AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
Right now puddles and peanut shells cover Lake Olmstead stadium. And season ticket holders, like Ed Turner, can't wait to get back in the ball park this spring.
"Right now, I may be seven minutes from the GreenJackets stadium," Turner said. He can see the stadium from his front porch.
But that seven minute commute for Turner might take a little longer, as rumors continue to circulate about the GreenJackets leaving Augusta.
Ballpark Digest is reporting the Ripken Group is selling the minor league baseball team to an investment group for $7.5 million. That means the GreenJackets could move somewhere else, much to the dismay of its loyal fans.
"I would love for them to stay," Turner said.
There's no official word yet on a new potential home for the Augusta GreenJackets. But North Augusta city leaders say they'll make a big announcement this week about big developments along the riverfront.
"What will be unveiled Wednesday will be a proposal," said North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones. "And I personally think it has a lot of exciting aspects to it, and I think a lot of North Augustans will too."
North Augusta city council read its third and final reading of an ordinance to approve a development agreement between the city and an investment group; development on 44 acres in the Hammond's Ferry area.
"I understand there's going to be some commercial businesses that are going to be coming in to support it; shops, etc. and so forth; good for the economy," said George Schultz, a North Augusta resident, who walks five miles along the riverfront every day.
And while some North Augustans welcome the development that could accommodate a baseball stadium, as a diehard, Turner says he'll support the city who builds a facility that his team deserves.
"If we lose the Augusta GreenJackets for North Augusta's gain, it'll be a perfect gain," Turner said. "No hits, no runs and a lot of errors on behalf of Augusta's leaders."
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