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Archives: May 19-25, 2008

Archives: May 19-25, 2008
Angels, Dodgers poised to snare big events in the next several years
Posted May 23, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Angel Stadium will host the 2010 All-Star Game and Dodger Stadium will host the finals of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, according to a report in today’s Los Angeles Times. In addition, the Dodgers are expected to put a bid in for the 2013 All-Star Game, a year after renovations are completed at Dodger Stadium. For Angel Stadium, it would be the third time the Angels have hosted the Midsummer Classic, first in 1967 and then again in 1989, where former Angel Nolan Ryan notched the win and MVP Bo Jackson slammed a homer. Interestingly, Dodger Stadium has hosted the All-Star Game only once, in 1980. Bud Selig is expected to make the announcement next Wednesday.

 

Blown call causes changes to Yankee Stadium, discussion of instant replay
Posted May 23, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A blown call on a home run by Alex Rodriguez — deemed a double by the umps — has led to some changes at Yankee Stadium and renewed calls for instant replay in MLB. It was an unusual play: Rodriguez hit the ball sharply to right center and it hit a staircase before careening back onto the field. Because of the way the staircase is painted — yellow — and the ferocity of the homer, the umpires didn’t see where it struck beyond the fence and awarded Rodriguez a double. The Yankees are installing netting over the staircase to stop the ball if something like this happens in the future, a move the umpires said was needed. The whole thing brings back discussion of instant replay, which has been simmering in the last few weeks; owners reportedly will look at experimenting with it in the Arizona Fall League (which shouldn’t conclude much, to be honest; AFL games are miles away from major-league matches) and perhaps the 2009 World Baseball Classic. We might see a minor-league trial before a MLB unveiling, according to some MiLB folks who discussed the issue with us.

Today’s video: Pensacola Pelicans season opener
Posted May 23, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This video is worth checking out: The commercial promotes Opening Day for the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association). It was created by a fan as part of the team’s TV Commercial contest. The winning person, Erik Forsberg, won $1,000 and two season tickets. We’ll be showing videos daily for the next several days, including another from the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association), two from the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League) and a new one from the Fayettteville SwampDogs (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). We’d love to share your video with the baseball community, you can send them directly to us at editors@augustpublications.com.

Rapidz open new chapter in Ottawa baseball
Posted May 23, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A crowd of 4,246 was on hand at Ottawa Rapidz Stadium to see the expansion Ottawa Rapidz (independent; Can-Am Association) play their first home game and open the season. For a market dulled by the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) the last several years, the emergence of support for the Rapidz is surely encouraging — and, of course, cheap beer ($4.50) doesn’t hurt. More from the Ottawa Citizen.

Orioles close to final answer on new Fort Lauderdale complex
Posted May 23, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is close to a final decision on whether the Baltimore Orioles can go ahead with a renovation of Fort Lauderdale Stadium as the team’s spring training home. Because the ballpark and expanded complex sits next to an airport on airport property (which is cleared for recreational use), the FAA has been involved and taking their sweet time. Now, this doesn’t mean the Orioles will necessarily go ahead with the $48-million plan even if the FAA approves — they’re had informal chats with Sarasota and Fort Myers officials as well as signing an option to move to Dodgertown if need be — and given that the Orioles have looked at doing some things they can’t do in Fort Lauderdale, like owning a Florida State League, it’s clear the Orioles are examining all their options. However, despite what others have speculated about in the media, there’s no plan to play temporarily at Dodgertown: it will take less than a year to build a new ballpark, so the Orioles could end spring training in March 2009 and then move to the rebuilt facility (which will use the existing steel girders and services as the existing ballpark) in March 2010.

Nationals demanding $100,000 daily because new ballpark offices weren’t completed
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The owners of the Washington Nationals are demanding $100,000 a day in damages because they say Nationals Park wasn’t completed on Opening Day — a shock to the 40,000-plus folks in attendance that day. The claim hinges on the fact that the team offices were not totally completed and ready for occupancy. Now, technically speaking, the Lerners are probably correct that the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission did not fully meet the specifics of the team lease. But it seems rather harsh to occupy a $611-million ballpark with 100 percent public funding (though some improvements were funded by the Lerners) and then make a big deal over what is essentially a minor concern. No surprise that the Nationals ownership refuses to discuss this in the press: they look pretty mean-spirited, and baseball hasn’t been such a hit in the new ballpark that the team can afford to alienate its fans.

RedHawks explore changes to Bricktown Ballpark
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oklahoma City is spending $66,000 on a consultant to see if there are way to draw more fans and events to AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, the home of the Oklahoma RedHawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The issue is big now because the ballpark is hosting the high-profile Big 12 Tournament, which should fill up the place. Adding more seats probably isn’t the answer: Oklahoma City was never mentioned as a possible new home of the College World Series when Omaha was debating a new ballpark, and RedHawks management is against adding many more seats. Concerts and winter events seem to be the answer — for now.

Parking key to new Rays financing plan
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One interesting way the Tampa Bay Rays are proposing to fund a new $450-million waterfront ballpark on the Al Lang Field site in downtown St. Petersburg is by raising $35 million in parking fees. Here’s the plan: the Rays would lease up to 2,000 downtown parking spots, currently unused at night, from the city. The city would then put that lease money toward a new ballpark. Currently revenue from those parking spots is used to pay down city debt, but to be blunt there’s precious little additional revenue because most of the spots sit empty during the nighttime. The team is also proposing a parking surcharge to raise another $20 million. More from the St. Pete Times.

Today’s video: Olbermann tours new Mets ballpark
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In the interests of equal time, Keith Olbermann tours the new Mets ballpark after gushing over the new Yankee Stadium in a recent video visit. We’ll be showing videos daily for the next several days, two from the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) and two from the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League). We’d love to share your video with the baseball community, you can send them directly to us at editors@augustpublications.com.

Canaries combine art, baseball in ballpark fundraiser
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here’s one of the better promotions we’ve seen this season that combines fundraising with community participation. The Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association) announced a partnership with Lithia Dodge of Sioux Falls and Chevrolet of Sioux Falls that will benefit Sioux Empire Arts Council (SEAC). This season, the Canaries will showcase the talents of one young artist at each home game by featuring their artwork on second base. Lithia Dodge of Sioux Falls and Chevrolet of Sioux Falls will make contributions to SEAC for each time a Canaries batter ends up on the painted base with a double. So far the Canaries have hit 11 doubles through six home games (each at $33.75), raising $371.25 to date.
    “We wanted to find a unique way to show off the artwork and we figured, why not make the artwork part of the playing field," said Canaries President John Kuhn. “Seemingly art is one of the first, if not the first, programs cut in school. Hopefully by having second base become the actual piece of art, we will bring attention to the world of art and make art cool again."
    The SEAC selected young artists to paint second base with their own design for each of the Canaries 48 home games this summer. Each night, prior to the game, the young artist and his or her family will be recognized on the field, and then have their artwork placed on the field of play. In addition, the Canaries will create a Youth Arts Corner, located on their concourse, to display photos of all the second-base masterpieces.

H-Brewers sign 10-year lease extension
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Helena Brewers (rookie; Pioneer League) owner D.G. Elmore signed a 10-year lease to keep the team at Kindrick Legion Field after city officials and Helena voters approved an upgrade plan for Kindrick Legion Field. The team has never had a long-term contract with the city: after moving the team from Canada to Helena, Elmore signed three two-year contracts. Now the team will be committed to Helena through the 2018 season.

 

Caloia joins Sharks ownership group
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Conor Caloia, who we know from his days with the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League), is now an owner of the Wilmington Sharks (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League). The first full-time resident of the Wilmington area to run the Sharks, Caloia joins Lew and Darrell Handelsman in the ownership group and will assume the title of director of operations, effective immediate. One of his first moves is pretty clever: the price of a Sharks general admission ticket is tied to the price of gasoline: The Sharks will take the price of the cheapest gallon of gas in the Wilmington area and round it down to the nearest quarter. Therefore, if a gallon of gas is $3.73, a Sharks general admission ticket will cost only $3.50. This promotion will be honored at all 29 Sharks home games in 2008.

Bouton proposes new ballpark for vintage baseball
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Author and former major leaguer Jim Bouton made a pitch yesterday to build a new $12-$15-million ballpark in Westfield to host vintage baseball games, his current passion. Under a plan floated by Mayor Michael R. Boulanger, the city would donate the land, Bouton would donate the plans and someone else would provide the money. Not quite sure there are enough vintage-baseball fans out there to support a $15-million ballpark; it seems like the folks who care the most about the sport are all out on the field. More from Mass Live.

Ballpark Notes
Posted May 22, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame, which was created in conjunction with last year’s Triple-A All-Star Fiesta, will welcome six new members as chosen by a special Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The new class includes former Albuquerque Dukes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) manager Del Crandall, former General Manager Pat McKernan, the 1981 Dukes Team, Dukes Triple-Crown outfielder Mike Marshall, former manager and outfielder Hershel Martin, and executives Tom Bolack/John McMullen. The induction ceremony will take place at Isotopes Park as part of Dukes Retro Night on July 23 and each inductee will have a plaque commemorating their achievements posted in the Albuquerque Baseball Hall of Fame display in McKernan Hall, located in Isotopes Park….

Veeck-led group get nod for Normal ballpark
Posted May 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group led by Mike Veeck landed the key recommendation of an advisory committee planning the future of a proposed ballpark in Normal, Ill. The plan is to build the ballpark on the Heartland Community College campus. It will not be an inexpensive endeavor: Veeck and crew (which may include the Saints’ Tom Whaley and River City’s Steve Malliet; longtime Veeck partner Marv Goldklang is passing on direct participation in this deal) will need to come up with over $7 million for the project (at least $6.5 million for the ballpark, franchise fees for the Frontier League team, working capital and a cushion for cost overruns), with Heartland Community College contributing $3.5 million and the city coming up with $1.5 million in infrastructure work and sales-tax rebates. Given the credit crunch, this may be a challenge, but some of that could be offset by the sale of naming rights and the presale of suites — and we all know Mike Veeck can be a persuasive salesman, especially in a market like Normal where his family name is familiar. Truth is, financing would have been a challenge for any of the three groups bidding for the market: we’ve been told by Normal folks that the other Frontier League group (led by Frontier League veteran Peter Heitman) and the Northern League group (which included four current team owners) had no guarantees of funding in place, either. Look for a 3,500-seat facility with plenty of berm seating and artificial turf; besides being the home of a Frontier League team it would also be home to Heartland’s baseball and soccer teams. The decision is the first step in a final decision; Heartland Community College officials must review the deal, and the city must sign off on it as well. But given that the structure proposed by Alan Sender meets all the city criteria for approval (it doesn’t require any bonding or spending out of the city’s general fund), the only real issue is the college signing off on the deal.

Summer collegiate leagues prepare for 2008 season
Posted May 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Don’t look now, but it’s almost time for the summer-collegiate leagues to begin play. The Northwoods League launches play next week, and the week after sees almost everyone else begin their schedules. There are changes in almost every summer-collegiate league this summer (we have new teams in the Coastal Plain League, Texas Collegiate League and the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League), but the league seeing the most change is the Florida Collegiate Summer League. There are new teams in Clermont and Belleview, and the league is returning to Orlando with a team in venerable Tinker Field. Plus, the Leesburg Lightning has a new coach of some note: Former Mets and Twins great Frank Viola. We’ll be down in the first weekend of June to check out some FCSL action.

Waukesha moves forward with new NWL ballpark
Posted May 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Speaking of the summer-collegiate Northwoods League: the Waukeska (Wis.) Common Council gave Mayor Larry Nelson authority to establish an ad-hoc committee to research a proposal by Chad Bauer to build a ballpark for a summer-collegiate Northwoods League team in Frame Park. Previously city officials had passed on such a proposal, but the committee will review the financial proposal in hopes of a ballpark opening in 2009. Bauer and his crew are offering $1 million toward the project.

Groundbreaking for Clemens Field renovations set
Posted May 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hannibal Sports and Entertainment will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of Clemens Field on June 10 at 3 p.m. The goal is to renovate the WPA-era ballpark for use by a summer-collegiate Central Illinois Collegiate League for the 2009 season. It’s a pretty cool project, and we’re honored to have publisher Kevin Reichard named to the advisory board of the project. Rollie Hemond, Bob Hemond, Larry Owners and Dave Trogan are heading the project; joining Reichard on the advisory board are Reds GM Walt Jocketty, former Royal Frank White, former Phillies GM Lee Thomas, Hall of Famer Red Schoendist, Art Stewart of the Royals, and former major leaguer Rick Reichardt (interestingly, no relation to Kevin Reichard). Those are some pretty big names collaborating on any sort of ballpark endeavor, much less a summer-collegiate project.

Today’s video: I would hug a firework!
Posted May 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This enthusiastic fan of the Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida State League) loves fireworks so much he’d hug a firework — which is good thing thing, as he can see them regularly at Bright House Networks Field. We’ll be showing videos daily for the next several days, two from the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association), another from Keith Olbermann and two from the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League). We’d love to share your video with the baseball community, you can send them directly to us at editors@augustpublications.com.

Legislation would give boost to new Tulsa ballpark
Posted May 21, 2008 (feedback) (submit st