Archives: June 18-24, 2006
D.C. parking plan faces significant hurdles
Posted June 22, 2006
A plan to build parking garages and condos next to the new ballpark under construction in southeast D.C. for the Washington Nationals faces one huge hurdle: no one knows who will pay for it. It was originally reported the developer, Western Development, would eat the costs of 1,225 parking spots as a condition of winning the development rights next to the ballpark, but this article (perhaps inaccurately, from what we’ve heard) intimates this is not the case. The city set aside a small sum for parking in the area, and paying for the estimated $300-million-plus for parking ramps would threaten the $611-million cap on ballpark construction. The owners of the Nats are still unsure whether 1,225 parking spots will suffice and would like to see a back-up plan; they’d like to see 5,000, though future development in the area may lead to many more parking spots.
Wichita may accelerate improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
Posted June 22, 2006
Nothing like the whiff of a move to make a municipality act. Wichita officials say they’re willing to look at improvements to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium now that it’s more widely know the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) are looking at a move to Springdale, Ark. On GM Eric Edenstein’s wish list: replacement of the artificial turf, widening of concourses, new concession stands, the addition of a group/deck area, and the construction of new clubhouses. The Wranglers’ lease runs through 2009, and it gives the city the option to buy the team at fair-market value should the lease be broken, although officials now say that’s not under consideration. Springdale voters will decide next month whether to extend a one-cent sales tax to pay for a $33-million ballpark. If the Rich family does decide to keep the team in Wichita, there aren’t many options for Springdale to attract affiliated baseball: the Texas League would be made up of teams playing in newer ballparks and tied with long-term leases, there’s no Class A circuit in the region, and there’s no way Springdale is a Class AAA market. The independent American Association would seem to have a stake in whatever happens: Wichita or Springdale would fit right into the league’s footprint. The Wichita Eagle’s editorial page says fans should show up to support the team.
Pastor supports ballpark minus alcohol presence
Posted June 22, 2006
Speaking directly to the press for the first time, Rev. Ronnie Floyd says he supports a new ballpark in Springdale, Ark., but wishes it would not serve alcohol. That’s a much more nuanced stand than was portrayed yesterday by ballpark opponents, who claimed Floyd was withdrawing his support for the $33-million project, which goes to public referendum next month. Now, having a Baptist pastor oppose alcohol is like having a dog oppose a cat: everyone expects it. And Floyd’s current stand would be very consistent for a Southern Baptist, saying alcohol is a "possible detriment" to a new ballpark. The economics of baseball and ballparks doesn’t really work without the sale of beer. The bigger issue, which we anticipated yesterday, is that ballpark opponents latched onto Floyd as a way to sway public opinion against a new ballpark; Floyd’s more nuanced statement would seem to have nipped that in the bud. Springdale is seen as an attractive market because the entire region — led by Wal-Mart’s huge presence in nearby Bentonville — is booming. But with boom times come other issues, and ballpark advocates may be a little out of touch with a community that’s rapidly changing. More from the Springdale Morning News.
New Reds’ spring-training ballpark still $16M short
Posted June 22, 2006
There is a lot of misinformation about the new spring-training funding from the state of Florida in a program designed for cities and counties to retain their MLB teams. Take this article: it reports the state will supply only $7 million under the plan to build a new spring ballpark and complex for the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota. For starters, local units of government must apply for one of five slots (which sets up a competition should more than five units apply), so the funds are not assured. Secondly, the sales-tax rebate comes out to $15 million over 30 years, not $7 million (and not 20 years, as we erroneously reported originally). So, taking out our handy napkin for some back-of-the-napkin calculations, it would appear there is currently $46 million available for the project: $15 million from the state, $6 million from the Reds, $10 million from the city of Sarasota, and $15 million from the county. That leaves a manageable $8 million shortfall, which could be addressed by a scaling back of the project. (Raising the county sales tax past a half-cent doesn’t seem to be possible under the law authorizing the sales-tax rebates.)
A big boost for spring training in Winter Haven
Posted June 22, 2006
At least this article gets some stuff about spring-training funding correct. The sales-tax rebate program would appear to be the tool needed to keep the Cleveland Indians training in central Florida, whether it be at Winter Haven or Disney World. Winter Haven officials are already saying good riddance to the Indians, but Polk County officials — who have already set up a funding mechanism for a new Indians complex — isn’t so sure it wants to write off the economic benefits of spring training.
FAU proposal for $45 million spring-training camp runs into trouble
Posted June 22, 2006
With little local backing so far and more questions than answers about the $45-million plan, time is running out for Florida Atlantic University’s proposed major league spring training camp. Craig Angelos, FAU’s athletic director, pitched his idea for a new Boca Raton baseball stadium and ball field complex in a June 1 memo to local government officials and business groups. Until now, no one has committed to supporting the proposal. The plan calls for a $45 million complex built on FAU and Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District land with a combination of state money, county hotel bed tax revenue and private investment or donations. A new 7,000-seat stadium could go up on Spanish River Boulevard east of Interstate 95. In theory, a local unit of government could apply for $15 million in state funding under a sales-tax rebate plan passed by the Florida Legislature this session, but that requires a major-league team to commit to FAU, and so far that’s not happened.
Topeka baseball study striking out
Posted June 22, 2006
The second phase of a study designed to determine the feasibility of pro baseball in Topeka may be ending prematurely after the city council took no action on whether to earmark $7,500 to pay the city’s half of the $15,000 needed to finance the feasibility study’s second phase. The council didn’t appreciate hearing the second phase would lead to a $40,000 third phase, which led some swing votes on the council to switch from supporting it to opposing it. Preliminary findings from Barrett Sports Group indicated support for a new ballpark — which they inevitably do, no matter where the study is taken — and the later phases are designed to determine specific levels of support. With a population of 122,377 in 2000, it would seem the third-largest city in Kansas would be capable of supporting independent baseball.
Panel considers upgrades to Dodd Stadium
Posted June 22, 2006
With new ownership of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) injecting life into Dodd Stadium, the Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority is looking at some upgrades to the ballpark. The Defenders would like to see the purchase of a scoreboard camera, new carpeting in certain parts of the ballpark and new picnic tables. But the authority only agreed to suggest to the City Council to re-carpet the home and visiting clubhouse and the umpire’s room. Some other improvements will be mandatory: currently the lighting at Dodd Stadium doesn’t meet MiLB guidelines.
Videoboard to brighten Bears’ ballpark
Posted June 22, 2006
New this season at Yakima County Stadium, the home of the Yakima Bears (short season; Northwest League): a 12-foot by 16-foot videoboard. On game nights, the board will show live video of between-inning contests involving fans, blooper clips and movie clips that tie in with various sound effects. The Bears ownership paid for the $300,000 videoboard. A state grant will pay for new lighting and playing surface for the 2007 season. More on Ken Wombacher, GM of the Bears.
Ballpark improvements key addition for E-Twins
Posted June 22, 2006
Riverside Stadium, the home of the Elizabethton Twins (rookie; Appalachian League), was spiffed up before the start of the season. The entertainment stage and entrance was completely redone by Lowe’s Home Improvements’ volunteer staff during the offseason: the entrance gate was painted red and a patriotic theme applied to the stage. The E-Twins have promotions scheduled for every game this season, including five Sunday night home games during which fans will receive free admission by bringing a church bulletin to the ballpark.
T-Bones put mullets on deck
Posted June 22, 2006
It’s Redneck Weekend at Community America Ballpark, the home of the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League). The highlight: the first Redneck Wine and Cheese Festival, where spray cheese, Ritz crackers, Hostess desserts and box wine will be served. Other events include a performance Friday by country performer Chris Beck, an appearance Saturday by ex-WWF wrestler Sergeant Slaughter and on Sunday the Redneck Skills Competition. That will have two-person teams competing in in events like changing tires and reeling in fish from 100 yards out.
Opening night a big hit for fans at Auburn
Posted June 22, 2006
It was close to a capacity crowd when the Auburn Doubledays (short season; NY-Penn League) began their season at Falcon Park. To make it better, the Doubledays pulled out a 4-3 win over the Batavia Muckdogs. One sad note: Leo Pinckney, Auburn’s King of Baseball, is currently in Mercy Health and Rehabilitation Center and couldn’t make it to his usual Falcon Park seat along the first base line. The man for whom the Doubledays’ field and division is named is a mainstay at the park. Pinckney, who was instrumental in bringing minor league baseball to Auburn, has served as the team and New York-Penn League president.
‘Nothing like baseball at The Nat’
Posted June 22, 2006
The Vancouver Canadians (short season; Northwest League) began play yesterday at Nat Bailey Stadium before 2,022 fans at a matinee. Nat Bailey is one of our favorite ballparks in the minors: opening in 1951, Nat Bailey has been the home to Pacific Coast League and Northwest League teams ever since. The Canadians schedule a lot of afternoon games, which seem to work well in the Vancouver market.
Mark Light Field renovation hits snag
Posted June 22, 2006
A three-part renovation of Mark Light Field, the home of the University of Miami Hurricanes, has slowed down after the second $12-million construction phase came in late and over budget. Phase one — which included seating modifications, new dugouts, new stadium lights and utility infrastructure — was completed at the end of February, five weeks into the season. It appears phase two — which will run a new sewer line from the stadium to UM’s new on campus apartments, renovate the restrooms and build out the shell of the stadium’s grandstands that will house the team’s new clubhouse — is running behind schedule. The existing structure under the stadium will be torn down within the next week to begin that phase. Phase three of the project, expected to begin at the end of next season, will involve building a new press box and VIP suites, finishing the clubhouse (which will feature a new locker room, training rooms, a video room, academic support areas and a weight room), and renovations of the Ron Fraser building, which currently houses all Miami’s baseball offices.
McBride Stadium getting busier
Posted June 22, 2006
McBride Stadium, the former home of the Richmond Roosters (independent; Frontier League), is seeing some action this summer as the Cincinnati Steam (summer collegiate; Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League) is playing two games there this weekend and looking at six or seven more next summer. If Steam management were smart they’d look at a move to Richmond fulltime: the crowds at Roosters games may not have been large enough to support pro baseball, but they’re probably more than adequate for a summer collegiate league. The Steam currently plays in two facilities, which is always a recipe for disaster.
Pro softball team hopes to catch on
Posted June 22, 2006
Can women’s pro softball catch on? The Philadelphia Force (who play at Allentown’s ECTB Stadium) is part of the seven-team National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Although the Force’s record isn’t stellar — 3-5 coming into the weekend — the team has proven to be a draw, attracting more than 1,000 fans showed up for their first home game, a 3-1 loss to the Connecticut Brakettes on June 10. This weekend the team is hosting the Chinese National Team, which should also be a draw.
Baseball Notes
Posted June 22, 2006
The Thunder Bay Border Cats (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced that John Michael Herrera has been promoted to the position of field manager for the remainder of the 2006 season. Herrera, a native of Abilene, Texas and assistant coach at New Mexico State University, takes the reigns from Brad Stromdahl, who earlier this week departed to take a full-time coaching job with Georgia State College….Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) pitcher Rusty Begnaud was hospitalized in serious condition last night after diving headfirst into a swimming pool and suffered a fracture of his vertebrae. Going into surgery Begnaud was paralyzed from the chest down….