Long Beach City College announced this week that its baseball program will be suspended for the next two seasons as the school embarks on a comprehensive renovation of its home diamond. The decision, made without a lengthy public consultation, has sent shockwaves through the campus and the broader Southern California baseball community.
The Decision and Its Immediate Fallout
Among those affected is sophomore left‑hander Riley Jones, who says he still does not know where he will be pitching in 2027, and freshman Dylan Davis, who must restart his recruiting after many scholarships have already been allocated. Benny Howard, a Long Beach native and returning sophomore, expressed personal disappointment, noting that the decision cuts short his chance to wear the Vikings jersey for his hometown team.
Kal Stewart, the college’s athletic director, said the administration is committed to helping displaced athletes navigate the transfer process, but admitted that concrete placement opportunities remain uncertain. The lack of a clear timeline for roster rebuilding has left many players feeling abandoned.
The backlash has been swift on social media, where alumni and fans have voiced frustration, accusing the college of treating the baseball program as an afterthought. Former Vikings pitcher Tai Tiedemann echoed the sentiment, calling the move a misstep that undermines the school’s athletic identity.
Former pitcher Mike Gallo offered alternative concepts to preserve the program during the renovation, suggesting that a temporary schedule could be arranged while the facilities are upgraded. LA Harbor College and the University of Southern California have demonstrated that nearby institutions can temporarily host baseball teams while their own facilities undergo repairs, but LBCC officials said they considered renting external venues and ultimately decided against it.
If the renovation proceeds on schedule, the upgraded ballpark could be ready by fall 2028 or spring 2029, potentially allowing a third season of LBCC baseball to resume after the hiatus. Until then, the college says it will work with affected athletes to explore transfer options and scholarship possibilities.