Omaha World-Herald
August 3, 2007
Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner
BY KAREN SLOAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
"If you renovate it, they will come."
An Omaha group lobbying to keep Rosenblatt Stadium is looking to add some star power to its roster.
Their ace?
None other than Hollywood's Mr. Baseball, Kevin Costner.
Jason Smith, an organizer for the Save Rosenblatt campaign, said his group has asked Costner to appear in a commercial that would promote keeping the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. They hope to have an answer from Costner in about a week, Smith said.
"Short of Babe Ruth, he's kind of the ultimate superstar as far as baseball," Smith said. "He could really help to get the word out."
Save Rosenblatt has collected about 9,000 signatures from people who want to keep the CWS at Rosenblatt, Smith said. City leaders and the NCAA are considering moving the tournament to a new stadium that would be built downtown.
Save Rosenblatt has already posted three billboards around the city with its "Improve it, don't remove it" motto and is planning several rallies. Smith said the group is now ready to do radio, television and print advertisements.
Costner seemed a prime candidate to make the pitch, Smith said.
The Cal State Fullerton alumnus has been to the CWS several times and is friends with Titans coach George Horton.
Costner himself has slipped on a glove in several of his most famous films, including "Field of Dreams," "Bull Durham" and "For Love of the Game."
Councilman Garry Gernandt, who represents the area that includes Rosenblatt and wants the stadium to remain, likes the idea of a Costner commercial.
"It sure can't hurt," Gernandt said.
Costner could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Should he pass, Smith said the group is approaching college baseball coaches, and college and professional players who share their affinity for Rosenblatt.
But Smith said Save Rosenblatt will have to work fast.
City officials are expecting to get the NCAA's response to the downtown ballpark idea next month.