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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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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The
Fine Print |
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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 9-15, 2006
Schaumburg, Gary, Joliet
to Frontier League?
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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More
than one reliable source today passed along an
interesting nugget of information: a
representative of the three Chicago-area teams in
the independent Northern League -- the Schaumburg
Flyers, the Joliet JackHammers and the Gary-SouthShore
RailCats -- have approached officials of the
independent Frontier League about a league shift.
The three Chicago-area teams are a nice fit into
the Frontier League's footprint, and we're
guessing the moderate Frontier League economic
structure (more stress on lower-priced,
developmental players) would be especially
welcomed in Schaumburg and Gary. From what we can
tell, there's a lot of internal dissention about
the future of the Northern League, and the current
geographic arrangement -- with Edmonton and
Calgary to the west, Fargo-Moorhead and Winnipeg
to the west, Kansas City to the south and the
three Chicago-area teams to the east -- satisfies
no one. If the three Chicago-area teams were to
defect, it would also put the future of the
remaining Northern League in some jeopardy:
there's just little rhyme or reason to a league
with Calgary, Edmonton, Fargo-Moorhead, Winnipeg
and Kansas City (especially with Calgary and
Edmonton on shaky ground), and we'd bet the
smarter owners would be seeking out membership in
the independent American Association for next
season.
Delay in solving cloud over
Marlins' future has to end
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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Greg Cote says it's time for the Florida Marlins
to either relocate
or move ahead with a
new ballpark. The Fish drew 8,216 last night at
Dolphin Stadium for a game that actually mattered:
the team has gone 27-17 since late May, the
Marlins are (theoretically) in the wild-card hunt
after a horrible start and playing some interesting ball under Joe Giraldi, and Dontelle Willis was on the mound.
In any case, there's the basis of an entertaining
team in place, with the great angle of scrappy
young underachievers in action. Fans may have
rightfully tuned out the team: waiting for a new
ballpark in Hialeah -- Hialeah! -- shows
the Marlins to merely be waiting for any sort of
deal that doesn't cost them serious money. The
concern, however, should be the fact the Marlins
are pocketing $30 million in revenue sharing and
spending $15 million on payroll -- some fellow MLB
owners are reportedly peeved with a scenario
ready-made for Major League III. It's pretty clear nothing will happen with
Jeffrey Loria owning the Marlins: the team doesn't
have the resources for a new ballpark, and until
he either steps aside or sells a chunk of the team
to local owners, the Fish are fried.
RELATED STORIES:
Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark;
DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins
ballpark again;
Marlins ballpark suffers setback;
DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new
ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats;
Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will
visit as planned with Florida park talks
continuing;
Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss;
Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson;
New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in
Hialeah;
Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark
site in Hialeah;
Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins;
Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San
Antonio move;
Wolff plans to give Marlins a
deadline;
Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon;
House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now;
Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins;
Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?;
San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner;
Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio;
Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?;
San Antonio officials get an invite
Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea;
City and county forming teams to lure Marlins;
San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold;
Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio
ballpark;
Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins
ballpark;
Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San
Antonio lures Marlins;
San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals;
Marlins move may spur border battle;
Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins;
San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for
Marlins relocation;
Marlins front office meets with Homestead
officials;
Marlins to Oklahoma City?;
Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade
might help fund a Marlins ballpark;
Owner laughs off idea of his
track as Marlins ballpark site;
Marlins, FAU to discuss
stadium options;
Norfolk session pleases
Marlins;
Possibility of Marlins
ballpark deal called remote
South Coast League announces
Aiken franchise
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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The South Coast League announced the naming of
Aiken, S.C., as home to one of the league's six
inaugural franchises. The Aiken franchise will
call USCA's Roberto Hernandez Stadium home. Opened
in 2004, the stadium is the home of the University
of South Carolina Aiken Pacers, an NCAA Division
II national power. Recently, the Pacers have
played host to the 2006 Peach Belt Conference
Tournament and earned their second straight NCAA
Regional bid. Named after USCA alum and current
Pittsburgh Pirate reliever Roberto Hernandez, the
state-of-the-art ballpark features a partially
covered grandstand, administrative offices, and
ample space to add group picnic areas down the
lines. The SCL is working toward a 2007 launch
date; teams are already slated for Charlotte
County, Fla., and Macon, Ga.
More from the Augusta Chronicle.
RELATED STORIES:
City may go other route on bringing professional
baseball to town;
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
D.C. says it has found
parking near new Nats ballpark site
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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District officials said yesterday that they have
identified nearly 9,000 potential parking spaces
near the site of a new Washington Nationals
ballpark in Southeast Washington, more than enough
to handle sellout crowds of 41,000 when the
ballpark opens in 2008. Not all of the land for
parking is under the city's control, and some of
the spaces would be as far as 10 blocks away. The
farthest parking lots would be a 15-minute walk
from the ballpark, but city officials pledged that
fans will find access convenient at the ballpark's
premiere.
More from the Washington Times.
RELATED STORIES:
D.C. Council approves parking garage plan;
Nats announce 'Grand Reopening' for old RFK;
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
Legends, Astros extend
PDC
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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The
Houston Astros and the Lexington Legends (Low
Class A; Sally League) announced today that they
have agreed to extend their Player Development
Contract (PDC) for two years. The two-year
extension continues the affiliation between the
Astros and the Legends through the 2008 season.
"The Lexington Legends are very fortunate to have an
affiliation with a first-class organization like
the Houston Astros," said Alan Stein, President
and CEO of the Lexington Legends. "They really
emphasize player development and that always
translates into winning teams and quality players
for our fans to enjoy."
The 2006 season marks the sixth that Lexington has been a
Houston affiliate. The Legends became part of the
Astros organization in 2001.
More on our
Affiliates page.
Diamond's status is still
uncertain
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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As we've been reporting (literally) for months,
the Richmond newspaper finally acknowledges the
truth: the future of the Richmond Braves (Class
AAA; International League) and a new ballpark are
in limbo until the parent Atlanta Braves
organization is sold by Time Warner to Liberty
Media -- a deal that (at present) includes the
R-Braves, the Mississippi Braves (Class AA;
Southern League) and the Rome Braves (Low Class A;
Sally League). That deal, which calls for Liberty
Media to trade Time Warner stock back to T-W for
the Braves organization and cash, is still in
negotiations. Still, the most outcome is a
renovation of The Diamond.
RELATED STORIES:
Polishing the Diamond;
Atlanta just might hold all the cards;
Braves sell out The Diamond -- thanks to American
Idol;
Wilder tells council that Richmonders have no
problems with Diamond;
City, R-Braves see need for new talks;
City of Richmond, Braves down to last few swings;
Richmond talks about new ballpark -- without the
R-Braves; What
do the Braves mean to Richmond?;
R-Braves cite new ballpark proposals;
Richmond Braves say concerns go unanswered;
Communications breakdown in Richmond;
Wilder: Braves balking on downtown ballpark;
Wilder worries about silence from Braves;
Developer joins ballpark initiative;
Fans hail R-Braves' decision to stay in Richmond;
Braves to stay in Richmond, Wilder says;
Minor attractions in Richmond: Part Three;
R-Braves give Richmond ultimatum: new ballpark or
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
Wichita awaits sign from
Wranglers owner
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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Wichita remains in the dark about the status of
the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) as
city employees still have not had contact with the
baseball team's owners, Bob and Mindy Rich. City
spokesman Van Williams said they are in a waiting
mode following a special election in Springdale,
Ark., in which the residents voted to build a
$33-million ballpark with the possibility that a
Double-A team -- which we identified months ago as
the Wranglers -- will move into it. (Springdale
officials certified the tax vote, by the way.) City officials
say they've not formulated a plan should the
Wranglers announce a move; the lease for
Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium gives the city 30 days to
buy the team for a fair-market value should it be
broken before 2009.
RELATED STORIES:
Interest in Springdale ballpark spreading;
Who could step up to the plate to keep pro
baseball in Wichita?;
Springdale voters narrowly approve ballpark
funding;
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Joplin ballpark plans should
be made in open
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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Joplin (Mo.) officials are looking at a renovation
to historic Joe Becker Stadium, the former home to
minor-league baseball in the city. Trouble is,
these plans are being made behind closed doors,
and with the city acquiring some properties near
the ballpark, some local residents are wondering
what the deal is. Let's see: a renovated historic
ballpark in Missouri, in the midst of a market of
400,000 within a 40-mile radius. We wonder if a
certain independent league is looking at a Joplin
team next season.
Next up in York:
Construction bids
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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The York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League)
is scheduled to play ball next year, but there is
a possibility the team's proposed downtown
ballpark might not open in June 2007, as planned.
It could take much longer, considering potential
obstacles in the construction process. Organizers,
therefore, already have a contingency plan that
includes taking York's team across the Susquehanna
River to play "home" games in Lancaster. The
biggest issue will be building a new ballpark for
$18.09 million, and given the rising prices of
steel and concrete in recent months, it will be
amazing if they can pull it off.
Higher-than-expected bids are keeping the Southern
Maryland Blue Crabs, owned by the same group as
the Revolution, on the sidelines until 2008 at the
earliest.
RELATED STORIES:
New for 2007: The York Revolution;
York ballpark project gets OK;
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?
Now this is how it's done
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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The model for Sarasota's spring-training-complex
plans is
Bright House Networks Field, the spring
home of the Philadelphia Phillies and the
regular-season home of the Clearwater Threshers
(High Class A; Florida State League). To say
Bright House Networks Field is a success is an
understatement: Phillies spring-training
attendance is way up since the move, the Threshers
are averaging an amazing 2,400 fans a game, and
several events have poured hundreds of thousands
of dollars into city coffers. More importantly,
the ballpark has given Clearwater -- a formerly
nondescript suburb of Tampa and St. Pete -- a
sense of identity.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark figures in Sarasota;
Bonita Springs council looking into luring spring
training;
Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark;
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
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
Things are just Beachy for
Bums
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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It's been a good year so far for the Traverse City
Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League). The
Beach Bums own the best record in the league at
29-15, and they've also drawn more fans that any
other team -- 86,444 through 21 games -- and are
second in average fans per game (4,146 to 4,116)
behind the Gateway Grizzlies.
Big-league effort in
minor-league adventure
Posted July 14, 2006 (feedback)
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A reporter from the
Chicago Sun-Times hits five
minor-league ballparks in the Chicago area -- Alexian Field,
Elfstrom Stadium,
Silver Cross
Field, Hawkinson Ford Field and U.S. Steel Yard --
on a single day, the Fourth of July. We've done
this once in North Carolina, and to do this you
need a little luck, a willingness to swoop in for
just an inning, and some kindness from the
scheduling gods.
New York Agency approves
ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets
Posted July 12, 2006 (feedback)
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New York City's Industrial Development Agency
approved $1.58 billion worth of tax-exempt and
taxable financing for baseball's
Yankees and
Mets
to build new ballparks. Agency officials said the
deal was contingent upon the U.S. Internal Revenue
Service approving the issuance of tax-exempt bonds
for most of the financing. The agreement would
save the city about $113 million in the next 40
years by relieving it from maintenance and repair
costs that would have exceeded rent payments at
the two existing ballparks (including meeting ADA
standards at
Yankee Stadium), agency officials
said in a prepared statement. By the time the
stadiums are completed in 2009, they will have
created 16,000 construction jobs, the officials
said.
RELATED STORIES:
MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea;
Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?;
NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets
ballpark bonding bills;
Squeeze play on Mets ballpark;
Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie
Robinson;
New Mets ballpark deal is stalled;
Squeeze play on the Mets;
Strike one for new Mets ballpark;
Mets park's name will fetch millions;
Mets unveil plans for new ballpark;
Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks;
City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks;
State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets
ballparks;
Ebbets' echoes in Queens;
At Mets' park, you'll think you're
in...Pittsburgh?;
State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets
ballparks;
Mets to go old school in new park
Springdale voters narrowly
approve ballpark funding
Posted July 12, 2006 (feedback)
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story)
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Voters in Springdale, Ark., narrowly approved a
sales-tax extension Tuesday to pay for a $33
million minor-league ballpark project in the
southwest area of the city. The vote was close --
2,410 for, 2,393 against -- and city officials
seemed surprised it the margin was so narrow. The
6,000-seat ballpark, which began as a much more
modest project for an independent-league team,
should be completed in time for the 2008 season.
The Springdale City Council will negotiate a lease
agreement that would likely include a 20-year
contract with two five-year renewal options for a
total of 30 years, and the team widely assumed to
be in play is the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA;
Texas League). If so, there are a number of
complicating factors. For one, the Wranglers'
lease for Lawrence-Dumont Stadium runs through
2009, and the lease gives the city the right to
buy the team should the owners -- the Rich family
-- break the lease. (City officials say they have
no interest in buying the team, but don't be
surprised if some enterprising potential team
owner has offered to buy the Wranglers from the
city should that option be exercised.) If the
Wranglers move, the future of the National
Baseball Congress, which has been revitalized in
recent years, would seem to be in some doubt. If
the Riches want to move the team immediately,
there's the chance the Wranglers could play a
season at Baum Stadium, the home of the University
of Arkansas baseball team, in nearby Fayetteville.
And, finally, should the Wranglers move, you can
be sure the independent American Association will
have a proposed lease for
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
ready for signing.
More from the Wichita Eagle,
the
Wichita Business Journal and
AP.
RELATED STORIES:
Why don't Wichitans turn out for Wranglers?;
Wichita may accelerate improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence;
City caught by surprise on possible Wranglers move;
Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Baseball according to Bud:
All's well
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One of the great spectacles of the MLB All-Star
break is Bud Selig's annual state of the game
press conference. To his credit, Bud takes all
questions and answers them with a modicum of
honesty. One issue of contention at yesterday's
meeting: progress being made over drug testing,
steroid abuse and HGH testing. Bud insists MLB has
made a lot of improvement on those issues, and
he's right: the mechanisms of making changes to
drug policies and testing are seen by the players'
union as bargaining chips, not real-world
programs, so progress happens much slower than
fans and sportswriters want. Still, Bud seems to
be whistling past the graveyard when he says he's
happy with the current drug-testing policy as it
stands now; at some point the fans' perception of
the game will suffer if there's a widespread
belief that players bulk up with HGH and other
performance-enhancing drugs. The apathy shown
toward Barry Bonds' slow crawl toward Hank Aaron's
home-run record should be a wake-up call.
More from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
the
New York Times and the
San Jose Mercury News.
Selig: Marlins need a new
ballpark
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Honestly, there's little new about Bud Selig
telling the press Miami is a great market and that
the Florida Marlins need a baseball-only ballpark
to replace
Dolphin Stadium as the team's new home.
Yeah, he's right: the Marlins need a new home.
Local government officials are working on a
terrible plan for a new ballpark in Hialeah --
which might as well be Orlando to the majority of
baseball fans in the greater Miami area -- and so
far the Marlins haven't really shown any
imagination in putting forth a more doable plan.
Really, it's time for Jeffrey Loria to consider
selling the team and letting a new owner start
anew with local officials. We hear he's clearly
pissed off his fellow baseball owners by pocketing
the proceeds of revenue sharing (the Marlins are
expected to receive $30 million this season, but
the team's payroll is only $15 million), and local
elected officials aren't eager to work with the
Fish.
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ballpark again;
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ballpark;
Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial
feasibility;
Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks;
Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins
ballpark;
San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now;
Tough times for Marlins and their fans;
Marlins players adjust to the empty seats;
Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will
visit as planned with Florida park talks
continuing;
Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss;
Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson;
New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in
Hialeah;
Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark
site in Hialeah;
Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins;
Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San
Antonio move;
Wolff plans to give Marlins a
deadline;
Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon;
House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now;
Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins;
Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?;
San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner;
Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio;
Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?;
San Antonio officials get an invite
Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea;
City and county forming teams to lure Marlins;
San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold;
Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio
ballpark;
Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins
ballpark;
Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San
Antonio lures Marlins;
San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals;
Marlins move may spur border battle;
Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins;
San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for
Marlins relocation;
Marlins front office meets with Homestead
officials;
Marlins to Oklahoma City?;
Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade
might help fund a Marlins ballpark;
Owner laughs off idea of his
track as Marlins ballpark site;
Marlins, FAU to discuss
stadium options;
Norfolk session pleases
Marlins;
Possibility of Marlins
ballpark deal called remote
Jays bidding for 2010 or
2012 All-Star Game
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The All-Star Break is also a good time for teams
to announce their intentions to secure a future
All-Star Game. The Minnesota Twins have already
had discussions about landing the All-Star Game at
a new downtown Minneapolis ballpark, the Arizona
Diamondbacks want to bring the Midsummer Classic
to Chase Field as soon as possible, and
the Yankees are positioning Yankee Stadium as the
game's host in 2008 before it closes. In the
meantime, Paul Godfrey believes the Toronto Blue
Jays and Rogers Centre have a good chance of landing the 2010 or
2012 All-Star Game, a process he hopes will
develop momentum next month when Major League
Baseball's club owners meet in Toronto. Toronto
last played host to the All-Star Game in 1991,
which will hurt the Jays' chances to land the game
when so many new ballparks are coming online
(Great American Ball Park, for instance, has never
hosted an All-Star Game) and teams like Tampa Bay
and Florida have never hosted the bash.
More from the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Hey, Nuttings, pay attention
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One
bittersweet aspect to the All-Star Game at
PNC Park: Pittsburgh Pirates fans now can look forward
to a depressing second half of the season.
Attendance at Pirates games has been up this
season, partially because tickets to the All-Star
Game were held out as an incentive to
season-ticket buyers. But the team is
underperforming on the field, and despite some
bright spots -- Jason Bay, Freddie Sanchez -- the
team's owners don't seem capable to laying the
groundwork for a winning franchise.
RELATED STORIES:
All-Star game in an All-Star park -- PNC finally
gets its due;
Event to mark Forbes Field wall of dreams;
All-Star Game security to cover all the bases
Cougars may get cozier
confines
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Minor-league baseball will be even bigger in Kane
County under plans being discussed by Kane County
Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) and forest
preserve district officials. Hundreds of seats --
including an upper deck and the ballpark’s first
skyboxes -- could be added to accommodate the
growing number of fans who visit
Elfstrom Stadium
in Geneva every summer, forest district Director
Monica Meyers said Tuesday. District officials
will hire an architect and engineer to assess the
site and develop plans under a $50,000 agreement
approved by commissioners Tuesday. The forest
district owns and operates the 15-year-old
ballpark.
D.C. Council approves
parking garage plan
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The D.C. Council ignored pleas from the Washington
Nationals' incoming ownership group and
unanimously authorized the city to partner with
Western Development on a plan to build two parking
garages with condominiums and retail space on the
north side of the team's new ballpark, currently
under construction, in Southeast Washington. The
plan calls for two parking garages to be built on
parcels outside the left-field wall of the
ballpark, with about 600 condominiums to be built
around and on top of the garages. Retail outlets
and a boutique hotel are also part of the
proposal, which was crafted as a compromise
designed to satisfy much of the parking
requirement at the site while spurring commercial
development in the area.
More from the Washington Post.
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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
MLB, USA Baseball form
10-year business partnership
Posted July 12, 2006 (feedback)
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MLB and USA Baseball (USAB) have reached a new
10-year agreement in which Major League Baseball
will acquire all USAB commercial rights for $10
million, enabling USAB to focus its resources on
growing amateur baseball in the United States, the
two organizations announced today. MLB has
acquired USAB sponsorship, licensing, and other
business rights, which will immediately be
transferred to the league's business arm, Major
League Baseball Properties. MLB Properties will
provide USAB with a guaranteed level of annual
funding to support its athlete programs. MLB
Advanced Media LP (MLBAM) also controls USAB's
Internet rights.
MLB, Turner,
Fox formally
announce TV deals
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As we
reported yesterday, MLB has reached new broadcast
deals with Fox Sports and Turner Broadcasting
System on new over-the-air and cable television
rights packages through the 2013 season. Fox will
continue to maintain the exclusive annual rights
to the All-Star Game and the World Series. Game 1
of the World Series will now be scheduled to take
place on the first Tuesday after the completion of
the League Championship Series. The network will
broadcast the American League Championship Series
in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 and the National
League Championship Series in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Under the TBS agreement, TBS will telecast all
regular season tie-breaker games, all Division
Series games and the All-Star Game Selection Show
each year. In addition, beginning in 2008, TBS
will telecast a window of Major League Baseball
games on 26 Sunday afternoons. TBS will continue
to air Atlanta Braves' games through the 2007
season, a year in which that contract and the new
deal will co-exist.
RELATED STORIES:
MLB, Fox to sign new broadcast deal
A chance to make a billion
impressions
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The American League
may have won last night's All-Star Game in
dramatic fashion, but the real winner may have
been PNC Bank, the owner of naming rights to
PNC Park, where the game was held. PNC officials were
thrilled the ballpark was named in 626 media
reports in the past week, according to Factiva, a
Princeton, N.J.-based company that tracks more
than 10,000 news sources, and some media experts
say the exposure was worth $10 million in
marketing. Perhaps, but let's also be honest:
those mentions of PNC were wasted on viewers where
the bank doesn't do business.
More on PNC Park's performance during the All-Star
Game.
Curve not going all-out to
set single-game attendance mark
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Speaking of All-Star Games: don't forget many
leagues are holding games this week. The Eastern
League All-Star Game will be played tonight at
Blair County Ballpark, the home of the Altoona
Curve. All the seats are sold out for the match,
but standing-room-only ducats are available, and
there's the chance the game will be set an EL
All-Star Game attendance record. Toledo is
expecting a full house at Fifth Third Field for
the Triple-A All-Star Game between International
League and Pacific Coast League stars. Meanwhile,
we'll be at La Crosse's Copeland Park tonight for
the Northwoods
League All-Star Game; a
full crowd is expected there as well. We've been
hitting the Northwoods League ballparks as of
late: next week we'll be updating our pages on
Franklin Rogers Field,
Mayo Field,
Carson Park,
Wade Stadium,
Warner Park and
Copeland Park. We're
also hitting the road next week, with stops
planned at Spartanburg's Duncan Park (July 15),
Thomasville's rebuilt
Finch Field (July 16),
Hickory's L.P. Frans Stadium (July 17),
Greensboro's First Horizon Field (July 18),
Kinston's Grainger Stadium (July 18),
Burlington
Athletic Stadium (July 19) and Zebulon's Five
County Stadium (July 19).
In search of deep pockets
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The gap between $40 million in identified sources
-- a $10 million contribution from the Cincinnati
Reds, $15 million in state sales-tax rebates and
$15 million in tourist taxes -- and the $54
million price tag for a new spring-training
complex have led Sarasota officials to declare an
impasse in the effort to replace
Ed Smith Stadium
as the spring home of the Reds. Pat Calhoon, facilities manager of the City of Sarasota Sports
Complex, says he plans to find out if any private
citizens want to be a "major part'' of the new
ballpark -- which would require some sort of hefty
financial contribution, perhaps in a naming-rights
deal. No one involved here has shown a whole lot
of imagination in getting a deal done, and any
ballpark project that already has $40 million in
identified funding should be able to be completed.
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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
Bonita Springs council
looking into luring spring training
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The effort to make Bonita Springs, a city outside
Fort Myers, home to spring training for a major
league baseball team is continuing, and later this
month City Council members will consider whether
the idea merits further investigation. Simons and
Bonita Springs City Manager Gary Price met in May
with county sports officials to float the concept.
Since then, city staff have been researching to
identify potential sites to accommodate an 80-acre
facility and figure out the cost, which is
estimated to be in the tens of millions of
dollars. With Sarasota officials and the
Cincinnati Reds at a standoff over a new
spring-training facility there, Bonita Spring may
have a little better chance of luring a team than
was the case a month ago.
Indians
resurrect team Hall of Fame
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The
Cleveland Indians are finally bringing back the
Indians Hall of Fame, which hasn't seen an
induction since 1972. When the team moved to
Jacobs Field, management wanted to make a clean
start to the franchise -- which makes sense, given
how bad the team was in the years prior to the
move. But now that there's a winning tradition of
sorts again at the
Jake, the team is turning its
attention back to its storied history.
Addie Joss, Al Lopez, Ray Chapman, Rocky Colavito,
Sam McDowell, Al Rosen and Herb Score will be
inducted in a pregame ceremony on July 29. The
four living members of the class -- Colavito,
McDowell, Rosen and Score -- all plan to be
present. Also, for the first time next season, the
hall of fame will actually have a physical
location, just beyond the center-field wall at
Jacobs Field. The area will be open during games.
Wings aim for
record books -- in Groucho glasses
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Fans at the Rochester Red Wings (Class AAA;
International League) game Saturday will get a
chance to set a new Guinness World Record.
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield -- as part of its
generics public awareness campaign -- will team
with the Red Wings to see if they can get at least
5,000 people at the game to wear Groucho
Marx-style glasses, which will have the attached
nose and moustache. Excellus and Frontier Field
volunteers will be at both main entrances to
collect names and distribute the glasses. Red
Wings management will also go on the field and let
everyone know when to put on their glasses, which
they must do for at least 10 minutes. The current
world record of 1,437 people wearing such glasses
in one place was set in Australia in 2005.
Suns to give
away kitchen sink
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The Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League)
will be giving away a free kitchen sink at today’s
game at Municipal Stadium, courtesy of Hagerstown
Kitchens. The Suns play the Hickory Crawdads
beginning at 7:05 p.m. "Fans have always told me,
'Kurt, the Suns have given everything away but the
kitchen sink.' Well, now I can tell them we’ve
even given that away too," said Suns President and
General Manager Kurt Landes. As fans enter
the ballpark, they’ll be able to guess the number
of peanuts inside the kitchen sink on display. The
closest guess at the end of the game keeps the
kitchen sink.
Eriotes,
Canaries claim record
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At
83-years-old, Jim Eriotes claims the record for
the oldest person to ever bat in a professional
baseball game as the Sioux Falls Canaries took a
5-3 win against the St. Joe Blacksnakes in an
independent American Association match last night.
Eriotes came to the plate to lead off the bottom
of the first inning. He struck out swinging on an
83-mph fastball, but not before making contact and
fouling a pitch off. After Eriotes struck out
Ralph Santana singled and stole his 24th base of
the season. Chad Hermansen followed with a two-run
homer giving the Canaries an early 2-0 lead.
More from the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
RELATED STORIES:
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Who's on first?
It's your call
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More on the
experiment from MSN and LivePlanet allowing
Internet voters to choose lineups and game
strategies for the Schaumburg Flyers (independent;
Northern League). Actually, there's a lot more to
the deal: cameras will be recording whatever the
team does -- in the clubhouse, in hotels, on the
road, on dates. Reading between the lines, you can
tell there's already some tension in Schaumburg:
manager Andy McCauley is clearly peeved he's lost
control of the team on the field, and some players
are not happy with the prospect of cameras
following them to bars and dates.
RELATED STORIES:
Fan Club: Reality Baseball launches today;
Flyers to allow online voters to guide team in
second half of season
XM, Sirius
could pair to fend off other digital technologies
Posted July 12, 2006 (feedback)
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Where will
your game broadcasts come from in the future? It's
looking muddier, not clearer, every day as rumors
continue to swirl about XM and Sirius exploring a
merger of satellite-radio providers. XM has just
committed $650 million for the rights to broadcast
every Major League Baseball game from 2005 to
2016, but they'll be facing some competition from
an unexpected source: MLB AM plans on broadcasting
games to mobile devices for $5.99 a month. This
doesn't affect just the 30 MLB franchises; MLB AM
also holds rights to minor-league games as well.
All-Star game in an All-Star
park -- PNC finally gets its due
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Tonight's All-Star Game will allow a national
audience to see one of the crown jewels in the
ballpark world:
PNC Park. We loved this ballpark
when we visited it last season, and we're not
alone -- the riverside setting is spectacular, the
scale is people-friendly (38,000-40,000 would
appear to be the sweet spot when it comes to MLB
ballpark sizes) and the architecture is retro
without being out of place. There are parts of the
ballpark designed to invoke Forbes Field, the
former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as
other long-gone ballparks.
Here are some other interesting facts about PNC
Park.
More from USA Today.
RELATED STORIES:
Event to mark Forbes Field wall of dreams;
All-Star Game security to cover all the bases
Vote on Springdale ballpark
is today
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Springdale
(Ark.) residents will vote in a special
election today on whether to extend a 1-cent sales
tax to build a $33 million ballpark that could
house the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas
League) for the 2008 season. There
are three questions on the ballot that must
receive yes votes for the ballpark to be built.
Under one (unlikely) scenario, the Wranglers could
move as early as next season to the University of
Arkansas' ballpark in Fayetteville before the
Springdale ballpark is ready in 2008. This doesn't
sound like the Rich family (owners of the
Wranglers) is posturing to gain
improvements to
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, though
Wichita officials have floated that possibility
out there. Plus, depending on how the ballpark
lease is written, the Riches could keep the
Wichita ballpark and use it for the National
Baseball Congress and other summer collegiate
games through 2009. One thing is for certain: the
minute after the Wranglers leave
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
the independent American Association will be ready with a
team.
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Lawrence-Dumont Stadium;
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Arkansas town woos Wranglers;
Sponsors of Springdale ballpark sure of need;
New ballpark to be boon for Springdale, city
officials say;
Springdale Chamber pushes for support for ballpark;
Election Commission finalizes details for
Springdale ballpark vote;
Springdale ballpark details still under
construction;
Chamber wants July 11 election on Springdale
ballpark tax;
If Springdale ballpark built team will follow,
planners are told;
Royals’ farm club seeks home?;
Mayor’s idea: Extend bond, gain baseball;
Bond underwriters to study Springdale ballpark
funding options;
Turn-back funds to go for Springdale ballpark;
Springdale ballpark site under contract;
Springdale: Chamber fielding baseball inquiries;
Texas League boss dispels baseball chatter;
Public money may be needed to build Springdale
ballpark;
Springdale: Sports park feasible, study claims
Nats announce
'Grand Reopening' for old RFK
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The incoming owners of the Washington Nationals
launched an aggressive campaign Monday to address
complaints about RFK Stadium, in an effort to stem
a serious decline in attendance this season. The Nationals' next home series, July 21-23
against the Chicago Cubs, will serve as a "Grand
Reopening" of the 45-year-old ballpark. The whole
ballpark is getting a good scrubbing, new food
stalls will be added, in-game entertainment
features are being upgraded, the entrance is
getting a landscaping overhaul, and an outside
company has been hired to conduct customer service
training sessions for vendors, ushers, security
personnel and anyone else who might come into
contact with the public. The team will be holding
a giveaway for fans for each of the three games,
beginning with the first 40,000 fans to attend
Friday night's game receiving a red Washington
Nationals cap. Saturday, the first 40,000 through
the gates will get a red Nationals T-shirt, and
Sunday, 40,000 red Washington rally towels will be
passed out to fans..
More from the Washington Post
and
the Washington Times.
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
New for
2007: The York Revolution
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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With nearly 3,000 total votes received, fan voting
for the "Name York's Team" contest has concluded,
with Revolution narrowly edging out White Roses as
the most popular among the five finalists. The
York Revolution is scheduled to begin play in the
independent Atlantic League in the spring of 2007.
The name Revolution connects with York’s colonial past, when
the Continental Congress met in York and passed
the Articles of Confederation during the
Revolutionary War. Following the American
Revolution, York briefly became the first capital
of the United States.
Because of the close nature of fan voting, when the York
Revolution begins play next year, club officials
have announced plans to recognize the name White
Roses. The team uniforms will feature a special
patch commemorating the White Roses, the last
professional baseball team to play in York. Also,
officials of the York club and the Lancaster
Barnstormers are in discussions to create a
“turn-back-the-clock” series, in which York will
wear vintage White Roses uniforms and the
Barnstormers will wear uniforms paying tribute to
the old Lancaster Red Roses.
More from the York Daily Record. One issue
that remains with a new York ballpark:
parking.
RELATED STORIES:
York ballpark project gets OK;
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?
MLB, Fox
to sign new broadcast
deal
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Major League Baseball has reached a new seven-year
TV deal with Fox Sports, according to SI.com. The new agreement, which
will be announced at 5:30 p.m. today by
commissioner Bud Selig, will guarantee baseball
more than the $400 million it received from the
network's previous contract, which expires after
this season. Fox will air the World Series, the
All-Star Game, a schedule of Saturday games and
one League Championship Series each year, with
another network able to buy the rights to the
other LCS. Also, TBS and MLB agreed to a new deal
giving TBS rights to divisional series next season
and weekly games in 2008.
Marion to join Frontier League
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We've heard from various sources close to the
action that it's a done deal for Marion, Ill., to
field a team in the independent Frontier League
next season, with final details still needing to
be worked out. A new ballpark is under
construction in Marion, originally envisioned as
the home of a Low Class A Midwest League team
before league officials denied permission for a
franchise move. While Marion would be a small
market even by Frontier League standards, the move
makes sense both for the potential owners of a
Marion team and the Frontier League: there's a
better geographic fit (the American Association
makes no sense, and neither does the Northern
League) and the Frontier League is better suited
toward markets of Marion's size.
RELATED STORIES:
Ballpark with no team going up in Marion;
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
IL, PCL champs to meet in
one-game playoff
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Triple-A
Baseball has scheduled a press conference
for tomorrow to announce the creation of a
championship game between the winners of the
International League and the Pacific Coast League,
starting this year. IL president Randy Mobley
declined comment on the topic of the press
conference yesterday but admitted that he would
like to see a championship game between the two
leagues. The championship game would be held
at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City. It
would be called the "Bricktown Showdown" and be
the first meeting of the league champions since
the Triple-A championship was held in Las Vegas
from 1998 until 2000.
Mississippi to host 2007
Southern League All-Star Game
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Mississippi Braves are hosting the Class AA
Southern League All-Star Game in 2007, according
to league officials. Trustmark Park opened last
season, and the Braves front office has some
experience hosting the game, having thrown the
2000 event in Greenville. The M-Braves will
announce ticket information, a full schedule and
further details at a later date. This year's game,
played last night in Montgomery, included a home
run derby.
Fan Club: Reality Baseball
launches today
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern
League) are entering some dangerous territory
here, turning control of the team over to fans
voting online. Fans will be in charge of key
managerial decisions, including selecting the team
roster (who takes the field and who rides the
pine), determining the batting order, choosing the
pitching rotation and making off-the-field
calls (everything from on-the-road roommate
assignments to potential player trades and free
agent pickups). The idea is to build up a national
following for the Flyers by giving fans what they
think is a voice in what happens on the field, but
we're looking forward to seeing how much power the
fans really have, especially if they make some
bone-headed decisions. The online reality
experience is sponsored by MSN and LivePlanet, the
production company headed by Ben Affleck and Matt
Damon.
RELATED STORIES:
Flyers to allow online voters to guide team in
second half of season
Now the real hard part
begins on new Reds ballpark
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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More on the financing for a potential new
spring-training ballpark for the Cincinnati Reds
in Sarasota. The city is sticking with a price tag
of $54 million for a new ballpark and complex,
which seems awfully high for a 9,000-seat ballpark
and new training fields. (What's not being
reported here, however, is that the city is trying to include a renovation of
Ed Smith Stadium
for amateur games and rolling it into the
spring-training project.)
The Cincinnati Reds are
trying to play nice by agreeing to up their
contribution from $6 million to $10 million,
and Reds officials say they'll continue
discussions but are not willing to come up with
more money. Sarasota officials are loathe to
raise taxes to pay for a new ballpark, but with
the potential state contribution of $15 million
(the article is wrong about the state contribution
being only $7 million), a half-cent sales tax
yielding $15 million, and
the Reds' payment of $10 million, you're already
at $40 million -- and a new ballpark
at the current Reds training site may be a lot
more affordable than is being pushed here.
RELATED STORIES:
For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck;
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
Revamped Point Stadium takes
shape
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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An $11 million renovation project to Johnstown's
Point Stadium has progressed quickly, and
officials with the All-American Amateur Baseball
Association Tournament say the 80-year-old
ballpark will be ready when the tournament starts
next month. Some aspects, possibly including
locker-room construction, may have to wait until
after the tournament. Also, the ballpark will not
get artificial turf until next year. New bleachers
now stretch into left field and right field, and
contractors have fashioned a concrete area for
seating and a plaza behind home plate. Large poles
rising from the plaza will support netting
protecting spectators from foul balls.
Measuring homers a guessing
game
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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If you watched last
night's Home Run Derby telecast from
PNC Park last
night, you heard the announcers say how far the
home-run blasts traveled. The numbers were
accurate: ESPN used laser technology to provide an
accurate distance. The thing is, most MLB
ballparks really don't have accurate charts
showing how far home runs travel, and (despite
what the stats freaks say) any number passed along
is merely an estimate, until MLB installs laser
technology to estimate shots.
Friends go to bat for Duncan
Park
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The movement to save Duncan Park Stadium took one
large step forward and one small step back Monday
night at a City Council meeting where supporters
spilled into the hallways to show their concern to
city officials. After plenty of discussion,
council agreed to cancel its contract with the
Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal
Plain League), preventing the team from playing in
the historic stadium next season. At the same
time, and in the same resolution, council voted to
create a public/private consortium that would
allow the city to work hand in hand with the
Friends of Duncan Park to try to renovate and
reopen the facility. Opened in 1926, Duncan Park
is one of the oldest baseball parks in the
country. It featured textile league baseball for
decades and minor league baseball until 1994, when
the Spartanburg Phillies left town. It doesn't
look like Duncan Park will be used next summer,
but there's the chance the Stingers will play next
summer at the Wofford College ballpark until the
future of Duncan Park is decided. We'll be at
Duncan Park this Sunday to catch the Stingers
action.
RELATED STORIES:
For Duncan Park neighborhood, ballpark's future
hits close to home;
Friends try to keep Duncan Park in play;
Group forms in effort to save Duncan Park;
Duncan Park down to 9th inning, 2 outs
Chase Field overdue for
All-Star bash
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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It's about time for the All-Star Game to be played
at Chase Field, the home of the Arizona
Diamondbacks, but it doesn't look like it will
happen until 2009 at the earliest: the 2007 is
slated for San Francisco, and now Commissioner Bud
Selig says the 2008 will be awarded to an American
League city -- probably New York for
Yankee
Stadium in that ballpark's swan song. The fear in
Phoenix is that St. Louis's
Busch Stadium will be awarded the 2009
game, but the Diamondbacks can lay a better claim
to deserving a shot at the game.
Knights see more fans, but
lag league
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International
League) may have the league's best record, but
that doesn't seem to be translating into a huge
increase in fans at the box office: attendance is
up some 15 percent at
Knights Stadium. We're not
fans of the ballpark, and apparently we're not
alone. Still, new Knights GM Dan Rajkowski did
make some noteworthy changes to the ballpark,
including the installation of a private patio area
down the right-field line.
Twins seek partners for
naming rights, sponsorships
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Minnesota Twins will probably be selling the
lights out of the
new downtown Minneapolis
ballpark scheduled to open in 2010. The Twins have
had little chance to sell anything at Metrodome --
the Minnesota Vikings control the suites and the
Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission controls
most of the signage and the concessions at
Metrodome, leaving the Twins with very little in
their control.
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
Eriotes to
attempt to break record for oldest pro baseball
player
NEW!
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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This is a gimmick that probably goes over the
line. 83-year-old Jim Eriotes will suit up for the
Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American
Association) in tonight's game against the St. Joe
Blacksnakes. The Canaries are pitching it as a
consciousness-raising experience in senior health
in conjunction with a local sponsor, but this
would seem to break one of the rules of a
successful promotion: never let the promotion
affect the product on the field, and allowing
Eriotes to bat will surely affect the game one way
or another, even if he strikes out as a
pinch-hitter. Speaking of gimmick signings: Nashua
Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) officials
announced that four-time World Champion skiier
Bode Miller has signed a one-game contract to play
for the Pride on July 29. Yeah, it's for charity,
and it keeps both the Pride and Miller in the
headlines.
City tour
features plans for growth
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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More than 100 neighborhood officials, downtown
advocates and residents Monday toured several
downtown sites to learn about Fort Wayne’s plans
to bolster its central city. The big topic:
whether the city needs a new downtown ballpark for
the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest
League). Some neighborhood activists question
whether a downtown ballpark is needed, but city
officials are selling the project as part of a
downtown revitalization project a la Dayton and
Fifth Third Field.
RELATED STORIES:
Fort Wayne looks at improvements to Memorial
Stadium;
A new(er) ballpark in Fort Wayne?;
Ballpark panel sees one diamond in future;
New owners bring fresh ideas to Fort Wayne;
Fort Wayne's baseball future may be downtown;
A new downtown castle?;
Memorial Stadium far from obsolete;
Fort Wayne Wizards sold;
Fort Wayne ballpark has 50 years of usability
left, says architect;
Debate begins on proposed downtown Fort Wayne
ballpark;
Group set to discuss downtown Fort Wayne ballpark;
Field of dreams in Fort Wayne?
Root, root, root for the
start-up
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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If there are two areas where the independent
Golden Baseball League has been successful, it's
been in attracting venture capital and garnering
positive press, as illustrated by this New York
Times article on the league's second season.
League officials have already made a splash
signing Jose Conseco this season, but one really
must wonder whether the business success is
following the media success, To be honest, we're a
little skeptical of some of the numbers being
thrown around here: our experience with other indy
leagues leads us to question whether they can
break even at an announced 1,700 fans a game (a
more typical break-even point for an indy team is
2,300 or more fans a game, and some fixed costs,
like workers' comp, simply don't scale), and we're really
skeptical whether they can reach 80 or so teams across the
United States. One cause for concern: investors
have already poured over $15 million into the
league, and so far every team is playing in an
older or college ballpark, with little success
shown in convincing local taxpayers to spring for
new facilities.
Sale of Drillers finalized
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League)
announced today that Chuck Lamson has received
final approval from Major League Baseball for his
majority purchase of the franchise from Went
Hubbard. With the approval, Lamson will now assume
the role of president of the Drillers, with Went
Hubbard remaining as vice president. Lamson also
announced that Mike Melega has been named general
manager and Jason George has been named assistant
general manager of the team.
Mayor pitches
Medlar Field as the answer to football woes
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The Penn State athletic department is weighing how
it might fit more students into Beaver Stadium for
football games this fall. State College Mayor Bill
Welch has his own idea: Put the overflow students
in Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the new home of
the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn
League). There, they could watch the football
games on the big screen, but still be together and
still be outside, Welch says.
In memoriam:
Hugh Stubbins Jr.
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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Hugh Stubbins Jr., who designed Veterans Stadium,
the former home of the Philadelphia Phillies, has
died. He was 94. Stubbins was better known for
designing landmarks such as Manhattan's Citicorp
Center, Boston's Federal Reserve Bank, the Ronald
Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Cal., and Congress
Hall in Berlin. Veterans Stadium was not the
greatest of sporting facilities, alas, and it
seems to typify everything bad about cookie-cutter
facilities: it didn't please Phillies fans, nor did it
work as a football stadium.
Ballpark Notes
Posted July 11, 2006 (feedback)
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The New York Yankees announced that
Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League)
manager Bill Mosiello has resigned in order
to return to the college ranks. Mosiello, who was
in the middle of his second season as the
RiverDogs’ skipper, leaves with a 129-98 (.568)
managerial record including a 49-40 mark this
season. Mosiello's replacement will be named by
the Yankees prior to the team’s next game, which
is scheduled for Wednesday night at Rome. Mosiello
will be named an assistant coach at the
University of Southern California. He is
scheduled to be the third base coach, which
includes guiding the hitters and infielders, and
he is expected to start his new opportunity within
the next week or so.
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