Clem's Baseball in Washington news chronology

Baseball in Washington:
News chronology

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(First posted as separate page: Feb. 2006)

Historical news chronology

The following table lists key events (and occasional newspaper commentaries) as published in the Washington Post. As you read through the headlines, you may find yourself wondering "Haven't I read this before?" Yes, you probably have. Discussions concerning baseball in Washington do have the monotonously repetitive quality of a broken record. For five heartbreaking years, baseball officials kept pledging to give Washington serious consideration, and yet every year they kept stalling, heaping lame excuse on top of lame excuse. This chronology -- or perhaps "litany of raised hopes and crushing disillusion" -- finally came to an end when the Washington Nationals began playing ball in April 2005!

News compiled from The Washington Post (print edition)
Date	Headline	Subhead (Notes)
Apr. 4, 1999	Baseball Departs District	(Cardinals and Expos finish two exhibition games at RFK stadium.)
Dec. 14, 2001	Baseball Has Its Eye on RFK	D.C. Venue Could Be Ready for a Team for 2002 Major League Season
Jan. 17, 2002	Hopes Rise for Baseball In D.C.	Selig: Washington Is Prime Candidate
Feb. 27, 2002	Hoping to Keep It Together	Expos Favor Move to Washington Area Over Dispersal Draft
Mar. 18, 2002	O's Still Oppose D.C. Team	[Orioles vice chmn.] Foss: Region Cannot Support Two Franchises
Apr. ?, 2002	Johnson, Synder Join Forces for Baseball	Redskins owner [Dan Snyder], BET Founder [Robert Johnson] Want to Bring Team to D.C.
Apr. ?, 2002	No Full House in This Hand	Avg. attendance for Montreal Expos home games in 2001 was only 8,200.
Apr. 18, 2002	MLB: Area Baseball 'Inevitable'	Robert DuPuy, MLB chief operating officer: "It's just a matter of when."
May 20, 2002	Finalists in the Ballpark	Virginia, D.C. Groups Seek Stadium Design and Site
Oct. 9, 2002	BET's Johnson Looks At Purchasing Expos	(Robert Johnson, head of Black Entertainment Television)
Oct. ?, 2002	Architects Drop Bid for N.Va. Stadium	(HOK Sport, of Kansas City, withdrew, leaving HKS Inc., of Dallas)
May ?, 2002	D.C. Divided On Paying For Baseball	(84% polled favor baseball in D.C., but half oppose public funding.)
Sept. 29, 2002	D.C. Baseball Backers Offer 5 Stadium Sites	(near RFK Stadium, N & W of Union Station, Mt. Vernon Sq., & Navy Yard)
Dec. 15, 2002	Expos to Move for '04 Season	Decision on Where Team Will Play Is Expected as Early as July; MLB owners are "resolute" on relinquishing control after next season.
Dec. 22, 2002	D.C.'s Share For Stadium Could Hit $300 Million	Mayor Anthony Williams said D.C. govt. subsidy might reach $300 million.
Nov. 14, 2002	On Deck, Heavy Hitters	Well-Funded D.C. Group [led by F. Malek] Eyes Baseball Team
Nov. 15, 2002	Cost Estimates Jump For New D.C. Stadium	(total price tag of 5 sites range from $342m to $542m)
Jan. 15, 2003	Va. Deficit Sours Bid to Attract Baseball	[Va. Baseball Stadium Authority] Wants Team While Awaiting Funds
Jan. 20, 2003	Baseball's Bounty	District Boosters Believe Downtown Stadium Would Outperform Suburban Site
Jan. ?, 2003	Out-of-Area Bidder For Expos Emerges	Mark Broxmeyer, Long Island real estate developer, with ties to GOP
Jan. 28, 2003	Portland Prepares A Pitch for Baseball	Mayor Vera Katz leads delegation; Portland pop. = 1.9m vs. 5.4m in D.C. area
Feb. 6, 2003	Metrocall Directors Fire Collins	Collins Free to Pursue Baseball Team (he heads prospective N. Va. franchise)
Feb. 16, 2003	Va. Looking At Four Sites For Stadium	Three Are in Arlington, One Near Dulles Airport
Mar. 11, 2003	D.C. Business Backs Fees for New stadium	D.C. Building Industry Assoc. endorsed Mayor Williams' fee proposal
Mar. 19, 2003	Baseball Booster Favors Stadium At Pentagon City	N.Va. Makes Case Friday For Major League Team
Mar. 19, 2003	Baseball Awaits Money Pitch	Public Finances to Build Stadium Could Be Key to Getting Expos [* cost data]
Mar. 21, 2003	District Presents Offer for Ballclub	(to MLB relocation committee, in Phoenix)
Mar. 22, 2003	N.Va. Claims Advantages Over D.C. For Baseball	(to MLB relocation committee, in Phoenix)
Mar. 23, 2003	In the Game For Baseball, With the Score Uncertain	Opposition by Orioles Owner Still Threatens Proposals from D.C., Northern Va. to Win Team
Mar. 27, 2003	Ballpark Financing Emerges	Va. Officials Propose to Raise $285 Million
Mar. 30, 2003	Va. Baseball Officials Detail Stadium Proposal	Plans Include Grassy Seating, Neighborhood Field
Mar. 31, 2003	Baseball in D.C.: Last, Best Chance	Proximity to Baltimore is Sticking Point
Apr. 9, 2003	Optimism Bolsters Va. Bid for Ballclub	Stadium financing plans assume 35,000+ per game attendance.
Apr. 11, 2003	From Les Expos to Los Expos	Montreal Shares Team With San Juan, but for How Long?
Apr. 12, 2003	Expos Triumph in Puerto Rico	First Game in San Juan Is a Win for Montreal
Apr. 23, 2003	Home Is Where the Expos Are -- At Least for Now	After several "home" games in Puerto Rico, Expos play first game in Montreal. Att.: 36, 879
Apr. ?, 2003	Johnson Won't Pursue Baseball Team for D.C.	BET Founder is dropping efforts to buy Expos.
May 8, 2003	Williams Wants $338 Million From the City For Baseball	N.Va., Oregon Bidders Offering Millions Less in Public Backing
May 11, 2003	Baseball Push Goes Young, Hip	VBSA has been promoting baseball at nightclubs in Arlington.
May 22, 2003	Baseball Backers Say Poll Shows Support in N.Va.	Two-Thirds Say They'd Go to Ballpark (poll commissioned by VBSA)
May ?, 2003	Arlington Split Over Its Future Targets Stadium	Sharpening differences of opinion over baseball and future development
June 8, 2003	Doubts on Financing Stall Baseball Plan	D.C. Council, Congress Question New Taxes
June 19, 2003	Ex-Redskins Join Virginia Baseball Group	Art Monk, Charles Mann join William Collins' partnership.
June 21, 2003	Baseball Talks Focus on Financing	MLB officials met with Mayor Williams and N.Va. officials, still hope to relocate Expos next year, but no timetable.
June 19, 2003	Ex-Redskins Join Virginia Baseball Group	Art Monk and Charles Mann joined William Collins' baseball partnership.
June 28, 2003	D.C. in Running For Baseball, Despite Demands	Unnamed MLB official says MLB is still considering D.C.
July 2, 2003	Baseball Meeting Suddenly Postponed	MLB officials canceled meeting with D.C. Council member Jack Evans, who vows to block mayor's stadium financing plan.
July ?, 2003	Williams Eases Push on Stadium Financing	Mayor Awaiting Commitment From Baseball Officials
July ?, 2003	Baseball Consultant Is Paid With D.C. Funds	Peter Bavasi's consulting firm gets $200,000 from D.C. Sports Commission
July 10, 2003	Baseball Still a Taxing Issue for Many Virginians	VBSA stadium financing plan: $8m tax on tickets + $4m tax on ballpark salaries + $4m tax on hotel rooms + $2m tax on concessions + $2m state sales tax + $1.6m rental income = $20m x 30 years = $285 bond issue (incl. est. interest cost)
July 11, 2003	No Word On Expos Likely Soon	MLB says Relocation Committee won't finish its work until after All Star break, its previous target decision date.
July 11, 2003	27 Miles To Home Plate	by Joel Achenbach (Style section feature article) Washington Isn't Flocking to Orioles Games. Here's Why.
July 11, 2003	Group Cites Stadium Skepticism In Arlington	Cafritz Foundation, which owns Pentagon City site, claims 64% of Arlingtonians oppose baseball stadium.
July 13, 2003	Baseball's Stadium Shakedown	by Ralph Nader (op-ed piece): No stadium subsidies for wealthy owners! Make MLB sell Expos at original cost of $120m.
July 15, 2003	Relocation Committee Inches Along	Bob DuPuy: MLB decision will come "when the moons and the sunds and the stars and the dollars are aligned correctly. We'll get there."
July 19, 2003	Stadium Decision Cuts N.Va.'s Chances for Team	Arlington's Withdrawal Makes Major League Baseball More Likely to Turn Toward Eager District
July 29, 2003	Players' Rep Wants Input From Expos Themselves	MLBPA official Gene Orza wants Expos players to choose where to play.
July 30, 2003	Arlington Stands Firm on Ballpark	Arl. Board Chmn. Ferguson: "our decision is final." Gov. Warner won't give up.
July 31, 2003	D.C. Ponders Alternative For Financing Ballpark	CFO Natwar Gandhi suggests refinancing convention center, to reduce interest cost of bonds.
Aug. 2, 2003	Monterrey [Mexico] Makes Bid for Expos	Carlos Bremer, CEO of Value Investment Group [*]
Aug. 5, 2003	Passion for Stadium Outlasts Va. Rejection	Gov. Mark Warner still hopes Arlington will approve stadium deal.
Aug. 11, 2003		Northern Virginia baseball fans staged a protest at Arlington County government building.
Aug. 14, 2003	Owners Hopeful of Progress on Expos	[Meeting in Boston] Virginia Baseball Adds Partners.
Aug. 23, 2003	Portland Expos Bid Thwarted by Senate	Oregon Senate rejected $150 million stadium bill.
Aug. 30, 2003	Expos '04 Schedule Leaves Relocation 'Remote'	Bob DuPuy said MLB hopes to make decision by Sept. 15; Expos Pres. Tavares visited Monterrey.
Sept. 11, 2003	In Stretch, MLB Eyes Expos Options	Club's Fate Looks Highly Uncertain
Sept. 20, 2003	For Expos, Only One Place Like Home in '04	MLB Players rejected playing 22 games in San Juan next year. (avg. 14,222 attendance, vs. 12,081 in Montreal)
Oct. 1, 2003	Baseball Is Faced With a Borderline Decision	Mexican City Appears to Be an Attractive Alternative for Expos
Nov. 21, 2003	Montreal-San Juan Expos Once Again	MLB announced that the Expos will be playing 22 games in Puerto Rico again next year.
Nov. 23, 2003		MLB relocation committee has turned its focus to finding a permanent home for the Expos by the 2005 season.
Jan. 16, 2004	Relocation Committee Wants July Decision	MLB owners meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. Bud Selig hopes "to finalize a 2005 [Expos relocation] deal as soon as possible."
Jan. 24, 2004	MLB Passed On $30M Proposal	Virginia Baseball Club offer to host all or most of the Expos games in RFK Stadium next year, with no further commitment.
Feb. 6, 2004		D.C. officials unveil a possible stadium site near the southwest waterfront.
Feb. 21, 2004		Orioles owner Peter Angelos says the diminished "threat" of the Expos moving to Washington has enabled him to beef up his payroll.
Feb. 25, 2004		D.C. officials made a revised stadium funding proposal which would enable the prospective baseball franchise owner to pay a higher franchise fee.
Mar. 21, 2004		MLB Relocation Committee member John McHale doubts there will be any decision on the fate of the Montreal franchise by the All-Star break.
Apr. 14, 2004	Williams To Offer City-Paid Stadium	Cheaper Plan ($340 - $385 million) Cuts Start-Up Costs For Team Owners.
May 7, 2004	Baseball Officials 'Serious' About D.C.	MLB Exec. V.P. John McHale met with Mayor Williams. Reinsdorf: Angelos's objections are NOT "an automatic disqualification."
Apr. 13, 2004	D.C. Stadium Funding Tied To Commitment by MLB	Deputy Mayor Eric Price: "dynamics change a lot if baseball says they're going to come to D.C."
May 7, 2004	Baseball Officials 'Serious' About D.C.	Williams Makes Stadium Proposal [to Relocation Cmte.]
May 19, 2004	Financing May Block Baseball For District	MLB Relocation Committee discussed latest stadium financing offer from Mayor Williams.
May 21, 2004	Selig Is Uneasy About D.C. Baseball's Effect	Commissioner Worried It'll Hurt Orioles; He "does not want to repeat baseball's past mistakes" by allowing a franchise relocation that adversely affects an existing franchise. .
May 25, 2004	Group Pitches Stadium Plan to Leaders in Loudoun	Lakeside Commerce, Condos Would Adjoin Dulles Ballpark
May 27, 2004	Norfolk Thinks It's Got The Ticket	Drive for Fans Meant To Impress MLB
May 30, 2004	D.C. Proposal Would Secure Ballpark Site	Legislation Endorses L'Enfant Plaza spot [introduced by Jacks Evans]
June 2, 2004	D.C. Official Backs Off On Stadium Near Mall	[Jack Evans gives up on proposed bill to buy land near L'Enfant Plaza]
June 17, 2004	Businesses Face Higher D.C. Taxes for Stadium	DCSEC Chm. Tuohey says taxes would rise $18-$20m/yr
June 20, 2004	Home Builders Craft Plan to Lue Baseball	Revenue From Housing, Retail Project Would Help Fund Loudoun Stadium
June 22, 2004	Baseball Backers Cite Loudoun Fan Base	Wealth, Growth Would Support Team
June 24, 2004	Loudoun Stadium Plan Bucks Close-In Trend	All stadiums built since 1994 have been within 2 miles of city core
June 27, 2004	"The Last Cartel: How Baseball Does Business" (Washington Post series of articles by Steve Fainaru)	Part I -- Selig Plays Hardball on Stadium Deals; Selig Maneuvers Outside Antitrust Constraints
June 28, 2004	"The Last Cartel"	Part II -- Expos For Sale: Team Becomes Pawn of Selig; Expos Have Had Two Strikes Working Against Them
June 29, 2004	"The Last Cartel"	Part III -- Angelos, Selig Last Men Standing in D.C.'s Way; Once Opponents, Angelos and Selig Have Become Allies
July 1, 2004	Expos' Relocation Progressing Slowly	Selig received update report from DuPuy
July 7, 2004	Baseball Speculation Rife Online	URLs [bought by MLB] Don't Denote a Decision on Expos
July 10, 2004	Baseball Officials Visit Area	Participants Include Key Adviser to Selig [Jerry Reinsdorf]
July 11, 2004	Washington's Major League Divide	Competing Bids for Basebll Team Show Split Between City, Suburbs
July 14, 2004	Montgomery Scores One for Baseball in the District	Montgomery Co. Council unanimous resolution supporting baseball in D.C.
July 14, 2004	Expos' Future Is Rounding Into Shape	Commissioner Selig Indicates Team Could Be Relocated Before Next Season
Aug. 6, 2004	MLB Officials Spend the Day in Washington
Aug. 17, 2004	With a Light Touch, Heavy Hitters Pursue D.C. Team	Baseball Group Hopes Payoff Is Near After Years of Perseverance [J. Zients, F. Malek]
Aug. 18, 2004	Va. Consortium's Chief Has Team-Building in His Blood	Former Ballplayer [Williams Collins] Has Worked for Years to Lure Major League Club
Aug. 19, 2004	MLB Has Not Made a Decision	Expos Next Home Still Is Unknown [Relocation Cmte. mtg.]
Aug. 24, 2004	MLB Group in Area Today
Aug. 25, 2004	MLB Talks to Officials In D.C.	Meeting Set Today With Va. Group
Aug. 26, 2004	D.C. Poll, Politicians Cast Doubt On Baseball	Public Financing Plan Would Build Stadium
Aug. 27, 2004	Baseball Group Reduces Scope	Va. Stadium Plan Shrinks By Half [from 450 to 220 acres; Chantilly Crushed Stone declined to sell]
Aug. 28, 2004	Fans Back Pitch for Baseball, D.C. Says	City Touts Results of Area Survey
Sept. 5, 2004	Davis Is Determined Rivalry Won't Keep Baseball Away	Rep. Thomas Davis (R-VA) wants D.C.-Va. cooperation.
Sept. 22, 2004	D.C. Eyes Waterfront Baseball Stadium	Sources Say Owners Will Back Moving Expos to Washington
Sept. 23, 2004	D.C. Makes Baseball Pitch to Business Leaders	Owners' Panel Meets Today to Consider Moving Expos Next Year
Sept. 23, 2004	The Showdown Begins	Angelos-MLB Discussions Not Progressing
Sept. 23, 2004	Some in SE Say Stadium Not Welcome	Shop Owners, Residents Have Concerns
Sept. 24, 2004	Baseball Has D.C. In Plan For Expos	Businesses Receptive To D.C. Stadium Tax; D.C United Planning Its Own Stadium Deal
Sept. 24, 2004	In Montreal, It's Few and Far Between	Expos' Season Appears to Be Winding Down for Last Time in Quiet Olympic Stadium
Sept. 25, 2004	Bidding War Likely for D.C. Team	Washington Baseball Club has spent $1 million so far, but faces competition for franchise
Sept. 26, 2004	Anacostia Plan Gets Jolt Forward	Stadiums [baseball and soccer] Would Energize Waterfront
Sept. 26, 2004	Landowners Feel Stadium Squeeze	Twenty Acres Marked for Baseball Bid Isn't the District's -- Yet ; District Can Use Eminent Domain
Sept. 26, 2004	Landowners Feel Stadium Squeeze	Twenty Acres Marked for Baseball Bid Isn't the District's -- Yet ; District Can Use Eminent Domain
Sept. 29, 2004	Baseball, Angelos Close To Deal	D.C. Officials Making Plans for Announcement.
Sept. 29, 2004	Baseball Has Eluded Va. Despite Tax Giveaway Plan	.
Sept. 30, 2004	Baseball's Coming Back to Washington	Mayor, City Officials Celebrate Decision to Move Montreal Expos to Nation's Capital; A majority of D.C. council members at ceremony.
Oct. 1, 2004	MLB Deal Favorable to Orioles' Angelos	Guarantees, TV Deal Sweeten Pot
Oct. 1, 2004	D.C. Stadium Traffic Seen as Not All bad	Games Could Ease Evening Rush
Oct. 2, 2004	Foes of New Stadium Want Team to Stay at RFK	Jack Evans accused Adrian Fenty of grandstanding
Oct. 2, 2004	RFK Stadium Overhaul Needed by Opening Day	An Unbuilt Ballpark Casts Its Shadow on Southeast; owner of Follies gay night club has nowhere to go
Oct. 3, 2004	Md., Va. Fans Could Make Stadium a Tax Winner	Suburban Fans Could Boost D.C. Tax Revenue
Oct. 15, 2004	For Expos, Next Year Starts Now	Long List of Fixes Await Stadium; The last time stands were moved for baseball, it took 2.5 weeks!
Oct. , 2004	Barry's Back And Fighting Stadium Plan
Oct. 6, 2004	Coalition Vows to Fight Stadium	Education, Homelessness Are More Pressing Priorities, D.C. Group Says
Oct. 11, 2004	For Mayor, Baseball Rife With Risk	Skeptics Point to Financing, Other Dire Needs in D.C.
Oct. 15, 2004	For Expos, Next Year Starts Now	Advance Work Can't Wait Until Resolution of Stadium Deal
Oct. 20, 2004	For Sale: One Baseball Team	Bidders for Expos Must Submit Their Offers by Nov. 1
Oct. 20, 2004	Opponents Are Pessimistic On Stopping D.C. Stadium	Officials Promote Benefits to Neighborhoods [Ed Lazere heads "No D.C. Taxes for Baseball"]
Oct. 22, 2004	D.C. Seeking Bids to Prepare RFK	City Says Stadium Will Be Ready for Baseball Team's Opener in April
Oct. 28, 2004	Cost Estimate on Stadium Jumps	D.C. Analysis Says Price of Deal Could Rise $91 Million
Oct. 29, 2004	Vocal Crowd Turns Out to Talk Baseball	D.C. Hearing Draws Stadium Fans, Foes
Oct. 31, 2004	No Joy in Stadiumville	An Unbuilt Ballpark Casts Its Shadow on Southeast [Owner of Follies gay night club has nowhere to go]
Nov. 3, 2004	New Stadium Bill Adds Community Fund	Mayor Changes Plan for Business Tax; Council Panels to Vote Today
Nov. 4, 2004	D.C. Council Panels Back Stadium Plan	Proposal Moves Ahead On 3-2 Committee Votes
Nov. 6, 2004	Alternative D.C. Stadium Site Proposed	Council Chairman's Plan to Build Near RFK Could Sink Baseball Deal, Mayor Says
Nov. 6, 2004	MLB to Rename The Expos 'Soon'	News on Ticket Plan Expected Monday
Nov. 6, 2004	Scheduling Conflicts Addressed	MLB Reduces Number of Common Home dates for Washington, Baltimore Clubs; 'Nationals' Reportedly Has Inside Track as Team Name; Scheduling Conflicts [with
Nov. 7, 2004	Mayor Fights To Save Plan For Riverfront Baseball Park
Nov. 9, 2004	Williams Claims Votes for Stadium	Council Showdown Scheduled Today [Poll: 68% say baseball will be good for D.C., but 62% say stadium deal is bad.]
Nov. 10, 2004	Cropp Blocks Council Vote On Stadium	Chairman Says She Has Private Financing Plan
Nov. 11, 2004	Cropp to Back Stadium Proposal If City Looks at Private Financing
Nov. 14, 2004	From Conciliation to Confrontation	Cropp's Stadium Switch Designed to Build More Tolerable Deal, Backers Say
Nov. 14, 2004	Stadium Analyses Put Cost Far Higher	D.C. Could Pay $174 Million More
Nov. 16, 2004	D.C. Council Members Reject Plan to Privately Fund Stadium	Major League Baseall Wouldn't Agree to Changes, Officials Fear
Nov. 16, 2004	Ruling Clears Way For Expos' Relocation	Expos minority partners lose lawsuit against Jeff Loria, MLB
Nov. 17, 2004	Expos Land C. Guzman, Castilla	Agreements With Two Free Agents Are Multiyear
Nov. 17, 2004	Deposits on Tickets Taken a Day Early	Pre-Registered Fans Get Jump on Expos' Season Plan
Nov. 19, 2004	Owners' Vote on Expos Delayed	MLB: Relocation Is Not at Risk
Nov. 25, 2004	Cost Cap Proposed for SE Stadium	Price Could Force Move to RFK Site
Nov. 25, 2004	Nationals Have 15,000 Deposits for Tickets	Budget for Players Still Unclear Despite Income
Nov. , 2004	Stadium Back on Calendar For Vote	Council Could Allow Funding Options
Nov. 23, 2004	Nationals Are Reborn to a Mixed Reaction	Team logo paraphernalia goes on sale [Adam Eidinger disrupts ceremony]
Nov. 30, 2004	Cropp Indicates Support As Baseball Sweetens Deal	Counci Will Vote on Stadium Today
Dec. 1, 2004	Council Backs Waterfront Stadium	Preliminary Approval Given for Mayor's Public Funding Plan to Bring Baseball to City
Dec. 3, 2004	A Deal's A Deal, Selig Tells District	Owners Plan Vote On Move Today
Dec. 9, 2004	Stadium Deal Could Profit Owner's Son As D.C. Pays	Michael Reinsdorf, son of Jerry, is with Intl. Facilities Group, bidding for project
Dec. 15, 2004	Baseball Debate Puts Deal In Doubt	Council Struggles Toward Decision [ten hours of hearings]
Dec. 16, 2004	Nats Are Stuck in a Rundown	Operations Have Ground to a Halt
Dec. 16, 2004	Baseball Rejects Council's Changes in Financing Plan for D.C. Stadium	Cropp Vowed to Back Deal, Mayor Believed
Dec. 17, 2004	Cropp Asks Baseball For Time On Stadium	"Give us a few months to finalize private financing."
Dec. 18, 2004	Street Parking Fees Could Alleviate Stadium Funding	D.C. Considers Proposal That Would Provide Money Needed Now in Return for Firm's Profit Later
Dec. 19, 2004	Owners' Vote on Expos Delayed
Dec. 20, 2004	Poll Sees Split on Stadium Funding	56% Want Some Private Sources; On National TV, Williams Presses Case for Baseball
Dec. 22, 2004	Nationals Slide Safely Into Home; Amended Deal on Stadium Approved	Council Seals Return of Baseball to D.C.; At the End of the Day, Cropp Owns the Deal; Savings and Uncertainty in Stadium Deal
Dec. 23, 2004	D.C. Stadium Deal Might Not Be Done	Slight Possbility Exists That Incoming Council Members Could Reopen Debate
Dec. 24, 2004	Potential Nats Owners Are Going to Bat	About half-dozen $100K deposits from would-be buyers
Dec. 26?, 2004	Utility Tax Extension Splits Cost of Ballpark	Federal Buildings To Pay $6 Million
Jan. ?, 2005	Stadium Financing a Done Deal	Williams Signs Bill Authorizing Bonds
Jan. 10, 2005	Head of Stadium Project Has His Eye on the Clock	Convention Center Job Tested Deadline, Guidance Skills (Allen Lew, of D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission)
Jan. 15, 2005	MLB Keeps Working On TV Deal for Nats	Nick Johnson signs one-year contract for $1.45 million
Jan. 16, 2005	Work Before Play For Baseball at RFK	Tight Timetable Shapes Renovation (Grandstand returned to baseball position.)
Jan. 18, 2005	Nats' Farm System Suffering From Drought of Ownership	[New Orleans Zephyrs, Harrisburg Senators, etc. are weak]
Jan. 21, 2005	RFK Still Gives Everyone a Fair Shake	Symmetrical Park Will Feature a Portable Mound, New Grass
Jan. 25, 2005	Nationals' Sale Is Beginning to Pick Up Speed	Team's financial Records are being examined by accountants.
Feb. 6, 2005	D.C. Places Premium on 'Signature' Look for Ballpark	Creativity Stressed as Architects Vie to Win Project
Feb. 12, 2005	RFK Dugouts Supersized For Today's Athletes	3rd-base side (home): 63 feet; 1st-base side: 53 feet
Mar. 4, 2005	D.C. Picks 3 Finalists To Design Stadium	[Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum; Harwood K. Smith; Skidmore Owings & Merrill]
Mar. 12?, 2005	Stadium Architects Fear More of the Same	Experienced Sports Design Firm Considered a Known Entity by MLB, Others
Mar. 15, 2005	D.C. Clears 2 Financing Proposals For Stadium	[Natwar Gandhi considers offers from Deutsche Bank and Gates Group.]
Mar. 15, 2005	District Skeptical On Financing Deals	City to Look for Savings on Stadium
Mar. 19, 2005	A Field Grows in Washington	New Sod Transforms the Old Stadium for Nationals' Arrival
Mar. 26, 2005	RFK Sponsorship to Aid Kids	Ethel Kennedy Backs Plan to Sell Stadium Naming Rights
Mar. 29, 2005	Slow Start for RFK Naming Rights	Deadline Passes, but 3 to 5 Offers Still Expected
Mar. 31, 2005	Stadium Price Up, But Under D.C. Cap	[Est. total cost: $581.2m, $4m under cap]; Architect Picked for SE Project [Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum]
Apr. 1, 2005	Architects Promise Visionary D.C. Ballpark	HOK Sport Considers Such Encompassing Themes as 'Transparency of Democracy' for Design
Apr. 3, 2005	Washington Springs Forward to Baseball	(first appearance at RFK by Nats, who lose to Mets in exhibition game)
Apr. 5, 2005	At Long Last, Nats Lose	Washington loses at Philadelphia on Opening Day, 8-4
Apr. 7, 2005	Nats Ride Wilkerson's Cycle to First Win	Washington 7, Philadelphia 3
Apr. 7, 2005	D.C. Council Challenges Stadium Land Estimate	Natwar Gandhi said the 14 acres would cost $77.1 million; 63 lots, 33 owners.
Apr. 9, 2005	United Finds a Mound of Difference at Home	[First major league soccer game in RFK Stadium since renovation; turf is uneven.]
Apr. 13, 2005	Catching a Presidential Pitch	Bush to Continue Tradition of chief Executive Throwing Out First Ball at Opener
Apr. 14, 2005	The Old Ballgame in a New City	Nationals' Opener Highlights Region's Transformation Over 34 Years
Apr. 15, 2005	Baseball Capital; A Triumphant Return	City Celbrates Hometown Heroes In a New Beginning; Nats Win Historic Home Opener (vs. Arizona, 5-3)
Apr. 22, 2005	Comcast Sues Orioles Over Television Rights	Exec. V.P. David Cohen challenges "Angelos Tax" of $2-3/month
Apr. 24, 2005	Resident Near Stadium Offer Tips, Voice Fear	D.C. Demonstrators Seek Direct Input
Apr. 29, 2005	For Many Area Fans, Nationals Are Out of Sight	Lack of cable TV contracts limits potential TV viewership outside Washington.
May 2, 2005	For Nats, What Counts Is Turnstiles	Tavares Is 'Very Pleased' With Nats' Attendance (avg. 30,951 in April, 13th in MLB)
May 3, 2005	Williams' Stadium Bill Lacks Details	Private Money, Tax On Business in Flux
May 6, 2005	Baseball Official Reiterates Investment Vow	Ward 7 Tour Highlights Recreation Needs
May 7, 2005	Hearings Set On Funding For Stadium	Council Takes Over Task To Get Private Backing
May 26, 2005	[Colin] Powell Joins Group Bidding on Nationals
May 31, 2005	Now Up for Bids, the Nationals: Let's Begin at $300 Million	[MLB formally considers bids from nine would-be owners, who are profiled.]
June 1, 2005	Local Bid For Nationals Under New Leadership	[Albert Lord, of Sallie Mae, replaces William Collins as head of American Baseball Capital.]
June 2, 2005	Soros Joins Ledecky's Bid For Nationals	[Hungarian-born global financier George Soros is worth $7.2 billion.]
June 10, 2005	Stadium Financing Bid Fails to Gain Approval	D.C. Official Reaffirms Skepticism on Plan
June 10, 2005	An Erosion of Orioles' Turf	Some Fans in Md. Make Nationals Their Home Team
June 13, 2005	Beguiled by the Boys of Summer	The Nationals, Improbably in 1st Place, Inspire Lovefest at RFK
June 21, 2005	Nationals Expected To Turn $20M Profit	Windfall Is Likely To Raise Sale Price; Expos lost $10M last year
June 22, 2005	D.C. Council Approves Stadium Labor Pact	D.C. Residents Assurd Jobs, Backers Say
June 28, 2005	Nats Caught in a TV Rundown	Rights to Air Games At Center of Dispute; legal dispute between Orioles' MASN and Comcast
June 30, 2005	Nationals No-Shows Could Cost D.C. in Taxes	Average of 32,019 tickets were sold in first 33 games, but the average actual attendance was only 24,679.
July 5, 2005	A Torrid Romance	At RFK and All Over Town, Fans Are Falling Head Over Heels for the Nationals
July 22, 2005	In Outfield, Gaps of Perception	RFK Stadium's Dimensions Are a Matter of Dispute
Aug. 8, 2005	D.C. Ballpark Architect Has Towering Test	Joseph Spear, of HOK firm, has led design of Camden Yards, Jacobs Field, etc.
Aug. 13, 2005	Race for Ownership Of Nationals Isn't Open to Everyone	Approved Team Buyers Likely To Have League Connections
Aug. 25, 2005	Stadium Estimates Still in the Ballpark	Sewer Savings Offset Higher Land Costs
Aug. 27, 2005	As Angry Nats Fans Organize, Anti-Cable Agenda Suspected	Anti-Angelos iwantmynatstv.com Web site is very slick; linked to DirecTV?
Sept. 19, 2005	As Stadium Clock Ticks, D.C. Officials Bicker	(Jack Evans wants view of Capitol dome.)
Sept. 25, 2005	Battle Brewing for Stadium Tracts	Owners Get Lawyers And Get Ready to Contest City's Offers
Oct. 15, 2005	Council to Revisit Stadium Financing	Action Could Reopen Debate on D.C. Site
Oct. 9, 2005	D.C. Short on Baseball Revenue	Nationals' Profits Beat Expectations Despite No-Shows (hence low parking, tax revenue)
Oct. 20, 2005	Cropp Stands by Anacostia Stadium Site as Council Debate on Financing Looms
Oct. 22, 2005	Stadium Property Owners Ballking	Only One Agrees to Sell Land to D.C.
Nov. 2, 2005	Stadium Cutbacks Considered	Fancy features may be sacrificed to save $.
Nov. 10, 2005	Selig: No Date For Nats Owner	Robinson Upset By Uncertainty
Nov. 12, 2005	Baseball Opposes Stadium Rent Deal	Snag Delays Ballpark Lease, Team Sale
Nov. 18, 2005	Stadium's Modern Design Pleases Most D.C. Officials
Nov. 21, 2005	D.C. Ballpark's Rising Price Tag Compels Cuts	City to Seek Help Paying for Infrastructure
Nov. 26, 2005	New Hurdle For Stadium Lease Deal	Majoity of Council Insisting on a Vote
Nov. 29, 2005	D.C., MLB Stadium Talks Struggle	Arbitration Warned if No Lease Deal by January
Dec. 2, 2005	Council Still Pushing RFK Site	Executive Says Baseball Has Not Dismissed Alternative Stadium Location
Dec. 4?, 2005	Baseball Opposes Moving Stadium	Williams Defends Costs Before Council
Dec. 5, 2005	Ballpark 'Hurdles' Are Cleared, Cropp Says	Lease Still Requires D.C. Council Approval
Dec. 6, 2005	Baseball Stadium Cost Could Exceed $700 Million
Dec. 7, 2005	Williams Dismisses $700 Million Stadium Estimate
Dec. 10, 2005	Accord Reached On New Stadium	Second Agreement Requires Nationals To Stay for 30 Years
Dec. 13, 2005	Stadium Price Tag Rises by Millions	RFK Site Cheaper But Problematic, Finance Chief Says
Dec. 15, 2005	Williams, MLB Turn Up heat On Council's Stadium Foes	Four likely "YES," four likely "NO," five uncertain.
Dec. 18, 2005	Beyond Washington, Most Teams Cover Stadium Overruns	District Agreed to Pay Costs Exceeding Ballpark Budget
Dec. 20, 2005	Council Vote on Stadium Delayed	Mayor Buys Time As Support Falters
Dec. 21, 2005	Barry Moved to Block Stadium	Ex-Mayor Says He Had Been Negotiating Deal
Dec. 23 , 2005	Nats Bidders Told Not to Offer Funds	Baseball Tries to Thwart Private Deals
Dec. 24, 2005	Leadership Void Keeps Stadium Deal Up in the Air	(rivalry between Mayor Williams, Linda Cropp, and Marion Barry)
Jan. 4, 2005	Baseball to Seek Arbitration Over D.C. Stadium
Jan. 12, 2005	Cropp Proposes 'Compromise' on D.C. Stadium	Council Chairman Tells Mayor in Letter That Plan Would Ensure Enough Votes for Lease Deal
Jan. 21, 2006	Stadium Design Retooled to Cut Costs	Changes Part of Push To Win Lease Approval
Jan. 24, 2006	D.C. Asks Court to Let City Push Owners From Stadium Site	Occupants would have to vacate by Feb. 7.
Feb. 2, 2006	Private Stadium Funding Canceled	Natwar Gandhi says $5 million fee would gain nothing; Embarrassment for Cropp.
Feb. 7, 2006	D.C. Council Insists on Own Stadium Cost Cap	Linda Cropp will introduce emergency legislation today.
Feb. 8, 2006	Council Forges Deal on Stadium	Late Vote Reverses Initial Rejection, Adds Spending Cap
Feb. 11, 2006	Stadium Cost Cap Concerns MLB	Deal 'Seriously Disrupted,' Says Letter to City
Mar. 6, 2006	MLB Officials Sign Lease for D.C. Stadium	City's Conditions on Capping Costs Met
Mar. 8, 2006	At Long Last, A D.C. Stadium Deal	Council Approves Construction Contract; Reaffirms Public Spending Cap
Mar. 15, 2006	Lots of Glass, Capital Views	Design of New Stadiium for Washington Nationals Reflects Elements of Convention Center and Monumnets In Departuree From Red-Brick Retro Ballparks
May 4, 2006	After 17 Months, Baseball Introduces Nats' Owners	Lerner Group Stresses Farm System, Stadium
May 5, 2006	Stadium Dig Begins, but Design Still Up in the Air	.
...	...and they played happily ever after...	.
Bold face entries denote front-page Section A news stories.

News compiled from The Washington Post (print edition)

Date

Headline

Subhead (Notes)

Apr. 4, 1999

Baseball Departs District

(Cardinals and Expos finish two exhibition games at RFK stadium.)

Dec. 14, 2001

Baseball Has Its Eye on RFK

D.C. Venue Could Be Ready for a Team for 2002 Major League Season

Jan. 17, 2002

Hopes Rise for Baseball In D.C.

Selig: Washington Is Prime Candidate

Feb. 27, 2002

Hoping to Keep It Together

Expos Favor Move to Washington Area Over Dispersal Draft

Mar. 18, 2002

O's Still Oppose D.C. Team

[Orioles vice chmn.] Foss: Region Cannot Support Two Franchises

Apr. ?, 2002

Johnson, Synder Join Forces for Baseball

Redskins owner [Dan Snyder], BET Founder [Robert Johnson] Want to Bring Team to D.C.

Apr. ?, 2002

No Full House in This Hand

Avg. attendance for Montreal Expos home games in 2001 was only 8,200.

Apr. 18, 2002

MLB: Area Baseball 'Inevitable'

Robert DuPuy, MLB chief operating officer: "It's just a matter of when."

May 20, 2002

Finalists in the Ballpark

Virginia, D.C. Groups Seek Stadium Design and Site

Oct. 9, 2002

BET's Johnson Looks At Purchasing Expos

(Robert Johnson, head of Black Entertainment Television)

Oct. ?, 2002

Architects Drop Bid for N.Va. Stadium

(HOK Sport, of Kansas City, withdrew, leaving HKS Inc., of Dallas)

May ?, 2002

D.C. Divided On Paying For Baseball

(84% polled favor baseball in D.C., but half oppose public funding.)

Sept. 29, 2002

D.C. Baseball Backers Offer 5 Stadium Sites

(near RFK Stadium, N & W of Union Station, Mt. Vernon Sq., & Navy Yard)

Dec. 15, 2002

Expos to Move for '04 Season

Decision on Where Team Will Play Is Expected as Early as July; MLB owners are "resolute" on relinquishing control after next season.

Dec. 22, 2002

D.C.'s Share For Stadium Could Hit $300 Million

Mayor Anthony Williams said D.C. govt. subsidy might reach $300 million.

Nov. 14, 2002

On Deck, Heavy Hitters

Well-Funded D.C. Group [led by F. Malek] Eyes Baseball Team

Nov. 15, 2002

Cost Estimates Jump For New D.C. Stadium

(total price tag of 5 sites range from $342m to $542m)

Jan. 15, 2003

Va. Deficit Sours Bid to Attract Baseball

[Va. Baseball Stadium Authority] Wants Team While Awaiting Funds

Jan. 20, 2003

Baseball's Bounty

District Boosters Believe Downtown Stadium Would Outperform Suburban Site

Jan. ?, 2003

Out-of-Area Bidder For Expos Emerges

Mark Broxmeyer, Long Island real estate developer, with ties to GOP

Jan. 28, 2003

Portland Prepares A Pitch for Baseball

Mayor Vera Katz leads delegation; Portland pop. = 1.9m vs. 5.4m in D.C. area

Feb. 6, 2003

Metrocall Directors Fire Collins

Collins Free to Pursue Baseball Team (he heads prospective N. Va. franchise)

Feb. 16, 2003

Va. Looking At Four Sites For Stadium

Three Are in Arlington, One Near Dulles Airport

Mar. 11, 2003

D.C. Business Backs Fees for New stadium

D.C. Building Industry Assoc. endorsed Mayor Williams' fee proposal

Mar. 19, 2003

Baseball Booster Favors Stadium At Pentagon City

N.Va. Makes Case Friday For Major League Team

Mar. 19, 2003

Baseball Awaits Money Pitch

Public Finances to Build Stadium Could Be Key to Getting Expos [* cost data]

Mar. 21, 2003

District Presents Offer for Ballclub

(to MLB relocation committee, in Phoenix)

Mar. 22, 2003

N.Va. Claims Advantages Over D.C. For Baseball

(to MLB relocation committee, in Phoenix)

Mar. 23, 2003

In the Game For Baseball, With the Score Uncertain

Opposition by Orioles Owner Still Threatens Proposals from D.C., Northern Va. to Win Team

Mar. 27, 2003

Ballpark Financing Emerges

Va. Officials Propose to Raise $285 Million

Mar. 30, 2003

Va. Baseball Officials Detail Stadium Proposal

Plans Include Grassy Seating, Neighborhood Field

Mar. 31, 2003

Baseball in D.C.: Last, Best Chance

Proximity to Baltimore is Sticking Point

Apr. 9, 2003

Optimism Bolsters Va. Bid for Ballclub

Stadium financing plans assume 35,000+ per game attendance.

Apr. 11, 2003

From Les Expos to Los Expos

Montreal Shares Team With San Juan, but for How Long?

Apr. 12, 2003

Expos Triumph in Puerto Rico

First Game in San Juan Is a Win for Montreal

Apr. 23, 2003

Home Is Where the Expos Are -- At Least for Now

After several "home" games in Puerto Rico, Expos play first game in Montreal. Att.: 36, 879

Apr. ?, 2003

Johnson Won't Pursue Baseball Team for D.C.

BET Founder is dropping efforts to buy Expos.

May 8, 2003

Williams Wants $338 Million From the City For Baseball

N.Va., Oregon Bidders Offering Millions Less in Public Backing

May 11, 2003

Baseball Push Goes Young, Hip

VBSA has been promoting baseball at nightclubs in Arlington.

May 22, 2003

Baseball Backers Say Poll Shows Support in N.Va.

Two-Thirds Say They'd Go to Ballpark (poll commissioned by VBSA)

May ?, 2003

Arlington Split Over Its Future Targets Stadium

Sharpening differences of opinion over baseball and future development

June 8, 2003

Doubts on Financing Stall Baseball Plan

D.C. Council, Congress Question New Taxes

June 19, 2003

Ex-Redskins Join Virginia Baseball Group

Art Monk, Charles Mann join William Collins' partnership.

June 21, 2003

Baseball Talks Focus on Financing

MLB officials met with Mayor Williams and N.Va. officials, still hope to relocate Expos next year, but no timetable.

June 19, 2003

Ex-Redskins Join Virginia Baseball Group

Art Monk and Charles Mann joined William Collins' baseball partnership.

June 28, 2003

D.C. in Running For Baseball, Despite Demands

Unnamed MLB official says MLB is still considering D.C.

July 2, 2003

Baseball Meeting Suddenly Postponed

MLB officials canceled meeting with D.C. Council member Jack Evans, who vows to block mayor's stadium financing plan.

July ?, 2003

Williams Eases Push on Stadium Financing

Mayor Awaiting Commitment From Baseball Officials

July ?, 2003

Baseball Consultant Is Paid With D.C. Funds

Peter Bavasi's consulting firm gets $200,000 from D.C. Sports Commission

July 10, 2003

Baseball Still a Taxing Issue for Many Virginians

VBSA stadium financing plan: $8m tax on tickets + $4m tax on ballpark salaries + $4m tax on hotel rooms + $2m tax on concessions + $2m state sales tax + $1.6m rental income = $20m x 30 years = $285 bond issue (incl. est. interest cost)

July 11, 2003

No Word On Expos Likely Soon

MLB says Relocation Committee won't finish its work until after All Star break, its previous target decision date.

July 11, 2003

27 Miles To Home Plate

by Joel Achenbach (Style section feature article) Washington Isn't Flocking to Orioles Games. Here's Why.

July 11, 2003

Group Cites Stadium Skepticism In Arlington

Cafritz Foundation, which owns Pentagon City site, claims 64% of Arlingtonians oppose baseball stadium.

July 13, 2003

Baseball's Stadium Shakedown

by Ralph Nader (op-ed piece): No stadium subsidies for wealthy owners! Make MLB sell Expos at original cost of $120m.

July 15, 2003

Relocation Committee Inches Along

Bob DuPuy: MLB decision will come "when the moons and the sunds and the stars and the dollars are aligned correctly. We'll get there."

July 19, 2003

Stadium Decision Cuts N.Va.'s Chances for Team

Arlington's Withdrawal Makes Major League Baseball More Likely to Turn Toward Eager District

July 29, 2003

Players' Rep Wants Input From Expos Themselves

MLBPA official Gene Orza wants Expos players to choose where to play.

July 30, 2003

Arlington Stands Firm on Ballpark

Arl. Board Chmn. Ferguson: "our decision is final." Gov. Warner won't give up.

July 31, 2003

D.C. Ponders Alternative For Financing Ballpark

CFO Natwar Gandhi suggests refinancing convention center, to reduce interest cost of bonds.

Aug. 2, 2003

Monterrey [Mexico] Makes Bid for Expos

Carlos Bremer, CEO of Value Investment Group [*]

Aug. 5, 2003

Passion for Stadium Outlasts Va. Rejection

Gov. Mark Warner still hopes Arlington will approve stadium deal.

Aug. 11, 2003

Northern Virginia baseball fans staged a protest at Arlington County government building.

Aug. 14, 2003

Owners Hopeful of Progress on Expos

[Meeting in Boston] Virginia Baseball Adds Partners.

Aug. 23, 2003

Portland Expos Bid Thwarted by Senate

Oregon Senate rejected $150 million stadium bill.

Aug. 30, 2003

Expos '04 Schedule Leaves Relocation 'Remote'

Bob DuPuy said MLB hopes to make decision by Sept. 15; Expos Pres. Tavares visited Monterrey.

Sept. 11, 2003

In Stretch, MLB Eyes Expos Options

Club's Fate Looks Highly Uncertain

Sept. 20, 2003

For Expos, Only One Place Like Home in '04

MLB Players rejected playing 22 games in San Juan next year. (avg. 14,222 attendance, vs. 12,081 in Montreal)

Oct. 1, 2003

Baseball Is Faced With a Borderline Decision

Mexican City Appears to Be an Attractive Alternative for Expos

Nov. 21, 2003

Montreal-San Juan Expos Once Again

MLB announced that the Expos will be playing 22 games in Puerto Rico again next year.

Nov. 23, 2003

MLB relocation committee has turned its focus to finding a permanent home for the Expos by the 2005 season.

Jan. 16, 2004

Relocation Committee Wants July Decision

MLB owners meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. Bud Selig hopes "to finalize a 2005 [Expos relocation] deal as soon as possible."

Jan. 24, 2004

MLB Passed On $30M Proposal

Virginia Baseball Club offer to host all or most of the Expos games in RFK Stadium next year, with no further commitment.

Feb. 6, 2004

D.C. officials unveil a possible stadium site near the southwest waterfront.

Feb. 21, 2004

Orioles owner Peter Angelos says the diminished "threat" of the Expos moving to Washington has enabled him to beef up his payroll.

Feb. 25, 2004

D.C. officials made a revised stadium funding proposal which would enable the prospective baseball franchise owner to pay a higher franchise fee.

Mar. 21, 2004

MLB Relocation Committee member John McHale doubts there will be any decision on the fate of the Montreal franchise by the All-Star break.

Apr. 14, 2004

Williams To Offer City-Paid Stadium

Cheaper Plan ($340 - $385 million) Cuts Start-Up Costs For Team Owners.

May 7, 2004

Baseball Officials 'Serious' About D.C.

MLB Exec. V.P. John McHale met with Mayor Williams. Reinsdorf: Angelos's objections are NOT "an automatic disqualification."

Apr. 13, 2004

D.C. Stadium Funding Tied To Commitment by MLB

Deputy Mayor Eric Price: "dynamics change a lot if baseball says they're going to come to D.C."

May 7, 2004

Baseball Officials 'Serious' About D.C.

Williams Makes Stadium Proposal [to Relocation Cmte.]

May 19, 2004

Financing May Block Baseball For District

MLB Relocation Committee discussed latest stadium financing offer from Mayor Williams.

May 21, 2004

Selig Is Uneasy About D.C. Baseball's Effect

Commissioner Worried It'll Hurt Orioles; He "does not want to repeat baseball's past mistakes" by allowing a franchise relocation that adversely affects an existing franchise. .

May 25, 2004

Group Pitches Stadium Plan to Leaders in Loudoun

Lakeside Commerce, Condos Would Adjoin Dulles Ballpark

May 27, 2004

Norfolk Thinks It's Got The Ticket

Drive for Fans Meant To Impress MLB

May 30, 2004

D.C. Proposal Would Secure Ballpark Site

Legislation Endorses L'Enfant Plaza spot [introduced by Jacks Evans]

June 2, 2004

D.C. Official Backs Off On Stadium Near Mall

[Jack Evans gives up on proposed bill to buy land near L'Enfant Plaza]

June 17, 2004

Businesses Face Higher D.C. Taxes for Stadium

DCSEC Chm. Tuohey says taxes would rise $18-$20m/yr

June 20, 2004

Home Builders Craft Plan to Lue Baseball

Revenue From Housing, Retail Project Would Help Fund Loudoun Stadium

June 22, 2004

Baseball Backers Cite Loudoun Fan Base

Wealth, Growth Would Support Team

June 24, 2004

Loudoun Stadium Plan Bucks Close-In Trend

All stadiums built since 1994 have been within 2 miles of city core

June 27, 2004

"The Last Cartel: How Baseball Does Business" (Washington Post series of articles by Steve Fainaru)

Part I -- Selig Plays Hardball on Stadium Deals; Selig Maneuvers Outside Antitrust Constraints

June 28, 2004

"The Last Cartel"

Part II -- Expos For Sale: Team Becomes Pawn of Selig; Expos Have Had Two Strikes Working Against Them

June 29, 2004

"The Last Cartel"

Part III -- Angelos, Selig Last Men Standing in D.C.'s Way; Once Opponents, Angelos and Selig Have Become Allies

July 1, 2004

Expos' Relocation Progressing Slowly

Selig received update report from DuPuy

July 7, 2004

Baseball Speculation Rife Online

URLs [bought by MLB] Don't Denote a Decision on Expos

July 10, 2004

Baseball Officials Visit Area

Participants Include Key Adviser to Selig [Jerry Reinsdorf]

July 11, 2004

Washington's Major League Divide

Competing Bids for Basebll Team Show Split Between City, Suburbs

July 14, 2004

Montgomery Scores One for Baseball in the District

Montgomery Co. Council unanimous resolution supporting baseball in D.C.

July 14, 2004

Expos' Future Is Rounding Into Shape

Commissioner Selig Indicates Team Could Be Relocated Before Next Season

Aug. 6, 2004

MLB Officials Spend the Day in Washington

Aug. 17, 2004

With a Light Touch, Heavy Hitters Pursue D.C. Team

Baseball Group Hopes Payoff Is Near After Years of Perseverance [J. Zients, F. Malek]

Aug. 18, 2004

Va. Consortium's Chief Has Team-Building in His Blood

Former Ballplayer [Williams Collins] Has Worked for Years to Lure Major League Club

Aug. 19, 2004

MLB Has Not Made a Decision

Expos Next Home Still Is Unknown [Relocation Cmte. mtg.]

Aug. 24, 2004

MLB Group in Area Today

Aug. 25, 2004

MLB Talks to Officials In D.C.

Meeting Set Today With Va. Group

Aug. 26, 2004

D.C. Poll, Politicians Cast Doubt On Baseball

Public Financing Plan Would Build Stadium

Aug. 27, 2004

Baseball Group Reduces Scope

Va. Stadium Plan Shrinks By Half [from 450 to 220 acres; Chantilly Crushed Stone declined to sell]

Aug. 28, 2004

Fans Back Pitch for Baseball, D.C. Says

City Touts Results of Area Survey

Sept. 5, 2004

Davis Is Determined Rivalry Won't Keep Baseball Away

Rep. Thomas Davis (R-VA) wants D.C.-Va. cooperation.

Sept. 22, 2004

D.C. Eyes Waterfront Baseball Stadium

Sources Say Owners Will Back Moving Expos to Washington

Sept. 23, 2004

D.C. Makes Baseball Pitch to Business Leaders

Owners' Panel Meets Today to Consider Moving Expos Next Year

Sept. 23, 2004

The Showdown Begins

Angelos-MLB Discussions Not Progressing

Sept. 23, 2004

Some in SE Say Stadium Not Welcome

Shop Owners, Residents Have Concerns

Sept. 24, 2004

Baseball Has D.C. In Plan For Expos

Businesses Receptive To D.C. Stadium Tax; D.C United Planning Its Own Stadium Deal

Sept. 24, 2004

In Montreal, It's Few and Far Between

Expos' Season Appears to Be Winding Down for Last Time in Quiet Olympic Stadium

Sept. 25, 2004

Bidding War Likely for D.C. Team

Washington Baseball Club has spent $1 million so far, but faces competition for franchise

Sept. 26, 2004

Anacostia Plan Gets Jolt Forward

Stadiums [baseball and soccer] Would Energize Waterfront

Sept. 26, 2004

Landowners Feel Stadium Squeeze

Twenty Acres Marked for Baseball Bid Isn't the District's -- Yet ; District Can Use Eminent Domain

Sept. 26, 2004

Landowners Feel Stadium Squeeze

Twenty Acres Marked for Baseball Bid Isn't the District's -- Yet ; District Can Use Eminent Domain

Sept. 29, 2004

Baseball, Angelos Close To Deal

D.C. Officials Making Plans for Announcement.

Sept. 29, 2004

Baseball Has Eluded Va. Despite Tax Giveaway Plan

Sept. 30, 2004

Baseball's Coming Back to Washington

Mayor, City Officials Celebrate Decision to Move Montreal Expos to Nation's Capital; A majority of D.C. council members at ceremony.

Oct. 1, 2004

MLB Deal Favorable to Orioles' Angelos

Guarantees, TV Deal Sweeten Pot

Oct. 1, 2004

D.C. Stadium Traffic Seen as Not All bad

Games Could Ease Evening Rush

Oct. 2, 2004

Foes of New Stadium Want Team to Stay at RFK

Jack Evans accused Adrian Fenty of grandstanding

Oct. 2, 2004

RFK Stadium Overhaul Needed by Opening Day

An Unbuilt Ballpark Casts Its Shadow on Southeast; owner of Follies gay night club has nowhere to go

Oct. 3, 2004

Md., Va. Fans Could Make Stadium a Tax Winner

Suburban Fans Could Boost D.C. Tax Revenue

Oct. 15, 2004

For Expos, Next Year Starts Now

Long List of Fixes Await Stadium; The last time stands were moved for baseball, it took 2.5 weeks!

Oct. , 2004

Barry's Back And Fighting Stadium Plan

Oct. 6, 2004

Coalition Vows to Fight Stadium

Education, Homelessness Are More Pressing Priorities, D.C. Group Says

Oct. 11, 2004

For Mayor, Baseball Rife With Risk

Skeptics Point to Financing, Other Dire Needs in D.C.

Oct. 15, 2004

For Expos, Next Year Starts Now

Advance Work Can't Wait Until Resolution of Stadium Deal

Oct. 20, 2004

For Sale: One Baseball Team

Bidders for Expos Must Submit Their Offers by Nov. 1

Oct. 20, 2004

Opponents Are Pessimistic On Stopping D.C. Stadium

Officials Promote Benefits to Neighborhoods [Ed Lazere heads "No D.C. Taxes for Baseball"]

Oct. 22, 2004

D.C. Seeking Bids to Prepare RFK

City Says Stadium Will Be Ready for Baseball Team's Opener in April

Oct. 28, 2004

Cost Estimate on Stadium Jumps

D.C. Analysis Says Price of Deal Could Rise $91 Million

Oct. 29, 2004

Vocal Crowd Turns Out to Talk Baseball

D.C. Hearing Draws Stadium Fans, Foes

Oct. 31, 2004

No Joy in Stadiumville

An Unbuilt Ballpark Casts Its Shadow on Southeast [Owner of Follies gay night club has nowhere to go]

Nov. 3, 2004

New Stadium Bill Adds Community Fund

Mayor Changes Plan for Business Tax; Council Panels to Vote Today

Nov. 4, 2004

D.C. Council Panels Back Stadium Plan

Proposal Moves Ahead On 3-2 Committee Votes

Nov. 6, 2004

Alternative D.C. Stadium Site Proposed

Council Chairman's Plan to Build Near RFK Could Sink Baseball Deal, Mayor Says

Nov. 6, 2004

MLB to Rename The Expos 'Soon'

News on Ticket Plan Expected Monday

Nov. 6, 2004

Scheduling Conflicts Addressed

MLB Reduces Number of Common Home dates for Washington, Baltimore Clubs; 'Nationals' Reportedly Has Inside Track as Team Name; Scheduling Conflicts [with

Nov. 7, 2004

Mayor Fights To Save Plan For Riverfront Baseball Park

Nov. 9, 2004

Williams Claims Votes for Stadium

Council Showdown Scheduled Today [Poll: 68% say baseball will be good for D.C., but 62% say stadium deal is bad.]

Nov. 10, 2004

Cropp Blocks Council Vote On Stadium

Chairman Says She Has Private Financing Plan

Nov. 11, 2004

Cropp to Back Stadium Proposal If City Looks at Private Financing

Nov. 14, 2004

From Conciliation to Confrontation

Cropp's Stadium Switch Designed to Build More Tolerable Deal, Backers Say

Nov. 14, 2004

Stadium Analyses Put Cost Far Higher

D.C. Could Pay $174 Million More

Nov. 16, 2004

D.C. Council Members Reject Plan to Privately Fund Stadium

Major League Baseall Wouldn't Agree to Changes, Officials Fear

Nov. 16, 2004

Ruling Clears Way For Expos' Relocation

Expos minority partners lose lawsuit against Jeff Loria, MLB

Nov. 17, 2004

Expos Land C. Guzman, Castilla

Agreements With Two Free Agents Are Multiyear

Nov. 17, 2004

Deposits on Tickets Taken a Day Early

Pre-Registered Fans Get Jump on Expos' Season Plan

Nov. 19, 2004

Owners' Vote on Expos Delayed

MLB: Relocation Is Not at Risk

Nov. 25, 2004

Cost Cap Proposed for SE Stadium

Price Could Force Move to RFK Site

Nov. 25, 2004

Nationals Have 15,000 Deposits for Tickets

Budget for Players Still Unclear Despite Income

Nov. , 2004

Stadium Back on Calendar For Vote

Council Could Allow Funding Options

Nov. 23, 2004

Nationals Are Reborn to a Mixed Reaction

Team logo paraphernalia goes on sale [Adam Eidinger disrupts ceremony]

Nov. 30, 2004

Cropp Indicates Support As Baseball Sweetens Deal

Counci Will Vote on Stadium Today

Dec. 1, 2004

Council Backs Waterfront Stadium

Preliminary Approval Given for Mayor's Public Funding Plan to Bring Baseball to City

Dec. 3, 2004

A Deal's A Deal, Selig Tells District

Owners Plan Vote On Move Today

Dec. 9, 2004

Stadium Deal Could Profit Owner's Son As D.C. Pays

Michael Reinsdorf, son of Jerry, is with Intl. Facilities Group, bidding for project

Dec. 15, 2004

Baseball Debate Puts Deal In Doubt

Council Struggles Toward Decision [ten hours of hearings]

Dec. 16, 2004

Nats Are Stuck in a Rundown

Operations Have Ground to a Halt

Dec. 16, 2004

Baseball Rejects Council's Changes in Financing Plan for D.C. Stadium

Cropp Vowed to Back Deal, Mayor Believed

Dec. 17, 2004

Cropp Asks Baseball For Time On Stadium

"Give us a few months to finalize private financing."

Dec. 18, 2004

Street Parking Fees Could Alleviate Stadium Funding

D.C. Considers Proposal That Would Provide Money Needed Now in Return for Firm's Profit Later

Dec. 19, 2004

Owners' Vote on Expos Delayed

Dec. 20, 2004

Poll Sees Split on Stadium Funding

56% Want Some Private Sources; On National TV, Williams Presses Case for Baseball

Dec. 22, 2004

Nationals Slide Safely Into Home; Amended Deal on Stadium Approved

Council Seals Return of Baseball to D.C.; At the End of the Day, Cropp Owns the Deal; Savings and Uncertainty in Stadium Deal

Dec. 23, 2004

D.C. Stadium Deal Might Not Be Done

Slight Possbility Exists That Incoming Council Members Could Reopen Debate

Dec. 24, 2004

Potential Nats Owners Are Going to Bat

About half-dozen $100K deposits from would-be buyers

Dec. 26?, 2004

Utility Tax Extension Splits Cost of Ballpark

Federal Buildings To Pay $6 Million

Jan. ?, 2005

Stadium Financing a Done Deal

Williams Signs Bill Authorizing Bonds

Jan. 10, 2005

Head of Stadium Project Has His Eye on the Clock

Convention Center Job Tested Deadline, Guidance Skills (Allen Lew, of D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission)

Jan. 15, 2005

MLB Keeps Working On TV Deal for Nats

Nick Johnson signs one-year contract for $1.45 million

Jan. 16, 2005

Work Before Play For Baseball at RFK

Tight Timetable Shapes Renovation (Grandstand returned to baseball position.)

Jan. 18, 2005

Nats' Farm System Suffering From Drought of Ownership

[New Orleans Zephyrs, Harrisburg Senators, etc. are weak]

Jan. 21, 2005

RFK Still Gives Everyone a Fair Shake

Symmetrical Park Will Feature a Portable Mound, New Grass

Jan. 25, 2005

Nationals' Sale Is Beginning to Pick Up Speed

Team's financial Records are being examined by accountants.

Feb. 6, 2005

D.C. Places Premium on 'Signature' Look for Ballpark

Creativity Stressed as Architects Vie to Win Project

Feb. 12, 2005

RFK Dugouts Supersized For Today's Athletes

3rd-base side (home): 63 feet; 1st-base side: 53 feet

Mar. 4, 2005

D.C. Picks 3 Finalists To Design Stadium

[Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum; Harwood K. Smith; Skidmore Owings & Merrill]

Mar. 12?, 2005

Stadium Architects Fear More of the Same

Experienced Sports Design Firm Considered a Known Entity by MLB, Others

Mar. 15, 2005

D.C. Clears 2 Financing Proposals For Stadium

[Natwar Gandhi considers offers from Deutsche Bank and Gates Group.]

Mar. 15, 2005

District Skeptical On Financing Deals

City to Look for Savings on Stadium

Mar. 19, 2005

A Field Grows in Washington

New Sod Transforms the Old Stadium for Nationals' Arrival

Mar. 26, 2005

RFK Sponsorship to Aid Kids

Ethel Kennedy Backs Plan to Sell Stadium Naming Rights

Mar. 29, 2005

Slow Start for RFK Naming Rights

Deadline Passes, but 3 to 5 Offers Still Expected

Mar. 31, 2005

Stadium Price Up, But Under D.C. Cap

[Est. total cost: $581.2m, $4m under cap]; Architect Picked for SE Project [Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum]

Apr. 1, 2005

Architects Promise Visionary D.C. Ballpark

HOK Sport Considers Such Encompassing Themes as 'Transparency of Democracy' for Design

Apr. 3, 2005

Washington Springs Forward to Baseball

(first appearance at RFK by Nats, who lose to Mets in exhibition game)

Apr. 5, 2005

At Long Last, Nats Lose

Washington loses at Philadelphia on Opening Day, 8-4

Apr. 7, 2005

Nats Ride Wilkerson's Cycle to First Win

Washington 7, Philadelphia 3

Apr. 7, 2005

D.C. Council Challenges Stadium Land Estimate

Natwar Gandhi said the 14 acres would cost $77.1 million; 63 lots, 33 owners.

Apr. 9, 2005

United Finds a Mound of Difference at Home

[First major league soccer game in RFK Stadium since renovation; turf is uneven.]

Apr. 13, 2005

Catching a Presidential Pitch

Bush to Continue Tradition of chief Executive Throwing Out First Ball at Opener

Apr. 14, 2005

The Old Ballgame in a New City

Nationals' Opener Highlights Region's Transformation Over 34 Years

Apr. 15, 2005

Baseball Capital; A Triumphant Return

City Celbrates Hometown Heroes In a New Beginning; Nats Win Historic Home Opener (vs. Arizona, 5-3)

Apr. 22, 2005

Comcast Sues Orioles Over Television Rights

Exec. V.P. David Cohen challenges "Angelos Tax" of $2-3/month

Apr. 24, 2005

Resident Near Stadium Offer Tips, Voice Fear

D.C. Demonstrators Seek Direct Input

Apr. 29, 2005

For Many Area Fans, Nationals Are Out of Sight

Lack of cable TV contracts limits potential TV viewership outside Washington.

May 2, 2005

For Nats, What Counts Is Turnstiles

Tavares Is 'Very Pleased' With Nats' Attendance (avg. 30,951 in April, 13th in MLB)

May 3, 2005

Williams' Stadium Bill Lacks Details

Private Money, Tax On Business in Flux

May 6, 2005

Baseball Official Reiterates Investment Vow

Ward 7 Tour Highlights Recreation Needs

May 7, 2005

Hearings Set On Funding For Stadium

Council Takes Over Task To Get Private Backing

May 26, 2005

[Colin] Powell Joins Group Bidding on Nationals

May 31, 2005

Now Up for Bids, the Nationals: Let's Begin at $300 Million

[MLB formally considers bids from nine would-be owners, who are profiled.]

June 1, 2005

Local Bid For Nationals Under New Leadership

[Albert Lord, of Sallie Mae, replaces William Collins as head of American Baseball Capital.]

June 2, 2005

Soros Joins Ledecky's Bid For Nationals

[Hungarian-born global financier George Soros is worth $7.2 billion.]

June 10, 2005

Stadium Financing Bid Fails to Gain Approval

D.C. Official Reaffirms Skepticism on Plan

June 10, 2005

An Erosion of Orioles' Turf

Some Fans in Md. Make Nationals Their Home Team

June 13, 2005

Beguiled by the Boys of Summer

The Nationals, Improbably in 1st Place, Inspire Lovefest at RFK

June 21, 2005

Nationals Expected To Turn $20M Profit

Windfall Is Likely To Raise Sale Price; Expos lost $10M last year

June 22, 2005

D.C. Council Approves Stadium Labor Pact

D.C. Residents Assurd Jobs, Backers Say

June 28, 2005

Nats Caught in a TV Rundown

Rights to Air Games At Center of Dispute; legal dispute between Orioles' MASN and Comcast

June 30, 2005

Nationals No-Shows Could Cost D.C. in Taxes

Average of 32,019 tickets were sold in first 33 games, but the average actual attendance was only 24,679.

July 5, 2005

A Torrid Romance

At RFK and All Over Town, Fans Are Falling Head Over Heels for the Nationals

July 22, 2005

In Outfield, Gaps of Perception

RFK Stadium's Dimensions Are a Matter of Dispute

Aug. 8, 2005

D.C. Ballpark Architect Has Towering Test

Joseph Spear, of HOK firm, has led design of Camden Yards, Jacobs Field, etc.

Aug. 13, 2005

Race for Ownership Of Nationals Isn't Open to Everyone

Approved Team Buyers Likely To Have League Connections

Aug. 25, 2005

Stadium Estimates Still in the Ballpark

Sewer Savings Offset Higher Land Costs

Aug. 27, 2005

As Angry Nats Fans Organize, Anti-Cable Agenda Suspected

Anti-Angelos iwantmynatstv.com Web site is very slick; linked to DirecTV?

Sept. 19, 2005

As Stadium Clock Ticks, D.C. Officials Bicker

(Jack Evans wants view of Capitol dome.)

Sept. 25, 2005

Battle Brewing for Stadium Tracts

Owners Get Lawyers And Get Ready to Contest City's Offers

Oct. 15, 2005

Council to Revisit Stadium Financing

Action Could Reopen Debate on D.C. Site

Oct. 9, 2005

D.C. Short on Baseball Revenue

Nationals' Profits Beat Expectations Despite No-Shows (hence low parking, tax revenue)

Oct. 20, 2005

Cropp Stands by Anacostia Stadium Site as Council Debate on Financing Looms

Oct. 22, 2005

Stadium Property Owners Ballking

Only One Agrees to Sell Land to D.C.

Nov. 2, 2005

Stadium Cutbacks Considered

Fancy features may be sacrificed to save $.

Nov. 10, 2005

Selig: No Date For Nats Owner

Robinson Upset By Uncertainty

Nov. 12, 2005

Baseball Opposes Stadium Rent Deal

Snag Delays Ballpark Lease, Team Sale

Nov. 18, 2005

Stadium's Modern Design Pleases Most D.C. Officials

Nov. 21, 2005

D.C. Ballpark's Rising Price Tag Compels Cuts

City to Seek Help Paying for Infrastructure

Nov. 26, 2005

New Hurdle For Stadium Lease Deal

Majoity of Council Insisting on a Vote

Nov. 29, 2005

D.C., MLB Stadium Talks Struggle

Arbitration Warned if No Lease Deal by January

Dec. 2, 2005

Council Still Pushing RFK Site

Executive Says Baseball Has Not Dismissed Alternative Stadium Location

Dec. 4?, 2005

Baseball Opposes Moving Stadium

Williams Defends Costs Before Council

Dec. 5, 2005

Ballpark 'Hurdles' Are Cleared, Cropp Says

Lease Still Requires D.C. Council Approval

Dec. 6, 2005

Baseball Stadium Cost Could Exceed $700 Million

Dec. 7, 2005

Williams Dismisses $700 Million Stadium Estimate

Dec. 10, 2005

Accord Reached On New Stadium

Second Agreement Requires Nationals To Stay for 30 Years

Dec. 13, 2005

Stadium Price Tag Rises by Millions

RFK Site Cheaper But Problematic, Finance Chief Says

Dec. 15, 2005

Williams, MLB Turn Up heat On Council's Stadium Foes

Four likely "YES," four likely "NO," five uncertain.

Dec. 18, 2005

Beyond Washington, Most Teams Cover Stadium Overruns

District Agreed to Pay Costs Exceeding Ballpark Budget

Dec. 20, 2005

Council Vote on Stadium Delayed

Mayor Buys Time As Support Falters

Dec. 21, 2005

Barry Moved to Block Stadium

Ex-Mayor Says He Had Been Negotiating Deal

Dec. 23 , 2005

Nats Bidders Told Not to Offer Funds

Baseball Tries to Thwart Private Deals

Dec. 24, 2005

Leadership Void Keeps Stadium Deal Up in the Air

(rivalry between Mayor Williams, Linda Cropp, and Marion Barry)

Jan. 4, 2005

Baseball to Seek Arbitration Over D.C. Stadium

Jan. 12, 2005

Cropp Proposes 'Compromise' on D.C. Stadium

Council Chairman Tells Mayor in Letter That Plan Would Ensure Enough Votes for Lease Deal

Jan. 21, 2006

Stadium Design Retooled to Cut Costs

Changes Part of Push To Win Lease Approval

Jan. 24, 2006

D.C. Asks Court to Let City Push Owners From Stadium Site

Occupants would have to vacate by Feb. 7.

Feb. 2, 2006

Private Stadium Funding Canceled

Natwar Gandhi says $5 million fee would gain nothing; Embarrassment for Cropp.

Feb. 7, 2006

D.C. Council Insists on Own Stadium Cost Cap

Linda Cropp will introduce emergency legislation today.

Feb. 8, 2006

Council Forges Deal on Stadium

Late Vote Reverses Initial Rejection, Adds Spending Cap

Feb. 11, 2006

Stadium Cost Cap Concerns MLB

Deal 'Seriously Disrupted,' Says Letter to City

Mar. 6, 2006

MLB Officials Sign Lease for D.C. Stadium

City's Conditions on Capping Costs Met

Mar. 8, 2006

At Long Last, A D.C. Stadium Deal

Council Approves Construction Contract; Reaffirms Public Spending Cap

Mar. 15, 2006

Lots of Glass, Capital Views

Design of New Stadiium for Washington Nationals Reflects Elements of Convention Center and Monumnets In Departuree From Red-Brick Retro Ballparks

May 4, 2006

After 17 Months, Baseball Introduces Nats' Owners

Lerner Group Stresses Farm System, Stadium

May 5, 2006

Stadium Dig Begins, but Design Still Up in the Air

...

...and they played happily ever after...

Bold face entries denote front-page Section A news stories.

SOURCE: Washington Post; also see the Post's special D.C. Baseball page

Text, excluding headlines in table, are copyright © 2007 Andrew G. Clem. All rights reserved. Headlines in table are © The Washington Post Company. Use of this site indicates your agreement to the Terms of Use.

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