Eastern League President Joe McEacharn on Thursday offered an upbeat perspective of discussions regarding a new ballpark for the Richmond metropolitan area. That's noteworthy, given the frustration he expressed in previous assessments since the Richmond Flying Squirrels began play in 2010.
"I think it's fair to say that there has been some progress made, that all parties probably had gotten stuck in the mud a little bit, and were attempting to get out of it in different ways," McEacharn said. "Now, we're going to identify the best way to get there, and I think we're heading where we need to head."
Brian Callaghan, the lone local member of the Squirrels' ownership group, on Thursday added, "We're optimistic that everybody is engaged. ... We've got some challenges to work through, all of the parties involved. But with everybody sitting and working on it, that's our best chance to get something done."
McEacharn said that based on the progress of talks, he is more optimistic that a ballpark to replace The Diamond could open for the 2015 season. To make that happen, construction on the site that currently is the city's fleet maintenance operation adjacent to The Diamond would probably begin in 2013.
No funding plan has been revealed for what would be about a $50-million facility, but the goal is that area municipalities, the Squirrels and local businesses would contribute to the cost of construction.
Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner, McEacharn and franchise representatives met with jurisdictional leaders in early February.
McEacharn said he anticipates additional progress "within the next 60 to 90 days. This is a very methodical, practical, deliberate process of step by step. While the steps may be not as great and as long and as high and as complete as we would like, there are steps being made, and that's a good sign."
The Squirrels will not take their eyes off the ball this season, as discussion focuses on plans, financing, and other details regarding a new ballpark, according to Todd Parnell, the Squirrels' vice president/COO.
He said that the Double-A franchise's 27 full-time employees and 12 interns are "completely dedicated to making the fan experience great for the 71 (home) games and the other activities that we have."
The Squirrels averaged an EL-leading 6,626 fans in 2010, and 6,679 in 2011.
"One of the things that comes with success is a higher level of expectation," Parnell said.
"It's something that inspires us to get better every day."
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