The outlook is brilliant for the Amberjacks, as they return to Monterey.

The Monterey Amberjacks are back.

Dave Faries here, saying there is joy in Mudville—and Monterey—if you happen to enjoy weekend evenings of baseball and beer (sorry, probably no peanuts and Cracker Jack).

On Tuesday, the Monterey City Council voted unanimously to a one-year agreement with the Pecos League that would bring the independent minor league team back to Monterey for the 2025 season. The contract allows the team to sell beer, as in the past, provided league officials obtain the proper license. The city had indicated previously that it is open to extending the contract.

The Amberjacks played at Sollecito Ballpark in Monterey from 2017-2023 (with a Covid break). When the existing contract ended following the 2023 season, talks broke down over necessary requirements such as insurance and security. At the time, however, City Manager Hans Uslar was confident that the league would return.

Monterey opens on the road at Bakersfield on May 22. They first take to the friendly confines of Sollecito Ballpark on Sunday, May 25 against the San Rafael Pacifics—a one-day home stand, before returning to the road.

Sollecito is heavily used by recreational programs, as well as Monterey High School. Fortunately, the Parks & Recreation Department has long kept Saturday and Sunday evenings open, just in case it was needed for playoffs or other events. Hence, a schedule that has the Amberjacks in town only on the weekends.

True, the Pecos League is the lowest of the independent minor leagues. The players are 25 or younger, and for most it is their first—perhaps last—professional experience (the pay is low; players need host families). But it’s baseball on summer nights, with a mascot and all.

Yet there are currently two former Amberjacks on Major League rosters, at least through the 2024 season. Relief pitcher Logan Gillaspie was 1-2, 2.35 in his stint in Monterey back in 2017. Last year he threw 11 innings for the San Diego Padres, after first coming up with Baltimore in 2022. In between, Gillaspie played in cities like Helena, Aberdeen, Norfolk and El Paso.

It’s an indication of how difficult it can be to climb from the Pecos League to the majors. Jared Koenig also pitched for Monterey in 2017, compiling a 2-2, 3.68 record. Later he played for Auckland in New Zealand before returning to the states through Midland, Las Vegas, San Antonio and Nashville before landing with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. For Koenig, it was a good season: 9-4, 2.47. He threw in 55 games, starting six of them.

Yes, some people dismiss minor league baseball, particularly on the lowest rung. But it is possible to watch a future major leaguer. Fans will definitely see players who want that shot and will suffer through the barest minimums to get there. Besides, the crowd tends to have a great time.

So if you are a fan, all there is to do now is wait for May, sing the national anthem and shout “play ball!”