Minor league baseball could be coming to Winter Park

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Minor league baseball could be coming to Winter Park, but in a different way than it was first presented.

Channel 9 has previously reported that the city was looking at a joint effort to build a stadium with Rollins College, but it now appears Rollins is out of the picture.

Winter Park may be known for arts, shopping and nice restaurants, but some are hoping to make it a destination for professional baseball.

"I think it would be a great idea, absolutely," said Mike Campolattano, who works in Winter Park.

Winter Park officials are considering a plan to try to lure the Brevard County Manatees or another minor league team to town. Included in that plan would be a new stadium.

If the City Council gives the go-ahead for a stadium, the city has at least three sites they will consider. One of those sites is Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, land the city already owns.

The two other sites are both at the intersection of Lee Road and U.S. 17-92.

The stadium would seat 2,500-3,500 fans and cost from $15 million to $22 million, not including the price of the land.

Some residents are skeptical of the idea.

"I don't know if it will fit well for Winter Park. I might be the only person. I think downtown Orlando would be better suited for it," said Orange County resident Eric Lindquist.

Others think it would be a home run.

"I work here, I eat here, play here, it's a great place," said Compolattano.

The city has not said where the stadium funding would come from.

The Brevard Manatee organization has not commented on the proposal.

WFTV