The Red Sox' "success on the field could actually delay
movement on public aid" for a proposed $550M ballpark,
according to Cosmo Macero of the BOSTON HERALD. The MA
legislative session ends November 17, giving the team "less
than a month to get a bill drafted and filed, and little
hope for approval before lawmakers break for the holidays."
Macero: "The Sox, however, are cautious of giving any
appearance that the team's success will be exploited on
behalf of the ballpark project." Ballpark spokesperson
Kathyrn St. John: "We feel strongly that the case for the
new ballpark stands on its own merits. Clearly, we're happy
with the fan enthusiasm at this point. But we don't think
it will affect the process at all." Macero writes that "may
explain the team's willingness to hold off on a push for
state funding until the Legislature reconvenes next year."
Meanwhile, Macero adds that "politically weak to begin with,
Fenway activists have been drowned by the excitement" of the
team's postseason play (BOSTON HERALD, 10/19). A computer-
generated animated model of the proposed new Fenway Park was
shown during the top of the second inning of last night's
Yankees-Red Sox Game Five on Fox. Fox's Joe Buck: "They
were originally shooting for an opening day date in the year
2003, but that is looking less and less likely, as they have
a lot of question marks surrounding the funding for it"
("League Championship Series," Fox, 10/18).
