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Archives: June 25-July 1, 2006

Kauffman Stadium tax credits get OK
Posted June 30, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
State officials on Thursday approved $50 million in tax credits for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) to help fund renovations at Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium. The unanimous vote by the Missouri Development Finance Board represents the state’s part of the plan to renovate the stadiums and allows the $575 million project to move forward. Nonetheless, a state lawmaker and an economist spoke against giving the tax credits to the teams, while board members leaned on the Royals to give out more free tickets.
     RELATED STORIES: Stadium vote sets 'pros' in motion; Royals win funding for Kauffman Stadium renovations; voters reject rolling roof; Royals bring out big guns on eve of stadiums vote; Kauffman to get All-Star Game if renovations are approved; Royals unveil Kauffman Stadium renovation plans; Teams say upgrades will make stadiums 'brand new'; Is Kansas City stadium tax good deal for voters?; Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark taxes; Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City ballpark; Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof; Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand; Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for Kauffman Stadium; Future of Truman complex now up to voters; Royals agree to ticket surcharge; Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?; Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for Kauffman Stadium; Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians; Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way to voters; Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal; Sizing up challenge of raising the roof; Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium; Kauffman Stadium to get roof?; Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal; Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark; Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in voters' hands; Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision; Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate cost; Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check; Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Dylan to play minor-league ballparks again
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The Bob Dylan Show has just announced the third annual tour of America’s minor-league ballparks. In the past two years, nearly a half-million fans have enjoyed a night under the stars with The Bob Dylan Show. Joining The Bob Dylan Show this summer will be two modern legends of the electric guitar-Texas-style. Guitar Player Magazine calls Jimmie Vaughan "a virtual deity … a living legend." His younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan cited Jimmie as the biggest inspiration in his own career. As a founding member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie sparked a rhythm-and-blues revival that continues unabated today. Veteran roadhouse singer Lou Ann Barton will be joining his band for this summer’s trek. Rounding out the bill: Austin-based Junior Brown. Full itinerary within.

2008 All-Star Game would be fitting send-off for historic Yankee Stadium
Posted June 30, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
USA Today argues for the 2008 All-Star Game to be played at Yankee Stadium, in that ballpark's final season. You could say USA Today is overstating the historical important of the current Yankee Stadium: most date the ballpark back only to the mid-1970s, when it was totally rebuilt over the span of two years. Yes, the site is historic, but whether the current facility rises to the level of requiring an All-Star Game remains to be seen. We're guessing MLB will pass on this pitch and award a future game to the new Yankee Stadium instead; there are some deserving ballparks (like Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the new Busch Stadium) in line already.

Young confirms interest in buying three teams from Comcast
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Ken Young has confirmed he's interested in buying the Bowie BaySox (Class AA; Eastern League), Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) and Delmarva Shorebirds (Low Class A; Sally League) from Comcast-Spectator, which has had the teams on the market for three years. Young heads the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and is president of Ovations Food Service, which runs the food service at the ballparks in Frederick, Bowie and Delmarva.
    RELATED STORIES: Young to buy three teams from Comcast?; Triple Play withdraws offer to buy Baysox, Keys and Shorebirds

Blue Jays, Syracuse sign PDC extension
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The Syracuse SkyChiefs (Class AAA; International League) signed a two-year extension to the Player Development Contract with the Toronto Blue Jays during a press conference on June 29 at Alliance Bank Stadium. The two-year agreement will keep Syracuse and Toronto united through the 2008 season. Syracuse has been the Triple-A affiliate of Toronto since the Blue Jays' inception in 1978. The 29-year relationship between the two teams is currently the eleventh longest in Minor League Baseball and the fifth longest in Triple-A. More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Deal for Nassau County ballpark moves forward
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An ambitious plan to redevelop Nassau Coliseum that includes a new minor-league ballpark took a step forward yesterday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by developers and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. The memo paves the way for a lease with the Lighthouse Development Group, a partnership of New York Islanders (NHL) owner Charles Wang and Reckson Associates Realty Corp., which plans to build housing, office space, restaurants, shops and a ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team on the 77-acre site. The $1.6-billion project includes a $320-million overhaul of the Coliseum, the home of the Islanders and the New York Dragons (AFL).
    RELATED STORIES: Reckson-Wang group lands development rights to Nassau Coliseum; Reckson signs MOU to bring Atlantic League team to Nassau County development; Islanders add new ballpark to Nassau Coliseum plan; Either way, Nassau can't lose; Mets make the cut in Nassau County redevelopment project; Suburban renewal in Nassau County; Mets toss changeup in Nassau County proposal; Future of Nassau County ballpark to be decided in December; Mets proposing new minor-league ballpark in Nassau County

Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium
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A $5-million plan to update Memorial Stadium, the home of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League), is on hold while city officials continue to discuss a new downtown ballpark. Changes would include installation of a roof over the grandstand, a new video scoreboard, improvements to seating and the picnic area, and a new playing field. The current field doesn’t drain as quickly as it once did, Wizards General Manager Mike Nutter said, causing some games to be rained out that might have been completed in previous years. Even though a study on the feasibility of building a downtown stadium isn’t expected to be released for several weeks, Brown said improvements to the existing stadium need to be considered now because the Wizards’ 10-year lease with Memorial Stadium expires at the end of next year. Work on the stadium -- and how it would be funded -- would have to be addressed in negotiations.
    RELATED STORIES: A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Adding a baseball stadium tax? Thanks for asking, but no
Posted June 30, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Allentown Morning Call comes out against Mayor Ed Pawlowski's proposal to add an amusement tax to game tickets sold at a new Lehigh Valley ballpark for a new International League team. The issue: Allentown was never a player in the project, and team owners are coming up with 85 percent of the costs of the ballpark, with local government coming up with the remaining 15 percent. It's really an issue of fairness: the city is contributing nothing to the ballpark, and the proposal to bar the city from collecting the amusement tax should pass. 
    RELATED STORIES: Allentown mayor balks at plan to ban baseball ticket tax; Ballpark Preview: Allentown / Lehigh Valley; Instincts have made Finley a major dealer in the minors; Allentown ballpark plans moving forward; Allentown baseball plans, team announced

Owensboro chamber backs minor-league baseball project
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The Greater Owensboro Area Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously Thursday to support the Bring Back Baseball project, including its request for a land lease for a ballpark/concert pavilion to be privately funded and built in English Park. The City Commission rejected Bring Back Baseball's request for a lease on the park earlier this year in a 3-2 vote. There's currently a summer collegiate KIT League team in Owensboro, but supporters are targeting the independent Frontier League with their efforts.

Lansing Stadium District gets boost from tax break
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Around a vacant lot that once was part of Lansing's "Sin Strip," city officials and a local developer plan to create a new destination complete with housing, bars and restaurants. The catalyst: The Stadium District project, a $12.3 million proposal by local developer Pat Gillespie that includes 54 condominiums and apartments as well as retail and office space across from Oldsmobile Park, the home of the Lansing Lugnuts (Low Class A; Midwest League). The envisioned result: a newly created district surrounding the project that would provide a much-needed boost to Lansing's downtown, which often resembles a ghost town come evening.

Heart of city beats at Surprise Center
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The first time we visited Surprise Stadium, the spring home of the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals, we were struck by the relative desolation of the site: yeah, there was a housing development across the way and a retail development up the way, but little else surrounding the ballpark. Today the ballpark anchors Surprise Center, where amenities like a library, a water park and of course the ballpark are attracting residents to the Phoenix suburb.

Disotell to build arena in Pearl; Smith-Wills spared for now
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Jackson, Miss., has lost one proposed sports arena but now has another one in the planning stages. Developer Greg Disotell on Thursday said he will build a sports arena -- originally planned for the Lakeland Drive site where Smith-Wills Stadium stands -- in nearby Pearl. Meanwhile, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton said later the city has another party interested in building an arena downtown. The arena in Pearl will have seating for up to 12,000 and be home to the Mississippi Headhunters (AF2), a team Disotell owns and will relocate from Biloxi. Disotell says a national chain has committed to building a 150-room hotel adjacent to the arena. The maneuvering would seem to spare Smith-Wills Stadium, the former home of independent and affiliated baseball in Jackson.

Niagara Falls not quite ready for pro baseball
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A look at the numbers shows Niagara Falls is a long-shot -- at best -- to host affiliated baseball again. Niagara Falls had a community-owned franchise in the short-season NY-Penn League (1971-1979) and then lost a second NY-Penn League team when the Professional Baseball Agreement took shape in 1990, mandating a criteria that ballparks needed to remain viable, Niagara Falls needed to pony up cash to bring Sal Maglie Stadium to specs. Many cities, like Batavia, begged for state funding and got some. Niagara Falls, which needed about $2 million to bring the dilapidated Maglie to code, couldn’t match grants it might have been eligible for.

Retract those plans for a roof -- Twins don't need it
Posted June 29, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
AP's Dave Campbell argues against a roof over a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, saying it's not needed in the cold climes of Minnesota. One of things you must remember when you read an article like this: it's written by someone who watches most baseball games from a climate-controlled press box and spends very little, if any, time in the stands among the common folk. His argument: because the roof at Miller Park doesn't allow views of the local surroundings, there shouldn't be a roof on a new Minnesota Twins ballpark. Now, we agree the setup at Miller Park isn't the best: even when the roof is open, you know you're in an indoor ballpark. But that doesn't invalidate the idea of the roof: we'd prefer to use the example of Safeco Field, where you feel like you're outdoors even when the umbrella-like roof is closed. You can have exposure to the outdoors and a great view of the downtown skyline even if a roof is installed, as the ballpark experience in Seattle clearly shows.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand; Twins ballpark spending plan outlined; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis; Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight; supporters weren't; Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this week; Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening slated for 2010; Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark plan; Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't think Twins need new ballpark; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough votes to pass; Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in Minnesota Legislature; Twins laying off threats, for now; It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us; Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again;  Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark;  Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Barons have options, but why change Sox?
Posted June 29, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The news that the San Diego Padres and the Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League) has sent some shock waves through the Southern League, and you can bet there will be a few more reevaluations of affiliates. It would be a shock, however, for the Chicago White Sox and the Birmingham Barons not to continue their two-decade-old relationship: the White Sox continually send winning teams to Birmingham, and local fan support is great. The only issue raised by owner Don Logan is whether he will pursue a Class AAA Pacific Coast League franchise, something he hints at here. Perhaps he can look at buying the Colorado Spring Sky Sox; we've heard potential buyers of PCL franchises are being told to contact the Sky Sox ownership. Check out the latest news on our Affiliates 2006 page.
    RELATED STORIES: Padres may part ways with Mobile

Yankee Stadium hockey derailed
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It's the battle of unnamed sources in New York City: yesterday unnamed sources said the NHL, the New York Yankees, the city of New York and NBC were looking at holding a New Year's Day outdoor game at Yankee Stadium -- a move confirmed by Yankees officials. Today an unnamed NHL official says those discussions have been dead for a long time and there's little chance of a game happening. The issue, however, remains the same: whether Yankee Stadium is capable of hosting a winter event when it comes to practicalities like water, concessions and restrooms. More from Newsday.
    RELATED STORIES: Rangers vs. Isles at Yankee Stadium?

Retired city official working to keep Wranglers
Posted June 29, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Wichita has asked a retired public works director to re-establish a relationship with Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) ownership in an attempt to keep the minor-league baseball team at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Steve Lackey, who retired in January 2004, worked closely with owners Bob and Mindy Rich during the $5.1 million renovations to the ballpark from 1989 to 1991. It will be interesting to see how the Riches respond: they've not set foot in Wichita for at least two years, providing the ultimate in hands-off ownership.
    RELATED STORIES: Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?; Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence; City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move; Arkansas town woos Wranglers; Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need; New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say; Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark; Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote; Springdale ballpark details still under construction; Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale ballpark tax; If Springdale ballpark built team will follow, planners are told; Royals’ farm club seeks home?; Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball; Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark funding options; Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark; Springdale ballpark site under contract; Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries; Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter; Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark; Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

All-Star Game security to cover all the bases
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Unless you have a ticket to the All-Star Game, you won't be welcome in the PNC Park vicinity, according to Pittsburgh officials, who announced street and bridge closings surrounding PNC Park and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, as well as restrictions on travel on the Allegheny River, all tied to All-Star Game events that kick off July 7. Street closures will actually begin on July 5, and in the days before and after the July 11 All-Star Game, closings will stretch from Art Rooney Avenue in front of Heinz Field to 11th Street next to the convention center. Certain roads will be open only to pedestrians, and motorists entering temporary safety zones around both venues will be subject to searches. Only certain vessels will be allowed on the river, and boaters won't be allowed to anchor or moor.

Mad about anger management
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It didn't take long for another team to take promotional advantage of the monumental tantrum thrown by Asheville Tourists (Low Class A; Sally League) manager Jim Mikulik, The Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League) announced that their Sept. 3 game against the Tourists will be "Anger Management Night." Fans will compete in a base-throwing contest and receive free "stress balls" -- they are squeezed to relieve frustration -- as well as books and DVDs on anger management.
    RELATED STORIES: Sally League suspends Mikulik for seven games, fines him $1,000; Minor-league manager goes berserk during game in Kentucky

Reds swing and miss
Posted June 29, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Sarasota newspaper comes out against a plan for a new spring-training development for the Cincinnati Reds, saying the team's contribution of $6 million toward the $54 million project isn't adequate. As it stands now, the Reds are getting a deal -- the Phillies are paying $10 million over the course of their lease at Bright House Networks Field -- and it looks more than likely the Reds will need to come up with more money to close a funding gap if the project is to become a reality.
    RELATED STORIES: Disney may open new world to Indians; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven; FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp runs into trouble; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Osceola County wooing Indians; Could Indians end up training at Disney World?; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature; Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida House; County money just part of Indians spring site's need; Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly at Dodgers; Polk County commits $23 million to sports facilities, including new Indians spring complex; Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move; Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding Cactus League shift; Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains consistent in Florida; Florida lawmakers approve spring-training facilities bill; FAU considering a deal with Indians for spring-training complex; Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training complex; Moving away from tradition; Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses for Casa Grande; Tradition and economics in Florida; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding war; Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven contract; Dodgertown is a little less blue; State should spring for aid to teams; Glendale says it will be talking to teams about spring-training site; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks; Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training ballpark?; Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring training; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities; Lee County game for third team; Spring-training facility not in city's best interests; Baseball, stadium would benefit city; Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape Coral

Saints set attendance record
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The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) know how to reward a crowd. Pat Scalabrini homered twice and drove in a career single-game-high five runs and Jeremy Frost added a solo shot in an 8-3 victory before a single-game-record crowd of 8,592 at Midway Stadium Wednesday afternoon. The standing-room-only throng, which included fans who sat on the warning track in left and right field, beat the old figure of 8,514 set in 2004.

Woman charged with stalking Uecker ordered to have no contact
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A woman charged with stalking Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker has been ordered to have no contact with him and avoid any ballpark where the Milwaukee Brewers play. Ann E. Ladd was released on a signature bond Wednesday in Milwaukee County District Court. She was ordered to stay away from Uecker's home and workplace, including Miller Park in Milwaukee and any major league ballpark, and stay at least 1,000 feet from him at all times. The court denied a motion by the defense to dismiss all charges, with the judge finding probable cause for a trial.
    RELATED STORIES: Uecker: She's been stalking me for years

Hawaii Winter Baseball makes return to Oahu
Posted June 29, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On hiatus since 1997, Hawaii Winter Baseball officially heralded its return at a press conference yesterday, with the season's first pitch scheduled for Oct. 1 at Hans L'Orange Field. The league's sixth season will feature four teams -- all based on Oahu -- with U.S. minor-league prospects mixed with pros from Japan and Korea. The four teams -- the Honolulu Sharks, West Oahu CaneFires, Waikiki Beach Boys and North Shore Honu -- will each play 40 games during the regular season, with the top two meeting for the championship on Nov. 22. The Sharks and Beach Boys (which make up the HWB East division) will be based at Les Murakami Stadium. The CaneFires and Honu (HWB West) will play their home games at Hans L'Orange in Waipahu. Several business factors made resurrecting the league possible: Major League Baseball has agreed to pay 100 percent of the salaries for coaches and players, local and Japanese sponsors stepped up, and a broadcaster will televise games live to Japan.

Rangers vs. Isles at Yankee Stadium?
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Groundwork is being laid for a January 1, 2007 game between the NHL's New York Rangers and New York Islanders at Yankee Stadium. Preliminary discussions between New York City officials. the NHL, the Yankees, the two teams and NBC -- which would televise the proposed Jan. 1 regular-season contest between the arch rivals -- began last week, according to numerous people with knowledge of the talks. The NHL staged the only outdoor game in its history on Nov. 22, 2003, at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, home of the Edmonton Eskimos football team, and wants to recapture that buzz with an outdoor game in the United States between U.S.-based teams. More than 56,000 fans bundled up in near-zero-degree weather -- doubling the record for the largest crowd to even watch an NHL game -- and saw the Montreal Canadiens edge the Edmonton Oilers 4-3. The biggest issue, apparently, is whether the ballpark is actually usable in terms of water and concessions that time of year.

DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again
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MLB COO Robert DuPuy was in Miami again to talk new Marlins ballpark with team ownership and local officials. Among issues discussed were assembling land in western Hialeah; obtaining permits to build on the property after the state recently raised issues of water availability; and filling a gap in a proposed $430 million ballpark plan. The Florida Department of Community Affairs is opposing a plan to build a new Florida Marlins ballpark on a 1,000-acre Hialeah site, saying a lack of potable water in the area and the negative impact of increased traffic on Florida's Turnpike were reasons to delay the proposal from Miami-Dade County. However, DuPuy says local officials are optimistic they can address these concerns; the bigger concern, probably, is the funding gap; though team officials say they can build a new retractable-roof ballpark for $430 million, the actual number given the recent hikes in steel and concrete prices is probably closer to $500 million. More from the Miami Herald.
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Peter Gammons hospitalized after aneurysm
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ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons came out of surgery and was in intensive care last night for a brain aneurysm. Gammons, who had planned to be at Fenway Park last night, was stricken near his home on Cape Cod and air-lifted to a Boston hospital, his wife, Gloria, told the Boston Globe's Bob Ryan. Indications were he will remain in intensive care for 10-12 days, his wife said. Doctors are being cautiously optimistic on his recovery. He was the recipient of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing during the 2005 Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 31 in Cooperstown, N.Y., and is popularly known around the game as the "commissioner" because of his ubiquitous presence. Recently, Gammons worked an ESPN ``Sunday Night Baseball" game in Los Angeles, took a red-eye home, and was at Fenway at 9 the next morning for the Sox' Patriots Day game.

Hagerstown: Water one day, a ballgame the next
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Municipal Stadium, the home of the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), had three feet of water in some parts of the right-field corner after yesterday's storms dumped inches and inches of rain along the East Coast, leaving to flooding. As quickly as the rain came, it went: Kurt Landes, GM of the Suns, reports the water has receded and the ballpark will be ready for tonight's 7:05 p.m. game. The Suns were lucky: because of flooding on City Island and at Commerce Bank Park, the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League) shifted a weekend series from Harrisburg to Bowie, where they'll play a Saturday doubleheader, beginning at noon.

The right-field corner yesterday.

The right-field corner today.

The left-field corner yesterday.

The concourse area yesterday.

Environmental issues raise concerns on new Nats ballpark
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City leaders and ballpark architects have less than a week to respond to a series of critiques from residents and zoning officials regarding plans for the Washington Nationals new ballpark, including whether the massive environmental problems at the site can be overcome. After hearing more than five hours of testimony, the D.C. Zoning Commission asked the city to show that it is using the "best environmental practices" in preparing the ballpark site for construction. Several nonprofit groups cautioned that the city was not doing enough to filter the polluted groundwater that flows into the river. The ballpark site was once populated by gas stations, an asphalt plant and a trash transfer facility, and the ballpark construction team is preparing to excavate several underground gasoline tanks. 
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Roger Dean Stadium a strong revenue source
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Despite a 9 percent drop in spring training attendance, Roger Dean Stadium brought at least $28.5 million to Palm Beach County last year, according to a study paid for by the county's Tourist Development Council. Spring training (both the St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins train there), national youth baseball competitions, minor league baseball (in the form of the Florida State League's Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals), fantasy baseball camps and college recruiting events make Roger Dean an important player in attracting local tourism, said Pam Gerig-Bland, executive director for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Twins searching for trademark ballpark design
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jerry Bell, president of the Minnesota Twins, says the team is looking for a signature ballpark design. The team has been working with HOK on some plans, but the architect for the ballpark project still has been not determined (Hennepin County will actually be making that decision). Some features of the ballpark were determined in the enabling legislation passed this spring by the Minnesota Legislature, while other need to be determined with the input of the team. The site will present some issues: although it's set in the city's downtown Warehouse District area, that particular parcel of land doesn't have many attractive vistas. Here's our free advice for the day: when Bassett Creek is uncovered, route a portion of it through the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand; Twins ballpark spending plan outlined; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis; Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight; supporters weren't; Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this week; Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening slated for 2010; Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark plan; Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't think Twins need new ballpark; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough votes to pass; Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in Minnesota Legislature; Twins laying off threats, for now; It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us; Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again;  Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark;  Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Firm seeks Sox radio network name deal
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owner of radio stations WEEI and WRKO, fresh from signing one of Major League Baseball's most expensive radio rights deals, has found a way to get some money back: selling naming rights to the Red Sox radio network. "We'll be right back on the WEEI/WRKO (Your Company Name) Red Sox Radio Network," proclaims promotional material for the deal. Entercom Communications Corp., parent of the two stations, plans to mail out requests for proposals to 25 top advertisers this week to gauge their interest in the five-year agreement. The asking price: several million dollars a year. The new sponsor will get air time on all 66 of the radio stations that broadcast Red Sox baseball across New England as soon as the latter part of this season. And the number of stations may grow: The Red Sox and Entercom are laying plans to broadcast Sox games in several major areas outside New England that are home to large numbers of Red Sox fans, including Florida, Arizona, and California, Kahn said. (MLB may have something to say about that, however.)

Friends try to keep Duncan Park in play
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We covered this yesterday, but here's an article from the local newspaper about a group seeking to preserve Duncan Park, the current home of the Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) and the former home to professional baseball in the South Carolina community. Conversation and controversy have swirled around the ballpark since Spartanburg city officials announced two weeks ago that the stadium would be padlocked -- but not torn down -- at the end of the summer. It would take upwards of a million dollars to perform basic maintenance, and the city says it can't afford it.
    RELATED STORIES: Group forms in effort to save Duncan Park; Duncan Park down to 9th inning, 2 outs

Swing to attempt to break Chicken Dance record
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Our parents are probably a little disgusted about us being devoted to a career covering the Chicken Dance (albeit for a good cause), but here goes. Fans in attendance at the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League) game against the Fort Wayne Wizards on the Fourth of July will have a chance to make history by participating in the Great American Chicken Dance during the fourth inning. The dance is part of a nationwide attempt to break the record for the most people participating in the Great American Chicken Dance at one time. The existing record was set in 1996 in Canfield, Oh., when 72,000 people got on their feet to shake their tail feathers. With the help of minor league baseball teams, fans around the country are attempting to break the record, as tracked by the Guinness Book of World Records. All proceeds from the event will benefit Classroom on Wheels, an educational charity that provides curricular and extra-curricular support to 59 school districts throughout central Texas.

Legendary Detroit sports bar to be razed
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Shuttered since 2002, the venerable Lindell AC, like empty Tigers Stadium a half-mile away, is headed for the wrecking ball. On Tuesday, Economic Development Corp. awarded a $193,000 contract to Homrich Wrecking to raze the sentimental structure on Michigan Avenue so Detroit can build a state-of-the-art transportation hub. When former Lindell AC owner John Butsicaris closed the bar on Cass and Michigan Avenue, he had talked about reopening the institution, which had perennially landed on lists of the nation's best sports bars. But those plans, once slated for 1001 Woodward, eventually fizzled out.

West Texas Baseball says plans are on again for baseball in Wolfforth
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Are plans for professional baseball in Wolfforth dead or alive? Depends on who you ask. Folks close to the project say it's dead, as a major investor in a complex featuring a Class AA-level ballpark and a college baseball hall of fame was found to have used embezzled funds on the project. However, representatives from West Texas Professional Baseball are telling local media new investors have been identified and the project is back on track, though no work has been done on it in recent months. Also, the mayor of Lubbock has taken steps to bring professional baseball to that city. WTPB has already done a lot of work on the project, commissioning 360 Architecture to draw up ballpark plans, persuading local voters to approve a liquor license for the facility, and signing a lease with Texas Tech that passes muster with the NCAA.
    RELATED STORIES: Mayor looking into bringing minor-league baseball to Lubbock; Wolfforth ballpark project on the rocks?; Wolfforth voters approve liquor sales, paving way for new ballpark; Early voters go to the polls in Wolfforth; Texas Tech makes deal to play at new Wolfforth ballpark; Lubbock ballpark plan clears hurdle

Infinity Pro Sports pitches TCL team in Bryan
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Uri Geva, CEO of Infinity Pro Sports, pitched the idea of a summer collegiate Texas Collegiate League team to the Bryan City Council on Tuesday. Up to $1 million may be needed for renovations at Bryan's Travis Athletic Complex, including installation of a new scoreboard and upgrades to the stands, bathrooms and parking lot. Several potential funding options to cover the renovations at the complex off Carson and Roosevelt streets were discussed during Tuesday's council workshop. The company could pay the bill for the upgrades, and the city could lease the complex for free over the first five years, or the city could pay up to $500,000 for the upgrades and be reimbursed by a portion of ticket and concession sales, Geva suggested.

Ballpark Notes
Posted June 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Joe Blacksnakes (independent; American Association) have named Matt Kentner as interim general manager of the team, effective today. The club's search for a permanent general manager is ongoing but Kentner will run the day-to-day operations in the meantime. The Lamar (Mo.) native was formerly the assistant general manager/ticket operations but taken over most of the day-to-day duties in the absence of a General Manager.
    St. Joe has been without a general manager since Duane Miller resigned on June 13.

McClatchy: Pirates are not for sale
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pittsburgh Pirates aren't for sale and neither is the chief executive officer's spot on the board of directors. That was the message delivered Monday by CEO and managing general partner Kevin McClatchy when asked about persistent speculation that a change in either ownership or its structure is forthcoming. McClatchy emphatically said the team is not for sale -- "No, there will be no ownership change" -- and vowed he will remain in his role through at least the end of the season, when things might change. The commotion threatens to take attention away from the upcoming All-Star Game at PNC Park. There was a clamor for Dallas Mavericks (NBA) owner Mark Cuban to buy a portion of the team, but the more likely change could come at the end of the season if the Nutting family exercises their option to buy McClatchy's share of the team.
    RELATED STORIES: Cuban interested in buying Pirates; owners not interested in selling; Perfect time for McClatchy to sell; Mavericks owner spends night ducking media, watching Pirates

Allentown mayor balks at plan to ban baseball ticket tax
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski says Lehigh County state lawmakers are making a bad call by pushing legislation that would prevent the city from taxing tickets to games at the city's future Class AAA minor league ballpark. Ballpark proponents, including state Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, and Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, and team owner Gracie Baseball said the amusement tax prohibition is a crucial piece of the complex deal that made the stadium possible in the first place -- and if not enacted could be a deal killer. The irony is that the city of Allentown isn't contributing a dollar to the ballpark project, but it wants to collect $250,000 to $400,000 a year in amusement tax revenues at the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark Preview: Allentown / Lehigh Valley; Instincts have made Finley a major dealer in the minors; Allentown ballpark plans moving forward; Allentown baseball plans, team announced

D.C. mayor asks for ballpark plan approval
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The D.C. Zoning Commission heard pleas yesterday late into the night from Mayor Anthony Williams and his design team to approve their plans for the new Washington Nationals ballpark. The plans include a recent proposal that combines some underground parking with aboveground spaces wrapped inside 13-story towers, along with shops, restaurants, condominiums and a hotel. The proposal is a compromised reached after the incoming Nationals owners asked for cheaper parking ramps and the city holding out for underground parking, which is more expensive and takes longer to build; the advantage is that additional development can take place above the ramps. The early reaction from the commission: not good.
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Potential gift could pare price of Cobb Field
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Billings (Mont.) City Council is in no hurry to nail down a price tag for a proposed downtown baseball stadium that would replace Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League), because a large private donation may help defray the cost. All signs point to Billings voters being asked to approve a bond issue for a new downtown baseball stadium during the November general election. But because city officials have begun discussions with a major donor, the bond amount may be less than the $12.5 million recommended by the City Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board and the Cobb Field Steering Committee. On Monday the council delayed for one month a resolution that would establish the amount of the bond issue so those discussions can continue.
    RELATED STORIES: Funding dominates Cobb discussion; Billings needs ballpark to be proud of, not field of dreams; Panel details ways to cut Billings ballpark costs; Cobb Field panel pursues closer look at costs; Billings panel asks for Cobb Field tax measure; Forums planned on Cobb Field proposal; Poll finds support for bonds for Cobb Field; Council vote sets stage for Cobb debate; Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million; HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Negro Leagues legacy honored at PNC Park
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pittsburgh Pirates unveiled Highmark Legacy Square, a permanent Negro Leagues tribute at PNC Park. The tribute, located inside the left field gate entrance, is dedicated to Pittsburgh's two Negro Leagues teams, the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. It is an interactive exhibit that features a 25-seat movie theater and bronze statues for seven Hall of Fame players. The statues are accompanied by video kiosks that enables fans to learn about each player's background. The exhibit is the first of its kind housed inside a major-league ballpark and is trumped only by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

Mayor looking into bringing minor-league baseball to Lubbock
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The local media follows up on our reporting on the future of baseball in Lubbock. As we reported, plans for a ballpark in Wolfforth to house a Class AA team, the Texas Tech Red Raiders and a college baseball hall of fame have all but died; this article details the legal reasons why construction on the facility ended. (And, contrary to what a West Texas Professional Baseball official says here, suppliers to the project do not expect construction to begin any time soon.) Meanwhile, as we reported, Lubbock Mayor David Miller  is looking at bringing professional baseball to the city. We suspect he'll find it would be hard and expensive to being a Class AA Texas League or Class AAA Pacific Coast League team to the Lubbock area (which has an estimated population of just under 200,000), meaning the city's baseball future may lie with the independent United League Baseball or the American Association.
    RELATED STORIES: Wolfforth ballpark project on the rocks?; Wolfforth voters approve liquor sales, paving way for new ballpark; Early voters go to the polls in Wolfforth; Texas Tech makes deal to play at new Wolfforth ballpark; Lubbock ballpark plan clears hurdle

Group forms in effort to save Duncan Park
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Friends of Duncan Park (FODP), a Spartanburg County (S.C.) citizen-based organization, has begun a preliminary evaluation process to keep Historic Duncan Park Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C., viable for use by residents of the county, summer baseball leagues and other groups in the area. The ballpark is currently owned by the city of Spartanburg and is scheduled to be closed at the conclusion of the summer.
    FODP, currently consisting of unified members of the community, has split its efforts tri-fold. One sector will handle the possibility of bringing in events, such as concerts, local youth teams, etc., to the location. Another taskforce is focused on fundraising and how to bring in the necessary monetary amount to keep the ballpark alive. The final crop is charged with researching how other cities and ballparks have dealt with similar situations. The FODP has also filed for 501-c3 status through the Spartanburg County Foundation as well.

In memoriam: Thomas G. Arthur
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As the director of concessions at Dodger Stadium when it opened in 1962, Thomas G. Arthur was responsible for one of the staples of modern baseball: the Dodger Dog. He passed away earlier this month in St. Louis. He was 84. Arthur ran concessions at the Los Angeles Coliseum for the Dodgers and then made the move to Dodger Stadium with the team. His idea was to create a signature item for Dodger Stadium akin to the Nathan's hot dogs of his youth; the Morrell Corp. and later Farmer John was contracted to create and manufacture the 10-inch-long Dodger Dogs.

Midland to pick up infrastructure costs for new ballpark
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Midland City Council will rearrange money in its 2006-07 budget to build infrastructure downtown that will affect a ballpark under construction for the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League), who are moving to Midland next season. The decision came Monday night after nearly two dozen residents argued both for and against the proposal to move funds. The city will move $450,000 from its share of Midland County road funds into the major and local street funds to make Mill and Haley streets one way and improve East Buttles, Lyon and Indian near the ballpark. Part of the contention came from Michigan Baseball Foundation's original promise not to use public funds on the $23 million project, but when state funding was unexpectedly denied, the Foundation decided to seek city funds.
    RELATED STORIES: Michigan Baseball Foundation asks city for financial help; Midland ballpark takes shape; Sale of Southwest Michigan Devil Rays finalized; Fever pitch in Midland; Midland ballpark should be team's jewel; Final count: More than 3,000 baseball team name suggestions; Construction starting on Midland ballpark; Michigan Baseball Foundation to hold "name the team" competition; New D-Rays owners meet with Midwest League; Midland planners approve ballpark site plan; Michigan Baseball Foundation signs purchase agreement for D-Rays; New Midland ballpark a big -- and exciting -- undertaking; It's official: Midland group buying SW Michigan D-Rays; Owner says he's discussed moving Battle Creek team; Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball team; Will Midland get minor league baseball team?

Yankee Stadium proves to be undoing of a Bronx board
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've covered this once, but it's still a good story: Tonight is the last meeting of the current Bronx Community Board 4, which irritated some local political officials by opposing a proposal for a new Yankee Stadium, and some fireworks are expected. The board that will be in place next week will look quite different from the one that will meet tonight. Members of the board who ignored the wishes of the Bronx president, Adolfo Carrion, have been removed, and new  members will take their place. Really, this is nothing more than the hyper-politics practiced in New York City, where raw shows of power are the norm -- and all of which has had relatively little effect on the ballpark itself.
    RELATED STORIES: Bronx board is shuffled after rejecting new ballpark; Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Sally League suspends Mikulik for seven games, fines him $1,000
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We didn't think Asheville Tourists (Low Class A; Sally League) manager Joe Mikulik could avoid a suspension after a monumental tirade that's still making the rounds of newscasts. He didn't: the Sally League has suspended him for seven days and fined him $1,000. At first Mikulik didn't think he would be suspended, but after some reflection and a chat with Sally League president John Moss, he acceded to his fate.
    RELATED STORIES: Minor-league manager goes berserk during game in Kentucky

Didja know? Dukes logo originated here
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The logo for the old Albuquerque Dukes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) was one of the most recognizable marks in minor-league baseball, and that team will be honored by the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) tonight at Isotopes Park. Here's a story on how the logo came to be: Rio Rancho artist Dick Moots was asked to do a logo when the Spokane PCL team was shifted to Albuquerque, and his work on the logo led to further work with the team.

Skyhawks deserve better from Sussex Count
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Sussex Skyhawks (independent; Can-Am Association) are drawing 1,875 fans a game to Skylands Park -- less than the New Jersey Cardinals (short season; NY-Penn League) drew, but the Cardinals played only during the prime of the summer, and the Skyhawks began play when the weather was colder and the kids were still in school. The local newspaper is calling for fans to come out and support their team, saying it's a humiliation for the last-place Brockton Rox to be drawing 3,765 fans a game and the seventh-place Quebec Capitales to be drawing 2,826 fans a game when the first-place Skyhawks draw fewer fans. The newspaper doesn't quite understand one of the peculiarities of independent baseball: most of the time the standings don't matter on a micro basis, only on a macro basis.

Business exec uses league to boost baseball in Hawai'i
Posted June 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As founder of the summer collegiate Hawaii Collegiate Baseball League, Al Kam's goal is to show the youth of Hawai'i and the collegiate players in the league how the game can lead them into the future. He says his background is a prime example: after starring in high school, Kam landed a baseball scholarship to the University of Denver. That was followed with a coaching job there that allowed him to attain his master's in business administration. The MBA enabled him to rise through the ranks at C. Brewer & Co., a one-time "Big Five" company in Hawai'i. He then went on to become chief financial officer of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. and later CEO of Superior Coffee Co. Kam's current business is footing the bill for a league, which is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization called the Hawaii Youth Sports Foundation, and does not generate any revenue.

Disney may open new world to Indians
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials from Walt Disney Corp. and the Cleveland Indians will be meeting this week to discuss the possibility of the Tribe shifting spring-training operations to Disney World. The Indians currently train at the Chain of Lakes Park complex, but the Indians would prefer to see a more modern complex, and the city would rather see the 62 acres housing the ballpark and training fields converted to housing. The most likely outcome is a new training complex on land donated by Disney, with the team sharing The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports with the Atlanta Braves, though officials are floating the possibility of a new ballpark solely for the Indians as well. In theory, the shift could come as early as next spring, but there would be some logistical issues to overcome. First, the funding: the project could be eligible for $15 million in state funds, but Osceola County -- the governmental body in discussions with Disney and the Indians -- can't apply for those state funds, as it already receives state money used to renovate Osceola County Stadium, the spring home of the Houston Astros. (It's assumed the Reedy Creek Improvement District, created as a way for Disney to guide its own development without county intervention, would apply for the funds.) Secondly, applications for the funds aren't due to the state until October 1, and there could be at least six municipalities applying for five slots; Bradenton, Sarasota, Port St. Lucie and Fort Lauderdale are expected to apply, while St. Petersburg is also eligible. So if construction were to start this fall on a new complex or ballpark, someone may need to fund design and construction with no assurance of state funding. So 2007 is theoretically possible, but 2008 might be the more likely date for an Indians shift. Meanwhile, a plan pushed by Florida Atlantic University AD Craig Angelos to develop a $45 million spring-training complex isn't complete dead, but it's on life support.
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Young to buy three teams from Comcast?
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Business Journal reports on something that's been buzzing around the minor-league world for a few weeks. Ken Young, the owner of the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), is purchasing three teams from Comcast-Spectator: the Bowie Baysox (Class AA; Eastern League), the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) and the Delmarva Shorebirds (Low Class A; Sally League). The Journal is reporting a purchase price of $29 million (about what Comcast originally paid for the three franchises), but we've heard the actual price is closer to $25 million. Comcast had a deal to sell the three teams to a group headed by media consultant David Pearlman, but that deal fell through in January 2005 reportedly after lease agreements were fully disclosed and the cost of running the teams was higher than Comcast originally portrayed. The purchase isn't a surprise: Young has other business arrangements with Comcast, so the two sides know one another. The deal has been submitted to minor-league officials for their approval; look for an official announcement in the next few weeks.
    RELATED STORIES: Triple Play withdraws offer to buy Baysox, Keys and Shorebirds

Marlins ballpark suffers setback
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Department of Community Affairs is opposing a plan to build a new Florida Marlins ballpark on a 1,000-acre Hialeah site, saying a lack of potable water in the area and the negative impact of increased traffic on Florida's Turnpike were reasons to delay the proposal from Miami-Dade County. This doesn't necessarily kill the project, but it means and the team and Miami-Dade County will need to come up with a more specific plan and then present it to a judge at an administrative hearing. The department reviews major land-use decisions by the county. The ballpark is part of a 1,100-acre office/warehouse development in Hialeah -- located in a far corner of Miami-Dade County -- and developer Armando Codina has said he may donate some land to the ballpark project, though it's never been stated directly how much land could possibly cost for the project. While there's some debate as to whether the water issue can be resolved, there's a larger issue: the lack of specifics with this project will continue to be a negative.
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Wolfforth ballpark project on the rocks?
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've heard from two reliable sources that efforts by West Texas Professional Baseball to build a ballpark in Wolfforth (a suburb of Lubbock) have stalled, as another group led by Lubbock Mayor David Miller has decided to pursue a new ballpark in Lubbock proper. West Texas Professional Baseball organizers were working toward a Class AA-level ballpark for a pro team, the Texas Tech Red Raiders college team and a college baseball hall of fame, with a total price tag of $100 million. One additional issue has been attracting a team to the area. Affiliated baseball has always been the target of local baseball proponents, but with no Class AA Texas League teams interested in the market and exploratory contact with the Class AAA Pacific Coast League rebuffed, it would appear the only prospect of professional baseball in town would be with the independent American Association or United League Baseball.
    RELATED STORIES: Wolfforth voters approve liquor sales, paving way for new ballpark; Early voters go to the polls in Wolfforth; Texas Tech makes deal to play at new Wolfforth ballpark; Lubbock ballpark plan clears hurdle

Padres may part ways with Mobile
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The San Diego Padres and the Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League) have mutually decided to look for new partners. The Padres want a Texas League affiliate closer to San Diego and its minor-league base in Arizona; the BayBears don't seem to be too pleased with San Diego wanting out. It's hard to see where the Padres will find a partner in the Texas League: Corpus Christi and Springfield are tied into long-term deals, Frisco and the Rangers are joined at the hip, and the Mariners have sent some pretty good players to San Antonio over the years. Check out the latest news on our Affiliates 2006 page.

MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New York City transit officials are urging the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to explore new ways for Long Islanders to get to Shea Stadium, the home of the New York Mets, without having to drive. MTA spokesman Tim O'Brien said over the last two months the agency has been looking into the feasibility of building a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station on the main line at Shea and could announce its findings as soon as June 28 when the MTA board meets. As a bonus, a new stadium could also serve the new New York Mets ballpark as well. Part of this is equality -- the Yankees are getting a new Metro-North station when the new Yankee Stadium opens, and of course the Mets want what the Yankees get -- but the other part is just good public policy: setting up train lines to where people want and need to go.
    RELATED STORIES: Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Play Ball has ‘breakout plan' in works to finish Missoula ballpark
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ogren Park, the home of the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League), is still unfinished: the players dress in trailers and the concession facilities don't meet public-health standards. Play Ball Missoula, the private group pushing for the ballpark, ran out of money before permanent concessions stands and clubhouses could be built. But that could change, perhaps as soon as next season, under a new plan where two banks would loan Play Ball Missoula $6 million to finish the ballpark. The Arizona Diamondbacks, parent to the Osprey, are getting pretty antsy about finishing the ballpark: they put up with an unfinished ballpark at Lindborg-Cregg Field before moving to the new downtown ballpark. Missoula is a great market and the ballpark has great potential.

New Twins ballpark not on time for Hunter
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Torii Hunter has been a loyal player for the Minnesota Twins, and he's been outspoken in his desire to play in a new Twins ballpark in 2010. Will be get a chance to do so? The Twins aren't known for hanging onto players, and surely years of playing on artificial turf in the Metrodome will diminish Hunter's impressive defensive prowess by 2010. Plus, the Twins have a strange attitude toward Hunter. Even though he's charismatic and a community leader, the Twins don't really push him in local advertising. And the Minneapolis-St. Paul media seems oblivious to Hunter's efforts to bring more African-Americans into baseball: The Star Tribune has never covered The Torii Hunter Project in any depth -- in fact, the Strib's Jim Souhan managed to profile Hunter and didn't mention it once -- and one has to wonder whether the traditionally white media in Minnesota just doesn't care.
    RELATED STORIES: Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand; Twins ballpark spending plan outlined; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis; Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight; supporters weren't; Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this week; Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening slated for 2010; Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark plan; Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't think Twins need new ballpark; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough votes to pass; Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in Minnesota Legislature; Twins laying off threats, for now; It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us; Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again;  Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark;  Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Thursday night should have resulted in a packed house for the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium: it was dollar-beer night (and not just the cheap swill -- Shiner Bock), Royals first-round pick Alex Gordon was in the lineup, the usual lineup of promotions are in place, and the weather was perfect. So why were there only 2,000 fans in the stands? Wranglers GM Eric Edelstein says there's no single answer, and former GM Steve Shaad concurs. Some say Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, an older facility that's been updated throughout the years, is a detriment, and local officials seem to concur, saying they're looking at further upgrades to the ballpark. One issue, however, that will take years to overcome: apparently fans are used to receiving free tickets for Wranglers and National Baseball Congress games, and the current Wranglers ownership is trying to curtail that practice. The Eagle raises the possibility of the city buying the Wranglers -- something that's possible under the current lease for Lawrence-Dumont Stadium should the team break it before 2009.
    RELATED STORIES: Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence; City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move; Arkansas town woos Wranglers; Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need; New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say; Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark; Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote; Springdale ballpark details still under construction; Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale ballpark tax; If Springdale ballpark built team will follow, planners are told; Royals’ farm club seeks home?; Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball; Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark funding options; Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark; Springdale ballpark site under contract; Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries; Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter; Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark; Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

Baseball's attractions are mixed
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The issue of whether beer is sold at a proposed new ballpark in Springdale, Ark., shouldn't determine whether voters support the project in a July 11 referendum: instead, voters should decide whether the extension of a local sales tax is the best investment of public resources. That's the opinion of the Springdale Morning News, which addresses the attempt by ballpark opponents to kill the project by linking professional baseball with John Barleycorn. Now, in a way beer being sold at a ballpark is a red herring -- beer is sold at plenty of family events -- but alcohol is always an issue where you have any sizable number of Southern Baptists going to the polls. Then again, those Southern Baptists love their baseball, too, and Jesus did turn water into wine. More from columnist Heath Allen.

County picks 360 Architecture to design Clippers ballpark
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360 Architecture, the firm that designed Nationwide Arena, the home of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, has been chosen to design Huntington Park, the proposed new home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) in the Arena District. Commissioners are to vote Tuesday on the recommendation to hire 360 Architecture. Commissioners already have selected Nationwide Realty Investors to guide the entire project, and they announced a naming-rights deal in February with Huntington Bancshares Inc. 360 is working with the Oakland Athletics on a new ballpark; the firm also designed CommunityAmerica Ballpark, the home of the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League).
    RELATED STORIES: Clippers ballpark sponsors balk at labor plan; Clippers' new home should have real baseball feel; Nationwide to oversee Clippers’ stadium construction

The right garages for the new D.C. ballpark
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A post-mortem on the agreement to build both above-ground and underground parking surrounding the new ballpark for the Washington Nationals in southeast D.C. The issue threatened to put a great strain on the relationship between the city and the incoming owners of the Nats, but the compromise a) made sense for both sides and b) came quickly, which bodes well for future potential disputes over the future ballpark -- and there undoubtedly will be many. You can bet the new ballpark will be one of the most scrutinized building projects in D.C. in recent years. Meanwhile, the Anacostia Waterfront Corp. is charged with overseeing development around the new ballpark.
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Malliet to leave JackHammers
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Steve Malliet, executive vice president and general manager of the Joliet JackHammers (independent; Northern League) since the franchise's inception, will leave the organization upon the completion of the 2006 season. He is moving on to become the owner of an unnamed minor-league baseball team, the fourth minor league franchise he will work for in his career and the first as the primary owner. Malliet joined the JackHammers organization in the summer of 2001 after working for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Low Class A; Midwest League), Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League), and in the marketing department for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Travelers GM offers up some new details on Dickey-Stephens Park
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
From the horse's mouth: Arkansas Travelers (Class AA: Texas League) GM Bill Valentine shares some details with Travelerocity about Dickey-Stephens Park, slated to open next season as a replacement to Ray Winder Field. It sounds like the new ballpark will provide a pleasant experience, and there's an amazing level of detail here (more beers will be on tap, concession prices should stay close to the same). One nit to pick: there are plenty of minor-league ballparks being built with bleachers -- West End Field, the new home of the Greenville Drive, features bleachers down the right-field line.
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Michigan Baseball Foundation asks city for financial help
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though a new ballpark in Midland, Mich., was billed as a project not requiring taxpayer dollars, but that was on the assumption the state would be paying for $630,000 for water lines and street improvements near the ballpark. However, the state turned down requests to fund the projects, leading the foundation to request the city shift state grants to pay for the projects. It doesn't sound like city officials are against the shifts; they've scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall to hear comments from residents about the proposed fund transfers. The foundation has raised $25 million to build a ballpark slated to open next season as the home of the relocated Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League).
    RELATED STORIES: Midland ballpark takes shape; Sale of Southwest Michigan Devil Rays finalized; Fever pitch in Midland; Midland ballpark should be team's jewel; Final count: More than 3,000 baseball team name suggestions; Construction starting on Midland ballpark; Michigan Baseball Foundation to hold "name the team" competition; New D-Rays owners meet with Midwest League; Midland planners approve ballpark site plan; Michigan Baseball Foundation signs purchase agreement for D-Rays; New Midland ballpark a big -- and exciting -- undertaking; It's official: Midland group buying SW Michigan D-Rays; Owner says he's discussed moving Battle Creek team; Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball team; Will Midland get minor league baseball team?

Cheney Stadium brings back memories for ex-bat boy
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Here's a first-hand account from someone present at the first days of Cheney Stadium, the longtime home of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and its predecessors. Opening day for Cheney Stadium and the Tacoma Giants was April 16, 1960, with a doubleheader against the Portland Beavers. (Opening day was scheduled to be April 14, 1960, but with heavy rain in the area, the teams ended up playing a doubleheader two days later.) In those days players stayed with a team for a year or two; these days you don't develop relationships with players, especially at the Triple-A level.

City swung, missed on Broadway
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Here's a lament for the ballpark that never was. When Hamilton County voters went to the polls in 1998 to decide where to place a new ballpark for the Cincinnati Reds, they chose the downtown riverfront location over a more urban location in Broadway Commons. It was the classic neighborhood vs. downtown battle, with the insinuation that the lower-income Broadway Commons area was too crime-ridden for a middle-class family to go to a baseball game. Now, three seasons after Great American Ball Park opened, the Reds are still struggling to draw to their potential.

Sea Dogs set single-game attendance record
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The Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) recorded their first sellout of the 2006 season Thursday night against the Connecticut Defenders. The sellout was the first since 393 seats were added to Hadlock Field during the off-season, making Thursday the best-attended game in franchise history, as 7,368 fans made their way to the ballpark. The Sea Dogs previous attendance record was 6,978 set on May 20, 2006. The Sea Dogs added 393 seats to Hadlock Field this past off-season by creating the U.S. Cellular Pavilion in right-field. The additional seats brought the capacity of Hadlock Field to 7,368, making Hadlock the fourth largest ballpark in the Eastern League.

Minor-league manager goes berserk during game in Kentucky
Posted June 26, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Indeed he did. Asheville Tourists (Low Class A; Sally League) manager Joe Mikulik made the morning news on our local Fox affiliate, though not in a good way -- "How could a grown man act like such an idiot?" asked one of the anchors -- and we're sure many others after throwing a tantrum of epic proportions in a game against the Lexington Legends at Applebee's Park. Mikulik tossed his hat to the pitcher's mound; took a head-first slide into second; uprooted the base, showed it to Russell and tossed it, a la Lou Piniella; grabbed the resin bag and flung it to the right-field bullpen; confronted plate umpire Stephen Barga and kicked dirt on the ump's feet; kicked the batter's box lines; kicked dirt on the plate; went to his knees to further cover the plate by hand; fired four bats from the dugout; returned to "clean" home plate with contents of a water bottle; squatted in the umpire position in a mock glance toward the mound; and spiked the bottle on the plate. After leaving the field, he then proceeded to wreak some havoc in the umpires' locker room. He doesn't think he'll be suspended, but after the mass media has spent a news cycle mocking Mikulik and minor-league baseball, baseball officials may beg to differ.

Indians celebrating 10th anniversary of Victory Field
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The Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League) are celebrating 10 years at Victory Field. On July 3, 1996, the Indians said goodbye to Bush Stadium, the W. 16th Street ballpark that had been their home for 65 years. Eight days later, they opened at Victory Field. There will be giveaways over the next three Sundays as the team builds up to a larger celebration.

New book should clear Joe Jackson
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We may never know exactly how guilty or innocent Shoeless Joe Jackson was in the whole 1919 Black Sox betting scandal. Baseball historian Jerome Holtzman took a look at the evidence -- including the 1920 grand jury testimony of Jackson and the other alleged White Sox conspirators (the testimony mysteriously disappeared at the time of the trial, leading to charges against all the players being dismissed) -- and used Jackson's admission of having received $5,000 from teammate Lefty Williams as a "confession" of guilt in the fix. Now author Gene Carney has written a book saying Holtzman was wrong in his evaluation Jackson and that he may have accepted the money but then ran to inform White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, who told him to keep the funds. Alas, we don't have anything to corroborate Jackson's claims, and the principals are long dead, leaving the record incomplete. Interestingly, we ran into plenty of folks in Greenville, S.C. -- where Jackson was born and spent most of his life -- who didn't think he was totally innocent in the whole affair.

Fans flock to see downtown baseball in Greenville
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The Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League) have been average on the field during the 2006 season, winning and losing at an almost equal pace. In the stands, however, the team is winning almost every night. Overflow weekend crowds have become the norm during the inaugural season at West End Field, and turnout has been solid for midweek games. In 35 home games, the Drive have drawn 164,838 fans -- an average of 4,710 per game. The team has amassed crowds of more than the stadium's 5,700 seating capacity 11 times, including a season-best 6,822.
    RELATED STORIES: Sox of the South; Leave, and they will build it; Baseball Web site gives West End Field top grade; A city getting it right

Baseball by the shore
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Here's a look at Joe Finley (owner) and Geoff Brown (GM) of the Lakewood BlueClaws (Low Class A; Sally League), whose FirstEnergy Park combines multiple modern amenities and a timeless old-fashioned feel. Located about an hour from Philadelphia and halfway between Atlantic City and New York City, it's become as much a magnet to the local and regional baseball fans as the beach is to summer tourists. Lakewood has led the South Atlantic League in attendance every year of its existence, peaking with 444,607 in 2005. The BlueClaws became the fastest team in league history to reach 2 million.

Blue Rocks provide family fun
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Speaking of teams in the region: here's a look at the Wilmington Blue Rocks (High Class A; Carolina League) and their home, Judy Johnson Field at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium. The Blue Rocks do have a passionate fan base -- a little more passionate than those attracted by most Class A teams -- and they run the normal promotions you'd expect from a minor-league team.

Texas League Hall of Fame announces Class of 2006
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Nine new members have been elected to the Texas League Hall of Fame. The election was held during the meeting of the league’s directors in Little Rock during the All Star break earlier this week. This is the third class elected to receive recognition by the Texas League. Forty-two were selected in the first election in 2004, while 10 were voted in last year. The nine named today bring membership in the elite group to 61. Those selected in 2006 are:

• Willard Brown, Outfield, Dallas 1953-54; Houston 1954-55; Austin, San Antonio, Tulsa, 1956
• Dick Butler, TL President, 1955-63; Executive, Fort Worth 1964; Dallas-Fort Worth, 1965-69
• Eddie Donalds, Pitcher, Waco, 1914-19; Houston, 1921-22
• La Vel Freeman, Outfield, El Paso, 1986-87
• Went Hubbard, Owner, Tulsa, 1987-
• Gus Johns, Pitcher, Wichita Falls-Fort Worth, 1920; Fort Worth, 1921-33 & 1934; Tulsa, 1933
• George Payne, Pitcher, Wichita Falls, 1927-29; Houston, 1930-34
• Adam Piatt, Third base, Midland, 1999
• Del Pratt, Second base, Manager, Waco, 1925-30; Galveston, 1932-32; Fort Worth, 1934

Thunder hold "Reverse Giveaway" night
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We've been highlighting noteworthy promotions lately, and here's another to note. The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) held "Reverse Giveaway Night" last Thursday, where fans were asked to bring a gift to the ballpark for the Thunder to donate to the appropriate charity. This was a simple play on the fact that the Thunder, like most minor-league franchises, use giveaway items such as hats, t-shirts and bobblehead dolls, to attract fans to games. This season, the Thunder promotional schedule offers a total 40 giveaways in addition to 21 post game fireworks shows. While many minor-league teams have collected donations from fans at the gates, this is believed to be the first time a "Reverse Giveaway" promotion has been done in which fans were expected to bring a gift. Thunder fans donated items such as toys, board games, canned foods and clothing. All of the items have been donated to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.

AquaSox remain a hot draw
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The Everett AquaSox (short season; Northwest League) are enjoying strong season-ticket sales and box office sales for individual games. As the team began its season last week, it had sold approximately 500 full-season tickets and more multiple-game ticket packages. Additionally, for the first time ever, the team had one game sold out before the season even began: the July 21 game against the Boise Hawks, a game that will be attended by Boeing Co. employees for Boeing 787 Night.

Baseball at midnight? Only in Alaska
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Last week saw the playing of the annual Midnight Sun Game in Fairbanks, where the Alaska Goldpanners (summer collegiate; Alaska Baseball League) hosted the Beatrice Bruins (summer collegiate; MINK League) at a 10:30 p.m. game. The game's been around 100 years, when the "Smokes" took on the "Drinks" in a decidedly amateur match.

Ballpark Notes
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Butch Henry is the new field manager of the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association). Henry, a left -handed pitcher, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 15th round of the 1987 amateur draft, spending seven years in the major leagues before retiring early due to arm troubles. During his career Henry was 33-33, with a 3.89 ERA while throwing 621 total innings. In 2005 Henry was the pitching coach for the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League)....Triple-A Baseball and ESPN announced the 19th Annual Triple-A All-Star Game will be televised live across the ESPN2 network on Wednesday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. ESPN baseball analyst Buck Martinez will be returning for his fourth Triple-A All-Star Game and will be joined in the booth by play-by-play commentator Jon Sciambi, with Duke Castiglione reporting from the field. ESPN Deportes, ESPN's Spanish language network, will also carry the Triple-A All-Star Game live for the third consecutive season. The 2006 game, to be played at Fifth Third Field, home of the International League's Toledo Mud Hens, marks the twelfth straight season Triple-A Baseball s mid-summer classic has been televised live on ESPN2.