Recent
Visits |
Memorial Stadium, Fort Wayne
Wizards
There's nothing much distinctive about
Memorial Stadium, the home of the Fort Wayne
Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League): it doesn't
have a signature ballpark element, nor is it an
attraction on its own. Mike Nutter, the energetic
general manager of the Wizards, seems to
understand this. From a small but efficient
merchandise shop just inside the main door to an
usher who actually retrieved a foul ball and
handed it to a kid, one gets killed with little
kindnesses. No one thing stands out alone but add
it all up and you walk away with the feeling
people were actually glad you came to visit --
deficiencies in the ballpark not withstanding.
Fifth Third Field, Toledo
Mud Hens
The
home of the Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA;
International League),
Fifth Third Field is an impressive
edifice that seemed to have been carved out of
stone. The fact that it has helped turned Toledo's
warehouse district into the place to be during the
summer is one of the more impressive feats of the
young 21st century. In its sixth year of business,
Fifth Third has become one of the must-see stops
on the minor-league tour. After all, how can you
not like a park where the standing-room seats are
some of the best in the house and there is a
statue honoring kids peeping through the fence
watching a game? Dave Wright
shares his recent visit to Fifth
Third Field, while Jim Robins tells why the public
art at the ballpark may the finest in all of
minor-league baseball.
Comerica Park, Detroit
Tigers
OK,
so it's not Tiger Stadium; in fact, it's the
opposite of Tiger Stadium in every way, as if
Tigers owner Mike
Ilitch had ordered the architects to do everything
diametrically the opposite of how things were done
at Tiger Stadium. On those terms, Comerica Park
may be a disappointment to long-time Tigers fans.
On its own merits, however, Comerica Park is a
decent facility that isn't too subtle about
wanting to get the most revenue possible out of
your wallet. Detroit native Dave Wright reports on
his visit to Comerica Park.
|
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Features |
2007 Ballparks
Arkansas
Calgary
Idaho Falls
Marion, Ill.
Midland, Mich.
York, Pa.
2008 Ballparks
Billings
Lehigh Valley
LSU
Madison, Wis.
(renovations)
Springdale, Ark.
Southern Maryland
University of South
Carolina
Washington, D.C.
2009 Ballparks
Charlotte County, Fla.
Columbus, Ohio
Glendale, Az.
Goodyear, Az.
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Pensacola,
Fla.
Winston-Salem
2010 Ballparks
Kansas City
(renovations)
Minnesota
Oakland
Athletics
Ballparks of the Past
Colt
Stadium
Crosley Field
Durham Athletic
Park
Ebbets Field
Griffith Stadium
Huntington Avenue
Grounds
Jack Russell
Jarry Park
Joannes Field
L.A. Coliseum
Metropolitan
Stadium
Muehlebach
Field
Municipal Stadium
(Kansas City)
Sicks' Stadium
Tinker Field
War Memorial
(Greensboro)
Photo Galleries
Piedmont League
Book Excerpts
The Last Good Season
2006 Attendance
By average
By team
Affiliated - average
Affiliated - league
Affiliated - total
Indy - average
Indy - total
2005 Attendance
By average
By team
2004 Attendance
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
2003 Attendance
MLB attendance
By league
League overview
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
2002 Attendance
By league
By average
By team
Indy by team
Indy by
league
Combined
overall
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The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
owners. |
Broadcasts |
Virtually every MiLB team now streams broadcasts over the
Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
More
on Internet radio and TV broadcasts here! |
|
Archives: August
20-27, 2005
Sides close on Sounds
ballpark plan
Posted August 26, 2005
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Nashville
city officials and the Nashville Sounds (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League) are close to finalizing
a deal for a multiuse development and new
ballpark. The deal, which calls for no direct
taxpayer subsidy, The
$43-million ballpark would be accompanied by a
$180 million mix of residential, retail and
office, and possibly a hotel on the former site of
the Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant; the project
is being headed by Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse.
One interesting twist: there's a huge limestone
rock where the outfield fence of the ballpark is
projected. One possibility mentioned by Alex
Washburn of W Architecture would be to somehow use
the rock, depending on the design of the field,
into the outfield wall.
RELATED STORIES:
Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size;
New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt;
Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until
fall;
Sounds deal stalls, but still in play;
City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan;
Sounds ballpark negotiations slow;
Will ballpark make SoBro soar?;
Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark;
Sounds win city approval for new ballpark
Wirz: Golden League a
qualified success
Posted August 26, 2005
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The
Golden Baseball League wraps up its inaugural
season this weekend before a playoff tournament in
Long Beach. Though some attendance goals weren't
met, the GBL certainly generated headlines and
seems to be a solid addition to the world of
Independent Baseball,
according to indy
veteran Robert Wirz.
Red Sox replacing 40,000
square feet of Fenway turf after Stones concerts
Posted August 26, 2005
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Here
is why many groundskeepers are wary about concerts
and other large group events held at ballparks
during the season. The Rolling Stones played two
concerts at
Fenway Park to
kick off their latest tour. After the last of the
stage equipment was taken away, the groundskeepers
assessed the damage. The
turf was hurt so badly 40,000 square feet of
outfield sod is being replaced. The Red Sox are
also
delaying the start of tonight's game by an hour
to give the crew enough time to lay down the sod.
City, counties have to play
ball in Amarillo
Posted August 26, 2005
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The
Amarillo Globe says the city should bring back a
plan to spend $100,000 on a ballpark feasibility
study, but with one difference: cooperate with
Potter County on the issue. Amarillo City
Commission members say there's little point to
studying the future of pro baseball now that a new
independent league wants to set up shop at Potter
County Memorial Stadium, but the new team will
have the same issues with the old, rundown
ballpark encountered by the Amarillo Dillas
(independent; Central League).
RELATED STORIES:
Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study;
Baseball is back in Amarillo;
Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team;
Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study;
Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea;
Amarillo plans to study new ballpark;
Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league
Upon review, baseball may
not be so keen on replay
Posted August 26, 2005
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There's
only been one time in major-league baseball when a
call was reversed by an ump using instant replay:
Frank Pulli's viewed a replay on a monitor during
a May 1999 game between the Florida Marlins and
the St. Louis Cardinals to rule Cliff Floyd had
doubled and not homered. Technically, there's
nothing in MLB rules to prohibit the use of
instant replay, but umpires and MLB officials --
and most players and managers, judging by this
article -- just don't want to see the human
element removed from baseball. It's the right
call.
Fort Myers team milks
suspension
Posted August 26, 2005
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The
Los Angeles Dodgers' Brad Penny challenged a
Florida Marlins batboy to drink a gallon on milk
in less than an hour without throwing up, with
$500 changing hands if he did. Well, the batboy
did indeed throw up and was suspended by the
Marlins, pissing off Penny (who plans on paying up
on the bet anyway) and causing the Fort Myers
Miracle (Class A; Florida State League) to invite
the batboy to Monday's game. They're even creating
a promotion around the incident: all
children 14 and under will receive a pint of milk
when entering the stadium, a cow will be stationed
at the front gates, and empty milk cartons will be
placed throughout the stadium so fans can make
monetary donations to the batboy.
Pitcher Lasorda reflects on
career
Posted August 26, 2005
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One
of the highlights of our spring training was
dining at Tommy Lasorda's table in Dodgertown
before an evening game; he was in fine form,
telling stories and entertaining the small
gathering. Here's an expanded look at Lasorda, one
of the good guys of baseball: he's a guy who paid
his dues in the minors both as a player and a
manager and deserved his 20-year stint as manager
of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nats sale could come quickly
now that lease is done
Posted August 25, 2005
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The
sale of the Washington Nationals to one of eight
groups bidding for the team could happen by Labor
Day now that MLB is close to finalizing a lease
for a new ballpark with the D.C. Sports &
Entertainment Commission. Both sides expect the
lease to be finalized by the end of next week.
Meanwhile, MLB management has been reviewing the
eight bids for the team, which should go for
upwards of $450 million. The final terms of the
lease probably won't affect any of the bids; MLB
has been pretty upfront with the eight groups
about what they can expect to see in a lease, and
there don't seem to be any last-minute snags to
the deal.
Meanwhile, the cost of the new Washington
Nationals ballpark
may be a little less than expected after
engineers determined a major sewer line would not
need to be rerouted.
RELATED STORIES:
MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon;
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon;
Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics;
D.C. ballpark architect has towering test;
Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark;
Cropp still talking private financing for D.C.
ballpark;
D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor
Ledecky;
Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest
ticket;
Problems at RFK typical of District;
Washington's team is political football;
Issues continue to build at RFK;
Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost
from Supreme Court;
Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee;
D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers;
Is D.C. private financing finally dead?
Finalists for Nats ownership due soon;
Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.;
Gandhi defends ballpark figures;
Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council;
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
Lehigh County raises hotel tax to build ballpark
Posted August 25, 2005
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A
new ballpark for an International League team in
Allentown, Pa., came closer to reality when the
Lehigh County board agreed to boost the levy on
hotel bills from 3.5 percent to 4 percent, raising
$210,000 in new annual revenue. Craig Stein and
Joe Finley, owners of several Class AA and Class A
teams, want to move the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA;
International League) to a new 7,000-seat
Allentown ballpark; they have an option to buy a
40-acre parcel from Agere and would pay the county
$700,000 per year to lease the ballpark, helping
repay the bonds. State and federal grants would
cover $19 million in development costs, and the
county would sell bonds to raise most of the rest
of the money for the nearly $35 million project.
More from the Express-Times.
RELATED STORIES:
Lehigh County favors tax for Allentown stadium;
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?
NY-Penn League proposes early June start
Posted August 25, 2005
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The
short-season NY-Penn League is proposing an early
June start to its season, with the season ending
in late August. The proposal is before MiLB and
MLB, who must both approve. No word on whether the
change could be implemented in time for 2006 or
would be implemented in 2007, or whether the
Northwest League wants to follow suit. If the
short seasons were to start early and the draft
moved back in recognition of the NCAA season
lasting to the end of June, player development
would need to reevaluated -- which is an argument
for the Appy League to remain the way it is.
Logan, Uecker synonymous with Milwaukee baseball
Posted August 25, 2005
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The
Milwaukee Brewers are honoring Johnny Logan and
Bob Uecker this weekend as the Brew Crew host the
Atlanta Braves (the former Milwaukee Braves, of
course). Logan played shortstop for the Braves and
stayed in Milwaukee, spending time as a
broadcaster, running for sheriff and scouting for
the Brewers. Uecker, of course, really is Mr.
Baseball is Milwaukee; we know him from his Miller
Beer commercials and appearances in the Major
League movies, but he's a top-notch broadcaster.
Lake Elsinore ballpark bidders pitch their plans
Posted August 25, 2005
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Two
firms pitched their plans to privatize The
Diamond, the home of the Lake Elsinore Storm
(Class A; California League). One group was led by
Storm owner Gary Jacobs, who wants to see the
ballpark used more in the offseason with concerts,
swap meets, festivals and other events. Both
groups mentioned development of the area around
the ballpark as a way for the city to cut down its
annual $600,000 deficit.
Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study
Posted August 25, 2005
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Saying
the money could be better spent on police
officers, the Amarillo City Commission decided to
scrap plans to spend $100,000 on a feasibility
study concerning a new ballpark in the city. With
a new independent league ready to set up shop at
Potter County Memorial Stadium, there's little
impetus to spend city money on a study, much less
build a new ballpark to lure a team. Besides, some
commission members figured out exactly what would
happen: such feasibility studies always recommend
the building of a new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Baseball is back in Amarillo;
Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team;
Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study;
Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea;
Amarillo plans to study new ballpark;
Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league
Sox eye stopping epithet: Yankees T-shirt nixed
Posted August 25, 2005
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How
much free speech is too much? The management of
the Boston Red Sox is struggling with the issue as
the team considers asking fans not to wear
"Yankees Suck" T-shirts inside
Fenway Park.
You see Red Sox fans wearing these T-shirts even
when the Kansas City Royals are in town, so it's
not really clear fans are trying to provoke fights
in the stands. Still, with some saying unruly
behavior is rampant at the old ballpark, the Red
Sox are having ushers request fans turn the
"Yankees Suck" T-shirts inside out.
A community institution in Myrtle Beach
Posted August 25, 2005
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Coastal
Federal Field, the home of the Myrtle Beach
Pelicans (Class A; Carolina League), is an
institution among Myrtle Beach residents. The
Pelicans break the old adage that baseball teams
won't be successful in towns that rely heavily on
the tourist economy, but the Pelicans are
successful because they eschew the tourists and
appeal directly to locals.
Freedom sees success, growth this year
Posted August 25, 2005
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With
the end of the season looming -- how time flies!
-- the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier
League) are close to reaching their goal of 1,900
fans a game, averaging 1,850. The team will lose
$300,000 this season, mostly because expected
corporate support did not materialize. Owner Clint
Brown is looking at tinkering with Champion Window
Field in the offseason, moving a bar closer to the
stands and adding four air-conditioned suites that
can be used year-round.
Maine baseball worth a kid's-eye view
Posted August 25, 2005
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A
writer from Boston.com visits Hadlock Field, the
home of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern
League), and pronounces it a family-friendly
environment. The Sea Dogs emphasize the working
agreement with the Boston Red Sox; the BoSox were
smart to shift affiliation there, creating a new
generation of Red Sox fans to the north. Most of
the account of this game is pretty boring if
you've ever been to a baseball game, however.
(Thanks to John Cerone.)
Red Sox seek landmark status
for Fenway Park
Posted August 24, 2005
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The
Boston Red Sox have applied to the National Park
Service for placement of
Fenway Park
on the National Historic Register, a move that
could save the team millions in renovation costs
but will also place restrictions on what the Sox
can do with the 1912 structure. Basically, placing
a building on the National
Historic Register makes the owners eligible to
receive tax credits for up to a fifth of the cost
of renovations; the tax breaks are designed to
make rehabilitating a building on the same
economic level as building a new structure. The
Red Sox are spending $200 million on renovations
to
Fenway Park,
so the designation -- which has yet to be approved
by the park service -- could save the team up to
$40 million. On the flip side, placement on the
National Historic Register does place restrictions
on what the Red Sox could do to
Fenway Park
in the future and basically ties the team to the
ballpark. Which, we can all agree, is a good
thing. The designation also gives the Red Sox a
little more say on what happens next to the
ballpark. The team has been buying up property in
the area, but there are a few plans for high-rises
adjacent to the ballpark (the Howard Johnson
adjacent to Fenway Park is scheduled to be torn
down in favor of a hotel/condo project). (Speak of
placements on the National Historic Register:
Wahconah Park was awarded the designation last
week.) The Save
Fenway! group and the Red Sox are closely
monitoring development plans;
look for the pair to oppose any high rise that
impinges on the outfield views from the grandstand.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox announced their latest
addition to Fenway Park: executives are weighing
plans to
add two stories of offices to the so-called
Laundry Building, an adjacent utility building
connected to the 1912 ballpark. Along with
offices, the team may also add a few hundred seats
along the edge of the building as well.
RELATED STORIES:
Property-hungry Sox target Lansdowne Street;
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?
Comcast looks to land MLB
Sunday/Wednesday package
Posted August 24, 2005
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Cable
giant Comcast is looking to snare Major League
Baseball's Sunday and Wednesday night cable
package from ESPN, the rights to which expire at
the end of the current season. The games would be
placed on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), the new
national home of the National Hockey League. ESPN
builds its summer programming around Major League
Baseball; losing it would deal a serious blow to
ESPN2. Comcast has one giant advantage: because it
operates so many cable systems it could bring the
MLB Channel to a much wider audience.
Stadium sales tax coming up
short in Cincinnati
Posted August 24, 2005
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A
fund implemented by Ohio's Hamilton County to
finance Great American
Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, the home of
the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, could be $8 million
in the hole next year. Proceeds from a half-cent
sales tax go into the fund, but early projections
yielded the deficit. Measures being considered to
address the deficit are refinancing the debt,
stretching the debt beyond the current 30 years,
and using money now spent on daily county
operations. Officials from the Bengals say the
problem isn't spending on the sports facilities;
it's that the fund is now used for additional
purposes, such as property-tax relief, and that
revenue projections are right where originally
predicted.
MLB likely to pick Nats
owner soon
Posted August 24, 2005
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MLB
CEO Bob DuPuy says a new owner of the Washington
Nationals should be decided by Labor Day, with
control of the team completed by Oct. 1. MLB
officials are currently sifting through the bids
for the team from eight groups; meetings between
MLB officials and some of the groups have also
taken place recently. The winning bid for the Nats
should exceed $450 million and maybe even $500
million, making the sale of the team one of the
highest in MLBH history, especially with no other
assets (ballpark, cable network) involved.
RELATED STORIES:
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon;
Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics;
D.C. ballpark architect has towering test;
Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark;
Cropp still talking private financing for D.C.
ballpark;
D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor
Ledecky;
Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest
ticket;
Problems at RFK typical of District;
Washington's team is political football;
Issues continue to build at RFK;
Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost
from Supreme Court;
Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee;
D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers;
Is D.C. private financing finally dead?
Finalists for Nats ownership due soon;
Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.;
Gandhi defends ballpark figures;
Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council;
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
Buying into the dream
Posted August 24, 2005
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I'd
estimate a solid 40 percent of the Ballpark Digest
readership either own a baseball team or have
designs on owning one. If you're in this group,
check out this article on the ins and outs of
owning a baseball team. It's not the casual
investment of days gone by: when franchise prices
can reach $24 million or so, there are some big
bucks to be made -- and be lost -- in the baseball
world. Don't take everything in this article as
the literal truth (there are plenty of teams run
by real baseball people and some of the successes
cited are in reality not so successful), though.
Chukars facing deadline for
new ballpark
Posted August 24, 2005
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The
Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League) are
facing a September 30 deadline to raise enough
funds in the private sector to financing a
renovated ballpark. So far a community group has
raised $700,000, about $650,000 short of the
target amount. Now, deadlines are a great way for
a group to wrap up fundraising, but if this effort
falls short the group can ask for an extension or
seek other funding methods, such as a city grant.
RELATED STORIES:
City Council okays McDermott Field makeover
Brooklyn fans earn an 'A'
Posted August 24, 2005
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It
sounds like a good time was had by all last night
at KeySpan Park, the home of the Brooklyn
Cyclones, which hosted the first-ever NY-Penn
League All-Star Game. There was a huge crowd on
hand -- 9,054, the second-largest crowd in
ballpark history -- but more importantly the
Cyclones' owner, the New York Mets, announced the
team would stay in the NY-Penn League and not move
up to Class A. Next year's NY-Penn League All-Star
Game will be played at Ripken Stadium, the home of
the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
Sea Dogs
establish Hall of Fame
Posted August 24, 2005
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The
Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) will
announce the first two members of the Sea Dogs
Hall of Fame on Friday, August 26. Throughout the
2005 season, Sea Dogs fans have had the
opportunity to vote-in the inaugural members of
the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame. To be eligible for the
Sea Dogs Hall of Fame, players must have debuted
with the Sea Dogs at least ten years ago. Each
season one player and one non-playing personality
will be inducted into the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame.
On the inaugural ballot for players were Charles
Johnson, Billy McMillon, Edgar Renteria, and Jay
Powell. Non-playing nominees
on the ballot include Carlos Tosca, Bob Ganley,
and John Boles.
Salem Avalanche
set attendance record
Posted August 24, 2005
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For
a second consecutive season the Salem Avalanche
(Class A; Carolina League) has set a franchise
record for attendance in a season. The previous
mark, 224,991 was eclipsed on Sunday afternoon as
Salem hosted Winston-Salem. "Breaking the
attendance record for the second consecutive
season speaks volumes about the commitment the
citizens of the Roanoke Valley have for the Salem
Avalanche," Avalanche V.P./G.M. Jamie Toole
said. "Our front office staff continues to work
hard to provide affordable family entertainment
and it is great that our fans have acknowledged
that by continuing their support of the
Avalanche." In 2005, the Avalanche has averaged
3,695 per game at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium.
With an eight game homestand remaining, the
Avalanche are on pace to finish the season over
the 250,000 mark in attendance.
Community groups speak out
against new Yankee Stadium
Posted August 23, 2005
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Though
a proposal for
a new Yankee Stadium has been warmly received by
New York City and Bronx political leaders, the
reception among the grassroots and community
leaders has been less than enthusiastic. Some of
this has to do with the constant political
wrangling in New York City, but much of this has
to do with the Yankees' inability to meet with
community groups and explain how a new ballpark
could be a plus for local residents despite being
a short-term pain when construction starts. The
Yankees could also benefit from setting up a
community benefits agreement, similar to the one
signed for the new New Jersey Nets arena in
Brooklyn, that ensures many well-paying jobs will
stay in the neighborhood. It doesn't sound like
many of the community activists really want to
derail the new ballpark; they just want their
concerns to be heard.
RELATED STORIES:
New Yankee Stadium needs same old feeling;
Grand old ballyard will be missed;
Yankees officially unveil
new ballpark plans;
Yankees' ballpark plans stepping up to the plate;
Bombers move on own plan as N.Y. turns two;
SOS for Yankee fans: Save Old Stadium;
Bronx Beep goes to bat for new Yankee Stadium;
Inside the deal for the new Yankee Stadium;
It's back to the future for the Yankees;
Lots of ideas for Yankee Stadium;
Yanks 90% toward new home;
Stadium games in NYC: give
and take and speculation;
Macomb dams Yankees;
New York's sports economy;
Brooklyn beep ready to play
ball with the Yankees
Clark Construction endorsed
as D.C. ballpark builder
Posted August 23, 2005
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Clark
Construction Group LLC, whose work includes FedEx
Field, MCI Center and the Washington Convention
Center, is in the lead to land a contract to build
the new ballpark for the Washington Nationals,
according to criteria set forth by the D.C. Sports
and Entertainment Commission. The commission's
board will decide Friday whether to grant the
contract to Clark, which could be worth up to $9.4
million. Clark has the edge over some familiar
names: Turner Construction and Barton Malow.
RELATED STORIES:
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon;
Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics;
D.C. ballpark architect has towering test;
Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark;
Cropp still talking private financing for D.C.
ballpark;
D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor
Ledecky;
Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest
ticket;
Problems at RFK typical of District;
Washington's team is political football;
Issues continue to build at RFK;
Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost
from Supreme Court;
Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee;
D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers;
Is D.C. private financing finally dead?
Finalists for Nats ownership due soon;
Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.;
Gandhi defends ballpark figures;
Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council;
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
Baseball is back in Amarillo
Posted August 23, 2005
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Byron
Pierce and John Bryant, the original founders of
the independent Texas-Louisiana League (now the
Central League), made it official yesterday:
they've secured a one-year sublease of Potter
County Memorial Stadium and will install a team
from their new independent league there next
season. The pair have acquired rights to the old
Amarillo Dillas name and logo, but they don't know
if they'll be using it. No word yet on
the other four teams in the new league
besides Amarillo and Harlingen. Some want
to see a clear plan regarding
the ongoing maintenance of Potter County Memorial
Stadium, though it's pretty clear ACE
Baseball, which holds the original lease to the
ballpark, doesn't plan on reneging on its
obligation to perform $12,000 of maintenance
yearly on the ballpark. (There may be a baseball
bonanza in Amarillo: ACE is looking at landing a
college wood-bat team in the Jayhawk League.) And,
of course, the city of Amarillo is still planning
on spending $100,000 on a study to
map out a possible new ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team;
Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study;
Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea;
Amarillo plans to study new ballpark;
Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league
Hey, Batter: Lost art of
bench banter
Posted August 23, 2005
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In
the not-so-distant past, sitting near the field
meant you could listen to opposing players razzing
the other team. Today, you don't hear that: most
players, if they're yelling, are yelling at the
umps and not trying to upset the opposition. Some
trace the death of bench jockeying to the
unionization of the players, which united them in
most ways; free agency didn't help, either, as
most players are somewhat familiar with almost
everyone else in the majors. Some of the players
interviewed by the New York Times, like Gary
Sheffield, didn't even know what was involved with
bench jockeying.
Nats' caps near head of the
class
Posted August 23, 2005
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Another
reason why moving the Montreal Expos to
Washington, D.C. was a good move: Washington
Nationals merchandise is among the top six sellers
in MLB caps, trailing only the New York Yankees
and Boston Red Sox and on a par with the Los
Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis
Cardinals as among the top movers in baseball.
There may be another reason for the run on Nats
caps: Some Republicans are wearing them in support
of "W," the nickname for President George W. Bush.
McCourt revels in running
show in L.A.
Posted August 23, 2005
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When
Frank McCourt bought the Los Angeles Dodgers, he
installed his wife, Jamie McCourt, as head of the
team. She is responsible for all Dodgers
business operations, including the overall
day-to-day management and strategic planning of
the organization as well as the integration of the
business and baseball operations. She is focused
on working with senior executives to integrate,
strengthen and manage the Dodgers' sales,
marketing, merchandising, public relations,
community relations, public affairs, legal,
finance and accounting departments. Truth be,
we have a lot
of problems with how the Dodgers treat fans
(first-rate ballpark; third-rate front office);
perhaps she should focus more on the fan
experience at Dodger Stadium.
Light houses
Posted August 23, 2005
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This
article covers the eternal debate over reported
attendance versus actually attendance. It used to
be the National League announced turnstile counts,
but that ended in 1993 when MLB consolidated
business operations among the leagues. Today MLB
teams announce tickets sold, not turnstile counts,
which leads to some disparity
between what fans see in the stands
and what's announced at the game.
Tunney proposes sprinklers
for rooftop clubs
Posted August 23, 2005
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Chicago
Alderman Tom Tunney, who represents Wrigleyville,
wants to see rooftop clubs overlooking Wrigley
Field install sprinklers in lieu of front and rear
exits and provide free trolley or shuttle bus
tickets instead of parking. He's trying to work
out a compromise with local residents who are
increasingly tired of the havoc caused by Cubs
fans when the team is in town. The rooftop clubs
have evolved from a cute little sideline to
big-buck businesses, and the zoning laws must
reflect that.
Selling an experience in the
'burbs
Posted August 23, 2005
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One
reason for the rapid growth in minor-league
baseball: the move by both affiliated and
independent teams into suburban and urban
locations, as owners eschew the rural roots of the
game and move into more lucrative areas. Can't
blame them: the game was enhanced when the
Brooklyn Cyclones entered the NY-Penn League.
Pride of Peoria
Posted August 23, 2005
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Pete
Vonachen is the legendary owner of the Peoria
Chiefs (Class A; Midwest League). The 80-year-old
has seen it all in Peoria, and he's adamant about
one thing: more than once did baseball save
Peoria. The city went through some rocky times
when large employers like Pabst and Caterpillar
scaled back or eliminated operations, but
residents were always able to gather as a
community at the ballpark.
Diablos' season a success
Posted August 23, 2005
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The
move into the independent Central League from the
Class AA Texas League certainly was a good one for
fans of the El Paso Diablos, as the team set a CBL
record for announced attendance in their inaugural
season. The total (190,429) and average (4,052)
announced attendance figures (season tickets and
individual game tickets sold) were the best ever
in the 12-year-old league. More importantly,
Diablos president Mark Schuster says the Diablos
will turn a profit this season.
Living a Comerican dream
Posted August 23, 2005
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The
West Michigan Whitecaps hosted the Fort Wayne
Wizards in a Class A Midwest League tilt last
night at Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit
Tigers. For the players, it was a treat to play at
a real major-league ballpark; for the team, it was
a great way to promote the Tigers to a different
group of fans. Other MLB parks, such as Miller
Park and PNC Park, similarly have hosted
minor-league games to great acclaim..
NY-Penn League unveils
All-Star Game tonight
Posted August 23, 2005
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The
short-season NY-Penn League unveils its inaugural
All-Star Game tonight at KeySpan Park, home of the
Brooklyn Cyclones. The game starts at 7 p.m., but
it's preceded by a slew of festivities, including
a street fair from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a 6 p.m.
homerun derby that features ordinary Joes battling
the pros. OK, maybe not ordinary Joes: these are
fans who won home-run derbies at earlier games.
New Bern board to discuss
new ballpark
Posted August 23, 2005
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The
New Bern Board of Aldermen is looking at building
a 3,000-seat ballpark that would, among other
things, serve as the new home of the New Bern
River Rats (college wood bat; Coastal Plain
League). Sabrina Bengel, River Rats owner and team
president, said the facility would be for the
entire area to use, not just a baseball park for
the team. The team is asking board to commit up to
$400,000 to help construct the new facility; the
total estimated cost to build the complex is
around $1 million.
Happy birthday, Carl Pohlad
Posted August 23, 2005
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Normally
we don't note birthdays on Ballpark Digest, but
this is a special occasion: Carl Pohlad turns 90
today. The owner of the Minnesota Twins is still
an active businessman, and although his team isn't
the best-run of organizations when it comes to
customer service (Sunday's bobblehead giveaway was
a disaster), most Minnesotans are pleased with
their Twins.
Media taken in by phony
press release regarding Twins ballpark
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Some
members of our esteemed media -- including the
broadcast home of the Minnesota Twins and a
sports-business Web site/publication -- apparently
were taken in by a phony press release from a
Minneapolis law firm with the following claim: "A
group of investors has stepped forward to buy the
Minnesota Twins and build a domed stadium with a
retractable roof at no expense to taxpayers,
attorney David Gotlieb announced." The Twins
aren't for sale and the law firm said they had
nothing to do with the issuing of the press
release: "We have not been contacted by the [law]
firm and have not been contacted by the client of
the firm," said Twins president Dave St. Peter,
pointing out the Twins are not for sale. "I find
the timing very curious and candidly disappointing
when you consider the ballpark issue and the
belief by many that we are close to resolving that
issue."
Oakland ballpark village
plan designed to win allies, public funds
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Here's
a look at the proposal by the Oakland Athletics to
build a new development containing a new ballpark,
north of the current McAfee Coliseum site. The
important thing to remember here is that the
proposal really is for a large mixed-use
development, one use being a ballpark. Now,
whether folks like it or not, mixed-use
developments across the country -- most without
ballparks -- receive public subsidies every day in
the form of lowered tax expectations or government
financing. When seen that way, what Lew Wolff and
the A's front office proposes in terms of
government assistance is definitely right in the
middle of the mainstream, though
his request to have a City Hall staffer working
full-time on the development project does seem a
little extreme. Whether it is more
controversial because of the ballpark angle
remains to be seen;
the San Francisco Chronicle is clearly skeptical.
Property owners on the proposed ballpark site are
waiting to see what the A's have in mind.
Meanwhile,
the A's do have a backup plan in case the
development plan doesn't fly: the team will
look at building a new ballpark sans development
on the Coliseum grounds or elsewhere in Alameda
County.
RELATED STORIES:
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
Grizzlies Stadium short of
Fresno's fee hopes
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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With
the Fresno Grizzlies (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) on the market, this probably isn't good
news: fees to cover ballpark construction have
fallen 25 percent below expectation and revenues
from concerts have been nonexistent, so city
officials have been forced to cover shortfalls in
other ways. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, say they
want to pay less in a lease: Officials with the
Fresno Diamond Group, owners of the Grizzlies, say
they have lost more than $2 million since coming
to Fresno in 1998 and have more than $1 million in
debt that continues to accrue interest. The money,
borrowed from Diamond Group investors and banks,
was used to pay day-to-day bills. The Grizzlies
aren't behind on their lease payments. Meanwhile,
the Fresno Diamond Group wants to sell 51 percent
of the team to someone who will clear up the debt,
but that's a little unrealistic: the current
owners would remain in place and the new owner
would receive newly issued stock, but whoever
comes in will want to control all the action and
not have 53 other shareholders to placate.
Cooper Stadium site draws
more proposals
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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A
new ballpark in downtown Columbus for the Columbus
Clippers (Class AAA; International League) may not
be a done deal, but that hasn't stopped some folks
from salivating over the site of the team's
current home, Cooper Stadium. One group is
pitching a youth soccer academy, while another
suitor, Columbus Urban Growth Corp., would like to
extend its adjoining West Edge Business Park to
the site, adding more light industry and offices.
And then there's the chance of a housing
development on the site as well.
Pride try to pull proverbial
wrench
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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There's
been a slew of complaints over the management of
the Nashua Pride (independent; Atlantic League)
this season, most concerning inattention to detail
and not enough resources put into the franchise by
new owners. Jon Danos, representing the ownership
group, was in town to address the concerns and
admitted changes must be made. Still, there are
rumors the team won't be around in 2006, but that
seems a little unlikely: with new Atlantic League
ballparks in Yonkers, York and Monroe Township
unlikely to be online until 2007 at the earliest,
Nashua residents may be able to enjoy the Atlantic
League for another season -- and don't be
surprised if the Can-Am League moves right in.
No minor miracle
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Here's
a very good look at how minor-league baseball has
changed in the last 20 years: teams didn't have
exploding scoreboards, there was little action
between innings, and players dressed in cramped
clubhouses, sometimes in shifts. Today
minor-league baseball is a big-time sport, with
great ballparks and players who compete in
comfort.
Judge dismisses
Cablevision suit against Mets over cable network
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Justice
Helen E. Freedman of the New York State Supreme
Court has granted summary judgment in favor of the
New York Mets and dismissed Cablevision's lawsuit
against the team. The lawsuit, which challenged
the formation of a new regional sports network,
has been dismissed in its entirety. The launch of
the new network, which will feature Mets games, is
set for the spring of 2006.
Bakersfield salivating over
land sale
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Bakersfield
(Cal.) is looking at using the proceeds of a land
sale to fund a new ballpark or another sports
facility. The Bakersfield Blaze (Class A;
California League) play at Sam Lynn Ballpark, an
older facility that lacks many of the amenities
found in newer ballparks. The city is expected to
clear $90 million from the land sale.
County, city look to bundle
civic projects
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Orlando
is currently the largest city in the United States
without professional baseball, and despite the
failure of the Orlando Rays (Class AA; Southern
League) two years ago more than one team and
league has been looking at the Magic City. The
issue is the lack of a good ballpark:
Cracker Jack Stadium in nearby Disneyworld is
a fine facility but the fact it's a union shop
drives up operating costs, and downtown
Tinker Field has seen better days. Now would
be a good time to chat with Mayor Buddy Dyer --
who has already spoken out in favor of a downtown
ballpark -- about professional baseball in O-Town:
the city and the county are looking at a large
development that would tie together many different
projects into one larger public-works project.
Whiteley steps
down as Oaks GM
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Jennifer
Whiteley, general manager of the Visalia Oaks
(Class A; California League) for the last four
seasons, has decided to step down to pursue other
unfinished career goals. Whiteley, who turned the
Oaks from a joke of a franchise to a solid team,
helped improve both the team’s business operations
and the park in which they play in by adding
amenities like individual stadium seating, a
barbeque picnic area, and a new clubhouse.
Forget about Mandalay: Save
Class AA baseball
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Kevin
Cuneo says Class AA baseball is worth saving in
Erie, Pa., and the city needs to explore bringing
in another Eastern League team and not settle for
short-season NY-Penn League baseball should
Mandalay Baseball indeed move the Erie SeaWolves
(Class AA; Eastern League). Cuneo has some
misconceptions about the situation -- he says
Mandalay never pressed for any improvements to
Jerry Uht Park, which is simply not the case --
and he misunderstands Mandalay's new business
model: a development that also owns baseball
teams.
Small-time sports playing in
the big city
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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Here's
a look at minor-league sports in Phoenix, which
this year includes the Mesa Miners (independent;
Golden Baseball League). It's always been hard for
minor-league sports in the area: the Phoenix
Giants/Phoenix (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
drew about 3,000 a game to Phoenix Stadium (which,
to be honest, doesn't seem so bad today when you
consider how bare-boned the ballpark was back
then). The Miners are averaging 850 fans a game
this season, below the league's break-even point.
In a radio daze
Posted August 22, 2005 (feedback)
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For
six year Sean Ford has been the radio broadcaster
for the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season;
NY-Penn League), a position he's held longer than
he originally expected. The career route is pretty
clear: put in your time in the minors, hone your
craft, and maybe someday you'll get a shot at the
majors. The radio broadcasters interviewed here
are mostly young, but there are some veterans
still waiting for their shot: 76-year-old Bob
Robertson, broadcasting this season for the
Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League),
is a widely acclaimed college-football broadcaster
waiting for a shot at a major-league gig.
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