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Archives: Feb. 4-Feb. 11, 2005

Richmond ballpark questions remain
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) are proposing a $330 million development that includes a new ballpark -- all without requiring taxpayer dollars -- and some are expressing hesitation at taking the team up on its offer. There are some legitimate concerns, like the financial wherewithal of the Braves and partner Global Development, but some of the questions are just silly. Paul Woody asks whether people will go downtown to a ballgame and who Global Development is. A quick search yields Global Development involved in a number of stadium and arena deals, including the new D.C. United stadium. Gee, Paul, you think maybe folks go to downtown ballparks in Memphis, Baltimore, San Diego and Louisville? More on the specifics of the proposal here. Meanwhile, The Diamond would be converted into the anchor of a new sportsplex; here are the specifics.

'Big boxes' part of D.C. ballpark pitch
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're starting to see some of the details regarding private financing of a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals. One proposal from developer Herbert S. Miller finances the new ballpark on the District's Anacostia waterfront partly by building a $1.4 billion retail and residential complex anchored by "big box" stores like Wal-Mart or Costco. Miller proposes developing the land surrounding the planned ballpark in Southeast with the large-scale retailers, a variety of smaller stores and restaurants, 450 loft apartments, 780,000 square feet of office space and a 250-room hotel. He said debt service on the ballpark would be paid partly by sales tax revenue from the retailers, eliminating the need for a citywide gross receipts tax on businesses. Meanwhile, buyers of partial season tickets for the Nats were hit by delays due to Ticketmaster problems.

Springfield hopes Cards can pack 'em in -- safely
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League) are hosting the St. Louis Cardinals for two exhibition games at the end of spring training, and the team is trying to figure out how many bodies can fit into Hammons Stadium. The Cards say the total capacity is more than 10,000 (with seating for 7,500); the city wants to see some proof. Meanwhile, the Springfield Cards' front office is getting ready for the 2005 opener.

Indy baseball in Topeka?
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Topeka is proceeding with plans to develop its riverfront with support from the Army Corps of Engineers, and a new minor-league ballpark could be part of those plans. Engineering firm Burns and McDonnell analyzed the area and raised possibilities that included riverfront area parking, a pedestrian bridge, corporate headquarter offices and a ballpark. Both the Northern League and the Frontier League have expressed interest in the area.

Ballpark funding remains priority for Eastlake
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A U.S. congressman is attempting to include $4 million in funding for Eastlake Stadium, the home of the Lake County Captains (Class A; Sally League) in a $283.9 billion, six-year highway and transit funding bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The move could end up being controversial: it's hard to see how ballpark funding would fit into a highway bill (i.e., it reeks of pork), and it's very unusual for ballpark funding to be done on the national level. Eastlake cornered itself into a financial hole with the construction of the ballpark, but it's hard to argue national taxpayers should help out. UPDATE: The federal angle exists because part of the Eastlake facility is a park-and-ride receiving federal transit funds. However, the financial issues associated with the project stem from the ballpark and not the park-and-ride.

Selig not joining Anaheim battle
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig says he has no plans to intervene in the dispute between the Anaheim Angels and the city of Anaheim over the team's changing of its name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The city failed twice to convince a judge to intervene in the case; next week the Anaheim City Council will decide whether to bring the case again to court.

Devil Rays take complete control of radio broadcasts for 162 games
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays rolled out a new business model Thursday to broadcast their 2005 games on the radio by taking the production in-house and no longer selling their games' broadcast rights to a radio station owner. Starting in the 2005 season, the Devil Rays will control radio broadcasts by selling ads, producing all content and broadcasting all 162 regular- season games on a new station -- WHNZ 1250-AM. They're hiring several sales and production workers to handle the job. The Rays hope to expand their radio network past Tampa and into the Panhandle and the Interstate 4 corridor.

Waterloo announces million-dollar renovation of Riverfront Stadium
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yesterday we reported on the first phase of a million-dollar renovation of Riverfront Stadium, the home of the Waterloo Bucks (college wood bat; Northwoods League); today we have details on the entire project. By the time the project is completed in three to five years you'll see new home and visitor locker rooms; new umpire facilities; new grandstand roof, decking, and seating;
press box improvements; two skyboxes; and more.

BART to the ballpark, what a vision
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales scored some major brownie points with locals by pledging to bring major league baseball and BART to San Jose. He's got a better chance of attracting the BART line to the area than convince the San Francisco Giants to give up the Silicon Valley as part of its territory; yesterday Bob DuPuy once again said MLB has no intention of awarding Silicon Valley to the A's. (Neighbors of the proposed San Jose ballpark aren't quite sure about the plan, either.) Meanwhile, A's owner Steve Schott expects the sale of the team to Lew Wolff to go smoothly.

No one knows if baseball team would work in Bowling Green
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As a local group works to bring a minor-league teams to Bowling Green, the local paper questions whether baseball would succeed. There are some arguments pro and con: on the one hand, the group has sold 1,400 season tickets and there are three teams looking at a move there. On the other hand, there's fear that a team would move in, fail, and then leave the city with a ballpark. There's no conclusion reached here, however.

Six teams teams in state to form Ripken Sr. league
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Welcome another league to the ranks of college wood-bat leagues. Six of Maryland's wood-bat collegiate baseball teams announced that they have formed the new Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. The league will include three teams that used to play in the Eddie Brooks Baseball League, two from the Clark C. Griffith Collegiate Baseball League and a new Rockville-based team: the Bethesda Big Train, College Park Maryland Bombers, Maryland Redbirds (Towson), Rockville Express, Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and Youse's Maryland Orioles of Baltimore.

Baseball Notes
Posted February 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will have 12 home games televised on Cox Sports Television this season. Available on Channel 37 in the Greater New Orleans area, Cox Sports TV will be the home of the Zephyrs for the third year, and will also replay each game the next morning. In addition to the games, Cox Sports TV will also feature a weekly program on the Zephyrs - Inside Zephyrs Baseball - that will be hosted by the TV and radio broadcast team of Tim Grubbs and Ron Swoboda, and will include a segment by Zephyrs reporter Tim Fanguy...The Winnipeg Goldeyes (independent; Northern League) announced all its games will be broadcast on 1290 CFRW under the terms of a new three-year deal.  Paul Edmonds will return for his 11th year as the lone voice of the Goldeyes....

Miami-Dade unveils financing plan for new Marlins ballpark
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Miami-Dade County officials unveiled Wednesday a financing plan for a $420 million ballpark and parking garage for the Florida Marlins east of the Orange Bowl that roughly splits financing costs between the team and the public and protects taxpayers from cost overruns. Officials from the county, Miami and the Marlins are finalizing the non-binding agreement, which requires city and county approval, expected in the next three weeks. However, the deal could still run into trouble if the state Legislature fails to grant the team a $60 million state sales tax rebate, or if $28 million set aside for acquiring needed land does not cover those costs. Here are the specifics of the plan. More from the Miami Herald.

Manchester ballpark: Costs are up, but construction is on time
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Costs for the new ballpark for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) are running about $1.1 million over budget, but the team is covering the costs per the contract with the city. The largest cost, nearly $231,000, went toward removing and disposing of asbestos found in the soil. The ballpark is still scheduled to open April 7.

Selig wants A's owner in place before season
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig wants to see Lew Wolff in place as owner of the Oakland Athletics before the start of the season in April. This is doable: Wolff has already met with other MLB owners and is close to finalizing a new lease with Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority. Meanwhile, San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales says his city will make a bid to MLB for relocating the A's to San Jose -- a move Selig says won't happen as long as Silicon Valley remains in Giants' territory. Meanwhile, former A's slugger Reggie Jackson is disappointed he didn't get a chance to bid on the Athletics, as he was willing to pay $25 million more for the team than Wolff is paying. A Sacramento Bee columnist argues Sacramento is the perfect home for the A's.

Reds want $$$ for Sarasota upgrades
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cincinnati Reds want to see some changes to their spring-training home, Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium, before making a long-term commitment to staying there. The Reds want the county to contribute $5 million and the state contribute $15 million toward the $40 million renovation of the complex. If this funding comes through, the Reds will sign a 20-year lease to stay in Sarasota as well as keep the Sarasota Reds (Class A; Florida State League) in town. County commissioners aren't eager to spend the money, but there are some definite problems with the complex: Some training fields flood for days at a time, the clubhouses are cramped, workout facilities are shabby and the stadium isn't well-equipped for the disabled. The Reds' lease ends in 2008.

Centene adds name to Great Falls ballpark
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Centene Corp., which plans to open a medical-claims processing center in Great Falls, Mont. this summer, has purchased naming rights to Legion Park, the home of the Great Falls White Sox (rookie, Pioneer League). The $200,000 deal with the Great Falls Baseball Club and the city runs for seven years. The move also closes the first phase of renovations to the ballpark and lets baseball supporters move on to the second phase of renovations.

Coal group, power utility look into naming stadium
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of naming rights: the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) have talked with the West Virginia Coal Association and Appalachian Power about buying the naming rights to the city's new ballpark. No surprise there: it would make sense for a power company to buy naming rights for the home of the Power. Team officials say three firms are interest in buying naming rights. More on the new ballpark here.

Potomac Cannons to announce name change, new logo
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Art Silber, owner of the Potomac Cannons (Class A; Carolina League), will announce the team's new name and logo the 10th Annual Hot Stove Banquet and Silent Auction on Sunday, February 13 at the Hyatt Fair Lakes in Fairfax. The team is the closest affiliate of the Washington Nationals, and Nats officials are expected to speak at the banquet as well.

Richmond Braves assume role as developer
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) didn't set out to develop the area around a proposed new ballpark in the city's Shockoe Bottom area, but management concluded the only way to get a new ballpark was to work in conjunction with a developer, Global Development, on the project. The team says the new ballpark will be easier to get to than The Diamond, thanks to an abundance of parking in the area. To sweeten the pot, the Braves say they'll make a 25-year commitment to stay in Richmond should a new ballpark be built. Local citizens and business owners react to the plan. With the announcement of the $330 million development, renovation of The Diamond is officially off the table; some expect the Braves would move rather than stay in a renovated Diamond if the development effort fails.

Waterloo announces renovation plan for Riverfront
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This morning the mayor of Waterloo (Ia.) announced a multiyear renovation plan for Riverfront Stadium, the home of the Waterloo Bucks (college wood bat; Northwoods League). The first phase of the multiphase project calls for the construction of a new building housing concessions and restrooms. In addition, new fencing will enclose the ballpark and four new ticket windows added. Apparently the mayor of Waterloo invoked the name of Ballpark Digest as a reason to fix up Riverfront; glad we could help.

Out of left field, Sox want ACC
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Boston Red Sox are interested in bidding to host the Atlantic Coast Conference baseball tournament at Fenway Park. The tourney is currently played at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville under a contract running through 2006. Boston College officials recently met with Red Sox management about the tourney; it would be played over six days when the Red Sox are on a West Coast swing.

Baseball Notes
Posted February 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Webster Garrison is the new manager of the Vancouver Canadians (short season; Northwest League). This is actually his second stint managing the team; he was the Canadians' skipper in 2001. Joining him: hitting coach Jeremy Schied and pitching coach Craig Lefferts....New hitting coach for the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League): Bert Pena, manager of the Pennsylvania Road Warriors for the past three seasons....As expected, former major-leaguer Mike Marshall was named manager of the El Paso Diablos (independent; Central League)....

New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We reported the other day about the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) preparing a ballpark plan, but this one is a doozy: the Braves and developer Global Development are proposing a $330 million development in the city's Shockoe Bottom area that includes a 7,500-seat ballpark, enhancement of the Slave Trail, a college scholarship fund for inner-city children, a community center and youth-league baseball field, a village-style shopping area, about 1,200 apartments or condominiums, and renovation of the facades of many buildings to their original state. Private investment would pay for $250 million of the project, with the ballpark costing about $40 million and infrastructure and debt service costing $40 million more. (There is a public component here: increased taxes in the area will help pay down debt.) This will be a hard sell for the Braves, if early reaction is any indication: local community leaders spoke out against the plan, saying they were not kept in the loop as the plan evolved. The Braves would also renovate The Diamond for use by Virginia Commonwealth by removing the top deck; the area would also be expanded into a sportsplex with the addition of soccer fields and tennis courts.

Ports delay opener a week
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Concerned about delays in the construction of Banner Island Ballpark, the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) are delaying their home opener by a week to April 28 after a schedule change. The city is still working to have the new ballpark open by April 21, but previous delays in construction put the Ports management on notice.

Portion of St. Louis ballpark lawsuit dismissed
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A judge threw out portions of a suit and counterclaim today over the funding of the new downtown baseball stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals, but left intact the major questions raised in the case. At issue is the actual standing of Proposition A, a measure approved by city voters last fall requiring a vote of the public before money can be spent on a ballpark or stadium. Supporters of the proposition argue it should be applied to funding for a new St. Louis Cardinals ballpark; ballpark supporters say voter approval applies only to future sports facilities. St. Louis County has sold $45.7 million in bonds as its contribution to the downtown stadium. The ballpark opponents want the judge to put on the ballot April 5 a measure that would let voters decide if the $2.7 million in tourism tax money due May 1 as a payment on the bonds should be approved or rejected.

Giants to host 2007 All-Star Game
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig will be in San Francisco today to announce SBC Park is hosting the 2007 All-Stat Game. No surprise: team president Peter Magowan said months ago his people would be making a strong play for the game. After that, don't be surprised if the Washington Nationals don't make a play to host the 2008 All-Star Game, although traditionally the commissioner likes switching games between American and National League cities.

Harrisonburg development group faces host of challenges
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of large developments: a proposal to build a new 5,000-seat ballpark in Harrisonburg, Va., as part of a larger development is already getting some mixed signals from city officials, who are hesitant to put public funds into the $100-million project. While James Madison University is looking at some level of involvement, it’s unlikely the project would go forward without the involvement of the city or state. For starters, the proposed site is zoned for residential and has a rural nature to it (though the zoning issue can be overcome). Increased traffic is a concern as well. Then there's the issue of whether the market can support what will probably be a Class A team: the president of the college wood-bat Valley Baseball League wonders whether a team could draw 3,000 fans a game, as predicted by outside consultants. Finally, if the ballpark is built with James Madison as a primary tenant, there will be some ownership issues: most affiliated teams shy away at being a secondary tenant because of disputes over scheduling and sponsorship dollars. The more logical path might be to pursue a scaled-down ballpark to serve both JMU and the VBL's Harrisonburg Turks.

Nats set ticket options, work on FM radio deal
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Washington Nationals, who are still without a radio deal to broadcast their inaugural season in Washington, are considering hiring Elliott Price, who served as the voice of the Montreal Expos, to be their play-by-play man, team president Tony Tavares said. The Nationals are still trying to finalize a radio deal after an apparent pact with Clear Channel Communications fell apart nearly two weeks ago. The leader is Infinity Broadcasting, two sources said, which would likely put the games on one of its FM stations. Meanwhile, MLB officials continue to meet with Orioles owner Peter Angelos regarding a settlement for bring the Montral Expos to D.C.

This variety of 'Grasshopper' rattles the roof
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We frequently make the point that every ballpark needs a signature item to differentiate it from other ballparks, and management of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class A; Sally League) are working toward a unique signature item at First Horizon Ballpark: a Grasshopper cannon. A Grasshopper cannon was a small cannon used by the British in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse; it was not known for its accuracy, either, according to local park rangers who have shot one. (In fact, it may have killed more British than Americans when shot into a melee.) Still, team owners are trying to acquire a replica and will shoot blanks when the Grasshoppers hit a homer.

Lease concessions OK'd for Bluefish
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Bridgeport (Ct.) City Council ensured the return of baseball to Bridgeport next season, approving a lease concession deal that will trim $75,000 annually from the rent paid by the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League) paid to the city to use the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. The lease amendment cuts from $225,000 to $150,000 for three years the annual rent for the ballpark and pays off some $430,000 outstanding in payments for the last two seasons, with the help of a $2 increase per car parking charge. The agreement also forgives the team's failure to sell ballpark naming rights.

Wolff Stadium looks like Mission Impossible
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When it was first built, Wolff Stadium, the home of the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) was the pride of the Texas League, but with new facilities coming online in Springfield, Frisco and Corpus Christi in recent years, Wolff Stadium is now near the bottom of the league facilities. Team president Burl Yarborough admits routine maintenance is not being performed, but city officials don't have the money to do anything else.

Team, city sign lease for Cohen Stadium
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The El Paso Diablos (independent; Central Baseball League) and the city signed a lease for Cohen Stadium calling for $30,000 per year in lease payments. The one-year lease comes with two, five-year renewal options and guarantees the city about the amount it was receiving from the Class AA Diablos of the Texas League. We've heard former major leaguer Mike Marshall will be named manager, perhaps as early as today.

Lancaster builder unveils plans to convert burned-out bakery
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The story here isn't that Charter Homes plans to spend $4 million in Lancaster to rehabilitate the former Gunzenhauser Bakery into a 16,000-square-foot corporate office housing 20 employees; it's that a prominent Lancaster (Pa.) building is doing so because of a new ballpark. Charter Homes President Rob Bowman said Charter Homes wouldn't have considered the site if it weren't for Clipper Magazine Stadium, the new home of the Lancaster Barnstormers: "Charter Homes wants to be part of the conversation and part of the solution about growth," he said. "We've got a lot of growth to deal with, and we think reuse and rehabilitation make sense." Another case of developer synergy: developers want to build a hotel and water park next to a new ballpark under construction in Traverse City, Mich., for an independent Frontier League team.

Isotopes continue strong performance at box office
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Corporate Albuquerque continues to support the Albuquerque Isotopes as the team gears up for its third season. Season tickets sales, corporate sales, and Isotopes Park Suite renewals are all progressing at a strong pace. Nearly every Isotopes Park Suite Holder has renewed or extended their current lease agreement with the team. The average Suite lease now extends into the 2011 season. The current waiting list of would-be Suite Holders is in excess of 50 individuals or corporations. We love Isotopes Park, as you can tell from our account of the visit. (Bonus: new photos of Isotopes Park, as the exterior has been updated since our original visit.)

Schaumberg Flyers issue challenge -- in auction
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Want to see how good your beer-league team is? Then take on a team from the independent Northern League, once decried by then-Twins president Andy MacPhail as just a beer league. The Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) are auctioning a game on eBay; the winning bidder's team would play the Flyers at Alexian Field on the evening of May 11, complete with several perks: regulation game under the lights, names and lineups on the stadium PA system, professional umpires and visitors clubhouse with attendant. In addition, if the bidding team wins the game, one of its players will be offered a 2005 Northern League contract.

New Sand Gnats owner tossing marketing pitch
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on John Simmons, the new owner of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League). Despite some talk to the contrary -- started by Simmons himself, by the way -- he's looking to leave the team in Savannah's Grayson Stadium and work the local market.

San Diego Chicken to make first Petco appearance
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Famous San Diego Chicken will make his first appearance at Petco Field, home of the San Diego Padres, this season. Ted Giannoulas made his name working as a mascot for the Padres beginning in 1974, but there was a nasty fallout between him and the radio station employing him. He last appeared in San Diego during the Padres' final weekend at Qualcomm Stadium in 2003. UPDATE: We erroneously reported there was a fallout between Giannoulas and the Padres, which was not the case. Thanks to Ted Giannoulas for writing in and providing the correct information. More on Ted Giannoulas from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Pittsfield's problems in a nutshell
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When the Pittsfield (Mass.) Parks Commission tabled a proposal to have the Berkshire Dukes (college wood bat; NECBL) play at Wahconah Park on a three-year lease, it showed some short-sidedness on the part of councilmembers who either a) hate the mayor, who worked out the agreement, or b) think a minor-league team will move back to Wahconah in its present condition.

Baseball Notes
Posted February 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Greg Keagle is returning as manager of the Elmira Pioneers (independent; Northeast League) for the 2005 season. Keagle, a former major leaguer, pitched the only no-hitter in Pios history.... Dave Brundage is returning as manager of the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) for his fifth season....New general manager of the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League): Tom Van Schaack, who replaces Bryan Dingo, who resigned in December to accept a position with Buffalo Rock. Van Schaack was previously general manager of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League) before being released when ownership of the team was transferred to Lackawanna County....New manager of the Boise Hawks (short season; Northwest League): Trey Forkerway. Tom Beyers, manager of last year's team, returns as hitting coach....

Yonkers ballpark plan revised
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Realizing a spring 2006 opening date was unrealistic, developers of a proposed ballpark in downtown Yonkers for an independent Atlantic League team are working on a more realistic timeline for the ambitious project. Baltimore-based Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, chosen by the city early last year, has included plans for the ballpark in a wider proposal stretching toward the Hudson River that includes opening parts of the Saw Mill River that run under the city's downtown.

Tigers put political squeeze on Troy ballpark plan
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When Troy (Mich.) city officials rejected a proposal by an investment group to build a new ballpark on city land -- costing the city nothing but infrastructure costs -- many in the baseball world were stunned. Here's what happened: the Detroit Tigers worked hard to defeat the measure, not wanting to see a Northern League team in its backyard. The Tigers intervened in the debate over a $17.5 million baseball stadium in Troy by contacting members of Troy City Council and funding a phone message delivered to thousands of Troy residents listing reasons to oppose the stadium.

Lackawanna County makes an inside pitch for ballpark renovations
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
After years of pressure from parent team Philadelphia, officials from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League) and Lackawanna County say they're working on a $10 million plan to renovate parts of Lackawanna County Stadium. The work will center on clubhouse renovations, where moldy tiles and cramped quarters are prevalent. In addition, ballpark officials are working with HNTB on the unfinished left-field party deck. Over $700,000 has been spent on the deck; the issue is whether to finish it or raze it.

Angelos talks to resume
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos and Major League Baseball president Bob DuPuy will resume negotiations today in New York on a financial protection package for the Orioles stemming from the Montreal Expos' relocation to Washington. In what many would see as supremely ironic, MLB officials are impatient at the glacial pace of the proceedings. MLB is believed to have offered Angelos a substantial package of benefits for the Orioles including guarantees to the team's annual local revenue and future resale value, and a dominant stake in a new regional sports TV network.

Baseball update for Bowling Green commission
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Bowling Green city commissioners heard from a local group wanting to bring a minor-league team to downtown, as they laid out a plan for a $12 million, 4,000-seat ballpark. Their plan: work with a developer on a larger mixed-use project, with the city financing the ballpark. They also said two teams were interested in the city; we can presume there's a Sally League team interested in looking at the city (and probably not the one you'd think); you can also assume the independent Frontier League has talked with baseball proponents as well. More from the Bowling Green Daily News.

Possible All-Star Game for new Miami ballpark?
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the Florida Marlins end up succeeding in their plan to build a new ballpark next to the Orange Bowl, they will put in a bid for a future All-Star game, according to team officials. President David Samson says it's very likely the team would be awarded a future game.

Corpus Christi to vote on $361K for ballpark
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Corpus Christi City Council is looking at an additional $361,369 expenditure on Whataburger Field, the new home of the Corpus Christi Hooks (Class AA; Texas League). If approved, the total bill will be $27.676 million. This is the second time city councilmembers have been asked to approve additional payments for the ballpark; the money will come out of a contingency fund dedicated for this purpose. The stadium is being built by Fulton/Coastcon and Hunt Construction Group of Corpus Christi.

Dukes deal for Wahconah crumbles
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dan Duquette, owner of the Berkshire Dukes (independent; NECBL), has scrapped plans to move his team to Wahconah Park after the Pittsfield Parks Commission voted 3-2 to table a proposed license agreement between the city and Duquette for one week after board member Eleanor Persip requested more time to review it. She says she didn't receive a copy of the three-year deal until right before the meeting; Duquette and Mayor James Ruberto say it was finalized three weeks ago and there's no reason for a delay.

Downtown Fort Wayne sports plan is hardly pie-in-sky
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Columnist Ben Smith says a plan to revitalize downtown Fort Wayne with a sports complex and new ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Class A; Midwest League) makes a lot of sense, pointing out how well downtown sports complexes have worked in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. There's been a slight wrinkle in the plan, however: the ballpark is now regarded as an optional move down the road, not anything that could happen in the next five years.

New turf for stadium to cost city extra $53K
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sand and garbage under parts of the Smith-Wills Stadium field could cost the city an extra $53,000 to install artificial turf. The complicating factor: Smith-Wills was built on a former landfill that hasn't quite settled yet. Smith-Wills is home to the Jackson Senators (independent; Central Baseball League). If the expenditure is approved by the City Council today, the price of the project would go to about $821,000. The turf will allow the stadium to be used for other events such as soccer, softball and concerts.

Open records lawsuit still under review in Jackson
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chancellor James Butler said Monday that he needed more time before deciding whether the Jackson Sun should have access to financial records for the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) documenting the team's losses. The team filed the records to show losses, thus triggering a clause in their lease allowing them to leave Pringles Park. The city admits it is keeping the records private at the request of Diamond Jaxx ownership; the team is vying for the Greenville (S.C.) territory.

Fort Worth Cats to retire Maury Wills’ jersey NEW!
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Fort Worth Cats announced today that the organization is going to retire Maury Wills’ No. 6 Cats jersey during a pre-game ceremony before the Fort Worth-Shreveport game, June 18 at LaGrave Field. This marks the third jersey retired in the history of the Cats. In 2003, the Cats retired Bobby Bragan’s No. 10 jersey. The team retired Duke Snider’s No. 4 Cats jersey in 2004. Wills, the first African-American to play for Fort Worth, was the starting shortstop for the Cats in 1955. He ended up batting .202 in 123 games. Wills finished the season with seven home runs and 39 RBI in 326 at bats. He led the Cats with 12 stolen bases.

Baseball Notes
Posted February 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tim Wood has resigned as general manager of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League) effectively immediately due to personal and family reason. Wood joined the Sand Gnats' staff in May 2004. Assistant general managers Brian Sheaffer and Bradley Dodson will oversee the team's business operations....George Fisher will be joining the Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League) as a field coach for the 2005 season. Fisher is a former Otter pitcher who was selected to the Frontier League All-Star Game during the 2002 season....

Yanks 90% toward new home
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New York Yankees are close to a deal for a Yankee Stadium replacement, as team officials hope to sign a memorandum of understanding with the city and state before opening day, April 3. The Yanks will pay the entire construction bill for the stadium, which has increased from a projected $750 million to $800 million. Officials have said it could be open by 2009. The city and state would turn over land in Macombs Dam Park, across from the current stadium, build garages for 12,000 vehicles, provide tax-free financing and pony up $200 million to $300 million for infrastructure improvements.

D.C. seeks 'signature' ballpark
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We've noted this before: D.C. officials want to see a unique ballpark for the Washington Nationals, not just another retro design. Right now the district is seeking design plans through an open process, which means you'll see proposals from the big boys -- HKS, HOK, HNTB -- as well as some smaller firms (like 360 Architecture) looking to make their name. This article is fascinating if you're interested in sports architecture: it's clear the likes of Peter Eisenman think they're too good for sports architecture (who slams sports architects as "interested mainly in cranking them out"), but that's a pretty unfair criticism: when you see the plans prepared by HOK for the new Miami ballpark, you'll be blown away.

Mixed bag of baseball proposals in Greenville
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Greenville News sports editor Bart Wright slams MiLB officials for not being more open in their decision-making process as the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League), Capital City Bombers (Class A; Sally League) and Hagerstown Suns (Class A; Sally League) vie for the Greenville territory. We've taken MiLB to task before regarding this issue, but in their defense this is a very unique situation and the rules of franchise relocation simply were not designed in anticipation of this sort of complicated decision. Millions of dollars are at stake here, and all three proposals have some pretty compelling arguments behind them. But Wright is wrong when he writes there's no deadline to decide. There is a deadline: MiLB officials are working toward a decision to be announced by Thursday, if not before.
    Also, we want to clear up one bit of misinformation making its way onto this site last week. Based on published reports and interviews with local officials, we reported the city of Greenville was looking at not extending water service to a proposed Powdersville ballpark, where Mandalay Sports want to move the Suns. This is simply not true: No one has ever contacted any of the Greenville Water System staff concerning water for the Powdersville site at any time. There is a lot of misinformation floating around out in Greenville regarding a ballpark decision (some of it pretty nasty; you should see the stuff we pass on), and we regret passing along some of it.

Oakland hazy on plan to fund ballpark
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the Oakland Athletics are to stay in the Bay Area, a new ballpark must be built, according to team officials. So far local officials agree and are working on a financing plan to place a new ballpark next to Network Associates Coliseum, but the details have not yet been made public. It's clear that a new ballpark must be part of a larger development that will generate additional revenue to partially offset the cost of the ballpark; coming up with details on such a development is a huge sticking point. Oakland officials say they have a year to come up with a plan. Meanwhile, some neighbors of a proposed A's ballpark site in San Jose are organizing in opposition to the project, saying it would disrupt their lives.

Charleston ballpark naming rights up for bid
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owners of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) are negotiating with three companies who want to buy the right to name the team’s new East End ballpark, according to Power GM Andy Milovich. He declined to name the interested companies, or how much they will have to pay to put their name on the new field. They hope to announce the new name within the next few weeks.

Owensboro waiting on city workshop to decide future of possible team
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The committee working to bring an independent Frontier League team to Owensboro (Ky.) is waiting to hear from the city regarding site and finding issues. The baseball group has based its financial plan on a site for a ballpark to be donated either by city or county government and that local government be responsible for installing utilities on the site. A new ballpark could be rolled into an expansion of the city's recreational services, which would also include a new arena. The goal is a $9.5-million, 4,000-seat ballpark.

Appraisals, financing survey next up for Cooper Stadium
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Franklin County officials are still grappling with the future of Cooper Stadium, home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League). The next step: hire companies to conduct land appraisals and gauge private-sector financial support for a new ballpark. There are several alternatives floating around Columbus, including an extensive renovation of Cooper or a brand-new ballpark in downtown Columbus. Cooper Stadium is the oldest ballpark in the International League, dating back to 1932.

Redesign delays cost Stockton millions
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One reason why construction of a new ballpark for the Stockton Ports (Class A; California League) was delayed: last fall City Hall officials ordered a redesign of the ballpark to eliminate a second deck of seating but also be flexible enough to allow future expansion to host a Class AAA team. The redesign delayed construction, while at the same time steel prices soared, helping raising the ballpark's budget from $16.6 million had swelled to $22.4 million. (There were some other issues raising that price, including unexpected pollution on the site requiring additional cleanup.) It doesn't sound like the Pacific Coast League is interested in placing a team in Stockton: Sacramento could nix any move because of territorial issues.

Norwich Navigators have been a good neighbor
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Keith Hallal, general manager of the Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League), lays out his case for the Navigators being a good corporate citizen of the area and not being a tax drain on local taxpayers. He's right: the 'Gators have more than paid their way when it came to Dodd Stadium and the city's operating budget. And although new owner Lou DiBella has indeed hinted that the Navigators would look for a new home should some lease changes not be made, it's clear the first choice for team officials is to stay in Norwich.

Need realistic options for new Battle Creek ballpark
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays earn some kudos from the local newspaper for making a commitment to the area, first by extending the team's lease on C.O. Brown Stadium and then working for a new ballpark. The issue, according to the newspaper, is how to fund the ballpark: the paper doesn't want to see any public money (past infrastructure investments) used on any new facility.

Cutters offer unique Valentine's Day gift
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Want to impress your sweetie next week? The New Haven County Cutters (independent; Can-Am League) are offering a Valentine’s Day Gram delivered by their mascot, Tripper. Tripper will be bringing along with him two tickets to a 2005 Cutters game, a souvenir mug filled with candy and a personalized card. On top of that, Tripper will show off some of his moves he is planning to use during the upcoming season with a dance with the recipient. Cap this experience off with a picture with Tripper. What woman could resist? The Valentine’s Day Gram package costs only $24.95 and can be ordered by calling 203/777-5636.

Baseball Notes
Posted February 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Andy Dunn is getting a serious promotion: he's the new director of stadium operations for the Washington Nationals. He's been in charge of operations for the Brevard County Manatees (Class A; Florida State League) for the past several years. Buck Rogers replaces him as director of Florida operations....The new radio play-by-play team for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Andy Freed and Dave Wills....