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Archives: Nov. 20-26, 2005

Marlins will explore relocation
Posted November 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Team owner Jeffrey Loria announced the Florida Marlins will explore relocation options: "It is now clear to us that there will be no baseball stadium in the city of Miami. So, we must begin to explore other options. Therefore, we will expand our search beyond the city of Miami, and we will examine other options in the South Florida area, as well. Further, the Florida Marlins yesterday asked for and received permission from Major League Baseball to explore relocation." He stressed that relocation was not a given, but that it was an option the team was considering. More from the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, the Globe and Mail, the Oregonian, (which is reporting on Portland's interest in landing the Fish), the Newark Star-Ledger (which is reporting on the Meadowlands' interest in landing the Fish), the Charlotte Observer (which is reporting on the Marlins' interest in relocating there) and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, which is reporting on the lack of enthusiasm shown by officials in surrounding counties to pony up for a new ballpark. Also, don't forget Las Vegas as a potential home: Marlins officials have already talked with Mayor Oscar Goodman. Dave Hyde says Loria is not to blame: he's spent money to build a winner and made a commitment to the area. Ken Rosenthal says the financial issues faced by the Marlins would go with them in a move to another small market. Some local fans admit they are to blame. Greg Cole is calling for some local heroes to step up to save the team. Jeff Conine is bummed out about the potential move and the fire sale conducted by the team (Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell were traded to the Red Sox for prospects, while Carlos Delgado is being shopped around).
    RELATED STORIES: Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand; Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

News expected in Richmond ballpark situation
Posted November 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mayor L. Douglas Wilder says he’s been talking with the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) and developers of the proposed Shockoe Bottom ballpark and expects to have some news to announce within the next few weeks. The city is also looking at options for the team's current home, The Diamond: one plan would replace the ballpark with new big-box retail.
    RELATED STORIES: Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark; Developers threaten historic slave-trade site; Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects; Richmond ballpark gets gets financial backer; Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond; Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?; Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark; Braves again make pitch for ballpark; Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?; City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The District of Columbia government significantly underestimated the price of a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals and as a result has been forced to shift $55 million set aside for infrastructure improvements to cover escalating costs. City officials had included money to repave roads and expand a Metro station near the stadium in the $535-million budget approved by the D.C. Council last year. Those funds now will go instead toward labor and building materials and to cover the cost of land for the ballpark, which also is more expensive than anticipated. The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission, which is overseeing the construction, determined that the cost of the distinctive ballpark designed by its architects has risen from $244 million to $337 million. The Washington Times cherrypicks some numbers to speak out against the ballpark financing plan.
    RELATED STORIES: D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today; Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark; Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan; Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council debate on financing looms; D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal; Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; 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

Public money may be needed to build Springdale ballpark
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Springdale (Ark.) mayor Jeremy Van Hoose says public money may be needed to build a new ballpark in his city. Local officials commissioned a study saying a ballpark could generate $5.2 million to $8.6 million in annual direct spending, and all the usual suspects trotting out arguments against ballparks, including sports consultant Andrew Zimbalist, who says new sporting facilities don't directly increase per-capita income in a region. (That's a pretty daunting threshold: go to your local city council meeting and ask if every development receiving assistance or tax-increment financing must meet that threshold.) On the flip side, the Springdale area is crazy about sports: the University of Arkansas baseball team draws 7,200 fans a game.
    RELATED STORIES: Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims

Developers' big dreams could bring in NFL, MLB and more
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A San Antonio development firm will present plans for a sports and entertainment district on the city's East Side next to the SBC Center that includes an Indy/NASCAR racetrack, a golf resort, major hotels, a high-end retail center, condos, vacation shares, a movie theater complex, a rodeo village, a Major League Baseball ballpark and an NFL stadium. Sound ambitious? The firm plans to do it mostly with private financing, but right now the project is a dream needing some investors. The spotted record of the developers is also leading some to question the feasibility of the plan.
    RELATED STORIES: County judge dreams of Major League Baseball; Wolff calls for San Antonio stadium study

Topeka's nays hold sway
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's hard to tell whether this columnist likes the idea of a new retractable-roof ballpark for downtown Topeka: on the one hand, he slams the locals for being against any idea to redevelop downtown, but then he goes on to say he assumes the proposal will pass because it's a bad idea. OK. As you'll recall, Pennsylvania developer Michael Johnson wants to develop a Gaslight Entertainment District in downtown Topeka that is expected to cost as much as $120 million and feature a 5,500-seat, retractable-roof ballpark. The Capital-Journal's editorial page is much more enthusiastic.
    RELATED STORIES: Fans, funds next for Topeka ballpark project; Topeka council hears first ballpark pitch

A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Both the Oakland Athletics and Oakland city officials are preparing studies on the "baseball village" concept unveiled several weeks ago by A's owner Lew Wolff. Wolff, who leads an investment group that bought the team this year, proposes building a 35,000-seat ballpark along with thousands of condominiums, dozens of shops, restaurants and a hotel on a 90-acre plot along Interstate 880. Wolff has said he'd like to know by April 2006, the start of the next baseball season, whether this ballpark vision can move from dream to reality.
    RELATED STORIES: Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Columbia fairground ballpark in doubt
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the issues faced by Mid-Missouri Mavericks (independent; Frontier League) owner Gary Wendt to build a new ballpark on Boone County Fairgrounds land. Wendt says the team will build a new $5 million ballpark if the fairgrounds will donate the land; county commissioners aren't sure whether they want to see a commercial venture on the site. It doesn't sound like anything will be decided until a written plan with funding specifics is presented. Again, you would think elected officials would be thrilled a baseball team wants to privately finance a $6-million ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: County has dim view of Mavs' pitch

Astros an economic home run for McLane
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Winning the National League pennant should be a financial windfall for the Houston Astros: attendance should go from 2.8 million in 2005 to 3.1 million next year, with their base of season-ticketholders jumping from approximately 18,000 to 22,000. Generally speaking, a pennant-winning team sees spikes in just about every revenue stream the following year as casual fans jump on the bandwagon and teams adjust their sponsorship packages to follow,

Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Macon Telegraph is skeptical about both the proposed South Coast and Peach State leagues as they both pitched professional baseball at Macon's Luther Williams Field. Both of the leagues -- the South Coast and the Peach State -- now vying for Macon are brand new and wouldn't throw their first pitches until 2007. Both leagues want to take at least a year to establish themselves in their member cities and market the teams before starting a season. The committee will continue to do due diligence on both leagues and their principals and make a recommendation to Mayor Jack Ellis in about a week.
    RELATED STORIES: Macon ponders two baseball proposals; City explores baseball's return to Macon; Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton; South Coast League announces 2007 launch

Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There is one direct result of the Florida Marlins' failure to finalize funding of a new ballpark: the team must now shed payroll and is looking to trade Mike Lowell and Josh Beckett. (A.J. Burnett is long gone as well.) The Marlins front office has put the money into building a contender, committing to Lowell with a long-term contract and signing Carlos Delgado last season. Now it looks like the team will be disbanded after attendance and sponsorship revenues proved disappointing, and the team and government officials failing to agree on a financing plan for a new Miami ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Dutchess Stadium to undergo $1 million facelift
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dutchess Stadium, the home of the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League), will undergo $1 million in improvements. Some will be visible to fans, such as some seating realignments and revamping of the areas down the foul lines, but many will be behind the scenes. The Renegades are expected to sign a new lease for the ballpark soon.

Cardinals group to buy up departing owners' stakes
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
St. Louis Cardinals Chairman and General Partner Bill DeWitt Jr. said the remaining members of his ownership group plan to buy out the shares held by Robert Castellini and brothers Thomas Williams and W. Joseph Williams Jr. when those three purchase a controlling ownership stake in the Cincinnati Reds. Castellini and the Williams brothers made their bid for the Reds Nov. 2 and expect Major League Baseball approval of the deal by the end of the year. The league will require them to sell their interest in the Cardinals before they can buy the Reds.

New ballpark doesn't necessarily mean retail -- just ask Memphis
Posted November 21, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Proponents of a new ballpark for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) say retail will be part of the mix, but that formula doesn't always hold true. In the area surrounding AutoZone Park, the home of the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), for instance, there's little retail, but that's not a fair comparison: that part of Memphis was always on the edge of an entertainment district (Beale Street), and retail was never envisioned as a central part of that development.
    RELATED STORIES: Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark