Community
BY BEN THOMPSON
Local organizations pitch Austin for possible MLB expansion
Eorts to attract a Major League Baseball team to Austin are underway. It remains to be seen how MLB would pursue a league expansion—a process not likely to start for several more years, if at all. But some locals and public ocials are gearing up for a new team and promoting the region as a new pro baseball market. What’s happening Even with no ocial process underway, co-founders of the Austin Baseball Commission Matt Mackowiak and Derrik Fox believe it’s time to start planning. The duo said the Austin Baseball Commission will build community buy-in, review stadium sites and put together a nancial plan. As of this summer, they’re not the only ones eyeing a role for Central Texas in the major leagues. Jason Gindele, founder of Austin MLB, said that group was formed last spring in anticipation of an expansion in ve years or more. The organization is preparing a coalition of former baseball players, business and community leaders, and possible owners. Put in perspective Any new club would face an array of challenges before rst pitch. For one, Gindele said the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros likely wouldn’t give up their presence in Central Texas without compensation. Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said he’s been working on the possibility of bringing MLB north of Austin for years. He said the county’s work with Samsung, Dell and Apple, as well as the presence of attractions such as Dell Diamond and Kalahari Resort, make it a competitive option.
Central Texas is home to minor league teams, such as the Round Rock Express, Texas Stars and Austin Spurs, as well as the Texas Longhorns at the college level, but it’s yet to land a team from any of the four major North American sports leagues.
HALEY MCLEODCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The outlook Reid Ryan, the son of Baseball Hall of Fame member Nolan Ryan, is CEO of Ryan Sanders Baseball, which owns and operates the Round Rock Express and is involved in operating the San Antonio Missions. Despite anticipation building in Austin, he cautioned against hopes for a team in the near future, noting other issues within MLB will likely take priority. Ryan’s baseball partnership would also be involved in any future discussions over a local major league team. He said ongoing work with the Austin baseball
“We really want to focus on the here and now, which is continuing to make sure that we have one of the best facilities in Triple-A baseball. When the time comes, we’ll be ready.” REID RYAN, CEO OF RYAN SANDERS BASEBALL
community—supporting RBI Austin’s move to Colony Park, overseeing the Express, and planning a new San Antonio stadium—remain top of mind.
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