Archives: August 13-19, 2005
Ex-Dillas’ owners seek new Amarillo team
Posted August 19, 2005
Byron Pierce and John Bryant, the original founders of the independent Texas-Louisiana League (now the Central League) who are launching another Texas-based indy league, confirm they’re looking at assuming the lease of Potter County Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Amarillo Dillas (independent; Central League), from ACE Baseball Academy. If the county goes along with the plan, Amarillo could be the first team in the new league. The Dillas were successful when the Texas-Louisiana League first launched. Meanwhile, the city of Amarillo plans to study whether a new pro ballpark is needed; look for Bryant and Pierce to weight in on that.
Ballpark attracts all kinds of players
Posted August 19, 2005
What exactly is the appeal of a luxury box for a business owner? For movers and shakers in San Bernardino, Arrowhead Credit Union Park — the home of the Inland Empire 66ers (Class A; California League) — is where business and political tacticians are in serious discussions. The row of posh luxury boxes has become the It Place for businessmen and politicians to network, glad-hand and make things happen before they reach board rooms and council chambers. The dozen suites, accessible only by a private elevator, are owned for the season by a Who’s Who of county business and politics. Each are decorated and outfitted to the proprietor’s taste. But they lean heavily toward beer taps and plasma TVs, leather easy chairs and hardwood floors.
Ballot question sought on funding for Monroe Township ballpark
Posted August 19, 2005
Ah, there’s nothing easier for a politician who want to attract attention to demonize an idea that’s not even reached a proposal. This is the case in New Jersey’s Monroe Township, where a Republican candidate for county freeholder is trying to gain attention by campaigning against the concept of a new ballpark for an independent Atlantic League team. The county is still studying the concept of a ballpark and doesn’t have a tangible plan in the works, but the candidate is already asking for a referendum on the project. It’s interesting this candidate decries the possible use of tax dollars on the project but doesn’t mind spending tax dollars on a referendum which will also have the side effect of raising his profile.
Christian group protests gay night at ballpark
Posted August 19, 2005
Another year, another Christian protest at the ballpark. Last night was the third annual Gay Community Night at a Philadelphia Phillies game, and it was the third year in a row protesters showed up as well. Members of the Repent America group showed up with a banner protesting the celebration of homosexuality at the ballpark; the Phillies placed guards around the group to ensure the sign stayed up. This raises an interesting issue that MLB would probably not see raised: Can I show up with a "Save the Whales" sign at any game and receive protection from the team? I’ve seen numerous folks forced to take down signs at the Metrodome because the Twins did not approve. At some point some smart guerilla marketers are going to hit a ballpark with a noncommercial message and MLB won’t have a suitable policy in place because they allowed an anti-gay group to display this sign.
Daytona Cubs break attendance record
Posted August 19, 2005
The Daytona Cubs (Class A; Florida State League) set a new single-season attendance record at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in 2005. Following Game 2 of a three-game series against the Vero Beach Dodgers on Wednesday night, the Cubs 2005 season attendance total climbed to a record number of 110,869. The new franchise attendance record comes just months after a rigorous off-season in Daytona that included a $1.5 million renovation at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The renovations included a new river walk, updated lighting system, remodeled home clubhouse for the Cubs players, retro Chicago Cubs style manual scoreboard, a new picnic area and renovated bathroom and concession-stand facilities.
Worcester Tornadoes break 100.000 attendance mark
Posted August 19, 2005
The Worcester Tornadoes (independent; Can-Am League) drew a record crowd of 3,465 fans to Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field for Wednesday night’s victory over the Grays, pushing their inaugural season attendance past the landmark 100,000 plateau. The Tornadoes season attendance now stands at 100,834 for 40 game dates, with eight more regular season games scheduled. The Tornadoes are averaging 2,521 fans per game, ranked third in the Can-Am League. But the two teams ranking above Worcester — Brockton and Quebec — both have much larger ballparks than Worcester’s Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field, which seats about 3,000.
‘Johnny Baseball’ devoted to game
Posted August 19, 2005
Most New Jersey Cardinals (short season; NY-Penn League) know John Regan as "Johnny Baseball" — he was one of the Cardinals’ first employees and had missed only a single games in 10 years. However, he’s been missing games regular because of health problems: was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia about a year and a half ago, when his bone marrow was unable to produce enough red blood cells to replace those being destroyed. His platelet count dropped to single digits, and Regan had to have his spleen removed.
Baseball Notes
Posted August 19, 2005
It’s getting to be that time of year again: awards time in the minors. The International League announced that Charlotte Knights Head Groundskeeper Eddie Busque has been awarded the leagues Sports Turf Manager of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The award was established to recognize outstanding effort and excellence in the care and maintenance of a baseball playing surface and is voted on by field managers and pitching coaches from around the International League….In the Central Baseball League, GM Monty Clegg of the Fort Worth Cats was named executive of the year and LaGrave Field won once again for playing field of the year….
MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon
Posted August 18, 2005
You know, we could have written this headline a countless number of times in the last three years, and it would have been true each time. This time, however, it really could lead to an actual sale. MLB CEO Bob DuPuy says a sale of the Washington Nationals to one of eight bidders should be started in the next 30 days. His comments came after a series of committee meetings held on the first day of the two-day owners’ quarterly meetings. The sale price of the Nationals could reach $450 million. Speaking of the meetings: the widespread changes in the minor leagues (Pioneer League, Appy League, Gulf Coast League, Arizona League) predicted by Baseball America were not discussed at length, we hear, although a change in the timing of the draft was discussed but did not come up for a vote. DuPuy said any changes in the timing of the draft would probably not be approved at the meetings.
Golden Baseball League targets Reno, will compete with PCL
Posted August 18, 2005
The independent Golden Baseball League is in discussions to place a team at the University of Nevada-Reno’s Peccole Park, which would place the league in direct competition with a Pacific Coast League team slated to move to a new ballpark in nearby Sparks. The GBL would need to bring some dollars to the venture: Peccole Park lacks lights (which would cost $500,000) and school officials say new FieldTurf would be required as well. So far GBL officials have dealt with the athletic department on the terms of play; still to come would be discussions with university officials over a lease, parking and concessions. A Reno GBL team could begin play next season (we assume it would replace the traveling Japanese team from this year’s league), but league officials are also discussing expansion as well. The other issue — and one that will not play out for several years — is whether the Reno area is large enough to support both an independent team and a Pacific Coast League team, particularly if the PCL team ends up the farm team of a popular California major-league franchise.
Bluefish owner puts club on the block
Posted August 18, 2005
Mickey Herbert made it official: he’s selling the Bridgeport Bluefish (independent; Atlantic League), but there’s a huge condition: the team must remain in Bridgeport. Herbert is the new president and CEO of ConnectiCare, a Farmington-based managed care health insurer, and doesn’t have the necessary time to commit to franchise business. He says he’s already talking with a few potential buyers.
Wenatchee a new baseball hotbed?
Posted August 18, 2005
Wenatchee (located in central Washington state) has quietly become a baseball hotbed, thanks to the efforts of Jim Corcoran, owner of the Wenatchee AppleSox (college wood bat; West Coast Collegiate Baseball League). The AppleSox play at 1,200-seat Paul Thomas Sr. Field, but robust attendance has Corcoran looking for a new home. One possibility is a renovated Recreation Park, home of the Wenatchee Chiefs (short season; Northwest League) in 1937-1941 and 1946-1965, but that would require millions in new seating and ballpark expansion. Instead, Corcoran dreams of a new ballpark along the banks of the Columbia River with at least 3,000 seats, nice concessions, lockers, a press box and ample parking — a real minor-league facility. He may have some ulterior motives: Bob Richmond, president of the short-season Northwest League, said Friday that the Greater Wenatchee Area’s population – about 75,000 people in a 15-mile radius — has inched the community "closer to being a candidate" for a franchise.
York homes’ cost tops estimate
Posted August 18, 2005
The appraised value of 15 homes, needed to make way for a $28-million ballpark in York, Pa., for an independent Atlantic League franchise, is about $85,000 more than initial estimates. According to the latest figures, released Wednesday, the appraised value of the properties is $397,000. City officials weren’t surprised by the increase, saying they were prepared for a higher figure. Appraisals will be mailed to property owners this week. The state has committed $12 million to the project; Keystone Baseball (owners of the Atlantic League franchise), another $8 million; and Better York and the local business community, $8 million.