Recent
Visits |
Dickey-Stephens Park,
Arkansas Travelers
If you're going to
replace a legendary ballpark, you had best make
sure the replacement is a worthy successor. In the
case of Dickey-Stephens Park, the new home of the
Arkansas Travelers is a worthy
successor to Ray Winder
Field, the team's longtime home. While
Dickey-Stephens Park doesn't have many quirks or
much history yet, if opening night was any
indication the place will surely be full of life
for decades to come. Perfectly situated on the
shores of the Arkansas River with downtown Little
Rock as a scenic backdrop, Dickey-Stephens Park is
a community resource of the best kind.
Ray Winder Field was
the home of the Travs for more than 70 seasons;
we'd be very surprised if future editors of
Ballpark Digest didn't return to Dickey-Stephens
Park in 70 years and find the place as lively as
ever.
Clark-LeClair Stadium, ECU
Pirates
East
Carolina has the pleasure of playing at Clark-LeClair
Stadium, one of the better newer facilities in
college baseball. Clark-LeClair was built at a
cost of $11 million -- all from private donations
raised by the ECU Educational Foundation. The
magnitude of the place is immediately apparent as
you approach the main gate, and once inside no
aspect of the facility disappoints. Jim Robins
takes in a Pirates game.
Doak Field at Dail Park, NC
State Wolfpack
It is always a fine thing when a college
ballpark fits in just right with the scale and
expectations of the baseball program it serves.
This is particularly true when you look at Doak Field
serving as home to the NC State Wolfpack. Most years,
NC State features a handful of potential major
leaguers on squads with an expectation to reach
the NCAA Tournament (four straight years, 7 of
past 10). The fit is right -- the rebuilt Doak
Field at Dail Park is entirely worthy of the
high-caliber Wolfpack program.
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Features |
2007 Ballparks
Arkansas
Calgary
Idaho Falls
Marion, Ill.
Midland, Mich.
York, Pa.
2008 Ballparks
Billings
Lehigh Valley
LSU
Madison, Wis.
(renovations)
Springdale, Ark.
Southern Maryland
University of South
Carolina
Washington, D.C.
2009 Ballparks
Charlotte County, Fla.
Columbus, Ohio
Glendale, Az.
Goodyear, Az.
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Pensacola,
Fla.
Winston-Salem
2010 Ballparks
Kansas City
(renovations)
Minnesota
Oakland
Athletics
Ballparks of the Past
Colt
Stadium
Crosley Field
Durham Athletic
Park
Ebbets Field
Griffith Stadium
Huntington Avenue
Grounds
Jack Russell
Jarry Park
Joannes Field
L.A. Coliseum
Metropolitan
Stadium
Muehlebach
Field
Municipal Stadium
(Kansas City)
Sicks' Stadium
Tinker Field
War Memorial
(Greensboro)
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The Last Good Season
2006 Attendance
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By team
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Affiliated - total
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Indy - total
2005 Attendance
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2004 Attendance
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league
Combined
overall
2003 Attendance
MLB attendance
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League overview
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league
Combined
overall
2002 Attendance
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league
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The
Fine Print |
Obligatory legal information:
This site is copyright 1998-2007 Kevin Reichard/August
Publications. All rights
reserved. My wife is a lawyer, so she will come and chop off
your hand in a legal fashion if you rip off this site
in any form. All logos are the property of their respective
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Broadcasts |
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Internet, which makes it easy to follow your favorite team when
you're on the road. In addition, you can catch MLB game broadcasts at
MLB.com or via XM Radio.
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Archives:
July 2-8, 2006
For new Reds
ballpark, cash crisis on deck
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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A plan to
build a new $54-million spring-training ballpark
in Sarasota for the Cincinnati Reds is facing one
huge problem: local politicians are at a dead end
on funding.
Sarasota's funding for the construction of a new
stadium and renovations to
Ed Smith Stadium is
dependent upon $15 million in state monies, a
possible half-cent increase in the Tourist
Development Tax that must be approved by the
county commission and rent from the Reds. Anything
short of the proposed $54 million price tag will
have to be funded by the city, and they'd rather
not issue local taxes to pay for it. However, the
project seems to have an inflated price tag, and
with good Triple-A ballparks being build for under
$35 million, it's not clear why the Sarasota
project has such a high price tag. And asking the
Reds for more of a contribution is not
unreasonable: the Philadelphia Phillies are paying
for a third of their new $33-million
spring-training complex, but the current plan has
the Reds paying $2.1 million in up-front costs for
the project, as well as $5 million over the life
of the proposed 30-year bond to fund the new
complex, which would also house the Sarasota Reds
(High Class A; Florida State League).
RELATED STORIES:
Indians are likely headed for Disney;
Reds swing and miss;
Disney may open new world to Indians;
New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M
short;
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven;
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp
runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Ray Winder Field may be
coming down
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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After the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas
League) end their run at
Ray Winder Field in
September and move to a new ballpark in North
Little Rock, the city of Little Rock will need to
figure out exactly what to do with the ballpark
and its parking lot. The city has hired a
consultant to look at the entire 200-acre property
that includes War Memorial Stadium, a city zoo and
other government buildings. One possibility, of
course, is that the city could decide to tear down
the venerable old ballpark in favor of other
development (including a potential expansion of
the zoo), but at this point things are up in the
air.
RELATED STORIES:
Construction of ballpark in NLR gets running start;
Travelers GM offers up some new details on
Dickey-Stephens Park;
Last at-bat for Ray Winder Field;
Arkansas's Screen Monster:
One of baseball's great home-run alleys;
North Little Rock ballpark builders face
challenges;
Travs ballpark plans intact, on track;
Ballpark's rising costs to force a decision in
North Little Rock;
The future of Ray Winder Field under debate;
New Arkansas Travelers ballpark has budget
difficulty;
Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park;
New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park;
Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field;
Travelers' home coming into focus;
NLR sets ballpark previews;
NLR projects set fast, sure course;
NLR ballpark planners get right to work;
North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike
for new ballpark;
Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs'
ballpark;
NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day;
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
Official raises doubts on
Nats ballpark parking plan
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Natwar M. Gandhi, D.C.'s chief financial officer,
says the parking plan for a new Washington
Nationals ballpark crafted by Mayor Anthony
Williams carries risks that could throw the
project off schedule and blow its budget. He is
expected to outline his concerns in testimony
today before the D.C. Council. It marks a setback
for Williams and another twist in the argument
over the shape of the ballpark, how much it should
cost, who should pay for it and who will profit
from it. Gandhi doubts the mayor's parking plan
can be implemented by April 2008, when the city
has promised MLB that the ballpark will be ready,
according to the written testimony. Gandhi is also
skeptical that financing for the plan and several
other legal hurdles can be cleared by September,
when construction would have to begin.
RELATED STORIES:
Environmental issues raise concerns on new Nats
ballpark;
D.C. mayor asks for ballpark plan approval;
D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles;
Compromise reached on D.C. ballpark parking;
Nats sale targeted for July finalization;
D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking
controversy;
Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project;
Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking;
Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M;
Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new
ballpark;
D.C.
ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but
concerns linger;
D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball;
The Nationals' wish list;
Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking;
Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening';
Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full
approval expected today;
Nats ballpark design up in the air;
It's official: Lerner nabs Nats;
MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner;
And the Nats' owners are....;
Impending Nats sale arouses speculation;
Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family;
Smulyan promises African-American president for
Nats
Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats;
Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now;
New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation
City may go other route on
bringing professional baseball to town
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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If it’s a matter of adding fire substations or an
independent league baseball team, expect Anderson
to side with the fire department, City Manager
John Moore said. Founders of the South Coast
League, which is expected to launch in May 2007,
have met with representatives from the city,
Anderson County and Anderson University to discuss
the possibility of bringing professional baseball
back to the Electric City, after what would be a
22-year hiatus. An Atlanta Braves’ Class A
affiliate played here from 1980-85. The plan
floated by SCL officials calls for a team to play
in Anderson Memorial Stadium -- the home of
Anderson University’s team and the former home of
the Anderson Braves -- for a year or two, if plans
for a new ballpark were in place.
RELATED STORIES:
Bradenton officials wary of South Coast League
proposal;
Jackhammers' owners eyeing a league: their own;
Charlotte County approves South Coast League lease;
SCL looking at Beaufort County;
South Coast League proposing play at Port
Charlotte in 2007;
South Coast League announces ownership group;
Sanford rejects South Coast League bid;
South Coast League fails to reach agreement in
Sanford;
Macon City Council approves baseball contract;
Baseball's return now in hands of Macon council;
League looking to bring pro baseball to Greenville;
South Coast League contacts Wilmington officials;
Macon moves toward bringing baseball back to the
city;
Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?;
Macon ponders two baseball proposals;
City explores baseball's return to Macon;
Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton;
South Coast League announces 2007 launch
York ballpark project gets
OK
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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The
York (Pa.) City Council yesterday approved a
redevelopment proposal for the construction of a
4,260-seat ballpark for an independent Atlantic
League teams near the city's downtown, allowing
the project to clear one of its final hurdles. All
that remains now is for the council to approve a
final land development plan, expected to come
before the council at its Wednesday, Aug. 2,
meeting, said project manager Blanda Nace. The
land development plan addresses details, such as
how the project will address noise and light.
Demolition of buildings on ballpark property is
expected to begin today; plans call for a
late-summer groundbreaking and a 2007 opening
date.
RELATED STORIES:
York team name finalists announced;
York hopes to duplicate Lancaster Barnstormers'
success;
Owner fights seizure for York ballpark;
HARB OKs razing for York ballpark;
State grant brings York ballpark nearer;
Review unlikely to derail York ballpark;
Preservation voice needed on York ballpark
project?;
Sharing the history behind York's ballpark site;
Lease deal set for York ballpark;
York board questions ballpark payments;
Ill-timed epiphany on York ballpark;
Bottom of the 18th for York ballpark;
Brenner goes to bat for York ballpark;
York ballpark on life support?
Budget director: Kansas City
should rethink Kauffman Stadium aid
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Kansas City's budget director said the city should
reconsider paying for the Jackson County Sports
Complex, which includes
Kauffman Stadium, the home
of the Kansas City Royals. Each year, Kansas City
pays $2 million to help maintain the stadiums,
even though Jackson County, not the city, owns the
Sports Complex. Budget Director Troy Schulte said
the city has its own needs, and maybe it's time to
rethink the ballpark payments. The idea was
quickly shot down by Mayor Kay Barnes, who said
the city committed to the
Kauffman Stadium
payments when Jackson County voters
agreed to fund
renovations to the ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Kauffman Stadium tax credits get OK;
Stadium vote sets 'pros' in motion;
Royals win funding for Kauffman Stadium
renovations; voters reject rolling roof;
Royals bring out big guns on eve of stadiums vote;
Kauffman to get All-Star Game if renovations are
approved;
Royals unveil Kauffman Stadium renovation plans;
Teams say upgrades will make stadiums 'brand new';
Is Kansas City stadium tax good deal for voters?;
Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark
taxes;
Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City
ballpark;
Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof;
Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand;
Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for
Kauffman Stadium;
Future of Truman complex now up to voters;
Royals agree to ticket surcharge;
Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?;
Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for
Kauffman Stadium;
Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians;
Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way
to voters;
Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal;
Sizing up challenge of raising the roof;
Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium;
Kauffman Stadium to get roof?;
Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal;
Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark;
Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in
voters' hands;
Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision;
Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate
cost;
Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check;
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
Ballpark with no team going
up in Marion
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Nothing here that
you've not read in these pages before:
construction continues on a new ballpark in Marion, Ill., as John Simmons and his crew
continue to work on a deal for an
independent-league team for the community of
16,800. There are some inaccuracies, though:
Simmons cannot actually own any team playing in
the ballpark -- MiLB rules are quite strict about
affiliated-team owners not owning indy teams, and
Simmons already owns the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low
Class A; Sally League -- and from what we've heard
the Frontier League is the only league showing any
enthusiasm for the market, and Simmons rep Michael
Theissen has been the one pitching Marion to
American Association and Northern League
officials, not the other way around. That's
probably apt: because of its size and location
(and some family connections), the Frontier League
is a perfect fit for Marion. Also, it's extremely
rare for anyone to build a multimillion-dollar ballpark
without have a team lined up -- Springfield, Mo.,
is an example, but that's such a weird case it
cannot be held up as being par for the course.
RELATED STORIES:
Major construction of Marion ballpark to begin
mid-June;
Simmons backs out of deal to buy Silver Hawks;
Midwest League approves sale of Silver Hawks to
Simmons;
Midwest League reconsidering Marion application;
Minor-league baseball in Marion is not dead yet;
Marion baseball still seen as possibility;
$16 million ballpark needs league of its own;
Midwest League rejects Marion;
Group awaiting the words 'play ball': Final
approval on sale of South Bend baseball team may
come next month;
Construction on Marion ballpark to start Monday;
Marion ballpark expected to be ready in 2007;
Victory Sports announces Northern League team for
South Bend;
Ballpark funding draws some boos;
Butler, Blagojevich discuss baseball strategy for
Marion;
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
Minnesota ballpark authority
set to start work
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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The five members of the new Minnesota Ballpark
Authority will take their seats in temporary
chambers and start with the basic details that
will lead to the expected opening of the ballpark
in the Minneapolis Warehouse District in the
spring of 2010. The first task is selecting an
executive director -- though we've heard some
authority members already have a director in mind
-- and then begin planning the ballpark, with the
Twins having final say over the design.
RELATED STORIES:
Twins searching for trademark ballpark design;
Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins
ballpark;
Twins' ballpark push tab: under a hundred grand;
Twins ballpark spending plan outlined;
Naming rights options scary;
More than a ballpark in Minneapolis;
Twins' ballpark opponents were tired of the fight;
supporters weren't;
Pawlenty says he'll sign Twins ballpark bill this
week;
Legislature approves Twins ballpark; opening
slated for 2010;
Legislature moves toward original Twins ballpark
plan;
Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
Will new Twins ballpark go green?;
Hennepin County board OKs revised Twins ballpark
plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
Minnesota Legislature;
Twins laying off threats, for now;
It's back! Twins ballpark issue still with us;
Twins are hearing dreaded 'C' word again; Twins make pitch in court to leave Dome; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark;
Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
More records over the 4th
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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You can add another team to the list of those
breaking attendance records over the 4th of July
weekend. A raucous 4th of July crowd of 3,149
helped the Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League)
break a 3-year-old attendance record Tuesday night
at Mike Lansing Field. The previous attendance
record, 3,086, was set in the final game of the
2003 season. "Once again the Casper community has
shown tremendous support of professional
baseball," said Rockies GM Danny Tetzlaff.
RELATED STORIES:
A record-breaking July
Fitch removes negative
rating for new Busch Stadium
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Fitch has removed the Negative Rating Watch on the
Missouri Development Finance Board's (St. Louis
County) $45.8 million taxable St. Louis Cardinals
ballpark project bonds, series 2003. In addition,
Fitch affirms the bonds at 'AA'. The bonds were
placed on Rating Watch Negative on Feb. 11, 2005.
The rating action reflects court decisions that
favored the county's commitments to finance the
new
Busch Stadium and the successful resolution of
litigation. The courts recognized that a
voter-approved county charter amendment to limit
financial support of the ballpark could not apply
retroactively to earlier county financial
agreements regarding the ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
Busch's league;
New Busch Stadium brings promise to downtown St.
Louis;
Cardinals enjoy seeing full house for first time
in new ballpark;
New Busch Stadium: The name remains the same, but
. . .;
Cardinals pledge to iron out lingering problems at
Busch;
Small fire breaks out in new Busch Stadium;
Arch-itecture;
Not everyone raving about the new Busch;
Busch foul poles will be replaced;
Backward, march;
New Busch Stadium has its own quirks;
Fans revel in new Cardinals ballpark;
Ready or not....;
Ballpark Visit:
Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
Visalia ballpark readies for
more fans
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks
(High Class A; California League), is getting
ready to launch another phase of its face-lift.
Around 400 new seats are to be installed on the
right-field side, where a couple of bleachers now
hold sway. And a grassy berm where 500 fans could
rest and watch the action is planned. Besides
extra seating, the proposed $1.5 million project
includes restrooms, a concession stand, new ticket
office, maintenance storage area, kids play area
with a mini-baseball field, renovated main
concession stand and a VIP lounge on the
first-base side. The Visalia City Council is
scheduled to get a report about the project July
17.
Uecker calls
stalking situation 'intense'
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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In what Bob Uecker said is an attempt to regain
control of his life, the Hall of Fame announcer
testified Monday that he wants a restraining order
against a woman he claims is stalking him. Uecker,
the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for more than
35 years, said in a civil hearing that he has
become concerned about his dealings with Ann Ladd
and he does not want to have to think about her
anymore. The 45-year-old woman is charged with
felony stalking of Uecker in a separate criminal
matter. She was released on a signature bond last
Wednesday and ordered to stay at least 1,000 feet
away from Uecker and avoid his homes and
workplace, including
Miller Park and other Major
League Baseball parks.
RELATED STORIES:
Woman charged with stalking Uecker ordered to have
no contact;
Uecker: She's been stalking me for years
Defenders,
Giants close to extending PDC
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Officials from the San Francisco Giants say
they're close to extending their current
player-development deal with the Connecticut
Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League). The
Defenders front office is equally certain a
two-year deal will be announced soon. The
Defenders' lease at Dodd Stadium runs through 2012
with an option for the Defenders to move in 2009.
The Giants say improvements to Dodd Stadium and a
commitment by new owner Lou DiBella to make
further improvements clinched their decision to
renew. More on our
Affiliates 2006 page.
House members want Comcast
merger contingent on MASN arbitration
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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Three Washington-area House members asked the
Federal Communications Commission to make Comcast
Corp.'s proposed merger with Adelphia
Communications Corp. contingent on Comcast
submitting a dispute over airing of Washington
Nationals baseball games to binding arbitration.
The proposal Wednesday by Government Reform
Committee Chairman Tom Davis, R-Va., James Moran,
D-Va., and Albert Wynn, D-Md., was the latest
effort by federal and local officials to resolve
the dispute with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network
that prevents 1.3 million Nationals fans from
seeing most games on TV. The region's largest
cable provider has refused to carry MASN, which
controls the rights to most Nationals games,
because of a dispute with Baltimore Orioles owner
Peter Angelos over television rights to the
Orioles and control of the region's sports
programming market.
Private funding for pro
baseball in Springdale once considered
Posted July 6, 2006 (feedback)
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John Q. Hammons, the Springfield, Mo., hotel
developer, discussed building a minor league
baseball stadium in Northwest Arkansas before
Springdale pursued its plans for a publicly funded
facility. Hammons said in a telephone interview
this week that he didn’t remember exactly when the
discussion took place, but it came around the same
time Hammons was debating whether to build a new
ballpark in Springfield, Mo., which eventually
became Hammons Stadium, the home of the
Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League).
Event to mark
Forbes Field wall of
dreams
Posted July 5, 2006 (feedback)
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A wall remaining from
Forbes Field, the longtime home of the Pittsburgh
Pirates, has been spiffed up recently by
Pittsburgh officials as the city prepares for the
MLB All-Star Game at
PNC Park. A ceremony will be conducted
Friday at the wall to unveil a state historical
marker bearing the inscription: "Forbes Field --
The first all steel and concrete ballpark in the
nation, Forbes Field was home to the Pirates, site
of four World Series in 1909, 1925, 1927, 1960 and
two All Star games. Hosted the Homestead Grays,
Steelers, and Pitt Panthers, as well as political
rallies and boxing matches. Site of Bill
Mazeroski's Game 7, ninth inning, World Series
winning home run on Oct. 13, 1960 and Babe Ruth's
last three home runs. Damaged by fire; razed
1972." During the past several months, workers
have been painstakingly restoring the wall --
pulling off the ivy, which can damage the red
brick; repointing the mortar joints; cleaning the
brick; and applying a coat of green paint to the
flag pole and concrete pilasters that separate the
brick sections.
More from AP.
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Canseco
returns, promises more 'devastating' information
on steroids; already wants out of San Diego
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The best way to view Jose Canseco's traveling
circus in the independent Golden Baseball League
is guerilla theater in a baseball uniform, as he's
less interested in baseball -- he struck out three
times in his debut, reportedly looking pretty bad
in the process after not playing for four years --
and more in taking a poke or three at Major League
Baseball, promising more revelations on steroid
abuse in the majors. Now, we think there's a
pretty good case to be made that MLB hasn't
handled the steroids scandal very well. But we're
also skeptical that Canseco would write a book
about steroid abuse and then save the best stories
for later: he's trying, with some success, to drum
up headlines. The GBL, which entered into a
merchandising agreement with Canseco in addition
to his playing contract with the San Diego Surf
Dawgs, is laughing all the way to the bank: the
largest crowd in Chico Outlaws history was at
Nettleton Stadium to see Canseco's debut. Oh,
Canseco plans to pitch, too -- something we're
sure will thrill manager Terry Kennedy. MLB
responds to Canseco's allegations,
calling them nonsense. After one game,
Canseco has demanded a trade out of San Diego
to the Long Beach Armada, saying
child-custody responsibilities require him to be
in the Los Angeles area for more time than he
anticipated.
A record-breaking July
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We have some records to pass along, as baseball
fans flocked to the ballpark over the 4th of July
break. With 15,020 fans on hand to see the
Albuquerque Isotopes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast
League) take on the Memphis Redbirds in a July 3rd
match-up at
Isotopes Park, the ‘Topes have set a
single-game attendance record, attracting the most
fans ever to see a baseball game in the city of
Albuquerque. A record crowd of 14,169 was on hand
at Principal Park
for a Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League)
victory over the the New Orleans Zephyrs Tuesday
night. Pelican Park, the home of the
Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American
Association), was packed Tuesday evening as 3,362
fans filed through the gates, the largest crowd in
the team's five-year history, to see the Pelicans
take on the Sioux Falls Canaries and post-game
fireworks and other festivities. The Eau Claire
Express (summer collegiate; Northwoods League)
drew a record crowd of 5,257 to
Carson Park.
The Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida
State League) set a single-game attendance record
of 8,216 on June 30 at
Bright House Networks Field
versus the Lakeland Tigers. The crowd surpassed
the previous record of 7,027 set on June 18, 2004.
The Zooperstars act, a Fireworks Extravaganza and
Bright House Networks Customer Appreciation Night
all contributed to the milestone. The Kalamazoo
Kings (independent; Frontier League) drew a record
crowd of 7,492 to Homer Stryker Field on July 4.
Though we're not sure this is a record, over 5,000
fans showed up to Mulcahy Stadium for the
traditional Fourth of July baseball doubleheader
between the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier
Pilots (both summer collegiate; Alaska Baseball
League). And, in a big-picture record, the
Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League)
welcomed their 5 millionth fan in franchise
history on July 3.
Construction of ballpark in
NLR gets running start
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Concrete for Dickey-Stephens Park’s grandstand
risers, the dugouts and outfield retaining walls
has begun going in over the past two weeks, along
with the facade of the $32.6 million ballpark and
an 80-foot-tall clock tower that will rise over
the main entrance. The new North Little Rock
ballpark will open next season as the home of the
Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League), as
the team prepares to leave its longtime home,
Ray
Winder Field.
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challenges;
Travs ballpark plans intact, on track;
Ballpark's rising costs to force a decision in
North Little Rock;
The future of Ray Winder Field under debate;
New Arkansas Travelers ballpark has budget
difficulty;
Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park;
New Travs home to be called Dickey-Stephens Park;
Little Rock seeks bids to replace Ray Winder Field;
Travelers' home coming into focus;
NLR sets ballpark previews;
NLR projects set fast, sure course;
NLR ballpark planners get right to work;
North Little Rock voters approve sales-tax hike
for new ballpark;
Hays says there is no ‘Plan B' for new Travs'
ballpark;
NLR’s 1% tax plan sees 254-vote 1st day;
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
Indians are likely headed
for Disney
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Though the Cleveland Indians and Disney officials
haven't officially met regarding a move of the
Indians' spring-training camp to Disney World,
there's an interesting scenario floating around.
We've noted it would be unlikely the Indians would
move camp for next spring: the state program
funding new or renovated spring-training
facilities has a deadline of Oct. 31 for funding
applications from local government units, so it's
not likely any funds will be disbursed before the
beginning of the year. And we can't see Disney
spending millions of dollars on a new
spring-training facility without the guarantee of
$15 million in state funds. So one idea that's out
there: the Indians will continue to practice this
spring at the Chain of Lakes Park complex in
Winter Haven but move spring-training games to
The
Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports, under
the assumption the Indians will move operations to
a new Disney World camp when a funding plan is
completed.
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runs into trouble;
Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes;
Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million
to $62 million;
Osceola County wooing Indians;
Could Indians end up training at Disney World?;
Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for
Sarasota bed tax revenue;
Spring-training bill awaits Bush signature;
Spring-training facilities bill passes Florida
House;
County money just part of Indians spring site's
need;
Goodyear's Cactus League radar is pointed directly
at Dodgers;
Polk County commits $23 million to sports
facilities, including new Indians spring complex;
Goodyear inviting Dodgers to move;
Dodgers confirm contact from Glendale regarding
Cactus League shift;
Cardwell says spring-training attendance remains
consistent in Florida;
Florida lawmakers approve spring-training
facilities bill;
FAU considering a deal with Indians for
spring-training complex;
Goodyear chooses site to build spring-training
complex;
Moving away from tradition;
Baseball complex proponents envision many pluses
for Casa Grande;
Tradition and economics in Florida;
Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in
Sarasota move forward;
Mum's the word in spring-training facility bidding
war;
Indians signal they may consider Winter Haven
contract;
Dodgertown is a little less blue;
State should spring for aid to teams;
Glendale says it will be talking to teams about
spring-training site;
Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for
stadium, event center, ballfields;
Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site
to keep Reds;
Cactus League may grow as cities plan new parks;
Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training
ballpark?;
Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring
training;
Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities;
Lee County game for third team;
Spring-training facility not in city's best
interests;
Baseball, stadium would benefit city;
Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape
Coral
Clippers ballpark back on
track
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Though there's been
progress on planning for Huntington Park, the
projected new home of the Columbus Clippers (Class
AAA; International League), some close to the
project wonder whether the ballpark can actually
be completed in time for a July 2008 opening. To
meet that deadline, construction would need to
begin before the end of the year, but there are no
plans in place: only last month was 360
Architecture named architect of record on the
project, and no construction contract has been
inked. Though the bid process has been
streamlined, the fact this is a county project may
end up delaying things. The project carries an
estimated $55 million price tag and would replace
the aged 15,000-seat Cooper Stadium.
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construction
St. Peter tries to clarify
radio misconceptions
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The Minnesota Twins played the ballpark situation
perfectly this last year, gaining approval for
state funding for most of the costs of the new
downtown Minneapolis ballpark. In the process, the
Twins traded on the goodwill of fans across the
region. But with word that the Twins may leave
longtime radio partner WCCO-AM in favor of KSTP-AM
or KTLK-FM, the team may have thrown away a lot of
that goodwill. The Twins have been on WCCO-AM
since the team moved from Washington for the 1961
season, and most fans in Minnesota rarely think of
one without the other. But WCCO-AM is a CBS
station now, with big programming decisions coming
out of New York City. The Twins have a simple
demand: they want all advertising revenue from
broadcasts as well as $1 million a year in rights
fees. So far CBS is unwilling to make that
commitment. Sid Hartman addressed the issue on his
popular Sunday morning radio show, and you could
feel the spittle hit the microphone as he reamed
billionaire Twins owner Carl Pohlad for being
greedy, saying that without WCCO's support the new
Twins ballpark would never have been approved by
the Minnesota Legislature. (He's right.) Many also
fear this is a move by the Twins to scale back on
free broadcasts and force listeners to pay for an
XM Radio subscription. So, basically, here's a
case where a high-profile MLB team is willing to
walk away from a longtime partner for a richer
contract. Financially, we empathize with the
Twins: their current deal with WCCO is a pretty
poor one as far as MLB teams go, and they needed
to do something to get CBS's attention. But
there's also the larger picture, one that MLB
doesn't seem to understand: a successful industry
thrives because of successful partnerships, where
both sides win. We've seen many instances of MLB
and MLB AM attempt to screw over partners over the
last year in an effort to wring every last penny
from a relationship, and at some point that sort
of behavior comes back to haunt you. We'll see in
five years where the Cardinals are with their
low-powered radio broadcasts; we'll see where the
Twins are after their Saturday night broadcasts
have a cooking-show lead-in.
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Poll shows majority of Minnesota residents don't
think Twins need new ballpark;
Hennepin County Board OKs Twins ballpark plan;
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plan;
Politics, tax tangle Twins' quest for new park;
Supporters say Twins ballpark bill has enough
votes to pass;
Twins ballpark proposal picking up steam in
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Twins laying off threats, for now;
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Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related
to Twins ballpark;
Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease;
Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement
on ballpark funding;
Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location;
What's up with a Twins ballpark?;
Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first
Paterno strikes out on
baseball in Happy Valley
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A local newspaper takes a huge shot at Penn State
football coach Joe Paterno for opposing the
construction of Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the
home of Penn State baseball and the State College
Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League). JoPa
opposed the ballpark from the beginning and
bad-mouthed it to no end, eventually taking his
concerns to Gov. Ed Rendell, who wisely blew them
off. Paterno never really elucidated a firm
opposition to the ballpark past it being a little
inconvenient (a few prime parking spots were
occupied during construction), adding there's no
place for pro sports on campus (and we chortle at
the notion of the Penn State football coach
decrying what amounts to another pro team
on campus). The ballpark is already gorgeous and
successful; such a great (and expensive) ballpark
wouldn't have been possible without the Spikes.
More from the Penn State newspaper.
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Medlar Field offers a scenic blend;
Cardinals would like to extend relationship with
Spikes;
Owners see niches for both Spikes, Curve
Nationals' new
president to use experience, multi-tasking when
building franchise
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Stan
Kasten,
who officially will become president of the
Washington Nationals baseball team soon, no doubt
expected to expound on plans to rebuild a
franchise that Major League Baseball treated as an
unwanted stepchild since its last days in
Montreal. The task is well suited to Kasten, who
won 12 division titles and the '95 World Series as
president of the Atlanta Braves while at various
times also chief executive of Atlanta's pro hockey
(Thrashers) and basketball teams (Hawks). In his
spare time he guided the building of Phillips
Arena for the Thrashers and Hawks.
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Nats sale targeted for July finalization;
D.C. mayor offers proposal to end ballpark parking
controversy;
Battle brews for control of D.C. ballpark project;
Nationals firm on issue of above-ground parking;
Hazmat removal at D.C. ballpark site up by $2.9M;
Nats ready to pitch sponsorship deals for new
ballpark;
D.C.
ballpark plan clears important hurdle, but
concerns linger;
D.C.'s Williams creates Office of Baseball;
The Nationals' wish list;
Nats owners want city to shift gears on parking;
Lerner group plans RFK 'grand reopening';
Lerner receives initial approval to buy Nats; full
approval expected today;
Nats ballpark design up in the air;
It's official: Lerner nabs Nats;
MLB seems settled on new Nationals owner;
And the Nats' owners are....;
Impending Nats sale arouses speculation;
Bob DuPuy pays a visit to the Lerner family;
Smulyan promises African-American president for
Nats
Lerner adds two more to group bidding for Nats;
Hey, MLB: Nats need an owner now;
New Nats owner might find cracks in the foundation
Polishing The Diamond
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Here's another call for a renovation of The
Diamond, the home of the Richmond Braves (Class
AAA; International League). The area surrounding
The Diamond is in the midst of gentrification, and
with easy freeway access and a decent
infrastructure in place, many feel the better
route is renovation, not a new downtown ballpark.
But all is talk at this stage: with the sale of
the R-Braves along with parent team Atlanta Braves
still up in the air, the current management isn't
in a position to make any long-term commitment to
any Richmond ballpark, new or renovated.
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Richmond talks about new ballpark -- without the
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we're history;
Minor attractions in Richmond;
Richmond ballpark search hits rock bottom;
New site for Richmond Braves ballpark causes
debate;
Ballpark project for Richmond's Shockoe Bottom
seems dead;
Atlanta Braves may be up for sale;
News expected in Richmond ballpark situation;
Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark;
Developers threaten historic slave-trade site;
Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects;
Richmond ballpark gets financial backer;
Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond;
Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?;
Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark;
Braves again make pitch for ballpark;
Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?;
City says 'show me the money' for arts center and
ballpark;
Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid
transaction;
Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site,
economics, financing;
Wilder quits role in Richmond group;
Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark;
Braves getting outside pitches;
Braves or bust?;
Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?;
Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details;
Richmond ballpark questions remain;
Richmond Braves assume role as developer;
New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom;
Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged
Richmond area;
Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.;
Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom
ballpark;
The Boulevard blues
Camacho Cigar
Bar opens at Comerica Park
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Christian Eiroa, the president of Camacho Cigars,
admits he was never a big baseball fan. That was
until the Camacho Cigar Bar opened at Comerica
Park in Detroit. Now, Eiroa is a Tigers fan to the
hilt. Given the turnout of enthusiastic Motor City
cigar smokers at the grand opening of the bar and
lounge on June 23, Tigers fans are becoming
Camacho fans, too. Of course, there's a little
dissonance to MLB promoting anti-smoking and
anti-chew campaigns while teams open cigar bars
(one also opened this season at PNC Park), but
what the heck.
Lakeland Tigers will undergo
changes for 2007
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We've reported on this in the past, but here's the
official word that the Lakeland Tigers (High Class
A; Florida State League) will undergo some changes
for the 2007 season. There's been no official
announcement on the extent of the changes: it
could range from a new logo to a brand-new name
and look. The Tigers have notified Minor League
Baseball that the team is considering changing its
name, logo or both. The team has until Sept. 1 to
present proposed changes, including logo design,
to Minor League Baseball, which must approve of
any changes before the team can implement them.
The team will probably keep an identification with
the Tigers, however, on some level.
The Jake: Urban amusement
park
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As far as MLB ballparks go,
Jacobs Field isn't
especially heavy on the sideshows, but you
couldn't tell that from this article from the St.
Paul Pioneer Press. The things we love about
Jacobs Field -- its location, its upper deck, its
left-field bleachers, the passionate Indians fans
-- are deemed negatives here. One observation
that's true: there's not enough emphasis on
Indians history here, and even though many Indians
fans remember the futility of those awful teams in
the 1970s and 1980s, there's a richer history that
includes the likes of Lou Boudreau and Bill Veeck.
Riverfront Stadium project
progresses slowly
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As in being delayed by years. A renovation of
Riverfront Stadium, the home of the Waterloo Bucks
(summer collegiate; Northwoods League) has been
delayed because of various deadlines being missed,
beginning last fall with the failure of a private
contractor to put up a block wall, pushing back
the installation of new plumbing by months. So far
the only part of the renovation finalized has been
a new entrance to the ballpark, and it may be
until next season before Phase I of the project is
completed.
Wrigley becoming a tougher
sell
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Journalism is a contact sport in Chicago, and
we're not surprised to see the Chicago Sun-Times
take more than a few shots at the Chicago
Tribune-owned Wrigley Field. The purpose of this
article: comparing
Wrigley Field with
U.S.
Cellular Field. The Cell wasn't a very good
ballpark when it opened in 1991, but over the
years the White Sox have made a slew of great
changes, making it a very good place to watch a
baseball game. And let's face it:
Wrigley Field is
an old, historic ballpark with many of the
drawbacks inherent in an old ballpark -- narrow
aisles, small seats, limited concessions, no
parking, et al. But we're talking Wrigley Field
here. It is, by definition, incomparable.
Grizzlies Stadium impact
takes time
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When Fresno officials went ahead with Grizzlies
Stadium, the home of the Fresno Grizzlies (Class
AAA; Pacific Coast League), they did so with the
hope the ballpark would improve the surrounding
downtown neighborhood. So far that hasn't
happened, and a local columnist despairs of that
development happening in the next five years.
Pelicans to stage "Baseball
The Musical"
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The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina
League) are bringing Broadway to baseball July
13-15 when they host "Baseball The Musical," the
first-ever full theatre production during a
baseball game. The unique and
never-before-attempted promotion will feature an
original script with accompanying music, and a
full cast. All of the theatrics will take place
while the Pelicans take on the Winston-Salem
Warthogs. "Baseball The Musical" is a joint
venture between the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the
Theatre Department at Coastal Carolina University,
who have been working on the project since October
2005.
"Nothing like this has ever been done in baseball," said Myrtle
Beach Pelicans Promotions Manager Bradley Bell.
"We're excited to bring something like this to
Myrtle Beach and to the game of baseball."
The musical will begin shortly after gates open at 6:02 p.m., so
fans are advised to be at the ballpark early to
get the full experience. "Baseball The Musical"
will begin before the game and continue throughout
every half inning during the game.
B-Tribe intern camps out at
the ballpark
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The Burlington Indians (rookie; Appalachian
League) have partnered with a local RV dealership
for a unique promotion that has been dubbed
"Intern Adam's Ballpark Pajama Party,” sponsored
by Hawley’s Camping Center. Thanks to Hawley’s
Camping Center, one of the B-Tribe’s interns is
living in the lap of luxury right on the
concourse. On the first-base side of
Burlington
Athletic Stadium, a 29- foot Tioga Recreational
Vehicle has become a new home for intern Adam Rich
of Greensboro. Rich, with an expiring apartment
lease and adventurous spirit, was excited to live
in the RV for the length of the promotion.
FCSL announces Leesburg
franchise for 2007 after successful July 4 game
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The Florida Collegiate Summer League announces
plans for a Leesburg team in 2007 after a
successful contest between Altamonte Springs and
Winter Park before a near-capacity crowd at Buddy
Lowe Field at Pat Thomas Stadium. Leesburg,
located in central Florida, has a history with
minor-league baseball, and the FCSL would appear
to be a perfect fit with a historic ballpark.
RELATED STORIES:
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For Duncan Park
neighborhood, ballpark's future hits close to home
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As the future of Duncan Park is debated this
summer in Spartanburg City Hall, some residents
have a greater interest in the issue than others.
Those would be the residents of the neighborhood
around the ballpark, the past home to minor-league
baseball in Spartanburg and the current home of
the Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate;
Coastal Plain League). The ballpark itself is
surrounded both by a much larger mixed-use park
and houses that range in quality from stately to
scandalous. The ballpark will be locked at the end
of the year and could be destroyed or refurbished,
depending on how efforts to save it fare. We'll be
down to Duncan Park on July 15 to see how things
are going.
RELATED STORIES:
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Turchin Stadium renovations
getting back on track
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Tulane has already planned renovations to Turchin
Stadium before Hurricane Katrina, but the
announcement last week regarding what amounts to a
virtual rebuilding of the whole ballpark is much
more. To school officials, the Hurricane
Katrina-delayed project is a strong symbol of
commitment by the university to its entire
athletics program, and by extension to the whole
of New Orleans. Instead of retrofitting the seats
into the existing ballpark, the entire seating
area will be torn down, and the main grandstand
will be reconfigured. The new facility will have
less covered seating than originally planned,
although the addition of the grandstand covering
could come later. The ballpark capacity will be
about 5,000, including 2,600 chair-back seats.
More from the Shreveport Times.
Marshall University receives
bids on new ballpark
Posted July 5, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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The Marshall Purchasing Department received eight
bids last week for the development and
construction of new buildings at Marshall. Among
them: a new ballpark, which will be lighted and
have FieldTurf on the infield and outfield
surfaces. Dugouts, bull pens and batting cage
areas, a press box with television and radio
broadcast capabilities and telephone communication
and restrooms for teams will be included in the
project.
Baseball Notes
Posted July 5, 2006 (feedback)
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There was an interesting game of musical chairs in
the independent United Baseball League
last week. First, Mike Smith was fired as
manager of the last-place Laredo Broncos;
he then is signed as a starting pitcher for the
Alexandria Aces. Replacing him as manger of
the Broncos: veteran skipper Dan Shwam, who
originally signed as manager of the Aces at the
beginning of the season and then stepped aside
because of health issues.
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