Hannibal has its bases covered for the return of America’s pastime.
More than 200 dignitaries, sports enthusiasts, parents and kids joined the Hannibal Baseball Group in breaking ground Tuesday at Clemens Field.
The yet-to-be-named Hannibal team next year will join the Central Illinois Collegiate League, an amateur summer circuit.
The event included skydivers, fireworks and friendly cajoling of an expected rival, the Quincy Gems.
“It’s a great day in Hannibal and a real pleasure to have everyone here,” said Mayor Roy Hark.
“It’s been an unbelievable opportunity to bring baseball back here,” said Bob Hemond, one of seven investors.
“As America’s Hometown, what fits better than baseball?” asked Beau Hicks of the Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The investment
Investors plan $3.7 million of improvements to Clemens Field, the 70-year-old, city-owned ballpark along Warren Barrett Drive south of the downtown area.
Most of the money would come from their own pockets.
They’ll supplement baseball operations by hosting concerts, sports tournaments and other activities with city approval.
But developers have an agreement that obligates the city and county to provide up to $1.5 million for the work.
The entities are counting on more than two decades worth of sales tax revenue from ticket sales, concessions and memorabilia purchases to cover the cost.
All involved said the agreement has assurances so the city and county won’t be left holding the bag.
“We expect this to be positive economically,” Hark said. “I think these people know very well what they’re doing. It’s a good thing for them and for us.”
“We’re certainly contributing, but we’re keeping it in focus,” said City Manager Jeff LaGarce said. “They’ve got to bring a lot of up-front capital.”
Hemond and Larry Owens, who make up about 60 percent of the ownership’s financing, have an extensive background in baseball, and said they’re committed to making the team work.
“This is a long-term investment,” Owens said.
CICL Commissioner Frank Pergolizzi praised the group.
“These folks clearly know what they’re doing,” Pergolizzi said. “You’re talking about experienced baseball people.”
Gems General Manager Rob Ebbing, who attended Tuesday’s ceremony, said selling amateur baseball has “been a little tough with the economy the way it is.”
The Gems, who suffered five years of financial losses before making a slim profit last season, have a budget of $198,000 in 2008.
The team has sold sponsorships on all of its outfield signs at Quincy University Stadium and has corporate backing for all but four of its 27 homes games.
Ebbing said the Hannibal group is “on the right track.”
