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Archives: April 30-May 6, 2006

Marlins bill dies when Florida Legislature adjourns
Posted May 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida legislative session ended last night with the Florida Senate passing a $2-million-per-year tax rebate for the Florida Marlins, but the measure failed when the legislative session ended and the Florida House lacked time to pass the measure. The Senate passed the measure with 17 minutes left in the session, but ballpark opponents sat on the bill as time expired. The Marlins didn't come away from the session empty-handed; earlier in the day a separate bill authorized a half-cent sales tax that could be used by any municipality (including Miami) to build a stadium, not just a Florida Marlins stadium. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will visit as planned with Florida park talks continuing; Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss; Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson; New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in Hialeah; Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark site in Hialeah; Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins; Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San Antonio move; Wolff plans to give Marlins a deadline; Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon; House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now; Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins; Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?; San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner; Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Spring-training bill passes Florida Legislature
Posted May 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill authorizing spending on new or renovated spring-training facilities as well as a half-cent sales that could potentially be used to help fund a Florida Marlins ballpark. The bill funds renovations of existing facilities or construction of new spring-training facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Winter Haven, Port St. Lucie, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Bradenton. To quality for the state funding -- which totals up to $75 million in tax rebates, or $15 million per municipality for 30 years -- a team must sign a long-term lease to stay in Florida and local municipalities must match any state contribution. If the measure passes, new facilities are expected in Winter Haven, Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles, respectively. The measure now goes to Gov. Jeb Bush; although he earlier expressed skepticism about the bill, the fact it was overwhelming approved by both the House and the Senate (114-2 today) and the fear Florida could lose two more teams to Arizona should lead to his approval.
    The bill also contains a half-cent sales tax that could be used by any municipality to build a stadium, not just a Florida Marlins stadium. A separate provision calling for $2 million in yearly sales-tax rebates to Hialeah for a Marlins ballpark is still under debate.

Coyotes win out in Edinburg -- for now
Posted May 6, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Edinburg Coyotes (independent; United League Baseball) effectively won control of Edinburg Baseball Stadium for the coming season after attorneys from the Edinburg Roadrunners (independent; formerly Central League) asked that their appeal bond be returned. An appeal bond was required from the court after the Roadrunners said they were appealing a decision booting the team from Edinburg Baseball Stadium for the coming season. Roadrunners attorneys say they still plan on pursuing the appeal, however, but it is increasingly unlikely to affect the upcoming season. More from the McAllen Monitor.
    RELATED STORIES: United League Baseball owners relocate to Edinburg; Roadrunners continue fight with Edinburg; Legal order blindsides Edinburg: exactly who will control ballpark?; New for 2006: the Laredo Broncos; Name for ULB's Laredo team to be announced next week; New for 2006: The Edinburg Coyotes; Edinburg schedule, GM set for ULB; Rowdy is roadkill; No baseball in Edinburg in 2006?; City of Edinburg vs Roadrunners heats up; New United League team in Amarillo to retain Dillas name; Biancalana to manage; New problems for Edinburg Roadrunners; Moore decides to stay in Edinburg with new team, league; Tredaway decides to remain with CBL; Roadrunners, Edinburg make first bankruptcy court showing; Roadrunners seek bankruptcy protection; Lawsuit keeps ’Runners on life support; United Sports seeks privately financed ballpark in Amarillo; Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study; Baseball is back in Amarillo; Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Pawlenty: no metro tax to pay for new stadiums
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty came out yesterday against a proposed metrowide Minneapolis-St. Paul sales tax to pay for new facilities for the Minnesota Twins and the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, as well as road construction in the region. Pawlenty reaffirmed support for a Minnesota Twins ballpark funded by the team and a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County, but said he's veto any proposals that lumps the Twins and Vikings together. Not a surprise: Senate DFLers created the metrowide tax partly as a political move designed to bring Republican Pawlenty on the record regarding any new taxes. It's a complicated situation; not everyone in the Senate supports the three-in-one funding proposal, and you can bet someone will introduce the Hennepin County plan for a straight up-or-down vote. More from the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
   Meanwhile, some opponents of a Twins ballpark are turning their attention to Twins owner Carl Pohlad, saying he has bought access to legislators in efforts to get a ballpark bill passed. In terms of spending at the Legislature, Pohlad isn't in the top tier, and many forget Pohlad does have quite a few business interests in Minnesota other than the Twins (something the Star Tribune quite conveniently forgot to include). It's a sign ballpark opponents are desperate if they're going after Pohlad; Lord knows he's personally gummed up ballpark proposals in the past, making him an easy target, but in recent years his sons have stepped up their involvement with the Twins, and both Jerry Bell and Dave St. Peter have been the public faces of the ballpark campaign this session.
    RELATED STORIES: Minnesota Senate committee passes metrowide tax to pay for Twins, Vikings stadiums; Referendum part of Twins ballpark proposal -- for now; Senate throws curve at Twins ballpark proposal; Minnesota House approves Twins ballpark; next up is Senate; Ways and Means Committee passes Twins ballpark legislation; Twins ballpark passes key committee, moves on to full House; Twins put on heat in ballpark pitch; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hearings this week could determine fate of new Twins ballpark; Sviggum says Twins bill will get fair shake; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Senate panel OKs Twins ballpark plan; Twins ballpark initiative resuming; 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 ballpark lunch ends on glum note; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Small-market Twins might be on verge of being overrun economically; Expect a plan but no ballpark; Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Old rancor fades amid signs of unity and sighs of relief
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After nearly two years of acrimonious debate, Washington's new ballpark is finally a reality, as the District held an official groundbreaking. Over 600 people showed up for the ceremony, including many ballpark opponents who vowed to support the project. Also in the crowd: owners of the gay bars and strip joints displaced by the ballpark. One issue that's bound to come up: how to honor the Washington Senators at the new ballpark. There's a statue honoring Clark Griffith at RFK Stadium; that should be moved to the new ballpark. Walter Johnson, the best pitcher in Senators history, should be honored as well; a statue honoring him at Griffith Stadium is currently located at an area high school, and it should be brought to the new ballpark as well. (Naming the new ballpark Walter Johnson Park is a little silly, however.)  More from the Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star, AP and the Washington Times. Now that a new ballpark is in the works and the team is being sold, MLB can start to tally up its profits from owning the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals.
    RELATED STORIES: It's official: Lerner nabs Nats; MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

2009 Winter Meetings to be held in Indianapolis
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mark this on your calendars: the 2009 Winter Meetings will be held in Indianapolis on Dec. 7-11. Not that there's anything wrong with Indianapolis in December: there actually is a lot going on there these days, and by that time the new Indianapolis Colts stadium should be open as well. More from the Indianapolis Star.

Busy days for two teams at the ballpark
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
O'Brien Field is home to both the Peoria Chiefs (Class A; Midwest League) and the Bradley University baseball team, but there have not been many scheduling conflicts between the two teams, until this year. Even though the Chiefs are the primary tenant, it sounds like they're pretty accommodating to help work around Bradley's schedule, with 11 a.m. games scheduled for today and tomorrow to allow Bradley use of the ballpark later in the day. Many in minor-league baseball worry about full-season teams sharing facilities with colleges, but for the most part it seems to work out.

Major league bid’s up to us
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Portland has been such a nonfactor in recent ballpark discussions it's a little jarring to see another call to bring major-league baseball to the Rose City. Many readers may not be aware of the problems Portland has had with sports facilities: owner Paul Allen has threatened to move his Portland Trail Blazers or declare bankruptcy after the city refused to throw more money his way, and that experience left a sour taste in many Portland sports fans toward professional sports. (A May 2004 poll is cited here as evidence Portlanders want MLB, but a two-year poll is utterly worthless in gauging current public sentiment.) Add to that financial woes in City Hall, and you don't have much of an appetite for major-league baseball.

General-admission seating returns to South Bend
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a change that should be great for fans. The South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League) announced today the return of general admission bleacher seats at the Cove. The seats will go on sale effective immediately. General-admission seats will be made available to the public at $3 per ticket and $2 for seniors and children. General-admission bleacher seating is one of the great things about minor-league baseball.

SwampDogs' owners raise bar
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Glad to see Darrell Handelsman making an impact as manager and part-owner of the Fayetteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). Handelsman, who runs and coaches the team for his father and owner, Lew, announced a series of unique game promotions, revealed that the 2006 CPL All-Star Game will be held at Riddle Stadium and unveiled new uniforms during a Thursday morning news conference.

8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
George Jackson, the man Detroit city government has entrusted with the future of Tiger Stadium, says he's tired of developers with half-baked ideas and no money to fix up or redevelop the venerable old ballpark. Harry Glanz is a developer who want to fix up and redevelop Tiger Stadium, but he says city officials don't want to see it happen and refuse to let him tour the place again. Glanz says he's ready to put together a realistic plan for redevelopment if can bring in an engineer and go over the ballpark, but Jackson says he had one visit already and doesn't need another. Yet more proof Detroit isn't seriously about redeveloping the ballpark. The Tigers are earning a lot of goodwill with their on-field performance; a lot more could be earned with a public declaration of support for a renovated facility from Mike Ilitch. More on our Endangered Ballparks page.
    RELATED STORIES: Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) manager Larry Parrish has been selected to lead the International League All-Star Team in the 19th Annual Triple-A All-Star Game, while Omaha Royals skipper Mike Jirschele will manage the Pacific Coast League All-Stars. Parrish will be in his home dugout as the Toledo Mud Hens will host the 2006 Game at Fifth Third Field on Wednesday, July 12. Parrish becomes the ninth manager to pilot a Triple-A All-Star team in his home ballpark....Bank of America will be the title sponsor for the 2006 NY--Penn League All-Star Game, which the Aberdeen IronBirds will host in August....The Edinburg Coyotes and United League Baseball announced that that the Edinburg Coyotes, the City of Edinburg and Edinburg Baseball Stadium will play host to the Inaugural United League Baseball All-Star Game and Fan Festival. The All-Star Game is to take place at Edinburg Baseball Stadium on Wednesday, July 12, with the Fan Festival and Home Run Derby taking place on Tuesday, July 11, also at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

Marlins ballpark funding gets a new life
Posted May 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins' hopes for a state tax subsidy to build a new ballpark were revived Wednesday night when Miami senators put aside their feuding and backed a plan to bring the team to Hialeah. With Hialeah Sen. Rudy Garcia in the lead, Miami Sens. Alex Villalobos and Alex Diaz de la Portilla quietly collected votes for their plan for the $60 million subsidy and tacked it onto a bill that guarantees the Orlando Magic basketball team the same type of tax break. The measure will be voted on today -- just two days before the end of the two-month lawmaking session -- in the full Senate, which has been the death chamber for a Marlins subsidy since 2000. The House is expected to approve the measure if the Senate does. The interesting thing here is how special interests are coming together for a proposal that most assume will fail because of location and lack of adequate freeway access. For instance: Armando Codina is a Miami developer and former Gov. Jeb Bush business partner who owns the industrial Hialeah site eyed as a ballpark location. (It's probably no coincidence Bush says he has an open mind about this proposal while rejecting better deals in the past.) He's offering to give the land to Hialeah, which in turn would give to the Marlins. The presence of the ballpark would certainly raise the value of the rest of the industrial site -- a pretty good move for Cordina, since we're talking about a marginal site at the end of Miami-Dade County. It's always hard to look a gift horse in the mouth, but MLB may want to take a very close look at this plan before approving it. Tom Lee, the president of the Florida Senate and a powerful opponent of Marlins ballpark plans, predicts it will fail.
    Marlins officials say they weren't aware of the ballpark-funding plan until learning about it last night. Instead, the team went ahead with plans to visit potential ballpark sites in San Antonio.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will visit as planned with Florida park talks continuing; Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss; Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson; New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in Hialeah; Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark site in Hialeah; Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins; Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San Antonio move; Wolff plans to give Marlins a deadline; Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon; House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now; Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins; Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?; San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner; Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Swing pays off ballpark debt
Posted May 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Seventh Inning Stretch, owners of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Class A; Midwest League), delivered a check for $366,986.61 to the City of Davenport yesterday afternoon. This amount, plus a payment made Monday of $48,254.64, fulfills the requirements made to the city. Seventh Inning Stretch has been in discussions with the City for the past 17 months dealing with disputed accuracy of the construction renovation amount, possible revisions to the lease and a planned payment schedule. As consideration for this payment, an understanding exists for negotiations to continue addressing the lease and the agreed figure which, if appropriate, would be applied to the renegotiated lease. In a fit of whimsy, the team sent team mascot Clyde -- an orangutan -- to deliver the check without giving local officials any warning. (Nor the newspaper; no photo record exists of the transaction.) More from Quad Cities Online.

Spring ballpark funding bill survives, Marlins-free
Posted May 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to attach a Florida Marlins funding plan to a a bill funding renovations of existing facilities or construction of new spring-training facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Winter Haven, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Bradenton was rejected by the Florida Senate, but one small change was added: Port St. Lucie was added to the communities eligible for the program. To quality for the state funding -- which totals up to $75 million in tax rebates, or $15 million per municipality for 30 years -- a team must sign a long-term lease to stay in Florida and local municipalities must match any state contribution. If the measure passes, new facilities are expected in Winter Haven, Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles, respectively.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

It's official: Lerner nabs Nats
Posted May 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's official: A group led by Theodore "Ted" Lerner that includes former Braves chief honcho Stan Kasten, broadcaster James Brown and several well-connected D.C. political types is buying the Washington Nationals for $450 million, if MLB owners accept Commissioner Bud Selig's recommendation. Former Atlanta Braves president Stan Kasten, who joined forces with the Lerners last month, will oversee day-to-day baseball operations; it's rumored that Bob Wolff will be involved on some level with the team as well. Major League Baseball is expected to vote on Selig's recommendation at its next owners' meeting, which will take place in New York on May 17th and 18th. Lerner will make his first appearance as Bud Selig's anointed one today at the groundbreaking for the new ballpark. There will be a lot of fences to mend and a lot of issues with the current and new ballparks to work out. One issue that won't go away: the lack of diversity (i.e., African-Americans) in the Lerner group. Whether it's valid or not -- one city councilman pointed out that diversity could include women, Asians and other minorities -- it is an issue that reverberates in Washington, though it was put on the back burner when the Lerners were introduced yesterday. Fred Malek, who at one time headed a group assumed by many to be in the lead to land the team, was gracious in defeat. Speaking of the new ballpark: Property values will rise significantly in the next couple of years in Anacostia as the new ballpark and waterfront developments are completed, a big-league panel of experts agreed yesterday.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner; And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

Winston-Salem leaders impressed with First Horizon Park
Posted May 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City officials from Winston-Salem were impressed with a visit to First Horizon Park, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League). City leaders and owner of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (Class A; Carolina League) are looking at a new downtown ballpark to replace Ernie Shore Field. The current plan is for a $22-million ballpark, about $40 million in residential and retail construction and an $8-million parking deck on 16 acres of downtown land. To build a $22-million ballpark, Winston-Salem could borrow money and have the property-tax revenue from the $40 million private investment in the retail and residential projects pay for the debt; a sale of Ernie Shore Field to Wake Forest would also defray those costs. In theory, the ballpark would pay for itself, with the city putting up no money up front.

U of Minnesota to pursue privately financed ballpark
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University of Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi says the results of a recent feasibility study is encouraging U officials to pursue a privately financed, $11-$13 million on-campus ballpark to replace rapidly deteriorating Siebert Field, which played host to only one Gopher baseball game this season. It sounds like the ballpark will be funded via alumni contributions and donations to the athletic department, which means it will probably be placed on the Minneapolis campus. The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) had been pitching the U on a plan for a joint Gophers/Saints stadium on the St. Paul campus. Saints officials say they expect to have some sort of ballpark plan ready this month; one idea thrown out in the past was building what would basically be a new ballpark on the current Midway Stadium site. (Speaking of the Saints: the team opens exhibition play today with an 11 a.m. match at Midway Stadium against the Sioux Falls Canaries.)

A day of rest for Twins ballpark proposal
Posted May 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After weeks of fast and furious action surrounding funding proposals for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, yesterday the Minnesota Senate did nothing on the issue. But a Senate committee did pass along a bill authorizing a new Minnesota Gophers football stadium, and the sense is that three stadium proposals (Twins, Minnesota Vikings and Gophers) will somehow be rolled together in some sort of megabill. The biggest issue isn't the funding mechanism per se; it's whether or not there will be a public referendum on whatever passes. Meanwhile, Sid Hartman trots out a predictable comment: if things are in doubt, he's willing to point out other cities would be eager to have the Twins -- in this case, Las Vegas. Why people are manipulated by the sleazy Hartman is a mystery to all free-thinking people in Minnesota. In another predictable column, GOP mouthpiece Katherine Kersten speaks out against public funding of sports facilities.
    RELATED STORIES: Minnesota Senate committee passes metrowide tax to pay for Twins, Vikings stadiums; Referendum part of Twins ballpark proposal -- for now; Senate throws curve at Twins ballpark proposal; Minnesota House approves Twins ballpark; next up is Senate; Ways and Means Committee passes Twins ballpark legislation; Twins ballpark passes key committee, moves on to full House; Twins put on heat in ballpark pitch; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hearings this week could determine fate of new Twins ballpark; Sviggum says Twins bill will get fair shake; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Senate panel OKs Twins ballpark plan; Twins ballpark initiative resuming; 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 ballpark lunch ends on glum note; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Small-market Twins might be on verge of being overrun economically; Expect a plan but no ballpark; Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Major gas pains In the minor leagues
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Minor-league baseball is a bus sport, and that means teams are biting the bullet when it comes to paying for gasoline. Some teams are also paying surcharges on ballpark supplies as well. Steve Bryant, owner of the Carolina Mudcats (Class A; Carolina League), says his transportation costs are 40 percent over a year ago, and he's not alone: every owner is facing the same issues.

Volcanoes selling naming, experience rights
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The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (short season; Northwest League) are seeking a corporate partner interested in ballpark naming rights and turning Volcanoes Stadium into an interactive corporate experience. As part of the partnership, the Volcanoes are considering an interactive section of the ballpark where more than 115,000 fans will "live" the partner's brand. Volcanoes Stadium will be renamed after the corporate partner. The club is also including extras like box suites, tickets, promotional tie-ins and media exposure.

Blacksnakes bring in local investor
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St. Joe native Linden Black becomes the first local minority partner and member of the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph Blacksnakes (independent; American Association). Black was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to St. Joe for the first time in 54 years. Black is past president of both the Southside Sertoma Club and YMCA, is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club and is co-founder of the St. Joseph Saints (summer collegiate; MINK League) and served as chairman of the board among many other community involvements.

Baseball Web site gives West End Field top grade
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Our recent look at West End Field, the home of the Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League), made some headlines in the Greenville News. Our hats are off to sports editor Bart Wright for his astute journalistic instincts: he sure knows a good story when he sees it. Seriously, thanks to the News for the kind words.

Grasshoppers on pace to break attendance records
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Promotions like Thirsty Thursday are helping the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) potentially set another attendance record this season. The 'Hoppers are on pace to welcome the 100,000th guest for the 2006 season Thursday night against the Hickory Crawdads.  In 14 games this season at First Horizon Park, the Hoppers have been averaging a league leading 6,311 fans, up nearly 1,000 fans per night from last year. In the inaugural season of First Horizon Park, which welcomed 407,724 fans, the Grasshoppers cleared 100,000 fans May 21st, after 20 park openings. Another Hoppers milestone will be reached tonight: when the 3,920th fan enters the ballpark, he or she will also be the park’s 500,000th fan since its opening.

Belly-up to the ballpark
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If it's Thursday and the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) are in town, First Horizon Park becomes a huge bar during the Thirsty Thursday beer promotion -- 12-ounce beers sell for $1 and $2. Baseball purists absolutely hate the promotion, as it attracts a wide range of twentysomethings who clog up the concourses and don't spend a single minute watching the game, but it's a great promotion for the team -- it brings in a whole new crowd to the ballpark.

Ballpark eating covers the bases at Frontier Field
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The food critic for the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle went out to Frontier Field, the home of the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League), to check out the food offerings: Cheddar prime rib sandwich from Red Osier, flowering onions at Batter Up, grand slam quesadillas at La Fiesta, hot salt potatoes and corn on the cob at Zweigle's ATM Grill, blueberry ale at Rohrbach Brewing Co. and pork barbecue nachos at Big Red BBQ. She seemed impressed with the offerings.

Last at-bat for Ray Winder Field
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While new ballparks are always exciting, there will be some bittersweet memories for many attending a Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) game next season at a new North Little Rock ballpark: it means there will be no more minor-league ball at venerable Ray Winder Field. We've written a lot about the grand old ballpark, and we're planning on seeing one more game down there before the end of an era.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Take me out... of here, please!
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It sounds like the changes made by the new ownership of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to Tropicana Field are reverberating with fans. Brick facades in the corridors have replaced bland walls, giving the Trop a less sterile, old-fashioned ballpark feeling. There was a magician entertaining kids in the lobby and ushers handed out free programs. In one area, two fans standing behind podiums competed in a "Jeopardy!"-style baseball quiz show. We're impressed: the Trop is not that inviting a facility, but the D-Rays management is going things the right way.
    RELATED STORIES: A whole new ball game in Tampa Bay; Same old Rays? Not today

Flyers settle payment suit
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Under a deal disclosed Wednesday in court, the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) have agreed to a payment plan that would settle one of the recent lawsuits filed against it, a complaint that it had failed to pay more than $20,000 it owed to an energy supplier. The off-season litigation came amid slumping home attendance for the Flyers and the restructuring of the Northern League, which lost four teams at the end of last season. Owner Richard Ehrenreich says the team is profitable, but he admits to seeking a renegotiation of the lease at Alexian Field.  Other lawsuits against the Flyers have been filed by Peoples Energy Service, Constellation NewEnergy and General Electric Co.

Mets choose United Spinal to make ballpark accessible
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The Accessibility Services team of the United Spinal Association, a national disability rights organization based in Queens, has been selected by the New York Mets to ensure that its new ballpark, scheduled for completion by Opening Day 2009, will be fully accessible to all fans with disabilities. The Mets announced plans for the new stadium on April 6 and the accessibility consultant contract was awarded to United Spinal by the Mets Development Company. Accessibility Services will be working with the architectural firm HOK Sport to develop what Director Dominic Marinelli predicts will be one of the most accessible ballparks in the country.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Dodgers seating gives Agoura's baseball field a stadium feel
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Believe it or not, there's quite the market for used ballpark seats, and the Los Angeles Dodgers had used seats in abundance after replacing all the seating at Dodger Stadium this offseason. In the end, the Dodgers ended up donating many of those old seats to local high schools; here's a story about Agoura High School landing a set of those seats, which is a big deal for the program.

Ballpark Notes
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The Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League) and Fifth Third Bank will be  providing the opportunity for two fans to serve as honorary managers for the 2006 Frontier League All-Star Game at Bosse Field. Beginning tomorrow, fans will be able to sign up at any of the 30 Fifth Third Bank banking centers in Vanderburgh, Gibson, Henderson, Posey, or Warrick Counties to serve as a Fan Manager for the All-Star Game. The Fan Managers, one for the East and West Divisions, will be introduced during the pregame ceremonies and will take part in the umpire meeting and lineup exchange.

Minnesota Senate committee passes metrowide tax to pay for Twins, Vikings stadiums
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The Minnesota Senate continued to play politics with a proposal for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, with the Senate Rules and Administration Committee passing a proposal for a metrowide 0.5 percent sales tax to pay for new stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, subject to a public referendum. (Specifically, the bill would raise $475 million for a Twins ballpark and add a retractable roof to the project; the bill would also pay $510 million toward a new Vikings stadium. Any future revenues from the tax would go toward road construction and improvements.) The Minnesota House had earlier approved a Hennepin County 0.15 percent sales tax to pay only for a Twins ballpark in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District. There's one simple political reason for all the maneuvering: the DFL-controlled Senate wants to force Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty -- a Republican -- to either come out in favor of the new tax or speak out against the referendum. It's political season in Minnesota, with Pawlenty expected to face a tough reelection battle this fall, and the merits of the proposal are being lost in the crossfire. Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson expects the referendum to be stripped out of the bill at some point, which would make the funding plan more palatable to outstate conservatives and suburban moderates. Really, the key to a new Twins ballpark happening has little to do with who is taxed: it all boils down to whether or not there's a public referendum.
    RELATED STORIES: Referendum part of Twins ballpark proposal -- for now; Senate throws curve at Twins ballpark proposal; Minnesota House approves Twins ballpark; next up is Senate; Ways and Means Committee passes Twins ballpark legislation; Twins ballpark passes key committee, moves on to full House; Twins put on heat in ballpark pitch; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hearings this week could determine fate of new Twins ballpark; Sviggum says Twins bill will get fair shake; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Senate panel OKs Twins ballpark plan; Twins ballpark initiative resuming; 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 ballpark lunch ends on glum note; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Small-market Twins might be on verge of being overrun economically; Expect a plan but no ballpark; Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will visit as planned with Florida park talks continuing
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Even as Florida Marlins representatives continue to talk with Hialeah and Miami-Dade County about a new ballpark on a former industrial site, the team will send three employees to San Antonio to review potential ballpark sites. It's a small sign of life to Judge Nelson Wolff's plan to lure the Fish with $200 million in public funds toward a new $300 million ballpark, a plan that Wolff seemed to abandon last week. The issue for the Marlins: all of their options really suck. No one, including Miami-Dade officials, expects the Marlins to draw in Hialeah, which is on the edge of the county and served by freeways that turn into virtual parking lots come rush hour. MLB officials aren't thrilled with San Antonio as a market: it's a much smaller TV market than Miami and there's little chance the Fish could land a decent TV contract because of current cable deals between Fox and the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. Add to that the Marlins just don't have much money (Loria may be a successful art dealer, but he's not a billionaire like many of his fellow team owners; team payroll was slashed partially as a cash-flow measure), and you just don't have any good solutions for the team. The most logical spot for a new ballpark -- and one MLB officials continue to quietly explore -- is downtown Miami. Though city and Miami-Dade officials have rejected that option, it could be resuscitated if Loria takes the advice of many in Miami and within baseball: bring in a local minority investor or two with local political ties. The Marlins have an opportunity to be baseball's flagship franchise for Latin America, but Loria seems not to care. Last night the Fish drew an announced crowd of 6,652 to Dolphin Stadium. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss; Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson; New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in Hialeah; Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark site in Hialeah; Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins; Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San Antonio move; Wolff plans to give Marlins a deadline; Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon; House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now; Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins; Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?; San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner; Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Swing makes partial payment
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Today is the deadline for Seventh Inning Stretch L.L.C., the owners of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Class A; Midwest League), to pay the rest of the money it owes Davenport for renovations to John O'Donnell Stadium, but the company and city officials still are negotiating a new lease agreement. Under the proposed plan, Davenport would collect ballpark rent, payments on the renovation debt and interest during the April-September baseball season. The plan would give Seventh Inning Stretch a 25-year lease on the ballpark and reduce the monthly payments as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Swing delivers check to Davenport; I-Cubs offer $7 million for Swing, with strings attached; Krause rejects offer; Swing, city spar over finances

Florida Senate expected to debate spring-training bill this week
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The Florida Senate is expected to debate a proposal to fund renovations of existing facilities or construction of new spring-training facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Winter Haven, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Bradenton. The proposal unanimously passed the Florida House; the bill has been sent directly to the Senate, where it should receive the second of three mandatory readings today. There is an urgency here: the session is scheduled to end Friday. To quality for the state funding -- which totals up to $75 million in tax rebates, or $15 million per municipality for 30 years -- a team must sign a long-term lease to stay in Florida and local municipalities must match any state contribution. If the measure passes, new facilities are expected in Winter Haven, Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles, respectively. Senate passage is expected; the question is whether Gov. Jeb Bush signs the bill into law.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

For Hoppers, it's 'homer, sweet homer'
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You’re 89 percent more likely to see a home run at First Horizon Park, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League), than at the league's other 15 ballparks averaged together. If the baseline figure measuring long-ball frequency is 100, First Horizon’s number is 189. Through one month of the 2006 season, First Horizon is its league’s hub of homers. Relatively close fences, benign winds and a few big bats have pitchers adjusting their sights and citing their adjustments.

Reds fans slow in returning to ballpark
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Sometimes fans want it both ways. The Cincinnati Reds are leading one of MLB's best divisions by 1.5 games, compiling the best record in the National League and the best start in the team's long history. And yet attendance at Great American Ball Park hasn't improved: divisional rival Houston was in town last weekend and only 24,873 fans showed up on Saturday and 22,814 on Sunday. If you're staying at home because the team sucks, you have no excuse to not show up when the team improves.

More extensive plan pushed for War Memorial ballpark
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Allies of Greensboro's War Memorial Stadium urged the City Council on Tuesday to pursue a more extensive renovation plan for the aging baseball stadium as part of a fall bond referendum. The November referendum is currently being hashed out by the council. Voters could be asked to vote on more than $100 million in projects, although the exact amount is still being discussed. Renovation of War Memorial Stadium, the former home to minor-league baseball in Greensboro, was a key promise made by city officials when they pushed for construction of a new downtown ballpark for the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League). North Carolina A&T and Greensboro College both play there now.

Fan gives up Royals, sells loyalty online
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Chad Carroll sold his 25-year loyalty to the Kansas Royals on an eBay auction, with the winning bid coming from a group of his friends. They outbid the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League) and a Yahoo sports columnist. Carroll has never lived in Kansas City. He grew up in the small town of LeMars, Iowa, and the Royals were the only team his family could follow on the radio.

Ballpark's origin goes back 20 years
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Here's a story about Dennis Bastien and his important role in bringing baseball back to Charleston, W.V., 20 years ago. At the time Bastien owned a Carolina League team and was looking to expand his efforts into the Sally League; Charleston had lost the Class AAA Charlies and pro baseball was absent from Watt Powell Park. It doesn't sound like those early days were easy, but Bastien made it work until selling the team in 1993. Writes Mike Whiteford: "But Dennis Bastien left an indelible legacy. He kept professional baseball alive here at a time when the future looked bleak and when Watt Powell Park was beginning to pale in comparison to the new ballparks being built in the South Atlantic League and elsewhere. He kept baseball alive long enough to pass the torch to a group of area businessmen led by the late Mike Paterno."

Immigration issues affect baseball
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Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League have teamed up to lobby Congress for a change in the visa rules that separate foreign-born major-league and minor-league athletes into two separate categories. The minor-league category has caps; the major-league one does not. Minor-league athletes are covered by H2-B visa program; these visas are limited to 66,000 per year and cover agricultural workers, high-tech employees and other shorter-term employees. With immigration being such a hot topic these days, any attempt to expand the H2-B program may fall on deaf ears in Washington, although allowing in more minor-league baseball players will have some sentimental currency.

Trembley speaks out over replacement umps
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Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) manager Dave Trembley became the first minor-league manager to strongly speak out against replacement umpires, made necessary because minor-league umpires are on strike. Trembley sounded off against the substitute umps following his banishment from Monday's game, calling the work of the officiating crew an embarrassment to the International League.

Big leagues meet big government
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Who says the right wing is paranoid? The editor of Human Events says D.C. officials are skimping back on parking at the new Washington Nationals ballpark to force attendees to take mass transit there. Think about it: he's arguing the government is spending over $500 million to force people to take the D.C. subway. Here's the money quote: "Why so few parking spaces? To force people to take government-controlled mass transit."

College ball -- minor-league attitude
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Jason Compton, the new GM of the Sikeston Bulls (summer collegiate; KIT League), seems to know what makes a successful summer-collegiate team work: run the team as a minor-league franchise, using time-tested minor-league fan pleasers like promotions and between-inning entertainment. It's a formula that's worked to perfection in the Northwoods League and the Coastal Plain League, and a formula that's still being refined (showing plenty of potential) in the Alaska Baseball League and the West Coast Collegiate League.

Believe it: Baseball is king in Mississippi
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College baseball is on the rise across the nation, but today it's king in Mississippi. Ten Mississippi teams entered May boasting winning records. Five are ranked in various national polls, four having clinched at least a share of league or division regular season crowns, and two more are in position to join them. It's amazing the commitment to baseball at Mississippi colleges both big and small: they're expanding ballparks, building new ones and aggressively recruiting talent.

Ballpark Notes
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Jeff Joseph is the new director of media relations for the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League). Joseph will be taking over the position formerly held by Casey Hauan. Joseph is no stranger to working in minor league baseball, having worked for the Mission Viejo Vigilantes (independent; Western Baseball League). For the past six years, Joseph has been working in the field of information technology doing web development and graphic design, skills that he is expected to bring to his duties with the Storm....The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) and The Chubb Institute have entered into a new partnership agreement for the 2006 season that will enable TCI Massage Therapy students to gain hands-on experience in their field by providing massage treatments to Thunder players. The Chubb Institute locations in Cherry Hill and North Brunswick, N.J. will send student massage therapists to Waterfront Park to work with Thunder players throughout the 2006 season. In addition, The Chubb Institute will become a sponsor of the Thunder and will participate in events at Waterfront Park during home games....City Streets Food Services was awarded the concessions contract for the upcoming Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) season at Holman Stadium. City Streets owner David Lozeau has worked in the food service industry for many years; in addition to owning and operating three local restaurants, he has provided food service consulting and catering services throughout the state....Matt LaBranche is the new general manager of the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association). LaBranche has spent the majority of the past eight years in professional sports. The Plymouth State University graduate spent four years with the Texas Rangers Florida Operations department, including time as the director of Florida operations at their Port Charlotte complex. He has since primarily been working in the NBA Development League, first as director of sales and marketing for the Columbus (GA) franchise before moving on to be vice president of business operations for the Florida Flame in Fort Myers, FL the past year and a half.

MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner
Posted May 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Unless something goes terribly awry, MLB will award ownership of the Washington Nationals to a group led by Theodore "Ted" Lerner that includes former Braves chief honcho Stan Kasten and several well-connected D.C. political types. Really, the mystery is why the decision is taking so long: most people assumed the Lerner group would land the team when Kasten abandoned his pursuit of the Atlanta Braves and joined up with the Lerner family: the whole process was greased to allow MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to award the franchise without any competitive bidding, and only when D.C. officials pointed out the lack of meaningful minority participation in the Lerner group did Selig act to diversify the group. Yesterday D.C. Council members Marion Barry and Vincent B. Orange Sr. held a news conference yesterday to accuse Lerner's family of "renting blacks" in its effort to win the right to buy the team. MLB probably could get more than the $450 million it is getting from the Lerners if it opened the process to any real public bidding: a sweetheart lease at a new ballpark and partial ownership in a cable network represents a lot of value for that price.
    RELATED STORIES: And the Nats' owners are....; Impending Nats sale arouses speculation; Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family; Smulyan promises African-American president for Nats Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats; Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now; New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation

Referendum part of Twins ballpark proposal -- for now
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In yet another surprising move, the Senate Tax Committee unanimously voted to require a countywide referendum on a proposed 0.15 percent Hennepin County sales tax (excluding food, medicine and clothes) to help pay for a new Twins ballpark in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District. The Twins and Hennepin County officials say a referendum is a deal killer (though they don't say so, the fear is that a referendum would not pass), and no one seriously expects the referendum to be part of the final legislation. The unanimous vote was an attempt by Senate DFLers to make Republicans (including Gov. Tim Pawlenty) come out and say they oppose a referendum despite posturing to the contrary. Still, both sides are posturing like mad; no one really expected the Senate to be the roadblock to approval of the proposal, which does enjoy popularity in both houses. The committee will continue to deliberate the proposal today. More from the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press.
    RELATED STORIES: Senate throws curve at Twins ballpark proposal; Minnesota House approves Twins ballpark; next up is Senate; Ways and Means Committee passes Twins ballpark legislation; Twins ballpark passes key committee, moves on to full House; Twins put on heat in ballpark pitch; Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan; Will new Twins ballpark go green?; Hearings this week could determine fate of new Twins ballpark; Sviggum says Twins bill will get fair shake; Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark plan; Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park; Senate panel OKs Twins ballpark plan; Twins ballpark initiative resuming; 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 ballpark lunch ends on glum note; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Small-market Twins might be on verge of being overrun economically; Expect a plan but no ballpark; Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

MiLB decries rejection of proposed umpire settlement
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MiLB issued a press release decrying the rejection of a mediated settlement by striking minor-league umpires, saying the agreement was fair to all. "PBUC [Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation] is disappointed that the striking umpires chose to reject the contract despite the unanimous recommendation of the AMLU bargaining committee in favor of ratification." Under the agreement hammered out by union reps, PBUC officials and federal mediator Lou Manchise, umpires would have received a salary and per diem raise of about 12 percent this year, and per diem increases from $27 (AAA), $24 (AA) and $22 (A) in 2006 to $39/34/29 in the final year of the contract. In addition, PBUC had agreed that full-season umpires would continue to receive 12 months of employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums for their 5-½ months of work and that PBUC would pay for travel to the United States for current international umpires. PBUC would continue to provide travel, hotel rooms, uniforms and job training.
    RELATED STORIES: Minor-league umpires reject tentative agreement; MiLB, umpires reach settlement

Go local, Braves bidder pleads
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It appears that Liberty Media is poised to purchase the Atlanta Braves and its associated minor-league teams, but Atlanta-based real estate executive Ron Terwilliger called on Time Warner to choose a local buyer instead. Under the terms of the Liberty Media deal, the team would be paid for in Time Warner stock currently controlled by Liberty; the deal will be tax-free for both sides. It would be difficult for any other bidder to match the financial setup of the Liberty Media proposal, so Terwilliger is smart to raise the local card. Terwilliger, an Atlantan for 26 years and active in the community, is chairman and chief executive of Trammell Crow Residential, one of the nation's largest developers of apartments and condominiums. Braves players don't sound thrilled with the prospect of an out-of-town media conglomerate owning the team, either.
    RELATED STORIES: Braves talks are strictly business; Progress is made on Braves sale; Blank breaks off negotiations to buy Braves; Blank gains on Braves purchase

Swing delivers check to Davenport
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Swing of the Quad Cities (Class A; Midwest League) team president Kevin Krause delivered a check for a little less than $50,000 to Davenport city officials Monday, saying it represents an installment payment on a proposed lease revision the team is attempting to negotiate. Krause said the check covers one-sixth of a yearly payment the club expects it would make under a proposal that would extend the length of the lease between team and the city while lessening the club’s annual financial requirements. Monday's payment came two days before the Swing faces a city-imposed deadline to pay $415,241 to cover past-due expenses involving renovation funding for John O'Donnell Stadium. The club is current on its rent payments with the city.
    RELATED STORIES: I-Cubs offer $7 million for Swing, with strings attached; Krause rejects offer; Swing, city spar over finances

Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss
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An announced crowd of only 6,017 was on hand to see the Florida Marlins blow a 5-1 lead and lose 8-5 to the Philadelphia Phillies at Dolphin Stadium. The crowd was the smallest of the season for the Fish, who continue to work on a plan on a new ballpark in Hialeah. We've heard MLB officials aren't exactly thrilled with the prospects of placing a team in the farthest corner of Miami-Dade County on the site of a former industrial dump; in response, they've started working on their own ballpark plan for downtown Miami, commissioning renderings and quietly taking with local officials. No one -- including city and county officials or MLB folks -- expects a ballpark in Hialeah to succeed, and the more this is drawn out the more precarious the finances of the Marlins appear to be.
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Threshers unveil Opie's Grassy Gang campaign
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The Clearwater Threshers (Class A; Florida State League) launched their season advertising campaign featuring Head Groundskeeper Opie Cheek and his "Grassy Gang," two grass blades that grow at Bright House Networks Field. Blades #79148974 and #79148973 will do what ever it takes to help the Threshers win. Check out the TV commercials here and here. The campaign, developed by Plan B Branding, includes an interactive Web site where fans can post fanatic photos, download wallpaper, and even bid on an Opie-autographed prop from the TV ads.

Little Leagues fear shutout of Mets' cash
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As part of a settlement for Queens representatives supporting a new New York Mets ballpark, the Amazins agreed to provide $500,000 each year to Queens Little League teams and other nonprofit groups. The New York Daily News has learned that the Council plans to appoint local community leaders to a special committee that will decide how to spend that money. Chris Amarosa, the district administrator for Little League in the Bronx, expressed skepticism that he would ever see the money from the Mets or the Yankees, whose plans for new ballparks were approved last Wednesday. Welcome to life in the Big Apple.
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Get your hot dogs at Grayson's first base grill
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Betty Washington expected Sunday to be a ''sit-down'' boring day hawking hot dogs, burgers and brats at the first base grill in historic Grayson Stadium, the home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League). She expected the kind of shift that allows her to rest up for Monday when her other job begins serving hot lunches at Coastal Middle School. However, those pesky fans had other ideas; over 1,500 showed up for Sunday's game, part of a season-long uptick in Sand Gnats attendance this season.

Aramark gets $5.8 billion offer
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Aramark Corp., the food-service company that runs concessions at many minor-league and major-league ballparks, received a $5.8 billion takeover offer from a group led by its chairman and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. The group, which also includes JPMorgan Chase & Co., Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Warburg Pincus LLC, bid $32 a share, Aramark said yesterday. That's 14 percent above the Philadelphia company's closing price Friday. More from the New York Post.

Boise Hawks take concessions in-house
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This seems to be a trend: the Boise Hawks (short season; Northwest League) announced the formation of Home Plate Food Services LLC. With the formation of the new concessions operation, in 2006 the Hawks will have more control over every facet of food and beverage at Memorial Stadium such as pricing, quality of food and customer service. Mike Martin joins the Hawks as director of food & beverage services.

Fans have much invested in Bonds
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Barry Bonds may be booed whenever he hits the field at an opponents' ballpark, but at AT&T Park he's still beloved by fans. There's a simple reason for it: San Francisco Giants fans have invested years of emotions in Bonds, and for them the experience of attending a game at AT&T Park is intertwined with the expectation of seeing Bonds jerk one into McCovey Cove.

Waterloo Bucks unveil new logos
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The Waterloo Bucks unveiled three new logos for the 2006 season. The team had been using the original team logos dating back to the team's inception in 1995. According to GM Dan Corbin, the new logos represent all the changes for the Bucks this offseason, which includes a new manager and renovated ballpark.

North Carolina digs in its heels
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North Carolina has solidified its grip on the No. 1 spot in the Collegiate Baseball weekly poll after sweeping three straight series. With what is arguably the best starting rotation in college baseball, the Tar Heels are poised for a long run inn the postseason. Glen Strandberg looks at North Carolina's run at the top.

NCBWA announces watch list for Howser Trophy
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The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, working in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, has released the watch list of 64 candidates for the Dick Howser Trophy, given to the top player in collegiate baseball. The membership of the NCBWA will choose the Dick Howser Trophy based on three rounds of voting. The 2006 winner will be announced at the College World Series in Omaha on Friday, June 16, at 9:30 a.m. CDT.

Panel questions plans for DAP
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A Durham review panel has a host of questions for the developer that wants to rework the Durham Athletic Park, including whether it's wedded to erecting a $49 million building for shops, offices and condominiums in a gravel parking lot along Corporation Street. The question about the building was one of 21 the panel had for Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse. The Baltimore firm submitted the only response to a city request for proposals from developers interested in helping lead the renovation of the old park and the surrounding neighborhood. The proposal calls for a an $11 million renovation of the DAP itself; Struever Bros. says the DAP's parking lot could accommodate a building that would house a mix of shops, offices and homes. North Carolina Central is expects to play at the DAP after renovations are complete.

UH gets $3.68M for needed repairs
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The University of Hawai'i is scheduled to get $3.68 million in legislative appropriations for much needed repairs to Les Murakami Stadium and Cooke Field, school officials said yesterday. The biggest portion, $2 million, was appropriated this session and will go for replacing badly worn turf and possibly some seats at 23-year-old Murakami Stadium, where baseball coach Mike Trapasso has called the needs "dire." The turf is more than four years past the expiration of its warranty, stadium manager Glenn Nakaya said, and has parted at the seams in several places.

Senate Tax Committee scheduled to vote on Twins ballpark proposal today
Posted May 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After meeting off-and-on since Thursday to discuss facility plans for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, the Senate Tax Committee is scheduled to vote on Monday. The committee is looking at two separate plans. The first, which has already passed the House, would allow Hennepin County to issue a 0.15 percent sales tax (excluding food, medicine and clothes) to help pay for a new Twins ballpark in downtown Minneapolis's Warehouse District. The second, which has not been considered by the House, would issue a 0.5 percent sales tax across the seven-county Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area to pay for a new Twins ballpark, a new Vikings stadium and various road projects. The hearing starts this afternoon, but a vote is not expected until tonight. The full Senate is expected to go along with the more restricted sales tax should it pass the committee; it may not go along with a broader metro-area tax.
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Minor-league umpires reject tentative agreement
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Striking minor-league umpires rejected a tentative strike settlement, management's lawyer said Monday. Umpires, who have been on strike since the start of the minor league season on April 6, reached a tentative agreement last Thursday following two days of bargaining that were assisted by a federal mediator. They voted against the deal by a 2-1 margin, management lawyer George Yund said Monday.
    RELATED STORIES: MiLB, umpires reach settlement

Cardinals pledge to iron out lingering problems at Busch
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Every new ballpark has these sorts of issues, so don't read anything more into this article past the willingness of the St. Louis Cardinals to address issues with the new Busch Stadium as soon as possible. Cardinals President Mark Lamping says the team is making changes to Busch Stadium shortly, mostly relating to problems with views of the field and how information is displayed on the scoreboard. We've already noted the replacement of the foul poles because they interfere with views; metal railings along the second, third and fourth decks will be replaced with Plexiglas barriers to provide a better view of the field as well. How the scoreboard displays game information and out-of-town scores will be revamped as well. One piece of good news for the Cards: all of Busch Stadium will open May 29, six weeks ahead of schedule. About 65,000 tickets will go on sale this Wednesday at 9 a.m.
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Surf's future might be at ACRC
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The Atlantic City Surf (independent; Atlantic League), who have struggled for years to draw fans to the Sandcastle, could get a fresh start at the Hamilton Township site of Atlantic City Race Course. Surf vice president Mario Perrucci said Saturday night that there are discussions involving the team, Greenwood Racing, which owns the horse-racing site, and area legislators about a proposal to build a ballpark for the independent minor-league team as part of the redevelopment of the race course. The Surf is in the ninth year of its original 10-year lease at the Sandcastle but already exercised an option to extend the lease through 2012. A move to the Can-Am Association may also be part of the deal: Perrucci said he believes a smaller ballpark, seating about 4,500 fans, and a shorter season, could make a big difference for the Surf. Neither really fits into the Atlantic League's economic model.

Bernabe 'can't complain' about hard work at ballpark
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At some point every GM bitches about the long hours and hard work associated with their job -- especially when late August rolls around -- but Sam Bernabe, GM of the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), is pretty honest about what a great gig it is. He's now in his 23rd season with the I-Cubs, and he explains everything about his job in this interview. The I-Cubs are expecting record attendance this season after improvements to Principal Park.
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Vikings want in on Twins bill
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Having fallen behind the Minnesota Twins in the stadium sweepstakes, Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf came on strong during a long day Friday at the Legislature, telling a strategic committee that unless the Vikings stadium campaign is directly tied to the more successful Twins campaign, his team's quest for a stadium is dead this year. The talk frayed the nerves of Twins supporters, who worry that the weight of the Vikings might sink their own ballpark project.

Good time for city, Pride to talk future
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Now that Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) owner John Stabile has made it clear he has no interest in taking timid steps toward turning the professional baseball franchise into a successful business endeavor, it is time for he and city leaders to sit down and discuss the future -- both short- and long-term. Stabile, like the Pride’s previous owners, would like to remove the old football bleachers located down the left-field line and construct a children’s play area. The city would like to see some sort of long-term commitment before that happens; now's the time to talk. More on how owner John Stabile is changing things in Nashua.

Wolff has no plans to fish for another baseball team
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Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff baited his hook with a $200 million ballpark financing plan and the lure of a growing corporate community hungry for a second major professional sports franchise. With a Wolff-imposed May 15 deadline quickly approaching, the Florida Marlins have so far refused to bite. Even though there theoretically other teams might be looking for a new home, the fact remains only the Fish are truly available: the Twins and A's are close to local ballpark solutions. Wolff is smart to lay off efforts to land a baseball team; his initial instincts about San Antonio not being ready for major-league baseball were spot on.
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Rules tighten for eminent domain
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A new ballpark in York for an independent Atlantic League team probably will not be affected under changes in Pennsylvania's eminent domain laws, which are set to change later this year. The new rules would eliminate a provision that allows the city to take properties by eminent domain to improve the social and economic well being of the community. Many of the properties for the ballpark development were obtained under friendly negotiations, but then again the city had eminent domain as a tool if those negotiations had not been friendly.

D.C. tries to force Comcast's hand
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D.C. Council members Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) will submit emergency legislation on Tuesday aimed at compelling Comcast to carry Washington Nationals games or risk losing lose their license to operate in the District. The vast majority of Nationals games are shown on Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), but a contact dispute between Comcast and the Baltimore Orioles is preventing the cable giant from carrying MASN in the D.C. area. The bigger issue: MASN is owned by the Orioles and the Nationals, and in general the cable giants aren't thrilled with teams running their own cable networks.

Splash has a dash of Youppi inside
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Pierre Belisle is a 5-foot-10, 230-pound real estate agent and Grand Strand transplant from Montreal; on the side he's 8-year-old Splash, the 7-foot, 265-pound mascot for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A; Carolina League). In the past Belisle had one of the greatest mascot gigs ever: For 18 years (10 full time, eight part time), Belisle suited up as Youppi, the famous bearlike mascot for his hometown Montreal Expos before the franchise was contracted in 2003. Alas, there was many a night when Youppi was the most popular attraction on the Olympic Stadium field.

These teams are poor? That's rich
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For teams like the Twins, the Royals and the A's, baseball's revenue-sharing plan has been been a godsend, as richer teams like the Yankees (who contributed $77 million into the revenue-sharing pot) and the Red Sox (who contributed $52 million) pay out to small-market teams. So why are the Phillies and the Orioles receiving money from the pot? Because the sharing is based on revenues, not market size. The Phillies are underperformers in the fourth-largest media market, and the Orioles let the golden goose of Oriole Park wither away.

Faith Night bobblehead called up to big leagues
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What started as a little old promotional gimmick to boost ticket sales at Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) games by targeting churches and giving away Moses Bobbleheads is going national. "Faith Night," created here by a local company called Third Coast Sports, is going pro with plans in the works with the Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Nashville Sounds first held Faith Nights in 2001, a concept that a few other ball parks had used to sell tickets. But it really took off in 2004, when the Sounds started giving away bobbleheads.

Bums' opener almost a sellout
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Less than a week after single game tickets went on sale, the Traverse City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League) season opener is almost a sellout. About 100 lawn seats and fewer than a dozen chair-back seats are still available for the independent league baseball team's inaugural game at Wuerfel Park, which seats 5,500. The Beach Bums opener is May 24 against the defending Frontier League champion Kalamazoo Kings.

Ballpark Notes
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The new voice of the Great Falls White Sox (rookie; Pioneer League): Matt Pinto, currently the radio play-by-play voice of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers and the former voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League). Pinto has worked for the Dallas Mavericks and the Charlotte Hornets as well. We knew several broadcasters competing for that job; it's interesting Great Falls could attract such a high level of talent....The Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League), in just their fourteenth home game of year, have surpassed the 100,000 mark in attendance after Sunday's afternoon win against the Arkansas Travelers at Whataburger Field....