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Archives: July 23-July 29, 2005

Perfectly logical to move the A's to Sacramento
Posted July 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Marcos Breton argues that Sacramento would make a perfect home for the Oakland A's should they fail in procuring a new ballpark in Oakland. Breton is right: Sacramento has proven it can support baseball  -- the Sacramento River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are one of the top-drawing squads in minor-league ball -- and the Sacramento market is truly big-league if you look at the success of the NBA's Sacramento Kings as an example. It's also nice to see Breton acknowledge that a new facility would be needed; Raley Field is great (we visited last week and will be writing up an account shortly), but it's not a major-league facility.

Lugnuts, Lansing agree to 10-year lease extension
Posted July 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lansing Lugnuts (Class A; Midwest League) and the City of Lansing have signed a letter of understanding extending the Lugnuts commitment in Lansing through 2020. This agreement is an early renewal of the existing lease, which was set to expire in 2010. The new agreement is the culmination of work and planning over the past 12 months. The first step was an audit by HNTB, the ballpark's original architects, outlining the improvements necessary to keep Oldsmobile Park in state-of-the-art condition. The Lugnuts launched the improvements to the ballpark, making a $500,000 investment to the stadium by installing a new top-of-the-line scoreboard system. Earlier this year, the City upgraded the suite level of the park and announced that it will be installing a new field this fall, currently being grown by Michigan State University.
    A key component of the new agreement is a commitment by the City to invest $3,000,000 over the next three years to upgrade and improve Oldsmobile Park. Beyond that, the new agreement provides for significant capital resources to maintain the park in top condition for the duration of the lease.
    The new lease agreement will take effect on January 1, 2006 and will be presented to the City Council in the next few weeks for its approval.

Ballpark Visit: Oldsmobile Park, Lansing Lugnuts
Posted July 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of Oldsmobile Park: it's certainly regarded as one of the best facilities in the Midwest League, and the agreement outlined above should help the Lansing Lugnuts maintain that standing for the next 15 years. Oldsmobile Park is clean, reflects well on the automotive history in the area, and gives fans a great party every time the Lugnuts are in town  Marc Viquez reports on his visit to Oldsmobile Park, which includes information on ballpark upgrades implemented for the 2005 season.

Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for Marion
Posted July 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was in Marion to discuss other ways the state can help the city out once it builds a new ballpark for the relocated South Bend Silver Hawks (Class A; Midwest League). Blagojevich successfully turned away allegation that he provided state funding for the ballpark as payback for a political favor, but he sure is spending a lot of time making sure the needs of Marion are filled by the state.
    RELATED STORIES: Williamson County state's attorney calls McKenna allegation 'reckless'; Prosecutor to review state funding for Marion baseball project; Sky box mentality doesn't sit well with bleacher crowd; Controversy swirls around Marion ballpark development; South Bend to Marion; No word yet on Marion ballpark construction; Spelius: Simmons has no deal for Midwest League team; Simmons acquires Midwest League team for Marion; Batter up: Dignitaries dig in, break ground on new Marion ballpark; SIGB happy with signs of progress on minor-league baseball; Baseball project progressing slowly, steadily

PGE Park's turnstiles getting a workout
Posted July 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It looks like Portland has rediscovered the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and PGE Park: Over the last dozen games, the Bevos have averaged nearly 7,000 fans, including a crowd of 15,724 on July 4. Overall, attendance is up 11 percent this season. On the ownership side, things are still muddy; despite an announcement early in the season that a sale was imminent, the deal still has not closed, much to the chagrin of TIAA-CREF, the largest creditor for the Beavers.

Two college leagues make pitch for Sedalia
Posted July 29, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two college wood-bat leagues have approached Sedalia's Liberty Park Stadium about placing a team there next season. The established MINK League and the new Central Plains Baseball League both want a lease, but they differ on the details: the Central Plains Baseball League would want to serve alcohol, but the MINK League would not. You can look for a more formal announcement of the Central Plains Baseball League (which is targeting cities in Kansas and Missouri) on Aug. 15.

Comcast suit against Orioles tossed; team free to expand cable network
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Comcast lawsuit against the Baltimore Orioles over the team's establishment of a cable network was tossed out by a Montgomery County (Md.) Circuit Court judge, who ruled Comcast has no right to stop the Orioles from being part of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). MASN currently broadcasts Washington Nationals games under the ownership of the Orioles and MLB; the Orioles are expected to move to the network once their Comcast deal expires after next season, but Comcast sued to prevent the Orioles from moving. Comcast has refused to televise any Nationals games (which hasn't done much to dampen attendance, apparently), and that's not likely to change with the decision anyway.

Ballpark Visit: Phil Welch Stadium, St. Joseph Saints
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The first thing you'll notice about Phil Welch Stadium, the home of the St. Joseph Saints, is that fans leave their personal belongings in the ballpark -- i.e., seat cushions and lawn chairs -- even when the ballpark is empty. While that's not quite akin to leaving your door unlocked at night, it does convey a certain friendliness to the fans of Saints baseball, and we're guessing most of them are on a first-name basis. A former minor-league and Negro Leagues ballpark, Phil Welch is a comfortable place to watch a college wood-bat game.

HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cobb Field selection committee has chosen an architectural team for a replacement home for the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League). The committee, which includes City Council members, city staff, city Parks Board members and volunteers, chose HNTB Architects of Kansas City, Mo., for the job. That firm will work with CTA Architects Engineers of Billings and Gateway Consulting Group of Cleveland, Ohio. The first step is for Gateway to prepare a feasibility study outlining financing alternatives, which should be completed in October.
    RELATED STORY: Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

Three bid on control of The Diamond in Lake Elsinore
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Three firms submitted bids to Lake Elsinore outlining plans for The Diamond, the home of the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League). Each of the plans focuses on developing the land surrounding The Diamond, located on the south side of town, and maximizing use of the ballpark itself. The most unique bid came from Florida-based Jeffrey Industries International, which is proposing to use the balpark as a venue for an international baseball winter league when the Storm doesn't play, and as the hub for a sports and entertainment complex that would include a hotel, condos, restaurants, theaters and other facilities.

Should Owensboro fund ballpark study?
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The debate in Owensboro, Ky., is whether to fund a feasibility study for a new ballpark. City and county officials have committed to funding a $70,000 feasibility study of a downtown arena. Adding a ballpark study to the arena study would cost the Owensboro City Commission and Daviess Fiscal Court about $5,000 to $7,000 more each, but a private group is willing to pick up the additional costs.

New on College Baseball Digest: a preview of the Cape Cod All-Star Game; a profile of Madison's Ryan Rogowski
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
File this under shameless self-promotion. If you're a New England resident and want to check out some of the best college baseball prospects, head to Spillane Field in Wareham, Mass. for the Cape Cod League All-Star Game Saturday night. Also on the schedule for the first time: a Cape Cod League High School All-Star Game scheduled for Friday night. We preview both at College Baseball Digest. Also new on College Baseball Digest: a profile of the Madison Mallards' Ryan Rogowski, one of the best players in summer baseball this year.

Suns to "Ballpark-Size" intern for a month
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In a nod to Morgan Spurlock’s movie “Super-Size Me,” Suns intern Joel Pagliaro will eat nothing but ballpark food served from Municipal Stadium’s concession stands for the entire month of August. In the popular movie documentary Super-Size Me, Spurlock ate three meals from McDonalds per day for 30 consecutive days and had routine medical checkups to monitor his health. Likewise, Pagliaro will receive a physical examination both before and after his Municipal Stadium diet. As you'll recall, Sperlock experienced massive weight gain, lethargy and impotence from his experience; Pagliaro has much to look forward to.

Bad News Bears to take field for Rox
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am League) signed actors Gary Lee Cavagnaro and David Pollock to play in Monday night's game against the Elmira Pioneers. Both actors appeared in the original Bad News Bears movie in 1976, and both will be playing in the field, reprising their childhood roles as the pitching battery. The issue is: do one-day contracts like these (in games that do count in the standings) cheapen independent baseball? We think they do.

Medford ballpark gets a boost
Posted July 28, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The replacement to Miles Field, the former home of the Medford Athletics (short season; Northwest League), is in some financial straits after organizers spent $3.2 million on a new youth-baseball facility with only 500 seats. Organizers want another $2 million to add seas and parking to Harry and David Field. Seats must be expensive in Oregon: the local county already chipped in $900,000 to add 300 seats the facility. (That's $3,000 a seat for those of you scoring at home.) The whole thing smells of a boondoggle, as the original cost estimate for the entire installation -- seats and all -- was $1.3 million.

Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins signed a two-year deal with Puerto Rico-based Banco Popular North America, and in the course of promoting that deal team president David Samson said he was in daily discussions with Miami-Dade County leaders on how to close a $45 million funding gap for a new Marlins ballpark near the Orange Bowl. The county commission is in recess for the summer, but Samson says that hasn't stopped the team from working on financing. Still, he admitted a solution could be months away.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Ballpark Visit: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Royals
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The location is somewhat lacking and there are parts of the ballpark that could use some TLC, but make no mistake: Kauffman Stadium is one of the best places in the majors to watch a game. That same inconvenient location gives a bucolic quality to the ballpark experience; on a warm summer night, you do feel like you're miles from any sort of civilization, free to focus on the game instead of some distraction right outside the ballpark walls. It's an essential stop for any ballpark fan.

Ballparks of the Past: Muehlebach Field / Municipal Stadium
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Brewer/hotelier George Muehlebach built Muehlebach Field in 1923 for his Kansas City Blues of the old American Association, and over the next thirty-some years it served as the baseball center of the Kansas City, with the Blues and tenant Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues drawing well. When Major League Baseball was ready to go west in 1955, Kansas City expanded the renamed Municipal Stadium with an upper deck to accommodate the Kansas City Athletics. Municipal Stadium is best known these days as Charlie O. Finley's first stomping grounds, complete with mechanical rabbit and compressed air to clean home plate.

Aurora ballpark won't open until 2007
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Central Baseball League won't be adding a team to Aurora, Col., until the 2007 season, as Aurora officials and National Sports Services are still working on a final design for a ballpark, to be located in 140-acre Signature Park just south of Buckley Air Force Base. More from the Denver Post.

NASCAR's Tim Sauter signs with Gary
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
NASCAR Busch Series Driver Tim Sauter has signed a contract with the Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League). The driver of the Lester Buildings #56 Chevrolet will make his professional baseball debut on August 4 at U.S. Steel Yard when the RailCats take on the Kansas City T-Bones at 7:00 p.m. Sauter will start the game as the designated hitter and lead off the bottom of the first inning. Says Sauter: "This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to join my new team and I know that more than a few people are having some fun at my expense over this, but I fully intend to get on base one way or another and let my teammates bring me around for the go-ahead run."

Sidewinders will distribute $100,000 in casino chits if game rained out
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's one outlandish-sounding promotion that may succeed for fans. Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) fans are guaranteed to have a good time rain or shine at Tucson Electric Park this monsoon season as the Sidewinders introduce "Rain Out-Pay Out." If any Sidewinders game is officially called due to rain during the remainder of the season, all fans 21 and over in attendance will receive an equal share a $100,000 Sun Dollars from Casino del Sol or Casino or the Sun for entertainment at either casino.
    "Over the prior five seasons we have played some of our best baseball and hosted some of the best promotions, only to host a few thousand fans instead of the several thousand fans expected for that nights game," said Jay S. Zucker. "We need to remind the fans that the monsoons are a neighborhood sized storms and passing through our town very quickly, so we introduced a $100,000 incentive to share among the fans that weather the storm."
    Fans must be present at the time of the cancellation to be eligible for the pay out and will be given their share of the Sun Dollars as they exit the stadium. To be considered an official rainout, the game must be called by an umpire due to rain after the game's start but prior to the losing team's turn to bat in the 5th inning.
    The Sidewinders returned home last night. There's a chance of rain every day for the next two weeks, by the way.

Business travelers: the Can-Am Grays
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's your annual look at an independent-ball road team, this time the Can-Am League Grays. The team was forced into existence after the Bangor Lumberjacks dropped out of the league right before the season opener. The team is playing .500 ball, as the Can-Am officials wisely set the team up with a decent manager and some good players, as opposed to just using the team as a traveling patsy a la the Washington Generals. The Grays aren't the only road team in indy ball this season; the Golden Baseball League features the Japan Samurai Bears.

Barnstormers management to meet with ballpark neighbors
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Management from the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) will be meeting with neighbors of Clipper Magazine Stadium to address any concerns regarding crowds at the ballpark. Meeting organizers are not expecting huge numbers of complaints, though residents are welcome to air any they have; the biggest issue seems to be baseball fans parking in the streets instead of in free parking lots.

Cards introduce family brick plan for new ballpark
Posted July 27, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In an effort to link family memories with St. Louis Cardinals baseball, the Cardinals have launched the Family Art Brick Paver program. Families can purchase their own brick and decorate it however they want. The bricks will then be put inside the new stadium in the Family Pavilion to make up the Wiffle Ball Diamond. There are only 2,000 brick pavers available, and team officials believe they will go quickly. 

McCourt to develop area around Dodger Stadium?
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
During our recent visit to Dodger Stadium we noted the oasis-like quality of the 300 acres comprising the Dodger Stadium campus, and apparently Frank McCourt noted the same thing, as he's working on a redevelopment plan for the area. No surprise: when he purchased the Dodgers, McCourt noted the development possibilities for the area, which sits close to downtown Los Angeles. Overall, the Chavez Ravine area is in pretty bad shape (driving to the ballpark will put you by more than one boarded-up apartment building), but the area does have location, location, location going for it. Any development plan would leave Dodger Stadium and some parking intact, of course; the likely additions would be high-end housing and retail.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark Visit: Dodger Stadium; The old ballpark just isn't what it used to be; McCourt commits to Dodger Stadium for 25 years

NCAA looks at February start date, shorter season for college baseball
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The NCAA is considering two important rule changes for college baseball. The first would mandate a practice starting date of February 1, as opposed to the current January time frame used by most Southern schools. In addition, an NCAA committee is recommending the college season be shortened to 52 games from the current 56. The proposed changes are designed to bridge the gap between Northern and Southern baseball schools. Matthew Perkins has all the details, including comments from several coaches on how the changes would affect their programs. You can find the full story at College Baseball Digest.

Busch Stadium fixtures heading for auction block
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Given the generally rabid nature of St. Louis Cardinals fans, you can assume there will be a feeding frenzy when the team places fixtures from Busch Stadium on the auction block. The St. Louis County auction firm Schneider Industries will accept sealed bids and host a walkthrough for potential buyers Aug. 9-10, by appointment only. Busch Stadium will be stripped down to the concrete -- the scoreboard, videoboard, tarp, hot-dog stands and kitchen utensils will all be auctioned off -- before the ballpark is imploded sometime in November. Chances are pretty good some other city or county will buy the scoreboard or videoboard for use in other ballpark, which certainly will go down in baseball lore; one of the noteworthy things about Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver is that it contains a scoreboard reclaimed from Seattle's Sick's Stadium before it was torn down. Here's an update of the construction at the new Busch Stadium.

Busch Stadium's architect pays one last visit
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
John Meyer, who designed the current Busch Stadium, was in St. Louis to view his baby one last time before it's imploded this fall. Meyer is 84 years old, and he designed the multiuse stadium as lead architect from Sverdrup & Parcel and Associates. Meyer was also there for the first Cardinals game there on May 12, 1966.

Navigators offer free tickets for this season hoping to sell more season tickets for next
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) have introduced a new promotion that gives free passes to the remaining 19 home games of the 2005 season games to people signing up for 2006 season tickets. The Navigators are last in the Eastern League in attendance, averaging 2,464 fans a game, but new owner Lou DiBella is working pretty hard to make a go of it in Norwich.
    RELATED STORIES: Fans invited to suggest new name for Navigators; Navs commit to Norwich through 2009; 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

NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Voting began in North Little Rock on a proposed 1 percent sales tax to fund (among other things) a new ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League). Voting continues through Aug. 9, but the early turnout was fairly good for a special election of this sort.
    RELATED STORIES: A rush act for NLR ballpark; Hays: 2 tax projects’ OK will give NLR ‘a booster shot'; NLR promotion panel salutes stadium, not tax; NLR working on game plan for tax vote; Travelers, North Little Rock agree to 50-50 split; North Little Rock ballpark talks snag over cash; Sales-tax vote favored by most on NLR council; Pitching for Aug. 9 tax vote, Hays says; NLR mayor pitches 2-year sales tax for ballpark; Will the Arkansas Travelers stay in Little Rock after all?; New Arkansas Travelers ballpark delayed; financing is in doubt; Actions to save Ray Winder Field sought; Travs ballpark development moves forward; Plans for new Little Rock ballpark unveiled; New home for Arkansas Travelers?; Little Rock ballpark near river in works; Replacing Ray Winder Field wasn't in my plans

Rays fans strike out in food feud
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A team that's dead-last in MLB attendance probably should lighten up. Two fans tried to bring a bottle of Diet Coke and a handful of cashews into Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (as well as insulin; one of the fans is diabetic), but were turned away from security guards. There are some good reasons for teams not allowing outside food into a ballpark, but they didn't cover the situation here.

Attendance lacking for West Tennessee
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's another look at the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) and some of the issues they've faced this year. We're reported in the past on their efforts to find a new home, but this year attendance has been disappointing, despite the team's ambitious efforts to bring in fans with a full slate of pretty decent promotions. The core issue: Jackson, Tenn., is just not a suitable Class AA market.

Biscuits, Barons will try Rickwood Classic again
Posted July 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Take note, fans of historic ballparks: the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) will host the Montgomery Biscuits in a makeup of the 10th annual Rickwood Classic, which was originally rained out June 2. The game is played at 94-year-old Rickwood Field, and the Biscuits will wear replica uniforms from the 1910 Montgomery Climbers, who opposed the Barons when Rickwood opened Aug. 18, 1910. The Barons will wear a mix of replica uniforms used in the previous nine Rickwood Classics.

Sox seek to preserve Fenway Park view of Boston skyline
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the more charming aspects to Boston is the lack of high rises in the Back Bay, keeping the architecture on more human scale. However, Boston is changing, and as there are plans for development around Fenway Park and the Back Bay, Red Sox management is concerned about the possibility that the view from the grandstand -- which now yields a lovely look at the Boston skyline -- could be cluttered with high rises and offices buildings. Sports economist Andrew Zimbalist argues Boston officials should create a special "entertainment zone'' around the ballpark to limit possible encroachment by high-rise development. Two such developments are in the planning stages: one calls for a new hotel to replace the dumpy Howard Johnson's near the ballpark.
    RELAYED STORIES: Fenway facelift to hit $100M; Classy Fenway is even better than before; Red Sox unveil four additions to Fenway Park; Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

Ballpark Visit: Midway Stadium
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's been back to basics for the St. Paul Saints (independent; Northern League): with attendance falling off a few years ago, the team scrapped the between-innings commotion and instead focused on one huge basic: customer service. (Oh, and fielding a winning team filled with local ties didn't hurt, either.) It worked: the sellout crowds are back. It's been two years since our last write up of Midway Stadium, but some things don't change: Midway sucks as a venue for baseball, a pig still trots out baseballs to the home-plate umpire, and Sister Rosalind still dispenses massages in the grandstand.

Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the preliminary plans by the Oakland A's for a small ballpark in Oakland. Managing partner Lew Wolff envisions a 35,000-seat ballpark -- making it the smallest in the majors -- with 80 suites, half of which seating six or fewer people. Wolff also envisions condos in the outfield and plans on presenting some sort of preliminary plan to Oakland officials in the next few weeks. McAfee Coliseum isn't the greatest of venues, but the A's do enjoy some pretty loyal fan support that could be expanded with a new ballpark. The team is also looking at privately financing much of the cost of a new ballpark, though they say a city or a county will have to come up with some sort of financing as well. Right now Oakland has first crack at the new ballpark, but don't be surprised if Wolff contacts other communities in the area -- like Emeryville or Fremont -- if Oakland or Alameda County can't come through with something.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Charlotte looks at mixed-use development for new Knights ballpark
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Backers of a new ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) have begun scouting for retail and development experts to come up with ideas for pairing a ballpark with retail, residential and office developments. Nothing new with this: this is essentially the Mandalay Sports model of the future and one used by ballpark proponents in Nashville to push for new facilities. Charlotte officials want to see a new ballpark on a county-owned tract near Central Piedmont Community College and presently occupied by Memorial Stadium or a privately held property in South End, but Knights officials have rejected both locations as being unworkable.

Brewers want upgrades to Miller Park
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio wants to see some enhancements to Miller Park that could generate more revenue for his team. The improvements could include digital display ad panels, an expansion of the TGI Friday's restaurant, the addition of a martini bar, the elimination of some suites, and an upgrade of the main scoreboard. Funding for the improvements could tap a segregated account for future improvements that was established during the $395 million construction of the stadium.

Ballpark is upbeat for downtown Toledo
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) are on pace to set a record for attendance, first set when Fifth Third Field opened four years ago. More importantly, the ballpark has changed the perception of downtown Toledo, according to John Harris: the ballpark is a destination for tourists and it's helped fuel an economic resurgence in downtown. More on the new downtown ballpark here.

Greensboro sets single-season attendance record
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last week the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) set a city record for attendance: the team has drawn 260,341 fans at First Horizon Park, breaking the old record (260,340 back in 1981), set at War Memorial Stadium.

Eastlake councilman may face recall over debt for ballpark
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Some people bear a grudge: Bruno Razov, the lone remaining member of an Eastlake (Ohio) City Council that borrowed $26 million in 2002 for a ballpark for the Lake County Captains (Class A; Sally League), could face a recall election this fall after a city resident who led other recall battles filed the appropriate paperwork. Out of the seven councilmembers who voted for the ballpark funding, five have either resigned or been defeated in regular elections, while another has been defeated in a recall election.

Minor-league baseball a hit in Springfield
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League) have been a hit this season, drawing 7,384 fans a game to Hammons Field. Considering Hammons Field has 7,500 seats, that average is pretty impressive, to say the least. Only one Double-A team -- the Frisco RoughRiders -- outdraws the Cardinals.

Where have all the Wichita sports fans gone?
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
By contrast, the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) are not having the best of years at the box office, drawing 2,528 fans at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The Wranglers front office attributes the lack of success partly to players coming and going quickly even by minor-league standards, as parent team Kansas City shuffles players among its affiliates. It sounds like pro sports in general are having a hard time in Wichita, however. We'll be at the Wranglers game tonight and will be filing a ballpark visit on Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in the near future.

Take me out to the traditionalist ballpark
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If you're a regular reader of Ballpark Digest you occasionally see an article concerning ballpark architecture as it fits in the greater world of general architecture. Modernists decry the retro breed of ballpark as basically being too schlocky; when the New York Times covers sports architecture, for instance, the angle is always how the avant-garde sports architecture found in Europe is superior to ballparks in America. In this article Steven Malanga defends retro ballpark architecture, saying opposition to it is snobbish and ignoring the fact retro ballparks fit in quite well with their urban surroundings.

Going Gnatty
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If you ever wanted to know about the day-to-day management of a Class A Sally League team, here's your article. Jim Thomas details what it takes for the Savannah Sand Gnats staff to get things rolling on a game day, which begins at 8 a.m. for some staffers. There's a lot more work that goes into game-day preparation than most people think. And, of course, things can go wrong along the way.

Owlz are the only game in town -- playing on Sundays
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Well, apparently Western Civilization is still OK, despite the Orem Owlz (rookie; Pioneer League) playing a Sunday baseball game. Utah County hasn't seen a Sunday baseball game in 50 years, as the Provo Angels (the predecessor to the Owlz) either scheduled away games or off days for Sunday, in deference to the large Mormon population in the area. Apparently things went off without a hitch, although Owlz management was expecting to take a hit on attendance.

Holland a pro at getting sports teams
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the announcement by SunCoast Sports co-founder and Holland (Mich.) resident Ed Mayo Jr. that he is seeking an independent Northern League team for Holland, Mich. Holland is a growing area, but professional baseball isn't something that can happen overnight: besides paying the $1.5 million in expansion fees for a team, Mayo must also find a way for someone to pay for a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORY: Businessman working to bring Northern League team to Holland

Faithful flock to Moxie year after year
Posted July 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Staunton Braves of the college wood-bat Valley Baseball League have been operating for more than 60 years, with faithful fans flocking to Moxie Stadium. The ballpark didn't originally house a college wood-bat team: the Presidents were originally made up of local talent. In general, college wood-bat leagues are experiencing a renaissance these days as local communities embrace the college players.