The agreement, which hinged on the City of Visalia’s pledge to continue to bring Oaks
Ballpark into compliance with MLB facility standards, represents a major victory for baseball in
Visalia.
“We are happy to have developed a good relationship in Visalia as a central part of our
development system,” said A.J. Hinch, Director of Player Development for the
Diamondbacks. “We are encouraged about the renovation project, and we look forward to
our future in Visalia.”
Ballpark Renovation Paying Dividends
The Oaks have worked with City officials and Diamondbacks personnel for several months in
efforts to bring historic Recreation Park closer to compliance with Professional Baseball facility
standards.
The future renovations will continue a period of sustained improvement, which have included
the new home clubhouse (2006), renovated visitors’ clubhouse (2007), new fog-misted party
areas down the left field line (2003-2008), new bullpens and improved lighting (2008), and, of
course, the major expansion down the right field line which will be completed later this year.
Arizona’s renewal is proof that the city’s commitment has already paid dividends; previous
affiliates (Oakland, 2002, Colorado, 2004, and Tampa Bay, 2006) each chose not to renew at
the end of their contracts due to substandard facilities.
Location, Location, Location
Oaks President Tom Seidler was ecstatic about the renewal, and named geography as one
of the primary reasons. “We are thrilled to continue as part of the Diamondbacks family,” he
said. “First, they’re a class organization with a stated and practiced commitment to their
farm system. Second, they’re the best fit geographically; the fact that their Spring Training
and major league facilities are in Arizona, along with their frequent visits to the West Coast to
face NL West rivals, allows fans in the Central Valley to stay connected with Oaks past,
present & future.”
Visalia also figures to benefit from more rehab appearances by major leaguers over the
coming years. The past two seasons have seen visits from Randy Johnson, Jeff DaVanon, Eric Byrnes, and Chris Snyder; with Arizona’s AAA farm club moving from Tucson to Reno in 2009,
Visalia will become a more convenient rehab location and will likely see an even larger
annual stream of D-backs players.
Recent Success, Future Promise
Visalia has enjoyed its first two years with Arizona, as the 2007 Oaks claimed the 2nd Half North
Division Championship and came within one playoff win of the championship series. Justin Upton made his major league debut late in the year after beginning the season in Visalia,
and has been a consistent starter in Arizona’s outfield this year. Cesar Valdez, who posted a
stellar first half of 2008 with the Oaks before his promotion to AA Mobile, has been
named
among the top 50 prospects in the Minors by Minor League News. Another highly-touted
draft choice, Barry Enright, has steadily improved with the Oaks this year. Other top
prospects, such as Matt Torra, Brett Anderson, and Gerardo Parra, have also passed through
Visalia.
The next two years promise to bring more great young prospects to Tulare County’s only
professional sports team, as Jarrod Parker (1st round pick, 2007), Daniel Schlereth (1st round,
2008), and other members of the D-Backs’ 2008 draft class figure to feature at Recreation
Park in the coming seasons.
The Oaks look forward to two more years of quality, exciting, and winning partnership with
the Arizona Diamondbacks as Visalia Baseball enters an exciting new era.
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