Archives: April 30-May 5, 2007
State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins fell short once again in a quest for state funding of a new ballpark, as the state Senate ended business today without taking up a proposal to contributed $60 million in sales-tax rebates over 20 years toward a new Miami facility. Given the other financial issues facing the state of Florida — including some cutbacks of state aid to vulnerable groups — it’s not a surprise the state Senate decided to pass. Now, the lack of state money doesn’t necessarily kill the plan for a $490-million proposal (which has surely risen in the year or so since the costs of a new retractable-roof ballpark were last estimated), but it means either the Marlins or the Miami-Dade government must come up with funds to address a shortfall in the current funding plan. The Marlins had no comment.
New Reds spring-complex deal on life support
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Yet another leg has fallen from the wobbly stool that supported business and tourism leaders’ dreams of a $54-million Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota. The state legislature this week, in every version of the budget bill, has included property tax reforms that impose a cap on local government spending plans like the one that would allow the city of Sarasota to issue bonds to support its $10 million share of the complex funding plan, said City Budget Director Gib Mitchell. Although Mitchell said he would not be the one to declare the ballpark deal dead, he did say it was clearly "on life support," as the state change would force a referendum on the bonds. There are a number of deadlines looming: the deal must be done by May 31 if the project is to qualify for state funding, and the Reds say they will begin looking for a new spring-training facility on July 1 if the deal is completed. It just sounds like the whole deal is a mess: consultants couldn’t find a way to decrease the project’s $54-million price tag, and plans to bring in $10 million in private investment are all but dead after two disappointing bids.
Vipers owner won’t take a walk
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Jeff Gidney, the owner of the Calgary Vipers (independent; Northern League), plunked down a sizeable amount of change over the winter to refurbish the concourse at Foothills Stadium, put in a VIP Section, update the seats from their early carved-out-of-a-tree trunk vintage, moving old ones and installing 2,400 new, wider ones in the lower bowl, while introducing a clear, nearly-invisible netting behind home plate to give fans a clearer view of the action. That the Calgary Vipers are still here at all is a testament to his stubbornness in the batter’s box. Digging in, fouling off financial and meteorological fastballs with the count loaded. This guy just will not go and take a seat in the dugout.
Cops: Hancock drunk at time of accident
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk and talking on his cell phone at the time of his fatal accident, and marijuana was found in the sport utility vehicle he was driving. Medical examiner Michael Graham said at a news conference Friday that the 29-year-old reliever was dead "within seconds" from head injuries in the crash early Sunday on Interstate 64 in St. Louis. His vehicle hit the back of a tow truck parked on the highway to assist a driver from a previous accident. Hancock’s blood-alcohol level was 0.157, nearly twice Missouri’s legal limit of 0.08, Graham said.
Baseball’s big IOU to Troy
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A claim that the old Troy Haymakers of the National League are the ancestors of the San Francisco Giants and therefore entitled to four exhibition games has led Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian to write MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and request the team play an exhibition at Bruno Stadium in the Collar City. It’s a pretty good publicity move on the part of the mayor, and both Selig and reps from the Giants were good sports in their responses. The Giants do trace their roots to the Haymakers (who also played as the Trojans; "King" Kelly was one of their notable players), as John Day bought the rights to the franchise (along with some player contracts) and set up shop in the Big Apple. But we think there’s little chance the Giants will actually play an exhibition match in Troy. Too bad.
Ballpark Boys batting .000 on good public policy
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It’s hard to take seriously any columnist who wonders whether a new open-air ballpark for the Twins will be a better venue than the Metrodome — surely one of the worst ballparks in the majors — and the Star Tribune’s Nick Coleman resorts to some unsubtle class-baiting to attack the financials of the new ballpark. Simplistic arguments like the ones he makes — that money put toward a new Twins ballpark would be better spent on bailing out Minneapolis residents who are going through foreclosures — are specious at best. (Indeed, bailing residents out of bad mortgages could be argued as being very, very bad public policy, which is why no one else is proposing it.) Could Hennepin County have struck a better deal with the Twins? Probably. Does this deal mean other county priorities are put off? We’ve not seen any evidence of that. Nick Coleman has grown fat and lazy in his old age.
Portner has new pitch about ballpark data
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The former owner of the Travis Credit Union Park has issued a new statement calling for the release of further information about the ballpark’s closure. Specifically, former owner Bruce Portner — who also owned the Solano Steelheads (independent; Western League) refers to a sworn deposition from Councilwoman Pauline Clancy, taken in connection with his libel suit filed against the Daily Republic newspaper in Fairfield. Last month, Portner blasted city leaders in Vacaville after it was announced that the ballpark would close at the end of May. Claiming that public funds had been used in construction of the ballpark, Portner said the citizens of Vacaville should have a say in what happens at the facility.
Cablevision launches MLB Extra Innings
Posted May 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cablevision today announced it’s launching MLB Extra Innings immediately and launching the Major League Baseball Channel — one of MLB’s prerequisites for any MLBEI renewal — when it goes live in 2009. Effective today, Cablevision’s iO digital cable subscribers can receive up to 60 out-of-market baseball games for $159 for the entire season. The package can be ordered on iO digital channel 900 or (of course) by calling customer service.
Prospects look bleak for state funding of a new Marlins ballpark
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the Florida Legislative session slated to end tomorrow — barring a special session for a specific purpose — it looks as though a proposal for the state to partially fund a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins is doomed to fail. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has spent a lot of time at the Capitol this week lobbying lawmakers for financial help; the state House has passed $60 million in funding over 30 years, but state Senate leaders say it’s very unlikely they will take up the measure before the final gavel falls tomorrow. Still, you never know, and no one is even certain the lack of state funding will necessarily kill the ballpark proposal; MLB and the Marlins are been curiously quiet on the issue.
City projects more funds to improve ballpark streets
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It appears lower-than-expected bids for construction of the new ballpark for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) will allow the city enough money to build more roads around the ballpark. Mayor Jerre Van Hoose proposed spending an additional $2 million to improve the streets around the stadium after bids came in under budget. Van Hoose checked with the city’s bond attorney to make sure the city could spend the funds on more streets. The proposed changes will widen Watkins Avenue to four lanes heading east, narrowing before reaching the two-lane bridge over Interstate 540. Watkins west to 64th Street can also be widened to four lanes with a median. Going north, 56th Street can be widened nearly to its intersection with Apple Road.
Otten sells share of Red Sox back to owners
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Les Otten, the former ski industry mogul who became a part owner of the Boston Red Sox, has sold his share back to the team ownership group he helped form, he said Wednesday. Otten said he sold his share last month, but wouldn’t say what percentage of the team he owned or the selling price. He also wouldn’t say what businesses he wants to pursue and, citing a confidentiality agreement, wouldn’t comment on reports that he’ll return to the American Skiing Co. he founded.
Baseball may be hit in Brighton by ’09
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The first minor-league baseball game in Brighton could be played by May 2009. The city is partnering with Denver-area resident Fran Zeuli and Ventura Sports Group to identify potential sites for a new 4,000-seat ballpark with 10 luxury suites and grass berm seating for an additional 1,000 people. Similar ballparks have cost up to $18 million. (Ventura Sports Group is the outfit that owns St. Joe and El Paso in the American Association and Atlantic City in the Can-Am Association.) The ballpark would be the home of an independent American Association team. The league is also working with National Sports Services on a Commerce City ballpark, which highlights one unique new business strategy for the league: clustering more than one team in a larger city. We’re seeing the league work to place three teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and now we’re seeing two teams proposed for the northeast corner of Denver.
Honoring Rose can be a thorny proposition
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When you’re outside of Cincinnati you don’t really realize how important Pete Rose is to the history of the Reds franchise, but with MLB’s lifetime ban on Rose for gambling and the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s refusal to honor him, the Reds walk a fine line when it comes to honoring Rose. The issue now is whether to honor Rose by retiring his number; the team can probably do so, but they can’t do it with a public ceremony. The Reds are currently honoring Rose at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum adjoining Great American Ball Park; that exhibit was approved by MLB, so apparently the Reds do have some leeway.
Helena parks board asks for funds to renovate Brewers ballpark
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Helena City-County Parks Board is asking city commissioners to place a $9.1 million bond on the Nov. 6 ballot to fund a variety of measures, including $1.6 million for upgrades to Kindrick-Legion Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League). Brewers GM Paul Fetz says the team is willing to consider a long-term lease agreement in exchange for the ballpark upgrades. Improvements are needed at the field to improve the atmosphere for fans and upgrade the playing surface — the condition of which could determine whether the team’s parent club sends top prospects or “project” players to the Queen City. He said the Major League ball club has had concerns with the divots and rocks on the playing field, and any player who ruins his career with an injury related to the field’s condition could have grounds for a lawsuit.
Royals seek backup plan for suitable promotion
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Aside from improving a miserable offense and perhaps crawling back to respectability, the Kansas City Royals have another issue to deal with these days: Finding a fun-filled promotion to replace the Panera baker’s dozen promo, which was going to replace the incredibly popular Krispy Kreme promotion. Panera bailed out on its promo after it was hit one time on April 20. Over the last few years, one of the unique features of attending a Royals game was the Krispy Kreme promo. The problem, as Panera found out, is that it’s almost impossible to duplicate the Krispy Kreme success. The high rate of ticket-stub redemption makes prepared food difficult to produce in mass quantities on short notice. (Thanks to John Cerone.)
York Revolution unveils uniforms
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With just over 48 hours until the first-ever York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) game in Bridgeport, the club unveiled their home and alternate uniforms on Wednesday, while the road uniforms will be introduced during Thursday’s workout and media day at York College. The home white jerseys feature "Revolution," written in continental navy cursive, which is slightly slanted across the chest. The jerseys are trimmed in continental navy, sergeant’s red and silver, and include a number below the front left chest and on the back. White pants, trimmed in silver, will be worn with the home jerseys. A continental navy cap, featuring an eagle head holding a baseball, which is peaking out of a capital "Y," will be worn at home. The home jerseys will feature each player’s last name on the back, the only Atlantic League uniform that does so.
The alternate jersey will be worn during most Sunday home games, neutral site games in Camden and various other games throughout the inaugural season. The sergeant’s red jersey, with white on the sides, has the "Revolution" word mark written straight across the chest in white lettering, which is outlined in continental navy and silver. A red cap, featuring the same eagle head and "Y," will be primarily worn with the alternate jerseys.
The road jerseys, which will be unveiled during Thursday’s workout and media day, are grey, with continental navy on the sides, and feature “York” written across the chest, in continental navy block lettering, which is outlined in brass. Navy and brass stars are on either side of "York." The jersey’s and grey pants are trimmed in brass. The navy cap will be primarily worn on the road.
Ticket sales indicate early support for the Joes
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
So far ticket sales are meeting expectations for a successful first season for the Anderson Joes (independent; South Coast League). Joes General Manager Garrett Ball said residents started putting deposits on season tickets back in December when the team announced it was coming to Anderson and unveiled the logo. At least 300 sets of Joes season tickets had been sold as of Tuesday, which include sets given to the team’s 60 business sponsors. About 60 percent of season ticket sales are to businesses, and the most popular ticket package for residents seems to be the $105 mini-plan that gives fans 20 undated tickets that can be redeemed at any game, Ball said. The South Coast League is one of two independent leagues debuting this season.
Bay Area Toros open first training camp
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Continental Baseball League is the other independent league unveiling this season. This article is on the Bay Area Toros, who will play at Clear Creek High School in southeast Texas. We’re not seeing a whole lot of names we recognize on CBL rosters — a few players have some indy and lower MiLB experience — but that’s one of the challenges when you start a four-team independent league playing mostly at Texas high schools.
Ballpark Notes
Posted May 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Former Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) broadcaster Dave Garson was charged with felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter in the death of Augustine Garcia, 27, of Kettleman City. Garson is also charged with felony hit-and-run driving, driving under the influence, and a misdemeanor charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $120,000.
Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark
Posted May 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The roller-coaster ride during the final days of tefhe Florida legislative session continues, with Senate President Sen. Ken Pruitt, (R-Port St. Lucie) brushing off speculation Tuesday that property tax relief might be part of deals involving the annual state budget, an expansion of gambling or funding for a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins in Miami. There is an effort to link an expansion of slots (approved by the Senate) and $60 million in funding for a new Marlins ballpark (approved by the House) in a manner that would please both sides in some sort of compromise. That notion was shot down by the influential Pruitt, who said each issues must stand on its own and not be part of some compromise package. That’s bad news for Marlins supports, as the Senate doesn’t seem inclined to pass any sort of funding before the session ends Friday — but you never know what will happen during the final hours of a session, especially if they may slide into a special session.