So the old Winston-Salem Warthogs are now the Dash. Hard to say it is much of an improvement over the Warthogs but perhaps with time, it may take on a better feel. It is only of those names that are kind of hard to say as a singular or as a plural. ‘ The Dash player … ‘ the Dashes’ … it is going to take some getting use to in using the right context and usage. Would not have that problem if the name was something like Aviators, my personal choice of the five names up for selection.
But that is just one part of the story. The other part of the news concerning the team and its new ballpark is that the ballpark may not be ready in time for the first pitch. Negoiations between the two owners of the team which resulted in Billy Prim becoming the sole owner of the team has lead to a slowdow of construction of the ballpark for the past month or so. As well, th price of the ballpark stadium has increased significantly above the $22 million quoted figure as additional development around the ballpark has also begun now. Details on that new construction remain a bit sketchy but it is something that Prim will have to bear on his own as the city is supporting only the original construction proposal.
However, bad economy or not, th ballpark will be finished sometime in the first half of the year. If winter remains as mild as predicted, then construction should pick up a bit to catch up on the schedule. What probably would not happen now are the variety of proposed developments outside of Prim’s interest for areas around the ballpark. Restaurant, retail and residential developments will be put on hold until the economy settles down and people feel more confident about business prospects. Putting the ballpark where it is now was considered to be essential in broading the downtown area and closely tie in the West End area with downtown proper. For now, the ballpark is somewhat isolated but hopefully not for too long.
I have not been to any baseball games here in Winston-Salem but I have made it a resolution to see a game next year in the new stadium. There is something about spending a quiet summer’s afternoon and watching a ballgame that sort of soothes the spirit.