With the city of Milwaukie interested in building a Single-A ballpark, it seems time for Portland-area baseball fans to form some sort of support group to show that people are really interested in having professional baseball return to the metro area. We have groups such as the Old Timers and and Active Baseball Players Association and the Friends of Baseball. But their missions are really more about supporting youth, high school, and college baseball. Worthy missions, but not really central to bringing professional baseball back to Portland.
What we really need is something like the Timbers Army, who have had great success promoting professional soccer and who were instrumental in bringing Major League Soccer to Portland.
I recently spoke to Jeremy Wright, one of the original members of the Timbers Army to get his thoughts on what made the Army successful and what an organization of baseball fans should strive for. Jeremy was adamant that a fan group should be a grass roots, independent organization, one that couldn't possibly be seen as being in the pocket of the city or the team. He also thought it important to have events that people attend. Having people, citizens, voters attend city council meetings and task force meetings lets officials see that there are individuals out there who feel strongly enough about a stadium or a team that they band together and attend in force. These are not abstract fans who may or may not exist and can be ignored. They are actual flesh-and-blood people who may vote against the current council if they don't like what's happening. They are people with change in their pockets who might spend it in the community if there's a game to attend.
The Timbers Army makes news by congregating in force in their own sections at Timbers games, decked out in their green scarves, carrying and waving signs, and singing songs. They congregate in specific bars, social occasions for them. They rent buses and travel together to away games, with kegs of beer on board. Their events are unique enough that they become newsworthy. The Timbers Army was even featured in a recent episode of Portlandia. And for many people, I suspect, being part of the Timbers Army is a significant part of their social lives.
But do baseball fans have to mimic the actions of the Timbers Army to gain attention? If they do, I think we're doomed to failure. I don't have the demographic data on hand, but I believe that Timbers fans, and especially the Timbers Army, skews toward 20-something, single males. Obviously there are fans who are women and those older and younger than that. But if we had to specify a typical fan, that would probably be it. Baseball fans, I believe, tend to be in two other groups -- 55 and older, mostly male, and families with children, especially children involved with organized baseball. Unlike the typical Timbers Army member, I believe the social lives of most baseball fans are already set. They're not looking to hang out in brewpubs and make new friends, or if they do, they don't have time for that because of all their family responsibilities. They don't necessarily want to sit in a special section of the stands with other designated fans, unless those fans happen to be from the same high school or involved in the same little league team.
But baseball fans who want professional ball back in the Portland metro area must do something to let the powers that be know that there is a significant section of the population who want this to happen. Maybe it's as little as thinking up a group name, producing some caps and T-shirts, and wearing them out in public. Probably it means sacrificing time and coming out in force to some of the Milwaukie city council and task force meetings. But I don't think we can count on parents and seniors milling around in bars or chanting "we are the Rose City" with a group of strangers or coming together for a random photo op. We've got to figure out something that's appropriate for us, not just clone what the Timbers Army did.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
First Game of the Season -- Concordia University
On February 7, 2012, it was a balmy (not) 46 degrees or so for Concordia University's first game of the season, and the first game at their new athletic facility. In the first game of a doubleheader, the Cavs beat the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes 5-2. Oh, did I say it was cold?
But the new facility was very nice. Some nice chair seats behind home and bench seats past first and third.
The field is also used for soccer and until they put up a temporary outfield fence, the distances to right and especially center are immense. Even a jacked up Barry Bonds couldn't hit one out to center.
The only downside I saw to the new facility is the artificial turf, which extends even to the baselines, the batters box, and the sliding boxes. The only dirt is on the pitchers mound. It was amusing to watch a batter step into the box and start to brush the dirt around with his foot, only to realize that there was nothing there to brush except the carpet. Hmm, the little habits we all have.
All in all though, the Concordia facility is a welcome addition to the Portland baseball scene. And even though it was cold as heck, it was great to be back at the old ballpark.
 |
| A bundled-up fan outside Concordia's new athletic complex |
But the new facility was very nice. Some nice chair seats behind home and bench seats past first and third.
 |
| A look at some of the new seats in Concordia's baseball configuration. |
The field is also used for soccer and until they put up a temporary outfield fence, the distances to right and especially center are immense. Even a jacked up Barry Bonds couldn't hit one out to center.
 |
| It's a long way out to center |
The only downside I saw to the new facility is the artificial turf, which extends even to the baselines, the batters box, and the sliding boxes. The only dirt is on the pitchers mound. It was amusing to watch a batter step into the box and start to brush the dirt around with his foot, only to realize that there was nothing there to brush except the carpet. Hmm, the little habits we all have.
All in all though, the Concordia facility is a welcome addition to the Portland baseball scene. And even though it was cold as heck, it was great to be back at the old ballpark.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Old-Timers and Active Baseball Assoc. Banquet
On Saturday, January 14, I was thrilled to attend the 78th annual (can you believe it?) Old-Timers and Active Baseball Association banquet. What a great way to spend a winter evening, enjoying a meal while listening to Neil Everett (ESPN SportsCenter), Mike Stutes (P, Phillies), Kevin Gregg (P, Orioles), Alex Hinshaw (P, Padres), and Tom Trebelhorn (M, Salem-Keizer) tell stories about their lives in baseball. The young pitchers (Stutes and Hinshaw) talked about the initiation rites they went through when they were called up to the majors. Stutes talked about the Hello Kitty backpack and red boa he was forced to wear all year, so recognizable that fans started coming to the park wearing boas too. Hinshaw talked about being messed with by his childhood heroes Barry Zito and Randy Johnson.
Gregg, a 10-year veteran, related the veteran side of player initiation and how he subjected new bullpen members to the old "taser gun testing" gag. Gregg also told his side of his famous "fight" with David Ortiz last July. I'll say this about that, I would be nervous in the box if Kevin Gregg decided he was upset with me.
Trebelhorn, former manager of the Brewers and Cubs, was a more polished public speaker. But his jokes were appropriate for the organization. They were definitely old-timers.
Everett described his unlikely ascension to ESPN, after spending time in Hawaii chilling out and doing local broadcasts. He made a case for being prepared when your chance comes.
Over 500 people attended the banquet, which was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club. Proceeds from the banquet and an annual golf tournament go to grants for youth baseball and college scholarships for worthy students.
Aside from the speakers, there were several other "names" in attendance. Jack Cain, former owner of the Portland Rockies was there. As was Dale Murphy, former Atlanta Braves great, who donated a signed Braves jersey to be auctioned off for charity. Scott Brosius, former A's and Yankees third-baseman, won the jersey with a $600 bid.
Milwaukie City Councilman Joe Loomis was also in attendance, and he spoke for a few minutes about their city's efforts to build a stadium and attract a Single-A team. He was wearing a Minnesota Twins necktie, and he told me he was originally from Minnesota. I knew I liked that guy.
This was the first such event I attended, and I confess to not knowing much about the organization before I went. Thanks to Barbara Pearson and the association for inviting me and treating me like a celebrity. If you want to learn more about the Association and attend next year's banquet or their golf tournament, go to:
http://www.oldtimersbaseballpdx.org/
Gregg, a 10-year veteran, related the veteran side of player initiation and how he subjected new bullpen members to the old "taser gun testing" gag. Gregg also told his side of his famous "fight" with David Ortiz last July. I'll say this about that, I would be nervous in the box if Kevin Gregg decided he was upset with me.
Trebelhorn, former manager of the Brewers and Cubs, was a more polished public speaker. But his jokes were appropriate for the organization. They were definitely old-timers.
Everett described his unlikely ascension to ESPN, after spending time in Hawaii chilling out and doing local broadcasts. He made a case for being prepared when your chance comes.
Over 500 people attended the banquet, which was held at the Multnomah Athletic Club. Proceeds from the banquet and an annual golf tournament go to grants for youth baseball and college scholarships for worthy students.
Aside from the speakers, there were several other "names" in attendance. Jack Cain, former owner of the Portland Rockies was there. As was Dale Murphy, former Atlanta Braves great, who donated a signed Braves jersey to be auctioned off for charity. Scott Brosius, former A's and Yankees third-baseman, won the jersey with a $600 bid.
Milwaukie City Councilman Joe Loomis was also in attendance, and he spoke for a few minutes about their city's efforts to build a stadium and attract a Single-A team. He was wearing a Minnesota Twins necktie, and he told me he was originally from Minnesota. I knew I liked that guy.
This was the first such event I attended, and I confess to not knowing much about the organization before I went. Thanks to Barbara Pearson and the association for inviting me and treating me like a celebrity. If you want to learn more about the Association and attend next year's banquet or their golf tournament, go to:
http://www.oldtimersbaseballpdx.org/
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Milwaukie City Council Authorizes Phase 2 Stadium Study
During a January 9 special session of the Milwaukie, OR City Council, the council voted 3-2 to move on to phase 2 of a plan to build a Single-A baseball stadium. Before the vote, the council heard the results of Phase 1 and took citizen input.
The Phase 1 results were in three parts. First, Innovative Campaign Strategies presented an overview of their community outreach efforts, including the three Listening Lounge sessions and outreach to nearby businesses that might be affected by a new stadium. The company did not form any conclusions from the data it collected. Rather it presented an overview of questions and concerns. As usual, most of them revolved around cost, noise, and lighting.
Second, 360 Architecture presented a report on the feasibility of the site. This was a very interesting and well-thought out report that concluded that the site does provide enough room for a stadium if some design innovations are included. Ground water issues prevent the stadium to be dug into the site, and limited east/west dimensions may require a "green monster" wall in the outfield. They presented three orientations for the ballpark, one orientation to the northeast and two to the southeast. The second southeast orientation assumes purchase of additional property to the northwest of original space, allowing enough outfield space that a "green monster" wall would not be needed.
They also spoke to lighting and noise concerns. Lighting, they said would not affect neighbors, and light meters would detect no differences before and after the stadium was built. Noise would be within City of Milwaukie regulations until 10PM, and then PA systems could be turned down.
Third, a brief cost estimate was presented. These were very, very rough numbers, based purely on square footage calculations and estimates for utility work and relocation expenses of ODOT. This worked out to approximately $25M for building costs, another $2M for utility and street work, 25%-20% for consulting and architecture, etc., and 10% contingency.
After the Phase 1 results were presented, members of the community voiced in. The comments ranged from sane and restrained to outrageous and name calling. One citizen claimed there would be so much goose poop on the field that no one would use it. Another accused the council of having "a man thing going on." Although council meetings usually draw only staunch supporters or opponents, the rabid reaction of some of the opponents to the stadium (a few people even snarled when a man wearing a "Friends of Baseball" jacket rose to speak) made this reporter doubt that a stadium will ever get built in the City of Milwaukie.
Finally, the council itself discussed the issue and voted. I was impressed by the intelligence and sensibility of all the council members. They shared legitimate concerns and seemed truly engaged in trying to find innovative solutions for the problems the city faces. Though Councilers Dave Hedges and Mike Miller wanted to delay authorizing Phase 2 until issues with Tri-Met and light rail were settled, Mayor Jeremy Ferguson and Councilers Joe Loomis and Greg Chaimov voted to move on to Phase 2.
Phase 2 will involve more public outreach, facility feasibility (figuring out what the ballpark would actually consist of), deciding on an acceptable range of uses for the multi-use facility, doing a real cost analysis, and negotiating with ODOT for the property swap and with the Northwest League for a team.
Phase 2 should be completed by the end of April, at which time a report will be presented and the board will decide whether to put a ballot measure out to the voters.
Here's a link to the report presented to the council.
The Phase 1 results were in three parts. First, Innovative Campaign Strategies presented an overview of their community outreach efforts, including the three Listening Lounge sessions and outreach to nearby businesses that might be affected by a new stadium. The company did not form any conclusions from the data it collected. Rather it presented an overview of questions and concerns. As usual, most of them revolved around cost, noise, and lighting.
Second, 360 Architecture presented a report on the feasibility of the site. This was a very interesting and well-thought out report that concluded that the site does provide enough room for a stadium if some design innovations are included. Ground water issues prevent the stadium to be dug into the site, and limited east/west dimensions may require a "green monster" wall in the outfield. They presented three orientations for the ballpark, one orientation to the northeast and two to the southeast. The second southeast orientation assumes purchase of additional property to the northwest of original space, allowing enough outfield space that a "green monster" wall would not be needed.
They also spoke to lighting and noise concerns. Lighting, they said would not affect neighbors, and light meters would detect no differences before and after the stadium was built. Noise would be within City of Milwaukie regulations until 10PM, and then PA systems could be turned down.
Third, a brief cost estimate was presented. These were very, very rough numbers, based purely on square footage calculations and estimates for utility work and relocation expenses of ODOT. This worked out to approximately $25M for building costs, another $2M for utility and street work, 25%-20% for consulting and architecture, etc., and 10% contingency.
After the Phase 1 results were presented, members of the community voiced in. The comments ranged from sane and restrained to outrageous and name calling. One citizen claimed there would be so much goose poop on the field that no one would use it. Another accused the council of having "a man thing going on." Although council meetings usually draw only staunch supporters or opponents, the rabid reaction of some of the opponents to the stadium (a few people even snarled when a man wearing a "Friends of Baseball" jacket rose to speak) made this reporter doubt that a stadium will ever get built in the City of Milwaukie.
Finally, the council itself discussed the issue and voted. I was impressed by the intelligence and sensibility of all the council members. They shared legitimate concerns and seemed truly engaged in trying to find innovative solutions for the problems the city faces. Though Councilers Dave Hedges and Mike Miller wanted to delay authorizing Phase 2 until issues with Tri-Met and light rail were settled, Mayor Jeremy Ferguson and Councilers Joe Loomis and Greg Chaimov voted to move on to Phase 2.
Phase 2 will involve more public outreach, facility feasibility (figuring out what the ballpark would actually consist of), deciding on an acceptable range of uses for the multi-use facility, doing a real cost analysis, and negotiating with ODOT for the property swap and with the Northwest League for a team.
Phase 2 should be completed by the end of April, at which time a report will be presented and the board will decide whether to put a ballot measure out to the voters.
Here's a link to the report presented to the council.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Escondido Ballpark "Dead"
And on the former Portland Beavers front, plans to build a Triple-A ballpark in Escondido, California, are dead, says Escondido Mayor Sam Abed. To build the ballpark, the city needed redevelopment funds that the California state legislature took away. San Diego Padres owner Jeff Moorad bought the former Portland Beaver franchise from Merritt Paulson and moved it to Tucson, Arizona for a year while waiting for construction of a ballpark in Escondido, whose field dimensions were to be identical to those in Petco Park. Now those plans are squelched, and Moorad may opt to sell the team.
Read more about this in SignOn San Diego.
Hey Merritt, hey Portland City Council -- there's still time to get the Beavers back! And to do something with that troublesome Coliseum. Yeah sure, dream on.
Read more about this in SignOn San Diego.
Hey Merritt, hey Portland City Council -- there's still time to get the Beavers back! And to do something with that troublesome Coliseum. Yeah sure, dream on.
Milwaukie City Council to Discuss Stadium
Wondering what's going on with the City of Milwaukie and it's effort to build a minor league baseball stadium? Me too. So I'm glad to report that the Milwaukie City Council will discuss the issue during its meeting on Monday, January 9, 2012. The meeting is set for 7:00PM at the City Council chambers. During this meeting, the council will decide whether to shut down the project or move on to the second phase, which would involve the programming, design, cost, and economic impact of the multi-use facility.
The city council chambers are located at 10722 SE Main Street, Milwaukie, OR.
Read more about this in the Clackamas Review.
The city council chambers are located at 10722 SE Main Street, Milwaukie, OR.
Read more about this in the Clackamas Review.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Clark County Backs Out of Admissions Tax
Clark County Commissioners backed out of a proposed admissions tax that would have funded a baseball stadium in Vancouver. The stadium was targeted for use by Clark College and a potential short-season Single-A baseball team.
Read more about this in the Oregonian.
The Yakima Bears of the Northwest League had been in discussions with Clark County to move to the new stadium. Now they will be looking elsewhere, hopefully in Milwaukie, Oregon, where leaders there have held a series of community meetings to gauge interest in building a ballpark. For many Portland residents, a Milwaukie ballpark, situated right along the new SE MAX line would be a lot more convenient than the Vancouver site. The SE MAX line is funded and construction (at least, the bridge portion) has already started. A MAX line to Vancouver, along with a new I-5 bridge, seems to be many years away. So let's hope Milwaukie can get their ducks in a row and jump on the opportunity that Clark County has left them.
Read more about this in the Oregonian.
The Yakima Bears of the Northwest League had been in discussions with Clark County to move to the new stadium. Now they will be looking elsewhere, hopefully in Milwaukie, Oregon, where leaders there have held a series of community meetings to gauge interest in building a ballpark. For many Portland residents, a Milwaukie ballpark, situated right along the new SE MAX line would be a lot more convenient than the Vancouver site. The SE MAX line is funded and construction (at least, the bridge portion) has already started. A MAX line to Vancouver, along with a new I-5 bridge, seems to be many years away. So let's hope Milwaukie can get their ducks in a row and jump on the opportunity that Clark County has left them.
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