With the Mobile BayBears (Class AA; Southern League) out of the facility, Tim Bennett of Overtime Sports is poised to submit a plan for Hank Aaron Stadium that includes upgrades and potentially a new professional baseball tenant.
First opening in 1997, Hank Aaron Stadium was home to the BayBears through the 2019 season. The franchise is relocating to Madison, AL, where it will open a new ballpark next season as the Rocket City Trash Pandas, and Mobile is considering its options for the team’s former home.
Bennett, the founder/owner of Overtime Sports and an owner of the Biloxi Shuckers (Class AA; Southern League), is expected to submit a formal proposal to Mobile officials by tomorrow. Bennett’s proposal will call for ballpark upgrades that will come at no cost to the city. In addition, former US Attorney Kenyen Brown, who is representing Bennett, has said that Bennett would seek to place a new professional team in the facility by the 2021 season. More from FOX 10:
“I know that he’s passionate about baseball but this is personal. He’s a personal acquaintance of Mr. Aaron. he’s very concerned about his stadium that being Mr. Aaron’s stadium or stadium named after him, representing what Mr. Aaron represented to major league baseball and to minority community members as well,” Brown explained.
The proposal promises major renovations and upgrades to the Hank, including a Hank Aaron museum. Bennett said all of this will come at no cost to the city.
“Mr. Bennett can guarantee the placement and play of a new minor league baseball team in Mobile by 2021,” Brown stated in an email sent to Mayor Sandy Stimpson and local city council members.
The ownership group that would run the Hank is not being revealed to us yet. Brown said that should come out later this week.
No decisions have been made yet about Hank Aaron Stadium’s future, as city officials will have to review any proposals before deciding how to proceed. Bennett’s interest is not the only concept for Hank Aaron Stadium that has been floated publicly, as a group that includes former BayBears executive Ari Rosenbaum has expressed interest in taking over management of the ballpark and using it for high school and college baseball as well as other events.
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