BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The new operators of the Northwest Bakersfield Baseball Complex got the county leaders’ approval Tuesday to run and maintain its baseball fields.
The Board unanimously approved a lease agreement between the county and Influencers Youth Sports, the new vendor selected to operate the baseball fields at the Metropolitan Recreation Center, located near Stramler Park and the Kern County Museum.
Chris Keeler, vice president of Northwest Baseball, said at the meeting that there is no firm agreement between Northwest Baseball and IYS as of Tuesday and nothing has been signed regarding the use of the baseball fields.
“Until there’s a contract, I’m apprehensive,” Keeler said, saying negotiations have been ongoing.
IYS’ Vice President Rodney Dimaggio said IYS is willing to sign an agreement with Northwest Baseball.
He said once the county’s agreement with IYS is approved, IYS will be able to take the next step and enter into a contract with Northwest Baseball.
Supervisor Jeff Flores said he’s happy with the direction they are going on this matter and that the parties involved are talking to each other. He said he’s comfortable with approving this particular agreement with IYS and that he’s looking forward to the finished sublease involving the other parties.
On the other hand, Supervisor Leticia Perez said she’s a bit uncomfortable with the fact that there is no contract between IYS and Northwest Baseball.
County officials said this agreement is meant for IYS to operate and maintain the premises for recreational youth baseball programs and concessions.
The county also seeks to preserve and promote recreational youth baseball.
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For decades until now, Northwest Baseball held the lease at the complex.
In June, the Board approved selecting IYS as the new vendor to operate the Metropolitan Recreation Center’s baseball fields, replacing Northwest Baseball.
The Board had asked to bring back the proposed lease agreement to ensure the baseball program in the area gets maintained through the ownership change.
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