New York Stadiums Plan Clears Hurdle

New ballparks for the New York Yankees and Mets passed a financing hurdle Wednesday when the New York City Council approved their payment plans.

The Yankees’ ballpark, planned to open in 2009 next to their current home in the Bronx, is expected to cost more than $1 billion, with the city and state providing more than $200 million. The Mets’ stadium, to be built on what is now part of the parking lot of Shea Stadium in Queens, is predicted to cost about $800 million, of which the city and state will contribute about $165 million.

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The Minnesota House gave the Twins’ stadium hopes a big lift, voting 76-55 in favor of an open-air ballpark that would be paid for mostly by taxpayers.

The focus now shifts to the state Senate, where the proposed increase in the county’s sales tax could run into some early trouble. The stadium project would cost $522 million -- three-fourths from a higher Hennepin County sales tax.

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Durham Bull outfielder Delmon Young threw a bat into the chest of the home plate umpire after being called out on strikes in the first inning of a minor league game at Pawtucket, R.I.

Young argued with the ump after taking a third strike. The umpire ejected Young, who then threw his bat and hit the umpire in the chest. Replacement umpires have been working minor league games because the regular umpires are on strike.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks said Brett Butler, who manages their Class A Lancaster team, was diagnosed with an infection after being hospitalized with chest pains Monday. He will be released from the hospital today and rejoin the team Monday.