Archives: April 30-May 6, 2005
Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down
Posted May 6, 2005
Senate President Tom Lee delivered the death knell to the Florida Marlins’ dream of partial state funding for a new ballpark late Thursday, dashing the hopes of Miami lobbyists and lawmakers who camped outside his chamber for a week, pleading with him to take up a $60 million sales-tax subsidy for a new ballpark. Lee said there simply was not enough support in his chamber to make it even worth voting on the measure, which easily passed the Florida House. Whether this kills a ballpark initiative is another issue: remember, the Marlins and Miami-Dade County had already come up with most of the ballpark’s $420-million financing, and the state support was designed to address a fairly narrow gap ($30 million) in that financing. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz says his city will address the funding gap on its own, but that was said in the heat of battle. Meanwhile, ballpark proponents say they’ll continue working on senators before session ends today. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Herald’s Greg Cote, who has a more optimistic outlook on the future of the Fish.
Suns go with smart wristbands
Posted May 6, 2005
The Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) announced that starting with tonight’s game against the Mississippi Braves fans will have a new way to pay for food and beverage at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Smart AgeBand Wristbands contain computer chips, which are used in conjunction with Smart Kiosks, free-standing booths with touch screens. Patrons can load their bands in any whole dollar amount and funds will be available to be used for 30 days from the time the band is loaded. The system allows patrons to load money using cash, credit or debit cards onto their wristbands for instant, automated purchases and streamlined operations. Smart AgeBand Wristbands revolve around a tiny, flat computer chip, sealed in a non-transferable plastic wristband that uses customized software to store and transfer data which is then read by digital readers.
He’s on the road…to Cooperstown!
Posted May 6, 2005
One of the more successful bobblehead promotions ever came when the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) introduced a bobblehead of author and Lowell native Jack Kerouac to wide acclaim. That bobblehead will now have a more secure place in history: Yesterday officials from the city, University of Massachusetts Lowell, the Spinners and Kerouac’s estate gathered to announce and celebrate the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s acceptance of the Kerouac bobblehead, the first literary icon to be so honored.
Fireworks fizzle, Rock Cats GM sizzles
Posted May 6, 2005
You never want to antagonize ballpark neighbors to the point where they file a lawsuit, but that’s what happened in New Britain when 21 residents filed a lawsuit against the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and the city over the team’s Friday night fireworks. New Britain Superior Court Judge Marshall Berger ruled the team’s schedule of twice-monthly fireworks was excessive and ordered the team to scale back to a monthly display. Rock Cats owner Bill Dowling says the team is considering an appeal.
Familiar fans lend support for Senators opener
Posted May 6, 2005
Many in baseball didn’t think the Jackson Senators (independent; Central Baseball League) would stick around once the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League) came to town, but the Sens opened their 2005 season last night with a crowd of 2,012 fans at Smith-Wills Stadium, many of whom were recognized as regulars at the ballpark. It was the smallest season-opening crowd in team history, and the actual attendance could have been much lower had not many in the crowd received free tickets thanks to a corporate promotion. To put a further damper on the party, the Pensacola Pelicans defeated the Sens. Meanwhile, in other Central League news, the El Paso Diablos attracted a crowd of more than 10,000 to see their independent debut at Cohen Stadium.
Heater, Roof Man keep baseball fans coming
Posted May 6, 2005
We extolled the virtues of the Dayton Dragons (Class A; Midwest League) and Fifth Third Field in the writeup of our recent visit, but one thing we didn’t cover in depth were the between-innings entertainment from the team. Between innings, fans see everything from toddler races to a dancing umpire to Wink, the inflatable Cyclops. Roof Man roams the upper reaches of the stadium in his white nylon suit and green cape. When a foul ball is hit on the roof, he drops soft vinyl-stuffed baseballs down into the crowd. Kids announce batters over the public address system, there’s karaoke and the Smooch Cam flashes pictures of fans on the scoreboard and encourages couples to kiss.
Marlins in game till the final out
Posted May 5, 2005
The Florida Marlins lobbying team is working hard during the final two days of the Florida legislative session to procure passage of a yearly $2-million sales-tax rebate, but odds are still stacked against the team. The state House already overwhelmingly passed the measure, but Senate leadership says there’s little support in their body for the measure. That apparently is in some dispute: Senate President Tom Lee — a noted opponent of the measure — says by his count there are only 10 senators willing to consider the legislation, but proponents say more than 20 senators are on board. Killing a proposal without allowing the vote seems like a fairly cowardly approach; Gov. Jeb Bush and Miami elected officials are urging a vote as well. Meanwhile, the charge for the ballpark is being led by a rookie legislator.
Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders
Posted May 5, 2005
Most Hennepin County legislators will oppose a proposal to increase a countywide sales tax to 0.15 percent to fund a Minnesota Twins ballpark in downtown Minneapolis, but legislative leaders predict the measure will be passed easily. Most suburban and outstate legislators — including conservative Republicans — welcome the proposal because it taxes the people who in theory are benefiting the most from the ballpark. The issue is whether the state will mandate a referendum on the proposal, which could happen as late as 2006; the Twins and the county say a referendum is a deal-breaker. More on county commissioner Mike Opat, who is spearheading the ballpark efforts.
Top court says judge must rule on ballpark suit
Posted May 5, 2005
A New York state Supreme Court judge must determine if the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency had a legal right to create a for-profit entity to foster the development of a minor-league ballpark near Getty Square, after the state’s top court refused to hear an appeal. The ballpark, planned for an independent Atlantic League franchise, is part of a $1.2-billion remaking of downtown Yonkers from Baltimore-based Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse.
Orioles have empty feeling at Camden Yards
Posted May 5, 2005
Attendance at Baltimore Orioles games is down this season, as the Orioles three times have set a record-low for attendance at a ballpark that not long ago regularly attracted sellout crowds. Part of the issue has been seven straight losing seasons, which surely turned off some fans; also at play is the arrival of the Washington Nationals. Add to the mix some horrendous weather (last night the O’s played with temperatures in the 40s. If the team keeps winning, look for the fans to return by the middle of the season.
Nats victory to stand despite Mets’ appeal
Posted May 5, 2005
MLB officials denied Wednesday a protest by the New York Mets, who felt the grounds crew at RFK Stadium performed poorly during a rain-shortened loss to the Washington Nationals. The issue for the Mets was whether the grounds crew did a good job of preventing damage to the field during heavy rains; as Nationals’ manager Frank Robinson was tossed from the game for complaining about the field conditions, it would have been wrong to penalize the team. More on the field conditions here.
Florence wins baseball damages
Posted May 5, 2005
The former owners of the Florence Freedom (independent; Frontier League) lost a nine-month legal battle this week and will have to pay the city of Florence damages. Boone Circuit Judge Stan Billingsley issued the default judgment against Connie and Chuck Hildebrant on Tuesday and called their attempt to settle the suit a charade that wasted lawyers’ time. A hearing to determine damages is set June 2. Florence may seek more than $3 million in legal fees, rent and punitive damages.
Sens officials forecast bright future in Jackson
Posted May 5, 2005
You’ve got to admire the moxie of the Jackson Senators (independent; Central League), who are staying at Smith-Wills Stadium — even signing a lease extension through 2009 — even though the Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League) moved into the area. The team drew around 1,500 fans a game last season, and team officials say they’re hoping for more this season.
Diablos begin season today
Posted May 5, 2005
The new El Paso Diablos (independent; Central Baseball League) open their season tonight at Cohen Stadium. Last season El Paso fans had a team in the Class AA Texas League, but the Diablos franchise moved to Springfield and sold the team’s assets — like the logo and the name — to the Central League. In the past El Paso was an exceptionally good minor-league market, though the team relied heavily on giveaways and the antics of Jim Paul to attract fans.
Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark
Posted May 4, 2005
A new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins is one step closer to reality after the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to ask the state legislature to approve a 0.15 increase in a countywide sales tax. The proceeds of the sales tax — estimated at $28 million a year — would go toward funding the new $478-million ballpark, with the Twins putting up $125 million as well. Though the makeup of the vote was a foregone conclusion — four county commissioners had already announced their support for the measure before the meeting, enough for passage — there was a spirited debate in the county chambers, where both proponents and opponents spoke out. In some respects, the issue of funding a ballpark was secondary to whether to put the issue on a fall referendum: the current plan does not include a referendum, and the Twins say a referendum is a deal-breaker for them. Interestingly, this was one of the least political public meetings in recent memory: the current mayor, R.T. Rybak, spoke out strongly in favor of the measure, while his opponent, Peter McLaughlin, is one of the four commissioners voting for approval. Instead, a class divide was at play: many of those speaking out in favor of the ballpark were businesspeople who stood to gain from the ballpark (or, as in the case of Kent Hrbek, former players), while those speaking against the ballpark were neighborhood activists who decried corporate welfare for billionaire Twins owner Carl Pohlad. (Remember, Minneapolis is a city where Green Party candidates have been elected.) The next step is state approval of the sales-tax hike. Opponents say they’ll take their fight to the state legislature, but it’s clear whether they’ll have an impact: most legislators are happy to have Hennepin County take control of the ballpark and take it off their plates, especially when there are no state tax dollars involved. More from the Star Tribune and ill-informed curmudgeon Joe Soucheray, who apparently was unaware Rybak spoke out in favor of the ballpark at the hearing.
Marlins make final ballpark pitch, but hopes dim
Posted May 4, 2005
With the Florida Legislature scheduled to adjourn on Friday, the Florida Marlins and Miami elected officials are making a last-ditch effort to procure a vote in the state Senate for a $2 million year sales-tax rebate, which would be used as part of the financing for a new Marlins ballpark. Both proponents and opponents say there are not enough votes to bring the measure to a vote, but there was definite movement toward a vote on Tuesday. Also part of the bill: funding for new or renovated spring-training facilities in Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie and Winter Haven. More from the Palm Beach Post, the Miami Herald and Knight-Ritter.
Vegas waiting in the wings for baseball
Posted May 4, 2005
With the Florida Marlins encountering stiff opposition in the Florida Legislature for a sales-tax rebate key to funding a new ballpark, the natural place for the team to look for a new home is Las Vegas. City officials impressed MLB officials when the city made a play for the Montreal Expos, and if anything Vegas’ hand has been strengthened in recent months after Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman took control of the region’s powerful tourism agency. We remain convinced Vegas will land some sort of major-league sports team in the next few years. The size is right: only thee metro areas in the United States lack a major sports franchise. (Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario in Southern California, Providence, R.I., and the greater Norfolk, Va., area, but Las Vegas is experiencing rapid growth and should overtake these areas in size and financials in the next few years.)
Angels lose round on name
Posted May 4, 2005
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim would be required to include a disclaimer on tickets and advertisements indicating the team plays in Anaheim, not Los Angeles, under a proposal passed by a California Assembly committee. Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove), whose district includes Angel Stadium, said the Angels are fraudulently marketing themselves as a Los Angeles team. The Angels apparently aren’t worried about the measure: they’ve retained no lobbyist in Sacramento and did not send a representative to speak against the bill.
Cats schedule opening-day parade
Posted May 4, 2005
Baseball teams used to schedule opening-day parades all the time, but that practice seems to have died out everywhere except Cincinnati (where the tradition goes strong) and Fort Worth, where the Fort Worth Cats (independent; Central League) have scheduled an opening-day parade for May 13, starting at LaGrave Field at 11:15 a.m. and going through downtown Fort Worth. Manager Wayne Terwilliger, 79, will lead the way with his coaching staff; also on hand will be former Cats like Maury Wills (1955) who will have his No. 6 Cats’ jersey retired on June 18.
Spiffed-up field and winning team take some getting used to
Posted May 4, 2005
After years of planning and aborted redevelopment plans, changes were finally made this offseason at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, home of the Daytona Cubs (Class A; Florida State League). The area around the ballpark was loosened up after a street between the ballpark and a river was replaced by a pedestrian walkway, while inside the ballpark a new manual scoreboard was added.
Potomac Nationals unveil Uncle Slam
Posted May 4, 2005
The Potomac Nationals (Class A; Carolina League) unveiled a new mascot, Uncle Slam, during a 1-0 win over the Frederick Keys this past weekend. The Nationals used a field cart and large red box, decorated with red and blue streamers, balloons and bows, to hide the four-fingered furry blue character. Once the box was removed, Uncle Slam jumped off the cart dressed in a Potomac Nationals home jersey, complete with his name and number one on the back, a red bowtie, red and white striped pants and top hat, baseball socks and big red shoes.
Cubs fans turn Miller Park into Wrigley North
Posted May 4, 2005
Cynics say one reason why Bud Selig was so eager to switch the Milwaukee Brewers from the American League to the National League was to take advantage of Chicago Cubs fans willing to make the trek from the north side to Brewtown. But Bud was no sap, and today the best-attended series for Milwaukee involve visits from the Cubbies. Up to 10 times a year, Cubs fans who don’t have enough pull to get tickets at Wrigley Field pile on the bandwagon, roll up Interstate 94 and turn Miller Park into Wrigley North.
Navs’ owner knows about diamonds, ring
Posted May 4, 2005
If there’s one sport that can match MiLB when it comes to marketing resourcefulness, it’s professional boxing. That’s why fans of the Norwich Navigators (Class AA; Eastern League) were heartened when boxing promoter Lou DiBella took over the team. While there’s been some consistent rumors that DiBella is looking for a new home for the team, this season he’s pulling the stops out on a pretty ambitious promotional schedule that he hopes to expand next season.
Minors make Little League
Posted May 4, 2005
Here’s another revenue source for minor-league baseball teams: some are working with Little League to license their logos for teams across the county. In the past you saw only MLB logos used by Little League teams, but there are more teams adopting MiLB-licensed logos because some parents see MLB players as setting bad examples for their children. The frog from the Everett Aqua Sox (short season; Northwest League) is popular.
Look out, D.C.; his pitch fills seats
Posted May 4, 2005
If Mike Veeck were running the Baltimore Orioles, he’s go right after the Washington Nationals and market right outside of RFK Stadium with promotions rewarding fans for trading in their Nationals hats for Orioles hats. A range war would certainly make headlines, and with Orioles attendance down (Monday’s game drew only 15,000+ fans) despite the team’s fast, first-place start. Somehow we suspect the exercise is purely academic: it’s hard to imagine Peter Angelos and Mike Veeck cooexisting in the same front office.