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Archives: May 5-11, 2008

Archives: May 5-11, 2008
Simmy: Northern League is in trouble
Posted May 9, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Doug Simunic, one of the more astute observers of indy baseball and a man who is not shy about sharing his opinions on the state of things, is of the opinion the Northern League is in serious trouble and that he’s ready to bail on his current team, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. "The Northern League can’t go on with six teams. Absolutely not. From my standpoint, for Doug Simunic, I’ll have to go look somewhere else," he told the Winnipeg Free Press’s Gary Lawless, calling the Northern League the fourth-best indy league at best. With only six teams and no prospects for another (we hear the Frontier League is a strong contender in Normal and the American Association a strong contender in Topeka), the future of the league really must come in for a serious discussion. Really, we don’t know where the league can expand; Clark Griffith, whose role in the league has been scaled back to scouting out new territories, reportedly has been looking at Wisconsin and Minnesota (the southern suburbs of Burnsville and Lakeville, specifically) locales for a new ballpark. We don’t see it happen: between the Northwoods League and the Midwest League, virtually every good market (except maybe the Milwaukee suburbs) is occupied.

 

Veeck leaving the world of affiliated ball
Posted May 9, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mike Veeck, one of the savviest promoters in the world of baseball and a key player in the rise of independent baseball, has decided to embrace the independent lifestyle and is divesting himself of his holdings in affiliated teams, we’ve been told by those with an inside view of the action. Those holdings, as part of the Goldklang Group, includes stakes in the Fort Myers Miracle (High Class A; Florida State League) and the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) and will now consist only of ownership stakes in the St. Paul Saints and Sioux Falls Canaries (both independent; American Association), though he will retain his titles with the affiliated teams (for instance, he remains president of the RiverDogs). Now, we’re not necessarily talking about some huge ownership percentages here — his interests in indy teams has been far larger than his stakes with affiliated teams, according to those in the know — so this isn’t about the money. There’s always been a tension between the N.A. and owners with foots in both camps, and Veeck was grandfathered in when the N.A. banned affiliated owners from investing in indy teams. But the tension remains, and some developments in recent weeks concerning the management of affiliated teams objecting to some plans Veeck had to visitings potential markets might have led to his decision. We think it’s accurate to call this a message to the N.A.; whether it will make any difference remains to be seen, though we’re guessing we could see Veeck take a more public approach to expansion opportunities with the American Association or even pop up as an owner in another indy circuit.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 9, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Tim Harwood, whose pointed comments about the umpiring in the Northwoods League last summer briefly landed him in the doghouse, returns as the voice of the Waterloo Bucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League). Tim’s actually one of the nicest guys you’ll find in any broadcast booth, so we’re happy to see him back….The independent Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced that China Olympic Team will play a three-game series versus GBL teams later this month in Long Beach and Yuma. Managed by former Los Angeles Dodger All-Star and Major League Manager Jim Lefebvre, the China National Team is a rising power in the baseball world in Asia with recent victories over Korea and will be one of the eight teams vying for gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The China National Team will face the Long Beach Armada in a two-game series at historic Blair Field on May 17-18. The team will then travel to Yuma and take on the Yuma Scorpions on May 21.

Braman lawsuit against new Marlins ballpark can move forward: judge
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A lawsuit filed by Miami auto dealer and former Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) owner Norman Braman challenging the $3-billion public-works plan that will yield, among other things, funding for a new Florida Marlins ballpark can proceed, as the judge held it legitimately concerned public aid to a private client. The deal, which is very complicated, diverts some land and revenue streams to help build the Marlins ballpark. Support for the new ballpark has been tenuous, to say the least, and with a judge allowing the lawsuit to go forward it will be interesting to see how county and city officials react — especially when you consider Braman has a knack for winning lawsuits that question public spending on sports facilities.

 

Sounds ballpark legislation still alive
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Legislation that would establish a tax-increment financing for a new Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) ballpark is still alive in the current Tennessee legislative session. The Sounds basically did an end run around the city of Nashville to request the legislation — a move that mightily pissed off Mayor Karl Dean and other Metro members, who said the Sounds should have presented the city with a comprehensive ballpark plan, including funding sources, before going to the Legislature — and it’s currently in a House budget subcommittee, though onlookers doubt it has enough support to pass out of there. With Nashville lobbyists explicitly opposing the measure, we imagine the onlookers are right. This might be the last chance the current owners of the Sounds have to make any sort of ballpark deal: giving the metaphorical finger to city government — representing financial partners the team desperately needs to make a deal — probably doesn’t fall under the header of best business practices. More from Nashville City Paper.

Centerplate reports $11.2 million loss; will look at options and eliminate dividends
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Concessionaire Centerplate reported a net loss of $11.2 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.0 million, or $0.36 per share, in the first quarter of 2007. The reason for the increased loss was pretty clear: operating income was down as revenue from new venues like Prudential Center couldn’t offset losses in existing businesses, especially on the convention center site, while interest expenses rose. UBS Investment Bank is being brought in to look at the company’s existing stock setup, but a sale of the company isn’t out of the question as the stock price remains stuck under $5 a share.

New Topeka ballpark moving forward; Wolff visits market
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
American Association commissioner Miles Wolff was on hand yesterday in Topeka to tour potential ballpark sites, including a downtown site that seems to be the preference of many in the decision-making chain, and check out the market. Topeka’s one of those markets that certainly should be big enough to support pro baseball — in 2004, the five-county area was home to almost 228,000 people, according to the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce — but its location (fairly far from any suitable affiliated league), proximity to Kansas City and lack of a suitable venue has kept away interest. But now that the independent American Association is in the region (Lincoln and Wichita, specifically), a market like Topeka makes a lot of sense as both a regional play and a bridge for the northern and southern teams. The meeting between Wolff, deputy mayor Randy Speaker and consultant Doug Stewart was meant to bring Wolff up to date on what’s going on with the ballpark plans. Many things are still up in the air — like location and funding sources — but it’s safe to say this is the closest Topeka has come to professional baseball in a long time, as everyone involved is working toward a May 2010 opening. Speaking of ballpark plans: We’ve added Topeka to our list of upcoming ballparks (you can find the list in the left-hand column of this page). More from the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Thompson: We don’t want to lose Wrigley name
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Former Governor Jim Thompson, who’s heading efforts for the state of Illinois to buy Wrigley Field in his role as chairman of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, says the ISFA would prefer to buy the historic ballpark as is, unencumbered by any new naming-rights deal. He added something we’ve heard as well: no one is interested in buying naming rights and being the firm that displaced the Wrigley name from Wrigley Field. Thompson is still working on a financial plan that would allow the IFSA to buy Wrigley Field without the use of taxpayer dollars, but so far the only feasible proposals include some sort of tax relief from the city of Chicago and a willingness by the city to relax its historic-preservation rules — two things currently opposed by Mayor Richard Daley and key members of the city council. Information about the team’s financials are being distributed to six potential buyers, but there’s been a remarkable lack of activity on the sales front, as many are wondering if owner Sam Zell isn’t pushing his luck by try to squeeze out too much for the Chicago Cubs, the ballpark and related assets; the credit issues affecting Zell will probably also affect potential buyers, and we’re hearing the price for all the assets may not reach a billion dollars given the commercial credit squeeze. More from AP and the Chicago Tribune.

Marana pushing for new spring-training facility
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City officials in Marana, Az., continue to push for local funding of a new spring-training complex, as Pima County and the city of Tucson continue to grapple with the future of spring training in the area. Marana is located north of Tucson and previously made pitches for spring training (talks took place between the city and the Los Angeles Dodgers a few years ago). Officials with the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority, which is being formed to specifically address spring-training facilities, say Marana is the only community to show any interest in working on a new complex. We’ve not gotten a sense Tucson officials are too concerned about the issue, though they should be: the Colorado Rockies want serious improvements to Hi Corbett Field before committing to Tucson, the Chicago White Sox pretty much have given notice they’re bound for Phoenix once their lease expires, and Arizona Diamondbacks officials say they’re listening to other offers. But there’s so much work to do — right now the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority has no taxing authority, which needs to be approved by the state legislature — Marana may be coming to the game a little too late. More from the Arizona Daily Star.

Today’s video: Olbermann tours new Yankee Stadium, wets himself
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Last night’s big story on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann: his tour of the new Yankee Stadium, where the former ESPN anchor went out and personally filmed construction of the new ballpark. Yeah, the video is a little shaky, but this is a great view of the facility done by someone with a great love and passion for ballparks. We’ll have several videos over the next few days, including a commercial from the San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball) and two spots from the Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida State League). Send in your videos and we’ll post them to site: you can send your videos directly to editors@augustpublications.com. (Thanks to the loyal reader sending in this video, complete with catchy and appropriate headline!)

Olympic Stadium may get permanent metal roof
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Olympic Stadium, the former home of the Montreal Expos, may get a permanent metal roof as early as the end of the year, as the provincial government is committed to keeping the stadium and doing what it takes to make it economically viable. It could cost up to $70 million to add the new roof. As you’ll recall, Olympic Stadium originally had a funky retractable Kevlar roof that never did work properly and was later left in a closed position. The stadium is still used for CFL playoff and Grey Cup games, as well as concerts and other events. More from the Montreal Gazette.

AppleSox eying larger ballpark
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Wenatchee AppleSox (summer collegiate; WCCBL) are looking at moving from its present home at Wenatchee Valley College to a larger facility, Recreation Park. The AppleSox are bursting at the seams at WVC, and a move to the larger ballpark would make sense. The big issue: coming up with $400,000 to improve Recreation Park with new new grandstands, bathrooms, locker rooms and field improvements. More from the Wenatchee World.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 8, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Regions Park, the home of the Birmingham Barons (Class AA; Southern League) since 1988, is set to welcome its 6 millionth Barons fan this Saturday, May 10, for Birmingham’s 7:05 pm contest with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx. To mark the occasion, the Barons are hosing "6 Million Saturday." The team is just 128 fans away from the milestone, and the lucky fan will be welcomed with a party atmosphere when he or she enters the gates….The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) introduced their 2008 four-legged mascot: Boarack Ohama (Boar-AHK O-HAH-muh). For two long months, three candidates, Hillary Rod-ham Clinton, John Muckain and Ohama criss-crossed the Twin Cities in furious attempts to garner this nomination. Charges of pork-barrel politics and incessant mud-slinging marred a series of debates. Negative ads ham-pered each of the candidates throughout the chase….

Mallards push back ballpark redesign; will unveil new scoreboard, diner this season
Posted May 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A plan to drastically change the field layout at Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), has been delayed until 2010 to give city officials and Mallards owners time to come up with a financing plan. That’s not stopping GM Vern Stenman and crew from implementing several upgrades to the creaky old former home of the likes of the Madison Muskies and Madison Hatters (Mad Hatters! Get it?). First, Maynard’s Restaurant (so named after the Mallards’ mascot, Maynard), Maynard’s will feature 100 percent locally produced and prepared food items, including fresh (never frozen) burgers from Stoddard’s Meat Market in nearby Cottage Grove. "Maynard’s is something very close to my heart. The concept is modeled on a place I frequented growing up and we really hope our fans will enjoy the higher-quality local foods that we’ll serve," said Stenman. "There is something that just seems right about sitting down and enjoying a great burger and some beer-battered cheese curbs." (Yes, nothing says Wisconsin like cheese curds.) On a slightly more serious note, the team is adding an Amp Energy Vision Video Board for the 2008 season. For the first time Mallards fans will be able to check out instant replays of game action and more. Amp Energy Vision will also highlight player bio information, live video of in-between inning promotions, the Kiss Cam and more.

Filmmakers to commemorate Shea with never-ending tribute
Posted May 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Well, maybe not never-ending, though it might feel that way after Joseph Coburn and Katherine Foronjy interview long-time Mets fans for their Shea Stadium memories. The great thing (or not, depending on your tolerance for Shea Stadium memories), according to filmmakers, is that everyone who participates is guaranteed to be part of the final product. From the press release: "The best part of this video is that everyone makes the cut! According to the filmmakers, there will be no time constraints for this project so everyone who is interviewed will be included in the video. The directors said that they shot over 150 hours of video for Mathematically Alive and the worst part about it was making the cuts. They said they plan to use some of that extra video, but want Mets fans to meet up with them to talk about their best memories of Shea." Let’s see: 150 hours or so of Mets fans reliving their fondest memories of Shea Stadium. Should be an event; it’s slated for release the day before the final Shea Stadium game.

New Laredo ballpark still on hold
Posted May 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Laredo Broncos (independent; United League Baseball) are ready to move ahead on a $7.5 million ballpark project but are having a tough time receiving approval from the city. The city would actually build the ballpark and charge the Broncos $100,000 annually over 20 years. The Broncos would have use of the ballpark for 15 percent of the year, the rest of the time it would be used by the city, Laredo Independent School District, TAMIU and youth and community sports. We’re not hearing about any big opposition to the project, but it does seem curious the city council keeps putting off a final decision one way or another.

Heartland College expects to make ballpark decision in two weeks
Posted May 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Three bids for a 3,500-4,500-seat ballpark costing between $10 million and $11.5 million were received by Heartland Community College, as officials there decide whether to move ahead with a minor-league ballpark or build a athletic complex on its own. The plan is to have one of the three bidding groups build the facility for college use as well; they represent the independent Frontier League and Northern League. (No groups associated with the independent American Association decided to enter a bid; Normal, Ill., is a little outside the American Association footprint and is a better fit for the other two indy leagues.) The new ballpark must be expandable to 6,000 and privately financed; the college will provide the land, although there’s been talk of some additional tax support from Normal. More from the Bloomington Pantagraph.

County, developer sign deal for sale of Cooper Stadium
Posted May 7, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Franklin County and Arshot Investments agreed on the $3.3 million sale of Cooper Stadium, with the plan to convert the soon-to-be former home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League) to a combination speedway, go-cart track and drag strip. For the most part the transaction went down smoothly; Arshot now has 17 months to arrange financing a