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Archives: Dec. 24-31, 2005

Ticket sales suspended for World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico
Posted December 30, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The promoter of the World Baseball Classic games in Puerto Rico says he's suspending ticket sales to the event because of the uncertainly surrounding Cuba's participation and whether first-round games will actually be held there. Baseball officials from Venezuela are proposing moving games from San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium to Venezuela in response to the Bush administration's decision to bar Cuba from participating in the World Baseball Classic in March 2006. Overall, ticket sales to the event have been mixed: strips for the finals at Petco Park are sold out and only lawn seating is available at Cracker Jack Stadium, but prime seats are available for the games at Chase Field and Angel Stadium, while good seats remain for the games at Scottsdale Stadium. (Sales for the Tokyo games have not yet gone on sale.) One nasty side effect of the WBC: it could lessen attendance for spring-training games, as the Cubs and Mesa officials fear.
    RELATED STORIES: Venezuela proposes hosting part of World Baseball Classic; Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball Classic

Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom
Posted December 30, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Michael Paul Williams slams a proposal by Richmond city officials to place a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) at the city's Fulton Gas Works site, an old, unused industrial complex at the bottom of Church Hill in the eastern part of the city. That site is more than a mile from the freeway and not within walking distance of downtown, so there's no associated development possible. With the entire Braves organization on the market and a proposal for a Shockoe Bottom ballpark seemingly dead, it looks like the R-Braves are destined to continue playing at The Diamond.
    RELATED STORIES: 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 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

City of Edinburg vs Roadrunners heats up
Posted December 30, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When the city of Edinburg terminated the lease held by the Edinburg Roadrunners (independent; Central Baseball League) lease at Edinburg Baseball Stadium last September, the reason given by the city was late lease payments. But there was another factor involved: the city was also looking at selling the ballpark to the independent United Baseball League. The lease the city signed with the new league gives the UBL an option to buy the ballpark for $5.31 million, the amount unpaid from of the original $6.6 million bond issue that financed the ballpark. The lawsuit filed by the Roadrunners says the city and the team had an understanding about late payments: the Roadrunners paid for cleanup and scoreboard upkeep in exchange for late payments. Also, at dispute is whether the city had the legal right to terminate the lease under Texas law. Proceedings begin on Jan. 9, and there are two outcomes: the Roadrunners lease will be upheld and the American Association will field a team at the ballpark for the 2007 season, or the United Baseball League will have a valid lease and begin play there this coming season.
    RELATED STORIES: New United League team in Amarillo to retain Dillas name; Biancalana to manage; New problems for Edinburg Roadrunners; Moore decides to stay in Edinburg with new team, league; Tredaway decides to remain with CBL; Roadrunners, Edinburg make first bankruptcy court showing; Roadrunners seek bankruptcy protection; Lawsuit keeps ’Runners on life support; United Sports seeks privately financed ballpark in Amarillo; Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study; Baseball is back in Amarillo; Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Other cities wait on baseball
Posted December 30, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As Washington, D.C. and MLB go back and forth over the final lease and funding for a new Washington Nationals ballpark, the Washington Times looks at the several cities seeking major-league baseball. Nothing in here regular readers of this site don't already know: Las Vegas is a hot commodity, Portland has a partial funding package in place, and city officials in San Antonio have no interest in pursuing public funding of a ballpark. There's really not a notion out there that the Nationals are in play; the Florida Marlins are most often mentioned as the team most likely to move, but don't be surprised if the name of the Oakland A's pops up again in the new year (or earlier, as is the case with the editorial calling for the team moving to Fremont). D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams still believes a deal can be worked out.

Baseball Notes
Posted December 30, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Longtime Kinston Indians (Class A; Carolina League assistant general manager Shari Massengill will be named the team's general manager today, ending a three-week process in which she was the only candidate interviewed, Indians president North Johnson confirmed Thursday. Massengill, a Kinston native who started with the club in 1995 as an office assistant, becomes the third female GM in the Carolina League in at least 21 years and the second in team history....The entire coaching staff of the Delmarva Shorebirds (Class A; Sally League) will return for 2006. Gary Kendall will be back for his second season in Salisbury. Kennie Steenstra and Kimera Bartee will be back for their second seasons as pitching coach and hitting instructor, respectively....

New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes debate
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Doug Wilder administration floated a trial balloon on placing a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) at the city's Fulton Gas Works site, an old, unused industrial complex at the bottom of Church Hill in the eastern part of the city. That trial balloon didn't fly: Braves fans want either a new ballpark in the Shockoe Bottom area or a renovated Diamond, while business owners in Shockoe Bottom (where the Braves and developer Global Development has proposed a new ballpark as part of a larger development) are disappointed the city isn't pursuing a ballpark in their neighborhood. It would seem to be difficult for the Braves to make any sort of huge commitment to anything with the team and the entire Atlanta Braves organization being evaluated for a potential sale.
    RELATED STORIES: 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 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

Who’s paying for this financial adviser, anyway?
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In our recent coverage of a proposed ballpark for Richland County, S.C., we noted the local newspaper was going to everything possible to kill the project. The latest editorial from the newspaper urges the Richland County Council to kill the project, saying it's a risky venture, but provides no supporting arguments. The author seems to not understand the meaning of tax-increment financing: using the increased property taxes on a development to help finance the development. Tax-increment financing is a fairly standard development tool in this day and age, but Warren Bolton makes the same mistake in logic many ballpark opponents do: he assumes the increased tax revenues would be present even if the ballpark was not built. (An editorial makes the same specious argument: that tax dollars are being diverted from schools to the ballpark) That's why these arguments are crafted to appeal to emotion and not to logic: when you look at them closely, they fall apart. The latest on the potential new home of the Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally League) in this Columbia suburb: the council has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Village at Sandhill developer Alan Kahn and is now debating whether to hire a financial adviser to review the plan.
    RELATED STORIES: Richland County has more pressing needs than baseball park; Richland County ballpark plans move forward; Taxpayers deserve open debate about proposed ballpark; Richland County Council should hold stadium discussions in open session; Private investors should finance new Richland County ballpark; Catfish already have one fin out of Columbus; New plans for Richland County ballpark unveiled

Dodgers, NFL had meetings regarding new stadium
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Some Los Angeles officials are upset the Los Angeles Dodgers had discussions with the NFL about placing a team at the Dodger Stadium site and redeveloping part of the acreage as a retail complex. The discussions didn't go very far: the NFL informed the Dodgers that they were proceeding with negotiations for a renovated Coliseum and a new Anaheim stadium. Sure, the Dodgers had every right to pursue discussions (though, given the heavy commitment civic leaders have made toward a Coliseum redevelopment, it wasn't very wise on a political level), and the NFL made clear they were committed to other venues.

No team on deck to replace Cardinals at Skylands Park
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It sounds like efforts to bring an independent Can-Am Association team to Skylands Park, the former home of the New Jersey Cardinals (short season; NY-Penn League), have totally collapsed, leaving Sussex County without professional baseball this coming season. There are several options available for this privately owned ballpark: expand the facility in hopes of landing an Eastern League team, work for another affiliated team for 2007, work out a deal for a Can-Am Association or Atlantic League team for 2007, wait and see how a new nearby mall shakes out, or sell the facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Skylands back in the game; Can-Am close to placing team in Skylands Park; Can-Am Association not done for 2006; Skylands might stay teamless; Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006; Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short; New owners, league possible for Pride; Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit; Can-Am Association considers Nashua; Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson

Las Vegas: A chip in the game
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As the Oakland A's, Florida Marlins and Minnesota Twins seek new ballparks, there's one additional bond between the teams: they're all mentioned as possibly moving someday to Las Vegas. This article looks at Mayor Oscar Goodman's quest for a major-league team, and the long odds he faces in that quest: there's no ballpark, there's no financing plan for a ballpark, there are some questions about Las Vegas's market size, and there are concerns about gambling being a temptation for players. All of these issues are addressed here, and Las Vegas has one intangible; it's a hot commodity. Placing a team in Vegas would do more to raise baseball's national and international profile than placing a team in Portland.

Phillies farewell an opportunity
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The announcement that the Philadelphia Phillies would be switching their Class AAA affiliation from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League) to a new Allentown team in 2007 wasn't a surprise to many in the baseball world, and certainly not to the Red Barons front office. The argument in this editorial is that this gives the Red Barons a great chance for a fresh start. While there are several teams whose Class AAA affiliations are up for renewal at the end of the 2006 season, it's not realistic to think the Red Sox will abandon Pawtucket or the Yankees will leave Columbus for an aging facility with artificial turf. The most likely parent team: the Baltimore Orioles or the Washington Nationals.

Ballpark deal puts D.C. council in lose-lose situation
Posted December 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Times puts forward a pretty clear assessment of the Washington Nationals ballpark situation: the District is pretty much screwed. Under the terms of the original agreement to bring a new ballpark to Southeast Washington, the D.C. Council agreed to have a lease done by the end of the year. It won't. MLB has the upper hand: the agreement proscribes arbitration as a solution to any disputes, and given that D.C. has not lived up to the original agreement, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. The key to finalizing a deal: the developers who have bet on the development of the area will put some political pressure on council members.

Venezuela proposes hosting part of World Baseball Classic
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baseball officials from Venezuela are proposing moving games from San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium to Venezuela in response to the Bush administration's decision to bar Cuba from participating in the World Baseball Classic in March 2006. The plan, as outlined by Edwin Zerpa, president of the government-run Venezuelan Baseball Federation, would move the Group C games (featuring Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands and Panama) to Venezuela, with the final round moved from San Diego's Petco Park to Canada (presumably to Rogers Centre). This would allow Cuban participation in the tournament, but it would also cause untold grief for MLB officials. True, tickets for the San Juan games have not yet gone on sale. But tickets strips to the finals are sold out (though single-game tickets will be available next month), so a move of those games would be problematic at best.
    RELATED STORIES: Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball Classic

Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A meeting between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and two Hennepin County commissioners yielded a resolution to fight for legislative approval of a local sales tax to finance a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, though it was clear there was more enthusiasm coming from the governor than from the two county commissioners. The current financing plan, calling for a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County (excluding food and clothing), expires at the end of 2005, will be short by $30 million (the original plan was for a $478 million ballpark) but commissioner Mike Opat hinted any new deal could cover those increased costs -- and the Twins flatly ruled out contributing more to the deal. But no specifics came from the meeting, other than general statements of support from the trio, and the Hennepin County officials clearly were more cautious about the prospects of making a deal. Interestingly, no one from the Twins was present at the meeting, and both Jerry Bell and Dave St. Peter sounded downright pessimistic about the chances of any deal receiving legislative approval. A $30 million funding gap shouldn't be hard to close, and given that the Twins are getting a new facility that will likely double the value of the franchise for just $125 million (which includes rent and could be offset by a naming-rights deal), team officials may need to be a little more flexible and diplomatic as they proceed. More from the Pioneer Press.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; 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

Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems dead
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A proposal for a $330-million development anchored by a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems to be collapsing. Richmond Mayor Douglas Wilder hasn't heard from the Braves or Global Development Partners about the project for some time, and he wants to move discussions to Time Warner, the owners of the Braves and parent team Atlanta Braves. Good luck there; with the entire Braves operation on the market, there's little chance Time Warner is going to spend a whole lot of time on a $330 million development project. the city's latest proposal is for a ballpark at the Fulton Gas Works site, an old, unused industrial complex at the bottom of Church Hill in the eastern part of the city.
    RELATED STORIES: 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 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

Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems dead
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A proposal for a $330-million development anchored by a new ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom seems to be collapsing. Richmond Mayor Douglas Wilder hasn't heard from the Braves or Global Development Partners about the project for some time, and he wants to move discussions to Time Warner, the owners of the Braves and parent team Atlanta Braves. Good luck there; with the entire Braves operation on the market, there's little chance Time Warner is going to spend a whole lot of time on a $330 million development project. the city's latest proposal is for a ballpark at the Fulton Gas Works site, an old, unused industrial complex at the bottom of Church Hill in the eastern part of the city.
    RELATED STORIES: 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 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

Mets toss changeup in Nassau County proposal
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Mets are still pitching a new minor-league ballpark as part of a larger development at the Nassau Coliseum, the home of the NHL's New York Islanders, but the new plan now calls for a light-rail station (linking to LIRR) and a new arena, as opposed to a renovated Coliseum. The $1.5 billion proposal faces competition from other developers, but no one else is proposing a new ballpark, and the other two proposals -- including one from Wang, the owner of the Islanders -- involves a renovation of the aging Coliseum. Nearby Hofstra University supports the Mets proposal.
    RELATED STORIES: Future of Nassau County ballpark to be decided in December; Mets proposing new minor-league ballpark in Nassau County

State financing eyed for Holyoke project
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Holyoke, Mass. officials are looking at a new state financing tool to help it land a $110-million development in the city's Ingleside section that would include a new ballpark for the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League). Last summer Mandalay Baseball announced plans for a $110 million project that includes building a 6,500-seat ballpark, a 133-room hotel, 75,000 square feet of office and retail space, 73 high-density single-family homes, 255 market-rate apartments, and three acres of surface parking in 41 acres. Mayor Michael Sullivan said that a memorandum of understanding between Mandalay and the city is close to being signed, but the company is waiting for a waiver from the Boston Red Sox to move the SeaWolves into BoSox territory.

Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the developer of the team's new proposed ballpark are courting hundreds of local minority business owners -- from builders and vendors to landscape artists -- to get involved with the $43 million project. Next month, scores of people are invited to participate in a workshop that will encourage company owners who are women or ethnic minorities, such as African-American and Hispanic, to get involved with a residential and retail development planned around the proposed ballpark at the old Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant site downtown.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Diamond awkward fit for an Emerald
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ah, for the good old days when football was played at baseball stadiums, on weirdly configured fields. SBC Park is hosting the Emerald Bowl tomorrow night, but to fit a football field on the home field of the San Francisco Giants took some doing. The 80-foot Coke bottle and the huge baseball glove are in back of the end zone, where the left-field warning track cuts in front of the goal posts. The press box is in a corner, behind the other end zone. McCovey Cove is behind the team benches, which are on the same side of the field. For obvious reasons it's not desirable to put the benches next to one another; as you'll recall both benches were on the same side of the field at Met Stadium, the former home of the Minnesota Vikings.

Baseball Notes
Posted December 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lynchburg Hillcats (Class A; Carolina League) announced its coaching staff for the 2006 season: Gary Green will be spending his inaugural season in the Pirates system as manager of the Hillcats. Bob Milacki is the only returning member of the 2005 Hillcats field staff, and will serve as pitching coach. Ramon Sambo joined the Pirates organization in 1995, but will be making his first tour of duty in Lynchburg as hitting coach. Rounding out the staff will be veteran trainer Bryan Housand....

Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball Classic
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials from Venezuela say the county may boycott the upcoming World Baseball Classic if Cuba is not allowed to participate, following an earlier declaration from Puerto Rican officials that their country might skip the tourney for the same reason. The U.S. government, under pressure from Cuban-American congressmen, denied permission for a Cuban team to play in the March 2006 tourney, but that decision is under appeal -- and it probably didn't help when Fidel Castro called President George Bush a "fool" for the decision to exclude Cuba. More from the New York Daily News.

Pawlenty calls meeting to extend Twins ballpark deal
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has called a meeting with Hennepin County commissioners today to discuss extending the Twins financing deal though 2006, giving the Minnesota Legislature time to deliberate the plan in the upcoming session. The deal calls for a new downtown Minneapolis ballpark to be financed with a 0.15 percent Hennepin County sales tax (with food and clothing exempted), but the original county legislation is due to expire Saturday. The Twins say that deal may not be valid any longer, as costs of the ballpark have risen since the original $478 million estimate, but county officials say they're willing to discuss the matter with Pawlenty -- so long as he's willing to back the project and not try to position himself on both sides of the issue, as he did last fall to disastrous political results. (How disastrous? The incumbent is now an underdog in the polls as he faces reelection in the fall, as pollster Zogby has challenger Mike Hatch defeating Pawlenty.) More on the ballpark negotiations.

Phillies close to a triple-A shift to Allentown
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Philadelphia Phillies are likely to make the new Allentown International League team their top farm team for the 2007 season, which would end a longtime relationship with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League), a Phillies official said. The Phillies' player development deal with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where the Red Barons have played since 1989, expires after the 2006 season. Phillies AGM Mike Arbuckle said the team has informed the minor league club's management that the affiliation will probably not be renewed. Baseball entrepreneurs Craig Stein and Joseph Finley, both of whom have close ties to the Phillies, are financing the new Allentown ballpark. No surprise -- we've repeatedly reported that this is in the cards -- but the specific ownership of the relocated Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) may be surprising to many. More from the Scranton Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Money mounts for Lehigh Valley minor league baseball; Tropicana plans to create lots more than slots parlor in Allentown; Casino owner to unveil Allentown proposal

Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way to voters
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jackson County officials say they plan to ask voters to approve a 3/8th-cent sales tax on April 4 to fund the bulk of $575 million in improvements at the Truman Sports Complex, including renovations to Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals. The updates will include wider concourses and additional concession stands. Kauffman Stadium will improve its outfield area for fans, especially for the younger ones, and add additional fountains, possibly ones similar to those at Disney World that children can jump in. The Royals will cover cost overruns and the amount that taxpayers would spend on maintaining the facilities would be capped; also, the team will commit to Kansas City through 2031.
    RELATED STORIES: Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal; Sizing up challenge of raising the roof; Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium; Kauffman Stadium to get roof?; Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal; Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark; Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in voters' hands; Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision; Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate cost; Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check; Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
D.C. officials have so far failed to persuade developers and the federal government to chip in for a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals on South Capitol Street, raising questions about whether D.C. Council members can be convinced of approving a lease agreement for the ballpark. It may be a little too early to declare efforts a failure, however: discussions to procure federal funding for an expanded Metro stop at the ballpark are ongoing. More from the Baltimore Sun and the Free Lance-Star. More from Harry Jaffe, who predicts local developers will step up to close any funding gaps. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell is part of the Fred Malek group seeking to buy the Nationals, and he had this to say on the whole situation: "I hope the city council will find a way to support the stadium deal. That will work itself out one way or the other. ... And I think we can do, perhaps, a better job than any other group to represent the interests of the community and to make sure that the Washington Nationals reach out to the community, bring baseball back into the inner city, get more young African-American kids and other minority kids interested in baseball." Worth noting: the Malek group is not one of the groups promising to cover any cost overruns on the new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year; D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed; Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease; MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site; D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions; True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget; Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark; New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million; Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says; Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark; MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark; Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.; D.C. lease talks stumble; New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal; D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed; Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts; D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today; Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark; Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan; Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council debate on financing looms; D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal; Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council

RoughRiders pitch pool in ballpark berm
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League) President Mike McCall wants to build a 1,500-square-foot swimming pool in the right-center field grass berm in the stadium's outfield. A pool at ballparks isn't new -- both Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Dell Diamond, the home of the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), feature them -- but this one sounds to be fairly elaborate, with a waterfall feature in the middle. Construction can begin as the city gives its approval and could be completed in time for a March 30 MLB exhibition game.

In D.C. drama over baseball, it's hard to tell who's on first
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One huge factor complicating the completion of a lease for a new Washington Nationals ballpark: a leadership void among the top players in city government. Mayor Anthony Williams has lived up to his reputation as a better policymaker than politician. D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp has faltered in trying to broker a stadium deal that would buttress her aspirations to succeed Williams. And former mayor Marion Barry has vaulted back into the spotlight, trying to negotiate a secret deal that would dictate the team's new ownership. The interesting thing to remember here, though, is that none of the three wants to see baseball leave the District -- and when there is ultimate a uniting goal like this, a deal usually can be made.

We need to commemorate our ballpark’s passing
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Now that Watt Powell Park, the former home of the Charleston Charlies (Class AAA; International League) and the Charleston Alley Cats (Class A; Sally League), is no more, here's a call for the owners of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) to erect a marker at the Watt Powell Park site to commemorate the old ballpark and Charleston's baseball history. That site was home both to Watt Powell and Kanawha Park, a World War I-vintage wooden ballpark whose burning caused Watt Powell Park to be built in the first place. Some sort of historical display at Appalachian Power Park wouldn't be out of line, either.

'Bull' had 'one of the biggest hearts of anybody'
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Many in the baseball world are mourning the loss of Shawn "Bull" Bulman, who worked for the Huntsville Stars since their origin in 1985 until 2001 in various capacities, including clubhouse manager. He was killed last week in an auto accident at the age of 34. Former Stars who made it to the big leagues, including Bucky Jacobsen, Derrick Lee and Ryan Knox, kept in touch with Bulman long after they'd left. A scholarship fund has been set up for Bulman's two sons, Jack and Sam, at local Regions Banks in Huntsville.

Portland baseball backers eye Coliseum as stadium site
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oregon Sports Authority said it wants to analyze the Memorial Coliseum property in Portland's Rose Quarter district to determine whether the site could hold a Major League Baseball ballpark. The plot would likely be the smallest plot among the six possible sites studied by city leaders. Another possible site -- land controlled by the U.S. Postal Service in the Pearl District -- may be available soon. Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority, said his group will invite Florida Marlins officials to visit Portland in the next month.

Doolittle has fond memories of Travelers
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With this being the last season for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) playing at Ray Winder Field, you can expect lots of stories about oldtimers making their way to the ballpark for one last go. Here's a profile of Marland "Duke" Doolittle, who played for the Travs for eight years after World War II. He has particularly strong memories of the 1951 squad, whose winning ways saved baseball in Little Rock.

In D.C. drama over baseball, it's hard to tell who's on first
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One huge factor complicating the completion of a lease for a new Washington Nationals ballpark: a leadership void among the top players in city government. Mayor Anthony Williams has lived up to his reputation as a better policymaker than politician. D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp has faltered in trying to broker a stadium deal that would buttress her aspirations to succeed Williams. And former mayor Marion Barry has vaulted back into the spotlight, trying to negotiate a secret deal that would dictate the team's new ownership. The interesting thing to remember here, though, is that none of the three wants to see baseball leave the District -- and when there is ultimate a uniting goal like this, a deal usually can be made.

Rochester Honkers unveil new logos
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Rochester Honkers (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) unveiled two new logo designs for the 2006 season and beyond. The concept was a culmination of months of cooperation between the Honkers front office and Corporate Web Services (CWS) of Rochester.
    "We felt the timing was right to update our existing logo, while still maintaining its strong tradition," said Rochester Honkers General Manager /Co-Owner Dan Litzinger. "The original logo is not gone but will always be an original cornerstone of the organization."
    The designer of the new logos is Lyle Mullican, graphics designer and web developer for CWS. Mullican , the winner of the 2005 Rochesterfest button design contest, has developed numerous prominent area web sites and also creates fine art with work shown at the Gilded Star Art Gallery in Rochester.

New scoreboard for Jerry Uht Park wins approval
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The contract for the new scoreboard at Jerry Uht Park, the home of the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League), was awarded Thursday to the company that built the respective scoreboards at Cleveland's Jacobs Field and Pittsburgh's PNC Park. The Erie County Convention Center Authority's contract with Daktronics, is for $962,100. The amount would increase to $1.09 million if the authority were to decide to upgrade a planned auxiliary scoreboard in the left-field area of the ballpark. Also, the city council unanimously approved an easement agreement between the city and the Erie County Convention Center Authority, a move that allows an expansion of Jerry Uht Park.

New Manchester owner heats up Eastern League off-season
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Arthur Solomon, the new owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) raised some eyebrows when he told a local business group he would do everything he could to lure the Boston Red Sox to a new affiliation deal. The front office of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) raised a rightful fuss, but in the end it was much ado about nothing: we're betting the local business group wanted to hear about a Red Sox affiliation (even though, for various reasons, it could not happen soon and would actually be a dumb move on the part of the BoSox), and Solomon is trying to please his audience. As for Solomon's statements about his team playing at Fenway Park: the BoSox say they're trying to work out a day for a Sea Dogs/Fisher Cats game, so the mention in this article is a cheap shot.

Ballpark sauce not down and out
Posted December 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cincinnati Reds formerly featured Mrs. Wrights' Recipe, a locally produced tangy sauce, at ballgames before Sportservice switched to prepackaged condiments for the 2004 season (Does anyone actually like prepackaged condiments? Smearing mustard on a dog from a little packet is such a pain.) Losing the Reds account was a big loss for the firm: the team accounted for 40 percent of the small company's sales, now down to the $24,000 yearly level. Company founder Bobby Wright has rebounded: sales are up slightly, and she plans on a media campaign to push awareness of the sauce.