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Council unanimously approves Southwest Baseball complex
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments On Nov. 29, the Bakersfield City Council approved two agreements with Bakersfield Southwest Baseball.
One agreement allows for the construction of a baseball complex at the intersection of Stockdale Highway and Jewetta  Avenue, adjacent to the Park at River Walk. Southwest Baseball will be responsible for constructing a minimum of eight fields and a concession building. The city of Bakersfield will develop the infrastructure of the complex and will construct restrooms.
The other agreement permits Southwest Baseball the non-exclusive use of the fields for a term of 15 years at no cost.  After the expiration of the 15-year period, the city and Southwest Baseball may negotiate a new agreement.
According to Southwest Baseball president Duane Keathley, “This agreement with the city will significantly benefit the boys and girls of our community for a long time.”
Keathley credits Dianne Hoover, the city’s recreation and parks director, and her staff for their enthusiasm in bringing this project to life.
Southwest Baseball expects to spend approximately $500,000 to construct the fields and the concession building. According to Southwest Baseball treasurer Bill Kotz, the nonprofit organization has raised over $200,000 since March 2006 for this project.
Now that the agreements have been approved by the city council, Kotz hopes fundraising will be stepped up for the new project. Diamond naming rights are available for $37,500. Other sponsorships are available at the $5,000 level and the $1,000 level. Naming rights have already been acquired for three diamonds.
Southwest Baseball will continue to play its spring and fall seasons through 2007 at its current home on the campus of California State University, Bakersfield. The spring 2008 season will be played at the new complex.
Southwest Baseball was incorporated in 1984 and is affiliated with the national PONY Baseball and Softball organization.

— Rob Noriega is the vice president of Bakersfield Southwest Baseball.

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