Frank E. Sollecito Ballpark
Monterey, CA
Review by Mike
Frank E. Sollecito Ballpark was the home of the Monterey Amberjacks of the Pecos League from 2017 thru 2023. This lovely little ballpark is named for a former high school star pitcher who, after accepted a scholarship to play in college, was sadly diagnosed with Leukemia and died in 1990 at the age of 19. A statue honoring this young man is found at the entrance to the field.
The stadium that bears his name is delightful. Surrounded on three sides by El Estero Lake and so close to the ocean that sea breezes are a constant feature, it is hard to image a more pleasant spot to watch a ballgame. The grandstand is all aluminum and moderate in size, with seats behind home plate and on the first base side.
A tall stand of trees behind promises shade during late afternoon starts and the view of a massive tree in right field and the Pacific beyond are perfection. The third base side features a concession stand that is more than just a hot dog and chip dispensary. There’s a fellow in the back that is grilling burgers to order and a wide variety of hot and cold confections. I went with the bacon cheeseburger and it was outstanding and fairly priced.
A playground with twisting paths, a real steam locomotive and a winding lakeside trail lead off past the grill. The field is all FieldTurf with MONTEREY spelled out in yellow block letters behind home plate. There was a high school game going on when I stopped by and a good, lively crowd looked on. The press box is housed in a corrugated metal box behind the last row and they kept the folks entertained with good music between innings and tasteful sound effects, which is more than you usually get at a high school game.
According to the Pecos League website, the Amberjacks have swum upstream because the city did not renew their lease, citing demand for use of this ballpark for town needs. It’s a shame because I can’t think of a better spot for low-level independent or college summer league ball.
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2024
256
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