2008 Woodie Awards
STADIUM SOUNDOFF
Why it can work;how it could happen
Frank Stern
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Sports
There are almost a dozen Major league baseball minor league affiliates bordering or within the Delaware Valley. Recently, West Chester Mayor Dick Yoder proposed a new idea: Bring one to Chester County.
Great idea!
Yoder's idea has sparked interest of potential sponsors, politicians and residents of Chester County who would like to see their home host Minor League Baseball.
The idea, which is still in planning, raises a number of interesting points and ideas.
Yoder's, a 1959 WCU graduate, noted that the stadium would not be simply a West Chester team, but for all of Chester County and could be located anywhere in the county.
Undoubtedly, the proposed stadium could added to the diversity of West Chester, which already is home of the County seat, Chester County Hospital and West Chester University. However, Yoder said that areas like Phoenixville and Downingtown among others we are also strong candidates.
West Chester which is starting a hotel project in downtown offers a nightlife that could only be increased by a baseball team and stadium.
Currently, a group is researching potential sites, public interest and feasibility of locating a baseball stadium in Chester County.
The closest baseball team to Chester County is the Philadelphia Phillies. Three of their minor league affiliates are located in the state of Pennsylvania: the Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A), the Reading Phillies (AA) and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs(AAA). Nearby, the Lakewood Blueclaws (Low A) play in New Jersey. Two teams, the Clearwater Threshers (A) and the Gulf Coast League Phillies(Rookie) both play in Florida.
The three teams in Pennsylvania are nearly untouchable in terms of popularity. Lehigh Valley just moved into new Coca-Cola Park; Reading's team has existed since 1967 and Williamsport Crosscutters are an old team with a lot of history. Clearwater is the home of Phillies spring training so it would be nearly impossible to move the team from new Bright House Field. Lakewood has surpassed attendance marks every year it has been in existence, not to mention potentially diverting Jersey fans away from the Mets.
Great idea!
Yoder's idea has sparked interest of potential sponsors, politicians and residents of Chester County who would like to see their home host Minor League Baseball.
The idea, which is still in planning, raises a number of interesting points and ideas.
Yoder's, a 1959 WCU graduate, noted that the stadium would not be simply a West Chester team, but for all of Chester County and could be located anywhere in the county.
Undoubtedly, the proposed stadium could added to the diversity of West Chester, which already is home of the County seat, Chester County Hospital and West Chester University. However, Yoder said that areas like Phoenixville and Downingtown among others we are also strong candidates.
West Chester which is starting a hotel project in downtown offers a nightlife that could only be increased by a baseball team and stadium.
Currently, a group is researching potential sites, public interest and feasibility of locating a baseball stadium in Chester County.
The closest baseball team to Chester County is the Philadelphia Phillies. Three of their minor league affiliates are located in the state of Pennsylvania: the Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A), the Reading Phillies (AA) and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs(AAA). Nearby, the Lakewood Blueclaws (Low A) play in New Jersey. Two teams, the Clearwater Threshers (A) and the Gulf Coast League Phillies(Rookie) both play in Florida.
The three teams in Pennsylvania are nearly untouchable in terms of popularity. Lehigh Valley just moved into new Coca-Cola Park; Reading's team has existed since 1967 and Williamsport Crosscutters are an old team with a lot of history. Clearwater is the home of Phillies spring training so it would be nearly impossible to move the team from new Bright House Field. Lakewood has surpassed attendance marks every year it has been in existence, not to mention potentially diverting Jersey fans away from the Mets.
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