Archives: May 12-18, 2008
Local group steps forward in Richmond
Posted May 15, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A local group has stepped forward to express interest in owning a team in Richmond, Va., after the Richmond Braves (Class AAA: International League) alight for Georgia’s Gwinnett County at the end of the season. The group is led by Brian Bostic, who has a fairly impressive lineage: his grandfather, Ed Phillips, help bring in the Richmond Virginians in the 1950s. Bostic met with MiLB officials during a recent visit and reiterated he and his group were ready to move forward on team ownership and work for a downtown ballpark. The group does lack a big assets — a team — and knows they may need to settle for a Class AA team, as no Class AAA International League teams are on the market. Not having a team is a big deal, obviously.
MiLB issued a statement that, quite honestly, doesn’t say a whole lot, but does seem to verify the future of Richmond is now tied to Class AA ball: "With the anticipated relocation of the Richmond Braves to Gwinnett County, Georgia, it was important to begin a preliminary dialogue with the leadership of the region so that an appropriate succession plan would be in place when the Braves and the International League relinquish the territory.
"We felt it was a productive preliminary session for our organization and were encouraged by the interest shown by those with whom we met. We anticipate more talks in the weeks and months ahead as we explore the possibilities for keeping professional baseball in the Richmond area.
"Our great game has a long history in the region and we are very interested in maintaining that into the future.
"While our meetings were very preliminary in nature, this week was a good start for all of us. Further information will be made available when conditions dictate."
Tribune Co. may pull Cubs from market
Posted May 15, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tribune Co. may delay the sale of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field if they can determine the inclusion of Wrigley Field is a drag on the total sales price. At least, that’s the official line touted by Tribune Co. officials. The real reason, according to a member of one of the bidding groups, is that the Cubs want to put some more pressure on the state to buy Wrigley Field and are looking for a little breathing room; another reason is that problems in the credit market may depress the sales price. None of the six bidders could finance a deal on their own; hence the need to be aware of what’s happening in the credit market.
One of the bidding groups, by the way, could make things incredibly interesting: there’s the strong potential actor Bill Murray and veteran team owner Mike Veeck could be involved with one. (Talks are ongoing, we are told.) The Veeck name has been associated with Chicago baseball for decades, and Murray’s ties to the Windy City — and to the Cubs — are strong. We’re guessing any ownership group with that pair involved wouldn’t be messing with Wrigley Field.
Today’s video: San Angelo Colts commercial spot
Posted May 15, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This commercial highlights the opening of the season for the San Angelo Colts (independent; United League Baseball). It’s not flashy, but it does the job, and the cracking picture tube is a nice touch. We’ll be showing videos daily for the next several days, including two from the Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida State League) and the Tri-City ValleyCats (short season; NY-Penn League). We’d love to share your video with the baseball community, you can send them directly to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Knights officially push back ballpark opening date to 2010
Posted May 15, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
No surprise: the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA: International League) have moved the opening day of a new uptown ballpark from 2009 to 2010. Two reasons for the delay: the county has been fighting off (and winning) lawsuits from local developer Jerry Reese challenging the legality of the land deal underlying the ballpark agreements, while the Knights ownership still has not closed on financing (the financial arrangements call for the Knights to build the ballpark and the county to provide the land). Given the credit crunch in the markets these days, a delay isn’t surprising; it also would not be surprising to see owner Don Beaver need to shed another asset to finance the new ballpark. In April we questioned whether a 2009 date was doable and subsequently moved the Charlotte ballpark to our list of 2010 projects.
PBUC signs deal to assign umps to Coastal Plain League
Posted May 15, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. (PBUC) has entered into a working agreement to provide its reserve umpires to the summer-collegiate Coastal Plain League. The agreement allows reserve list umpires to continue to develop their skills in a competitive environment, while waiting for the call from PBUC to work Minor League Baseball games.
"This is the first of its kind agreement and we are pleased to be working with the CPL in this capacity," said PBUC Executive Director Justin Klemm. "Future PBUC umpires will benefit greatly from gaining valuable experience in a Minor League-like setting, while performing umpiring duties for collegiate all-stars also looking to showcase their skills. Our evaluators will be out in force to ensure these individuals are receiving proper training as they continue on the path of becoming professional umpires."
PBUC is responsible for the training, evaluation and recommendation for promotion, retention or release of all umpires in the Minor League Baseball system throughout the United States and Canada.
Zell rejects state plan for purchase of Wrigley Field; will sell with team
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chicago Cubs owner Sam Zell has rejected the idea of selling Wrigley Field to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority because the plan relies on a controversial funding method called equity seat rights, a method proposed by Lou Weisbach where fans would purchase the rights to seats and be guaranteed tickets at a set price. Zell and the Cubs legal department have determined the practice would run afoul both of the Internal Revenue Service and MLB revenue-sharing rules. We happened to speak with Weisbach a few weeks ago about his concept, and at this time he hinted he was on the verge of a major deal; this was it, we assume. Basically, a fan would step forward and "buy" a seat in a sporting facility, with the team promising to supply tickets to every event in the facility for the lifetime of the deal. The teams would get their cash up front but be committed to providing tickets at a fixed price for the entire term; there would be no resale rights a la MLB’s current deal with StubHub. "The team would be getting a lot more money than they would be at the current time, and the team would have use of the capital at the time," Weisbach said. "It balances ownership between fans and the owners." As a financial tool, it would be a way for a team owning their own ballpark to totally monetize the value of the franchise immediately, he said, although obviously Tribune Co. lawyers found enough problems with the plan to scrap the sale. And, as a practical matter, we’re not entirely sure there’s enough money in the plan to work. Let’s say the Cubs wanted to raise $300 million for renovations by selling equity seat rights to 8,000 seats. That puts a price of $37,500 on each equity seat, and the Cubs would need to provide free tickets to the equity seatholder for the life of the deal (which would probably need to be longer than the 20 years we normally associate with bond issues). With us, Weisbach discussed a 50-year term. So, dividing that $37,500 by 4,050 games — the number of Cubs games expected over a 50-year period — the Cubs would be receiving $9.26 per game up front from equity seat sales of a premium seating area, and that doesn’t count any revenues lost at concerts, playoff games and other special events. And, if you’re the Cubs owner after the state bought Wrigley Field and sold rights to 8,000 of your best seats, you’ve walking into a situation where you are looking at some serious revenue deficiencies. No wonder MLB types disliked the plan; the numbers just don’t add up. In addition, we’ve always been skeptical of the plan to split apart the Cubs and Wrigley Field; they would seem to be more valuable together than apart. More from the Chicago Sun-Times.
Sounds withdraw controversial proposal for ballpark funding
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) are withdrawing their controversial plan for state approval of sales-tax rebates to help pay for a new ballpark, a plan that received considerable criticism from Nashville city officials who wanted to see a specific ballpark plan before looking for state aid. Since the Sounds’ proposal was unlikely to garner enough support for passage, its withdrawal is mostly symbolic. More from The Tennessean. The Sounds are again saying they’ll look at suburban locations for a new ballpark, but city officials with the likeliest target — nearby Franklin — say they’re not interested.
City proposes Fenway Park protection zone; neighbors object
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Boston is proposing a special ballpark protection zone outside Fenway Park — we assume with the full support of the Red Sox ownership — but neighbors see it as a level of bureaucracy that will drive down property values and give the Red Sox an unofficial veto in what happens in the surrounding area. The district would extend 260 feet from the sidewalk outside Fenway Park and the adjacent buildings. The Red Sox already control a lot of property in the area, but there are some prime lots — like the Twins Enterprises building directly across from the ballpark and a nearby Howard Johnson’s slated for redevelopment — whose owners are concerned the proposed district would restrict their ability to redevelop some pretty run-down buildings. More from the Boston Herald.
Fort Myers newspaper: Don’t go nuts to keep Red Sox
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We’re not sure the folks in Fort Myers realize how close they are to losing the Boston Red Sox as a spring neighbor; this editorial argues the city or Lee County shouldn’t do a whole lot to keep the team from relocating spring operations to Sarasota. The latest plan we’ve heard from Fort Myers officials calls for the city to buy property surrounding City of Palms Park and offering it to the Red Sox, but no specific properties have been identified, no price tags have been set and no funding sources have been identified — not a good situation for a city $150 million in debt. However, another team besides the Baltimore Orioles has been identified making the rounds of Florida cities: as we reported earlier, the Milwaukee Brewers are indeed looking at a spring shift to Florida and met with officials in several communities (including Vero Beach and Lee County communities) to get the lay of the land.
MiLB officials venture to Richmond
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials from Minor League Baseball held meetings in Richmond, Va., to evaluate the baseball situation there and begin planning what happens to the market in the future. While there’s no doubt the market can support Triple-A baseball, the fact the International League has no teams looking to relocate could mean it becomes a Double-A territory, and we’d expect at least two teams — the Erie SeaWolves and the Connecticut Defenders (both Eastern League) — to look seriously at a relocation. The other big issue is the suitability of The Diamond; it was a prime reason the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) decided to move, and so far city officials have been quiet about any replacement plans. We continue to hear MiLB will keep tight control over the market once the International League gives it up; you won’t see a feeding frenzy a la Greenville. More from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Bringhurst Field endangered?
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As the Alexandria Aces (independent; United League Baseball) prepare for their season opener, the big question is whether 75-year-old Bringhurst Field is ready for another decade or two. The ballpark has hosted every level of baseball over the years, including barnstorming major-league teams heading back home from spring training. It would take a lot of work to bring the facilities to modern standards, including new clubhouses and dugouts, the replacement of wooden bleachers, and a new scoreboard. More from the Town Talk.
Mariners fighting small crowds at Safeco Field
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Things aren’t going well for the Seattle Mariners on the field (the team has the worst record in the American League) or at the gate, as the eight of the 10 smallest crowds at Safeco Field have been recorded this season to date. Having a great ballpark as an attraction will only last you so far; the Mariners have neglected the player-development end of the business for years now, and the team’s bad record is coming home to roost. More from AP.
Laredo approves new ballpark
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Laredo Broncos (independent; United League Baseball) will have a new ballpark after city officials ended their dithering and gave initial approval to a new $7.5 million ballpark. Funding will come from a sports venue tax, and the city will have the use of the new facility for most of the year, with the Broncos paying $100,000 annually to use it during baseball season. Final plans for the new ballpark are expected in November, with an opening tentatively planned for 2010.
Rays to unveil ballpark funding plan Thursday
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Tampa Bay Rays have scheduled a press conference for Thursday to detail a funding plan for a proposed new $450-million waterfront ballpark on the Al Lang Field site. The team has already floated a rough plan, but this will be the first preliminary plan with anything close to real numbers. We don’t expect it to vary too much from the original plan in terms of philosophy, though we have heard Rays ownership is prepared to bring more money to the table.
Frontier League group finalizing sites in McHenry, Lake counties
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group of investors led by Peter Heitman is finalizing potential ballpark sites in McHenry and Lake counties in northwest Illinois for an independent Frontier League team. As you’ll recall, the group tried to partner with McHenry County College for a ballpark site, only to see it withdrawn after city objections to the plan. The group will be seeking financial assistance from the host community and county. More from the Northwest Herald.
New for 2008: Ottawa Rapidz Stadium
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Goodbye Lynx Stadium, hello Ottawa Rapidz Stadium, as the new owners of the Ottawa Rapidz (independent; Can-Am Association) continue to overhaul operations in the Canadian capital. The new owners have instituted a new ticket-sales service (bilingual, to boot) and are lowering concession prices by 20-some percent. More from the Ottawa Sun.
Youth awaiting charges in ballpark death
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
High-school senior Taylor Buckley is in jail awaiting word whether prosecutors will file charges against him in the death of 18-year-old Anthony Giraudo during a scuffle outside the center-field gates at AT&T Park. After Friday night’s San Francisco Giants game Buckley and Giraudo, a local Redwood City college student, were arguing and Buckley punched Giraudo, causing him to fall backwards and hitting his head on the concrete floor. Giraudo was later pronounced dead after suffering brain injuries. Prosecutors are reviewing police reports before deciding whether to file charges. More from the San Francisco Chronicle.
C.O. Brown Stadium needs upgrades: city
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Battle Creek and the leadership of the Michigan High School Athletics Association has figured out what many of us have figured out: C.O. Brown Stadium is in need of repairs and upgrades. The MSHAA holds its annual baseball tourney there, but isn’t committing to Battle Creek past this year’s tournament next month, as other cities — like Midland — have expressed interest in hosting the games. The city is responsible for maintenance and is doing some small things, such as removing field-level boxes, but anything more serious and lasting will require more money.
Ballpark renovations on hold in Frederick
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Frederick has been slow to put money into improvements at Harry Grove Stadium, the home of the Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League), even though it has received $5 million in hand. It seems a little wrong — and perhaps a little illegal — to accept $2 million in state funding for ballpark improvements and then just pocket the money, but so far the city has held back on any improvements at all (the Keys paid for clubhouse and concourse improvements) and is debating whether to spend a little over $300,000 on lighting improvements. More from the Frederick News-Post.
Development slow around Gary ballpark
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One of the big selling points around city funding of the $45-million U.S. SteelYard, home of the Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League), was the potential of the ballpark to spur development in the area. So far there’s been little development activity: except for a new restaurant going in, the area around the ballpark remains off the tax rolls. Except for an apartment rehab — which has stalled — the area is quiet. More from AP.
AirHogs face challenges in Grand Prairie
Posted May 13, 2008 (feedback) (sub