Archives: Oct. 22-28, 2007
Nashua Pride to return in 2008
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In a somewhat surprising move, owner John Stabile announced the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association) would be returning for the 2008 season. Although the team ultimately fell short of its goal of selling 830 season tickets, the 2007 Can-Am League Champions will enter the 2008 season with the largest season ticket base in team history, with over 500 season tickets sold. "The people of Nashua responded. We’re getting near the number that we’re looking for," Stabile said. "This will translate to my sponsors and advertisers that there are going to be people in the seats. With the outstanding support the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce has shown, we should be able to increase sponsorships as well." No word on how the sale of $800,000 in limited partnerships is going.
Cordaro claims a role in minor-league turnaround
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
And some people outsider wonder why professional baseball hates having public ownership of teams: beside the obvious issue of not wanting to make financial data public, dissuading public ownership of teams also means politicians can’t get involved with running ballparks. After years of watching the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Phillies (Class AAA; International League) struggle under public ownership, the fortunes of the franchise changed considerably this offseason under private management. A press conference yesterday — ginned up purely for political reasons as county commissioner elections loom on the horizon — showed why politicians shouldn’t be allowed near the front office. Lackawanna County Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro raised eyebrows when he claimed at least partial credit for the New York Yankees’ highly publicized recommitment to minor league player development. "As many of you remember, Columbus was a team, the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate prior to coming here, that was mired in last place for a number of years," Cordaro said. "One of the steps that Commissioner [A.J.] Munchak and I and the Stadium Authority board asked the Yankees to take was to work through their minor league system and to revitalize it. They have done so, from top to bottom." Now, we’re pretty confident the Yankees were committed to a revitalization of the farm system before they shifted their Triple-A affiliation to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and we’re more than a little skeptical the Yankees front office is taking marching orders from a Lackawanna County commissioner. Ironically, Cordaro’s shenanigans overshadowed the bigger news of the day: the new management deal yielded $1.5 million in profits, split between Mandalay Sports, the Yankees and the stadium authority. More from Chad Jennings and the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader.
DuPuy: Marlins ballpark top priority
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB COO Robert DuPuy says a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins continues to be a top priority for baseball, as he works the phones to put together a deal. He didn’t provide many specifics of his discussions with Miami-Dade County and the Marlins — which isn’t a surprise — but the real issues seem to center around the price of a new retractable-roof facility on the Orange Bowl grounds and whether it can be ready for 2011. (Not under consideration: an open-air ballpark.) With a price tag, it can then be determined how much is expected out of the Fish. Again, this isn’t close to a done deal.
Griffith: No return of Edmonton franchise fee
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As expected, the owners of the Edmonton Cracker-Cats yesterday announced the team would be joining the independent Golden Baseball League and discussed a possible lawsuit over the return of expansion fees paid to the independent Northern League, Fine, says Northern League commissioner Clark Griffith: we’ll return the expansion fees in exchange for the team’s player contracts, the stadium lease and territorial rights. Since that’s not going to happen, we’re back to discussing whether Calgary and Edmonton will have a legal basis to recover their original expansion fees. If the teams were pushed from the league because of arbitrary actions (i,e., letters of credit not demanded of every team), they will have a case. If the letters of credit were demanded because of concern over the team’s futures — as Griffith says — then the case is much weaker. By the way, the six-team Northern League released its 2008 schedule; as you might expect, certain teams will get to know one another fairly intimately. For example, Kansas City will play Schaumburg 22 times. More from the Edmonton Sun.
Golden Baseball League realigns
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of the independent Golden Baseball League: With the addition of Calgary and Edmonton the league will be realigning, with Calgary, Edmonton, Reno and Chico in the North Division and Orange County, Long Beach, Yuma and St. George in the South Division. Lost in all the excitement about the addition of Calgary and Edmonton and the possible further expansion in Canada is the future of the Reno Silver Sox. The Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are moving to a new downtown ballpark in 2009, which would seem to preclude the GBL staying in the market. GBL officials say they’ll wait until the PCL comes to town to decide on the future of the Silver Sox, but one possible future move is to Western Nevada College’s Harvey Field in Carson City.
Grasshoppers expanding First Horizon
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Nothing like three years of record-breaking crowds to make a team happy. The Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) are expanding the suite level at First Horizon Park. The development will create space for two additional open-air party decks, giving the ballpark a total of three. "This is a significant investment on the part of our ownership and demonstrates their continued commitment to the guest experience at First Horizon Park," said Grasshoppers President and General Manager Donald Moore.
The original Yes! Weekly Party Deck, which was occupied every home game of the 2005 and 2006 season, was created to offer a unique option for groups entertaining 35-75 guests. The expansion will be managed by Lomax Construction of Greensboro and is scheduled to be completed by early March. This is the second major improvement to the park in its short, three-year history. At the conclusion of the inaugural season the team redesigned Natty’s Hill, the grass berm in left field, to enhance the view of the playing field, as well as the seating comfort and capacity. More from the Greensboro News & Record.
MLB finalizing games in China, Japan
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB.com is reporting that MLB is close to announcing spring-training games in China and an opening series in Japan that would fall squarely in traditional spring-training season. A pair of exhibition games at the Olympic venue in China are tentatively slated for the weekend of March 14-15, with the season-opening two-game series at Tokyo Dome on March 22-23. No word on what teams would be involved, although we expect San Diego, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox to be involved. MLB.com is also reporting several games in the annual preseason Freeway Series against the Angels may be staged at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (honoring the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles, we assume) but those games don’t show up on the spring schedule released the other day by the Angels.
JetHawks unveil new logo, identity
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Lancaster JetHawks (High Class A; California League) introduced its new team identity system during an open house World Series party at Clear Channel Stadium. The new identity represents the first change to the team’s logos and color scheme since prior to the 2001 season. The new primary logo pays tribute to the Antelope Valley’s rich tradition of aerospace and military history while providing a sleek, updated image for the 13-year-old franchise. The primary colors will be navy blue, brick red, tan and cool gray. The primary logo features a statue-like hawk’s head displayed between two military-style wings underneath the words "Lancaster JetHawks" and over two crossed baseball bats and centered baseball.
"We are proud to begin a new chapter in JetHawks history with the introduction of this team identity," explained JetHawks General Manager Brad Seymour. "We feel the new logo and color scheme provide us not only with a great updated image that will be popular in our community, but it also honors the local history by which our team is named for."
The new identity was developed by Louisville, Kentucky-based Studio Simon, the sports branding firm also responsible for the previous two versions of the club’s logos in 1996 and 2001.
Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor’s ballpark committee
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Save Rosenblatt Committee wants a representative on Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey’s ballpark review committee and hopes the City Council will secure a seat at the table for the group. The council will consider a nonbinding resolution Tuesday requesting that Fahey appoint Save Rosenblatt member Jason Smith to the ballpark review committee. The resolution is being sponsored by Councilman Garry Gernandt, who is a Save Rosenblatt member, and Councilman Jim Suttle. Fahey’s deputy chief of staff, Don Thorson, said the mayor doesn’t plan to make any changes to the ballpark review committee, even if the council resolution passes.
Kasten: Parking no problem
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This sort of thing frequently happens when a sports team moves from a facility with acres of parking to a more urban locale, so we’re not surprised to see disagreements over the extent of parking at the new Washington Nationals ballpark. Team president Stan Kasten says there will be plenty of parking in the area, and to make sure things go smoothly the team wants to arrange parking at RFK Stadium. D.C. officials say an agreement isn’t finalized, but it’s in everyone’s self interests to make a deal happen.
Commerce City warming up if Brighton voters don’t play ball
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Commerce City officials say they might go ahead with a ballot initiative to fund a new ballpark if a November referendum in Brighton fails to approve a hike in the city’s sales tax to pay for a new ballpark for an independent American Association team. Brighton and Castle Rock were targeted as locations of new ballparks in Denver area; we’ve not heard of much serious opposition to the Brighton ballot measure.
Fenway eatery on the menu
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Once the final out of the 2007 World Series is in the scorebook, Boston workers will begin a number of remodeling tasks at Fenway Park, including the construction of a year-round field-level restaurant tucked into the some 4,000 square feet of vacant space under the center-field bleachers. The project, dubbed "The Bleacher Bar" restaurant, is expected to be finished for a March 2008 opening, and stands to be the most talked-about change in the evolving and beloved Back Bay architectural icon. According to staff architect Janet Marie Smith, the grand overseer of sprucing up Fenway Park, the restaurant will inhabit the space behind the huge garage door in center field and will allow patrons (approximately 150 maximum) to sit at dining tables and peer out to the field. No word on whether the door will actually be open during a game. New bleachers are on the agenda as well.
White likes the Naturals view
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Frank White stood where home plate will be at Arvest Ballpark, the new home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) looked out to the outfield and was immediately impressed with the $33-million park that is currently under construction. White was in town Wednesday to tour the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and to attend a World Series watch party for season ticket holders of the Naturals. He sounded pretty impressed with the new ballpark.
Thunder mark 15th season with commemorative logo
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) released the team’s complete 2008 schedule as well as a new logo commemorating the 15th Season of Trenton Thunder baseball on Thursday. The 15th Season logo features Waterfront Park’s signature cupola and brick façade that adorn the stadium’s picturesque front. The 15th Season logo was designed by Studio Simon, the same designers who worked with the Thunder to create the new primary logo, alternate logo and word marks that were unveiled last August. The 2008 season begins on April 3 in Binghamton, NY as the Thunder will face the Binghamton Mets.
Charlotte 49ers ballpark dedication a roaring success
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charlotte 49ers officially dedicated their brand new $5.9 million baseball facility, which includes concession stands, ticket windows, onsite restrooms, a spacious press box, hospitality suites, radio and TV booths, improved dugouts and bullpens and seating for over 1,100 fans in two levels of seating. The playing surface, Tom and Lib Phillips Field, remains relatively unchanged, but the amenities now available to the student-athletes and fans have given the program a first-class feel. Loren Hibbs, who has coached the 49ers for 15 years, said he often dreamed of this time and thanked current and former coaches and players as well as the many donors for their part in making the facility a reality. A crowd of nearly 300 friends of the program, faculty and staff as well as former players, parents and fans all got a chance to take part in touring the facility.
Ole Miss to begin ballpark expansion
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Work will begin immediately on expanding the Ole Miss ballpark after bids were approved today, the school announced. Panola Construction Company of Batesville was awarded the project after making a low bid of $13.9 million. The expansion will double the chair-back seating capacity at Oxford-University Stadium to 6,000 seats, including 880 seats in the club level. The expected completion date is February of 2009.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Oct. 25, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) announced the hiring of four new employees on the club’s front-office staff: Lavon Alls is the new Director Community Relations; Michael Petrini is the new Sales Manager; Will Lindsay is the new Food and Beverage Director; and Michael DeNicola is the new Assistant Food and Beverage Director….The front-office staff and grounds crew of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) will spend today granting the wish of an eight year-old boy through the Make-A-Wish Foundation by building a baseball field in his backyard. Eight-year-old Ben has wished to have a baseball field in his backyard, and although his yard isn’t big enough for a regulation field, it’s spacious enough for a "mini" regulation park complete with a Green Monster fence. Ben has Histiocytosis (a rare blood disease) which has qualified him to receive a wish from the Make-A- Wish Foundation, but he fights to not let his illness slow him down….Washington Wild Things (independent; Frontier League) General Manager Ross Vecchio has been selected to receive the Italian Heritage Society of America’s Medallion of Honor as the Italian-American Sports Celebrity of the Year in Pittsburgh. Vecchio is being honored for the quality of excellence, leadership, and compassion he has achieved as a person of Italian origin….The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they have promoted De Jon Watson to assistant general manager, player development and Todd Tomczyk to assistant athletic trainer….In a somewhat surprising move, Andy Etchebarren, who had coached or managed in the Baltimore Orioles organization for the past 14 seasons after a successful playing career with the club, has been relieved of his duties as manager of the Aberdeen IronBirds (short season; NY-Penn League)….Brady Bogart is the new manager of the Amarillo Dillas (independent; United League Baseball)….The Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) announced changes to the front-office staff for the upcoming 2008 season. Returning for his third year with the P-Nats as the team’s new senior vice president is Bobby Holland. Holland joined the team prior to the 2006 season and served as its vice president and general manager for the past two seasons. Jonathan Griffith, who served as the club’s assistant general manager, corporate sales during the 2007 season, has been promoted to general manager. Griffith becomes the sixth general manager since Art Silber took over the team in 1989. Anthony Oppermann, who spent 2007 as Potomac’s director of broadcasting and media relations, has been promoted to assistant general manager, marketing and media. The 24-year-old becomes one of the youngest AGMs in professional baseball and one of the few to also serve as a team’s lead play-by-play voice. John Legacy returns for this third season with the Potomac Nationals and has been promoted to director of group sales. Doug McConnell returns for his second season as the team’s director of ticket operations. Andrew Stinson has been hired to serve as a group sales account executive working in the ticket sales department. Carter Buschman will return along with Ryan Johnston to lead the team’s operations department. Buschman will once again serve as the director of stadium operations while Johnston again will serve as assistant director of stadium operations. Jim Johnson returns as the team’s director of food services. He previously worked with Ogden Entertainment.