In the late-80s, Pat Williams was behind the investment group that founded the Orlando Magic, an NBA franchise that remains in the league.
Now, the former NBA executive has made it clear that he wants the city to have a baseball team at the MLB level.
It’s an ambitious plan, one that would include a brand-new $1.7 billion ballpark.
The Orlando Dreamers – that would be their name if they are accepted in the league at some point – released renderings of the proposed ballpark in Orlando.
We have to say that it looks aesthetically pleasing.
The "Orlando Dreamers" released renderings of their proposed $1.7 billion MLB ballpark in Orlando
📷: @OrlandoDreamers https://t.co/hfhB0Ks6hj pic.twitter.com/IeseWmJTLQ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 9, 2023
It’s certainly an impressive project.
However, the league wants to have 32 teams (it currently has 30) and there are lots of cities with concrete pitches already.
In other words, there is a lot of competition for just two spots.
Las Vegas already scored the A’s franchise (although there are several details still pending), and the Rays might or might not remain in Tampa for the long-term.
Still, Orlando has to compete with another concrete project in Salt Lake City, and also the Nashville Stars idea.
Other locations such as Charlotte or New Orleans have been mentioned as potential destinations for an MLB team.
The only thing we know at this point is that the league wants to expand and it has lots of options to choose from.
Orlando is pitching a legitimate project, but it remains to be seen if MLB wants a third team in Florida when the two teams existing there are among the worst in attendance year in and year out.
NEXT: The Mets Are Struggling Against Awful Competition
