Sacramento Mayor Exploring Idea Of Luring A's Away From Oakland
SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) - Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson announced the formation of an exploratory committee to look at the viability at bringing a major league baseball team to the River City.
The Think Big organization originally formed to build a new sports and entertainment complex for the Sacramento kings, but the group will take the next ten to twelve weeks to look into the possibility of professional baseball in Sacramento.
In a press conference Monday morning, Mayor Johnson said the obvious team for Sacramento to look at is the Oakland A's.
He said he understands the Mayor of Oakland is trying to keep the team while the city of San Jose is trying to lure the team right now. He wants the A's and Major League Baseball to know Sacramento is 'on deck' if those options fall through.
Johnson said Sacramento Bee Chairman Kevin McClatchy who once co-owned the Pittsburgh Pirates will be part of the exploratory effort.
KCBS, CBS 5 and SF Chronicle Insider Phil Matier reports:
A plan for a new arena for the Sacramento Kings collapsed earlier this year when team owners Joe, Gavin and George Maloof backed out, saying it didn't make financial sense for the franchise.
Baseball might be an even longer shot.
There are already two teams in Northern California, and Oakland's Triple-A affiliate plays in Sacramento. The Athletics have their sights set on San Jose, but the San Francisco Giants hold the territorial rights to that area.
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