Thursday, Marion County commissioners met with representatives of the New York Yankees.
The team is trying to sell the county on a $60 million plan to build a new stadium and bring a minor league team to Ocala.
Hundreds packed the building, hoping to hear more about the plan and how much it will cost them.
The Yankees say you can’t put a price on tradition.
Their pitch to Marion County leaders began with a video showing the parade of hall of famers that have worn pinstripes.
Former Yankee Bucky Dent was on hand to lend his support for what’s been called Project Home Run.
The project would move the Yankees from Tampa to Ocala with a stadium built off Interstate 75, just south of the new 42nd Street Flyover Bridge.
“With the brand so visible from the interstate, how many more visitors will be inclined to stop in this market? How many more businesses will see this in a positive light?” asked Frank Bruno.
Analysts project the team would bring 300 jobs and $18 million a year in tourism to Marion County, and may fare better in a town without other professional sports competition.
“To have the conversation with the city and Yankees today, what an exciting opportunity for our community to look toward its future,” said Carl Zalak, chairman for the Marion County commission.
Because of the tight timeline for the project, the county has to predict what taxpayers are thinking.
The project would be funded by a half cent sales tax that would go to a referendum in March.
Money would need to be spent on design and land acquisition, before any of the tax revenue is collected.