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Archives: July 30-Aug. 5, 2006

Bronx group goes to court vs. new Yankee Stadium
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A South Bronx community group went to court yesterday in an effort to stop a new Yankee Stadium from being built. In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Save Our Parks is petitioning to keep trees from being removed in Macombs Dam and John Mullaly parks. But Justice Rosalyn Richter rejected the group's attempt to have a temporary restraining order issued to halt the ballpark project. Large sections of the two parks and hundreds of trees are set to be swallowed up once construction starts on the $800 million ballpark next to the the House that Ruth Built. The lawsuit seeks to block the plan.
    RELATED STORIES: New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark bonds; New York Agency approves ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets; MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea; Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Ebbets' echoes in Queens; At Mets' park, you'll think you're in...Pittsburgh?; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks; Mets to go old school in new park

Orlando group wants to buy West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An ownership group that includes former state senator George Stuart -- a confidante of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer -- has been negotiating to purchase the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) with the long-term intention of moving it to Central Florida. Although there currently is no suitable facility in which to play in Orlando -- city-owned Tinker Field has become unusable, and pay scales at the Ballpark at Wide World of Sports makes long-term use of that facility problematic -- Stuart's group has been talking seriously with the owners of the Diamond Jaxx. As you'll recall, we reported the Diamond Jaxx had formally requested permission to scout out the Orlando market. And, as you'll recall, we received a fair amount of crap from the Jackson Sun when we reported in January about an Orlando group looking to buy the Diamond Jaxx; we were right. From what we've heard, don't be surprised if Dyer springs some plans for a new downtown Orlando ballpark in the next six months.
    RELATED STORIES: Sportsplex could help solidify future of Diamond Jaxx

Braves bench Focus on the Family
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Focus on the Family was on the team that promoted Major League Baseball’s first "Faith Days" event at Turner Field July 27, but the Atlanta Braves now say the group headed by James Dobson is no longer part of its lineup. "We have asked the promoter [Nashville-based Third Coast Sports] to not include Focus on the Family in our other two Faith Day events," Beth Marshall, Braves spokesperson, said Aug. 1. "We do not feel it is an appropriate connection for Focus on the Family to be part of this event." The Braves didn't say why, but other say Focus on the Family distributed anti-gay materials during the July 27 event, leading to a multitude of complaints.
    RELATED STORIES: Braves open doors to faith

Wranglers agreement down to one item
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One sticking point remains in the ongoing negotiation between Springdale, Ark., and the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League). The negotiators -- Springdale Mayor Jerre Van Hoose and Jon Dandes, president of Wichita Baseball -- are working on a letter of intent to move the Wranglers to Springdale. The sticking point, according to Van Hoose, is the off-season control of the ballpark to be built by the city. The team wants to control the facility year-round, but Van Hoose objects, saying building a facility for a private group using public financing could cause the bonds issued to build the stadium to lose their federal tax exemption status. Yesterday we passed along terms of the lease; you can read them here. Meanwhile, Wichita will lose the Wranglers but keep the National Baseball Congress, according to City Councilman Paul Gray, as city officials and Wrangler officials negotiate on changes in the team's lease, which binds the Wranglers to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through the 2008 season. City officials have also heard from the independent Northern and Frontier leagues and the American Association about placing a team at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium as well. Even though the Wranglers are leaving, city officials will continue with plans to renovate Lawrence-Dumont Stadium dugouts, concession stands, locker rooms and infield turf. More from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, AP and the Wichita Eagle.
    RELATED STORIES: City negotiating terms with Wranglers; Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008; Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers; Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team talks; Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations; Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep Wranglers; Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with them; Wranglers' dugout can be the pits; Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon; City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer; Wichita pitching to keep team; Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale; Springdale vote certification put on hold; City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with new ballparks; Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner; Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading; Who could step up to the plate to keep pro baseball in Wichita?; Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark funding; Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?; Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence; City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move; Arkansas town woos Wranglers; Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need; New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say; Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark; Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote; Springdale ballpark details still under construction; Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale ballpark tax; If Springdale ballpark built team will follow, planners are told; Royals’ farm club seeks home?; Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball; Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark funding options; Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark; Springdale ballpark site under contract; Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries; Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter; Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark; Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

Landmark verdict tossed against Giants Stadium beer vendor
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This isn't news strictly related to ballparks, but it does have an application for anyone selling beer to fans. An appeals court overturned a landmark $105 million verdict against a stadium vendor that sold beer to a drunken fan who later paralyzed a girl in an auto wreck. Ordering a new trial, the three-judge New Jersey state appeals panel said the trial court improperly allowed testimony about the “drinking environment” at the 1999 football game at Giants Stadium. Aramark was sued after concession workers sold beer to Daniel Lanzaro even though he was clearly drunk; two hours later Lanzaro caused a car wreck that paralyzed then-2-year-old Antonia Verni from the neck down. This is a complicated case -- Lanzaro also drank at two bars after the game and before the car accident -- and the appeals court ruled the NFL and the two bars can be brought into the lawsuit.

City feeling crunch in new Nats ballpark parking
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission said this week it will spend $18 million to construct an underground parking garage for about 300 cars at the south side of the Washington Nationals' new Anacostia Waterfront ballpark, leaving only $3 million to contribute toward a much larger parking development to the north. The budget crunch comes as the result of a D.C. Zoning Commission decision requiring parking at the south side to be underground and covered. Earlier plans called for the parking to be below the surface, but without a roof, and were considerably less costly. The city is required by contract to provide 1,225 spaces at the stadium site to serve the team, plus holders of luxury suites and season tickets. But it has only $21 million budgeted to fulfill the total requirement.
    RELATED STORIES: Commission hears proposal on parking; More funds might be needed to build garages next to new D.C. ballpark; D.C. developer sways the city with big bucks and big ideas; Lerner name means plenty, as Nats deal is closed; Host of problems at new-look RFK; MLB: D.C. government in default of lease agreement; D.C. Council approves parking garage plan; Nats announce 'Grand Reopening' for old RFK; Environmental issues raise concerns on new Nats ballpark; D.C. mayor asks for ballpark plan approval; D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles; Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking; Nats sale targeted for July finalization; D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking controversy; Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project; Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking; Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M; Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new ballpark; D.C. ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but concerns linger; D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball; The Nationals' wish list; Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking; Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening'; Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full approval expected today; Nats ballpark design up in the air; It's official: Lerner nabs Nats

Hotel may help pay for Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city is courting developers to build a hotel under a long-term lease that would help pay for a new Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota. Pat Calhoon, Sarasota's sports facilities manager, said a development company has encouraged the city to work in a 150-room to 300-room hotel to close its $21-million financing gap. A hotel is the latest twist in a drive to pull together financing for a $54 million spring training complex that would replace Ed Smith Stadium. All the financing must be in place by Oct. 2 for the city to apply for a $15 million state grant.
    RELATED STORIES: Landfill fouls Sarasota ballpark complex plans; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Ballpark figures in Sarasota; 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; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature; Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida House; Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains consistent in Florida; Florida lawmakers approve spring-training facilities bill; 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

IronBirds, Orioles extend player-development deal
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League) and the Baltimore Orioles today announce that the teams have signed a new player development contract (PDC) which extends the affiliation between the teams through the 2010 season. The new contract extends the original agreement signed prior to the IronBirds inaugural season in 2002. In its franchise history, the IronBirds have graduated seven players to the Major Leagues: Brandon Fahey ('02), Jeff Fiorentino ('04), Adam Loewen ('03), Nick Markakis ('03), John Maine ('02), Val Majewski ('02) and Chris Ray ('03). More on our Affiliates 2006 page.

Chase Field: a hitter's paradise
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You never heard Chase Field called a hitter's paradise when Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks, so it's a little disconcerting to hear the D-Backs are considering some changes to the ballpark based on the perception that hitters have an advantage. Yes, the conditions are there to give a slight edge to batters -- the high altitude helps balls carry father, the infield pays fast, and there's a great batters' eye in center field -- but the Diamondbacks front office is looking at changing the outfield fence to keep balls from staying in the corners. The team may also keep the roof closed more. In the 700 regular season games played at Chase Field, teams combined to score an average of 9.27 runs with the roof closed. Open the roof, and the number climbs to 10.44.

Pride doing best to win ’em over
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Attendance at Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) games is up after the team moved from the Atlantic League; apparently losing those April games was a help to the bottom line. Still, not everything is perfect: some of the attendance rise has come in spurts (like when Bode Miller played in the field for the Pride). The new ownership group led by John Stabile and his nephew, Jim Stabile, the chief operating officer, has brought in live music, inflatable slides and a promotion called the "Amazing Flying Rubber Chicken" (a kid tries to catch poultry in motion while standing in right field).

Minor-league baseball in Traverse City a major success
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Traverse City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League) have all the elements for success in place: a beautiful new ballpark, enthusiastic fans, and plenty of things to do in and around the park for all ages. It doesn't that the team has been strong on the field, but more importantly they have strong local ownership in the Wuerfel family.

In Hiroshima, new ballpark proves a tough pitch
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The Hiroshima Carp are known in Japan as "the people's team," but on a recent evening it was difficult to understand why. As the Carp took the field against the Tokyo-based Yakult Swallows, fewer than 8,000 people were scattered in the 32,000-seat Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, a drab, cramped 49-year-old facility. Concession stands offered fried squid and bento boxes, but buyers were scarce. The tiny owners' suite behind home plate was empty. The issue has been whether to build a new ballpark downtown or in an outlying neighborhood; so far the plan is for the team to leave downtown.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Busch Stadium artist and stone carver Gabe Drueke will be at the new Busch Stadium store signing his BirdOnBat product. The new store is located on 617 S. 7th Street, at the NW corner of Busch Stadium. The signing takes place Saturday, August 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m....Speaking of Busch Stadium: Covermaster was able to provide a new rain cover for the Cardinals after an existing one that was torn during a violent storm with 80 mph winds on July 19. Two business days after the Cards called a new, custom-made RaincoverPlus was on its way to Busch Stadium. Have some news you want to share with the baseball world? Send it to editors@augustpublications.com.

Landfill fouls Sarasota ballpark complex plans
Posted Aug. 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a good reason why Sarasota officials don't want to build a new spring-training complex for the Cincinnati Reds on the current Ed Smith Stadium site: Ed Smith Stadium straddles a former landfill and asphalt plant site, while the Ed Smith Sports Complex of practice fields, clubhouses and offices is situated on top of a landfill. City officials got their fingers burned to the tune of about $200,000 for environmental mitigation when they previously excavated beneath the first base dugout at Ed Smith Stadium and unearthed the former asphalt plant site. The experience served as warning. Ironically, the release of this information may make it easier for the project to garner public support: the site will probably need to be cleaned up at some point anyway. Here's a call for the city to fix up Ed Smith Stadium anyway.
    RELATED STORIES: Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Ballpark figures in Sarasota; 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; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature; Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida House; Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains consistent in Florida; Florida lawmakers approve spring-training facilities bill; 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

City negotiating terms with Wranglers
Posted Aug. 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Things are more considerably more advanced than portrayed by Springdale officials after a draft of a proposed lease for the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) was released to the Springdale Morning News under a Freedom of Information request. The letter of intent, dated Aug. 1, is a draft of a proposal to Jonathan Dandes, president of Wichita Baseball, for terms of a lease with the Wranglers. The document came from Brian Parker of Conventions, Sports and Leisure International, the company that has been working with the Wranglers to draw up the agreement. The lease itself looks to us to be fairly standard. though the city may want to look at a few of the clauses (such as its use for non-baseball events). The 20-year lease (plus two five-year options controlled by the team) calls for $325,000 in yearly rent, plus annual adjustments, as well as 50 cents for each ticket over a baseline of 300,000 annually for baseball events. The city would be responsible for major capital repairs, while the team would be responsible for ongoing daily maintenance. The Wranglers would control the facility and be reimbursed by the city for non-baseball events. The letter of intent terminates on Sept. 30 if no lease has been signed, and the goal for signing lease is Aug. 24. Interestingly, the National Baseball Congress is not mentioned by name in the lease, and given the fees pays on tickets sold past a 300,000 baseline, we're guessing it won't be included. Here's a PDF of the proposed lease. More from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Wichita Eagle. As we've noted, three independent leagues -- the Northern and Frontier leagues and the American Association -- have contracted Wichita about a Lawrence-Dumont Stadium lease.
    RELATED STORIES: Springdale awaits word on getting Wichita's team; Wichita expects to negotiate for Wranglers; Wranglers to move in 2008; Ruffin's name comes up as buyer for Wranglers; Chamber, firm hiding the ball on Springdale team talks; Consultant leads Springdale ball team negotiations; Wichita business leaders discuss how to keep Wranglers; Kayser: Wranglers would take Texas League with them; Wranglers' dugout can be the pits; Official: Don’t expect Springdale team name soon; City may get a chance to counter Wrangler offer; Wichita pitching to keep team; Team declaration a waiting game in Springdale; Springdale vote certification put on hold; City officials: Lawrence-Dumont can compete with new ballparks; Wichita awaits sign from Wranglers owner; Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading; Who could step up to the plate to keep pro baseball in Wichita?; Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark funding; Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?; Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence; City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move; Arkansas town woos Wranglers; Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need; New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city officials say; Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark; Election Commission finalizes details for Springdale ballpark vote; Springdale ballpark details still under construction; Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale ballpark tax; If Springdale ballpark built team will follow, planners are told; Royals’ farm club seeks home?; Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball; Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark funding options; Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark; Springdale ballpark site under contract; Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries; Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter; Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark; Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

Beer vendors' jobs in jeopardy because of strict new rule
Posted Aug. 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Beer vendors at Great American Ball Park are being fired for a new rule that most fans do not know about. Vendors at the ballpark are dealing with strict new rules that say vendors can only sell beer to fans who don't already have one. A vendor who agreed to speak to FOX19 News on condition of anonymity says that the ballpark concessionaire, Delaware North, is enacting a zero tolerance policy on the new rule.

Petaluma may get Cal League team, ballpark
Posted Aug. 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A private investor wants to buy an existing team and move it to Petaluma, Cal., where he wants to build a ballpark at the Petaluma fairgrounds. Fair officials confirmed they have been approached but declined to provide details, including the name of the investor. It couldn't be determined when a team might arrive. Joe Gagliardi, president of the California League, said there is a serious proposal by a bona fide investor who is interested in bringing baseball back to Sonoma County. A representative from Shortstop LLC, a corporation formed last month, says the ballpark would be privately financed. Sonoma County hasn't had a baseball team since 2002 when the Western League's Crushers folded. The team's home, Rohnert Park Stadium, is scheduled for demolition for a shopping center.

Manatee Community College, South Coast League agree to ballpark lease
Posted Aug. 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent South Coast League announced the signing of a one-year agreement with Manatee Community College for the lease of Robert C. Wynn Baseball Field, located on the MCC campus. The lease covers the 2007 season. Bradenton becomes the second SCL Florida market, joining the recently announced Charlotte County franchise. The two Florida clubs join Albany, Ga., Macon, Ga. and Aiken, S.C. as inaugural South Coast League franchises. Robert C. Flynn Field is the home of the MCC Lancers, who participate in the Suncoast Conference of the NJCAA.
    RELATED STORIES: South Coast League reaches lease with Albany; South Coast League announces Aiken franchise; City may go other route on bringing professional baseball to town; Bradenton officials wary of South Coast League proposal; Jackhammers' owners eyeing a league: their own; Charlotte County approves South Coast League lease; SCL looking at Beaufort County; South Coast League proposing play at Port Charlotte in 2007; South Coast League announces ownership group; Sanford rejects South Coast League bid; South Coast League fails to reach agreement in Sanford; Macon City Council approves baseball contract; Baseball's return now in hands of Macon council; League looking to bring pro baseball to Greenville; South Coast League contacts Wilmington officials; Macon moves toward bringing baseball back to the city; Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?; Macon ponders two baseball proposals; City explores baseball's return to Macon; Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton; South Coast League announces 2007 launch

Ballpark gets team; Marion gets $1 million more
Posted Aug. 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After local leaders announced the awarding of an independent Frontier League team in Marion, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich brushed aside criticism over the millions of state dollars already spent on a new ballpark made a surprise announcement of another $1 million to help the ballpark. Criticism comes because attorney John Simmons, the ballpark proponent and key member of Southern Illinois Baseball Group, has been a contributor to Blagojevich's political campaigns. Because he cannot own a team -- Simmons already owns the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and minor-league rules prohibit cross-ownership of franchises in affiliated and independent baseball -- his wife, Jayne Simmons, will be the owner of the Marion team. The locals are pretty happy to see a new ballpark and baseball in their city. More from AP and the Southern Illinoisan.
    RELATED STORIES: It's official: Marion to join Frontier League in 2007; Marion to join Frontier League; Ballpark with no team going up in Marion; Major construction of Marion ballpark to begin mid-June; Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks; Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to Simmons; Midwest League reconsidering Marion application; Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet; Marion baseball still seen as possibility; $16 million ballpark needs league of its own; Midwest League rejects Marion; Group awaiting the words 'play ball': Final approval on sale of South Bend baseball team may come next month; Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday; Marion ballpark expected to be ready in 2007; Victory Sports announces Northern League team for South Bend; Ballpark funding draws some boos; Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for Marion; 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

Two groups vie to put NWL team in south metro of Twin Cities