New Gopher baseball stadium thread [Archive] - GopherHole Message Board Community

GopherInWI

11-24-2008, 03:15 PM

I thought I remembered hearing that the target date was for construction to last two years. I'm hoping that they get going on it quickly, and hopefully have it ready to go for the 2010 season.

I'd really love to see some movement on this, but I think while they're waiting to finish up funding the football stadium, this isn't getting attention. I'd love to see someone step forward with a big donation to make a big push for it, when compared to the football stadium, the cost is peanuts...granted the attention paid is much less as well.

Hopefully we'll see drawing soon, or at the very least by next fall. The longer nothing happens, the worse I feel for the future of Gophers baseball.

goldfan24

11-24-2008, 04:17 PM

I heard that the new baseball stadium was going to be ready for the 2011 season. I remember reading several years ago that Anderson said money would be no problem with all the alumni that are current or former major league players contributing. I believe 2009 will be the final year the Gophers will play at Siebert the way it looks now. I would guess they play all their games at the HHH in 2010 while the new stadium gets completed. I can't wait to see a real stadium instead of the dump that Siebert is now. The new field will have a lower elevation also with a larger playing surface. 2500-3500 permanent seats also.

JohnnyGopher

11-24-2008, 10:41 PM

Goldengopher

11-25-2008, 12:31 PM

could they combine a baseball stadium and a new basketball practice facility together to save money?

mnboiler

12-06-2008, 11:26 PM

while that seems like a great idea to save money i think they are just 2 different of items to make is possible. they really have nothing in common and wouldn't be easly done. with a baseball field you are looking at a large open area but with a practice facility you are looking at a decent sized building. they just wouldnt fit together. although you could come up with some cool ideas on how to use a office building as an outfield fence.

biggieb45

01-09-2009, 02:19 PM

Per PP

The Gophers are preparing for their official fund-raising kickoff for a new baseball stadium. They will need $7.5 million before they can put the first shovel in the ground on the Siebert Field site.

http://www.twincities.com/ci_11410932

TheDinkytowner

01-10-2009, 02:45 PM

I saw some drawings a few years ago that we're unbelievable, but I'm not sure if those are still an option. They we're based on building the stadium on a new, bigger area of land, not on the current Siebert land. One thing that has been talked about is doing the stadium in phases. Undfortunately, with the economy I don't think the new stadium will be top of the line like anderson had hoped it would be, at least not right away. Back when he had money lined, we had Molitor, Steinbach, Winfield, Greg Olsen, Neagle still playing and making big money. Even Jack Morris was on board. Now it's Quinlan and Hananhan as the established major leaguers and they aren't in the big money. Have heard that Joe Mauer is interested in helping out and maybe naming something for his Grandpa.

Don't forget Glen Perkins will hit the $ in a couple years and Dan Wilson recently retired after a long career. I think there's enough local star power to hold some nice fundraising events that could bring in big bucks. How much does Twinsfest pull in every year? In other news, Becky is still the only Big 10 school with no baseball team. LOL!

biggieb45

01-10-2009, 10:41 PM

In other news, Becky is still the only Big 10 school with no baseball team. LOL!

Really?? I didn't know that. I guess you learn something new every day (even between semesters :) ) I hate talking about the female dogs to the east in a Gopher baseball thread, but why don't they have a baseball team?

maroonfive

01-10-2009, 10:56 PM

is brick to match the other sporting venues.
How about the Pohlad family donating money to Siebert Field and Glen Taylor donating money for a basketball facility.

Go Gophers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TheDinkytowner

01-11-2009, 04:01 PM

Really?? I didn't know that. I guess you learn something new every day (even between semesters :) ) I hate talking about the female dogs to the east in a Gopher baseball thread, but why don't they have a baseball team?

I don't know exactly, but I think Barry Alvarez pushed to get rid of it (along with a few other sports?) when he got there in the early 90's. Becky sports had sucked for a long time and I think he wanted to pump more money into the football and basketball programs.

mnboiler

01-11-2009, 07:22 PM

There could also be some Title 9 issues in that equation too.

sconniegopher

01-17-2009, 06:30 PM

Barry Alvarez wants baseball in Wisconsin. He had nothing to do with it leaving, and he's researched ways to get it back. It was strictly a Title IX decision made by an irresponsible chancellor in Madison in the early 90's. It's pretty sad, really. But Alvarez just may get it back. Wisconsin high school baseball players are robbed of a chance so they can field a women's rowing team, but I don't know of one high school in Wisconsin that has women's or men's rowing.

maroonfive

01-17-2009, 08:13 PM

but if they do we can continue our domination over them.

Go Gophers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jike Spingleton

01-17-2009, 10:39 PM

I doubt if Becky will get baseball back

Oregon is fielding a baseball team next month for the first time in 27 years. It can be done...especially if you have Phil Knight bankrolling the athletic department.

Personally, I'm more interested in seeing if a club hockey team decides to step up should the WCHA decide to add two more teams (Bemidji State and ???). I want to see Penn State in big-time hockey.

biggieb45

02-01-2009, 03:25 PM

Small update from Sid on Jan 29th

As for a new Gophers baseball stadium, all the paperwork is done and the administration has given it the OK. All that is needed now is to raise the money.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/38577697.html?elr=KArksUUUU

Come on former players, lets start giving some money! We know the baseball team needs and deserves first rate facilities.

GopherInWI

02-01-2009, 04:14 PM

It'd be so nice to see a the baseball stadium getting closer, I'd love it if they'd release drawing of it soon!

TheDinkytowner

02-01-2009, 04:25 PM

Come on former players, lets start giving some money! We know the baseball team needs and deserves first rate facilities.

Quinlan just signed a 1-year, $1 million deal with the Angels for next year. Not huge, but more than Perkins is making right now.

Goldy74s

02-03-2009, 02:39 PM

sconniegopher

02-03-2009, 10:50 PM

So you think their being forced to cut baseball because of Title IX was fair?

Anyways, I coach high school baseball in Wisconsin. So I know a bit about the buzz. Alvarez would like to bring it back. I'm sure he'd welcome your suggestions.

Goldy74s

02-04-2009, 01:34 PM

Title IX is the law of the land. Fair has nothing to do with it:

"Men must support women under all cases."

Nothing complicated about that.;)

No I want baseball at Wisconsin? No.

sconniegopher

02-04-2009, 06:06 PM

Why wouldn't you want Wisconsin to have a baseball team?

biggieb45

02-05-2009, 12:20 AM

Why wouldn't you want Wisconsin to have a baseball team?

Cuz I don't give two sh!ts about Wisconsin and I find it semi-amusing that they don't have a baseball team ;) Sucks for WI high school baseball players though.

Goldy74s

02-05-2009, 08:02 PM

Why wouldn't you want Wisconsin to have a baseball team?

We have the best chance to get their players. Imagine if the U dropped football.

Goldmember

02-06-2009, 04:15 PM

I am not a fan of the current Siebert Field location. I would really like to see the new stadium built at the (new) intersection of Oak & 6th (across from Mariucci Arena); or, depending on how Granary Road is built, next to the softball stadium.

There is a lot of potential for raising the profile of Gopher baseball in this community, especially since the new Twins stadium is pricing a lot of families out of the market. But the current Siebert Field site is unlikely to catch on. I talk to a lot of people who have been to Mariucci but are surprised to find out that Minnesota has a baseball team. The next question is always ... well, where do they play?

Did you ever think about how hard it is to explain to someone where Siebert Field is?

re3886

02-24-2009, 04:34 PM

Behind the Football facility? It has a physical address, and even named streets by it. 16th ave SE and SE 8th St.

Goldmember

02-25-2009, 01:51 PM

True. It does have a physical adress. But that pysical adress is to a road that is an unpaved, industrial dead-end ROW. And 16th Ave. SE is not a road. It is an abandoned ROW that is now a private parking lot (which, by the way, is not available for Gopher baseball spectator parking).

And the football facility? Now there's a landmark all Minnesotans are familiar with! I'm sure most people find themselves there on a weekly basis.

Maybe you were joing. I really couldn't tell.

MrGopher

03-03-2009, 04:37 PM

You know what? I kind of like the idea of moving it to the lot across 5th street from Mariucci (lot 37). More people would remember we had a baseball team if they could see the ballpark. The location of Siebert is not a good one for advertising the presence of a University ballclub.

The only negative would be that this lot is very popular one for people attending hockey and basketball games (and of course eventually football), and losing it would be unfortunate for the parking situation.

mnboiler

03-03-2009, 05:21 PM

That is a really good place to put the Gopher Baseball Stadium but with TCF and the need for parking they will never do it. Not that the parking isn't needed but, American's have gotten the idea that they all should be able to park at the front door then walk 5 feet to there seat and be game side with food delievered to their seat. I'm sorry not everyone will be able to park next to the front door but you may have to walk a little ways and as a bonus you will become healthlier. It is one of the things that really makes me mad about American sense of entitlement.

GoGophers2005

03-06-2009, 08:25 AM

TCF Bank STadium will help raise the profile of all on campus sports, regardless where they end up putting the baseball stadium. Getting 50,000 fans on campus will open a lot of eyes.

JohnnyGopher

03-12-2009, 06:36 PM

Wisconsin getting baseball back would hurt the Gophers as we do really well recruiting the western part of the state.

pharmacygopher

04-07-2009, 10:11 AM

Latest update from Sid

Bill Smith was standing on the Metrodome infield Sunday while the Gophers baseball team was preparing to play Ohio State. "If the Metrodome is knocked down, the program that will be hurt the most will be the Gopher baseball program that has been helped a lot because of the chance to play and practice inside," he said. Fundraising has started for the new Gophers baseball stadium, which could be up within 2 1/2 years. But it won't be inside. ...

JohnnyGopher

04-07-2009, 05:44 PM

The Dome is a nice luxery to have but keep in mind that the Gophers won there three national titles and all five of there trips to the College World Series we're made before the dome ever existed, we haven't been back to Omaha since the Dome opened. Now I know college baseball has changed since then and the NCAA tournament format has changed which hurts northern teams but it's not like the Dome has led us to some great advantage. The biggest thing that would hurt is the DQ classic, as I just can't see top teams coming up here to play outside.

GopherInWI

08-23-2009, 10:25 PM

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_13000624?nclick_check=1

Now that the University of Minnesota has completed its requirement of privately raising $86 million for its TCF Bank Stadium, it's looking for an elite gift to begin a $15 million private fundraising drive to replace the Gophers' Siebert Field for baseball.

A best-case scenario would be to break ground next June. Plans are for construction in two phases. The first would be the playing surface, which would be lowered from its current site. The second phase would include indoor batting cages and a training room.

Cool to see movement, but I'm a little bothered that the phases listed here don't mention something about bleachers. Any idea what phase that would come in? The first, I'm hoping.

sec105

09-02-2009, 04:42 PM

JohnnyGopher

09-02-2009, 06:47 PM

thanks for sharing, I guess all of us who post on here about baseball, and quite often during the season, are just wasting our time, thanks for helping us see the light.

sec105

09-03-2009, 05:05 PM

Hey..it's just my opinion Johnny Gopher..it doesn't mean I'm right. Maybe you can convince me why we need to spend millions of dollars on a sport that is not able to pay it's way.

I love womens vollyeball. I attend most every match. I can somehow justify it's expense by the argument that the women need the same "opportunities" as the men do and should have them even oif the income does not cover the cost. I can't use that argument in baseball.

I did come on a little strong when I said it is a TOTAL WASTE. But I do not know how to justify the cost. Why should a young man get a partial scholaship to attend the U simply because he can play baseball well. Basketball or football I can understand because it is revenue generating and pays it's own way. Baseball is not so why should the baseball player get a scholarship when the water polo player does not. That's really the argument that I cannot refute to my non sports loving friends.

Maybe the Football and the Basketball cover the cost of these other non revenue sports so there is no out of pocket cost to the general public but if they didn't have tpo carry that burden the costs to the interested public would potentially be more reasonable than the $30.00 per game for basketball (a number that I understabnd will be going up significantly next year).

So if it's not a TOTAL WASTE then it's at least hard to justify. Again JMO

maroonfive

09-03-2009, 09:20 PM

Most of the money is from private money. I can say from your posts that you are a waste of my time.

Go Gophers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

youngstowngopher

09-04-2009, 07:58 AM

When I go to Ohio State to see Gophers Hoops I walk past Bill Davis Stadium (basketball parking lot is across the street from it), that stadium is beautiful and I'm hoping the Gophers are trying to get something done like that...because Coach Anderson certainly deserves nothing but the best facility they can possibly build.

GopherInWI

09-06-2009, 04:48 PM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/56799772.html?page=2&c=y

Gophers baseball coach John Anderson said arrangements have been made with Metrodome management to play the team's entire 2010 schedule in the Dome. No games will be played at Siebert Field, and the hope is that ground will be broken there soon for a new college baseball stadium.

I don't love the idea of playing the whole season in the dome, but if that's what it takes to get the Gophers into a new baseball stadium, so be it.

Bronko Nagurski Gopher

09-06-2009, 11:41 PM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/56799772.html?page=2&c=y

I don't love the idea of playing the whole season in the dome, but if that's what it takes to get the Gophers into a new baseball stadium, so be it.

agreed. not crazy about watching college baseball or any baseball for that matter in a dome, but if that is what it takes to get it done sooner rather than later then so be it. man, what opening target field will do to a guy! ;)

also, i know that sid is quoting john anderson directly in his article, but considering it is a quote from good ole' sidney i will still take it with a "grain of salt." hope is quote his correct, but we have seen these types of things before from sid.

example: a few months back sid blowing his load early and claiming the minnesota vs. texas home-and-home football series was all but a done deal even though it wasn't.....although i am still holding out hope for that series to come to fruition.

GopherInWI

09-07-2009, 12:50 AM

Very true, BNG, but I think that's where the 'hope' part comes into play. They're set to play in the dome all year, but how strong hope is...is that wishing, or is it just debating on how soon the construction gets underway.

pharmacygopher

01-07-2010, 02:09 PM

Latest update from Sid. Looks like the Pohlad family might come through.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/80866397.html?page=2&c=y

Help for U baseball

Quite some time ago, there was a story in our newspaper about how Siebert Field was falling apart, how it was dangerous for people to sit in the stands and how badly the Gophers needed a new baseball stadium.

Carl Pohlad was having dinner at the Metrodome, and he asked me if it's true the stadium was in that bad of shape.

I asked him if he would consider contributing to the building of a new stadium. He didn't say yes or no. But he did say, "Why don't you have those people talk to me."

I don't know if the university ever approached the late Mr. Pohlad. However, the university recently did approach his son Jim Pohlad, who now runs the Twins after his father's death last year.

Now the word is that the Pohlads will make it possible to build that Gophers baseball stadium by being a major contributor of between $3 million and $4 million. The Pohlad name will not be on the stadium, and I'm sure they will try to keep it quiet, like they do when they contribute to a lot of charities.

There always have been some smaller contributions to a Gophers stadium, but now that the Pohlads have come through, look for the stadium to finally be on its way.

This year, the Gophers will play all of their games in the Metrodome because of the bad conditions of Siebert Field. And they will probably continue to play in the Dome until it is torn down for a new Vikings stadium and then play in Target Field until the new Siebert Field is built.

gophersfan

01-10-2010, 01:18 PM

I just check the Gophers baseball schedule and they are schedule to play march 27 vs Louisiana Tech at Target Field.

is that correct.

mnboiler

01-10-2010, 03:10 PM

GopherInWI

01-10-2010, 07:46 PM

Does anyone know where the new ballpark will be located? Is it going to be in roughly the same area as the current one-because that is a terrible location. Its tucked back in there nobody knows where it is, bad parking, not alot of extra space to do something "creative" or signature.

Could it be build across from Mariucci on the north side of 5th street by the Lion Research Building. I know there is a parking lot there and the parking is most likely needed for football but people can walk. You could open up the fielding looking at Mariucci and into TCF. It would be great.

I think at one point they were looking north of Mariucci, but it's now set up to be the same spot...I'd love to see a bridge over the railroad track between parking and the stadium to 1) Give parking for Gopher baseball (and softball and track) as well as open another area for game day stuff for football.

HHH_Gopher

01-20-2010, 09:33 AM

I heard Maturi on CCO with Mike Max last night and they discussed the stadium. They have predesign completed and are actively raising funds. Goal is to break ground next spring with phase I (field, stands, press box). I imagine that would be a 1 year construction schedule. Phase II would be team facilities (indoor hitting facility, clubhouse, etc). Sounds like thing will finally happen.

mnboiler

01-20-2010, 05:10 PM

First of all the 2 Phase idea is great. Get the basics built. Thats really important. Then worry about the extra previously list and other cool stuff. Now if they just put it in a decent location.

Jessica Alba Fan Club

02-03-2010, 10:05 AM

Glad to see progress with this. If anyone deserved a new field it was John Anderson and the Gopher baseball program (aka the most winning program at the U) glad to see this is going to get done. Any images or sketches of the new field yet?

cfield23

02-03-2010, 11:49 PM

I just check the Gophers baseball schedule and they are schedule to play march 27 vs Louisiana Tech at Target Field.

is that correct.

yes! that's 100% correct!

Gopherphile

03-19-2010, 12:17 PM

Building a "New Gopher baseball Stadium" would be a TOTAL waste of money. Why not build a new Wrestling Arena or a new Water Polo venue. The only people who care about Gopher baseball are the Gopher baseball players and their family and friends. It would make as much sense as building a new "Rowing" facility...oh wait they did that. A total waste. If a sport can cover it's costs then build them an arena or a stadium ... if it can't they should make do with what they have.

for the record, i'm a huge baseball fan in general and love the gophers program. perhaps there aren't a lot of us, but if the team played in a nicer venue and produced a few more big leaguers, their profile would likely rise significantly.

Jike Spingleton

07-22-2010, 09:51 AM

Nothing really new, but the optimism continues:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/98979824.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:a UU

mnboiler

08-19-2010, 02:07 PM

Does anyone know how the fundraising is going for the new baseball field? How close are they to the $7.5 million they need. Because I would think that the Paul Molitar Batting Cages has a nice ring to it, along with the Dave Winfield Club House, also with the Terry Steinbach Weight Room, hell even the Glen Perkins Bullpen.

Gopherhurrin

08-20-2010, 10:38 AM

I know people mean no harm, but professional athletes have a very small number of years to earn a lifetime of money that will have to finance an income stream over many decades. In short, fans think these guys are richer than what they are. It takes a lot of after tax income to produce a stream of $100,000 a year incomes. My point is that not too many of these guys have millions to throw around.

gold04

08-21-2010, 08:50 AM

I think people don't realize how little money some professional athletes have. They live high on the hog and when they are finished, there is no money left.

mnboiler

08-21-2010, 10:06 AM

I think people don't realize how little money some professional athletes have. They live high on the hog and when they are finished, there is no money left.

How come I have a hard time seeing Paul Molitar, Dave Winfileld, or Terry Steinbach living "high on the hog" while they were playing. Both of you are right athletes have to find a way to make there money last for the rest of there lives, or find new income streams, but I don't see any of those three spending $50,000 at a strip club on Saturday night, ala Pacman Jones.

With all that said I'm not expecting those three to donate a couple million a piece but if you can get half a million between those three it would certainly go along way, along with have some great names on important parts of the ballpark.

mnboiler

11-13-2010, 06:51 PM

I just saw that Paul Molitar was named the Chairmen of the campaign to raise money to restore Siebert Field. If nothing else he is going to be able to go be able to bring credibility and publicity to the campaign, which is needed for a lower profile sport like baseball.

pharmacygopher

02-04-2011, 07:02 PM

Sounds like 4 million has been raised so far. Need to get to at least 7.5M though.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/115235964.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc :aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

GILBball

02-04-2011, 10:10 PM

At least 500 people at the "Bottom of the 9th" fundraiser tonight. Good odds that some significant dough was raised before the night ended.

Glass-at-50%-guy

02-08-2011, 09:44 PM

I attended the Bottom of the Ninth event at TCF Club Room on Friday. Great night, surely raised more money, but Coach Anderson admitted that we will need another seven-figure gift to make it happen. He sounded optimistic and enthusiastic.

#2Gopher

02-09-2011, 08:01 PM

As I understand it, the fundraiser last Friday night brought in only about $200,000. Not sure who was there, but I was hoping for a couple three guys to say that they will donate $3 $4 million either from them or a group effort from their friends. I was also hoping that Joe Mauer was going to step up a bit. While he turned the U down in the past (to attend college) and really has no connection to Florida, I was hoping that since Minnesota has treated him well growing up as well as professionally, he would give a generous gift. Time will tell.

pharmacygopher

02-19-2011, 11:37 AM

Not really a stadium update, but rather a location update. Looks like the Gophers will be playing Big Ten games at Target Field, yay!

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110218&content_id=16676474&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min

Glass-at-50%-guy

04-03-2011, 10:35 PM

Charley Walters reporting today in the Pioneer Press that another 500k gift has been received to bring the total raised to 5M. Two-thirds of the way toward breaking ground.

pharmacygopher

07-17-2011, 10:53 AM

Small tid-bit from Sid today

The fundraising for a new U baseball stadium is stuck at $5.5 million, with $2 million more needed to start building.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/125691368.html?page=all&prepage=2&c=y#continue

Glass-at-50%-guy

08-15-2011, 02:10 PM

Tid-bit from Charley Walters PP on 8-11-11: http://www.twincities.com/walters/ci_18657382

Hall of famer Paul Molitor, who gave a stirring motivational speech at the RBI Inner Cities baseball banquet Tuesday in Bloomington, also appeared at his alma mater Gophers' fundraiser golf tournament at Willingers the same day. Molitor, who heads the Gophers' stadium fundraising effort that is up to $5.5 million, said more donors are preparing to help.

I also read in the mndaily and ballpark digest several weeks ago, that the University needs $7M to start construction. So, maybe another $1.5M is needed instead of $2.0M. Either way, we need to get this last chunk gathered to make it happen.

Glass-at-50%-guy

09-18-2011, 04:49 PM

Well, Sid Hartman continues to be remarkably negative after 60-some years of optimism. By my count, this puts us at $5.9 million, or $1.6 million short (Sid doesn't include the math below). Still a couple more major donors required.

From his column last week:
About $400,000 more has been raised to build a new Gophers baseball stadium, but that amount is far from the $7.5 million needed to start work on the current site of Siebert Field.

Go4

09-18-2011, 05:39 PM

sid is always telling other people they should contribute to the stadium. well even after sid lost a bit in Madoff ponzi scheme, he still has enough to put the u over the top for the stadium and it wouldn't impact his overall wealth that much.

Glass-at-50%-guy

10-20-2011, 12:58 PM

A piece from Sid's column last week is below. No news, other than that efforts are still going strong, and confirmation of what we already knew; need another 1.5M. Would love to see another game or two at Target Field this year, sounds like the schedule has us at the Dome for all our home games, of which there are 39!

Good news on U baseball field
There is encouraging news over fundraising for a Gophers baseball field, with $6 million of the $7.5 million needed to start construction raised.

Former Gophers star Paul Molitor has been heading fundraising efforts for nearly a year. The Baseball Hall of Famer has been talking to fellow Cretin-Derham Hall product Joe Mauer about becoming a possible donor. The Mortenson Construction Co. that would build the stadium is another possibility. And Dick Ames, the big contractor and one of the biggest Gophers donors around, could contribute by doing some of the digging for the project.

Meanwhile, in the 2012 season, the Gophers are scheduled to play 39 of their 55 games at the Metrodome with 16 games on the road. That's after they couldn't play any games at the Metrodome earlier this year because of the roof collapse.

Yanktongopher

11-02-2011, 10:02 AM

Glass Guy, Have you seen a schedule for 2012. I've been checking and still unable to find it.

LesBolstad

11-02-2011, 03:12 PM

Can anyone confirm Winfield insisted upon receiving 10K in travel "expenses" to attend a fundraiser at TCF Stadium?

I'm hearing he asked Coach Anderson is he should mention in a short speech how much he will be contributing; Anderson asked himhow much?; Winfield replied "15K"; Anderson said "I'd keep that to yourself".

So a net 5K from Winfield? WOW.

BoogeyMan

11-04-2011, 03:24 PM

I was at the fundraiser you mentioned above and I have no idea if that conversation ever took place, but it wouldn't surprise me. I have heard for years that Winfield was a jerk, but somewhat refused to believe, one I know his brother Steve and he is a wonderful person and secondly because I loved watching him play, but his speech at the event confirmed the rumors. His entire speech focused on the fact that he was awesome, at baseball at basketball, how he would have been good at football. It was one of the worst speeches I have ever heard. It was very disapointing and if that conversation mentioned above really happen, I wish the Gopher Baseball team would just cut ties with him.

ColNathanJessup

11-16-2011, 04:11 PM

My understanding is that Winfield required a $15k speaking fee to come do the fundraiser. His "donation" was waiving half of that fee. So essentially he didn't donate anything, just charged the program $7500 instead of his normal $15k. To top it off, when he received his payment the U withheld taxes (as is required.) Winfield sent it back and demanded that they gross it up so he received the full $7500 after taxes. I'm not as confident on the conversation with Anderson, but I did hear something to that effect happened. Anderson told him to just not mention how much he was "donating."

Winfield is a grade A, money grubbing.....I'll stop there.

And I agree, his speech at the banquet was so self-serving I wanted to puke.

Molitor, on the other hand, had a really great speech. He's made his mistakes in life (as we all have) but he's gone above and beyond in helping this program it seems. He'll deserve a huge thank you when this gets done.

Glass-at-50%-guy

11-23-2011, 11:38 PM

A tidbit from Charley Walters today...

Funding for a new Gophers baseball stadium has quietly reached $7 million and is rapidly moving toward the $7.5 million required to break ground.

Don't be surprised if former Gophers pitcher Glen Perkins makes a significant stadium contribution that will be announced soon.

pharmacygopher

11-24-2011, 10:46 AM

good news!!

BleedGopher

12-07-2011, 10:14 PM

A tidbit from Shooter:

"Although more than $7 million has been privately raised for a new Gophers baseball stadium, the project still would have to be approved by the university's Board of Regents before ground could be broken next spring."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_19489180

Go Gophers!!

pharmacygopher

12-08-2011, 10:32 AM

It would be great if they break ground in the spring. I wonder what the time table would be before they could actually play? Could they be playing baseball there in 2013?

On a side note, I can't believe how long this project has taken....I started this thread 3 years ago...under a different moniker even...haha

sec105

12-09-2011, 04:43 PM

On a side note, I can't believe how long this project has taken....I started this thread 3 years ago...

JMO but I assume this project has taken this long because it is such a complete waste of money. Again that is JMO.

Gopher Gold

12-09-2011, 04:49 PM

JMO but I assume this project has taken this long because it is such a complete waste of money. Again that is JMO.

Just curious but why do you find it to be a complete waste of money?

wisconsingopher

12-13-2011, 03:47 PM

The gopher website has a new animated video up for the what the new Siebert field would look like.
http://https://www.goldengopherfund.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=883A98 13-591B-4951-BD2F-D771778D965A

Scroll down and click on "view siebert field legacy campaign video"

pharmacygopher

12-13-2011, 10:40 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tWhZaW24__M

Looks like what we need. A nice, simple ballpark. Not too extravagant, but still looks great.

FarmGopher

12-15-2011, 02:32 PM

The fans in the video sure seem excited...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tWhZaW24__M

Looks like what we need. A nice, simple ballpark. Not too extravagant, but still looks great.

Glass-at-50%-guy

12-22-2011, 05:13 PM

Charley Walters had this item below yesterday in the Pioneer Press. Nice to see Perkins is donating, I had heard some negative comments about him in regard to his lack of financial support. This is a small intimate ballpark, I would assume a Spring 2012 groundbreaking would mean it would be open for the 2013 season. But, I am sure we will find out, if and when $7.5 million is reached and the decision to break ground is made.

It looks like a groundbreaking for a new Gophers baseball stadium could come this spring. Private fundraising has exceeded $7 million and is moving toward the $7.5 million required to put a shovel in the ground. Among major donors is ex-Gophers pitcher Glen Perkins of the Twins.

BleedGopher

12-24-2011, 08:24 PM

Shooter: "The Gophers continue to rapidly move toward the $7.5 million in private funding needed to break ground for a new baseball stadium. Look for an architect to be hired next month."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_19615801

Go Gophers!!

Glass-at-50%-guy

12-26-2011, 10:12 AM

This is exciting for Gopher baseball. I know that the University originally envisioned a $15M project, and would build it in two phases. So, if we are closing in on the completion of fund-raising for the first phase, I bet the fundraising focus is going to shift to the basketball practice facility now (another $15M project) and the second phase of the baseball facility will take a back seat temporarily. I am sure they can continue to work on both, but when it comes to fundraising and wealthy donors, something has to take center stage. Whatever the case may be, the baseball facility has been through more ups and downs in the last ten years, it will be nice to see the first shovel go into the ground.

Glass-at-50%-guy

01-04-2012, 04:02 PM

Shooter from the Pioneer Press with another note on the architect today:

As the University of Minnesota closes in on $7.5 million required in private donations for a new on-campus baseball stadium, a bid process is about to begin for an architect. Among firms that would like to construct the ballpark is Populous, formerly known as HOK Sport, which built the Twins' Target Field, as well as the new Yankee Stadium, the Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park and the Gophers' TCF Bank Stadium. Among architects for Populous is former Gophers baseball player Logan Gerken, who worked on Target Field and TCF Bank Stadium.

Glass-at-50%-guy

01-06-2012, 05:30 PM

Sid had a quick note today in the Star Tribune, perhaps this means the 7.5M has been raised and the Board of Regents will consider this in their next meeting, but sometimes Sid gets ahead of himself (I know it's hard to imagine, but yes, really, he does). Pretty amazing that the Gophers will play 27 consecutive home games, and after last year, that is a good thing:

Once the University of Minnesota Board of Regents gives its OK, invitations will be sent out to architects to work on the design of the new Gophers baseball stadium. The Gophers released their 2012 schedule Thursday, and it includes 39 home games: 38 at the Metrodome, one at Target Field and none at Siebert Field. They have 27 consecutive games at the Dome from Feb. 24 to April 3, a year after playing all their March games in either Arizona or California due to the Metrodome roof collapse.

pharmacygopher

01-17-2012, 03:45 PM

Update and good news on the stadium front....

From the MN Daily...

http://www.mndaily.com/2012/01/17/university-build-75-million-baseball-stadium

After years of planning, fundraising and false hopes, plans to build a new stadium for the University of Minnesota baseball team are finally moving forward.

The University is seeking an architect and contractor to build a $7.5 million baseball stadium to replace the 40-year-old Siebert Field. The new artificial turf field is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

For decades, the Gophers baseball program heard rumors of getting a new place to call home, but another multi-million dollar project would come up and trump it — most recently, TCF Bank Stadium.

The University put out a request for proposals last week after years of fundraising to begin the project.

“This means a great deal to the baseball program that has been playing in a facility that is a little out-of-date,” said David Crum, associate athletics director of the Golden Gopher Fund.

The fund, which is the nonprofit branch of the University’s athletics department in charge of fundraising, has secured commitments for a little more than $7 million toward the project. It will be built on the current Siebert Field site.

The Golden Gopher Fund has received a number of six-figure contributions including a $2 million gift from the Pohlad Family Foundation, the family that owns the Minnesota Twins.

From maintenance issues to a recruiting disadvantage, Siebert Field — constructed in 1971 — has plagued the baseball team since the early 90s. Baseball has lagged behind in an athletic department that prides itself on infrastructure. Minnesota boasts some of the top facilities in the nation like the University Aquatic Center and Ridder Arena.

“Our job is to get [Gopher baseball] a facility that is comparable to other Big Ten facilities so they’re on a level playing field,” Crum said.

Intermittently for the past decade, the Gophers baseball team has had to play its home games off-campus at the Metrodome, where attendance is poor. After the December 2010 collapse of the Dome’s roof, the team scrambled to schedule home games, which resulted in a slew of cancellations.

The team played four weekend series at Target Field and a handful of games at Siebert while the rest were either played on the road or cancelled altogether.

In 2004, the University had to schedule 24 of 35 home games in the Metrodome because Siebert Field was in such disrepair — the first time since 1970 that a majority of the home games were played off the historic field.

In 2012, the team might find it hard to keep both eyes on this season as 38 of the 39 home games will be played in the Metrodome during what may be the last year of off-campus baseball.

Since the early 90s, Gophers head baseball coach John Anderson has advocated for a new stadium and watched as the Sports Pavilion, Mariucci Arena Baseline Tennis Center and other facilities were built.

“A great number of the [donations] have been coming in because of John Anderson,” Crum said. “He is a patient and loyal member of this athletic department.”

rrjackIII

01-21-2012, 05:16 AM

according to sid http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/137725423.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue

U hopes for Dome site
Meanwhile, Gophers baseball coach John Anderson, men's track coach Steve Plasencia and even men's basketball coach Tubby Smith are hoping the Metrodome site is chosen for a new stadium.

Anderson said he would take a new Metrodome stadium in a minute rather than a new stadium on campus. That's even though the Gophers are playing a full schedule at the current Metrodome this year.

----------------------------------

Glass-at-50%-guy

01-23-2012, 09:10 PM

From Shooter today...GREAT news, but I won't get too excited until ground is broken. We have been close on this so many times.

The University of Minnesota baseball program has raised enough in private funding for a new Siebert Field that construction probably will begin this spring, Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi said.

The university has wanted to raise $7.5 million to begin Phase I of construction on a $15 million, 3,000-seat facility. Maturi said fund-raising is close enough to that amount for the Gophers to look at breaking ground. A new stadium could be ready for play in 2013.

Meanwhile, Gophers coach John Anderson, who has won more games than anyone in Big Ten baseball history, recently received a five-year contract offer from Maturi after working on one-year contracts. Details still have to be worked out before he accepts.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_19799845

RodentRampage

01-24-2012, 04:59 PM

Anderson said he would take a new Metrodome stadium in a minute rather than a new stadium on campus. That's even though the Gophers are playing a full schedule at the current Metrodome this year.

That surprises me. Having a place to play in February is great, but once it is nice enough to play outside, it is so much better outside. The dome can be like a tomb. Who wants to go to the dome on a nice sunny spring day? I want to be able to go to baseball games indoor in February, but once it is nice enough, lets take it outside.

I hadn't heard that the proposed Vikings stadium would be capable of hosting baseball games, but I guess it must be. Perhaps he is pushing for the Vikings stadium not to play there all season, but to be sure there is an indoor baseball venue available. If the only tenant of the Metrodome is Gophers baseball and small college baseball, it is possible that it might not even be kept running.

BleedGopher

01-25-2012, 08:32 PM

per Sid:

"New Siebert Field close

With the necessary $7.5 million raised to go forward with a new Siebert Field, Gophers baseball coach John Anderson is waiting for approval by the university's Board of Regents to start the project. A message has been sent to potentially interested architects.

Meanwhile, Anderson is very happy that the Metrodome is available for his full schedule this year after repairs following the December 2010 roof collapse.

On another subject, Anderson, who has been working on a year-to-year contract, has been offered a five-year deal by Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi, and Anderson said that once a couple of items in the contract are cleared up, he will sign it. He has been Gophers coach since 1981.

The Gophers also play one game at Target Field, May 5 against Penn State. St. Peter said he is excited to have the Gophers at the Twins' home again. The Twins and Gophers also have worked together to submit a bid to play host to the Big Ten baseball tournament at Target Field in 2013. It would be the first time the Big Ten had moved that event to a major league facility.

"I'm not sure where it's going to go, but we continue to believe that the promotion of amateur baseball and certainly the relationship with the University of Minnesota has been important to the Pohlad Family and to our organization as well," St. Peter said."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/138090908.html

Go Gophers!!