Archives: Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2006
New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Some anti-ballpark folks in Minneapolis are shocked– shocked! — to find out the state legislation authorizing a new Minnesota Twins ballpark also calls for it be to designed and built on a fast-track basis. The ballpark, slated to open in 2010, is under control of a ballpark authority and a Ballpark Implementation Committee. Local governments — including the city of Minneapolis and the Metropolitan Council, a metrowide planning organizations — have limited oversight of the project. This fast-track approach is very common on any large building project: the downtown Minneapolis Public Library, for instance, was designed and built on a similar fast-track basis. We’re not sure the news value of this story besides giving anti-ballpark folks yet another platform to criticize the project; considering voters in last month’s elections refused to spank officials seeking reelection for their pro-ballpark stands, it’s probably time to stop kv
Sounds to submit master plan today
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and Baltimore developer Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse will submit a joint master plan for developing the site of the downtown Sounds ballpark to Metro today, saying they still hope to close the Sounds-Metro property leasing deal before a December deadline. Metro Planning Department Executive Director Rick Bernhardt met with Struever representatives late Thursday afternoon to review portions of the master plan, which officials would not release, saying the plan had not been formally submitted. Michael Hayes, the Development Director for Struever in Nashville, said the master plan will outline the placement of the stadium, of greenways and of the residential, office, retail and hotel development Struever will build around the stadium. He said the Sounds, in addition, will try to submit a detailed schematic of the stadium itself to Metro this afternoon via e-mail.
Selig: I am indeed retiring in three years
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Our local newscasts breathlessly reported this as if something imminent was happening, but MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has been pretty consistent about his desire to retire when his term as commish ends in three years. Reuters reports Selig once again affirmed that game plan. While there’s a lot of great things Selig accomplished — on the macro level Selig oversaw the game’s transition to a stable economic footing, but on a larger level he oversaw the sport’s move to the modern era in terms of marketing, finances and facilities — next year could be a real issue when drug issues are likely to come to the forefront.
Planning for new Cobb Field gets on fast track
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Tom Tingle, the Kansas City architect who will be drawing up plans for a replacement for Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League), has only one other project on his plate right now — a $180 million renovation of the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Billings project’s price tag of $12.5 million makes it tiny by comparison, but local architect Jim Wertman, who is working with Tingle on the project, said Tingle is a "baseball guy" who appears to be keenly interested in the new ballpark. All parties involved in the project have been scrambling since voters approved a bond issue on Nov. 7 to replace Cobb Field. A lot needs to be done to have a new park ready for the Mustangs’ home opener in June 2008, but Wertman said he was confident they could make the deadline. Wertman is with CTA Architects Engineers, which is the local consultant to HNTB Architects, where Tingle is a vice president.
Rays say it’s just a timeshare, not a relocation bid
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Here’s the inevitable reaction by a St. Pete columnist to the news about the Tampa Bay Devil Rays potentially playing a series against the Texas Rangers at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando. Where will it stop, he wonders; at some point the D-Rays will be working toward a new ballpark (the future of the franchise clearly isn’t in Tropicana Field), and building a base in Orlando isn’t a bad idea. We do, however, welcome the irony of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays playing in the former home of the Orlando Rays (Class AA; Southern League).
A hit before game begins
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Even though it hasn’t been built yet, the planned $32 million Sovereign Bank Stadium, the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) might already be a hit with taxpayers. Building-permit fees from the 5,240-seat ballpark under way in York’s Arch Street neighborhood might reduce a proposed tax hike in the city next year. A potential $200,000 to $300,000 windfall was discovered Thursday at the second day of budget hearings when council members asked if the administration’s $375,000 building permit fee projection was too low and if stadium construction was included.
Stephen F. Austin launches ballpark fundraising drive
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Stephen F. Austin State University today launched the public fund-raising phase for Bo Pilgrim Park at SFA during a noon luncheon at the Homer Bryce Stadium field house. Results of an economic impact study and background on the environmental impact of the project were announced. The $14 million athletic complex will be the on-campus home to baseball and softball. The NCAA Division I facility will have an estimated $11.8 million annual economic impact on the Nacogdoches community, according to a study conducted by ImpactDataSource of Austin, Texas, and funded by the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation. The study showed that revenues generated directly by the facility and through spending by out-of-town visitors will generate an estimated $6.4 million annually in taxable revenues from retail businesses and restaurants. An additional $5.1 million a year in taxable revenues is expected from nearly 65,000 additional room nights sold by area hotels.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Dec. 1, 2006
Bien Figueroa is the new manager of the Bowie Baysox (Class AA; Eastern League), replacing Don Werner, who has taken a position within the Orioles organization as a minor league catching instructor. Figueroa managed the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League). Scott McGregor returns as pitching coach, while Moe Hill returns as field coach. Joe Benge is the new trainer…,Greg Legg is the new manager of the 2007 Williamsport Crosscutters (short season; NY-Penn League). Joining Legg on the coaching staff will be hitting coach Ken Dominguez and pitching coach Bill Bliss….Bill Plummer is the mew manager of the Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). He replaces Chip Hale….
Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
Florida Sports Foundation officials voted this week to recommend that Sarasota, Bradenton, Charlotte County, Fort Lauderdale and Port St. Lucie be awarded the five state grants available this year to municipalities seeking to keep MLB teams training in Florida. The state’s Tourism, Trade and Economic Development Board still has to vote on Jan. 2 before any funds will be officially awarded. The awards are for $15 million, must be matched by local municipalities and be accompanied by a long-term lease from a MLB team. Sarasota would use the funds for a new Cincinnati Reds training facility; Bradenton would use the funds to renovate McKechnie Field and the Pirate City facilities; Charlotte County would use the funds to renovate Charlotte Sports Complex for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays; Fort Lauderdale would use the funds to renovate and expand the facilities at Fort Lauderdale Stadium for the Baltimore Orioles; and Port St. Lucie would use the funds to pay for some previous renovations and future work to Tradition Field, spring home of the New York Mets. Only Fort Myers didn’t make the cut, as that municipality sought funds to renovate and expand City of Palms Field, spring home of the Boston Red Sox. The tentative award probably means the Baltimore Orioles won’t seek a move to Arizona.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans unveil new look
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League) unveiled their new identity program at Coastal Federal Field Thursday. The new identity is part of a complete creative overhaul of the Pelicans franchise. The Pelicans modernized their identity to better connect with the lifestyle and personality of Myrtle Beach. The new look features the American White Pelican and South Carolina’s iconic crescent moon surrounded by dock rope and the words "Myrtle Beach Pelicans" in a fun, beachy script. The Pelicans’ new colors, Midnight Blue, Sun Gold, and Pelicans Blue pay tribute to Myrtle Beach’s laid back charm. The Pelicans are the first professional sports team to use the unique shade of Pelicans Blue. The new logos are the work of Plan B. Branding; this seems to be Plan B.’s day, as they also worked on the redesign of the Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League), as you’ll see in the following article.
Spokane Indians unveil new branding in association with Spokane Tribe
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The Spokane Indians (short season; Northwest League), in conjunction with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, made history with their new logos. This is believed to be the first time a professional sports team has worked in conjunction with a local Tribe to create a team identity. The new primary logo features two eagle feathers, one of the most revered symbols in Spokane Tribal culture, but also hearkens back to the "S" formerly worn by the Indians in the 1970s. The team’s alternate logo features the words "Spokane Indians Baseball Club" written in Salish, the Spokane Indian Tribal language. The team has received praise from local Tribes for its sensitivity to logos, mascots and chants — and frequently consults local tribes on the use of its team name. The new logos are the work of Plan B. Branding in conjunction with Brett Sports, owner of the Indians. More from the Spokesman-Review.
Spring training in Tucson now concern for Rockies
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
Here’s the inevitable fallout from the decision by the Chicago White Sox to seek a spring-training move to Phoenix. Three teams train in Tucson — the White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks in Tucson Electric Park, the Colorado Rockies at Hi Corbett Field — and if the White Sox bail, you may see the Rockies looking at a move as well. The language in the Rockies’ Hi Corbett Field lease implies the team can leave before the lease expires in 2011 if two other teams aren’t training in the city, according to Fred Gray, director of Tucson’s parks and recreation department. Now, it’s not likely there won’t be two other teams training in Tucson — the White Sox must find a replacement if they move or buy out their lease for $28 million, and Pima County will certainly fight a move — but you never know.
Ballpark set to get high-tech new look
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) are making some changes to Durham Bulls Athletic Park this coming season. The fabled but fading "Blue Monster" wall in left field is temporarily coming down. Also coming down is the clock tower behind the berm in center field that has contained a small video board and several advertisements. The new, slightly lower Blue Monster will do more than just sit there. Above the message board will be a 36-foot-by-16-foot screen capable of showing all manner of video but, most important, high-quality replays.
Destined for development
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
A river walk winding around Angel Stadium. A monorail carrying passengers through a downtown-like area. Fans watching games from high-rise rooms. Those are among the concepts proposed by five developers for the land near Angel Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. On Wednesday, the city disclosed plans that developers submitted for a 51.4-acre plot that is now home to The Grove theater, the Anaheim train station and ballpark parking. The National Football League also has its eye on the land. While the city remains open to a football stadium there, talks have stalled since the league owners’ October meeting. Four developers are leaving open the option for an NFL stadium. Developers who want to build homes would have to negotiate with the Angels, whose lease bans residences on the land.
Lachey, new ownership plan to give Rainiers pop
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
Nick Lachey and new team president Mike McCall were on hand to introduce themselves to fans — new and old — of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). There’s a long tradition of celebrities owning chunks of baseball teams — think Bob Hope and the Pittsburgh Pirates — so this isn’t as groundbreaking as some Tacoma columnists want to think. Then again, Lachey and the other new owners are breathing a whole lot of life into a franchise rumored to be leaving Tacoma as recently as a year ago, and as they want to make improvements to Cheney Stadium (one of our favorite minor-league venues), we’re optimistic. When the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s gossip columnist takes note of what’s happening in Tacoma, you know something big is happening.
Reds told to prohibit smoking at ballpark
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The Cincinnati Reds have been advised to prohibit smoking in Great American Ball Park to comply with a state law that takes effect next week. The team had requested guidance from the Hamilton County prosecutor’s office on how to respond to voters’ Nov. 7 passage of state Issue 5, which bans smoking in most buildings across the state. The county-owned ballpark has designated smoking areas in concourses or stairs, and the team believed smoking ban rules on those areas were unclear. Assistant prosecutor Nee Fong Chin sent an e-mail Wednesday explaining that business owners must prohibit smoking, post no-smoking signs with a telephone number to report violations and remove all ashtrays or other smoking receptacles.
In memoriam: Joann Weber
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
Joann Weber, co-owner of the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League), has died. According to team officials, Weber succumbed to pancreatic cancer Wednesday night at her New Jersey home with family by her bedside. She had waged a courageous battle against the disease since prior to the summer league team’s 2004 season. Weber was 58. She and her husband, Drew, have two adult children, son Michael and daughter Kate Weber. The pair also launched and retained a minority share of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League).
Devil Rays’ visit would be fun for baseball fans
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
More on the potential of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays playing a series at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in suburban Orlando. Yes, it would be fun for fans, who love seeing MLB players in a more intimate venue — and the spring home of the Atlanta Braves is definitely intimate, seating around 12,000 by the time you cram everyone on the berms. Talk is that an early-season series against the Texas Rangers could be moved, but so far it’s little more than vague talk.
Riversharks still seeking manager — and local owner
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The Camden Riversharks (independent; Atlantic League) held a "State of the Team’ press conference on Tuesday afternoon and made two newsworthy items public. The Sharks are still undergoing a nationwide search for a new manager, but they’re looking locally for a new face of the franchise. The six-year-old organization wants an owner with local ties. After conducting a thorough study of minor league baseball operations across the country, the Sharks, who are also in the process of interviewing candidates to replace ousted manager Wayne Krenchicki, feel a local presence in the ownership group can help the franchise meet its full potential. It would seem the franchise has much potential: Campbell’s Field is a lovely ballpark, and the team has a core fan base.
Nats foundation files suit
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The charity affiliate of the Washington Nationals today filed a $4.4 million lawsuit against a former bidder for the franchise, saying he reneged on a promise to match any money raised at a fundraising gala last year. The Washington Nationals Foundation said yesterday that Franklin Haney, a District real estate developer who submitted a bid to own the team, promised to contribute more than $400,000, the amount raised at a dinner gala in September 2005. Haney, however, has not paid and says the foundation has no power to compel payment.
Changes coming for RailCats
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
With Mike Tatoian leaving as president of the Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League), the future of the franchise is somewhat fuzzy. Victory Sports Group, which has had a management contract to run the RailCats, will shut down when Tatoian begins his new job. Victory also had owned a minor league hockey team (which it has sold) and explored other minor league ventures, none of which came to fruition. George Huber, the RailCats’ majority owner, has been trying to sell some or all of his stake in the team. That makes it unlikely he would take over Tatoian’s role as the public face of the franchise’s ownership group.
Sisler named GM of Macon Music
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
Ric Sisler to is the new general manager of the Macon Music (independent; South Coast League). Sisler had previously held the title of director of sales with the Music and will continue to oversee the sales department, as well as day to day operations of the entire organization. Sisler formerly served in the front offices of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) and the Elmira Pioneers (independent; Northern League), as well as stints with the Central Baseball League and the Golden Baseball League.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Nov. 30, 2006
The first member of the 2006 Greenville Drive (Low Class A; Sally League) has been promoted to the Major Leagues, and it is in the form of manager Luis Alicea. The Boston Red Sox named Alicea the team’s first base coach Wednesday afternoon, completing manager Terry Francona’s staff for the 2007 season. Alicea, who helped usher in a new era of baseball in Greenville as the Drive’s first manager, guided the team to a 67-70 overall record in the South Atlantic League….Turner Ward is the new manager of the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League). Joining Ward on the State College bench will be former Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League) infielder Mike Moriarty and pitching coach Wilson Alvarez….Tim Leiper returns as manager of the Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League). Pitching coach Ray Searage, hitting coach Brandon Moore and head athletic trainer Thomas Pribyl will also be back on the Curve bench….Steve Roadcap is the new manager of the Lakewood BlueClaws (Low Class A; Sally League). Former Phillies infielder Kevin Jordan, and veteran minor-league coaches Joe Alverez and Ed Hodge will join Roadcap on the bench this season….The Tampa Bay Devil Rays made a series of coaching announcements. Skeeter Barnes is the new minor-league outfield and baserunning coordinator, while Dick Bosman is the minor league pitching coordinator. For the Durham Bills (Class AAA; International League), Charlie Montoyo is manager, Xavier Hernandez is the pitching coach, Gary Gaetti a coach and Mark Vinson the trainer. For the Vero Beach Rays (High Class A; Florida State League), Ben Oglivie is the coach and Joel Smith the trainer. For the Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League), Jim Morrison is the manager and Bill Moloney the pitching coach. Matt Quatraro returns for his second season as Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League) manager in 2007; he joined by Ozzie Timmons….The Chicago Cubs named Buddy Bailey manager of the Iowa Cubs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League); Pat Listach manager, Dennis Lewallyn pitching coach and Barbaro Garbey hitting coach for Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League); Jody Davis manager and Rich Bombard pitching coach for the Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League); David Rosario pitching coach and Kevin Green hitting coach for the Peoria Chiefs (Low Class A; Midwest League); and Tom Beyers manager of the Boise Hawks (short season; Northwest League)….The Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) announced the hiring of Elliott Strankman as the first field manager for the Bullfrogs. Strankman, head coach for the Occidental College Tigers since 2005, will lead the expansion team this coming summer.…
Rays eye games in Orlando
Posted Nov. 29, 2006
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are exploring the possibility of playing several regular-season games in the Orlando area, perhaps as soon as the upcoming season, as part of an effort by the franchise to broaden its fan base beyond Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. In order to cha