Long Beach council directs staff to negotiate use of Blair Field for new professional baseball team

The Long Beach City Council voted to direct the city manager to work with California State University, Long Beach, the Long Beach Baseball Club Inc. and other stakeholders to explore a collaborative partnership to use Blair Field as the home venue for a new professional baseball team.

Supporters framed the proposal as an opportunity to boost local recreation, bring economic activity and restore Blair Field’s historic role as a community venue. Mayor Rex Richardson said the effort could “invigorate local pride” and help “generate the kind of economic activity to help ultimately invest and restore Blair Field to its glory.”

The motion, presented by Councilmember Duggan, asks staff — including economic development and parks, recreation and marine — to work with the university and the ownership group to identify concerns, preserve designated public-access days and report back as the parties explore a mutually beneficial agreement. Duggan said the proposal seeks to create a “brand new professional baseball team for Long Beach,” not to relocate an existing franchise.

Ownership representatives told the council they aim to build a community-rooted team. Brian Carmel, co‑founder of the Oakland Ballers and part of the ownership group, described the approach as “build with radical participation from community at every level.” Carmel said his Oakland startup sold thousands of hats and drew large crowds in its first season and that the same model could work in Long Beach.

Chase Darnot, a Long Beach native and former professional player who runs a baseball development program, said Blair Field is “where the game lives in the city, and this new independent league team belongs there.” Members of the council noted public enthusiasm and said the city’s role would be to help shape scheduling, access and potential upgrades.

Council members emphasized protections for the university schedule and neighboring residents. Councilmember Kerr noted Long Beach’s long baseball history and said the city should ensure arrangements are “mutually beneficial for the university, for Blair Field, for athletes” and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Outcome: The council carried the motion directing staff to pursue the discussions and report back. The item does not commit the city to a final lease or contract; it authorizes staff to negotiate and return with a proposed collaborative agreement for further council consideration.

What’s next: Staff will begin formal discussions with Cal State Long Beach and the Long Beach Baseball Club Inc., and report back to the council with potential terms and any recommended changes to city operations or facility management needed to accommodate a professional season.