CAMDEN — Baseball season will soon be upon us but in Camden, the former home of the minor league Riversharks remains vacant following the team’s fall 2015 departure after 15 seasons there.
The organization cited issues with lease negotiations and were unable to come to an agreement with the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA), which has owned Campbell’s Field since spring of 2015.
Camden County Freeholder Louis Cappelli said last week that the CCIA “actively continues to negotiate with several different parties” regarding the 6,700-seat Campbell’s Field.
Here’s what some NJ.com readers had to say about the stadium.
“This is complete and utter horse hockey! Camden County, which runs the ball park, was offered over $8.5 million from different groups and individuals as well as the Atlantic League itself. The reason the Riversharks left the city of Camden was not because they ‘fled to New Britian,’ but because they were forced out by the green which is Camden County.”
“Not to mention $6 parking fees; the highest in the area for minor league baseball only to be parked next to the projects when something ‘more important’ was going on with no security available, one of the many reason why attendance at the end was about 300 per game. [Democratic power broker George] Norcross promised baseball in the summer of 2016 but, of course, had nothing lined up. I guess he figured he’d just snap his fingers and the [Philadelphia Phillies] would move their (affiliated) Williamsport team there, but I guess they don’t feel Norcross is as important as he thinks he is. Of course that would be impossible. Even though the Riversharks had years of bad ball clubs and poor management, they should have let them stay until a new deal with a new team was in place. I fear under Norcross’ oversight the stadium will wind up looking like the Surf’s (Surf Stadium in Atlantic City) before and after pictures. Copper wire and plumbing anyone?”
“Maybe there is a food cart selling chicken noodle. If another player steps up with some funds, the name [purchased by Camden-based Campbell’s Soup company] will be sold off.”
“By the way, that billion dollar residential and retail deal they are so hyped up about is the same one Dranoff [Properties], who at last report still hadn’t paid off the Delaware River Port Authority for the Victor Building, couldn’t get done. Wonder where [Democratic power broker George] Norcross’ new group will find the money? Gotta go — I just received a sharp stabbing pain in my wallet.”
Have another idea that isn’t a choice in our poll? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
