Make most of Fuego; they might not be here for long
Santa Fe Fuego fever — Catch it!
Because you never know how long it will last. As the Pecos League organization begins its sixth year in the bandbox known as Fort Marcy Ballpark, but so much has changed in that time.
A league that began as a New Mexico/West Texas venture evolved into a tri-state league (adding Colorado to the mix) then expanded into Kansas before reversing course and heading West. The Pecos League expanded from six to now 12 teams in that span, with most of them based in Central and Southern California.
As is the case with evolution, the weak die while the strong survive and even thrive. When Santa Fe took to the field in 2012, the community looked at the Fuego as a curiosity — albeit one that sold beer. By the time Santa Fe won the Pecos League title in 2014, the franchise was considered one of jewels — if there can be one — of the league.
Three years removed from that momentous occasion, we find the Fuego suddenly looking like the ugly duckling once again. The league’s about-face from hearty Kansas to stylistic California makes Fort Marcy look pedestrian again. The Tucson, Ariz., franchise benefited from the existence of previous affiliated minor league franchises and Kino Electric Ballpark looks every bit like a Triple-A stadium. So, too, does Bakersfield’s Sam Lynne Ballpark, and Adelanto Stadium in Adelanto, Calif., blows away any stadium east of Arizona.
While Fuego fans have been faithful followers, their strength in numbers cannot overshadow the abysmal stadium that houses their team. If the Pecos League finds a foothold in California, it might be the worst possible scenario for Santa Fe — and possibly the eastern teams in the league.
Pecos League Commissioner Andrew Dunn has no qualms about uprooting teams if it serves the betterment of his brand, and if the future is out west, he’ll do it. As great as the baseball-and-beer formula was in the beginning, the reality is the Pecos League aims to make its stamp in the independent league scene. That means having quality franchises, whether its a top-notch organization or an aesthetically pleasing look.
The Fuego and Fort Marcy have their charm rooted in playing in a high-school bandbox, but charm only goes so far. If anything, it’s time for the city to consider putting money in a makeover of the ballpark. That’s no surprise; Fort Marcy needs a lot of work that is long, long overdue.
This isn’t just from the standpoint of keeping the Fuego, but to help baseball flourish in the city. Santa Fe Prep, Monte del Sol and even St. Michael’s junior varsity use the facility, and the problems it had before remain the same. The field remains barely playable, and Fuego manager TJ Zarewicz spent money out of his own pocket to work on the mound and build a batting cage.
That’s a noble gesture, but the city of Santa Fe can’t continue to rely on good will to make little improvements here and there. If the city wants to remain an independent league player, it has to pony up for a better stadium.
If not, then be prepared to say “Hello” to the Salinas (Calif., not Kans.) Seagulls.
Or something like that.