The Other Side

Interesting article in the Fort Wayne newspaper yesterday criticizing cities that always seem to give in to owners begging for a new ballpark. Fort Wayne is attempting to get a ballpark constructed that would the "centerpiece of a downtown revitalization project" costing $125 million. First off, does Fort Wayne really need a new ballpark ? Memorial Stadium opened in 1993, and while it may not be as glossy as other new parks built since, the fans don't seem to be staying away - '06 attendance was over 3500 per game. So why the new ballpark ? Simply because their current home doesn't have enough luxury boxes. This isn't the reason you'll hear from the owners, but it has to be their prime motivation. And if they can get a city (Fort Wayne or somewhere else) to build them a park for free, why wouldn't they take it ? I have no sentiment for Memorial Stadium, but it is tiring to see one city after another getting held hostage by teams who threaten to move if their current city doesn't build them a new ballpark. Let the citizens of the city decide, not the local politicians. But rarely do you see a city put a new ballpark up to a vote - because they know it would fail. It's nice to see for once that the local media is not taking the side of the city. Stay tuned as I'm sure there will be a lot more bickering in Fort Wayne over the next year or so.

Top 6 of '06

With the year winding down, I thought I'd look back and list my 6 favorite ballpark visits of 2006. During the year, I saw games in about 40 different ballparks. These are the ones that stood out :

#6) Russell Diethrick Park (Jamestown, NY) - When I first visited this park in 1993, there were still many places like this left. But now with the old parks being replaced by glossy new ones, it is a treat to go to a game at an older ballpark like this. Like Auburn and Batavia in the NYPL, there is still a community feel to the atmosphere. While there are some of the usual promotions, the focus is still mostly on the game. The quirky, unpolished PA announcer just adds to the charm.

#5) Ray Winder Field (Little Rock, AR) - 2006 was the last year for the old girl. Its fate hasn't yet been decided, but hopefully it remain standing like two other classic ballparks in the south, Rickwood Field and Engel Stadium. The laid-back atmosphere of Ray Winder is hard to beat, and I can't imagine that it will be replicated at the new ballpark. Where else can you buy a box seat and sit anywhere you want ?

#4) Lindquist Field (Ogden, UT) - Located in the downtown and with mountains providing the backdrop, a setting for a ballpark doesn't get much better than this. If you're lucky enough to be there for a night game when the sun is setting, the glowing mountains provide a sight you won't soon forget.

#3) Medlar Field (State College, PA) - One of my favorites among ballparks that have opened within the last five years. Wide concourses, spacious seating areas, plentiful and tasty food options, and a great setting combine to make it a winner. Hopefully other cities will look at Medlar Field as an example when building a new ballpark. Probably the most comfortable ballparks I've ever been to.

#2) Rickwood Field (Birmingham, AL) - I finally got to the annual Rickwood Classic in '06. And what a treat it was. Despite a scorching day (approaching 100 degrees), the experience was wonderful. Except for the concession prices, it is like being in a time machine. Hopefully the Barons will continue this tradition for years to come. Every ballpark fan needs to come here once.

#1) Cobb Field (Billings, MT) - In terms of an authentic minor league baseball experience, Cobb Field provides the best there is. You won't find any goofy mascot or silly between inning promotions. Fans are here to watch baseball, drink beer, and eat ballpark food. The cool covered grandstand with its narrow tunnels is a true treasure. Unfortunately, 2007 will be the last year for Cobb Field as it will be torn down to make way for a new ballpark opening in '08. Get there while you still can - you will not be disappointed.

New Nashville Ballpark

Renderings of the new Nashville Sounds ballpark were unveiled yesterday. It is set to replace Herschel Greer Stadium in 2008, but with the recent delays, it appears unlikely that it will be ready for the start of the '08 season. While I haven't yet seen a game at Herschel Greer, it is easy to see why the Sounds wanted a new ballpark. Its location in the suburbs is "out of sight, out of mind" and it completely lacks any of the amenities that are present at newer ballparks. From the renderings of the new ballpark, it appears that it will have a nice downtown location and will provide great views of the river and skyline. The one odd thing about it is that it appears that all the seating will be on one level, similar to Knight's Castle. Also, I don't see any grassy berms and it doesn't appear that there will be a full wraparound concourse. Perhaps the design hasn't been finalized yet or the drawings aren't accurate. Whatever the case, the new downtown ballpark should be a huge improvement.

A Couple Random Thoughts

Yes, I know - I haven't made any posts here in a while. But a couple stories came up this week that I had to comment on. I'll try to make my entries a bit more frequent now.

First, why did Scranton-Wilkes Barre even feel the need to change their nickname from the Red Barons ? That name at least had some tradition and relevance. To change it to Yankees (in a time when nobody anymore is using the parent team's name) seems like a pure marketing scheme, and nothing else. Do you think if their new affiliate was the Devil Rays or Nationals that they would have used those names ? It almost seems like they are insulting the fans in the area by saying, "maybe you couldn't find us before when we were the Red Barons, but now that we're the Yankees, you will know about us." I'm sure the new affiliation will generate an attendance growth (at least initially), but wouldn't this have happened even if they had stuck with the Red Baron's name ?

Also this week, a land swap deal in Beloit that may have gotten the Snappers a ballpark to replace Pohlman Field fell through. But why do they even need a new ballpark in Beloit ? The Snappers are community owned and nonprofit. Now I do understand that Pohlman Field doesn't meet minor league facility standards, but this has been the case since 1991. What has changed recently that they all of a sudden they need a new park so badly ? Yes, Pohlman Field isn't a great ballpark, but it does have a great small town atmosphere that isn't found at too many parks these days. Here's hoping that even if Beloit can't get a new ballpark built that the Snappers won't be sold and moved.

First Pitches & Foul Balls

Has the ceremonial first pitch completely lost its meaning at the minor league level ? After seeing 11 "first pitches" thrown at Somerset this past Saturday night, you really have to wonder. According to Wikipedia, the first pitch is "usually thrown by either a celebrity or a locally significant person." Is some random kid throwing out the first pitch on behalf of a corporate sponsor a "significant" person ? Not to take anything away from the kids (because I'm sure it's quite a thrill for them), but what's the point of having so many first pitches other than to get the sponsors' names out there one more time. I suppose this is just another example of corporate America taking over the world of minor league baseball.

Also, not to sound like a curmudgeon, but why does every kid in attendance now feel like it's their right to get a foul ball ? What exactly do kids so with the balls once they get them home ? My guess is that they just end up in their closet, never to be looked at again. When I was a kid (which wasn't that long ago), adults were never obligated to give foul balls to the closest kid. And players would rarely hand a ball to a kid. I'm all for kids getting foul balls, but just wish they had more appreciation for them and didn't assume it was their automatic right to go home with one.

Where am I ?

Having just returned from my big ballpark road trip, I noticed a disturbing new trend among the affiliated minor league teams. As if may teams doing the same promotions and on-field games wasn't bad enough, now we have companies actually sponsoring the same exact on-field game at multiple ballparks. Hamburger Helper, BC Powder, and Advance Auto Parts must be in partnership with MiLB as they all sponsored the same games at several of the South Atlantic League and Southern Leagues games I attended. For Hamburger Helper, it's the "throw the meat in the frying pan" contest. For BC Powder, it's the "throw the ball thru the board" contest. And for Advance Auto Parts, it's the "wipeout inning" contest. This is one of the big problems I have with minor league baseball now - no teams try to differentiate themselves by doing unique contests or promotions. It used to be that each minor league team would try to bring some hometown flavor to the ballpark experience. But with big business taking over in 90% of the markets, going to a ballgame is becoming a more and more generic experience.

On my trip, I saw 15 games in 15 different ballparks. I have started posting some new photos and reviews and will continue to do so over the next month or so.

MerchantsAuto.com Stadium

Went to my first ballgame of the 2006 season this past Saturday at the newly branded MerchantsAuto.com Stadium (not sure why the "dot com" is needed as it sure makes for an odd name). As it was in '05, the area surrounding the ballpark is still a construction zone. But the Hilton Garden Inn that has arisen behind the left field fence at least adds some character to the ballpark (some even may call it "Camdenesque"). Still, it's not a park that impresses me very much. It is serviceable, but there is little which distinguishes it from numerous other ballparks built in the past 10 years. Some have raved about the riverfront location, but to me this is overrated since there isn't one seat in the ballpark that actually has a view of the river. Only a small portion of the 3rd base concourse has a view. It's a shame that the architect couldn't take better advantage of what should have been a scenic location.

Despite being in only year 2 of the ballpark, the atmosphere already feels stale. There is little creativity behind the on field promotions and the soundtrack is in sore need of updating. On the plus side, the Fisher Cats have upgraded their concessions with the addition of some seafood plates as well as meatball sandwiches and chili. At least the variety is now better than most ballparks in the northeast.

As for the games (it was a scheduled doubleheader), they were about as contrasting as could be. The Rock Cats won the first game 14-5, which featured a combined 7 home runs. The second game was a pitcher's duel, with the Fisher Cats winning 1-0 on a walk-off home run by David Smith. With a very short right field, MerchantsAuto.com Stadium sure appears to be a hitter's ballpark.

Another One Bites The Dust

With the announcement that the Elmira Pioneers of the Can-Am League would be folding up shop for the 2006 season, it was another sad day for fans of old ballparks and people who live in small towns. Each season more and more minor league teams migrate towards the big cities and metropolitan areas, while small towns like Elmira lose their team with little hope of ever seeing professional baseball again. I understand that the reasons are all financial, but to me this is still a disturbing trend. It seems awfully unfair that small towns, many of which have a deeper connection and greater appreciation of their team, can't enjoy the baseball experience just because they aren't able to pack 3,000-4,000 fans into their ballpark. For many of these towns, pro baseball offers one of the few entertainment options. In the big cities, while the crowds might be big, would they really miss the team if it weren't around ?

So Dunn Field will be without professional baseball for the first time in many years. Sure, the city has promised to try to get a collegiate league team. Big deal. That's simply not the same as having a professional team. But unfortunately, with the current trend in minor league baseball, small towns will only be able to host these type of teams. How long before the collegiate leagues start migrating towards the big cities as well ? Fortunately there are still a couple of minor league (the Appy League and Pioneer League) which seem content on holding on to a piece of the past by not selling out. Hopefully these leagues will never change.

The WBC

Is there really a need for a World baseball tournament ? Aren't all the best players already playing in the Major Leagues ? And does it really matter to most which country has the best team ? Bud Selig has done an admirable job of promoting the WBC and trying to get people to buy into it, but I don't think it will be the success that he probably wants or is expecting. There are several reasons why the WBC won't fly :

1) It's happening during spring training while the players are just starting to get ready for the regular season. It is hard to imagine that any player will be trying too much harder than they do during a normal spring training game. I would be quite surprised if the intensity level is any higher than it has been in the recent All-Star games. After all, players realize that their loyalty should be towards their employer, not their country.
2) Some of the best players wonÂ’t be participating. If the most famous American player (ARod) and most famous Japanese player (Matsui) arenÂ’t playing, how serious can we really take the WBC ? Maybe Commissioner Bud will twist their arms and ultimately get these guys to play, but I doubt it. It is clear that some teams are frowning on letting their players participate. They are just looking out for their own well being, just as they should be. Can you imagine the outrage if a great player got hurt while playing in a meaningless exhibition ?
3) Are there any fans inside the United States that even care about the WBC ? Ok, there may be a few soccer fans that enjoy international competition, but the vast majority of people could care less about countries competing against one another. This is why the Olympics are largely ignored in the U.S. compared to in other countries.

Maybe I'll be wrong, but you won't catch me attending any games or watching any on TV (will they even be broadcast ?).

Why Not Champs ?

It's official - the Vermont Expos have changed their name to the Vermont Lake Monsters. And frankly, I'm not a big fan of the name change. Apparently "Champs" was far and away the most popular name submitted by fans, so why didn't the team choose to go with this name ? It would have made perfect sense since Champ is the name usually associated with the infamous Lake Champlain monster. And Champ is the name of the hugely successful mascot who has been entertaining Vermont fans since 1994. Despite being the fan choice, general manager CJ Knudsen trumped it, claiming that the name wouldn't sound right if the team was doing lousy in August. Another reason floated is that the Champs sporting goods store objected. Both are lame excuses and completely ignored what the fans wanted. So why even have a "Name that Team" contest if you're just going to completely ignore the fans overwhelming selection ? Maybe they should have just stuck with the Expos moniker ...

Baseball Landing in Plymouth ?

According to recent articles including this one from today, it appears that baseball may be coming to Plymouth, MA in time for the 2007 season. A new 5,500 seat ballpark is proposed as part of a complex that would include a sports dome and banquet facility. No word yet on what league they would play in, but speculation is that it would be the Can-Am League. With teams in nearby Brockton and Lynn, Plymouth would be a natural fit. Further details will be available on November 7th as a press conference is scheduled for that day. The proposed team even has a website up and running already.

Speaking of the Can-Am League, the alignment for next year is up in the air right now, but should be settled soon. Nashua apparently is trying to gain entrance, in which case they would drop out of the Atlantic League. With a full season team in nearby Manchester, Nashua would probably be better off playing in league with a shorter season. The CAL is also looking at Augusta, NJ as a possible location after the Cardinals flew off to State College. I'd like to see the league expand to 10 teams next year, but it's looking like that won't happen until '07 unless a road team is utilized again.

A New Landscape ?

What is Mike Veeck up to now ? With the recent announcement of three teams leaving the Northern League (and now four with the Sioux City announcement yesterday), many are wondering what Veeck's plan are for this new league of his. This article reveals a few details which seem to indicate where Veeck (and Miles Wolff) believe that independent baseball should be headed. It seems to be a rather radical new vision, and frankly I'm not sure it's one that makes a whole lot of sense. The fundamental idea that Veeck is pushing towards is making indy baseball more national. There is talk of having interleague play among the several independent leagues as well as having a combined all-star game and "world series". But my question is, for what purpose ? Do casual fans (which make up the majority at minor league games) really care about who the opposing team is or where they're from ? Are more fans going to come out in Elmira if Sioux Falls is coming in for a series ? I would really doubt it. To make this "interleague" play possible, other leagues would have to cooperate by reworking their schedules. With no obvious benefit, why would leagues disrupt their schedules to play what would in essence be exhibition games ? Maybe I'm missing something or perhaps Veeck's plan hasn't been properly described yet, but to me this just seems like a publicity stunt by Veeck to get himself and the St. Paul Saints some attention, which they haven't gotten in several years. Perhaps Veeck is once again ahead of his time. Or perhaps his vision will never get off the drawing board. Whichever, it should be interesting to watch over the next few months and years.

Cathedrals of the Game

For those who have HD television and get the INHD channel, there is a series on baseball parks that is currently airing called Cathedrals of the Game. Each half hour episode features a detailed tour of a current MLB park as well as a look back at the history of baseball in the respective city. A look at their website indicates that episodes have been made for 14 different parks as well as one about the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

The shows are produced in conjunction with MLB which allows for an "all-access" pass to the ballpark including a look inside the clubhouses and other areas that the average fan would never see. Unfortunately the host, Michelle Beadle, is basically just a pretty face and has a limited knowledge of baseball so can't get much out of the interviews she conducts with team personnel and players. Despite this, the shows are definitely worth watching, if for nothing else the stunning photography that comes across with high definition. And though the content is geared towards the casual fan, even the hardcore ballpark fans might learn a thing or two that they didn't already know. Catch the episodes while you can as it's doubtful they will be airing after October.

Need a Towel ?

When it was first announced earlier this year that a NY Penn League team would be moving to State College, most people (including myself) assumed that the team moving would be one of the western New York franchises, most likely Jamestown. But rumors have been swirling the past couple months that the team headed for State College is the New Jersey Cardinals. While on paper this would seem surprising, the reason is apparently because of an unfavorable (expensive) lease. And during my most recent visit to Skylands Park this past weekend, it is easy to see that the team is desperate to increase revenues. Box seats are a whopping $12. Parking is $4. Programs are $4. Concessions are expensive, portions are rather small, and quality is subpar. But the biggest indicator to me was the unusual appearance of attendants in the bathrooms. After visiting over 200 parks, this is something I'’ve never seen before. The attendant was there to hand out paper towels, but his purpose seemed more to collect tips as he had a jar with a prominent sign that read "Tips are greatly appreciated"”. Just ridiculous.

While it would be a shame if Augusta lost their NY Penn League team, I'm sure that one of the independent leagues (probably the Can-Am League) would scoop up this ballpark in a heartbeat. Being only 12 years old, Skylands Park is simply too nice to sit idle.

The Purest Experience

I made my annual voyage to Cooperstown this past weekend, and as usual was able to take in a game at Damaschke Field in Oneonta. I'm glad to report that nothing has changed - the atmosphere is still pure baseball. No between inning games, no mascots, no beer, no bratty kids. They do use some music and sound effects, but even many of these are baseball related and don't detract from the experience. Oneonta is the closest thing to the minor league experience I remember as a kid growing up in the early 80's and attending games in Holyoke (MA) and Burlington (VT). Damaschke Field really is like a time machine. Hopefully it will remain for many more years as an example of what the minor leagues were before corporations and sponsorship took it over.

Speaking of time machines, did someone put Ryne Sandberg in one ? Or did he just forget when he played baseball. From listening to his Hall of Fame speech, you'd think he played 50 years ago. Apparently to get on the good side of all the HOFers, Sandberg felt it necessary to bash the current ballplayers as having no respect for the game, swinging for the fences too much, and for using steroids. Sorry to tell you Ryne, but you are part of the same generation that you are criticizing.

Walk Like A ... Blind Man

It's not often that I'm amused at a baseball game. Because I've been to so many different parks and seen so many different promotions and mascot antics, there isn't much that surprises me any longer. But something happened in the Somerset-Newark game on Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium that genuinely made me laugh. And it actually was something that happened on the field with the game participants. In the 14th inning (the game would go 16), a Newark batter clearly swung and missed at a pitch in the dirt. But the umpire rules that the batter foul tipped it. This brought an argument from Somerset manager Sparky Lyle who proceeded to get ejected from the game. But Lyle, who apparently never leaves quietly, put on a great blind man routine as he was exiting the field. He grabbed a bat and walked the entire length of the dugout tapping it on the ground as a blind man does with his walking stick. This brought a roar of laughter from the remaining fans (of which there many since fireworks were to be shot off after the game). I found out later that this is something that Sparky does whenever he's ejected. Still, it was a treat for me as I had never seen anything like it. Was it inappropriate and a bit tasteless ? Probably. Is it showing up the umps ? Probably. But was it funny ? Yes, it absolutely was and I don't mind admitting that I got quite a chuckle out of it. And this is just another reason why you should never leave a game early.

As for the game, both teams were anemic offensively on this night, which led to 16 innings being played before it was settled. What's strange is that the teams bookended this game with an 11-10 battle on Friday and a 13-10 doozy on Sunday. Apparently Newark was out of pitchers on Sunday which led to Brent Bilingsley pitching a complete game with this line : 9IP, 12H, 10ER, 147 pitches thrown. Fortunately he got a win for his effort. It's not often you see a line like that.

Kiss Kam

It seems that the big trend sweeping the nation at minor league (and some major league) ballparks is the Kiss Cam. If you have a video board, it is a requirement that you do this at some point around the 5th inning. To me, I never understood the fascination with wanting to be on the video board - it's not like 99% of the people in the park will know who you are. And I guess now it's not just good enough to be shown, you have to be shown doing something (in this case canoodling with your spouse or SO). And if this weren't annoying enough, now teams are trying to be funny by pointing the camera at two players on the opposing team, who either end up ignoring the camera or giving each other a small peck to the delight of the crowd. And for those teams without a video board, I'm sure they will be getting one soon, just so they can do Kiss Cam !

My Big Trip

I have just returned yesterday from my big trip of the summer which took me through the upper midwest. Saw games in 12 new parks (and 15 overall) and had the best weather I've ever had on a trip. I'm sure glad I wasn't touring down south this year ...

Full reviews and photos will be coming soon to my website, but until then here are some quick comments on the new parks I saw games in :

Appalachian Power Park (Charleston, WV) - the downtown location is great and the structure a bit different, though it does need some covering (a canopy is supposedly in the works). I love the old building they have incorporated into the park.

Champion Window Field (Florence, KY) - a very typical FL park, similar to both Gateway and River City. The multi-colored seats are ugly, but they didn't bother me as much as the annoying Rascal fans. Obviously the team has some public perception issues to overcome as the fans are not coming out in droves.

Silver Cross Field (Joliet, IL) - the actual structure doesn't break any new ground, but I love the setting. It is nestled nicely into the downtown where it seems there is quite a bit or nightlife.

Hawkinson Ford Field (Crestwood, IL) - a funky little stadium, as many of the FL parks are. Being so close to Chicago I would expect them to be a better a draw. But now I know why - anyone that needs to drive south on Cicero Avenue to get there wouldn't bother fighting the traffic.

Pohlman Field (Beloit, WI)- a rather crappy stadium, but a great community feel. And how can you not love a park where the fans get more excited about "Roll Out The Barrel" than "YMCA" ?

Veterans Memorial Stadium (Cedar Rapids, IA) - while the park itself is fine (except the lack of a wraparound concourse), the numerous commercials and shout-outs from the PA announcer make for an annoying experience. It's almost as if they wanted to make the experience the exact opposite of the old Vet.

Lewis and Clark Park (Sioux City, IA) - a generic ballpark with a lousy setting. Probably the most unmemorable stop on my trip.

Sioux Falls Stadium (Sioux Falls, SD) - if you didn't know there was an old park, you'd think it was built brand new within the past decade. I love the elevated berms down the 3rd base line. Great eats and a lively atmosphere make this park a treat.

Newman Outdoor Field (Fargo, SD) - not the greatest of settings (college campuses usually aren't), but still an intimate park with a good atmosphere.

Fox Cities Stadium (Appleton, WI) - another uninspired setting for ballpark. While the park itself is fine (very similar to South Bend), the atmosphere was a bit over the top and fans seems more excited about getting free stuff rather than the game. Also, the brats were losuy which should NEVER be the case at a Wisconsin ballpark.

Community Field (Burlington, IA) - renovations over this past offseason have added a new building (for concessions, gift store,ticket office) and a large roof over the concourse and part of the grandstand. Like Beloit, it has a great community feel as everyone seems to know one another.

Oldsmobile Park (Lansing, MI) - unlike most downtown ballparks, this one doesn't feel intimate at all. Too much bench seating and the sightlines aren't the greatest. At least the concessions are top-notch.

Going Too Far

It's understandable that minor league teams need to do promotions to draw fans in, but when these promotions change the fundamental nature of a baseball game, they have crossed the line and gone too far. And this is exactly what has happened with the new video game promotion announced by the Kansas City T-Bones of the Northern League. The team is offering two fans the chance to determine the outcome of the first two innings of a real game on July 16. That's right - they will play two innings on Xbox which will be shown on the video board at the ballpark. Then the actual teams will play the final 7 innings. Is this a serious promotion or just a publicity stunt that the team will back out of eventually ? So far it seems to be real. The league and both teams have apparently signed off on this silly gimmick. Shame on the Northern League and shame on any fans who come out to support this shameless promotion. Here's hoping someone wises up and calls off the promotion.

New Jersey : Home of the Brattiest Kids ?

Is it just me or does New Jersey have the brattiest kids of anyplace in the country ? If last night's Somerset Patriots game was any example, the answer would have to be yes. I understand as well as anyone that minor league teams need to attract kids and cater to them. Relying on hardcore baseball fans (like myself) is not enough for a minor league team to survive. But if a team is going to invite a whole Little League to their ballpark, they had better take some responsibility for controlling the kids. Last night at Commerce Bank Ballpark, it seemed as if there were hundreds of kids running around without any supervision whatsoever. All they were doing were annoying the real fans and the ushers (who were useless in trying to control them). Please, if you're going to invite a whole league of players, ensure there are enough adults around to supervise them. The night was summed up quite well by a fan sitting behind me who said towards the end of the game, "I don't care if I never see another kid again."