The chances of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals landing a new spring-training site in Palm Beach County increased last week when the Florida Legislature passed a new funding bill for pro sports facilities. HB 7095, which passed both the House and the Senate and is likely to be signed by Gov. Rick Scott, would […]
Archive | Major-League Baseball
Time running out on key Rays funding component
With talks between St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays over a new ballpark dragging, a key part of any funding plan — bed taxes — is under siege by other county groups. The Pinellas County bed tax generates some $6 million a year to pay off Tropicana Field bonds. These bonds are scheduled to […]
Check out this amazing footage of the 1919 World Series
Ever wonder what Redland Field and Comiskey Park looked like in the 1919 Reds/White Sox World Series? This recently uncovered footage shows both ballparks. Yes, that World Series: the infamous “Black Sox” World Series, where Eddie Cicotte and his gang of cohorts were accused of throwing the Series in a fix arranged by gambler Arnold […]
Critics: Angel Stadium economic impact based on faulty data
With a final decision due on a controversial Angel Stadium lease, opponents say the plan relies on bad data that could be tainted by intertwined corporate relationships. Here’s the deal. The city of Anaheim — not the Angels — contracted with Conventions, Sports & Leisure International to research the market impact of the Angels and […]
Oakland’s Coliseum City runs into hurdles
A lack of enthusiasm from potential lessees and the rising cost is threatening the proposed Coliseum City development that could house a new Oakland Athletics ballpark. City officials, along with Colony Capital, have proposed using the current 132-acre Coliseum/Oracle Arena site as well as surrounding land for a large development that would include retail, housing […]
In memoriam: Connie Marrero
Connie Marrero, the oldest former major leaguer at 102 years old, passed away yesterday, just shy of his 103rd birthday. The Cuban-born Marrero pitched for the original Senators — now the Minnesota Twins — at the tail end of his career, making his Major League Baseball debut as a 39-year-old rookie with the 1950 Senators, […]
Cubs crash back to reality after Wrigley Field fete
As the Wrigley Field faithful gathered to celebrate the venue’s 100th anniversary yesterday, it was clear there are still storm clouds gathering on the North Side, with plenty of questions raised about the team’s financial future. There were a surprising number of empty seats at the Friendly Confines yesterday for the 100th anniversary of Wrigley […]
Here’s to 100 more years, Wrigley Field
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Wrigley Field: A century since Charles Weeghman opened the gates of the new home of the Chicago Federals. You know the story: The Federal League arose as a challenge to the established National and American League, seeking status as a third major league. The Federal League […]
City-commissioned appraisal of Angel Stadium to be released
An Anaheim-commissioned appraisal of the land surrounding Angel Stadium will eventually be released to the public, as the city continues to negotiate with Angels owner Arte Moreno about a new lease and development plans. The issue: the worth of the land as part of the financial equation for the lease. The appraisal covers the worth […]
Oakland offers A’s ten-year Coliseum lease; A’s reject offer
The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority offered the Oakland Athletics a ten-year lease for O.co Coliseum as details of a new ballpark are worked out, but the A’s rejected the offer out of hand. “We wanted to send a clear statement to the A’s, the fans, Lew Wolff, and Major League Baseball that we want the […]
Baseball’s ultimate party deck, at Coors Field
It wasn’t that long ago when the Colorado Rockies shut down the right-field upper deck at Coors Field because of a lack of fan interest. Now, it’s the hottest place in the ballpark — and a model for other teams seeking to generate some buzz. This season saw the addition of the Rooftop to Coors […]
Blue Jays: Let’s price out spring-training upgrades in Dunedin
The Toronto Blue Jays are pricing out improvements to Florida Auto Exchange Stadium and the Englebert training complex to determine whether the team keeps training in Dunedin. We have more details on the situation at our sister site, Spring Training Online. But the gist of the matter is clear: the Blue Jays want to stay […]
Yankee Stadium to host MLS soccer: report
Despite objections from MLB officials, Yankee Stadium is poised to host New York City FC games beginning next season, as the MLS squad co-owned by the Yankees sets up camp for three years. New York City FC is owned by the Yankees and Manchester City of the Premier League. It’s the latest attempt to bring […]