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)
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Book Excerpts
The Last Good Season
2006 Attendance
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By team
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Affiliated - total
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Indy - total
2005 Attendance
By average
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2004 Attendance
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league
Combined
overall
2003 Attendance
MLB attendance
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League overview
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league
Combined
overall
2002 Attendance
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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! |
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Archives:
Dec. 25-31, 2006
Ballpark site owners put
squeeze on Twins
Posted Dec. 31, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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Sid
Hartman is reporting some problems with land
acquisition for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in
Minneapolis's Warehouse District. The Twins are
grumbling about a limited partnership involving
Bruce Lambrecht and Rich Pogin -- the pair behind
the whole Twinsville movement years before the
Twins pushed for a Warehouse District ballpark --
asking for more money than the Twins and the
ballpark authority apparently are willing to pay.
From what we hear,
there are a few factors at play here. First, the
Pogin and Lambrecht limited partnership
(associated with Hines Interests, the developer
planning on condos and retail surrounding the
ballpark) probably see what everyone else in the
Minneapolis market sees: the downtown condo market
is quickly slowing down and the associated
development won't be as lucrative as originally
anticipated; hence the desire to see more money
upfront. Secondly, some say the Twins and the
ballpark authority didn't set aside enough money
for land acquisition and were expecting to pay
below-market rates -- an expectation that was
fueled by the limited partnership, which for years
told anyone who listened they would strike a fair
price to make a deal work. The Twins and Hennepin
County say they don't want to go to court to
acquire the land; we're guessing the limited
partnership doesn't want to see any delays,
either, as developers would rather be developing
than litigating.
Minnesotans, per usual,
are second-guessing the design because they always
know better, even though none of them have any
experience in ballpark design.
More from the Mankato Free Press.
RELATED STORIES:
New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin
County shoppers;
Ballpark players ironing out use, development
agreements;
Twins release more details on new ballpark;
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews;
Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins
ballpark;
Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all
but done;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Records show evolving talks
between A's, Fremont
Posted Dec. 31, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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Fremont
city officials have taken a public stance of
caution and tempered optimism over the Oakland A's
move to Fremont. However, dozens of pieces of city
correspondence obtained by The Argus newspaper
through a public records request reveal that key
city officials have been meeting with team
officials and consultants since at least March to
address potential security, transit and
environmental issues connected to the Fremont
ballpark site. We're not sure this is really big
news: there are discussions between teams and
cities all the time, and we're guessing Fremont
isn't the only city approaching the A's in the
last three years.
RELATED STORIES:
Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?;
More meetings with A's slated after new year;
Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's;
A's detail Fremont
plans down to the letter;
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
Batter up! Orlando has place
for baseball
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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We've
hinted several times at plans for a new ballpark
in downtown Orlando,
and the details are finally being shared with the
public. There's some sentiment for fixing up
Tinker Field, the longtime home of minor-league
baseball in the city, but the place may not be
salvageable, and city officials have settled on
another site: next to the existing Amway Arena,
where the Orlando Magic (NBA) now play. The
long-term plan is to build a new arena for the
Magic and use the Amway Arena site for a new
residential and commercial complex. As we've
reported, Mayor Buddy Dyer's administration has
some ties to Mirabilis Ventures, an Orlando equity
firm, which was close to buying the West Tenn
Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League), but the
company backed away from the deal a few months ago
because the city wasn't ready to move ahead with
plans for a ballpark. Though it doesn't sound like
a deal between Mirabilis and the Diamond Jaxx
could be revived, you never know: the Jaxx are
definitely still on the market, and Mirabilis
officials now openly admit they're looking to
bring another team to a $25-million, 6,000-seat
privately financed ballpark. Also, besides
Mirabilis, there's another existing minor-league
operator working to bring a High Class A Florida
State League team to Orlando, but we're guessing a
$25-million privately financed ballpark isn't on
their agenda.
Pirates to get 30-year
lease, lights at McKechnie Field
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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McKechnie
Field and Pirate City, spring homes for the
Pittsburgh Pirates, will see significant upgrades
after the city of Bradenton committed $18 million
to facility enhancements, with the Pirates committing to a new
30-year lease, which goes into effect Feb. 1,
2008. That's the expected date of completion for
new dorms at Pirate City, lights at McKechnie
Field -- giving the venerable ballpark its first
opportunity to host night games -- and other
improvements. Dorms at Pirate City, the
organization's practice facility on 27th Street
East, have been closed since May 2005, forcing
players to stay in hotels during training. The
city will use approximately $12 million for new
dorms, office space and a clubhouse. A bond will
allow payment of the up-front construction costs,
and the city will go into debt for 30 years
because a $15 million state grant for
spring-training facilities is designed to issue
$500,000 a year for 30 years. The city is required
to match that each year. Other improvements
include a fifth field at Pirate City and a new
visitor's clubhouse at McKechnie Field, along with
improvements to the existing clubhouse. McKechnie
Field is the only spring-training ballpark lacking
lights; in a way a little will be lost when lights
are installed at one of our favorite
spring-training venues.
More from the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
RELATED STORIES:
Florida makes preliminary decision on state
spring-training grants;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes
Mallards ask for input on
ballpark
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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The Madison
Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League)
and the city of Madison are finalizing plans to
modernize Warner Park in time for the 2008 season
opener. The Mallards have drawn up a preliminary
budget whereby they will pay most of the $4
million tab. The rest would come mainly from funds
already set aside by Madison officials to pay for
scheduled maintenance at the North Side ballpark.
The plan calls for a sunken playing field, rotated
180 degrees so the current center field area would
be replaced by a diamond and a new grandstand
constructed, but much of what exists down each
line (Duck Blind, home-plate concessions) would
stay. The Mallards would fund a majority of the
project. In exchange, the club wants to have a new
ballpark by June 2008; to be allowed to sell
naming rights for the facility; to take control of
maintenance and scheduling; and to receive all
revenues associated with the new ballpark.
Indians fan thrilled by new
facility plans
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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We're
guessing there will be many old Cleveland Indians
fans happy to see the Tribe return to the Cactus
League after a 17-year absence when the teams
shifts spring-training operations to a new
ballpark and complex in Goodyear. The Indians
trained in Tucson for 40 years, and how the Tribe
happened to end up in Arizona is a good story.
When he owed the Indians, Bill Veeck shifted the
team's training from Florida to Tucson. The
inability to secure lodging for the entire team --
Larry Doby had been turned away from a Florida
hotel the spring before -- was cited as a reason
for the move. The Indians left behind quite a few
fans from their days training at Hi Corbett Field;
we suspect they'll make some nostalgic visits in
2009.
RELATED STORIES:
$80 mil for baseball taps out sports authority;
White Sox to delay Phoenix move?;
Arizona commission to fund both proposed
spring-training facilities;
Glendale offers spring-training plan;
Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out;
Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox;
County not eager to
match baseball largess;
State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from
Tucson;
Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag;
Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for
spring training;
Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale;
A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix;
Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark
funds;
What could the future hold for Dodgertown?;
Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training
to Valley;
Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to
development;
Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility
Florida group buys Swing of
Quad Cities
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
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As
we reported yesterday, Main Street Baseball
has signed an asset purchase agreement with
Seventh Inning Stretch to purchase the Swing of
the Quad Cities (Low Class A; Midwest League).
Next up: completion of the Control Interest
Transfer, which is then submitted to the Midwest
League, followed by approvals from MiLB and MLB.
The local media makes up for its reporting gaffes
with this story, but fails to acknowledge us as
accurately reporting the news. (The local
newspaper also gets another fact wrong: Main
Street Baseball is headed by David Heller and Bob
Herrfeldt.)
More from WQAD.
RELATED STORIES:
Sale of Swing close to completion;
Swing deal not a done deal yet;
Davenport City Council approves JOD lease;
Swing suitor receives good marks on report;
Swing's Krause optimistic deal will go through;
Swing likely will be getting new owners;
Swing of the Quad Cities sale underway
Reds deal hinges on investor
interest
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
(discuss)
The
key to making a $54-million Cincinnati Reds
training complex in Sarasota work financially: the
ability to find developers willing to pay $10
million for land surrounding the complex. So far
funding from the state, the city, the county and
team comes to $44 million, and a private developer
is sought to make up the gap. Whether the location
of the complex -- in a quiet residential area --
will work against a developer willing to come in
and make a rather sizable investment remains to be
seen; if none does, then the Reds are free to seek
another spring-training home.
RELATED STORIES:
Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota;
Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact;
Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close;
Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run;
Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state;
Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new
Reds spring facility;
County tees up for baseball hearing;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Reds swing and miss;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Residents at W-S ballpark
site have until April 1 to move
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
People displaced by a proposed ballpark for the
Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina
League) are being offered $800 by the project's
developer to help with moving expenses.
Billy Prim, an owner of the Warthogs who heads
development of a mixed-use complex, made the offer
at a public hearing last night. The area has a
reputation for problems with prostitution and
open-air drug sales, and many of the houses are
dilapidated. None of the residents expressed
opposition to moving, but they wondered how they
will pay expenses. We're guessing relocation costs
will rise past that $800 per household, but it's
still a generous offer.
RELATED STORIES:
Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan;
County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark;
W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since
it has no creek;
Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark
meeting;
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Mild weather helps Midland
ballpark construction
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
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Developers
of a new ballpark in Midland, Mich., for the Great
Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) knew
they were on a tight schedule for a 2007 opening,
but mild winter temperatures are allowing the 120
workers on the $28-million ballpark to stay on
schedule. More than 60 percent of the roof is
done, and once it is all completed, interior work
like hanging drywall will begin. The home opener
is slated for April 13.
RELATED STORIES:
Solar panels to help power ballpark for Great
Lakes Loons;
Ballpark could connect with shoppers;
New for 2007: Dow Diamond
Wells Field has a nice ring
to it...
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
It's
all speculation at this point, but you can expect
Coastal Federal Field, the home of the Myrtle
Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League), to
have a new name after the sale of Coastal
Financial Corp. to BB&T is finalized. BB&T is a
player in the sports naming-rights world, so you
can expect some sort of branding change.
Arizona Winter League set
for Jan. 19
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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The
folks at the independent Golden Baseball League
are preparing for their latest venture: the
Arizona Winter League, where four teams will set
up shop in Yuma's Desert Sun Stadium.
The four-team instructional league kicks off Jan.
19 when the Scorpions winter incarnation debuts
hosting the Canadian Minors. Not sure if we're
reported on this aspect of the league, but it's a
pay-to-play league: the fee for entry is $2,900
per player. Between 80 and 100 players are
expected to participate in the league.
New for 2007:
the Niagara Power
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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The name of
the new Niagara Falls team in the
summer-collegiate New York Collegiate Baseball
League (NYCBL): the Niagara Power.
According to Cal Kern, president of the Power, the
name comes from the hydroelectric power to western
New York provided by Niagara Falls. The brand-new
Niagara Power will play home games at the
renovated Sal Maglie Stadium. The Power has
already signed an agreement with the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes (FCA) to help provide players
for their first season.
NYCBL officials also announced the team to replace a Utica
franchise: the Rome Indians are returning to the
league. The franchise ceased operations after the
2002 season. In September, NYCBL owners granted a
group representing Utica an expansion franchise
for 2007. But, due to the independent baseball
league that will be using Donovan Stadium, the
NYCBL plans for Utica had to be scrapped. Enter
the Rome Indians. The Utica expansion group has
combined with the Rome Baseball Association to
return the Indians to the NYCBL. The Tribe will
play home games at Larry DeLutis Field in Rome.
Jeff DeLutis will be the president and Ray
DiBrango will be the general manager of the
Indians.
Ballpark
Notes
Posted Dec. 29, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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Former New York Yankees player Bobby
Murcer was recovering at a Houston hospital
Thursday after surgery to remove a brain tumor.
The 60-year-old Murcer, now a Yankees broadcaster,
was awake and resting comfortably at The
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center,
one of the top cancer facilities in the nation,
hospital officials said in a statement....
Sale of Swing
close to completion
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
Despite
some
erroneous reports in the local media, the sale
of the Swing of the Quad Cities (Low Class A;
Midwest League) from Seventh Inning Stretch to
Main Street Baseball is very close to completion,
with Kevin Krause and Main Street Baseball signing the Asset Purchase
Agreement earlier this week and the control
interest transfer (CIT) expected to be submitted
shortly, according to Main Street
Baseball officials. Next up: approval from MiLB
and MLB, which is not expected to be a problem;
Main Street Baseball already owns and operates the
Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League) with
a clean financial record. David Heller is the
principal of Main Street Baseball, with former
minor-league owner and operator Bob Herrfeldt an
investor.
RELATED STORIES:
Swing deal not a done deal yet;
Davenport City Council approves JOD lease;
Swing suitor receives good marks on report;
Swing's Krause optimistic deal will go through;
Swing likely will be getting new owners;
Swing of the Quad Cities sale underway
Reds sign 30-year lease to
train in Sarasota
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
(submit
story)
(discuss)
The Sarasota City Commission approved a 30-year
agreement with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday,
with the team committing to play at a new
spring-training facility. But the deal is still
tied to the proposed $54-million complex becoming
a reality and replacing the aging Ed Smith
Stadium. The Reds can walk away if the new complex
is not built, and as it stands there's a
$10-million gap between what the city has
committed from various sources (including the
state and the Reds) and the price of the project.
Both sides seem optimistic about the chances of
the funding gap being closed, however; one option
is to lease land surrounding the project to
developers.
RELATED STORIES:
Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact;
Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close;
Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run;
Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state;
It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League
move;
Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training
deal with Orioles;
Bonita won’t pursue baseball spring training;
Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring
training to Arizona;
Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal;
Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new
Reds spring facility;
County tees up for baseball hearing;
Orioles make pitch for $37 million renovation of
Fort Lauderdale Stadium;
Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime
offer; Arizona move still a possibility;
Possible deal with Devil Rays is a good play;
Devil Rays, Charlotte talking spring-training
shift;
Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance;
Next up, location for Bonita spring-training
ballpark;
Several key issues for spring training in Bonita
Springs;
Bonita a 'perfect fit' for spring training;
Spring-training queries abound;
Bonita sets vote for spring-training pitch;
Indians express interest;
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Attendance, costs at
question in W-S ballpark plan
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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On Jan. 3,
Winston-Salem taxpayers will say whether they
support spending $29 million over 25 years for a
proposed ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs
(High Class A; Carolina League) and
economic-development project near downtown. The
city is counting on ticket sales to pay down more
than one-third of its stadium-construction loan,
which is expected to cost $21 million over the
term of the loan. The city is being asked to
provide the lead developer, Warthogs co-owner
Billy Prim, with $11 million up front toward the
cost of the $22.6 million ballpark. The plan
relies on the team drawing 350,000 fans a year,
and the newspaper is questioning whether the team
can draw that many. In one sense, it doesn't
matter; if the team doesn't, Prim has promised to
make up the difference. Plus, North Carolina is a
baseball hotbed, and given what's happened in
nearby Greensboro, it's hard to see the ballpark
not succeeding.
RELATED STORIES:
County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark;
W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since
it has no creek;
Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark
meeting;
City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark;
W-S finance committee recommends incentives for
new Warthogs ballpark;
New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go;
Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem;
New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets;
Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Devil Rays deal due soon
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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The Tampa
Bay Devil Rays and Charlotte County are waiting a
final decision due next week on whether the county
will receive $15 million toward a renovated
spring-training complex. Charlotte County formerly
hosted the Texas Rangers, and that complex would
be extensively renovated to accommodate the D-Rays
and a High Class A California League team. It
would be a massive surprise if the $15 million
grant didn't occur.
Building the public square
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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The
proposal for a mixed-use development in downtown
Fort Wayne anchored by a new 8,000-seat ballpark
for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest
League) is getting some praise from the community,
but the local newspaper asks whether a relatively
high level of public funding -- some 40 percent --
is warranted. (That 40 percent figure is a little
misleading: it relies on TIF money from the
development itself, as property taxes generated
from the development are in play. It's not as
though the 40 percent is sitting in a bank account
somewhere.) True, the devil is always in the
details for a project of this size. The Journal
Gazette has a more upbeat take on the project;
as you can see here.
RELATED STORIES:
Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime;
Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans;
Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne;
Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is
unpopular;
Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal;
Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you
remember;
Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a
ballpark;
Playing ball downtown;
We need to build ballpark downtown;
Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?;
Learning by example from Dayton;
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?
New year brings new ballpark
tax for Hennepin County shoppers
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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A 0.15 percent sale tax -- three cents on a $20
purchase -- kicks in on January 1 for Hennepin
County shoppers, with the proceeds used to pay for
a new downtown Minnesota Twins ballpark. In the
first year, the tax is due to raise $28.5 million,
according to state Department of Revenue
projections. The surcharge will be levied in 47
communities and raise the county's sales tax rate
to 6.65 percent. In Minneapolis, which already has
a rate above the state's base, the total will be
7.15 percent. We're not quite sure most retailers
will break out the 0.15 percent sales tax apart from
the general sales tax, to be honest; business
groups may be overrating any impact on shopping
habits.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark players ironing out use, development
agreements;
Twins release more details on new ballpark;
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews;
Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis
inadequate, group says;
Ballpark should be held to high standards;
Twins formally announce design team for new
ballpark;
Firms lined up early for stadium work;
Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark
land;
Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark;
Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field;
A freeze frame for Twins;
Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins
ballpark;
Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off
schedule;
Twins pick ballpark designers;
As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations
push on;
Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010;
Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax;
Opposition turns out for hearings on new Twins
ballpark;
Twins ballpark debate keeps going with deal all
but done;
It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to
KSTP-AM;
Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons;
Twins seek partners for naming rights,
sponsorships;
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Are the A's worth it to
Fremont's neighbors?
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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Fremont officials may be excited about a potential
new ballpark for the Oakland A's, but leaders of
nearby communities -- Milpitas, Newark and Union
City -- say they have some concerns about traffic
negatively affecting their areas.
They also
have a larger concern: with a big development
slated for the area (2,000 housing units, retail
and office space are planned), infrastructure
costs and resources may be drained by the ballpark
village planned for at least a 150-acre plot west
of Interstate 880.
RELATED STORIES:
More meetings with A's slated after new year;
Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's;
A's detail Fremont
plans down to the letter;
San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark;
Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field
'challenges';
A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles;
A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark
village in Fremont;
New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech;
The next big thing: the San Jose A's?;
A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark;
Oakland City Council grants A's extension;
A's could move away;
A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in
Fremont;
Fremont looking more and more like future home of
Oakland A's;
A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet;
A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum;
Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose;
A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season;
Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into
obstacles;
'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told;
San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan;
Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area;
A's, Fremont near deal;
A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say;
A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials
say;
Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark;
A's owner in Fremont for meetings;
Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in
Fremont;
A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont
ballpark;
A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site;
The San Jose A's of Fremont?;
San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark;
Will smaller mean better for the A's?;
A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06;
A's owner's new plan for ballpark;
Talks for new A's ballpark sputter;
Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball
plan;
A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion
team for San Jose;
Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension;
A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision
stage;
Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose;
San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark;
Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost
$100 million;
San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property;
Fremont will consider a pitch for A's;
Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark;
Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win
allies, public funds;
Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions;
Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near
Coliseum;
A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep
team in Oakland;
Have A's settled on new ballpark site?;
Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine;
A's think small with stadium plans;
Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's;
A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible;
Athletics announce committee
to plan new Oakland ballpark;
Another San Jose site eyed
for baseball;
The time has come for new
A's ballpark;
No specifics on new Oakland
ballpark, but plans in the works;
San Jose quits discussions
on cannery;
Wolff about to take over;
Going to bat for A's is big
opportunity for San Jose mayor;
Wolff: A's ballpark already
in works;
Deal near for San Jose
cannery site;
For A's, way to San Jose
paved with uncertainty;
San Jose baseball crusader
makes his pitch;
A's sale could happen
quickly;
Sale of A's to heighten San
Jose intrigue;
BART to the ballpark, what a
vision;
Another San Jose pitch for
baseball;
San Jose mayor makes his
pitch;
Q&A with A's new owner Lew
Wolff
A special seat for Buck
O'Neil
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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The Kansas
City Royals are deciding what to do with Buck
O'Neil's seat at Kauffman Stadium. The late
O'Neil, instrumental in forming the Negro Leagues
Museum and the first black coach in major-league
baseball, was a regular at Royals games and his
presence was felt at every game. One plan has the
team giving away the seat to a person of
distinction in the community, but so far there's
been no announcement. A columnist for the Kansas
City Star is trying to drum up some interest in
the project; he's asking interested parties to
drop him a line.
Danbury man to lead NECBL
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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Mario Tiani,
the longtime GM of the Danbury Westerners, is the
new commissioner of the summer-collegiate New
England Collegiate Baseball League.Tiani, 60, was
instrumental in helping the NECBL reach some
recent milestones, including videocasts of every
game on the schedule. Tiani also helped negotiate
a three-year contract with the NECBL's umpires.
This spring, Tiani is looking forward to the debut
of "Eye on the Dream," a 12-part documentary
series that was filmed during the 2006 NECBL
season.
Ballpark
Notes
Posted Dec. 28, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League)
and the Colorado Rockies announced that
Stu Cole would return in 2007 for his second
season as manager of the Drillers. It was also
announced that coaches Bo McLaughlin and
Orlando Merced and trainer Austin O’Shea
would also be returning. Last season, Cole
became the 17th manager in the history of the
Drillers franchise as he led Tulsa to a 75-64
record and a berth in the Texas League playoffs.
The Drillers claimed their post-season spot, their
fourth in five years, by winning the first-half
North Division title with a 41-29 record....
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