Despite the impending departure of the Bakersfield Blaze, local officials are pricing the cost of a new ballpark in an attempt to keep California League baseball in the city.
Despite the impending departure of the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A: California League), local officials are pricing the cost of a new ballpark in an attempt to keep affiliated baseball in the city.
City Manager Alan Tandy will tell the City Council that the cost of a replacement for Sam Lynn Stadium would run between $18 million and $35 million, depending on the configuration and planned amenities. Tandy also says he anticipates the Cal League moving in another team should the city commit to a new ballpark.
MiLB officials are planning the move of Bakersfield and High Desert to the Carolina League in 2010, a move that’s been described to us as a done deal. However, we’d be a little surprised if the Bakersfield ownership didn’t take a second look at that move if a new ballpark is forthcoming. In addition, the independent Golden Baseball League is eying the market.
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