The California League is likely ending its long history in Modesto as the Modesto Nuts prepare to relocate to San Bernardino. The Pioneer League is negotiating to place a team at John Thurman Field, currently the home of the Nuts. The Modesto City Council is discussing lease terms but has taken no action yet. Meanwhile, Long Beach has also approved a deal for a Pioneer League team, which would promote community spirit through diversity and passion. This shift would help maintain professional baseball presence in both cities.
"A team in Long Beach is a chance to show what makes Long Beach great: our diversity, our passion and our community spirit," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement.
Modesto's California League history dates to 1946 - John Thurman Field opened in 1955 - but the Nuts are down to their final three homestands.
After negotiations for a renovated stadium and a new lease collapsed, the team was sold last December and will move to San Bernardino next season.
A Modesto team would give the league two new teams next year and 14 in all; leagues prefer an even number of teams for scheduling purposes.
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