MLB relocation issues leak into MiLB (Modesto Nuts leaving)

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The Modesto Nuts are leaving at the end of this season after the city and the Seattle Mariners club - which owns the minor league team - could not come to terms over a long-term lease extension for the city-owned John Thurman Field.
Read More: apple.news/AB6bshiJ4TdCmI_LYY...
The deal-breaker is the estimated $32 million in improvements to John Thurman Field that Major League Baseball was mandating, according to a city memo distributed to City Council members.
The city’s current lease with the Nuts for John Thurman Field ends Sept. 30. The Nuts final regular season home game is Sept. 8 against the Stockton Ports. The Nuts are a Class A team and play in the California League.
The memo states the $32 million is based on a final capital improvement report solicited by the Mariners, and the improvements “were focused on enhancements of player standards and not necessarily improving the fan experience,” including larger clubhouses for home and visiting teams and better training facilities for the players.
The memo states the city has paid for $1.3 million in capital improvements at John Thurman Field since 2017 and provided $3 million in subsidies for operating costs since 2018.
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[@brodiebrazil]

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[@Rick-jz1vs]

The As were here in 70s,80s, and 90s

[@tacocruiser4238]

Props to Modesto for choosing the taxpayer over the private billionaires & millionaires who dont even live in the city.

[@djm5687]

Tax dollars would be better spent on hospitals, schools, or even factories. In a 365 day year, an MLB stadium is only occupied 81 days per year. The rest of the year, the stadium sits empty. Even if you add a few playoff games, the stadium still is unoccupied 3/4ths of the year. NHL/NBA arenas (41 home games), NFL stadiums (9 home games) are even worse.

[@js1031]

This is how baseball dies. Owners chasing the dollar off a cliff.

[@rivory27]

You can thank Manfred for this

[@jeffreyc1971]

@@rivory27what do you mean. Specifically what did Manfred do that’s so bad?

[@chriszechariah]

and all the kids/teens growing up who are mostly chronically online or cannot afford to be a fan will not be buying tickets nor watching games

[@Eastbayfitteds_]

@@jeffreyc1971look up rob manfred and john fisher

[@clintlehar952]

Not owners, this was negotiated by the Union, and overtaxed cities/states

[@jeremyboynton6173]

As a 30+ year fan of the Seattle Mariners, I am perturbed by how cheap the ownership of the team is(Stanton). The stadium grift is basically a money laundering operation. Taxpayers have to fit the bill, they get nothing back from it. The ownership pockets it, and in the teams' case, not re-investing in the team. I know the Root sports situation is costing them money, but they are nowhere near having to cry poverty. If a teams' owner is simply just a greedy pr*ck who cares about money only over performance, just own that. I feel for A's fans also. They get to deal with the same sh*t.

[@Jackson-if4re]

Stanton is a joke of an owner. Since he has taken over his focus has only been on how much profit he can make. He will never invest in the Mariners or their minor league teams. It’s sad to say that other than John Fisher, he is the worst owner in baseball

[@McZsh]

The M's obviously wanted to build a co-owned venue!?

[@SippyCupAdventures]

Brodie, this one hurts. We raised our family in Modesto, and we went to many, many games. When this came across social media, I was shocked. I have taken the time to caution people on different threads, that this is NOT the fault of the city of Modesto and the mayor (a long time family friend). We would let our kids roam around the stadium, as they chased foul balls, played baseball, played tag, and then clamored for a hot dog and a soda, and a churro if they behaved! Our kids grew up at John Thurman Field. I even worked there a couple of years, running the scoreboard and playing the music (One year, current Dodger organist, Dieter Ruhle did the music. It's where he started!) I was even the "clubby" for a Summer, and literally washed Jason Giambi's (and others) jocks 🤣Would have to stay late night doing the laundry (in the original stadium before it was upgraded) and we had maybe one or two washers and dryers lol! My wife would sew the holes in the players pants, and was paid $5 per garment. Yes, many memories there.

[@whalesequence]

They mayor did the right thing here. I'm upset and have tons of memories going to Nuts and Modesto A's games, so it'll be a difficult goodbye to the team.

[@SippyCupAdventures]

@@whalesequence Yes! Thank you Sue! (An old family friend as our boys grew up together). We've been up in Roseville since 2013, so, we haven't been to a game since then, nonetheless, many good memories at the old ballpark.

[@joshrobinson5616]

What an amazing Minor League, Americana story. 🙏

[@gabrielquesnot7840]

I live in Modesto. And this was one where I could not blame the mayor 1 bit here. When the plans for the proposed new ballpark for the nuts fell through backin 2021, I knew that the Modesto nuts's time was coming to an end. I'm surprised they survived this long.

[@djm5687]

I would be very hurt, too if I lost my nuts.

[@kylejones371]

according to Forbes, the Seattle Mariners are worth over 2.2 billion dollars....the 32 million dollars they are trying to black mail from the city of Modesto is less than 1.5% of the net worth. Literally 1.5 pennies of every dollar. It's ridiculous that MLB teams would even ask a city to throw in that kind of money.

[@davidbarker8354]

Grew up in Modesto, went to Modesto A's games in the 80s and 90s all the time. Played my Little League playoff games at John Thurman Field. Between this and the Oakland A's, it feels like Manfred is erasing our history.

[@cousinit718]

@davidbarker8354 it nice that you attended games 40 years ago. THAT'S THE PROBLEM! How many attended last year?

[@somewhereinspace2166]

​@@cousinit718Sadly, very true. While everyone claims to be so sad about this, these games were always empty. This was going to happen either way, though. The MLB demanded $32M which a medium-sized and economically troubled city like Modesto cannot afford, even if the stadium was full every game. Really goes back to greed. The MLB expected a state-of-the-art stadium from a broke city for a minor league team that doesn't even bring the city any tourism.

[@davidbarker8354]

@@cousinit718 I left Modesto a long time ago. Otherwise, I'd still be going to the games. Irregardless, a $30M bill to foot the city and taxpayers is a bit absurd.

[@csuhpat2]

The 1994 Modesto A's were stacked. They went 96-40 and had 17 players reach the majors

[@cousinit718]

@@csuhpat2 forty years ago YAWN. How many games did you go to this year?

[@csuhpat2]

@@cousinit718 Heading out there this Sunday.

[@cousinit718]

@csuhpat2 what is the average attendance this compared to 1994? I think you get my point...

[@markd.5471]

@@cousinit718 It's the fans' fault? Shut up and log off.

[@markd.5471]

The last Modesto A's (2004) were loaded, too! They had Nelson Cruz.

[@assassssasa]

Manfred and the MLB “running” the minors ruined it for so many small towns across America

[@cousinit718]

@assassssasa they are ruining by having all the mlb games on tv...that is just hideous...

[@philkirkpatrick4512]

Another childhood memory GONE…first the Raiders, then the A’s and now the Nuts smh. F🤷🏻‍♂️ck!

[@raider-d2843]

Amen

[@lynnkurumaji2478]

A very similar thing has happen to Fresno, where Fresno built a 15000 seat stadium for AAA and MLB pulled that away from Fresno and told the city to take a single A team of nothing.I think the city needs to be reimbursed some of those cost that created a new stadium. Promises made by MLB are not always kept.

[@stuartrubin5730]

From what I have heard the Commissioner say, MLB did not pull the AAA team from Fresno. It's just that none of the 30 MLB teams chose to have their top farm club in Fresno.

[@johnharris6655]

@@stuartrubin5730 Karma, then the Giants move the team to Sacramento who is now getting the Boot by the A's.

[@ronclark9724]

At least Fresno still has a California League A team. As can be seen with Modesto and Bakersfield, most of the ballparks in the California League do NOT meet the new requirements MiLB/MLB demand... Visalia has a old ballpark as well... The sad reality is if these cities don't upgrade their ballparks, this California League season can easily be played at the MLB spring training sites in either Arizona or Florida that have better facilities that do MEET the new requirements...

[@raider-d2843]

Yeah I remember when the Phoenix firebird moved to Fresno . the Sacramento River cats are looking for a place to stay the Fresno River cats mmmm

[@silentearth36]

The politics behind it just sucks. This really hurts our West side population who were able to go experience baseball for a pretty reasonable price.

[@larrystaley21]

Interesting on Rob Manfred. Was at the Willie Mays Memorial Service on Monday at Pac Bell Park. A significant number of Boos when Rob was introduced as one of the speakers.

[@jerkytoo8184]

$32M for a single A stadium and it's not a complete remodeling?! And they want taxpayers to foot the bill?! That's crazy and crazy. The greed doesn't end with these pro team owners. Yeah, it's great that MLB wants to improve things for the MiLB players, but they should be the one paying up for those improvements.

[@serafinacosta7118]

A city of 220,000 footing a USD $32 million ? Seriously ?

[@xaviersaavedra7442]

and that's a several year major league contract. and the mariners cant be bothered to pay for a better stadium for their prospects.

[@coachontheroad]

This is frustrating. Modesto needs a minor league baseball team! I grew up attending Lodi Dodgers games in the California League in the early 80's and I remember how much it stunk when they moved away after the 1984 season. I later lived in Ripon and followed the Modesto A's. Their stadium is old and could use some upgrades, but I wish MLB would help with the financing of these new expectations for the MiLB stadiums. The California League has such an amazing history and it isn't right to leave Modesto after 70 years. Side rant... Honestly, in my opinion, San Jose should get the AAA Sacramento River Cats while Sacramento is "hosting" their guests (A's) for the next 3 or so years. You don't even need to change the name from San Jose Giants. You can't tell me there isn't a huge bag of money in the Silicon Valley to amp-up their stadium and make it AAA worthy. The California League should have a presence in Stockton, Modesto, Fresno (although I think it is more of a AAA city), Visalia, Bakersfield, Ontario (new stadium being built), San Bernardino, Lake Elsinore, Lancaster, Rancho Cucamonga and to add new potential cities, places like Redding, Salinas, Ventura, Temecula, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara could be explored. Article below about new stadium in Ontario, CA. I am guessing Modesto (Mariners) will move to San Bernardino. The Inland Empire (Angels) will move to Rancho Cucamonga. The RC (Dodgers) will move into the new stadium in Ontario. Not sure, but just rumors from what I have been reading. ballparkdigest.com/2023/08/18/new-ontario-ballpark-pitched-for-city-sports-complex/

[@dillonharnden-shea57]

Maybe yall can get a pioneer league team to play against our Ballers? That would be cool!

[@johnharris6655]

That is because the Owner of the Lodi Dodgers and Stockton ports were married to each other, and that was not allowed with two teams in such close proximity to each other. That and Lawrence and later Zupo field was terrible.

[@coachontheroad]

​@@johnharris6655Lawrence Park was pretty rough back in the 80s but was definitely cool for Lodi to have a team. I can't imagine that they will ever get a team in future. Hopefully Modesto gets team. Pioneer League is good idea!

[@johnharris6655]

@@coachontheroad I played a high school game there then coached a high school game there. My brother hit a grand slam there playing Legion Ball. Good memories.

[@cousinit718]

You don't need a team is not enough paying customers buy tickets. People can stay home and watch MLB games on tv.

[@theCranesUS]

The biggest problem in all American sports is the public funding of stadiums for a private entity that can up and move whenever they see fit.

[@djm5687]

I have a feeling that the leagues intentionally keep no more than 30 teams, even though North America _could_ support 40+ teams. Every time a team wants a new stadium, they can always say: "If you (taxpayers) won't pay for our stadium, there are several other markets that will". Also, unlike MLB stadiums, hospitals, schools, malls, and even factories are occupied almost the entire year. MLB stadiums (81 home games) sit empty almost the entire year. Even a few playoff games doesn't change the fact that the stadium is unoccupied & unused the vast majority of the year. NHL/NBA arenas (41 home games) and NFL stadiums (9 home games) are even worse wastes of taxpayer dollars.

[@xaviersaavedra7442]

but heres the problem, where would they go? there's hardly a mlb standard milb A stadium ready to go just anywhere. maybe an amerture league stadium but that would need more money to upgrade or to be built especially.

[@theCranesUS]

@@djm5687 I agree with you. Houston’s NRG stadium is busy beyond the Texans 8-10 home games. NRG hosts: Soccer (International games, English Premier League tours, etc) Houston Rodeo (3weeks) Monster Jam 2 times a yr (4 weekends) Concerts

[@djm5687]

@theCranesUS The stadium is still unoccupied most of the year. Also, most of the Big 4 (NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB) don't want shared stadiums anymore eg Oakland Coliseum, Candlestick Park. NHL & NBA still tolerate shared arenas somewhat. Taxpayer dollars would be better used on schools, hospitals, or even factories that will be occupied and used most of the year.

[@theCranesUS]

@@djm5687 agreed

[@Ianmccor]

Here in South Carolina we're dealing with the same thing with the Cubs demanding Myrtle Beach new player facilities for the Pelicans, who are a substantially better drawing team than the Nuts and are above average for Class A attendance and yet still might lose their team thanks to MLB greed.

[@nolanwhite1971]

I wouldn't call it "greed" though. MLB's new standards for minor league teams is good for the players, and actually costs the teams money. What they were doing before would be "greed", if anything.

[@rickp9149]

There was a team in Lancaster that got eliminated when they did the reshuffling of affiliations a few years ago. Maybe that's where the Modesto team moves. Sad that this is happening even in the minor leagues.

[@davidcrossley5165]

That team was eliminated before that.

[@QXZ_Productions]

Unfortunately, Clear Channel Stadium (AKA "the Hangar"), former home of the now defunct Lancaster JetHawks, is supposedly being remodeled from its original baseball setup into a soccer field.

[@dewd4479]

This is just horrible, Modesto has so much baseball history with so many icons coming through

[@fleabaglane]

1975 to 2004 A's were there

[@dewd4479]

I’m devastated by this, they are my hometown team. But listening you talk about it and the hope you give at the end brings some comfort. Gets me thinking maybe the Pioneer League might want to expand more in California

[@cousinit718]

@@dewd4479 just watch mlb games at home on tv

[@rfwill149]

I keep hearing Ontario will get a Ballpark in 26…for 25 they may share with Rancho and move Visalia back to the Northern Division

[@rivory27]

Manfred doesnt care about "history and tradition" Hes made that well known

[@cousinit718]

@@rivory27 neither do all the fans that stay home to watch mlb games on tv 7 days a week

[@cousinit718]

@@rivory27 neither do the fans that have chosen to stay home and watch mlb on tv every night.

[@robbie5138]

When did Rob Manfred become the owner of the Mariners?

[@NinnaFrank]

They did it to the maverick,jetjawks , blaze and now nuts ... Its crazy and heartbreaking. The kids in these neighbors need THIS teams

[@sjduges67]

@NinnaFrank, great points! I forgot about the most recent Bakersfield team!

[@NinnaFrank]

@@sjduges67 we used to got to 25 or more home games and at least one away game every year. My kids grew up shagging BP and running around the park. We met Nolan arenado and Trevor story on the nuts... It's super depressing when I think about it.. #HDMavs

[@sjduges67]

@@NinnaFrank we toured all five Southern Division stadiums one summer (Including the High Desert) and saw 9 out of the 10 teams (I think we missed out on San Jose). They are so much fun. I have a small season ticket package to Rancho Cucamonga and have also been to minor league parks in AZ, TX, and AL. I share your excitement. Any day is a great day for a ballgame.

[@NinnaFrank]

@@sjduges67 we seen trout back when he played for rancho . . Watching the future of the game is definitely a great way to spend the day!

[@sjduges67]

@@NinnaFrank I was in college in the late 80s and went to my first minor league game in San Bernardino. I saw this kid named Ken Griffey, Jr. playing for the Spirit. I later saw a few other sons of Major Leaguers I saw play in the 70s. I can't tell you how many stories about the fathers I saw play happen with my kids. In the last couple of years the Quakes have had a couple of sons of former major leaguers (Phil Nevin and Eric Karros to be exact). Pretty cool.

[@troymalaspino3574]

MLB knew that improved standards were going to necessitate capital improvements. They could have played it smart by creating a capital improvement program for those owners and towns to finance with low rates and easier terms. Or created an office that offered guidance and assistance to owners and towns to promote initiatives or find new funding sources. Instead, they abandon baseball's strength - the tie to small town america and the generational experiences. So short sighted.

[@larrystaley21]

That is too logical.

[@McZsh]

No private financier would invest in a venue he has no stake in. And the city seems not be interested.

[@joeybarney4991]

I've been going to Modest A's / Reds / Nuts games since the late 1960's. Modesto was affiliated with the A's in the 60's and had a team with Reggie Jackson, Joe Rudi, Dave Duncan and Rollie Fingers on it before being promoted to Birmingham. In the 70's they became affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals and Ted Simmons and Bake McBride played here. Around 1975 they went back to the A's where Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, Canseco, etc played. Because of rain during the 1962 World Series between the Yankees and Giants they drove to Modesto to work out and practice. Around 1968 the Cleveland Indians and Giants played an exhibition game here and have home movies of that.

[@washingtonzoom2618]

This is a Mariners ownership story just as much as it is an MLB executive story. The ownership of the Seattle Mariners, led by John Stanton, has demonstrated little interest in being a perennial World Series contender. The edge of Wild Card contention generates sufficient buzz and excitement in the fan base, creating a lucrative edging sensation that persists for years. The city of Modesto and the fans of the Mariners deserve better. Mariners fans deserve an ownership group more financially committed than the current financial uncertainty that looms over the clubhouse and city. #SELLTHETEAM

[@BenHoltenFilms]

This has nothing to do with the mariners. The changes envolve many teams.

[@washingtonzoom2618]

@@BenHoltenFilms ​​⁠ Hi Ben, I have seen your film work before on KZbin-always good. I frequent Wenatchee on occasion. As you mentioned, the changes to the MiLB are indeed causing minor league affiliates and their cities to fund new stadium improvements or, sometimes, entirely new stadium builds. These proposals are well documented across the country and in the Northwest League High-A division, as you noted. However, I will never miss an opportunity to call out the Mariners’ executive office, which may be less willing than other organizations to support the city of Modesto. $32 million is a lot of money, more than any other Northwest League team has requested from their city for improvements. Other organizations have done more to support their local affiliate communities in covering a larger portion of those costs. I find it concerning that the AquaSox, another Mariners minor league team, have a co-owner, Chad Volpe, who said they would rather incur the annual fine from the MLB than upgrade their facilities. That is a classic Mariners “counting pennies” story. Prioritizing economics over experience. The AquaSox co-owner Chad Volpe stated: “Worst-case scenario, we incur another significant fine, like we already have,” Volpe said at a public meeting last week. “At one point, we sort of view that as the cost of doing business to make sure we stay here for the next 30 to 50 years. And if you amortize that fine over a period of time, it makes economic sense. At least that’s how we justify it.” The Mariners acquire players economically, which is responsible and respected until it holds the team back, as it has for the last two years. They are competitive but unwilling to invest. You are right, it is an MLB-wide story, but each team and their affiliates have details that speak to the financial commitment of their major league counterparts.

[@BenHoltenFilms]

@@washingtonzoom2618 I sort of hope they don’t change Everett. I like it as the players walk right by you and you can get autographs.

[@McZsh]

The M's had high paying ownerships and it lead to nothing. Tell me, how can a new ownership let J-Rod hit consistently, especially in non-summer times? How can they lift Cal's average significantly above .200? How can they end the slumps of all the big ticket players coming to Seattle by trade, not really wanting to play in South Alaska? I constantly get into a fight when fans are singling out Bliss or Canzone. They are above average bottom of the order guys with potential for more. It's the top of the lineup that thoroughly stinks. I've always said, we need the right players accustomed to heavy air. Tyler O'Neill, who possibly even wants to come back closer to BC. Swap J-Rod for Corbyn Carroll. Bring on Young, Ford. Trust the process, that gave us a premium rotation.

[@luisllama16]

This is sad, I went through this with the Bakersfield Blaze. I never wish for this to happen to any professional team (especially minor league) :(

[@FranciscoMorales-ro5cn]

Manfred and company have ruined this game smh

[@Azeria]

It’s so scummy, the Mariners own the Nuts and yet they aren’t willing to invest in their own damn team

[@ronclark9724]

Out of town ownership isn't going to build a new ballpark or upgrade a old ballpark for any town... That is the root problem with MiLB teams today, almost all are owned by out of town ownerships... The Seattle ownership could care less about Modesto unless Modesto forks up the dough for a new ballpark, or significantly upgrade the old ballpark...

[@randym9147]

This makes me sad. I've been to many Nuts games at that field and it was always a great fan experince. A very family oriented place. why does greed always prevail?

[@Jake-yx7ct]

I have attended games when they were called Reds and A's. I hope that the issue can be resolved. Brodie your right as to where would they move to. Very few towns in the Central Vally the size of Modesto .None with a fresh yard to house them.

[@GiffyLube]

First the A's, then the hometown Nuts. I'm done with baseball lol

[@nfalls75]

$32 Million? Jeez, I think that exceeds Modesto's annual budget.😂

[@sjduges67]

In Northern California there are teams in Sacramento (AAA), San Jose, Fresno, Visalia, Modesto, and Stockton (A-California League). There used to be teams in Lodi, Bakersfield, and Lancaster. There were also teams in Riverside and Palm Springs, and a recent proposal to build a complex in Ontario, just south of Rancho Cucamonga. In fact, the Lancaster stadium is gorgeous and from what I remember still standing. It would be interesting to see if MLB would encourage a move to a city with a stadium (like Lancaster) and have the team go from there.

[@jgoff76]

Fresno used to be AAA with a nice new stadium.

[@robserrano8971]

I believe DBH is buying the NUTS from MARINERS and moving them to Ontario, California. DBH is building a new stadium. Modesto should fight to keep the NUTS name. Also, make some upgrades to Thurman and join the Oakland Ballers in the Independent League. THE FANS IN MODESTO DESERVE A TEAM TO ENJOY.

[@CreightonRabs]

It was either Ontario or San Bernardino, but that appears to be the plan. Really disappointing.

[@xaviersaavedra7442]

@@CreightonRabs i dont think the dodgers will allow them to be that close to the greater los angeles area

[@CreightonRabs]

@@xaviersaavedra7442 You already have teams in Lake Elsinore (Riverside County), San Bernardino (Inland Empire 66ers) and the Dodgers' existing Class A team in Rancho Cucamonga (also in San Bernardino County). From the sounds of it, the Ontario (Calif.) team would affiliate with the Dodgers, unless I misheard that report. I get your argument, however, the existing teams in the exurbs of the LAX Metro would kinda debunk that argument as you already have three MiLB teams in the area. Also, the last time I checked, the LA Angels would also have to have some issues with an additional MiLB team in the market they share with the Dodgers.

[@sso9442]

Shameful. Hate how billionaires want their corporate hand outs at taxpayer expense. Corporate welfare is why there's less money for schools, infrastructure, etc. They want something for nothing. Great job Brodie to bring this content to our attention.

[@PCSPounder]

Seen this elsewhere yesterday. A new ballpark is being built in Ontario as part of a larger sports complex. Supposedly, the Inland Empire 66ers would move there (aka next door to Rancho Cucamonga and their team) while the Nuts would take over the current San Bernardino ballpark. I’m thinking about this incursion on Rancho and San Berdoo, the moving threat in Eugene while Everett supposedly faced a June deadline to commit to a ballpark site while a couple other places face no pressure and the Portland suburb of Hillsboro is going ahead with a (brace yourself) $125 million new ballpark construction to replace an 11-year old facility next to it. I’m wondering if there’s going to be a merger of the California League and the Northwest League with a handful of teams discarded. Otherwise, never mind the ridiculous money going into these ballpark requests… just the lack of market protection has me begging someone to make it make sense.

[@sjduges67]

@PCSPounder - Haven't heard about Modesto moving to SB. I live near Rancho Cucamonga and have a season ticket package there. I knew about the Ontario project. The possibility of Modesto moving to SB is interesting, but it seems like the Ontario project was created to get the 66ers out of the downtown area in San Bernardino (not a very nice area). I wonder if the powers that be would want to go back there.

[@PCSPounder]

@@sjduges67 The worst crime in the nation is among the rich. Next is the Central Valley. I suspect some owners think SB might be more profitable. Of course, they’re rich. It’s also possible SB is a placeholder until the next reduction of teams. It’s dawning on me that demanding $85 million + for a ballpark might be designed to be a bar too high for most cities to stomach.

[@BonanzaPilot]

Not only do they have to relocate. But they have to relocate to an empty stadium that already has 32million in upgrades

[@ricardonavarro5082]

Great breakdown, thanks Brodie! Grew up a Modesto A’s fan in the late 80’s early 90’s which led to me following the Oakland A’s instead of the Giants. MLB is dead to me with both teams moving. I get that they are trying to position their diminishing product for longevity but this really stings.

[@diegomeredith-marquez929]

Can't speak to the player side of things, but John Thurman always felt fine from a fan's perspective. Relatively no-frills, but solid and comfortable. Hopefully, Modesto can get a Pioneer or Pecos League team to fill the void. Big-picture wise, while I appreciate the recent efforts to improve living and playing conditions for MiLB players, it can indirectly lead to situations like this. Just as when MLB axed 40 MiLB teams in 2019, stripping affiliated baseball from a small community seems so backwards in an era where broadening the sport's appeal amongst younger and new demographics is of the utmost importance.

[@renadams3524]

Lancaster, Ca. has a very nice Baseball stadium available

[@fourthgirl]

I say the jig is up. These private businesses constantly wanting taxpayers to pay for their venue or they will leave to find another sucker city. Clearly it isn't about the fans, it is about getting free money and nothing in return. ENOUGH! My heart is breaking over my A's leaving Oakland, but I would feel worse having my great-grandchildren continue to pay for the clubs to play.

[@McZsh]

It's not their venue. It's property of the city.

[@fourthgirl]

@@McZsh Who is the primary tenant? If renting an apartment, can you demand from the owner to install a jetted tub, heated floors and laundry if none existed when you moved in ? $32m in renovations to serve the one tenant, the city would never recover that costs.

[@neeltheother2342]

These sports owners just keep proving UrinatingTree's "Stadium Grift" video right

[@larrystaley21]

Well, no different than a few years ago when the fine citizens of Bakersfield saw their long term California League team get terminated!!

[@ronclark9724]

No one wanted to play on a ballpark with the batters facing west at dusk...

[@dalilasevilla336]

Became an Oakland A's fan through the Modesto A's (now the Nuts)... It's been a tough year. It's hard to get excited about baseball.

[@SeanSullivan90]

I got my start in pro sports with the Modesto Nuts it’s a shame that they couldn’t get a deal done in renovations or a new ballpark. Don’t think it’s fair that Seattle was looking for $32M from the city when the Mariners own and operate the team. John Thurman Field is in a terrible location hard to draw.

[@McZsh]

Outside the Seattle Mariners, who was bound to tell the city what was required to keep the ballpark MiLB capable? The population and their mayor don't seem to be genuinely interested. It's the same all over the US. Sports venues are let down by city councils. Sell them, I'd say. But they don't.

[@VoidDWG]

I might just be dumb but $32 mil sounds like a lot for a single A team

[@BenHoltenFilms]

You aren't dumb

[@magnusrylander]

32 million dollars is insane for a single a team, especially if your gonna make the city pay for it

[@ronclark9724]

Amarillo spent $45 million plus for a double A team... Hodgetown is a very nice ballpark which ended the 38 years of affiliated minor league baseball purgatory...

[@TheImapotato]

It is an unreasonable demand so that the team can say 'We tried' and then move their single A team to a state with less regulation and tax burdens. CA is a money shredder for any business

[@magnusrylander]

@@TheImapotato they are staying in cali btw.

[@clintlehar952]

The same type of demands from the San Antonio Missions. These teams will all find a small city who will gladly take teams and build around them with a new stadium. I think folks are learning what impacts Union negotiations actually have on the everyday person not involved.

[@countryclubbin1016]

Same thing happened in fresno. Except they switched from Astros who were AAA to the rockies franchise now an A team. Residents were livid and now an A team has a massive empty stadium. Anything to save on rent

[@TonyLeadholm]

Similar situation happening with the Visalia Rawhide. Almost 80 years of continuous play in Visalia being threatened by these new "stadium upgrade/requirements" imposed by MLB. Prior to this, the City of Visalia & the Arizona Diamondbacks had a seemingly glorious relationship - with the City making significant improvements to Rec Park and the D'backs extending their affiliation with Visalia. But these new rules have caused a major rift as to who foots the bill for the further REQUIRED upgrades. Truly, i blame MLB for these requirements that are ultimately severing ties with cities that have 80 year histories with minor league baseball. It's heartbreaking.

[@cencalsal4740]

Visalia Rawhide are facing similar situation.

[@sjduges67]

@cencalsal4740, that's really awful to hear. As others have said, small town America is continuing to lose what is left of their charm.

[@vancedurbin1132]

Jackson, Tennessee, lost the Generals in the Southern League after 2020. It has the Rockabillys now, a college wood bat team, in the short season Prospect League. Losing pro ball was tough. The Mississippi Braves are moving to Columbus, Georgia.

[@HowDoULikeMyMustache]

They are moving to San Bernardino to become the 66ers. The current 66ers affiliated with the Angels will move to Rancho Cucamonga as the Quakes. The current Quakes affiliated with the Dodgers are moving to a new stadium in nearby Ontario

[@CreightonRabs]

This makes next to no sense. Why wouldn't you just move the Modesto team to Ontario straight up instead of this convoluted nonsense?

[@williamthomson4386]

It’s sad, been a season ticket holder for a few years, enjoyed many a night at the Nuts, most people can’t afford to drive to the Bay Area to watch baseball, having great seats, fairly inexpensive tickets, and being able to get home in time for work in the morning. It’s what makes minor league baseball great. And following the players after they move up.

[@adidas4275]

This type of stuff killed baseball in fresno too. Had the Giants affiliate for 20+ years & then they left & now it has been a revolving door. Huge beautiful stadium & no people bc they are single A now & no one knows who they are part of. It is sad. Hate this stuff. With all the billions made in baseball how minor leaguers are paid so little & why cities & small ownership groups foot the bill for minor league baseball is beyond me.

[@adidas4275]

Also I think the Visalia Raw Hide who have been with the A’s for decades also are leaving Visalia. Really sad

[@jgoff76]

Still pissed that the two MiLB teams I would attend (Lancaster Jethawks and Orem Owls) are no longer a thing. Both gone because of the 2020 reorganization.

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately if the team can move to better facilities, they will... Just like many of us do when our lease expires...

[@gordonmoore2868]

I'm hoping the nuts stay around for a couple more years. The fans and that stadium got me back into baseball when I had kind of drifted away from it. I think Seattle won't have any city that will take them quickly. They'll just stay without a permanent lease.

[@FamilyOfRats36]

I’m an A’s fan from Modesto. How lucky am I as the biggest baseball fan I know? (I’m dying inside.)

[@AngryStraightWhiteMale]

This sucks! I’m in Modesto and been going to games for decades. Even saw them win the championship here. Got to see some great players.

[@El_Jefe_Zamora]

I live in Southern California, Ontario, to be exact. I keep hearing my city wants to build a stadium and lure a MiLB team, but we have the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Dodgers affiliate) 10 minutes away. Not sure how that will work out.

[@TravellingTrav1025]

When I was young I went to Modesto A's games there😞

[@LordWolven]

They can move to the Oakland Coliseum. They would have better attendance than the Athletics.

[@SUzzer-jy9lj]

32 million for a LARGER club house, really??? Training Facility?? As in a weight room??

[@tylerleggett5088]

My team has been in the city since 94, but relocated from Wisconsin, so it's hard to imagine them not being here though anything is truly possible. Glad my teams have had stable ownership.

[@gregmullanax4986]

Excellent video.

[@jcookster74]

There are 3 empty stadiums in California. Lancaster, Bakersfield and Adelanto all former California League sites so one of them may make a serious bid for the Nuts.

[@larrystaley21]

Let's hope come next season Modesto will have a new team in either one of the two Independent Leagues, Pioneer or Pecos.

[@samuelfrick3475]

Man, that’s Nuts!

[@timhearden3449]

I saw Miguel Tejada Homer for the Modesto A's in 1996. I wonder if the Pioneer Leage will set up a team there.

[@samuelwright163]

Modesto lost its only team, turns out we had 6 million more in sales tax than expected. So city council just gave themselves a 300 percent raise, the Nuts paid 1.2 million a year in rent that is gone

[@windsabeginning2219]

The Dodgers’ Single A team is moving from Rancho Cucamonga, CA to a brand new stadium in Ontario, CA. The Angels’ Single A team is moving from San Bernardino, CA to the Rancho Cucamonga stadium being vacated. The (formerly) Modesto Nuts are moving to the San Bernardino stadium being vacated. Visalia will now flip to the northern division of the California league while the Nuts flip to the southern division.

[@Db_traveler]

How long until San Jose’s Municipal Stadium needs a major overhaul? This could be the chain reaction that kills the California League.

[@peterwhite9546]

Well, I guess it depends on who owns the stadium. If they city does, it is completely fair for the team to ask for this. (why would you spend money to upgrade a building that you do not actually own?)

[@magnusrylander]

Because you’re the one demanding for the upgrades, especially when those upgrades would bankrupt the city. The ballpark was fine for its purpose of hosting a league 4 LEVELS from the top, of course the amenities aren’t going to be mlb standard they don’t need to be. You want better facilities you have to play better to make it up the ranks.

[@Lawomenshoops]

MLB first had standards for minor leagues in the early 90’s. Some of the long time, minor league teams weren’t able to meet those standards. Fast forward 30 years, and MLB now has tougher standards for minor league parks. The plan is for the current Rancho Cucamonga team to move to a new complex in Ontario. Then the current San Bernardino team moves to Rancho Cucamonga. And Modesto goes to San Bernardino. The issue is Ontario still has not broken ground. Even if they do break best case scenario, is Ontario is ready by 2026. So they’re going to have to figure out where those three teams play. I could see Modesto playing at a college park.

[@robbie5138]

8:16 Bakersfield lost the Blaze 2-3 years ago but they have Sam Lynn ball park and had some plans to build a small Baseball community. But the reason Sam Lynn isnt a good park is most Night Games have to stary after 8 due to the Sun Setting behind CF.

[@SaintSpire]

MiLB players have a rough life. Volatility, uncertainties, relationship challenges.

[@bartphlegar8212]

I said back when the Ballers were getting rolling that all California minor league teams should break with MiLB entirely, and expand the Pioneer League, or take the California League and break the "partnership agreements" with MLB - or just start a new league. You have a gardenful of 100k+ pop cities in CA - half of whom have already been abused by Baseball at some point - enough cities to sustain its own "major league", or at least AAA caliber of baseball. Bring the Central and San Joaquin teams along with the teams in the Inland Empire. Yeah, I suppose MLB will try to jerk the chain, but if that's not an actionable antitrust violation, then I don't know what is...Consolidate teams into ballparks to reduce overhead, and reconstruct team charters with the community ownership model to make these funding issues go away...All of this is the proverbial equivalent of an earthquake in Baseball, after which the sport can be rebuilt on a more sustainable model, and one that benefits and rewards fans at that...We see what just happened with the NFL. MLB's behavior has been far more aggregious, and unlike the NFL, MLB can't take a multibillion dollar hit. MLB brought up this fight, so now take it to them...

[@galenwest9449]

The private equity firm that owns the “Nuts” ( I am a Modesto native and hate that name; they will always be the “Modesto A’s”) have said they will move the team to Santa Barbara - where they already own a team. The equity firm owns thirty teams throughout the USA already.

[@vamoscruceros]

It will depend of course on where the two Major League expansion trams land in ~2031, but assuming they are in Nashville and Salt Lake: AAA - Fresno and Wichita to the Pacific Coast League; AAA Nashville relocates to Birmingham; AAA Salt Lake stays in the suburbs if MLB Salt Lake plays downtown AA - Jackson (TN) and New Orleans to the Southern League; AA Birmingham relocates to Mobile High A - Lexington (KY) and Evansville to the Midwest League Low A - Modesto and Bakersfield; Fresno relocates to Lodi, Oakland, Riverside, Salinas, or Ventura

[@raider-d2843]

Salt lake will lose its AAA but everything else sounds good

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Lived in Modesto until 2000. The ballpark is in a bad location for in and out access(in between the two municipal golf courses), and parking is limited. The nearby neighborhoods haven't always been safe either. Talks of a new park in a new location have been floated for years, nothing concrete never happened, due to lack of interest/money/political reasons/previous owners not concerned about moving. Due to kicking the can down the road(I hate the cliche, but it works), the current situation resulted

[@ronclark9724]

Affiliated MiLB had 160 teams before the reorganization. Now there are 120 teams... MiLB teams will move to better facilities even with local ownership... Out of town ownership don't mind relocating, as attendance will most likely INCREASE in a better facility in a new town excited for having affiliated minor league baseball... See Amarillo that went 38 years without a affiliated minor league team...

[@michaelhannell4083]

We are dealing with the same thing in Richmond va. MLB wanted the city to build a new stadium. The city couldn't figure it out and the triple a Braves left in 2009. Rva got the double a team the flying squirrels who is part of SF Giants with the agreement of a new stadium. The city kept dragging their feet and almost lost the squirrels. Luckily the city will get them a new stadium as of now by 2026 a year past the MLB deadline. The only reason MLB didnt take the squirrels away was bc the games avg 9k-10k a game

[@brettlee-2112]

Burlington IA Bees. Loved them in the Midwest. 😢

[@PAS024]

MLB did this to Boise too. They came to us in 2019 gave us time to renovate or upgrade but said we had to meet ticket sales until then. We exceeded the ticket sales. 2020 happened and they yanked the team. Now IDAHO doesn't have any baseball. Dont try to tell me Independent ball is Baseball, its a glorified mens league.

[@Rovr0]

This sucks for small-city America. Part of me hopes that something can be worked out between Modesto, Visalia, Eugene (in the NW League), and MiLB/MLB, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. With these 3 teams likely moving, where would they all go? You have Ontario, but what about the other 2 teams? You can’t throw 2 (or more) teams in the same Ontario ballpark, can you? Chico? Lancaster? Yuma (AZ)? St George (UT)? I just don’t see any of this working in the long run-MLB has to make some kind of fund for these kinds of situations or else baseball’s roots will continue to rot.

[@js1031]

Mayhaps some smaller league takes these cities up? Baseball keeps its small town roots, MLB continues its march to the grave.

[@McZsh]

If it weren't for the Nuts, Modesto would be utterly unknown on the national stage. This is also no small town, it has more than 200k inhabitants. The ballpark is property of the city of Modesto. A deal to build a new co-owned venue obviously fell through. The last renovation was in 1997. $4.3m since 2017 is also the absolute bare minimum expenditure, $1.7m investment into an infrastructure only covers for repairs. Absolutely laughable. The city itself doesn't want to invest into its only major sports venue. And shows it by letting the link from Wikipedia fall stale. On the other hand, no sane company would invest $32m of own money into a property not owned or long-term leased. So, what now? This is a deadlock. And deadlocks are unacceptable. As for competition... the Bay Area is full of former PA venues. They could even move to Hawaii.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

Fresno Grizzlies were the San Francisco Triple A team and then they dropped them and Fresno bounced around until they are now a single A team even though the stadium is a very quality stadium owned by Fresno. Hey Seattle, we are available.

[@NinnaFrank]

They have killed the desert California teams. Its a disappointment

[@potluck5896]

But the nuts are so iconic!

[@jimd2791]

The stadium in Staten Island where the Yankees had a single A team but got contracted has a team there but from the Independent League. Would they welcome an affiliated team again?

[@scottcampbell9515]

What do Sparky Anderson, Joe Morgan, Reggie Jackson, and Julio Rodriguez have in common? Modesto minor league baseball. What a sad way to end a historic franchise.

[@cousinit718]

@scottcampbell9515 those all played in Modesto like one hundred years ago. How many games did you go to this year...crickets

[@scottcampbell9515]

@@cousinit718 what in the literal fuck does my attendance have anything to do with what I posted?

[@cousinit718]

@@scottcampbell9515 boasting about how great a fan you were 100 years ago doesn't really help the nuts today. Too bad you don't have any of your own.

[@HildegardKrieger]

John Thurman Field is the place for fun

[@JVaz-fo2ju]

Lancaster had one of the newest stadiums in the California League and has been without a team since the league lost franchises. Lancaster was Seattle's California league team for many years as well, as teams move around like crazy in MILB. I have heard talk that the Nuts will move to a new stadium being built in Ontario.

[@JamesHorton-fo3yv]

Where in the California League is there a city that is abe to build a new stadium and is near an airport with fights to Seattle?

[@larrystaley21]

So California League will have to add an eighth team back somewhere. They obviously cannot function as a seven team league!

[@johnharris6655]

Remember a few years ago when everyone made a big deal over how little Minor league players were played, then there were pictures of the post game meal for the River Cats. Everyone started to demand Minor league players needed to be paid more and treated better. Well MLB did just that, and then they contracted a bunch of teams and now there are not as many Minor League Teams.

[@magnusrylander]

Well that’s what happens when you force teams to pay more money when they don’t want to. Same thing with the 20 dollar minimum wage, your not supposed to start out making that much

[@TheImapotato]

everyone NOT associated with baseball and MLB caved, and now teams are getting more players from 3rd world countries and bypassing them to AA rather than A

[@citizenmikeyone]

Two similar situations here in Maryland, Brodie. First we had the Class A Frederick Keys, a longtime Orioles affiliate, removed from the O’s organization because their ballpark isn’t what MLB wants. The park needs a facelift, but Frederick MD was named a Minor League ‘city of the year’ in some poll within the past decade. The Keys survive as a member of this new ‘college wood bat’ league along with the State College Spikes and other clubs in NY state. I hope the Keys earn a full affiliation before long. Then we have Hagerstown. Hagerstown had the minor league Suns for many decades. The Suns were an O’s affiliate for many years before transferring to the DC Nats. But their stadium was built in the 1930s, and the Nats/MLB told H Town to take a hike. Thankfully H Town opened a brand new minor league park a few months ago, and pictures look incredible! H Town now has a new indie league team, the Bombers? I hope to hit a game there this season. But the bottom line is the bottom line, and not even minor league clubs are immune from relocation or contraction threats. Play Ball!

[@jonniez62]

Lancaster had a team

[@drewmurphy5696]

I love the content Brodie, I definitely appreciate you covering this story and I agree with most of your points. The big thing I disagree with is the attendance. Attendance is abysmal for a team that is very good. Not just lucky this year winning the championship. They are very good every year and people don’t go. It’s a damn shame, many great ball players have gone through Modesto.

[@brodiebrazil]

I did see the numbers were dramatically down. wonder what the correlation there is?

[@drewmurphy5696]

@@brodiebrazil I can always count on you brodie, to respond. U the man. I’m from Sacramento but i actually work one day a week in modesto funny enough. My buddies and I love going to nuts games for cheap, good baseball. And that’s exactly what it is. It’s sad how few locals actually go to the games and i don’t know why exactly that is. I do believe if the nuts were the Giants or A’s affiliate, fan attendance would be there. It’s interesting that the Ports would probably be in a similar situation if they didn’t have the great stadium that they do, on the water. Food for thought. Thank you again brodie for covering this and all stories of relevance. Can’t wait to shake your hand one day🤝

[@nathanjw940]

Lost the team I grew up cheering for the Plymouth Whalers moved not far but to Flint 9 years later haven't been to a game in large part to moving but you want to talk about a move that went poorly just look up what happened in the first few months. The owner got a 2 year suspension from the facilities.