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Archives: Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2006

Springdale leaders feel ballpark-contract pressure
Posted Sept. 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Springdale’s mayor and aldermen say they’re feeling the pressure to complete a contract that would bring the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) to the city’s planned ballpark. For Springdale Mayor Jerre Van Hoose, the pressure comes from looming deadlines. The sooner the city and the franchise agree on a lease, the sooner the city can start work on the 6,500-seat ballpark voters approved in July.
    RELATED STORIES: Texas League executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease; Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to public; Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of Wranglers; City told only voters decide ballpark's user; Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark; What's new in Wichita?; Wranglers president says move is nearly official; Wranglers agreement down to one item; City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008; Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers; Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team talks; Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations; Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep Wranglers; Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with them; Wranglers' dugout can be the pits; Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon; City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer; Wichita pitching to keep team; Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale; Springdale vote certification put on hold; City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with new ballparks; Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner; Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading; Who could step up to the plate to keep pro baseball in Wichita?; Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark funding; 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

Milwaukee extends PDCs with Huntsville, Brevard County, Helena
Posted Sept. 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Milwaukee Brewers announced extensions of player-development deals with three existing affiliates: the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League) through 2008, the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League) through 2010 and the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League) through 2008. "We are very excited to extend the relationship we have with these three clubs," said Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin. "Huntsville, Brevard County and Helena have all provided the critical resources and environment needed to continue developing and preparing our young players for our organization." More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Spokane, Texas extend affiliation
Posted Sept. 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League) and the Texas Rangers announced today that they have signed a two-year extension of their Player Development Contract, which will now run through the 2008 season. Since first affiliating with the Rangers in 2003, Spokane has produced two Northwest League championships, fielded four first-round draft picks and had two Northwest League MVPs on their roster. The current Player Development Contract was set to expire next month. "The Texas Rangers are great partners," said Bobby Brett, managing partner of the Spokane Indians. "And they've rewarded our fans for their terrific support by providing championship teams and quality players and coaches." More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Connecticut to host 2007 EL All-Star Game
Posted Sept. 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Connecticut Defenders will be hosting the 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game at Dodd Stadium Wednesday, July 11, 2007. The 2007 Eastern League All-Star Game will feature a collection of the top players from the Southern Division taking on a roster of All-Stars from the Northern Division. Each All-Star roster will consist of 24 players, with each Eastern League franchise being represented by at least one pitcher and one position player and a maximum of six players total. The All-Star rosters for each team will be selected through a combination of fan balloting and selections from media, managers, team and Eastern League front office personnel.

Burlington switches affiliation from Indians to Royals
Posted Sept. 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Kansas City Royals will replace the Cleveland Indians as the Major League parent club of the Burlington franchise in the Appalachian League, according to Burlington team president Miles Wolff.
    The newly re-named Burlington Royals will retain the same local management company that operated the Burlington Indians since their entry into the Appalachian League in 1986. General Manager Mark Cryan and Assistant General Manager Ryan Snodgrass will remain with the team in the same positions.
    "We are delighted to welcome the Royals to Burlington," Wolff said. "We know that with Dayton Moore as General Manager, Kansas City will be a fantastic partner with a strong commitment to player development."
    Moore, recently hired as the Kansas City Royals general manager, previously oversaw minor league operations for the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are generally considered among baseball’s best organizations at developing talent through their minor league system.
    Wolff also thanked Cleveland for their twenty-one years in Burlington. "The Indians have always been wonderful to work to with, and we are sorry to see them go. We understand, though, that they have had a shift in developmental philosophy that doesn’t fit with having a team in the Appalachian League."
    The new Burlington Royals will retain the former B-Tribe’s commitment to the community, according to GM Mark Cryan. This is an exciting time for us, with a new parent club, but we want to assure people that this team will remain committed to providing the people of Alamance County a great night of family entertainment." More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Bakersfield, Rangers extend PDC for four more years
Posted Sept. 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Texas Rangers and the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; Californian League) announced an extension of their working agreement through the 2010 season. The four year extension of the Player Development Contract (PDC) will make the Rangers the longest tenured affiliate in Bakersfield since the Los Angeles Dodgers left after the 1994 season. It also marks the first time the team has signed a four year agreement with any Major League affiliate since the team became known as the Blaze in 1995. The affiliations with the San Francisco Giants and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were both signed as consecutive two year agreements. More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff delivered a sobering message Wednesday to boosters of professional sports in San Jose: The A's aren't coming. "It is not an option," Wolff declared of the prospects of moving the A's to San Jose, using his most blunt public language to date in a city that has pursued Major League Baseball for more than two decades. He is exploring a home for the team in Fremont. Wolff had been trying to buy the territorial rights to San Jose, currently held by the San Francisco Giants, bug his offers apparently have rebuffed. This is not a surprise: regular readers of this site read consistent warnings about how seriously Major League Baseball takes its territorial rules, and there's no way MLB was just going to take Silicon Valley away from the Giants.
    RELATED STORIES: A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

International League approves sale of Lynx
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The International League board of directors voted Monday to approve the partial sale of the Ottawa Lynx to Joseph Finley and Craig Stein, clearing the way for the team to be moved to a new ballpark in the Lehigh Valley in 2008. The Lynx will remain in Ottawa next season while a 7,000-seat ballpark is built in Allentown. Ray Pecor, the current owner of the Lynx, will retain a minority ownership in the franchise. The official groundbreaking for the new Allentown ballpark will take place on Sept. 6, according to the office of Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham. Finley hopes the project will be completed by December 2007, giving plenty of time to finish the park before it opens the following April. When the Lynx move, Lynx Stadium will be without its main tenant, and although the independent Can-Am Association is keenly interested in placing a team there in 2008, the city is looking at several alternatives regarding its future.
    RELATED STORIES: Lynx poised to leap after 2007; Triple-A should be A-OK in Ottawa

Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On a predictable 4-3 vote, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners formally agreed to use a sales tax stretching over as many as three decades to help pay for a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins. The vote, which was greeted with applause, does not require a referendum and opens the way for the team and the county to move forcefully toward building the $522 million open-air ballpark in downtown Minneapolis in time for a 2010 opening. The final 4-3 vote calls for a 0.15 percent sales tax generating $392 million for the project; the Twins will pay $130 million. Nick Coleman, predictably, doesn't like the deal.
    RELATED STORIES: Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all but done; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand; Twins ballpark spending plan outlined; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis; Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight; supporters weren't; Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this week; Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening slated for 2010; Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark plan; Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't think Twins need new ballpark; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough votes to pass; Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in Minnesota Legislature; Twins laying off threats, for now; It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us; Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again;  Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark;  Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Wranglers tell city to back off, agreement firm
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Wichita Wranglers (class AA; Texas League) are finished negotiating a lease contract with Springdale, team President Jon Dandes said Wednesday. The move comes after the council decided to send a revised contract to the Wranglers ownership for their input, with the biggest change calling for the city to keep control of and revenues from any naming-rights deal -- a change that could cost the Wranglers upwards of $250,000, if recent naming-rights deals in Class AA are any indication. (Then again, there really haven't been many naming-rights deals in Class AA: by our count there have been just eight, ranting from the $84,000 First American Bank is paying in Midland to the reported $250,000 paid for the ballpark in Manchester, N.H.) More from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Wichita Eagle.
    RELATED STORIES: Texas League executives scrutinize proposed Springdale lease; Springdale officials present Wranglers lease to public; Rich Baseball, Springdale reach agreement on move of Wranglers; City told only voters decide ballpark's user; Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark; What's new in Wichita?; Wranglers president says move is nearly official; Wranglers agreement down to one item; City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008; Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers; Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team talks; Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations; Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep Wranglers; Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with them; Wranglers' dugout can be the pits; Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon; City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer; Wichita pitching to keep team; Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale; Springdale vote certification put on hold; City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with new ballparks; Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner; Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading; Who could step up to the plate to keep pro baseball in Wichita?; Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark funding; 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

Tribe has sights on one of two spring sites
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cleveland Indians are still working on a new spring-training site for either 2008 or 2009, and their top two locations are Orlando's Disney World or Goodyear, Az. Both have complications. At Disney World, the Indians would train at a new facility owned by either the Reedy River Improvement District or Osceola County and then share The Ballpark at Wide World of Sports with the Atlanta Braves; no one seems to be stepping forward with an application for $15 million in state funds. At Bonita Springs (located in the greater Fort Myers area), city officials want to move forward but need to acquire 80 acres of land -- something that's not easy in the fast-growing area. In Goodyear, officials have the land and the political will, but they don't have two teams, and unless the Baltimore Orioles are planning on leaving Fort Lauderdale soon, the Indians can't move on their own to Arizona if MLB hews to tradition. More on the situation in Bonita Springs.
    RELATED STORIES: Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility; Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play; Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training shift; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Next up, location for Bonita spring-training ballpark; Several key issues for spring training in Bonita Springs; Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training; Spring-training queries abound; Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch; Indians express interest; Ballpark figures in Sarasota; Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring training; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Indians are likely headed for Disney; Reds swing and miss; 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

Proposal links new Knights ballpark, arts tax
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners chairman Parker Helms says he's willing to stall a county board vote on a new car-rental tax -- essential to more than $150 million in funding for museums and theaters -- until the City Council says it will look at the proposal for a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) uptown ballpark he backs. Baseball hasn't been a huge priority for the county -- it sounds like the board is waiting for others to get going on a complicated land swap to get the necessary uptown land -- so Helms is really just shaking things up to get the ball rolling.
    RELATED STORIES: A slow curve in Charlotte; Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible; Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee ballpark construction; Hard days for Knights; Knights see more fans, but lag league; Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new ballpark; Knights meet with potential architects; Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte; The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte; Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark; Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?; Third Ward residents object to new Knights ballpark; Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5 million; Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of real estate; Arts package heads the agenda for city funding, but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan; Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers; Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark

Beavers, Padres extend player-development deal
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and San Diego Padres have signed a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC) extension through the 2008 season. "We are very pleased about extending our Player Development Contract with Portland," said Padres Vice President of Scouting and Player Development Grady Fuson. "The 2007-08 seasons will be our seventh and eighth years with Portland, and the organization has become part of the Padres family. The ownership group in Portland, along with the staff in San Diego, has stepped up to make this a successful and fruitful affiliation for all parties involved." The two-year extension continues a partnership that was established in 2001, Portland's first year back in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. The clubs signed a two-year extension to their original working agreement following the 2004 season. More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Omaha, Kansas City re-up for two more years
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the longest-running affiliation partnerships in professional baseball will continue for at least two more years. The Kansas City Royals and Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have finalized the standard Player Development Contract, extending Omaha's relationship as Kansas City's top affiliate through the 2008 season. Omaha has been the top-level farm club for Kansas City ever since the Royals entered the American League as an expansion franchise in the 1969 season. The partnership, which will reach 40 years at the end of the new PDC extension, is tied for the second-longest affiliation at the Triple-A level and is tied for the fourth-longest in all of Minor League Baseball. More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Grizzlies, Giants extend PDC
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The Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and the San Francisco Giants announced Wednesday the teams have signed a two-year Player Development Contract (PDC) extension that will keep the Grizzlies and Giants affiliates through the 2008 season. San Francisco originally became Fresno’s parent club in the Grizzlies first year in 1998. The Giants have had a history in the city of Fresno dating back to 1958 when the Fresno Giants (Class A; California League) were a Giants affiliate until 1987. "We are very excited and pleased to renew our relationship with the Giants for the next two years," said Chris Cummings, Fresno Baseball Club Managing General Partner. "We look forward to working with the Giants next season and are optimistic about the outcome." More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Frisco, Rangers extend player-development deal through 2010
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Texas Rangers Director of Player Development Scott Servais announced today the club has reached an agreement with the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League) to remain the club's affiliate through the 2010 season. Frisco has been a Texas affiliate in the Texas League since the club started playing in 2003. More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Memory of Yankee ghosts can't halt new ballpark
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As work begins on the new Yankee Stadium, critics see the project as symbolically burying more than just the old ballpark, the baseball shrine known as "The House that Ruth Built" across the street. What will also be lost, they say, is a metaphor for the American Century; a landmark of New York's emergence in the 1920s among the world's great cities and, during the decades that followed, a focal point in the city's social life. We'd be arguing more strenuously for preservation if the original Yankee Stadium still stood; the current Yankee Stadium is a pale, 1970s version of the original, one that's not worth saving.
    RELATED STORIES: Yanks could cash in on new ballpark; Yankees begin construction on new Yankee Stadium; Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated junk; Bronx group goes to court vs. new Yankee Stadium; New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark bonds; New York Agency approves ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets; MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea; 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

October decision on Petaluma ballpark?
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If a ballpark deal between the Sonoma-Marin Fair and a potential minor-league baseball team owner comes to fruition, it will be the city of Petaluma’s turn to bat -- and it could come as soon as October, Mayor David Glass said. Based on the fair board’s early August decision to negotiate with baseball financier Merritt Paulson for an initial period of 60 days, October could be the soonest the city might hear a pitch for a lease extension on the fairgrounds site. Petaluma is seen as the future home of an unnamed Class A California League team; we've heard the Bakersfield Blaze is the team in play. Here's an opposing viewpoint.
    RELATED STORIES: Sonoma-Marin Fair Board moves ahead with Petaluma ballpark project; Fair Board gets a look at Petaluma ballpark details; Petaluma may get Cal League team, ballpark

Baseball fans say goodbye to an old friend
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This weekend marks the final series at Ray Winder Field for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), as the team prepares for a move to a new ballpark in North Little Rock next season. Ray Winder Field is one of the great old ballparks of baseball, and while progress is inevitable, it's still sad to walk away from an old friend. We were asked by Arkansas Public Radio to comment on Ray Winder Field; you can hear the (surprisingly lucid) discussion in its entirety. We hope to be at one of the games this weekend, health permitting.
    RELATED STORIES: Spirits high during Travs' final season; City seeks right pitch on Ray Winder future; Ray Winder Field may be coming down; Construction of ballpark in NLR gets running start; Travelers GM offers up some new details on Dickey-Stephens Park; Last at-bat for Ray Winder Field; Arkansas's Screen Monster: One of baseball's great home-run alleys; North Little Rock ballpark builders face challenges; Travs ballpark plans intact, on track; Ballpark's rising costs to force a decision in North Little Rock; The future of Ray Winder Field under debate; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark has budget difficulty; Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park; New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park; Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field; Travelers' home coming into focus; NLR sets ballpark previews; NLR projects set fast, sure course; NLR ballpark planners get right to work; North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike for new ballpark; Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark; NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day; A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

Good news on deck for Rainiers
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Tacoma officials are collecting signatures on lease extensions that could keep the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) at Cheney Stadium through 2010. At the same time, the City Council is about to accept a $2.5 million state grant that will make the ballpark experience more pleasant. And the Seattle Mariners are negotiating an extension of their player-development deal with the team. A first round of improvements will expand and streamline concession stands, and city officials hope to get another $7 million for a second phase of the Cheney Stadium renovation. That would pay for restroom upgrades, a new roof structure, new clubhouse facilities and dugouts, new field lighting and upgraded mechanical systems.

New for 2007: The Great Lakes Loons
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The Low Class A Midwest League team moving to Midland, Mich. next season has a name: The Great Lakes Loons.  Bill Stavropoulos, president of the Michigan Baseball Foundation (owners of the team), said they chose Great Lakes Loons because the loon is a classic yet unique bird that makes its home along the hundreds of miles of shoreline in Michigan. "The loon is an interesting bird," Stavropoulos said. "It has distinctive features with its striped neck and red eye. We chose 'Great Lakes' because this is the region's team and we wanted to include a distinctive feature of Michigan in the name." Reaction to the name is mixed: some think the name is a little loony, but early merchandise sales were strong.
    RELATED STORIES: Midland is ready, waits for baseball; Where to park at new York ballpark?; It's Sovereign Bank Stadium in York; Bid deadline extended for new York ballpark; Next up in York: Construction bids; New for 2007: The York Revolution; York ballpark project gets OK; York team name finalists announced; York hopes to duplicate Lancaster Barnstormers' success; Owner fights seizure for York ballpark; HARB OKs razing for York ballpark; State grant brings York ballpark nearer; Review unlikely to derail York ballpark; Preservation voice needed on York ballpark project?; Sharing the history behind York's ballpark site; Lease deal set for York ballpark; York board questions ballpark payments; Ill-timed epiphany on York ballpark; Bottom of the 18th for York ballpark; Brenner goes to bat for York ballpark; York ballpark on life support?

Sun sets on Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
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Tonight is the final home game for the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League) at C.O. Brown Stadium, as the franchise will close out the season on the road before moving to a new ballpark in Midland, Mich., for next season. Whether there's baseball next year at C.O. Brown Stadium next season is still up in the air; no news on whether the summer collegiate Northwoods League will expand there. More on the highlights from the Michigan Battle Cats/Battle Creek Yankees/Southwest Michigan Devil Rays franchise here.

York ballpark project still $2 million over budget
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
York city planners are still deciding if the Sovereign Bank Stadium project should move forward after bids opened in mid-August came in almost $2 million more than a recent estimate. If the stadium isn't constructed, it's unlikely there would be a York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) -- the name chosen for York's baseball team. The team is slated to begin playing next year. The lowest base bids opened in mid-August came in at about $19.8 million, almost $2 million more than the $18.09 million budget at the time.
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Lynx Stadium eyed for winter use
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli believes Lynx Stadium should survive, even if the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) leaves town. Following a meeting yesterday with Ray Pecor, owner of the International League team, the mayor said he supports renovation of the facility, complete with an indoor facility for winter, should the Lynx bolt. At 10,000 seats, the facility is a little too big for independent Can-Am Association uses -- and the league is very interested in placing a team in Ottawa for 2008 -- so scaling back the facility putting a wintertime bubble on it would probably make some operational sense. A bubble at Frank Clair Stadium has proven popular. The city is also paying hardball with Pecor, saying he'll owe $3 million if the team leaves.

Council: Nothing left to say on Banner Island Ballpark
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Stockton City Council conceded Tuesday that the cost of building Stockton Arena and Banner Island Ballpark, the home of the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League), swelled because of decisions made by then-City Manager Mark Lewis, but it maintained in its response to a blistering grand jury report that both Lewis and the council acted appropriately. The $131-million Stockton Events Center project's cost exceeded its original budget by more than $15 million, and the San Joaquin County civil grand jury had complained -- as other critics have since 2004 -- that the project's construction was mismanaged. Really, there's plenty of blame to go around, and with Lewis out of the picture anyway, there's nothing in the way of corrective action anyway.

Work to begin immediately on improvements to Recreation Park
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The City of Visalia and the Visalia Oaks (Class A; California League) will immediately begin work on the $5-million renovation to 60-year-old Recreation Park, which will bring the ballpark into compliance with Minor League Baseball facility standards. In the first phase (slated for Opening Day 2007), improvements include new concessions and restrooms; a new Kids Play Zone with speed pitch and several other activities; 400 permanent seats; a grass berm; administrative and ticket offices; new brick ballpark exterior; and a corporate hospitality lounge. In Phase 2 (scheduled for Opening Day 2008), improvements include a grandstand expansion (750 additional seats); a new roof to shade the grandstand spectators; four private indoor suites; new videoboard; and full compliance with professional baseball facility standards.
    RELATED STORIES: Visalia ballpark deal close to done; Visalia ballpark readies for more fans

Missoula OKs plan to finish ballpark
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The Missoula City Council OK'd a plan to put up Ogren-Allegiance Park, the home of the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League), as collateral on a $6 million loan. The financing package for Ogren-Allegiance Park involves a consortium of lenders and would pay off liens, consolidate debt and complete the construction of the partially finished ballpark. The main players in the deal are Missoula Federal Credit Union, First Security Bank and the nonprofit Montana Community Development Corp. More from the Missoula Independent.

VMI construction puts VBL on hold
Posted Aug. 31, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jim Yates wants to place an Valley Baseball League expansion team at Lexington's Virginia Military Institute next season, but he's facing a huge problem: it doesn't look like a ballpark will be available. VMI is building a new barracks and is also working on another school building. One of those will be built on Maiden Lane -- not beside it, on it -- permanently sealing off one of only two roads that lead from downtown Lexington to the northwest end of campus, where the baseball field is located. The only other road residents can take is the one that goes around VMI’s parade grounds. Meanwhile, three teams from the Clark Griffith League want to move to the VBL; the Fauquier Gators have the best shot.