For decades, Major League Baseball teams have played spring training games in Florida, attracting thousands of untanned fans who hope that this will be their year.
Given its economic impact, the Grapefruit League deserves some state and community support. But given the budget shortfall facing every level of government, support for minor-league ballparks must take a back seat.
Sarasota officials made the right call in backing out of a $42.9 million contribution to help rebuild the 6,500-seat Ed Smith Stadium for the Cincinnati Reds - the same team that left Plant City in 1998 for a better deal in Sarasota.
Back in December the Reds, the city of Sarasota and Sarasota County agreed to build a $54 million ballpark across from Ed Smith, with $7 million from the state. Support for the deal faded, though, after the Legislature passed mandatory tax cuts and local residents saw the Reds putting up only $10 million. A $16 million bond referendum scheduled for Nov. 6 is given little chance of passing.
Arizona has made no secret about wanting to lure more Florida teams to its Cactus League. And starting in 2009, the Dodgers and Indians will relocate there with new $80 million ballparks.
The Reds' contract with Sarasota expires at the end of next year. If they leave for greener pastures - or richer sand - they will surely be missed. But the team has learned what most baseball managers already know: Squeeze plays are high-risk moves that can backfire.
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