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Topics this week: Tampa Bay Rays sale; A Shoeless Joe's Hall of Fame promotion; The All-Star Game; The USA vs. The World; Late Night TV is in trouble; BananaBall may entertain some, but it isn't baseball; Manfred wants a salary cap; MLB's tickets are overpriced for a reason; an Ozzy Osbourne post-mortum; making money while making music.Errata: A Houston business consortium was bidding to buy the St. Louis Cardinals in the early 1950's, not the St. Louis Browns. The National League, not the American League had the early 6-run lead in the 2025 All-Star game. Episodes Mentioned: Ep. 251, "Talking Talking Heads w/ Jonathan Gould."Please consider supporting Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including those featured in this episode (if any were), through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link. https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandrunsHooks & Runs - https://hooksandruns.buzzsprout.comEmail: hooksandruns@protonmail.comCraig on Bluesky (@craigest.bsky.social)Rex (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/Hosts Emeriti:Andrew Eckhoff on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hofffestEric on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ichaboderic/Music: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (via Premium Beat) www.premiumbeat.com/artist/ikoliksThis podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2025.
All-Star gameJunior Caminero came in 2nd to Cal Raleigh in Home Run Derby2025 All Star game was entertaining Clayton Kershaw mic'ed up on the moundLet's mic up the 3rd & 1st base coaches for every game3 Rays at the game, Drew Rasmussen, Jonathan Aranda & Junior CamineroRasmussen history of 3x arm injuries & he continues to play a great gameABS system with Tarik Skubal pitching to Manny MachadoHow will we see ABS being used in the future The last taboo & MLB rule crossing may be the ABS, Is this the last major rule change that we can expect?Rays new home – Tampa Councilman says Darryl Shaw is open to building in YborSecond hand news – $1.7 billion Where do the Yankees land if the Rays take over George Steinbrenner FieldRule 52 – Proximity of team locations with Yankees Single A & Tampa Bay RaysTip of the cap to Rays' Stuart Sternberg on working with the community over the yearsStu's a genius at building a front office that others owners have tried to replicatePittsburgh Pirate fans would love to have Stu as their ownerStu brought youth into the Rays with Grit & Glow The Rays were credited with getting one of the top 3 draft resultsRays have used a very specific approach to the draft - Start with Heavy hitters at the top and then onto the pitchersExpect to see more of the 2021 Rays Draft class begin to emerge in The ShowShort term extensions on top talent like Drew Rasmussen Draft picks have included Taitn Gray & Brendan SummerhillIt's a long path in baseball – Josh Lowe's early struggles but evolved Women in Baseball Week & Ryan Woodward upcoming features of Women Sue Zipay of the AAGPBL passes away – a true force in woman's baseballSue continues to be the motivation for so many to grow the game of women in baseball much like the Caballo Blanco story – Ultra runner – “Born to Run” – legacy continuesPrep for 4 games with Rays & YankeesYou can find Mat at @matgermain.bsky.social or reach Mark at baseballbizondeck@gmail.com BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps
There are reports that Stu Sternberg is selling the Tampa Bay Rays to a new buyer for $1.7 billion. What does this mean for the potential of the Rays coming to Orlando? Does it change the dynamic of where a new ballpark might be built? Brandon is joined by Pat Donovan - sports talk host on 95.3 WDAE in Tampa, for a boots on the ground report.
95.3 WDAE Morning Show Co-Host Aaron Jacobson joins Ryan and Dana to talk about the report that Stu Sternberg is selling the Tampa Bay Rays. What does this mean for the fans, the new stadium, and the future of the team?
It's the scores, the highlights, the reactions. It's the insight, behind the scenes and before the games. We're talking Habs hockey every day. Get informed, get up to date, get in the game. The Morning Show, with Conor McKenna and Shaun Starr.
In today's press conference we have an I Told You So about Stu Sternberg and a question regarding the Bucs 2025 backup QB plan.
Aaron and Casey dive back into the news of Stu Sternberg selling the Rays and who the frontrunners are to buy the team. Most importantly, where might they play and when will it happen? We discuss here.
Aaron and Casey discuss who the potential new buyers of the Rays are after Stu Sternberg announced plas to sell the team last week. How concerned are you with the Rays future? Find out our concern here.
Pat and Ian Beckles dive into the recent Rays news that Stu Sternberg has begun the process of the selling the team to a Florida-based group. How much credit does Stu deserve for his time here? We discuss here.
Pat and Ian give their final thoughts on Stu Sternberg selling the Rays and where the new ownership might move a new stadium in Tampa Bay.
Pat and Ian take a call from a familiar listener who is not a fan of current Rays owner Stu Sternberg and tells us why. Is he a villain? We discuss here.
Pat Donovan has returned and is joined by WDAE legend Ian Beckles in honor of 6-20 day. The Goons open the show with a recap of last night's Rays loss and the news of Stu Sternberg selling the Rays in the near future.
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the breaking news that Stu Sternberg is in advanced talks to sell the Tampa Bay Rays to a group headed by Patrick Zalupski as a Letter of Intent has been signed. What does this mean for the future of the Rays, where will a stadium be built and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New ownership of the Tampa Bay Rays on the horizonFlorida Developer, Patrick Zalupski – Jacksonville Real Estate Developer, Dream Finders Homes Ken Babby - Founder & CEO, Fast Forward Sports Group & Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp – Triple A team for the Miami Marlins & the Akron RubberDucks – Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardiansan informed and experienced mind to the ownership & front office2 business guys from New York invested in 2 teams years agoJeffrey Loria purchased Marlins for $160 million funded in part by selling the Expos for $120 million to MLB Loria built a Marlins stadium and later sells the team for $1.2 billionStu Sternberg bought the Rays for $200 million did not build a stadium & is now selling the Rays for $1.7 billion. Stu's deal will be more profitable than what Loria got for the MarlinsTampa Mayor, Jane Castor supportive of Rays in TampaCould City of Tampa aid new owners with reduced rates for services & lighter taxesNaming rights of the new stadium could cover many of the costs$1.7 billion a smidge more than the Orioles purchase price2 Expansion teams on the horizon with a $2 billion price tag per teamWill Stu become part of the Montreal Ownership Group Mat's "tip of the hat" to Stu Stu's Rays won the fifth most games in MLB during his tenure while building 1.5 billion in equityWhat will the front office look like without Stu at the helmReflect on Anthopoulos after new ownership with the Toronto Blue JaysWill Erik Neander still govern the team with new ownershipWill the new owners work with St. Pete on the Trop leaseIs Ybor Rays stadium possible see - Developer Darryl Shaw, Tampa Bay Sun unveil Ybor Harbor soccer stadium plan https://bit.ly/40fUn5FRangers & Royals new owners have been willing to spend money, how will the new owners spend with the RaysPart of the Rays value is a strong group of young players in the farm systemHow do you transfer Wander Franco's contract to the new owners with this saleJunior Caminero - will the new Rays owners develop a strong contract with him.Will Grit & Glow go to be replaced with Ybor Cigars & Cuban SandwichesMarch to the World Series with new music “Stomps & Claps”Rays have been strong over the last 25 gamesAll-Star candidates for the Rays, Jonathan Aranda & Brandon Lowewill the new owners offer an extended contraction Jonathan Aranda Rafael Devers traded to the Giants – what does it mean – where is the valueBoston still has Alex BregmanRed Sox fans on Blue Sky are upset with the Devers moveBoston fans need to reflect on how this trade increases their pitching depth with the 2 new prospects. Shane Baz & Tyler Glasnow trade exampleDevers & Adames teaming up together with the GiantsRafael Devers trade – Big Papi's takeHow did Alex Cora work with Devers prior to this tradeComing back, Shane McClanahan, Richie Palacios, Ha-Seong Kim & Nate LavenderRob Manfred need Rays deal to go through to start building an MLB expansionAll Rays minor league affiliates are above 500If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at www.baseballbizOnDeck.com Special Thanks to Scott Holmes for the music Stomps & Claps & to Helen Glennon for her shared news discovery with the show
Nick Wize and Casey Warner continue the hot topic of conversation on Rays owner Stu Sternberg finally agreeing to sell the Rays. Is this set in stone and how soon might it be done if at all in season.
Nick and Casey ask Rays fans their opinion on current owner Stu Sternberg and how much Rays fans owe him for their success over the years. Has he made the right decision in selling the team NOW?
Chris Latvala spoke with TKras on Wednesday, how does this news impact baseball in Tampa Bay?
On Wednesday, TKras reacted to the BREAKING NEWS surrounding the Rays and Stu Sternberg, What is the future of the Rays? Marc Topkin joined TKras as well!
What should you make of the latest news surrounding the Rays and Stu Sternberg? Marc Topkin has the insight, join us!
TKras shared his take on the latest news regarding the Tampa Bay Rays being sold. Where does TKras stand?
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick answer your mailbag questions on Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Bucs plan for Inside Linebacker, Rays Ownership and stadium situation and catching depth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays series win vs. the Pirates despite Paul Skenes impressive performance in the series wrap-up. Plus the Bucs prepping for future stadium renovations, Jayson Starks comments on MLB growing frustrated with Stu Sternberg and the Lightning can clinch a playoff berth tonight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic joined TKras to talk about the Rays, how Manfred and MLB view Stu Stenberg, and more. Can you believe it?
On Wednesday, TKras kicked off the show with frustration surrounding Rays and analytics, plus, Jayson Stark joined us with more insight on how Rob Manfred views Stu Sternberg. Plus, Chris Mathis and TKras play Would You Rather!
Maybe we spoke too soon. Dr. Elizabeth Strom, a professor of urban politics and policy at The University of South Florida and an editor at DRays Bay, a Tampa Bay Rays blog on SB Nation, returns to our podcast this week. Two years ago, Episode 143 to be exact, Dr. Strom appeared to discuss what then looked like a solid deal for a new ballpark in St. Petersburg. A lot has happened since - most of it not good for Rays fans, at least Rays fans that want the team to stay in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Dr. Strom spills the tea and brings us up to date in this episode.You can support Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including books featured in this episode (if any were), through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link. https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandruns Hooks & Runs - www.hooksandruns.com Email: hooksandruns@protonmail.com Hooks & Runs on TwitterCraig on Bluesky (@craigest.bsky.social)Rex (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/ Hosts Emeriti:Andrew Eckhoff on Tik TokEric on FacebookMusic: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (via Premium Beat) This podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2025.
Someone stands with Stu Sternberg, is he wrong? Or does he make a good point? TKras weighs in!
Send us a textWith TV absent for this week's recording, EstoBro made a call to the bullpen to bring in Tampa Bay Tay as a special guest for the episode. They open the show by discussing the controversial fashion choices made by the MLB this year with new baseball caps (1:15). The pair laugh well over the jokes made all over the internet, followed by formal introductions. Tampa Bay Tay is one of the biggest Tampa Bay Rays fans alongside her dedicated fanship to other Florida-based teams. EstoBro engages her with the ongoing dramatics that have taken place with the team and their home stadium at Tropicana Field (17:30). The primary issue focuses on the Rays playing at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season and the politics ownership is facing after Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof of the Tropicana Field. As the pair focuses on the positives the Rays will face for the season, it is rather apparent that the entire baseball universe wants Rays' owner Stu Sternberg to sell the team to a well-rounded group that can move the Rays in the right direction. After the bulk of the show focuses on that topic, the pair also dissect the Rays' season and how they will fair based on predictions (51:00). With new roster additions and some major players coming back from injury, they show their optimism that the Rays can play above expectations and possibly return to the playoffs. With the Tokyo Series taking place this week, EstoBro and Tampa ay Tay also look at the outlook of the rest of the league (68:15), including anticipation for the World Baseball Classic taking place at the start of next season. Theme song made by iamRavedadInteract with the Gents of the podcast on the following social media platforms:X (Formally known as Twitter) YouTube InstagramBlog/websiteJoin the Discord serverSubscribe to the official playlist of the podcast
TKras was joined by former Rays manager Joe Maddon on The Drive, what does he think of the Rays right now, Tropicana Field and Stu Sternberg?
In the show's second hour, TKras had a great conversation with former Rays manager Joe Maddon on The Drive regarding the future of the Rays, plus, should Stu Sternberg sell? We also talked Buccaneers football too!
In the show's third hour, TKras reacted to the conversation with Joe Maddon, his comments on Stu Sternberg and the Rays plus we play Would You Rather with Chris Mathis!
In Episode 115 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Tampa Bay sports insider JP Peterson to break down the latest on the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium saga. From failed deals in St. Petersburg to behind-the-scenes negotiations with new ownership groups, JP explains why Major League Baseball has finally had enough of Stu Sternberg and why a move to Tampa is more likely than ever. They discuss potential stadium locations, how Tampa business leaders are stepping up, and what this means for the future of baseball in the region. If you're a Rays fan or just curious about one of the biggest business moves in Tampa history, this is an episode you don't want to miss!
95.3 WDAE Morning Show co-host Aaron Jacobson gives his take on Rays owner Stu Sternberg backing out of the stadium deal.
Pat and Aaron play audio from Commissioner Ken Hagan in which he talked about Stu Sternberg and a potential new ownership group here in Tampa Bay for the Rays.
Defector's own Jasper Wang joins Drew and Roth to share the true crime story that happened to him. Can you solve the mystery of the burst pipes in Montana? Speaking of, these NFL teams are busted, as revealed by their free agency performance! In the second half of the episode, they explore the possibilities of the MLB forcing Tamba Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg to sell. And they listen to some voicemail Funbag questions, answering real questions from real voicemails.Do you want to hear your question answered on the pod? Well, give us a call at 909-726-3720. That is 909-PANERA-0!Stuff We Talked AboutThe Jets are SuccessionWhat's Mike Tomlin's Standard Now? | DefectorMLB and other owners pressuring Rays owner Stu Sternberg to sell the teamRob Manfred Is The Face Of An Elite Mutiny Against Rays Owner Stuart Sternberg | DefectorSponsors- Blueland, where you can get 15% off your first order at https://blueland.com/distraction- HelloFresh, where you can get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/hellofreshpodcast- Raycon, where you can get up to 20% off their best-selling Everyday Earbuds at https://buyraycon.com/distractionCredits- Hosts: Drew Magary & David Roth- Producer: Eric Silver- Editor: Brandon Grugle- Production Services & Ads: Multitude Podcasts- Subscribe to Defector!About The ShowThe Distraction is Defector's flagship podcast about sports (and movies, and art, and sandwiches, and certain coastal states) from longtime writers Drew Magary and David Roth. Every week, Drew and Roth tackle subjects, both serious and impossibly stupid, with a parade of guests from around the world of sports and media joining in the fun! Roth and Drew also field Funbag questions from Defector readers, answer listener voicemails, and get upset about the number of people who use speakerphone while in a public bathroom stall. This is a show where everything matters, because everyone could use a Distraction. Head to defector.com for more info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tampa Smokers night at the Tampa Baseball Museum in Ybor with Joe Maddon & Larry Rothschild https://www.tampabaseballmuseum.org/Rays Fans Stadium FatigueRays owner, Stu Sternberg's, past challenges with minority owners of RaysStu's staunch support of community charities & representation with Pride Night & Heritage Nights. Some conservatives not pleasedSt Pete Deal in questionMarch 31st Deadline - Rays Matt Silverman, Stu Sternberg, St Pete & $700 millionShouldn't Rays have had a better “What IF” plan BJP Peterson scoop on buyers of Tampa Bay Rays 3 groups of potential buyers: Joe Molloy & DeBartolo familyDan Doyle of Dex ImagingCarter McCain with mystery out of town investorsWhat about Darryl ShawDeBartolo pardoned by Donald Trump – how that might impact saleAlternate locations for Rays if St Pete deal goes awry – Ybor City, Florida State Fairgrounds, Orlando or relocate Yankees & move Rays into a remodeled George Steinbrenner FieldWould Fairgrounds location get support from Ron DeSantis & Trump?Historical look at McCourts ownership of LA Dodgers & MLB CommissionerRays saga could be a movie with George Clooney playing StuValue of an Open Air stadium comparisons between Montreal's Big O stadium “parking lot” experience compared to the outdoor beauty of FenwayLate summer heat and health of minor league players in FloridaSt Pete Real Estate Development agreement with Stu includes 65 acres at a greatly reduced value priceAL East - Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays injuries Impact of losing Gerritt Cole, Luis Gil, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieuYankees will need more runs from Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, Paul GoldschmidtBraves passed on Max Fried – aging & injuries?Red Sox injuries include Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford, Sandoval . . .Orioles & Grayson RodriguezJays injuries include Max Scherzer, Alek Manoah & Eric SwansonRays healthiest in AL East – Shane McClanahan is back and pitching rotation is strongCurtis Mead is getting extra opportunities in Spring TrainingRays Versatile Roster includes a strong bench with Curtis Mead, Richie Palacio & Curtis MeadLooking forward to Ha-Seong Kim and Danny Jansen this season with the RaysMat's Rays Trifecta – New Stadium, Playoff Run & World SeriesSpecial Thanks to the Nurses, Doctors & staff at South Florida Baptist HospitalFollow Mat on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/matgermain.bsky.socialYou can find Mark on Blue Sky at https://bsky.app/profile/baseballbizondeck.bsky.socialSpecial thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward
Bobby shares a dispatch from the Cactus League before he and Alex discuss a bevy of news items from the past week — including Gerrit Cole's impending Tommy John surgery, Fanatics and Ticketmaster teaming up to make a steaming pile of garbage, and reports that Rob Manfred and a cohort of owners are pressuring Stu Sternberg to sell the Rays so that they can stay in Tampa. Then, Bobby and Alex are joined by 'Eephus' director Carson Lund to discuss his debut feature — a unique and incredibly lived-in story about the final day of a men's adult baseball league and the emotionality baked into baseball (in its many forms). Links:POWER HOUR SUBMISSION FORMFind out more about 'Eephus'Rob Manfred pressuring Sternberg to sell RaysJoin the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.
Pat and Aaron revisit Rays talk with the latest on Stu Sternberg potentially selling the Rays. How close is a new ownership group? We tell you here.
In "The Bar" we discuss the Bucs big moves and what it means for the NFL Draft next month. We also talk Rob Manfred's frustration with Stu Sternberg and the Rays Stadium issues and we wrap by looking at Todd Golden being denied SEC Coach of the Year Honors.
BEST OF - Stu Sternberg is under pressure to sell the Rays; FEMA fires three supervisors in wake of Hurricane Milton political discrimination; Anna Paulina Luna partners with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on credit card interest caps; Florida woman attacked man with a Pringles can, White House Correspondent Jon Decker reports on Trump's endorsement of the House GOP budget plan. ABC News Investigative Reporter Peter Charalambous says the DOJ has opened an investigation into major egg producers amid rising prices.
Pat and Aaron continue discussing the latest Rays rumors that dropped last night and that a new ownership group will be in contention to buy the Rays sooner than some may have expected.
Pat and Aaon open today shows with the news that broke last night that Stu Sternberg is reportedly interested in selling the Rays and there are multiple groups/names involved in the rumor. Find out who here.
Pat and Aaron wrap up today's Rays conversation with their final thoughts on the recent Rays ownership rumors that Stu Sternberg will sell the team soon.
Pat and Aaron carry on conversation about the hot topic of who might end purchasing the Rays from Stu Sternberg if he does sell. How involved is Commissioner Manfred? We tell you here.
Pat and Aaron take a call from a listener who claims he knows one of the rumored names that is interested in potentially buying the Rays from Stu Sternberg. Find out who here.
Pat and Aaron revisit the Rays stadium situation and what Stu Sternberg and Rob Manfred have discusses this week. Is Stu all-in on the Rays? We debate here!
Pat and Aaron open up the show today with what Stu Sternberg had to say at the "State of the Bay" press conference yesterday as he commented on the immediate future of the Rays and their ongoing stadium situation.
Pat and Aaron keep the conversation going on Stu Sternberg's comments at the State of the Bay press conference yesterday in which he deflected questions about selling the team and new stadium construction beginning.
Pat and Aaron are joined by Tampa Bay Times Journalist Colleen Wright for everything on her experience at the State of the Bay event yesterday including her spin on what Stu had to say about the Rays future in Tampa Bay.
Caleb Durbin – more like Dustin Pedroia or Jon Berti style of player?Durbin is ElectricWhat can we expect from the Blue Jays in the AL EastBlue Jays pitching is getting older but not as dominant in past yearsWhat do they have for pitching in the minors Willy Adames encourages Corbin Burnes to join the Giants rotationsFree Agents at large – Tommy Pham, Charlie Morton, Kirby Yates, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Many older pitchers may wait until mid-season until they sign like Roger ClemensOther pitchers still as free agents include Patrick Burnes, Jose Quintana, Sean ManaeaTampa Bay Rays need more experienced leaders for their team – Charlie Morton & Jason HeywardWizard of Oz, Rob Manfred came to Tampa BayGeorge Steinbrenner Field – Yankees Spring Training Stu Sternberg strategy for the future of the TB Rays ballpark Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala loves MLB Commissioner Rob ManfredWill MLB pay the cost overruns for the new Rays Stadium and find a new owner for the Tampa Bay RaysGeorge M. Steinbrenner Field – 2025 Home Field for Tampa Bay RaysHow will a healthy Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe & Jonathan Aranda impact the 2025 seasonJanet Marie Smith, VP of Planning & Development – Fenway, Camden Yards & Dodgers StadiumChristmas Lobster Dinner with Mat's family – plus breakfast Creamed Lobster with Scrambled EggsStrawberry Pretzel Dessert Dish Christmas favorite with Mark's familyCurt Flood's Christmas Eve letter to Bowie Kuhn – precursor to Free AgencyTed Lindsay – linchpin of the players union in Canada – another courageous player who fought for the rights of all playersCurt Flood issue with Cardinals and they did not want to pay his salaryFlood collected the first hit in a major league game in Canada. General Hospital has nothing on Major League BaseballComparing Nolan Arenado's & Curt Flood's experience with the CardinalsChristmas wishes – no blackouts of ballgamesRemember to thank those who serve us both near and far awayReminder to serve others who are in need or people who do not have someone to celebrate the holydays with.Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho,Just a reminder you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot bsky social. That's @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social
Colleen Wright journalist of TampaBay.com discusses St. Pete Council approval of new Tampa Bay Rays stadium & the long journey to get thereCouncil Votes & ReactionsRecent council decisions were expected, with minor changes to environmental & sustainability language The council vote went as expected, with a 5-3 split Strengthened language in the contract aimed to ensure implementation of standards, not just aspirationsMat watched the council meeting & acknowledged the valid concerns raised Contract Language & ConcernsTweaks were made to tighten the deal, particularly concerning the resale of publicly owned land Concerns about "Rays or Hines affiliates" receiving property without clear definitions Council member, pushed for clearer contract terms & transparency Development TimelineStadium completion targeted by 2028 300 affordable housing units are expected by 2030Full development build-out will span 30 years The stadium will remain county-owned, with the Rays controlling broadcasting, naming rights, concessions, & ticket revenues Discussion on the financial benefits for Rays' owner, Stu Sternberg, including the potential increase in team valuation with the new stadium Community Impact & Long-Term VisionThe deal has mixed reactions, with some community members & groups wanting a more equitable deal Concerns over future enforceability of contract terms Importance of written contracts for ensuring commitments are met over time The development will include a fresh food market, though its completion is not legally required until 2045 The project is subject to various permits & zoning changes, with groundbreaking expected in 2025 The importance of timely development to avoid losing the Rays as a key part of the project The project is expected to significantly impact the area, with phased developments over 30 years Continued scrutiny & clear contractual terms are crucial for the project's success & community satisfaction Kudos to Colleen Wright & St Pete Times team for their coverage of the RaysStu Sternberg's longstanding commitment to St. Pete Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_ Mark can be found on Twitter x.com @TheBaseballBiz & and at http://www.baseballbizondeck.comSubscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and SpotifySpecial thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"