After a year’s absence, the Monterey Amberjacks are looking to again take the field.

When Monterey was dropped from the Pecos League baseball schedule following the 2023 season, both city officials and Andrew Dunn, owner of the independent minor league, expressed interest in the team’s return.

Now, with the final touches being put on a new contract, it seems possible that the Amberjacks will be back at Sollecito Ballpark in 2025. Although an agreement has yet to be signed, Dunn has released a provisional summer schedule that runs from May 22 to July 27. According to the schedule, the Amberjacks would play their first home game on Sunday, May 25 against San Rafael.

Before this can happen, a contract between the league and the City must be completed. City officials plan to bring it before the Parks & Recreation Commission at a Feb. 12 meeting. If it meets with approval, Monterey City Council would have the final say, likely in March.

“We are currently finalizing our contract,” reports Nat Rojanasathira, Monterey’s assistant city manager.

While the contract covers details such as staffing, security, maintenance, sign – age and insurance – “it’s a long list,” Rojanasathira says – the main sticking points in negotiations have been concession sales and the home schedule. Both were problems that led Dunn to dissolve the team.

According to Rojanasathira, the city has an existing lease with El Estero Snack Bar, adjacent to the ballpark, that limits the types of food and drinks another lessee can sell. Scheduling is a different headache. Sollecito Ballpark is operated by the parks department, hosting recreational leagues and youth camps. “It is heavily used,” Rojanasathira says. “The schedule has to balance public use.”

As outlined on the Pecos League website, the 2025 schedule – if played – would see the Amberjacks at home on Saturdays and Sundays, with one Friday night contest. All weekday games would be on the road, a schedule similar to previous years.

The Monterey Amberjacks were one of the original Pacific Division squads when the Texas-based league expanded in 2017.