BAKERSFIELD, Calif (KGET) — A possible change is on the horizon for youth baseball in Bakersfield. A staple of the community may be on its way out.
It’s a nonprofit that can be described in one word.
“Family,” said Tammie Rankin-Gerecke, Former President of NW Bakersfield Baseball.
Emotions are high over an organization that has been in this community for nearly 30 years.
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Now the organization faces a change that would introduce new operating services to the county’s Metro Complex baseball Fields, located off Chester Avenue.
IYS, or Influencers Youth Sports, is a nonprofit that primarily hosts travel ball tournaments, and would rebrand the current Northwest Bakersfield Complex to Diamond Village.
Still pending final approval by the County Board of Supervisors, this shift could mean the end of easy and affordable access for youth baseball players in northwest Bakersfield.
“To have something that was affordable, you know, I remember how tickled Charlie was when he got his first uniform,” said Eric Bolstad, father of a former youth player.
Affordability and memories are what recreational youth baseball means, no matter the age.
“I was horrible, but if I hadn’t of played I wouldn’t have gotten any better,” former major leaguer George Culver said. “Then I moved to Bakersfield and started playing in the 8th grade in the JBA what they call the Junior Baseball Association. That was a huge part of my development, you can’t play baseball starting at 15 years old.”
Former Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis and current Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher and Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes were also former players in the Northwest Bakersfield Baseball Association.
Rec leagues, above all, teach young players life lessons and create lasting memories.
“Charlie made some really good friends during his years here when he was little there still some of his best friends and will be for life,” said Bolstad.
Friendships and families are now down to what could be their last strike.
“In the long run they eventually create friendships and can get that at other places absolutely they can but Northwest has been there and they’ve been successful since 1997 at that location so why take it away now?” said Rankin-Gerecke.
Questions that will seek answers in the coming weeks, as the County Board of Supervisors will either approve or decline this change.
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