Monterey Amberjacks drop from the schedule, but both city and league hope for a return.

The 2024 Pecos League baseball schedule has a noticeable absence. For the first time since the independent minor league established its Pacific Division, the Monterey Amberjacks will not be taking the field.

Pecos League owner Andrew Dunn and the City of Monterey could not come to an agreement on a contract renewal, with insurance requirements and security among the reported sticking points.

“From our side, we need to make sure everything is insured,” explains City Manager Hans Uslar. “It’s a little cumbersome, I get it. We’re looking to get this accomplished by 2025.”

Dunn also indicated that the league would be open to returning to Sollecito Ballpark in the future. Monterey was one of the original Pacific Division squads when the league expanded in 2017.

“This is not [a city] we would like to leave,” Dunn says. “But we have to move forward.”

According to Dunn, after the initial five-year contract expired at the end of the 2023 season, he received notice the city was not going to renew the agreement as it stood. The city said negotiations were ongoing. On Nov. 14, however, Dunn issued a statement announcing an end to the Amberjacks.

Among Dunn’s complaints are the limited availability of the ballpark, which is used by city recreational leagues – the Amberjacks could only play home games on weekend evenings – and the fact that the league could not operate a food concession stand.

Uslar remains optimistic about the return of minor league baseball to Monterey. “It is exciting to have a pro team,” he says. “It’s January – we can still be flexible.”

The team finished 31-18 in its final campaign.