Marlins To Build Urban Youth Academy, Contingent On Ballpark

The Marlins yesterday announced an agreement to build MLB's second Urban Youth Baseball Academy in Hialeah, Florida, a project that is a "component of the Marlins stadium project," according to Pete Pelegrin of the MIAMI HERALD. The building of the academy is in "conjunction with a Marlins stadium getting built." Marlins President David Samson: "I'm confident when we explain every provision in the deal, when we explain the benefits that are inherent in [MLB] and a new ballpark in South Florida that a new ballpark will be there." Construction is "expected to begin in early 2010 and could take up to two years to complete," and Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina said that the city is "providing the land and MLB is putting $3.2[M] into the project." The academy -- MLB's second academy after opening one in Compton, California, in '06 -- will have "four baseball/softball fields, a stadium that can seat nearly 2,500 and a recreational center." The academy also will have 60 extra acres that will have "multipurpose functions, such as a stadium to play football and soccer, an indoor gym for basketball and aquatic centers" (MIAMI HERALD, 1/8). MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reported the academy, which will be open year-round, will provide "free baseball and softball instruction to South Florida youth, ages 7-18." The academy will have "top-flight facilities, complete with scoreboards and permanent seating for 700 fans, plus additional space for 1,800 more." It also will serve as a "training ground for umpires and all aspects of the game" (MLB.com, 1/7). The PALM BEACH POST reported the academy is "contingent on the Marlins getting approval of their retractable roof ballpark that is scheduled to open in 2012" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 1/7).