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Archives: August 6-12, 2005

A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland
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More on the proposal by the Oakland A's front office to put a new ballpark just north of McAfee Coliseum. The development would include retail and housing components and would aim to transform a swath of industrial land along Interstate 880. The project would involve up to 90 acres of industrial land between 66th Avenue and High Street, and will be pitched as one requiring no up-front investment from Oakland. The project area is bounded by I-880 and San Leandro Street, a dingy stretch marked by industrial shops, truck yards, warehouses and a daily swap meet that operates on the grounds of the defunct Coliseum Drive-In. Oakland's managing partner, Lew Wolff, is expected to present specifics of the plan to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority today.
    RELATED STORIES: Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

D.C. seeks to buy land for 'Ballpark District'
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D.C. officials are negotiating to purchase more than five acres of additional land in Southeast Washington for a ballpark complex, a move aimed at influencing development that could maximize the return on the city's investment in the ballpark. The city has planned since last fall to build the ballpark by 2008 on a 20-acre plot near South Capitol Street and the Navy Yard. Now officials want to expand their reach in order to produce a "ballpark district" that would feature restaurants, stores, commercial buildings and residential units. The additional land would come from parcels totaling 3.2 acres north of the stadium plot that are owned by Metro and at least two acres east of First Street that are owned by the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority. Meanwhile, it looks like the Nationals may sell for the second-highest price in baseball history, as MLB is expected to set a minimum price of $450 million for the franchise.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags

Arlington town center details aired
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The Texas Rangers are working with Hicks Holdings on a new town center that will sit between Ameriquest Field and a new Dallas Cowboys stadium. The first phase of the mixed-use project would include a heavy concentration of upscale retail tenants at street level and residential lofts above the shops. The new Cowboys stadium is expected to open in 2009; the development would be open by 2008.

Asheville Tourists sold
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The Asheville Tourists (Class A; Sally League) have been sold for about $6.5 million to a group headed by Detroit Pistons owner William Davidson, pending approval of minor league and major league organizations. The group also owns the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL; one can presume the group will be seeking other minor-league franchises as well. Minority owner Ron McKee, who was the Tourists’ general manager since 1980 before stepping down from day-to-day duties before this season, will serve as a consultant to the new owners. Owner Woody Kern put one condition on the deal: the team not be moved from McCormick Field.

Property-hungry Sox target Lansdowne Street
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The Boston Red Sox are seeking to expand their property holdings in the Fenway Park area, and they've added to their holdings with the purchase of a defunct nightclub, Sophia's. The Red Sox are also talking with local entertainment entrepreneur Patrick Lyons about buying his nightclubs. Lyons and the Red Sox know each other well: Lyons opened the Game On! nightclub in Fenway Park in a partnership with the BoSox. The Red Sox are morphing into a real-estate development firm that happens to own a ballclub: condos, retail, a hotel and parking are among the uses under discussion for the Red Sox-controlled properties around Fenway.
    RELAYED STORIES: Sox seek to preserve Fenway Park view of Boston skyline; Fenway facelift to hit $100M; Classy Fenway is even better than before; Red Sox unveil four additions to Fenway Park; Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

Independent game has "a ton of good players," Stavrenos says
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Harry Stavrenos, a former Independent Baseball owner and GM, talks with Bob Wirz about his current gig: scouting indy ball for the San Francisco Giants. He's signed three pitchers from the Northern League this season and says there are more worth looking at throughout all of indy ball.

Renovators hustling on Diablo Stadium
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Work continues on the renovation of Tempe Diablo Stadium, the spring-training home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The team will get four new practice fields, a new minor league clubhouse and renovated clubhouses for the major league players and the visiting team. Improvements that fans will notice include cupholders at each seats, new fold-down seats, a new exterior and a new party deck. Remember, it's never too early to think about spring training; check out our sister site, Spring Training Online, for the full scoop.

Chase Field in the D-Backs' future?
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The Arizona Diamondbacks and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are expected to announce a new name for Bank One Ballpark at the end of the season. (As you'll recall, Bank One was purchased by JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the Bank One name is disappearing.) Insiders are saying the BOB will be renamed to Chase Field.

In memoriam: Theodore Roosevelt “Double Duty” Radcliffe
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Former Negro Leagues star Theodore Roosevelt “Double Duty” Radcliffe died of cancer early Thursday at the South Side home of his niece, Debra Radcliffe. Believed to be the oldest living former professional baseball player, Radcliffe was 103. A native of Mobile, Ala, where one of childhood friends was the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Leroy “Satchel” Paige, Radcliffe played 32 years in the Negro Leagues for 15 different teams, including the great 1932 Pittsburgh Crawfords, the Chicago American Giants, and the Kansas City Monarchs. He reportedly had more than 4,000 career hits and 500 home runs.  As a pitcher, he is said to have won more than 400 games and recorded more than 4,000 strikeouts. Damon Runyon hung the nickname of "Double Duty" on Radcliffe after watching him catch one game and pitch in the nightcap of a Negro Leagues All-Star Game.

Missouri governor reappoints sports chairman
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Despite concerns about a potential conflict of interest, Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt on Thursday reappointed Mike Smith to a five-year term on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, which oversees Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals. Blunt said his office found no evidence that the authority chairman’s pursuit of a Lee’s Summit retail complex, including a new ballpark for an independent Frontier League, interfered with his work on the authority. Foes say they want to see an opinion from a state ethics board before making a decision.
    RELATED STORIES: Potential conflicts pique interest in Jackson County

Freedom drawing in fans
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Congrats to Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League) owner Clint Brown on turning things around with that troubled franchise. He's put $600,000 into Champion Window Field after buying the team in the offseason, adding a video scoreboard and finishing the landscaping and parking lot work. He's also presented a stable face to the public, which was perhaps the most important task of all.

Beach Bums' ballpark progressing
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Work continues on a new ballpark in Traverse City, Mich., for the Traverse City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League). The clubhouses are 90 percent complete and the team offices could be fully operational within two weeks. The bowl portion of the project is up, as are the light towers. The fan parking lot has been black-topped, and installation of large field-view windows for each of 34 private boxes in the stadium will begin any day. The concrete seat risers are finished and 3,518 chair-back seats are in production at the American Seating Company in Grand Rapids.
    RELATED STORY: Ballpark Preview: Wuerfel Park, Traverse City Beach Bums; Traverse City group buys Richmond Roosters; Beach Bums' ballpark 'awesome,' says commish; Work progresses on new Traverse City ballpark

Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea
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More on the announcement by the Amarillo City Commission that it was considering spending $100,000 to study the feasibility of a new ballpark in the city.  Columnist Lance Lahnert drools over the possibility of landing an affiliated team, but that may not be realistic: Amarillo is certainly not a Class AAA city and the Class AA Texas League seems set in stone now that there's a new ballpark in the works in North Little Rock. (And then there's competition in the state from Lubbock, where ballpark planning and construction is already underway.) The more likely suspects: a new indy league or the return of the Central League.
    RELATED STORY: Amarillo plans to study new ballpark

Developers threaten historic slave-trade site
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Here's a pretty decent background piece on the tensions facing the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) and Global Development as they pursue a $330-million development in the city's Shockoe Bottom district that will include a ballpark, residential and retail. Shockoe Bottom was home to one of the largest slave markets in the 19th Century, and some residents want to commemorate that history. There are enough gray areas grudgingly acknowledged in this article, however (technically, the development footprint doesn't extend to the actual market site), and Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder -- who is certainly sensitive to the concerns of the city's African-Americans -- has endorsed the basic Braves/Global proposal.

Dog days at the ballpark
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The New York Times covers one of our favorite promotions: dog days at the ballpark. Yes, we're in the midst of the dog days of summer, but the promotion is different: folks bring their pooches to the ballpark. Some MLB teams now hold dog-days promotions, as do the majority of minor-league teams. (The Colorado Springs Sky Sox invite owners and their pets to every Wednesday home game.) Yes, there are some issues sometimes (some pups are not polite about where they poop), but overall fans really like the idea of having a pet with them at the game. There are some rules involved: MLB teams will limit the pooches to a specific section, for instance. But teams use this as a way to reach out to new fans and sponsors: At the typical dog-friendly game, pets and owners can visit booths on the stadium concourse that offer products and services from dog treats to canine massage. Most offer special rest areas, often with fake grass and plastic fire hydrants. Alas, most dogs aren't patient enough to sit through a full game; many will need lots of love and extra attention.

Diablos set Central League attendance record
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In their first season in independent baseball, the El Paso Diablos broke the Central Baseball League average attendance record Wednesday night as they won the first series of the home-stand against the Pensacola Pelicans. In 44 games the Diablos have attracted 174,941 fans to Cohen Stadium, an average of 3,976 per game. If the Diablos do not have a single person attend their final three home games the average attendance would be 3,722; which already surpasses the previous Central League average attendance record of 3,680 per game, set by the Springfield/Ozark Mountain Ducks in the 2000 season.

Baja League announced
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A group led by Bob Lipp announced a new professional-level league, the Baja League, will begin play September 2006. The league will be the first fall league not affiliated with Major League Baseball. The league office will handle all team operations. There will no player restrictions. The majority of players will be former professionals along with undrafted college graduates. Currently, the league is comprised of six team directors that represent six communities within the southern areas of Arizona and California. The inaugural season will consist of six teams with two to be added for the 2007 season. The next league meeting is set for Tuesday August 30, 2005 at San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora.

Ocean's Nine: Surf a hit
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Crissy Richardson dons the uniform of Splash, the teal-colored mascot of the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Atlantic League), and is one of the featured performers at the show. Not quite sure this statement is going to endear her to the players or the front office; "The players probably don't like hearing it, and I don't rub it in their faces, but I get more applause than any of them combined," she said. "This is a baseball game, but a lot of people are not just here to see baseball."

Lehigh County favors tax for Allentown stadium
Posted August 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lehigh County commissioners say they intend to approve a half-percent increase in the county hotel room tax, with the proceeds to help finance construction of new ballpark at the former Agere property in east Allentown for the relocated Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League).  The anticipated $210,000 in new annual revenue will help repay bonds to be sold to finance a $34.3 million ballpark, which is expected to be done in time for the 2008 season.
    RELATED STORIES: Fans are the Lynx's missing link; Plan to bring AAA baseball here has become a better deal for Lehigh Valley; House approves hotel tax hike to help pay for Allentown ballpark; Will baseball be very, very good to the Valley with a AAA team?; Ottawa Lynx to move to Allentown; State, city ready to present new funding plan for Lehigh Valley ballpark; Lehigh Valley deal close to completion?

Have A's settled on new ballpark site?
Posted August 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The gossip columnists from the San Francisco Chronicle are reporting Oakland A's management has settled on the privately owned site of the Coliseum Flea Market at 66th and High streets as their preferred location for a new ballpark. A's managing partner Lew Wolff is expected to go public this Friday in a meeting with the Oakland-Alameda Joint Powers Authority. Ray Ratto isn't particularly impressed with the new location, which he says is farther away from a BART station than the current Coliseum site and has a lovely view of freeway overpasses.
    RELATED STORIES: Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

NLR ballpark planners get right to work
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Architects from HKS Sports and Entertainment Group of Dallas were in North Little Rock to present preliminary plans for a new $28-million ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Little Rock). A railroad theme, 26 luxury suites, a party deck, a children’s play area and at least two parking lots are among the features included in the preliminary architectural plans. On Tuesday North Little Rock voters overwhelmingly approved an extension of the city's sales tax to partially pay for the new ballpark. The total seating capacity should be 6,500; the Travs have budgeted 4,000 a game.
    RELATED STORIES: North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike for new ballpark; Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark; NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day; A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

Storm damages GMC Stadium
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GMC Stadium, the home of the Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League), was damaged by a severe thunderstorm yesterday. Part of the center-field wall collapsed, while batting cages were also torn apart by the storm. In addition, a flagpole were knocked down. The cost to clean up the damage is estimated at several thousand dollars. The Grizzlies are home tonight, and team officials plan to have the ballpark back in working order before the start of the game.

Oxford considers new Ole Miss ballpark proposal
Posted August 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ole Miss is altering its proposal for city money to help pay for an expansion of its ballpark. Originally Ole Miss asked for $3 million over 20 years to help pay for the expansion, but city officials balked because the university doesn't charge a 2 percent concessions tax.

North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike for new ballpark
Posted August 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
North Little Rock voters approved a proposal to raise the local sales tax by 1 percent for two years to help fund a new $28 million ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League). The ballpark will replace Ray Winder Field as the home of the Travs. In the end, the proposal passed with overwhelming support: 4,008 for and 3,200 against. The tax hike takes effect Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30, 2007; it is expected to raise $32 million, which will fund the ballpark and a senior center. The Travelers will receive revenues from gate receipts, concessions, ballpark advertising and luxury-box rentals, while the remaining revenue will be split evenly between the city and the Travelers. The Travs' front office agreed to a 20-year lease with two successive five-year options.
    RELATED STORIES: Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark; NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day; A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

Ballpark Visit: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma Rainiers
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Ben Cheney would be thrilled to know professional baseball is still being played at his baby, Cheney Stadium. The home of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) is still largely the same as when Cheney and Tacoma city leaders mapped out a ballpark as the new home of the Tacoma Giants, relocated from Phoenix. Cheney Stadium has been upgraded over the years, but it still retains an incredible amount of charm.

Lehigh to mull hotel tax increase
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Tonight Lehigh County Commissioners will consider a proposed increase in the county's hotel tax, the proceeds of which will be used to help pay for a new ballpark in Allentown for the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League). The tax will generate $210,000 a year, while the county will also use $110,000 annually from the existing hotel tax to help finance the ballpark, expected to cost $34.3 million, including $25.5 million in direct construction expenses. The new ballpark is slated to open in 2008.
    RELATED STORIES: Fans are the Lynx's missing link; Plan to bring AAA baseball here has become a better deal for Lehigh Valley; House approves hotel tax hike to help pay for Allentown ballpark; Will baseball be very, very good to the Valley with a AAA team?; Ottawa Lynx to move to Allentown; State, city ready to present new funding plan for Lehigh Valley ballpark; Lehigh Valley deal close to completion?

In memoriam: Gene Mauch
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Gene Mauch, the "Little General," passed away on Aug. 8 at the age of 79. Mauch managed for 26 years in the major leagues with California, Philadelphia, Montreal and Minnesota and was named the National League Manager of the Year three times. Before his initial stint as manager of the Phillies, however, Mauch was a longtime minor-league player and manager. The Los Angeles native played 454 games with the Los Angeles Angels in 1954-1956 and was inducted into the PCL Hall of Fame as a player in 2004. At right is a photo of Mauch as manager of the Phillies during an exhibition visit to Multnomah Stadium, the home of the Portland Beavers (then a Phillies farm team), interviewed by Beavers broadcaster Bob Blackburn. Photo courtesy of Bob Blackburn.

Amarillo plans to study new ballpark
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After Potter County (Texas) leased out Potter County Stadium -- the former home of the Amarillo Dillas (independent; Central League) -- with no intention of bringing back professional baseball, the city of Amarillo is now looking at whether to build a new professional baseball ballpark. Currently the city is looking at spending $100,000 to study the feasibility of a new professional ballpark, with both the mayor and the city manager in favor of the expenditure. One can imagine the proposal has something to do with the announcement by Byron Pierce and John Bryant (who founded the Texas-Louisiana League, the predecessor to the Central League) that they were forming a new independent league.
    RELATED STORIES: Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Charlotte County approves tax hike to improve spring-training site
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Charlotte County (Florida) Commissioners voted to raise the county's tourism tax by one cent to help pay for improvements to the Charlotte County Sports Complex. The county wants to build new baseball and softball fields and eventually bring back a major-league baseball team to the complex for spring training. The Texas Rangers formerly training there until moving to Arizona before Spring Training 2004. Among the teams presumably looking for a new spring-training home in the next few years: Baltimore, Cleveland and Tampa Bay.
    RELATED STORIES: Port Charlotte to go after spring training?

Bradenton ballpark may see the light
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More on the proposal to install lighting at McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. A county group OK'd the plan to install lights at McKechnie, subject to a new 25-year lease between the city, county and Pirates for the Bucs to continue training at McKechnie Field and Pirate City. The additional funds from the lease extension -- $3 million -- would be used to install lighting. The lighting would allow the city to play host to more tournaments; it would also allow the Bucs to play night games in March.
    RELATED STORIES: Green light for lights at McKechnie?

What economic effect has new ballpark had in Lancaster?
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Measuring economic impact is always difficult, especially when there's absolutely no attempt at systematic research. That didn't stop some Lancaster (Pa.) officials from proclaiming Clipper Magazine Stadium, the new home of the Lancaster Barnstorms (independent; Atlantic League), a huge success at stimulating economic development in the area. For the record: we're not huge fans of selling ballparks to communities on the basis of economic benefits. There are well-documented cases where new ballparks stimulated additional spending in a rundown area (Denver, San Diego, Memphis), but that's not always the case. Here Lancaster officials may be doing local residents a disservice by proclaiming the ballpark a huge success based on nothing but anecdotal evidence. And there are some city officials still upset about the terms of the deal struck by the Barnstormers as being inadequate. Perhaps the best evidence of a positive impact: property values citywide have gone up about 14 percent in the last three years, while stadium-area real estate valuations have risen 20 percent in the last 12 months.

Did he jump or was he pushed?
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Eighteen-year-old Scott Harper was arrested after jumping from the upper deck of Yankee Stadium into the netting protecting the sections behind home plate. Harper's leap came in the eighth inning of the Yankees/White Sox game. Harper tore a gash in the netting but did not fall through; he was taken into custody by New York City police and faces a charge of reckless endangerment. Police aren't saying if liquor was involved.

Potential conflicts pique interest in Jackson County
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We alluded to the potential conflict in our original coverage of a proposed development in Lee's Summit for an independent Frontier League team, and others have made the same connection. Mike Smith is chairman of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, which oversees (among other things) Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals; as such, he's an important player in the future of pro sports in the area. However, Smith is also involved with the Lee's Summit development, which could pose a direct conflict to the facilities managed by the sports authority as well as a new retail development proposed by authority officials. Smith's status with the authority seems to be under some debate: he says he was appointed chairman for another five-year term, but the governor's office says no decision has been made.

Texas Tech makes deal to play at new Wolfforth ballpark
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It's official: Texas Tech will play at a new ballpark in Wolfforth, beginning with the 2007 season. The $22 million ballpark will house both the Texas Tech program and an undetermined minor-league team to be owned by West Texas Professional Baseball. The 10-year agreement, which comes with two renewable five-year options, calls for Tech to receive an annual payment of $500,000 to be paid not by WTPB but by the land's owner, Iron Horse Land and Development. That annual payment will grow by 3 percent each year until it reaches $600,000, or approximately seven years. WTPB will be responsible for stadium upkeep, event management, grounds maintenance, utilities, taxes, fees and other basic services, but it will control income from ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships and merchandise from Tech games played at the new facility. Tech will keep all revenues generated from television, radio and internet productions, and WTPB will purchase the scoreboard at Dan Law Field, which was installed before the 2004 season at a cost of $550,000, and move it to the new stadium.

Ballpark funding draws some boos
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The Chicago Tribune weighs in on the controversy surrounding an Illinois state grant to Marion for a new ballpark for a Class A Midwest League team. The "controversy" -- which basically consists of a political fuss raised by state GOP Chairman Andrew McKenna -- concerns campaign contributions made by attorney John Simmons to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's election campaign; in return, McKenna alleges Blagojevich steered state money to Marion. The more likely explanation: Blagojevich steered money to Marion because he's seeking reelection and wants to shore up support in outstate Illinois.
    RELATED STORIES: Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for Marion; Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'; Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

Thousands evacuated from Commerce Bank Ballpark
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Thousands of fans were evacuated from Commerce Bank Ballpark during a Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) game when a suspicious package was found near the stadium's main entrance after the eighth inning of Tuesday night's game. The suspicious package was a red, blue and yellow lunch cooler containing a salami sandwich and snack food.

D.C. ballpark architect has towering test
Posted August 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Joe Spear was in D.C. to outline his plan for a new Washington Nationals ballpark in southeast Washington. As with everything in D.C., politics reign supreme: the ballpark will need to please many different constituencies and will surely be one of the most debated projects in recent years. The plan calls for a "V"-shaped structure, with a facade along South Capitol Street built of stone and glass (echoing much Federal architecture) and another facade along Potomac Avenue built largely made of steel and glass, affording views from inside the park of the Anacostia River to the south. The alignment of the ballpark has been decided: it will open to the northeast, which will provide a glimpse of the Capitol and the Washington Monument for some fans in the right-field upper deck. We're still in the conceptual stage of the design: The D.C. Sports Commission refuses to release any drawings of the project until a design is finalized. Meanwhile, the ballpark survived another legal hurdle when a U.S. District Court judge denied an attempt by three property owners to stop the city's land acquisition efforts at the ballpark site. Also, proceeds for a new tax on businesses are running ahead of projections: D.C. has already collected $15 million, even though planners expected only $14 million for the entire year.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags

Ballpark Visit: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter Hammerheads & Palm Beach Cardinals
Posted August 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Roger Dean Stadium has a unique distinction in baseball today: it's the only professional facility to house two individual teams (not counting GCL and AZL teams, of course), the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals (both Class A; Florida State League). Besides that point of trivia, Roger Dean Stadium is noteworthy for another reason: it's a great facility that is somewhat wasted on the smaller crowds associated with the Florida State League. Dewayne Hankins looks at Roger Dean Stadium.

Ballpark Visit: Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers Miracle
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Hammond Stadium is best known as the spring home of the Minnesota Twins, but during the regular season it's the home of the Fort Myers Miracle (Class A; Florida State League). It's not a very remarkable ballpark, lacking all the checklist items found in a modern facility (outfield berm, wrapping concourse), and while there are some pretty good reasons why the Twins and the Miracle both draw fairly well, the actual ballpark is not among them.

Ballpark Visit: Mills Field, Brainerd Blue Thunder
Posted August 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's not often a ballpark gets to host four teams in less than 10 years, but the Northwoods League is back for another go at Brainerd's Mills Field. (Anyone remember the previous tenants -- the Brainerd Bobcats and the Brainerd Bears?) The owners of the expansion Brainerd Blue Thunder have already done some of the little things that could ensure the team's long-term success -- like installing a party deck -- and although the ballpark is unremarkable right now, there is potential for the future.

Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark
Posted August 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If North Little Rock voters do not approve a local sales tax to fund a new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), city officials will need to go back to the drawing board to determine whether the project is feasible, says NLR Mayor Patrick Hays. Voters will go to the polling booth tomorrow to decide on a two-year, 1 percent city sales tax in a special election. If approved, revenue from the tax will be used to build a ballpark that will cost an estimated $28 million. The ballpark would replace Ray Winder Field as the home of the Travs.
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Green light for lights at McKechnie?
Posted August 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wow. Officials in Bradenton, Fla., are looking at adding lights to McKechnie Field, the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as a fifth baseball field at Pirate City and improvements to the Pirate City dorms, which could then be rented for baseball tournaments. The Pittsburgh Pirates are on board with the proposal, which would allow for evening games during spring as well as many other tournaments during the season. (One can also expect some in Bradenton to start calling for a Class A Florida State League team as well.) The issue is cost and whether additional revenue from tournaments would pay for the improvements.

Ports set all-time attendance record
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Ah, the power of a new ballpark: Frank Dobales of Stockton, CA, was the 1,541st fan through the gates Saturday night for the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) and the 154,548th fan to attend a Ports game this season. As Dobales stepped through the gates at Banner Island Ballpark, he broke an attendance record for the Ports that has stood strong since the 1947 baseball season. The Ports are currently averaging 3,000 fans a game, up from an average of 1,500 a game in 2004.

Watching a ballpark grow in Greenville, with envy
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The State's Ron Morris, one of our favorite columnists, reports on the new ballpark under construction in Greenville for the Greenville Bombers (Class A; Sally League). It was designed as a mini-Fenway Park, complete with Green Monster and all. The new ballpark is expected to inject some poorly needed life into downtown Greenville. Downtown Columbia, where the Bombers wanted to build a ballpark, could have the same injection of crowds during the season. Still, Morris can't be too sad: with two new ballparks on line, he'll have plenty of chances to hang around new facilities in the next few years.

Senators weigh cost of staying in Jackson
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A week after Jackson Senators (independent; Central League) GM Craig Brasfield told Bob Wirz that the Sens were at Smith-Wills Stadium for the long haul, word comes down that things are not so sunny for the Sens and team ownership is considering a move for the 2006 season. No surprise: the team faced some competition from the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League) in nearby Pearl, and the team is the only Central League team not to commit to 2006.

Red Wings making history with morning-evening games
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The Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) will make baseball history tomorrow when they host the Ottawa Lynx in a morning/night doubleheader. A 9:35 a.m. had already been on the schedule since the offseason, but when an April 25 game was postponed by frigid weather, the Red Wings looked at the schedule and decided tomorrow would be the best time to make up the game. Two nine-innings game will be played at 9:35 a.m. and 7:05 p.m..

Looking back at Ivoryton's Comstock Park
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Ivoryton's Comstock Park was regarded as one of the best baseball facilities in its area. Starting in 1913 -- with picks and shovels -- workers actually removed a hill and altered the course of a stream to make room for a ballpark. Once completed, it was "the finest diamond in this part of the state and one of the best in New England," according to Ernest M Libby, writing in the Middletown Press (May 11, 1950). "There was a grandstand, dugouts, a clubhouse with showers and dressing rooms and everything that would add to the comfort and convenience of the players. During the next several years improvements were continued and the reputation of the Ivoryton field became known among baseball men all over the East." Now, obviously some of that was the hyperbole of the era (every small town claimed to have the finest this and that). I'd love to publish a book on these forgotten company ballparks, some of which rivaled and surpassed the best minor-league facilities. Anyone interested?

Shelling out for the Modesto Nuts
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Whether or not you approve of the new name, there's one thing for sure about the Modesto Nuts (Class A; California League): the team is selling a whole lot more merchandise now. Let's face it: while the Modesto A's had a great history and a great tie-in to the team's former parent team, it wasn't a name that was going to move a lot of merchandise. And the new logo is pretty cleverly done, making a great impression on borderline baseball fans.

A homer odyssey
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A former reporter for the Kansas City Star visits six MLB ballparks and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, dispersing opinions all the way. Actually, we don't learn a whole lot about the ballparks or the ballpark experience: If stories about people locking their keys in their card and bitching about high tolls turns your crank, this story is for you.

The New England triple play
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Another road trip: this one to three minor-league teams within driving distance of Boston: the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League), the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). (Thanks to John Cerone.)

Coveleski-type environment could be coming to this region
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Wow, those reporters at mid-sized dailies will use any excuse to visit a ballpark. Here a reporter from the Southern Illinoisan visits a South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League) to get a glimpse of how things may work when the team moves to Marion, Ill.

Game days long for Suns’ Goodman
Posted August 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kirk Goodman is assistant general manager of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) and like most assistant GMs he's assigned the unpleasant tasks handed down by GMs: making sure the ballpark is presentable before a game, working on game presentations, and helping the ballpark run smoothly. Of course, there is one redeeming factor to the assistant GM post: Goodman gets to go to work everyday at a ballpark.