Pro baseball expanding to California City

On January 10, 2017 the professional, independent Pecos League signed a four year agreement with the City of California City to host one of their expansion baseball teams. The California City Whiptails played their season opener May 25 at 7 p.m. This team is one of five of the league's expansion teams in California.

"I am very excited about the opportunity. It will bring others to our community and allows them to see what we offer and at the same time it gives our locals pro level baseball at home. I look forward to the first day of play." said Jennifer Wood, Mayor of California City.

The city upgraded field #3, now Rio Tinto Field, at Balsitis Park to accommodate professional play. The center field and backstop fencing were extended, the outfield leveled and hydroseed, the infield laid with sod. Dugouts to accommodate both professional and youth baseball are being built.

Balsitis Park does not have a stadium which allows spectators of Whiptails games to be very close to the play. This will be like games just as baseball was when entering the era of Babe Ruth, the era before games moved from fields to stadiums. With that in mind, look for banners using time period fonts, props, music, trivia and clothing that hint of the 1920s.

"Wow! People attending are going to love it; they are going to be right on top of the game." said Bill Moore, Manager, Bakersfield Train Robbers, Pecos League

The mascot is a Whiptail, named after a very fast and common desert lizard that lives in and around California City. The team colors, silver grey, royal and navy blue, and white, are reminiscent of a juvenile Whiptail which is a spotted grey with a bright blue tail. The team Mascot, Whippy, has been welcomed with enthusiasm at local events and Little League openers.

"We're excited to move to California and California City to play for the 2017 season." said Andrew Dunn, Commissioner, Pecos League.

On Sunday, May 21 The Whiptails played their exhibition game in California City in front of a capacity crowd. The Whiptails beat the Montery Amberjacks 11-10.

"There was a feeling of excitement, true joy; everyone felt it. I didn't want to leave. Professional Baseball has arrived in California City!" said Alexia Svejda, President, California City Chamber of Commerce

For more information:

http://www.californiacitywhiptails.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecos_League

http://www.californiacitychamber.com

Contacts:

Andrew Dunn - Pecos League Commissioner (575) 680-2212

[email protected]

California City Chamber of Commerce (760) 373-8676

[email protected]