Archives: March 12-18, 2007
Marlins ballpark funding bills advance
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Boosting baseball fans’ hopes the Florida Marlins may get a new home, two key legislative panels on Thursday approved a $60 million sales tax rebate to help the Fish build a new ballpark. The last critical piece of funding needed to pay for a new ballpark with a retractable roof, the money would come directly from sales tax revenues generated by the team and concessions inside the venue; it would also extend the same sales-tax rebate to the other eight major-league teams in Florida, a move supported by Gov. Charlie Criss. The article is highly misleading: the bills in question (528/544 in the Senate) do not specify a downtown Miami ballpark and could be applied to any new ballpark, as the team and not the local municipality is the beneficiary of the state largesse. It could, obviously, be applied to a new ballpark built at the Orange Bowl site — a site now favored by most Miami-Dade elected officials, but one we hear is opposed both by MLB and the Marlins. This would make an interesting battle if MLB and the Fish won the larger battle for state funding and then lost out on their preferred downtown site. More from the Miami Herald.
New ballpark on tap for Tulsa Drillers?
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two developers are vying for property in the east-end area of downtown Tulsa, and it’s unclear whether one will be victorious or whether both projects can coexist — or even if they are viable proposals. The players are Global Development of Washington, D.C., and Downtown Tulsa Developers LLC, owned by Claremore real estate developer John Williams. Global’s plan includes a new ballpark for the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) and hotels to lure people into the area. Sources say Williams’ plan includes a Wal-Mart. To be blunt, we’re not quite sure how seriously to take this: Global has proposed many high-profile developments — a new Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) ballpark in that city’s Shockoe Bottom district and a new DC United (MLS) stadium — but has not followed through on a single one, to our knowledge. Plus, there doesn’t seem to be much of a outcry to replace Drillers Stadium, the largest ballpark in Class AA ball.
In memoriam: Bowie Kuhn
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bowie Kuhn, 80, a lawyer whose first job in baseball was operating the old Griffith Stadium scoreboard while growing up in Washington and who would go on to serve as commissioner of baseball during a particularly tumultuous time in the game’s history, died March 15 of pneumonia at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. He had heart surgery in October 2004. During his 15-year tenure, the second-longest among nine commissioners, Major League Baseball expanded into Canada, realigned its two leagues into divisions and instituted a playoff system. Kuhn presided over a tradition-laden sport that transformed itself into a high-profile entertainment business, complete with free agency (one of Kuhn’s first tasks as commissioner was dealing with the Curt Flood situation) and soaring salaries for players, huge TV revenue and five work stoppage.
County appealing to leagues
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
McHenry County College is exploring an expansion project which, MCC president Walt Packard said, could include a baseball stadium built to accommodate a minor league team, and the reporters at the Northwest Herald are meaning this literally, talking with commissioners from the independent Frontier and Northern Leagues. The reporters are on the wrong track. From what we’ve heard the interest at MCC isn’t actually with indy leagues, but rather with summer-collegiate leagues — specifically, the Northwoods League and the Central Illinois Collegiate League, which may or may not exist in its current form after this summer — the CICL is down to four teams, and at least one of those teams has had discussions regarding a move to another summer-collegiate league.
Frederick aldermen approve ballpark lease offer
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frederick’s Board of Aldermen approved a new lease Thursday to allow the Frederick Keys (Low Class A; Sally League) to use Harry Grove Stadium for the next two years. If Keys ownership signs the lease, it will be effective April 6. Harry Grove, built in 1990, is owned by the city and leased to the Keys. Negotiations to renew the lease have been ongoing since fall 2006. The lease would be a two-year term, ending March 31, 2009, with the option of a five-year renewal. Rent would be $16,500 for the first year, $17,000 for the second year. One issue left up in the air: the status of proposed improvements to the ballpark.
Defenders, Norwich at odds about Dodd Stadium money issues
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) are calling upon two City Council members to help resolve issues that could delay improvements at Dodd Stadium before the start of the 2007 baseball season next month. At issue are improvements the city is required to make under the terms of the lease agreement with the Defenders and roughly $100,000 in back rent the team apparently owes the Norwich Baseball Stadium Authority. The issue surfaced at Wednesday’s stadium authority meeting when a motion to spend $91,000 to replace floors and carpeting in the ballpark’s clubhouses was tabled. Authority Chairman Michael Jewell acknowledged Thursday the authority is required under the lease to complete the work, but doesn’t have the money to do it.
Ballpark fan-tastic place to do business
Posted March 16, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In the West Valley, Cactus League ballparks host more than the average baseball fan enjoying cold drinks and hot dogs. Venues in Surprise and Peoria both house plush sky suites that the cities use to entertain high-profile developers and investors. Officials claim that the unique baseball experience forms an impression, and is an event their elite business guests remember down the road when they later consider where to invest their time and money. On average, Surprise hosts about 300 business guests a season in its economic development suite at Surprise Stadium. The city spends around 5 percent of a reported $100,000 marketing budget to entertain and feed the guests. Officials in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Mesa reported that they do not typically use their box seating for economic development purposes.
Nashville ballpark plan may be losing its luster
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ask for more time to develop a financing plan for a downtown ballpark — the second such request in three months — city officials may balk. Several council members said Wednesday that they would vote against another extension for the Sounds, as the splashy idea of a riverfront venue to replace aging Greer Stadium may be fizzling. The minor-league baseball team approached Metro officials this week about the possibility of getting another extension. Councilman Michael Craddock said some council members, including supporters of the ballpark, have run out of patience. The Sounds are working under an extension that expires April 15; the team is now looking at a 2009 opening, and GM Glenn Yeager says it’s not likely the ballpark can come in for the original $43 million price estimate. There are other issues on the design end that could end up delaying progress even more. More from Nashville City Paper.
Renovations will give women, men equal number of toilets
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Louis Cardinals plan to achieve potty parity at Busch Stadium by opening day this year. The ballpark’s restrooms are being renovated to provide as many places for women as men by April 1, St. Louis Cardinals president Mark Lamping said. The changes will put the ballpark in compliance with a state law the ballpark’s architects didn’t know existed last year. Enacted in 1995, the law requires that sports facilities and other large public venues have as many toilets for women as it has toilets and urinals for men. But as the ballpark neared completion last year, the architectural firm that designed the ballpark, HOK Sport, reported men had nearly 40 more toilet options than women in public restrooms.
‘We’ll be ready for baseball’
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dow Diamond, the home of the Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League), was bustling with activity under bright sunshine on Tuesday. But no baseballs were hit, no vendors were hawking peanuts and programs, no ballplayers took the field, and no fans showed up to cheer them on. On Tuesday, the stadium housed more than 200 construction workers performing a wide variety of tasks: installing electrical lines and heating ducts, laying bricks to form a fireplace in the concourse, installing permanent seating, painting, raising fencing for the centerfield backdrop, finishing drywall, and continuing to raise the six mammoth light towers.
New for 2007: AT&T Field
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The home of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League) has a new name and a new look. AT&T and the Lookouts today announced that AT&T Field will be home to the team. Local elected officials joined representatives from AT&T and the Lookouts to unveil the new name and logo, which reflect the recently approved merger between AT&T and BellSouth Corp. New stadium signage will be installed before the team’s home opener on April 11.
"It’s great for Chattanooga and for the Lookouts to have such a high-profile association with one of the world’s largest and most respected companies," said Frank Burke, president and general manager of the Chattanooga Lookouts. "AT&T Field properly conveys baseball tradition and the family-oriented focus of our team. We look forward to working with our friends from AT&T, and we anticipate a smooth transition to AT&T Field."
Formerly BellSouth Park, AT&T Field is a privately funded facility. The 6,100-seat ballpark opened in April 2000. In addition to serving as home of the Lookouts, AT&T Field hosts other local community events, including the HeartWalk and the Choo-Choo-Challenge bike race. AT&T Field is AT&T’s fifth naming rights venue. Others include: AT&T Park in San Francisco; AT&T Center in San Antonio; AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City; and Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.
Regalado: CRA money shouldn’t be dangled in Marlins ballpark talks
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Community redevelopment money is not a carrot to be dangled in front of Florida Marlins or Major League Baseball officials — or anyone looking to dip into the resources to back efforts disguised as development projects, Miami City Commissioner Tomas Regalado said. Regalado’s comments followed City Manager Pete Hernandez’ announcement at a Miami-Dade County Commission meeting last week that $15 million in CRA funds was earmarked for the project. Regalado proposed a resolution for the Miami Community Redevelopment Agency board — the five Miami city commissioners — "clearly stating that no CRA funds should be used for the project of the baseball stadium, the port tunnel, the performing arts and the streetcar," he said. "It’s on the draft agenda (for March 26). Even if it’s pulled for some reason, I will bring it as a pocket item anyway" calling for a vote even though it doesn’t appear on the agenda. A majority of the CRA board voted informally last month to reject a proposal to spend agency money on a ballpark. More from Miami Today.
Cheaper seats offered for new Fort Wayne ballpark
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If a new baseball park is built in downtown Fort Wayne, the owners of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) promised Wednesday to offer some tickets cheaper than those now offered. Executives from Hardball Capital, the new owner of the Wizards, spoke to several groups Wednesday about the Harrison Square proposal. The $125-million public-private partnership includes a new downtown hotel, condominiums, shopping and a city-owned baseball stadium. Hardball would be responsible for much of the condo and shopping development part of the project. Jason Freier, Hardball’s CEO, responded to a question about the possibility of escalating ticket prices in a new ballpark. While not offering specifics on prices, Freier said the cheapest seats at a downtown ballpark would be cheaper than the cheapest seats at Memorial Stadium on Coliseum Boulevard. Why? Volume. More on Freier’s comments, which included a discussion of who would run the ballpark after it opens.
B-Mets showcase menu changes
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Maines Paper & Food Service corporate executive chef Jake Hizny, who works on food offerings at Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) games, unveiled some potential new menu items: meatball subs; carved turkey and prime rib sandwiches; tacos; spring rolls; deep-fried pickle spears; pizza; quesadillas; chicken dumplings with plum sauce; and orange-glazed chicken. We’re a little surprised the B-Mets weren’t already selling pizza at the park; the others sound great as well.
A swing toward wooden bats
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
North Jersey baseball officials who banned non-wood bats months or even years ago welcomed New York to the club on Wednesday and said they sensed the momentum in the bat debate swinging in their direction. The New York City Council’s vote to prohibit metal bats from high school baseball games could also give a boost to a similar measure in New Jersey, said Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, D-Middlesex, a sponsor of the Garden State bill that would apply to all children under 18. The wood-bat movement started in earnest last summer when a ball hit by a metal bat struck Steven Domalewski of Wayne, then 12, in the chest and stopped his heart. Another factor, perhaps more important to supporters of wooden bats, was brought up by New Jersey officials: a wood bat represents baseball in its purest form.
Jackets have been just the ticket for owners
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The recent wave of box-office success for the Augusta GreenJackets (Low Class A; Sally League), which began with the team’s sale to Ripken Baseball Group prior to last season, doesn’t seem to be subsiding. With less than a month to go before the GreenJackets’ home opener, the team’s front office staff already has surpassed last season’s record for season ticket sales. General manager Nick Brown said more than 1,400 packages have been sold so far, exceeding last year’s total by about 200.
Sand Gnats commence work on new scoreboard
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Work on the new video scoreboard at Historic Grayson Stadium, the home of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League), begins today. The first step in the installation will be removing the top of the right-centerfield wall to make room for the scoreboard, which will be larger than the current scoreboard. The wall will also be moved to create an even surface for the base of the scoreboard. The scoreboard was built offsite by Texas Star Sports and will feature a nearly 300-square-foot video board, digital temperature and pitch speed and an analog clock. A new manually operated scoreboard on the leftf-ield wall will show the line score.
SWB trolleys set to roll again
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It was warm, sunny, and there were signs that trolleys will soon return to the rails between downtown and PNC Field, the home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League). Workers are busy getting the line ready for its first runs April 1, cleaning switches and checking lights in the 4,747-foot-long Laurel Line tunnel that carries the tracks beneath Crown Avenue in South Scranton. The 81-year-old suburban Philadelphia trolley will run directly to the ballpark, now that an 1,800-foot extension from the Lackawanna County Visitors Center, formerly the line’s southern terminus, extended service to a new station and maintenance facility on the ballpark grounds. This year, a $15 package deal will be offered to every Sunday home game from May 13 through Aug. 19. For that price, riders will receive a game ticket, round-trip trolley ride and a Yankees hat. Seating is limited to 50. Free parking will be available on Laurel Line Drive in downtown.
Rose bet on Reds ‘every night’
Posted March 15, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Not only did Pete Rose bet on the Cincinnati Reds when he was the manager, he bet on them every night to win. Rose said John Dowd, whose report on Rose’s gambling habits led to Rose’s banishment from Baseball in 1989, was correct when he wrote in the Dowd Report that Rose bet on the Reds nightly. "I bet on my team every night," Rose told ESPN’s Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann. "I didn’t bet on my team four nights a week. I was wrong." Rose’s position has evolved: after initially denying the totality of the Dowd Report, he now he admits it didn’t go far enough in addressing his gambling problem. We’re guessing Rose has figured out he had no shot at the Hall of Fame as things stood; while we doubt coming clean will help in that regard, it probably will help Rose rehabilitate his image. He’s not totally frozen from baseball: he’s the subject of a new exhibit in the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum at Great American Ball Park.
New Alex Box Stadium delayed until 2009
Posted March