Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Meadowlands Hopes for an Amazing Catch
George Zoffinger of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has breathlessly told the Newark Star Ledger that his recent discussions with Jerry Reinsdorf leave him optimistic that MLB might consider placing a franchise in the Meadowlands.
"It's gone from something I didn't think was possible to something that actually could happen. Jerry Reinsdorf told me that baseball is interested in the Meadowlands because we are building a family entertainment center and bringing mass transit to the site."
Mr. Zoffinger has a better chance of locating Jimmy Hoffa's body under the Giants Stadium parking lot. The Meadowlands complex lacks a baseball stadium, and the State of New Jersey has made clear that it won't subsidize one. Zoffinger's estimate that a suitable park could be built for $200 to $300 million borders on the delusional, inasmuch as Philadelphia's new park cost over $450 million.
Then there's the little matter of indemnifying the Yankees and Mets for invading their territory. With Forbes estimating that these clubs are worth a combined $1.274 billion, fair indemnification payments would equal the cost of the stadium.
Update: MLB President Bob DuPuy says New Jersey is not being considered as a potential home for the Expos, and Randy Levine of the Yankees vows, "we will vigorously object and exercise all our rights if any attempts are made to put any major league team there." You got your headline, Mr. Zoffinger -- time to move on...
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George Zoffinger of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has breathlessly told the Newark Star Ledger that his recent discussions with Jerry Reinsdorf leave him optimistic that MLB might consider placing a franchise in the Meadowlands.
"It's gone from something I didn't think was possible to something that actually could happen. Jerry Reinsdorf told me that baseball is interested in the Meadowlands because we are building a family entertainment center and bringing mass transit to the site."
Mr. Zoffinger has a better chance of locating Jimmy Hoffa's body under the Giants Stadium parking lot. The Meadowlands complex lacks a baseball stadium, and the State of New Jersey has made clear that it won't subsidize one. Zoffinger's estimate that a suitable park could be built for $200 to $300 million borders on the delusional, inasmuch as Philadelphia's new park cost over $450 million.
Then there's the little matter of indemnifying the Yankees and Mets for invading their territory. With Forbes estimating that these clubs are worth a combined $1.274 billion, fair indemnification payments would equal the cost of the stadium.
Update: MLB President Bob DuPuy says New Jersey is not being considered as a potential home for the Expos, and Randy Levine of the Yankees vows, "we will vigorously object and exercise all our rights if any attempts are made to put any major league team there." You got your headline, Mr. Zoffinger -- time to move on...
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