Audience Divided in Support for New Ballpark

Students, teachers and residents were split between overwhelming support Monday for a $6-million ballpark at Saddleback College and fear that the college is rushing to a decision.

“I love the idea of being taken out to the ballgame,” Robert Cosgrove, a faculty member and president of the college Academic Senate, told the crowd of about 200 at the public forum. “I don’t like the idea of being taken to the cleaners.”

Mission Viejo officials propose to build the 4,500-seat ballpark to attract the Long Beach Riptide, a minor league baseball team. Because the team is juggling the need to commit to a location for next season and a recent offer from Long Beach to keep it, Mission Viejo is trying to get a commitment from the college by Dec. 9, the Saddleback Community College District Board of Trustees’ next meeting.

College and city officials have exchanged lease proposals for the stadium, which would be built entirely with Mission Viejo bonds and repaid with city redevelopment funds.

Both sides say that a deal could be before the college trustees by Dec. 9. At issue is not the 45 days that the Riptide would play at Saddleback College annually, but who controls the other open dates and what kind of events could be held at the park.

Several faculty members spoke against the proposal, saying that other projects undertaken by the college in recent years, including an on-campus swap meet and golf driving range, have not returned the financial benefits promised by administrators.

Other concerns include possible hidden costs for the college and the need for an environmental impact report.

The ball field proposal “lacks a broader analysis,” faculty member Pete Espinoza said. “We haven’t seen it yet.”

Students who spoke at the forum were split between supporting the project and asking for more time for further research.

The audience was packed with students and faculty from the athletic department who see the project as a chance to get a new ballpark for nothing. Members of the baseball team said they have to work at least an hour each day maintaining their current field.

“For these students, this athletic facility is their classroom,” said Vern Hodge, vice chancellor for student services. “I hope we do not throw their chances away.”

But Bradley Morton, a recent City Council candidate who has worked against the proposal, said, “There is a rush to slam this thing down your throats. You have to be careful of getting misinformation about this deal.”

But other residents said having a minor league team in Mission Viejo would be great for the community.

“Those of you who want to wait a year, you will lose the opportunity to get a $6-million facility for free,” said Ron Hartje, a member of the South Orange County Chambers of Commerce, “And that’s a shame.”