Archives: July 29-Aug. 4, 2007
Ballpark negotiations over; now to sell it
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The fate of the potential remodeling of Ed Smith Stadium for future use by the Cincinnati Reds as a spring-training venue will depend on the results of a referendum this fall. Voters will be asked to extend and expand an existing property tax used to pay off bonds for the original construction of Ed Smith Stadium. For an average $250,000 home, property taxes will go from the present $20 a year dedicated to the ballpark (a tax that will end next season when the bonds are paid off) to around $26. Going for property-tax hikes in a Florida community is always a dicey affair, of course, and there’s some doubt whether local citizens really care enough about spring training to ante up their contribution to the cost of the spring-training complex, which would be expanded in this scenario.
Twins to play tonight at Metrodome
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Minnesota Twins will go on with a regularly scheduled series this weekend against the Cleveland Indians at the Metrodome. Twins officials were looking at moving the series after the I-35W bridge near the Metrodome collapsed Wednesday, but after consulting with local and state leaders decided to play on. "The Minnesota Twins and all of Major League Baseball are shocked and saddened by the tragic events, which took place on the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis last night," Twins president Dave St. Peter said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families who are impacted by this horrific situation.
"Since the moments following last evening’s tragedy, the Twins organization has been in regular contact with public safety officials," St. Peter continued. "Those discussions led to the decision to play last night’s game and the postponement of today’s game versus the Royals. Following additional consultation with various agencies including the Minneapolis Police Department and the Department of Public Safety, the Twins have been encouraged to proceed with the series against the Indians as scheduled." Fans coming from the north will be inconvenienced the most, obviously, but there are alternate routes to downtown Minneapolis that seem to be working well. On a personal note, thanks to all the readers who expressed concern about our staff; we weren’t involved, but several of us pass under that bridge daily.
Worker dies after ballpark elevator accident
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of two Aramark workers injured Saturday in an elevator accident at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, has died after being removed from life support, Philadelphia police said yesterday. Police withheld the victim’s identity. The second worker, a brother of the victim, remained in an undisclosed hospital, police said. The accident occurred about 9 a.m. when one of the workers drove a four-wheeled vehicle into an elevator shaft and plunged 30 feet before landing on the elevator car, police said. The accident is under investigation.
Oaks pulling fans at 55-year high pace
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League) are on pace for their highest attendance figures in 55 years. Through 61 home games at Recreation Park this season, the Oaks have drawn 72,779 fans for an average of 1,193 per game. Oaks officials anticipate surpassing 82,000 by season’s end — which would be the club’s highest attendance since the 1952 Visalia Cubs drew 83,399. The franchise single-season attendance record is 104,311 set by the 1947 Visalia Cubs. The Oaks’ attendance this season is an increase of 34 percent from last year.
Report: Fishers’ ballpark hits taxpayers for $1.3m
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Manchester taxpayers have already paid nearly $1.3 million for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) downtown ballpark, despite promises that new riverfront housing and retail developments would cover every cent, a new report says. The report, authored by the city’s new finance officer, Bill Sanders, says the city has dipped into tax coffers each of the past three years to cover shortfalls on the $27.5 million stadium. Another shortfall of $70,000 is expected this year. Mayor Frank Guinta was scrambling last night to confirm the report’s findings. Two former Finance Department officials, Kevin Clougherty and Randy Sherman, have called the data into question, he said. The issue is the level of area development needed to pay for the ballpark; the Fisher Cats aren’t being accused of anything.
Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
An Omaha group lobbying to keep Rosenblatt Stadium is looking to add some star power to its roster: Kevin Costner. Jason Smith, an organizer for the Save Rosenblatt campaign, said his group has asked Costner to appear in a commercial that would promote keeping the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. They hope to have an answer from Costner in about a week, Smith said. Save Rosenblatt has collected about 9,000 signatures from people who want to keep the CWS at Rosenblatt Stadium, Smith said. City leaders and the NCAA are considering moving the tournament to a new downtown ballpark to be shared with the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).
Take me out with the crowd
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Attendance at Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League) at new Dickey-Stephens Ballpark is at 305,693 and counting with 13 home dates remaining, an increase of 83 percent from this time last season, when the Travs had drawn 166, 755 fans in 53 dates at Ray Winder Field. "I think it’s exceeded our expectations, you would have to say," said Travs GM Pete Laven said. "I mean, after having such a consistent attendance for so many years and then relating that back to the market, you figured we’d have an increase but you just didn’t know exactly how much. We were thinking we could average 4,500. That’s a nice jump. That gives us 325,000 fans for the year, the all-time record. But to be averaging over 5,500, you’d have to say it’s exceeded it so far."
NBC price tag pleases counci
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Rich Baseball is selling the National Baseball Congress (which includes NBC’s merchandise, tournament format, participant lists and a 10-year noncompete provision) to the city of Wichita for $1 million, a price city officials are thrilled with. We’re not entirely sure city officials should be thrilled with that price: given that the event doesn’t generate a lot of its own income (most ducats are given away, and crowds have steadily declined over the years, reportedly at 80,000 or so in past summers), we’re at a loss to see how that’s a good deal for the city. And the city had the upper hand in negotiations with Rich Baseball, though officials apparently didn’t realize it: without the presence of the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League), it would have been extremely difficult and expensive for Rich Baseball to run the tourney. With all the changes in summer-collegiate baseball over the last decade, we have to admit we’re not optimistic about the future of the NBC. Rich Baseball officials have told us the tourney is profitable, but it may not be with a million-dollar nut.
There was a Web site unveiling Thursday for Wichita Thunder Baseball…
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There was a Web site unveiling Thursday for Wichita Thunder Baseball, listing snappy suite package names and ticket prices and announcing a name-the-team contest. The only problem? The team doesn’t exist. A committee has recommended the City Council approve the start of negotiations with an investor’s group linked to the independent American Association, but that approval, while expected, wouldn’t happen until Tuesday, and note that it marks the beginning of negotiations with Horn Chen’s group. The classier approach would have been more low-key, announcing the possibility of the deal and asking for email addresses for future information.
Sale of Mezona Inn saddens Chicago Cubs fans
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The guest ledger at the Best Western Mezona Inn would impress any baseball fan. In past years, its rooms were occupied by such Chicago Cubs luminaries as Mark Grace, Andre Dawson and Carlos Zambrano. And while most of the big-name players own their own Valley condos now, the non-descript, 1970s-era property still serves as the team’s minor-league motel. The property, located just two miles from HoHoKam Park, was sold recently to Mesa Hotels LLC, a group of California investors. The Dobson Ranch Inn, which has many of the same owners and is also closely associated with the Cubs, is up for sale, too. The outgoing owners said it was time to exit the business because many were aging and some had died, with their interests now owned by trusts. The sale is hitting many Mezona guests — who literally turn the motel into their Arizona clubhouse each spring — hard. They say it marks the end of an era and fear the familial vibe that makes the motel unique will be lost.
Former Red Sox great Doerr says farewell to Fenway
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr bid farewell to Fenway Park on Thursday. Saying he might not be up to another cross-country trip to the ballpark where played his entire career, the 89-year-old second baseman was saluted before the Boston Red Sox beat Baltimore 7-4. "Old baseball players never die, we just fade away," Doerr said, echoing Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s speech to Congress. Dubbed by Ted Williams the "silent captain of the Red Sox," Doerr said he’ll never miss watching a game, even if not in person. To help him stay in touch from his home in Illahe, Ore., the Red Sox presented him with a television set for the second "Bobby Doerr Day" — exactly 60 years after the first.
Hawaii Winter Baseball won’t play at Murakami Stadium
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hawaii Winter Baseball announced that it will play all of its 2007 schedule at Hans L’Orange Park in Waipahu, save for 12 games on Neighbor Islands, because of the apparent unavailability of Les Murakami Stadium during the fall. The offseason developmental league that features U.S. minor leaguers and up-and-coming players in Japan’s pro league was revived last year after running from 1993 to 1997. Murakami Stadium had been always used in previous seasons. The league cited in a press release that it would not be able to use Murakami because of "stadium renovations likely to take place" in the fall. The UH stadium is scheduled to have its turf replaced before the start of the 2008 season.
Baseball Notes
Posted Aug. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The front office of the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) announced they defeated the front office of the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) by a 10-4 final score in the annual Trenton/Reading softball game at First Energy Stadium on Monday afternoon. The Thunder jumped out early in the contest and never looked back. Trenton plated four runs in the top of the first inning off of Reading’s crafty veteran groundskeeper Dan "Dirt" Douglas (0-1). Trenton Assistant General Manager Greg Coleman drove in five runs, and Stadium Operations Director Ryan Crammer had four hits to pace the Thunder front office. Director of Food and Beverages Kevin O’Byrne (1-0) pitched out of late trouble to secure the victory. The victory for the Thunder front office was its fourth straight since the inception of the yearly contest in 2004. The Thunder front office clearly took its cues from their players, which has led the Northern Division of the Eastern League since early April. The Thunder continued its mastery over Reading this season with their players on the field and in the front office. Trenton has won six of 10 meetings against Reading this season. Trenton will look to run its win streak over Reading to five straight in the annual softball game during the 2008 season….The Goldklang Group announced the activation of a 2008 ballpark campaign designed to spotlight the tremendous dedication of Professional Baseball Scouts and recognize them for their invaluable contributions to the game of baseball. They have created a Scouts Hall of Fame (SHOF) campaign across all of the teams associated with the Group; Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League), Hudson Valley Renegades (short season; NY-Penn League), Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League), St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association), Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am Association) and Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association). There will be a ceremony and established dedication area at each ballpark honoring deserving scouts each year throughout the league schedule.
Nats ballpark to have extensive seating for wheelchairs
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new $611-million ballpark for the Washington Nationals will have wheelchair seating in nearly every section and will fully comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, team President Stan Kasten said yesterday. Kasten said the seating will be in place by the time the 41,000-seat ballpark opens in Southeast Washington in the spring. He made the announcement at a news conference attended by disabled people and officials from the Justice Department and Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit group that advocates for veterans with spinal cord injuries.
Metro halts funds to Sounds
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nashville Metro government has withheld $250,000 in maintenance funds from the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), a move that the team’s general manager says is "mean-spirited" and might force the team to move home games to road games, preventing the team from playing out the season at Greer Stadium. Glenn Yaeger said Metro lawyers notified him Tuesday that they were withholding the funds. The annual payment was part of a new lease agreement from 2002 designed to help offset the team’s costs at the aging ballpark. Metro Finance Director David Manning said the city was simply protecting its interests under the lease. The Sounds pay the city rent based on how much money the team generates. And the latest financial documents the team submitted show that the Sounds may owe the city rent, he said.
YES Network on the block; Yankees to follow?
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Fortune Magazine is reporting that he New York Yankees’ cable network, the YES Network, is for sale. And some baseball insiders and Yankees limited partners are wondering whether the team itself might be next. The highest-rated regional sports network in the country and the cable home of the Yankees and the NBA New Jersey Nets, YES is jointly owned by the Yankees, investment bank Goldman Sachs & Co. (Charts, Fortune 500) , and former Nets owner Ray Chambers. Goldman and Chambers would like to cash out, YES and Yankees insiders say, and one source says to expect a deal by summer’s end. Some possible bidders: Cablevision, Comcast, News Corp./Fox and Verizon. If it’s true and if rumors about George Steinbrenner’s failing health are true (he was conspicuous by his absence at the trade deadline), then you could see a situation where the Yankees are in play — but we’re guessing it won’t come until the new Yankee Stadium opens in 2009. This article was submitted by a reader. To submit an item for potential posting on Ballpark Digest, drop us a note.
County breaks ground on downtown ballpark
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Huntington Park, the future home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League), is several hundred shovelfuls of dirt closer to getting built this morning. Franklin County’s Politicians this morning gave the usual proud speeches at a groundbreaking. Then they invited fans, who’d come to the Arena District to watch a bit of history and help dig, undeterred by the 90-degree weather. Huntington Park, slated to open for the 2009 baseball season, will sit along Nationwide Boulevard at Neil Avenue and almost directly across from Nationwide Arena. The 8-acre ballpark will replace Cooper Stadium, rebuilt for the team in 1977.
Lack of attendance costing Cracker-Cats some of their nine lives
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Northern League Commissioner Clark Griffith was on hand at Telus Field, the home of the Edmonton Cracker-Cats, last night to discuss business with owner Dan Orlich amidst reports Orlich is thinking about throwing in the towel on his team, which has struggled to attract fans and generate revenue. Griffith says the team will be around for years to come, but let’s face it: the current configuration of the Northern League pleases no one, and with both Edmonton and Calgary struggling (neither team is averaging more than 2,200 fans a game), a contraction or realignment makes business sense. Losing out on Wichita won’t help the league’s struggle any, either.
Charlotte ballpark renovations discussed
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A meeting Wednesday discussed the $27.2 million in renovations planned for Charlotte Sports Park to make it the new spring home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Facilities director Andrew Baker detailed the improvements planned for the ballpark. They include new, individual seats with chair backs, a press box, luxury suites, a general admission area and a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse. The new stadium will hold 6,927 fans — 5,188 in fixed seats and 1,739 in general admission. Construction is expected to be completed in January 2009.
Rat-a-kaplooey! City tries to ensure ballpark work won’t scatter rodents
Posted Aug. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Workers in Winston-Salem are taking a preemptive strike against rats in the city’s sewer