Saints Owner Caught in Political Fight

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Mike Veeck says he's about the only professional sports team owner in America without any leverage. The charismatic owner of the St. Paul Saints says he's indirectly become a pawn in a political fight at the State Capitol.

A proposed $54 million baseball park is part of a larger bonding bill of public works projects. The ballpark, to be built in Lowertown St. Paul, would become the new home of the Saints.

Since the start of the franchise, the ballclub has called Midway Stadium home.

"I'm telling you, I'm the only ballclub owner in the entire world with no leverage," Veeck told Newsradio 830 WCCO's John Hines Thursday. "'Where (are you going) to go?' Back to Midway."

When Governor Dayton unveiled his $775 million bonding bill, he allotted $27 million for the St. Paul ballpark. The House's version puts $2 million toward the ballpark, and the Senate's plan doesn't give a dime to the stadium.