Goodbye, Braves! Hello, Progress...

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves could migrate south -- from Richmond to Gwinnett -- in time for the 2009 season, leaving Richmond without a minor league baseball team to distract it from all of the other awesome development opportunities available. Okay, the AJC didn't actually report that last thought.

The Braves will move their Class AAA minor-league team to Gwinnett County, according to two people familiar with the situation.

The Class AAA Richmond Braves, the organization's highest-level minor-league affiliate, could play in Gwinnett as soon as 2009. The Braves' three-year contract at the Richmond, Va. stadium, known as The Diamond, expires following the 2010 season. However, there is an option to pull out after each season. The Braves must give notice on or before Oct. 1 each year. The Braves have wanted much-need renovations at the stadium for years.

Now we can develop a world-class riverfront without worrying about where to put a world-class stadium. (Editor's Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I am not a fan of baseball.)

Comments

[Scott Burger]

I would rather the Braves stay, but I am not willing to be held hostage by them either. My taxes should be going for real priorities, not baseball stadiums. The arts and convention centers are bad enough. The unjust water rates are bad also. The urban forestry program is in desperate need and as we lose more trees, we will see more Battery Parks and flood/stormwater damage/costs. But the biggest priority for the City should be the school buildings. Right now the City is still not compliant with ADA laws. Equal access to a quality education must be a priority. The City has already been sued a few times for it. What’s it going to take? The National Guard coming, like in Little Rock fifty years ago? Spoiled sports corporations and myopic fans are the least of my worries.

[Scott Burger]

A Brave(s') Field of Greens? http://scfoj.tumblr.com/post/23816028

[Paul Hammond]

Remarkable, word for word, the same comment on my blog. Somehow I feel slighted. Well, at least I know who anonymous is.