League OKs Suns’ Franchise Move

If all goes according to plan, the Palm Springs Suns will be playing baseball in Oxnard next year, Western Baseball League representatives announced Wednesday.

The announcement confirmed the league has approved a franchise move from Palm Springs to Oxnard.

“The WBL will partner with the Suns’ marketing and community-building efforts to prepare for the 1998 season,” Western League President Bruce Engel said in a press release. “We will visit Oxnard in early February to further relationships with the local community to make the Suns baseball a long-term success. . . ..”

But the Suns still have several steps to take before they can play at Oxnard Community College’s baseball field.

An environmental impact report must be completed and the city of Oxnard must sign a lease with the team for 1998. To meet Western League standards, the field will need additional bleachers, enhanced lighting and other amenities.

The Suns are scheduled to offer youth clinics and baseball camps throughout the area, Suns’ President Don DiCarlo said. Also, the Suns plan to sell shares of the franchise to those who would like to become part-owners of the team.