LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach is getting professional baseball back this year with the launch of a new minor league franchise that will debut under two identities: the Long Beach Coast and the Long Beach Regulators.
What You Need To Know
Long Beach will host a new minor league baseball team taking to the field this spring
The team will play under two identities: the Coasts and the Regulators
The franchise will compete in the MLB-affiliated Pioneer League
Tickets are already on sale for the season, with a June 2 home opener
Mayor Rex Richardson revealed the team names during his State of the City address Tuesday, confirming months of speculation about whether Long Beach would once again be home to a professional ball club.
The team will begin play this spring as part of the MLB-affiliated Pioneer League, which features independent clubs across the western United States.
Unlike most franchises, the Long Beach team will operate under two names. The “Coast” brand pays tribute to the city’s 11 miles of shoreline, while the “Regulators” identity draws from Long Beach’s deep connections to hip-hop and street culture. Team owner Paul Freedman said the dual branding reflects the city’s diverse personality.
“It’s kind of like Bruce Wayne and Batman,” Freedman said. “We’re the Long Beach Coasts, and we’ll play as the Regulators.”
Freedman noted that community input helped shape the team’s identity, with residents pointing to Long Beach’s strong ties to the arts, music and sports.
Long Beach has hosted minor league teams before, but none lasted more than five seasons. Three previous attempts folded, leaving the city without a professional team since 2016. Freedman believes this new version can succeed by emphasizing accessibility and community connection.
“You can break down the walls between players and fans,” Freedman said, pointing to a more intimate ballpark experience.
Since December, coaches have been holding tryouts across Southern California, scouting free agents for contracts in the Pioneer League.
Former Major League infielder Chase d’Arnaud, who has Long Beach roots, has joined the organization as a senior advisor, helping guide player development. He expects the team to attract serious talent and professional scouts.
“Baseball here is very rich,” he said. “A lot of guys are going to come through here and make their way into pro ball and potentially the big leagues.”
Tickets are already on sale for the Long Beach Coast’s home opener on June 2. While the roster is still taking shape, Freedman says his focus is on building more than just a lineup.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “But we’re building this team with the Long Beach community.”