Long Beach City College announced that its baseball program will be suspended for the next two academic years as the school undertakes a comprehensive renovation of its home field, Joe Hicks Memorial Field, located south of Lew Davis Street along Clark Avenue.
Renovations set to reshape the ballpark
Construction is expected to begin during the upcoming academic year and is projected to be completed by fall 2028. The transformation will modernize the stadium, improve seating, add state‑of‑the‑art training facilities and create a venue that reflects a Division I‑level standard.
Superintendent‑President Dr. Mike Muñoz explained that the decision to suspend the program rather than seek a temporary venue was driven by a desire to plan deliberately and create a program and facility that student‑athletes and the community deserve.
Uduak‑Joe Ntuk, President of the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of investing in a world‑class baseball facility and a sustainable program model that can thrive for years to come.
Athletic Director Kal Stewart highlighted the plan to honor the legacy of LBCC Baseball while positioning the Vikings to compete at a higher level once the renovations are complete.
The current roster, which included 14 freshmen last season and finished with an 18‑21 record under interim head coach Phillip Visico, will train elsewhere while the field is upgraded, and the college will seek new competition sites for the interim period.
LBCC’s baseball program boasts five state championships — 1954, 1968, 1969, 1976 and 2006 — and the administration believes the reinvestment will preserve the student‑athlete experience, reduce operational challenges and support the long‑term sustainability of the program.