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Archives: June 18-24, 2005

Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two Fremont elected officials have made another pitch to lure the Oakland Athletics to southern Alameda County. County Supervisor Scott Haggerty and Fremont Mayor Bob Wasserman sent letters this month to A's managing partner Lewis Wolff asking the club to look at building a new baseball-only stadium in Fremont — possibly near the future Warm Springs BART station or at the new Pacific Commons development off Auto Mall Parkway. Apparently Wolff is open to discussions with Fremont officials: the team rejected a plan to build a new ballpark in the parking lot of the Coliseum area, and no other sites in Oakland have been proposed by either the team or local officials. Wolff says the team is currently looking at sites in its territory, which would include Fremont.
    RELATED STORIES: 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: Dolphins Stadium, Florida Marlins
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The problems faced by the Florida Marlins raise two issues: can pro baseball survive in Miami, and can it survive in a football stadium? Given the team's success -- two World Series titles in recent years -- you can't argue with the Marlins' commitment to winning -- but attendance has never kept pace. A big reason for that is the nature of Dolphins Stadium, a football stadium reconfigured for baseball. It's not the best place to watch a ballgame, and on a really hot June afternoon it can be a downright uncomfortable experience -- pointing out the need for a new Marlins retractable-roof ballpark.

Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The race is one! North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays wants a Aug. 9 vote on a 1 percent sales tax that would help pay for a proposed new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League). It's interesting little was done on the proposal -- and Hayes seemed happy to let an opening date slip by a year or two when cost estimates came in higher than expected -- until Little Rock civic leaders decided to dust off their plans for a new ballpark, either in downtown or in War Memorial Park, near the team's current home, venerable Ray Winder Field.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

On the Radio: Dan Russell's Sportstalk show on CKNW
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You can hear Ballpark Digest publisher Kevin Reichard tonight on Dan Russell's Sportalk show on CKNW, Canada's longest-running sports radio program, now in its 21st year. The show runs from 9 p.m. - midnight Pacific; you can listen to a stream of the show here.

Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As we reported yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court broadly upheld the powers of local governments to use the power of eminent domain to buy land for economic development. In D.C., anti-ballpark forces were planning on legally challenging eminent domain in an effort to prevent the condemnation of several parcels of land in Southwest D.C. eyes for a new Washington Nationals ballpark. The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to bring the District's plans to build a baseball stadium closer to fruition. The ruling angered property owners who could be displaced, including those who have fought plans to build the Washington Nationals' new baseball stadium in Southeast near the Anacostia River waterfront. The court said a commercial venture that brings tax revenue or jobs to the city is a public good and, thus, is eligible to benefit from the power of eminent domain. More from the Washington Post.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Bob Wirz: Twig matches Mack for longevity
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wayne Terwilliger is celebrating his 80th birthday on June 27, but the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central Baseball League) are throwing him a birthday party tonight, where 1,500 fans who are fortunate enough to win a lottery will go home with Terwilliger bobbleheads, complete with a cake adorned with one candle per decade.

Play Ball falls behind on paying bills
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Play Ball Missoula, the nonprofit group responsible for building Play Ball Park, the home of the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League), is behind on payments to contractors, resulting in one construction firm filing a lien on the property. The debt resulted from higher-than-expected construction costs and a lack of follow-through on the part of some donors, and has hampered completion of ballpark. It doesn't sound the contractors are actually upset with Play Ball Missoula, and the debt is not overwhelming: $187,000.

Florida defeats ASU to advance to College World Series
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Gators rode three homers and a great relief performance from Tommy Boss to defeat Arizona State, 6-3, in the final game in the elimination round of the College World Series. Florida will take on Texas in a best-of-three series starting tomorrow night. You can catch all the details at College Baseball Digest, your home for college baseball and summer-league news.

Making virtual reality a part of the real game
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the decision by the Kansas City T-Bones and the Schaumburg Flyers (both independent; Northern League) to play the first two innings of a July game using joysticks on XBoxes instead of on the first. The thing is, this would have been a really cool promotion if you played the two innings on XBox and broadcast the game on the big screen; what fans, players and coaches object to is having the two innings count in the official standings. Let's say the Flyers put up a less-than-l33t player, whose pitcher gets shelled. Those stats will count in the season stats for the pitcher, who had absolutely nothing to do with the performance. That's just wrong. Jeff Zillgitt blames the whole thing on Bill Veeck; that, too, is wrong. This is one of the few defenses of the game we've seem; our voluminous email on the subject on the issue is running 95 percent against and 5 percent resigned to the game -- not exactly a ringing endorsement for the Northern League.
    RELATED STORIES: Revenge of the nerds; T-Bones, Flyers to play two virtual innings -- for the record books

Officials want The Diamond to sparkle
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lake Elsinore officials continue their quest to privatize The Diamond, the home of the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League). The city took out several ads in trade magazines seeking proposals for privatization of the sports complex;  Concerts, swap meets and soccer games are just some of the ideas several businessmen have for turning the complex into an active, year-round venue.

Old hurler has stories to tell
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Anyone attending Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) games has seen the "Broadway" Charlie Wagner Press Box. Charlie Wagner is still going strong at 92 and is the oldest surviving Red Sox player (he broke in with the Sox in 1938). A former roommate of Ted Williams, Wagner still regularly attends Reading games and plans on being in Philadelphia this weekend when the BoSox visit the Phillies.

Companies say stadium deals well worth cost
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The whole purpose of buying naming rights is marketing: companies can raise their public image by associating their name with a public venue. Plus, the money paid by these companies can reduce the amount taxpayers pay for the venue. So why is a Ralph Nader group continuing to criticize firms that buy naming rights?

Angels playing right angle
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The controversy over Arte Moreno adopting the moniker of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim seems to have died down a little, but it's sure to come up tonight when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit Angel Stadium. The argument here is the Angels actually have more of a connection to Los Angeles than do the Dodgers because the old Angels were a mainstay in the Pacific Coast League and the expansion team has no other roots than LA, while the Dodgers relocated from Brooklyn. Not so sure I buy that argument -- the Dodgers have been in Los Angeles for almost 50 years, and the new Angels have nothing to do with the old Angels except for the name.

Maybe the grass is greener here
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
At some point the powers that be in baseball will realize that Oakland is the best place for the Oakland Athletics, argues Gary Peterson. He's right that there are probably not 30 great markets for major-league baseball (Tampa Bay and Miami arguably are on the cusp, while Minnesota and Kansas City have their moments), but he is a little too quick to dismiss Las Vegas and Portland as possible markets in the future.

Enjoy a kosher nosh at the ballpark
Posted June 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Most teams will offer a kosher item or two at the ballpark (indeed, you can find kosher dogs at almost every MLB ballpark and many larger MiLB parks as well), but the New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am League) go a step beyond and offer The Kosher Food Stand, located along the first base side of Yale Field. The stand, run by Stan Hochman of Chai Caterers, is open Sundays through Thursdays all season long. Kashrut supervision is provided by the Vaad Hakashrus of Fairfield County. Regular selections include hot dogs, sausage and peppers (kosher, of course!), barbecue hero, knishes, cookies, chips, Israeli chips. Rotating specials include such entrees as meatballs, chicken cutlets and grilled vegetables in a pita.

NLR's ballpark plans rouse Little Rock task force
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Now that North Little Rock officials are running into some roadblocks on financing a proposed new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), officials in Little Rock are making another run at keeping the team there. One idea that's resurfaced: building a new ballpark at War Memorial Park, near the team's current home -- venerable Ray Winder Field -- which would give a boost to Little Rock's midtown area. Previous proposals from Little Rock officials called for a new downtown ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Apparently all those business owners who readily agreed to a ballpark fee for larger businesses when the District was making a deal with MLB for the Expos are having second thoughts about that support, as the District government's effort to collect the first installment of a business tax to build a new ballpark has outraged some company owners, confused others and renewed a political discussion about restructuring the tax. One fair complaint about the tax: All businesses that gross more than $16 million pay the same amount -- $16,500 -- no matter if they make one dollar more or $100 million more. Look for the D.C. Council to restructure the tax soon.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Navs commit to Norwich through 2009
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) have reached an agreement with the City of Norwich on a new lease to play at Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium through the 2009 season. The agreement was formally announced by Lou DiBella, president and managing partner of the Navigators, at a ballpark news conference on Wednesday with state and city officials and local dignitaries. As part of the new lease, the city and the Navigators expect to collaborate economically in making substantial improvements to the ballpark, including the installation of an LED scoreboard to allow the display of advertisements and modern graphics, new ballpark signage throughout Norwich and a new ballpark store. Plus, the team announced it will seek a new name as well. More from the Norwich Bulletin, as businesses hail the decision to stay.
    RELATED STORIES: Former Norwich GM: Baseball can still work there; Norwich seeks state help for ballpark improvements; Still in attendance cellar, Dodd ticket sales increase; Navs' owner knows about diamonds, ring; New Navigators owner ensures "Knock-Out" season; DiBella wants to keep 'Gators in Norwich; New Navigators owner wants release clause; New Navigators owner, others to greet fans at practice start; Eastern League debates Navigators’ future; Navigators hoping to stay in Norwich; Norwich Navigators have been a good neighbor; City to appoint panel to work out lease for Dodd Stadium; Gators' prospective new owner feels shunned by COG; Wheels are in motion for DiBella to purchase Norwich Navigators

Best team in baseball is second in Second City
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
I tell you, the Chicago White Sox get no respect. Here's a team with a 10-game lead in a competitive division, and yet the Sox are second fiddle to the Cubs in their own town. The White Sox had drawn 885,906 through Tuesday night’s game, an average of 24,609 per home game. The Cubs, who began the day three games above .500 and 8.5 games behind St. Louis, have already drawn 1,354,376, an average of 37,622 per game.

New Yankee Stadium needs same old feeling
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
George Vescey comes out in favor of the design of a new Yankees Stadium, saying continuity is important when it comes to institutions like the Yankees and a more radical design would have broken that continuity. It's OK for the New York Mets to push the envelope -- no one wants a carbon copy of Shea Stadium, apparently -- but it's important for the Yankees to play in a ballpark reminiscent of the original Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, new ballparks for the Mets and Yankees apparently equals good politics for Mayor Mike Bloomberg: he leads his closest opponent for reelection by 13 percentage points.
    RELATED STORIES: Grand old ballyard will be missed; Yankees officially unveil new ballpark plans; Yankees' ballpark plans stepping up to the plate; Bombers move on own plan as N.Y. turns two; SOS for Yankee fans: Save Old Stadium; Bronx Beep goes to bat for new Yankee Stadium; Inside the deal for the new Yankee Stadium; It's back to the future for the Yankees; Lots of ideas for Yankee Stadium; Yanks 90% toward new home; Stadium games in NYC: give and take and speculation; Macomb dams Yankees; New York's sports economy; Brooklyn beep ready to play ball with the Yankees

Revenge of the nerds
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yes, the independent Northern League is known for its crazy stunts, but there's always been one rule guiding the craziness: a zany promotion should never interfere with the product on the field. Yes, there are times when this boundary is pushed (like when teams sell a preseason at-bat), but by and large the promotional; craziness is left in the stands. That's why many fans -- and more than one Northern League owner/GM/pr person, judging by our voluminous email on the subject -- are upset about the plan by the Kansas City T-Bones and the Schaumburg Flyers to have fans play two innings of a Northern League game on Microsoft XBoxes, with the play shown on the ballpark scoreboard and the results counting in the scorebooks.
    RELATED STORY: T-Bones, Flyers to play two virtual innings -- for the record books

Supreme Court, 5-4, back seizure of property for development
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses against their will for private development. The 5-4 ruling represented a defeat for some Connecticut residents whose homes are slated for destruction to make room for an office complex. They argued that cities have no right to take their land except for projects with a clear public use, such as roads or schools, or to revitalize blighted areas. The power of eminent domain is an important one for cities seeking to build urban ballparks.

Phillies trying to land more fans
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wow. Are Philadelphia Phillies fans this fickle? Despite a pretty decent record and efforts by the front office to remain competitive (in retrospect, letting P Eric Milton go was a shrewd move), the Phillies are averaging 10,000 fewer fans a game this season at Citizens Bank Park. The team expects to pick up the pace during the next month, when the Phillies play host 23 of the following 29 games.

U of Minnesota baseball stadium study set
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The University of Minnesota is in the process of hiring a company to do a feasibility study for the funding of a privately financed ballpark on campus. As envisioned by the U, the $8 million ballpark would be part of a larger athletic park. If the study concludes such a project is not feasible, the U may revisit a proposal by the St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League) to share a ballpark on the U's St. Paul campus.

Road takes its toll
Posted June 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's hard enough being a road team in independent baseball; it's even harder to a foreign road team in a startup league. Players for the Japanese Samurai Bears (independent; Golden Baseball League) are finding life on the road isn't so great; what began as a relatively clever marketing ploy when the Tiajuana franchise dropped out of the league is now a grind for the players. The team's record -- 6-18 -- is about what you'd expect for a road team, and the Bears were no-hit the other night by Chico Outlaws right-hander Seth Johnson.

51s up for sale
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mandalay Baseball Properties, the majority owner of the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), has hired Lehman Brothers to broker the sale of the team. The asking price of the 51s is $20 million, which seems a little steep for a team with no ballpark to their name and no prospects of a new one. Recent PCL franchise sales are  not a good guide for pricing the 51s: the Salt Lake Stingers sold for $20 million this offseason, but the Portland Beavers (in a transaction that still needs to be closed) franchise is being sold for closer to $10 million. One wild card for a buyer: if MLB does move a team to Vegas, the owner of the 51s will be due territorial-rights payment that could be close to $10 million. Another wild card: whoever buys the team will be forced to stay at Cashman Field, as the league is highly unlikely to give permission for a move. Mandalay also owns the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League), the Dayton Dragons (Class A; Midwest League), the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League) and has rumored to being interested in bringing a Class AA Southern League team to Baton Rouge, La.

Cobb Field rebuild possible between seasons
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Niels E. Valentiner of VCBO Architecture in Salt Lake City is proposing a modest retooling of venerable Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). As you'll recall, last year Billings voters rejected a complete rebuilding of the ballpark, which opened in 1948. Valentiner's plan would be to demolish the wooden grandstand and replace it with a new one, leaving intact the parking lot, playing field and outfield configuration. He envisions the total cost of the project as $8 million. Take a look at our Cobb Field photos: the old ballpark is truly one of a kind, and it seems a shame to tear down such a great old ballpark when an even more modest and sensitive remodeling would accomplish the same thing.
    RELATED STORIES: Cobb Field replacement plan defeated in referendum; 'No' vote doesn't surprise Billings ball fans; Mustangs worry about future of team in Billings; Billings, baseball make a winning combination; Advisory panel formally seeks pool, park bond

Japan not committed to World Baseball Classic
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Japanese baseball officials continue to be unimpressed with MLB's financial structuring of a proposed World Baseball Class next spring, leaving MLB officials to put a deadline of June 30 on a decision whether to hold the tournament without Japanese participation. Under the plan formulated by the commissioner's office and the players' association, Japan would host one of the four first-round groups of the 16-team tournament for national teams. Both Nippon Professional Baseball and the Japanese players' association expressed concerns about the tourney; many Japanese stars, like Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki, seem reluctant to play.
    RELATED STORIES: World Baseball Classic Tournament in doubt; MLB, players agree to World Cup; World tournament would be exciting to watch

NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In an effort to revive efforts to bring the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) to North Little Rock. NLR Mayor Patrick Hays is proposing a two-year sales tax to close a funding gap that threatens to delay or scuttle the project. Initial estimates for ballpark construction put a price tag of $22-$25 million on the project, but a more realistic estimate of $28 million sobered up North Little Rock officials and caused Little Rock officials to reevaluate their plans for a downtown ballpark. The Travelers currently play at venerable Ray Winder Field.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, joined by area legislators and other dignitaries, were on hand for a groundbreaking on a new ballpark in Marion to house a Midwest League team in 2006 or 2007. In addition, Blagojevich announced a $3 million state grant that will help make the project a reality. Attorney John Simmons, who also owns the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League), says he's acquired a Midwest League team for Marion.

Nats on course to turn profit of $20 million
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This will buy a relief pitcher or two for a stretch run: the Washington Nationals are on course to turn a $20 million profit this season, despite having a higher payroll this season when compared to the past few when the team played in Montreal. If the team makes the postseason -- and at the moment the Nats lead the competitive National League East by three games -- you can tack another $5 million or so on the profit side of the ledger.

BlueClaws to welcome two-millionth fan tonight
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is pretty impressive. The Lakewood BlueClaws (Class A; Sally League) are expecting their two-millionth fan to walk through the turnstiles tonight. The BlueClaws will become the fastest team in the South Atlantic League -- and the fastest minor-league team in New Jersey -- to reach two million fans. Sean Morales, who was feted as the one-millionth fans, plans on being at the game tonight.

Unlike other big-time events, fans come first at College World Series
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Despite being a major sport, college baseball still attracts the more modest fan to most games. That's certainly true at the College World Series, which isn't run like most NCAA championships: instead of catering to corporate buyers and big-buck fat cats, the atmosphere at Rosenblatt Stadium is geared toward the hardcore fan who pays $8 for a bleacher seat and drives an RV to the game, settling in at Dingerville. You can read our CWS coverage at College Baseball Digest.

Only score spoils IronBirds' opener
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It was opening night last night in the short-season NY-Penn League, and the Aberdeen IronBirds drew a record crowd -- 6,411 -- for their opener at Ripken Stadium. Maryland men's basketball coach Gary Williams was on hand to throw out the first pitch to Cal Ripken.

Owlz open season, history
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It was also opening night for the rookie Pioneer League, as the Orem Owlz made their debut. The team played last season as the Provo Angels at BYU's Miller Park. Now, the team is based in Orem and it boasts a new nickname, new colors, a new logo, new management and will begin playing in a new ballpark at Utah Valley State College. The Provo-Orem move is the only franchise/ballpark shift in the Pioneer League this season. In addition, Play Ball Park in Missoula has had some upgrades since the end of last season.

Beach Bums' ballpark 'awesome,' says commish
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frontier League commissioner Bill Lee visited Traverse City to evaluate progress on a new ballpark for the Traverse City Beach Bums, set to join the league next season. Lee was pretty happy with how construction on the 4,550-seat ballpark is progressing. By the end of July, the ballpark's roof trusses should be up, and work should begin on the grass portion of the playing field.
    RELATED STORY: Work progresses on new Traverse City ballpark

New ballpark: spaces vanish
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's the price of success in Lancaster: because so many fans are attending Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) games, parking in the surrounding neighborhood is scarce on a game night. In response, A new city law will be introduced next week to Lancaster City Council that will send ballpark parkers to stadium lots and keep them off city streets. The law would establish an Entertainment Parking District that will reserve parking for residents during game nights. Residents would get a permit from the city allowing them to park on their street.

City's budget, sportsplex plan may face cuts
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With budget woes confronting Jackson (Tenn.), city officials are scaling back a proposed sportsplex next to Pringles Park. Those pushing the sportsplex say that it could net the city as much as $300,000 a year during as many as 20 weekend baseball and softball tournaments during the spring and summer. It could bring thousands of young athletes and their families to the city from surrounding states for regional events. It also would be a prime candidate for national youth baseball and softball championships. Yet sportsplex planners have trimmed the softball complex from five fields to four, and dropped plans for one of the four baseball diamonds with 300-foot fences for older youngsters to keep construction costs within the original parameters. It's widely assumed the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) will be out of Jackson at the end of the season; look for Baton Rouge to be rumored as the new home.

When Reds are hurting vendors feel the pain too
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the Cincinnati Reds in last place, ballpark vendors and scalpers are having a harder time financially with fewer people flocking to Great American Ball Park. Of course, it's hard to summon too much sympathy for scalpers; they reap the rewards when the team is winning and good seats come at a premium, but too bad if they're stuck with ducats when the team is losing. But you do feel sympathy for other vendors: they also tend to be team loyalists.

U of Hawaii plans upgrades to Les Murakami Stadium
Posted June 22, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
University of Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier said a plan is being formulated to "completely revamp" the school's athletic facilities, including Les Murakami Stadium. The ballpark isn't that old -- it was built in 1984 -- but it is in sore need of some upgrades.

T-Bones, Flyers to play two virtual innings -- for the record books
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This just seems wrong. The Kansas City T-Bones and the Schaumburg Flyers (both independent; Northern League) plan to play the first two innings of their July 16 game on Microsoft XBoxes instead of on the field. Two video gamers will climb into recliner chairs around home plate at CommunityAmerica Ballpark and slug it out on the park’s 16- by 24-foot video screen. The results will count in the official records The T-Bones are creating two Xbox teams with the statistics and even facial characteristics of T-Bones and Flyers players. The gamers will be allowed to choose their lineups, and the play-by-play will be called by ballpark announcers.

Plan would see sports complex, retail taking off at Monticello Airport site
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last week we reported on a proposed new ballpark for Monticello, N.Y.; here are some more details. First, the new ballpark would house an independent Can-Am League team and be built on the site of the city's infrequently used airport. The rough plan includes 1.1 million square feet in retail space, a 3,000-seat ballpark, a football field, a skating rink and roughly 5,000 parking spaces. The developer, Michael Kaplan, says he has a commitment for a Can-Am League franchise; no word on whether an existing team is looking to move or whether this would be an expansion franchise.

Bill would set up board to build, operate stadiums, arenas, theaters
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This bill may not go anywhere, but it's food for thought as the Oakland Athletics seek a new ballpark and some Class A California Leagues seek new facilities: A bill quietly moving through the Legislature would create a nine-member California Public Performance Facilities Authority that would have the power to buy, build and operate facilities for sports, concerts, plays, conventions and other events. The measure, by Sen. Kevin Murray, D-Culver City, passed the Senate earlier this month and it's scheduled to be considered Tuesday by the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee. The authority, which would be appointed by the governor and the Legislature's leaders, could issue bonds that would be paid off with revenues generated by the facilities, including the sale of naming rights and fees added to ticket prices.

Richmond ballpark gets gets financial backer
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Just as many were about to give up on a proposal by the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) for a new ballpark in the city's Shockoe Bottom area, the project has new life after the Braves and developer Global Development announced Lehman Brothers will help finance the $330-million project, which includes a ballpark as well as residential and retail development. Lehman will contribute around $50 million in equity, and Global will put up $20 million to $25 million. The remaining cost will be taken on as debt, while the city will finance $80 million through tax-increment financing. The plan is also larger than previously detailed by Global and the Braves: it now includes more residential development north of East Broad Street in the form of loft-style apartments or condominiums, while a hotel and a condominium tower would rise in the ballpark's outfield. Barton Mallow is on board as general contractor for the project, which will be designed by HKS. It sounds like Richmond Mayor Douglas Wilder, previously a strong opponent of the project, is now on board, though some citizens argue against using TIF funding in an area where there is already some economic development. More on the project from Ray McAllister.
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Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Attorney John Simmons says he has a purchase agreement for a Midwest League team to play in a new ballpark in Marion, Ill. Simmons, who also owns the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League), says a team being in place for a 2006 or 2007 season opener is not an issue any longer. Today is groundbreaking for the new ballpark, but there's not been a final decision on when it would open; 360 Architecture of Kansas City is doing the design, with Holland Construction of Swansea acting as general contractor. Prior speculation centered on the South Bend Silver Hawks as being the team most likely to be acquired.
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$8 million bond approved for York ballpark
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The York County Industrial Development Authority last week approved up to $8 million in bond financing for a private investment group to build a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team. The revenue bond is for a specific project and is not a taxpayer-backed bond, which was a sticking point that ultimately killed several previous attempts. After nearly a decade of debate and several scuttled projects, local businessmen, civic leaders and philanthropists committed to privately finance the shortfall to finally clear the way for a 6,000-seat ballpark. The state has committed $12 million to the project and Keystone Baseball, which will own the independent league baseball team, committed another $8 million.
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State justice dismisses Yonkers ballpark suit, again
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A state Supreme Court justice has dismissed a Getty Square store's lawsuit seeking the dissolution of a for-profit entity created by a city agency to foster development of a minor-league ballpark downtown. In a terse, two-page decision, Justice Orazio Bellantoni said the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency had the right to create Yonkers Baseball Inc., the entity created in April 2002. The judge wrote that "an industrial development agency has the right to own personal property ... such as stock in a corporation." Current plans do not call for the destruction of C.H. Martin of Getty Square, however, as ballpark plans have changed in the meantime.

Ownership: Catfish not moving
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally League) owner David Heller denies a report in The State newspaper that his team will be moving to a new ballpark near Columbia, S.C., noting the Catfish are close to signing a new three-year lease with the city. The territory was left open when the Capital City Bombers (Class A; Sally League) moved this past offseason to Greenville. For the record, however, let's just say a three-year lease sounds about right when you consider a new Columbia ballpark couldn't open until 2007 or 2008 at the earliest.
    RELATED STORY: Developer pitches ballpark for Columbia (S.C.) area

Former Norwich GM: Baseball can still work there
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Attendance for Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) games this season so far is a disappointing 2,236 fans per game, but Brian Mahoney, the team's former general manager, says baseball can still work in the market. Owner Lou DiBella will have some interesting decisions to make about the future of the team: he pledged to make a go of it in Norwich (and he's put on some pretty decent promotions), but clearly the market isn't fully responding.
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Four critics touch all bases against Twins ballpark
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a profile of four opponents of a plan for Hennepin County to partially finance a new Minnesota Twins ballpark through a 0.15 percent sales tax. All four have different agendas -- Tom Goldstein and Julian Loscalzo pretty much oppose any ballpark proposal that would allow Twins owner Carl Pohlad to turn a profit without selling the team, while John Knight is working to jump-start a stalled political career -- and it's not clear whether any of them have really made an impact on the debate. (Let's just say the folks we regularly talk to down at the State Capitol didn't take them very seriously.) The greater impact comes from Minneapolis activists who argue the Twins should be paying for their own ballpark like the St. Louis Cardinals are. (One can also imagine these activists would be the first ones to squawk when they realized personal seat licenses were a big part of the Cardinals financing plan.) The value of the Twins franchise will surely increase once a new ballpark is built, but the terms of the ballpark deal limits Pohlad's ability to capitalize on the increased value: any sale in the first 10 years after a Twins stadium was built would also benefit a new government entity that would build and own the stadium. The entity's share would start at 18 percent of the gross sales price and decline by 1.8 percent annually. Still, state approval of the Hennepin County sales tax remains an iffy proposition as Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota Legislature continue their stalemate over a 2005-2006 budget. Sid Hartman issues a classic Sid screed toward the geniuses in Minneapolis opposing a ballpark, including City Council members.

Grand old ballyard will be missed
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've not been passing along every ode to Yankee Stadium appearing since the team announced plans for a new ballpark (although, to be honest, there have been far fewer of them than you'd assume), but this one by Scott Pitoniak is worth reading. Still, what Pitoniak is ultimately reminiscing about isn't the Yankee Stadium of his childhood, but his own youth. Speaking of the Yankees: the new ballpark should generate much more revenue on the corporate level, as owners of the 18 luxury-suites at the team's stadium plan to buy similar boxes at the new ballpark and the team expects to lure more corporate guests.
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Traditionalist has retro Dukes logo dreams
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fred Matteucci is trying to convince management of the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) to revert back to the old Albuquerque Dukes name after acquiring rights to the name and old logos. Although Matteucci admits he faces an uphill struggle, he believes the Isotopes novelty eventually will wear off. With Albuquerque's Tricentennial celebration set for 2006, he says the time is right for the city's baseball fans and the Albuquerque Isotopes to revisit the baseball team's name. Since Isotopes merchandise sells fairly well, there's probably little chance of it happening, though 'Topes management is honoring former Dukes players and playing a game in retro Dukes uniforms tomorrow night.

Wolff quickly is becoming a fan
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New Oakland A's managing partner Lew Wolff is hooked on baseball, as Neil Hayes learned when he watched an Oakland game with Wolff. According to Hayes, Wolff has no intention of moving the team and is seeking to keep the team somewhere in the East Bay, but you'd expect him to say that -- even though his preferred site for a new ballpark, the parking lot at McAfee Stadium, has been rejected by team officials. Meanwhile, the editorialists at the Argus wonder about the future of the team in Oakland.

Rev reviews for Reinsdorf
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of MLB owners: Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is now an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church of Modesto, Cal., and performed his first marriage ceremony Saturday for a couple who were wed on the Fan Deck at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox are offering a "get married at the ballpark" promotion for those making a donation to Chicago White Sox Charities.

Shaking old perceptions no easy task for Fleisig
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jonathan Fleisig, the owner of the New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am League), has a big task in convincing both his new wife and the fans of New Haven about the joys of baseball at Yale Field. So far his wife is a fan of the veggie burgers, but the greater community has been a harder nut to crack; that's too bad, because one of the cooler things about the Can-Am League is their devotion to venerable old parks like Yale Field. (Thanks to John Cerone.)

All Jacked up
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Scott Freier, aka "The Trumpet Guy," is a popular figure at New Jersey  Jackals (independent; Can-Am League) games, entertaining the crowd at Yogi Berra Stadium with his trumpet and other musical instruments.  (Thanks to John Cerone.)

Advertisers seek perfect pitch
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We like to think most baseball fans are inherently nostalgic, and many of us associate the advertisements of our youth with baseball broadcasts; I can still remember the jingle from Hamm's ("from the land of sky-blue waters") and Schweigert's ("Schweigert's makes it better") from the Twins broadcasts of my youth. Today's advertisers are hoping to make the same sort of impact, though it seems that much of the sponsorships in today's broadcasts seem to be too fleeting to be memorable (let's face it, most of us won't remember who sponsored the relief pitcher appearance). (Thanks to John Cerone.)

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Posted June 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's really hard to accept the premise of this article -- that yesterday's athletes were noble creatures who played only for the love of the game, as opposed to today's money-grubbing "entertainers" -- when you look back and remember how stars like Babe Ruth and the aforementioned Joe DiMaggio were obsessed with money. There are a lot of players in baseball for the love of the game (it's hard to imagine someone like Stubby Clapp would stick around for the paltry pay), and it's a little unfair to compare everyone to Barry Bonds, who is quite outspoken in his belief that ballplayers are nothing more than entertainers.