Tiger Town is the last great traditional spring-training site still used in Florida. The Tigers have been training in Lakeland since 1934 (taking a break for the war years, of course) and playing in Joker Marchant Stadium since 1966. In those many years Tiger Town has evolved into a complete training complex that includes the […]
Archive | Major-League Baseball
Ricketts: Not so fast on Wrigleyville West
Despite telling Mesa voters that development would be part of the mix at new Chicago Cubs spring-training complex, owner Tom Ricketts now says Wrigleyville West will need to wait until the new ballpark opens — if it happens at all. The issue is pretty simple: early feedback indicates there’s little demand from retailers and restauranteurs […]
Now at Al Lang Field: The International Baseball Series
Hungry for some baseball at Al Lang Field? Then check out the St. Pete International Baseball, where teams from around the world — including the Blue Jays, Phillies and Rays — compete at the historic spring-training facility now through March 13. The tournament, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Sports Alliance, hasn’t been publicized very well, […]
Tempe Diablo Stadium / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
It is the most scenic ballpark in the Cactus League, bar none. With buttes beyond the left-field fence, a striking Spanish-style exterior and a relatively remote location that paradoxically offers easy freeway access, Tempe Diablo Stadium is a gem, a must-visit for anyone hitting Phoenix in March. FAST FACTS Year Opened: 1968; renovated several times […]
Nats, Astros eying new Osceola County spring-training complex
The Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros are discussing a new joint spring-training complex with Osceola County officials, as a site near DisneyWorld is under consideration. The complex, we’re told, would be south of DisneyWord and in the very northwestern corner of Osceola County, an area served by I-4 and Florida Toll 429. Both teams […]
Mets managed Madoff investments for other investors
The owners of the New York Mets managed investments for others in Bernie Madoff‘s Ponzi scheme and threw some interesting conditions on participation: the investors, which included Larry King, Sandy Koufax and Tim Teufel, could have no interaction with Madoff and ask how he generated such impressive returns. The New York Times went through the […]
A guide to spring-training practices
Die-hard spring-training fans aren’t content with just sitting in the stands and watching a game: they want to watch a practice and get close to the players. It’s a great experience, as long as you know what you’re in for: most teams train on practice fields, not the ballparks, and so the creature comforts are […]
Target Field big tax winner for Minnesota, Minneapolis
Tax revenues generated by Target Field, the new home of the Minnesota Twins, were significantly higher in 2010 than in 2009, when the team wrapped up a final season in the Metrodome. How much higher? Well, the state of Minnesota pulled in $11.6 million from fans at Target Field, $6.6 million higher than in 2009. […]
Jeff Wilpon: Mets aren’t for sale
Despite some vocal interest from the likes of Donald Trump in buying a majority share of the New York Mets, Jeff Wilpon says the team isn’t for sale — and he expects his family to be found innocent of charges that they unfairly profited from Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. Wilpon, the chief operating officer of […]
Potential buyers emerge for Mets — but are they serious?
Donald Trump has reached out to Fred Wilpon about buying into the New York Mets — but he would so only if he could buy majority control. He’s the latest suitor for the team, which has attracted a lot of interest from the Manhattan monied set. According to Trump, he called Wilpon after the team’s […]
First seats installed in new Marlins ballpark
Big day for David Samson and the Florida Marlins front office at their new ballpark, slated to open next season: the first seat was installed in Section 19, and the team took batting practice, albeit on a dirt surface with no fences. The new ballpark is slated to open in 2012; the team will spend […]
In memoriam: Gino Cimoli
Gino Cimoli may not be a household name in baseball circles, but he made one bit of baseball history over fifty years ago: he was the first Major League Baseball batter in a West Coast game, leading off for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Francisco Giants at Seals Stadium. The feat was much […]
Citi Field debt downgraded by Moody’s because of Mets-Madoff connection
More bad news for Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz: debt of Citi Field has been downgraded by Moody’s because of concerns over ties between the New York Mets ownership and disgraced felon Bernie Madoff, as well as an impending clawback lawsuit. “While the ultimate outcome of the litigation and the timeframe for final resolution are […]