Chicago Baseball Experience A Swing Closer to Opening Day

Chicago Baseball Experience, is steps closer to start-up this fall.

The process behind the baseball academy is complicated, developers say, but they have rounded some of the bases necessary to the academy's opening. Consultants hired by the city to examine the viability of a TIF district to fund the project had good news for the city and Mike Moyzis, principal owner of Chicago Baseball Experience.

“The consultants came back to us and said that we do meet the qualifications to make the area a TIF district,” said Adam Dotson, community development director for Oak Forest. “Now we are working to create boundaries for the TIF district and working with the baseball academy to see what TIF-eligible work can be covered.”

The Oak Forest City Council took the first steps by approving a $10,000 expenditure to hire a consulting firm to examine the viability of a TIF district targeted for the former Community Pontiac property at 5900 W. 159th St.

Plans for Chicago Baseball Experience's Replica Fields include a training academy, a championship plaza, a restaurant including outdoor dining, and a roof deck with a view of the three major league-sized fields and one practice field, expected to attract major baseball and softball tournaments. Physical therapist services and a sports store also are included in the plans.

Mike Moyzis, principal owner of Chicago Baseball Experience, and Dotson agree that making the empty eight-acre lot a special taxing district would benefit both parties. The city and Chicago Baseball Experience expect to generate a high amount of revenue through the new addition.

Dotson also said that the city has formed a small Ad-Hoc committee that will look at how to best support the TIF and help Chicago Baseball Experience.

“The city has formulated a committee to discuss their involvement with the project,” explained Moyzis. “I think it is healthy because it opens the lines of communication with us and the city.”

The committee will consist of two aldermen and two members of the economic advisory council.

Moyzis said they are moving forward with the project.

“We began the financing process and working on negotiations with the owner of Community Pontiac to buy the property,” he said. “We have everything in place on our side.”

The committee is now in the process of looking at how the project can be funded through the TIF.

“They’re looking at the cost and expenses that the city can help with through the TIF,” Dotson said. “Like if they need a retention pond, the city can cover those costs.”  

A restaurant group is currently in negotiations with Chicago Baseball Experience, Moyzis said, while a retail group is discussing their approach to the project.

Both parties agree that the academy will help generate revenue for the city and that the academy is well-suited for Oak Forest.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things from people who heard about this project,” said Dotson. “This community is known for its sports, especially baseball, so a lot of people want to see this in Oak Forest.”

Moyzis said they are striving to be a community-based business. They would like to work with the park district to offer their fields during down times.

“David Townsend [of Chicago Baseball Experience] has been working in negotiations with ,” said Moyzis. “We hope to even keep the financing within the Oak Forest community.”

Once Chicago Baseball Experience gets the financing needed and purchases the land, aldermen will vote to approve the TIF district, which Dotson said he expects to happen in June or July.

If everything goes as planned by both parties, the academy will open in the fall and teams will take to the fields for the first time next spring, said Moyzis.