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Archives: July 16-July 22, 2005

Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In a little-noted decision, a D.C. Superior Judge threw out a lawsuit from a bar owner in Southwest Washington who sought to derail the eminent-domain process used to acquire land for a new Washington Nationals ballpark. The bar owner, Robert Siegel, had sought to stop development by challenging the ballpark-financing process used by the D.C. Council. Judge Geoffrey Alprin ruled Siegel had no standing to challenge the process because eminent-domain proceedings had not yet begun, and when they do, his only legal recourse is to challenge the valuation of his property. Siegel says he'll file another lawsuit once eminent-domain proceedings begin, but given the Supreme Court's affirmation of eminent domain this year, it's hard to see such a lawsuit gaining traction. Speaking of the Nationals: the team found out the distance markers on the field at RFK Stadium were wrong: the power alleys (marked as 380 feet) were actually 394 feet. Apparently the fence padding was hung in the wrong spots.
    RELATED STORIES: Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags; Williams warms up for moment on the mound; D.C. ballpark cost rises but stays below cap; Army may sponsor Nats; Slow start for RFK naming rights; Sponsor sought for RFK Stadium; Two financing deals cleared for D.C. ballpark; D.C. ballpark architect finalist sees move to modern design; Ballpark design bids cut to three; Eight bid to design Nationals' ballpark; D.C. mayor, officials to see games in Florida; 'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch; RFK undergoes first transformations during two-sport season

Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After doing much of the hard work -- arranging partial financing for a new ballpark -- a group from Reno is still searching for a local investor to buy and move a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team there in 2007. The Tacoma Rainiers have been on the block for (seemingly) years and would be the most likely target.

City Hall's costly loss at SBC Park
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
San Francisco's Assessment Appeals Board ruled Wednesday that the San Francisco Giants were entitled to a lower assessed value of SBC Park for the years 2001, 2002 and 2003, forcing the city to refund the baseball team about $3.6 million, when interest is factored in. The Giants had argued SBC Park was worth between $162 million and $170 million, while The city maintained it was worth between $321 million and $325 million. The Assessment Appeals Board, which is charged with settling such conflicts, set the value at between $230 million and $236 million, depending on the year.

Cobb proposals narrowed to 2
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Billings city committee settled on two finalists to oversee redevelopment of Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). HNTB Architects (CTA Architects Engineers of Billings) and VCBO Architects of Salt Lake City (working with Bauer Group Architects of Billings). A finalist will be chosen next Tuesday. The winning firm will need to map out a strategy for paying for a replacement ballpark as well as designing it.
    RELATED STORY: Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Bob Wirz: Take a bow, Independent League rookies
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback)
A staple of Independent League baseball -- both economically and psychically -- is the rookie, the first-year player who never got a shot at affiliated baseball and are willing to play for a minimum salary. Though most won't get a shot at the majors -- heck, most won't even get a shot at affiliated ball -- they're still fun to watch.

Baseball owns Nationals, but Bygone Sports claims the name
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bygone Sports LLC has filed suit against Major League Baseball and Baseball Montreal, LLC, alleging they control the name "Washington Nationals" through a 2002 trademark filing. Both sides are suing one another. Considering the logo to the right dates back to 1930 (remember, the Senators were originally incorporated as the Washington Nationals and didn't legally change the team name until the 1950s), it's hard to see Bygone Sports having a hell's chance of winning the suit. MLB says Bygone Sports is trying to "turn a quick, undeserved profit" by seeking trademark registration rights to the club's name.

Northern League feels growing pains
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the problems experienced by the expansion Edmonton and Calgary teams in the independent Northern League. In Edmonton, GM Mel Kowalchuk and his assistant, Fraser Murray, are both leaving the team at the end of the month, as both apparently wearied of constant battles with owner Dan Orlich. In Calgary, the team barely draws 1,000 fans a game. The Northern League says they're committed to the two markets for now.

If you bill it around faith, they will certainly come
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a story on one of the hottest trends in the minors: faith nights, where teams market games to church groups by offering Christian rock concerts or Biblical bobbleheads. The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) certainly pioneered the practice last season, and it's been picked up by several teams this season.

New on Ballpark Digest: RSS feed
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback)
We've added an RSS feed to Ballpark Digest. For those of you unacquainted with the joys of feeds, it's a way for you to keep track of what's happening on the site. If you're using Firefox, simply click on the orange icon on the bottom right of the window and add Ballpark Digest to your Bookmarks; when you open your browser you'll automatically have a list of new stories added to the site. If you use My Yahoo regularly and want to add Ballpark Digest headlines to your list of feeds, click "My Content" on the bottom of your screen and Add RSS by URL:

http://www.ballparkdigest.com/index.rss

When you next open your My Yahoo page, you'll have a list of Ballpark Digest stories waiting for you.

We're still working out some of the kinks with this service (and we are working on documentation), so feel free to drop us a line if you have questions or comments.

York hires ballpark consultant
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An expert consultant, hired to facilitate building a $28-million ballpark in York, Pa., will cost $18,750 more than the lowest offer after the city's redevelopment authority decided to spend more money to go with experience. In a 3-0 decision Thursday, the authority hired Murphy & Dittenhafer of York for $43,750 to complete a physical environment vision study for the Arch Street neighborhood, the location of a proposed 6,000-seat ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team. While having the third-highest offer out of five proposals, Murphy & Dittenhafer was considered the most qualified engineering and consulting firm based on a rating scale established by city planning and redevelopment staff.
    RELATED STORIES: York mayor wants more revenue from new ballpark; Plans to address York ballpark impact; Ballpark questions fielded in York; $8 million bond approved for York ballpark; Property takeovers for York ballpark debated; Mayor says York ballpark plan is grand slam; Ballpark could be key for York; York ballpark planning goes extra innings; The race is on for York baseball

Moving rumors reopen in Columbia
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on rumors concerning a franchise shift involving the Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally League) and the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League). Ownership of the Diamond Jaxx have expressed interest in the Columbia, S.C., market (as well as Orlando and Louisiana markets), but were told by a developer he was working exclusively with another team. Catfish owner David Heller denies the rumors he's moving the Catfish to Jackson, Tenn. and then buying and moving the Diamond Jaxx to Columbia: "I have zero interest in moving [the Catfish] to Jackson or anywhere else in Tennessee," Heller said. "The chances of the team moving to Jackson or anywhere else in Tennessee is the day after never. The South Atlantic League wouldn't allow it, and it would be way out of the league's geography."
    RELATED STORIES: Midlands could get double-A for effort; Richland County residents weigh proposed ballpark; Ownership: Catfish not moving; Developer pitches ballpark for Columbia (S.C.) area

River Bats unveil ballpark plans
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
St. Cloud River Bats (college wood bat; Northwoods League) owner Joel Sutherland last night unveiled plans for a new 3,700-seat ballpark in St. Joseph, Minn., on the western edge of the St. Cloud area. The presentation, under review by the city, marks the first of a series of meetings and hearings to be conducted before the development is approved. The River Bats currently play at Dick Putz Field, but differences with city management led Sutherland to seek a new home.

Construction begins on Riverfront Stadium addition
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Demolition crews arrived on Wednesday morning at Riverfront Stadium, the home of the Waterloo Bucks (college wood bat; Northwoods League), to begin digging for the new addition on the third-base side. Fans will be asked to enter on the first-base side of the stadium for Bucks games. The project will not close down any of the Bucks' existing concession stands.
    The work is part of a two-phase renovation of the ballpark. Over a million dollars is being included in the City’s Five Year Capital Improvement Program for stadium renovations to be used along with grants, donations and in-house labor to complete the makeover of Riverfront Stadium.
    The first phase of construction will consist of a new entrance and restroom building for the 59-year-old venue. Four new ticket windows will greet patrons as they enter the stadium. A new structure on the third base side of the stadium will house a concessions stand along with new restrooms. The current plans call for additional restrooms that will add nearly 40 women's fixtures and 20 men's fixtures.

Expos' name game attracts thousands of ideas
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A contest to rename the Vermont Expos (short season; NY-Penn League) has already been a success, with fans submitting thousands of names to team management: there have been over 15,000 e-mail submissions, with another 15,000 or so paper submissions still needing to be read. Fans have until Sunday to chime in, either by using the ballots at the ballpark or on the Internet at www.nameyourteam.com.

Development proposal home run for Holyoke
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For an area that's fought the idea of affiliated baseball for years now, folks in the greater Springfield/Holyoke area are sure taking to the idea of a larger development anchored by a new ballpark for the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League). The proposed development from Mandalay Sports calls for a 6,500-seat ballpark, 73 high-density homes, 255 apartments, a hotel and 75,000 square feet of office and retail space.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark hits homer with Holyoke mayor; Mandalay pursues Springfield market

Fans get more than a game at scenic Camden field
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a look at Campbell's Field, the home of the Camden Riversharks (independent; Atlantic League). With a view of the Philadelphia skyline from across the Delaware River, it's certainly one of the better-situated ballparks in the minors. And, given the shaky finances of the team in recent years, it's good to see things on financially solid ground.

They're safe without peanuts and Cracker Jack
Posted July 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Every minor-league team should do this once a year. On Monday night the St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League) are setting up a special no-food zone to allow people with food allergies (such as allergies to peanuts and other nuts) to attend the game; if it goes well the team may do it more often. Despite what the ill-informed reporter from the Pioneer Press says, the Saints aren't the first team to do this.

Fenway facelift to hit $100M
Posted July 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Boston Red Sox are on course to pump nearly $100 million into new seats, concessions and concourses at Fenway Park as the team's owners dramatically upgrade the antique ballpark. This spring, the Sox owners announced a long-term commitment to baseball's oldest and smallest ballpark that includes adding thousands of high-priced seats over the next few years. The news here is the total cost of the renovations to Fenway Park. There are some financial reasons for the investment: the Red Sox can charge more for the same number of seats; it's a lot cheaper than building a new ballpark; and money spent on the ballpark can be deducted from the revenue-sharing the Red Sox are forced to pay other MLB teams.
    RELAYED STORIES: Classy Fenway is even better than before; Red Sox unveil four additions to Fenway Park; Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

Businessman working to bring Northern League team to Holland
Posted July 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
SunCoast Sports co-founder and Holland (Mich.) resident Ed Mayo Jr. announced that the company is bidding to bring an expansion Northern League franchise to Holland for the 2007 season. If Holland receives a franchise, SunCoast and the owner of Holland Town Center -- Horizon Group -- plan to build a 4,200-seat ballpark near the Holland Township shopping center, Mayo said. The complex would be built with $10 million to $12 million in private funds, he said. Holland is located near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the western part of Michigan. We would suggest a team name of the Dutchmen if the town does land a franchise. On a serious side, the city's proximity to South Bend would make operational sense for the league if it does indeed land a lease for Covaleski Stadium. The ownership of the West Michigan Whitecaps isn't too worried about the Northern League moving into his turf.

A rush act for NLR ballpark
Posted July 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the voting for a sales-tax hike in North Little Rock to pay for a new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), with some reservations about the timing of the vote. Only in America do some think issues require months and months of debate: our presidential elections are drawn out to the point where people get turned off the process (look at how Canada and Great Britain elect leaders for a more workable model), and given the rather straightforward nature of this vote, it's hard to argue it should be delayed for further discussion. However, there is another valid argument here: the August timing will keep turnout down because it's not a normal time for an election.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Ambience a hit, food enjoyable at ballpark
Posted July 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A restaurant reviewer checks out the food offerings at First Horizon Field, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) and proclaims them tasty. Worth mention: the grilled bratwurst and and the chicken burrito. Even better than the food, however, was the ambiance. Yeah, yeah, I know we've got to get down there for a game this season.

Fisher Cats owner here to stay
Posted July 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on George Solomon's purchase of majority ownership of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) from Drew Weber. He says plans on owning the Fisher Cats for a long time and won't judge return on investment with the team as he does his other real-estate holdings. (He's a realist, obviously). Since the team is tied to Manchester via a long-term lease, there's no chance of the team moving.
    RELATED STORIES: Solomon buys majority share of Fisher Cats

Nothing sinister behind Marion ballpark
Posted July 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Southern Illinoisan weighs in on Illinois GOP chair Andrew McKenna's attack on state funding of a new ballpark in Marion, Ill., for a Class A Midwest League club. The irony is McKenna may have had a valid question about the investment driving economic development -- we all know there's a huge public debate about that -- but instead McKenna unwisely chose to frame his complaint as a political attack on Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich and a substantial political contributor. And since McKenna had absolutely not a shred of evidence that this was a political payback, the "investigation" ended up being a complete waste of time for all involved.
    RELATED STORIES: Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'; Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

Solomon buys majority share of Fisher Cats
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Former Wall Street real-estate investor and MIT professor Arthur P. Solomon bought majority ownership of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), subject to approval from MiLB and MLB. Team founder Drew Weber, who brought the team to New Hampshire in 2004, will remain a partner and a director, according to team officials. Solomon's main company, DSF Real Estate, is a major New England developer and has acquired and developed more than $10 billion in real estate assets over the past decade or so. Both Solomon and Weber say the team is on solid financial footing (though Weber did admit the original move into Manchester was not the smartest financial move he ever made); no layoffs or changes in team personnel are expected. More from the Lowell Sun.

Ballpark Visit: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dodger Stadium is a classic ballpark, perfectly embodying the sunny California ethos of the early 1960s and setting the gold standard for ballparks over the years. Today's Dodger Stadium is looking a little aged, while owner Frank McCourt plans on some changes, such as the installation of new seats. Dodger Stadium is an essential visit for any fan of ballparks and baseball history, but don't be surprised if you walk away a little dissatisfied: the Dodger Way seems to be dead and fan service at the venerable old ballpark needs to be upgraded.

Midlands could get double-A for effort
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a new wrinkle in an attempt to bring affiliated baseball back to Columbia, S.C.: the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx are expected to make a play for the market. Developer Alan Kahn is working on a mixed-use development in nearby Richland County that would include condos and a new ballpark for the Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally League). However, because the Catfish are also partners in the development, it's virtually impossible the Diamond Jaxx would be part of that ballpark; they would need to claim the territory and play at Capital City Stadium or a new USC ballpark. We can also tell you speculation regarding a move of the Diamond Jaxx to Columbia and Columbus to Jackson is just that and is highly, highly unlikely to occur. The future of the Diamond Jaxx is still up in the air: an arbitration hearing involving the team's lease with Jackson is coming up shortly; team officials were rebuffed by the Florida State League in an attempt to scout out three counties in the Orlando area; Shreveport and some Louisiana cities have also been eyed by the team.
    RELATED STORIES: Richland County residents weigh proposed ballpark; Ownership: Catfish not moving; Developer pitches ballpark for Columbia (S.C.) area

Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Williamson County State's Attorney Charles Garnati this morning called Illinois GOP chairman Andy McKenna's charges about the planned Marion, Il., ballpark "reckless and hypocritical." In a press conference this morning, Garnati lashed out at McKenna who last week made accusations that Gov. Rod Blagojevich was doing a special favor for John Simmons, the investor planning to bring a minor-league team to Marion. The state is investing $3 million for infrastructure for the planned ballpark, which will serve as the home of the relocated South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League).
    RELATED STORIES: Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Six companies, most of them with ties to local architectural firms, have submitted proposals for a feasibility study of renovating Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). The RFP issued by the city really concerned two separate actions: how to pay for a new ballpark and how the new ballpark would be constructed. Submitting proposals for the feasibility study were: HNTB Architects (working in conjunction with CTA Architects Engineers of Billings), VCBO Architects of Salt Lake City (in conjunction with Bauer Group Architects of Billings), CH Johnson Consulting Inc. of Chicago (in conjunction with an unnamed local firm), High Plains Architects and A&E Architects of Billings (in conjunction with Philip Bess of Michigan), DLR Group of Omaha (in conjunction with JGA Architects-Engineers and Planners of Billings) and Sparks Sports of Tulsa. The City Council hopes that a mail ballot for a ballpark bond issue will be ready to present to city voters by June 2006. If successful, the field could be ready for play in 2007.

Lee's Summit ballpark moves forward
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Developer Green Point Development LLC submitted an application for a development in Lee's Summit that would include a 3,500-seat ballpark for a Frontier League team. The project, to be located south of U.S. 50 and Missouri 291, will be considered on Aug. 23 by the city Planning Commission. The project, dubbed City Walk, would contain three sections featuring the ballpark, lofts, office space and upscale shopping opportunities.

Ballpark hits homer with Holyoke mayor
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan sees a long road ahead to snag a minor league baseball franchise as part of a $110 million economic development package, but said yesterday he is excited at the opportunity. In correspondence with the city, Mandalay Sports Entertainment executives have described a $110-million mixed-use economic development project for the Ingleside area that would include a ballpark for the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League), 73 high-density homes, 255 apartments, a hotel and 75,000 square feet of office and retail space. The move into the market must be approved by the Boston Red Sox, the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), the Eastern League, MiLB and MLB. We're guessing the biggest objection will come from the Rock Cats. If the SeaWolves do move from Erie, look for the NY-Penn League to be there in a flash; Sally League officials briefly considered it before deciding it was too far north. More from the Erie Times-News, which is reporting on that city's reaction to the Mandalay plan.
    RELATED STORY: Mandalay pursues Springfield market

York mayor wants more revenue from new ballpark
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
York (Pa.) Mayor John Brenner joined a movement by city council members to negotiate a better tax deal from a proposed $28 million stadium in the city's Arch Street neighborhood. Brenner said the city cannot afford to subsidize independent league baseball. At a minimum, the 6,000-seat stadium will require services from police, fire and public works, which should be covered by the property tax revenue generated by the stadium. The mayor said he wants to "do better" than sharing an $80,000 property tax offer by Keystone Baseball, the baseball franchise owner which will operate the commercial component of the stadium. The city will split the taxes with the school district and county. The city's share is estimated at $27,000, a figure city officials say won't cover costs.
    RELATED STORIES: Plans to address York ballpark impact; Ballpark questions fielded in York; $8 million bond approved for York ballpark; Property takeovers for York ballpark debated; Mayor says York ballpark plan is grand slam; Ballpark could be key for York; York ballpark planning goes extra innings; The race is on for York baseball

Man attacked by drunken baseball fans sues Rockies
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Longmont, Col. man said poor security at a Colorado Rockies baseball game resulted in drunken fans assaulting him and his son. Now he's suing the Rockies and demanding that they change their policy regarding fan violence. Basically, officials failed to remove two drunken fans from a Rockies game, who were harassing the man and his son. Instead, the Rockies lectured the drunk and let him go; the drunk then bought another beer and dumped it all over the man and his son. If the story is true -- and that's always a big if -- the Rockies need to revamp their alcohol-control policies. More detail from the Vail Daily.

Weather takes electricity out of Rox's All-Star game
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Weather wreaked havoc on the Can-Am/Central independent-league All-Star Game at Brockton, Mass., last night: a severe lightning storm swept through the area, and there wasn't enough electricity in the ballpark to start the game until 10:06 p.m. Lightning hit a transformer, forcing the local utility to shut down power to the area. The game was shorted to six-and-a-half innings as a result, with most of the fans leaving.

M-Braves fans enjoy the suite life
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The 26 companies signing five-year suite leases at Trustmark Park, the home of the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League), were free to decorate the suites as they wanted. Some adding corporate logos to the walls, while others added decorative elements like pillows, chairs and whatnot. Many took a businesslike approach and hired an interior decorator to make the space look more professional and less like a rec room.

University of Mississippi asks city for ballpark funds
Posted July 20, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ole Miss officials are hoping to expand on a long-standing agreement between the city and university to fund expansion of Swayze Field. In 1988, the city and university agreed to jointly fund construction of Swayze Field with the ballpark to be used by both entities. Ole Miss wants to expand the ballpark, adding around 1,200 premium seats at club and box levels to the 3,500-seat facility. If the city approves funding, the outfield expansion could be completed by the beginning of the 2006 season, and the stadium expansion could be completed by the 2007 season.

Mandalay pursues Springfield market
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mandalay Sports, the owners of the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League), is looking at properties near Holyoke Mall at Ingleside as a new home for the SeaWolves. A $110-million project would include a new ballpark, a hotel, offices, homes and apartments. Holyoke isn't the important market here; rather, the Holyoke location is key to serving Springfield, the third-largest market in Massachusetts and one eyed covetously by more than one minor-league team over the years. (Indeed, Mandalay already had discussions with Springfield city officials before being told the city has no money for a minor-league ballpark.) According to Mandalay's project description, financing would come from a combination of sources, including private sector equity contribution from Mandalay, team revenues, acquisition money from a private developer, land contributions, financing from the city, and possibly infrastructure improvements from the state and federal governments. Ownership of the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) have already raised objections to the move. If the Erie territory were to open up again, look for a NY-Penn League team or possibly even a Sally League team to look at Jerry Uht Park.

Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Williamson County's prosecutor said Monday he will honor an Illinois Republican Party request and review whether a state grant of $3 million to a minor-league baseball project headed by a Democratic donor violates state ethics laws. In pressing for the investigation, state GOP chairman Andy McKenna questioned the appropriateness of state financing for what he argued should be a privately funded ballpark planned in this southern Illinois community. Of course, McKenna should know about the benefits of public largesse, as his family has benefited mightily from $600 million in state spending on Soldier Field: his father is a minority owner of the NFL's Chicago Bears. This is really a battle between old Chicago money and greater Illinois.
    RELATED STORIES: Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

Homer haven
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Philadelphia press is still chewing over John Smoltz's comments about the dimensions at Citizens Bank Park and how pitchers will have a hard time there over the years. The Phillies admit they're talking with architects about moving the fences back, which would appear to be the only solution. Now, whether or not the situation is as bad as Smoltz and others argue is another matter: the Boston Red Sox managed to win a World Series last season playing in a ballpark with some awfully short dimensions in spots. The stats say Citizens Bank Park is tied for the major-league lead when it comes to home runs -- tied with U.S. Cellular Field, where the White Sox seem to be doing quite well. And let's not discount the possibility that Smoltz was playing some head games with a divisional rival.

Fences at RFK Stadium driving hitters up a wall
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Meanwhile, one of the hardest places to hit a home run this season is RFK Stadium, home of the Washington Nationals. Nats players are frustrated by the distant fences, but you can be sure Livan Hernandez and Chad Cordero are pretty happy about the way the ballpark plays. Just 45 homers were hit at the stadium heading into the All-Star break, marking baseball's lowest total, and players suspect the dimensions are roomier than marked.

State needs fall special session
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature this fall to clean up business left unfinished when legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Pawlenty were immersed in a fairly unnecessary budget battle. Though there are several pressing issues on the state's agenda, perhaps the most pressing is state approval of a local sales tax to help pay for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark. The Strib argues -- quite correctly -- that this this is the best ballpark deal to come down the pike in recent years, and missing this window of opportunity could kill the prospects of a new ballpark for years to come.
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Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Richmond is hiring the man who helped Manchester, N.H., win a minor-league baseball team by pushing the development of a downtown ballpark-condominium-and-hotel complex. William J. Jabjiniak, coordinator of the New Hampshire city's Destination Manchester program, will be Richmond's new economic development director, Chief Administrative Officer William E. Harrell said yesterday. Jabiniak's experience experience includes leading Manchester's effort to build a new baseball stadium for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and an associated development of 177 condominium units, a 227-room hotel and a restaurant. Richmond is currently evaluating its baseball future, either with a new Shockoe Bottom ballpark or a renovated Diamond.

Mavericks owner spends night ducking media, watching Pirates
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More Pittsburgh media fascination with Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks who expressed a slight, off-hand-comment-kinda-way interest buying a share of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cuban would be a train wreck as a baseball owner: there's just no way to do a quick fix in baseball as you can in basketball, and it seems like he knows it: he's now saying the only way he'd invest in the team is if there was a danger of them leaving Pittsburgh -- and there's not, thanks to the team's long-term lease at PNC Park.

Fans invited to suggest new name for Navigators
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ownership of the Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) are asking fans to suggest a new name for the team, as they attempt to transform the image of the franchise. Actually, there's nothing wrong with Navigators; turning it into a pun on Gators makes little sense for a Connecticut team. You can make your suggestions at the Navigators Web site.

'Outside-the-box' promotion nights add to the fun of Hagerstown Suns' ballgames
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the outrageous promotions from the Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League). The Suns held a "Renew Your Vows" night at Municipal Stadium and supplied five couples with a minister, flowers and other wedding accessories. Of course, the Suns are best known for the original  "Free Funeral Give-Away" two years ago; the winner of that contest died 14 months after his victory and actually claimed the prize. So to speak.

Fans find local Class A baseball games as inexpensive as they are fun
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a look at Class A Florida State League teams in the Treasure Coast -- the Vero Beach Dodgers, Palm Beach Cardinals, Jupiter Hammerheads and Port St. Lucie Mets. You don't hear a lot about these teams, which is a shame: they don't draw very well despite featuring some of the best prospects in Class A baseball, but they play in spring-training facilities that are just too big for Class A ball.

Bragan to manage Cats again Aug. 15
Posted July 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bobby Bragan will pass the legendary Connie Mack and become the oldest manager in professional baseball history when he manages the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central League) on Aug. 15 at LaGrave Field as the Cats take on the Coastal Bend Aviators. Bragan will be 87 years, nine months and 16 days old, making him seven days older than Connie Mack when he managed his final game for the Philadelphia Athletics on Oct. 1, 1950 against the Washington Senators. Bragan managed for seven seasons in the big leagues, beginning with Pittsburgh in 1956 and 1957. He spent part of the 1958 season at the helm in Cleveland before getting an opportunity with Milwaukee in 1963. Bragan was the Braves’ skipper until the team relocated in 1966 and he became the first skipper in Atlanta Braves history. All of this is well and good, but what's to stop some team from wheeling out some 90-year-old from a local nursing home, placing them in a dugout, and proclaiming them as the oldest manager ever? Or wheeling them into right field and proclaiming them the oldest position player ever? No offense to Bragan -- who has done much for baseball nationally and in Fort Worth -- but this is pure gimmickry. Connie Mack had been a real manager for decades when he left the dugout.

Can affiliated baseball return to Shreveport?
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower is pursuing an affiliated team, with a meeting scheduled in the next few weeks. The Texas League's Shreveport Swamp Dragons left for Frisco two years ago, and an independent Central League team moved into Fair Grounds Field. If an affiliated team were to look at Shreveport -- and we're guessing it's a Southern League team -- a new ballpark along the lines of Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., would be in order. Another territory in play is Orlando: a Southern League team asked the Florida State League about three counties surrounding Orlando (Orange, Osceola and Seminole) and were turned down, as league officials say they are retaining the territory. The issue in Orlando is a ballpark: Cracker Jack Stadium would seem to be financial overkill for a Class A team, while Tinker Field is unsuitable for pro baseball. A new downtown Orlando ballpark would be ideal, but with the city's political structure still in upheaval, a surrounding community may be recruited. In a pinch, a team could play at Osceola County Stadium, the spring home of the Houston Astros; it's been vastly upgraded since the Kissimmee Cobras (Class A; Florida State League) played there.

Ballpark Visit: Angel Stadium, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Angel Stadium is a perfectly fine place to watch a baseball game, with rocking crowds and a winning team. But it falls short in the general ballpark experience, as a 1998 remodeling did add a little --but not a lot -- character to a joint-use baseball/football facility. In the end, Disney's short tenure as owner of the Angels (when the team oversaw a renovation of the ballpark) upgraded the amenities but failed to add that Disney touch of magic to a somewhat bland suburban facility.

A's think small with stadium plans
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland Athletics are thinking small in their planning for a new ballpark, with one scenario involving 40 regular-sized suites and 40 smaller suites accommodating four to six people in a ballpark that would contain fewer than 35,000 seats. They're also looking at loge and terrace tables priced for business use. The angle here: tailoring a ballpark for the smaller businesses in the East Bay. The parking lot at McAfee Coliseum apparently is still under consideration as a site.
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RiverHawks, Loves Park agree to delay ballpark occupancy
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Loves Park, mayor Darryl Lindberg and the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Frontier League) have agreed in principle that the team's new baseball stadium will not be occupied during the 2005 season.
    The reasons for non-occupancy, as per the request of Mayor Lindberg, was due to the concerns of safety and sanitary conditions for the RiverHawks fan base. Mayor Lindberg pointed out the safety concerns for the fans under partial completion as well as the sanitary concerns for concessions as well as washroom facilities that could pose a major concern.
    The RiverHawks cited that they would be able to achieve temporary occupancy by July 21 but have now agreed with the city of Loves Park that total completion would be necessary for occupancy to occur.
    RELATED STORIES: Hawks' ballpark may not be ready

Cuban? If only
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The press in Pittsburgh is all atwitter about the prospect of Mark Cuban buying the Pittsburgh Pirates, based on some offhand comments he made at a recent banquet. There's so much dissatisfaction with Pirates owner Kevin McClatchey that they're actually drooling over the prospect of a Cuban ownership, but they may be overstating his credentials: he did put money into the NBA's Dallas Mavericks (though that ended last season when he let MVP Steve Nash go because of financial reasons), and it's hard to see the fast-paced Cuban staying interested in the slower-paced game of baseball.

6 groups swing for Reds control
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The six groups seeking ownership of the Cincinnati Reds want more than the 51.5 percent of the team placed by three of the team's minority shareholders on the market: they all want operating control of the team as well. No surprise: if you're going to own most of the team, you're going to want to run it. Linder has a contract to run the team no matter the ownership situation, but insiders say it would make economic sense for him to sell out now.

Fans are the Lynx's missing link
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) began plan, the team set league attendance records and were the toast of Ottawa, with city officials tripping over themselves to help the team. That support dried up over the years, and now the team barely draws 2,300 fans a game (needing 4,000 to break even). That city support has dried up as well, and owner Ray Pecor suspects city officials would rather the team would move -- which will happen when a new ballpark is built in Allentown, Pa.
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Braves reversing fan decline
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The knock on Atlanta Braves fans is that they've been spoiled by winning. Last season attendance was down by a million when compared to eight years ago, when the team moved to Turner Field. This season attendance is up by almost 10 percent, however, and season-ticket sales are up as well. The reason? Better customer service.

Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When Illinois GOP chairman Andy McKenna went after Gov. Rod Blagojevich and John Simmon over state award to Marion for a new ballpark, the politics of the criticism may have backfired. For starters, Marion is pretty solidly Republican, so the political angle really wasn't there. But more importantly it exposed a political fault like in Illinois between Chicago and the rest of the state: McKenna's father, Andy Sr., is a minority investor in the Bears and former chairman of both the Chicago Cubs and the White Sox, and the McKenna family didn't complain too much when there was public funding of new facilities for the Sox and the Bears. Meanwhile, Jason Kelly opines the changes will be minor will be changes for South Bend baseball fans if a Northern League expansion team moves into Covaleski Stadium once the Silver Hawks leave for Marion.
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Baseball & Sumo Wrestling: Spinners keeps kids entertained
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) load up on the family entertainment during games at LeLacheur Park: To keep kids entertained, the Spinners have hired characters like Bristle, a giant toothbrush, to round the diamond as crews sweep up the bases between innings. Herbie, the Love Bug, careens around the field as T-shirts are tossed into the crowd. And at most games, the Frisbee Dog tears up the field catching discs as “Who Let The Dogs Out” rocks the stadium.

Local artist helps build unique parts of Busch Stadium
Posted July 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've covered this recently, but check it out anyway. Here's a look at Gabe Drueke, who is working on stone carvings that will decorate the new St. Louis Cardinals ballpark. In the end, he'll end up carving 12 of them. The first eleven pieces were made into molds from which 74 architectural pieces will be crafted and installed around the stadium. His signature cornerstone, more than one hundred hours in the making, will be one of the last elements of the ballpark to be put in place. The addition here: the link above goes to a page where you can watch a KSDK-TV video of Drueke at work.