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Archives: August 13-19, 2005

Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Byron Pierce and John Bryant, the original founders of the independent Texas-Louisiana League (now the Central League) who are launching another Texas-based indy league, confirm they're looking at assuming the lease of Potter County Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Amarillo Dillas (independent; Central League), from ACE Baseball Academy. If the county goes along with the plan, Amarillo could be the first team in the new league. The Dillas were successful when the Texas-Louisiana League first launched. Meanwhile, the city of Amarillo plans to study whether a new pro ballpark is needed; look for Bryant and Pierce to weight in on that.
    RELATED STORIES: Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Ballpark attracts all kinds of players
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
What exactly is the appeal of a luxury box for a business owner? For movers and shakers in San Bernardino, Arrowhead Credit Union Park -- the home of the  Inland Empire 66ers (Class A; California League) -- is where business and political tacticians are in serious discussions. The row of posh luxury boxes has become the It Place for businessmen and politicians to network, glad-hand and make things happen before they reach board rooms and council chambers. The dozen suites, accessible only by a private elevator, are owned for the season by a Who's Who of county business and politics. Each are decorated and outfitted to the proprietor's taste. But they lean heavily toward beer taps and plasma TVs, leather easy chairs and hardwood floors.

Ballot question sought on funding for Monroe Township ballpark
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ah, there's nothing easier for a politician who want to attract attention to demonize an idea that's not even reached a proposal. This is the case in New Jersey's Monroe Township, where a Republican candidate for county freeholder is trying to gain attention by campaigning against the concept of a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team. The county is still studying the concept of a ballpark and doesn't have a tangible plan in the works, but the candidate is already asking for a referendum on the project. It's interesting this candidate decries the possible use of tax dollars on the project but doesn't mind spending tax dollars on a referendum which will also have the side effect of raising his profile.

Christian group protests gay night at ballpark
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another year, another Christian protest at the ballpark. Last night was the third annual Gay Community Night at a Philadelphia Phillies game, and it was the third year in a row protesters showed up as well. Members of the Repent America group showed up with a banner protesting the celebration of homosexuality at the ballpark; the Phillies placed guards around the group to ensure the sign stayed up. This raises an interesting issue that MLB would probably not see raised: Can I show up with a "Save the Whales" sign at any game and receive protection from the team? I've seen numerous folks forced to take down signs at the Metrodome because the Twins did not approve. At some point some smart guerilla marketers are going to hit a ballpark with a noncommercial message and MLB won't have a suitable policy in place because they allowed an anti-gay group to display this sign.

Daytona Cubs break attendance record
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Daytona Cubs (Class A; Florida State League) set a new single-season attendance record at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in 2005. Following Game 2 of a three-game series against the Vero Beach Dodgers on Wednesday night, the Cubs 2005 season attendance total climbed to a record number of 110,869. The new franchise attendance record comes just months after a rigorous off-season in Daytona that included a $1.5 million renovation at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The renovations included a new river walk, updated lighting system, remodeled home clubhouse for the Cubs players, retro Chicago Cubs style manual scoreboard, a new picnic area and renovated bathroom and concession-stand facilities.

Worcester Tornadoes break 100.000 attendance mark
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) drew a record crowd of 3,465 fans to Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field for Wednesday night’s victory over the Grays, pushing their inaugural season attendance past the landmark 100,000 plateau. The Tornadoes season attendance now stands at 100,834 for 40 game dates, with eight more regular season games scheduled. The Tornadoes are averaging 2,521 fans per game, ranked third in the Can-Am League. But the two teams ranking above Worcester -- Brockton and Quebec -- both have much larger ballparks than Worcester's Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, which seats about 3,000.

'Johnny Baseball' devoted to game
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Most New Jersey Cardinals (short season; NY-Penn League) know John Regan as "Johnny Baseball" -- he was one of the Cardinals' first employees and had missed only a single games in 10 years. However, he's been missing games regular because of health problems: was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia about a year and a half ago, when his bone marrow was unable to produce enough red blood cells to replace those being destroyed. His platelet count dropped to single digits, and Regan had to have his spleen removed.

Baseball Notes
Posted August 19, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's getting to be that time of year again: awards time in the minors. The International League announced that Charlotte Knights Head Groundskeeper Eddie Busque has been awarded the leagues Sports Turf Manager of the Year award for the second consecutive year.  The award was established to recognize outstanding effort and excellence in the care and maintenance of a baseball playing surface and is voted on by field managers and pitching coaches from around the International League....In the Central Baseball League, GM Monty Clegg of the Fort Worth Cats was named executive of the year and LaGrave Field won once again for playing field of the year....

MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You know, we could have written this headline a countless number of times in the last three years, and it would have been true each time. This time, however, it really could lead to an actual sale. MLB CEO Bob DuPuy says a sale of the Washington Nationals to one of eight bidders should be started in the next 30 days. His comments came after a series of committee meetings held on the first day of the two-day owners' quarterly meetings. The sale price of the Nationals could reach $450 million. Speaking of the meetings: the widespread changes in the minor leagues (Pioneer League, Appy League, Gulf Coast League, Arizona League) predicted by Baseball America were not discussed at length, we hear, although a change in the timing of the draft was discussed but did not come up for a vote. DuPuy said any changes in the timing of the draft would probably not be approved at the meetings.

Golden Baseball League targets Reno, will compete with PCL
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Golden Baseball League is in discussions to place a team at the University of Nevada-Reno's Peccole Park, which would place the league in direct competition with a Pacific Coast League team slated to move to a new ballpark in nearby Sparks. The GBL would need to bring some dollars to the venture: Peccole Park lacks lights (which would cost $500,000) and school officials say new FieldTurf would be required as well. So far GBL officials have dealt with the athletic department on the terms of play; still to come would be discussions with university officials over a lease, parking and concessions. A Reno GBL team could begin play next season (we assume it would replace the traveling Japanese team from this year's league), but league officials are also discussing expansion as well. The other issue -- and one that will not play out for several years -- is whether the Reno area is large enough to support both an independent team and a Pacific Coast League team, particularly if the PCL team ends up the farm team of a popular California major-league franchise.

Bluefish owner puts club on the block
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mickey Herbert made it official: he's selling the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League), but there's a huge condition: the team must remain in Bridgeport. Herbert is the new president and CEO of ConnectiCare, a Farmington-based managed care health insurer, and doesn't have the necessary time to commit to franchise business. He says he's already talking with a few potential buyers.

Wenatchee a new baseball hotbed?
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wenatchee (located in central Washington state) has quietly become a baseball hotbed, thanks to the efforts of Jim Corcoran, owner of the Wenatchee AppleSox (college wood bat; West Coast Collegiate Baseball League). The AppleSox play at 1,200-seat Paul Thomas Sr. Field, but robust attendance has Corcoran looking for a new home. One possibility is a renovated Recreation Park, home of the Wenatchee Chiefs (short season; Northwest League) in 1937-1941 and 1946-1965, but that would require millions in new seating and ballpark expansion. Instead, Corcoran dreams of a new ballpark along the banks of the Columbia River with at least 3,000 seats, nice concessions, lockers, a press box and ample parking -- a real minor-league facility. He may have some ulterior motives: Bob Richmond, president of the short-season Northwest League, said Friday that the Greater Wenatchee Area’s population - about 75,000 people in a 15-mile radius -- has inched the community "closer to being a candidate" for a franchise.

York homes' cost tops estimate
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The appraised value of 15 homes, needed to make way for a $28-million ballpark in York, Pa., for an independent Atlantic League franchise, is about $85,000 more than initial estimates. According to the latest figures, released Wednesday, the appraised value of the properties is $397,000. City officials weren't surprised by the increase, saying they were prepared for a higher figure. Appraisals will be mailed to property owners this week. The state has committed $12 million to the project; Keystone Baseball (owners of the Atlantic League franchise), another $8 million; and Better York and the local business community, $8 million.

Royals’ pursuit of dubious history a hit at the ballpark
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Kansas City Royals suffered their eighteenth consecutive loss yesterday, this one at the hands of the Seattle Mariners, 11-5. The issue for us isn't the actual game result -- combined, the Mariners and the Royals are 53 games out of first place -- but the fact that the Mariners drew over 35,000 fans to the game at Safeco Field to see two last-place teams square off. The American League record for consecutive losses is 21, set by the 1988 Baltimore Orioles.

Cardinals serve up family fare
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a look at Skylands Park, the home of the New Jersey Cardinals (short season; NY-Penn League). The barnyard theme encourages families to attend games; then there's the Rally Cow, a small heifer brought onto the field late in games to inspire the crowd.

Winthrop gift to go for ballpark addition
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Winthrop University President Anthony DiGiorgio says a donation of $1.5 million will go for the next phase of building the school's ballpark. DiGiorgio said the donor was taken with Winthrop Ballpark, which opened in 2001. The benefactor wanted to know when the rest of the facility would be completed and DiGiorgio showed him plans to build locker rooms, coaches' offices, batting cages and a training room.

GLVC moves tourney back to GMC Stadium
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) and the Great Lakes Valley Conference announced that GMC Stadium will be the host of the 2006 and 2007 GLVC Conference Baseball Tournament. The deal, which was finalized on Wednesday, August 17th, brings the tournament back to GMC Stadium on May 10-14, 2006 and May 9-13, 2007. The Grizzlies hosted the tournament in 2004, but were unable to host it in 2005 because of conflicting dates.

Collegiate baseball coming to Capital City Stadium
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Columbia City Council approved a lease for Capital City Stadium to former Capital City Bombers (Class A; Sally League) general manager Bill Shanahan, who will buy a team in the college wood bat Coastal Plain League for $300,000 and begin play in Columbia in 2006. Also, Shanahan said he hopes to stage 20 other events such as high school tournaments, festivals and concerts for a total of 50 dates the first year. He said the total might rise to 75 the second year. Columbia could end up being quite the baseball hotbed: with a Class A Sally League team looking to move to the area and USC building a new ballpark, baseball fans will have plenty of options in a few years.

Columbia delays decision on USC ballpark
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Columbia City Council is delaying approval of a new ballpark for the University of South Carolina in the city's Vista area because university officials have failed to provide a parking plan. The ballpark could seat up to 10,000 fans, and council members told USC officials they wanted to see a detailed plan for providing public transportation to get Gamecock fans to the game as well as proof the university has Norfolk Southern's permission for a pedestrian bridge over a nearby railroad.

The big dreams of minor-league baseball
Posted August 18, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
George Will discovers minor-league baseball! Anyone reading this site knows more about minor-league ball than Will, but then again most folks reading this site are not nationally syndicated columnists. Here, Will discovers that most players with the Charleston RiverDogs (Class A; Sally League) think they'll make the majors, that most of them won't, and many of them love to eat inexpensive meals at Outback Steakhouse. Stop the presses!

Charlotte to pursue MLB again?
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Charlotte real-estate attorney is proposing a 38,000-seat domed ballpark as a way for Charlotte to attract a Major League Baseball team. Jerry Reese, a real estate attorney, is showing city and county government officials his proposal to develop a multipurpose, domed ballpark as a centerpiece for what he calls The Brooklyn Renaissance Project, which would also include 3,000 to 5,000 homes, parking structures, department stores, office towers, a park and a museum in the city's Second Ward. The ballpark could be used first by the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) and after about five years for a major-league team, Reese said. City leaders seem unimpressed with the privately financed proposal and seem even less impressed with the idea of bringing a new ballpark to Charlotte. As you'll recall, Don Beaver once pitched Charlotte as the home of the Minnesota Twins before that deal fell apart.

Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The local newspapers are still digesting new-ballpark proposal from the Oakland Athletics calling for a new ballpark north of the current McAfee Coliseum site. One reason for the extended digestion: Wolff didn't present a plan for a ballpark -- he presented a concept for a ballpark. As usual, the devil will be in the details when Wolff presents a more fleshed-out plan at the end of the year that details exactly who is paying for what.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Baseball owners struggling to market luxury suites amid glut
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Big is the new small in ballparks (or small is the new big; we really can't decide), as teams struggle to fill suites and are looking to break the mold on standard suite leases. Most new ballparks open with almost all the suites presold; it's renewing the leases that proves troublesome. At Miller Park, the Brewers are looking to combine some suites into a larger party suite; the Twins and the Vikings have already done the same thing at the Metrodome. Meanwhile, the new-ballpark proposal from the Oakland A's calls for four-to-six person suites close to the action.

Hoping to avoid brushoff by fans
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The San Diego Padres are asking fans who declined to renew season tickets to sit down with team officials in an effort to learn the motivations behind the cancellations. We're not talking low-level team officials here: some of the group are being led by Sandy Alderson, the new chief executive of the Padres, who is inviting fans in for dinner, conversation and a game.

Add terrace to the Joe, and that's just a start
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There have been rumblings about the Huntsville Stars (Class AA: Southern League) possibly being on the market, rumors acknowledged in a series of articles from the Huntsville Times on the future of professional sports in the city. In this article, Mark McCarter looks at all the things city officials would need to do to make Joe Davis Stadium a better facility; with a budget this year for $300,000 in improvements, it's pretty clear most of them won't be finished. On the editorial page, the Times opines that investments in sports facilities are good, but fans must first support the team before investments should be made. That attitude will pretty much doom the Stars in Huntsville, especially with Biloxi and Baton Rouge (and perhaps Orlando) seeking Class AA teams.

Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As MLB continues the process of selling the Washington Nationals, intrigue builds in Washington as to who exactly will land the team. Of course, Washington loves a mixture of intrigue and politics, which is why this story has such currency. What was once thought to be a sale price of somewhere around $300 million now could approach $450 million as several high-profile groups containing politicos from both side of the spectrum prepare their calculators for bids.
    RELATED STORIES: D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags

Postgame fun on Lakewood's roster
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Lakewood (N.J.) is looking at rezoning 51 acres across the street from FirstEnergy Park, the home of the Lakewood BlueClaws (Class A; Sally League) that could bring a strip of restaurants, pubs and retail shopping outlets to a long-underdeveloped portion of Cedarbridge Avenue. The plan would give BlueClaws fans a place to go before or after the game. The area is already in the midst of some serious development, as Cedarbridge Corporate Campus announced its first tenant and plans are underway for three new office buildings there.

2,052 throw the first pitch at Mallards game
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here was the perfect promotion for everyone who wants to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game: the Madison Mallards (college wood bat; Northwoods League) had 2,052 fans throw out the first pitch at a game last week. Each "pitcher" kept their ball -- some nabbing autographs in the process -- as well as a yellow slip of paper certifying that they "participated in the World's Largest First Pitch." Everyone who came to the park early (gates opened six hours before game time) received a baseball and the chance to take the mound.

Bragan gets tossed after setting record
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sounds like the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central League) put on quite the show to commemorate Bobby Bragan's stint as the oldest manager ever in professional baseball. After shortstop David Keesee was "tossed" from the game in the third inning for arguing calls and strikes, Bragan went to the mound and was "ejected" for backing up his shortstop. By the time the game was official (it was a rain delay from the previous night), Bragan was in the stands, signing autographs.

Nats to hold "Hairiest Back at the Ballpark" contest
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Not so sure this is a contest I'd want to win: The Potomac Nationals (Class A; Carolina League) will hold the first-ever “Hairiest Back at the Ballpark” contest at Pfitzner Stadium on August 25. The contest is sponsored by Cosmetic & Laser Services of Dr. Don Brideau and Dr. Foster Montalbano and will be held before the game against Salem at 7:05 p.m. The winner will receive a complimentary laser hair removal service valued at $2,500 courtesy of Doctors Brideau and Montalbano. Fans can register for the contest by calling the Potomac Nationals front office at 703-590-2311 by August 24, 2005.

Firm aims to try to make Owensboro arena, ballpark feasible
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials with The Leib Group, hired to study the possibility of building an arena and minor league ballpark, say they will try to make the projects work for Owensboro and Daviess County. The city and county have agreed to evenly split $66,413 for the arena study. The $24,000 cost of the baseball stadium study will be covered with $10,000 from the Bring Back Baseball committee, which wants to bring a minor league team to Owensboro, and $7,000 each from the city and county.
    RELATED STORIES: Study funding in Owensboro not a done deal; Owensboro, Daviess County back on board with ballpark study

Giants 'very pleased' overall
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mackenzie Stadium, the home of the Holyoke Giants (college wood bat; NECBL), is undergoing some renovations this fall and winter: the infield is being replanted and new dugouts are being constructed. The Giants are traditionally a powerhouse in the NECBL, and this year was no exception: the team finished with the third-best record in the league.

Fitzgerald Stadium brings back a flood of memories
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The American Legion World Series is being played this weekend at Fitzgerald Stadium in Rapid City, S.D. The ballpark has quite the history: it was once home to the Rapid City Chiefs of the Basin League, a now-defunct college wood-bat league that produced numerous major league stars: Bob Gibson, Jim Palmer, Don Sutton and Frank Howard, who is regarded as the best player in Chiefs history. Back then it was known as Sioux Park Stadium.

Old prison footbridge might be moved to USC ballpark
Posted August 17, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A narrow, steel bridge that once offered passage into the now-demolished Central Correctional Institution in Columbia, S.C. may be moved to a new ballpark being built by the University of South Carolina. Columbia city officials are offering to let USC have it, if the university will move it about seven blocks away, to the site of its planned ballpark in the Vista.

Legislative session to decide fate of Twins ballpark back on track
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The chances for a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to approve a funding plan increased dramatically yesterday when Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon) came out of a meeting with Gov. Tim Pawlenty to discuss the issue and declared the urgent need for a session this fall before the 2006 regular session. Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson (DFL-Willmar) also supports a special session to discuss (among other things) a proposal by Hennepin County to partially pay for a new downtown Minneapolis ballpark through a 0.15 percent countywide sales tax, which needs approval from the legislature. As usual, the Star Tribune gets it completely wrong: legislative insiders say the special session is a lock because Sviggum would have never called for one unless Pawlenty was on board. The special session would also also authorize funding for a new University of Minnesota football stadium; you can read about that project at our sister site, Football Stadium Digest.
    RELATED STORIES: Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Ballpark could go with mall in Sparks
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
RED Development of Kansas City is proposing a new waterfront development in Sparks, Nevada that would also include a new ballpark for a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team. (In the rendering to the right, the ballpark is in the middle left.) The Sparks City Council unanimously approved Monday extending an exclusive negotiating agreement -- set to expire Aug. 31 -- with RED until Dec. 31, and authorized staff to prepare a development agreement. RED Development is the firm behind the Kansas City, Kansas development that includes a mall and the home of the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League). Officials of Sierra Nevada Baseball, which first proposed a stadium at the marina and had sought the PCL franchise, said the group won’t be operating the team. County commissioners would have to endorse the deal before allowing a 2 percent car rental tax, expected to generate $1.1 million to $1.3 million a year, to be used for the ballpark project, which is projected to cost $30 million to $40 million excluding the cost of a franchise.
    RELATED STORIES: Two groups vying for Reno Class AAA team; Sparks still in hunt for Triple-A team

Task for Cask: Get bigger, better
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owners of the Cask 'N Flagon, that lovable dump next to Fenway Park, are looking at a renovation that could include rooftop dining, larger street-front windows, and a brighter exterior that includes a shade of green. The Cask owners have shown a rendering of their tentative remodeling plans to officials at City Hall's development arm, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and are expected at some point to submit a proposal to the city's Licensing Board. Also a possibility: adding another story or two the building.
    RELAYED STORIES: Property-hungry Sox target Lansdowne Street; Sox seek to preserve Fenway Park view of Boston skyline; Fenway facelift to hit $100M; Classy Fenway is even better than before; Red Sox unveil four additions to Fenway Park; Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

Wheeling, dealing for War Memorial Stadium lease
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Peninsula Pilots (college wood bat; Coastal Plain League) aren't sure about returning to War Memorial Stadium next season because they currently lack a lease for 2006. The Pilots are in negotiations with Apprentice High School to work out separate multi-year leases that would allow both teams to use War Memorial Stadium. The Peninsula Stadium Authority, an eight-member council that oversees management of the stadium, informed Morgan last week the Pilots' lease had been canceled and the team would have to vacate the facility. The 57-year-old War Memorial Stadium was once home to several pro teams, including the Newport News Baby Dodgers (Class A; Piedmont League), several Carolina League teams and the Peninsula Pilots (Class AAA; International League), the precursor of the Norfolk Tides.

NLR projects set fast, sure course
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though planners immediately accelerated their work after North Little Rock voters approved a two-year sales tax for fund a new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), there are many decisions to be made before an actual groundbreaking can take place: City officials have to decide exactly where the ballpark will sit on its section of the 11.6 acres east of the Broadway Bridge in North Little Rock; a natural gas pipeline will have to be relocated, and there are decisions to be made about the materials to be used in ballpark construction. The ballpark itself will take 13-14 months to build, and site excavation could begin in January.
    RELATED STORIES: NLR ballpark planners get right to work; North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike for new ballpark; Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs' ballpark; NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day; A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

Bragan goes again for oldest-manager record
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last night Bobby Bragan attempted to set a record by managing the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central League) at the age of 87, one week older than Connie Mack was when he managed the Philadelphia Athletics for the last time. Bragan's attempt at the record books was put on hold when the skies opened up and the game against the Coastal Bend Aviators was suspended, the first rain delay for the Cats this season. Since the game isn't yet official, Bragan will be in the dugout when the game is resumed today as part of a doubleheader. (One of Bragan's coaches for the game was Wayne Terwilliger, named the Central League’s Manager of the Year for 2005 after leading the Cats to the first-half championship and a league-best 57-32 record at this point, including a 34-12 record at home.)

The sport of stadium building
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There are some in this world who will complain about sports facilities no matter the economic circumstances. Case in point: Evan Weiner complains in this op-ed piece about the proposal by the Oakland Athletics to privately finance a new ballpark, asking for help in infrastructure and a BART station. Not good enough, he sniffs; it's bad for team owners to want tax incentives to develop land. Evan, here's a tip: head to your local city council and see what incentives are doled out to developers every day of the week, and then maybe you won't get upset about sports owners asking for the very same type of inventive. Team owners sure as hell didn't invent the idea of tax-increment financing.

Chicken, Phanatic, Gorilla . . . oh, my!
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
And we didn't even know there was a Mascot Hall of Fame. Ted Giannoulas, aka the Famous Chicken, will be inducted tonight into the brand-new Mascot Hall of Fame, along with the Phillie Phanatic and the Phoenix Suns Gorilla. The induction ceremony will be held today at the Thomas Paine Plaza in Philadelphia. The hall doesn't yet have a permanent home, so all memorabilia will be displayed at a Philadelphia hotel.

Durham council clears bond vote
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Durham City Council voted unanimously Monday to ask Durham voters to approve $110 million in new bonds on the November ballot. The money would be spent on more than 80 projects across the city, including the old Durham Athletic Park, the original home of the Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) forever memorialized in the movie Bull Durham. 

Batting practice: The game before the game
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the great joys of baseball is coming out early and seeing some phenom jack a homer into the upper deck and then laugh with your friends about "batting-practice power" when the phenom strikes out later in the game. USA Today provides everything you could ever want to know about batting practice.

In a pickle at the ballpark
Posted August 16, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a take on the age-old debate about food at the ballpark and whether baseball teams should be forcing healthy choices on fans. The best sellers at Ogden Raptors (rookie; Pioneer League) games are traditional ballpark foods: hot dogs, sodas, nachos -- foods that aren't always good for you. Jean Weinert, a consultant dietitian at Tanner Clinic in Layton, says she'd revamp the entire menu at ballparks, if she could and dump ballpark fare in favor of fruits, veggies, low-fat sandwiches and fat-free yogurt. Of course, this would bankrupt the team, since no one would eat at the ballpark.

Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The rumors were indeed true: Oakland A's owner unveiled his plans for a new ballpark just north of McAfee Coliseum as part of a larger development that would include retail and housing components. The project area is bounded by I-880 and San Leandro Street, a dingy stretch marked by industrial shops, truck yards, warehouses and a daily swap meet that operates on the grounds of the defunct Coliseum Drive-In. Wolff says the A's are prepared to pick up the majority of the $300 to $400 million cost of the project; he does want to see a BART transit stop added to the area, however. Members of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority and other elected officials reacted favorably to the plan. More on the project from the San Francisco Chronicle and the Alameda Times-Star. We've put up a page with more renderings and a site map here.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Ballpark Visit: McAfee Coliseum, Oakland Athletics
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As a football stadium, McAfee Coliseum works pretty well. As the home of the Oakland Athletics, it works less well: the sightlines in the outfield are screwy, the playing field is seemingly miles away from the stands, and the whole layout is designed to benefit the Oakland Raiders. Clearly the future of baseball in the East Bay doesn't lie with the McAfee Coliseum, where you need to be a hardcore baseball fan to put up with all the inconveniences.

New from August Publications: Football Stadium Digest
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fans of this site know we do several other sports-related Web sites. Today we add a new one to the mix: Football Stadium Digest, which will focus on college and professional football stadium. Previous we had covered the field in Arena Digest, but we learned quickly the world of football deserves its own site. Enjoy!

Big changes on tap for scouting, player development
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baseball America is reporting about big changes possibly coming down the line, where MLB would eliminate the Gulf Coast League and the Arizona League and reposition the Pioneer and Appalachian leagues. Not quite sure 99.8 percent of all baseball fans would miss the GCL or the AZL, and we're pretty sure 99.8 percent of all baseball fans -- including diehards following the Pioneer League -- would be able to explain the changes should the Pioneer League shift from a rookie league to a short-season league. The bottom line is that every MLB team would lose an affiliate at the GCL or AZL level. We've heard the same rumblings this year, but we've also heard the same rumblings for the last three years (this plan seems to be thrown out quite regularly at budget time), and every year nothing changes. Considering MLB just released the schedule for the Arizona Fall League -- which seems more superfluous than the GCL or the AZL -- we're skeptical about much change being in the works. Since anything mentioned here requires approval from the players, the soonest anything could happen in 2007.

Great American doesn't deserve all blame
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The natural human reaction to losing is to blame something, and in the case of the Cincinnati Reds Great American Ball Park apparently is to blame for the team's subpar record, not the crappy years Eric Milton and Ramon Ortiz are having. The Reds are in disarray and without any great prospects in the farm system, there's really not a whole lot of hope for the future unless the team cleans house.

Hennepin ballpark: This year or never
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mike Opat, the Hennepin County commissioner who led the charge for partial county financing of a new ballpark, opines about the need for the Minnesota Legislature to approve the plan, which calls for a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County. We're hearing more and more the roadblock to approval is the governor's office: both Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum (a Republican) and Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson (a DFLer) approve of the county plan, but Gov. Tim Pawlenty refuses to call a special session on the issue. (Pawlenty's history has been to support the ballpark publicly and work to kill it behind the scenes, so his opposition is no surprise.)
    RELATED STORIES: Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Playing the hidden ballpark trick in San Jose
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The San Jose Redevelopment Agency is preparing to buy 14 acres of land south of Diridon Station ostensibly to foster a mixed-use development, but some say the acquisition is really to push forward a new MLB ballpark.  A city ordinance says the city cannot spend tax money on a sports facility without first taking the issue to the voters, but since the agency isn't technically working on a new ballpark, the purchase is probably legal. However, if the Oakland A's do succeed in their quest for a new ballpark, there's just no way MLB or the Giants would allow a third team in the Bay Area.

Gartner says he didn't guide grant request for ballpark
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) owner Michael Gartner apparently is catching some criticism over a $950,000 state award to Des Moines for renovations to Principal Park, his team's home. Gartner says he didn't see the Des Moines application for the award and recused himself from discussions of the proposal. Anyone overseeing a program dispersing millions of dollars to Iowa communities would have run into accusations of conflict of interest, but the thing to remember is the city of Des Moines made the application, not the Cubs.

Godar, Whittle, Litz, Reid go to bat for Cardinals, KTRS
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's more on the decision by the St. Louis Cardinals to dump longtime broadcast partner KMOX and buy part of station KTRS. In some ways Infinity Broadcasting, owner of KMOX, blew the deal by insisting on a revenue-sharing arrangement when the Cardinals were thinking much bigger. KTRS has emerged as a powerful sports station in St. Louis, holding rights to St. Louis Blues hockey games and AM rights to the St. Louis Rams. In the end, the Cards took a greater chance with KTRS, but there's a much greater potential payout.

New D.C. ballpark financing would reduce business fees
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the District of Columbia were to accept a new offer from Deutsche Bank to partially finance a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals, the District could decrease or possibly eliminate a controversial tax on local businesses. There are two proposals: One option would exempt businesses with less than $12 million in sales from the ballpark fee, while another would create a 0.05 percent sales tax on businesses. Meanwhile, residents and businesses in the proposed ballpark site are profiting from a land rush, as speculators are swooping in and buying land.

Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yet another opinion column on why Amarillo, Texas needs to spend $100,000 studying whether the city needs a new ballpark and professional baseball. The Amarillo Dillas (independent; Central Baseball League) had a pretty good start at Potter County Memorial Stadium, but attendance faded before the team folded. The folks in Amarillo are now talking affiliated ball; let's hope the consultant notes what a long, uphill battle it would be to get an affiliated team there.
    RELATED STORIES: Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark

Love of the game drives Mallards' GM
Posted August 15, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a profile of one of our favorite guys in baseball: Vern Stenman, the GM of the Madison Mallards (college wood bat; Northwoods League). The Mallards set another Northwoods League attendance record this season, drawing  187,924 fans in 33 games for an average of 5,695 at Warner Park. More than one pro baseball league failed at Warner Park, so Stenman's accomplishments shouldn't be underestimated. Like many in minor-league ball, he claim Bill Veeck as a great influence in his career.