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Archives: Nov. 5-11, 2006

Archives: Nov. 5-11, 2006

Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch
Posted Nov. 9, 2006
The latest version of a proposal to build a new Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) ballpark on the western cusp of downtown Winston-Salem comes with a lot more than peanuts and Cracker Jack. What had last been discussed publicly in the summer as a $70 million project is now up to $170 million and would include a multiplex movie theater, offices, stores and residences. City economic officials said yesterday that negotiations with the developer are entering their final phases, but two major questions remain: How much public money should be invested, and who would pay the city’s debt if the project does not attract the number of fans, customers, tenants — and revenue — that the city’s financial models show are needed? The team currently plays at Ernie Shore Field; one plan has Wake Forest taking control of that ballpark should a new ballpark become a reality. More from the Triad Business Journal.

Cobb Field planning kicks into high gear
Posted Nov. 9, 2006
Now that Billings voters have approved $12.5 million in bonding for a new Cobb Field, home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League), the real work of design and construction can begin. CTA Architects Engineers of Billings, working with HNTB Architects of Kansas City, will work on final design plans for the ballpark. Demolition work on the Athletic Park pool, which is just west of Cobb Field, could start in four to six weeks. General obligation bonds could be sold as early as January, with construction of the new ballpark beginning next spring. Then, as soon as the Mustangs’ baseball season ends next summer, Cobb Field could be demolished and construction of a new sunken field could begin.

Failure of Jaxx deal is strike two for Bennett
Posted Nov. 9, 2006
The collapse of the deal to sell the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) also means Overtime Sports’ Tim Bennett’s deal to lease Pringles Park is off. From what we’ve heard, the collapse of the deal between Lozinak Baseball Properties, LLC and Orlando-based Diamond Jaxx Properties, LLC (formerly known as Mirabilis Baseball Ventures, LLC) led less to do with the permissions cited by the team and more to do with the group’s realization that obtaining a new ballpark in Orlando would be more of a struggle than originally anticipated. Speaking of the Diamond Jaxx: we expect potential buyers to be back at the team’s door, though the sales price will probably be lower than the $10-million-plus price for the Orlando group. A very possible scenario: a Ryan-Sanders Baseball or Ripken Baseball buys the team on the cheap and moves it to Baton Rouge, where city officials have looked at building a new waterfront ballpark. Nolan Ryan has already met with and made a pitch to Baton Rouge officials.

RailCats to announce new VP/GM today
Posted Nov. 9, 2006
The Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League) will be announcing the team’s new vice president and general manager in a news conference on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 4:00 p.m. (CST) at U. S. Steel Yard. The announcement and press conference can be heard live via streaming media at www.railcatsbaseball.com.

Connecticut Defenders seeking easier access
Posted Nov. 9, 2006
As the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA: Eastern League) look once again to bolster attendance figures next season, owner Lou DiBella said it’s vital the city help provide better access to Dodd Stadium. To do so, he’s looking for city help opening the contentious gate that blocks ballpark traffic from Plain Hill Road. And he’s looking for financial support to put an electronic billboard on Interstate 395 that would promote the team and ballpark location, but also could be used to advertise Norwich events. It would seem a no-brainer for a city to improve access to a facility. Meanwhile, GM Charlie Dowd unveiled his plans to increase attendance at Defenders games next season.

Murphy donates $100,000 for ASU baseball’s Tillman Room
Posted Nov. 9, 2006
Arizona State baseball coach Pat Murphy is donating $100,000 to his program to fund facility improvements. The donation will be used to fund the Tillman Room in honor of brothers Pat and Kevin Tillman. Kevin played baseball for ASU from 1997-99. It was during that time that Murphy became friends with Pat, whose number 42 he now wears to honor Tillman, who died fighting in Afghanistan in April 2004. The sports medicine room inside the baseball clubhouse will become the Tillman Room. Murphy’s donation is the latest in a series of gifts toward renovating Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. The family of the late coach Jim Brock made a significant contribution last spring. The final phase of renovation will include a shade canopy, press box expansion, chairback seats and alumni tributes.