After twenty years of providing entertainment to people throughout Connecticut, baseball is leaving the Park City. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim decided to opt out of renewing the Bridgeport Bluefish, an independent baseball team, leaving them without a home for the 2018 season. Rumors had swirled around the future of the Ballpark at Harbor Yard with the end of the Bluefish’ lease looming, and the city ultimately made the difficult decision to move on from the franchise.
The Bluefish are a member of the Atlantic League, which is often regarded as the best independent professional baseball league in the United States. The Bluefish were established in 1998 and have played at Harbor Yard ever since. In 1999, they won the league championship, beating the Somerset Patriots. They have survived in Bridgeport despite a corruption scandal involving Ganim, who was in his first of two stints as mayor, and difficult financial circumstances. “The move is obviously bittersweet, especially for those in upper management that have stuck with the team for years. As with any independent league club, the players come and go, but the Bluefish were a staple of the city for two decades. In speaking to some former players, I know they’re disappointed to see the franchise go out like this.” Doug Bonjour, a writer for the Connecticut post, said.
Now the team is looking for a new home. As of September 6th, the team was in discussions with High Point University in North Carolina, a school that is in the process of renovating their baseball stadium to accommodate an Atlantic League. They have also explored options in New York, New Jersey and Texas.
The team’s popularity among locals is partially due to their many promotional stunts. One of their famous events is having a well-known person be their manager for the day. Former MLB players Pete Rose, Paul O’Neill, Roger Clemens and Ozzie Guillen, along with softball legend Jennie Finch, have participated. Over their two decades in Bridgeport more than four million fans have attended Bluefish games, and the change is likely to come as a disappointment to many. “I don’t like it. I feel like the Bluefish were a good symbol of baseball in Connecticut along with the Yard Goats.” NHS Sophomore Bradley Vadas said.
Despite their popularity in the area, the Bluefish have struggled to draw in fans in recent years. In their early years they led the Atlantic League in attendance, but in 2016 they ranked last in the league, drawing only 183,291 total fans throughout the year, more than 17,000 less than the next lowest ranked team. “I can’t speak for all fans, obviously, because most of my conversations have been with the team, but I imagine the team’s most ardent supporters feel betrayed by the city. Although attendance has dropped significantly from where it once was, plenty have fans have long-lasting memories of the Bluefish.” Bonjour said.
The city of Bridgeport has discussed plans with the Live Nation Entertainment Company to convert the 5,300 seat stadium into an amphitheater that would be able to host concerts and other events. The plan would cost the city around $15 million dollars and is expected to open in 2019. It will have between 5,300 and 8,000 seats, featuring three VIP lounges and an outdoor barbecue area.
“Bridgeport is excited for this next step in revitalizing our city with positive development and providing music entertainment by bringing in a partner and a company like Live Nation. This next chapter of Bridgeport’s future is bright with the benefits and experience of a world-known entertainment company like Live Nation, and the historic success of Saffan as a venue operator, to bring concerts and shows that will put Bridgeport in the forefront as a destination place for family and friends.” Ganim said in a statement.
The new concert venue does not come without controversy. Webster Bank Arena, which neighbors the ballpark, has often held concerts in addition to being the home of Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey and Fairfield University basketball. They have held events for singers such as Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, and do not wish to compete with the neighboring amphitheater for concerts and other events. Jon Ledecky, Owner of the Sound Tigers, called it a “grave development,” which would violate the team's contract with the city.
The Bluefish have been a great form of entertainment for baseball fans in Connecticut for many years, but the city is looking forward to their new amphitheater and the events that it will be able to hold. While the Bluefish will eventually find a new place to play, their legacy will always lead back to Bridgeport.
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