need your baseball expertise

[lbyankychk]

Hello! I am taking a class at college called baseball history and I got my first assignment today. I was hoping I could get a few opinions on this one because I'm not sure where to start. Here is my assignment:
You have been assigned by Major League Baseball to select a city for an expansion team. Your task is to research possible locations and choose a place you feel will fit in with baseballs’ heritage, the current structure of MLB, the quality of life in whatever city you select, and the possibility of profit for the investors.

Your guidelines:
The city you select MUST NOT be the current home of a MLB team. It can be the home of a minor league team, if you like.
You should consider the following factors: air and highway access, where you will build a park, the baseball and/or sports heritage of the city (if any), racial ethnic and economic makeup of the population, other tourist attractions in the metropolitan area, and a brief account of a marketing plan that includes a team nickname and how you will promote the team.

I am thinking:
San Antonio
D.C.
Memphis
New Orleans
or somewhere in the Carolinas.

What do you guys think?

[patrick.o]

Charlotte, Portland OR, and the city where MLB will never exist, Vegas.

[patrick.o]

Also Mexico City, Puerto Rico, and The Dominican Republic.

[NetShrine.com]

@ NetShrine.com, last year about this time, I did a bit on realignment - (it can be found at www.netshrine.com - in RUMINATIONS - entitled "Letter to Bud on Realignment").

Someone wrote to me on my letter, and had some suggestions on expansion - - it (along with my reply) may be of some use to you. It can also be found at www.netshrine.com - in NETSHRINE'S MAILBAG - entitled "Another Idea On Realignment").

Hope this helps. Regards, Steve

[lbyankychk]

Thanks, netshrine......I thought about the Carolinas. Charlotte would be a good choice! i'll have to do some research on that city to see about it. Thanks for your help!

[cbs68]

Boy, I wish they had classes like that when I went to college. The only fun course I got to take was Bowling 1

[Stick Michael]

Depending on how much leeway you have on this assignment I would make a strong argument why baseball should undergo a contraction. Expansion, in many ways, has hurt baseball. Not only has pitching and overall talent become diluted but so called "small market" teams have suffered because of it. Since they have been the ones most affected by the decrease in talent it has led to their lack of ability to field competitive teams, thus compromising their team's best financial interests.

The Minnesota Twins and Montreal Expos should be the first to get hit by the wrecking ball.

Good Luck,

James

PS - for the record I wholeheartedly disagree with some of what I just said, especially my comment about small market teams not being able to compete. However, I am playing "devil's advocate" since this argument could be supported for your assignment.

[1TonHumanHamsterWheel]

Even though we don't need any more expansion, might I suggest Las Vegas and Indianapolis? DC (Northern VA) may also work as well.

[Luvtino]

You know my vote!!

[lbyankychk]

Las Vegas wouldn't have the interest as much I don't think because of the gambling. I don't think it would anyway. Indy is too small......known for one thing and that is the Indy speedway. They couldn't care less about MLB because they have their lil AAA team and Cincy and Chicago up the street and down the street. (Though they do have a Hard Rock Cafe which shocked me)

I'm considering Charlotte. New Orleans has an average population and I think they would support it, San Antonio I was told wouldn't, DC would be a good choice for a National League team, that would bring in not only the population from DC, VA, WVA, MD and DE but the Baltimore crowd would see different teams than the American league. Nashville wouldn't be bad because having talked to people in KY, TN, MS and AL they say they are forced to be Braves fans because that is the closest team to them. As for Charlotte, perhaps this growing lil city has what it takes. I do know they LOVE their minor league ball there. I think it could be successful. What do you guys think? Ugh, I'm stressed already.

[lbyankychk]

Stick Michael: good points to argue, but I'm not a very good arguer. I tend to back down even if I don't want to just to shut people up. That guy would rip me up. Besides, I don't know if I could say all that in 7-10 pages. I would have to use the word "very" a lot. Thanks for the suggestion though!

[CJM]

I think its ridiculous that the nation's capital doesn't have a baseball team.

[NetShrine.com]

Originally posted by lbyankychk
Thanks, netshrine......I thought about the Carolinas. Charlotte would be a good choice! i'll have to do some research on that city to see about it. Thanks for your help!

No problem - good luck! - - try a site like Baseball America too - - look for attendance records from last year for minor league teams - - a city with a AA or AAA team now, that draws very well, could be a good argument for a big league team.

Personally, I would love to see NJ get a team - - of all states without ateam, NJ has sent the most players to the big leagues.

Of states with teams, Minny has sent the least players to the bigs.

Move the Twins to NJ!

[Ct.Fan]

[Originally posted by lbyankychk
Thanks, netshrine......I thought about the Carolinas. Charlotte would be a good choice! i'll have to do some research on that city to see about it. Thanks for your help!

I'd be suprised if Charlotte could handle a team. Their NBA franchise is in disarray and looking to move to Memphis. The team wanted a downtown stadium and I think the people of Charlotte rejected that idea. There was also a vote on a stadium in the Greensboro, Winston-Salem area that was rejected when the Twins were threatening to move.

[Bub]

I'd concentrate on 2 areas: fan support and TV contracts. If you can find a place that will draw a good crowd for every game, even if the team is struggling, plus a tv/cable deal to carry all the games, you can then work out the other potential problems like access, parking etc. because the money will be there to solve them. It doesn't matter how nice the area is or how great the stadium is; if nobody's watching, the team will fold. That being said, I'd try..........Clifton Park, New York......I'll buy the first season ticket.

[Nome]

I cannot think of any city that could support major league baseball (due to today's mega economics of running a franchise) for more than a few years.

We need expansion like we need a hole in the head.

I personally would handle that assignment by getting into franchise economics and the probability of a city supporting a franchise and end up by suggesting cities that need to have their franchises revoked (negative expansion)

In a lighter thought - Tokyo, Mexico City, Havana, Anchorage, Nome, and Honolulu would be interesting additions - except travel expenses and logistics would preclude any of these sites.

[nicky_d]

Originally posted by patrick.o
Also Mexico City, Puerto Rico, and The Dominican Republic.

Although one cannot doubt the enthusiasm for baseball in these locations, I wonder about the economics. Taking 2 kids to the ballpark in the USA runs into a nice bit of change. Can these locations support a franchise considering the prices that would have to be charged to make the team competitive with the rest of MLB?

[koko]

DC!!!

[ClayBelle]

I'd say Charolotte off of your proposed list. What about the Raleigh-Durham area in NC? That seems to be a rapid growth area and they do have a minor league team there.

[patoo]

When I read your post I was thinking Memphis, and then I saw it was one you were thinking about.
Memphis has supported a minor league team for years and recently has built a nice new stadium.
Access is good and there are other interesting things to do there. (Elvis, Beale Street, the river, Mud Island)
The area is coming alive to sports and also looking for a basketball team. The Titans are in Nashville, but played some in Memphis before their stadium was built, and the area responded.
It would be another central america team with a large draw from Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi,and Kentucky, areas that don't have a major league team now.
Wow!!. I'm about ready to go and talk to the city fathers about it now!!..

[penguin4]

Washington, Washington!!
We need a third incarnation of the Senators!

[NetShrine.com]

Looking at this data:

2000 Top 25 Minor League Clubs In Attendance

1. Sacramento River Cats 861,808
2. Memphis Redbirds 859,851
3. Louisville RiverBats 685,863
4. Buffalo Bisons 667,540
5. Indianapolis Indians 655,073
6. Saltillo Sarape Makers 590,250
7. Pawtucket Red Sox 585,107
8. Dayton Dragons 581,853
9. Salt Lake Buzz 511,423
10. Yucatan Lions 491,132
11. Iowa Cubs 483,176
12. Akron Aeros 481,060
13. Norfolk Tides 479,741
14. Durham Bulls 475,363
15. Kane County Cougars 470,906
16. Rochester Red Wings 459,494
17. Columbus Clippers 458,806
18. Scranton/WB Red Barons 458,584
19. Reading Phillies 452,343
20. Richmond Braves 451,479
21. Monterrey Sultans 445,760
22. New Orleans Zephyrs 443,526
23. West Michigan Whitecaps 436,751
24. Lansing Lugnuts 416,332
25. Oklahoma RedHawks 416,196

Looks like Memphis has some potential...........

[NetShrine.com]

Here's the complete list:

2000 Minor League Attendance/Openings
INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE CLASS AAA/OPENINGS
Louisville RiverBats 685,863 72
Buffalo Bisons 667,540 66
Indianapolis Indians 655,073 70
Pawtucket Red Sox 585,107 67
Norfolk Tides 479,741 69
Durham Bulls 475,363 69
Rochester Red Wings 459,494 67
Columbus Clippers 458,806 64
Scranton/WB Red Barons 458,584 65
Richmond Braves 451,479 65
Syracuse SkyChiefs 402,450 67
Charlotte Knights 338,928 67
Toledo Mud Hens 298,564 67
Ottawa Lynx 135,683 58
TOTAL 6,552,675 933

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE CLASS AAA/OPENINGS
Sacr. River Cats 861,808 70
Memphis Redbirds 859,851 71
Salt Lake Buzz 511,423 71
Iowa Cubs 483,176 70
New Orleans Zephyrs 443,526 70
Oklahoma RedHawks 416,196 68
Omaha Golden Spikes 413,713 68
Edmonton Trappers 359,697 63
Albuquerque Dukes 338,103 72
Las Vegas Stars 322,354 71
Fresno Grizzlies 309,147 69
Nashville Sounds 271,857 69
Tucson Sidewinders 270,832 66
Calgary Cannons 270,682 66
Tacoma Rainiers 265,702 68
Colo. Spr. Sky Sox 255,301 67
TOTAL 6,653,368 1,099

MEXICAN LEAGUE CLASS AAA/OPENINGS
Saltillo Sarape Makers 590,250 56
Yucatan Lions 491,132 60
Monterrey Sultans 445,760 59
Monclova Steelers 385,246 60
Cordoba Cafeteros 222,845 58
Tabasco Cattlemen 192,908 58
Un. Lag. Cotton Pickers 184,227 57
Oaxaca Warriors 166,167 54
Veracruz 148,708 59
Puebla Parrots 137,315 54
Reynosa Broncos 123,563 58
Mex. City Tigers 117,465 60
Mex. City Red Devils 111,086 57
Cancun Lobstermen 102,719 57
Laredo Owls 89,900 60
Campeche Pirates 79,985 53
TOTAL 3,814,131 920

EASTERN LEAGUE CLASS AA/OPENINGS
Akron Aeros 481,060 66
Reading Phillies 452,343 70
Trenton Thunder 408,262 68
Bowie Baysox 400,338 71
Portland Sea Dogs 370,702 67
Altoona Curve 333,968 66
Harrisburg Senators 250,384 66
Norwich Navigators 226,551 67
New Brit. Rock Cats 220,127 67
Erie SeaWolves 206,208 71
New Haven Ravens 185,086 65
Binghamton Mets 184,695 63
TOTAL 3,719,724 807

SOUTHERN LEAGUE CLASS AA/OPENINGS
Birmingham Barons 321,307 69
West Tenn Diamond Jaxx 303,355 68
Chattanooga Lookouts 290,165 68
Mobile BayBears 261,496 70
Tennessee Smokies 256,141 67
Carolina Mudcats 252,713 63
Huntsville Stars 238,930 67
Jacksonville Suns 221,221 69
Greenville Braves 217,558 65
Orlando Rays 61,960 64
TOTAL 2,424,846 670

TEXAS LEAGUE CLASS AA/OPENINGS
Round Rock Express 660,110 70
Tulsa Drillers 334,207 69
San Antonio Missions 325,137 68
El Paso Diablos 289,856 68
Arkansas Travelers 197,125 61
Midland RockHounds 170,545 70
Wichita Wranglers 165,352 66
Shreveport Captains 125,575 65
TOTAL 2,267,907 537

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE CLASS A/OPENINGS
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 312,333 70
Lake Elsinore Storm 238,201 69
Lancaster JetHawks 191,319 69
San Bernardino Stampede 165,113 70
Modesto A’s 144,049 68
High Desert Mavericks 137,464 70
San Jose Giants 136,472 70
Bakersfield Blaze 96,538 70
Mudville Nine 66,420 66
Visalia Oaks 61,879 68
TOTAL 1,549,788 690

CAROLINA LEAGUE CLASS A/OPENINGS
Wilmington Blue Rocks 324,019 66
Frederick Keys 310,753 65
Myrtle Beach Pelicans 234,019 65
Salem Avalanche 200,863 65
Potomac Cannons 167,988 63
Winston-Salem Warthogs 151,930 67
Kinston Indians 112,084 65
Lynchburg Hillcats 109,599 64
TOTAL 1,611,255 520

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE CLASS A/OPENINGS
Brevard County Manatees 130,950 68
Fort Myers Miracle 116,041 67
Jupiter Hammerheads 98,781 69
Tampa Yankees 97,839 66
Clearwater Phillies 83,895 67
Daytona Cubs 70,042 65
St. Petersburg Devil Rays 61,962 61
St. Lucie Mets 61,481 66
Vero Beach Dodgers 59,550 64
Sarasota Red Sox 47,491 66
Charlotte Rangers 36,317 63
Dunedin Blue Jays 35,184 67
Kissimmee Cobras 29,650 62
Lakeland Tigers 23,937 59
TOTAL 953,120 910

MIDWEST LEAGUE CLASS A/OPENINGS
Dayton Dragons 581,853 69
Kane County Cougars 470,906 63
West Michigan Whitecaps 436,751 66
Lansing Lugnuts 416,332 63
Fort Wayne Wizards 252,605 69
Wisc. Timber Rattlers 215,612 65
South Bend Silver Hawks 194,652 61
Peoria Chiefs 150,439 67
Quad City River Bandits 138,394 67
Cedar Rapids Kernels 129,652 66
Michigan Battle Cats 86,297 60
Clinton LumberKings 69,242 60
Beloit Snappers 69,199 56
Burlington Bees 56,539 63
TOTAL 3,268,473 895

SOUTH ATLANTIC LEAGUE CLASS A/OPENINGS
Delmarva Shorebirds 264,924 63
Char. (SC) RiverDogs 240,069 71
Hickory Crawdads 187,222 70
Asheville Tourists 162,395 67
Augusta GreenJackets 136,060 65
Savannah Sand Gnats 135,351 67
Greensboro Bats 131,605 61
Macon Braves 127,470 69
Piedmont Boll Weevils 119,234 65
Columbus RedStixx 115,004 63
Capital City Bombers 108,852 60
Hagerstown Suns 102,433 64
Char. (WV) Alley Cats 91,437 63
Cape Fear Crocs 32,641 61
TOTAL 1,954,697 909

N. Y.-PENN LEAGUE SHORT-A/OPENINGS
Mah. Valley Scrappers 206,287 38
Lowell Spinners 180,000 36
Hudson Valley Renegades 155,621 36
New Jersey Cardinals 128,252 38
Vermont Expos 122,863 37
Staten Island Yankees 102,897 34
Wm'port Crosscutters 67,220 38
Pittsfield Mets 63,679 34
Jamestown Jammers 60,883 35
Utica Blue Sox 54,029 34
Auburn Doubledays 53,075 37
Oneonta Tigers 50,608 33
Batavia Muckdogs 38,663 37
Queens Kings 38,662 38
TOTAL 1,322,739 505

NORTHWEST LEAGUE SHORT-A/OPENINGS
Spokane Indians 188,774 38
Portland Rockies 161,446 38
Eugene Emeralds 139,790 38
Boise Hawks 133,715 38
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 125,409 37
Everett AquaSox 114,024 38
Vancouver Canadians 109,576 36
Yakima Bears 68,905 38
TOTAL 1,041,639 301

APPALACHIAN LEAGUE ROOKIE/OPENINGS
Burlington Indians 43,014 32
Martinsville Astros 40,533 32
Princeton Devil Rays 33,215 30
Bluefield Orioles 28,579 28
Kingsport Mets 27,174 31
Danville Braves 25,721 33
Johnson City Cardinals 23,324 31
Pulaski Rangers 20,508 29
Bristol White Sox 18,671 28
Elizabethton Twins 15,692 29
TOTAL 276,431 303

PIONEER LEAGUE ROOKIE/OPENINGS
Ogden Raptors 99,812 37
Billings Mustangs 92,669 38
Great Falls Dodgers 81,266 36
Idaho Falls Braves 64,845 37
Missoula Osprey 53,116 38
Medicine Hat Blue Jays 27,133 38
Butte Copper Kings 21,975 36
Helena Brewers 21,065 37
TOTAL 461,881 297

2000 Regular Season Total:
37,647,819 (10,296 OPENINGS)

[lbyankychk]

So you guys think DC is my best bet? I don't think there needs to be any more expansion either, but it's my assignment and I have to do well because my professor is by far not a Yankees fan and I already got a look when he asked if I liked the yankees. I may be doomed regardless. But that is ok, no class is worth losing my Yankee spirit!

Seriously, DC would probably be my best bet but I can't remember why the Senators left there in the first place. I guess I should research that first. It would be easier for me to name a team there than in Charlotte anyway. Memphis wouldn't be bad either. Ugh, I don't know.

[lbyankychk]

Wow, netshrine! Thank you sooo much for your help! Saves me the trouble of finding my Baseball America directory, I've lost it! You are great, I appreciate it!

So then Memphis, DC, or.....?

Like I said, i don't think Indy would work. Louisville is a growing lil city but I don't know if they would have the economic backing for it, not to mention attendance. I think these two are mainly focused on car racing.

[XZavirer]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Jersey. They're always talking about stealing the Yankees. And they already have both of our football teams.

[NetShrine.com]

Originally posted by lbyankychk
Wow, netshrine! Thank you sooo much for your help!

No biggie - got it from www.minorleaguebaseball.com

[NetShrine.com]

Originally posted by XZavirer
I'm surprised no one mentioned Jersey.

I did - in this thread on 03-28-01 06:13 AM

[seahorse]

Havana. :bad-ass:

[Eddie160]

if I where planning an expantion team or moving a team I would move it to the D.C. area because of the population as well as the location.

[patrick.o]

Originally posted by nicky_d


Although one cannot doubt the enthusiasm for baseball in these locations, I wonder about the economics. Taking 2 kids to the ballpark in the USA runs into a nice bit of change. Can these locations support a franchise considering the prices that would have to be charged to make the team competitive with the rest of MLB?

Good point nicky_d. While those places are hotbeds of baseball enthusiasm, financially they make US "small markets" look guadily wealthy.

(I think I just made up guadily )

[JeanC]

Irvine, California??!!! Nah too close to the Angels!
But it is covered by 2 freeways and two tollroad freeways so that would makie a great location if it werent 10 miles from
Edison Field!!!

Hey I know another Location!

Evansville, Indiana ! Dont know about roads but I know its covered by an Interstate!

I always thought that Indiana deserved a Major league team!
I mean heres a State that you have to drive to Chicago or to Kansas City or to Cleveland/Cinnananti Ohio to see a baseball game in! Why not somewhere in Indiana???!!
I think they have a minor league in Indianapolis!


But another great reason would be its Donnie Baseball's HomeTown!!!!!

Well I know errors could be found for both but you asked so I suggested!!!!!

[lbyankychk]

Jean C, thank you for your suggestions! I appreciate them! And to everyone else as well. I still haven't decided. I need to read more about why the Senators left in the first place EACH TIME before looking too deep into DC.....the minor league info really helped. I'm thinking about Memphis as well. I'm not sure. This is a hard assignment!