modesto Poised for Pioneer League Baseball as california League Era Ends
MODESTO, CA – Professional baseball is set to continue at john Thurman Field, the longtime home of the Modesto Nuts, as the independent Pioneer League is in advanced discussions to place a team in the city. This potential move comes as the California League concludes its long-standing presence in Modesto.
The Modesto City Council held a closed session Tuesday to intentional on the potential lease terms being negotiated between the city manager and Pioneer League President Michael Shapiro. While no official action was taken, the discussions signal a notable step towards securing a new baseball franchise for Modesto.
Modesto boasts a rich baseball history dating back to 1946, with John Thurman Field opening its doors in 1955.Though, the Modesto Nuts are in their final homestands of the California League season. The team’s departure follows the collapse of negotiations for a stadium renovation and a new lease. The Nuts were sold in December and are slated to relocate to San Bernardino for the upcoming season, a move that is part of a broader California League realignment. This shuffle includes the Dodgers’ affiliate moving into a new ballpark in Ontario.
The addition of a Modesto team would bring the Pioneer League to 14 teams, providing a more balanced schedule. The league is also reportedly in talks to establish another new team in Long Beach, marking the city’s first independent league entry since 2009.The Long Beach City Council has already unanimously approved pursuing an agreement for an expansion Pioneer League team that would share Blair Field with the Long Beach State baseball program.Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed enthusiasm for the potential new team,stating,”A team in Long Beach is a chance to show what makes Long Beach great: our diversity,our passion and our community spirit.”
Paul Freedman, co-founder of the Pioneer League’s Oakland Ballers, is expected to be among the owners of the Long Beach team.Freedman had previously voiced his interest in Long Beach having its own Pioneer League presence, highlighting the city’s distinct identity and the desire for local baseball fandom independent of major league affiliations.
