The Oakland Ballers baseball team has unveiled final details about the design of their planned ballpark at Raimondi Park in West Oakland, Alameda County. The recently formed team received approval from the Oakland City Council late last month, and construction has already started to improve the field for the Pioneer League team. Crews are working to finish work ahead of the nearly sold-out first home game on June 4th.
Oakland Ballers Baseball Field overview of the food truck plaza, rendering by Enscape for Canopy Team
After receiving approval for the new field, Paul Freedman, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers, said, “we are thrilled to bring together our shared vision for Raimondi Park, a historic landmark that will now be home to the Oakland Ballers. Together, we’re building something truly special, and we’re here to stay. We are working to ensure that the Ballers are the hottest ticket in town and we can’t wait to see you all at Raimondi on June 4.”
Construction is expected to cost around $1.6 million with design by Canopy Team. The expanded venue will have 4,000 seats across bleachers. The Ballers are expected to host 48 home games throughout the season. When the field is not in use, residents can access Raimondi Park with the Oakland City reservation system, including using the video scoreboard for community movie nights. The park’s playground will be improved for all families and children.
Oakland Ballers Baseball Field bleacher view showing the painted next door warehouses, rendering by Enscape for Canopy Team
Oakland Ballers Baseball Field aerial view, rendering by Enscape for Canopy Team
During game days, the team will provide a shuttle from West Oakland Park, and local cyclist groups will provide free parking for bikes and scooters. Three attended and paid parking lots will be available for fans traveling by car.
Ernie Raimondi Field is a public park run by the Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development Department. The ten-acre open space opened in the 19th century and was renamed in honor of Ernie Raimondi, a young baseball player who died fighting in World War II. Raimondi was a catcher for the Pacific Coast League Oaks, as reported by Peggy Stinnett. Stinnett’s 2005 article focused on city plans to renew the public park with a then-new baseball field. The story relates that “for many years, it was an article of faith that Raimondi Park contributed more baseball stars than any park in the country. And the Oaks club was a forerunner of the Oakland Athletics.”
Oakland Ballers Baseball Field site context, rendering by Enscape for Canopy Team
Oakland Ballers construction progress, image published on Twitter by A’s Fan Radio
Images shared by A’s Fan Radio on Twitter show active construction from last weekend, with the first bleachers already complete and crews working on the field. In Early May, the Ballers announced an exclusive TV Partnership with KPIX/CBS Bay Area. Last week, the team also announced exclusive radio partnership with KTRB 860 AM.
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can’t wait!
I want to know more about the shuttle bus. Where does it pick you up?
after basically doing nothing for 3 years, council member Fife is doing this to get re-elected and distract from losing the As. beware the bleachers scaffolding looks shoddy and the city still hasn’t made sidewalks to connect to the NL bus stop or paved the ripped up area around W Grand and Mandela.
The success of this fledgling operation should not be attributed to CM Fife or any elected officials. This is a home-grown effort simply enabled by the city after they allowed Raimondi to deteriorate after recent tax-payer investments. Fife, the professional squatter, should not be re-elected.
Apparently they think most people are going to be showing up to watch the right fielder? Is he going to be playing naked or something? They’re spending a lot of money to build bad seats that will have to sell for cheap, when they sell at all. How long will it take to recoup the cost? Start small, build proper infield seating (including over the dugouts), and put a few basic bleachers and picnic areas along the outfield.
What are the field dimensions for Ramondi fieldm?