connecticut, distributing orange Gator Aid Bands as part of a season-long promotion to generate support for the Navigators. Those wearing aid bands will also be eligible for deals at the ballpark as well. More on the future of the team; DiBella has pulled no punches in saying he'll move the team if a renegotiated lease and better community support is not forthcoming.
    RELATED STORIES: DiBella wants to keep 'Gators in Norwich; New Navigators owner wants release clause; New Navigators owner, others to greet fans at practice start; Eastern League debates Navigators’ future; Navigators hoping to stay in Norwich; Norwich Navigators have been a good neighbor; City to appoint panel to work out lease for Dodd Stadium; Gators' prospective new owner feels shunned by COG; Wheels are in motion for DiBella to purchase Norwich Navigators

Hens fans to have built-in party pavilion
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Despite having consistently large crowds, the Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) are adding a new feature to Fifth Third Field: the "Coop A Cabana," a party space designed for fans buying standing-room-only tickets. Initially only drinks will be available in the area, but food will be added down the line. If popular, it may also be rented out to groups as well.

Backing the Royals and ‘The K'
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Steve Penn heads to Kauffman Stadium for the Royals season opener and reports on what fans think of 'The K' and the potential of a new downtown ballpark. There was more support for a new ballpark among Royals fans than you might have expected, given Kauffman's reputation as a well-loved facility; but then again, everyone loves the idea of a new ballpark until they find out how much it costs and who is paying for it. Kauffman's future may be brighter if the Missouri Legislature passes a bill earmarking millions of dollars in public funds each year for the maintenance of professional sports facilities.

Schott Stadium sold out for opener
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Schott Stadium, the new home of Santa Clara University's baseball team, is already sold out for its April 30 debut when the Broncos host the dreaded Gonzaga Bulldogs. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. with a number of pregame recognitions planned, including a blessing of the field by school president Fr. Paul Locatelli, a ceremonial first pitch by Stephen Schott as well as a number of other activities.

Time for a new Vancouver ballpark?
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The headline here is a little misleading, as there's actually no information on the prospects of a new ballpark for the Vancouver Canadians (short season; Northwest League). Nat Bailey Stadium appears to be safe: though there might be a curling facility built next to the ballpark should Vancouver land the 2012 Winter Olympics, it sounds like there's no thought to tearing down the ballpark. Still, Vancouver is a mighty fine market to be limited to short-season ball, and some entrepreneur will probably do quite well bringing Class AAA ball back should a new ballpark be built.

Antioch still backs plan for summer baseball league
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The Antioch (Cal.) City Council decided to continue their support of a new ballpark for a college wood-bat team. By declining to formally reconsider the issue, councilmembers essentially reaffirmed their decision last year to back the project. The proposal includes building a 2,000-seat stadium on the Los Medanos College campus. Antioch has spent about $400,000 so far, and has pledged another $700,000. The East County Baseball Group, the non-profit overseeing the project, has also applied for a state grant to provide further funding.
    RELATED STORY: Antioch leaders to reconsider Los Medanos ballpark

Texas Collegiate League adds Denton for 2005
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It's official: The Denton Outlaws are part of the 2005 Texas Collegiate League for the 2005 season. The Outlaws, who are owned by an investor group headed by Dallas businessman and investor Jim Leslie, will play home games in 2005 at a balkpark currently used by Liberty Christian School. The ballpark is being completely renovated for this summer to accommodate a seating capacity of up to 3,500. In addition, the Outlaws announced that the team has reached agreement on a one-year deal with Coldwell Banker New Century Solutions on a naming rights deal for the facility. The park will be called Coldwell Banker New Century Solutions Ballpark.

A warm spot for the ugly round stadium
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The return of RFK Stadium to the major leagues is also sparking interest in Busch Stadium, a contemporary of sorts. Both were designed as cookie-cutter multiuse facilities, with RFK really serving as the model for many later efforts. The argument here is that someone will miss old cookie-cutter stadiums once they're gone, and they may be right: people are nostalgic for the oddest things, and surely there will be a group of fans banding to remember attending Cardinals games in the mid-1970s at Busch Stadium and confusing the memory of the shared experience with the actual ballpark.

Baseball's seedless spring
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Here's a scary notion for many baseball players: there's a potential shortage of sunflower seeds in the retail pipeline, with warehouses emptying and stores running low. Two reasons: a cold, snowing 2004 spring in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, which delayed the growing season; and a white mold that attacked the remaining crop.

New ballpark, same old problems
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Santa Barbara (Cal.) officials are looking at a renovation and expansion of Santa Barbara City College's Pershing Park after several anonymous donors stepped up with pledges. The ballpark would be expanded to 1,200 seats and contain basic amenities. If renovated, the ballpark could also house the Santa Barbara Foresters (college wood bat; California Coastal Collegiate League).

Boy clubbed to death at California ballpark
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This is just a sad, sad story. A 13-year-old player in the snack-bar line at a Pony League ballpark in Palmdale, Cal., allegedly grabbed an aluminum baseball bat out of his equipment bag and clubbed a 15-year-old spectator on the head. Bystanders, including his father, who is a coach, rushed to Jeremy Rourke, a former Pony League all-star who lay unconscious on the ground. Jeremy was pronounced dead a few minutes later at a nearby hospital.

Baseball Notes
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The Windy City ThunderBolts (independent; Frontier League) and WJOB AM1230 Radio announced a broadcast agreement for the station to be the radio home of the ThunderBolts for the 2005 season. Located in Hammond, Indiana, WJOB can be heard throughout the South Chicago Suburbs and Northwest Indiana. ThunderBolts' fans that are unable to pick up the radio broadcasts will be able to log onto www.wjobradio.com to listen to the action....The Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) are unveiling a new mascot this Friday...The Jackson Senators (independent; Central Baseball League)announced Larry Wesson, Cody McCain and Craig Smith have been named to Field Manager Hill Denson’s coaching staff for the 2005 season. Wesson will serve as hitting coach for the Senators this season, McCain will be pitching coach, and Smith will serve as bullpen coach and clubhouse manager.

Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on
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A deal to have the National Guard sponsor RFK Stadium, the home of the Washington Nationals, may be back on after a series of high-level negotiations conducted late yesterday at the behest of Sen. John Warner (R-Virginia), whose earlier objections had put a halt to a plan. The current proposal won't use the name National Guard Field at RFK Stadium, but there's a strong chance the new name will honor all the U.S. armed forces. There is a deadline of sorts: the Nationals open their home season tomorrow and would like to announce a deal before then. More from the Washington Post. Meanwhile, street vendors are waiting to see how things play out at RFK Stadium before committing to actually selling outside the ballpark. The D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs issued licenses for 23 spots designated for vendors outside the D.C. Armory, which is next to RFK.
    RELATED STORIES: Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Early in 2005, remodeled Dodgers take care of business
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The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2005 home season at Dodger Stadium, which underwent some improvements in the offseason: 1,600 premium seats were added, an extended video board was added to the outfield wall, and a new warning track was laid out. In addition, the Dodgers toned down the between-inning music, opting for softer volume on the music and more interludes from organist Nancy Bea Hefley. There was some grumbling from longtime Dodgers fans about the changes before the beginning of the season, but the first game was played without a hitch and without any major complaints from the crowd.
    RELATED STORY: Dodgers detail improvements to Dodger Stadium; Put in his place

MLB closer to spring World Cup?
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Laurel Prieb, the former Brewers and Twins executive who now heads up the Phoenix office for Major League Baseball, says MLB is close to finalizing plans for a World Cup-type tournament. Nothing more specific was announced (though more information is expected to be released this summer); last year spring-training acolytes were concerned that some sort of March world tournament would detract from spring training and take popular players from their teams.

Forbes: Seattle is the most profitable team in baseball
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This is sure to incite all the Seattle Mariners baseball fans who say the team isn't spending enough on players. Forbes Magazine rates the Mariners as the most profitable team in baseball over the last five years, estimating the team's worth at $414 million and enjoying a operating-income profit last season of $10.8 million. M's officials say the team is not as profitable as these numbers would indicate, but Forbes bases its estimates on documents filed with a public stadium authority, which owns Safeco Field.

City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan
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More commentary on the slowed negotiations between the city of Nashville and the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) on a new ballpark in downtown Nashville. The view from this columnist is that the city is putting too many roadblocks in front of the Sounds, and part of that has to do with previous negotiations between the team and the city that resulted in withheld rent and a renegotiated lease. Also, there's the feeling among some in the mayor's office that previous administrations gave up way too much to attract the National Football League and the National Hockey League, so they want to make an example of the Sounds. Unless construction begins fairly soon, an April 2007 opening will be in doubt.
    RELATED STORIES: Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

St. Louis group will appeal ballpark funding ruling
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The Coalition Against Public Funding for Stadiums yesterday filed papers to appeal a lower court ruling that ruled against them and in favor of proponents of the new baseball park downtown for the St. Louis Cardinals. In the last election St. Louis voters approved Proposition A, which requires a public vote on public funding of ballparks, but a court ruling held that the law could not apply retroactively to an already-approved project -- like the Cards' new ballpark -- and would apply only to projects proposed after the legislation was actually enacted.

Eastlake naming-rights details released
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Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski and Finance Director Michael Slocum released details of the naming-rights deal for Eastlake Ballpark put together by the Lake County Captains (Class A; Sally League). There's nothing really shocking in the deal: out of the $4.3 million pledged by Classic Auto Group for the rights, only  $275,000 will be taken from the sale is awarded to the Captains for the cost of changing the signs at the ballpark (apparently the team is not taking a finders' fee, which is pretty generous). In addition, the Captains' lease calls for additional price breaks if they invest in the ballpark (which the city is expecting). All in all, the naming-rights deal will save the city $7.7 million in principal and interest.
    RELATED STORIES: New moniker for Captains' home is a Classic; Captains to pay for ballpark naming rights; Lake County Captains offer $4.26 million for Eastlake Ballpark naming rights; Find ways for Eastlake Ballpark to generate revenue; The price is right for Captains tickets; Some Eastlake officials second-guessing ballpark

Conroe City Council to discuss ballpark development plans
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The Conroe (Texas) City Council will be discussing a possible new ballpark for an independent Central Baseball League team at today's meeting. The council will meet with private land developers to determine whether tax revenue generated by potential businesses would pay for and support construction and maintenance of the proposed ballpark. Southern Independent Baseball LLC, owner of the Shreveport Sports (independent; Central League), is proposing a $15 million ballpark seating up to 5,000.

The Boulevard blues
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North Boulevard is a street running close to The Diamond, the home of the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League), and business owners say they wouldn't feel any impact on business if the Braves were to move away and The Diamond was closed down. That may or may not be true -- it's hard to say the loss of thousands of folks in a given area on a given evening wouldn't have an adverse economic impact -- but it's clear the business owners don't consider the Braves to be an essential neighbor.
    RELATED STORIES: Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark

Frontier League team proposed for Lee's Summit
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Mike Smith, a member of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, and Mike Belew are seeking an independent Frontier League team for a new ballpark in Lee's Summit in suburban Kansas City. The ballpark would be part of a larger 800,000-square-foot project that would include a “lifestyle” center for high-end stores, hotel and convention center. There's been talk of a Lee's Summit team for years; one issue is whether the Kansas City market can support two minor-league baseball teams (the Northern League's Kansas City T-Bones play in Kansas City, Kan.) and the Kansas City Royals.

Bed tax approved for Charlotte sports park
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Charlotte County (Florida) officials are looking into state funding for a cleanup of Charlotte Sports Park, the former spring-training home of the Texas Rangers. The rationale for the funding is to clean up the hurricane damage in the park, but county officials say they want to have a better facility in order to lure the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to move spring training down the coast or to attract a minor-league baseball team. The D-Rays have looked at locations outside of Tampa for spring training in the past year.

Tempe Diablo rebuilding starts today
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Speaking of spring training: the rebuilding of Tempe Diablo Stadium, the spring home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, begins today. Crews will begin the project by tearing up the baseball and soccer fields on the south side of the stadium. They will rebuild practice fields, adding four new baseball fields to the existing three. In the end, the Angels will centralize all minor- and major-league spring operations in Tempe; currently the minor leaguers train at Gene Autry Park in Mesa.

Miffed Angel fans wear displeasure over name
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Speaking of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: a popular T-shirt at Angels Stadium contains a blunt message for Angels owner Arte Moreno: "We Are Not L.A." The in-your-face apparel rebellion is the latest salvo by Anaheim fans to protest the January name change. The T-shirts' creator hopes the campaign will strike a chord because stands peppered with them are harder to ignore than letters to the editor, e-mails or messages on the team's website. Moreno's stance: as long as fans are coming to the ballpark, he doesn't care.

35-acre urban village planned near LaGrave Field
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Carl Bell, the owner of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central League), is proposing a 35-acre urban village adjoining the team's home, LaGrave Field, that will feature townhouses, offices, stores and parks to link LaGrave Field with the future home of Tarrant County College along the Trinity River. Dubbed Cats' Island, the urban village is proposed for 35 acres of vacant city-owned land that could also include a museum featuring former Fort Worth Cats player and manager Bobby Bragan's sports memorabilia.

Boston mayor to crack down on Fenway parking-lot gougers
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Outraged by reports that businesses surrounding Fenway Park were charging upwards of $100 for parking, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino says he hwill ask the City Council to cap fees and stop private lot owners around the ballpark from gouging baseball fans.  On game days, gas stations, some retail centers and at least one hotel dedicate parking spaces for fans. Monday, several lots charged $60, and Leahy's Mobil station on Boylston Street charged a Boston Globe photographer $100 to park.
    RELATED STORIES: Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

Bloody sock rocks the Hall
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Speaking of Boston: the bloody sock worn by Curt Schilling in Game Two of the 2004 World Series is now in display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and attracting a lot of attention from visitors. Schilling's in-laws, Don and Patsy Brewer of Baltimore, chauffered the sock for six hours to Cooperstown in early February because they did not want to take the chance  a shipping service would lose the sock.

A capital pastime
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With the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) slated to move into a new home, Appalachian Power Park, this month, the Charleston Daily Mail looks back at the team's former home, Watt Powell Park. There are some parallels between Appalachian Power Park and Watt Powell Park: many doubted either would open on time (although Appalachian Power Park will indeed be ready for the opener), but in the end Watt Powell was mostly ready for the season opener for the Charleston Senators, a Class A Central League team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds.

Get ready to rumble in Rochester
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What is the deal with wrestling and baseball this year? First, the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) bring in midget wrestlers to "complete" after every Friday night game and the Buffalo Bison (Class AAA; International League) have Baseball Brawl "competing" at Dunn Tire Field, and now the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) strike a deal with Baseball Brawl to bring rasslin' to Frontier Field as well.

San Jose A's? It would be a guilty pleasure
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Columnist Leigh Weimers attends the Oakland Athletics home opener and has some mixed feelings: on the one hand, he'd love to see the A's move down to San Jose, but he had such a good time at the season opener he'd hate for Oakland to move the team. You've got to admire San Jose's tenacity in working for a major-league team, but at some point city officials must wake up and realize that MLB officials are serious when they say San Jose is part of the Giants' territory.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

If you love baseball, root for home team
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It's impossible to discuss Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) baseball and not discuss Multnomah Stadium, now known as PGE Park. The team is under new management and seems to have some momentum entering the 2005 season, if sponsorships are any indication; now the fans must follow. New GM John Cunningham brought in a new concessionaire and is expanding food offerings, including the installation of a breakfast brunch for day games. Last season the team attracted only 4,400 fans per game -- and in theory Portland should be the flagship of the Pacific Coast League.

Lynx to present Harry Potter Night
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Here's a simple but effective promotion scheduled for this season: the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) and Chapters bookstores are presenting Harry Potter Night on July 15, where fans in attendance will have a chance to be the first wizards and witches in Ottawa to get a copy of the new Harry Potter book, available July 16th. A limited number of copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be on sale at midnight, the witching hour, after the July 15 game at Lynx Stadium. The midnight sale will allow Lynx fans to be some of the first in the world to purchase the sixth book in the Harry Potter series. Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from the Harry Potter series for the game, and then are invited to stay in the stands after the game to watch one of the Harry Potter movies shown on a big screen along the third-base line while waiting for the books to go on sale.

Memphis' AutoZone Park a major-league treat
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We've previously shared our feelings about AutoZone Park, the home of the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but here's a more contemporary review. The writer, a reporter for the Southern Illinoisian, will be a tad spoiled when he compares AutoZone Park to the Class A facility under construction in Marion.

Ripken's business interests have a lot of range
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The Aberdeen Ironbirds (short season; NY-Penn League) are one cog in the financial empire being amassed by former Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr., which besides the Ironbirds includes  Cal Ripken Experience summer camps, Cal Ripken instructional CDs, a Cal Ripken Baseball league with a million players, an annual Cal Ripken World Series; a Cal Ripken stadium design and market-research firm, Cal Ripken (starting at $50,000), a new Cal Ripken weekly show on XM Satellite Radio, and a book titled, "Play Baseball the Ripken Way." He's also rumored to being part of one of the potential Washington Nationals ownership groups.

Truman's first pitch delivered baseball to Kansas City
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There's a rich tradition of presidents throwing out the first pitch at baseball games (as you can see in our Griffith Stadium coverage); George W. Bush threw out the first pitch last season at Busch Stadium and is participating in the first-pitch ceremonies tomorrow at RFK Stadium. Fifty years ago former President Harry Truman threw out the first pitch when Kansas City entered the major leagues as the new home of the Athletics, who had relocated from Philadelphia in the offseason.

Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium
Posted April 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This will certainly undercut any talk of a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins, as team officials are presented with the possibility of a new lease for Dolphins Stadium that would give the team more revenue. Under the current deal, the Fish receives 70 percent of concession revenue, 37.5 percent of parking revenue, nothing from the lease of club seats and suites, and little advertising revenue. Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga says he's willing to entertain a long-term lease that provides more cash to the Marlins, but team officials say they're still working toward a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: State refuses to play ball; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; State House committee OKs tax break for new Marlins ballpark; House leader goes to bat for Marlins; Dade officials in Tallahassee to lobby for Marlins ballpark; Good news, bad news for Marlins ballpark plans; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Ballpark Visit: Fifth Third Field, Dayton Dragons
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Over 300 consecutive sellouts should tell you that the Dayton Dragons (Class A; Midwest League) are doing something right at Fifth Third Field, one of the flagship ballparks of the minor leagues. Though at times Fifth Third Field feels like a Class AAA ballpark in a much larger city, there's a strong sense of community at the ballpark: Mandalay has created a place where neighbors come to meet despite what's happening on the field, and done so by helping revitalize a forgotten area of downtown Dayton.

Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden
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Many media outlets -- including this one -- ripped Linda Cropp last fall for insisting that private financing be considered for a new Washington Nationals ballpark, but as it turns out she may have been right. District of Columbia leaders may reduce the public investment in the new ballpark by accepting a $246 million payment from Deutsche Bank and granting development rights at the site to a private firm. In exchange for the payment, the city would give the international banking giant a revenue stream estimated to reach $18 million per year in taxes from ballpark concessions and parking. It would reduce costs in two ways: the total outlay for the ballpark would be reduced from $550 million to $313 million, and the gross receipts tax on city businesses used to help pay for the ballpark would be reduced after 10 years from $14 million per year to $8 million. A plan from developer Herbert S. Miller exchanging payment for expanded development rights has been rejected as unworkable, but Miller has come back with a counterproposal calling for less land and more cash. Meanwhile, it looks like a naming-rights deal for RFK Stadium is dead after U.S. Sen. John W. Warner (R-Virginia) objected to the National Guard's plan to pay several million dollars for naming rights. Warner says the expenditure is unwarranted given that this country is at war and would not help recruitment efforts.
    RELATED STORIES: Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

D.C. ballpark estimate draws balk
Posted April 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is a preemptive strike toward a battle over eminent domain. Robert Siegel, who owns 11 properties on a D.C. site proposed for a new Washington Nationals ballpark, said in a D.C. Superior Court suit that the city should be forced to find a new location for the ballpark because its cost estimates for taking over the site along the Anacostia River waterfront are too low. A Deloitte & Touche LLP study placed a $161.4 million price tag on acquiring the land, environmental remediation and infrastructure requirements, but critics say that number is too low. 
    RELATED STORIES: Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Plans for Wrigley Field makeover leave much to be desired
Posted April 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This commentary by Sean Keeler speaks out against any changes to Wrigley Field. Yes, Wrigley Field is a classic and a treasure. But what the Cubs are proposing isn't exactly a radical change: they want to add 1,790 seats to the bleachers -- or about four or five rows along the backside. In addition, they want to add a restaurant behind the center-field scoreboard and a new five-story building next to the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: The new Wrigley; Cubs unveil plans for Wrigley bleacher expansion; Cubs get closer to a bigger ballpark; Cubs reach a deal with city for more bleacher seats; Cubs, city near deal on Wrigley expansion; Alderman to Cubs: Put off expansion, get more night games

New moniker for Captains' home is a Classic
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Last night the home of the Lake County Captains (Class A; Sally League) was officially christened Classic Park, as the Captains unveiled the naming-rights deal with Classic Auto Group. In a special Saturday session, the Eastlake City Council approved the purchase of naming rights to Eastlake Ballpark by the Captains for $4.26 million (about a million more than the city was budgeting as of a month ago); the Captains then resold the rights. Eastlake Mayor Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski was a little snarky about the sale: "Did we get everything we wanted in the deal? No. But on balance, it's a good deal for the city and the citizens of Eastlake. We're very grateful to the Captains and Jim Brown for making it happen."
    RELATED STORIES: Captains to pay for ballpark naming rights; Lake County Captains offer $4.26 million for Eastlake Ballpark naming rights; Find ways for Eastlake Ballpark to generate revenue; The price is right for Captains tickets; Some Eastlake officials second-guessing ballpark

Sounds ballpark negotiations slow
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Negotiations between the city of Nashville and the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have slowed, as the city keeps making small changes to the agreement for a new ballpark. The Sounds put together a private investment group to build a ballpark and other mixed development on a 16-acre site in downtown Nashville; investors remain committed to the deal and signed off on a new term sheet last week. The deadline for a proposal to the full Metro Council has now been extended to this summer.
    RELATED STORIES: Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

Harrisburg releases new Commerce Bank Park renderings
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The City of Harrisburg has released detailed drawings of what will be a renovated Commerce Bank Park. The drawings, provided HOK Sport+Venue+Entertainment (the firm handling the renovations), have been on display at the ballpark since April 7. Work on upgrading Commerce Bank Park is set to begin during the 2005 season with a majority of the work slated to start at the end of the current Eastern League season. The entire project is scheduled to be completed prior to the start of the 2006 season. The new design includes new seating in the entire ballpark, a second level which will include luxury boxes, new picnic areas, a children’s play areas, new clubhouses and state-of the art concession areas, restrooms and press box.

Rays invest $1M in a "family friendly" initiative at the Trop
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The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are spending a million dollars in new lighted signs inside and outside Tropicana Field and will also spend a little more on a children's play area in an vacant seating spot between right and center fields. Daktronics installed a new ProAd electronic display just below The Beach seating area overlooking left field. Also coming later this spring is the play area for younger children who tend to become bored during baseball games. The area will also offer $1 kid-size drinks and snacks plus Rays-branded gear.

Antioch leaders to reconsider Los Medanos ballpark
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Antioch (Cal.) officials will discuss Tuesday evening whether to continue funding a $3.5- to $4.5-million regional balpark at Los Medanos College, slated to house a college wood-bat team. With the stadium running a year behind schedule and projected costs growing by at least $1 million, two city councilmen say it's time for Antioch to reconsider its financial commitment. The project is a collaboration between three East County cities, the college and the county, with Antioch and Pittsburg pledging to pay the largest portion of the costs.

Brewers add three sponsors, renew 12 others
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Nothing like a ownership change to spur interest in a major-league baseball team. The arrival of Mark Attanasio as the new owner of the Milwaukee Brewers helped the sales force add three new sponsors and secure renewals from 12 additional sponsors, some of whom will be expanding their existing sponsorship levels. In addition, the Brewers staff is working with about eight prospective new sponsors and hopes to complete some of those deals in the next several weeks.

Canaries surpass 2004 sales mark
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With six weeks until opening night and the start of the 2005 regular season, businesses and residents throughout the Sioux Empire have helped the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; Northern League) surpass last season’s final totals in the corporate sales department. "Area businesses really seem to like the changes they are hearing and seeing," Canaries General Manager John Kuhn said. "All along our plan has been to increase our awareness in the community, improve customer service and make the park experience better than ever." Despite coming off of three consecutive losing seasons that saw attendance and corporate sales revenues slip, the Birds seem to be back on track in all areas.

Empty ballpark seats are simple to explain
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Wow, the media in Philadelphia seems as harsh as the fans. Jack McCaffery is reaming the Philadelphia Phillies for a dropoff in attendance so far this season compared to last year, based on a single home series. The second game of the season saw the lowest attendance for a game at Citizens Bank Park (just over 21,000), and the team seemed to tread water in the offseason, losing Eric Milton to the Reds and signing Jon Lieber.

Asparagus has become new favorite at ballpark
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Well, favorite might be pushing it. The Houston Astros unveiled some new concession offerings this season at Minute Maid Park. One is a grilled chicken and asparagus panini, served at The Bistro on the Club level. (For the record: I sat in the Club level Saturday night and didn't see a single soul eating a panini, though there was lots of beer and Super Star Dogs consumed.) Also new at the park: an ice-cream stand featuring hand-dipped cones.

Baseball Notes
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Steve Hurlbert, the assistant director of operations for the Pacific Coast League, has been named the new media relations manager for the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), Hurlbert replaces David Bearman, who leaves the Isotopes to accept a job as a researcher with ESPN....Speaking of the 'Topes: the team presented the city of Albuquerque with a check for $2.009 million last week. The team pays rent on Isotopes Park and also a surcharge based on team profitability....The Orem Owlz (rookie; Pioneer League) announced the arrival of The Wingmen. Consisting of two Orange County natives, Trevor Kelly and Joey Hurley, The Wingmen will serve as the team’s radio broadcasters and will be responsible for creating brand new, in-stadium entertainment. Their radio show, "Birdz of Play with The Wingmen," will air every game day on KSTAR 1400 AM, the official radio station of the Owlz. "We are going to give baseball fans something to hoot and holler about,: says team majority owner, Jeff Katofsky....Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) broadcasts will be available via the Internet; go to the team's home page for details....

Hope springs eternal at the old ballpark
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Chicago Cubs opened up their 2005 season at Wrigley Field, and there were a slew of changes at the old ballpark. For starters, Sammy Sosa isn't wearing a Cubbie uniform, exiled in the offseason to Baltimore. And though Wrigley Field hasn't been changed much -- major changes are planned for the next offseason -- there is a new concessionaire and new food offerings, which seem to have been implemented in haste: lines were long, orders took a while to be filled, and the food wasn't all that good.
    RELATED STORIES: The new Wrigley; Cubs unveil plans for Wrigley bleacher expansion; Cubs get closer to a bigger ballpark; Cubs reach a deal with city for more bleacher seats; Cubs, city near deal on Wrigley expansion; Alderman to Cubs: Put off expansion, get more night games

Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction
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Andrew Little, an investment banker with John B. Levy & Co., writes in favor of a $330-million development plan in Richmond that includes a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League). We continue to hear the project will be a tough sell in City Hall: Mayor Douglas Wilder isn't captivated by the idea of a new ballpark in an area sure to trigger some nasty feelings among one of his core constituencies: Richmond's black community.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Wolfforth pushes back alcohol vote
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The city of Wolfforth, Texas, is putting off a vote to allow alcohol in hotels, restaurants and a proposed minor-league ballpark at Texas Tech because of procedural grounds: A new law in effect requires 92 days between the date petitions are filed and the date of the election. The date previously set for the local option election was May 7, only 54 days from the time the petition was filed. With the delay, you can expect to see a 2007 opening for the ballpark. Officials with West Texas Professional Baseball say they're pursuing either a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team or a Class AA Texas League team.
    RELATED STORY: Wolfforth considers new alcohol regulations for Tech ballpark

Another San Jose site eyed for baseball
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
San Jose city officials are looking at acquiring 10 properties just south of the Diridon train station instead. The 13.9-acre site is bounded by Park Avenue to the south, Autumn and Montgomery streets to the east, San Fernando Street to the north and the railroad tracks to the west. As a ballpark location, it would have the advantage of being next to the city's major transportation hub and be just a short walk from much of downtown. However, we hear the city may not be working exclusively on a new ballpark for a MLB team; the San Jose Giants (Class A; California League) have expressed displeasure with their current home and have discussed a new facility with city officials as well. Also, don't be surprised if a current Pacific Coast League team owner has chatted with city officials as well.
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Coors fails field test -- go reconfigure
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mark Klis argues Coors Field is a joke, as the combination of high altitude and thin air helps the ball fly easily out of the ballpark. After 10 years, it sounds like Rockies owner Charlie Monfort is finally open to making some changes to the ballpark to address the offensive outbursts: it's become clear the farm system can't create prospects suited for pitching at Coors, and team officials don't see it as being a home-field advantage.

Rangers pitching around ballpark
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If you play in a ballpark that turns any decently hit fly ball into a double or a homer, you would think it a no-brainer to build a team around sinker-ball pitchers. The Texas Rangers won last season because pitching coach Orel Hershiser convinced Rangers pitchers to work on the sinker ball, and the team responded by being the surprise of the American League. This season, it will be harder for the Rangers to sneak up on people, but today's opener at Ameriquest Field should see the pitching staff continue to work on their sinkers.

Ballpark brings hopes of economic burst in Charleston
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Owners of businesses located next to Appalachian Power Park, the new home of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League), are thrilled about the opening of the new park this week. Ticket sales have surpassed all of last year's totals with the former club, the Charleston Alley Cats. City officials have been hesitant to attribute economic development directly to the ballpark, and the new facility was not sold as an economic driver.

Businesses on deck to reap profits
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials in York are closely watching the economic impact of the opening of Clipper Magazine Stadium, the new home of the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League). Several new businesses have opened near the new ballpark, and other businesses are planning to rehab older buildings because of their proximity to the ballpark. York County officials are considering a new ballpark for an Atlantic League team.

Where have all the Bonnie Brewers gone?
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Older Milwaukee Brewers fans remember Bonnie Brewer, who appeared in-between innings in the middle of the game, bursting onto the field with some gymnastics. Then, as the grounds crew groomed the infield, she used the broom to sweep off each base. Finally, came her signature move on the opposing team's third-base coach: she playfully swatted him on the butt with the broom, then kissed him on the cheek. There hasn't been a Bonnie Brewer since 1979, but two of the women who played the role say they wish the Brewers would bring her back. Besides, we're guessing it's a little lonely for Bernie Brewer up in his Miller Field roost..

It's about family for Captains owner
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Peter Carfagna and family made their first foray into minor-league baseball with the purchase of the Columbus Red Stixx (Class A; Sally League) and then moved the team to Eastlake, Ohio, where they now play as the Lake County Captains. The team has been a smash at the new ballpark, and the Carfagnas weathered some rocky times with the city over the financials of the ballpark to close a $4.26 million naming-rights deal last week -- which is more than the city budgeted. The Carfagnas added the Everett AquaSox (short season; Northwest League) to their minor-league portfolio this offseason and intend on adding more teams in the future.
    RELATED STORIES: Captains to pay for ballpark naming rights; Lake County Captains offer $4.26 million for Eastlake Ballpark naming rights; Find ways for Eastlake Ballpark to generate revenue; The price is right for Captains tickets; Some Eastlake officials second-guessing ballpark

Full-time pastime in Salt Lake
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Marc Amicone is the new general manager of the Salt Lake Stingers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), brought in by new owner Larry Miller after buying the franchise. Amicone was assistant athletic director at the University of Utah, but he has no baseball experience, spending time before the college gig working with a minor-league hockey team.

Take me out to the ballparks
Posted April 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a travel piece on the joys of visiting ballparks. Nothing really new for anyone using this site to plan their ballpark travels -- after all, we all know how great it is to take in a game at a new ballpark -- and there's actually little of practical usage here, unless you want someone advising you to eat the sushi in Seattle (which, we must point out, we did several years ago).