Archives: Oct. 1-7, 2006
In memoriam: Buck O’Neil
Posted Oct. 7, 2006
Buck O’Neil, one of the most beloved figures in the baseball world over a long career that included batting titles in the Negro Leagues, three decades as a scout with the Chicago Cubs and the founding force behind the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, passed away last night in Kansas City, Mo. He was 94. O’Neil, a Florida native, made a 1938 debut with the Kansas City Monarchs and was a fixture in the team’s lineup through 1954 except for a stint in the Navy during World War II; in 1948 he took over the managerial reins as well. In 1953 O’Neil was hired as a scout by the Cubs and he immediately paid dividends, sending Monarchs shortstop Ernie Banks to Chicago. He was later named as a coach for the team, the first black coach in the majors.
He also was a prime mover behind Kansas City’s Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, raising funds for its establishment and ongoing operations. In the last year he was denied admission as a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as voters in a special vote of Negro Leagues veterans decided his baseball credentials weren’t enough. In terms of impact on the game of baseball, O’Neil was one of the most important people in the game’s evolution over the last 70 years — and for that he deserved recognition in Cooperstown.
Cropp pushes for decision on parking at DC ballpark
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
The debate over parking for the new $611 million Washington Nationals ballpark has dragged on for months, and council Chairman Linda W. Cropp called on the mayor and council yesterday to make a decision about the need for additional spending on parking promised as part of the team’s lease. The city is required to build 1,225 parking spaces as part of an agreement with the team. Officials are considering two choices: surface parking for $25 million as budgeted or a $100 million underground parking facility, which could be expanded later with shops, restaurants and condominiums above it. Approving the underground parking project — and the additional $75 million — would force the council to lift the $611 million spending cap on the stadium. But the project also would help the city meet its goal of using the ballpark as a catalyst for economic development. The Nationals are playing at RFK Stadium this coming season before moving into the new ballpark for 2008.
Baseball fan boosts Billings ballpark campaign
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
It was an important development for proponents of a new ballpark for the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League): Jon Dehler, owner of Fleetwood Gaming, announced that he will donate $1 million to help rebuild Cobb Field. That sort of gift — which, basically, is a naming-rights deal — reduces the cost of the $12.5-million Cobb Field replacement to taxpayers (who will pay $25 yearly in additional property taxes on a $150,000 house); proponents hope it opens the floodgates for other gifts and boosts the chances the ballpark measure is passed by voters in November. One other thing going for ballpark proponents: the ballpark will also house popular Billings Legion teams and the local college squad.
Few wins, but parking still free at the Trop
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
Coming off the Tampa Devil Rays’ ninth consecutive losing season, team officials announced Thursday that parking at Tropicana Field will again be free in 2007. The promotion extends a 2006 fan giveaway, where the Rays waived the $10 charge for all of the team’s 6,882 spaces around Tropicana Field. Team president Matt Silverman said the organization hopes to continue to build its fan base in 2007, using free parking as one of several enticements. Parking will not be free in 2008, Rays officials said. Attendance was up 20 percent in 2006, as the team’s aggressive marketing plans helped overcome another disappointing season on the field.
Midwest League names postseason honorees
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
The Low Class A Midwest League announced its 2006 executive award winners. The Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy, presented to the club who has done the best job in the area of promotions during the past season, was won by the Fort Wayne Wizards. The John H. Johnson President’s Trophy, awarded to the club who best exemplifies the standards of the complete baseball franchise (including financial success of operation, contributions to baseball in the community and baseball industry and long-term franchise stability) was snared by the Clinton LumberKings. The Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year is Lydia Halbach of the Clinton LumberKings. Finally, the Midwest League Executive of the Year: is Jim Jarecki, VP of the West Michigan Whitecaps.
The making over of McAfee Coliseum
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
There are four multiuse facilities in big-league baseball, and two of them are in use for the first round of the playoffs: Metrodome and McAfee Coliseum. The switch between baseball and football at Metrodome isn’t too difficult — throw down some turf around the bases, lower the pitching mound, stretch out the seats, put up the goalposts and you’re done — but the transition between football and baseball at McAfee Coliseum is more elaborate. Bleacher seats have to be removed via crane to make room for the spacious dimensions of a baseball field. The outfield fences — torn down for an Oakland Raiders game — have to be re-installed, along with the backstop behind home plate, and the turf needs close inspection. The first round of the MLB playoffs continue tonight; if you’re heading to a game, don’t forget to check out our reviews of McAfee Coliseum, Busch Stadium and Dodger Stadium.
Tigers, hot dogs and beer, oh my
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
The postseason is a financial bonanza for MLB, and it’s also a bonanza for ballpark employees like food vendors, who can make some good money selling beer and peanuts to happy, sellout crowds. In Detroit, the contrast between this season and past seasons is stark. There were years when vendor Mike Jones walked around Comerica Park with boxes full of hot dogs and ice cream sandwiches, and he never ran out of food to sell during an entire Tigers baseball game. He can expect to be a lot busier when the Tigers host the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs this weekend.
Ballplayers’ host cries foul
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
For the past three summers, Kim Gore and her two children have opened their Woodbridge home to about a dozen minor league baseball players for the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League). Like many area host families, the 51-year-old logistician with the U.S. Army provided support as the players adapted to living in Northern Virginia, and helped the ones from Latin America learn how to speak English. But Gore said that generosity has now put her career in jeopardy. The Army has put Gore "under review" over concerns that the foreign-born players are a threat to national security. Gore said she has had her workload at Fort Belvoir altered, her security clearance reduced and her ability to work from home taken away.
Let’s be careful not to get stuck with Muckdogs
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
As the new Lehigh Valley team in the Class AAA International League launches a name-the-team competition, here’s a call for team management not to go with a name like the Muckdogs. (Not that there’s anything wrong with Muckdogs, as the folks in Batavia would tell us.) Naming a team when you have a public contest is a tricky issue: the name must reverberate with a local population but also be marketable. The author of this article take a shot at the Montgomery Biscuits (Class AA; Southern League), which was pretty ill-informed: the name is popular in the area, as evidenced by merchandise sales.
Baseball deserves silent treatment
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
Ballpark organists are the most visible symbol of the transition between baseball’s past and its future, as traditionalists decry the move away from Satin Doll to rock anthems from the likes of Megadeath. When organs first appeared in ballparks, they were a novelty in and of themselves: the "wondrous machines" were able to provide entertainment to large crowds without the need for a full band, especially the theater-style organs that featured a host of gewgaws and unusual sounds. Today, not every ballpark features an organist, and those who still work need to pick and choose their spots, as most crowds respond more to recorded hits.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 6, 2006
Mandalay Baseball Properties, owner of the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), has promoted C.J. Johnson as the team’s assistant general manager. Previously the team’s senior director of marketing, Johnson will take on additional administrative responsibilities. Johnson has worked with the Suns the past four seasons, beginning as an intern and earning a promotion to director, marketing and then senior director, marketing.
"I’m looking forward to building on the successful foundation we have laid over the past five years," Johnson said. "We don’t draw 150,000 baseball fans, we draw 150,000 Suns fans, and that really sets us apart from other teams." The AGM position was opened when Suns GM Kurt Landes was hired as GM of the Lehigh Valley team in the Class AAA International League and former AGM Will Smith was promoted to the GM spot….
The Evansville Otters (independent; Frontier League) promoted Jeff Pohl to field manager. Pohl spent the past five seasons as the Otters’ pitching coach and the past two as director of baseball operations, a role in which he will continue to serve. The Otters set a franchise ERA record in 2006 (3.28), and posted the lowest ERA (3.08) in the second half of the Frontier League this season en route to their first Frontier League championship. Pohl has seen 15 of his Evansville pitchers have their contracts purchased by Major League Baseball organizations during his tenure, and led the Otters to the lowest ERA (3.44) among the 56 Independent Baseball teams in 2005….
Mike Then is the general manager for the new Green Bay franchise in the summer-collegiate Northwoods League. The 25-year-old St. Paul native is departing after four years with the league’s Mankato MoonDogs. Joining the organization in the spring of 2003, when he was brought on as the media-relations intern, he continued in his career returning in 2004 as the assistant general manger, the same position he held through the conclusion of the 2006 season. "It’s tough to try and put into words how much being part of the MoonDogs organization has meant to me," Then said. "Growing up I had always said that baseball would be part of my professional life somehow, and to have been given the opportunities that I have here to fulfill that dream have been unbelievable."
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Mayor proposes lifting cap for DC ballpark parking
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Back when D.C. officials were discussing the budget for a new Washington Nationals ballpark, opponents feared $611 million wouldn’t be enough to build the ballpark and the surrounding site development, including parking. They apparently were right: Mayor Anthony A. Williams now says the city needs an additional $75 million in public funds to finish the job — specifically, to add parking ramps to the mix. The city is committed to providing 1,225 parking spots on the 20-acre ballpark site to the Nationals, but only $25 million was dedicated to parking in the budget for parking, and a deal calling for a developer to add parking as part of a mixed-use development collapsed. One plan is to install temporary surface lots and then woo developers for some sort of future deal. Some council members — including Jack Evans, a noted ballpark supporter — say there’s no way the council will lift the $611 million spending cap; if that’s the case, the District needs to find other revenue streams for the project or scale back other spending on the new ballpark, slated to open in 2008.
Lehigh Valley announces front-office personnel
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Chuck Domino, the longtime GM of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) and Kurt Landes, the former GM of the Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League), will be heading operations for the new Lehigh Valley team coming to the Class AAA International League in 2008. Domino, who also serves as president of the Reading Phillies, helped build up the franchise during his tenure as the team’s general manager. Under his leadership, the franchise has continually been one of the top draws in the Eastern League and has attracted over 400,000 fans for eight consecutive seasons. Landes, GM in Hagerstown since September 2001, increased the average attendance of the Suns annually, rising just over 50 percent during his 5-year tenure; he’s also known for his imaginative approach to the promotional side of the game, so you can expect the new team to make some headlines on that side of the equation. More from the Allentown Morning Call, which is holding a name-the-team contest with the franchise. Nick Fierro reports on the financial aspects of the new team.
Blue Bell’s Stein having a slamming good time with R-Phillies
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
One of the men bringing Class AAA baseball to the Lehigh Valley is Craig Stein, the owner of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League). The Reading franchise has continually been one of the top draws in the Eastern League, attracting more than 400,000 fans for the past eight consecutive seasons. And Reading is known throughout the industry for its innovative promotions and its commitment to family entertainment. A key to that success: transforming FirstEnergy Stadium, which completed in 1951 and is the oldest venue in the Eastern League, into a modern facility. It still has its original grandstand and exterior brick wall, which provides an old-time ballpark feel, but inside there are the modern touches fans appreciate.
Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Actually, deeming it a long shot is being overly kind, as there’s virtually no chance the Florida Marlins will end up playing at a new ballpark at the Pompano Park Harness Track. First, there’s the issue of financing: the political types who are pushing the concept of a ballpark say it will be a combination of the track donating land, and the county, city, Marlins and state contributing dollars to the project. The Marlins have already said they’d contribute a minimal amount upfront to a ballpark and would prefer to pay more in rent; that leaves everyone else to finance the project, and so far no one is talking specifics. Second. the elected proponents of a new Pompano Beach ballpark are leaving office this fall, and the holdovers on the county board of commissioners don’t sound especially enthused. Third, we continue to hear MLB officials aren’t thrilled with the idea of revenues from slot machines at a harness track being used to finance a new ballpark and are still committed to the idea of a downtown ballpark. More from the Miami Herald and the Palm Beach Post.
Royals, Chukars officially extend PDC
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
The Kansas City Royals and the Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Northwest League) officially extended their player-development deal through 2008, a move that was not unexpected. For the Royals, keeping the Chukars gives the team an extra rookie-level affiliate, as the Royals also replaced the Cleveland Indians as the parent of the Burlington Indians (rookie; Appalachian League). We have had a great working relationship with Idaho Falls over the last three years," said Royals Director of Player Development J.J. Picollo. "We are certainly happy to continue this relationship for the next two years. Of the three short season teams now in our system, Idaho Falls will certainly be considered the most advanced. The Pioneer League has proven to be a very competitive league, and we feel it’s a great place for our college draft picks to come and play."
McClatchy to remain as Pirates’ CEO
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Though speculation was circulating about Kevin McClatchy’s future as the chief executive officer and managing general partner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, nothing is changing, at least for the 2007 season. The Pirates announced McClatchy will stay and retain two votes on the four-person board of directors; what will change is the addition of two more undetermined board members. Majority owner Bob Nutting emerged to make the following statement via press release: "The Board and the partnership group are completely supportive of Kevin and his executive team," Nutting said. "We have great confidence in this group and are especially pleased to have Kevin as our Managing General Partner and CEO. He will continue in that position as long as he desires." The Pirates also announced the promotions of three executives. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jim Plake has been promoted to executive vice president and CFO. Dennis DaPra, vice president of PNC Park operations and facilities management has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of PNC Park. Tim Schuldt, Pirates vice president of marketing, sales and broadcasting has been promoted to vice president and chief marketing and sales officer. More from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Ballpark deal could mean additional costs
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Minor-league baseball would remain in Dutchess County under a tentative deal struck with the Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League), but at a potential cost to the county and with sweeping management changes at the county’s Dutchess Stadium. The county’s parks division would take over facility maintenance, and the Renegades baseball team would assume most of the park’s day-to-day operations. The proposed contract is scheduled for discussion this afternoon at a committee meeting and for approval Tuesday by the county Legislature. The Renegades would play at the ballpark at least through 2016 and would pay the county $258,000 a year, mostly to help with ballpark improvements.
Construction workers watch Padres from perches
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Here’s a look at one of the most unusual views of a baseball game, as construction workers in San Diego take in part of the National League playoffs held at Petco Park. With their beach chairs and coolers spread out on the 15th floor of the unfinished DiamondView Tower, construction workers comprise a knothole gang 202 feet in the air. The tower, which rises beyond center field and offers a commanding view, is one of four construction projects surrounding Petco Park that give workers a chance to see postseason baseball while on the job. The first round of the MLB playoffs continues today: if you’re heading to a game, don’t forget to check out our reviews of Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium and Petco Park. Speaking of Shea Stadium: here’s a look at the old place from a writer who clearly knows few Mets fans have any abiding nostalgia for the place yet admits it’s pretty cool when there’s playoff baseball.
Scully recalls the daffy days of Brooklyn
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
With Vin Scully working the radio booth for the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday at Shea Stadium, it gave the New York Times a perfect change to reminisce with Scully about his days with the old Brooklyn Dodgers. It’s been a while since Scully visited New York City: he’s not been to New York in three years, as his contract relieves him of traveling farther east than Denver. Older fans can recall Scully’s time with the Dodgers in Brooklyn from 1950 to 1957 after growing up in the Bronx and in Washington Heights. He called three Subway Series in his Brooklyn years, in 1953, 1955 and 1956. By then, he was living in Bogota, N.J., and his red-haired mother, Bridget, was listening to her son call Game 7 of the 1955 Series, the one in which the Dodgers, behind Johnny Podres, finally beat the Yankees.
Ilitchtown
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Mike Ilitch says this is the first season the Detroit Tigers have earned a profit since he bought the team in 1992, but don’t feel too sorry for the billionaire, economists say. The Detroit business mogul, who paid an estimated $80 million to $85 million for the team, has built a formidable franchise that’s now worth $352 million thanks to this year’s winning season, based on an analysis by Anderson Economic Group in Lansing. Forbes magazine pegged the worth of the Tigers at $292 million after the 2005 season.
Ballpark gourmet in Detroit
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
Mark Szubeczak, executive chef for Delaware North Companies, oversees fine dining at Comerica Park, and he’s expecting to be busy tomorrow night when the Detroit Tigers host their first-ever playoff game at the new ballpark. Szubeczak and his roster of 45 employees prepare up to 4,000 meals among the dining venues and press lounge for every home game. It’s hard to imagine this sort of food being served at Tiger Stadium: Sausages, olives and a variety of cheeses are mounded on home plate-sized slabs of granite, along with pounds upon pounds of fresh sushi and grilled beef tenderloin, and a mouth-watering array of designer desserts from cannoli to fresh fruit tarts and cookies.
Ten-year lease spells hope for Pringles Park
Posted Oct. 5, 2006
The local newspaper comes out in favor of a 10-year lease reached by Overtime Sports to manage and hold events at Pringles Park, the current home of the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League). The new lease kicks in when the current Diamond Jaxx lease expires in 2008, at which point it’s expected the team will relocate. For the city, the $30,000 annual lease ensures some use out of the ballpark, though it’s hard to imagine any affiliated team moving there — it’s too far afield for the Low Class A Sally League — and geography may prevent an indy league from going there as well.