Archives: Nov. 5-11, 2007
Voters reject ballpark initiatives in Sarasota, Brighton; approve them in Helena and Avon
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ballpark initiatives were shot down by voters in Sarasota, Fla., and Brighton, Col., and approved by residents of Helena, Mont. In Sarasota, the close rejection (4,431-4,206) of a city referendum that would raise $16 million in property taxes for a refurbishing of Ed Smith Stadium means the Cincinnati Reds will be shopping for a new spring home. We assume it also means the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League) will be seeking a new home as well. The project began as a new spring-training complex next to the current Reds complex, but after development partners failed to materialize the project was scaled back to a $53 million renovation of Ed Smith Stadium and the adjoining complex. We’re guessing Reds officials have already talked with Indian County officials about a move to Dodgertown after the Los Angeles Dodgers shift spring operations west in 2009; we’re also guessing a move to Arizona isn’t out of the question, although it would be problematic. In the past officials with Disney World have sought to bring another team to Champion Stadium, though that presents some financial issues for all involved. More from the Sarasota Herald Tribune and the Enquirer. In Brighton, voters weren’t interested in paying for a 4,000-seat ballpark for an independent American Association team: a referendum was shot down by a wide margin — 65 percent to 35 percent. The ballpark would have funded via a small rise (0.2 percent) in the local sales tax. There’s been a lot of talk in Denver suburban communities about wanting baseball, but we’re guessing the large margin may dissuade officials in the likes of Castle Rock from bringing a proposal to the electorate. More from the Brighton Blade and the Rocky Mountain News. In Helena, voters overwhelmingly approved a $7.85 million parks-improvement bond Tuesday, with about 71 percent of the ballots cast in favor of the funding. Part of the proceeds will be used on a renovation of Kindrick Legion Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League), which will include expanded clubhouses, a new playing field, new bleachers and new light fixtures. More from the Helena Independent Record. In Avon, Ohio, voters approved a 0.25 percentage point boost in the city income tax to fund a sports and recreation center at SR 611 and Interstate 90. The issue won by 2,171 votes to 1,557 votes, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. Part of the proceeds could fund a new ballpark for an independent Frontier League team. More from the Morning Journal.
Early Reno ballpark plan showcases shops
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A preliminary design for Reno’s new ballpark for the relocating Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA: Pacific Coast League) shows the playing field dug into the ground to create an amphitheater effect and more shops and restaurants, including rooftop dining overlooking the ballpark. The baseball field will be 16 feet below ground level to give the crowds a better view. The first design showed the field at ground level. Using the excavated dirt, builders will create a series of small hills beyond the outfield for fans to sit in the grass. East of that, a public walkway would be built along the Truckee River. The design shows shops and restaurants in the fire station building at Second Street and Evans Avenue. The building will be renovated for more shops, restaurants and rooftop dining. In other Reno news, Reno Councilman Dwight Dortch has been hired as spokesman for the city’s new team.
Overseas travel may curtail Dodgers’ last spring at Dodgertown
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There’s one big reason why more spring schedules have not been released at this relatively late date: MLB is still working out what teams would play when in China and Japan. Particularly affected this could be the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could be playing March 15-16 in China. If that happens, the Dodgers will break the major-league camp at Dodgertown, play the China series and then spent the rest of spring training at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, sharing it with the A’s. If this happens it will disappoint a lot of Dodgers fans who were planning on one last spring in Dodgertown; they’d basically be getting two last weeks. We’re guessing the players union may also have something to say about a spring training spent in Florida, China and Phoenix.
GMs vote to recommend use of replay
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
General managers moved a step closer toward pushing Major League Baseball to join the NFL, NBA, NHL and some college football conferences by recommending the use of replays to help umpires on home run and foul calls Tuesday. In a vote more symbolic than substantive at the annual general managers’ meetings, the GMs voted 25-5 in favor of recommending the use of replay. It’s doubtful replay could be approved for next season. Commissioner Bud Selig, who has been against the use of replay in the past, will study the matter further. Even if he approves it, the 30 owners and the players’ and umpires’ unions would have to give their OK.
Marlins ballpark negotiations continue
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy said he remains hopeful the Marlins will secure a ballpark deal by the end of the year, despite recent tensions between the team and local leaders over the Orange Bowl site. As we first reported, the Marlins were pulling back on their financial contribution to the new plan because they argue Orange Bowl site won’t yield as much in revenues as a downtown site (something that might be debatable, particularly where parking revenues are concerned). "The level of contribution the team makes has to be commensurate with what they believe they’re going to be able to generate from a new ballpark and be viable,” said DuPuy. We’ve also heard from some local officials the Marlins say there’s no way they can pay $207 million in upfront money and a lease for the new ballpark and want local officials to seek another source of revenue, perhaps from the state. In any case, DuPuy sounds like he think a Dec. 13 deadline is doable. More from AP, the Miami Herald and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
DLR, Stewart Sports group nab Topeka ballpark planning
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The City of Topeka has chosen DLR Architects and Stewart Sports Group, both of Omaha, to develop design concepts and explore options for a multi-purpose, minor-league ballpark. The firms will conduct two public design forums, tentatively scheduled for January, with the ultimate goal of gauging Topekans’ interest in and ideas for a new ballpark. Stewart Sports Group is a startup consulting firm headed by Doug Stewart, former GM of the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League).
Twins ballpark design clears big hurdle with quick board vote
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved the design of a new downtown Minnesota Twins ballpark by a 6-1 vote. There wasn’t much debate on the issue, and the only negative vote came from Penny Steele, who would have opposed whatever design was presented to her. The Star Tribune says this was a big hurdle, but that’s rather overstating the case: it was a formality at best.
Can-Am Association proposes one-year sublease in Ottawa
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Can-Am Association may have already released a 2008 schedule, but they’re not giving up on placing a team in Ottawa next season. The league has proposed to the City of Ottawa it sub-lease Lynx Stadium to a franchise for next summer while the City and the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) resolve their legal issues. Can-Am commissioner Miles Wolff has written a letter to the City and is leaving the door open until Nov. 14 for a sub-lease arrangement. The Lynx have yet to officially inform the City of their departure for Allentown, Pa., next season and the two sides are involved in countersuits over the lease.
Reds to stay on WLW
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cincinnati Reds games will remain on WLW-AM (700) under a new five-year contract through 2012 that will generate more advertising revenue and marketing opportunities for the club. But to Reds fans, the games should sound the same — with WLW continuing to produce the games described by Marty and Thom Brennaman and Jeff Brantley, said station executives. Under the new deal, announced Tuesday, the Reds will sell almost all advertising during the games, plus pregame and postgame shows, the club announced.
SJ Giants, city sign lease through 2013
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The San Jose City Council today approved a five year lease extension to keep the San Jose Giants (High Class A; California League) playing at Municipal Stadium through the 2013 season. Terms of the agreement include the ability for the San Jose Giants to sell stadium naming rights and pursue on-site development options in an effort to fund much needed capital improvements at the ballpark. The contract also establishes a new stadium capital fund and grants the San Jose Giants certain development options on site, subject to City Council approval. The City will provide a one-time contribution of $200,000 to the newly created fund. All additional funding will come from the San Jose Giants and through naming-rights proceeds.
McHenry study put to public
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A once-unreleased feasibility study that drove McHenry County College’s controversial Health, Wellness and Athletic Complex and an accompanying ballpark for an independent Frontier League team was made public this week, more than eight months after it first was presented to the college board. Project consultant Mark Houser and EquityOne Sports Development first presented the board with the proposal in February. But it was not released to the public because of what college officials declared "trade secrets." The plan showed the complex losing money its first five years before becoming profitable. The plan was rejected by Crystal Lake because of concerns about traffic and pollution; we’re not entirely sure the finances were as big issue an issue as this article purports, as Crystal Lake officials were never asked to contribute and McHenry County College would have financed the whole project on its own. More from the Chicago Daily Herald.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Nov. 7, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Gateway Grizzlies (independent; Frontier League) announced that Phil Warren will return as Manager for the Frontier League club in 2008. The club also announced it is bringing back Randy Martz for his second season as pitching coach and Darin Kinsolving as hitting/bench coach. Warren enjoyed great success in his first season as a professional field manager. The St. Louis native led the Grizzlies to a franchise-record 64 wins and a West Division title. The club’s 64-29 record was the second-best regular season mark in league history….The United States Marine Corps and the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) are teaming up for the 10th consecutive season to bring holiday cheer to children as FirstEnergy Stadium will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off point on Sunday, November 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For the first time in the event’s history it is being held in November and a live band will perform. A civilian vehicle convoy, blood mobile and much more will also be part of the event….Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) manager Matt Walbeck has reached a tentative agreement with the Texas Rangers to become their third-base coach next season….Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League) broadcasts are returning to WCAP 980 for the 2008 season….
Contractor sues for Columbus ballpark bid
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction of the new Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) ballpark hit a delay yesterday after a judge told Franklin County commissioners they couldn’t award a $5.9 million contract to start pouring concrete. In a lawsuit filed yesterday, Lithko Contracting Inc. of Hamilton, in southwestern Ohio, said the commissioners rejected its "lowest and best" bid to curry favor from labor unions. Lithko is a nonunion employer. Its only competitor, Baker Construction, uses union labor and bid $17,500 higher. Ohio is providing $7 million toward the $55-million Huntington Park, set to open in the Arena District in 2009.
Photo tour of new Nats ballpark
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There aren’t many new ballparks opening in 2008, so the premiere of Nationals Park, the future home of the Washington Nationals, will be an important event. WUSA’s Dan Guzman reports the obvious: that there’s a lot of work to be done on the facility, which is slated to open in April. The big work is done; what’s left is the finishing work. The issue in April won’t be the state of the ballpark (though, inevitably, some parts of the new ballpark will be incomplete); the issue will be parking and Metro access.
Wizards to play at T-Bones park next season
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Kansas City’s Major League Soccer club will announce today that it will play its home games for the next two seasons at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, home to the Kansas City T-Bones (independent; Northern League). The Wizards could not continue playing at Arrowhead Stadium, which has been its home since the team’s inception in 1996, because of renovations. OnGoal LLC, the Wizards’ ownership group, remains focused on getting a deal done for a soccer stadium at the site of the former Bannister Mall in southeast Kansas City. The proximity of CommunityAmerica Ballpark to the entertainment options at Village West is something the Wizards would like to replicate if they can build a permanent home.
Sarasota to vote on renovation of Ed Smith Stadium
Posted Nov. 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on today’s bond referendum in Sarasota providing $16 million for a renovation of Ed Smith Stadium for continued use by the Cincinnati Reds as a spring-training home. Jeff Maultsby, director of Florida operations for the Cincinnati Reds, said the team has done everything possible to try and inform voters about the proposed plans for the ballpark. During the past few weeks, Maultsby and representatives from the Reds organization have met with homeowners associations and community groups to get the team’s message out to the people. In other municipal elections, Helena (Mont.) voters are deciding on a parks improvement bond that would provide funds for a renovation of Kindrick Field, the home of the Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League), while voters in Brighton, Col., will be asked to approve a 0.2-cent increase in the sales tax rate to finance a 4,000-seat ballpark for an independent American Association team.