Archives: Oct. 29-Nov. 4, 2007
Haymarket Park offers food for thought on ballpark
Posted Nov. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Omaha officials were in nearby Lincoln to tour Haymarket Park, the home of the Lincoln Saltdogs (independent; American Association) and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, to gather information as they debate a new home for the College World Series. Now, Haymarket Park is a perfectly pleasant ballpark, with a wraparound concourse and seating for 4,500 (and room for 1,500 more on a berm). But Omaha officials are slightly delusional if they think they can take much away from that ballpark as they plan a 23,000-seat facility. Yeah, a 4,500-seat facility feels all cozy and homey, especially when there’s room for wide concourses. Add another 19,000 seats to the equation and all the additional services needed (restrooms, concessions, multiple clubhouses, entertaining space for NCAA bigwigs, lots of suites), and your little ballpark suddenly isn’t very intimate. We’re actually amazed Rosenblatt Stadium works as well as it does.
Working from groundskeeper up
Posted Nov. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Murray Cook, a consultant to Major League Baseball, is helping with the construction of the Wukesong Olympic Baseball Fields in Beijing. President of Columbia-based Brickman SportsTurf, Cook and his staff helped design fields for Ripken Baseball in Aberdeen and the 4,500-seat stadium being constructed here in Charles County for the minor-league Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, scheduled to begin play in 2008.
CBL looks at Maryland expansion
Posted Nov. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ballsy move. Officials from the independent Continental Baseball League were in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County to explore the possibility of expanding to Joe Cannon Stadium. Now, the CBL didn’t release attendance information for its four teams playing at three high-school venues in 2007, but league founder Ron Baron says the league averaged around 600 fans a game. (They didn’t sell beer, either, so we’re not sure how they could be profitable.) Baron says he’s looking at new markets in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia and West Virginia, which suggests to us the league may someday abandon its Texas roots. Indy ball in the Mid-Atlantic region and north is a crowded field: the Frontier League and the Atlantic League already do business in the best markets and are established entities, and with the startup Atlantic Coast League maneuvering for a piece of the pie, we’re not sure there’s enough markets and venues for all to survive.
Ballpark Village’s fate to be decided by Thanksgiving
Posted Nov. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
No decision has been made on the fate of the downtown Dayton development project Ballpark Village. Officials hope to make a decision about the $230 million project by the end of November, potentially by Thanksgiving, said Richard Neumann, president of baseball development for Mandalay Entertainment Group. Mandalay owns the Dayton Dragons (Low Class A; Midwest League) and is one of the lead developers on the project.
Mud Hens want in on A-Rod sweepstakes, make him offer
Posted Nov. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) playfully offered free agent Alex Rodriguez a deal yesterday — a contract proposal that includes a bonus for hitting 75 home runs next year and leading them to 10 straight International League titles. Rodriguez recently opted out of his $252 million, 10-year contract with the New York Yankees. That prompted Hank Steinbrenner, son of the Yankees owner, to remark to the New York Times: "Does he want to go into the Hall of Fame as a Yankee, or a Toledo Mud Hen?" The Mud Hens conjured up an offer to find out, said Jason Griffin, a spokesman for the Detroit Tigers’ top farm team.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Nov. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Riley Gostisha has been promoted to assistant general manager of the Beloit Snappers (Low Class A; Midwest League.) Riley joined the Snappers’ front office in December of 2004. He was hired on as the Director of Corporate Sales and held that title for the Snappers until this recent promotion. Originally from Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, Gostisha graduated from High Point University in North Carolina with a degree in Sports Management. Riley served as the assistant general manager for the Alexandria Beetles (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) in 2004…The Burlington Bees announced three additions to their front-office team: Jared Schjei, Whitney Henderson and Kourtney Kelso. Schjei joins the staff as the assistant general manager for sales/marketing. He spent the last three years as GM of the Thomasville HiToms (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). Henderson will serve as the team’s director of group outings. She worked the last four years in several capacities for Walt Disney World; her father Mike played for the Bees in 1977. Kelso is the new director of tickets/merchandise, a newly created position in the organization.
A race to the finish for Dodgers’ spring-training site
Posted Nov. 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
If the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new spring-training facility in Glendale, Ariz., is completed in time, it will be done so with few days to spare. Construction of the complex, which will be shared with the Chicago White Sox, started Monday and should be completed for spring training in 2009, according to project manager Tom Harrison of M.A. Mortenson Co. Site preparation was done last week, while a groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively set for Nov. 19. Harrison said his construction company is targeting Feb. 27, 2009, as the day that the Dodgers and White Sox could occupy the ballpark. Adjacent practice fields should be completed in time for spring-training workouts, which start in mid-February. This is still not totally a done deal: the Dodgers haven’t formally informed Indian County and Vero Beach officials of their plan to move, and the White Sox still need to clear up their lease at Tucson Electric Park.
New for 2008: Champion Stadium
Posted Nov. 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another year, another name for the spring home of the Atlanta Braves. A massive deal between Disney and Hanesbrands, the parent company of Champion activewear, will result in a new name for the former Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports: Champion Stadium. Longtime spring-training fans will recognize this is actually the fifth name for the venue (Disney Field, Cracker Jack Stadium, Disney’s Wide World of Sports and The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports), which opened in 1997. There wasn’t a lot of signage at the ballpark in the past — in fact, within Disney World there really isn’t any separate signage for the ballpark at all; visitors must look for signs pointing the way to the Wide World of Sports complex — so we don’t expect much to change at the ballpark.
Cohen Stadium in danger of failing inspection code
Posted Nov. 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Some $175,000 of renovations and improvements need to be done at Cohen Stadium, the home of the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association), in order for it to pass its next building code inspection, city engineers said Wednesday. Appearing before the City Council, City Engineer Alan Shubert said it was imperative for the panel to approve funding so the stadium could remain in compliance. Most of the problems are with the electrical and plumbing systems throughout the facility, Shubert said. There are wiring problems such as exposed cables and leaking sewage lines, he said.
Point of contention
Posted Nov. 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It’s a big decision from Johnstown (Pa.) officials: whether to enter into a lease for Point Stadium with a startup independent league. Point Stadium hosted affiliated and indy ball in the past, but that was before an $11 million renovation of the facility. One issue for city officials: committing to the Atlantic Coast League. This article reports that the independent Frontier League has expressed interest in placing a team at Point Stadium as well.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Nov. 1, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Louis Cardinals announced that John Mozeliak, a key architect of Cardinals teams to reach the postseason six times this decade while winning a World Championship and a National League pennant, will become the 12th man in more than 100 years of Cardinals baseball to serve as the club’s general manager, effective immediately. Mozeliak, a 12-year veteran of the Cardinals front office, was introduced as the new GM on Wednesday by Bill DeWitt, Jr., Cardinals chairman of the board and general partner. Mozeliak, who will carry the title of vice president and general manager, spent the past six seasons serving as the Cardinals’ assistant general manager. He replaces Walt Jocketty, who stepped down from the GM post last month….Ria Cortesio, pro baseball’s only female umpire, was released by the minor leagues this week. Earlier this season, she became the first woman in nearly 20 years to call a major-league exhibition game….The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) will move their radio broadcasts to WCWA-1230 AM starting next season….Speaking of the Mud Hens: Larry Parrish will return as manager in Toledo next season. He’ll be joined by pitching coach A.J. Sager and hitting coach Leon Durham. Mike Rojas, who guided the Mud Hens back to the playoffs last year as the interim manager, will take a promotion to Minor League field coordinator. The Tigers also announced other organizational assignments. Matt Walbeck returns as manager of the Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League); he’ll be joined by pitching coach Ray Burris and hitting coach Glenn Adams. Tom Brookens returns as manager of the West Michigan Whitecaps (Low Class A; Midwest League); he’ll be joined by pitching coach Alan Mills and hitting coach Benny Distefano. Andy Barkett is the new manager of the Lakewood Flying Tigers (High Class A; Florida State League); he’ll be joined by holdover coaches Joe Coleman and Larry Herndon….Hoffman Wolff is the new director of operations for the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Atlantic League). Wolff will oversee media relations and stadium/game-day operations for the club. Wolff comes to the Surf after spending the 2007 season as the general manager of the Little Falls Miners (summer collegiate; New York Collegiate Baseball League). The club increased its attendance over 60 percent from the previous season. Prior to Little Falls, Wolff spent time as an athletic media relations assistant at the University at Albany, as the director of media relations for the Canadian-American and Central Leagues, and as an operations assistant for the Burlington Indians (rookie; Appalachian League). Yes, he’s Miles’s son….The Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA: Eastern League) in conjunction with the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, TD Banknorth, and WMTW TV-8 have concluded the 2007 "TD Banknorth Strike Out Cancer in Kids" fundraising campaign. The 2007 season saw Sea Dogs’ pitchers record 1,080 strikeouts including playoff games bringing the total amount raised for the program in 2007 to a record $337,796.18. The contributions through this program have helped make the Maine Children’s Cancer Program at Maine Medical Center one of the premier children’s cancer treatment centers in the country….
New for 2008: the Casper Ghosts
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Unveiled today at the Wonder Bar: The Casper Ghosts (rookie; Pioneer League), formerly the Casper Rockies. The new identity is part of a 14-month creative overhaul of the Casper franchise.
"Without any additional features, I believe our new logo would be a trendsetter and among the most popular in baseball," said Casper Ghosts CEO Kevin Haughian. "As the first professional baseball club with a glow-in-the-dark on field cap, we’re ready to become America’s best selling minor league baseball cap."
The Casper Ghosts’ new look features a Glow-In-The-Dark mystical ghostlike logo with baseball stitches and western-style "Casper Ghosts" lettering. (Check out a Flash animation showing how the caps will change color in the dark.) Glow-In-The-Dark, silver, rust orange and black make up the club’s official colors, paying tribute to Wyoming’s cowboy heritage. The club will also over merchandise featuring one of America’s favorite animated characters, Casper the Friendly Ghost.
In 1998, Haughian spearheaded the design of the Lake Elsinore Storm cap, the longtime number-one seller in Minor League Baseball.
The redesigned home uniforms feature sleeveless tops and showcase the team’s "Ghosts" lettering across the chest. All jerseys and pants will have Rust Orange and Black trim. The black home cap featuring the club’s ghostlike baseball with a ‘secret’ Glow-in-the-Dark "G." The black road cap features a Rust Orange bill and Glow-in-the-Dark ghostlike baseball, and a white alternate cap also features the Glow-in-the-Dark logo.
The Ghosts’ makeover is the work of Plan B. Branding, a San Diego-grown creative ideas company specializing in storytelling and branding ideas. Partners Casey White & Jason Klein dreamed up fresh looks for the Cincinnati Reds, the World Series and many prestigious Minor League Baseball clubs. Many of these clubs broke franchise merchandising records with Plan B.
The development process began in August 2006 when Klein and White met with fans, staff and community members to learn about the stories, history, and personality of Casper, Wyoming. Plan B developed the logos, uniforms, and is providing ideas to enhance the 2008 fan experience.
Fans can purchase the new merchandise, including Glow-in-the-Dark game caps, online at www.GhostsBaseball.com The Ghosts will unveil the new uniforms for the 2008 season at a later date..
Marlins’ share key to ballpark deal
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A panel of Miami-Dade County commissioners gave the go-ahead Tuesday to continue negotiating a deal for a Florida Marlins ballpark at the site of the Orange Bowl, but three commissioners said they will balk if the team lowers the amount it committed to the project earlier this year. Members of the Airport and Tourism Committee said they support building a ballpark, but only if the county, city of Miami and team are partners and meet the commitments already pledged. They may have already heard what we alluded to last week: Marlins officials are warning (privately last week, publicly this week) that the team may commit less to the project than promised because they argue the revenue potential at the Orange Bowl site is not as rosy as a downtown ballpark location. Now, if you’re running the Marlins, you want to pay as little as you can for a new ballpark, and this may all be a negotiating ploy. But as we’ve said all along: this is far from a done deal, and we wouldn’t be surprised if there was not yet another plea for state money before contracts are signed.
New info on Twins ballpark unveiled
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New information about the design of a downtown Minnesota Twins ballpark was presented to Hennepin County commissioners yesterday. Nothing dramatically new was detailed; rather, it’s clear the current plan is merely a refinement of the original designs presented by HOK Sport and the Twins. Among the changes: the addition of a family picnic area in center field (replacing a club), the addition of seats jutting over the warning track in right field, the addition of some left-field seating, and the move of a sports bar from left-center field to the left-field corner. Otherwise, the signature items contained in the original plans — the limestone exterior, the Norway pines in the outfield, the heated concourses — remain. More from AP and the Star Tribune. Nick Coleman is predictably dour.
Council won’t ask to add Rosenblatt supporter to ballpark group
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Members of Save Rosenblatt were hoping that the City Council could help the group secure a spot on the committee that is reviewing Omaha’s ballpark options. But it appears they will be left on the bench. The council on Tuesday rejected a nonbinding resolution asking Mayor Mike Fahey to appoint Save Rosenblatt Chairman Jason Smith to the ballpark review committee. The eight-member committee is examining eight different ballpark options for either a new downtown stadium or improvements to Rosenblatt Stadium, as well as financing mechanisms. Its goal is to have a ballpark recommendation by late February.
Purchase of 51s pending
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Derek Stevens of the Stevens Baseball Group reached an agreement to buy the Las Vegas 51s (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) from Mandalay Baseball Properties and CEO Ken Stickney. Stevens is a real-estate developer in Detroit and southern Nevada; he’s expected to pursue a new ballpark for the team; it’s no secret Mandalay has sought a replacement for Cashman Field for some years now, and given Stevens’ development background you can expect to see a plan for a ballpark anchoring a larger development somewhere in the Las Vegas suburbs. The sale still needs to be approved by the PCL, MiLB and MLB. As part of the deal, president and GM Don Logan will stay with the team — a nice show of continuity for Las Vegas baseball fans.
Champion buys naming rights to Disney ballpark
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Looking to keep growing its Hanes and Champion brands, Hanesbrands Inc. said Tuesday it has signed a wide-ranging marketing deal with the Walt Disney Co. that includes product co-branding, attraction sponsorships and signage at Disney parks and resorts. The Champion name will become part of the new name of The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, the spring home of the Atlanta Braves. It’s not the first time Disney sold naming rights to the facility: at one point it was known as Cracker Jack Stadium.
McCourt has made Dodgers a mess
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We’re not entirely sure the premise of this column from Bob Keisser is accurate. Before Frank McCourt bought the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team was in pretty bad shape: we encountered numerous bad attitudes at Dodger Stadium and the team didn’t show a whole lot of life. The Dodgers are now making some overdue changes to Dodger Stadium, and the hiring of Joe Torre will generate some headlines for the team. (We’re not sure Torre will be a good fit, though; a young team might need a firmer hand than that shown by Torre in recent years.)
Cuba tight-lipped on WBC plans
Posted Oct. 31, 2007 (