Post by Sha-Le Unique on Sept 30, 2013 21:12:49 GMT -5
After the 1952 Pirates went 42-112 for the season, team captain Ralph Kiner and young slugging outfielder Frank Thomas both approached the Pirates' ownership before spring training with the proposition of balancing Forbes Field for both right-handed and left-handed hitters.
"I may have just hit 37 home runs in 1952, but if the left field fences are the same distance as they are in right field, some of those extra fly balls could turn into more home runs for guys like Frank and myself. I don't see any reason why balancing the dimensions would not work! I'm not exactly asking for all fences to be moved in, but I don't believe left-handed hitters should have certain advantages at certain stadiums compared to right-handed hitters and vice-versa", said an outspoken Kiner, who is entering his eighth season with the team. Thomas added, "I would like to see this as well. If our lineup is built around Ralph and myself hitting home runs and driving runners in, the fact that the right field fences are closer than in left field may not exactly help the cause, being that we are both right-handed."
Kiner and Thomas presented their case to the Pirates' ownership, which includes majority leader John Galbreath, Frank McKinney, Thomas Johnson, famous singer and actor Bing Crosby (who could not be present due to prior touring commitments), and Warner Communications. General manager and manager Shale Briskin was also present at this conference and liked what he heard from his two big sluggers. "Kiner and Thomas make a great point. We need to tailor our dimensions toward who our hitters are, which are two right-handed hitting sluggers. Their power is more likely to be used toward left field and center field than right field, and Thomas has been a well known pull hitter since his high school days. John, Frank and Thomas, I really think we should do something about this so that we can turn this team around and become a winning ballclub this year!"
Galbreath responded by saying, "Shale, if you, Ralph and Frank are really serious about changing the dimensions of Forbes Field, please present us a detailed plan of what you think the new dimensions should be. Write or draw something out and come back to us tomorrow or whenever you all are ready." Briskin, Kiner and Thomas spent the following morning designing the stadium's new plan, which included the following:
Left Field Line: 300 feet; 10 feet high
Left Field: 350 feet; 10 feet high
Left-Center Field: 380 feet; 10 feet high
Center Field: 400 feet; 10 feet high
Right-Center Field: 380 feet; 10 feet high
Right Field: 350 feet; 10 feet high
Right Field Line: 300 feet; 10 feet high
Briskin had originally wanted the left field line and right field line distances at 320 feet each, but Kiner mentioned that some of the lefties would not want any fences moved back from 300 feet. This led to Thomas asking for the left field line to be 300 feet as well. Being the fair man he is, Briskin accepted Thomas' request.
Briskin also mentioned on the written proposal and accompanying stadium diagram that the cost for this project would be $10 million from the Pirates' budget. Briskin feels that with a better team that he plans on putting together before Opening Day, the Pirates can be a much more successful team this season and as a result, make more money this year through ticket sales and overall revenue.
Two days after their original meeting, Briskin, Kiner and Thomas went back to Forbes Field to meet again with the Pirates' ownership. But this time, Bing Crosby was there as well! Crosby's recent tour had included a 3-day break before hitting the road again. While on tour, Crosby, a passionate Pirates fan was notified of the stadium dimension proposal and told Galbreath he would love to see what the new dimensions could look like. After Briskin presented his proposal with Kiner and Thomas standing next to him on each side, Galbreath asked each of the minority owners for their opinions.
Frank McKinney liked what the Pirates were trying to do with having the dimensions benefit the team's best hitters, but was unsure of whether it should actually happen because he was concerned that the shorter distances could have a negative effect on the Pirates' pitching staff. As a result, McKinney was in favor of having a symmetrical ballpark but was against the fences being moved in and lowered.
Thomas Johnson flat out stated he was not in favor of it because he noted that Kiner's numbers at Forbes Field were noticeably better than in other stadiums. "Ralph, for crying out loud, you batted .264 and hit 22 home runs at home last season. In all other stadiums, you hit .225 with 15 home runs. You're a veteran and one of the most feared hitters around. If anyone can handle our left field dimensions, it's you. You sound like you want things easier for yourself so you can have bigger numbers and go after a large contract next offseason. I get where you are coming from, but I don't see this is such a big issue for the Pirates right now. There are other areas this team needs to work on and I personally think this money can be better spent on other improvements. I'm sorry, but I'm against this proposal."
At that point, Briskin, Kiner and Thomas didn't think the changes would happen. But Bing Crosby had a different take on the matter. "Look, John, Frank and Tom! These guys are as passionate about their ballclub and their jobs as much as anyone I have ever met. These guys may want to put up some nice numbers and get paid well, but I don't think that's their number 1 goal! They want the entire team to do well! These guys lead by example and what better way for their teammates to see than to accommodate our stadium so that Ralph and Frank can both make the most of their God-given talents? I really think this could turn the Pirates around.
"I'm not worried about our pitching. We have a very good group of pitchers as is and new dimensions will not make them pitch worse or throw less strikes and give up more walks. That's not how it works. Furthermore, we need to make some good money with ticket sales. What do Pirates fans want to see more than anything besides wins? They want to see their Pirates hitters hit more home runs. That is something Ralph and Frank are both very capable of doing. If they are driving in a lot of runs consistently, not only will our hitters give our pitching staff more run support, but more fans are going to come to the ballpark to watch it happen. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The current dimensions have not helped the Pirates have a winning record since 1948. Something needs to be done and I think this could just be what we need to move forward.
"John, I will tell you right now that if these stadium dimension changes happen, I will not only come here more often during the season, but I will also try to get some post-game concerts set up for our loyal fans. If they want other singers or bands here as well, I will also try to make that happen. $10 million might sound like a big price to pay for dimensions and fence heights, but I'm telling you we will make more money from doing this and will end up with a noticeable profit before you know it. Shale, you guys have my vote!"
Galbreath then spoke again. "Wow Bing. I never really even thought of how these changes could lead to increased ticket sales by default! I agree that if our hitters hit more home runs, more people will likely come to the ballpark. Plus, those post-game concerts you mentioned would be even better for us financially and maybe we could even sell tickets for some fans to be on the field right next to your stage while your perform! I love this idea! A Pirates game with a post-game concert included and seats right near the stage on the field for an additional small fee. I love the sound of this! Bing, you have won me over. We can try these new dimensions out for a few seasons. If it works, that would be awesome. If not, we can revisit this topic in the future. The dimensions can always be re-configured, but with four consecutive losing seasons, I feel we ought to try something new! Shale, you have my permission to contact Pittsburgh's best construction companies and get this project started as soon as possible! Construction will have to be during spring training so that the new dimensions are ready on Opening Day! The $10 million fee is approved as well. Thanks for all your efforts!"
All in all, the Pirates' home will still be Forbes Field, but it will have a new look to it going forward!
"I may have just hit 37 home runs in 1952, but if the left field fences are the same distance as they are in right field, some of those extra fly balls could turn into more home runs for guys like Frank and myself. I don't see any reason why balancing the dimensions would not work! I'm not exactly asking for all fences to be moved in, but I don't believe left-handed hitters should have certain advantages at certain stadiums compared to right-handed hitters and vice-versa", said an outspoken Kiner, who is entering his eighth season with the team. Thomas added, "I would like to see this as well. If our lineup is built around Ralph and myself hitting home runs and driving runners in, the fact that the right field fences are closer than in left field may not exactly help the cause, being that we are both right-handed."
Kiner and Thomas presented their case to the Pirates' ownership, which includes majority leader John Galbreath, Frank McKinney, Thomas Johnson, famous singer and actor Bing Crosby (who could not be present due to prior touring commitments), and Warner Communications. General manager and manager Shale Briskin was also present at this conference and liked what he heard from his two big sluggers. "Kiner and Thomas make a great point. We need to tailor our dimensions toward who our hitters are, which are two right-handed hitting sluggers. Their power is more likely to be used toward left field and center field than right field, and Thomas has been a well known pull hitter since his high school days. John, Frank and Thomas, I really think we should do something about this so that we can turn this team around and become a winning ballclub this year!"
Galbreath responded by saying, "Shale, if you, Ralph and Frank are really serious about changing the dimensions of Forbes Field, please present us a detailed plan of what you think the new dimensions should be. Write or draw something out and come back to us tomorrow or whenever you all are ready." Briskin, Kiner and Thomas spent the following morning designing the stadium's new plan, which included the following:
Left Field Line: 300 feet; 10 feet high
Left Field: 350 feet; 10 feet high
Left-Center Field: 380 feet; 10 feet high
Center Field: 400 feet; 10 feet high
Right-Center Field: 380 feet; 10 feet high
Right Field: 350 feet; 10 feet high
Right Field Line: 300 feet; 10 feet high
Briskin had originally wanted the left field line and right field line distances at 320 feet each, but Kiner mentioned that some of the lefties would not want any fences moved back from 300 feet. This led to Thomas asking for the left field line to be 300 feet as well. Being the fair man he is, Briskin accepted Thomas' request.
Briskin also mentioned on the written proposal and accompanying stadium diagram that the cost for this project would be $10 million from the Pirates' budget. Briskin feels that with a better team that he plans on putting together before Opening Day, the Pirates can be a much more successful team this season and as a result, make more money this year through ticket sales and overall revenue.
Two days after their original meeting, Briskin, Kiner and Thomas went back to Forbes Field to meet again with the Pirates' ownership. But this time, Bing Crosby was there as well! Crosby's recent tour had included a 3-day break before hitting the road again. While on tour, Crosby, a passionate Pirates fan was notified of the stadium dimension proposal and told Galbreath he would love to see what the new dimensions could look like. After Briskin presented his proposal with Kiner and Thomas standing next to him on each side, Galbreath asked each of the minority owners for their opinions.
Frank McKinney liked what the Pirates were trying to do with having the dimensions benefit the team's best hitters, but was unsure of whether it should actually happen because he was concerned that the shorter distances could have a negative effect on the Pirates' pitching staff. As a result, McKinney was in favor of having a symmetrical ballpark but was against the fences being moved in and lowered.
Thomas Johnson flat out stated he was not in favor of it because he noted that Kiner's numbers at Forbes Field were noticeably better than in other stadiums. "Ralph, for crying out loud, you batted .264 and hit 22 home runs at home last season. In all other stadiums, you hit .225 with 15 home runs. You're a veteran and one of the most feared hitters around. If anyone can handle our left field dimensions, it's you. You sound like you want things easier for yourself so you can have bigger numbers and go after a large contract next offseason. I get where you are coming from, but I don't see this is such a big issue for the Pirates right now. There are other areas this team needs to work on and I personally think this money can be better spent on other improvements. I'm sorry, but I'm against this proposal."
At that point, Briskin, Kiner and Thomas didn't think the changes would happen. But Bing Crosby had a different take on the matter. "Look, John, Frank and Tom! These guys are as passionate about their ballclub and their jobs as much as anyone I have ever met. These guys may want to put up some nice numbers and get paid well, but I don't think that's their number 1 goal! They want the entire team to do well! These guys lead by example and what better way for their teammates to see than to accommodate our stadium so that Ralph and Frank can both make the most of their God-given talents? I really think this could turn the Pirates around.
"I'm not worried about our pitching. We have a very good group of pitchers as is and new dimensions will not make them pitch worse or throw less strikes and give up more walks. That's not how it works. Furthermore, we need to make some good money with ticket sales. What do Pirates fans want to see more than anything besides wins? They want to see their Pirates hitters hit more home runs. That is something Ralph and Frank are both very capable of doing. If they are driving in a lot of runs consistently, not only will our hitters give our pitching staff more run support, but more fans are going to come to the ballpark to watch it happen. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The current dimensions have not helped the Pirates have a winning record since 1948. Something needs to be done and I think this could just be what we need to move forward.
"John, I will tell you right now that if these stadium dimension changes happen, I will not only come here more often during the season, but I will also try to get some post-game concerts set up for our loyal fans. If they want other singers or bands here as well, I will also try to make that happen. $10 million might sound like a big price to pay for dimensions and fence heights, but I'm telling you we will make more money from doing this and will end up with a noticeable profit before you know it. Shale, you guys have my vote!"
Galbreath then spoke again. "Wow Bing. I never really even thought of how these changes could lead to increased ticket sales by default! I agree that if our hitters hit more home runs, more people will likely come to the ballpark. Plus, those post-game concerts you mentioned would be even better for us financially and maybe we could even sell tickets for some fans to be on the field right next to your stage while your perform! I love this idea! A Pirates game with a post-game concert included and seats right near the stage on the field for an additional small fee. I love the sound of this! Bing, you have won me over. We can try these new dimensions out for a few seasons. If it works, that would be awesome. If not, we can revisit this topic in the future. The dimensions can always be re-configured, but with four consecutive losing seasons, I feel we ought to try something new! Shale, you have my permission to contact Pittsburgh's best construction companies and get this project started as soon as possible! Construction will have to be during spring training so that the new dimensions are ready on Opening Day! The $10 million fee is approved as well. Thanks for all your efforts!"
All in all, the Pirates' home will still be Forbes Field, but it will have a new look to it going forward!
