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Archives: Dec. 18-24, 2006

Lauderdale reverses decision; O's to stay
Posted Dec. 23, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners reversed a decision made earlier this week and voted Friday to continue the tradition of spring training at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. The unanimous decision came after the Baltimore Orioles agreed to spare the city any costs to upgrade the venue and add baseball diamonds and soccer fields. The state and Broward County would contribute $39 million for the stadium over 30 years. The Orioles, who have held spring practice at the ballpark since 1996, will pay the rest, including interest and insurance for the complex, projected to cost at least $40 million.  With the 15-year agreement that includes three five-year options, the city is eligible to receive $15 million in state sales tax rebate dollars for each of five communities with aging spring training venues. The plan is to strip Fort Lauderdale Stadium down to its steel girders and redo the facility. Also, nearby Lockhart Stadium will be torn down and replaced by multiple practice fields. After the commission had declined to contribute to the project, work mysterious leaked out that the Orioles had already talked with Vero Beach about a move to Dodgertown. (Funny how those things happen.) This will also allow the Orioles to move their minor-league complex from Sarasota.
    RELATED STORIES: Commissioners should rethink Orioles plan; Lauderdale won't support new complex; Orioles could move spring-training site; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Fort Lauderdale Stadium renovation plan boosted; Broward County commits $800,000 annually toward new O's digs; Orioles pitch for $38-million spring ballpark rehab; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles

Nats owners to pay $20 million for ballpark upgrades
Posted Dec. 23, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owners of the Washington Nationals plan to spend at least $30 million to improve the city-financed ballpark under construction on the Southeast waterfront, according to Mark Lerner, son of principal owner Ted Lerner. In addition, after the park opens, the Lerner family plans to spend "millions more each season to develop the park's personality," Mark Lerner said. Lerner said the family will improve the main scoreboard and "get it to HDTV-quality," double the size of the outfield restaurant and place "an LED display on top of it," and increase the size of the board that shows scores of other baseball games. Club level suites will get sliding-glass windows and bathrooms, Lerner said. The ballpark  is already one-third finished with a right field grandstand that now stands 100 feet, or 10 stories, high. After five months of digging, with 340,948 cubic yards of soil removed in 34,095 truckloads, the ballpark project shifted into its steel-and-concrete erection phase on Oct. 5.

$80 mil for baseball taps out sports authority
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority finalized grants of $80 million to Glendale and Goodyear for new spring-training facilities in a move that ties up all funds available to the authority for the next 25 years. That clears the way for the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers to shift spring-training to Glendale and the Cleveland Indians to shift spring training to Goodyear, a net gain of two teams for the Cactus League. Enough money has been set aside to renovate five existing spring-training facilities, however, but official say they are unlikely to approve any new facilities. Goodyear will receive up to 50 percent of the funding for a $56 million one-team complex, plus $18.75 million in land around it. Glendale will receive up to the two-thirds of the funding for an $80.7 million two-team facility. Glendale will pay for its portion of the project with tax revenues generated by commercial development around the complex. The approval is still contingent on the cities working on specific agreements with the authority, and there could be a few issues. We continue to hear there's a strong chance the Chicago White Sox won't be moving to Phoenix until 2013, as their lease at Tucson Electric Park expires in 2012. To break the lease, the ChiSox must either find a replacement or pay off $28 million in termination fees. But the state grant is contingent on two teams playing in Glendale. So negotiations in the next few months should prove to be interesting, to say the least, although we've heard the White Sox and Glendale officials have already agreed on the terms of a delayed move. Also, in a rather naked power play, the White Sox asked the authority not to fund the Goodyear project until the team found a replacement in Tucson -- a move squarely designed to force the Indians to Tucson Electric Park. The authority declined. There's little chance the Indians would move to Tucson, for one great reason: there are no direct flights from Cleveland to Tucson. More from the Lakeland Ledger, the Morning Journal, the Arizona Daily Star and the Chicago Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: White Sox to delay Phoenix move?; Arizona commission to fund both proposed spring-training facilities; Glendale offers spring-training plan; Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

Commissioners to decide on Fort Lauderdale Stadium overhaul
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission has scheduled a special meeting today to reconsider a request to help the Baltimore Orioles overhaul Fort Lauderdale Stadium for spring training and create a recreational park complex. Commissioners are to meet at 4:15 p.m. after earlier this week rejecting a proposal to contribute $150,000 a year for 30 years to the $48-million project. A new proposal is being drafted that is expected to require the team to cover the cost of the project with the help of funds from Broward County and the state. The city would not have to pay for the project, but could be charged a maintenance fee if it chooses to use the recreational fields. Apparently the threat of the Orioles moving spring training to Vero Beach's Dodgertown and some heavy politicking by Broward County officials caused city reps to rethink their opposition; it sounds like they honestly didn't think there was a chance the Orioles would consider a move. Welcome to life in the bigs.
    RELATED STORIES: Commissioners should rethink Orioles plan; Lauderdale won't support new complex; Orioles could move spring-training site; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Fort Lauderdale Stadium renovation plan boosted; Broward County commits $800,000 annually toward new O's digs; Orioles pitch for $38-million spring ballpark rehab; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles

Mayor calls ballpark plan opportunity of lifetime
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard began trying to sell his proposed $125-million public-private downtown development project Thursday by saying the biggest risk would be not pushing forward. The proposal calls for a new downtown hotel, condominiums, street-level shopping and a city-owned $30 million ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League). About half of the project’s initial $125-million cost would be privately financed, and half would come from city dollars. General property taxes will not be used for the project, as the city has worked out a package of money from a downtown taxing district and county economic development income tax revenue. The Wizards ownership, Hardball Capital, will finance the condos and retail as well as part of the ballpark. Early reactions have been positive. If the Wizards move, their current home (Memorial Stadium) could be taken over by Indiana University-Purdue University.
    RELATED STORIES: Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans; Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne; Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is unpopular; Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal; Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember; Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a ballpark; Playing ball downtown; We need to build ballpark downtown; Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?; Learning by example from Dayton; Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium; A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Cactus League parks adding amenities
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cactus League baseball is becoming more of a big league experience, with Mesa's HoHoKam Park adding a $500,000 scoreboard for the 2007 season capable of showing instant replays, the pictures and statistics of players and commercials. But ballpark managers say they are trying to strike a balance between adding the big league amenities demanded by fans without losing the intimacy that makes spring training games attractive. The food offerings at HoHoKam Park are also being upgraded, with concessionaire Ovations is adding the "Salt River Cantina" for Mexican food, the "Black Angus Grill" for hamburgers and bratwurst, "Hot Dog Nation" for a variety of dogs and the Dwight Patterson Grill, "home of the Big Pat Burger," in honor of the late Cactus League founder.

Frontier League looks at Fairmont, W.Va.
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A $15-million baseball park that would be used by an independent Frontier League team and Fairmont State University has been proposed for Marion County. Outgoing Marion County Commission President Cody Starcher said the park likely would be built next to the Volcano Island Waterpark and Resort, a recreational-retail complex being developed by three Morgantown businessmen. The City of Fairmont would contribute $4 million, the county commission would pay $2 million, the state would finance $1 million, Fairmont State would contribute $2.5 million, the Vandalia Heritage Foundation would pay $2 million, and the Frontier League team that leases the park would contribute $2.5 million.

More meetings with A's slated after new year
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Talks between Fremont officials and Oakland Athletics' owner Lew Wolff continued last week. The subject of the Dec. 14 discussions included the team's potential move to Fremont and building the proposed $500-million baseball field as well as co-existing retail and residential development. This week, Councilwoman Anu Natarajan said talks included the timeline and process for the team to possibly come to Fremont. If we were to handicap the chances of the A's actually moving to Fremont (and not to San Jose) we'd put the odds at 50-50 -- at best. A Cisco Stadium would work just as well in downtown San Jose, you know.
    RELATED STORIES: Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's; A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; 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

Dutchess parks money approved, new contract with Renegades signed
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus Thursday announced his final approvals of $4.9 million dollars for county park improvements as well as the official signing of the new 10-year-lease agreement between the county and the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League) for the use of county owned Dutchess Stadium. The lease agreement includes annual payments of $258,000 by the Renegades, which will also offset the majority of the $1.5 million the county has planned for improvements to the ballpark. The Renegades have called Dutchess Stadium home since 1994.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 22, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the on-field coaching staff for the 2007 edition of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League). John Shoemaker will return for his third consecutive season, and fourth overall, as the Suns manager, Danny Darwin returns for his second season as Suns Pitching Coach and Luis Salazar will join the team as hitting coach. Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima will join the Suns as the team’s athletic trainer in 2007....Kevin Dattola is the new Third Base/Hitting Coach of the Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League)....

White Sox to delay Phoenix move?
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One idea that seems to be gaining momentum in spring-training circles: rather than buying out of the remainder of their lease with Pima County to train at Tucson Electric Park, the Chicago White Sox will honor the lease -- which runs through 2012 -- and only then move to a new Glendale complex, slated to open in 2009. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the White Sox have already made commitments to the new complex, located in a southwest suburb of Phoenix, but the White Sox cannot leave Tucson unless they pay off the lease (estimated by Pima County officials to be in excess of $25 million) or find a replacement. Though the ChiSox signed a pretty sweet lease in Glendale -- basically receiving all revenue on game days -- it won't be enough to cover a lease-termination payment. Finding a replacement from the Grapefruit League is problematic: even though Fort Lauderdale abruptly cut off a funding request by the Baltimore Orioles to renovate Fort Lauderdale Stadium, that team is not expected to seriously consider an Arizona move: teams must move in pairs, and there doesn't appear to be a second team willing and able to go west. So the idea of the White Sox honoring their lease and delaying a move makes a whole lot of sense on every level.
    Speaking of Phoenix moves: the Cleveland Indians are pretty excited about a move to a new Goodyear facility. Today the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and the Goodyear city council are expected to finalize the lease for a new 10,000-seat ballpark and training complex. JMI Sports, a key player in the multibillion developments surrounding Petco Park in San Diego, is being asked to help plan out the Goodyear development as well.
    One issue has emerged with the Glendale spring-training complex: its location next to the Glendale airport, which requires negotiations with the FAA over construction and design issues.
    RELATED STORIES: Arizona commission to fund both proposed spring-training facilities; Glendale offers spring-training plan; Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

Fort Wayne unveils ballpark plans
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) would anchor a $160 million mixed-use development in downtown Fort Wayne, as plans for Harrison Square were unveiled today. Half the cost of Harrison Square’s $125-million first phase will come from private developers. Hardball Capital, the Atlanta-based owners of the Wizards, tentatively has agreed to provide the $18 million needed to build Phase 1’s commercial and residential components, and will provide $5 million toward construction of the $30 million ballpark. Phase 1, which will include a hotel, 8,000-seat ballpark, 1,000-space parking garage, park, 30,000 square feet of street-level shops and 60 condos.
    RELATED STORIES: Top of the ninth in Fort Wayne; Poll: Tax-funded downtown Fort Wayne ballpark is unpopular; Wizards set 2008 ballpark goal; Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember; Downtown Fort Wayne needs a full plan, including a ballpark; Playing ball downtown; We need to build ballpark downtown; Study supports downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Can downtown Fort Wayne ballpark be a boon?; Learning by example from Dayton; Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial Stadium; A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?; Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future; New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne; Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown; A new downtown castle?; Memorial Stadium far from obsolete; Fort Wayne Wizards sold; Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability left, says architect; Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark; Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?

Commissioners should rethink Orioles plan
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Miami Herald opinion writers are fairly apoplectic that Fort Lauderdale officials turned down a yearly $500,000 funding request by the Baltimore Orioles that would keep the O's in the area and bring in $25 million in annual spring-training spending. The irony is Fort Lauderdale would be contributing the least to the deal -- the $48 million renovation of Fort Lauderdale Stadium will be paid mainly by the state, Broward County and the Orioles -- and arguably Fort Lauderdale businesses benefit the most. There's a slim chance Fort Lauderdale could revisit the issue before a Dec. 28 state deadline for obtaining the $15 million in funding. Apparently the Orioles have already contacted Vero Beach officials about the availability of Dodgertown once the Dodgers move spring-training operations to Arizona. More from the Baltimore Sun.
    RELATED STORIES: Lauderdale won't support new complex; Orioles could move spring-training site; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Fort Lauderdale Stadium renovation plan boosted; Broward County commits $800,000 annually toward new O's digs; Orioles pitch for $38-million spring ballpark rehab; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles

Alderman: Frederick could lose Keys team
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Some officials worry that Frederick may lose the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) following the county’s decision earlier this month to rescind $500,000 that had been earmarked for renovations for Harry Grove Stadium. The Frederick Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted Dec. 7 to redirect the money that had been allotted to pay for renovations at the city-owned ballpark and funnel it into public school renovations instead. Ken Young is the new owner of the team, and while he's certainly raising no public threats about moving the franchise, it's pretty clear the condition of the ballpark -- it needs about $5 million in renovations -- must be addressed in the near future.
    RELATED STORIES: City, county to discuss Keys' ballpark renovation funding

Pirates disappointed by slots casino decision
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pittsburgh Pirates were surprised and troubled by a state gaming panel's decision Wednesday that allows a gambling casino to be built close to PNC Park, with the team wondering how the slots parlor will affect traffic on game days. Pirates chairman Kevin McClatchy is worried about large crowds of baseball and gambling fans converging simultaneously into a congested area that keeps losing parking spots to development projects. "What I worry about is if it will cause congestion," McClatchy said. "We do well on weekends, with 30,000 fans over here, and if you add 4,000 cars to the mix, it's a challenge. Will our fans have the ability to get to the ballpark quickly, or will it create congestion that hurts everybody?"

Could new Charlotte ballpark be delayed by lawsuit?
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners moving forward on a complicated land swap that would lead to new urban development and an uptown Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark, a local developer is still making noise about halting the project with a lawsuit. Jerry Reese, who proposed a $4 billion development elsewhere in the city anchored by a $600-million retractable-roof ballpark for an MLB team, says he'll take the county to court if they spend any proceeds of a 2004 bond issue on a ballpark -- something specifically precluded in the bond agreement. County and Charlotte Center City Partners officials say the land swap is structured in such a way to preclude a breaking of the bond issue, but Reese says he's determined to kill the Knights ballpark. Even if he does, there's no guarantee he could pull off a $4 billion development or even attract an MLB team.
    RELATED STORIES: Land deal for Charlotte ballpark advances; Diehl plans fight over Charlotte ballpark; Mecklenburg County set for baseball deal role; Charlotte Council seeks answers on baseball; Uptown park for Knights makes sense; Charlotte council gets update on baseball plan; Chamber: poll shows overwhelming support for Knights ballpark; Backers urge: Make noise for Charlotte ballpark; A slow curve in Charlotte; Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible; Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee ballpark construction; Hard days for Knights; Knights see more fans, but lag league; Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new ballpark; Knights meet with potential architects; Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte; The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte; Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark; Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?; Third Ward residents object to new Knights ballpark; Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5 million; Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of real estate; Arts package heads the agenda for city funding, but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan; Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers; Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark

Average MLB salary approaches $3 million
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The next time you complain about that mediocre number-four starter signing a huge contract, keep in mind their salary may not be out of line when compared to their peers. The average 2006 salary for an MLB player was $2,699,292, according to the Major League Baseball Players Association. That's 9 percent over the average 2005 salary. With several players signing $100-million-plus deals this offseason, you can expect the average salary to be approaching $3 million in two or three years. When you look at these numbers, one thing is clear: if baseball does have financial problems (as baseball officials insist when seeking a better ballpark deal), the problems are of their own doing.

Scottsdale warms up for spring training
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Today is the Winter Solstice, which means we'll be back on the road to spring and summer tomorrow. In Scottsdale, the city is wrapping up a two-year, $23.1-million project to upgrade spring-training facilities for the San Francisco Giants. Scottsdale is refurbishing two practice fields at Indian School Park on the southeast corner of Camelback and Hayden roads -- including one that replicates the outfield dimensions of AT&T Park in San Francisco -- and constructing a new clubhouse for the club’s minor league operations. The new clubhouse will feature training, locker, equipment and conference rooms and offices. The team trains at Scottsdale Stadium.

Van Wieren, Caray stay on as Braves radio broadcasters
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two of our favorite broadcasters, Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren, will be returning to Atlanta Braves broadcasts this coming season, this year on the radio side. The pair has been broadcasting Braves games since 1976, and their low-key approach make them a delight for real baseball fans. Both are also expected to work a limited number of Braves television broadcasts on TBS, joining Chip Caray and Joe Simpson. This is the last season TBS will be broadcasting Braves games nationally, and those broadcasts will be headed by Chip Caray. Jon Sciambi joins Simpson on the broadcast team for games aired on SportSouth and FSN South.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 21, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new assistant GM for the Chicago Cubs: Randy Bush, formerly special assistant to the general manager. Bush spent his entire playing career with the Minnesota Twins and then spent five seasons as the head baseball coach at the University of New Orleans....The Connecticut Defenders made the following staff appointments: Andy Pappas, Director of Sales; John Cunningham, Controller; Dennis Damon, Sales; and Tony Scott, Box Office Manager....Everett AquaSox (short season; Northwest League) General Manager Brian Sloan agreed to a two-year contract extension. Sloan, who completed his first season at the helm this year, has been with the AquaSox for 11 seasons. In addition to his new pact, Sloan was named Vice-President of the Northwest League....Dave Wright is leaving the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) as head of public relations....Tony Franklin will become the eighth manager in the history of the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League). Former major leaguers Scott Aldred (pitching coach) and Tom Wilson (hitting coach) will fill out the staff, along with trainer Zac Womack. Franklin has spent most of the last 11 years as the minor-league infield Instructor for the San Diego Padres. He enters the 2007 season just eight career wins shy of 600.

Lauderdale won't support new complex; Orioles could move spring-training site
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Reversing an earlier decision, city commissioners refused Tuesday to support funding to upgrade Fort Lauderdale Stadium, which could end the city's more than 40-year tradition of spring training. The Baltimore Orioles had counted on Fort Lauderdale's support for a $48 million plan to overhaul the ballpark and create a training complex. The commission's decision likely means the city will not be eligible for $15 million in state dollars to help build the project. City commissioners, who in September pledged $240,000 a year for 30 years for the project, voted 3-2 against spending just $150,000 a year to help pay off the bonds. Communities are eligible only if they sign contracts with their Major League Baseball teams that include a funding match and a long-term lease. Broward County commissioners have pledged $800,000 a year in hotel bed taxes for 30 years. If the decision stands, the Orioles would probably be shopping for a new training site, as the current setup of playing games in Fort Lauderdale and having minor leaguers train across the state in Sarasota is less than optimal, to say the least. One option would be a move to Dodgertown in Vero Beach when the Dodgers alight to Arizona in 2009. Another option would be doubling up on an existing facility, as was the case when Osceola County and Disney proposed bringing another team to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando. Yet another option is a move to Arizona, which is more problematic; the Orioles would need to find another Grapefruit League team to move across the county (teams must move in pairs), and many Baltimore fans would be daunted by the prospect of traveling to Arizona to see their team train. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Fort Lauderdale Stadium renovation plan boosted; Broward County commits $800,000 annually toward new O's digs; Orioles pitch for $38-million spring ballpark rehab; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles

Land deal for Charlotte ballpark advances
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A majority of Mecklenburg County commissioners Tuesday voted in favor of a complicated land swap to put a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark in uptown Charlotte, but county staff still must negotiate a final deal. The land swap involves property from the city, the county, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and private companies, all of whom must sign off. The Knights are promising to borrow $35 million to build the ballpark, but the owner says the deal needs to be finished as soon as possible to ensure the 2009 season is in the new facility. The Knights now play at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C., and have suffered lackluster attendance. The county won't contribute public money to the ballpark costs but has promised to spend roughly $11 million on infrastructure -- such as roadwork -- necessary for the ballpark and adjacent development projects. More from the Charlotte Business Journal.
    RELATED STORIES: Diehl plans fight over Charlotte ballpark; Mecklenburg County set for baseball deal role; Charlotte Council seeks answers on baseball; Uptown park for Knights makes sense; Charlotte council gets update on baseball plan; Chamber: poll shows overwhelming support for Knights ballpark; Backers urge: Make noise for Charlotte ballpark; A slow curve in Charlotte; Charlotte ballpark land swap seen as feasible; Charlotte Knights select Barton Malow to oversee ballpark construction; Hard days for Knights; Knights see more fans, but lag league; Knights select Odell Associates, HOK to design new ballpark; Knights meet with potential architects; Competing plans for baseball parks in Charlotte; The big pitch for uptown baseball in Charlotte; Charlotte turns to funding plans for ballpark; Will Charlotte ballpark be magnet for growth?; Third Ward residents object to new Knights ballpark; Uptown baseball in Charlotte may cost city $5 million; Charlotte ballpark plan now turns to question of real estate; Arts package heads the agenda for city funding, but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan; Uptown ballpark plan has some rally-killers; Deal in works for uptown Charlotte ballpark

Council approves lease extension for Nashville ballpark development
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and a developer working with the team now have 3½ more months to execute a lease with Metro before building a new downtown ballpark and surrounding buildings. The Metro Council approved the deadline extension Tuesday, giving the Sounds and Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse more time to line up financing commitments before closing on the lease. The original Dec. 31 closing deadline will be pushed back to April 15, but both the Sounds and Struever Bros. officials say they will have more information on the funding plan in January. The Nashville Post asks if the deal could end up sinking under its own weight. More from Nashville City Paper.
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Goodyear likely to get Cactus League park
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the preliminary decision by the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to fund two new spring-training facilities in Glendale and Goodyear. Although Goodyear officials were seeking nearly $37 million for the one-team plan, the sports authority's recommendation is to give the city $30 million to $34 million, according to a memo that sports authority President and CEO Ted Ferris sent to the board Monday. The decision to fund two facilities is not final: The recommendations are expected to go before the eight-member sports authority board at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
    RELATED STORIES: Arizona commission to fund both proposed spring-training facilities; Glendale offers spring-training plan; Parties expect Dodgers, Sox deal to pan out; Leaving Tucson will be tricky for White Sox; County not eager to match baseball largess; State panel shouldn't fund White Sox move from Tucson; Goodyear ballpark plan hits funding snag; Pima County trying to avert loss of White Sox for spring training; Dodgers, White Sox reach deal with Glendale; A new Glendale ballpark -- in Phoenix; Goodyear prepares to make its pitch for ballpark funds; What could the future hold for Dodgertown?; Glendale wants to bring Dodgers' spring training to Valley; Goodyear sees spring-training complex as path to development; Goodyear finds support for spring-training plan; It's official: Indians agree to Grapefruit League move; Indians, Dodgers close to deal to move spring training to Arizona; Clock ticks on Disney-Indians deal; Cleveland says no to Cape Coral's springtime offer; Arizona move still a possibility

County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Forsyth County officials are not disclosing details of the financial incentives being requested by the developers of a proposed ballpark near downtown Winston-Salem and its accompanying office, retail and residential development. Ed Jones, a deputy county manager, said he got a proposal from Billy Prim, the lead developer and a co-owner of the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League), in the past week. He declined to discuss the proposal or provide the Winston-Salem Journal with a copy. County commissioners are expected to discuss the proposal in a closed session Thursday. The development, which will include a $22.6 million stadium and is expected to be worth $189 million, is planned for 39 acres bordered by Broad Street, Business 40, Peters Creek Parkway and Brookstown Avenue.
    RELATED STORIES: W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

Additional ballpark funding proposed in Washington state budget
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another $18 million is being requested to upgrade ballparks for the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), the Yakima Bears, Everett Aquasox, Tri-City Dust Devils and Spokane Indians (all short season; Northwest League) in Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire's proposed budget, released yesterday. The five teams split up $7 million approved in the last session. In Yakima, additional money would go toward a new entrance and ticket booth, renovations to concession stands, a sun shade for the seating area and possible improvements to the press box and clubhouses, with work to be done after the 2007 season.

Snappers future in doubt
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the future of the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League) now that a proposed new ballpark in Rock County has gone by the wayside. Unless another solution can be found, the group of community owners say they'll sell the team, which will very likely mean a move away from Beloit and Pohlman Field, a subpar facility. You occasionally hear whispers of a group seeking to bring an affiliated team to nearby Madison, but that would be a politically daunting case given the immense popularity of the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) and its local ownership. Given the Midwest League's footprint, another team in suburban Chicago or even a Detroit-area team isn't out of the question.
    RELATED STORIES: Owners: Snappers could be sold if a new stadium isn't built; County rejects land swap proposal; Snappers land deal appears dead; Deadline nears for moving Snappers to LaPrairie; Beloit ballpark proposal hits snag; New deal cited for land swap; Snappers, fairgrounds deal proposed

Revolution to name coaching staff today
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) will hold a press conference today to introduce the coaching staff for the 2007 inaugural season. It's a pretty impressive lineup, especially if you're a Baltimore Orioles fan. Chris Hoiles will be the manager, and he'll be joined by fellow former O's Tippy Martinez (pitching coach), Ryan Minor (infield/hitting coach) and Al Bumbry (outfielder/baserunning coach and community ambassador). The Baltimore Sun is pretty pleased with that lineup. More from the York Dispatch.

Backman to manage South Georgia Peanuts
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The South Georgia Peanuts (independent; South Coast League) have named former big leaguer Wally Backman field manager for the upcoming season. After a major-league career with the Mets, Twins, Phillies, Mariners and Pirates, Backman went to manage at several levels and was named The Sporting News' Minor League Manager of the Year after leading the Lancaster JetHawks (Class A; California League) to the California League championship series in 2004.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 20, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) announced that Anthony Oppermann has been hired as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Oppermann replaces Dan Laing, who recently resigned after four seasons of calling play-by-play for the P-Nats. Oppermann, a native of La Grange, Texas, comes to Potomac from the Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League), where he served as the team’s Assistant Director of Broadcasting. Prior to his time in Daytona, Oppermann spent time with the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) as an In-Booth Producer, and was play-by-play announcer for the Coppell Copperheads and Weatherford Wranglers (both summer collegiate; Texas Collegiate League)....The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League) announced its coaching lineup for 2007. Dave Miley, who formerly managed the Cincinnati Reds, is the new manager. Joining him is hitting coach Butch Wynegar, pitching coach Dave Eiland and infield coach Alvaro Espinoza, all three of whom spent at least 10 years playing in the major leagues....Johnny Narron was named manager of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League).....Joining Torre Tyson on the staff for the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) are former big leaguers Greg Colbrunn (hitting coach) and Carlos Reyes (pitching coach). In addition, Ralph Henriquez has been added to the on-field staff as a defensive coach while trainer Tim Lentych returns for his third season as a RiverDog.

Arizona commission to fund both proposed spring-training facilities
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority now says the agency has found enough money to fund both Goodyear's and Glendale's requests for spring-training facilities that would open in 2009. A recommendation is expected to go to the eight-member sports authority board on Thursday that would give more than $50 million to Glendale to build a two-team facility for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox, who currently play spring ball in Tucson, and $30 million to Goodyear to build a new spring-training facility for the Cleveland Indians. The Glendale agreement hinges on the ability of the Chicago White Sox, who current train at Tucson Electric Park, to find a replacement; White Sox officials say they have a replacement. However, the authority is breaking the bank to fund both. Revenues from a $2.50 surcharge on car rentals have run higher than expected, and the sports authority has set aside enough money to pay off its obligations on the spring-training complex in Surprise and to renovate other already existing complexes. Authority officials say there will be no funds for any future projects.
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Orioles spring-training facility vote due today
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One team unlikely to abandon the Grapefruit League for the Cactus League is the Baltimore Orioles, whose plan to renovate Fort Lauderdale Stadium comes before the city commission today. Broward County commissioners have already approved the plan to renovate Fort Lauderdale Stadium and add practice fields where Lockhart Stadium currently sits. The $40 million project has already been approved for a $15 million state grant, with the city, county and Orioles funding the rest. The plan calls for stripping the aging ballpark down to its steel frame and rebuilding a modern structure with 7,000 seats and room for 2,000 fans in the outfield. The ballpark was built in 1962 and currently seats 8,340 fans. Two existing baseball diamonds would remain north of the facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Fort Lauderdale Stadium renovation plan boosted; Broward County commits $800,000 annually toward new O's digs; Orioles pitch for $38-million spring ballpark rehab; Fort Lauderdale strikes tentative spring-training deal with Orioles

Sounds unveil ballpark plans
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse released the latest renderings of their proposed new downtown $43-million ballpark. Current plans, as developed by Hastings Architecture Associates, LLC and HOK Sports, call for a 9,100-seat (up to 8,500 fixed seats, 20 suites, and berm seating for 1,000) ballpark below ground level, with a 15-story condominium building shadowing right field and a six-story brick edifice beyond the left-field wall. The views of the Cumberland River won't be as dramatic as some wanted -- only seats down the first-base line will have a river view -- but there will be plenty of dramatic backdrops of the Nashville skyline. The project on the former Nashville Thermal Transfer Plant site will also feature two hotels with 320 rooms combined, more than 200 condominiums, shops, restaurants and office space. The deadline for opening is still sometime during the 2008 season -- an aggressive schedule, to be sure, but the Sounds say they'll have financing and final plans in place in January 2007. Tonight the Nashville Metro Council votes on extending the lease-closing deadline, which is necessary to keep the project alive after Dec. 31. More from Nashville City Paper.
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Officials: Damaschke Field renovations making progress
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The final phase of a $12 million toxic-waste cleanup at Damaschke Field is on schedule, according to the city’s engineering administrator. On Monday, one set of workers used a crane to pound sheet-metal pilings into the contaminated ground while another set framed a clubhouse for the Oneonta Tigers (short season; NY-Penn League). What's new: a 5,760-square-foot clubhouse and a smaller building that will include administrative offices, umpire locker facilities, home team and visitors’ locker rooms, a concession stand and rest rooms. The buildings replace aging structures that needed to be torn down as part of the remediation process. The bleachers on the third-base line will be moved to the first-base line to replace a section of wooden bleachers that was torn down. New bleachers along the third-base line will have seats with backs and be handicapped-accessible. The renovations will also help Damaschke Field meet baseball facility guidelines.
    RELATED STORIES: Damaschke Field renovation OK'd by council

Final farewell planned for Tiger Stadium
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baseball fans will have one last chance to visit Tiger Stadium before it's dismantled and the memorabilia inside sold off, city officials announced Monday. The public goodbye for Tiger Stadium likely will be held just before the April 2 opening day game at its successor, Comerica Park. Yesterday the city held a private showing of the ballpark to potential bidders on the ballpark's content; most of the facility is slated to be torn down, with anything of public value salvaged. The city has decided to keep a small part of the ballpark intact, but raze most of what is on the 8 1/2 -acre tract to make way for housing and commercial development. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
    RELATED STORIES: Old house is hard to forget; Once a baseball cathedral, Tiger Stadium now sits in disrepair; Memories of Tiger Stadium; Tiger Stadium demolition delayed; Progress is in the ballpark; Developers didn't stand a chance with Tiger Stadium; Artifacts from Tiger Stadium to be auctioned off under city plan; Tiger Stadium to be razed: condos, retail to be built on historic site; Detroit should sell Tiger Stadium as is; Historical marker at Tiger Stadium stolen; Tiger Stadium would make fine vacation destination; 8 innings of words get us no closer to a Tiger Stadium fix; Documentary makes case for saving Tiger Stadium; Plenty of options for Tiger Stadium; Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick wants Tiger Stadium razed; Hope fades for Tiger Stadium; Detroit ignores calls to save Tiger Stadium; Save Tiger Stadium as scaled-down ballpark; City should tear down Tiger Stadium; Is it the final out for Tiger Stadium?

New Fort Wayne ballpark to be announced?
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fort Wayne officials look to be closer to bringing new developments -- including a new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) -- downtown. Mayor Graham Richard will make an announcement Thursday morning regarding multiple downtown projects. City officials are working to bring at least two major projects to downtown: a third hotel and the ballpark. The new owners of the Wizards want to play in a new downtown ballpark or a renovated Memorial Stadium by the 2008 season. Fort Wayne officials previously said a preliminary agreement between the Wizards and the city on whether a downtown facility is feasible would be reached by December.
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Miners to unveil ballpark designs tomorrow
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tim Arseneau and the rest of the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League) staff will be unveiling the design of the team's new ballpark at a press conference tomorrow nights at the Illinois Centre Mall, West End Court, in front of the Sears Entrance at 6 p.m.. We hope to have details and renderings for your perusal Thursday. The $16-million facility is slated to open for the 2007 season.
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Billings to request federal funds for Cobb Field replacement
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Billings City Council voted to pursue up to $1.5 million in federal funding over three years to help pay for a new downtown ballpark that will replace Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). Last summer, Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) announced he had included $500,000 for Cobb Field in the 2007 Treasury, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Burns also pledged to seek $500,000 per year in 2008 and 2009. Billings voters approved a $12.5 million bond issue for a new ballpark in November, but the city plans to pursue the federal money to help reduce the cost to Billings taxpayers. However, U.S. Senate officials are talking about placing a one-year moratorium on local spending requested by individual senators and Burns was defeated in his reelection bid, though the office of Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) has expressed support for the request.
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Reds, Bats extend affiliation through 2010
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Louisville Bats (Class AAA; International League) have extended their Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Cincinnati Reds through 2010. This extends the previous agreement, which was set to expire following the 2008 baseball season. Louisville will also return Rick Sweet and his entire Bats coaching staff for the 2007 season.
    "We are very pleased about the extension of our affiliation with Louisville. Our relationship with the Bats organization has been outstanding and we look forward to having them as an integral part of the Reds family for years to come," said Reds Assistant Director of Player Development Grant Griesser. "We are also excited about returning a field staff with as much experience and knowledge as this one has. Rick Sweet does a great job not only managing games, but also handling veteran Triple-A players as well as young up and coming prospects."
    The 2007 season will mark the Bats eighth season as the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, as well as the eighth season of play at Louisville Slugger Field. Louisville Slugger Field will celebrate its five millionth fan through the gates during the 2007 season and will host the Meijer Triple-A All-Star Game in 2008. The move should also cut down on talk of the Reds seeking to shift its Triple-A affiliation to the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) in 2008.

Outdoor basketball game at Chase Field called because of rain
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A college basketball game at Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, was called last night with 4:18 to play because of rain. The Arizona State-Texas Tech tilt was called after a torrential downpour halted play and the roof could not be closed in time, despite efforts by the field crew to cover the court with a tarp. Arizona State was leading the game, 61-45, when it was called. This was the second outdoor college basketball game at Chase Field and the first to be rained out. Ironically, organizers had been worried about bad weather in the form of cold temperatures, but it was 56 degrees and sunny when the game started.

Red Wings make $294,415 profit in 2006
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Rochester Community Baseball, owners of the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA; International League) made a $294,415 profit for fiscal year 2006. The franchise has around $5.8 million in cash and investments in the bank. Paid attendance (476,734) and turnstile attendance (300,000-plus) both were up approximately 5 percent over 2005. RCB has finished in the black in each of the 10 seasons at Frontier Field. The team has committed $800,000 to ballpark maintenance and enhancement, including the new scoreboard, a fresh paint job for the superstructure and a new playing field after the 2007 season.

Olympic Stadium finally paid off
Posted Dec. 19, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After 30 years of swimming in debt, it appears Montreal's Olympic Stadium, the former home of the Montreal Expos, has been paid off. According to the La Presse in Montreal, the last cheque has been delivered to Quebec Finance Department. The state-of-the-art stadium was built to host the 1976 Olympic Summer Games but cost overruns and several structural issues turned it into a financial disaster. The province used tax money generated from cigarette sales to cover a percentage of the mounting debt.

Mecklenburg board ready to play ball
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A complicated land swap that would put a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark in the city's Third Ward appears closer to being approved. A majority of Mecklenburg County commissioners said they will vote or are leaning toward voting Tuesday to allow county staff to move ahead with negotiations on the deal, a major step. It's a complicated deal requiring land swaps between the county, city and the Mecklenburg Board of Education, but at the end of the day the county would contribute land and infrastructure work to the project; the Knights will pay $35 million to build a new ballpark. The Knights currently play at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, S.C.
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Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County and Minnesota Ballpark Authority (MBA) have begun talks on the development and use agreements for a new downtown ballpark, which cover details not specifically addressed in the state legislation authorizing the facility. The deals must be finalized by late February to keep the ballpark on schedule, as Hennepin County says it will not finalize land acquisition until an agreement is reached. No one is expecting any major issues to pop up, as the larger parts of the deal -- the MBA will own the facility, and the Twins will lease and run it -- are already agreed upon.
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Seeing green opportunities
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a look at what is believed to be the world's first environmental sports marketing company, GreenMark, formed by former Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Andrew. He's been talking with the Minnesota Twins about finding sponsors for green-related components of their new ballpark. It's a definite movement in the sports-facilities world: Washington, D.C. officials have already announced the new Washington Nationals ballpark will be LEED-certified.

Dallas to get second pitch for baseball park
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A second baseball league is stepping up to the plate to play ball in downtown Dallas. A top official for the independent United League Baseball said Friday it soon will present the city with its own plan for a downtown stadium. United CEO John Bryant, a former Dallas congressman, said that the proposal offers the perfect expansion opportuni.ty for his league and that the stadium would be a superior baseball experience for fans. The move by United League Baseball creates competition for the independent American Association, the league associated with a group that first proposed a downtown ballpark. That deal has been in the works for months. The ballpark would be a double-decked facility with 30 suites and seating for 6,500 to 7,500 people. Using berms and field seating, it could be expanded to 10,000 for special events.
    RELATED STORIES: Group looks at Dallas for new ballpark

Tiger Stadium showing by invite only
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
On Monday, Tiger Stadium, perhaps for the final time, will be open to visitors. But not just anybody is invited. Only representatives of companies readying bids to remove and auction parts of the old ballpark at Michigan and Trumbull will be allowed inside for a look. That's disappointing to sentimental admirers of the old ballpark, which opened in 1912 and was shuttered in 1999. As word spread that the gates would be unlocked even briefly, longtime fans e-mailed and telephoned others who might like one more chance to see the ballpark before it is dismantled. More from the Detroit Free Press. More on Tiger Stadium on our Endangered Ballparks page.
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Owners: Snappers could be sold if a new stadium isn't built
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the Beloit Professional Baseball Association can't build a new ballpark, it probably will sell the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League), a spokesman said. Snappers officials are disappointed that a proposed land swap between the county and Mulder Dairy Farms fell through, but they will continue to look for a way to build a new stadium, said Dennis Conerton, chairman of the Beloit Professional Baseball Association, the not-for-profit organization that owns the team, which plays at Pohlman Field.
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Wranglers GM has new challenges
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) is spending a lot of time in Springdale, Ark. these days, preparing a move of the team to a new ballpark in the 2008 season. A name-the-team contest has an interesting twist -- because of the popularity of a local rodeo, Wranglers is a strong contender to be retained as team name -- and Rich Baseball is looking at using Northwest Arkansas in the name as well. Much of the current Wranglers staff is expected to move to Wichita; they're currently planning for a lame-duck season.
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Wichita examining future of pro baseball
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Wichita city officials hope to announce an agreement on Wichita's next professional baseball team by April 5, or mid-May at the latest. The city has retained a consultant to come up with a bidding process for a Lawrence-Dumont Stadium lease, and multiple independent leagues -- including the American Association, Northern League and United League Baseball -- have expressed interest in the facility. We seriously doubt whether an affiliated team will end up in Wichita, though city officials say that's a possibility.

Finalists named for Slippery Rock team
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After a week of receiving submissions in a name-the-team contest, Slippery Rock Professional Baseball has announced that Boulders, Rockers, Sliders, and Sluggers have been selected as the four finalists. Over 125 entries were submitted, which included 84 unique names. Beginning Monday, December 18, fans will be able to vote for their favorite team name at www.insidebutlercounty.com, webpage of the Butler County Radio Network. Fans are also welcome to mail or fax their choices to the ballclub. Online voting will run through December 31, 2006, with the official team name to be unveiled the first week of January.

Billings puts together Christmas list
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Billings plans to seek up to $1.5 million in federal funding over three years to help pay for a new downtown ballpark that will replace Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). The proposed appropriation to help offset the cost of a new ballpark is included in a list of federal appropriations the city plans to pursue when the new Congress reconvenes next month. Last summer, Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) announced he had included $500,000 for Cobb Field in the 2007 Treasury, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Burns also pledged to seek $500,000 per year in 2008 and 2009. Billings voters approved a $12.5 million bond issue for a new ballpark in November, but the city plans to pursue the federal money to help reduce the cost to Billings taxpayers. However, U.S. Senate officials have placed a one-year moratorium on local spending requested by individual senators and Burns was defeated in his reelection bid, so it would appear funding for 2007 would be out of the question.
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W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The lack of a creek in the site of a proposed Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) ballpark near downtown Winston-Salem could help developers bypass the need for certain hard-to-secure state and federal environmental permits and meet an ambitious construction goal of having the ballpark ready for the 2008 season, city officials say. This is preliminary; a site survey is still required. If a stream that flows throughout the year is found on the site, it could slow plans by Billy Prim, a co-owner of the Warthogs, and his partner, Andrew "Flip" Filipowski, to build a 5,500-seat ballpark, followed by a multiplex theater, offices, stores and residences.
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Fledgling league is taking American pastime to Israel
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the inaugural season of the Israel Baseball League, slated to begin next season. Six teams, made up of 20 players each, will compete. After a brief spring training session, they will compete in 50 games from June to August at municipal facilities. The league will fly players to Israel each year and host them at Olympic training dormitories during the season. They will be paid $2,000 for the season and have the glory of (hopefully) screaming fans. The cities that will field teams are Tel Aviv, Netanya (a coastal city near Tel Aviv), Petah Tikvah (a city northeast of Tel Aviv that was one of the first settlements in Israel), Gezer (in between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), Beit Shemesh (a suburb of Jerusalem made up mostly of English-speaking immigrants), and Nahariya (north of Haifa).
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Hersh, city bickering enters last inning
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Arguments in the case of David Hersh vs. the city of Jackson (Tenn.) ended Wednesday in the non-jury trial. The first suits were filed in 2002, as Hersh alleges the city took steps to take over the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) and force him out by not coming through with promised loans after the franchise moved from Memphis. Another case -- this time a personal lawsuit filed by Hersh against Jackson Mayor Charles Farmer -- is still pending. One unfortunate fallout from the lawsuits: the Diamond Jaxx are now the worst-drawing team in the Southern League. A deal to sell the team to an Orlando group fell through this fall, and the team is still on the market.

Timber man gets into diamond trade
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Greenville timber businessman Greg Cassidy and a group of baseball investors have agreed to buy Municipal Stadium, former home of the Greenville Braves (Class AA; Southern League) and the Greenville Bombers (Low Class A; Sally League), for $2 million. Over the next two years, they plan to sink another $2 million into the property -- 42 acres total -- to construct six new fields, where they intend to host regional baseball tournaments. The city owns the land, and the City Council is set to vote on the deal Monday.

Baseball Notes
Posted Dec. 18, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bill Larsen, general manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League), announced today that Tommy John has been hired as manager. John has accepted a three-year contract with the Bluefish. John played in the major leagues for over 26 years, including stints with the Yankees, Dodgers, Angels and White Sox. He's also been a broadcaster for the past few seasons....