Long Beach (Calif.) City College this week announced it will suspend competition for its baseball program over the next two seasons while undergoing a complete overhaul of the program's facilities.
According to a press release, the area immediately south of Lew Davis Street is entering a period of significant transformation affecting multiple college operations, including student housing, baseball facilities, and future stadium and athletics complex renovations.
The changes are part of a long-term investment strategy designed to modernize campus facilities and strengthen the future of LBCC Athletics, including the eventual return of baseball in a renewed and enhanced environment.
“This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one,” said Dr. Mike Muñoz, superintendent-president of LBCC. “We have a real opportunity here to do something we rarely get to do—step back, plan deliberately, and come back with a program and a facility that our student-athletes and this community genuinely deserve. I’m grateful to everyone who has kept Viking Baseball alive over the years, and I want them to know this pause is about honoring that legacy, not walking away from it.”
As part of the long-term facilities transition strategy, LBCC will temporarily suspend baseball competition during the construction and displacement period associated with the future baseball complex project. The suspension is intended to position the program for a transformational relaunch aligned with the opening of a new athletics facilities and a coaching model centered on student-athlete success, enrollment growth, community engagement and program sustainability.
The college anticipates construction on the future baseball complex during the 2026–2027 academic year, with projected completion in the fall of 2028.
The strategic reinvestment plan is designed to:
- Preserve the student-athlete experience during facility transition periods
- Reduce operational fragmentation and off-site logistical challenges during construction
- Stabilize departmental operations and staffing resources
- Support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of LBCC Baseball
- Employ a future full-time director of baseball operations coaching and leadership model
- Align the baseball program with the college’s broader vision for athletics modernization and student success
During the transition period, LBCC Athletics will continue planning for the future relaunch of the program while exploring partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and facility enhancements connected to the new baseball complex.
