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Bakersfield Southwest Baseball –– on the move
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Bakersfield Southwest Baseball, Inc. (BSWB) is a nonprofit organization created in 1984 to serve the youth of Bakersfield through baseball and other associated activities.

BSWB serves approximately 2,000 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18 years. No child is turned away (i.e. cut) based on their skill level. Participation in BSWB includes both spring and fall baseball leagues. BSWB is considered a feeder league for many of the high schools in Bakersfield.

Over the years, BSWB has developed a 20-acre site located on the campus of California State University Bakersfield (CSUB). The current complex at CSUB includes 10 fields, a snack bar, parking and other ancillary uses. This site has hosted numerous large events, such as the 2002 Cal Ripken 10-year-old World Series and Babe Ruth regional tournaments. The strong relationship between BSWB and CSUB over the years has been a benefit to the youth. C

SUB now intends to use the site for its own purposes, and has advised BSWB that it will eventually be asked to vacate the site.

BSWB appears to have found a new home with the city of Bakersfield at a city-owned site at the northeast corner of Jewetta and Stockdale Highway. This site has the potential to provide an excellent location for the new facility. The city has designed a draft conceptual layout of the site (see site plan). BSWB is currently engaged in lease and development discussions with the city.

The new 10-field facility will also include a snack bar, parking lots, restrooms and other ancillary uses. BSWB will continue to offer Spring League from March through June and Fall League from September through November. In addition, the new complex location and design will allow BSWB to offer tournaments to “travel teams” throughout California during the summer months.

The location offers other positive amenities, with the nearby Kern River Parkway, new amphitheater, bike path and the future River Walk commercial complex. This site has the potential to be designed into one of the finest youth baseball facilities in California.

On April 1, BSWB begins its spring 2006 season with its opening day ceremonies at its CSUB complex. Unlike the opening day ceremonies of prior years, this year’s opening day ceremony offers a carnival atmosphere, with events such as a hit-a-thon, a jump house, raffles and more.

Through these events, BSWB is raising funds for the development of its future site, although much more fundraising is necessary. BSWB will soon be looking for corporate sponsorships –– with field naming rights –– for its new complex.

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