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Archives: Oct. 9-15, 2005

Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check
Posted October 14, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
At some point in life you realize that wishing isn't enough to make things become real. Apparently the proponents of a new downtown ballpark for the Kansas City Royals haven't yet reached that point, according to columnist Joe Posanski, who argues that it's futile to discuss a new downtown ballpark until the Kansas City Royals come on board. They won't: from a business viewpoint, it's the kiss of death to take the lead on something like a new downtown ballpark when fans want the team to stay at Kauffman Stadium. (Requires subscription.)
    RELATED STORIES: Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Without a deal, Nats could run to a new home
Posted October 14, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Harry Jaffee opines the ballpark deal between MLB and the District of Columbia for a new facility is on the verge of collapse. Not quite sure that's true: his main argument is that negotiations between MLB officials and the Sports and Entertainment Commission are stalled, and that could lead to a collapse. But much of MLB's action stalls at playoff and World Series time; we know of several other business deals (big and small) that are "stalled" because MLB officials are focused on other things at the moment. (It's worse now because Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Chicago White Sox, has a team in the ALCS, and he's lead negotiator for MLB on a D.C. lease.) Jaffe also faults MLB for wanting the best lease possible. Welcome to the world of baseball business, Harry.

Special session a slim possibility
Posted October 14, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The chances of the Minnesota Legislature meeting in special session are still slim, and the chances of the House and the Senate discussing approval of a local sales tax to partially fund a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins appears to be even slimmer. The topic most legislators agree upon is approval of state funding for a new University of Minnesota Golden Gophers stadium; past that, there's partial support for a Twins ballpark, but we're hearing Republican leaders are overstating the opposition to a local sales tax so the caucus can protect vulnerable suburban legislators seeking reelection next year. (Requires subscription.)
    RELATED STORIES: Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Minnesota governor to jump-start Twins ballpark discussions with legislative leaders; Key legislator backs special session to address Minnesota stadium issues; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Minneapolis Greens hope ballpark issue helps them in primary; Legislative session to decide fate of Twins ballpark back on track; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

City Walk out for Frontier League team
Posted October 14, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As we reported yesterday, the developers of a new multiuse project in Lee's Summit, Mo., are dropping a new ballpark and plans for an independent Frontier League team from the project -- at least the first phase. We've heard the group seeking a team for Lee's Summit is now talking with another independent league about a new ballpark. Meanwhile, the development firm says they'll place a Frontier League team at a ballpark to be located near Longview Community College. (Requires subscription.)

Official: Patience running thin on York ballpark debate
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The issue in York, Pa., is simple: the city council wants to have final say over the lease between the city and Keystone Baseball on a new ballpark, while the York County Economic Development Corp. does not want to cede that authority. City residents were on hand to speak out against the deal, which is fairly interesting considering the state is putting up relatively little of the construction funds.

Noise, lights, parking costs raised at North Little Rock ballpark meeting
Posted October 14, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Parking, lighting and noise are some of the concerns downtown residents and Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) season ticket holders raised Thursday about the team’s new ballpark in North Little Rock during a meeting on the stadium’s design. Construction is to start the second week of January on the taxpayer-funded $28 million ballpark just east of the Broadway Bridge in North Little Rock, city officials said during the public comment session. Some residents pointed out the lack of free parking in the area, which is a negative for retirees on a fixed income. (Requires subscription.)

Baseball Notes
Posted October 14, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Binghamton Mets GM Scott Brown has been named the 2005 Eastern League Executive of the Year. Brown led the Binghamton organization to one of their most successful seasons in recent memory. The 2005 season was Scott’s first year as the General Manager of the B-Mets after spending eight of the franchise’s first 13 seasons as the Assistant General Manager. Under Scott’s guidance this season the Binghamton franchise welcomed 222,243 fans through the gates at NYSEG Stadium, the third-highest attendance total in franchise history.....The new South Coast League announced the hirings of Nick Basso, Chris Deines, Matt Krantz, Chuck Roberts and Omar Roque, who will be working out of the league office in Bluffton, S.C. effective immediately. Basso joins the staff of the South Coast League as coordinator of baseball operations. Nick comes to the South Coast League having worked for two years in affiliated minor league baseball. Deines has been named director of information technologies; he comes to The South Coast league after two seasons with a franchise in the Carolina League. Krantz joins the South Coast League as the director of business development after a two-year stint with a Carolina League franchise, the second as director of group sales. Roberts comes to the South Coast League after one year in the Carolina League as director of operations/merchandise and has been named coordinator of professional and amateur scouting. Roque comes to the South Coast League after two seasons as assistant GM of the Greeneville Astros (rookiel Appalachian League). He has been named director of public and media relations for the league office.....Bob McClure is the new pitching coach of the Kansas City Royals....

Texas sells naming rights to Disch-Falk Field; plans major renovation
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials of the University of Texas and University Federal Credit Union agreed on a plan for UFCU to buy naming rights to Disch-Falk Field, the home of the six-time national champion Texas Longhorns baseball team. Under the terms approved today by the UT Board of Regents, the ballpark will be renamed UFCU Disch-Falk Field on August 1, 2006. The ballpark honors legendary Longhorns baseball coaches Billy Disch and Bibb Falk. UT Men's Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds also announced a plan for major renovations to the 30-year-old facility, including a new ballpark structure, additional seats (including club seating and possible suites), a remodeled concourse complete with improved concessions, restrooms and team store, new locker rooms, training facilities and batting cages, an expanded press box and new sound system. Dodds added that an architectural firm and construction manager should be selected by the end of the year and construction should begin after the 2006 college baseball season. More from the Austin American-Statesman and the Daily Texan.

Colts to return with new league
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's official: The San Angelos Colts are moving from the independent Central Baseball League to the new United League. As we reported yesterday, Brad Wendt is buying the ballpark and the team, shifting the Colts to the United League. San Angelo is the fourth team to enter the league, joining Amarillo, Edinburg and Harlingen, all of whom are former Central League members. Two more cities are expected to join soon, and the league could have as many as eight teams by the start of the 2006 season.

Questions arise about Lee's Summit ballpark development
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a minor brouhaha about a letter included by Jackson County Sports Authority Chairman Mike Smith in his group's bid for a state development grant for a complex in Lee's Summit, Missouri (a suburban area near Kansas City), that at one point included a minor-league ballpark. Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee says a letter purporting to be from him is not authentic; Smith says the letter was dictated by Lee. Lee probably has reason to complain, as his league isn't involved with the Lee's Summit project any longer; we've heard the Lee's Summit folks have made preliminary contact with another independent league -- one whose name would be very familiar to generations of baseball fans in Kansas City -- and discussed adding a ballpark during a secondary phase of development.

League receives new name
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More information on the American Association, the new independent league anchored by the Lincoln Saltdogs, St. Paul Saints, Sioux City Explorers and Sioux Falls Canaries. Mike Veeck, a co-owner of the Saints and an investor in the Canaries, says the league will be at 10 teams before the beginning of the 2006 season; since there are no plans to move into former Northern League cities like Madison or Duluth, the logical assumption is that some sort of agreement will be reached with the remaining members of the independent Central League. There's nothing new regarding the Northern League's assertion it has rights to ballpark leases in Sioux Falls and Sioux City; you can expect some sort of resolution next week. More from the Sioux Falls Journal and the Lincoln Journal-Star.
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2006: the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball; Northern League looking at Sioux Falls lease; New battles between Northern League, four defectors; Sioux City leaves Northern League, joins three other defectors; NL seeks Twin Cities team; Saints to leave Northern League

Scandal reverberations ripple to Twins, Gophers
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though the chances of a special session to address the ballpark needs of the Minnesota Twins had faded fast the last few days, allegations of a Minnesota Vikings sex party involving hookers and public nudity probably killed public sentiment for support of sports teams. Normally we welcome stories about hookers and blow, but Twins officials admit this will be the final nail in the coffin of a special session this year. It may also put off any decisions regarding a new Twins ballpark until 2007: next year both the Minnesota House and Senate are up for election, and there are plenty of nervous Republican legislators want nothing more than to avoid a public vote on ballpark financing.
    RELATED STORIES: Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Minnesota governor to jump-start Twins ballpark discussions with legislative leaders; Key legislator backs special session to address Minnesota stadium issues; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Minneapolis Greens hope ballpark issue helps them in primary; Legislative session to decide fate of Twins ballpark back on track; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Navs, Stadium Authority at odds over stadium funding
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) and the Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority are disagreeing over the funding source for a new $100,000 scoreboard for Dodd Stadium. The Navigators expected a state grant to pay for the scoreboard, but the authority thought ad sales on the scoreboard would pay for half the cost. The team also expects to unveil the new franchise moniker next Monday.

Mud Hens, Tigers extend affiliation pact to 2008
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Toledo Mud Hens and Detroit Tigers extended their affiliation pact through the 2008 season. This extends the affiliation between these two historic franchises that began in 1987. The Toledo Mud Hens are coming off one of their best seasons of all time. Toledo won the International League West Division with an 89-55 record and won the Governors' Cup for the first time since 1967. The Mud Hens also broke a three-year-old attendance record by attracting 556,995 fans during the regular season (Toledo drew an additional 36,042 fans in five post-season games).

Help us and we'll help you, FSU says
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There have been rumblings about minor-league baseball coming to Tallahassee; here's some small information about what the city would like to do: the city would like to build a new minor-league ballpark on Gaines Street, where the FSU intramural fields are currently located.

State College must refocus after securing a franchise
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's some unsolicited advice to the new owners of a short-season NY-Penn League team, as the New Jersey Cardinals are moving to State College for next season. There's been more work on the marketing and financial front than is assumed here, and if the ballpark is as nice as the renderings indicate, there might be more repeat visitors to the ballpark than is assumed here as well.

Lehigh County has a good ballpark deal if final details can be completed in time
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The day after Joe Finley and Craig Stein reached a final lease agreement for an Allentown ballpark, reality sets in as the local newspaper realized how much work there is left to do. Some of the work is probably more advanced than the newspaper realizes, like acquiring the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League), especially when another party is set to be majority owner; other parts are merely detail work, like closing with Agere for the property. But it's time for Lehigh Valley baseball fans to celebrate: the hardest work appears to be done. The ballpark was a hot topic at Wednesday night's meeting of the Lehigh County commissioners: all seemed pleased with the deal in place. More from the Express-Times.
     RELATED STORIES: Baseball bunch, Lehigh County announce ballpark lease deal

Baseball Notes
Posted October 13, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The West Tenn Diamond Jaxx announced the promotion of Dave Jojola to assistant general manager. Jojola has served as the director of advertising and group sales for the Diamond Jaxx the past three seasons. Previous to his work with West Tenn, Jojola served as assistant general manager of the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League) and the director of corporate marketing for the Portland Beavers (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) and the Portland Timbers soccer team....Andy Crossley is the new GM of the Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am League)....Sam Perlozzo signed a three-year deal as manager of the Baltimore Orioles....

New for 2006: the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The four defectors from the independent Northern League announced a name for their new league: the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. The original American Association ran from 1902-1962 (beginning life as an independent league, incidentally) and then again in 1969-1997. The St. Paul Saints, Sioux City Explorers, Sioux Falls Canaries and Lincoln Saltdogs are expected to be joined by additional teams in the new venture. This will be St. Paul’s second foray into the American Association. From 1902-60, the original St. Paul Apostles (who changed their name to Saints in 1915) served as a farm team for the Cardinals, Yankees and Dodgers in the AA. The franchise moved to Omaha when the Minnesota Twins joined the American League in 1961. There's also a personal connection for Veeck: his father Bill Veeck, owned the Milwaukee Brewers of the original American Association. The new league will commence play in 2006, and you can expect more announcements as league officials expect up to six more team joining the American Association. Miles Wolff, one of the founders of the new Northern League, has been asked to be commissioner of the new league.

Baseball bunch, Lehigh County announce ballpark lease deal
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the lease agreement -- and resulting celebration -- between owners Joe Finley and Craig Stein and Lehigh County for a new Allentown ballpark. Stein and Finley's corporation, Gracie Baseball L.P. (named after Finley's daughter) will lease the county-owned $34.3-million ballpark for $700,000 a year for 20 years. Annual rent payments drop to $350,000 for the agreement's final nine years. Lease payments and a percentage of the hotel tax will pay off county construction bonds. Gracie Baseball will also contribute annually to a capital fund for ballpark repairs. Finley and Stein also confirmed a Class AAA International League team will be moving to the ballpark, but declined to name the franchise; it's widely assumed to be the Ottawa Lynx. More from the Morning Call.

Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the proposal by the Downtown Council to build a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals, replacing Kauffman Stadium. Really, the plan is simple: take the proceeds of a new countywide tax scheduled for a 2006 vote and spend them on a new downtown Royals ballpark, not a refurbishment of Arrowhead Stadium. (The plan would also augment that revenue with some other smaller revenue sources, like a tax on players.) The Royals' reaction: they'd rather see a $245 million renovation of Kauffman Stadium (which doesn't appear to be on the table at the moment) but would consider a downtown ballpark. More from the Topeka Capital-Journal. Mike Hendricks isn't impressed with the proposal.
    RELATED STORIES: Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Northern League looking at Sioux Falls lease
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the move by the independent Northern League to take over the ballpark lease in Sioux Falls. The following clause in the lease between the Sioux Falls Canaries and the city reads as follows:  "If the club ceases to be a member of the Northern League, this agreement may be assigned to the Northern League upon request of the Northern League, which it may reassign to another member." (There's also another provision in the lease suggesting the Canaries would need to consent to this reassignment.) This would certainly give the city the power to terminate the Canaries' lease, but does not compel them to do so; as the Sioux Falls city manager says, the city has all the power, and it's hard to imagine the city would terminate relations with a good tenant in favor of a league with no local ownership ties. (Another fact that may sway Sioux Falls leaders: the Canaries contributed $750,000 to the renovation of Sioux Falls Stadium; the Northern League contributed nothing.) Mike Veeck will be holding press conferences this afternoon in Sioux Falls and Sioux City to address this issue and discuss plans for a new league, although we've heard the names of the other cities joining the new league probably won't be announced today. Meanwhile, city officials have scheduled meetings Thursday with the Canaries and Sunday with Northern League officials. More from the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
    RELATED STORIES: New battles between Northern League, four defectors; Sioux City leaves Northern League, joins three other defectors; NL seeks Twin Cities team; Saints to leave Northern League

D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The D.C. Council reopened debate yesterday over the financing and location of a ballpark for the Washington Nationals, prompting fears from some city officials that the timetable could be set back on the high-stakes project. Two elements of the deal were up for debate: some members want to review the agreement with Deutsche Bank that trades revenue streams at the new ballpark for $245 million in upfront financing, while Linda Cropp -- who is running for mayor -- renewed her plea to place the ballpark at the current RFK Stadium site, potentially saving $200 million. In theory, the ballpark should be completing in time for the 2008 season, but any delays now could push the opening back a season.
    RELATED STORIES: Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council

Stingers sign 10-year lease with Franklin Covey
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Salt Lake Stingers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) signed a 10-year lease at Franklin Covey Field, ending speculation that new team owner Larry Miller would seek another ballpark in the Salt Lake City area.  for the first time since the team started playing at the ballpark in the 1990s, the lease also says the team cannot move anywhere else in Salt Lake County. If the team tries to move outside the county, the city would have a first shot at buying the team. The lease drop from $300,000 a year to $7,500, but the Stingers will assume all maintenance costs -- which have been more than $300,000 in recent years.

Fremont swings for the fences with A's bid
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fremont City Council Tuesday night unanimously agreed to study the possibility of making a proposal to bring the Oakland A's to Fremont. The city will hire a consultant to look at potential sites, costs and economic benefits. The study also will analyze any impacts on neighboring businesses and residential communities, and explore the possibility of building a regional sports complex in town. The study will cost between $30,000 and $50,000, and it could take three months or more to complete. It doesn't sound like Fremont plans to directly compete for the A's; rather, the city wants to be in position to lure the team should a plan to build a new ballpark near the current McAfee Coliseum site falls through.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Mavericks owner strikes out with former employees, players
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The locals are surprised that Gary Wendt closed up Mid-Missouri Mavericks (independent; Frontier League) operations in Columbia, Mo., but as we reported here, Wendt is involved in the new independent United League and focusing his energies there. He is setting up shop in Edinburg and is launching the Edinburg team in the new United League; he's already offered jobs to a few former Edinburg Roadrunners (independent; Central League) employees. His brother, Brad Wendt, is purchasing the San Angelo ballpark and the San Angelo Colts from Harlan Bruha; the Colts will also be part of the new United Baseball League. This articles says Wendt has talked to South Bend and Topeka officials about moving the Mavericks there, but we've heard any discussions with Topeka were regarding the United League.

At 15, 'the Cell' morphs into baseball palace
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U.S. Cellular Field, which was reviled after opening in 1991, is getting some new respect as the American League Championship Series opens at the home of the Chicago White Sox. You've got to give White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and the Sox front office credit: they listened to complaints about the ballpark (the steep upper deck, the sterile look of the park) and made a ton of changes to the ballpark in the next few years -- and financed the whole thing with the sale of naming rights. (For all you conspiracy buffs out there: note it's the Chicago Tribune saying nice things about the Cell.)

Hearing on San Diego Ballpark Village delayed by week
Posted October 12, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A San Diego City Council hearing concerning the future of the Ballpark Village surrounding Petco Park was delayed until next Tuesday. The complex deal involves a 1.2 million-square-foot transfer of development rights from Petco Park, grants of public land on the 7-acre site and obligations for affordable housing; JMI (the development arm of Padres owner John Moores) wants to eliminate low-income condos from the development and instead donate money toward affordable housing elsewhere in the city.
    RELATED STORIES: New San Diego Ballpark Village deal rejected; Reject Ballpark Village, downtown group advises; Council urged to reject change in San Diego Ballpark Village master plan; San Diego Ballpark Village proposal takes surprising turn; Padres eager to break ground on Ballpark Village

NY-Penn League will realign for 2006; will not add games
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The short-season NY-Penn League will be slightly realigned for the 2006 season after the New Jersey Cardinals receive official approval for a State College move: the league's McNamara Division will include the Hudson Valley Renegades, the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Staten Island Yankees and the Brooklyn Cyclones, while two former McNamara Division teams, the Williamsport Crosscutters and new State College team, will move to the Pinckney Division. League officials also announced that the 2006 schedule will remain at 76 games, with play beginning on June 20. Apparently there's a little less support for a grand realignment of lower minor leagues than some assumed; baseball owners may address a proposal to dump the Arizona and Gulf Coast leagues in November, but the numbers didn't quite yield the savings proponents first promised.
    RELATED STORIES: New San Diego Ballpark Village deal rejected; Reject Ballpark Village, downtown group advises; Council urged to reject change in San Diego Ballpark Village master plan; San Diego Ballpark Village proposal takes surprising turn; Padres eager to break ground on Ballpark Village

Big things promised as Tourists sale inked
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The sale of the Asheville Tourists (Class A; Sally League) to Palace Sports & Entertainment was finalized this week, and PS&E COO Sean Henry was at McCormick Field to introduce himself to the press and present some ideas of what the team would like to see done with the ballpark. Nothing big, really: on Henry's list is a new fence, an upgraded sound system expanded to the outer concourse, and a play area down the left-field line.

Baseball Notes
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Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central League) manager Wayne Terwilliger, who led the team to the 2005 Central League championship, has decided to retire after more than five decades in the game. He was named the Central League’s 2005 Manager of the Year after leading the Cats to a franchise-best 60 wins. The team won both halves of the season and eventually defeated San Angelo in five games in the championship series to win the team’s first CBL title. On June 27, Terwilliger turned 80-years-old and joined the legendary Connie Mack as the only two 80-year-old managers in baseball history. When he took over the Cats in 2003, he became the oldest skipper in minor-league history....Clearwater Threshers General Manager John Timberlake was named executive of the year award by the Class A Florida State League. He previously was named FSL executive of the year in 1990....Jim tracy is the new manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates....Toledo Mud Hens General Manager Joe Napoli has been named the 2005 International League Executive of the Year.

Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dan Barrett, principal of Barrett Sports Group LLC, unveiled a financing package today that would both renovate Arrowhead Stadium and build a $357 million downtown ballpark to replace Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals. The downtown stadium would be financed in part with about $202 million in bonds repaid with half of the proceeds of a three-eighths-cent sales tax assessed in Jackson County alone for 30 years. The package also requires Royals owner David Glass to provide $41 million for construction costs. No one from the Royals was available for comment.
    RELATED STORIES: Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Ballpark Visit: Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In many ways Rogers Centre was a groundbreaking ballpark, correctly anticipating the trends that would resonate with baseball fans: retractable roof to let in and keep out the elements when appropriate; multiple restaurants overlooking the field; and a downtown location to add a layer of sophistication to the proceedings. In many ways SkyDome (as it was known as then) was ahead of its time when built; too bad the engineers creating this marvel didn't add the human touch -- an omission the Blue Jays are still working to address.

Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A special session of the Minnesota Legislature to address state stadium issues appears to be dead after an influential legislator, House Majority Leader Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie), told Gov. Tim Pawlenty there was no appetite in his caucus for a special session. The original plan was to debate stadium proposals for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team (to be funded with state funds) and the Minnesota Twins (to be funded with a Hennepin County sales tax). Paulsen is looking out for suburban members of his caucus, who are nervous about their reelection campaigns (the western suburbs of the Twin Cities are not as reliably Republican as they once were) and would rather not be on record supporting or opposing these facilities. (Requires registration.)
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Fremont will consider a pitch for A's
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fremont (Cal.) officials are considering a bid for a new Oakland A's ballpark should the current proposal by the team for a new facility near the McAfee Coliseum fall through. Tonight the Fremont City Council will decide whether to hire a consultant to determine the economic feasibility of a Fremont ballpark. There have been reports that Oakland managing partner Lew Wolff has found it hard to generate a lot of enthusiasm within Oakland for the proposed development, which calls for a ballpark surrounded by housing and office space. Fremont officials like the idea of a mixed-use development and want to be in place should the Oakland proposal collapses.
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Lease for Allentown ballpark now in place
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Lehigh County officials on Monday announced an agreement with baseball entrepreneurs Craig Stein and Joe Finley on the ownership and operation of a minor league baseball stadium for a Class AAA International League team in Allentown. Under the agreement, Stein and Finley will lease the stadium for 29 years at an annual cost of $700,000 for 20 years or until the stadium's construction loans are paid off and $350,000 each year thereafter. Stein and Finley will also pay into a capital reserve fund the county will use to repair and improve the stadium. The total cost of the stadium project is estimated at $34.3 million. It's widely expected the Ottawa Lynx will be sold and moved to the new ballpark when it is completed.

York ballpark owners commit to 20-year tax plan
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Owners of a new ballpark planned for York, Pa., would pay the city, county and school district $100,000 a year for 20 years under a proposal made Monday night to the York City School Board. The figure represents nearly twice what the three governments collect in property taxes currently. Under the plan, the school district would receive $60,800 a year, the city would get $29,400 and the county would see $9,800 from the nonprofit York County Economic Development Corp.
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Lugnuts get new pact in 5-3 vote
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lansing City Council approved a new lease with the Lansing Lugnuts (Class A; Midwest League) that will keep the team at Oldsmobile Park through 2020. The city's old contract with the Lugnuts was slated to expire after the 2010 season. Under the new deal, city officials expect to receive about $475,081 in revenue from the team this year. But the city will get $125,000 less in revenue each year from 2007-2009 and about $225,000 less annually from 2010-2020. More from WLNS.
    RELATED STORIES: City shouldn't cave to Lugnuts; Tom Dickson and Sherrie Myers: Lansing, Lugnuts should continue great partnership; Lugnuts can be replaced, some say; Retailers hoping Lugnuts will stay downtown

Forest district gains from Cougars
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The Kane County Cougars (Class A; Midwest League) returned more than $730,000 in profits to the public coffers, according to a report filed Friday with the Forest Preserve District. The Cougars drew more than 518,000 fans in 2005, and the team generated $7,928,464 in total revenue in 2005, up from $7,602,122 last year. A $127,552 falloff in revenue from ticket sales was offset by increased revenue from concessions, souvenirs and advertising for a return to the Forest Preserve District of $734,277, or $26,107 more than what was returned in 2004. Under the 10-year contract the Cougars signed in 2001, the district receives 8 percent of total revenue from baseball operations and is paid a guaranteed $100,000 annually in parking revenue.

Matthews not ready to hang it up despite grind of losing
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Denny Matthews, the longtime voice of the Kansas City Royals, says he'll be back next season, but isn't committing to anything past that. One trial balloon was floated here: Matthews says he wouldn't mind a schedule where he calls only home games and a few road series (the Dodgers do this with Vin Scully and the Twins do this with Herb Carneal).

The right question in Minnesota ballpark debate
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
I'm guessing if we troll the archives of the St. Paul Pioneer Press editorial pages we'll see some sharp words condemning the economic benefits of building a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins; after all, the mantra for ballpark opponents is that they rarely (if ever) provide an economic benefit. Yet here the Pioneer Press endorses the idea of a downtown St. Paul ballpark because it could provide an economic impact in the same way Xcel Energy Center did. The Twins and most observers were stunned when Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed a St. Paul location; we're sure it's because he wants to kill the proposal while appearing to support it..

Baseball Notes
Posted October 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League) announced the promotion of Liam Miller to assistant general manager and Joel Padfield to director of sales. Miller, a graduate of Indiana State University, joined the Otters in February 2004, after having spent the previous four seasons working for the Oakland Athletics. Padfield has been with the Otters since May, 2003, and is a graduate of Central High School and Ball State State University....The Midwest League announced its 2005 awards: the Peoria Chiefs won the Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy; the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers won the John H. Johnson President's Trophy; Laurie Schill of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers won the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year; and Dave Walker of the Burlington Bees was named Midwest League Executive of the Year....Josh Buchholz is the new general manager of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (independent; Northern League). He's served the club in various capacities since the team's inception 10 years ago....Ed Wade is out as GM of the Philadelphia Phillies....Jim Beattie is no longer executive vice president of the Baltimore Orioles....

New battles between Northern League, four defectors
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Despite statements from independent Northern League Commissioner Mike Stone about wanting amicable relationships between the league and four defecting teams (St. Paul, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Lincoln), things have taken on a nastier tone after Stone told several journalists, including those from the Winnipeg Free Press (sorry, no link -- it's a subscription-only Web site), that the league had a legal right to take over the leases at the St. Paul, Sioux City, Sioux Falls and Lincoln. While this statement doesn't appear to be grounded in any reality -- the individual team corporate entities hold the leases -- the disinformation provided by Stone may backfire as the league struggled to come up with a workable 2006 schedule. Because of the vast territory the league covers (from Gary, Ind., to Edmonton), the league attempted an unbalanced schedule with eight teams and couldn't come up with anything better than Fargo-Moorhead playing Edmonton more than 20 times. The league is now looking at a 10-team lineup and initially sought alternative venues in defector cities, but the strategy now seems to be playing hardball and trying to assume existing leases. In any case, look for the tone to get nastier in the next month as Northern League officials will probably reject an overture from defector cities to play a series or two each season to balance out the schedule. You can also look for some battles within existing Northern League markets: representatives from Lee's Summit, which is seeking to bring pro baseball to that Kansas City suburb (and had previously talked with the independent Frontier League) met with representatives from the new independent league over the weekend.
    RELATED STORIES: Sioux City leaves Northern League, joins three other defectors; NL seeks Twin Cities team; Saints to leave Northern League

Ballpark Visit: Petco Park, San Diego Padres
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Despite some initial legal and political setbacks, San Diego's Petco Park ended up being a welcome addition to the world of big-league ballparks when it opened in 2004. Besides being cheap-seat nirvana (the beach-side bleachers are only $8, while really good seats can be found at $12), the ballpark is interesting on many levels: ultimately, Petco Park manages to accomplish the rare feat of catering not only to the fan focused entirely on the game, but also the visitor interested in the overall experience.

National Sports Service looks to add second team in Denver
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
National Sports Service, which has been working on a new ballpark in Aurora, Col., is also looking at a new ballpark in Jefferson County as well. Placing two teams in the same large metro area makes logistical sense for NSS: you can run both and use the same expertise to launch both franchises as well. We're not entirely sure the Central League is the best place for these teams: there's a long history between Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Lincoln, St. Paul and Denver when it comes to baseball, add Topeka and a Kansas City-based team to the mix and you have a league.

Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals exceeded expectations by selling 2.7 million tickets in their inaugural season and will earn a $25-million profit, about $5 million more than the team projected at midseason, team officials said. However, because fewer people actually showed up to games at RFK Stadium than anticipated, the District of Columbia will earn less than the $10.5 million expected, potentially running a shortfall of $500,000 from revenue generated by sales of tickets, parking, concessions and merchandise. Nationals officials said that though an average of 33,728 fans bought tickets to each game, more than 25 percent did not attend -- a pretty frank statement, considering these sorts of figures are zealously guarded by MLB officials.
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Eugene contemplates Civic Stadium's future
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Eugene officials are debating the future of Civic Stadium, the home of the Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League). Built in 1938, Civic Stadium didn't begin life as a professional baseball venue (it was designed as a WPA project to house school football and baseball teams), but when Eugene landed a Class AAA Pacific Coast League team in 1969, it was pressed into duty. The ballpark is still owned by the local school district, which is debating whether to redevelop the land as part of a long-term strategy.

In memoriam: Tom Cheek
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tom Cheek, the original broadcaster for the Toronto Blue Jays, passed away yesterday from brain cancer. He was 66. Cheek was first diagnosed with a brain tumor last summer and had surgery to remove it on June 13, his 65th birthday. The procedure was partially successful and a round of chemotherapy that hampered his short-term memory followed. He called 4,306 consecutive games from Bill Singer's first pitch April 7, 1977 until last June 3.

Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're already seeing some communities express interest in fielding teams in the new independent South Coast League, which announced a launch of operations for the 2007 season. According to league founder Jamie Toole, the league is targeting areas from central Florida to central Virginia that are interested in baseball and draw from populations of 25,000 to 50,000. The goal is to prevent bus trips that would exceed 12 hours.
    RELATED STORIES: South Coast League announces 2007 launch

Red Barons need offseason work
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League) face a slew of challenges entering the 2005 season: GM Jeremy Ruby needs to work out some ballpark and sales issues. The 2005 season set an all-time record for lowest actual attendance, 239,473, and marks the third straight year of decline. Plus, there's a very strong chance the Red Barons will lose their Phillies affiliation when an Allentown team begins play: the Phillies are much more involved in the Allentown efforts to land a Class AAA International League team than has been reported, to the point of taking a large ownership stake in the team.

Pitch for ballpark leaves other area needs waiting on deck
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's one negative reaction to the idea of building a new spring-training complex in Sarasota to house both the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles. The issue is whether building a new complex for $40 million would be worth the investment -- a very debatable point. However, there's really nothing sophisticated about the argument here: Rod Thomson argues that spending any money is bad.

'Wolves explore move to Michigan
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the potential move of the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) to the Detroit area. No one seems to know a whole lot of about it, past some brief comments made by Tigers head honcho Dave Dombrowski about talks between the Tigers and Mandalay Baseball Properties about moving the team there. It's been reported Tigers owner Mike Illitch has signed off on the move, but there's probably nothing imminent: the Mandalay economic model calls for development surrounding a new ballpark, and officials in Dearborn and Taylor (Mich.) say they've not been contacted. One idea some are floating: renovating Tiger Stadium for use as a minor-league facility (an idea floated at one time by Mike Veeck, among others): the area surrounding the ballpark is in the midst of a revival.
    RELATED STORIES: Erie SeaWolves to Detroit?

Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction of a new Marion, Ill., ballpark will begin on Monday, as all financing issues have been worked out. The ballpark will house a Class A Midwest League team; it's not been officially announced, but the South Bend Silver Hawks are the team making the move. Work this fall will focus on site preparation, while the more serious construction will begin in the spring and be completed in time for the 2007 season.

Medallions now being installed at new Busch Stadium
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Medallions created by Wishstone are now being installed on the exterior of the new Busch Stadium, scheduled to open in 2006. The medallions feature various St. Louis Cardinals logos from throughout the team's history. The medallions are custom-made and then reproduced for use on the ballpark from casts. Fans should appreciate the look of the medallions as they come to Busch Stadium for the National League Championship Series, which begins tomorrow. For more information, contact the Bird on Bat website.

It’s time to step up to the plate, and swing away
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another call for the University of South Carolina to work in partnership with a minor-league team on a new ballpark. As you'll recall, USC rejected this approach, leading the Capital City Bombers (Class A; Sally League) to leave for Greenville. So far developer Alan Kahn has been working with the ownership of the Columbus Catfish (Class A; Sally League) on a new-ballpark plan in suburban Columbia, and despite interest from other teams -- ownership of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) were interested in a move at one point -- it looks like the Catfish plan will carry the day.

PCL approves sale of Fresno Grizzlies
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
To absolutely no one's surprise, the Pacific Coast League's Board of Directors approved the sale of the Fresno Grizzlies on a 16-0 vote. The Fresno Diamond Group agreed to sell the team in August to the Fresno Baseball Club LLC, and received approval from the Fresno City Council a week later. The Grizzlies probably needed a change at the top: lawsuits, internal dissension and some questions about the skill level of the front office (before this past season, anyway) all proved to be distractions.

Majors mull longer NY-Penn season
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the proposal to eliminate the Arizona and Gulf Coast leagues and expand the NY-Penn and Northwest league seasons. Many fans of NY-Penn League teams don't want to see the changes: they don't like the idea of a longer season, and they fear their teams will turn into a loading pen for free agents, with higher draft choices moving directly to Class A.

Baseball Notes
Posted October 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fran Riordan signed a three-year contract to continue as manager of the Kalamazoo Kings (independent; Frontier League) after winning the league championship this season. Riordan is probably the most dominant force on the field in the entire league: He's the all-time leader in games played (411), hits (449), RBIs (312) and has the league's citizenship award named after him; as a manager he's won three of the last four league championships (twice with the Richmond Roosters, once with Kalamazoo).... Dean Treanor says he's returning as manager of the Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) next season....

Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark
Posted October 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Leaders of Kansas City's Downtown Council say they have a financing plan for a new downtown Kansas City Royals and are prepared to share the details on Tuesday. The Royals have given off mixed signals about their desire for a downtown ballpark: at one point owner David Glass expressed interest in talking with the Downtown Council, but withdrew the offer a few weeks afterward. However, if recent reports are to be believed -- that Jackson County may be looking to spend more than $400 million on improvements to Arrowhead Stadium and $40 million to Kauffman Stadium -- then you can't fault the Royals for reconsidering their options.
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Pawlenty floats St. Paul ballpark for Twins
Posted October 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If you're a regular reader of this site, you know we've been resolute in our observation that Gov. Tim Pawlenty may claim to support a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in the abstract but always working behind the scenes to kill it (letting him weasel his way through the controversy by having it both ways). On Friday he made it clear he still wants it both ways, suggesting that a new Twins ballpark be placed in St. Paul, where he thinks it could pass a public referendum. Surely Pawlenty isn't dumb enough to think the public financing of a new Twins ballpark could pass a St. Paul referendum (a 1999 vote went down in flames), so he's clearly working to defeat the proposal by pushing a clearly unworkable "solution" but wanting to give the appearance of supporting the measure. The Twins don't want a St. Paul ballpark, and neither do St. Paul political leaders. Politicians wonder why people hate them; this is a clear reason why. (Requires registration.)
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Owner: Rays don't need new stadium
Posted October 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Smart move by Stuart Sternberg, who's now running the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, to say a new ballpark isn't essential to the team's success. Yes, at some point in the future the Devil Rays will need a new ballpark, but people outside Tampa don't realize how loathed the Devil Rays management is, and Sternberg is savvy enough to know he has to mend a whole lot of fences before he can demand a new facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Tampa Bay's new boss: 'Baseball junkie' with business savvy

Tanner ‘getting anxious’ about new USC ballpark
Posted October 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
University of South Carolina baseball coach Ray Tanner said Friday he is no longer certain that construction on the school’s proposed baseball stadium will be completed in time for the 2007 home opener. No kidding: USC has basically dropped plans for a Vista-located ballpark and is casting about for other location; Tanner says an alternate plan is in the works, and if things come together 2007 isn't out of the question at all.

Mavs, county explore building new ballpark
Posted October 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials from Missouri's Boone County are joining Mid-Missouri Mavericks (independent; Frontier League) owner Gary Wendt on a tour of Frontier League facilities in Missouri to get a sense of what the Mavs are looking for in a new ballpark on the county fairgrounds. However, there is no formal proposal on the table from Wendt and the Mavericks to build a minor league ballpark at the fairgrounds. A ballpark is just one part of protracted discussions at the county level about the fairground’s future. Don't assume this is being done for the benefit of the Frontier League: Wendt is reportedly an investor in the new independent United League.

Fans hopeful that pro sports return to Utica
Posted October 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Locals continue to see a pro baseball team for Murname Field in Utica, the former home of the Utica Blue Sox (short season; NY-Penn League). Officials from the Can-Am League have looked at placing a team there the last few years and even had a road team play a series there (to decent, but not great, attendance). The ballpark is subsidized by the county, and officials fear the lack of a team may lead to the closing of the ballpark.