Myrtle Beach Fans Rally to Save the Pelicans
Myrtle Beach, SC, has always been a vibrant town filled with sunshine, surf, and—of course—some fantastic baseball! For over two decades, Pelicans baseball fans have been hitting the stands to cheer for our local heroes at Pelicans Ballpark. However, right now, the future of our beloved team is on shaky ground and fans are stepping up to ensure that the team, which just wrapped up its 25th season, stays in town for many more seasons to come.
Council Meeting Full of Passionate Fans
Just the other day, city council members found themselves facing a packed room of eager fans at their meeting. Even though the agenda did not specifically mention the Pelicans, passionate supporters seized the chance to speak up during the public input session. One by one, they shared heartfelt stories about why this team means so much to our community.
Lori, a dedicated fan, shared her journey, saying, “I just finished up my 20th season with the Pelicans. When we moved here from Maine in 2005, my son was very involved in travel baseball.” It’s extra special when this team becomes a shared family tradition!
Another fan, Dean, expressed the community’s love: “I’m here on behalf of the kids who are in school and can’t be here right now. We’re talking about something that is fundamental to this community.” It’s clear that the Pelicans hold a special place in the hearts of many, and fans are eager to show that the team’s presence is crucial.
Major League Baseball’s Mandate
Now, the situation is a bit complex because Major League Baseball has put a spotlight on all minor league teams, including our Pelicans, with new requirements that could necessitate some costly upgrades. The upgrades to Pelicans Ballpark, co-owned by the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County, could range from $15 million to $80 million! Yikes!
According to Myrtle Beach City Councilman Bill McClure, the city may need to issue bonds to fund these improvements, which could lead to a doubling of payments by the end of a 20-year term. It’s a serious situation and one that needs careful consideration because no one wants to see their favorite team leave town!
Local Economy Impact
The economic implications of losing the Pelicans were also highlighted during the meeting. Chuck Sawall, a seasonal employee with the Pelicans organization and a field host, passionately pointed out, “If the Pelicans leave, we’re going to be losing those jobs.” This isn’t just about baseball; it’s about maintaining the jobs and revenue that support our local community.
City Leaders in Negotiations
Mayor Brenda Bethune reassured fans that negotiations with the team’s owner and Horry County are happening behind closed doors. “We are still in negotiations,” she stated. This is a sensitive matter, and discussions often involve confidential information that can’t be shared publicly.
As council members continue working with the Pelicans organization, our community stands united, hoping that they can reach a resolution that keeps our exciting baseball in Myrtle Beach where it belongs!
So, here’s to the Pelicans! Cheers to more seasons of thrilling games, family fun, and unforgettable moments at Pelicans Ballpark. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and support our team through this challenging time.
